ã€ŠThe Travelers Timeã€‹


 Prologue

    Akatosh finds himself awoken in a place unknown to his worldly understanding. He can see a white space covered with the universe itself.

    Recalling his last breath in the world he once was. Where his last eye blurred and shut-in fiery darkness.

    It was on a weekend, where he had to buy computer parts to upgrade his potato PC just to meet the requirement of the new game he been wanting to play.  Though, being still a first-year college who shifted different courses thrice. A man whose passion was landscape designer. Finding and analyzing the parts that he needed was easy.

    His knowledge came in handy from the past course of being a technician and an electrician. It also gave him the advantage of not being owned by some rakish store.

    Down the lonely road where he always walks, Akatosh was smiling from the items he was carrying. With an ominous cloud forming, it gave him the shiver that something was about to happen. But Akatosh drift it to his thought, a hard rain this afternoon that''s what he thought.

    As darkness closes in, Akatosh was now on a marathon. He was eager to get home, do an overnight upgrade, and play the game. And it was then he heard an uneasy noise followed by a female voice. A sound that always followed him from his dark past, a sound of pure murder and bloodlust.

    Not far from where he was, he quickly realizes where the sound of violence was. The solitary house that he always passes every day, far from the neighboring houses was the source of an anguished commotion.

    Realizing that it was locked. Akatosh with his powerful kick, the door swung away freely followed by a crashing sound. And when he enters the house, he saw a man holding a medium knife with murderous intent as he threatens the three females.

    Cornered by the man, he saw the eldest lady struggling to keep her two younger siblings from the murderous man. Even though they were cornered on the wall.

    Noticing Akatosh''s presence, the man turned to face him. Pointing the knife, all Akatosh can say was this is going to get bloody. With the house being a bit far away from the neighbors it looks like this man pick it up due to its isolation from the neighbors.

    As the man came dashing to thrust the knife. In a swift reflex, Akatosh smoothly dodges sideways. Doing to counterattack at the back of his throat. Akatosh had underestimated him where he too had a quick reaction as he counters slashes the knife. Barley dodging its edge, the shallow wound has begun to spit blood on his chest. the man grimed followed by a smile.

    "This guy is no easy task," Akatosh concludes.

    He''d had fought hundreds of people from his childhood even though his college. But never he felt something this different from the man. He''d brawled with a martial artist; he''d faced people with guns and weapons but never he''d felt something like this. It''s as if he was shackled by something deep.

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    Stepping back a little Akatosh realizes the house smells ominous, it was gas. Turning to see the three girls as they are frozen in fear, Akatosh had to think of other ways to save these three lasses. Being distracted by his action, the man grabbed the opportunity to gap their distance. And when he did, he thrusts the knife at Akatosh''s stomach.

    Like a hot knife piercing through a butter, pain and cold shiver went to his spine. As the man grimed once again knowing he had the upper hand, Akatosh also took this opportunity to hold his both arms wrapping with his left hand.  He then dipped his fingers in his eyes, followed by rage Akatosh was able to hook and detach one of his eyeballs.

    Losing his grip on the knife, the man screams in pain. Still screaming in pain and terror, in a brutal way Akatosh quickly stab him thrice on his abdomen and finally to the chest. Falling flat on his face the man slowly bleeds to death and the connective stab Akatosh gave. Being confused by what happened, there Akatosh stand still looking down at the man breathing to death

    While his injuries and pain devour him as well. Akatosh''s life and strength begun to fade, falling from his knees.

    "The f, the knife must''ve been poisoned," Akatosh said.

    Turning his back on the dying man, the three females came to his help, and quickly the eldest lady helps Akatosh stand to his knee. Telling them to get out of the house, Akatosh heard a ruckus to see the man holding a four grenade.

    "That bastard still got some strength left to give death a chance."

    Removing the pin, fear struck Akatosh and thus pain was overcome by fear resulting in strength. Pushing the girls far away from the man.

    "Let''s die together!" The man yelled in a smug face.

    Using the seconds for the grenade to explode, they use the table. As a shield, they utilize the table and to cover them from the gas. Akatosh blankets themselves with his coat and the table fabric.

    Just a tick of a second, destruction burst into the house causing a large explosion attracting some other neighbors nearby. Luckily, the man didn''t throw the grenade at them.

    Knocking Akatosh unconscious while shielding the three lasses, fate turned him back to his senses. With a blurry vision, the house was already on fire as ceilings and woods begun to crash. Not only that, his shoulder was burned and hurts like hell as if a dozen bees stung.

    Too, Akatosh''s injuries begun to worsen, blood came gushing from his gutted stomach followed by vomiting blood. However, the three girls are lucky to be alive with minor injuries.

    Seeing the front door blocked by rubble and burning timber. They had to find another exit and fast before the smoke and fire engulfed them to death. Using the back door of the house, cradling near the wall as they stick together. And to protect them from the intense heat of the fire, Akatosh covers the two girls the coat that they''ve recently used a while ago.

    As for the lady and him, they used a different thick cloth. Hurried to the back door, the ceiling came crashing down upon them.

    Mustering his last strength, gathering the three of them, he then pushed them out of the house. There his misfortune didn''t end as one of the burning timber crashes down to his back driving him outside the house.

    Leaving a brutal injury, pieces of his carcass were taken off from his back. He tries to scream in pain but blood gushes out his mouth leaving a squeaky voice. The great loss of blood drains him to death.

    And with a trembling body, Akatosh managed to stand.

    "Fuck." The last words Akatosh utters before falling flat on the ground. He could hear the voice of the lady calling for help, but it was no more, a pity indeed.

    From there a cold feeling indulges the surroundings. Akatosh couldn''t think, he couldn''t move, he only felt someone is watching him. It''s odd, a very dark sensation but neutral, a lonely feeling that he soothes till once again all was nothing.

 â€œThe Creator and the Travelerâ€

    Sitting on the unknown parallel world after recalling his past. Akatosh realizes that everything he feel, his emotion, his sense was in a different ordain. For it was all in a peaceful serene sensation, a thing that Akatosh never felt before. It was in a different world where a person could live by this forever without any misfortune life.

    Amidst serenity, a voice came to his ears.

    "My child."

    It was even more different level as he faces the man who calls to his ear. Hearing him, facing him, seeing him for in moments Akatosh already knew what he was facing. Without even knowing or asking a proof nor question, he can tell who was in front of him. The almighty, the creator of everything, facing him all his instincts are in shock. All he could do was petrify and stare.

    "Don''t be afraid my child for I am here with you." He called

    "Ahh... hi." Akatosh respond from his petrified emotion.

    "It''s time to change the serenity of this place." The creator said waving his hand.

    In a blink of an eye the place quickly changes, a place like earth but in a forest where there are animals, plants, forest, it was in an oasis. A place with a beautiful view and a peaceful place.

    With curious thoughts, Akatosh picks up fruits as they walk and talk with each other. And with a bite, the fruit gave an explicit taste that never his tongue had never taste. Even the water itself is different, everything was different. He was like a hungry dog who for the first time taste an explicit kind of provision.

    "Do tell¡­ did met other people than me?" Akatosh ask. Sitting near the oasis spring, still eating some fruits and other unknown food.

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    "Yes, I had met people from time to time some still in greed and power, some pledge another life¡­ Is there something bothering you?"

    "Nothing, I just want to know what became of the three girls that I''ve met, just to make sure."

    ¡°Mhh¡­ ¡±  God smile then begins to touch the water and in moments Akatosh visualize them. Then as he begins to wave his hand, the water begins to change visual. He can see that he is showing him the future of those three lasses and with that he ends the scene.

    "Do tell me¡­ If you were to be given a wish, what would you ask for?" The creator implies.

    "Nay, for there is no greater wish than meeting to my creator." Akatosh respond.

    The creator jags. "I see, that is your answer. So, tell me my son, do you want another life?"

    Thinking for minute Akatosh then answer. "Sorry but I don''t usually ask for favor, it''s up to you."

    "Well, if it''s my decision then-- There is a world not where you came from a mirror to your world perhaps. For there are also Gods among them that I had created but they don''t know me, and that world will soon be swallow."

    "Okay then-- I accept your request."  Akatosh said in hesitation.

    Patting his shoulder, Akatosh felt something a very small sensation. Though his thoughts didn¡¯t mind since this is what it feels, to make contact from his creator. Not realizing that there''s more to it than just a feeling.

    Readying himself, God then starts to catalyze something, it was a bag.

    "This is a magical bag that came from the world you will soon live in. It can hold any size and any object." The creator says, showing him how it works by putting one large fruit that is twice the size of the bag.

    Jaw drops in amazement and with that he begins to add some coins. "You will need this to start your journey. But even with these¡­ your path will not be easy, it''s all through your hands." The creator implores treading to give him the bag.

    After handing Akatosh the magic bag, the creator again just by waving his hand a portal begins to form from the back of his side.

    "So, when can we start to eat together again." Akatosh said. Saying his last farewell

    "Time will tell, my child¡­ time will tell¡­"

    Turning around to face the portal. "Well, I''m off to go." Akatosh said, raising his hands, showing a thumbs-up while disappearing from his sight.

    The world of Vashkeil.

    Somewhere in a forest, there he appears. Jumping twelve inches from the ground and in seconds the portal begins to fade until it disappears.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, for as always I will always be with you and always watching you."

    "You don''t have to tell me." Akatosh smile.

    "Alright then, let''s begin this new life!"

 Vashkeil

    Wondering through the forest, he found an odd path and a sign leading to a town or city. Though the words are different from his past language but with miracle Akatosh does understand.

    "Must be where he patted my shoulder, which gives me some knowledge regarding this world."

    Following the signs saying Keshoval, He had no choice but to travel from this road. There where he might resupply and get equipment.

    As he was, walking on the empty road. Akatosh notices the sun begins to fall so he steadfast, running his feet as he could be knowing something is lurking through the gloomy road. Without a doubt, something crept in the dark corners of the trees accelerating his heartbeat. Stopping by the road to meet the danger, two hideous creatures emerge from the darkness. Half the size of his height covered in fur and bones with greenish skin.

    "Must be goblins," he implores readying his fighting stance as he observes the monster. One carries a spear while the other holds a thirty-inches sword and a small buckler by his left hand.

    "A short sword perhaps."

    Speaking in a ravishing tone that Akatosh doesn¡¯t understand, both attacks simultaneously. Dropping his bag, then with quick thinking Akatosh scoop a speck of dirt by his left hand and stone to prepare for the worst.

    Waiting for them to get closer, Akatosh initially set his move. With a powerful pitch, he successfully hit the first goblin, knock backing the creature.

    Into the fray, Akatosh then throws away the dirt to goblin''s big eye, stopping his movements. In a struggle, he quickly grabs its hand and punches the creature''s muscle. Loosening its grip from the sword, subsequently, the other goblin jumps on the back of its partner.

    Using the goblin as a shield still¡­ the creature without hesitation punctures its partner''s body. Penetrating¡­ the spear nearly went reaching Akatosh''s chest but with luck, he pushes away the stabbed creature.

    Retreating, he cautiously eyes the goblin without looking away. While picking up the sword, Akatosh was speculating the goblin might take this opportunity if he was not looking.

    Removing his weapons from its dead partner, the goblin began to bring out a small bottle of potion. Poring the liquid to his spear, noxious smoke can be seen emitting on the blade. Thinking of another strategy to overpower the creature, Akatosh scooped another dirt while hiding it from the goblin''s view.

    "Poison or maybe acid. A small cut from that blade would be fatal and nighttime begins to fall giving me at a disadvantage to my enemy. What a stroke of bad luck did I had this day."

    With a griming look, the goblin readies his spear. Having felt the goblin had the upper hand the beast immediately charges rampantly. Scattering the dirt to the creature, staggering the goblin for a mere time, Akatosh quickly throws the sword at the creature hitting his body.

    Dashing into the creature while in a pinch, he then quickly pulls out the sword and thrust it to his throat ending the fight once and for all. Taking a minute break, Akatosh loot whatever things that he could find.

    "Two unknown potions, a spear, a short sword, a small buckler, and five silver coins. These two must be a scout, for if I ''am correct there would be a horde of them near this place. Shiite... I should better leave this place before one of them smells the scent of their fallen comrade."

    Stuffing the items on the bag, and the five-silver coin into his pocket Akatosh quickly pace out of that area. After an hour of running and walking on the night road, with luck he finally spots a large house. Looking at the signboard depicting a mug and bed, no doubt it was an inn.

    "Lucky." Akatosh smile.

    As he makes his entrance, eyes direct towards his direction. Realizing that he was still wearing his earthly outfit. "Damn, I should''ve asked him for cloak or clothes from this world, before coming from this place." Akatosh sigh, blaming himself for being a happy-go-lucky man.

    As eyes are pointing sharply, Akatosh ignores and heads towards the man who looks to be the innkeeper.

    And while stepping on his toe, he looks around the inn, seeing, observing a group of people. And to his sight there is a muscular, normal, and thin body, carrying different weapons with them. But one group that interests him most are the four people clad in nice armor and weapons.

    The first one was a girl maybe fifteen-sixteen of age wearing a cloak and reading or spellbook. The other was a man in his mid-forties wearing a full plated armor.

    "Might be a paladin." That is what Akatosh thought seeing his plate mail armor.

    The third person, an archer or a rouge from his thirty to thirty-five, and a light armor, a leather armor he wears. That¡¯s when Akatosh notice he had his bow position right beside the wall.

    And then there is the mother of all party a beautiful blond woman who''s older than Akatosh silently sits with her companions. Eyes are blue as the open sky yet earnest eyes. Wearing a breastplate and some black leather padded on her waist not to mention those ruby strip designs.

    "A royal party consisting of a mage or a wizard. A marksman, some good old paladin nor a knight, and a hot chick. Lucky spot yet hard to get, shame indeed." Akatosh says, sitting on the stool.

    "Got any room this night," Akatosh says, a different tongue.

    Akatosh was shocked by the language he never knew that uttered from his mouth. So too his ears, listening to a language he didn¡¯t never hear.

    "Got three rooms, two rooms for one silver and the other for fifty copper what say you?" The taverner says, pouring some drinks on the mug ordered by the man.

    "I take the silver and bring some food will yak," Akatosh responds.

    "That would be one silver and five copper."

    Nearly finishing his meal, Akatosh asks a little information.

    "Can I ask you about Kesh--" Biting his lips, he realized he was an alien in this place. A conversation that might provoke some people here, so with his wariness he asks a different question.

    "Got any creatures here living a bit far away from this inn."

    "The only creatures here are goblins and kobolds." The innkeeper replies.

    Hearing their conversation, the man right beside Akatosh burst into laughter.

    "Did ye'' get chase by a small weak goblin to hope ye'' didn''t piss your pants out while running like a chicken."

    His words wind throughout the inn, creating laughter stroking his ego. But the blond woman and her group did not care as they continue digging their meals except the man wearing leather armor who joins the mocking laughter.

    "Well fuck you all!" Akatosh reckons.

    In the middle of a laughingstock, Akatosh asks the innkeeper. "Can you show me to my room?"

    Following his words, the taverner then calls a kid to lead Akatosh to his room. And once alone, the traveler quickly checks his bag, spewing out the things that he had looted and counting the coins that God gave him.

    "Thirty pieces of gold coin huh... Well, luck does stick with misfortune to me this day."

    Laying on the bed covered with straws and fur from animals. "Not as noble as it is but, this will do."

    Gazing at the night sky near the window and as moments pass, from the other side of the room, a group of people enters. Through lack of information, Akatosh takes advantage. Slowly cradling near the wall to extract some information. Akatosh eavesdrops on the people and when he placed his ears one drunken man starts to row.

    "Geez, Baron making yourself look like this"

    "Hema¡­ I aren¡¯t drunk just a chip bit" The drunk man said.

    "I take care of him you two should take a rest." The other man said an elderly man''s voice. And just like that, the drunkard starts to doze off.

    "No doubt about it, these guys must be the royal party I saw downstairs," Akatosh says, intently listening to their conversation.

    Still in the middle of eavesdropping on the party, unexpectedly a woman starts a conversation.

    "What message did the king gave us Mishel."

    "Nothing much, he just told us to come and report our findings that''s all. But something is not right as if the king is in a dilemma, Ashalain is there something bothering you?"

    "Nothing much Mishel but just a hunch. Garrick what did the lady spoke about the prophecy." Ashalain respond

    "Don''t know much about the details ''all will gather to one, and he shall reign once more, so that''s it."

    "What is this about some powerful dark and evil or something ready to annihilate humanity and some hero will soon save the world like this and that." Akatosh sigh. "I''m tired of this. I should ask some decent information from the innkeeper tomorrow morning." Akatosh continues going towards the bed.

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    Taking a comfortable rest, the drunkard starts making another commotion.

    With an angry shout. "I''M TRYING TO SLEEP HERE!" Akatosh shout, throwing an object at the wall making them know that they are disturbing neighbors.

    "Okay, we got it now quit whining!" Ashalain said, punching the wall in an irritated mode

    "Well fuck you mate!" Akatosh reply.

    "Let it be Ashalain. Mishel, can you cast that sound block spell."

    Mishel sigh. "This is why I hate inns."

    Chanting some words silence invades the night making Akatosh falls asleep soundly.

    When dawn breaks the nights, the traveler was awakened to find a rat bedding to his chest. Grabbing the rat and out of curiosity.

    "What if I would put a live one on this bag?" Akatosh says, picking his magic bag and stuff the animal. The moment he plunged the rat it quickly disappears, consumed by the dark void.

    "Well, I''ll be dammed¡­ better get some food downstairs." Akatosh was shocked.

    Stepping down the stairs, he notices there were few people that are occupying the inn but still, the royal party wakes up early then he thought. The worst is, they are close to the innkeeper making it hard to get more information, especially the hot blond chick. A serious and dangerous woman Akatosh can tell.

    Siting as far away as possible from the group, he then orders a morning meal. And once finished eating breakfast Akatosh starts to ask questions from the innkeeper.

    "Old man heard anything from this place?"

    "Mm-hmm¡­ That''s the first thing someone would tell me for a youngster like you." Says the taverner

    "Just asking, you don''t have to tell me if you want, that''s fine with me." Akatosh responds. "Shit... I thought bars and inns are a good place to pick information this guy is hard"

    "Don''t know if this is true but something is happening in the kingdom of Keshoval and the empire of Endregar." The innkeeper sighs.

    Speaking through his mind. "Jackpot! I take back my words inns are a good place to find some information indeed."

    "And what would that be?" Akatosh smile.

    "Don''t know much about politics but some say there is something more to this political settlement." The innkeeper replies

    "Tell me what kind of kingdom is Keshoval."

    "Take it back that you''re a foreigner from this land. Well, Keshoval is a kingdom where the famous hero defeats the great dragon Faravish, don''t tell me you haven''t known that famous legend that everyone knows around the world."

    "I already know that story, old man." He lied a juicy lie.

    Notice there are wines behind the innkeeper, Akatosh orders some to rile up the conversation. And while taking a sip.

    "This area must be full of goblins and kobolds."

    "I take it that you''re lucky to be alive. I had sent a request letter to the guild but sadly it has been four days, and none seems to come. And the monsters here begun to be more aggressive and multiplying. The worst is something is a mist at the temple that was once purified by one of the great sages."

    "I see, can you tell me where this guild is you spoke off."

    "It''s in a town called Ravalind the capital of Keshoval, just follow the road and take west."

    Indulging with their conversation, Akatosh notices that the royal group were preparing to leave. And with a good hearing aid, the woman seems to be conversing with her party.

    "Guys can you go on without me, I had something to do," Ashalain said.

    Her party agrees and went out of the inn while she went upstairs. Taking his last sip of wine and paying the tabs, Akatosh goes to pick his items.

    "Hey, kid if you reach Ravalind give this letter to Barry. He is a blacksmith there famous for his craftsmanship."

    Receiving the letter, Akatosh then asks the innkeeper''s name.

    "Call me Garry."

    "So where is this place your brother lives."

    "You''ll know when you reach there." Garry smile.

    Stopping for a moment he then asks another question. "Why would you trust someone, a stranger."

    "Mm-hmm good point¡­ Well, I get the feeling that you are something to be trusted when we have a little chat."

    "Do you." Akatosh smile. "I see well better get ready." He continues climbing upstairs to get his bag and start another day in another world.

    And when he opens the door, Akatosh comes face to face with a hot blond chick sitting on his bed staring at the window. Questions start to fill up his mind. "Why is she here, did I do something that provoked her last night."

    "Madam, can I help you with something? You must be in the wrong room." A stoic tone Akatosh said.

    Noticing his presence, Ashalain gave him a serious stare like Akatosh just butchered and eat her dog or something.

    "Okay, I''m in trouble," Akatosh concluded thinking some ways to get away from the mad lady.

    The first thing that come into his mind was¡­ "If I could get closer to get my bag on the corner of the bed. I would either run out of this room or jump out of that window, if luck be with me I might not break me leg."

    "I see you''re the man from last night." An intimidating tone she utters.

    Telling a lie. "Sorry for last night but it was my friend, so I apologize on behalf of my friend for talking vulgar--"

    Cutting Akatosh off. "Ho? I didn''t see any of your companions here even when you came here last night." She says crossing her arms and legs.

    "The f, why didn''t I think about that. This woman is dangerous as hell."

    Ignoring her intimidation, Akatosh walks to get his bag when a sword suddenly stops his movement edging the blade to his throat. He could feel a powerful force radiates from the blade, a holy one.

    "Blondie... how barbaric are you?" Ignoring his words, Ashalain grills her dagger-like eyes as she examines his every outfit top to bottom.

    Still edging her sword at Akatosh''s throat. "I''ve been observing you lately, your clothes are different that I never saw one before. The way you speak to the innkeeper is something. Who are you, tell me the truth and no blood shall be spilled today."

    "I''m a man, not a primate--" Akatosh respond when he was cut by her words again.

    "Are you a spy or an assassin, answer me!"

    "I don''t know what you''re saying, take a look at me if I''m an assassin."

    She breathes for a second, sheathing her sword and distance herself.

    Trying to get his bag, Ashalain quickly again unsheathes her sword and this time it was in his hand. "Does this lady have no limits!"

    "I''ve been watching your eyes. It seems that you''ve been concern about that bag when you always look at it."

    "Well fuck me, how many talents does this lady have."

    "It''s just a bag nothing more nothing--"

    Ashalain interrupts, grabbing the bag, and as she opens the rat that Akatosh stuff suddenly came out surprising the lady. Using this opportunity, Akatosh quickly sweeps her feet outbalancing her.

    In a rush Akatosh immediately grabs his bag where she too grips it with strength, dragging him along as they fall over the bed. Nearly a centimeter close, he can feel her warm breath as she blushes in cuteness.

    "Guess that this is her first time."

    And that precise moment he felt Ashalain had given up on the bag and her holy sword.

    With a quick reaction, he quickly grabs both her sword and his bag and then hastily went pacing out of the room. Running away downstairs, Akatosh plunges the sword from his magic bag. And in just seconds, he heard a door slam open, and when the traveler takes a slight view. He saw her in anguish and anger ready to rip his head.

    "Women here are barbarians," Akatosh says reaching the first floor.

    "I promise to deliver that letter," Akatosh says, opening the front door but Ashalain too had already reached the first floor.

    "She''s fast!"

    Without a second to waste, Akatosh opens the door and runs wildly as he could however, Ashalain was closing their distance. Thinking fast on how to get away from this savage woman, Akatosh notice that there was a creek about four meters wide and with an average current.

    Charging towards Akatosh, he quickly breaks his speed. Bending down a bit knowing her hands might try to take a hold on to his clothing. No doubt about it, Ashalain tries to grab his clothes. Mustering his strength, Akatosh then throws her in the creek the seconds Ashalain had lost balance.

    Later, he saw Ashalain opposite at his place. He could see her panting heavily on the edge of the creek.

    "Sorry for what I did, it''s okay if you don''t forgive me, this world is a big place!"

    Taking a little break from her breathing, Ashalain furiously starts shouting. "I SWEAR IF YOU DON''T GIVE ME BACK MY SWORD THIEF! I AM GOING TO SKIN YOU ALIVE!".

    "Yayykksss¡­!!" Humors Akatosh pacing out on that place.

    Still, on the verge of running like a horse, Akatosh sight a group of people resting on one shady tree. To realize they are the hot chick''s companion.

    Passing by them Akatosh unexpectedly shouts. "I''M SORRY FOR YOUR FRIEND!" Akatosh laughs disappearing from their sight.

    "What was that all about," Mishel said.

    "Beats me, what I''m concern is why Ashalain is still not here. She should be here by now."

    As they waited for more than a minute Garrick stood. "You two should wait here. I''ll go and check her."

    "Come on Garrick, she just took three golems all by herself when we are in a pinched."

    Cutting him off. "I know Baron. I just have to check on her."

    "Well do as you please." Baron shrug.

    As Garrick starts to head back on the road, Ashalain came running towards the group. Panting heavily in a distressful and angry look she then asks.

    "Did someone pass by, a man carrying a bag wearing strange clothing?!"

    "Calm down Ashalain and why are you soaking wet," Garrick asks.

    Then Baron replies to her in a relaxing tone. "Ah? You mean that guy, yep he just came running and said sorry for your friend, don''t tell." His words turn cold.

    As Ashalain slowly recovers from fatigue. "That thief stole my sword."

    Her companions are in shock at how a normal person could overpower Ashalain and stole her sword. Then Baron first cracks a question. "So how did the sword got taken away."

    "I don''t know but the moment I let go of his bag he immediately took my sword. Worst was, he even outsmarted me when I was chasing him." Ashalain says in anguish respond.

    "Ashalain stay still I''m going to cast recovery magic to you, so stay put," Mishel says, chanting some words praying to a God Ashalain quickly regains its strength back.

    "Why didn¡¯t you think when going alone, isn''t that what companions are for."

    "I know that Mishel, I-I thought it might be easier for me so I just did it alone knowing that it might be quick, yet I underestimated him," Ashalain said unable to look at Mishel''s face.

    Breaking the conversation, Garrick shrug. "Arguing like this won''t solve the problem. Come, let us make haste and while we''re at it I''ll explain on the way."

    Without a comply the group hurries towards the road as Garrick began explaining what to do. "Okay, first things first Baron and Ashalain will search every shop and store for that sword. While Mishel and I will gather information regarding that man who stole your sword."

    His words are solemn and Ashalain senses that Garrick is serious about this as if he values more her sword than his life.

    "Ashalain, if we''re to find your sword make sure to buy an extra one will ya," Baron said.

    "Fine Baron! I will so stop making a joke like this."

    Running non-stop, fatigue starts to conquer Akatosh''s body making him tumble down on the road. And in seconds he can feel his legs shaking in tiredness worst, his stomach begins to feel nostalgic vomit thrice on the road.

    Taking a minute break Akatosh slowly gets up and starts to walk again. As he corners the road, he began to see people, walls, and houses.

    "This must be it, the place of the legendary heroes." Akatosh smile.

    To be more certain if this place is Ravalind, Akatosh ask some local people that were outside the wall. Being convinced by the information that he had gathered, he begins to walk towards the gate.

    Nearly reaching the gate one of the guards, clad in a plate mail armor, holding a weapon called halberd is suspiciously looking at Akatosh until.

    "You there! The young man in strange clothing, may I have a word with you."

    "Damn... I don''t have time for this, but I should not be in jail just because of avoiding this guard.¡±

    "Say lad, I don''t recognize you or any of your clothes from here."

    "Ahh... Oh this, to be true I'' am a merchant who came from a far faraway land called Earth. But sadly, I was an ambush by a group of goblins last night. So, I heard that there is a guild here that I would ask some help to recover my wares."

    To better more convince the guard Akatosh shows him the letter. "There''s this person here that I would like to give to the guild it is very important."

    Knowing that Ashalain and her companion would follow him. He had to create a diversion.

    "I let you off this time but be wary, make a commotion and you''ll end up in a dungeon." The guard sighs.

    "Thank you kindly, sir, I will heed your warning." Akatosh politely smiles.

    "Okay then be off with you, I got more things to do!" A bossy tone he ushers.

    Finishing our conversation, Akatosh finally steps inside the town. Feeling happy and griming in enjoyment Akatosh was keeping his laughter for how easily that guard was.

    "Medieval." A devious and mocking jag Akatosh utters.

 Ravalind

    Noon starts to swallow the land, Ashalain and her companions finally reach Ravalind. Stopping by the gate, Garrick then questions some of the guards and people nearby.

    "So how did it go Garrick, any information regarding that thief?" Baron implores.

    "Seems that thief is even more cunning than I thought."

    "How so?" Baron says crossing his arms.

    "The guard told me that a strange man, who calls himself a merchant wanted to make contact with the guild for the recovery of his wares that were taken by some goblins."

    "So how is that cunning?" Baron stern at him

    "Then tell me Baron how is a strange young person, younger than you able to cross the guard. When you even failed to convince the guard at Starhim."

    "Okay you got me there, so is there something more that you''ve gathered."

    "The guard also told me that he had an important letter to deliver at the guild." Garrick sigh, easing the tension.

    "So that''s it, we just have to go to the guild and see this man," Baron exclaimed in eagerness.

    "Maybe so, but something is off as if he''s trying to confuse us. Baron, you go to the Guild and find if that man is really in there. While Mishel and I will talk with the people." Garrick said. And after seeing Ashalain griping his fist and clenching her teeth out of anger. "Ashalain don¡¯t lose your composure, try to go to every shop that''s the last thing I ask for you." Garrick implies.

    Seeing her in distress, Mishel holds her hand. "Don''t worry Ashalain we''ll get that thief and your sword I swear."

    Relief by her words Ashalain finally regains some of her appearances. "Okay then let''s make this fast as possible." Ashalain softly spoke.

    Walking at the town he wasn¡¯t familiar to, Akatosh treads deeper into the town. And while he was stepping every block, Akatosh converse with the locals for information regarding this place and their shop. He also tried not to talk with many people, for it will make him easier and vulnerable to track.

    Satisfied, he went to visit one of the cloth shops that was told to him by an elderly man. The moment he opens the door. "What can I do for you today, a young man in strange clothing." Greetings from the shopkeeper, an elderly woman.

    "Just need some clothes for my size and not too shabby," Akatosh says, as he looks around the place seeing the different varieties of clothes that are displayed. Some of them are thick and adorned with jewels and other decorations. "Must be from the high-class people." Akatosh thought.

    Buying noble apparel is a stupid thing to do so he searches for some relevant clothing, a simple one. And just a couple of swaying his eyeballs, Akatosh found what he was looking for. Separated, stocks of commoners'' apparel are neatly piled.

    "I''ll try this one," Akatosh said, checking its fabric.

    After trying the clothes through the changing room, he checks out the bag and the sword which he stole from the lady. A very majestic double-edged sword, and from its guard is a golden flame running down to the tip of the blade. But the most interesting about the sword is, the ten holes carved along the surface of the blade five at the other side and five to its opposite.

    Stuffing it back into his bag. "Well, a loot is a loot it''s her fault that this was stolen," Akatosh said, with an anxious feeling the moment he slowly sacks it into his magic bag.

    In hesitation, Akatosh still didn''t like to revise his jeans only his shirt did he changed. Once done, Akatosh stack five more clothes for his upcoming travels.

    "By the way, do you have some spare of shrouds or cloak," Akatosh ask the senile shopkeeper.

    Without a word of reply, she went by the back door leaving him worried, but then again, the greed desire begins to tingle his hand.

    "I better not, not while I''m new to this world and how it runs," Akatosh says, looking at the peculiar things placed on the table.

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    Afterward, it didn''t take long for her to bring the different types of cloaks. There were many to be exact, from small to long size and with a marvelous design.

    "You may take your time." She says gently placing the items on the desk.

    "Mm-hmm... I''ll be taking this simple one." Akatosh says, taking three simple grayish thin cloaks as he asks the cost of the expense that he''d bought.

    "That would be two silver and fifty copper." The storekeeper said.

    "Oof, this place sure isn''t cheap, well nice making business with you." Akatosh said after he''d wear the long cloak.

    "And thank you too young man." She smiles, a very nostalgic smile from a hard-working old person.

    Outside the shop, hunger starts to rumble his stomach, but he had to prioritize first some equipment before buying a meal. Remembering the letter that Garry entrusted to him he went around looking for a heading. That''s when he heard a beautiful voice, turning around to look what''s making that sound. By his eyes was beautiful lady who''s resting, humming at the fountain beside the garden.

    "I should try to ask her, if she can point me to the direction of that place." Akatosh sigh treading to her direction.

    "Sorry to interrupt you madam but, can you show me the way to a famous blacksmith."

    She pauses, for a moment Akatosh starts to interact her. "It''s okay my dear no need to worry about that. I see that you''re new to this place." A cheerful reply.

    "And that I'' am." Akatosh softly spoke.

    She was a beautiful lady in white, her curled plated blond hair truly fits her beauty. Akatosh however, notice her sad blue eyes. Eyes that hold loneliness, a blue cloudy eye.  And by her appearance and soft words, Akatosh was captivated and mystify at the same time, rather from that brute woman he''d encountered at the inn.

    She chuckles. "Follow this path until you see a lamp pole--" she says, points the direction of the shop. "--then take the right-side road. Once you see a tall building just go straight to it, there you¡¯ll see a signboard showing a hammer and an anvil."

    "I see..." Akatosh says going where the woman said.

    "By the way, the beautiful garden matches yourself." Akatosh says, sauntering away.

    Bowing her head down as she blushed. "T-thank you---¡± A solitary word as if someone acknowledge her presence as a human.

    Cutting her off. "Nice meeting ya, but time had me grip today but I do hope seeing you again." A fatigue tone Akatosh says as he paved the cobble pathway.

    Standing up she then said. "It''s also nice meeting you, I too hope we meet again."

    "Mm-hmm... Depends." Akatosh respond raising his hand

    Following the lady''s advice, Akatosh finally stand facing the front door of the shop. Consequently, after opening the door shouting and yelling starts to engulf the shop.

    "Dad how many times did I told you, don''t always put the tools at every corner of the shop. Geez¡­ and don''t drink while working got it." A voice of a child said.

    The front door rang and as he enters the shop¡­ "Did I come in a bad timing?" Akatosh usher.

    Knowing his presence both greets Akatosh simultaneously. "Welcome, what can we do for you today sir."

    "Um¡­ I''m looking for a man name Barry."

    Both exchange look. "Well, you got the right man, I''m Barry the blacksmith."

    Without delay Akatosh quickly bring out the letter from his bag. "I see, I had a letter for you."

    After Barry received the envelop, the little girl starts jumping trying to grab the paper. "Let me see! Let me see! Is that from Uncle Garry!"

    Being persistently annoyed, Barry gave the letter and ask Akatosh what he need. "Sorry for my daughter''s commotion"

    "It''s okay that''s normal for kids."

    "You got a point, so what do you need."

    "I just need some equipment." Akatosh said looking around the shop and seeing the different varieties of armor and swords.

    There is a full plate armor that covers mostly the whole body. And there is also the leather type armor, some are covered in chain mail padded with steel and iron.

    Looking around the beautiful armors, Akatosh notice one strange armor behind Barry. Taking a closer look, the design hooks Akatosh already. An armor that mostly consists of leather, and some chain mail layer beneath the leather but the design is different and badass. By looking at it, a scarf is wrapped around the shoulder, and the chest is covered by thick Iron and steel. Its right shoulder was padded in steal. The lower waist of the armor is belted in different many types, and a half cloak that makes it more stylish.

    Asking Barry about the armor. "Say mister what is that thing behind you."

    "This, it''s an armor that I design years ago. If I not mistaken, I created this armor five years ago."

    "Why did anybody buy that armor?" Akatosh shockingly replied.

    In a sad respond, Barry sigh. "Well to be exact this armor was complicated, the problem was, most of them only want the toughness of the armor. I tried to advertise it to some of the customers, but they say that its only for decoration, regardless this armor is just a decoration to this shop."

    "Say Barry can I buy that armor."

    "Huh¡­ why would you buy this thing?"

    "It¡¯s just that¡­ I like that armor and its design."

    "Finally! Someone is alive who can acknowledge my arts of work!" He replies shaking Akatosh''s hand.

    When trying the armor, Akatosh was having some complications. It even didn''t fit to his body. Then the little girl came and begun chanting word conjuring magic circle on Akatosh feet. And when the magic circle disappears, the armors slowly scale down fitting his size. Amazed by her talent Akatosh starts to consult her magic.

    "I''m an enchanter."

    "An enchanter? You mean the one that can put things and magic together?"

    "Yep, although I''m an apprentice. But soon I will master this magic." Saying in a cheerful voice.

    Afterwards, Barry came with two gauntlets were the other one was more design and badass. It was more like a claw-gauntlet. While its partner was normally layered with hard leather, on the outer surface the leather was then padded in steel and a strip leather to tighten the hand.

 â€œRavalind IIâ€

    With the two unfitted gauntlets, the little girl with her magic quickly solves the problem. And when he stuffs the armor and gauntlet into his bag, Akatosh didn''t realize that both Barry and his daughter are in shock by his action.

    "Oi... Kid, are you an arc sage or something?"

    Confuse, Akatosh asks what was his point "Ah¡­ What do you mean by that mister?"

    Hearing my words, Akatosh notices Barry is suspicious and serious. "Tell me, lad, did you by luck stole that bag from someone?"

    Akatosh was lost, it gives him the cringe especially when Barry told him being a thief.

    "Well, to be true it was originally by my father''s belonging. It''s a dog''s life mister that I''d rather not talk about it." Akatosh lied.

    "I see, so your father must be a powerful person."

    "Yes-yes he is." He smiles and changes the topic. "Mm-hmm... I''m confused, you mention something about this bag."

    "Take it that your father didn''t tell you much about the details eh¡­ Having a bag that can hold anything by just simply putting it shows that you are one immensely powerful person. Though, I had heard that only three of those bags only exists."

    "You mean the sage?"

    "Well technically--" Without giving him a second to speak her daughter barge in their conversation.

    "To be more precise, the first person that carries one was the most powerful spell caster of all and one of the great archsage of all time." Without taking a second break, like a triggered machine gun. "The other one was owned by one of the great dragon ladies who is said to be the maiden of the goddess. Rumors said she fell in love to a young knight who wanders in her territory."

    "And the last?" Akatosh said.

    "I don''t know much about the third bag but, some say it¡¯s guarded at the ''fountain of essence'' by one of Sharum''s avatar the ''goddess of luck and fortune''."

    Thinking for a moment after gathering what she said. "So, about the sage, is he the only sage?" Akatosh said.

    "Ahh¡­ Just what kind of country did you come from. There are twelve sages in this world. Though the most famous is Azageis, the one who holds the magic bag. And they are powerful spell casters, they can cast multiple magic at one simultaneous moment."

    Getting enough information, Akatosh had to change the topic for they might think of him as an obnoxious person.

    Looking around the shop, Akatosh was searching for other handy things when traveling or dealing with enemies. It was then he notices a few cooking utensils displayed on the other side of the corner. Walking towards the pots and pans, picking everyone part of the utensils, Akatosh then asks his total compensation.

    "That would be twenty silvers."

    And by just thinking about what he needs, Akatosh can easily bring out the things from the bag.

    Taking his pouch of gold, Akatosh gave one gold coin. Once he received his balance money, he then puts a few fifteen silver coins in his pocket. Through the window, he saw that night starts to barter with daytime, so Akatosh greets them farewell and went outside to look for a place to stay.

    Closing the door shop and turning to face the front. Akatosh''s eyes were wide open, shocked and fear the person whom he didn''t want to meet yet standing ten meters away. Without a moment to spare Akatosh hastily accelerate his legs as wild as he could to again save his life.

    "WAIT, YOU THIEF!" Ashalain shout.

    Stiffing to run fast but still, Ashalain was closing in. To smoke her speed, Akatosh runs through the alleys, give him the advantage by confusing her with lots of pathways. Thirty minutes of going through left and right cluttering her mind as to which way Akatosh went. And when he corners the last side, Akatosh finally smokes her out of his tail. And after losing her Akatosh then hides near an old abandoned house.

    Crawling out, Ashalain again appears so he had to return to his hiding place. And while in hiding, he muffles his hard panting and fatigue.

    Hugging his bag, Akatosh peeks. There he saw Ashalain pressing her hand to her chest trying to recover her hard breathing. Adding up, tears start to fall from her eyes, a heartbroken scene, a pity for stealing her sword.

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    "This sword must be very important to her," Akatosh says ashamed after looking at Ashalain''s sorrowful emotion.

    The rain suddenly starts to water the land but still, Akatosh resumes his hiding spot waiting for her to leave. And it didn''t take long for her to deport in a depressed and sorrowful way.

    Emerging in soaking wet cloths Akatosh brings out the sword from his bag. Deciding what to do, Akatosh grin. "Hah... probably best to return this sword to her if... I had the chance. Pity my ass.'''' Akatosh smile.

    Examine, there are three red gems occupies one of the empty holes. It''s no ordinary gem he can tell by the clouds of fire swirling inside. Hacking the gem with a grim smile. "There''s always what we called a refund."

    Putting the sword into his magic bag and separating the gem from his pouch coin. After he''d take his time fiddling with the sword dizziness engulfs his mind not only that, hunger starts to drain his energy.

    Pouring rain, crossing streets, looking for a place to stay. "This is but bad luck, why do I always end up like shit," Akatosh says not seeing anyone for a direction.

    The pain surging through his stomach cramps due to running nonstop also greatly affects the mood. And with little luck, Akatosh found a place to shade, it was in a garden.

    Taking a rest hoping the rain would stop he heard a female voice calling and trying to wake him up from his slumber. Annoyed he opens his eyes to be confronted by a lovely lady casting light magic, banishing the night.

    "I''m glad that you open your eyes, thought that you are an injured person, so I came to take a look at you." The woman said.

    Still wanting to sleep, wanting to shut his eyes to call it a night not caring what will happen next. The woman wildly shakes him to my sleep. Rubbing his eyes to see her face, Akatosh was a little bit shock to see the woman who points in the direction at the blacksmith¡¯s shop.

    "Well, isn''t this the strangest coincidence?"

    Charmed by her smile but the pride is still awake. "Sorry for disturbing you miss but I got to go so--" Akatosh said when dizziness due to hunger, he fell to his knees. "Damn¡­ this ulcer sickness."

    Strength''s fading as his body starts to go numb but then, the woman slowly reaches her hands towards Akatosh

    "You can rest to my house, it''s not a big place but--"

    "Sorry lass, but I''m good in here," Akatosh said, evading her words as he returns to his sleep.

    "If you do that, the guards might throw you to the dungeon."

    "Are you serious?"

    "I am serious." A solemn tone.

    Gazing on the mansion, embarrassment overcomes the traveler, an estate owned by royals and nobles.

    "You said-- Your place is--"

    The woman ignores his words and goes in front of the door. "I forgot I haven''t introduced myself. My name is Sheena, Sheena De Shilvia and you are?"

    "Oh¡­ name¡¯s Akatosh, I didn''t realize you were a noble person." He says in an awkward voice.

    "Don''t worry Akatosh I¡¯ not a queen, now come inside before the cold gets biting," Sheena said. And once she opens the door, six maids greeted her at the entrance.

    "Damn boy, she is a fine royalty yet truly kind and cheerful. Having a wife like her could¡­ what am I thinking I should focus more on being a modest person."

    Inside the house, Akatosh was listening intently towards Sheena who is seemingly to talk with the butler in his mid-fifties.

    "Madam Sheena, who might be this person with you tonight?" Implores the butler and with a cold dagger eye, as if Akatosh wasn''t welcome.

    Their conversation and the butler''s eyes made Akatosh more mortifying. "Okay I regret going with her, I''ve should just stay in that shade."

    "My-my him, he is one of my friends a guest for today."

    "I see..." The butler then eyes on Akatosh as he walks in his direction. "I''ll lead you to the bathroom first." The butler sigh, a sentence made of dagger-like.

    Following the butler and just as he observes the place, he speculates the mansion was large enough to accommodate three families.

    "Smell my ass," Akatosh said. Hungry but still, Akatosh had to hold his hunger for a while even if it is like eating his intestines.

    After a few turns and walks the butler stop. "Alright sir, this room leads towards the bathroom, and call me if you need something I''ll be here." The butler said, with ominous eyes smeared on his face.

    "Thank you, sir, but from here I''ll be on my own," He respond.

    Washing his mood through the warm water while thinking and thinking his future step. "What am I doing with my life." Akatosh said. Then out of sudden he remembers the place. The place where he''d felt something, after he''d fought the two goblins near the inn. A feeling that creeps his bones.

    "What to do with these clothes. The heck with it, I got clothes to spare." Akatosh says.

    Meanwhile, Sheena was scavenging clothes for Akatosh. "Aha¡­ this would be fitting to him." Finding the clothes for Akatosh Sheena then rans to where the bathroom was, seeing her butler waiting for him she consults him for a moment.

    "Madam, are you sure about taking care of him?"

    "It''s okay Larry, I got this oh¡­ and would you mind preparing the tables, Ashalain said she''ll be coming to stay here for a while." Sheena reply

    "Then please take care madam." Larry bows before treading the hallway.

    Hearing a knock from the door Akatosh then hastily stuff his wet clothes to his bag and quickly wears the spare clothes he bought.

    Opening the door, the traveler yet again was confronted by Sheena and with her are clothes. However, the clothes she brought are that of a silhouette close-fitted trousers and linen collar. There are also breeches with gold embroidery. And thick coats that are ornament with velvet gems and golden threads. It was cloth Akatosh wasn''t fond of.

    "I see you got spare clothes." Sheena says in a bit of disappointment tone.

    To put her disappointment away, and since his ''Converse'' shoes are still wet. He borrows the slippers rather than the tight boots she''d offer.

    "By the way how did you found me laying at the garden?"

    "When it started to rain hard, I had to quickly went to the garden to move the young flower and the kittens at the storeroom since no ones are taking care of them. That''s when I notice you on that shade, it''s quite a coincidence isn''t it." Sheena smile.

    "Really¡­ a flower and a kitten?" Akatosh thoughts, and without a warning his stomach starts pleading for food.

    At the raining street, Ashalain was still searching, and with her is stressed and depressed emotion.

    "Where did that thief gone off to." Ashalain said. Tired and angry she decides to visit her sister at the mansion where she lived in.

 â€œFated Encounterâ€

    After the long day of unexpected scenario, Ashalain was at the front door tortured by Akatosh''s doing. Soaking wet she then enters the building.

    Warmly welcome by Sheena, her sister. "I''ve missed you," Sheena says hugging her.

    "I miss you too," Ashalain said hiding her emotion

    Not knowing Akatosh was in the belly of the beast and admires the beauty of the room the furniture, the design, the porch, and the small library.

    "Looks like I had to spoil myself for a bit here."

    Laying on the bed he suddenly thoughts of the library. "I''m not mostly fond of being a bookworm but gaining data to a world unknown would suffice a little. It should better read something."

    Towards the library, a well-kept and old book in decay. Picking the books that interest him most, he then finds a chair to sit on. Alas he found a hidden spot, hidden from the view of the door, and the bed, he then let his mind do the work.

    ''Tails of Mystic Magic'' the front cover says. Uninterested, he returns to the shelf, until one incredibly old and dark book catches my interest.

    "In the era of fire and desolation when the men of Vashkeil are in chaos. When the elven kingdom tips their arrow to sheared teeth when the dwarves clad themselves with steel and iron. It was in a world of chaos and destruction, swallowed by power, war, greed, and darkness. A time where the sons of Vashkeil would turn their backs on one another, it was a revelation so to speak."

    "When the world of Vashkeil is in turmoil, one man seeks refuge from the gods. Then the words foretold of a fiercely fire-wings unfold from the realms of heavens. Faravish the avatar of Azarus himself, the God of power, the chieftain of all the gods brought hope amid chaos."

    "But chaos gave Dalgur the dark god of the infernal world emerge from the material realms, the one he sought for eternity. When all are hopes lost Faravish the great dragon god battles Dalgur in his hideous form. A battle of titans never seen where all the men, elves, and dwarf unite once more to help in hopes of reclaiming peace from Vashkeil. Blood waters the soil, magic burst into a storm, shield, and weapons clang in the place of war. Cataclysm erupts shaking the land, mountains burn roasting the land as two titans battle firmly and ferociously. It says that Faravish sacrifice himself to seal Dalgur from the deepest part of oblivion. With his sacrifice, he gave birth to new species of men called the demi-humans."

    "The dark god of infernal shall perish but in his defeat, he cursed the world once more, when order and piece will turn to murder and death."

    Without finishing the book, Akatosh had fallen asleep silently in the chair.

    While asleep he was, Ashalain was already done bathing and the head towards Akatosh''s room. She was told someone occupies her old room but didn''t she listen for she''s in a desolated day.

    As she enters, there''s no presence to be felt only the sound of rain.

    Removing her towels exposing her womanly body as she searches for clothes to wear for the night. A gorgeous body of a woman whose white brown skin, warm like the morning sun, smooth and soft like tender as she spreads her beautiful blond hair.

    Finding and wearing apparel for the night but still, Akatosh was well hidden. Tired and stressed she too quickly fall asleep on the bed ending the night.

    Early to wake like a rooster, Sheena prepares herself. Walking along the mansion hoping to wake Akatosh she hesitates.

    "I shouldn''t wake them up since they are very tired last, night," Sheena said passing their room.

    An hour later Ashalain was first to awake. Worried, she walks along the aisle towards the porch for her to relieve a little of her stress. Standing at the porch, fresh cold air blemishes as mumbling lips blaming herself for being clumsy to a thief.

    *Thud*¡­ it was then she heard a book falls from the ground. Hesitating to investigate she decides to check, in her eyes the young man who stole her sword was there leisurely sleeping silent as the grave. Confused, relieved, anger, being shock at what fate had turned into, she wants to pummel. But she wanted to know, why Akatosh was here at her sister''s place. In the end she just stands there looking down watching the sleeping man who naps like a cat.

    During his slumber, Akatosh felt a presence as if watching him. Ignoring, he then continues his rest.

    Moments passed Akatosh finally regain his strength to open his eyes. To his surprise all his world shattered into pieces as he faces Ashalain sitting right in front of him staring his eyes in cold-blood. Trying to move but nothing, trying to speak but no words come out from his mind, all he can do is look sideways not wanting to stare right back at her.

    "I had cast a paralyzing magic when you still sleep like a dog," Ashalain says getting up from her chair. From a few steps away she grabs his shirt as she interrogates me.

    "Seems kind the cute." Akatosh says.

    "Just who are you, did you do something to my sister. Why are you here in this place! Are you one of the mages?"

    Firing his with tons of questions Akatosh keeps his silence waiting for a moment to speak.

    "I see you want the hard way then." Ashalain says, distancing herself from Akatosh as she cast unknown magic. And from her spell, his body begins to boil as if roasting in the face of the sun.

    Squeaking in anguish Akatosh grip the arms of the chair, there was slight drainage of the paralyze spell.

    Tortured by a mad woman Akatosh heard a scream. And with the pain starts to fade little by little it was Sheena staring at both. She can see Sheena was coming towards his place stopping Ashalain from casting another spell.

    "Please stop this!" Sheena says crying a little. With the paralyze magic begin to dispel Akatosh can feel his body, the pain however still urges. It was the most painful thing he''d ever felt, as blood oozes from his lips.

    "Just how much this world hates me."

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    At death''s door, he starts to fall slowly from the pits of darkness. Witch then a voice came, a complete opposite from where he''d met the creator.

    "The coming of the end." After the words from his dream, Akatosh quickly awakes. "So, your finally awake, I was hoping you would be in a coma," Ashalain said she was quite shocked to be exact.

    While she then follows a question Sheena came holding a medicine. And with her entrance, Ashalain just walks out of the room without saying a word.

    Getting up from the bed to apologize and ask for forgiveness Sheena stuff his mouth with medicine shutting his words back to his mouth. Recovering from the spell that Ashalain gave, Akatosh then grabs the spatial bag hidden under the bed. Revealing the sword which he stole from Ashalain.

    A bit of shock Sheena was. Knowing her surprise, Akatosh let it through since he already knows what it means to hold a spatial bag. But Akatosh and Sheena don''t know what the bag deeply holds.

    "I already know what happen between you and Ashalain¡­ my sister." Sheena implores after she''d received the sword.

    "Your sister?"

    "Yes, she''s my older sibling."

    "She kept hassling me for friending a thief. But you know what, she was once kind and compassionate back then when she had him--"

    Cutting her words for a bit Akatosh took this opportunity to reply.

    "So, what happens to both of them?" As he said his words to her, Sheen suddenly let out a sad face.

    Shaking her head, she said. "Her lover Salvaril, they were close even since their childhood. Well, I was a bit jealous since I stayed in here throughout my life. They very much love each other even as they grew but, tragedy broke her heart when Salvaril died during his task to investigate an island. He knew that it was too dangerous but still he cannot disobey the power of the above. And the only memento that he gave to her before he left was this sword. That''s when her heart close vowing that until she would be with him again."

    Knowing her story, Akatosh was lost in thoughts. "I never thought that this is love, well this is life," Akatosh notes to himself.

    "Um... I know this may be awkward but- -"

    "That''s alright your company was my warmest to have."

    "You don''t say."

    Still unsatisfied by her words Akatosh remember the fruits from his magical bag.

    "Oh... I forgot."

    Being stupid for not remembering he still have some provision left. Akatosh then gave her his share. Relief while watching her eating the fruits he then asks farewell gratitude. Walking away he yet again faces Ashalain blocking his path.  Though this time Akatosh ignores her and continuously walks past her.

    "I''ve returned your sword, best to forget this." Akatosh said tossing two gold coins at her. "That''s my collateral crimes."

    "Wait! Would you tell me who you are?" She says in a more intimidate tone.

    Akatosh had enough of having a long fucked up day and still tailing his life to the end. And with that Akatosh just kept his mouth shut and ignores her hoping that she would give up on him.

    Thinking about what to decide he first went to the apparel store. Filling a request to the owner, he ask to tailor his modern pants and t-shirt, showing her the samples, which are still a little bit wet.

    "This is one fine design you requested young man." The old shopkeeper said unfazed by the wet fabric.

    "Just tell me how much cost for all five pieces." Akatosh says uncomfortably to make a conversation.

    Examining Akatosh''s earthly clothing she then slowly estimates the cost. "I think it could cost two silver coins."

    Paying the costs Akatosh asks where to find some trinkets and odds.

    "Head to the market area young man."

    "And where would that be?"

    "Ahh¡­ you''re a foreigner here."

    Tired of chatting, he just went towards the exit. "I''ll be back after two days or so," Akatosh says before closing the door.

    "What a strange man indeed." So says the old woman.

    Along the road full of lively people, he finally found the marketplace. And when he suddenly came across a bookshop, he realizes something.

    "It would be wise to get a blank book to write something while traveling from this land."

    After asking the storekeeper for a blank book the man responded in disappointment. "I''m sorry lad but this is all we''ve got."

    Having out of stock he only had a large blank book that contains seven hundred pages. Though it didn''t matter and immediately he bought the book.

    "Do you know some shop who sells quill for writing?" Akatosh asks right after he''d received the book.

    "Well, we have some. Though, if you want a better quill, walk towards that path." The man said pointing to where Akatosh came.

    "Then go east, there you will see the store that you need." Says the shop owner.

    Thanking the man, he then went to the shop where the man points the direction. And while Akatosh was stocking some supplies, Ashalain went to the guild gathering her party.

    Running towards the guild to contact her comrades.

    "Oh¡­ so you''ve finally got your sword back," Baron said.

    "Where is Garrick." Ashalain ignores him.

    "Oh¡­ Garrick went to your place looking for you and your swords."

    "I see¡­ Can you contact him?"

    "Fine then but it will cost ya," Baron said

    "Okay, I will pay just get Garrick."

    While Baron went searching for Garrick, Mishel ask why Ashalain was in a hurry.

    "I will soon tell when we all gather." She answers her.

    Minutes later Baron and Garrick finally arrive, holding a meeting at the table. "Since you got your sword back, what are the things we will discuss." Baron implores.

    "Nothing much we just have to follow and investigate a man--" Without finishing her words Baron quickly disengages upon hearing my request.

    Trying to call him back but he refuses. "Wait Baron I didn''t- -"

    "Yada-yada-yada¡­" Baron replies in a bored way as he walks towards the guild bar ordering a drink.

    "Leave him be, so what''s this all about." Garrick says, eyeing Ashalain intently.

    "I don''t know but there is something on that man, a thing that I''ve never seen before."

    "And his name?"

    "Akatosh, he comes by the name Akatosh." Ashalain says, bringing a piece of cloth that she took it from him.

    Requesting Mishel to use her magic in order to track him, Mishel slowly accepts the fabric. Through Mishel''s concentrate, a white light engulfs the clothe disintegrating until the small fabric disappears.

    "Found him he seems to be, stocking some supplies at the market."

    "Good¡­ he hasn''t left town." Ashalain says, thinking for a moment.

    After rehearsing the mind, Ashalain asks Mishel if she still has the polymorph spell that can change one''s appearance.

    "I only have three scrolls, but it might take me time to cast since this isn''t my type of magic."

    "That will do." Ashalain says, asking Mishel to check Akatosh once again since the spell only be sufficient for a small point of time.

    Closing her eyes. "He seems to be going towards the front gate--" Mishel stops, the spell had last.

    Without a moment to waste Ashalain quickly get-up from the table and run towards the exit but Garrick halts.

    "Ashalain I would like to have a word with you in private." Garrick implies. Realizing that Garrick was serious to his words Ashalain then follows him. "It would be wise to keep Farenggar at bay."

    "You mean this sword." Ashalain responds knowing that Garrick holds a lot of secrets.

    Thereafter their conversation Ashalain then asks to barter with Garrick''s sword and request him if he can bring Farenggar at her sister''s place. Keeping it in a safe place since he is the one who took care of her when Ashalain was still a child. He was the one who taught her how to cast some magic and how to hold a sword.

    With Garrick delivering the sword at her sister''s place she and Mishel went to the front gate. Hiding at the corner of the alley Mishel cast the polymorph spell turning Ashalain''s appearance into a different and younger woman, while Mishel turns into a boy. With the spell successfully cast they went to the front gate.

    Finally gathered some supplies near the market. Akatosh ventures to where he once fought the goblins. Where he felt the presence of darkness after killing the goblins. And when he was out of town, Akatosh came across a carriage with an old couple.

    "Excuse me, do you by any chance traveler to this direction," Akatosh says hoping if he can ride with the old couple.

    "Oh, you mean this road, yes we''re going to Aghraim you can hop in with us." Says the old man in a crippling voice.

    As the wagon begins to set in motion. And not long while Akatosh begins to sleep again a habit of sleeping leisurely, a young girl came running towards the wagon asking for a ride. She seems to be in her sixteen, but what surprise Akatosh most was, she wears nice royal armor and a sword sheathed to her waist.

    "This world really is something. Is she a high-class adventurer?" Akatosh concludes before dozing off to sleep.

 â€œTo the Templeâ€

    Leaving Mishel at the gate, Ashalain gave some of her things for tracking. After that, she then runs towards the wagon where Akatosh was.

    Sitting along with him. "Just what am I doing, leaving my companions behind all for this guy." She said checking her surroundings.

    "Seriously, what kind of man would sleep all day." Her eyebrow raised in disregard, observing Akatosh''s serein slumber.

    At Ravalind near the front gate, Mishel stands there waiting for Garrick to report what had happened. A few hours later Garrick came running to see only Mishel waiting for him.

    "Where''s Ashalain." Garrick asks.

    "She went first because she doesn''t want to lose track of him. But more importantly what took you so long to get here?"

    "I''m sorry, I was just finished delivering the sword when the king''s royal ones needed to meet me." Replies Garrick fixing his shoulder.

    "So, what did they need."

    "It seems that we have some major problem on our neighboring kingdom." Garrick answered with an uneasiness eye facing towards the north.

    "And what would that be?" she sobers.

    Watching Akatosh asleep, Ashalain starts to remember why she was chasing him. It all started when Akatosh was on the verge of dying, that''s when it awoken the four seals. Revealing a prophecy, submerging Ashalain, for she was the one who triggered his darkest coin.

    Things turn out differently, as she was pulled through his void of premonition. Engulf in nothing but chaos, paralyzed as she watches the land tore apart, kingdoms crumble. And for the final breath, she saw the four horsemen of the apocalypse emerging from the sky. Holding a bow, it utters for war, and the other with a sword of fire so shall it breed war. And when the two concluded the other who holds balance will follow pestilence. All for these to one final thing¡­ it came death.

    A word struck through her mind. "Come and see." A thing that still haunts her.

    As a servant of the Gods, a righteous of light and virtue it''s her task to dispose while he''s in a deep sleep, but curiosity took her. She wanted to know more of this strange person, so she asks where the wagon is going.

    "Um¡­ excuse me grandpa but where are you two heading."

    "Oh¡­ we''re going to Aghraim, are you an acquaintance with that man." Pointing at Akatosh.

    "Not in a million years." Shaking her head in disregard keeping her senses active were bandits, thieves and even monsters might strike the wagon.

    An hour later Akatosh finally awakes from his sleep, yet sleepy as hell. And at the right time dusk slowly replace the bright orange sky.

    Asking the old couple. "Old man are you two still going to travel even at night?"

    "Well, we sometimes travel at night when the day and the path is good--" without finishing his words, her wife suddenly spoke to him.

    "I think we should all stay at the inn for tonight. We don''t want to endanger the youngsters because of us." Says the elderly woman.

    "Alright then, we should reach the inn before nightfall." He says speeding up the wagon.

    "I appreciate your doing to us." Akatosh reply with respect.

    "Don''t worry about that dear." Says the old woman.

    Returning to his seat Akatosh realize the little girl (Ashalain) is suspiciously observing him, like a hungry wolf.

    With the night takes its turn they were able to reach the inn. Where his bad luck all begun after stealing the sword from Ashalain. Entering the inn, yet same as always, the place is riled up by adventurers and travelers.

    Straight to the innkeeper named Garry. "Sup mister how''s the inn going?" Akatosh said.

    "Welcome young lad, how''s Ravalind doing." A heart full welcome he replies.

    "Well, its quite a bright city to think off. Oh¡­ Would you mind having some room for today, for this old couple here and this little young girl."

    "Well, all the room is full for today, but I only have one reservation, and it is only for three people, and another one is at the basement, you sure?"

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    "Don''t worry I can be awake at night."

    Digging his meal, listening to peoples rustling, laughter and stories he turns to see the young girl sitting at the far corner of the wall eyeing some of the people but mostly watching his every move.

    "What have I gotten myself into."

    Then he hears a drunken folks speaking some sort of powerful people at some kingdoms that he never heard.

    "I heard that Mavigrid''s navy queen wanted to sail across the southern sea."

    "Well, she must be daring to cross that border. They say the demon of the sea lives in there."

    "The thief guild really had a hard time with Ariendal de Shilvia''s treasure."

    "Pff¡­ good for them, hope for their heads cut off"

    While he was eavesdropping the people, something snaps out of his mind. "I should ask some information regarding that temple that Garry last talk about."

    "Hey Garry about that temple you''ve mention last time, care to tell me more about that."

    "Are you really an adventurer?" Garry said.

    "Well sort off." Akatosh reply.

    Garry sighs. "That was an abandoned temple an ancient building during the time of great era of fire and heroes. In order to reach that temple, you must first cross that underground tunnel. Truth to be told it ain''t safe anymore since it was occupied by goblins and kobolds. But if I''m not mistaken- -" Garry said as he pores some drinks to the guest. "- -There is even more to that than just a goblin and kobolds."

    "Would you care to tell me about that two monster you spoke of."

    "Much like elves Kobolds have two kinds, one is a lizard that uses incantations and may use weapons¡­ any of such. The other however are wolf-like human who are more to brute force than their cousins. For goblins, well, they are good at holding weapons but are exceptionally large in numbers.  Oh, and I should warn you there is some unknown thing lurking in that temple that I once investigated. I thank the Gods, I¡¯d manage to make it out alive."

    "Say mister Garry, got any maps regarding that place."

    "Oi-yoy-yoy¡­ Are you planning on going alone to that place?" a smile he let-out.

    "What can I say¡­ when there is an opportunity there is stupidity," he smiles.

    "Fine I give you the map by tomorrow morning."

    Filling what he needs, he descends towards the basement. And unknown to him Ashalain had been eavesdropping him when Akatosh was conversing with Garry. So, right away she follows him.

    "Can I ask you something miss, why are you following me?" Akatosh stops.

    "I heard your conversation with the innkeeper about that temple and as member of the guild I had taken that mission." She says, pointing her fingers to him with a voice of a sixteen-year-old girl.

    "Would you show me some proof that you are a member of the guild?" A persistent tone Akatosh implores.

    "Is this good enough for you?" She says, revealing her golden crest guild.

    "I see, so how does it work."

    "This is the guild crest that shows you are a member of the guild. Also, there is a ranking in the guild, the lowest level is the bronze, second is the silver, followed by gold. Considering these three, the magical crest is the first class of them all. And if you broke the law of the guild, your crest would automatically shatter like a glass, rendering you out from the guild.

    "Okay, how do you know if you¡¯re ready to rank up."

    The question he utters made Ashalain more curious at what country he came. "When you first receive the amulet, the crest was already imbued with powerful magic. Also, if you killed someone by force and take his or her amulet it will just turn into a piece of metal, no matter how hard you mend nothing will change.  The amulet would change by itself if you had enough experience in combatants and killing monsters."

    "Okay, now would you go to your room we can discuss this tomorrow morning. This is no place for a royal adventure now shush-shush."

    But still, Ashalain cannot trust him, for he might be leaving first in the morning, leaving her behind. So, she persistently asks him to join him in his room till Akatosh finally accepts.

    "Fine you can join me, though you might not like the place." Akatosh shrug scratching his head.

    Opening the door, Akatosh was mistaken, the room was cleaned and well-kept even the bed.

    "I thought that a guild crest would show a stat like showing some screen but what the heck I need to sleep." He yawns searching for a blanket, but none could be found and the basement here is cold.

    Knowing the little girl (Ashalain) might be out cold tonight so again he scanned his bag for more blanket and giving it to her.

    "T-Thank you." A hard tone of refusal Ashalain said.

    "If you really are an adventurer, one must be prepared." A word that thorns her ego.

    In a dream, he found himself drenched in darkness, he met himself facing him but different. Covered in blood, eyes are on fire and a dark mist engulf his body.

    Out of nowhere his hand grips his throat raising him from the ground, paralyzed while choke to death. Unable to fight, an entity with hunger to eat appears from his other self''s back.

    Awaken to his horrific dream follow by heavy panting, sweating silently in the middle of the night. "Fuck that shit."

    Still panting heavily, he saw Ashalain struggling by the cold. He smiles giving her a layer of blanket, before returning to his sleep.

    Opening his eyes, he saw the little girl already preparing herself for the day. Still the cold atmosphere, the warm bed, and the sleepy feeling he again just closes his eyes. Only to be disturbed by Ashalain annoyance, casting magic that he doesn''t even know. Creating loud noises inside his head disrupting his comfy sleep.

    "Fine, fine I will!" He shouts. "Damn brat."

    Dissipate her magic Akatosh pack his things and went upstairs following the young girl. Breaking the silence, she implores. "We''ll be leaving immediately."

    "Hah¡­ I''m eating first." Akatosh respond ignoring her word, insisted that she just want this done.

    "I don''t'' like your tone princess, doesn''t your mother teach you to eat first before work, don''t worry I cover the compensation."

    "Fine I wait for you at the front door." She spoke.

    "Leaving my provisions how stupid of me, why didn''t I think about preparing first how stupid of me to just rush things out." Ashalain reckons.

    At the first-floor walking towards the exit out of sudden, Akatosh grabs her hand and spoke. "Look having an empty stomach at this day would bring this mission a devastation--"

    Cutting him off she persistently insist. "I said, I''ll wait for you outside so will you please let go of my hand." Out of nowhere Akatosh''s hand smack her head.

    "What''s wrong with you!"

    "Mister, get us some food will ya and an ale for me." Akatosh says, ignoring Ashalain words.

    In the end, both eat together. Knowing she didn''t eat last night he orders another food filling their empty belly. "Ah finally, a good meal."

    "Hey young lady, what''s your name."

    "Erika." She hesitates.

 â€œA Dangerous Mistakeâ€

    Facing the entrance of the cave that took them hours to find through the thick forest. They observe the entrance, a crumbling box-type column slowly wrapped by roots.

    "These footprints, I can say they might be half a dozen that came out last night," Akatosh said inspecting the ground.

    Thinking for a moment, Erika just walks towards the cave confident as she is, considering her guild crest is a gold class. But before they venture Akatosh first grooms his items. Prioritizing the short sword as his weapon. Minutes pass, he finally set himself, prepared and ready for an adventure.

    Behind Erika''s back, Akatosh struggle in search of a torch. When Erika (Ashalain) suddenly casts a spell, a white orb appears banishing the darkness of the cave. Like Sheena''s magic that he once saw in the garden.

    "Just where did you learn some magic." He asks as they slowly walk deeper into the cave.

    In her response. "Tell me something¡­ Why do you keep barging strange questions regarding this world? Just what country did you come from."

    "Well, I was technically newborn here." He said when suddenly they heed a rustle towards their direction.

    Drawing his short sword, preparing for a fight Erika calmly readies her magical sword. Five kobolds and seven goblins show themselves in the dark. "Azarus, the God of power heed my prayer, for I shall banish the darkness that confronts thee that may they be in your wrath." Saying a prayer, Erika glides her hand at the border edge of the sword, engulfing the blade in fire.

    Charging towards their direction, with a single swing of her sword, the fire quickly devours the front charger. Being left as no more than ash, the two goblins engulf in fear by what they saw. Raising the sword once more in cold blood, down she slashes erupting a line of fire emerges from the ground towards the two creatures, roasting them to ashes.

    Witnessing her fight, Akatosh jaws drop, all he could do is silence from what he saw. When suddenly, three goblins sprung from the darkness, but Erika''s (Ashalain) orb caught their ambush. Shielding one of the attackers using the buckler. He ravenously gyrates his sword three times, cleaving the body like it was just a jelly, rupturing its bones and innards.

    After dispatching one out of three, the other one charge in eagerness. Perceiving the last one carries a bow; he uses the creature to screen the incoming projectiles. Swaying sideways, Akatosh leaps through the charger, marking the one with the bow. Once he locks his target and bucklering the incoming arrows, Akatosh hurls the sword-like spear decimating the goblin.

    As for the last one, by just grappling he easily disarms the creature''s weapon. As soon as he takes control of the situation, Akatosh rips his throat as if it was just a chicken. It took him seconds to dispose of the three, while Erika only uses little effort in slaying the twelve creatures.

    He wanted to search the dead body but with a high-rank adventurer looking at him, searching like a squatter he decides not to.

    "Not today fortune looting." Akatosh thoughts.

    Checking the map, they follow the direction leading to the temple, but Erika had better ideas, she wanted to clean this cave free of goblins and kobolds.

    Marking the way to the temple, they venture to the other way since the cave branches itself into two. The left leads to the temple while the other leads to an unknown path. Following the other tunnel, both came across a different-looking structure, which is different from the entrance cave. It was a metallic twelve-inch large door.

    "Dwarves." Erika says.

    "I think this might be their den." He asks looking at the bones. Skulls of animals and other creatures decorated, warped by rag clothing.

    Chanting another magic her body engulfs in shining white light. So, he too searches for a bottle of oil lap, and again a bottle of potion that he bought at the market. Gulping the ''potion of endurance'' which helps him fight longer without being consumed by fatigue. He can feel a heat surging through his body, a feeling to run five miles none stop. Returning the short sword, he quickly draws the ''bastard sword'' which''s longer than the short sword. True, he assumed the place might be larger in area.

    Done with her magic Erika then steps right in front of Akatosh. Stepping back a little knowing how he was overcome by her power. Without thinking, Erika grabs both of his hands, injecting some of her blessings.

    Closing her eyes, Akatosh''s sword burst into flames. Covering the sword with the flames of Azarus or so they called. But it wasn''t just the flame, the weight of the sword became even lighter to hold. Overcome by her magic, impelling Akatosh about quantities of magical knowledge.

    When they open the door, dozens of goblins and kobolds confront them. "Oh¡­" Akatosh says, stunned by what he''s facing, a horde of enemies. But that doesn''t stop Erika from charging towards the enemy.

    "To hell with it." He continues, diving his flaming sword slashing every enemy that came across.

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    With the potion that maintains his composure, he was able to slash upwards one of the goblins, following his combo he then hammers down the sword, helm breaking the goblin''s skull. Somehow, he felt quite entice, as he stylishly destroys every foe.

    Fighting them head-on, Akatosh notices Erika (Ashalain) chanting another prayer. "May the wrath of your flames spreads through the darkness, I call thy power to purify this tainted place."

    By her last word, she nails the sword from the ground. Conjuring a fire emerging from the soil spreading like a tsunami as it devours the hordes of the enemy. Towards Akatosh''s direction, fear struck him as the flames came close. Not knowing what to do he plunged the flaming sword on the ground as he hopes for the best.

    Relief the flames had avoided him, creating a ring of fire. After witnessing her power, he became silent, he became more afraid of her. That''s when he knew why Erika gave some of her divine blessings.

    Walking deeper into the cave and while traversing, the structure changes little by little. The walls gradually became more and more cemented but stone carved. There they can see a dwarven sculpture holding a hammer and an axe. And it doesn''t take long for them to reach one large hallway in just half an hour.

    The only problem he was thinking was the potion. "I should make this quick as possible, the storekeeper said that it had some side effects. After reaching the time limit that is mostly about two hours or one and a half hours the person will become tired and pain will surge his or her body. But what if I gulp another one." He said still tailing Erika.

    The place gradually scales, where more space to move around or large houses can be built but. "What the heck I want to get out of this gloomy place," Akatosh notes, side by side as they walk along the large dwarven cavern. Until they came across a large erosion consisting of heavy rocks and metals. But what''s interests him most is the large path that leads to the blockage.

    Thinking of another hypothesis. "Whatever is in there, I think it might hold some treasure or big monster or something. Or is this path lead to another dwarven kingdom?"

    Turning around to explore more of this place, again they discover another place, a box-type house consisting of only one storage building. Searching as two teams not knowing what holds this place, all they find was a pile of rotten woods, rusted plates, and many trinkets. Akatosh wanted to search for more treasure but the place is dark and dangerous to explore not good for only two-party members.

    Time, Akatosh found a book near a skeleton. What''s interests him most was, the book didn''t rot away it just being constantly maintained by magic. Hiding from Erika he quickly stuffs the book.

    While Erika was also looking for what holds this place, Akatosh felt something dark like a shadow that just passed. It wasn''t a shadow; he can feel the place slowly turns into winter. Telling Erika about what he felt, she quickly grabs his hand, and hastily they run off from the place.

    "What is going on!" Akatosh says.

    Returning from where the cave branches into two. "Just what is that thing that I''ve felt," Akatosh asks.

    "That was a lich, though what you felt was just its aura. And it seems that a powerful wizard or mage died there."

    "And what''s the connection."

    "It seems that some dark force lingering in this place somehow corrupting the souls of the person and I intend to purify it. If only Farenggar is in my hand I would finish this off quickly."

    Without saying a word, they went towards the path to the temple. After an hour of walking none stop, Akatosh started to worry about the effect of the potion. Battling kobolds and goblins they heard noises at the far end of the cave.

    At the corner of the cave, bright orange lights the room. Telling Erika to turn off her lights, they saw dozens of goblins, some are sleeping, some are scouting the chamber. There they saw a large kobold, measuring up to three meters in height and a masculine body. The other was a goblin shaman, and for a moment he asks Erika for a plan. She ignores him and went to face the horde charging towards the enemy drawing the power of Azarus engulfing the place in fire.

    "This child!" Akatosh sigh, following to support her but as the fire engulfs the place, he gets the feeling that something is wrong.

    Previously slaying the horde, Akatosh noticed there were no carcasses that of a large kobold or the shaman. That''s when he saw the fire at the back of Erika, acting in strange as if someone is walking towards her. Concluding it was the large kobold, he dashes blocking the kobold''s attack. Its club easily knockback him suffering a minor injury thanks to his shield and armor that absorbs the impact.

    In a pinch, the shaman consecutively casts strange magic. And with the monsters'' combo, it was impotent for Erika (Ashalain) to form a counterattack. Adding the large kobolds rampantly clubbing at her. Even the flames and her sword won''t even slow or killed the kobold as if it were protected. Then out of nowhere, a dark shadow flung towards Erika disrupting her movement.

    When her footwork was interrupted the large kobold take initiative, full force the monster swings his club tossing Ashalain.

    Taking two endurance potions, he first charges towards the unaware shaman. Striking the opportunity, he consecutively flings three bottles of oil, drenching the shaman and disrupting its spell.

    Ready to cast another magic, Akatosh quickly throws the swords which again rive his casting. Breaking another bottle of oil using his hand, he ignites it with fire. And when he''s in point black range, Akatosh stuffs his burning hand quickly blazing the shaman. Without wasting time, Akatosh pick up the sword he hurled and beheading the shaman in just a second.

    Afterward, when he killed the shaman, the large kobold locks its eyes towards Akatosh leaving Erika (Ashalain).

    One on one, Akatosh too charge knowing full well the beast will swing sideways. Buffed by the potion Akatosh was able to jump high enough to dodge his club. Able to reach the head of the kobolds, that''s when he felt a very dark-cold sensation emitting from the creature. With little strength, he stabs one of its eyes, press nailing the sword to his brain. But the kobold''s hand suddenly grabs Akatosh. Breaking some of his bones and squishing his intestines the beast then throws him to the ground.

    Still in effect thanks to the potion, Akatosh grab one of the spears from the dead goblin. Successfully leaping again, he uses his last strength, gutting the spear to his throat, anticipating the kobold''s hand he tumbles down to avoid another pain.

    Down as they fall making the spear being pressed by the weight of the kobold and the ground nailing it more as it punctures at the back of his neck. Nearly a meter close to the beast Akatosh was dead-surprised when the kobold rises.

    "Does this beast have no end!?" Akatosh said.

    As all hopes are lost, a magical root entangles the beast, and out of a sudden Erika (Ashalain) emerges.

    "Now!" She shouts decapitating the kobolds.

    He can hear two people yelling, as his eyes slowly close from the great injuries that he''d taken. After beheading the large kobold Erika (Ashalain) came running towards Akatosh.

 â€œRevealâ€

    By God''s grace Mishel and Garrick arrive at the scene before the large Kobold finishes Akatosh. The magic that Mishel cast entangles the kobold immobilizing his movement, allowing Ashalain to end the kobold quickly and fast.

    After dealing with the kobolds, Ashalain quickly ran towards Akatosh as he was slowly consumed by death. His eyes are half-closed, tears of blood can be seen pouring from his eyes. Blood and injuries are all that''s left in him, whereas blood is what drools from his mouth.

    As Garrick and Mishel came to their aid, Mishel whom she revers polymorph herself to her original appearance quickly cast healing magic. She can see that Akatosh''s injuries gradually dissipate until he can breathe normally. Though Mishel''s magic cannot heal Akatosh broken bones and damaged organs, they had to get him out of this place for Mishel to cast one of her high-class magic or her special abilities.

    Garrick then carries Akatosh, while Mishel brings out a scroll of teleportation which soon teleports them to the inn. The place where they once stayed from the last night. It was still midday and when they barge the door, hurriedly they ask the innkeepers for a spare room.

    Laid down on a bed, his heart slowly beats to death. And in time Mishel cast her special magic which is called regeneration magic that helps one person''s injuries to heal faster and quicker but only applies to physical damage. It took her some minutes or so to finally mend his injuries.

    "I cast the regeneration magic, but he seems to be in a dilemma." Reckons Mishel in confusion.

    Disoriented, she suddenly notices a vile of endurance where some are broken from their previous battle stock in Akatosh''s pocket.

    Grabbing one potion Mishel shrug. "He''s fine though he might not be up for a day."

    "What do you mean?" Ask Ashalain.

    "It seems that he overused this potion which overdoses his body. But it also keeps him alive from absorbing those massive damages." Mishel says, showing her the potion.

    Relief by her words Ashalain felt guilty for always rushing things out without thinking.

    "We''ll be downstairs, call us if you need some." Garrick sigh leaving Ashalain, so too Mishel follows him as they descend for a meal or drink.

    Looking at Akatosh recovering, Ashalain realizes how foolish of her to just charge things out. By how the shaman outsmarted them. Casting illusion magic, the shaman turns themselves invisible for a small point in time. And it was thanks to Akatosh that both he and Ashalain escaped death.

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    Since Akatosh''s armor is making it difficult for him to breathe, she gently and gently removes it for him to breathe more efficiently. Striping his armor to further check his injuries, exposing his half upper body covered in scars and burned skin.

    "Just who are you?" She was inquisitive.

    Remembering when she bridged her powers to him, she felt a very disturbance of his energy. An intriguing void of energy, a complete disorder like a fish swimming through thick murky water.

    As her curiosity stretch further, she thought about his bag. Akatosh never let¡¯s go of his sack, even when they are brawling with an enemy, which Ashalain takes an interest in. Removing the bag for her to put his armor on. That''s when she lost her words. An acquaintance on what title holds for having a spatial bag, questions filled her.

    "Who are you! How come an ordinary man holds a powerful thing like this?!" She conjectures, examining Akatosh and his bag.

    A day later, Akatosh finally awakes to his rest but has not fully recovered. He can still feel the slight pain surging through his muscle, bones, and even his organs as if turned to solid stone. He tilts his head, to see Erika without her armor, wearing only a thin gothic dress. She was sleeping on the chair, looking out for him during his recoveries.

    To Akatosh''s surprise at how he was brought to this place, he looks around. Forcing his body to stand and with little effort, Akatosh manages to lift himself. Ensuing Erika Ashalain to open her eyes. Facing sideways away from her view he slowly tumbles to sleep again.

    "Doing like that won''t get you off the hook." Ashalain says with a staid face. "Wait here I''ll go and get you some food." She continues, treading towards the exit. "And don''t do anything stupid, like escaping."

    When he heard her footstep faded, Akatosh quickly gathers his strength, looking for his bag. As he tries to walk away, his legs started to shake, trembling to result in Akatosh tumbles on the ground.

    "Okay?" He says, forcing his legs to walk, resulting in recovery but barter in the sweaty body.

    After regaining his chance to walk, he panicky searches for his bag. Sighting under the bed, opening drawers and cabinets.

    Just when he had enough, Ashalain opens the door holding his meal. "Judging by your full of energy, I see you''ve fully recovered." Ashalain shrug, closing the door.

    "Where''s my bag?" Akatosh said, looking at Erika Ashalain putting his food on top of the cupboard.

    "You should eat first." Replies Erika Ashalain.

    Without furtherer ado, Akatosh slowly spoons the food, conscious as possible. This turn Erika Ashalain flustered, gulping a portion of his food. "Do you want me to taste every portion of your food?" A bossy tone coming out from a child.

    Once he saw how Erika is, Akatosh became perplexed by this child. Remembering Ashalain''s behavior which he familiarizes with Erika''s characteristics.

    At that time, Erika Ashalain went to get his spatial bag. But when she returns his item, Erika fastens the door, whereas she reveals herself. Dispelling the polymorph, dust of sparkling lights slowly engulfs her, fading her young appearance to her original.

    Akatosh couldn''t help himself as he watches her aimlessly.

 The Heroâ€™s Legacy

    At the Empire of Endregar an adolescent young boy in his age. And followed by his five powerful and high-rank companions as they kneel in front of the king''s palace hall.

    "I beg you, my king. You must stop this¡­" Before the young boy says another word, he was cut off by the king.

    "You dare question me!" Says the king in a furious tone.

    "It''s not what you think my lord, but if you go--" Being cut off again, this time was the king''s royal advisor, a man dressed in fine armor that of a wizard slayer. And an intimidating look with dark malicious intent.

    "Pardon my intrusion Roland, the grandson of Seth hero of Vashkeil. It would be better to settle this with political manners, not those of someone who''s not into politics."

    After the king''s advisor finishes his words both glare in dispute, like a dog ready for a brawl. So Roland and his companions stand up and hastily left the place hall, yet before they walk away. Roland said his last words to the king.

    "It would be wise to stop this conflict with Aghraim."

    Outside the palace, Roland and his friends rest near a tavern. Where high-rank adventures and merchants are staying. With his entrance all of them murmurs, whispering, gossiping towards the hero.

    "Mm-hmm, beautiful companions I see." One of the adventurers implore.

    "I never thought that the hero would come across this place, must be nice to hold a pouch of coin." Says the other man drinking with his friends.

    "Hah¡­ This place should learn their manners." Says the beautiful knight.

    "Leave them be, we should probably keep our things at it is." Implies the elf boldly and calmly.

    "Now-now we should first have something to eat," says Roland.

    "Fine," Riza said, wearing a leather-type armor, a female rouge to say.

    As they are doing their things, Roland thought about the past and their future on what would happen.

    Digging through their past, on how Roland met his companion.

    Roland''s first companion was Lisha. Roland was famous for being the grandson of the late Hero who defeated the corrupted fragment of Faravish. He was entrusted by the elven kingdom of Valthamir since he was a child. It was then the kingdom of Valthamir entrusted Lisha the most highly skilled archer for Roland''s companion since he was still a child."

    When the time comes for Roland to meet his age of seeking what his father and his father had left him. Roaming the land of Vashkeil they first met Ulgar the paladin of Adra, the god of truth and lie. And Irish a knight at the forest of the cemetery near the borderland of Mavigrid. Battling the hordes of undead created by one of the necromancers. Working as a team they easily disposed of and completed the mission ordered by the guild and the temple of Adra. And of course, since his father and his grandfather entrusted him, their ancient power gifted by the gods and the weapons of the ancient. With a powerful sword used to slay the corrupted fragment of Faravish, Roland easily disposed of the necromancer.

    Being acknowledged by what he is Ulgar and Irish requested a companionship. For Roland, he quickly accepted their request and they became friends. By that Roland was introduce to the guild where he acquired his first guild crest, and for his immense power, he was already known as a high-rank adventurer that of a magical crest.

    As time went on Roland and his companions travel to Maginum the land of mage, sorceress, and wizard, where a high and powerful spell caster resides. For it is more like a kingdom that cut itself from other nations with their wars and power.

    It is where all the potions and scrolls are produced to be sold around the world of Vashkeil. There he met Rein, a powerful mage whose specialties are Invocation and abjuration, yet in a harsh situation in keeping her estate.

    Invocation is a type of magic that is more on destruction magic. People who specialize in these classes can turn pebbles into a fired bullet, they can cast fireballs, can conjure destructive elements, and other stuff. Abjuration is more on protection magic; where they can create a barrier to shield it from arrows swords and even magic attacks.

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    Without hesitation, Roldan helps Rein with her family problem. After solving Rein''s problem by challenging the other noble family of the mage that intended to destroy Reins nobility. Easily Roland defeated his opponent, and by the deeds of their duel. That if Roland loses, he will be sent off never to come again and as for Rein she would lose all her estate and be cast out. But if Roland wins all the wealth and possession will be transferred to the Reins family and they will suffer punishment from the council. A council of mage consisting of high and powerful mages, sorcerers, and wizards is called sages.

    By Roland''s charismatic charm, Rein was bedazzled by his charisma. And in the end, she gave up on her estate and entrust it to her other siblings just to be with Roland.

    And lastly, Riza a dangerous rouge where Roland met at Starhim, it was a bright sunny day at the market where Riza stole Roland''s money. However, since Lisha was with her that day and as an elf who''s exceptionally good at acrobatics where they can leap and jump like a grasshopper, she was able to chase her down. Though she didn''t know, Riza was dangerous as an assassin, she didn''t back down to Lisha as their arrows and dagger clashed with each other. It was then Roland came and intervened with the two ladies. And before Riza starts to run away she was hold off by Reins magic. Cage like a bird by Reins magical barrier was an opportunity for Lisha to have a payback time since she gave her a hard fight. Though, Roland stops her and be the one to interrogate her.

    It took time for Riza to be spellbound by Roland''s charisma and kindness. After being hook by him she confesses why she stole his money. That was then Roland knew the problem, Riza needed it to help the poor and needy since Starhim was a divide. The poor became poorer and the rich became richer.

    Through her words, Roland and his party had to help her save the poor that were abused and bullied by the high royal and noble people of Starhim. Roland''s rank has limits where he cannot do or interfere with the kingdom''s politics, policies, or something like that.

    "Why don''t you go live in the forest?" Ask Roland, and when he utters those words Lisha frowned at him and just walk away.

    "It''s not that easy." Says Riza.

    "How so?" Replies Roland,

    "Well as a citizen of Starhim it''s hard to get away from this kingdom. If you need to have fresh air outside from this place you must be a member of the guild and if not you must pay the compensation, and the cost is high."

    Starhim is a high and tight security kingdom, erected by a powerful magical energy. Like radar, it was difficult to go in and out since it is high-class magic that can detect any activities. With a hard choice, they had to devise a plan. Rein''s high-class noble magic that counters their magic they used the sewers for the people to escape the kingdom. It wasn''t easy hence the sewer was abandoned and infested with goblins, large rats, and many sewer types monsters.

    Taking the front charge Roland and Ulgar easily took down every monster. Whether it is a slime that can spit acid, a large toad that can swallow a person whole. After clearing and disposing of the creatures beneath Starhim, they can now begin to migrate the people.

    Whereas Rein mostly took the load because of the pollutant of the sewer that can create a plague if a person were to cross or used the sewage. And for the people to be safe, Rein had to cast protection magic to the people while making another barrier that counters Starhim''s magic.

    Having the plan succeeded, the people can start another life far away from Starhim. Though, Lisha didn''t like the forest being lived in by the people so Roldan had to calm and convince her. It took time for Roland to persuade her since Lisha was in love with him but she''s just hiding her feelings.

    Safe through the forest and magically imbued by Lisha and Rein''s magic the people are now in harm''s way. Though the condition was, the people must not abuse the forest for they shall suffer the wrath of the creatures living with them.

    As for Riza who doesn''t know how to thank Roland and his companions for saving the people. She devoted herself to being with him as his servant until her death as collateral thanks. For the hero, he didn''t look at Riza as a servant nor a slave but as a friend and companion.

    Time goes by, the four beautiful ladies started to have feelings for Roland creating a rivalry between the four of them.

    Lisha with her skilled elf marksman who sworn to protect and be with Roland, with unknown age. Irish, a knight of Adra hiding his feeling from Roland. Rein a noticeably young high-class noble mage. And Riza, skillful as an assassin that can lurk within the shadow unnoticed, vowed to be with Roland until she died.

    All four of them had the same connection towards one man but Roland, he sees them as equal and is unable to understand their feelings. Their party slowly became known throughout the land, from their high-rank guild crest and heroic achievements.

    After recalling their past, Roland was thinking about what the future holds him. Thinking about what his father and his father before him left him, but he was interrupted by Lisha. So with a smile, they start to dig their meals.

    "It seems the king''s advisor is plotting something." Says Ulgar as he crosses his arm.

    "Tsk¡­ even I was disgusted by his presence," Riza said.

    "I think we should need some help who have high in authority here." Says Irish.

    As they are planning on how to persuade the king, one group of people conversing with each other caught the interest of Roland.

 Heroes Aid

    Resting at the tavern, Roland heard a group of three people talking to each other. "Oi, did you hear about that old temple at Althera." Says the man drinking an ale.

    "Huh¡­ Did you mean that cursed place, they said that there''s a pile of treasure so say the people?" Replies the other man.

    "Rumors said that someone or something lurks within that place and had been demonizing the village." The third person implies, gulping a mug of beer.

    As the group of three men is busy transacting with each other, Roland was hooked by their attention, so he gets up from his seat and starts walking towards the three men.

    "Umm¡­ excuse me gentlemen but could you tell me more about that place you recently been conversing," Roland says a calm interrogation as his friends stares at him.

    "Huh¡­ if you need information money comes first." A rude tone coming out from the man.

    Without a comply. "How much does it cost." Says Roland.

    "That would be five gold coins."

    "Ahh¡­ but that''s too much," Roland replies overcome by the cost.

    "Listen here kid--"

    Interrupting the man, his four female friends barge in. "Listen here human, do you even know who the person you''re conversing with." Said Lisha angrily staring at them.

    "Do I know you, or could you introduce yourself upstairs in my room." The man smiles.

    So Lisha grabs Roland and revealing his guild crest, showing them the highest and most powerful crest that only fifteen people around the world hold the title.

    "Speak to me again like that and I will take no chances." A foaming tone Lisha said.

    Being ashamed by their action since they are only ranked in silver. "Tsk¡­ just head to the town of Riverwolf near Mavigrid." Says the man who seems to be the leader of the three.

    And after uttering his words they just rise from their place and walk away from the tavern.

    Lisha sigh. "You need to be less compassion." Says Lisha to Roland. "Do you know how much you just gave away the money given to us by king Alvathur, (The elven king of Valthamir) that should cover our traveling expense?"

    "Now-now we still have some money. I suggest that we travel to Riverwolf there is something I just want to check." Roland said

    After a while, the hero and his brave companion journey to the kingdom of Mavigrid heading toward Riverwolf, a place full of wolves gaining the village name Riverwolf. It took them 3 days to travel to the circle of teleportation, and one night to reach Riverwolf. Their time was also halted from fight lots of monsters that hinders their travels.

    Reaching the village of Riverwolf, they ask for a place to stay. So, to take it easy they show their guild crest to the guards near the gate. Being relieved and with courtesy, they welcome them like a king since they are all high-rank adventurers one that should be respected.

    Taken to the manor''s house Roland and his companion were greeted, offered delicious food and beautiful women more like a small banquet.

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    As the feast was ongoing Roland ask the chief or mayor of the village for a piece of information regarding some cursed temple. And in his reply.

    "It''s good that you came, I''ve feared that this place would be swallowed by the evil lurking within the woods. I think it may have had some connection with the long-forgotten temple."

    "Care to tell me about the problem you''ve been facing here?" Ask Ulgar.

    "I don''t know. But somehow, the men who go out to the woods to hunt or gather some provisions vanished."

    "Have you found anybody or anything?" Ulgar implores.

    With a sorrowful face, the mayor shakes his head. "We tried, but nobody not even a piece of cloth can be found or track. Even our best ranger didn''t come back when he was investigating within the woods."

    It was getting late and with a lack of information to gather, Roland with his party went to their respective room.

    Moments later inside the room Roland, his sleep was disturbed by a knock on the door. Assuming that it may be Lisha or his other companions trying to sleep with him. When he opens the door to see a woman older than him. He can see that she is in dilemma, out of pity he let her enter his room.

    Sitting on the bed she then asks. "I''m sorry for my intrusion, my name''s Ana the daughter of the mayor. I''ve heard that you''ve come to save us from the evil within this place and I would ask a request."

    "What is it that you want?" Says Roland in a calm and kind full way.

    "Roy, our ranger was asked to investigate, but he didn''t come back. I only ask, if you ever encounter him in there, please save him I''ll do anything you want." Said Anna in a desperate voice.

    As for Roland, it seems that he already knows the relationship between these two timers, so he just said. "I don''t know if he is still alive but, if he is¡­ I promise to bring him back while I cleanse this place."

    After Ana was done describing the man, Ana then left Roland to be alone again in his room.

    When the sun begins to set, they begin their preparation. Traveling through the forest Lisha first tries communicating with the forest. Elves and druids have special abilities that can connect themselves with the forest. Unexpectedly, Lisha notices that something is disrupting her senses through the forest. And with that they embark deeper into the woods, hoping if she can detect any sign of disruption.

    Upon entering the place, overgrown by thick forest that the clocking the sunlight. But with Reins magic, they were able to see their path clear as day. Walking deeper through the flat forest, one of the trees starts moving, revealing a beautiful lady emerging from the back of the tree.

    "A traveler, I must insist that you better go back. This forest is no longer safe." A soft word, the woman said.

    "A dryad?" Said, Irish.

    "Yes, I am one of the keepers in this forest though I beg you to go back whence you came from."

    "Care to give us why?" Ulgar said.

    "My mistress¡­ She''s been possessed, corrupted by the dark evil that lingers at the temple." The dryad replies.

    "My name is Roland; the grandson of Seth I came here to help the villagers that had been suffering the same fate as yours."

    Hearing him the beautiful dryad was somehow a relief. "The hero''s legacy I see. I can guide you to where my sisters are."

    With the aid of the dryad as she commands the forest to make way, parting the thick forest into a small path. Upon arriving at the layers of the dryads, their eyes met with three beautiful women facing them in a dark place. They can see that the place was not as bright as it is, instead of a place, full of a dark atmosphere.

    "My sister we must stop this at once." Says the dryad.

    But they didn''t listen instead they used their power to draw upon nature. The air blew in havoc, leaves, rocks, and branches twisting like a tornado. When they initially engage, Roldan and his companion followed by the dryad also cast their magic protecting them from the wrath of the three dryads.

    The ally dryad first calls upon the trees covering them from the mayhem. Insequent, Rein cast her abjuration spell which doubles their protection. Using their abilities, the three corrupted dryads again call the vicious animals in the forest calling a pack of wolves for their aid.

    As their battles intensify Roland draws upon his ancient sword name Ragarish. Drawing its power, a bright light shines upon the sword eating away the darkness that harbors within the place. Though he needed time to bring forth the power of the sword, so his companions buy time for Roland to cast.

    Ulgar was restlessly slashing a pack of wolves while his four female friends and the dryad are battling the three corrupted dryads aided by two earth golems and a pack of moving trees. So, to rival their numbers, the uncorrupted dryad also calls upon nature. Awakening some other trees for their aid and with the help of Roland''s companion they were able to buy enough time for Roland to raise his sword higher. Intensifying its light and creating heat around the place it devours the dark entities that were possessing the three dryads.

 Forgotten Temple

    Just a show of the relics power, Roland easily bested it¡¯s the malevolent entity. Yet before it was purified, the entity detach itself from the dryads escaping to its sanctuary. With the entity gone the three druids are now on the ground, unconscious.

    ¡°Sister!¡±

    Hours pass and through the healing from the party, the three dryads recover so was the forest dissipating the gloomy atmosphere. Once recover they were quickly met with questions by Ulgar asking the cause of their enthrallment, and the villagers and adventurers who went seeking out answers. In return the dryads with a wave of their hands opens the now clear ponds revealing people wrapped in white roots sucking their life force. Secondly under the tree lays buried people, some were still alive and others are no more than corpses and skeletons. Collecting the dead and the adventurers¡¯ crest Ulgar then with his connection from his gods waves a blast of light energy erasing any lingering affliction from the dead avoiding future necrotic problems.

    While Ulgar goes cleansing the place, Roland saw the man whom Ana was describing. A small sight of relief¡­ the band of heroes then turns to the dryads.

    ¡°Oh¡­ forgive me sir Roland¡­¡± Said the dryad who help the party, ¡°I am Kashra, these are my two sister Mel and Salfii. And--¡±

    ¡°Names Falnia, and I¡¯m--¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary¡­¡± Ulgar interrupts. ¡°The village won¡¯t be in discord when I take my report, and do forgive me my lady for my haste for I would like to know the root of all this.¡±

    ¡°I believe the origin would point there at the ruin temple.¡±

    ¡°A temple?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­ Some adventurers were eager to set foot in the temple proclaiming they are task to investigate. But it seems they are more to their human desire than the safety of their life.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you stop them?¡± Riza implores.

    ¡°We did however¡­ they were able to best me in their illusion spell, trap I would say. And the last thing I remember was a wave of screams before I was succumbed to a necrotic energy.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Ulgar replies ¡°But It would be good if we must able to deal with it before it can recover, I know a necromancy when I see one.¡±

    ¡°That would be good and all but who will take care of these people?¡± Riza said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ve made my mark at the village, but considering the people that I must transport in return I can only do two teleportation which means if we defeat that thing, we¡¯ll have to use our foot when returning.¡± Rein implores.

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll have to choose the walking.¡± Roland cheerfully replies.

    Gathering the people, Rein accompanied by Irish they then teleport the people to their sanctuary. While the four waits for half a minute before their two companions return once they are gathered, they then set their venture towards the temple.

    Expecting a large abandoned infrastructure, the band was met by a very long forgotten sanctuary. There only few columns and walls sprouting from the ground, and judging by the landscape it can be seen that an ancient place they encounter. And there just through their left side was the entrance leading and welcoming to do one final fight.

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    Without hesitation, the party goes inside and in their encounter was a horde of undead and summoned creatures. In respond, the paladin and knight of Adra easily purged the undead as for the winged creatures it didn¡¯t take long for Roland and his party to hack, slash, using magic to dispatch the remaining enemy.

    As they head deeper into the temple, they came across a dead end¡­

    ¡°Okay¡­ let me handle this.¡± Riza confidently said, and within minutes of finding and detecting traps nor hidden passage Riza would soon give up.

    ¡°Allow me then.¡± Rein said casting her divination magic all around the area, as a result they were able to catch a glimpse of a wall glowing gin purple.

    Using brute force, Irish and Ulgar manage to break the wall but what gives them were soil. Uncontented if it were an illusion Ulgar tries to dig through the soil but

    ¡°Seems to be an Illusion.¡± Rein said.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lisha replies.

    ¡°My teacher once taught us about these types of magic and if we are fortunate¡­¡± She replies putting a scroll from the wall. ¡°Please be an old spell-please be an old spell.¡± She mutters repeating the same phrase until¡­

    The scroll which was pasted on the soil faded in embers, and once it dissolves the soil would quickly fall from the ground revealing a cavern. And on the center of the cave which appears to be the seed of the problem. An undead creature that of a combined lich and swirling mass of black clouds, additionally there were mass of faces, souls that are trap into a one creature.

    ¡°A legion.¡± Ulgar said, quickly casting a negative plane protection to his companions and himself.

    Irish follows a priest spell, giving their weapons; a blessing bane to the undead. Their swords gleaming in white, arrow heads are injected with holly power and the most prominent is the sacred sword slowly heating up the atmosphere.

    Charging through the enemy, the undead with a wave of his hand sends a tide of smoking black death. All living things the necrotic wave crosses quickly turn into rotting decay. However, as it clashes with Ulgar¡¯s protection barrier it quickly dissolves. Stepping back to cast a spell, three powerful arrows came flying and in return the legion conjures a missile deflection spell sending back Lisha¡¯s attack.

    Lisha who didn¡¯t anticipate the legion counter attack, knows that her fired arrows won¡¯t stop until it plunges their tip towards the target. Fortunately, Rein was quick to react casting a wave of fire enveloping the arrows into charcoal. Following that, the legion creates dozens of icicles hard as metal and sharp as an eleven sword. At the right time just as when the icicles hail through their front, Ulgar bashes his shield creating a bulwark blasting the icicle away. As for Roland, charging behind Ulgar his sword slowly begun boiling the room weakening the undead. Casting for a teleportation spell, the legion was interrupted when Riza came with a backstab. Releasing a gaseous acid, the heroes who inhale the toxic slowly looses their vision.

    Standing up Ulgar starts to chant a priest spell, and when the legion saw what he was doing. It quickly sends a black spear trying to interrupt the paladin. Open to all attack, Irish quickly gets up dashing before the necrotic spear kill her companions, she dives picking up Ulgar¡¯s shield saving Ulgar from death. Reposting the legions attack Ulgar with a clap of his palm pressing the smoking blue ball cleanses the place. The gaseous smoke was erases in seconds and all of the legion¡¯s protection spell were dispelled.

    Roland who was the first to recover quickly dashes to give their enemy a good end and also Farenggar slowly emits a gleaming holly fire. Just as he was about to end the undead, it suddenly casting a powerful spell.

    ¡°It¡¯s a time stop!¡± Shouts Rain.

    Race against time, but once Farenggar finishes its intensity it releases a wave of fire following a whip of fire breaking the legion¡¯s spell. And there with a slash of the sacred sword claps the legion like mosquito purging to thin air.

    Taking a rest once the fight was over, Riza notices the walls were covered in paintings. Paintings that of the world¡¯s history though the most intriguing part was a painting of a man and in his back was a dark dragon surrounded by two powerful Deedra, five gods and some different races who are pointing their weapons against a one single man.

    Uninterested to learn Riza turns around helping her companions. As they return through the help of the dryads, they would reach the village in mere five hours of travel. Giving their report, the village held a banquet to their savior and giving the band of heroes a boost of reputation.

    After a while, they would soon return to their path.

    ¡°So where to my hero.¡± Riza implores at Roland and seething her female companions.

    Creating a light strife from the group especially the female Roeland then said.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to Keshoval.¡±

    They all smile and follows Roland.

 13: No Title

    Seeing her once again on what fate had turned to, Akatosh couldn''t barley contain his composure knowing how she traumatized him on the chair.

    Locking the door with a serious face. "I would like to ask some questions from you." Ashalain says, directing her eyes to him as she waves her hand sealing the knob.

    Facing sideways, Akatosh mute himself, thinking silence would again leave him alone for good but she too was persistent.

    "I see¡­ We can do this all day." Grabbing the chair, as she sits in front of the door.

    To see if who will be the one to snap out from their idle games. Akatosh snuck to his bed covering himself through the soft blanket, nonetheless, sloth is one of his habits. It didn''t take long for Ashalain to be annoyed by his doing and spoke.

    "I still have that magic I once used last time." Frightening him into conversation.

    Irritated Akatosh finally race-baiting her words. "Look¡­ I don''t know what you want from me, but can you stop provoking, I''m tired of this play." Akatosh says, going towards the door for an escape.

    "Just so you know, the door is magically sealed for you to realize." She frowns.

    Ignoring her words, Akatosh went to open the door if she really put a barrier, as she said the door won''t even twitch or open. Forcefully opening the door pulling the handle and even kicking, still it won''t even budge.

    Without any doubt Akatosh opens his bag, pulling out the short sword as he pierces the door¨Clock, to pried it open. But as he dipped the tip of the sword, a magical deflects as if sliding through a barrier of air.

    There Ashalain calmly sits hearing his effortless work. And in just a mere minutes Akatosh finally give up, switching his target to the window but still, much like the door it was much harder to push.

    Frustrated. "What do you want?!" He sighs in a tired tone.

    "Do you know what you are holding?" She spoke.

    "A bag of course." Akatosh replies, checking the room for a way out.

    Ashalain frowns trying to intimidate, but still he was as hard as a steel. "It seems do you want a good example--".

    Ignoring her once again Akatosh dip his hand to the spatial bag searching for something. Irritated by his blank responds, her frustration escalates and again she rams him to the wall. Cracking the wall from her punch, nearly to his head.

    "Oh shit! Did I take it too far?" He thinks.

    Bending her head as she clenches her teeth and spoke. "I had enough of this!"

    Without saying another word, she walks towards the door. Dispelling her magic and carrying her frustration.

    Holding his head to feel if it is still intact. "A punch like that would break my head like an egg for a morning meal."

    Planning his next move, Akatosh first brought out the book which he took it from that cave. A hard leather cover colored in black and red and unknown symbols written.

    Page by page he turns the book and its sheet, trying his hard to learn something from it. However, no matter how hard he cranks his mind there is nothing he gains. Even the words are different, except when he remembers about the kid from the blacksmith. Thought she may have some knowledge regarding the book.

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    Heading downstairs looking for Ashalain if she still here he then asks Garry. "Did you by any chance see a blond woman, blue eyes wearing a dark armor, something like that."

    "Mm-hmm, I may have seen her leaving the inn." He replies with a smile, after a brief short conversation, he gives his thanks before he departs.

    His hours of flight on the road which he remembers his bad luck in frustration, he mumbled in anger. "Damn this bag, double damn this world of monsters, and triple damn that nuisance primitive barbaric blond woman who pave my three days old to a miserable life."

    As he was saying, unaware he didn''t saw Ashalain leaning on the tree, fully recording his voice. While as he vents his frustration, subsequently, he felt a cold atmosphere grasping his spinal back.

    When he turns around to see who the person was, "Oh¡­ it''s you." Akatosh said, ignoring her face.

    "You were saying?" She glairs in murder.

    He shrugs for a second think as he turns around leaving her behind. "She''s just an illusion, I hope she didn''t hear that Hehe¡­ Ima just be on my way." He mutters when Ashalain sudden grips his arm squishing his muscle like jelly but not too tightly.

    "Will ye let go of me!" He groans.

    She smiles a devious smirk, as Ashalain watches him slightly struggling with her. And without breaking a sweat she overthrows him to the ground locking both of his arms. And then she lays herself sitting atop of his stomach griping his hand. The ground sparkles, drawing a white circle.

    "I''m I going to be ritual." He said trying to roll her over resulting to no avail.

    Casting her magic that can detect and draw out demons and evil that harbors within a person. It is one of her abilities since she''s a maiden of Azarus, a paladin. But all she found was nothing but a normal person without magic, a simple person without any abilities.

    "Just who are you." She sighs in disappointment look, ending her spell.

    Sweating like hell, heartbeats in turmoil, it was then a group of royal convoys arrives at the scene. A sensible and stoic man stops the carriage. Clearing his throat, the knight in golden armor, and a spear as his weapon he then shrugs.

    Blushing in embarrassment Ashalain quickly stands to her feet. "It''s not what you think Sir Lance." she stops when a man emerges from the royal carriage. By his passing all the men bow down to the prince of Aghraim the eldest son of king Helmes. Even Ashalain bows to him as he walks towards her. A quite handsome person and looking kind towards Ashalain but smells something.

    "Who might be with you today miss Ashalain." He says, in a very charming voice.

    And Akatosh can tell this prince guy has feeling towards Ashalain but what the heck, Akatosh desperately wants to get the fuck out of here.

    For a moment Ashalain notices Akatosh starts to run away. But she quickly grabs his arm pulling him and pressing his head to bow down except Akatosh was persistent to bow. So, with great pressure she grips his hand, squishing his muscles and veins making him groan in whisper. She didn''t want them to know that he is carrying a magical bag a powerful item one sought by every kingdom. Seeing Ashalain tightly holding his arm, the prince jealously in disgust towards Akatosh.

    "Prince Harith, this is just my companion, we were traveling to Keshoval." Ashalain said.

    "Huh¡­ why is she counseling me?" Reckons Akatosh.

    "Well, my father and I is also going to Keshoval, you can join us." Says the prince in a kind and charismatic way.

    "I am thankful prince Harith but we''re on a quest today. And I must decline your offer." Says Ashalain refusing his offer.

    Disappointed. "I see. Then I would like to invite you to our kingdom next time. And Godspeed to you Ashalain." Says the prince as he walks away resuming their travels.

    Guarded by more than forty people, well equipped, consisting of mage, paladins and guards. Akatosh observes the silky longhair man in golden plate mail, concluding he must be an acquaintance with Ashalain.

    Until they were good as gone, Akatosh rested there at the grassy ground holding his squished arms. Breathing from the pain, he saw Ashalain coming but he didn''t flinch nor move, he just sat there facing the cold breeze.

    Laying her hands close to where my injured arm as she spoke. "Don''t move I cast some healing". A white-blue light engulfs his injured arm, and in minutes his wounds recover.

    In silence, she spoke again. "My healing may not be as good as Mishel, but it might be enough."

    "I know about the bag if you want to know about me as well. I came from a land unknown to you, unknown to this world. I have no power nor magic and this is my only token, but it''s up to you if you believe me or not." Akatosh confess when a man galloping a horse that of a knight stops at their place calling Ashalain.

 â€œThe Rejectionâ€

    "Ashalain De Shilvia, your presence must attend at the king''s palace hall on this day." Says the man, holding the symbol of Keshoval as he rushes towards Ashalain.

    Grabbing his hand as forcefully as Ashalain drags Akatosh towards the messenger.

    "Oi-oi-oi miss." Akatosh tries to wrestle her.

    "Tell me, good soldier, what other message have you brought for the particular reason why I was to be summoned," Ashalain said.

    "I''m sorry but I was only to bring you this word, and thus I have nothing more to say." Nods the messenger,

    "Very well then. If I may, is there a spare teleportation scroll which I can use?"

    "Forgive me for being unprepared, but you can use my horse. Don''t worry about me for the road ahead is not far."

    Ashalain shrugs mounting the horse which then Akatosh took this opportunity to escape, running way opposite from the road. And while his legs are heating up, Akatosh instantly searches for an endurance potion and gulp it in seconds, resulting to increase movement speed.

    "You''re not getting away!" She yelled.

    Despite buffing his agility, he couldn''t outrun the horse. In a cat and mouse chase, Akatosh went through the forest as he did with her in the alley.

    "Adios homo sapiens!" Akatosh laughs crossing the dense forest. And for that, he was able to smoke Ashalain.

    After Ashalain loses track of him, she relinquishes their chaise knowing she had an important manner to attend to. Perceiving they might soon meet again; she returns to the road.

    He waited for a couple of minutes, and when he knew he was safe he casually follows the road to Ravalind. Once he''d reach the gate in less than an hour, he easily enters the gate mixing himself with a couple of peasants and commoners who are going into the city.

    When he enters the place, he quickly prioritizes the clothes he commissioned from the old shopkeeper. Once received the finished product, Akatosh was quite surprised by the quality made from her craftsmanship, despite her near faded hand. Nevertheless, the old woman was gratified by the satisfaction of his customer. Afterward, Akatosh treads to Barry''s shop and when he enters, a group of people and adventurers are steaming the shop.

    He considers that it would be good to wait, supposing his own identity as an impostor stillmage and his bag. But soon, his mystifying silence allured a bunch of people who are examining the clusters of weapons and armor. It went for minutes till they lost interest in him.

    And as for him, Akatosh was soothingly watching the adventurers purchasing an item. Replacing their old and worn-down apparel. Engaging, the adventurers consisting of elves, none-humans, and other races, one by one the shop soon in solitude, accommodating less than five people.

    During the time that the crowd lessened, Akatosh utterly treads towards Barry. Asking her daughter if she was in this shop for some information regarding some magic.

    "What brings you back here young lad," Barry said, being the first to consult.

    "Um¡­ I need to talk with your daughter for a bit if she''s around about some types of magic."

    Barry sigh, "I don''t know if this is a blacksmith shop or an appraiser... She''s in the back of the room at the kitchen cooking, oh¡­ and how''s the armor."

    "Well, without it I wouldn''t be here." Akatosh smile.

    Understanding his message Barry was relieved by his craftsmanship thus he then calls for his daughter.

    "Err¡­ you again, what can I do for you today mister?" She said, then Akatosh remembers that both she and him didn''t introduce themselves last time.

    "I think our introduction must be in order, names Akatosh."

    "Call me Linda." She replies.

    "Linda it is."

    Consulting, Akatosh pulls out the book that he looted from the temple and showing it to her. But a few minutes Linda seems to be confused by the book.

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    "Nope, this grimoire you have is very ancient. The words are different, and symbols are very peculiar."

    "I see." A word of disappointment coming out from Akatosh.

    "But I think, you should head to the guild. They might have some knowledge regarding this thing, though you must first register and pass the test."

    After knowing the only way to decipher the book is through the adventurer''s guild Akatosh swiftly said his thanks before heading outside.

    "Good sir, do you know the way to the adventurer''s guild." He asks one of the men smoking a pipe.

    "Come to make a fortune ehh¡­ The guild is next to the market center you should see a large building with a sign of a dragon and a sword." Implored the man.

    Thanking him Akatosh heads towards the market, looking around. Finding the large building, with luck he finally found the guild. Standing at the front door he was quite tense to enter but he keeps his will and enters the building without further hesitation.

    Upon opening the door, to say that the area of the room is astoundingly beautiful. Whereas Statues of a warrior, mage, paladin, knight, and many more are decorated within the columns of the building. Plants are growing near the windows as they climb high enough to reach the ceiling. And the room as you imagine riled with many adventurers.

    Observe the surroundings Akatosh slowly steps towards the admission desk, where a woman is busy working with her job. Hair was white as ashen, and formal clothes dyed in purple color.

    "Excuse me, madam, what does it take to be a guild member." Akatosh interrupts.

    "Well, you''ve come to the right place, you just place your hand here at this seeking orb." The woman replies warmly.

    Placing his hand at the blue light orb, the light suddenly brightens enough to make an eye swell in tears. Replacing Akatosh''s hand with hers, extracting the information regarding his physical and magical abilities.

    When done extracting the information, she processes the data resulting from a disappointed look. "I''m sorry sir¡­ I think you aren''t fitted to become a guild member."

    Chilling down to his heart he then questions. "Is there something that I am missing?".

    Avoiding his look, she then said with a low tone. "Well¡­ your physical and magical abilities are low, even lower than that of a peasant."

    Just as she utters his data, a man wearing light armor. Belted with a magical rapier and a small cloak right on his shoulder. With soothing hair, he then malevolently emits a mischievous aura.

    Cutting our conversation, the man draws the attention of the people living within the room then says followed by a burst of mocking laughter.

    "Hahaha¡­ look here people a mere insect lower than a peasant wishes to be an adventurer."

    Hearing his mocking words as he laughs, Akatosh can hear the people all around the guild gossiping.

    "A beggar, he should be ashamed of himself for coming here."

    "My-my what an eyesore we got this day." A female mage said.

    "Did you lose your way in bumpkin?"

    "Go plow yourself, urchin."

    "The fuck is this shit-guild," Akatosh said, looking around the adventurers to see some of the lower classes are embarrassed by his action.

    "You morsel if you win the duel, well you can join the guild. But if you lose then eh heh-heh¡­"

    Akatosh''s anger quickly escalated. Before the ashen hair manager tries to stop the man, Akatosh without second thought accepts his duel.

    "Fine then, I accept your shitty fight." He utters in a vulgar tone.

    "Dare to talk back to me like that, I''ll see to your utter defeat." The man reckons while the people well most of them are griming in expectation.

    "Judging by his equipment, he must be a high-class guild member. And the way I see his weapon I guessed that he must be good at swordfights. But what question me was why did the effect of the potion didn''t add up on my information." Akatosh thought to himself, thinking a way to bash his face.

    Standing through a coliseum, a training ground for adventurers. Akatosh had switched his armor to studded leather armor adding a buckler tight around his left arm. Assuming speed and reflex is his opponent''s arsenal. He had to use a lighter weapon, a two-weapon style, consisting of a dagger and a short sword.

    "Well, the rule of this duel for your advantage is we are not using any magic and abilities." Mocking Akatosh''s appearance.

    Ignoring his words Akatosh intimately taunt him, while drawing his stance. The man didn''t rush to fight, instead, he saunters his steps assuring he can end the fight in seconds. And when he closes their distance about a few yards, the man suddenly disappears. In repose to the man''s vanishing skill, Akatosh swayed his shield hoping the man was going for a backstab. Without a mistake, Akatosh barely manages to block his attack, though some of his attacks slice his thick leather armor.

    "Not using abilities my ass." Realizing his opponent was just playing with him. Thinking desperately Akatosh tries to use this as his card, thinking the man is at his advantage.

    Projecting his dagger, to easily dodge with ease. Akatosh charges head-on, but soon he reverses when the man surprised him by consecutively ramming his rapier. Without certain ways to overthrow the man, Akatosh lower his guard trapping the man. And when his opponent took the bait, dashing in mere seconds, Akatosh scarcely parrying his attack. Step side-kicking his chest, Akatosh was able to knockback him to the air due to the still effect of the potion.  Akatosh lashes forward to give him a combo, but not before the tip of the sword airs his flesh, the man casts a spell hidden by the audience. Dizziness engulfs Akatosh''s mind, clouding his vision. And out of a sudden, he appears in front of Akatosh as a powerful force knock-backing him to a wooden wall. It was so powerful that the wall gave in. From bad to worse the side effect of the potion starts to engulf his body.

    "Pheasant." The man says showing his golden guild crest while he grins. "People like you disgust me."

    Again, Akatosh tried to stand but invisible magic sweeps his feet. After some time, the woman who was at the admission desk came for aid, and with her is his bag. As soon as the woman tries to help him.

    "Leave me." Akatosh roughly declines.

    Just when he''s about to exit the place, somebody teleports him outside of Ravalind to an unknown forest far away from town.

 â€œAdapt and Surviveâ€

    Deep within the woods, there he was, lying sideways groaning in pain yet the potion helps relieve little of the pain a. Sweating and panting hard on the wet grassy ground he calmly thinks about his survival. Turning himself upwards as he holds his injured abdomen.

    "Fuck me!" He said it out loud, grieving in anger.

    Adding salt, thunderclaps can be heard and will soon rain from this day. Akatosh didn''t lay there facing death again, and so he musters enough strength to get him back on his feet. Worse, blood began spewing from his injuries, but he manages to sustain his wound and begin trekking steadily. Picking a stick as his third leg, he agilely searches for a shelter. And not long, drips of rain slowly to drops from the sky.

    "Does it have to be this day!" He groans.

    In his desperation for shelter just a little further from where he was teleported, Akatosh found a large fallen uprooted tree. Taking shelter within the roots, it was enough to shelter and cover him from the rain.

    Catching his breath, and for a minute Akatosh begins to self-operated his injuries. He can feel the thunder begins to intensify as the rain begins to worsen. Regardless, he was lucky enough to find shelter and he thank the rain for cover his scent. The scent of his injuries might attract predators.

    Gathering the grass and plants nearby as his remedy, he began to mesmerize the plants squashing and extracting their oil and water. With enough rubbing turning the plants and grass to ball-like, he uses it to clot his open wounds.

    Taking off his apparel mostly consists of hard clothing being sewed layer by layer. He gently removes the staked that punctured his stomach. And with a final pull, the piece of wood was taken off, but the bleeding began to worsen.

    Without wasting his time bleeding to death, Akatosh firmly pressed the mesmerized plant leaving a moaning pain. Scavenging his bag pulling out the thin blanket. He then shreds the fabric creating a bandage which then he used to wrap his wound.

    "Finally." He pants. Tired, he lays down for a deep slumber for the whole day.

    A sunny morning arrives, birds are chirping. The warm light began penetrating the forest warming the soil. Akatosh eyes were open to being in luck, he was fortunate that no predators or monsters didn''t rip him while he slept.

    As weakness engulfs his body hunger rumbles his stomach. With a portion of energy left Akatosh again scavenge the fruits. Ten pieces were left but it was enough to fuel his needs to hunt for provisions.

    But before he begins to work his ways, Akatosh checks his injuries to see if it''s okay to flex his body. With a slight moan as he begins to peel the bandage. Gathering again some grass and redoing the same process he did days ago, he set his items.

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    Warping the torn clothing he brings out a bow and a quiver filled with arrows. A few feet away he relentlessly practices shooting and aiming precisely, taking 50 meters away from the target. Akatosh take his time until the distance was 100 meters or more. It took him more hours to practice shooting but it was worth it to be an amateur archer.

    Equipped with studded leather armor, he pulls out every melee weapon he had from the bag as he casually inspects. Two short swords and a spear are all that''s left.

    "No matter I might loot more weapons if I come across." Akatosh sighs.

    Cross sheathing the two short swords at his back, he begins to practice pulling out and sheathing the swords until he was able to sheath them with ease. With the two short swords crossed sheathed behind, Akatosh then place the quiver at his back.

    Finally done with the preparation it was time for him to get some meat and to also training to adapt from this harsh world he now lives in. Without any special abilities nor magic power to take advantage of, Akatosh relies upon his senses and abilities. Stepping toe, he casually walks slowly and sighting the surroundings for something to hunt. Using shadows to know if it is mid-days Akatosh then resumes his quarry for food.

    It was nearly mid-day assuming that it was like 10:00 AM on the morning. Akatosh takes a break sitting while mesmerizing with nature. It took him minutes to find silence within the forest when suddenly he heard a rustling sound through his left side.

    Muffling his breath to look, Akatosh smile when he sees a rabbit the size of a chicken. And in silence, he draws his bow while waiting to make a steady move. Hardly able to control the sound of a bow being drawn, he fired at twenty meters. He was able to take a clean shot at its body, despite his first time taking a clean shot he was filled with satisfaction.

    Stuffing the rabbit in his bag, Akatosh had to find a decent shelter to butcher and satisfied his hunger, but before he finds a shelter. Akatosh reluctantly climbs a tree looking, knowing, and sighting the landscape of the place and its area.

    Consecutively from the height, Akatosh eyes were enough to scout the flat landscape. He can see to the east a large building far away from where he was, assuming three miles. While to the north was a castle and a town extremely far away and it would take five days to reach. After this, Akatosh then decides to take the east path towards the unknown building.

    Gathering twigs and Branch to start a fire, he found a large tree and a hole at its ground, not only did he found shelter, but he also found a small creek savoring his thirst for water. It was enough to fill his shelter for today.

    Skinning the rabbit, he then processes its body, separating the innards. Afterward, he let it barbecue through the fire as he again indulges himself through the grimoire.

    Page-turning but alas his knowledge was limited to this type of thing. Half of the page was covered until he found an interesting note. Just by looking at it, Akatosh can tell that it was an alchemist page some words are still different, but some are written in common language. The first twenty-page was all about healing and recovering potions. While the second page is buff potions. And the fourth was more on poison stuff meant for slicing life, but the fourth was different.

    "What is this? Dragons'' blood, demon''s soul?" Akatosh said reading some words he understands.

    After some time didn''t, he already know that the rabbit was overcooked. Despite its burned skin, Akatosh didn''t care as he greedily chomps the whole meat.

    Tooth picking his teeth, while still studying the book.

    "Creating potions are detailed but still, why does it have no note on herbs and ingredients." He utters thinking the one who made this must''ve known a lot about these ingredients and their uses.

    Stomping the fire, Akatosh embarks on his travels and when he crosses about a mile or two. A sound of battle is brewing, and he can tell it was just a few meters away from the thick forest.

 Dirty Brawl

    A distance of a few meters away, a group of adventurers is fighting for their lives. A party of four people two fighters, one mage, and an archer.

    One man who seems to be their leader is struggling to keep his companions at bay. Pointing her staff, the image conjures a magic-like missile projecting towards a pack of wolves. The magic missile swish through the air once it hit the target. It knocks backs and kills three wolves within one blow.

    While the other two fighters are struggling to protect their companions fighting more than six gnolls a half-hyenas and half-man, some are half-wolves and half-man.

    Using their abilities, the two fighters begin to buff their strength increasing their power attack twice their normal strength. Weapons clash but still, they were outnumbered by their enemies.

    While they are fighting, Akatosh kept hiding through the bushes observing the battle. The way they fight relying on pure brute strength and abilities they were but a novice adventurer to Akatosh eyes.

    .

    Hesitating to help Akatosh decides to go all out again. While his injuries still recovering, he brought out an endurance potion.

    "Time to get to work," Akatosh says, cracking his neck after drinking the buff potion.

    Quick to his though and decisive action his first target is the dire wolf for they have faster mobility and attack in packs. Pulling out the spear Akatosh nailing through the ground then readily draws out the bow.

    Aiming at their head and their legs he then circling and deliberately shooting arrows at them. A man hiding at the far end of the forest was shocked at the wolves'' wailing as arrows puncture through their flesh.

    Not just him but the four adventures were surprised by Akatosh''s entrance attack. After deliberately raining arrows, his quiver was now nearly empty holding only five arrows. Discarding the bow, he returns to where he put the spear.

    Picking the spear in haste, Akatosh runs toward the group of gnolls. Jumping high enough, he was able to reach the height of one of the gnoll''s heads. Untimid his spear punctures the head of the gnolls before it can jaw the head of the leader of the party. Nearly an inch close to his face blood begins to drip from the man.

    Pulling the spear gutted at the gnolls head. The wolfs which he injured came in his direction. Even so, they were weak to run since arrows are stake at every corner of their body. Even the gnolls are shifting their target. The first one to engage was a face of a hyena holding a weapon that of a club nailed with spikes of iron.

    Avoid its attack while drawing closer towards his body. A sound of spear gutted to the beast''s throat piercing and uttering a shrieking sound. While the second victim struggle, he shifts towards the other two gnolls. Avoiding a head-on engagement, he retreats and runs giving a chase.

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    "Just as expected" Akatosh stop waiting for the gnolls after they left the wolves behind.

    The four gnolls are at Akatosh life though when they came gathered in packs. Disarray and unorganized they savagely club and crushing their weapons. The way they behave is only full of killing they hit one another.

    "Stupid!" Akatosh said creating a distance. Roaring in anger the gnolls are now in an aggressive mode.

    Throwing the spear hitting one of the gnoll''s bodies Akatosh unsheathes the two short swords behind his back. Charging towards one another he quickly glides under one of the gnolls, slashing its legs the short sword was sharp enough to give a deep cut. Running and flexing, Akatosh wounds were already damaged by his actions, yet the reliving battle and the beating excitement didn''t bother the pain.

    After the cut to the leg, the gnoll kneels to the ground. At his feet mercilessly stab through the back of the beast''s neck, hastily ending the gnoll''s life. A chain weapon was thrown but the buckler was tight around Akatosh''s left arm. He was barely able to block the attack and it was still the buckler which he looted from the goblins he disposed of.

    Not long after disposing of another gnoll, the four wolves are now a few feet away. And through his left side are three berserker gnolls charging at his life. And while at his right-side are a pack of wolfs ready to devour his flesh. Until they are closer in feet Akatosh simultaneously rollover to the ground except one of the gnolls attacks clobber his shoulder.

    Watching the gnolls bashing the wolves, he rushes and maneuvers towards their back while gripping the handle of his sword for a decimation. With a powerful jump turning the sword-like fangs aiming at its neck it quickly yet slowly dies from my attacks after the sword was nailed through the beast''s flesh.

    In fury one of the gnolls whom he speared swings its improvised Morningstar instead of spiky balls, but an iron ingot was used. Leaping to evade his brute swing Akatosh threw one of his short swords, creating a distraction.

    The excitement and tremor were enough to fuel Akatosh''s adrenalin rush. Boosting his mobility and flexibility adding the endurance potion his abilities were triple than his normal status.

    Landing from the gnoll''s shoulder Akatosh immediately lock his feet at its armpit. And in a short time, struggle, Akatosh without hesitation gut slicing the gnolls throat spilling liters of blood, sprinkling to his face and body.

    -After more extensive battle-

    Bit by bit, one by one the enemies are slowly disposed of until one gnoll and two wolves are now left. Steadily they wait as if looking at a monster. Growling and sneering the wolves are scared.

    A sound of flesh as Akatosh pulls out the spear on the dead gnoll. Walking towards the last remaining enemy he stops giving them a chance to escape. Despite mercy something happens, their eyes change shifting to attack instead of running away.

    "So be it," Akatosh says diving into the roaring last remaining enemy.

    And with that a sound of a thud for the fallen gnoll and wolfs slowly dying by Akatosh''s hands. It was a brutal fight to be seen. Blood smeared him bathing in the red color of its enemy he then notices a wolf slowly dying from the injuries. In pity, he covers the wolf''s eyes raising the spear it ends the suffering.

    From the ground, he stood up pulling the spear at the dead wolf. Following the even Akatosh then change his sight towards the shocked and petrified adventurers. They didn''t see a man but only saw a monster, it was a carnage fight.

    With a frightening look, a dagger is flung the moment he takes the third step. Stepping backward he mange to barely avoid the projectile.

    With the spear still clutching at his hand, he threw towards where the dagger came. The spear didn''t hit its target but Akatosh can hear the man is retreating.

    He didn''t bother to chase a running man nor to follow his scheme traps. And with a shrug of fatigue and victory, he then turns to face the four adventures.

    "Got any water?" Akatosh says.

 â€œBond of Friendshipâ€

    The four adventurers are in dead silence staring at Akatosh drinking all the water they gave to him.

    "Ah! Damn, that''s good." Akatosh breathed in relief after he had greedily gulped all the water.

    Still covered in blood one of the adventurers came expressing gratitude for helping them from those monsters. They are younger than Akatosh a teenager so to say.

    In awkward silence the woman who gave thanks was embarrassed. Being stupid to finally realize the flow of the topic.

    "No need to thank me," Akatosh said scratching his head.

    Without knowing what to say. "Um¡­ About--" The lass expressed in solitary unceasing nervousness.

    "Well, it''s nice meeting you all, and thank you for the water so I''m going to resume my travels," Akatosh says cutting her words.

    Staring at the sky it was already dusk in the afternoon when suddenly, the sound of his stomach rumbling in hunger.

    "Shiii¡­ this is quite embarrassing."

    When nighttime came, there he was sitting in front of a campfire waiting for the food to be a cook.

    Observing the party preparing the nighttime, Akatosh was viewing the man cooking while the other two girls are preparing the camp. He didn''t saw the leader thinking he went looking for some provisions or something. Some moments later their leader came with firewood and some ingredients.

    Although doing nothing he was mortified just sitting waiting for a portion of food to eat. Adding up his rumbling stomach won''t ease as it intensely making him more uncomfortable.

    "Would this stomach of mine stop for a moment" Akatosh reckons to grind his teeth as his stomach pleads for food.

    "Food''s ready!" Exclaimed the lass wearing a robe that of a mage. Hearing her uttering the word ''food'', Akatosh''s eyebrows raise driving his gluttonous.

    A woman came giving a bowl of soup consist of meat, mushrooms, and some other ingredients that Akatosh didn''t know.

    "T-thank you," Akatosh says, gathering around the fire.

    He wanted to finish the meal quickly and gluttonously but, he first observes them eating slowly, thus he too slowly eat his meal.

    It was silent at first until the man who seems to be their leader wearing a scaled padded with steel and leather first introduce himself towards Akatosh.

    "I''m Sei a third-class silver rank adventurer." He says, knocking his other friend who looks chubbier.

    "I''m sorry, my name is Reith and I''m a 4th class bronze rank adventurer." The man says.

    After the two lads, the next were the two young ladies.

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    Holding her chest then bows. "You may call me Sheila, and I am a mage just a 1st class bronze type adventurer." The lass says, adding a smile.

    The last one however is shy, regardless she gathers enough courage to introduce herself. "Um¡­ I''m Riya and¡­ I-I''m also a bronze-type adventurer that of a 2nd class." She mutters in nervousness.

    Blushing she was Akatosh too, introduce himself and with a smile. "Nice to meet you all, name''s Akatosh just a traveler."

    "A traveler?" Sei reply.

    "Yes," Akatosh says, still holding the bowl.

    "Why don''t you register to the guild. You could become a high-class adventurer." Sheila says.

    shaking my head sideways. "I would love to but, some things aren''t fitted to be somebody." Akatosh shaking his head, silencing her.

    While chatting continues, Akatosh didn''t realize his bowl is already empty. Riya was first to notice so she gets up from her sit filling another bowl of stew. After that, she goes to exchanging Akatosh''s empty bowls. Praying his thanks Akatosh continues his meal.

    Sei was the first to crack some words. "I was hoping that no one could beat our gluttonous friend here," Sei says towards Reith.

    "Hey, you''re the one who''s been eating food at night." Reith implores.

    Hearing their words, the two young lady giggles while hearing the two young lads debating their shameless act.

    Around the warm fire, a burst of warm laughter can be heard throughout the night. Seeing their priceless smile and laughter makes Akatosh smile from this group of adventurers.

    "Not bad, not bad at all," Akatosh says, still smiling. Upon noticing his smile Sheila too smiles at him.

    "Where did you come from." Reith implores after their laughter subside.

    "Boy, you''re asking the impossible." Akatosh humor.

    knowing his jokes both lads begun to laugh while Sheila was a bit intrigue and for Riya, she didn''t quite get it.

    "Ah, what I said was where you are from," Reith ask smilingly.

    "Earth." Akatosh smile.

    "Earth? Never heard of that place." Sei reply.

    "It''s just a far faraway place from here," Akatosh says, not wanting to make it more complicated.

    Changing the topic, he then asks about their task. "I was wondering, what brought you all to this place."

    "Ah¡­ we came here to scout and investigate the area. And as soon we found something we just head back to the guild and report it to the head." Sei answered hesitantly.

    "I see, there must be a reason for this," Akatosh said hitting the core.

    Seeing their face in distress Akatosh realize the reason was personal. So, he then quickly changes the topic.

    "By the way," Akatosh says, searching the grimoire from his bag.

    Asking Sheila if she knows something from the book. And for a moment of explicit ciphering, the book was far beyond her knowledge. Although she was shocked after turning the pages.

    "This is an ancient word," Sheila says.

    "Ancient huh, that''s quite interesting." Akatosh thought relief to see someone who knows something about the book.

    Sheila assumed that it was an ancient word during the birth of demi-humans.  She also said that having an ancient and powerful grimoire like this would somehow lead you to become a sage.

    "The only people who might decode this grimoire are the high mages at Maginum. And the great arc sage Azageis who said to be roaming around the world looking for something." Sheila says, after reading the book.

    "Can a lich crack this grimoire." Akatosh blurt.

    Following his word, it took Sheila some time to answer his question. "Well¡­ it might work but who knows no man never spoke to a lich."

    The night was getting late so Riya and Sheila went to bed at the tent they''ve prepared.

    "Akatosh you can use our tent," Sei said.

    "Thank you but I like to stay out for the night, you young one should take some sleep, don''t worry I keep an eye watch." Akatosh refuses to shake his head.

    After he had denial their words the two young lads keep there will not want to sleep. Not gaining their trust enough Akatosh fake his sleeping near the fire until the two boys doze off.

    Akatosh didn''t sleep due to his painful wounds and the effect of the potion stinging his muscle. Getting up to see the two you lads who already fall asleep, he muffles his groan.

    While Akatosh is busy assessing his wounds he then notices a presence. Near the far end of the trees, seventy meters away from the open field campfire. He saw a man and after he saw him stalking from the woods, the person quickly pace out.

 â€œAround the Fireâ€

    Siting himself seeing the two boys sleeping silently. Akatosh recalls their past smile. It was a priceless smile of someone whose dark past still lingers in their hearts.

    "It''s hard to lose someone from their party. I know that feeling." Akatosh says, remembering his dark past.

    With that said Akatosh brought out a blanket for them.

    Meanwhile, Sheila had just awoken to do a night shift. And by the time she readies herself, Sheila heard a rustling sound outside from the tent. Alarm she slowly opens the tent to see Akatosh giving blankets to her companions. Curious, she waits for my next action.

    "What a pain." Akatosh groans checking checks his wounds.

    Removing his armors to see his shirt stained in blood. While he then silently fiddles with his injuries unknown to him, he was being watched by Sheila. Following the removal of his shirt, Sheila blushes to hide her face. Unwrapping the bandage, he slowly examines his wounds.

    Moaning in silent. "Now what," Akatosh says after he saw his severe open wound damage.

    For a moment Akatosh suddenly thought about the acid potion, which was identified by one of the appraisers selling an endurance potion.

    "Maybe I can close the wound faster by just put some acid. Yeah, it might work. This just a flesh wound."

    Before Akatosh retrieve the acid potion from his bag, Sheila was already standing right by his side unnoticed.

    Without hesitation, she places her palm at Akatosh''s bleeding injuries. A second of concertation a white light can be seen from his hand. And slowly it closes the open wound healing it within minutes like Ashalain''s healing magic.

    "Um¡­ thank you." Akatosh was amazed.

    Shaking her head sideways she then replies. "It''s nothing."

    Breaking the minutes of silence, Akatosh then asks. "Care to help me put these boys to the tent."

    Poking the campfire after they had placed the boys inside the tent, Akatosh then ask Sheila about her magic.

    "Do all mage learn healing magic," Akatosh says, adding more woods for the fire to sat alive.

    "Well, there''s what we called simple healing magic that novice mage could learn. But paladins, maidens, and priests are the ones with high power healing since they draw their power through the gods themselves. It''s more of a miracle. My specialties are abjuration magic, the one that specializes in protection magic."

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    "You mean like erecting barriers and other protection magic?"

    "Yep," Sheila replies with a smile.

    "These people are hardworking for something." That''s what Akatosh thought after he had summarized all their past words and emotion.

    "It seems that your party cares for each other," Akatosh said. A blunt word to further prove his assumption.

    A grieving smile she hides. "The truth is one-one of our friends¡­"

    Without finishing her words, she begins to pour tears from her eyes. Akatosh wanted to comfort her but he doesn''t know-how. Akatosh can tell the feeling of someone you love and care so much to lose in front of your eyes.

    "The heck is wrong with me! Why did I even ask that question in the first place."

    "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have brought this up."

    "It''s okay, I''m fine it''s just that¡­" Sheila responds, wiping her tears.

    "I can tell you''ve all been through a lot. And it''s fine to cry, we''ve all been through a lot." Akatosh said. His words were followed by a deep feeling.

    Seeing him still smiling. Sheila thought Akatosh must have had a lot of many dark past behind him.

    "Well¡­ we took this mission because we--" Sheila says, cutting her words. It was hard for her to tell their story.

    "You don''t have to tell me," Akatosh said since he already knows why they took this dangerous mission, even though it is a scouting quest.

    "Sei and Reith were orphans being kicked out of the house because of being blackmailed for stealing. I first met them living in the forest we became friends until one of our friends¡­" She says, cutting her story.

    "It seems that she didn''t want to utter her dead friend."

    "So that person is why you all become adventurers," Akatosh responds.

    "Yes, we trained so hard until it was enough that we''ve been accepted by the guild. Though we are a lower tier adventurer enough to rival wolfs."

    Hours pass till sleepiness quickly overcomes Sheila unexpectedly drops her head to Akatosh''s shoulder.

    "Good grief." Akatosh smile.

    Bringing out another blanket, Akatosh covers her and slowly he lays Sheila at the warm grassy ground close to the bonfire.

    While being awake to watch the whole night. He stays awake watching the clear night sky full of stars, it was enough to give him serenity for a while. With fatigue and his past battles sleep soon overcomes him, letting him sleep for just a few hours.

    Awake by his instinct as if a dark presence is bulging through his soul. He clears his eyes to see the fire dying. Not wanting to disturb the people Akatosh went for a hunt. Fortunately, the forest provides enough meals for all of them. It was still dark, so he quickly gathers his hunt and quickly dashes towards the campsite.

    "A bit of spice and a good ol'' rub will give this meat a tasty meal," Akatosh says, butchering some rabbits and chickens that he''d forage. "If memory serves, they must have put it somewhere near that stone table." Akatosh continues looking for spices.

    "Oh, what is this?" Akatosh says tasting the unknown ingredients. "Hot-hot-hot." It was a dash of pepper, and a strong one.

    Dividing the meat, I boiled and add some flavorings making it tastier while I barbeque the other meat.

    It was now morning and alas the breakfast was ready to be served. Akatosh however, didn''t bother to wake them. He let alone wake them up.

    Sheila was first to open her eyes and when she saw Akatosh preparing the food.  She stood up apologizing for not waking up early. But Akatosh just smiled at her, saying "There''s no need."

    By their conversation, all three of her friends awoken to Akatosh and Sheilas'' chatting.

    Surprise by Akatosh''s cooking skills they gather around tending to their meals. That''s when Akatosh creates a conversation.

    "So where is this place you want to investigate."

    "Ah¡­ it''s through the east. We were task to scout an ancient building near in this forest." Sei reply.

    After the meals were done Akatosh stood up and said to them. "Care to learn something about survival?"

 â€œA Skill to Teachâ€

    Akatosh stood up and spoke. "Want to learn something about survival skills?" Akatosh says to them smilingly.

    Hesitating as they Look at each other''s decision, Sei was first to accept Akatosh''s request.

    An hour later¡­

    Facing them while he intently scans for his inventory, he then asks their magic abilities and specialties. Bringing out the blank book and a magic quill he''d bought. He initially writes their attributes and abilities.

    Sei

    Class-Fighter

    Rank- 3rd silver adventurer

    Abilities:

    Power Draw-      Maximize one''s strength and power twice than the normal strength. Used twice a day.

    Harden-            Strengthening one''s defense. Used twice a day

    Battle cry-          An ability that can knock back an opponent with a powerful force cast around the person. Use once a day

    Reith

    Class-Fighter

    Rank- 4th bronze adventurer

    Abilities

    Power Draw- Maximize one''s strength and power twice than the normal strength.

    Riya

    Class- Archer

    Rank-2nd Bronze Adventurer

    Abilities

    Quick Draw-      Enables one person to quickly draw ammunitions and fast drawing of bows.

    Triple strike-      Upon shooting one arrow it will magically turn into three arrows enhancing its speed and power.

    Aim-                    Hitting a bull''s eyes at one''s target precisely.

    Sheila

    Class- mage (Abjuration-more on protection)

    Rank- 1st Bronze Adventurer

    Casting Abilities

    Novice Heal-                      It is lower-tier healing. Thrice a day

    Poison Resistance-          Lower tier for poison protection. Used thrice a day.

    Shield Magic-                    A magical shield imbued to one person, protecting it from a normal attack.

    Border - Lower-tier barrier magic that is used to protect against undead

    Magic Missile-    It is a lower-tier offense for a mage, casting a missile-like energy ball blasting a group of enemies.

    After looking at the stats that Akatosh had written. "Having this ability is quite good. It is how to use them wisely." That''s what Akatosh concluded after he''d analyzed their magical abilities and attributes.

    After analyzing and knowing their abilities it was time to see their combat. Akatosh had observed their past battle with the gnolls and wolves. And he can say they are mostly relying on their pure abilities to survive and crude swordsmanship.

    To prove, if his observation was true he then asks a challenge Sei at hand-to-hand combat.

    Removing their gear such as weapons and armors, they stood there at the open plain facing each other with a distance of a few meters away.

    Stepping Akatosh''s right foot, and little he bends drawing his hands, preparing for a fight. Sei was first to charge, ready to pummel his fist towards Akatosh''s face. At first sight, Akatosh already can tell his hand-to-hand combat is far from his skill.

    Akatosh, seconds of waiting for him to draw a punch. And when Sei strikes, Akatosh didn''t attack him instead using his left hand, Akatosh force-palming down his hand and grabbing his wrist. Stepping back his right foot Akatosh then drags him fast enough that Sei was unable to make a counter move. To finish the fight, Akatosh quickly uppercut his right arms but it was not a punch but pointing a finger ready to stab his throat. At an inch close Akatosh stops.

    Akatosh again gaps their distance, this time he asks Sei to wear leather armor.

    Sei charges again as he did. Akatosh however, was patiently waiting for Sei to gap a few feet away, and when he does. Stepping Akatosh''s right foot he initially step-sidekick Sei''s chest throwing him a few meters away, it was good timing.

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    "Now let me do the aggressive mode," Akatosh says after they''ve returned to their stance.  After Akatosh had gap their distance, he swiftly dives grabbing one of Sei''s legs then as he locks his hand he quickly lifts Sei pinning him down. Following his aggressive move, he initially sits on top of Sei''s stomach ready to pummel his face as he can. Though, Akatosh stops his punch.

    Amaze by Akatosh''s style, he then asks Sei what he learned. Sei, however, was silent.

    Akatosh shrug. "I was right these guys need to improve in combat battle," Akatosh conclude.

    Finishing the prologue of their tutorial. Akatosh implores them to walk around the forest that he recently scout. A dense forest with thick bushes and few slopes and rocks to hide.

    "Okay, I would like you all to walk around in this forest, and I will be the one to ambush. Also, you can wear armor."

    They nod in answer and quickly they walk as a group circling the forest actively preparing his attack. And for Akatosh, there he was watching them looking around for any movements.

    The two fighters Sei and Reith are the ones leading while the mage and the archer are behind the back. "If it were me, I would organize it by making one fighter facing the front. While the other fighter would be at the back guarding the two lasses, but oh well time to get to work."

    Picking a rock, Akatosh hurdle towards the bushes making a sound. And again he throws another rock confusing them.

    As badly as he wants, Akatosh wants to cut the distance from the two boys. While he prioritizes his targets towards the mage and the archer since there are the annoying ones.

    Now that he creates confusion he then goes around the party, running in circles he was. Upon noticing, the two fighters quickly dash towards Akatosh lagging behind their two female companions.

    Akatosh smile, a chance was given. Now that no fighters were guarding the two. Akatosh maneuvers as fast as he can towards the two females. Targeting Sheila, Akatosh swiftly dashes around the bushes. Struggling to cast her magic and Reith was missing her shot. Akatosh swiftly grabs Sheila, dragging her light body into the dense grass.

    If it were a real ambush, Akatosh would have swiftly slice or stab Sheila''s throat. Once he''d drag her far from the party he slowly laid her down.

    Akatosh smiles. "One down," Akatosh says, softly hitting her head using a short branch.

    Thereafter his first blood, he shifts towards Riya. Using the same strategy, he immediately snatched Riya before she uses her abilities. Light and easy to carry he hauls Riya where Sheila is.

    "Two down."

    The two fighters however manage to track Akatosh, yet they are too far behind. With their support and damage dealer was now eradicated Akatosh can now begin playing with the two.

    Shouting out a battle cry, the two lads charge with their wooden swords. With a smile, Akatosh pace out again hit and running exhausting the two until Akatosh points the stick at Sei''s head.

    "Do you know why I was able to make a clean ambush?" Akatosh question after he''d tested their formation.

    In silence, they shake their heads.

    Akatosh sigh, crossing his arms. "Listen, if you are traveling as a group one must be at the back protecting the support and damage dealer. While the other is at the front guarding. Also don''t leave your companions behind stick close. And don''t chase an enemy if you are in their territory even if it''s a goblin, they might lead you to your death."

    Realizing my tactics, Akatosh again ask for another round of training but this time they followed his advice.

    Changing his strategy, and since he knows their path. Akatosh perfectly hid near their path for a quick assault. First, hidden from afar Akatosh tests their reaction by spearing Sheila with a branch. Reith with a quick reaction steps forwards bulwarking the hurled branch.

    "My-my, these guys are quick learners." Akatosh smile.

    After he''d relinquish the spear Akatosh immediately crouch down. Cradling towards the party for a close ambush and close combat.

    Since Akatosh was more familiar with the place he went ahead near the place they would pass. Once the perfectly positions himself, he waited for them to cross. And the moment they intersect in his position Akatosh quickly throws a rock at their left side.

    Distracted by his action, Akatosh takes this opportunity even for just a second. While their sights are shifted to their left, Akatosh emerges at the right-side of their corner locking at Sheila. Using the branches as a dagger, Akatosh pins her down and quickly he softly slices her throat.

    In the nick of time, Akatosh was able to shift his attack towards Riya disarming her bows. Though the arrows she used was dull that the tip of its head was removed.

    Before Sei and Reith slash their stick Akatosh rolled over to the side. It was enough for today, so he stood up than initially raise both of his hands, showing a surrender.

    Back at the camp, Akatosh felt a person watching them from the dark corners of the forest.

    "A man is watching us. Don''t freak out instead go with the flow as if you didn''t feel his presence." Not a word but a note was written by Akatosh on a piece of paper.

    After reading his message they ask how to improve their combat skills.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ Last time I saw them fighting. They just swing their swords and shooting arrows at their enemies."

    "Sheila if you were attacked by a man. Let say you have no magic and the man is overpowering you what will you do." Akatosh implores Sheila.

    Thinking and thinking Akatosh waited for her to answer but there was nothing she could give a good response.

    "It''s quite simple. You just must hit the man''s weakness. It''s is like when you are battling an enemy. Being strong doesn''t base on your ranks, bronze, silver, or gold, or whatever. It is how you assess yourself in battle, adapt to combat, and improvise to your surroundings¡­ Now for my advice, Sei, Reith." Akatosh implores, asking for another challenge towards Reith. This time they are using a stick as a sword.

    Taking the first charge Akatosh first tests Reith''s swordsmanship. And by Akatosh surprised Reith was good at blocking his attacks.

    Akatosh smiles the moment Reith slashes his wooden sword. Akatosh didn''t parry nor block his attack instead he uses his left arm. Wrapping Reith''s right arm, like a snake groping its prey it was enough for Akatosh to make a quick dive into his throat.

    "T-These guys are quick learners!" Akatosh was shocked after he''d trained them. In just a day the party was able to pressure Akatosh. But when they used their full abilities, they manage to pine Akatosh at head-to-head combat.

    "And also, when dealing with enemies, don''t always forget to hit their vital parts. Their throat, their eyes, nose, and even their loins." Akatosh says after he had trained Sheila and Riya to close combat.

    After the day of training, all the fours'' combat skills improve dramatically. And the way they organize as a team was enough to beat a group of gnolls and kobolds.

    Still, the presence watching them lurking and hiding within the woods was there. Until nighttime occurs.

 â€œThe Tamerâ€

    Thinking and thinking Akatosh devises a plan to lure this man. "Whoever this man, it might be good to use the abilities of these people." Akatosh grin.

    "The shop appraiser said that this potion will become venomous when poured into a weapon. But it will be just an acid if it''s not being smeared to any weapon. The one who made this must be incredibly good at chemistry, an alchemist." Akatosh said, bring out a potion the one he looted from the goblins.

    Calling Riya Akatosh to hand over the potion and giving her the details on how to use it when the time comes.

    "How much time will the protection magic last." Akatosh says towards Sheila.

    "Um¡­ if I would concentrate my magic on pure protection, it would take me about three hours."

    "Three hours! That''s more than good." Akatosh was amazed.

    Before they eat their meals. "Don''t stuff too much, it will slow you down." Akatosh implored and then handing them a note of preparation and details.

    Knowing that the man might be watching their moves. Akatosh commands Riya to secretly coat the arrows with poison inside the tent.

    With the open sky and the three moons illuminating the forest it was enough to see the surroundings.

    "Oi¡­, I know you''re here bastard. Come out and show your ass. I''ve got a stick to spank your arse." Akatosh yelled when they enter the dark forest.

    By his gullible words, Sheila and her friends are lost in thoughts. For how this man could relax and be confident as he was. Shouting and drawing the attention of monsters living nearby.

    After minutes of not showing Akatosh was tired of luring this guy. So Akatosh nails the spear on the ground. Since they are using the three moons as their light. Akatosh brought out a flint and a torch.

    Searching a bottle of oil, Akatosh looks around checking for dry wood. The place was dry good to start a forest fire.

    "You like hiding in this forest huh¡­ Well, better get this done then." Akatosh smile slowly making a large fire.

    "What are you doing!" Sei exclaimed along with his friends.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ well, I''m tired of waiting." Akatosh implored raising his hand.

    "Even so, you could draw the attention of some monsters living here," Sheila said.

    "Then we run, we got some legs too, don''t we?" Akatosh reply.

    The fire quickly spread banishing the darkness. That''s when a dagger was fired towards Akatosh''s face, but Sheila''s protection spells the flying dagger was deflected.

    "Finally, the food is here!"

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    A man in a hooded coat emerges from the dark but Akatosh was also shock. Two large wolves, taller than the man with a height of more than two meters. And a spike can be seen along the back of the wolf. Akatosh was sweating to see the large enemy coming out from the dark.

    "Damn son." Akatosh was lost.

    The two roars in anger the moment they have fully shown themselves.

    After seeing how the two wolves won''t attack the man. Akatosh concluded their enemy was a ''beast-master''. The one who is good at taming and controlling animals and is beast-like.

    Partway, the man silently commands the two great wolves. One was assigned for Akatosh while the other was going towards Sheila and her companions.

    As they charge, the ground thuds. Panic would mean death and there is still time for action. So without a moment to waste Akatosh threw a bunch of oil, splashing at the wolf''s head.

    "Eat this!" Akatosh shout, throwing the torch at the wolf''s head igniting the oil.

    The man was shocked by Akatosh''s action. Stepping back a little he commands the other wolf to attack Sei and his party.

    "Remember what I taught you guys!" Akatosh shouts to them as loudly as he can.

    Pulling his spear from the ground, the wolf which he set fire to its face growl and winningly. Try to put out flames using his paws, Akatosh without mercy didn''t let that happen. Instead, he again throws another oil bottle intensifying the flames enough to make the wolf rampantly panicking.

    While the beast is still swinging his head trying to diminish the flames. Taking a gamble, Akatosh was planning to plunge the spear at the large wolf''s throat.

    "FOOOODDDD!" Akatosh shouts, drinking the endurance potion. He then grindingly smiles knowing he had the advantage.

    While Akatosh was fighting the other wolf. Riya shoots her arrows using her abilities called ''quick-draw'' and shooting the wolf a dozen times in mere seconds.

    Adding up Sheila cast her magic missile enough to daze the wolf. The wolf''s poison resistance, however, was good to resist the venom but not enough to be immune.

    Before the wolf could jaw them, they divided into two groups. Sei was with Riya while Reith was with Sheila.

    Meanwhile, Akatosh was ready to spear to the wolf''s throat. But the way the wolf moves like a bull, Akatosh was thrown at four meters. Because of the armor, the force and damage were absorbed thus giving him enough time to recover.

    "Gahh...!" Akatosh groan.

    Changing his aim, this time was the wolf''s body near its leg. Holding the spear at the far edge of the handle he then charges. Gut-nailing it to the body near to its leg, the wolf a roar in pain as the spear got deeper into its innards.

    After he''d nail the spear, the wolf''s paw quickly bashes his side. Luckily, Akatosh used the buckler, shielding and absorbing the force. The wolf''s attack was so great it was enough to break and destroy the buckler in half.

    "Gahh¡­!" Akatosh shout drawing his two short swords smeared with venom.

    Before the wolf runs away the man uses his magic forcing the wolf to fight.

    With the last bottle of oil at his disposal, he used it to intensify the flames. In a wink after he''d hurdle the last bottle, Akatosh dives with his poison sword.

    Using the leg of the wolf as a steppingstone. He then curve-slashes his sharp and pointy short sword. By his attack, the sword plunged deep and stuck in the beast''s belly. The great large wolf struggles and roars in pain, as Akatosh was hanging and slicing the beast''s belly until it was enough to bring it down.

    The other wolf who''s chasing Sheila and Reith seemingly slows down by the slow effect of the venom. Until it was enough for Sei and Reith to do a final blow at the wolf''s neck, ending his life.

    The man who controls the wolf begins to run but, Akatosh didn''t give him another chance to escape.

    "DON''T FUCKING RUN AWAY FROM ME!" Akatosh shouts as he chases the man. With the great help of the potion, Akatosh was able to run faster than the beast-tamer, gaping their distance.

    Just a few feet from Akatosh and the man. He quickly jumps, grabbing and pinning the man down. Removing his hood to see a middle-aged man. His eyes are green in color. He didn''t talk while struggling, instead, he growls as if possessed.

    It didn''t take long before Sheila and her party came.

    "I need the rope guys," Akatosh said.

    To end his rustling growls Akatosh used a piece of cloth to wrap his mouth.

 Haunting of the Past

    As the fire smokes heavily, a person was walking towards where Akatosh and his party are. Blood drips from the person''s shoulder. Panting heavily, she continues towards the blazing forest.

    Back at the camp, Akatosh was guarding the man while Sheila and her friends restlessly extinguished the fire.

    "Now, what will I do to you," Akatosh says, eyeing the man they''ve captured.

    It took them hours to extinguish the flames. And when they return from the camp, they saw Akatosh poking the man.

    They didn''t speak about how he single-handedly disposed of the wolf. Because it was a gruesome kill. Seeing the wolf''s organs spilled and half of its body were roasted, they didn''t ask for such a fight. Instead, they ask Akatosh how and where he learned how to fight like that.

    Akatosh sigh. "I was born in a miserable life. I was constantly set to a fight like that of a cockfight or bullied so I do sometimes resolve to brawl at every place, school, street you name it. And to the point, I was able to beat one martial arts specialist who''s na?ve and pride himself to the fullest." Akatosh says, poking the bonfire. "And because of my arrogance and shitass squabble. I was nearly beaten to death; I became a punching bag. It''s just pure experience and learning."

    "Even though I walk a life like that. I didn''t become a deranged man." He continues.

    After he had told them his slight past, they heard a rustling sound from the forest. It was still dark, so they didn''t see whoever was making a sound.

    Stand preparing their weapons except for Akatosh. He didn''t prepare his weapon instead he waited for what would happen.

    In crippling breathing, a woman appears panting heavily from her injuries. Akatosh can hear the woman murmuring something when suddenly she collapses from the ground.

    Imploring Sei, Reith, and Riya to guard the possessed man. While Akatosh and Sheila went towards the collapsed woman. He can see that the woman was older than Akatosh probably in her 29th or more.

    "Is she related to this man?" Akatosh calmly thought.

    Out of her injuries, blood slowly tainted her cloak. And without life to waste, Akatosh quickly removes her cloak to see a very hallow wound. As if a tiger had clawed her shoulder.

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    It was a deep cut, but Sheila''s magic was enough to heal her injuries.

    "A possessed man and a mysterious woman suddenly sprung from the darkness. These two might have some relationship." Akatosh concluded.

    Crossing his arms, Akatosh intently observes Sheila healing her wound. Her hard breathing slowly calms.

    With her cloak remove exposing some of her appearances. Wearing light skinny clothes without any armor or any protective gear. And some daggers sheathed to her legs and a sword to the back of her waist. Not to mention she''s quite the beauty. Her silhouette is long and curvy silky hair covers her right eye. And her smooth skin is enough to woe a man.

    Akatosh however was skeptical of her beauty. Her weapons and the way she dress that of an assassin send Akatosh to disbelief.

    After Sheila was able to stop the bleeding. Akatosh asks Sheila to remove all her weapons, that if she might wake up and who knows she might draw her weapons. And might even be injured somebody and Akatosh hope he wasn''t to be the first of her victims.

    "So, what shall we do with this man?" Sei says, looking at Akatosh. Worrying that he might just kill this man coldblooded since they already know how he savagely killed the large wolf and the pack of gnolls.

    "Just look after him, he might have something with this lady. And do tighten her hand she might awaken on a killing spree. She might have some magic of her sleeves." Akatosh sigh, turning around to look for a place to have some serenity.

    Since he didn''t sleep the past few days and his body ache in pain from the effect of the potion. He didn''t want a possessed man rustling and grunting while Akatosh had to take a rest.

    Laying down on the tree just twenty meters away from the camp. There he silently rests.

    "I need a drink. I should stock some ale or wine, that might warm me up."

    Morning came, and there he was sleeping like a grave and hugging his bag.

    Back at the camp where Sheila was there sitting and sleeping at the right corner of the mysterious woman who just appears at night. The woman quickly awakes surprising Sheila. And for her awake, she was searching for her weapons to defend herself. Except her hands were tight, firmly unable to hold some weapons.

    "Akatosh was right. If he didn''t ask me to remove her weapons and cuffs her hands, this would be more complicated." That''s what Sheila thought.

    The morning was freshly cold. Air slowly turns into a breeze. The warmth of the sunlight is enough to comfy Akatosh in his sleep. Out of a sudden, his heavenly sleep was disturbed by a man''s voice.

    "Akatosh, Sheila asks for you!"

    "Gahh¡­ let me sleep." Akatosh respond.

    "But the--"

    "You mean the woman. Just give her some food that might shut her up." Akatosh interrupts cradling away.

    Due to hunger Akatosh finally awakens. And after his moaning and yawning, he then goes to the camp in search of food.

    He didn''t bother to interrogate the woman. Instead, he was looking for a portion of food to eat. When he was just about to cook his meal, Sei came and handed him his meal. And while digging his food Sheila and the woman came.

 A Choice to Choose

    "So, this your leader?" The woman said looking somewhat disappointed after he saw Akatosh eating like a horse.

    "Ah¡­ it''s not what he seems to be." Sheila says defending Akatosh.

    A while ago, while Akatosh was sleeping leisurely. Sheila slowly calms and persuades the woman. It was slow but Sheila''s kind words coax her.

    "Who are you and where am I!" Says the woman who looks somewhat terrified after waking up.

    To Sheila''s surprise, she kept her will of composure and calmly talks her way out. "It''s¡­ okay, wherein a tent. We found you collapse and wounded so we abet you with our help."

    She was stopped by Sheila''s words checking her injuries if she''s telling the truth. To her surprise, the major wound was gone and no scars were to be seen. Her apprehension gradually diminishes. And after seeing her unwind, Sheila starts to remove the rope tighten around her hand.

    "I-I thank you." She mutters unable to say a word.

    "It wasn''t me you should be thanking. It was Akatosh who help you and without him, we wouldn''t still be alive" Sheila says shakes her head, and then removes the rope.

    With a contemptible face. "I''m sorry for my words. names Chifya."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ you don''t have to be sorry, moreover, let''s eat while the foods ready." Sheila smiles.

    After Chifya and Sheila swallow their food.

    "So where is this Akatosh you''ve been telling me about," Chifya asks.

    "I ask Sei to look for him so he might be here," Sheila said assuring Akatosh would come.

    After waiting, Sei came and spoke. "Um¡­ he said that he might wake up later on."

    "Seems he must be tired after fighting the large wolf." Sheila chuckles.

    "You mean he was the one who slays a Delverish!!!" Chifya said somehow shock. "Delverish is very hard to control and they are a very powerful large wolf."

    Intrigued by her words Chifya asks if they are adventurers and what ranks do, they reassemble.

    "Are you all by any chance an adventurer to the guild?" Chifya said.

    "Yep," Sheila says, showing her bronze guild crest.

    Chifya was shocked that a novice adventure would be able to slay two Delverish. Though what Akatosh and his part fought was a young. Defeating a fully grown Delverish would take a powerful people for they rival silver and gold class adventurer

    -Returning-

    "Listen, if you are the one who slays Delverish. I would like you to help me with--" Chifya says, crosses her arms as she deliberately just asks Akatosh for some valorous request.

    Before she could continue her words Akatosh was triggered by her high-ordered words.

    "You know. I don''t even know you, and you''re ordering us to help you with something? What am I to you, a servant? You might be a beauty but you''re like a hyena." Akatosh says, cutting her words.

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    He wanted to barrage her with more potent words, but it was enough to lower her words. It was a knockback for her after hearing his words.

    "He-he didn''t mean it that way," Sheila says, trying to settle Akatosh and Chifyas'' conversation.

    "I-I know this is--" Chifya mutters, abash by Akatosh''s words.

    "Tell me something, do you by any chance related to a man who tames beast?" Akatosh sigh.

    "How do you know¡­" Chifya says, surprised by his question and somewhat worried.

    "I was right this woman does have a relation with him," He eHehHJASDASD asdopoip[fjsaid, after seeing her fret.

    Before Akatosh went to take arrest, he also asks Sheila and all her friends. To not let the woman knows about the man they''ve captured. If she had some connection with the man being tied up. Chifya might have to fight Akatosh and his group just to release him. So, before that, he told them to separate him away from the camp, and Akatosh doesn''t want to hear his growling voice.

    "Look, I''m not the leader you think. But if you cooperate with us and tell us your name we might reconsider. If not, then sorry go find some people to help you."

    She didn''t hesitate for a bit "Names Chifya and I--" Chifya stoops.

    without continuing her words, Akatosh stood up and ask Sheila where they put the possessed man.

    "Woman, I''m mean Chifya was it?"

    As Akatosh called to her in a deranged way, Chifya frowns looking at Akatosh with dagger-like eyes.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ Sheila where did you put that man." Akatosh said, ignoring Chifya who seems to be retaining Akatosh.

    "It''s near in that forest," Sheila said as she guides them to that place.

    Moments after Chifya seeing the man whom they bind, she immediately went to him.

    "Uncle Rick! I''m glad you''re alive!" Chifya exclaimed. Relief after seeing her uncle safe and sound. And not to mention possessed.

    Cutting off their lovely reunion, Akatosh questions about what had happened between Chifya and her uncle.

    "I''m sorry to intrude your conversion but, let me ask you about what became of your uncle," Akatosh said.

    "My uncle Rick and I were trying to calm the animals near this forest, because of their sudden behavior. We''d try everything we could until we found out where the source of all the disruption."

    Hearing her explanation, Akatosh recalls the large building he once spotted. "Let me guess it''s the large building east from here."

    "How did you know?!" Chifya exclaimed.

    "So that''s why it all makes sense¡­ These four adventurers are here to investigate this place. The source of the disturbance." That''s what Akatosh is thinking.

    "Tell me did the guild gave you some information regarding this place and its whereabouts?" Akatosh says towards Sheila.

    "The guild manager did warn us. She said that this place was once used as an experiment long ago. They might have some connections with the problems here."

    "You may be right," Akatosh says, holding his chin thinking and thinking.

    "It seems that we have two choices. Either we return from Keshoval or head-on with this shit." Akatosh concludes.

    With a final decision, Akatosh then said to them. "Let''s take a gamble. Either we get on with this mission or, we head back to Keshoval and you may report it to your guild." Akatosh said.

    Though he dearly wants to continue this mission but was worried about the lives of the four adventurers.

    "The other problem is," Akatosh said looking down at the man who''s possessed. "If only there is a priest or someone expert with this kind of things."

    "Hey, Sheila how do you solve this man''s problem," Akatosh said to Sheila, who is somewhat deciding to either choose to continue or finished this once and for all.

    "Well, there is a cure to this kind of problem either we deliver him to a nearby temple. Or we can--" Sheila says, hesitating to say the other one.

    Knowing the second one was death, Akatosh interrupts her. Knowing Chifya might provoke after hearing the second choice.

    "Um¡­ I have a teleportation scroll. We could use this to deliver your uncle at the temple of Azarus." Sheila says.

    Akatosh was stomp by Sheila''s words. "A teleportation scrolls?!" Akatosh was stunned.

    "Yes, the guild gave us this scroll before we could begin our quest," Sheila respond.

    "Fine then, you go to your guild and report your findings." Akatosh smile. "And as for you--" Akatosh said, looking at Chifya. "You can go with them. You should take care of your uncle."

    "You''re going to stay aren''t you," Sheila says worriedly.

    "What can I say I''m just a traveler," Akatosh said to them. Leaving them behind as he walks towards where all the trouble is brewing.

    "Wait!" Sheila said shouting at Akatosh.

    "It is nice meeting you all and thanks for the food," Akatosh says, slowly he vanished from their sight.

    And so, the traveler goes away looking for adventure, seeking troubles and treasures. Nothing more nothing less.

 Take Time to Explore

    Before Akatosh could continue his travels. He sat there at a large tree, checking his inventories to see what''s left for him. Scavenging every little thing from the void, arranging them from the ground.

    Five endurance potion is all that''s left. His buckler is broken in half. And Akatosh''s only weapon of choice is two short swords, a nicked spear nearly at its end. Fortunate, Akatosh had spare weapons he''d looted from the last battle. It was a primitive weapon, a club with an iron spike, and a primitive morning star. It was a shabby weapon for some people. But for Akatosh''s eyes, it was useful when encountering a foe that is resistant to slashing and piercing attacks.

    After checking his weapons, Akatosh draws his two armor that is already in worn down condition. The leather armor is already shredded from the waist from his past duel. The medium armor consists of plated steel, chainmail and mostly layered with leather was worn-out. It was brutally damaging to the point where the steel iron layered to the chest is crushed and pummeled. Claw marks and slashing attacks scar the body of the armor still, it held up well.

    Akatosh didn''t wear any protective helmet to armor his head because it gives him a low sight from his surroundings. Without time to spare, he quickly wears the medium armor and sheathing the short sword behind his back.

    Suited and prepared, he stuffs everything back except the spear. And finally, Akatosh equipped the claw-gauntlet that is good for hand-to-hand combat. The claw-gauntlet was intimidating, the tip of its finger is pointed sharp enough to pierce a flesh like it was just butter.

    Following his preparation, he went silent, letting his sense and instinct do the work. Akatosh was acting like a radar detecting someone that''s stalking him. Without a sound to pick, he climbs a tree looking for a sight to see. At the top, Akatosh stood holding some branch to steady his balance.

    Just a quick turn, he spots a fortress crumble to ruins forgotten and ready to be with the forest. Though it''s a sight to see beautiful ruins taken by nature.

    Climbing down he then resumes his travels.

    Hours of trekking and walking he sits there on a bush looking and circling the fortress. The place was dead silent giving him the creeps that someone might be silently lurking, waiting for its victim.

    As he circles around the ruined fortress, he spots an entrance to a dungeon. He didn''t dive, he instead gathers a few rocks. Luring and alert an enemy hiding in this area, Akatosh hurdle pebbles creating a noise.

    Tired of waiting and still no enemies nor monsters appear, Akatosh''s patience runs out. Without hesitation he goes around the ruins exploring and examining, looking for something buried or hidden treasure.

    The fortress''s flooring was slowly sinking and crumbling. The grass and plants begins to bloom covering the tiles of the floor. Exploring and circling the large desolated fortress, Akatosh can already sense the disgusting presence and the horrible smell from the area he was exploring.

    It took him hours to explore the building. Old furniture and odd trinkets are all that''s left, rotten by time.

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    Finding some things and exploring old and crumbling ruins was Akatosh passion. Taking a break, he takes this chance to initially calm himself and enjoys his happy moment.

    The nice weather, the sound of silent serine sensation. The cold breeze, blowing here and there. Akatosh has never felt himself in peace happily looking for treasures to loot.

    Turning rotten furniture, kicking crumbling tables, and lifting wardrobe. Akatosh was searching for something useful. Nearly to his disappointment, he came across a forging room. There are old rusted tools, a broken-down smelter, and an odd wood attractively design, where half of its body was buried. The closer Akatosh looks he realize it was a chest. Without hesitation, Akatosh immediately uses the sword as a shovel.

    The chest wasn''t heavy, but he can feel something was inside.

    "Let us hope it''s not a skeleton or something like Pandora," Akatosh says while pulling out the chest from the dirt.

    For a time, the lock was still in good condition, but the passing time is enough to easily break the lock. A good kick was all it takes to open the chest.

    When the chest was open, Akatosh was a bit disappointed. The chest was filled with only ingots, a silver ingots Akatosh assumed.

    "What kind of metal is this?!" Akatosh said. The moment he pulls one to examine, Akatosh was sudden by its weight as a feather.

    "Is this a soldering lead?" Akatosh counties, checking the other.

    Akatosh was very curious about this kind of metal. So, to see if this is a soldering lead, Akatosh takes one.

    "The heck!" Akatosh was shocked after his sword hammers the ingot. The best part was his sword got chipped while the ingot remains in its utmost condition.

    Akatosh was heavenly stunned by what he''d found. It was still intact it did not slice the way he had hope.

    "I got myself a good loot this day." Akatosh sneer in happiness.

    Without a moment to waste he quickly stuffed the chest in his magic bag. Finding a box full of ingots didn''t satisfy his taste. And the day was still fresh, so he resumes looking for more treasures.

    It didn''t last long that he''d found a sword buried near a fireplace. The sword was dirty but Akatosh didn''t care as long as it will cut and kill.

    It has a length of one meter, good to be known as a long sword. With a width of two inches wide and crumbling handle.

    But what amazed Akatosh most was its lightness, similar to the ingot he''d looted.

    "Curious?" Akatosh says, swinging the sword. Whir-winding as he spins and slashing the weightless sword.

    After doing his dirty swordsmanship, Akatosh tests its sharpness at the tree. And when he swings the sword at full force, the blade easily cuts the tree. And the moment he pulls the sword from the tree, he was dead staring at the sword. The blade held well, there was no damage or nicks.

    "Oof¡­ Bloody hell, I''m lucky to be alone looting this place." Akatosh laughs in excitement. And as it was, the sword he''d found filled his satisfaction.

    After hours of spending some quality time exploring looking for loot. Akatosh now stands, looking down an open hatch. Measuring three meters in width and four meters in length. And a few feet away he can see the stairs going down became more pitch black.

    To dive without light is just ignorant to be common. The spear isn''t suitable for this kind of place so Akatosh stuffs it in the magic bag. The weightless sword was sheathed on his waist. Without a scarab, he uses the belt as a holder.

    Using a torch as his source of light he descends. The slow step and careful treading on the dungeon. He was already filled with anticipation and tremor. And down the moisty hallway, Akatosh was beginning to feel unease by the silence of the place.

    The more he walks deeper into the dungeon, the more he felt distressed from the darkness. And just a few steps, a dark and horrible wave-like radiation rams through his senses.

    "Gahh¡­ I had enough of this!" Akatosh said. His head was starting to feel dizzy, as his fortitude wasn''t enough to withstand the dark energy like radiation.

    To regain his composure, Akatosh takes a step back and quickly tries to purify his hazard sensation. After that, he resumes again.

 Alone in a Dungeon

    The torch begins to slowly die and with a backup torch, the light gradually returns.

    Looking around the wall seeking some torch hanging. And when he turns around, Akatosh''s heart burst the moment he saw a skeleton hanging and impaled on a wall.

    "I freaking hate this shit!" Akatosh says panting for breath.

    Swaying the torch left and right he notices a bunch of kindles sticking on the wall. With a smile of relief, he quickly ignites the torches. All in all, there were only nine out of twenty are working. The rest, however, are already worn down.

    The dark force lingering in this void was still arousing his mind. Turning Akatosh to the point that he had to gulp an endurance potion.

    After he''d buff himself, a purple-like aura can be seen as he breaths. The atmosphere is different from here enough for the chemicals to react with the potion. With the buff in effect, it was time for him to continue exploring the place.

    Before he takes a step, he heard a rustling noise. His hand grips were tightly ready for a toe-to-toe with a foe. And when he waits for a moment to move, *crack-crack* a rustling sound, as if a skeleton is being shaken abruptly.

    Stepping for a closer look drawing closer to the source of the sound. His eyes met a skeleton alive, its parts were intact connected. The heads turn 360 degrees the spinal cord crumbles as it turns, enough to freak Akatosh.

    Before it can engage, Akatosh hastily smashes his head separating it from its skeletal body.

    With the head remove Akatosh was hoping that it was already done. But still, the skeletal body move on its own rampantly clubbing every corner left and right, up and down.

    "The hell with this!?" Akatosh shout trying to find a timing to smash its spinal cord that connects its upper body and its lower parts.

    Hands are shaking, grips are tightening. And with the right timing, he swings the club desolating the spinal cord, dividing the headless skeleton into half. The bones still moving but it was already helpless. To fully end the battle, Akatosh stomps the bones breaking them into pieces. It was enough to stop the moving skeleton.

    Smashing the club to the head of the skeleton, crushing the skull. The mace was still in good qualities so Akatosh takes the weapon.

    Three hours had passed and within the dungeon. Noise can be heard as bones were being smash. Spinning rampantly whir-winding the mace crushing and smashing the skeletons. Smacking what''s left from the skeleton.

    Fighting an undead was enough to give him a few knowledge and tricks on how to dispose of these types of monsters.

    As fortune favors the bold, Akatosh manages to loot another weapon. A small shield with twenty-inch in diameter. The shield was old and rusted but still good for blocking medium and light attacks and good for parrying.

    As he heads deeper, skeletons grow in numbers not just human skeletons but some are different. The structure was odd that of gnolls and other types of monsters.

    And halfway into the dungeon the skeleton slowly changes into a walking corpse.

    "What''s next a necromancer," he says as he charges through the undead.

    Their smell of rotten flesh disgusts Akatosh affecting his concentration. From there, he rips out a few clothes for a mask.

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    Moving the torch, the traveler was looking for something that will filter the smell. By luck, he spots moss growing on the stone. The fluffiness and moisture were good for covering the scent of the smelling dead carcasses.

    "I hate this place!" he implores, walking towards one peculiar hallway.

    A crumbled entrance door desolated as if being ram by some hordes of monsters. What''s more, the smell of the dead were even more intense. A light can be seen illuminating the room.

    As Akatosh stays at the corner of the entrance, peaking. He saw a pile of dead carcasses werewolves, snakes, gnolls, and other monsters in a state of decay.  It was an unbearable smell of rotting corpses that even the help of his mask couldn''t withstand the smell.

    It''s been hours has he been fighting the undead that the effect of the potion begins to take effect. In the last stand, Akatosh brings out another endurance potion.

    "What the heck, might as well survive this place," Akatosh says hesitantly to drink the potion.

    His body is now in heat he feels his muscles bulging ready to burst. And finally, blood begins to drool. In a dilemma but still, the potion''s advantage was greatly in effect. Wiping the blood, he slowly walks towards the open room full of corpses ignoring the smell.

    Within the chamber of the room, there was a large tree drilling its root from the tainted water. The ceiling had a hole that enables the light to shine through the corpses. The water was different it wasn''t black or gray, but it was blood as red. The blood was no joke; it didn''t just splatter like normal blood would do instead it was being absorbed through the roots of the tree.

    "Ahhhh¡­. Who¡­ enters here?" A disemboweled voice echoing within the room.

    The moment a voice calls, Akatosh was in tremor yet he didn''t utter a single word.

    "I-I can feel¡­ your presence." Said the voice within this room.

    Akatosh''s mouth was silent, he was thinking to burn this corpse to ashes before they could be animated.

    The rotten corpse was dried and there was a little bit of oil excreting from the corpses. Ignoring the voice, he silently put the corpses in flames. And little by little the fire slowly engulfs the corpses spreading in minutes.

    "YOU DARE! I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT DEATH TRULY MEANS WHILE I SUCK THE BLOOD OF YOUR CORPSE!" Said the voice coming from the tree. It was now more vocal and aggressive.

    "Try me if you can bitch!" Akatosh shout, intimidating the enemy.

    And for his intimacy, skeletons and corpses begins to rise from the dead.

    "DIE!" said the voice from the tree.

    Dropping the torch, Akatosh draws out the weightless sword. "We''ll see then."

    Leaping through a great high, and while the dead are slowly animated Akatosh quickly stomps their body. Same as last time smashing the spinal cord connecting the body and the legs was enough to bring it down. The undead is still alive yet they are useless when Akatosh was cutting them in half.

    The mace on his right was used for the undead skeleton while on the left was a weightless sword still sharp enough to decapitate the walking dried corps.

    Before he could be surrounded, Akatosh jumps as high as he can be stepping the head of the enemy to gain a long-distance leap avoiding the surrounding attacks. Slashing, smashing while doing acrobats a walking gnoll corps slash its swords. But with the help of the shield tighten to his arms, Akatosh was able to parry the attack.

    Locking the head of the skeleton Akatosh quickly kick the lower spinal cord and forcefully removing the head. After he''d decapitated the head, he then flung the head at his enemy.

    A fight of one for all and aggressively diving his weapons as it slowly grinds the hordes of undead. His legs are already injured from the cut of the blade. His body is now taking the side effect of the buff. But it wasn''t enough to bring him down as he continuously bathing in fighting.

    The fire burns the corps dramatically, the voice from the tree is now a fret towards Akatosh.

    "WHY WON''T YOU DIE!"

    "I WAS ALREADY DEAD," Akatosh says while holding his injuries.

    Panting heavily to see only seven foes are now left. Slowly they step forward, Akatosh hands begins to lose energy. The weight of the mace is now doubled unable to swing a move. And before he could drop the mace, he gathers some strength. He hurdles the mace hitting one undead.

    Before they could rip him apart, a female voice was heard.

    "Let thy call the grace of protection¡­ border!" It was Sheila and her friends who came to the rescue.

    A ray of light came to the dying man and with a smile, Akatosh yields. With a shaking leg, he fell collapse to his knee letting Sheila and her friends do the cleaning. "The tree, destroy the tree," Akatosh says, still holding the weightless sword unable to let it for it was a treasure to him.

    "Got it." A voice replies to his words.

    And when they arrive at his rescue he collapsed on the bloody water.

    "NOOOO! YOU CAN''T" said the tree panicking for its life, as Sei, Reith, and Sheila easily finished the seven undead.

 To Join or be left out

    The fire swoop, its black smoke rise from the hole of the earth. The decaying corpse slowly begins to burn, the speaking demonic tree that dwells within the corrupted chamber burns to the ground as its curses.

    Without the strength left to lift himself, Akatosh falls flat from the murky bloody water. But still, Sheila and her friends were able to do the finishing work.

    Their magic quickly shatters the bones, Reith''s offensive strike slices and sickle the walking corpse of the dead. Akatosh''s teaching was at use, with little skill to use they easily end the seven undead.

    The rotten stench of the corps smeared Akatosh''s smell. The heat quickly builds up ready to oven us to death, slowly and steady.

    A hand grabs and pulled him was a drag to a safe place. It was Chifya dragging Akatosh''s lifeless body away from the room. Before the fire could take their life, Sheila and her companions quickly runs. Following Akatosh and Chifya away from the chamber, they let the fire devour the blood-sucking tree. It rages in anguished, but it didn''t matter as they hurriedly exit the cave.

    Out of the dungeon, Akatosh was laid on the grassy ground. The veins were dark in color as his heartbeats to death. In coldness death he let it flow.

    Sheila quickly brought out a scroll of teleportation.  Placing on the ground right beside Akatosh, she then unfolds the scroll revealing ancient writing created by the land of magic.

    Sheila''s hand pressed firmly triggering the scroll. Upon her activation, it shines like a sun in the morning followed by a large magical circle. And in seconds the circle doubles its diameter expanding, till it reaches eight meters. With the circle complete light of rays hammering down upon the party and in seconds they quickly disappear.

    When Akatosh was teleported outside of Ravalind, after his duel. The king of Keshoval King Reigal IV, the price of Aghraim the eldest son of King Helmes, and his father King Helmes are in tight negotiating.

    They sit in a large circle, apart they place their chairs creating a triangle on a circle that symbolizes equality. And each of the three had their guardian standing at their side.

    For prince Helmes, a man in golden armor fitted to his manly body it was Sir. Lance the one they called "The spear of the golden sun". His eyes were straight forward his spear grips firmly on the sacred spear. His long hair was ponytailed and a handsome good-looking guy.

    On the other side of the table is a man with wisdom and magic, a wooden stick curse with great energy. One of the great wizards of Keshoval and the royal advisor of King Reigal IV. Cloak in a tight robe loses down to his feet nearly, the same age as Lance only older. His hood was uncovered showing a scar to the left side of his chin. He had no name or whatsoever, only to be called "The silent one".

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    And the last was a woman standing right beside King Helmes. Her long sword was sheathed to her left waist. Armored with leather scale, and padded with steel and iron. A medium golden shield was tight around to her left arm, where ancient ruins are craved within the golden shield. She was well known to be one of the great shield users in Aghraim, "Roaring Ancient" or so they called. Though she may be a well-known warrior but also a beauty, her short black hair covers her left eye not to mention a very maintained body.

    They didn''t care much about the negotiation of the kings except the wizard as they watch each other''s sighting for a provocation. Their hands grip ready to defend against any attack on both sides.

    It is to be seen that King Reigal IV is being forced to pull in the strings of the Kingdom of Aghraim.

    To be pressured by King Helmes, King Reigal IV who seems to be older than King Helmes calmly talks his way out. He already had a grown white beard, a sign that he''d already passed the age of sixties or more.

    "From the past time¡­ Keshoval and Aghraim were had been once a great ally." Said, king Helmes. Who is at the age of forties young enough to reign a kingdom longer than King Reigal IV. "Shouldn''t we fret to an empire that corners us to the walls of our nation, should we raise our sword from their blasted threat." He continues.

    King Reigal IV didn''t affect by Helmes''s words but clear his throat. "I know that this day may happen. For once the evil that once gathers us together but now it has slowly reign again."

    "King Reigal¡­" said prince Harith, cutting his words. "I uphold your words but¡­ that past is no longer at our time. Right now, we are dealing with a real threat the evil was no more or are you going to make this as an excuse."

    "One day you will understand young prince¡­ It''s already past noon. I shall arrange a night for the two of you." King Reigal says, slowly he stood up from his chair.

    Before he could walk out the exit, he was stopped by King Helmes''s words of provocation. "No need, we''ll return to Aghraim shortly after this. But I warned you Reigal if the dragon shall ravage its breath to a neighboring land a slayer won''t come if the chain is broken."

    King Reigal already understood that if the empire of Endregar will one day strike. And if he didn''t join forces with Aghraim since they are close to each other, there will be no help to come.

    King Reigal stop and said to him. "That time may come, though a day may come when light may shine."

    "Father if I would. King Reigal IV, I would like to stay in this place for a small point of time there is something I would like to do." Harith said, the young and na?ve prince.

    "I see, then I will ask for a room. King Helmes, I assure you that your son will be well bulwark. However, the rules of this kingdom may not be there as always. Even a king has its limits as everybody, no matter the person is."

    King Helmes smile and said in gratitude. "Then I see through it then."

    King Reigal didn''t want to join Aghraim since he already knows the conspiracy of their nation. Keshoval was rich in resources, a famous nation birth of the ancient hero, a small kingdom yet peaceful. But most importantly a place where power was hidden by the ancient, a power sought by every kingdom. The only thing is, Reigal didn''t know the buried place of power and secret but they say, ''when there is a cloud of smoke there is a fire.''

    As soon as King Reigal IV left the room, his royal advisor bows towards King Helmes and prince Harith. Thus, so too the two guardians bow in respect.

    The door slowly closed and for now, silence holds the time.

 â€œA Nation to Upholdâ€

    The night came, after the kings and prince exchange of words finally left out a small point of conclusion. The empire of Endregar is in a heated fight for claiming the land of Keshoval. Aghraim was Keshoval''s neighboring kingdom and was once a good alliance, was.

    Keshoval didn''t have the strength to face the other great kingdom Endregar, Mavigrid, Aghraim, not even Starhim. Though other kingdoms and nations such as Mavigrid, Starhim, the dwarfs, and elves didn''t care nor didn''t want to involve themselves.

    To ally with King Reigal IV, then slowly stab it behind was King Helmes plan but didn''t they know. Endregar was more darkly, a doll to be puppetries by the worshipers of the imprisoned one or so to be said.

    King Reigal had only an option left. Either has an alliance with Aghraim or search the power of the ancient. The king of Keshoval was constrained.

    Facing Endregar alone would result in bloodshed. But not if the land of Keshoval and the empire of Endregar might have a concordant, there will be no slaughter. Though Keshoval will be in control by the empire, and soon to be used as a puppet for them.

    But King Reigal was in a dream, where he sees a demon. An enemy who hungers of death and blood wiping out an army. Though, King Reigal''s dream of premonition envisions it only once.

    "A light shall soon shed upon the weak." A thought coming from King Reigal IV. It was his ancestral'' gift, a gift that reveals a prophecy.

    ''But prophecy tells what may be, not what should be.''

    King Reigal didn''t want any bloodshed but through the words of a trinity. The empire of Endregar however, didn''t directly declare war against Keshoval and Aghraim. It was a slow threat by threat as they claim borders and cornering the kingdom of Keshoval to wage war.

    "How did the search go?" Reigal IV said to his advisor in a calm voice.

    "The investigation is still ongoing. The result will soon be uncovering; I assure you, my king." The king''s advisor said.

    "I see¡­ I had heard that general Darren was still in Endregar."

    "Yes, my king though¡­ he seems to be staying longer than I thought. I''ve contacted him secretly, but he said there is something behind the empire."

    "I see. There is something I like you--" King Reigal says holds his chin thinking.

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    And before he could discuss another topic from his royal advisor. They were interrupted by his eldest daughter.

    "Father." Said the woman dressed in royal armor, holding a magnificent shield.

    King Reigal nodded to his royal advisor and quickly the wizard already receives his king''s message. Before he could pass the king''s daughter the wizard slowly bows to her showing her respect. She nodded and quickly went to his father to discuss a family conversation.

    "Father how many times that I told you." The king''s daughter said who seems to be angrily and disappointed.

    "Oh¡­ You came back Freia how did your mission go?" Reigal said as if joking to his daughter''s words.

    Freia was the eldest child of King Reigal IV since the king and queen had already passed the age of fertility, they only had two children as their only successors. Freia was the oldest, and next to her was her younger brother.

    Freia''s parents didn''t want to let her carry their burdens. But seeing her younger brother forcefully trained to be a king breaks her heart as an older sister. It''s is a monarch tradition for a male son to be crown as the next ruler.

    Freia cut off being the jewel of the family and train hard under general Darren. Being taught magic and educated by the kings'' royal advisor. Her mother tried to stop her, but she had already walk her path.

    "Father how many times not to interfere with my mission!" Freia shouts in frustration.

    Her father King Reigal IV hired high-level adventurers to watch his daughter Freia. And if the quest was too impossible for her, it''s up to the hired adventurer to finished her mission silently letting Freia gain the glory.

    Though of course, Freia already notice the person whom his father hired. She even converses with the person but still, the man''s oath to his king was strong. The man didn''t even listen to Freia''s declamation but continue his contract. The person only has his mission when the king''s daughter rest.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ how could I interfere with my beloved daughter''s quest when I was sitting here." King Reigal IV clear his throat as if joking with his daughter.

    Freia couldn''t take her father''s joke and quickly left out to his father''s presence. She couldn''t bear to see his father, the people of Keshoval harassed by the growing empire of Endregar.

    Truthfully, Freia wanted to counter the empires growing tyrant. She wanted to fight the empire even though they had no strength to overpower the growing tyrant. She didn''t know whatsoever what was happening, the conspiracy, the dark things that the other kingdom had sought. Freia only cares for her people. She may be brave for justice and peace. Yet as foolish as she can be, a woman that can be easily manipulated.

    Her father didn''t want to inform the whereabouts of the things that lurk within the shadows of the kingdom. Nor did he not want to have her daughter part taking the drastic situation of his era.

    It''s more like the opposite of feeding that instead of revealing her the truth he only makes her worst filling her with hatred and malice.

    Freia walks along the place going to a room, the maids and servants bows to her as she walks towards the bathroom. Her armor was coated with blood from her past quest.

    She didn''t like to be called a royal adventurer, so Freia cleans her equipment. Working her own ways as an adventurer, but what matters to her. She wants to be herself, a woman who can truly stand on her own feet brave yet foolish.

 27: No Title

    Ashalain together with her companions Garrick, Mishel, Baron gathers at a secret room. Magic faints the chamber, and a circle was drawn as shimmers of blue light illuminates the room. A man appears like a hologram being project through a magic circle.

    "I see that you all are gathered." The man says, in a slow tone of voice he continues yet hurries as he was.

    From there they were discussing something about a conspiracy from other nations.

    "How are the things going for Starhim?" Says the man in a robe projected like a ghost a wizard to be said.

    "They didn''t seem to be bothered by our situation. But somehow, they have something growing. When we found out that they are somehow strengthening their armies from the help of an unknown people." Garrick said. He was the one who let out the conversion since he was more capable than his other companions.

    "And what would that be?" The wizard replies to Garrick.

    "I don''t know¡­ but somehow we were almost exposed by someone that we couldn''t do our mission properly, I''m sorry," Garrick said.

    "It''s okay it is better to be safe than being exposed... you did a good job."

    After the wizard spoke, he went silent for a while.

    With a little moment of silent Garrick talks again questioning the wizard.

    "If I may, I thought General Darren would be the first to arrive than us."

    The wizard who was King Reigal IV''s advisor holds his chin and replies to him.

    "I too suspect that¡­ but I contacted him, and he seems to be in good condition. though his investigation is somewhat similar to the ones you just reported at Starhim"

    "I understand. So how was the discussion with the king." Garrick said.

    "Well, to think that even the kingdom of Aghraim is somehow involved in this."

    After a long discussion, the man quickly vanished. So too the magic circle slowly rotates counterclockwise decreasing its diameter. And there the three of them left the room except for Garrick who is somehow thinking, crossing his arm and closing his eyes minding his own business.

    Before Ashalain could exit the door, she notices Garrick still sitting. She couldn''t understand what he was thinking so she let out a breath and said to him.

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    "Well, we''ll be going first.",

    "Mm-hmm¡­ A word of advice Ashalain¡­ stay away from him that''s all the thing I could say."

    Before the meeting with the kings'' royal advisor, Garrick holds Ashalain from asking some questions. He knows that she''s still investigating her lovers'' death.

    But what they didn''t know was Garrick had more hidden knowledge than the king and his royal advisor even before the death of the previous king, but that would save from later on.

    For Ashalain, she was still in the chain from the past she was told to leave her past behind but that didn''t stop her from knowing the truth behind the death of her love.

    A true love? Yes- but still a na?ve girl.

    Once outside she was met by Mishel reading her grimoire waiting for her. Though, Baron had already left.

    "Where''s Baron?" Ashalain ask.

    She took her presence of words and closed her grimoire.

    "I don''t know, he already left before I came out, he might be at some bar drinking," Mishel replies.

    Ashalain sighs not knowing what to say.

    "So are you going to continue?" Mishel said to her somehow curious.

    Ashalain smiles changing the topic. "Well, why do we first have some treatment."

    Mishel didn''t continue to interrogate her since Mishel had already known Ashalain.

    "Fine, but you will be the one to treat me." Mishel shrugs, closing the grimoire.

    -Back at Ravalind-

    Near to a building a circle appears, and in seconds it glows and shines like a morning sun. After the golden circle was drawn it expands and suddenly Sheila, Chifya, Reith, and Akatosh appears. Reith quickly grabs his arm lifting him and hastily they went towards the temple of a god also known as the temple of Azarus. The god of power, the god that symbolizes the fire of power.

    Upon arriving at the foundation of the temple. They didn''t let a second to spare and time was crucial as life was slowly taken away. The front gate was guarded by two paladins clad in reddish and white armor. Without even speaking with the two paladins guarding the door the party deliberately barges the door entering the first room. Opening the double door, they ignore the two guards chasing them and went to open the second door.

    As they finally unfold the door they stop midway. Priests and other maidens are in a state of worship. Upon opening the door, Sheila and her friends were stooped at disrupting the priests and maidens. But the group couldn''t care less as one of their companions is dying. They didn''t feel embarrassed to storm the temple for a dying person they had just recently met.

    One priest seems to be in his mid-seventies but with fair young skin. With hair and a long beard as white as the snow.

    When the group burst through the door. The priest takes notice he could see Akatosh''s lifeless body like a person being strip out from his soul leaving only a shell. He could see the tainted blood dripping coming out from Akatosh''s mouth. The two paladins that were chasing them quickly stop as soon as they see the priest waving a sign to let them in.

    The priest servants quickly take action, and they were afoul by the Akatosh''s smell that was tainted from the rotten corpse. Ignoring the smell, the two servants quickly take Akatosh to where they will heal his wounds.

    Sheila and her companions wanted to follow them, but they were stopped by three knights. All they could do was watch him being taken away. Sheila could only do was hug Akatosh''s spatial bag while Chifya holds his weightless sword.

    The door slowly closed by the knights shutting them out. The two paladins that were once chasing them guide them outside the temple. All they could do is look back and pray for his life.

 â€œWhat a Big World to Beâ€

    "Quickly!" Says the priest of Azarus. Commanding his two servants placing Akatosh at some table like an altar.

    The two servants after placing him give way to the high priest, and closely he inspects Akatosh. Upon the priest directs his observation towards the upper body. He can see the blood traveling around through his veins were corrupted, turning it black.

    Swiping the blood drooling from Akatosh''s cheek. He takes a closer look and while rubbing with his fingers, the priests'' eyes open widely.

    "Quickly! Take him to the water!" Exclaimed the priest.

    Two of his servants immediately act transporting him to a pool of blue water.

    When Akatosh was submerged, the high priest then touches the water. His hand glows rapidly giving the pool a purification. The water gradually change, Akatosh''s body was now emitting a black-like ink tainting the water. But the purification water starts to devour the black toxic like-ink.

    The two servants stare in awe it was their first time seeing a high priest in action.

    The pool glows purifying the toxic body of Akatosh. Extracting the liquid that poisons his blood and in moments while the priest draws out the toxic. He felt something like being electrified. What he felt wasn''t normal, a dreadful of pure destruction and chaos is what he. He nearly removes his hand dipped from the water, yet he was able to fortitude the unknown force.

    He used quite a bit of his energy to remove the toxicity. And as his magic slowly dispels, so too the waters slowly retain its color.

    "It is done. You may take him to a room." The priest sighs.

    His two servants quickly follow his commands and took him to a room where he sleeps recovering his strength. But for the priest of Azarus, while drying his had using a white towel he was somewhat alarmed by this man.

    Was it toxic that creates the foul sensation that he felt? Or was it something more to this man? He had encountered many of this type before. To the possession of evil spirits and entities, a disease that infects the body, and a curse that is somewhat powerful and somewhat average. He can only speculate that it was toxic, or he might be tainted by some dark forces nevertheless his deed was done but not yet.

    The temple of the gods is open to everyone ye who art in the side of purity. Though they had an oath to keep, to keep war at bay from them they stand aside in between two countryside. But when it comes to the opposing of light and purity itself. That''s the time when they must uphold their vigilance no matter who it is, a king, a prince, nothing would stand in their way when quenching the opposite of light.

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    -At the kingdom of Keshoval-

    In one of the great halls of libraries, books, parchments, scrolls tore open. Scan page by page, papers by papers. Her eyes and mind were concentrated, she lost track of time, she didn''t feel hungry.

    Her voice was heard, "Ashalain-Ashalain¡­" Mishel called twice her name until she was able to take her notice.

    "Did you eat?" Mishel implores, looking at Ashalain busy scanning the books, scrolls, etc.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ I''ll eat when I''m done with this." Ashalain sigh, busy looking at the books, scrolls she collected. She didn''t bother to take a look at Mishel.

    Mishel look her in worried, her friend Ashalain was in deep to be disturbed. She knew what knowledge she seeks and all she could do was a pity her heart.

    A brief small word of their conversation Mishel left Ashalain busy herself with the papers.

    After the passing time of twenty minutes or so, Mishel returns holding with her warm food fresh from the kitchen. She placed the food at the right side of Ashalain, the smell was indeed delightful enough to make someone crave.

    "Thanks¡­" Ashalain said. She didn''t bother to have a look even if the smell of the food is tempting to the nose.

    Mishel couldn''t take it anymore, Ashalain''s stubbornness filled her boiling point. And with her anger, Mishel whacks her staff atop Ashalain''s head.

    She finally felt the pain and before she turns around to say a word she was met with fury and rage.

    "Did that hurt?! Now eat your food!"

    Ashalain was at a loss to her, she was now at her mercy.

    "Alright-alright I''ll eat, I''ll eat," Ashalain said.

    Mishel sits in front of her, facing and watching her slowly eating the food she prepares. like an angry mother watching her daughter eating. Teaching her a lesson for not filling her stomach first. Mishel''s eyes were staring at Ashalain eating her meal. She was there watching her and if she took notice of her going through the books, scrolls, parchments. She would hammer her staff at her head.

    She waited minutes for her to finally gulps the last bit of food.

    "Gahh¡­ I''m full." Ashalain sigh in satisfaction. "Now then--" Before her fingers touch the papers Mishel slaps her hand using her staff.

    "You know, even some animals would rest after eating," Mishel says, raising her eyebrows.

    After nearly ten minutes of awkward silence, Mishel let out a sigh and spoke. "You may."

    After Mishel''s words, she can see the excitement of Ashalain''s face ready to again scavenge the papers.

    Her eyes slowly watch the papers that Ashalain was working on, Mishel can tell that she was looking for something. It was some sort of an island, a place of the unseen, a barren land. The books and parchment were old in the passing of times. And the person who wrote these musts has explored the island and live to tell the tales.

    Mishel was waiting for a chance to give her something. Though Ashalain may not like the content and where it came from. But she patiently waits for a chance. Mishel knew her for a long time her background, her feelings, her dark past she was like an older sister to her.

 â€œA letter from a Familyâ€

    For a moment, Mishel opens her satchel her hands were searching for something. A letter not for her but her friend Ashalain.

    "There something from you," Mishel said. Slipping the letter towards Ashalain.

    Upon holding the letter Ashalain felt distraught after seeing the stamp seal. A symbol showing a two-sword crossed together behind a shield. She already knew where the letter came from, a letter from her father.

    Her fingers press the letters tightly, she wanted to crumple, she wanted to shred the letters from her father. She could, but she couldn''t do it in front of her friends, only sigh and slowly lays the letter.

    "Aren''t you going to look at the letter?" Mishel says, looking at her worried face.

    "That''s--" Ashalain couldn''t say a word to her friend.

    "It''s fine¡­. Well, I''m going first." Mishel responds, leaving Ashalain all alone again.

    But before she maintains a good distance she stops and said to her. "I think you should visit her. They are on the move again."

    Her words cut deep through her worries.

    "I don''t know what their plans or their intention. But I received a report from my colleagues that there had been some disruption from Maginum. And I can only speculate that it had some connection with her."

    After Mishel utters her message, Mishel then left leaving Ashalain. She had enough for today, she stops scavenging the libraries, the books, parchment. She didn''t know what to do, she was at loss.

    "What am I going to do¡­ please tell me," Ashalain says, gaze towards the ceiling, relaxes her hands.

    She was thinking of her lover''s image ''Salvaril''.  She can see him smiling yet fading at loss.

    After resting herself for a while, she stood looking at the letters that Mishel gave to her. And then she slowly grabs the letter, she can tell that her father had something from her.

    And when she opens, it was indeed from her father. She was careless to read her father''s writings but out of a sudden. When she opens the envelope, the second piece of paper was inserted. She could tell the handwriting was different from her father''s letter.

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    The letter was from her mother and somehow, she was able to secretly insert the letter.

    Her family ''De Shilvia'' was a powerful royal family. They had been supporting the king for generations what they hold had many, secrets and mysteries that even the king haven''t known.

    She read her mother''s words, a heed of warning, and a mother''s love. Her mother wanted to see her, to come home once again to see her face. But she couldn''t after she knows what his father had done. His mother''s other message was the same as Mishel''s.

    "Ashalain my dear, I am sorry that my help wasn''t enough to you. I know that I won''t be forgiven for my action but please come home, my child. Your father is worried sick to you, you must understand this¡­"

    After reading the front page, she realizes faint energy coming from the envelope. "Reveal," Ashalain says, invoking a spell that then reveals a hidden message at the back of the paper.

    "I had received reports from someone working with me. It is regarding your sister. I think that someone might have been spying on us. And your father is not what he seems to be--" The words were written in haste making the message incomplete.

    And after she''d read the message, she quickly left the ''Hall of knowledge.''

    -At the temple of Azarus-

    A Voice calls to Akatosh''s ear, a voice of someone.

    "Win¡­ Conquer." The voice was somewhat slow and vocal. "Come and see the conquer of your power, he who will bring war." A tottery voice like a senile man is desperate to awaken a war.

    When Akatosh''s eyes slowly open. A boy, a servant of the temple.

    "You''re-you''re finally awake." The boy says, bringing Akatosh a cup of water.

    He was in a tight room; the width of the room was only 2.5 meters and its length was more than 4 meters. But even in this cramped chamber, the room was cold.

    The cool air breezes through the two open windows. It was daytime that he awoke, it was nearly 9 o''clock to be precise.

    After pouring the mug with water, the boy then hands it over to Akatosh''s side. As thirsty as he was, Akatosh didn''t hesitate to take the boy''s offer.

    "Thanks," Akatosh said to the boy. A thirteen of age Akatosh assumed. "How much is the cost," Akatosh says while drinking.

    "The temple of Azarus is free of our service." The boys respond, shaking his head.

    "I see," Akatosh says looking around for his things. His bag, the sword worried his heartbeats nervously. "Hey boy, do you know where are my things? " Akatosh continues.

    "I don''t know, but I saw your friends holding something while bringing you to this place." He respond after he''d recall his thoughts.

    "I see," Akatosh said.

    "Funny, last I remember. I was still holding my bag while fighting the horde of the dead. Did it fall?" Akatosh assumed.

    "Oh¡­ I almost forgot; someone is waiting for you at the exit." The boy said before leaving.

    Gathering his thoughts, then after a while, he picks his clothes atop the drawer. Akatosh was grateful when he saw his clothes neatly piled and cleaned. There was no blood or the smell of rotten flesh, instead, the clothes smell flowery.

    What''s more delighted, Akatosh smile upon seeing his armor laying below the drawer. The worn-down armor was cleaned and fixed. He couldn''t think of repaying these people.

    He didn''t wear his armor but carry it with him. He was in a temple not in a dungeon. And following his stretching and fasten apparels, he then exits the room.

 â€œMirâ€

    When Akatosh pushed the door open, he saw the place filled with medieval-like design but different. Its marvelous architect and different varieties of plants and herbs growing at every side are beautiful to Akatosh''s eyes.

    The building was somehow large yet bright from the inside, light penetrates through the ceiling windows shining down the plantation. The smell of the atmosphere was like a perfume not too much to the nose just a pure smooth smell.

    Seven people can be seen tending the plantation. The one closest to him was a girl wearing a white robe embed with gold strips at the end. She didn''t wear any slippers or shoes. Yet Akatosh can tell she was somehow used to walking barefooted. She was busy transferring the herbal plant to the other pots.

    "Young miss, can you tell me the way to this place." Akatosh implores the girl.

    "Follow straight to this path" The girl responds pointing at the large double door. "There¡­ go left until you see a large red tree also, there are four paths. Follow the door that symbolizes a fire there you will reach a chamber. If you used the left side door it will lead you to the exit door."

    Akatosh can see her hands dirtied by rich black soil. He was more interested in the herbal plant she was tending.

    "What''s your name, young miss," Akatosh says lowering himself.

    She didn''t hesitate to reply instead she was quick to say her name. "Name''s Mir." She said with a joyful face.

    What he didn''t know was, it was Mir''s first time to have a conversation with an outside people.  After that Mir turns away facing the plants and goes to collect the leaves. Akatosh can tell she was happy to have a conversation.

    "Mir ehh¡­ You can call me Akatosh." Akatosh smile drawing his hand for a shake.

    Mir looks at Akatosh and she too shakes his hand.

    "Nice to meet you too uncle Akatosh." She smiles.

    By the looks of it, Akatosh can tell Mir''s face shows a tragic life. It was very obvious that her smile gives a nostalgic feeling the moment Akatosh saw her warm confrontation.

    "Mir it is then. Kindly tell me something about these flowers." Akatosh said picking the one she''d gather.

    "They''re not flowers, this one is called Elven Shade," Mir says picking the follower that she collected from the basket.

    Akatosh wanted to ask Mir about the plants. Their effects, their cure, and how to create a potion using them. Unexpectedly Akatosh then remembers someone was waiting for him at the exit.

    Before Akatosh said farewell to her Mir stood up. "Oh, I forgot. I had some things to deliver too. I can show you the way."

    Akatosh smile. "Well, I''m in your care then." Akatosh sigh in relief.

    "Wait," Mir says, going towards the pots then goes around to grab her satchel.

    The moment Mir opens her satchel scanning for something. He caught a glimpse of her belongings; it was full of papers and books. As she carefully scavenges the bag, Mir brought out a white brown envelope. It wasn''t thin to say, rather holds dozens of letters. After that, she puts the plump envelope in her basket full of different herbals.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Akatosh was more to Mir''s knowledge, about the herbal plants. He wanted to gain her knowledge regarding these kinds of stuff Mir''s into.

    While Mir and Akatosh walk in the corridor full of flowers, roots, mushrooms some glowing plants.

    "Mir, can you tell me about this plant," Akatosh said. Showing her the one that he took.

    A purple-colored flower and an aromatic smell. The leaf was star shape and had few purple dots.

    "Ah, that one. We called that Purple Mountain."

    Akatosh smile for he can tells she was sharp. By just a glimpse Mir can already tell the varieties of the plant.

    "I want her. I mean not that kind of thing but a companion to help with this kind of stuff." Akatosh thought to himself.

    "Purple Mountain¡­" Akatosh says somewhat curious. "What do these have?"

    "Well Purple Mountains¡­ what do we call this. It can restore little of your stamina. Also, some people used this to make tea in resisting the icy cold there at the top of the mountains when gathering some ingredients".

    "I see¡­ this girl got some talent."

    After taking their step they reach a certain room. Sitting at the center of the chamber, there was a peculiar tree surrounded by pure clear water. It was no ordinary tree the leaves were indeed reddish reflecting the light of the sun. And at its ground are different plants growing right beside the tree. It was a majestic sight to see.

    Out of curiosity. "What is this tree?"

    "What, you didn''t know this?"

    "Well¡­ the truth is¡­" Akatosh says scratching his cheeks.

    "This tree, it is known to be the tree of Azarus Love. During that time, Azarus fell deeply in love with an incredibly beautiful human. As for the gods, well¡­ it was taboo to make an affair with the mortals. So Azarus had to secretly leave the Celestial Realm for him to see her. He disguised himself as a handsome adventurer. And there Azarus slowly envelops her with his heart. But what he didn''t know¡­ the human he fell in love with had someone that he too desperately wants her. It was a prince that he too had secretly fell in love with her. Until a day arrives that she bares a son, the only offspring of Azarus himself. Not long after that, the other gods have begun to suspect something from Azarus. He knows this would happen, so he left her. By faking his death Azarus returns to the Celestial Realm."

    "What happens after that," Akatosh says, looking at the very tree.

    "That time¡­ after Azarus left the mortal realms. The prince found out that she had already given birth to someone. He was very jealous, he wanted to kill the child, to take her once more. But she knows this, in her dreams she saw her child butchered in her very eyes, killed by the prince. She kept dreaming of this not knowing that it was Azarus that warns her. He couldn''t leave the realms of the gods, if he would she would suffer a far greater threat, a punishment from the gods."

    Mir then let out a sigh going towards the tree. Were Akatosh too then follows her while listening to her stories.

    "A tragedy broke, the prince had many ears and eyes. He was informed that she was leaving the land aided by one mysterious person. Gathering his finest men, they set out before she could disappear. The prince thought that the man who was aiding her was the one who took her first. Not knowing it was one of Azarus guardians, a normal human that Azarus entrusted. He didn''t want to provoke the gods by sending a powerful being rather a normal yet skillful mortal. At the riverbanks, the current of the water was averagely strong. Meanwhile, the prince and his men rush to the scene. Aware of their coming Azarus''s avatar sprang into action holding them. Buying enough time for her and the child to escape. With the prince highly skilled in archery he couldn''t bear to see her escaping, drawing three shots at once he aims for the baby."

    "Shoot he fired, before the arrows could reach the child, she used her body as a shield. For the guardian, he couldn''t fight twenty men at once but how he manages to take them was unknown. Some say it was Azarus giving his power, others say was through his crafting of an alchemist and other stuff, creating an explosion. Leaving only her and the prince facing at each other, though the prince was now a psychopath, he lost himself out of jealousy and hatred."

    Cutting her words, they sit on a bench looking at the tree where its leaves slowly fall. While Akatosh lingering''s his nose on the flower, listening to Mir''s story.

    "So¡­ what became of them?" Akatosh said to her looking at the Purple Mountains.

    "All was lost, but she was able to save the child from the prince."

    "And her?"

    "She was killed by the prince, tearing her apart piece by piece. For Azarus grieve, he turns her body parts into a tree that symbolizes his love." Mir says, hesitates.

    "The legend says that this tree is her."

    "You could say that, though what became of her son was a mystery. Some say it was Faravish himself."

 â€œHow Rude of Youâ€

    "I see¡­" Akatosh shrug.

    Watch the leaves like petals slowly fall to the ground, Akatosh then said. "Red¡­ The color of many, a love of tragedy, the purity of war itself. Color of life and death."

    As Akatosh said the words, Mir was somewhat turned by the words he''d utter.

    Akatosh then stood looking at the four corridors leading to a different room. The first corridor holds no signs or symbols. The second holds no fire but depicts a dragon, not until he saw a fire in the third corridor.

    "The exit huh."

    Mir lifts herself from the bench going towards the tree while Akatosh stood still observing her movements.

    She kneels then goes plucking plants, it was vine-like but different. The color of the leaves was yellow but somehow shines, illuminates to tell. Putting it in her basket she starts to pray in front of the tree. To Akatosh who has different culture and religion, he only watches Mir silently praying to her god.

    After her devotion both of them went to the exit corridor were came across another large room full of vegetation, it was a large garden. It even had a small pond where unknown water plants are growing. Akatosh thought that Mir would stop and collect some herbs, but Mir keeps her pace. As she said before they were able to reach the exit door, and two people were managing at the admission desk.

    "Can you give this to aunt Lily? Tell her my gratitude." Mir says to one of the managers.

    "You don''t have to worry." The manager said to her, receiving the envelope.

    She nods happily while Akatosh only stands there watching her as she smiles, a smile who¡¯s been through a lot. Before Mir leaves, she bows showing her gratitude.

    "Nice meeting you, uncle Akatosh and thank you for your time¡­ Towards that door--"Mir hesitated pointing at the exit. "Well, you can meet me anytime." She counties.

    To his curiosity, Akatosh went towards one of the managers.

    "Hey, about that child," Akatosh said.

    "Poor child¡­ I see you met her recently." The manager said giving a pitiful look.

    "Yeah, do you know anything about her?"

    "It''s better this way¡­ It was raining hard that night. We found her collapsed in front of the temple. She was weary and covered in mud, there were bruises all over her body. Her hands were chained tightly, drenched in cold water we took her inside the temple. She was gasping for air, we thought that she couldn''t make it. Yet somehow a miracle happened as she slowly regains her life back; we thank the gods that day."

    "I see¡­"

    "But¡­ right after that day, a royal private army came. They were searching the whole town looking for her."

    "Let me guess¡­ slave traders or a hunter?" Akatosh said in a cold tone.

    "Most likely¡­ We were able to keep her at bay from their hands. After that, we sent out one of our knight maidens to investigate about her."

    "Why¡­"

    "Well¡­ the people who came looking for her were quite different. They were the people of the Maginum, also she just took the investigation by herself don''t know why."

    "I see¡­ and what happened to the knight maiden".

    "Well¡­ she was able to uncover something."

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    "And that would be?"

    The man sighs. "Don''t know but all the information she gave was about brigands and slavery. She said that her village was attacked by barbarians or bandits there in the far north. Poor child, she must have been through a lot, who knows what they did to her."

    Fixing some papers, he continues. "She told us that Mir was able to escape the bandits and brigands, to only be catch by slave traders."

    "This world¡­ sure is pitiful," Akatosh says after hearing Mir''s story.

    "I heard enough." Akatosh shrug then goes to the exit.

    When he met Sheila waiting for him at the exit, he saw his belongings. "Sup." Akatosh smile.

    After he calls her, Sheila quickly ran in his direction as if going for a hug, but she stops midway.

    "Akatosh I''m glad you''re alright," Sheila says.

    "Yeah¡­ Well, you know what, can we get something to eat."

    After retrieving his things, he notices the weightless swords were still missing but Akatosh was relieved to see his bag again.

    "I know the best place." Sheila smile.

    Akatosh didn''t know the place so he following her. And as he slows his pace trying to walk behind her back. Akatosh cautiously pulling the items checking if it was truly his bag. This world is full of magic and mysteries so to tell.

    "I know, so no need to concern yourself." Sheila suddenly said.

    "So, she knew all along with my secrets."

    "Since when." Akatosh reply.

    "Right after the Delverish," Sheila respond.

    Without further conversation, they remain silent.

    "We''ve arrived." Sheila smile.

    "I thought that we were going to some inn, but to think she brought me to her house. But what the heck, hunger was inevitable to me." Akatosh though as they enter the two-story house.

    "Oh, look who''s here," Reith says holding some ingredients.

    As they set foot to where the living room was. He saw Chifya with her eyes closed, she was sitting near the table, crossing her arms and legs.

    Akatosh didn''t have much anything to do so he sits opposite where Chifya is. And when she heard him, Chifya cautiously opens her eyes like a boss ready for an application interview.

    "I see you''ve recovered," Chifya says.

    "Well then I''ll be leaving you two, I have something to do." Sheila smile leaving the two.

    "Mm-hmm¡­" Akatosh nods towards Sheila.

    After ignoring Chifya both of them went silent smelling the food that Reith''s been cooking.

    "Um, so I was thinking about--" Chifya again implores. Though, Akatosh didn''t want to reply to a conversation from Chifya. And so he slowly takes a nap on the table.

    "You are either dense or one stubborn man," Chifya says glaring at Akatosh.

    "Right you are. What words are you going to tell me?" Akatosh finally responds knowing Chifya had a story stored in her.

    "Well, it''s about--"

    "Let me guess, want me to help you with something?" Akatosh said, still napping on the table.

    "Well, yeah something like that." Chifya hesitates.

    "You know what I refuse."

    Stamping her hand on the table Chifya exclaimed. "Just listen to me for a while!"

    "Not again," Akatosh says.

    He didn''t want to make this conversation complicated so Akatosh let her do all the talking just for this day.

    "The thing is¡­ Right after we''ve destroyed that place. Sheila informed the guild about the incident that you just recently uncovered. The guild had sent adventures to investigate. And what they found was a very high-rank demon that was sealed from the past era. What triggers and releases that thing is still under investigation. The corpse that piles beneath the chamber were pitted together fighting one another to their death."

    "So basically? The demonic tree controls their mind gathering the monsters together and let them gut each other."

    "Yes, that''s right."

    "I see¡­ So that''s why I didn''t encounter any beast or monster while treasure hunting."

    "Though, the investigators didn''t uncover why the monsters are pitted together."

    "Blood." Akatosh interrupts.

    "What?" Chifya respond.

    "Don''t know, but before I engage a fight with that speaking tree. I notice the gallons of blood streamed like a river towards the roots of that tree. So basically, in short, the tree possessed the monsters letting them killed each other, and then extract their blood for something I don''t know."

    Chifya was silent in just a second and then. "I would like to request--"

    "Sorry ain''t happening."

    "Would you listen--"

    "Sorry I ain''t a hired man."

    "Can you take--"

    "Sorry ain''t interested just a traveler. Not a hero oh and I don''t want to be a hero."

    Filling her with rage from Akatosh''s stubbornness. Chifya reaches through Akatosh, and when she does, she grabs his clothes. After that, she ferociously exclaimed face to face.

    "FOR JUST A MOMENT WOULD YOU TAKE THIS THING SERIOUSLY!"

    By their conversation, all around the house if not even outside the house. Chifya''s rage could be heard, even Reith was startled by their words.

    Inching Chifya''s angry face to his, Akatosh didn''t flinch but only shows a tired face. "Nah¡­ Why me when there are a lot of shitty high-rank showoff adventurers that only care for themselves¡­ Let me guessed, afraid to ask a word out of them?"

    She was silent, angry, frustrated she relinquished. The exit was behind Akatosh, so Chifya in her angry state walks going outside to relieve her stress.

    Before she could walk past him, Akatosh quickly grabs her arms. "It would be rude for someone to just run away when somebody had prepared something to be left out of nothing."

 â€œA Place, a Homeâ€

    For a second still holding her arms not wanting to let go. Though it was his fault, to begin with. Akatosh didn''t know how women feel but stay he still waiting for the right time.

    Akatosh''s hands twist groping her arms locking it more. "You know we can do this all day."

    "Let me go!" Chifya exclaimed. "I said let--" She continues after no response.

    "I''m sorry." Akatosh interrupts.

    The tension between Akatosh and her slowly diminish after his words of apologies.

    "Women." Akatosh shrug.

    "Fine, I got it," Chifya says, not a rough reply but somewhat a calm one.

    The rectangular tables had three chairs from the longer side and one on the shorter side. So gently Akatosh pulls her arms. She didn''t give a resistance rather she goes with the flow sitting right beside Akatosh.

    "Could¡­ could you let go." Chifya blush.

    Akatosh''s mind was now in a dilemma, to tease her or just let go of her. "Gahh¡­ I''d rather not, best to leave this as it is." Akatosh thought, slowly releasing his hand.

    "Sorry, I just got carried away. Forgive me for speaking that thing from the first place."

    "I got it; you don''t have to repeat the same word thrice," Chifya says looking away opposite from his face.

    "Any news about the tree," Akatosh says moving to another topic.

    "Destroyed by the fire you created."

    "I see."

    The atmosphere was dead silent again. Without a thing to do Akatosh scavenge again his bag. He was shocked that the weightless sword that he thought was lost lingers in his bag.

    "Did Sheila stuff this sword." Akatosh reckons knowing she already knows his secret.

    Hidden from Chifyas eyes quickly Akatosh let it suck by the bag. Nothing to do he choose to bring out the book to study it once more. To may have something that he can understand.

    Ignore the magic stuff he goes to where the potion and healing stuff. Still, the words written didn''t get through to his head, but for some reason, he finds a familiar page, a potion that contains venoms and poison. It was the potion that Akatosh looted from the past two goblins.

    By carefully studying. It was the potion that Akatosh used from the two large wolves.

    "What is this?" Akatosh says, turning the next page showing the formula and ingredients on how to craft the potion.

    Ingredients:

    -Lady''s Mantle

    -Comfrey

    -Slime Glands

    -Corrupted Spider''s egg

    It had an 8 ingredients list, but the 4 ingredients were somehow complicated to understand. Then curiosity again filled his mind thinking about this book and the place where Akatosh had found the book.

    "Where evil lurks in a dark place, so too does fortune await." Akatosh smiles for a second, thinking to once again explore that area even if it cost his life.

    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Chifya somehow was unusual to what Akatosh''s reading. He notices Chifya was staring her eyes towards the book but Akatosh didn''t let it bother him. The more Akatosh turns the page, the more she became interested in what he''s reading.

    "Hey--"Akatosh calls to Chifya.

    She frowns upon what he calls her. "You know¡­ I have a name." She scorns.

    "This woman¡­ she''s a serious one."

    "Alright, I call your name next time. But let me ask you, do you know this language?" Akatosh sigh.

    "Fine!" Chifya says. "Let me see that." She continues grabbing the book.

    "I see, this writing is somewhat familiar," Chifya said.

    And for a moment Akatosh notices Chifya snaps some ideas.

    "To think this had something with the stonewall at my village. Maybe the elders know something from these writings." Chifya says to herself smiling.

    Looking at her face griming. Akatosh got the feeling that Chifya had something stored for him.

    "I will decipher this book, but only if you''re going to accept my request," Chifya says crossing her legs.

    "Really?" Akatosh says, thinking for a moment before he can accept her request or decline her offer.

    "You know¡­ I too had a request."

    Her eyebrow raised. "You''re taking this too far."

    "Well, I''m sometimes good at negotiating," Akatosh said studying the book.

    "I''m going to decipher this book for you and then I''m going to help you with something!?" Chifya said in a somewhat angry voice.

    "Well then, if you can slightly crack this, I would lay down my other request how''s that. Deal?" Akatosh says he doesn''t like to be ordered by someone regardless of their gender or status.

    Pointing a random word from the book, Akatosh then said to her. "If you can translate this, then I can help you with your request."

    "Don''t take me for a fool?" Akatosh thought.

    "I should better see the food," Chifya says going towards the kitchen where Reith''s been cooking.

    "This woman. The heck I should travel there once I''m done with these."

    After filling our belly, Akatosh asks Sheila where Sei and Riya are.

    Without being asked Chifya blurt. "They accompanied Uncle Rick to our village there at Northor".

    "I see, so what did I miss," Akatosh said to her.

    "Want to hear the whole story?" Chifya says.

    "Keep it simple." Akatosh reply.

    Chifya sigh. "When you left us all alone, we decided that Sei and Riya would take Uncle Rick to the temple of Azarus same as where we rush you. Luckily, a high priest was present at that time, so he was able to purify the thing that possessed him. And you should thank Sheila for savoring your life."

    "I see," Akatosh said after listening to Chifya''s story. "So how far is this village of yours?"

    "About a week if you''re walking. But if you''re riding a horse, chances would be four days."

    "What about teleportation?"

    "Well? When it comes to teleportation." Chifya says.

    "Markings." Sheila interrupts.

    "What do you mean?" Akatosh said to Sheila.

    "It''s like this when you mark a certain place you can always go back to that place you last put a mark on. But it won''t work to a place where you didn''t put a mark. For example, I''d mark Ravalind and there is also my mark at the kingdom of Keshoval I can easily teleport myself there. But If I want to go to Starhim except however I didn''t put any of my marks there. I need to first travel to that place or let someone who had his marking let them teleport me. Also putting a mark is easy, but also easy to remove."

    "How so?" Akatosh asks.

    "People with magic abilities can easily erase your markings. They easily track your markings by just sensing it with their magical abilities. It''s like ''fight fire using fire'' but high powerful spell caster can hide their markings or even cast a barrier. You just need a powerful one to erase his/her markings."

    "I see? I''m starting to know this world a bit." Akatosh thought.

    "So only Sei and Riya were the only ones who accompanied Rick."

    Shaking her head Sheila then said. "We ask some help from the guild members, luckily one group had some free time to spare."

    While listening to Sheila''s explanation, unknowingly Chifya pours some liquid on Akatosh''s drinks. And without hesitation Akatosh grabs his drinks and quickly gulps the water.

    It was already past midday, and Akatosh wants to resupply his equipment and items to continue his journey. So, when he stood walking towards the exit, Sheila was somehow sad seeing Akatosh leaving.

    "Are you leaving already?" Sheila asks.

    "Yeah," Akatosh said to her. "Sheila There''s something I want to give you--" Before Akatosh can say another word, his vision suddenly turns to black. Shutting all his senses, he falls flat on the ground.

    "Hahahahah¡­ serves you right. Did you think I didn''t come prepared?" Chifya says, laughing.

    "What did you do?!" Sheila was confused.

    "Relax, I only give him a dose of my potion. He won''t be up for a while."

    "But why did you do that?" Sheila asks.

    "He was eager to leave and he didn''t answer my request. I can see how worried you are when he was about to leave weren''t you?" Chifya smile.

    Sheila was silent, she was really in blue when Akatosh was about to leave. And Chifya sure did something¡­

 â€œA Moral Lessonâ€

    After he had awoken Akatosh found himself in a room. It was already nighttime, his headache, his muscle aches. It was all of sudden, Akatosh didn''t know what happen, how he collapses, or who was to blame. He can only speculate that it was Chifya since she holds a grudge against him.

    Turning around, ciphering his surroundings he saw Reith sited and sleeping silently. It was to be said that Reith had been there the whole time watching Akatosh.

    The night was insomnia to him. He was sleepless than the man who''s in deep slumber nursing him through his sleep. Placing the blanket at Reith, Akatosh instantly searches his bag.

    "Where is it?" Akatosh sigh, after that he goes to have some midnight breeze.

    For now, the sky was open. The starry night illuminates the dark sky turning the pitch back into beauty. The moon is different from his past world they were three moons that light the night. One was reddish the other was green, for the last well you can see that it was half to say and yellow it shows.

    Just a moment of astral silence Akatosh heard a rustle, the sound came from the back of the house. After following the sound, he slowly pushes the door and lightly opening to take a glimpse of the outside.

    Unnoticed, he saw Sheila somewhat doing her magical stuff. He can see her struggling to control her magic. He can see her in agony, the tears of pain from overtraining her magic.

    Akatosh shrug and went to call her. "Shouldn''t you be awake at this hour?"

    To her surprise, Sheila immediately turns around hiding her blue face. Though, Akatosh notice her burned hand before Sheila could hide it.

    She smiles. "Ah¡­ This is nothing, you should be asleep." Sheila says trembling.

    "I can''t sleep, nor I can''t rest. So what brings you to this place."

    Her head bends avoiding Akatosh''s face. He can tell she''s holding the sore pain she''s been hiding the whole time. Without hesitation, Akatosh treads towards her, she setback but he was already in front of her.

    "You know doing that kind of thing is dangerous you know," Akatosh said to her in a calm tone.

    "I know that¡­ it''s just that--" Sheila said in a stressful voice.

    "Everyone wants to be strong¡­ strong enough to protect what they hold dear." Akatosh interrupts.

    "It''s nothing about--"

    Disrupting her, before she could utter another word. "But do you think that this is the only way to protect them? Do you think that this is the only path to becoming strong? Think about it, it wasn''t just you, Reith, Sei, Riya they all want to be strong enough to shield their friends. If ya all continue this kind of thing, then this isn''t the kind of companions that you all hold."

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    "My bad¡­ I think this would suffice her." Akatosh thought.

    "I''m sorry, for saying too much--"

    "No. You''re right, I am a really weak person. No¡­ all this time I''ve been doing it all for myself, that''s why¡ª"

    "Ah, shiii¡­ here we go again." keeping his word to himself.

    "That''s why? Are you done¡­ you''re not weak. No¡­ you''re just stupid." Akatosh says. "Even a peasant would slay a gnoll, a goblin, a kobold if he or she would know how to use her brain and fear. That''s why instead of doing this for yourself, keep it to yourself. You all should be open to each other. Even an ant would desolate a large enemy if they are together. Work together as a real companion, as a real friend in need."

    "I-I--" Sheila couldn''t speak a word to say. "He was right, he was right, from the start he was keen on his word."

    Cutting her. "Let me see your hand." Akatosh implore.

    Showing her burned hands, slowly Akatosh holds her arms looking and inspecting. The burns were different as blue rashes deteriorate her skin. "Is there any way to heal this injury?"

    "It''s a magic burn, I''ll heal it later."

    "Is Chifya still here?"

    "Um¡­ yes, she''s sleeping right next to your room."

    "I see¡­ stay here I''ll be back, or maybe--" Grabbing Sheila''s arm, Akatosh drags her to the house looking for Chifya.

    When Akatosh saw Chifya silently sleeping like a cat, he was already thinking of revenge on her. He wants to give her something she could remember. But this is not the time.

    "Oi! wake up will ya." Akatosh implores, shaking Chifya left and right.

    Her eyes slowly open, to see Akatosh''s face staring at her. "What¡­ what do you want?!"

    "What else, got a job for you."

    Akatosh doesn''t know how to heal Sheila''s injuries but maybe Chifya can. Also to give her some lesson regarding unity or what they say.

    Ponting at Sheila. "Will you give her your healing thing." Akatosh implies, still holding Sheila''s arm avoiding her burned hand.

    Upon Chifya saw Sheila''s injured hand, she quickly grabs her wrist. "Burned magic¡­ Have you been doing this all the time?" Chifya says somewhat blue.

    "This is just a little, so I''ll soon heal this with--"

    Before Sheila could finish her sentence Akatosh pinch her arm. "You know; this is why you are in this level. Afraid to show your burden to your friends."

    She finally yields and lets Chifya heal her hand. With that said Akatosh ask Chifya if she had that potion she recently used.

    "Hey¡­ I mean Chifya, got that potion you just used it against me."

    "What!" Chifya exclaimed.

    "I know you''re the one, don''t take me for a fool," Akatosh says, looking at her with a cold dark face.

    "FINE! Here you go just don''t over doze yourself."

    Before she could give him the potion, Chifya suddenly takes it back. Searching for something a small empty bottle, she then pores a little of the potions vile.

    "Here¡­ this should suffice," Chifya says, giving him the small vile.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ thank you," Akatosh says like an old man slowly walks out from the room, gripping the bottle.

    As he walks towards where he once lasts sleep. Reith was there already booking the bed.

    As badly as Akatosh want to sleep the bed was too small for two people.

    "Where can I sleep," Akatosh says I think about where Chifya was.

    Akatosh was new to this house, to this people. So rather not just barge into one of their rooms Akatosh choose Chifya''s room instead.

    Returning to where Chifya and Sheila were. Akatosh barge through ignoring their presence. Two of them are somewhere sited at the corner where Chifya is busy treating Sheila''s injuries.

    "What are you doing?" Chifya says staring at Akatosh.

    "Going to sleep."

    "HEY!"

    Ignoring her, Akatosh comfy himself on Chifya''s bed.

    "HEY! That''s my bed--"

    "I don''t see any name written on this bed. And don''t you dare do something or I won''t help you with that thing of yours. Oh, and go find your bed with your name written on it."

    "Sleep here I come," Akatosh says, drinking the potion.

    Eyes slowly closed, mind shut down and all was no more¡­

 â€œThe Gifted Oneâ€

    A girl, a young girl sleeps in a royal room but not just a room. Her chamber was filled with roots of trees, where calm water runs through. Hundreds of fireflies serve as light. Thick and thin mosses grew to the roots, to the ground turning the chamber into a marvelous beauty. Her golden hair silks through the soft and comfy bed, her ears are different from that of an elf but different for she was somewhat a half-elf and a half-human.

    In her dreams, where she stands one of the pinnacle lands. The land, the trees, the grass, every living thing were all but rotten. The water from the ocean, from the river, from the pond, from the creek everywhere she looks all was stained blood. She couldn''t move, she couldn''t flinch at what she saw but that is all just the start. The land tore itself apart, part by part it flips. Through the sky up above, the heavens crack, the stars fall like raging rain of fire dropping from the sky.

    What she saw was indeed terrifying, except all was lost when she encounters a man, a person that she never even met. The source of all, the harbinger of all. She stares in fear of him, then in moments the man suddenly turns to her as if she were there. His eyes were different, all were different.

    "Just this once¡­ the beginning of the end."

    A great sear of pain overwhelms her, a pain she never felt before an inexplicable torment.

    She screams in the depths of pain, she felt both through her dreams and reality. Following her screams in anguished pain, it alarms the guards.

    Thereafter they heard her call of terror, the guards sprang into action towards the young she-elf.

    Having heard her cry an elven woman hastily she runs, jumping, lipping every obstacle she faces. Outrunning every guard until she reaches the chamber, the one they called "The Gifted One".

    The door was open what she finds were two elven guards trying to comfort the young she-elf, but it was futile. She can see her in fear, trembling, shaking in terror by what she had seen in her dreams.

    For the first time had she never felt something like this before, since, through her past time, every dream she had didn''t affect her nor attack her in many ways. She was like a ghost just standing there observing her dreams of prophecy or what they called. But¡­ but this one is different as if she were there real and alive and the dream was too real for her to bear.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Notifying the guards to leave they immediately nod and hastily left. She slowly sits right by her side hugging her, comforting her but it was useless, she was still petrified firmly gripping the cloth.

    "It''s alright, it''s alright. I''m here, I''m here Lilia''s." The elven woman says trying her best to solace the young she-elf.

    The young she-elf or the so-called ''Gifted One'' slowly calm. Her trembling body hush to stillness, the only thing that she couldn''t repose was her restless panting. Sobbing she was but didn''t blink, her watery eyes drip down the blanket. Though her eyes are different from each other, the left was red other was green as the grass.

    Her commotion uproars the area resulting in some dozens of guards coming for her aid, but they stop midways upon seeing Lilia comforting her. Immediately they left them alone and slowly closing the door resuming their patrols.

    Lilia stays there all night until the young elf succumbs to sleep dozing once again. As for Lilia, she sits there by her side as a mother to her daughter. What happens that night alarm the whole elven kingdom known as Alther the second kingdom of the elves.

    The ''Gifted One'', had no name or whatsoever, but it was Lilia who gave her a name. Ilia was her name a name given by Lilia just the opposite of her.

    Through the palace of Alther, a servant bows, a messenger so to speak off.

    "How is she?" A man spoke, no the elven king of Alther.

    King Themrur so to say was his, sitting in a throne of woods like antlers, dressed in fine like silk clothing. A crown of gold he wears, his voice was vocal and mighty.

    "My lord¡­ she''s in good condition, for now. Lilia is with her¡­ but we still need time for her to speak." Says the eleven-man kneeling in front of him.

    "Very well then, you may go." The king says, swaying his arm the servant stood bowing before leaving the throne room.

    "Thirty years huh?" A woman spoke not an elf not a dwarf, nor not a simple human. She emerges from the other side of the corner. Dress in a fine robe, beautiful and sexy a very tempting woman so to say, and one of the 12 arc sage of all time-- ''Shilsia''.

    "Please? have some moral." The man said to her not the king but another mage, but not just a mage, but also one of the 12 arc sage. ''Forkov'', his look ain''t old but younger in his mid-30s.

    "Well then¡­" King Themrur says.

    The morning arrives in the kingdom of Alther within the room of Ilia (The Gifted One), Lilia awoke not knowing she too doze off while staying by Ilia''s side. Not long after her awakening Ilia too open her eyes but she was different, somehow stress, tired, and afraid. She can still remember what she saw in her dreams still stuck in her head. Not just that, but the pain she felt was not the flesh that tormented her but also the soul.

    Only Lilia can do to her was pity in sadness, to cheer her up Lilia ask her if she could have some breakfast with her. But what she received was nothing more than silence, what happen to her last night might have forever changed her-- might.

    Grabbing her arms Lilia ask her if she could take her outside for some sunlight that might relieve her last night.

    "End." A word spoke from Ilia.

 Forge

    Awoken to the sound of the birds chirping. Akatosh hears the people busy doing their jobs and odds. He was a little bit paralyze barely moving his muscle.

    "I never thought the effect could do a lot, moving my eyes." Akatosh thought realizing that there weren''t any blanket covers. Thinking it was Chifyas doing it.

    After he had recuperated his seconds of the rousted morning, he senses someone was behind his back. And Akatosh could tell it was a woman by her breathing and not to mention Akatosh''s instinct.

    Exerting his muscle exercising so to say, and with enough energy, Akatosh was able to turn around. Only to see Chifya''s face, her warm breath caress through his neck. It was his first time to sleep with a woman, what''s more, she is an older one. He can see that she was the one who took all the blankets.

    The effect of the potion was so great that it even paralyzes his tongue unable to speak. Within moments after facing Chifya, Akatosh''s body already turns him on. The room was tight so was the bed enough for one man nevertheless, Chifya manages to insert herself, cramping to each other''s body.

    Moving every part of his body, Akatosh in turn causes a ruckus awaking Chifya.

    Following his action, Chifya''s eyes begins to slowly open. To Akatosh''s surprise, Chifya wasn''t reacting to anything, she had just awoken normally. She only lifts herself and then fixing her hair, brushing it with her hand.

    Chifya smiles. "Didn''t I tell you not to drink too much, yet daft as you are¡­ well, it was going to be anyway." She chuckles, mocking his paralyzed body.

    Akatosh was thinking of some revenge on her, but sadly he couldn''t think of any motives that he could use.

    Chifya smile, placing the blanket covering him from the morning light. But for Akatosh, he was irritated and upset for stealing the blanket last night.

    Calmly letting his composure to stillness. Powerless and paralyze Akatosh decides to sleep once again. Except, when he starts to close his eyes, bottles were clinging.

    "Now what! Irritating me with those things!" Akatosh thought angry but unable to speak when suddenly, he felt something from his lips and mouth.

    "Don''t move¡­ This is a medicine, so don''t struggle when you can move your body, it might have some after effect." Chifya says, giving Akatosh a green medicine.

    "You think!?"

    Akatosh''s tongue froze leading to a hard time gulping a portion of the medicine. And just swallowing a fraction of the antidote, within just a minute the effect is already curing Akatosh paralyzed muscles.

    Being electrified as his muscles take tremendous combustion surging heat through his tissues. It was a medicinal torment. When he started to finally feel his body, the worst part follows. Akatosh''s stomach burns, he could feel his intestine being twisted. Like it was being roasted in acid.

    "Quit struggling you''re only making it worse for me," Chifya says, trying to suppress the struggling man.

    "I regret this. I regret this!" Akatosh groans in agony.

    To smother Akatosh, Chifya quickly holds both of his arms pinning them down. Placing her body on top of his stomach, giving weight to stiffens his movements. She could feel the heat radiates from his body giving her a hard time composing the situation.

    While they struggle for a couple of minutes, the effect gradually diminishes and the only thing they could do after that was panting heavily at each other. Akatosh was sweating like hell so too was Chifya.

    Bending in tiredness, lowering her hips, she felt something. It was Akatosh''s manhood tingling in sensation. The moment right after she felt his ''junior'', Akatosh''s thing in sensational lustfulness Sheila suddenly barge through to our room.

    "What happen! What''s the trouble!?" She exclaims shock and ashamed to herself upon seeing the two in this kind of explicit situation.

    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    "I''m sorry for disturbing you!" She exclaimed and quickly close the door. She heard our commotion checking us if we both are in trouble but what she found was but an adult play.

    The morning was a disaster for Akatosh. He couldn''t think of some ways for an excuse, his headache so to speak. Moves right beside Akatosh Chifya giggly laughs not knowing what she''s laughing for.

    "Hey¡­ want to relief something?" Chifya''s words turn seductive.

    "This woman here." Akatosh turned in to her, but soon realize his manners in this house.

    Ignoring her, Akatosh begins to think of Chifya''s motives. "Why me? Why is she picking me where there could be a lot of other people more reliable more powerful but, why did she choose me? Did she found out about my secret bag, or maybe the other way around?"

    "Ah, Chifya¡­ Why me when there could be more people that are reliable than me. We could hire ten or more adventures at the guild¡­ I''ve got some coin if you need." Akatosh says to her calmly breathing.

    She went silent the moment he told her his words. She doesn''t answer but burying her face, and Akatosh could tell she was avoiding his question.

    "She does know my secret." Akatosh had enough. "Let me guess, the bag is it not?" Akatosh continues straightforward.

    Right after uttering the word bag, Akatosh felt something from her. He was right, his instinct was right. After waiting for a word, Akatosh went silent taking a rest.

    Twenty minutes had pass Akatosh assume, both of them finally regain their strength although hungry. The smell of the food downstairs arousing the twos'' hungry belly.

    -While eating their meal-

    "Hey! That''s mine for the taking, you already have yours!" Chifya says.

    "What? Really? Did ya cook this, I didn''t see any of your name written on this." Akatosh says to her eating one of Reith''s cooking, it sure was delicious.

    Chifya''s anger escalated by Akatosh''s attitude. She was angry at him for taking all the delicious food, piling the best meal on his plate leaving the ordinary food for her.

    They were sitting opposite each other. And while Akatosh reluctantly enjoying the massive food. Chifya suddenly moves right beside Akatosh, drawing herself closer eating and then begins eating Akatosh''s meal.

    Sheila, Riya, Sei, Reith only stared at the two awkwardly. At where they slept, they were adults in romance, now they''re like siblings fighting for food. They could do nothing but just cease to be silent.

    "Do have some manners! You shameless lady." Akatosh implored towards Chifya.

    "Look who''s talking! You''re the one who should have some manners."

    "Really? This is my plate go eat your food!"

    "Never," Chifya says continue eating with mine.

    For Akatosh to enjoys his food and to silence her Akatosh gave his share.

    Having finished their meal early than Akatosh and Chifya the four friends go to their morning routines.

    Tired of being a mysterious person Akatosh gathers his companions to tell them about his secret. If they believe it or not that''s what Akatosh thought. Asking Sheila where his bag was, she immediately went somewhere bringing with her his bag.

    "The truth is--" Akatosh says, pulling the weightless sword and it was enough to convince them.

    Sei, Riya, Reith were in complete shock, they were speechless but the only ones that didn''t flinch were Sheila and Chifya since they already know what Akatosh''s hiding.

    "So, there you have it." Akatosh continues, still holding the sword that he brought out and slowly give it to Sei.

    Without a word to say Sei was hesitating to take.

    "Just take it, might save your life someday," Akatosh says, forcing him to accept his gift.

    Giving them money would shatter their connections so Akatosh had to think of other ways. Five gold coins were a large sum to say. For the other well, he needs this for my travels someday.

    Being brought here without a reason, to save this world or not. But somehow is this what he''s really into, his destiny. "Who cares I just let the time flows my course and will see." Akatosh reckons.

    "Well then shall we get something in the market there''s something I''d like to see," Akatosh said to them.

    The sound of the door opens. "Welcome." Says Barry the blacksmith.

    They''ve used a different route so Akatosh didn''t see Sheena. Stand and smiling he happily holds the chest that he once looted.

    "I see you''ve got more things at hand," Akatosh says to Barry, luckily there wasn''t any customer, so it was the right time to enter. What''s more, Akatosh was using his Earthly outfit that even Chifya, Sheila, and the others were somehow intrigued by his clothing, and wearing his ''converse shoe'' was indeed good.

    "I see you''ve got some people." Barry implies.

    "Well, a lot of things happen¡­ but any means shall we get on to business," Akatosh says, smiling in enjoyment.

    "What do you need this time?"

    Akatosh grinning in happiness, showing him the chest.

    Barry''s eyes shock amazes by what he sees after Akatosh had opened his chest. "T-this-this is elven steel! Not to mention a magical and a special one."

    "A what? Care to give me some details about these things."

    "Boy, you sure got one heck of luck I tell ya. This magical elven steel is extremely hard, not to mention a rare one. What''s special about this are, the weightless and the sharpness though it might be hard to melt this kind of thing. All in all, what are you going to do about this?"

    Akatosh smile after hearing what Barry says. Bringing out my book, the magic quill, the claw gauntlet.

    "First things first," Akatosh says, showing him the claw gauntlet that he once bought. "Can you make something out of this?"

    Barry smile. "You''ve got something kid."

 36: No Title

    "Kid You sure are something," Barry says, who seem to like Akatosh''s motives.

    "Hard to say, I''m quite enjoying this."

    "Curious, what are you going to do with the other one?" Barry reply looking at the gauntlet.

    "I''ll give this to some of these people," Akatosh says, also looking at the gauntlet thinking he should give it to Reith since he had one hell of a strength.

    "I see¡­ though let me check if this elven steel should suffice."

    Following their conversation both of them, literary brought out every ingot from the chest counting.

    "27, 28, 29, 30,31¡­ Whoa, you sure are one lucky finder." Says Barry.

    "Thinks so¡­ So, will this suffice," Akatosh says, but somehow worried in a foul shop.

    "Yep, I just need 8 ingots for making this gauntlet, anything you want?" Says Barry

    Upon looking at his face Akatosh can tell Barry was more into crafting the item rather than being an unjust person to his customers.

    "Sei if you would." Akatosh calls towards Sei busy searching the shop.

    "One more thing could you repair this," Akatosh says to Barry showing him the elven-steel sword.

    Barry inspects the sword for just a couple of seconds. "Well to think this is one heck of a treasure you just found. You must have done something that gains the favor of the ''goddess of luck and fortune''. I just need to change the handle, and a little bit of sharpening will bring this old sword back to its glory."

    "I pray that would be true." Akatosh smile.

    "Is this all, it might be a good chance to make something out of these eleven ingots. It would be a waste if they all just remain a box of steel?" Barry says smiling.

    "Why not." Akatosh smile bringing out books and quill, and once he had prepared his things, he initially drafts a blueprint of a sword.

    The knowledge that Akatosh had learned greatly affects his life. And for that, he put his past knowledge to good use.

    While sketching the equipment, Chifya together with Sheila and her friends started to take notice as they too search for something relevant.

    "This one unknown sword you just requested." Barry was confused looking at the sketch Akatosh had made a ''Katan'' to be exact. It was richly detailed from the bottom to the tip even the ''Saya'' (scabbard).

    "What are these?" Barry says pointing out the numbers.

    "Oh, my bad. That is my past world language, I mean my country''s language." Akatosh says, explaining the numbers.

    It took Akatosh minutes to explain the sword and its algorithms. He even went as far as to explain the length of the katana, its width, its curving point, its handguard, the handle, etc.

    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    "What do you call this?" Barry says, fiddling his chin.

    Akatosh smiled. "Well, it''s called Katana."

    "Katana?"

    "Yep¡­ So how much do you think all of these cost--"

    "Well, the size of the elven steel and the measurements of the sword¡­ I think I could use as much as 7 ingots." Barry says cutting Akatosh''s words.

    "Seven?"

    "Yeah."

    "I see, so how much."

    "Well, a gauntlet that would be 15 silver Shar."

    (Note: Shar the name of the money/coin that derives from the Goddess Sharum, the goddess of Luck and Fortune)

    "Repairing the sword would cost 50 coppers. As for the Katana, I''d say, 17 silver Shar a total of 32 silver and 50 copper."

    Sei and his companion were shocked by the price they heard it was a surely steep prize. But somehow Akatosh was calm. Dipping his pocket jeans, Akatosh slides one gold coin on the table. They were all surprised upon bringing out a gold coin.

    "Mm-hmm, how long does it take you to finished these all?"

    "Well, it would take me just a minute to fix the sword, melting elven steel not to mention a magical one that would take me a day. I would say come back after three days."

    "Three days? That''s good enough¡­ Well, then I''ll soon be back." Akatosh smile.

    Right after Akatosh and Barrys'' business Sheila and her companions came with something.

    "Mister how much are these," Sheila said to Barry.

    Akatosh can see some are weapons and equipment, some shields, swords, and utensils.

    "These things cost nine silvers." Barry reply.

    Before Sheila could pay the cost. "Can you deduct with mine?" Akatosh says to Barry giving him a sign not to accept Sheila''s coin.

    Barry smiled realizing what Akatosh is thinking. "That would be 41 silver Shar then."

    "You know¡­ you couldn''t have to pay for those things." Sheila was embarrassed, she was late in bringing out her pouch.

    "Am I not a friend?" Akatosh ignores her word and at the same time silencing her for a while.

    After saying goodbye to Barry, the party all walk out the exit. Outside the shop, before they could make way towards the market, Akatosh forgot something.

    "I forgot something. Guys, can you wait for me here it won''t take too long." Akatosh implore.

    The door rang. "Welcome what can I-- oh, it''s you."

    "Sorry, I forgot something¡­"

    Bringing out the worn armor that he once bought to him. Barry could see how brutally the armor was damaged.

    "Just what had you been through all for the past days. Did you have a beef with golems?" Barry shrugs in disbelief.

    "Well, something like this and something like that"

    Barry sigh in fatigue. "This might take a while to repair this."

    "Well, I''ve got something in mind." Akatosh smiles towards Barry.

    Upon seeing Akatosh''s smug face, smiling in sensation Barry already knows what he''s thinking.

    "Let me guess, want me to replace it with this elven-steel."

    "Right you are." Akatosh was trembling in rhapsody.

    "I need 12 Elven steels, and the cost would be 20 Silver."

    "Make it 19."

    "Well, fine 19 it is." For the first time, Barry was shocked to see him haggle.

    "I haven''t seen Linda for a while," Akatosh says, giving him the coin.

    "She went to the mage academy with her aunt."

    "Mage academy?"

    "Yes, not Maginum but there at Keshoval, an academy about magic and stuff. The school, however, might not be as great as Maginum."

    "I understand. But if she comes home to tell her my greetings."

    Barry smile. "I will."

    After Akatosh and Barry are nearly done with their conversation. Sheila saw a group of people wearing a hooded cloak hiding their faces, they were six of them as they enter the shop Sheila together with her friends couldn''t help but somehow worried.

    After saying Akatosh''s last word to Barry. And the moment he turns around, a group of six people in cloak-hood enters the shop.

    "Welcome." Like always, says Barry.

    Feeling a discord atmosphere Akatosh was a surprise. As he walks out, they make way for him to exit. The moment right after passing the hooded group, one of the people notice something from Akatosh. But he didn''t bother instead to continue walking towards Barry.

    Slowly as Akatosh opens the door he took a glimpse when they unhood. A handsome man is younger than Akatosh and has four beautiful lasses that seem to be closer to him. One was an elf while the other three were human and the last person was an old man.

    Akatosh slowly closes the door, thinking that these are some bunches of adventurers, but some say otherwise.

 â€œGlittering Dust to Black powderâ€

    The moment before Akatosh passed the group of adventurers, the man who seems to be their leader felt something from him.

    As for Akatosh, he didn''t bother them in curiosity instead walks out to the exit like nothing. While the group of adventurers unhoods, Barry notices the guild crest from the young lad, it was a magical crest so to be seen. Barry smiled, the only people that came to his shop with a magical crest were the three people from the guild.

    "Welcome, what can I do for you today young lad." Says Barry saying it off like nothing.

    A red-haired young man, no it was Roland the hero''s legacy. "Hi, I''m Roland."

    Barry smile. "I see¡­ The young hero ehh¡­ Well, then what can I do for you today."

    "They say your smith here is remarkable." Says Ulgar the paladin of Adra.

    "Some say this, some say that."

    Then the group of adventurers'' scatters looking at the marvelous design, the different varieties of armor and equipment not to mention there too are traveling utilities.

    "Well." Says Roland bringing out a broken sword wrapped in fabric. It was Irish''s sword that was broken into two parts.

    Barry inspects the broken sword. "I see this one magical sword you got here."

    "So can you fix this?" Ulgar ask.

    "Yeah¡­ I just need magical dust and some steel would do." Barry replies as if talking to some simple adventurers.

    "How much is the cost," Roland asked.

    "That would be 10 Silver Shar," Barry replies

    "So, when can it be fixed?" Roland says taking out his pouch of coin, he then right away give ten pieces of silver Shar.

    "You can come back tomorrow."

    While Roland and Ulgar were busy conversing with Barry. Lisha who seems to be in keen eyes saw an open chest. It was an elven-steel, a magical one. She was so surprised to see a magical elven-steel just lying at some shop.

    It said that even the dwarfs are jealous of the elf''s sacred magical elven-steel. What makes the elven-steel special was through its toughness, weightlessness, and not to mention its durability that can last up to thousands of years or so.

    Lisha was so surprised, magical elven steel wasn''t just a normal ore being extracted in the earth rather it was extracted from the tree of Hackrash the god of nature. It would take eight years for the tree of Hackrash to create 50 magical elven steel. But a sacred one would take twenty years to extract ten elven-steel a powerful quantity.

    As Barry begins to store Akatosh''s belongings. Lisha suddenly asks Barry about the Elven steel.

    "Mister! Can you tell me about that elven steel!" Lisha exclaim.

    Even Ulgar and Roland are in shock after hearing Lisha''s words.

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    Barry could see the elf somehow furious. He''d already known how elf''s behavior when it comes to this kind of item. He was once a blacksmith traveler so to say.

    "This¡­ well?... If you want to ask it''s one of the adventurers that came here recently."

    "Who!" Lisha hurriedly said. "Say how much will that cost I will buy it!" Lisha continues.

    Barry left out a sigh. "Sorry young lass, but if you want to have these go talk to the one who recently went out."

    "You mean that man!" Roland said.

    Lisha quickly went out of the shop but Akatosh was far too gone. They didn''t even know what he looks like, his face nor even his name.

    Ulgar then asks. "Just what did the man request about that thing?"

    "I''m sorry but I''m just a Shop keeper, not a barkeeper to be interrogated." Says Barry gathering the blueprint of the Katana, the worn-out armor, and the magical elven steel.

    -At the Market-

    Akatosh and his companions walk together looking left and right. It was different when he last passed came here, there are more items and equipment displayed.

    Few yards away he notices one store selling magical stuff but not just him but also Sheila since she''s a mage. Interested in magical stuff so both Sheila and Akatosh walk towards the store lagging Chifya and the others behind.

    Sheila was the first one to consult the woman in her mid-forties selling potions and lots of scrolls. Akatosh however, notices a bunch of bag-pouch holding something like sand.

    "Miss, do you have a teleportation scroll?" Sheila asks the storekeeper.

    "We have a young miss." The shopkeeper says bringing out a bunch of scrolls.

    Sheila grabs 4 or 5 scrolls and since Akatosh was more into what''s inside of the bag, the lady''s been selling he waited for Sheila to finished conferencing with the storekeeper.

    "How much is this." Said Sheila.

    "That would be 5 silver Shar."

    After their brief transaction, Akatosh consulted the lady about what''s inside the bag. He can tell they may weigh about a kilo.

    "Ah¡­ This young man is what we called glittering dust." She says loosening the tight.

    It does glitter in purple and reddish. What''s more interesting to Akatosh is, what it holds.

    "What does this do." Akatosh was quick to ask.

    As Akatosh says his sentence the woman before seems surprised. "You-you never heard of this before?"

    Akatosh went silent hoping to give him some vague information. The lady smiled scooping a small amount.

    "Well, if you lit it up with fire." As she was saying giving small lit of fire. Suddenly it fizzles lighting up the glittering dust, it was more like a black powder but unstable.

    "I, see? It''s more like gunpowder." Then suddenly Akatosh''s mind cracks. "Wait! wait-wait-wait-wait, gunpowder?" Akatosh grinned without knowing that Sheila and the storekeeper seems to be taken back by his menacing smile.

    "How much does one bag cost." Akatosh quickly asks.

    "That-that would be 13 silver Shar." Says the lady somewhat surprised.

    Taking the glittering dust, Akatosh assumed it weighed more than half a kilo. After paying, he notices that there is some endurance potion, so he again bought more than 15 pieces.

    Realizing Akatosh had some pocket in hand the storekeeper began to advertise them some of her trinkets and odds.

    After a brief advertisement. Akatosh was only familiar with mana potion that replenishes one¡¯s magical energy upon use. The second was about some antidote that purified any kind of diseased nor toxic running through your body. There are also a lot of scrolls, but it was useless to him, so he asks Sheila if she needed anything.

    More on to the antidote Akatosh bought a bunch of them. In the end, Sheila only bought three scrolls that hold things and equipment same as Akatosh''s spatial bag. Except it had a limit in the storage room, unlike Akatosh that seems to be infinite storage. As they walk regrouping with the others, he started to ask her about this glittering dust.

    "Hey¡­ do you know something about this so-called glittering dust"

    Since Sheila knew that Akatosh was a traveler from afar, she began to explain about the glittering dust in brief details.

    "It was first created and discovered by Azageis; he was the one who formulated the dust. It was then they recently discovered that it can be used as an explosive. The ingredients and formula on how to create this dust were hidden secretly by the mages there at Maginum. They''re the ones who know how to create this glittering dust or explosive dust. But somehow they have been using this as business to some nations and it cost surprisingly expensive."

    "Say how do you make this explosive," Akatosh said looking at Sheila hunger in expectation.

    She hesitated for a bit. "Well, it needs to be stuffed and compressed in a magical paper to react with the dust making it explosive."

    "I see, so it''s more complicated than gunpowder," Akatosh says, smiling and unknowingly Sheila begins to look at him scared and curious.

 38: No Title

    "Hey¡­ do you know someplace where it holds some hot springs or volcanoes," Akatosh says, looking at Sheila with a thirst for adventure and knowledge.

    She was calm yet worried but, in the end, she utters where the land of fire was. "There is a place, it might be far. If we use a teleportation circle or a scroll, we could reach there within just 2 days and return within just a minute since I had my mark here at Ravalind."

    "I see," Akatosh responds, and calmness, he thinks. "Hey¡­ Sheila do you have a map about this place, this world." He continues after he''d remember about the maps and such.

    "We have some in this library." Sheila implores.

    As Akatosh walk towards Sei and the others he saw Chifya in her green cloak. And by her are a lot of herbals and other plants that she had bought. He could always see her staring at him as if she got a problem with Akatosh.

    "Are you done with your thing?" Akatosh says, gazing towards the group avoiding Chifya. While Sei and Reith nod towards Akatosh and Sheila, a sign of ''okay''.

    "I see," Akatosh says then turns towards Sheila asking another answer.

    "Do you know how to make this explosive?" Akatosh says, looking at the pouch of glittering dust.

    "Umm¡­ there is a magical paper they are selling, might as well buy some." Sheila says, worried that Akatosh¡¯s up to no good.

    "I see," Akatosh responds, thinking for his next move.

    "What if I would first make saltpeter, after that I should travel towards that place. What the heck I''m making saltpeter. But first I need the library¡­ Nah the library can wait." That''s what Akatosh thought.

    "Sheila, do you know someplace where you practice alone, a place for you and your group more like a private land," Akatosh says still ignoring Chifya as if she had something with him, literally.

    By his demand, he was led towards a clearing near to a forest away from town. The place was well hidden from the eye. And without time to wander Akatosh search and search for a nice spot, then finally he found a decent spot. The ground was good, a small clearing surrounded by trees so to say. And there Akatosh sat, imagining what it may look like, the only thing that Sheila and her friends could do was stare at him in mystery and curiosity.

    Without time to waste, Akatosh brought out shovels and everything related to digging a trench. Using the sword as a marker he drafted a rectangular sign, with a width of 2 meters and 4 meters in length. All Sheila could do was stand there thinking.

    "What is this guy doing?" Sheila thought.

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    After marking the ground, Akatosh initially digs like a dog. And while he restlessly dug, Sheila was the first to ask what he was doing.

    "Umm¡­ Akatosh what are you doing?" Sheila asks somewhat afraid.

    After hearing her, "Should I make a joke that this is their grave. Nah, I should probably tell them."

    "The thing is, I''m making a black powder."

    "A black powder?" They simultaneously say except Chifya frowning at him after deliberately uttering the word ''black powder''.

    "What''s a black powder?" Sei says.

    "Well, its much like an explosive dust--"

    "You mean glittering dust?!" Sheila exclaimed, cutting Akatosh''s words.

    "Mm-hmm, something like that though it would be different."

    They all went silent in shock and amazement. Akatosh however, was more curious to Chifya who''s leaning on a tree looking at him with a serious face much like Ashalain.

    "So, you''re making black powder through that," Reith says, surprised and excited.

    "Ah¡­ yeahhhh, though it may have something," Akatosh says, thinking that manure would be needed for this project.

    "Where did you learn these things?" Comes Riya.

    "Come to think of it, I first learn to make black powder when I was in my senior and college year. It was a science project, so I decided to make black powder without informing our advisor. After deciding Akatosh quickly research black powder and its components.

    "Me and my boys, my friends started to make a small trench. Filling it with different manures even human waste. After days and months of waiting for the saltpeter to appear, we needed another ingredient and that was sulfur. We were unable to get one but luckily there was a portion in the laboratory that we secretly used it. What''s more fun was, we used the laboratory to mix the ingredients only to end up in catastrophe nearly burning the room. In the end, I was then suspended for weeks including my friends. After nearly destroying a laboratory, I again faced my father''s punishment, so I ran away from home sleeping with my friend''s boardinghouse. But what makes me more hyped in crafting this powder was to compare if the black powder is more powerful than this so-called glittering dust."

    "Earth¡­" Akatosh responds after reminiscing. "Earth is where I learn how to create this thing." He continues.

    After a brief talking, Akatosh notices that he''s wearing his ''converse shoe'', and jeans. "Oh shiii¡­ Guys can you wait for me." Akatosh said gathering his bag then heads towards the thick forest.

    A moment, a minute had passed more so like 5 minutes to be exact. Chifya follows. "Where are you going," Sheila said somewhat upset. Chifya ignores her and hastily she walks towards where Akatosh went through.

    "This place is good." Akatosh smile.

    Dropping his bag and pulling out some clothes to changes. After hastily changing his clothes, Akatosh decided to barefoot since he was just digging. Once he had done packing his clothes and stuffing in the bag he slowly returns.

    While just a few steps a woman slowly appears. As she gets closer Akatosh vision realizes it was Chifya and with a murderous intent smeared on her face. Until a few feet away from each other Akatosh ask hiding his fear of anxiety.

    "Look, honey¡­ if you want to confess your love here--" Before Akatosh could do another word a dagger suddenly slash right through his throat. With a quick reaction, Akatosh used his hand to shield him from the sickling slash attack. The wounds were deep as blood drips; she didn''t stop there but rampantly slashing her dagger as Akatosh dodge and step backward only to be walled on the tree.

    Shining to her left hand a greenish light like sparkling emeralds burst from her magic circle. The vines suddenly starting to wrap around his body and what''s more, the vines were tough as rope. Enhanced by her magic all Akatosh could do was but struggle yet the more he struggles the more it toughens.

    Akatosh''s heart was yet again in turmoil when he faces Chifya who had his life in her grasp. His heart sank when he saw her enchanted dagger ready to slit my throat.

 â€œStillmageâ€

    Akatosh''s heart was yet again in turmoil the moment he faces Chifya who had him in her grasp. As his heart sank when he saw her griping her enchanted dagger ready to slit his throat.

    One thing questions him. "What the fuck is happening!"

    While she gaps the distance, swifts she held the dagger right through his throat. A slight slice she embeds and Akatosh can feel his throat slowly starting to bleed.

    "Who are you!"

    Her words are as furious as a raging lion, she frowns while clenches her teeth. Her question mystified that Akatosh isn''t familiar. Still, a word not to usher Akatosh felt the dagger bitterly pressed ready to end the flickering soul of his life.

    Death in the door of a woman yet crazy to utter a conversation. "I''m Akatosh why do you ask?"

    The dagger which levels to his throat suddenly went piercing at his left arm. But stiffen he muffles his groans. Akatosh didn''t scream to call for the others he was waiting for the right time, the right way to talk her out.

    "You tread on thin ice do you, stillmage?!"

    "Stillmage?" Akatosh question her.

    "Don''t you even deny it!" She smirks. "Fehh¡­ go on letting your magic rage through to this land, didn''t you even feel what you people had done, the cries of the ones you take as you all of you and your people burned them to death."

    She speaks the things that Akatosh doesn''t know.

    "Stillmage?"

    Tired of this event and Akatosh let her takes him if she can. Surprisingly Akatosh''s heart slowly replenishes. He''d face death countless time, yet life held him back.

    "If this is another event between life and death then so be it." Akatosh reckons.

    "Look, the fact that I do not know about this stillmage or whatsoever but--"

    Akatosh was interrupting with her vicious eyes.

    "Then do it!" Akatosh says boldly, challenging her to slick the throat of his neck or gut his heart out of anger that Akatosh didn''t involve himself in.

    Akatosh can see it in her hands tightly gripping the dagger but with hesitation.

    "As I thought so." Akatosh thought still waiting the right time.

    The dagger suddenly trembles, in hesitant and uneasiness of her past life. The vines like ropes starting to slowly loosen enables him to move once again.

    "Why do women here that I always met had a grudge on me. Damn, here we go again, should I try that thing."

    As the vines slowly dwindle, Akatosh smile making another role play. Prioritize first the dagger which trembles to her hand, swiftly and calmly he embraces her hand. She took a step back but he follows in her footsteps. And as he subsides her trembling arms, quickly Akatosh wrapped around his right arms at hers, drawing her closer to hug her.

    The warm sensation that Akatosh felt to a woman''s body was ecstasy. The thin clothes she wore fell to Akatosh''s surface. Her uneasy arms slowly yield. Akatosh didn''t let this opportunity goes unfold but calmly let the dagger separates dropping to the ground.

    He can hear her starting to cry as she remembers some of her past, she tries to resist her emotion, but it was futile, so she bites his shoulder to the silence she cries.

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    Funny though Akatosh was surprisingly calm while she gushes her emotions out. But for Akatosh nahhh¡­ he couldn''t, don''t know why.

    Tired of standing Akatosh let it slide sitting so too Chifya follows. As she tries to subside her feelings her arms slowly grab the fabric of the cloth. The only thing Akatosh can say to her was.

    "This woman must have had a horrible past life."

    Time slowly takes in minutes and Akatosh started to worry about the others. They may have come looking for Akatosh but to which direction he went. Somehow Chifya was able to sniff my tracks. The wounds stung his throat and the wound Chifya gave still burns his flesh. Akatosh was in deep pain.

    "Good heavens, thank you, Lord," Akatosh says after he had relinquished Chifya from him.

    The time was right to converse with her.

    "Look here Chifya¡­ never mind we''ll talk later the others may be looking for us, come," Akatosh says, standing up.

    "I''m sorry, I was--"

    "Save it, we''ll talk later."

    Unknowingly Sheila was there hiding in some of the trees silently hearing and watching the two. She left when Akatosh was able to subdue Chifya.

    "I don''t know about stillmage or their smallest details but soon I will, for there is much information to extract," Akatosh says, sauntering away from Chifya.

    Holding on to his injuries Akatosh walk as Chifya too follows. She was now afraid to help Akatosh, a person that saves her life. They went silent until returning to where Sei and the other was, to be amazed that they already dug up the trench. They are now 4 feet deep below, but they were more shocked to see Akatosh''s injuries.

    "What happen!" Exclaimed Sei.

    "Nothing, I got overboard to Chifya, so she tried to defend her love, nearly killing me." Akatosh lied with an unpleasant feeling.

    As a bad liar, he was easily seen through, yet they went silent. They know something happened between me and Chifya but Akatosh let it pass as if nothing had happened.

    "Can you heal this?" Akatosh says towards Sheila.

    The healing light slowly closed the injured until no marks were to be seen. But Akatosh didn''t show Chifyas bite only his two injuries.

    The party was silent for a while, Chifya now lose to herself hiding, distance herself from them. After his injuries are healed Akatosh immediately went to where Sei and Reith are digging. Riya was asked to collect some grass, ash.

    "I see you two already dig four feet. Though we need six feet or seven."

    "What''s six and seven feet?" Reith said

    "That, well," He responds, looking around a stick that measures approximately six feet.

    "The measurement that we''re going to dig would be like this." Akatosh continues showing them the stick.

    "This will do," Akatosh says after they have done digging the trench.

    "What''s next," Sei says. And not long Riya came with tons of grass.

    "Will this do?" Riya said.

    "Well, it''s too much but it will do¡­ Let''s call this a day." Akatosh said.

    Akatosh didn''t see Sheila presuming she was looking for Chifya to comfort her, so he took it as okay. After dinner without Chifya, he asks if they have seen her.

    "She''s in her room," Sheila respond.

    "I see¡­" He says while resembling the other day how Sei finished their quest.

    --------

    "Well, that''s it?" Sei says after he had explained their past mission.

    "I see, so you came when I was sleeping," Akatosh implored.

    There was some food left for Chifya, but no one would have the courage to deliver only a shameless one would do and that is our man.

    "I take this to her." Akatosh sigh delivering the food to Chifya.

    The door was open to seeing her sitting in the bed upset, regretting herself for what she had done. There was a table where she keeps her potion and stuff, but Akatosh first delivers the food right beside her.

    "I''m--" She stood for a word of apologies.

    Cutting her off. "Just sit still and eat your food first," Akatosh says as he scavenged her things looking for the sleeping potion. "Last time I saw the potion was clear as water."

    "Maybe this one." Akatosh thought grabbing the clear liquid potion,

    Chifya couldn''t care less what Akatosh was doing to her belongings, not to mention he was a shameless one. "What do you expect I''m Akatosh."

    "Is this the sleeping potion?" Akatosh said towards Chifya.

    "Mm-hmm." Chifya anxiously replies.

    "I see." Akatosh smile grabbing the potion

    Akatosh turns around to see her not yet eating the food.

    "This woman is overdramatic."

    Slipping the potion from his pocket he then sits right beside her.

    She started to talk but Akatosh put the food on her lap.

    "Eat first talk later, did your mother--" Akatosh cut his words knowing she had some past family resemblance. Still not eating Akatosh grabs the bread and then putting it in her hand.

    At last, she finally began to eat. "Thank you, Lord," he says helping her eat.

    Before she could finish her meal, Akatosh went around the bed opening the window. She didn''t turn around to see him but continue tending to her meal. And there, Akatosh slowly snuck to bed without alarming her.

    Her dinner was now finally over, a minute of silent pass she starts to speak, but Akatosh was too long-gone, sleep-in seconds before he could hear her past or her words that Akatosh wasn''t interested in, not today.

    "The truth is¡­" After some story, she told. "That''s why I almost try to--" She turned around, to see for forgiveness but what she saw was but a sleeping man slumbering like a graveyard.

 40: No Title

    No Title

    "The truth is, it all started when I was just a child. I was the only survivor of my village when they¡­" Chifya''s words were hard to usher.

    She remembers when she was just a child through luck and fate, she went to the forest playing all by herself. The day went dusk and as she returns, she saw a large smoke coming from her village.

    Walk quickly turns to run, her heart beating, her breath in heavy panting, and as she runs towards her village what she saw was a gruesome massacre. She encounters an inhumane massacre that would soon mark her life.

    She hid behind a tree as her eyes watch in pain, her people burn without mercy. People who tried to fight the enemy were brutally killed. Their heads roll, their inside splatter from the shear cut made by the mysterious people. Their magic differs and is powerful as they blast countless ice cones, flame-like bullets, but their eyes were different as if nothing.

    One man that she can''t forget, holding a scythe amused himself as he flicks and dodge every person that he encounters. She could still remember his face menacingly laughs as he guts and slice Chifya''s people, family, and friends. He was very closed to her hiding spot; not long after he was able to detect her through his magical sense. She looks behind him to see all the children, children at her age maliciously drag to be caged in a wagon.

    "Come here, child." The man said grim and dark.

    "I won''t let you!"

    A fireball suddenly erupts to where the man stands, it did a little damage, but the man seems to be in high resistance. It was her mother, injured, her left arm cut, her clothes burned, blood-splattered her clothes.

    Before the man could recover Chifya''s mother quickly cast a teleportation spell towards Chifya. The man change direction towards her mother, she cast another spell, but the man seems to just flicker behind as he impaled her. The scythe went pierced through rupturing her inside, yet the man didn''t let her as he again disappears and appear facing Chifya''s mother. Cutting her arms and finally to her heart, Chifya''s eye could not bear the sight of her mother''s death as her mother cries towards her giving her a last smile.

    "Live." That was her last word before the man could rip her chest.

    Chifya screams calling her mother but soon she was teleported to a faraway distance. After being sent to another place, dig she dig where the teleportation circle slowly fades away. Her arms are cold and bleeding but still, she kept digging calling her mother.

    Thunder roars, sky cries in the sorrow of her village death. Minutes turn to hours soon she stops digging and go for walking without a direction to follow trying to find her village. Soak, hungry, and cold, her body couldn''t stand the harsh rain poured into the land. Her vision slowly blurred yet she kept her pace walking in lifeless sorrow. Thud, she falls flat waiting to die, until a man spots her.

    Time slowly passed as she grew to her new home. And that time she investigates, collect information soon to find out that her past was caused by an organization that consists of stillmage. The world ''stillmage'' burns through her, a breed that she despised to her life.

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    Stillmage are people born with powerful magic, a special mage to be exact. You can sense the magical flow and the aura of a mage and even a normal person. Stillmage says otherwise, their magical flows and auras are undetectable, you can''t even differentiate them from normal mages or humans.

    It''s said that the past thousands of years ago a war of stillmage was caused by one powerful stillmage. That it took all the twelve-arc sage, and the rest of the kingdoms to put a stop to his rampage. It is said that he was able to nearly destroy three kingdoms with his immeasurable magic.

    "When we were at the market that''s when I thought you are a stillmage, so I detect if you are a stillmage not to mention you are holding an ancient item. Knowing you have no magic I quickly confirmed that you are a stillmage. That''s why I almost try to--" She turned around hoping to see Akatosh''s face, to see if he could forgive her but what she saw was but a sleeping man slumbering like a graveyard.

    What he did surly upsets her even more, she tucks her head looking down at his face succumbed to slumber. Remorse filled her; she can''t think what to do to him.

    Placing her hand to his neck in hesitation to choke him, a bottle of paralyzing sleeping potion she saw. With a right doze, she fell asleep laying atop Akatosh. They slept like a couple till daylight arrives.

    Awoke, Akatosh could now move his body, the amount he''d taken last night was good a three drop was good enough. But he found himself in a direr situation. Chifya was there laying atop Akatosh covering him like a blanket.

    Surprise, Akatosh slowly relinquished himself from her body and through his commotion, Chifya open her eyes.

    "Ah¡­ Morning?" Akatosh says to her.

    She was silent that Akatosh thought she was not in a killing mode. But he was wrong, a punch nearly strikes his face. With a good reaction, he was able to parry her attack by just lowering his right arm before her hand could reach his face.

    He thought that she could stop however, she again tries to punch Akatosh''s face using her left arm, but it was futile as he again flows his hand touching her wrist grabbing her.

    "Okay¡­ I''m sorry for doing that thing to you last night, it''s my mistake for not listening to a woman''s story. I know that you have a dark past but--"

    "What do you know about me!? You know nothing!" Chifya says as they struggle to pin each other.

    Being tired of this, Akatosh was hyped in creating a black powder but this woman here. And with the right word and the right conversation.

    "Look here Chifya, even if I were a stillmage that I don''t know about. Do you think that I was the one who gave you a horrible past? Are you a hundred percent sure that it was me? Just because I was a stillmage doesn''t mean I don''t deserve to live, just because one seed only grows doesn''t mean the other can''t grow so you have to throw them away. When a baby was born stillmage would you killed that baby just because he/she was a stillmage and if that would be your child would you even dare just because a stillmage killed or do something to your family. C''mon wake up through your sense woman!"

    Her resistance slowly diminishes. Akatosh''s words strike through her unable to say a word. She didn''t cry for today but felt utterly upset. Though Akatosh wasn''t done yet.

    Using intimidate words. "I know you may have a dark past but you''re not the only one who had a gruesome past there are tons out there."

    "It''s okay if you cannot forgive me that''s fine with me, I wasn''t asking though. But I''m just a man who thinks a common sense not to be in a child''s play."

    "Shut up!" She exclaimed unable to look straight at Akatosh.

    "Lying or not it''s up to you," Akatosh says picking up his bag leaving her behind.

    Akatosh didn''t felt remorse nor guilt as he left the room. And when he opens the door to leave Chifya alone, Sheila was there standing right beside the door hearing our conversation.

    "Saying that to a woman is not the right thing to do," Sheila said

    "I know, but sometimes a child needs to be taught a thing," Akatosh says leaving her behind

    "So, what are you going to do now," Sheila said.

    "I need to gather something."

    While walking downstairs Sheila went to Chifya''s room trying to ease her¡­

    "Chifya?" Sheila calls.

    "He''s right, I am truly being just a child."

    "Chifya he¡­ he is just saying things."

    She gazes beyond the ceiling calmly easing her mind gathering her thoughts. Who knew that Akatosh''s words could do a lot to her.

 41: No Title

    "You need a what?" The farmer says holding a shovel who seems to be old.

    "Yeah¡­" Akatosh says while right behind him was Riya whom he asks for help looking for some farmers with poultry.

    "I got a ton but what do you do for this?"

    "Fertilizer¡­ Look I can buy for you. I only had a 2 silver Shar." Akatosh reason.

    His eyes stiffen as Akatosh showed him two silver Shar.

    "Well fine, you can have it with just 1 silver Shar." The farmer says, scratching his head.

    "Okay then, deal."

    Following the farmer where he piles the large quantities of manure.

    "I need a wagon; do you have some," Akatosh says.

    "I do have some."

    "This should be enough," Akatosh said after hours filling the wagon full of fresh cow''s manure.

    After finally filling the wagon with tons of manure. Akatosh tosses him five silver coins. He didn''t know how to operate the wagon so Akatosh let Riya do the driving.

    "This- this is too much young sir." The farmer says.

    "Thanks, gramps but keep it you''ll need it," Akatosh says climbing the wagon. Two silver Shar was exceedingly high for a farmer indeed.

    After they have driven nearly a minute away from the farmer''s sight. Riya stops the horse and brought out a teleportation scroll. Unknown to Akatosh, he was surprised to see her bringing out a teleportation scroll.

    "I thought mages are the ones who knew this kind of stuff." Akatosh says, looking down at Riya.

    "Well, Sheila taught me something, but this is the only thing I was able to learn and my marks are very weak that even a very simple mage could even remove it with ease."

    "I see."

    The wagon couldn''t make it through to the dense forest where we dug a trench for the saltpetre to be made. And to solve that problem they had to use a teleportation scroll.

    She began to concentrate her magic, pooling her mana through the scroll, it took her more time than Sheila to be able to trigger the scroll. And when she does, they were Engulf in bright light, and as the light fades, they see themselves at the trench.

    Akatosh was surprised but his smile quickly fades. Riya who has little knowledge and magic teleport a wagon and Akatosh fall to the ground.

    "Riya!" Akatosh calls to her.

    Scared and panic Riya pants heavily. "I''m alright¡­ I''m not still used to teleporting large quantities. I will be alright after an hour." Riya says, smiling towards Akatosh.

    Giving her a space to recover, Akatosh gave her a blanket and a pillow to lay rest then slowly goes transferring the manure.

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    Time ticks with a final touch, filling and mixing it with some grass that Akatosh recently chops and some ash. He then covers the whole trench and to keep water from entering, a canal was made around the trench and a wall of dirt for enclosing.

    "So, what now?" Riya says awaken and fully recovered.

    Akatosh sigh in relief. "Well, technically this might be a bit complicated."

    "I need to trust her more. The Maginum did the right thing in keeping the glittering dust from the other nation keeping it to themselves. And for me, if this thing would be known throughout the country it might be a bad thing, I would rather keep this as a secret to myself." That''s Akatosh thought.

    "Promise me Riya¡­ At all cost, you must keep this as a secret same as the others." Akatosh says with a serious face not looking directly at her.

    "Why?" She speaks.

    "Then let me ask you, if the other nation had known the glittering dust formula there would be more casualties. Imagine if all the countries would wage war using this so-called glittering dust the damage would be intense. Imagine the cause of destruction it would bring."

    "Can I trust you for this?" Akatosh continues.

    "I will." Riya nods.

    "Let this be our private thing no one else should know of this." Akatosh sigh.

    After they have returned the wagon to the farmer. Both of them received a large number of fruits and vegetables all fresh from the garden.

    "Thanks, gramps."

    He shakes his head sideways. "No¡­ I should be the one thanking you."

    "Well, then may we see each other again and nice doing business with you mister," Akatosh says before leaving the place.

    -At the town of Ravalind-

    As they walk the other side of the road Akatosh was surprised to see all the people lining up at the side of the main road. Staring at some people marching through the path Akatosh can see that guards are standing, bordering away the citizens from the road.

    There were knights and some other mage same as he once saw during his time with Ashalain. Guarding the carriage in the middle. The carriage, however, was open, clearly not a prince nor a king but somewhat a princess nor a priestess.

    Though, when Akatosh notice the golden staff with majestic design and some gems embed in it. He assumed that she may well be a priestess or a maiden. She was young noticeably young to be exact not to mention a good-looking one. And even her white dress seems to hold magical power.

    There are also people with her two to be exact, one was an old wizard-like, while the other a man not a guardian but like a noble or some royal person as they converse with each other.

    "The people here are quite lively." Says the old man stroking his beard.

    "Right, it''s been years since I visited this place, I wonder if that woman is still making those good wines." The nobleman says.

    "You seem to be known to this place, by the way, why did you come here first my lady priestess." The old wizard laughs.

    Her eyes gently open not staring at both of them. "A call." A word she only said.

    Suddenly she felt something a familiar thing she once felt but different as if scattered hidden, evidently it disappears.

    "What''s the matter, my lady." The old wizard says after noticing her unease action.

    "Nothing." She says in a lifeless emotion

    "What is this?" Akatosh ask Riya for answer

    She stares at the carriage for a moment and finally answers. "The lady of the water."

    "The what?"

    "She''s the priestess of Endregar a very high one."

    "Care for some good info."

    "She''s powerful a priestess of Aziru the goddess of life and creation. She is said to be the first maiden of Aziru that was said to be a hundred years old thought that was just a rumour. She may have something with the king but why did she come here first?"

    "Mm-hmm¡­ Must be some reason to just find someplace to rest." Akatosh says in unsurprised and disbelief.

    Right after the carriage pass, he saw the man that he once saw at Barry''s shop the same man who wore a hooded cloak with his same subordinates. The lady of the water or whatsoever somehow notices him as she averts her eyes towards him and so too the man as if they know each other.

    "Having a famous person stares a simple like adventurer, got to say there something from this youngster," Akatosh says looking towards the priestess and the man she''s staring.

    Change direction looking around her bodyguards. And by Akatosh''s eyes, the person that he wants to brutally pummel was there confidently riding a horse with his smiling face.

    Akatosh could see his trying to show off as if he was the VIP. Akatosh mood changes dramatically showing disgust and anger towards that man. Akatosh was so in a bitter mood that he left the scenery turning back and finding another path.

    "Where are you going," Riya says.

    "Library."

 42: No Title

    Walking without a heading, Riya could see Akatosh''s face is smeared in anger and rage lust for revenge. After a walk for more than a minute, he stops relinquishing his anger.

    "Sorry about that¡­ Could you lead the way to the library?" Akatosh breathed in relief.

    She nods and starts walking in a different direction. She realizes Akatosh was funneling his anger towards that man but silently she kept her mouth shut.

    Arriving at their destination both of them stand in front of a large building. When they step into the building, at first glance all Akatosh could see were books, scrolls, parchments, etc. there were a lot of papers even for a small library to hold. Eyes begin to wander left and right looking at every surrounding, mage and another sorceress seems to be busy working with something as they scavenge every book and parchments.

    Unnoticed while observing the place they had already reach at the end of the library and what meets them are parchments and scrolls. Some are new and some are old decaying through time. Akatosh was amazed and at the same time astound while looking at the papers piling orderly.

    Randomly searching at every scroll. Riya however, searches for the map of Vashkeil knowing Akatosh was too aroused to examine the scrolls. The first scroll that he pulls shows a different language though there are some translated, and he could read that it was a language that of a goblin. Akatosh wasn''t interested in gaining a goblins language so he rolled the scroll and returning it where it was.

    Searching and pulling one scroll at every time, all that Akatosh could read was useless for him. I couldn''t understand magic, yet he desperately wants to know magic badly. Then out of a sudden.

    "Oh, I forgot; I should find some translation about this book," Akatosh says, bringing out the reddish dark book. The book however was dark and evil enough to make him like a necromancer.

    Without time to waste Akatosh search and search every book that would show a familiar word the same as this grimoire that he''d loot. But for somehow Akatosh gave up, no books or parchment could unlock little of the book''s words.

    "I''m tired," Akatosh said leaning down at some chair

    At some point, Riya came holding a large scroll its length was half a meter. Placing the map at the table. It looks old but the map was kept a neatly.

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    "Here," Riya says pointing at the map.

    "This is where the closet volcano is near to this land."

    Akatosh looked at the map and a word saying ''Dolvathur''.

    "Dolvathur?"

    "Yes, it is where the dwarf lives."

    "I see¡­ Do you know someplace like a vent where the steam comes out of the ground? And there''s this what we called sulfur."

    "Sulfur?" She asks.

    "Yeah¡­ It''s like a yellow substance that smells in an unbelievably bad way. They can be found close to a hot spring. Do know some?"

    She took her time thinking. "I don''t know but I heard there is a hot spring at ''Dragons Lake''," Riya says, pointing at the map.

    Taking a deeper look, the lake seems to be surrounded by four kingdoms. To its north is Starhim the city of slaves. Dolvadish at it south the other elven kingdom. At its west is Mavigrid the city of merchants closes to Maginum the land of the mage. And the last through the east was the empire of Endregar.

    ''Dragons Lake'' was known through its name due to the hot water and the steam that gushes out from the ground. And it''s said that a great dragon was the cause of the hot spring and the vent. Akatosh however was skeptical, though what he now lived he takes considerate.

    "Okay then, it seems I had got myself a heading," Akatosh says, smiling and happy.

    "I?" Riya says somewhat upset.

    "Yeah¡­ Well, fine if you want adventure then fine you can come." Akatosh lied, a big fat lie

    "Right then! I should make a copy of this"

    "Make it three."

    --Someplace in a dungeon¡ª

    A group of men like a cult is holding some sort of a meeting as they discuss in unison.

    "Tsk¡­ Why did she even come?"

    "I think we should better keep a low profile. We all know her magic is powerful."

    "So, what should we do now?"

    "We keep with the plan though; we must avoid her at all cost or else it would be the doom of us."

    "Then what should we do with him."

    A man who seems to be a royal man a middle-aged man beaten and chained in a wall. He was unconscious for the time being, the place was cold underneath, but the torch makes up a low heat in the atmosphere as rats and insects crawl throughout the place.

    "Should we continue or--"

    "I think we should."

    There were five of them doing some sort of ritual, one man holds an empty bowl while the other holds an enchanted dagger. They gather themselves, lining facing towards the chained man. Two people hold a dagger and a bowl face towards the man.

    The man with the dagger cuts the man''s wrist while the man places the bowl letting the blood fills the empty bowl. Through the center was an altar, and after placing the bowl filled with blood, a magic circle appeared shining in dark purple light.

    "It''s done." The man smiles.

    A chosen man step forward drinking the blood until nothing was left. After which he kneels to the ground dropping the bowl as his face, body even his voice change. A doppelganger but it was no ordinary doppelganger.

    "You won''t get away with this!" The chained man spoke he was now awaked from his slumber.

    "Ho¡­ so you''re finally awoken, no matter it is useless, but we will keep you alive only for this time." The man said who seems to be their leader.

    "GAHHH! " Cries the imprisoned as the man sends an electric bolt, sending him to sleep once again.

 43: No Title

    Two hours, it took them two hours in the library waiting for the map to be copied for there are others in line with their orders and request. So, they used this time looking and searching for books until Akatosh was bored.

    "I''m tired of this." Akatosh sigh. "You hungry cause I''m dying of hunger we should get some snack."

    "A little." She nods.

    "I see¡­"

    Riya runs back to the manager informing the person about their request. So Akatosh wait for her at the front door until she was done. She was still silent to talk about something and Akatosh too, don''t know how to start a conversation.

    Arrived at some tavern and by the looks of it, the place doesn''t look cheap to Akatosh sight. As they enter the inn bunch of adventurers can be seen filling the whole place, luckily there were three tables unoccupied.

    Food and drinks are ordered. And while tending to their food Akatosh let his ears open, eavesdropping on the people around.

    "Hey, why did the priestess come here."

    "I don''t know must be something with the Shilvia family."

    "I heard that arc sage Azarus have been out for too long at the Maginum. They say he''d traveled to the land of the fire."

    "I thought he was last seen at Rashival."

    "Rashival? Is that where none humans reside."

    "I heard there will be a tournament there at Endregar."

    "Tournament for what?"

    "I don''t know gold maybe. I also heard that the champion of the tournament would be given something."

    "And what is that?"

    "Do know, try going there."

    As Akatosh eavesdrops on the people, without realizing he didn''t know he''d already finished half of his plate. Riya, however, wasn''t near enough to consume half of her meal.

    "You seem to be dreaming. I was calling your name thrice." Riya says.

    "Just gathering intel," Akatosh responds, tapping the table with his fingers still listening to what the surroundings are saying.

    When the crowds became more and more disdain Akatosh could only hear were loud murmurs and noises for a tavern.

    Riya couldn''t help but be startled by his action as if he was an empty shell. In the end, all Akatosh could do was give in and continue his meals. Out of sudden, a word reaches through his ears.

    "Did you hear about Ariendal De Shilvia?"

    "You mean the royal family that said to be one of the most powerful families here."

    "That''s right."

    "Nope, what about him."

    "It''s all about the treason. That''s what rumors say."

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    "Treason? Bah¡­ c''mon even the king would not believe that kind of rumor. The Shilvia family would never betray the king and country."

    "I know right? But what the heck with it how''s the hunt for those corps eaters."

    "Nahh¡­ my party was a complete disaster if it wasn''t for me, they would not be alive."

    "Really? Funny cause last time I saw you. You were running your arse off to those vile creatures."

    "WHAT!! Well, that was--"

    The words they spoke lingers on his feelings. "Shilvia" Is the word that rang to Akatosh''s mind. "Shilvia-Shilvia, where did I know about that name¡­ oh¡­ That chick and her sister, should I visit her or--"

    Speaking for himself, Akatosh had already been finished his meal.

    "Okay," Akatosh says still tapping his fingers thinking and thinking to who knows what he''s thinking.

    Until Akatosh could again excess his strength, they rested for more than half an hour. Before leaving the place full of riled-up people. A quarter of copper was placed on the table waiting for the collectors. And upon stepping out of the inn Akatosh''s mind is always in a drift, thinking and thinking, planning, trying to premonition his next step.

    For minutes of walking and exploring the area full of alleys and buildings. At a distance of 50 meters apart Akatosh saw what it seems to be a group of people in cloak conversing to themselves. More interesting was, the group of gentlemen, the place and emptiness of its silence was curious to Akatosh. A place, where no guards are sent to scout, a place of dwindling light, and a shady place to dwell in, a place good for thieves, thugs and rouge likes to crawl.

    When his eyes took notice of them murmuring to each other, Akatosh stops. Fortunately, a crate was laying right beside a building. So swiftly, Akatosh and Riya hides before they could detect their presence.

    Akatosh looks at Riya for answers and a cold stare piercing to his eyes. She too felt something was off to these people.

    "Do ya know something about this place?"

    "Cemetery." A low tone Riya says.

    "What?"

    "We''re in the boundary of the old cemetery, right beside that corner is full of graveyards."

    "Okay?"

    Turning to take a peek if they are still in their place but the moment Akatosh takes a glimpse, already they start moving towards the cemetery.

    Stood they stand following their trails until both of them sees a large clearing full of tombstones, gravestones. The place was large and full of graves.

    To hide their presence both Akatosh and Riya had to do is to keep their pace and distance. He assumed to be a group of cults or rather necromancy.

    Akatosh look at Riya to see her quite assured of herself knowing Akatosh was there for her. But what she expects is the complete opposite of what Akatosh is. Alone is what he does best, and a company is what Akatosh doesn''t agree with. He was afraid to endanger them, afraid to see a companions'' death in front of his very eyes. He wasn''t fond of carrying others'' burdens nor the other way around.

    "Hurry up will you!"

    "I got."

    Anxious to be caught Akatosh heard them talking, they''re in a hurry he can tell by the voice they''re exclaiming.

    "This is too dumb, we should have rather use a teleportation spell or a scroll."

    "You stupid!"

    "What did you say?!"

    "Do you know that using magic would reveal our location, thanks to you we were almost got screwed because of your damn stupidity? If it weren''t for him, our prisoner''s bodyguard would have savagely burned us after he''d detect our location from your stupid magic! Thanks to you we have to double our work!"

    "Stupid ehh¡­ well, I show you!" The man replies creating a magic circle from his hand.

    "Would you two shut your mouth!" The man who was fiddling with the graveyard interrupts the two.

    The way their voice and tone, Akatosh could tell from afar that they''re in a heated argument. The man who''s silent, distance himself from their argument then begun turning the gravestone with strength. As the man twists the stone grave right beside him is a round slab slowly turns revealing a path.

    Akatosh was amazed the moment he saw the stone opens. "The man who engineered that design was pretty good indeed," Akatosh says. And right after the descent down, the round slab slowly reverses, closing.

    Filled with curiosity and adventure he quickly pores the weapons and armor that''s what is left from the bag. Akatosh always kept his magic bag at his side no matter the cost. It was a mystery to him as if the bag holds some part of his soul.

    "Let me see, a worn-down leather armor, a two-short sword, and a spear. Huh, where''s the mace, oh, I forgot¡­ I must have left it in the dungeon full of corpses."

    Slowly prepare for the next struggle, Akatosh saw Riya in a worried face.

    "Should we go tell the others before we could- - "

    "Listen Riya, go tell the others don''t worry I''ll be fine." Akatosh interrupts.

    She was upset and worried, and Akatosh was stupid for diving into the lion''s den without a party to venture with.

    "Okay, then shall we open the curtains just for this day again," Akatosh says drinking the endurance potion.

 44: No Title

    Akatosh turns the stone tablets and through his action the round slab twists and turns revealing a dark stairway made of stones. He took a small glimpse to know if a person might be waiting for an ambush. And it was all but silence Akatosh could hear.

    Slowly stepping his toe, descending through the hell hole. His boots create a thud sound.

    Lingering in the dungeon, to be sneaky is all the what it takes to wriggle yourself into the enemies'' belly. So Akatosh decided to remove the boots stuffing them into the bag.

    As his foot touches the ice-cold stone, shiver the floor would be ice-cold. He turns around to see if Riya was there, out of relief she chooses the wise decision indeed.

    Akatosh''s hands touched the cold surface of the wall, gliding the rough slabs of stone. He initially felt a rope hanging. Realizing it connects the mechanism that opens the stone slab, he slowly and steadily pulls the rope down. Dragging down the rope, the stone slowly starts closing. And the noise it creates was weak too weak to be heard by someone lingering in this place.

    Masking his presence, darkness squint at every corner of Akatosh''s surroundings. Avoiding a person as he could Akatosh muffles his sound while walking and sticking with the dark. Long and wide the corridors stretch no more than fifteen meters.

    Not long he saw a very dim light and slowly as he walks, Akatosh kept his sense fully in operational. There was no noise, or tone, or a voice that can be heard so Akatosh resume the pace.

    After reaching the far end of the corridor he came across a room with an area of approximately five square meters of its measurement. Torches were sticking to the wall but only a few to light the dark.

    The room branches itself into four long and dark corridors making it more complicated for Akatosh to choose from. Before he could step out in the dark, Akatosh heard faint footsteps coming from afar.

    Stepping backward he quickly lingers through the darkness, hiding in observation. Two men slowly appear conversing to themselves,

    "Gahh¡­ I hate being ordered by that man!"

    "We should better hurry before his anger gets to us!"

    "Bahh¡­ I should better gut him first after that beating, he did to me!"

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    "C''mon as if you can, he could roast you to death before you could move an inch." The man laughs.

    "That disgusting killer child lover!"

    Their hands were covered in blood and what they wear was not cult cloth but rather different commoners'' clothing.

    Akatosh''s hopes fade, if they would wear the same clothing, he could borrow one either through killing or not.

    "This might be a tough one," Akatosh says, after seeing those two smeared in blood.

    Without pause Akatosh had already decided. Through curiosity, he takes where the two people came, and hurriedly he goes.

    The way wasn''t a straight path but rather a maze-like one. Very few torches light the corridors, yet the more he steps, a smell that Akatosh couldn''t explain gush out.

    "Gahh!" Akatosh let out a breath of disgust.

    Nearly to the end, Akatosh heard a rustle of someone operating a body. Not a noise he made he quickly hides through the darkness as close to where the sound came. Leading to a room he saw a door half-closed. The lights in that room were brighter than those of torches but the smell was too much. Though the smell from his last fight was even worst so he manages to fortified the smell.

    While hiding through the dark walls hoping to see what''s there. Mistakenly Akatosh accidentally glides his sword to the wall.

    "Damn¡­" Akatosh reckons.

    "Is that you¡­ hurry up and bring it here! I don''t want any delay because of your stupidity!" The man responds

    "Shiii¡­ I''m saved." Akatosh sigh in relief.

    Taking a glimpse to see who the person was. For his very eyes, a horrifying sight burns through his eyes. Corpses of children are preserved and stack at every corner of the room. Dozens of them are freshly killed or murdered. They were all children, some are humans, some are none humans, some are elves and dwarfs.

    One man seems to be operating his victims, as liters of blood fall through the ground and what''s more, the inside of the dead person was ruptured and remove. Drench in blood the tiles so does the man.

    As the man butchers the person Akatosh couldn''t tell what the person is, since the man hinders his view. Assuming it was a child he moves to regains his composure. Luckily, the man didn''t face the door while working.

    Seeing the horrifying sight, kidneys and organs were splattered at every place Akatosh vomit like never before.

    "You dare to puke here!" The man said busy doing his things.

    Still vomiting Akatosh manage to get a hold of himself and quickly starts dashing towards the man.

    "I had enough of this!" The man turns around to cast some spell but already facing my death ready to reap his life. Fire starts to emit his hand, but all was at loss as Akatosh pierce the short sword to his mouth rupturing his brain and even going to his skull.

    With the strength of the potion, Akatosh didn''t let it end as he decapitates his head in swift rage. Before the man could fall to the ground. Enrage, Akatosh quickly upper-slash his stomach. Gutting his inside until the tip of the sword reaches his heart. As anger and rage fuel the hand Akatosh bury the sword to his stomach. Cutting upwards he let the blade slice his body and tore open his chest even cutting his ribs.

    Blood spurting out from his headless neck showering Akatosh in red thick blood. Panting heavily, he initially backs away from the room hiding in the darkness once again.

    "I''m going to burn this place to the ground. I''m going to cut these people."

 45: No Title

    In heavy breathing while getting out from that place hiding through the dark once again.

    "I''m going to burn this place to the ground. I''m going to cut these people."

    Stepping back, didn''t he dare to look back the inside of the room. The brutality of what it holds, the sickening still in burns to his guts. Wiping the leftover vomit that lingers from his mouth Akatosh went to seek darkness for him to hide and recover once again.

    The frightful disgusting smell pollutes the atmosphere from here, part ways Akatosh move steadily. Disrupting an alarm would mean death to him, so stiff Akatosh held the sound in silence as he cradles with the dark. When there''s no dark to squabble Akatosh had to cautiously move from one place to another avoiding any encounters.

    Returned to whence the corridors branches itself into four different paths, he saw a person. What''s quite intrigue to him was, the man seems to be exceptionally fine, a rich man, a noble one.

    A thought this man must have had dealings with these people Akatosh assumed. Three men of which were behind, two were different wearing a cloak masking their face. One seems to be a wizard-like, a bodyguard.

    Calmly camouflaging with the dark Akatosh cautiously stays hidden in the dark.

    "Look, we want this done as soon as possible. Our location is no longer safe for us to continue." Says the man in a hooded cloak

    "I know that! This-this political affair with the other nobles is hard."

    "I know. We''ll deal with the other nobles that hinder our plan. While you have to do your thing."

    "Oh¡­ and one more thing."

    "What is it!"

    "The priestess of Endregar, you might have to distance yourself against her, or else this plan is compromised."

    "What!"

    Akatosh does understand what they''re speaking, however, their motives are unknown to him.

    First saw them coming towards the other shaft, towards the west side. And while Akatosh was in the northeast observing them from the dark. The other two people who he last saw went through east the other side of this wall.

    Standing and still in hiding Akatosh got nervous. Following their talking, the two hooded people return to where they came from. The two, however, started to walk in Akatosh''s direction.

    His heart beats for another carnage, calculating his survival against these two people. All he could say is no more than 40%. The length of the corridor was no more than four meters wide, its height if he could assume was only 4 meters, good enough to maneuver his moves.

    An element of surprise against them would prove successful. Though what worries him is the wizard. Not knowing what capabilities, the man holds would give a 50-50 chance of killing those two before they could detect his presence. The worst is the two hooded people. Causing a clash with the two would uproar the two-person. It''s common for them to hear the crashing sound of sword and magic at a small distance.

    Think before he could act. "If I successfully finished the two in quick attack, I would haste my way to end the two hooded people before they could spread the alarm, and if it fails me to do so well everything would go to either dead or dying." Akatosh thought.

    With his sword in ready, his right hand tightly grips the handle of the unsheathed sword. "It would be foolish to draw the sword. Thus, could give a noise for them to be alarmed." Akatosh speculated. And so, he waited for them.

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    To end life swiftly, the throat is the fastest way for Akatosh.

    As they walk, Akatosh''s heart begins to pound harder. Sweat and heat start to emit his body as he tightly grips the sword. In heat for expectation, they walk towards the other side of the corridor.

    "That was close." Akatosh sighs in relief and lets loose the handle but still holding for an unexpected battle.

    Remembering the other two Akatosh recalls their last conversation. "They seem to have an errand with the dead man. They could arouse this place after seeing the body being decapitated and hammer in a fatality. To tell, I do not want to return where the place gives me shiver but survival between life and death is in front of me."

    Returning from that place luring them in the darkness he takes them for to an ambush. And while walking towards that place that disgusts him, Akatosh brought out a blanket.

    Step into the room, Akatosh kept his composure in held. Covering the child that had been butchered by the man lying dead on the ground. It was a girl at her young age to be killed.

    The stench gives him the urge to vomit once again. And he wouldn''t dare to explore the experimented children stack in this room. All he could see was a body being stitched together, Akatosh also feel the faint energy lingering at every corpse.

    Seeing the other corner of the room, Akatosh saw it as a perfect spot to hide the corpse of the man. "This would solve their panic after coming into this room," Akatosh says.

    A couple of minutes pass, waiting in the dark. he heard a mumbling sound coming. Thinking quickly, dealing with two people at the same time would prove difficult. So, speed and quick reaction are crucial need for this situation.

    Taking his time hiding behind the door which opens at 180 degrees, he waits for the right moment to attack. And right after entering the room, they went silent to unquietness surprise.

    "Where is that man?"

    "Maybe he went to the other side?"

    "Bahh¡­ let''s get this over with wouldn''t mind be get scolded again."

    Creak, the sound of the door being closed. Seven meters apart they tilt around to see where the noises came. Only to see Akatosh dashing and drawing another short sword for a hack and dice.

    Ready to cast some magic but too late, Akatosh was already quick to reach his life. Panic while casting a spell his words turn to fear. Life or death kill or be killed Akatosh without hesitation thrust the short sword into his throat and horizontally slice the flesh leaving half of his neck intact.

    The other man paralyze in fear couldn''t let out a word but only a terror in panic. Blood once again smeared Akatosh''s face and the tunic, leaving a frightful look enough to scare a child.

    Facing the trepidation man begging for his life. Akatosh grabs his cloth and then begun dragging him. He could kill him right away but gathering intel is particularly important.

    "Tell me." Akatosh words are not loud but the tone was meant for killing. "Tell me all, everything you know, this place, the people here your motives, everything."

    "I don''t--"

    "Talk low!" Akatosh interrupts by pointing the tip of the sword into his mouth.

    "I will." The man nods.

    "Okay then," Akatosh said while moving to where he hid the man''s body.

    "Do you know what I did to this man?" Akatosh says revealing the decapitated man and his pummeled head rolling on the ground.

    "Don''t kill me." Says the man as tears of fear crept within his eyes after Akatosh had shown his dead master.

    "Talk," Akatosh says, intimidating him through fear and terror.

    "I don''t know everything but--" he said in a panic sentence

    "First about this room"

    "This place¡­ M-my master used this place to experiment on these children."

    "Experiment for what."

    "I-I don''t know but he-he said he was experimenting about stillmage using necromancy."

    "Stillmage?"

    "I don''t know everything, he wanted to create a stillmage using necromancy I swear."

    "I see¡­ I saw a rich nobleman. What''s his deal!"

    "I don''t know much but we used him in the agreement for Keshoval and Ahgraim. That''s what the higher-ups are planning."

    "I see¡­ How many are you in here."

    "The others have left this place so few of us stay."

    "Numbers, I want the numbers."

    "I don''t know, seven or eight."

    "I see¡­"

    Unknown to Akatosh, the man slowly starts casting some magic until Akatosh notices his magical energy emitting through his body.

    Through a single slash, Akatosh gave him decapitation. Akatosh doesn''t know what spell he would cast nevertheless, he''s dead before he could kill him and that''s all that matters for him.

    For whence Akatosh came here, killing a person, a monster would befall him. Who knew that coming here would change what he is. The first man that Akatosh gutted to death gave him the unpleasant feeling as if seeing himself as a monster. But right after those deaths and struggle for survival were killing gave him something, a thing that he couldn''t understand. To kill or to be killed, to hunt or be hunted, to be the survival of the fittest.

    He wanted to far interrogate him but no matter there are others here a religious fanatic is to be killed.

 â€œThe First Sealâ€

    Time was fast yet slow, here in this cold wretched place. Killing to keep the fragile life he held is all Akatosh could think. Blood drips throughout his tattered leather armor. The two swords were already covered in blood.

    Akatosh''s hand, now but tainted with blood though what he felt is different as if a man whispers himself in death, a path unturned.

    He didn''t think for reinforcement to come. And his hand couldn''t loosen the grip, his sense is in full function. Akatosh was but now a self-trained killer but still a beginner. Lurking in the shadow he plans his next move.

    Following the two people clothe themselves in a hooded cloak he motions in stillness through the darkness he lingers.

    As Akatosh traverse the corridor he yet met again a room. Lights were well lit the same as the ones he stumbles upon. The room differs from the other side, furniture''s laid at every corner of the room. Its shape was oval large enough for a bus to accommodate. Unexpectedly Akatosh felt something as if his instinct wanted to say something. To get to a safe place or rather hide what''s to come.

    Before he could enter the room. He first observes the place, its walls, furniture, its every side. With good perception from the eyes, he was able to detect another path leading down to another place or a dungeon. He could sense his instinct shouting for him to run away but to no avail as Akatosh further steps into the room.

    Priors to enters the room Akatosh first clean his foot covered in blood. He thought it would be foolish to leave a mark when walking around the room.

    He could descend to this another path yet again he checks the upper ceiling of the entrance. Upon looking up, lips turn to smile. Pay say Akatosh was marveled to the architect of this dungeon. At the upper level of the entrance, a space was made like a balcony. Aware, the two people who came here must have had gone downstairs doing their fanatic things.

    To give a surprising attack he quickly climbs, ascending atop of the entrance. It was again luck; the lights were against his shadow. Instead of showing it to the floor but through his back it casts. The only problem was if a person might appear to where he came reviling Akatosh''s position, pray say that the situation might not happen.

    Not long after he fixed his position turning the blades, tipping the point of the edge ready to chaw a person to death. Faint footsteps can be heard and speaking, they weren¡¯t fond of silent. Unsure of how many they are but all is well for the life he held and for the life he takes.

    Sweat emerge from the flesh, unknown to them and Akatosh was but a no magic man that even a simple mage couldn''t sense a drip of my magical flow. Unexposed as they emerge, the patience he held while calmly breathing not letting a sound unheard.

    Two of them finally walk out. Akatosh waited for someone to once again appear behind them but there was no sign. In hesitation of impatience Akatosh dive without a warning, nailing their nape, piercing their flesh and bones. Ravaging theirs inside leading them to slow and quick death.

    For his impatience leads him to a mistake where one man all along was behind from the two, walking in slow while he distances himself from his companions. And before Akatosh could turn around a powerful wave slams in front of his face knockback and throwing him from a distance.

    By twisting his body to regain balance and letting the sword glides on the ground creating a spark, he was barely able to disrupt the force. Before Akatosh could recover, the man had already begun casting, ready for another spell. In seconds six light-orbs emerge from his magic circle and averting towards his body.

    Hope and agile, Akatosh let the short swords release from his right hand. The moments it floats when he released the sword, his mouth firmly grips the handle. The tainted taste of copper filled the tongue. And with the strength Akatosh held. He single-handedly grabbing the medium round table then throws it midair giving him a cover for those little six orbs.

    When the dangling orbs clash with the furniture, it creates a loud noise. Akatosh was now exposed from the enemies'' lair. People from the other side rang in alert gathering to where the battle is brewing. But this time he feared no death, this time he was led to fighting. The traveler could run away and faced the people from behind but somehow, he kept his feelings towards fighting.

    So, without due, right after throwing the tables for a shield. Akatosh hastily runs towards the man not in a straight path but rather the other way around. Gaining acceleration with enough speed he was able to run on the wall. At a few feet from the man, Akatosh immediately jumps. Stepping-stone he leaps for a decapitation.

    The moment Akatosh hammers the edge of the blade right through his neck, somehow his body split into two, diverting himself.

    "Illusion?!" Akatosh was stun to say.

    Part ways the two souls-like move at an average speed creating an afterimage as they merge to where he regains his momentum.

    Without thinking, Akatosh throws the other sword the moment his image would together fuse but to no avail. It dispersed before the sword could reach the man. Same with Sheila''s protection magic, one man no, two of which show themselves in the dark right behind the hooded man. As their appearance step out from the shadows, it was the two people the nobleman and the wizard.

    "Roaring Flame." The wizard said, and after Akatosh heard him casting a line of flame burst through his hand.

    Now Akatosh''s time was but a flickering hope from the orange beam of fire. Pacing his stiffness Akatosh rolled over to the other side.

    "Gahh!" Akatosh groan.

    Even dogging the flames still, it burst into radiant heat. Rolled again at some furniture for cover. The wood was penetrated. Akatosh''s eyes met the tip of his short sword flying, ready to pierce his head.

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    Letting the sword head straight ahead avoiding his face. Akatosh swayed his head hardly able to dodge the fatal attack.

    Though he escaped from that thing, he was wrong as it again came back ready to rip his chest. Scarcely able to deflect the flying sword. Akatosh had nothing to gain from just dueling from his blade.

    Just a slight glimpse thereafter parrying the sword. Akatosh realize it was the nobleman in doing, his fingers were twitching controlling, maneuvering his sword.

    Right before Akatosh knew the cause of his sword. All he could do was only three consecutive movements. Covering himself from their casting through the use of furniture, dodging the blade and parrying is all he could do but for how long will he kept this pace.

    "Let, see? How does it take for you to kill yourself?" The nobleman says, controlling the other sword.

    Out of a sudden, Akatosh lost control of the sword griping through his right hand. The moment his other sword begun shaking, he immediately takes initiative. Using his only strength, Akatosh was far surpassed from the man''s magic which would then turn to puncture his chest, butchering himself.

    "GAHHH!" Akatosh let out a grunt when he impaled himself.

    Somehow, somewhat a voice spoke to thee. An intriguing sinister chuckle from the other side.

    "Do you want to win? ¡­ Do you want to kill?! Do you want to obliterate their souls?! Do you?!" The entity continues to laugh. "Then let me give you the taste of the first."

    And so, it begins when suddenly a thunder can be heard throughout Ravalind as if boulders are rolling from the sky, like a god on a rampage. The sound, loud as it goes, it''s sudden brought gave an unpleasant feeling to all the people. Shattering the atmosphere and whirling the air in an intense breeze. The sky then turns gray as if a hard-cold rain-ready pour the land.

    The thunders struck, loud and fearful that even the priestess of Aziru occupying at some noble estate now but drenched on the sudden eruption. She can feel an ominous omen as the thunder roar, everyone looks up in the sky even the young hero felt unease.

    To where the catacomb, a bolt of great lightning strikes the land right where Akatosh was. Everything, the furniture, stone, even the altar from below shatters into a piece. Stun in terror the men could feel the power erupting from Akatosh''s body. Lighting swirls throughout his body as his mouth screams in agony and death.

    The slight unfold of the first seal truly was evil and powerful, Akatosh wasn''t lost, somehow, he could still feel himself but his emotion now but swayed from the abyss. He was drunk from the first taste of the first horsemen, he felt the pleasure of death itself, he was conquered.

    Still impaled by the sword, in effortless pull without a pain to groan happened in nothingness. The man with telekinesis magic again tries to control the sword but nothing.

    "Iron skin." The wizard said casting himself and his companions giving them powerful protection engulfing themselves to iron skin.

    "Roaring flame." Again, the flames erupt in a great beam of fire ready to blast Akatosh. Stood he still without a flicker to be seen. And when the fire meets Akatosh, the fire split into two before it could even touch his body sending the parted flames to his back scouring the walls into flames.

    Akatosh breath in white mist ready to bathe in blood. In turns with great force and speed, with just a second the nobleman suddenly slams to the wall desolating the stone bricks. Without the iron skin, the nobleman could have died but still breathing dying from his massive injuries.

    Two men turn in frightful look to see their companions nailed through the bricks splattering his blood on the wall.

    "W-what, what are you." The man in the hood says in a fearful tone.

    Powerful electricity crawls upon the corridors vibrating the dungeons. The ground where Akatosh stands greatly desolates tearing the foundation of the place.

    Right after Riya went to inform the others and when they came near the graveyard, they felt a powerful cataclysm. The ground shook as if it erupts and for a moment, an unholy presence they felt as the ground shakes.

    In seconds, the ground burst to see Akatosh flying holding what seems to be a man, a wizard at his near death. Not only did he just burst through the thick ground, but powerful electricity followed by loud and intense cracking noise it chases. The wizard somehow was used in drilling the ground for the two of them to erupt beneath the dungeon. Choking, griping his neck single-handedly but not too firmly enough for the wizard to breath the air while they float in midair.

    Chifya, Sheila, and the others realize the occurrence from this rumbling thunder and shaking ground was all along Akatosh doing. His presence was even more terrifying striking fear to every heart of the people close to him. They could do nothing but stare in paralyze without an eye to blink.

    "Tell me, do you fear death," Akatosh spoke in a sinister voice

    The man however could do nothing but groan from his severe injuries.

    With a grim smile, without hesitation for mercy Akatosh with a powerful force slams him right back at the hole. With his sword by his side, he threw it like a spear, and the moment he threw, electricity cloaks the sword striking the wizard before he could even be nail on the ground.

    Tremendous speed Akatosh didn''t yet be done as he again calls a flash of powerful lightning drawing the power of voltage.

    Slamming the wizard back to the dungeon. He secondly throws the sword piercing the man before he could reach the ground. And finally, his last punch disintegrates the wizard. It was a consecutive striking done with just a mere second enough to sink the whole place from below.

    The cemetery once stood flat full of gravestone but now it was all but a sinkhole large enough to even devours near buildings and houses. They could hear the rumbling ground, the creaking woods as the house begins to sink, Sheila and the others manage to retreat before the ground could swallow them whole.

    After the shock suddenly stop Chifya manages to recover than the others. And when she does, Chifya quickly dashes. Drawing her nature power climbing down to the hole, the roots of trees and grass elongate strengthens creating a path for her to descend.

    Scouting the surroundings looking for a sign of Akatosh, and at last, she sees him kneeling as blood baths his entire body.

    "Akatosh?" A slight warm called for confrontation Chifya said

    "Don''t come near!" His word was different as if possessed by an ungodly spirit a two-person spoke.

    "Stay back!" Akatosh said panting in a heavy breath

    After hearing his unholy voice Chifya steps backward for a second. For her will she musters enough courage closing her distance to his.

    "I said don''t come near me!"

    He was but now afraid, afraid of what he becomes his emotion returns yet part of him still embraced that ungodly power.

    "Hahahahah." Laughing in sinister as part of him still trying to take control, yet somehow the bag tingling with holy essence finally diminished the cracked seal.

    Many people were attracted to the source of disruption. Even the young elegant priestess and the young handsome hero together with his companions went to where the cemetery was. Upon arriving at the scene, to sight inhumane destruction. The landscape had torn itself apart sinking. They could hear people murmuring to each other,

    "Just, just what happens here," Roland says.

    "What happens here."

    "Who did this."

    While ignoring the tone of the people, Ulgar spoke. "Do you feel that?"

    "Yeah, I can still feel it," Roland said shaking to what''s left from Akatosh''s diminished seal.

    They''ve reached the hole to see nothing, Akatosh, and the others were far too gone teleported to another place. But one man seems to know what had all happened even before Chifya and the others came. With the crowds begins to flock he slip through the alley dissipating his presence.

 â€œThe Keeperâ€

    To where a dwindling light forest, a golden light sparks the ground.

    "Where are we?" Sei called.

    "This is not the place! Don''t tell me someone must have had disrupted my magic!" Sheila gasp somewhat in panic.

    It was a familiar place they can tell; their sense tells them there are in danger, the danger of what''s ahead of them. Even more so Akatosh is still in recovery grips the grass fighting the unholy presence inside.

    Chifya with keen magic and a good sense of nature notices a plant, an exceedingly rare type of plant which can only be found near the drake''s lair. She gasps upon seeing the plant she called to them.

    "We have to hide!" Chifya shout.

    "What?" Riya replies

    "There''s no time! We must--"

    Before Sheila could finish her sentence, a loud growl followed by a crashing sound of trees spook at them. A red-eyed light the dark, coming in haste running but this was not the cause of the crashing sound. A large wolf sprung to them running for something, afraid of what''s coming until the great wolf vanishes through the dark.

    "Quickly we need to run!" Chifya called to them.

    "Right!" They all respond except Akatosh.

    Reith went to where Akatosh but what he felt to him was even more daring. He could still feel the power surging through his body.

    "Leave me," Akatosh said trying to make out a word.

    "But--"

    "I said go!!!" Akatosh shouts in a devilish tone.

    Chifya enrages by Akatosh''s words went to him. Trying to give him regain his composure but before she could get closed to him a dark omens her. Clutching her teeth ignoring the unholy aura she closes her distance. Grabbing his shoulder when suddenly she felt heavy, she felt the presence of death himself.

    In Akatosh''s struggle to fight what inside, a word again spoke to him a peal of dark laughter. "Trying to wrestle me boy! ¡­ Do you know what''s coming? Either way, it ends the same."

    "And who decided that?" Akatosh responds.

    The evil from within laughs. "Can''t handle a slight dark, mm-hmm... can''t handle a blessing"

    A swoosh of powerful air sweeps through to them breaking the trees enough to blow the party away. For Akatosh however, the powerful air was but a mere breeze to him stuck in agony. The situation broods.

    As the air slowly begins to calm, the large beast suddenly went nothing to a fire breathing.

    "Protection!" Sheila cast a shield, the same goes with Chifya conjuring large roots for the unheeding flames.

    "GRRRRR¡­" The beast roars. "I sense thee¡­." The beast could speak. "I sense your magic."

    It was the beast of the ''Wooden Valley'', near the borders of Ahgraim and Keshoval. The beast held tyrant of the place, a drake so to speak.

    As the monster crawls, the ground trembles, trees fell allowing the lizard for a path to walk. The flames light the whole darkness enough for the monster to be seen. It wasn''t a full-grown dragon, but its size was enough to scare a living. A dark and perpetual monster as its wing desolates the trees.

    "Graahhhh¡­ Who dares come to this place?" The drake says as it transforms into a being, a human being.

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    "We¡­ we''ve come here through accident someone must have disrupted our teleportation," Sheila says nervously begging for the drake.

    "Lies! I will not be led by a mere mortal in hopes of retrieving what I hold."

    "No¡­ We mere wish to escape from this forest." Sheila responds.

    "I''ve heard that many times! And I will not be swayed again¡­ Grahhhhh!" The drake in human form lashes out a powerful fire."

    "NOOO!" Chifya exclaimed.

    While in the dark the thing had enough. "Pathetic, I had enough of this!"

    A loud and powerful four lightning simultaneously strikes the land once again, Akatosh was yet again swooped by the curse living inside. The wind intensifies as Akatosh stands ready for a brawl. Before the fire could engulf the party, powerful wind voids the fire disintegrating into thin air.

    The thunder horn itself is in the sky as the kingdom of Keshoval begins to wonder in shock by the astounding cracking thunder. Lightning could be seen at the Wooden Valley hammering the forest. Ashalain who''s still living at Keshoval felt the unsettling wind and the lightning that continuously strikes where the drake lives. Atop the castle, the king and his associates could see the black clouds spanning itself in radius as lightning begins to fill the green land. Even the kingdom Ahgraim too, felt the wrath of the pale horseman.

    The mighty drake finally felt a tremor within his heart. Wind erupts at the center of Akatosh throwing his comrades and parties in different directions leaving only the drake left standing. In the blink of an eye, Akatosh suddenly faces the drake in a human form ready for an instant kill.

    By the time Akatosh blinks a bolt of distant lightning follows giving a tremendous force enough to send the drake half a kilometer away from the forest.

    "GRRRRAAAAWWWWWRRRR!!!!" The drake roar now but in his full form, flying towards Akatosh enrage for what he had done. And as he flaps its wings in midair, a fire rages his mouth sending lava-like flames burning the forest. Yet Akatosh didn''t care as he went towards the fire with full speed even tanking without fearing its effect. Lightning bends by his will traversing in curve form sending to the beast.

    Shook the lightning hit as the drake cried in roaring sound. Its roar was so powerful reaching as far as Keshoval and Ravalind for the people to hear the intense fight. Far away the king and people even Ashalain herself could witness a far distance as one man and a drake maliciously doing their things. They felt tremor within their heart as the drake sends powerful flames casting magic to fully harden its skin. Yet somehow Akatosh without mercy rampantly throws a lightning bolt in every direction. Worst, the lightning and thunder became more aggressive striking the land in full force. Somehow Sheila and the others again manage to recover escaping to a safe place for them to teleport.

    Upon teleportation, without a second warning, Akatosh sends powerful electricity crawling towards Ravalind miles away at an astounding speed. And before the powerful electricity hit Ravalind sorceress, mage, wizard, the young priestess even Roland and his party together creates a powerful barrier to hold what was coming.

    And with their combined force they were able to withstand the large electricity like a tsunami. Most of them used their full strength yet the young priestess and Roland still holds some of their magic and stamina.

    They all watch the drake being strike by lighting, as its horns tattered into pieces. His skin burns to a crisp. With a final attack, Akatosh unleashes an enormous armored spirit as Akatosh''s hand sway, so too the spirit follows.

    Its strike at lightning speed cutting the drakes leftwing. And when it falls to the ground about a thousand feet from the air. The sky was crying in full rage as Akatosh didn''t let it end where he draws upon a large bow aligning to the fallen drake. Even the half spirit form creates a lightning arrow.

    The sound it came and the force it carried blast the falling lizard. Except somehow the lizard manages to use its other wings for cover but all was lost as the drake burns by the astonishing white arrow.

    With the fall of the tyrant Akatosh in his unstable form teleport at mere seconds. Its landing close to the kingdom of Ahgraim gave a cataclysmic effect desolating the ground. Blink for a second and Akatosh again disappeared and appeared at every random land deforming the landscape hitting everything at its path. While he traverses to every place lightning strikes where he lands.

    The people living at a highland place or buildings by their very eyes witness the lightning that once strikes at one place now but at every corner of the land. At one last land near Keshoval the bag he still carries suddenly shines revealing an angle as she wraps her arms around his neck dissipating the storm. Her wings cloak Akatosh at full scale sealing the first.

    The warmth he felt on his back gave flourishing serenity. With a paralyzed hand, all Akatosh could do was but kneel absorbing the warmth like fire traversing at his body.

    He felt tired, he felt dizziness, and not long after slumber overcomes him. Eyes slowly close in deep dark slumber.

    An hour had passed the black clouds slowly starts to erase. Scouts and search parties were sent to the land investigating what had happened.

    Long after the search had started someone, a knight of Keshoval spot a man lying on a puddle of mud.

    "I''ve found someone!" He cried to his comrades.

 â€œTo Venture Forthâ€

    After the fierce battle between the tyrant and the wrath of the creator. It brought sheer devastation upon the nation of Aghraim, Keshoval, and its capital Ravalind. The land had become a barren place, trees burning, the soils were desolated, and the dryads could feel nature''s agony.

    The druids are in motion turning dead trees to life, the fire caused by the hundreds of lightning quickly spread. Through Ravalind a great catastrophe was seen by the power of a lightning-like tsunami. Where a line of fire could be seen miles away from burning woods to charcoals, to ash. Even animals and beasts were roasted, and some manage to scram away before the storm could hit the place.

    What the people witnessed was but the crack of the first, yet its force was too much to bear as countless theories erupt. Some speculate the return of the great stillmage that once rage war upon the entire nation. Others say the resurrection of the imprisoned one. While other nations are suspicious of each other''s growth of power assuming it may be some kind of a weapon.

    Through a tall wall, the priestess and Roland stand side by side spectating the desolated land. They stand guard for anything that might again occur. And following the minutes of silent, the priestess spoke to him,

    "I see you''ve grown."

    "Well, time sure was fast." He responds watching the people fixing the buildings the walls and extinguishing the flames.

    The young priestess measured him; she could see the legendary sword radiates in the holy aura. She turns around towards the devastation brought by an unknown force. She was lost in thoughts the unholy aura that still lingers in the air shivers their presence. By comparing the holy sword, the sheer size of devastation brought by Akatosh''s first seal far surpasses the legendary weapon which Roland carries ''Ragarish''.

    "But what if." The priestess thought.

    She looks at the sword for just a second and asks him if she could look at Ragarish. "But what if the holes were filled."

    "Draw your sword that I may look at it." She asks.

    Roland without a word pulls out the holy sword. Much like Farenggar Ragarish had the same ten holes but what it holds was but a blue gem rather than red.

    In the past, four holy weapons were used by the heroes of the past to battle the scourge of evil the fragments of Faravish himself. Through times the holy sword came to a legend, but some still know this. Hoping not to be used in dark ways they hide the legends for not to be swayed towards the path of darkness.

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    The sword Farenggar was now at the hands of Ashalain herself. The fire of Azarus, the red gem, the red diamonds which hold the symbol of fire, the symbol of power. Its other sibling Ragarish the banisher of demons and evil the purity of the water, where it holds a blue gem, an aquamarine. The third Mazur is the symbol of nature and life, the green gem of emerald. And last was the sword of the air which is said to be guarded by the people from the sky a white gem, so it holds the symbol of air the power of wind and sky. Unknown to the hero the legendary sword could transform into any kind of weapon either spear, bow, shield, mace, you name it. And each of these legendary items resembles a ten-hole.

    The young priestess her name long and forgotten. The only thing that she remembers was ''Ferish'' a name given to her by a mysterious man that once saved her life before attending the call of the gods.

    Upon seeing the sword, she immediately inspects the gems. Seven gems occupied the holes.

    "I see you''ve collected some of the vessels."

    "The what?" Roland asks in confusion.

    "There are ten vessels that occupy. It''s where the weapon draws its power."

    "I see but--" Roland scratches his head. "Well, the truth is there were already there when my father passed it to me." Roland smile.

    "So, he must have had gathered the vessels before he could give it to you," Ferish said in surprise and at the same time upset.

    Roldan knew her connection from his father. Ferish once loved him but her love was not meant to be fated, though she still loved him even to this day. And maybe she might have a slight spark from his legacy but that maybe some other times.

    "You must set forth to gather the rest of the vessel." She says seriously.

    "It would be my pleasure; I would accept thy vow." Roland without hesitation accepts her request to gather the rest of the vessel sheathing his sword.

    "Also, I''ve had yet to inform you that if you ever came across with other vessels you must keep it safe," Ferish says, for the reason, she came here was because of Akatosh.

    The moment Akatosh remove the red gem Ferish suddenly felt the red gem vanished as if being destroyed. Not knowing that Akatosh''s bag holds a powerful thing that can cage any evil nor magical weapons rendering the connection of the other guardians. So, she came to investigate and by sheer coincidence, she met what must be the coming of the imprisoned one as the prophecies uphold.

    "Travel forth to the land of the dwarfs there you will seek an answer."

    After their conversation, they went to help the others. And after two days the people, druids, dryads quench the aftermath left by Akatosh''s first seal.

    With the first taste of power, Akatosh met himself at a comfy bed along with other injured people. He could vividly remember his past rampage against the fanatics and the drake. The injuries he suffered from the curse and the fanatic people, still lingers in his body. But somehow, he was filled with ill guilt the moment he saw people dying and injured.

    "I''m fine," Akatosh says heading towards the exit.

    "Please, sir! Your injuries are fatal you must take rest." The priest argues.

    "I just want my things," Akatosh responds.

    With their conversation heating up, Akatosh went towards the door. The sound of the door opens and before his very eyes met a beautiful woman, it was Ashalain holding a bucket of water and a towel for the wounded people.

    "Oh, damn not her again."

 49: No Title

    The moment Akatosh saw Ashalain, he knew she must have had kept it somewhere else. A quick step for the lady to walk and before Ashalain passes him, Akatosh quickly asks where she kept his things.

    "I need my things. I know you''ve placed it somewhere."

    She averted her eyes straightforward ignoring Akatosh''s question, yet after taking two-step she replies to him.

    "Rest first¡­ your injuries are still in recovery." Ashalain sigh.

    Following her words Akatosh calmly touched his chest, he felt the slight bondage all around his chest. The injuries that the man with telekinetic magic sure gave him a fatal mark. But he was in a hurry, hurry to get out from this place. He didn''t want to see the countless people groaning and moaning about their injuries.

    "Look I just want my bag missy," Akatosh said to her abruptly, but Ashalain calmly ignores his demand and goes straight away tending to the people.

    Disrupting a person helping the hospitalized people would be a shitty act I tell you. And in hopelessness to gain information Akatosh turns to the man right beside him.

    "Hey, do you know her?" Akatosh says, hoping the man would have a connection to where his precious bag was.

    The man strangely looked at Akatosh but alas he spoke. "Well¡­ she''s one of the head maidens."

    "Okay, do you know where you kept your hospitalized peoples'' things?"

    The man had enough of what Akatosh was saying so he asks him to follow. But still, Ashalain didn''t flutter as she cures the people''s mild and fatal injuries. She knows it was useless to find his bag where the temple stores his belongings.

    Hours after tending to the people Ashalain had a break. She had completed her task and it''s up to the others to do their part.

    Ashalain breathed in relief after finally wrapping a piece of cloth soaked with some healing essence to where the burned skin of the man. In muteness, she walks to the exit only to finds Akatosh lying beside the wall patiently waiting for him.

    She let out a sigh before speaking to him. However, not before she could utter a word she was the first to be interrogated.

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    "What a coincidence, hard meeting ya¡­ look I just want my bag that''s all I ask." Akatosh now asks her politely. But right after he said his words the sound of his stomach rumbling in starvation. He didn''t eat for a couple of days during his recovery, so he was hungry as hell.

    "Damn stomach can you find the right time to ask for food!" Akatosh thought to himself.

    Ashalain just smiled and finally replies. "I give it back to you but in one condition."

    Akatosh brows heat up upon hearing the last word ''condition''. He didn''t have a choice and brute force would render him useless to this beautiful yet atrocious woman.

    "And what is your condition?" Akatosh frowns at her.

    The time-lapse pass by Akatosh was sitting in a very noble restaurant where rich and royal people eat. While in front of him was Ashalain sipping a tea.

    Akatosh knew Ashalain had a wealthy family but whoever thought that she could bring him to a nice decent place. He thought it was some kind of errand or something related to death and adventure.

    Nobles and royal people start to divert their eyes towards Akatosh. They stand high their ranks and stuff, so they felt peculiar to this a man in his commoners'' cloth.

    As for Akatosh, he was sweating in embarrassment knowing well he shouldn''t be here. But Ashalain doesn''t care what the others see her as a daughter of a wealthy family bringing lower-class people to their place.

    "Ignore them." She says sipping her tea.

    Wearing royal clothing and some armor still intact to her. Looking at her magnificent look, men all around would be easily caged by her beauty and intimidating looks.

    In just a couple of minutes, a well-dressed man brought a meal. It was a meat steak and smells aromatic by the herbal ingredients enough to drool a man in his starvation. While for Ashalain was a cake full of sweet and diabetes.

    "Women do like stuff like that but--" Looking at the medium slice of meat his urge would soon be let out.

    "The hell with it. Society can wipe my arse, I''m hungry." So without saying a word Akatosh eat his food fastidiously.

    Quite astound Ashalain was surprised by how Akatosh was eating. She reckons Akatosh eating in a ravishing way. Looking at his way of eating his food Ashalain was a relief not to be a subject by the others.

    Minutes upon filling his empty stomach, men at every corner of the place young and noble soon begins to have their eyes set on Ashalain. Thinking about their strategies on how to woo her feelings but while Akatosh was eating his full-time course he had been observing the people. After seeing other men wanting to flirt with this woman Akatosh conclude it was pointless for them since he knew her story. Not wanting in this suitor¡¯s thing Akatosh was more to his hygiene, he wants a good long bath.

    After a long wait, one man musters his courage. "Miss Ashalain De Shilvia may I." The man says, bowing to show his respect and as a nobleman.

    She didn''t look at him just sips her tea and replies. "You may."

    "Much appreciated." The man said tending a sit closed to hers avoiding Akatosh at all cost.

    Upon sitting Akatosh stood and said to Ashalain. "I''ll be waiting for you outside".

    The man was amazed by Akatosh''s words. He sure got the balls to say straight forward to the daughter of the De Shilvia family. And the moment Akatosh heads towards the exit Ashalain stood.

    "I''m coming with you." She said ignoring the man.

 50: No Title

    Right after they exit the building Akatosh asks her a question, "It must be nice to leave an elegant man at his lonely table".

    "Don''t be absurd I greet him goodbye before leaving, unlike you who had no proper behavior."

    "So says the person who greets people in reprisal way. And I''d rather be a discreet person, than being known as lowlife."

    "This is why no person wants to be your companion," Ashalain says.

    "Just so you know, I''ve never asked a companion for life. Well except for my other past. Were my friends being as shit like me?"

    Just as they continue their conversation. "Who would never know that this woman could be so damn pretty attractive when she acts like a real woman." Akatosh reckons while they both walk the path covered in cobblestone.

    "And about my thing--" Akatosh asks her.

    "You should be grateful." Ashalain interrupts. "I''ve kept your precious thing at my place if I didn''t hide your bag that mage could have got your thing."

    "And why is that?"

    "Because it holds a very powerful magic."

    "I got what you''re saying but what''s the difference between a normal bag and a special one. Though thanks for keeping my bag."

    Ashalain sigh. "Special ones are very easy to detect by high-class wizards and mage. They can identify between normal things and magical items"

    "Ah, so that''s why."

    "You should be careful when meeting people. And since your bag reeks magical energy, I have placed a magical barrier masking your item as a common thing."

    "Thanks."

    Little did he know Ashalain was ciphering the past devastation brought by a mysterious force the people had experienced. She first suspected Akatosh regarding the connection between his bag and how he appears so suddenly. And the experience she encounters after she tortured him at her sister''s place and the horrifying scene she last saw leads her to speculate Akatosh.

    Interrogating the guards that pick up Akatosh and the place where they''ve found him. Unsure of who to blame she still sets her instinct towards Akatosh knowing he must be a dangerous person.

    Following their time Akatosh follows her without hesitation but his instinct and observation are at full health. By the time they''ve to arrive Akatosh was dumbfounded by the building, Ashalain was occupying.

    "You coming?" She asks.

    "I''ll wait here; you''ll go get my bag."

    Ashalain shrug for she knew Akatosh wouldn''t run without his bag.

    As for Akatosh tolling near the building kicking some rocks. The guards who were patrolling near Ashalain''s estate begun to raise their suspicion towards Akatosh suspecting him as some sort of a thief. And so too Akatosh begun to know what the guards are unto.

    "Just how long will that woman get my bag."

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    Seconds turn to minutes the guards begun to walk towards Akatosh leaning beside the wall.

    "You there!" The guard exclaimed.

    Akatosh looks around if there was someone that the guard is speaking to he then points his finger towards himself.

    "Yes, I was talking to you." The guard says.

    "What''s the problem sarge?"

    The man measures Akatosh top to bottom. The guard thought Akatosh must be a thief lingering and at the same time observing the place for a nighttime raid.

    "Judging by your clothing¡­ What are you doing here in this place? Do you know this place?"

    "Oh¡­ Quite the fact¡­ Well in my opinion from my speculation. The thing that drives me through here is but a simple thing and doesn''t mention being a man banging a fortune. And yes I was quite one of your thoughts. But no worries I''m not as greed as you are except it is through my designation that I came here with someone I know just--"

    With his barren words, the guards have begun to frown at him.

    "You do know what I''m saying, no?"

    "Just what are doing here!" The guard angrily shout

    "But sarge¡­"

    "Is there a problem?" Ashalain says,

    "Finally!"

    "Ah¡­ miss Ashalain this man--"

    "He''s one of my associates" Ashalain interrupts.

    "Pff¡­ associates," Akatosh utters.

    The moment Akatosh said his words, Ashalain gave him a warning. Frowning at him at an intimidating look.

    "I see, I''m sorry for disturbing you. I should go resume my patrol if you would excuse me." The guard says, then quickly he left.

    "If you would then," Ashalain said to the guard.

    "Look I don''t have the time--"

    She opens the gate without responding to what Akatosh was saying.

    "You coming or what."

    "The hell with it mind as well go with it."

    "You know. Your sense of humor would lead you to a place crawling with rats." Ashalain said.

    "I''m just saying it."

    "Saying what? I could ask that guard that you were a thief strolling around the corner."

    "If only you just hand over my thing we can walk away never to see each other again. How''s that?"

    "Fair enough though there is a catch." Ashalain smile.

    "Great more calculus to solve, so what is it."

    "There is--"

    "Make it short, direct to the point, and keep it simple." Akatosh cut in Ashalain''s word.

    "I''ve had been--"

    "Accepted, just bring me back my bag."

    "Fine!" She frowns in anger. And for his words, Ashalain passes his bag without thinking twice.

    As Akatosh grabs his bag a grim smile befalls his face. At a quick snatching reaction, he then turns around running through the wall.

    "Bastard!"

    "Hahahahah¡­ What do you expect from an optimistic man!" Akatosh laughs.

    "Wait!"

    Through his adrenalin rushing into his body, he quickly scales the wall in no time outrunning Ashalain.

    "I will give my compensation from the restaurant to your nice sister and thanks for everything."

    "Bastard!"

    "Sorry¡­ I just don''t like being ordered by a woman."

    The fourth time their cat and mouse chase something is about to happen that would drive her journey.

    Just as Akatosh was madly running, he went through the alley hoping to do the same but somehow just a step further he felt something. The bag he carries gave him a powerful disruption through his physical and mental body. After taking the heaviness that shackles his entire body Akatosh couldn''t do anything but kneel. Paralyze turns to heat as the magic bag he carries suddenly shows him a premonition of him, of what was coming to a warning. Visions turn to a ray of lights, zooming out and zooming the scenario of what he falls to.

    He saw a burning land; he saw nothing but pure chaos amidst the burning mist he couldn''t explain. "Come and see," he saw the full brunt of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth seal. The horse that conquers all, the horse that brings all tyrant to chaos, the horse that brings unimaginable sickness, and the horse that brings death and Hades.

    The moment as Akatosh dreads himself in his premonition. Ashalain quickly found him but what she felt, this time it was no joke this time she too caught by Akatosh premonition.

    It took more than a minute for Ashalain to regains her composure, rage turns to responsibility. She could feel the heat emanating from Akatosh as he falls flat on the pathway.

    After Ashalain overcomes her dreadful emotion the guards quickly follow but some of them were sent back by Ashalain herself.

    "Did you catch him?"

    "Would one of you carry him back to my place?" She honestly asks one of the guards

    "Sure thing."

    Time fly, Akatosh awoke to a different place through a different dimension. This time it was not what he had been through, he felt refresh the place was the pure absence of dark. A voice of a woman calls echoed through at every angle and every corner.

    "Be aware of the path and the steps you''ll take, for one day there is nothing but the midst of chaos."

 â€œThe Namelessâ€

    "Gaaaahhh¡­ Where the hell am I." Akatosh says.

    His soul embroils to a place a dimension of its own, this time it was different. He wanders his eyes to see a beautiful elegant angle, a gorgeous looking beauty. As he looks at her, a soft like a feather she was. Her clothing does resemble that of a lonely guardian wearing a very elegant long skirt.

    Her slender body fitted through to her clothing. And a robe that covers the maiden through the coldness of the winter. A long sleeve of cloth gloves her arms, yet he could see it in her hand, a hand like a snow-white blizzard in the mountains, smooth and tender. The black color of her cloth does resemble her fine beauty as a maiden in black. What''s more, Akatosh saw a crown that covers her forehead. A silver crown holds a marvelous design embed with numerous gems which Akatosh was mostly allures.

    "Ahhh¡­ blondie do you know where I ''am." He asks

    "This¡­ it''s a place of your own, a place that keeps the thing inside of you."

    "Okay¡­ do you know how to return to my material self."

    She looks through the other side so too Akatosh follows but his surroundings aren''t fitted to his perspective, so he proposed her something and a question he follows.

    "Do you know how I got myself here?"

    "It is by yourself, through your actions that you''ve entered here."

    "Mm-hmm... can I ask you something. Can you change the place a bit? I think I had enough with lights and rays."

    She smiled. "You seek what your heart desires and I shall grant it." Upon saying, the place suddenly changes a place of nature same as when God did. The only thing that differs was, there is no edible thing only a place to seek refuge.

    The elegant angle catches his attention not just by her beauty but her emotion like a single flower bloom in the open plane full of serenity yet somehow isolated by loneliness. Her gracious words can calm a raging man, her soft-spoken voice melts a person''s heart enough for a single man to fill his heart''s desire.

    Question after question Akatosh asks about the sinister thing that once called to him.

    "Blondie if I may¡­ Do you know the other thing like something like death and destruction you know like the opposite of something like yourself?"

    She hesitated for a bit. "It is a darkness that dances in the twinkling of the flame. It is the passing of our lord''s curse. It harbors no evil nor purity only chaos will he feeds."

    "I see¡­" Akatosh was lost, her words were a puzzle to him, so he just changes the subject.

    "So how do I return."

    "This place bends at your will, look at every surrounding as you think for a portal to pass."

    "Okay." He looks to his left then imagines a portal a door to which it would open to where he once was.

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    With just pure concentration the surrounding twist cracking a void revealing a portal.

    "Well, isn''t this a sight to, see?" He looks to the portal as he too thinks to this place.

    "Can I see you again?"

    "It''s thine heart that I''ll be with you through the beginning and the end I will serve thee?"

    "You know you''re like an NPC (none player character) but," Akatosh says, a smile of desire befalls to through his mental illness.

    Before Akatosh would return to his corpses, one step further from the maiden, his right hand quickly grabs her left hand forcing her as they gap each other''s body. Shameless without hesitation Akatosh suddenly kissed her without warning. The eyes of the maiden brighten in sensational ecstasy so too Akatosh. The second of tasting her lips felt like hours for the sweetness of her breath mingling with his lips. Yet his real intention was the crown, quickly his hand snatch the majestic item.

    Leaving the smoothness of her lips, Akatosh smiled as he walks towards the portal. For the maiden to think she endorses a little bit of pleasure not even realizing Akatosh stole her crown. The angel took a step back avoiding him as she blushes holding her lips.

    "I-I¡­" She couldn''t let out a word to said, she was still in dilemma.

    "Save it don''t worry it''s my first too."

    "It''s not like that." She said somehow embarrassed

    "What, is it our Lord''s decree? Nahh¡­ I''ll talk to him after this if I''ve got a chance to see him¡­ I guess."

    He walks to the portal at a mere inch. "You know-- " Suddenly an arm pushes him to the portal, it was her.

    Shouting out while being suck through the void. "I''LL BE BACK FOR YOU! By the way, is this yours?" Akatosh smile, showing her the crown.

    "Wait!" The keeper shout after seeing the crown by his hand.

    Not by any means of resurrection Akatosh returns to his physical self. A warm sensation touches his chest like a beating warm of sunlight curses through his chest.

    "Why isn''t this not working."

    He heard the voice of a woman pleading through death, Akatosh eyes open to see Ashalain giving him a healing yet riddle by what she''s doing.

    "Gaaahhhh!" Springing back alive on the bed he was laid to. Touching every part of his body, his chest, his neck, his head to know if he truly returns to his corps. Aside from his resurrection, the crown which he stole from the ''Keeper'' is in his hand-- materialize.

    "Good¡­ nothing seems to change." Breathing in relief he looks towards Ashalain in her distraught emotion that is filled with happiness, shock, tears, and a little bit of anger towards him.

    Quickly hiding her sobbing eyes as she hastily dries her tears. She stood looking down at Akatosh and for a second a slap came without a warning.

    Dodging the incoming blow Akatosh knew this woman got brute strength and using his strength would be useless so quickly slide his head avoiding the impact.

    "What are you doing!? The last time I see you crying and now you''re trying to slap me, why are women sometimes are like this."

    "You''re an idiot! Are you mocking death!" She answers severely not even concern by the crown he was holding.

    After Akatosh''s soul gazes out to his body, his physical self was no more than that of an empty shell. His heart stops he was but a dead man no less. Realizing the situation Ashalain quickly cast her healing magic but the little thing that her magic could do was but warm his chest. The moment Ashalain pours her entire healing to a lifeless man her past quickly erupts from the grave. A lover she once lost not knowing why she buried memories suddenly dug out, unsure she still forces all her energy to him.

    Griping her arms ready to knuckle him hard, humor wasn''t going to save him today, so he needs the old chastise but he thought otherwise.

    "I''ve met death several times, twice is by your doing."

    She pouts mumbling to say sorry, instead, she quickly left the room.

    "That seems to work¡­ Well, I need a bath, a really good bath."

    Akatosh looks through his place to see his bag laying around atop a table. Before his hand touches the fabric of his magical bag, he hesitates.

    "Okay, mister so-called fate¡­ There will be no chaos thing or whatever."

    Snatching to face what was coming he felt nothing, "Whoop¡­ thank goodness, I had enough of visions and things I hope there will be no blackout because it sucks to fall flat without knowing."

    "I need to bath real-time."

 52: No Title

    The shaking carriage wouldn''t let Akatosh sleep. Finding a good position to rest but all he could feel was the stumbling of the wagon. He looked to Ashalain with a curious and uneasy feeling. He couldn''t help but remain calm to this madwoman. He expected that she who follows him to what action he might do; wager she could be useful at a crucial time yet again she might lead him to damnation life he''s been avoiding.

    The traveling unsuits him but for Ashalain she was long past used to this kind of transportation. Crossing her arms and legs as if nothing, Akatosh looked at her for answers while she closed her eyes.

    "Why are we even using a primitive way of traveling where we can just use the so-called teleportation you people have." He asks.

    "We could but we can''t."

    "You mean?"

    "The magical connection that links Ravalind and Keshoval for teleportation was severed. It had been reported that lightning struck the teleportation place at Ravalind breaking the stone into pieces. And--" Ashalain stops before she could continue, she was concerned for something but hiding pretty well for a woman.

    The information was enough to fill Akatosh''s demands of an answer. "I see, let''s hope no pillagers would show up in this lonely road we''re trekking"

    A moment had passed and still, the silence grew, curious he asks her another rampant question. "I want to clarify something. We could hire a mage for sending us to Ravalind that might save us a lot of time"

    "Just this once, this isn''t Maginum to say, mages here are limited, and learning a teleportation spell might not be a common thing so people who have that kind of spell are especially important. I have been consulting at Keshoval for someone who knows teleportation, but they all have their troubles."

    He slips back into his mind talking to himself once again. "Funny I just met an incredibly talented people and there are two of them. This is just too funny; fortune comes with the risk I say." Slacking off to laziness this enrage Ashalain quite a bit.

    "If I were to measure you I see you as a despicable man." She says, with a tone of disgrace to him. Her words though didn''t affect him but what she gets in return was a thumbs up.

    His action nearly got him punched in the eye. "What are you doing! You madwoman!"

    "I dare you to say that again!"

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    "You''re mad¡­" A slow and sarcastic tone he said.

    The driver couldn''t help but stay in silence hearing the commotion from the inside, a couple in distress to each other''s feelings he assumed.

    Clenching in anger she let hold of her grudge and returns to her seat. Her face was easily seen through full of stress, sadness, anger, rage, bitterness you name it.

    "It''s fine to hate in anger but never be swallowed by it, might lead you to the worst situation you will soon regret," Akatosh said to her staring above while lying flat coaxing.

    "Shut up!"

    "I''m just saying it."

    Cutting time their silence to each other gap even more, until¡­

    The horse suddenly takes an uneasy turn as five arrows shot a warning in front of the wagon. Two more at the side of the driver as if ordering him to stop. Five people step into the road blocking the path.  Their face is full of nothing but ransacks and loot, laughing menacingly they ordered the driver to hand everything he had as they wave and show their sword and dagger.

    "Hey old man, we''d like you to hand us everything you have. Hehehehe¡­ even your horse." Says the man who looked like their leader was bald and had a black tattoo on his chest.

    "Yeah don''t forget to hand the wagon maybe even your clothes." Says the thin man holding a dagger.

    Shaking in fear the driver couldn''t help but shiver at the men facing his wagon. Then out of sudden Ashalain leaps through from the left side of the driver. From her entrance, an arrow was fired from the tree but before it could hit her the arrow was suddenly lit by fire dissolving within just a mere second. Surprised the man hiding within the trees again fire three more but his target wasn''t her but the driver. The arrow cling when it was deflected by Ashalain''s sword bulwarking the driver.

    "Get inside for cover!" She exclaimed to him.

    After saving his life the driver quickly went inside the wagon for cover. To see Akatosh leisurely sleeping. The old driver was confused.

    "Chill old man," Akatosh said still lying.

    "Aren''t you going to help her?" A slight shaking tone the man usher.

    He speculated that the monstrosity of her power and not to mention her anger could very well be enough to send those men begging for mercy or rather stepping at the front door of death itself. He could deal with them but a person to protect isn''t just his style. Like I said he likes to do it alone even if the people would have deemed him.

    "Aaaa¡­ I don''t know." He said as he rolled over to sight Ashalain facing the brigands.

    "Whoopee here boys. I think we''ve got ourselves a fine young lass today." The bandit leader laughs.

    "I think you just turn her fire to lava she was just about to surpass her anger from before. I think you should run don''t want yourself burn to a hot crispy-ass chocolate if I were you." Akatosh shout at the brigands.

    Ashalain''s face suddenly turns sideways towards Akatosh hiding through the wagon showing half of his face. A striking eye she shows him as if relaying him a message. "If I''m done with these people your next!"

    Averting his eyes to avoid contact with Ashalain, a fire develops to where she was standing. It was at this moment the brigands knew they''re in a heap of trouble. As it was before cloaking the sword in the fire but this time the fire was different, this time it was in a rage. Enveloping herself with fire a gift from the god, sending fear of what those brigands are into.

    Akatosh assumed she was about to vent her anger towards those men and who knew he might be next after them.

 53: No Title

    The horses were screaming. Terrified, the brigands had an option to choose, fight or run away. They knew their senses calling them to retreat in hopes of saving their soul but, their leader with pride and dominance as a man he wouldn''t let this woman beat him to a pulp.

    The others, however, would choose to stand with him or rather choose the other option of saving their soul.

    Ashalain with her furious fire swept through sending a warning making those men stepping back at a distance. With little skill to show, their leader cast his skill in hopes of rallying his companions.

    Readying his fighting stance, he gathers drawing out energy making him more powerful at strength and agility a berserk ability.

    "Not yet!"

    Uncontended by his power he again transmutes some of his energy towards his sword buffing the blades at full soar. It can chop down a single tree by a single slash it might even toe to toe with Ashalain''s brute strength.

    Charging at full rage Ashalain anticipated his attack and his power. Dodging the attack, the flames dance with her as she leaps and maneuvers her movements, waiting for a chance to strike. In a berserk mode the man even though the fire was in radiant temperature he was unaffected by the flames as if energy shields the power of Ashalain''s fire.

    She jumps over aside before the man could slice-hammer her in half. A chance was given Ashalain perfectly maneuvers herself drawing a blade through his back backstabbing him perfectly.

    "GRAAAAA!" The man let out a groan as the fiery sword roast him inside, he could feel the flames devour his guts before succumbed to death.

    Seeing their leader''s death panic they haste their beating heart ensure of safety. -Swoosh- the flames caught up to them.

    The screaming sound by the torment of her flames slowly fades away leaving a burnt corpse. As one of the servants of a God, she knew what had to be done so she gathers their body. Laying each other''s side by side as she cast aflame this time it was different not an orange color but a blue flame. What''s more stunning was, it only devours the body leaving the grass unaffected. The archer, however, must have had fled the scene after the death of their leader.

    Akatosh was staggered by her power the way she fought that raging man utterly amazed him. he didn''t blink an eye while witnessing Ashalain calmly dodge, no she was like dancing as the flames arc with her movements truly a sight to see.

    With bursting heart, Akatosh was silent compared to Ashalain he was but a chicken to her.

    They resumed their travel this time he was sitting right beside the old driver not wanting to face Ashalain. Tired of doing nothing Akatosh brought out a book and the magic quill. He thought to himself that his knowledge might fade so he transfers what knowledge he could think of into the book he''s been carrying and putting the blank book to good used.

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    Silently conversing with himself he writes everything he could remember.

    "The first thing is black powder if memory serves, the percentage of mixing the three ingredients would be something like this. Either 65-70 percent of saltpeter, 15-19 percent of charcoal, and 10 or maybe 12 percent of sulfur"

    After finishing the black powder, he moves to one of the revolutionizing inventions, ''steam engine''. Drawing the ''reciprocating steam engine'', thinking hard he reluctantly taps the tip of the quill trying to remember how the ''steam engine'' works.

    The taping stops, "Va-ve- val- that''s it! ''Sliding-valve'', this allows the fresh steam to enter and is also used to exhaust the steam to exit the cylinder, funny it works like a sliding door".  Minutes of sketching and engineering he was finally done. It might not be a high-quality drawing but overall, the construction diagram is very well made.

    After briefly reviewing the data Akatosh stops, thinking about other innovations from his past world. He thought something different something that is of use on the battlefield, he had no magic nor own skill, so he had to do something. Something he can show these magic people the power of modern detonation.

    "Moderns guns might be a good idea, but the mechanism is quite incredibly challenging. unless I have to step by step create its mechanical components such as ''springs'', ''hydro-pneumatic recoil system'' that would help the firing rate of a gun. Its twisted guns from the inside that give better accuracy. Oh¡­ I almost forgot there are two types of shell, the AP (Armor Piercing), and the HE (High Explosive) but the problem is the materials and where to find them. Best writing this don''t want it to be lost because of pure survival thinking."

    As Akatosh draw the blueprints of different kinds of innovation, gears, springs, hydraulic, HE shells, AP shell everything related to big guns. From that moment he was in its world unfazed by the sound of distraction around every corner of his surroundings.

    Leaned inside the wagon Ashalain took a glimpse of Akatosh''s drawing, she carefully stares at his drawing showing a bulky like an arrowhead, but its diagram was very peculiar. She didn''t know what he was doing and what he was drawing assuming some kind of a relic.

    Page by page his book is now full of knowledge but only to him, he understands. Without realizing Ashalain somehow manages to get closed to him watching him inspecting the drawings, the diagrams but for how hard she tried to understand she couldn''t read his language more, so she didn''t understand the blueprint he was sketching. She couldn''t help it that her curiosity forced her to ask a question.

    "You seem to be farfetched on what you''re doing." Ashalain implores.

    "Funny I say, so what do you want."

    She hesitated but soon bite her lips and ask a direct one. "I was curious"

    "I see, sorry but these things are complicated to explain."

    "So, what are those things that you''ve been sketching lately." Ashalain sigh.

    "Funny you ask. This is but things you and this world should not know"

    "And why is that I ask?" She says, twitching her eyebrows.

    "Cause is but a thing you wouldn''t understand."

    "Truly why your attitude bothers other people," Ashalain sigh returning to her position.

    He averted his eyes looking at her sitting. He knows that by explaining these things with someone''s intend perspective of knowledge, one could know what he might bring so keeping a secret for himself was the best action he thinks the right way.

    "Sorry mate but explaining these, well you might look at me as a man who holds dangerous relics. I might end up in a dungeon."

 54: No Title

    Careful to his words, he didn''t want this new world to learn the technologies he holds nor giving freely to an empire or a kingdom. It would be foolish to just rattle around the revolutionized technologies for if he would, kings and emperors would kill each other through cloak and dagger. He speculates being hunted down just for the things he holds. Interrogated through harsh punishment or to be treated like a spoiled child just to give them what they want.

    Just as it was about to get noon, the walls of Ravalind can be seen miles away from where they are. And it didn''t take long till they''ve reached the eastern side of the gate. A guard halt for inspection but upon seeing Ashalain he quickly withdrew allowing the wagon to pass through.

    Observing, the city is now on tight security, dozens of soldiers are now very much alive patrolling the roads and alley. The commotion Akatosh left shook the people, the place was now different people are concerned yet the flow of trading continues effortlessly.

    It''s been days and Akatosh knew the items he commissioned are now ready, so he went a separate path and after descending the wagon.

    "Not so fast!" Ashalain exclaimed grabbing his shirt.

    "What are you doing!?" Akatosh said he didn''t get a reply but force to be drag by her hand. He didn''t want to cause a drama but looking at her eyes she was somewhat concern, concern for something.

    As they walk for less than ten minutes¡­

    "The f---"

    He stares through the large mansion an estate owned by Ashalain''s family. Dozens of guards forficate every corner of the estate, a maid calls to her and opens the gate allowing them to enter. At that moment he is within the territory of her families and at that time Ashalain quickly runs to the building leaving him standing alone looking at the guardsmen also staring back at him with intense awkwardness.

    "Nice day for guarding" A jagged laugh Akatosh utters.

    Alone as the guardsmen watch him cautiously, he turns around facing the exit to be blocked by two guards crossing their spear. He knew something was fishy to be drag by a situation he did not participate in.

    "Sir." The maid calls to him

    "Forgive our intrusion but there is something we are very much aware of. If you would kindly follow me." The maid bows at him.

    "The hell is happening." He cattishly asks himself.

    Running through the large mansion, climbing the stairs leading to the second floor Ashalain saw two people guarding the entrance to his father''s room.

    Upon facing the door, the two people step aside for her to enter. Not knowing the two people were Ulgar and Roland himself was the one guarding his father''s entrance door.

    During the rampage of the first seal there beneath the dungeon. He never thought that he would stumble into a place infested by cults. After being teleported to where the drake lives, through sheer luck that the lower level of the dungeon didn''t get destroyed.

    When Akatosh was desolating the place, to where the altar was shattered there laid a man in shackles. When the storm that Akatosh brewed passed away, Roland and his companions went through, searching the place for any soul survivors. What they found was a man chained for more than a month, it was Ashalain''s father still breathing after being tortured for months.

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    She opens the door the see her sister and her mother staying by his father''s side. Step in slow pace staring at her father bedridden for days recovering. She didn''t expect to see this through as she grits her teeth and clenching her fist.

    Notices her sister in disdain order, Sheena quickly envelops her hand to hers, disarming Ashalain''s fury. It would take an hour for the family to grith what befell to them. As for our protagonist?

    "Mm-hmm¡­ Taste like a blue mountain." Akatosh said sipping the tea prepared by one of the servants. He was sitting on place a garden-like, where small ponds and a roof to shave his head.

    "I''m glad the taste was your liking." The servant replies. "If you like something please don''t hesitate to ask."

    "I have nothing to say." Akatosh reply. He just doesn''t want to this opportunity pass his taste.

    "Then if you would excuse me." The servant replies, slowly leaving him all alone.

    But he knew he wasn''t alone, stalkers like assassins cautiously spy on him watching his every movement. Their bows are armed and ready, taking the initiative if he would do something that acts as a threat.

    "This place seems to feel off, the soldiers are in the heat today and this place is overrun by guardsmen. Just what the damn happened to these past days."

    Silent overcomes the place, a slight sound could be noticed by a cautious man. To let time pass he continues what he had been working from these past hours. Upon going in for his book he heard a slight rustle there beyond the trees covered by bushes.

    "So, you like hiding."

    Ignoring the sound Akatosh resume his work sketching what seems to be a long barrel gun as its gears, springs, and all sorts of mechanisms slowly come together.

    Finishing the 13-inch guns he moves to the other important of long-ranged artillery, and that is calculating its trajectory. "True large guns do give a massive quantity of firepower but it would be a waste if not by its precision and accuracy."

    "If I''m not mistaken a ''gunners'' quadrant'' helps the gun to aim in precise and good accuracy.  What it needs are just a plumb bob and a 180-degrees ax-like. A shot fired from a 0-degree angle quickly falls to the ground due to the effect of gravity but raising the angle of elevation would improve the distance of the gun. But the problem is I don''t know the exact angle but oh well this would do for a bit."

    Just as he was doing his business, he notices some people talking to each other as they would come closer to his place but stops after seeing Akatosh mingling his work. Coincidently they were all girls and much younger than him. Four of them suddenly notice Akatosh who seems to be writing a book. He too takes a quick turn to see different race pack together, what''s more, they are one of the guild members, with the quick look he notices they''re all gold rank adventurer which implored him to not mingle with these people and the grudge he still holds when he duels to that man.

    "Hey Riza, I''ve seen you with Roland the other day what were you two doing." Irish says, chastising Riza

    "What¡­! It''s not like that." Riza replies trying to find a word to reason out

    "Hooo¡­ taking the initiative ehh," Lisha say, joining in the conversation

    "It''s not like I want him too¡­" Blushing in heat as she struggles to make out a sentence.

    Rein sigh who didn''t want to join in just breath out.

    Just as they are having their conversation, they notice Akatosh a man whom they didn''t even know. He quickly sips the last drop of the tea not wasting any of it. Folds the book and finally walks away leaving the girls in stunning confusion. Watching him walking away the lasses already felt they didn''t want to poke him, so they just watch him go away. Though they felt someone was watching them as they too move to another location just as Akatosh left. They already knew something from the man they''ve met twice but didn''t they know.

    "Tsk, just how long will these people keep on following me." He notes to himself. "And also, just when the hell will that cavewoman leave me alone."

    "I am grateful for saving my father''s life, please if there''s anything that you want, I gladly do." Ashalain pleads, kneeling to the young hero she thought was the one who said for saving his father''s life, and right away she believes.

    "Well, it''s doesn''t seem that way but if you need help you can count on me," Roland says boldly and with a hopeful smile, he follows.

    Ashalain looks at him upset for not doing anything only to thank the hero who save his father''s life. "I''m sorry for not doing anything but you are free to this place and the support of my family is within you, please if there''s anything that I can do."

    "Ahhh¡­well¡­" Roland was embarrassed to see a woman kneeling, pleading in front of him. "Well¡­  my companions and I are going tomorrow and--"

    "I see, I set a room for you and all of your companions, and thank you for saving my father." Ashalain breath but still she knew this compliment wasn''t enough for she loved her family dearly, yet she also has a slight grudge to his father.

    .

 55: No Title

    "Thanks, bye¡­" Akatosh says bidding farewell to Sheena.

    Prior ago, Akatosh was lucky to come across Sheena wandering near the garden. Her personality differs from her sister''s, taking the initiative Akatosh asks her to help in escaping this place. But as he approaches her, a shock to meet him once again.

    "Umm¡­" Akatosh says, he didn''t know how to greet her for the third time since he owes her big time.

    Her sad face quickly shift the moment Akatosh spoke to her. Sheena gasps as she covers her mouth. "I-I didn''t expect to see you Akatosh." She stammers with a painted smile.

    "Um¡­ I didn''t think so either. umm¡­ ahh¡­" Akatosh said.

    Sheena giggles the way how he spoke, but her laughter adds up to her beauty, gracious and warm.

    "I''m sorry, please forgive me for my action." She says.

    "That''s all right¡­" Akatosh said embarrassed to not looking at her directly.

    Easily seen through Sheena could tell he needed her aid. "What seems to be the problem?"

    "Well¡­ ahh, it''s about your sister, she-she wouldn''t let me go¡­ even the guards won''t." A cut by cut Akatosh implore.

    "I see," Sheena says but a fit of slight jealousy she adds from her face.

    "Buts it''s okay- -" Before Akatosh could settle another world Sheena grab his hand leading him to the exit.

    "But madam?" the guard pleads to her.

    "It''s okay I deal with her," Sheena responds.

    "I-I''ll open the gate then." The guard sigh.

    Before Akatosh could bid farewell to her. "If you want you could stay in for the night, we''ll be having dinner," Sheena says, she does want to go with him to share some of his adventures, but her fate gropes her.

    "It''s fine, it''s just that I''ve got a friend to seek," Akatosh said avoiding her request.

    At a distance of ten meters apart mustering her courage Sheena shout, "You can always come back. You can find me here I''ll be always here waiting for you!"

    "I will," Akatosh replies.

    "Till next time¡­ I''ll be sure to go with you, I''m sure of it so please stay safe," Sheena says, touched by his last words.

    After his departure, there was still time for the shop to open. without wasting time hastily, he rushes towards the front door.

    "Welcome¡­ oh, I see you''re in fine shape," Barry says after hearing the doorbell ring.

    "Not quite I say. By the way, is it finished?"

    "I don''t know if it''s the thing you wanted but--" showing the finished product.

    Excited, Akatosh''s heart races by the weapons he requested. "Man!... this is better than I imagine!" Akatosh says as he unsheathes the Katana.

    Examining the scabbard, it seems that Barry even foiled with elven steel making it useful for deflecting attacks.

    "I''m glad you like it," says Barry,

    As for the gauntlet and the armor, Akatosh was even more amazed. Wearing his newly repaired armor greatly change his comfort.

    "Whoa! It''s light. Not to mention I can easily move around."

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    "Well there''s a testing ground, you can test the items if you want," Barry said happily seeing his customer praising his finished work.

    "I''ll be glad."

    With just a single cut his new sword split the stone. Stunned by his weapon.

    "I see you quite good at wielding a sword" Barry implored after he''d witness Akatosh swinging the sword in a way like a silver and gold adventurer does.

    "This is quite different." Akatosh says inspecting the katana.

    "Oh¡­ I forgot. The thing is¡­ I add some enchantment to your sword. It''s a type of magical dust that amplifies the power of a weapon I also did it with the gauntlet that I kept for years during my travel. And also, I tainted it black."

    "And why is that?" Akatosh ask

    "Did I mention it before? Elven steels are unbelievably valuable not much like the steel around here. And if someone realizes what you''re holding well it might be a hard situation especially for elves. I too stained the sword of your friend so not to worry."

    "I see¡­ well if they ask for me, give them a message to just forget about me," Akatosh says sheathing the katana then goes testing the gauntlet to the dummy clad in plate mail.

    Without exerting too much energy, the claw-like gauntlet digs through the armor like a knife cutting through flesh.

    "This world is unbelievable. How much for the enchantment?" Akatosh was astounded, overjoyed by the weapon he commissioned.

    "Keep it, it''s one of my finest creations." He said.

    "But."

    "It''s alright, it''s a blacksmith''s appreciation."

    "I see¡­ by the way I like to show you something," Akatosh said showing him the book containing the blueprints of his past era.

    "Mm-hmm¡­You''ve got a lot of things lad, but it would seem these types of things aren''t suited for me" Barry said comforting his chin.

    "I see."

    "But I might know some people who can do this." Barry continues.

    "Really!"

    "Yep, they lived from the mountains deep beneath the earth."

    "You mean the dwarves."

    "That''s right though it might be hard to have their trust. Lucky for me I was able to have their relationship, there where I learn my things."

    "I understand." He says gazing through the sunset. The night was near and he need to find a roof. "Do you know a place an inn perhaps?"

    "I do know some" Barry reply.

    Meanwhile back at the estate, "What!"

    "I''m sorry madam Ashalain but Madam Sheena insisted." The guard says.

    "Return to your post report if there''s anything peculiar." Ashalain sigh in disbelief.

    "I understand then if you would." the guard says returning to his task.

    "Tsk¡­ did he knew something about her," Ashalain says speculating the connection between her sister and Akatosh.

    -Elsewhere-

    "Do you have a spare room for one night?" Akatosh says at the taverner.

    "We have one." Says the innkeeper

    "How much?"

    "Want the silver or the copper."

    "Just the copper and some food will ya." Akatosh said still holding the katana.

    In a place where thievery often occurs. He thought to himself that in this place one must be prepared, cautious at his surroundings. Thanks to his cloak hiding the armor and the claw-gauntlet he let his left hand do the work.

    Just as he was sitting alone drinking some sweet ale digesting his in-appetence when one drunk man a middle-aged person remembers his face the man (Akatosh) from the guild the one who challenged a gold tier adventure.

    "Well, what do we have here." The man said walking towards Akatosh.

    "Well-well-well how''s it doing my boy. One must have got the balls to challenge Gilan."

    The name Gilan quickly arouses the attention of some adventurers. They knew right away the man who fought Gilan at the training guild.

    "So, he''s the one who insulted and challenge Gilan."

    "Well, he got what he wanted for mocking a gold rank adventurer."

    "Such a shame indeed."

    Those worlds filled malice, rage towards Akatosh peacefully drinking his bottle of ale.

    "Whoopi." She man sits right in front of Akatosh and starts babbling in a drunken tone.

    As the man continuously harasses and showing his crest that of a silver rank to be more intimidating. Akatosh fired back at him. "Don''t know who the shit you are, but your demolished face is suitable to mate a goblin''s ass."

    "HAH! What did you just say to me!" The man exclaimed as he reaches towards Akatosh mantle. Yet Akatosh thwart his hand, switching the katana to his left Akatosh quickly seize his hand twisting, groping, and even gnawing the flesh.

    In pain, the man''s left-hand draws out a hidden blade from his back and magically enhances it with fire. Fizz, the 0.5 cm. eleven steel parries his attack. As the blade collides with the scabbard, smoothly it let the flaming sword slide through.

    Drunk and sluggish movement Akatosh rams the pommel to his chin knockdown the man flat on.

    Now with the upper hand, Akatosh in escalated rage stomp the man''s face and for the second one. Raising the Katan pointing the tip to his face and the moment he pounds his head. An adventurer dash towards the scenario.

    A sword flung the sheath letting the tip of the scabbard hits the floor instead of the man''s head nearly an inch close to his head.

    An elf so to say, and by the looks of it, she was a gold-tier adventurer. "Sorry for my intrusion but, it would be a ravish for a man to do that kind of infliction." Says the beautiful elf.

    Not a word Akatosh utters, only a calm face but the elven lass could tell the rage and the murderous intent smeared to his eyes.

    Not wanting to make an opera Akatosh left the scenario going towards his room but still prepared, no one knows, revenge might come to his slumber.

 â€œDepartureâ€

    The morning came, safe to sleep with no dagger knocking on his life. The sunrise nigh a pleasant morning giving Akatosh warm inception. There weren''t many adventures in the morning busy for their quest but when dusk arrive people would cramp the place drinking their hearts of valor, beverage their losses nor fatigue such as the way of an adventurer it seems.

    He goes to the innkeeper for a heading and a rumor or information to capture.

    Close to the person Akatosh ask. "Give me some morning meal will ya, the grilled one if you have some."

    "We got the chicken if you want."

    "That would be satisfying since I haven''t had a decent meal eating alone these past days."

    "Quite being a loner, you had." The innkeeper replies

    "Well, sometimes men need to be alone. It sometimes helps."

    The taverner sigh. "Got anything else to add up with your morning meal?"

    "Do so, I might be curious to something catches your ear."

    "You are quite the person from these adventurers. Rarely anyone, not even someone would ask a piece of morning news."

    "People come and goes to this place surely no one leaves a word behind."

    "There weren''t many valuable rumors, but I heard that Ariendal De Shilvia."

    "De Shilvia? What about him." Akatosh says adding a curious tone.

    "They say someone used him for the proclamation with king Reigal and the nobles in connection with Ahgraim."

    "So that''s why she was concerned." Akatosh reckons.

    "The other thing that''s been a bother from today and the past days was that time."

    "That that would be?"

    "Surely you do know the outburst from that day?"

    "I don''t know something like that but do go on" Akatosh responds tapping his fingers.

    The innkeeper sigh. "You haven''t heard about the place at the graveyard and the forest of the guardian. Where some people witness a man ravaging with the drake there near the border of Ahgraim and Keshoval."

    "I¡­ might hear that, got anything else," Akatosh says avoiding the topic.

    Not long as their conversation lingers, his meal was delivered hot and ready. Nothing to rush Akatosh slowly filled his stomach silently chewing the chopped grilled chicken. The innkeeper can tell the nostalgic eye of Akatosh eating, unsure if his enjoying alone or grieving his sorrow.

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    From the other side of the corner, hardly a group of adventurers are curious about this man. Open people are easy to know but a silent lone adventure or a traveler is difficult to perceive.

    "Isn''t he the man who chews the drunken silver rank?" Says the young adventurer

    "He might be."

    "Strange sword he carries I''ve never seen a weapon like that before."

    "Sword is a sword, magic is magic, there''s no difference. The only difference is how to handle a blade." Says the man in plate mail.

    "Leave him be we have no dealings with him." Says the leader of the party

    Outstayed for an hour it was time for him to leave this place. Dropping a few coppers after resting his stomach. "Well better get going," he says to the innkeeper.

    "Good luck to you then." The innkeeper replies.

    Before he departures, there was one more thing he visits before venturing. He went first to where the saltpeter is produced. Prying the cover to check if there are any signs of saltpeter, and by luck there is.

    "I see it''s already starting," Akatosh says, looking at the dinky yellow crystal forming.

    "Normally it would take longer for the saltpeter to form but this place might give some effect in creating saltpeter faster. It might be a month or two to harvest this ingredient, no matter, I should go seek sulfur." He says covering the trench.

    As for the second one, he leans on a wall waiting and holding what seems to be a folded letter. A few feet away from Sheila''s house he checks if they are there, but no one seems to be around presuming they went to the guild. Didn''t he know Sheila and Chifya went to Barry to collect his weapons?

    He checks the door to see if there''s a space to insert the letter. Under the door, he slides the letter and quickly sets out.

    "What! Since when." Chifya exclaim.

    "I don''t know if he''s still around, but if you want to check on him, he might be at the ''Flagons Ring''" Barry shrug.

    Without a moment to waste Chifya suddenly went towards the room but halt by Barry''s message. "I don''t know what happen, but he left a message."

    "What did he say," Chifya says with a grumpy tone.

    "He said to forget about him." Barry sigh.

    "Tsk¡­ that idiot!" Chifya says and quickly left the shop going towards the inn.

    -Swoosh- the door opens unexpectedly showing Chifya. Rushing through the innkeeper she asks. "Did anyone come here? A lone man holding a bag with black hair."

    "Well, there is one man you describe. Stayed in the night and recently left this morning."

    "Do you know where he went?"

    "Sorry lass but he left without saying where he went¡­ But missy did something happens between you two he seems quite a bit lonely." The innkeeper smiled.

    "It''s nothing¡­ thanks for your time." She blushes and slowly left the place.

    "I guess it''s time for me to return," Chifya says going towards Sheila for a farewell.

    To where Sheila was, she saw a letter lying on the floor the moment she opens the door. Curious she opens revealing a letter and a five-gold coin.

    "Thanks, get stronger, use your head. Gather information before going into the enemy''s den. And don''t forget to train harder. Who knows we might meet again? P.S Akatosh." Those were the words Akatosh left.

    Sheila turns around to see Chifya and Riya. The two boys however went to the guild for some chores.

    Chifya reads the letter to be disappointed. It was but a farewell message that was written. Suddenly Riya recalls the map and how Akatosh desirably needs to seek sulfur.

    "I remember¡­ Akatosh asks me to gain a map of Vashkeil. He told me about some sort of sulfur found through volcanoes and vents."

    "Tell me more." Chifya suddenly asks.

    "Well, I told him about Dragons Lake. He might be going there since I notice how he desperately needs that substance."

    Chifya smile then quickly she left. "I''ll be back," She says.

    After retrieving the map Akatosh journey begins walking away towards the Mystic Valley.

 â€œMore Swords to Travelâ€

    "So, what brought you back to this place," Barry says.

    Before their conversation, Akatosh had to wait for Barry''s customers to leave the place. He leaned back on the wall observing the people where most of them are adventurers buying new equipment. Replacing the old leather tunic and some pummeled breastplate.  After waiting patiently, the place now occupies less than five people giving Akatosh a chance to talk with Barry.

    "Well as always," Akatosh says placing the items on the desk.

    "If you should have asked earlier then you won''t waste your time coming back here like a back and forth saw," Barry says.

    "Perhaps I''m not in a hurry, I just take my time¡­ surely the gods can wait."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ Perhaps. So, is this all you want to tell me or is there any other thing you want?"

    "Pretty much nothing really, I''m just here to commission a sword and some things I just need to buy."

    "Okay, but about this sword you requested--"

    "Oh¡­ that, since there are four ingots left and five from my last order. I''d say can you use one ingot for a dagger. Also, as for the eight well¡­ I think you can divide them for the two swords."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ looking at this blueprint it seems that the eight ingots won''t suffice. I can add some fine steel if you want."

    "That''s fine adding a weight on a sword could make it more potent and balance at hacking." Says Akatosh searching for a short sword.

    "Okay then, anything else?"

    "Nahh¡­ That''s all. Ahh¡­ I forgot; how did you manage to gain entrance to the dwarves."

    Barry sigh. "It''s but a long story. Back when I was young, I travel there in the northern mountains a very cold place to live in. That''s where I met him, through time we became friends, share our knowledge until he invited me to his city, but he is long past gone."

    "I see¡­" Akatosh says picking a short sword. The shape was similar to a Roman gladius. A very perfectly balance good for maneuvering, it doesn''t feel heavy nor too light.

    Swinging the sword, he then said. "I do understand how they didn''t just call you something, but this will do."

    "You''re the first person that I met collecting a sword of many." Says Barry.

    "Nahh¡­ I just need something to use that''s all." Says Akatosh placing coins on the desk.

    "So, when will you again return."

    "Not sure but if I''m not in for a month you may give those items to them."

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    "Hey-hey-hey don''t be absurd to yourself, why not find a companion to venture with."

    "That I''m not into¡­ if."

    "Don''t tell me you want to go there all alone." Says Barry

    "Why not."

    "You haven''t heard the rumors didn''t you."

    "The innkeeper told me but will see."

    "Well, may the gods be with you?" Barry shrug, gathering the items he commissions.

    "Thanks for your compliment but we can''t expect all the gods to do our bidding." Says Akatosh going to the exit.

    Barry sigh. "Indeed what a strange lad you are," Barry says right when Akatosh left.

    With the sun setting higher, it was time to leave but he first checks the map. Through south was the kingdom of Ahgraim, as for the way to ''Dragons lake''. It would seem there are only three ways. Either go to Ahgraim for a sea journey. The other one however was to go northwest where a bridge was built. As for the third, Riya told Akatosh that the north path was too dangerous. And it seems to say the map shows a cliff road, where rocks fall without warning, griffins roam those cliffs preying travelers.

    Akatosh shrug. "Well let''s take the bridge then." He said and went towards the west side looking for any caravan to travel with since the journey would take weeks or more by foot.

    "Are you one of the adventures?" The drivers say.

    Telling a lie. "Sorry but I''ve already left that thing behind." His solitary and looks were enough to convince the man. Through time many adventurers had often received a mark from their life whether losing a friend in battle or being betrayed by your party.

    "I see... you can hop on but will be waiting for our convoy."

    "Convoy?"

    "Yes, the adventurers from the guild which we recently hired a few hours. The road ahead of us ain''t be so kind."

    Scratching his head Akatosh asks for a request. "Say, can I sit right beside you?"

    "Mm-hmm¡­ since there aren''t any, you can." The driver says.

    After waiting for more than an hour eleven adventurer steps in. Akatosh didn''t bother to look at them but rather sitting right beside the driver. Ten caravans await them carrying merchants'' goods. And by the looks of it, nine are silver in rank, led by two higher tiers which is a gold class adventurer.

    Observing Akatosh cautiously eyes the people. He can tell the masculine man clad in plate mail and a very fancy great-sword he holds.

    "Must be their leader" Akatosh told to himself.

    As for the other gold class, a lady in robe a mage to say. Her look does show a gold tier, not like any lower classes wearing common mage equipment, hers however are very flamboyant. Well-armed, well equipped, and well prepared they set themselves. Dividing into three groups the leader goes to the front where Akatosh was. As for the mage she went to the back guarding the rear. And two silver-class mages on the center.

    Akatosh didn''t fancy the people rather close his eyes waiting for the caravan to roll its wheels.

    "Excuse me there young lad." The man says.

    His word catches his ears, turning to where the voice came it was the party leader. "Is there a problem?" Akatosh reply.

    The man in a soft word then says. "It''s but a small request, but as for the safety of this trip and the people. As my duties and responsibilities care if I take that sit, I can pay--"

    A slight smile Akatosh disrupts his words. "It''s okay, I didn''t pay for this seat you can have it." A warm word Akatosh replies as he descends to go inside the wagon.

    Just a few steps to the man and him. "I didn''t quite catch your name," The man asked.

    Without turning around Akatosh just answer. "Names Akatosh."

    "I see¡­ you seem to be the type of an adventurer." the man says,

    "Mm-hmm¡­ this guy does have a keen perception," Akatosh notes to himself.

    "You can say that" Akatosh reply.

    "I see, well then¡­ better get this thing going"

    "Then we''ll be in your care," Akatosh said as he enters the wagon so too the man ascends the front seat where he had a good overlook.

    ''The journey begins so too the hero Roland and his friends searching the past fragments to diminish the uprising dark forces. Will their paths cross or will is there anything more that awaits Akatosh, we will see?''

 58: No Title

    Akatosh pull himself inside the wagon, he was the first to enter before the leader''s party came. Staying at the rear sit, three adventurers secluded themselves at the front, but he didn''t bother.

    Relinquishing their stuff, they felt awkward to have someone traveling with them, a strange and silent person. They all thought they''re the only ones who aboard the wagon, but they were wrong.

    He was used to this kind of things and as they set in motion the wagon was stable good for napping, but brought out the book and continue pooling his knowledge on the papers. Still wearing his cloak hiding the armor, the claw-gauntlet however was stuff in his bag this time he asks Barry to make the claw-gauntlet left-handed.

    Tapping the quill, he was struggling with the design of a shell. An armor-piercing high explosive shell or APHE to be short.

    "Funny now, what should I choose. Oh well¡­ the heck with it. I''m going for the impact fuse since this is not in modern times. Sheila told me about protection magic, it may last long but depends on the force it had to received. She told me that having strong magical energy can withstand a large force such as fireball, lightning, or any high-tier offense magic. The downside of this¡­ having weaker mana won''t help you survive incoming large assault but may deflect minor magic."

    "As for the fuse as far as my knowledge exceeds there are three types, if I''m correct the first one would be the time fused, second would be the proximity fuse. But I''m going for the third one, the impact fuse or contact fuse." Akatosh says drawing a blueprint, and after minutes of the extensive sketch, the drawings came together. A cylindrical-like drawing containing a ''pressure cap'' at the top, next to was a spring that would press down the needle igniting the detonator exploding the shell.

    "I could make the shell to 100-200 mm, but time will tell. As for the armor-piercing well let''s just go with pure metal."

    Time flows minutes turn to hours, the three people began to converse themselves about youth and adventure. Confident they were as a silver rank, a shepherd by two gold tier adventurer; they knew this quest would be a fluent one.

    Akatosh quickly notices their mellow confidence and by far overconfident would bring devastation not to mention the caravan holds a fortune and merchant goods. After witnessing them Akatosh returns to his work.

    "Procuring black powder is common but finding oil and gas or looking for a substitute might be hard considering that I don''t know how to extract oil or create a gas. The only thing that I know about fuel is the old way, that is steam. However, diesel, gas, and nuclear energy are way beyond my reach, but this will do."

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    As he was thinking of another invention he suddenly thought about other missing parts, "I forgot¡­ I need a ''primer''. The thing that initiates the powder propellant propelling the shell or bullet." Scratching his head. "Ahh¡­ I think I have to find a substitute for this primer, haa¡­ this suck dude."

    After filling pages of his book, he stuffs back to his magic bag. With time to spare, he brought out the map of Vashkeil. It would seem to say that they would arrive at the bridge through nightfall.

    Calculating. "Dragons lake huh... three days. I''m might arrive there at three or four." Akatosh thought intently examining the map.

    The librarian receptionist told him that to reach ''Dragons lake'' faster traveling the outskirts of Dolvadish is one way. He also told Akatosh that a village was there good for restocking supplies. But the only thing that bothers him was the rumors.

    It has been said that bandits suddenly vanish near that place, only to be replaced by something. The story says that foul magic was behind this occurrence. People saw corpses of brigands and bandits float through the river. Even then the innkeepers say that adventurers sent by the guild still didn''t make contact for the last two weeks.

    Examining the map. "This place is near the borders of elves, ''Dolvadish'' to say." He sighs. "Well, I''ll see when I get there."

    As for the three adventurers, they couldn''t help but be curious about this strange man more, so they were hooked by Akatosh''s sword tucked by his side. They can''t help if that thing is a weapon or a staff blade.

    Still gathering information through the map, one of the adventurers finally spoke to him. "Umm¡­ pardon me, sir." The young man says to Akatosh.

    After listening to the man Akatosh slightly roll the map and say. "Yes, is there something the matter?"

    "N-Nothing really¡­ we were just curious about your things." The young man said.

    They are young, younger than him. They were teenagers in age than him shifting college twice.

    "You mean this?" says Akatosh holding the Katana.

    "Yes¡­ we were wondering if that is a sword or a staff." The other female mage responds.

    "It''s but a simple sword." Akatosh reply, unsheathing his sword.

    "Can¡­ can we take a look." the other young man implores.

    And in his reply. "No."

    "Ahah¡­ I''m sorry then."

    "That''s fine." Akatosh reply

    "You seem to be an adventurer; what class are you in or what rank are you in." The man wearing a leather tunic says.

    "That I''m not, just a traveler from afar." Utters Akatosh returning the map.

    "I see." The man in leather armor responds.

    "So where are you heading at." Says the lad in chain mail.

    "Dragons Lake."

    "Dragons lake!" Exclaimed the three of them

    "Yes, what about it."

    "You haven''t heard the rumors." The female mage said.

    "Yes, I heard that story. There''s just thing I want to visit. But enough of that you all should be more prepared as an adventurer when escorting merchant goods. Being overconfident might lead to demise." Says Akatosh straightforward.

    Upon hearing his heed, they all went silent ashamed by his words. As for the leader of the party, a slight smile he reveals. Realizing this man ain''t just a traveler after he had witnessed Akatosh''s weapons and the way his words ran.

 â€œA Battleship!â€

    Through the open land of Keshoval, ten wagons line themselves as they journey the roads. Akatosh again returns to his book examining the blueprints as he too reluctantly sights through the vast farmland.

    They had traveled one and a half-mile, but the question again strikes him why the farmland was far from the city.

    Observing why leaving the things he''d been doing he saw a farmer plowing the field. To realize the soil was rich, the crops were much more diverse than any other crops near the city.

    "That explains why," Akatosh says to himself.

    After passing more than four hours Akatosh was bored from being himself. And to ease the nothingness he was now but the one who initiate a conversation.

    "I''ve been curious as to where does this caravan journeys," Akatosh asks the three lads.

    "Oh¡­ through Mavigrid." Replies the woman

    "Mavigrid ehh."

    "Yes, we''re heading there." She speaks.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ You all seem familiar with this kind of task." Akatosh ask.

    "Well, it''s our fifth quest in escorting this kind of journey." The man in chainmail responds.

    "I see," Akatosh says looking at their silver crest. "Tell me about Mavigrid."

    "Well, Mavigrid serves as the center of merchant closes to the island of Maginum the land of magic."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ These two kingdoms must be close to each other" Akatosh replies.

    "Yes, they have the closes and particularly good ties in trading. Not to mention ruled by a great man." She speaks

    "Pretty interesting, tell me more about it." Akatosh smile closing the book.

    "Mavigrid controls 80% of the sea trading making Maginum their strongest allies. Also, their domination on the waters is unrivaled."

    After the girl respond Akatosh''s eyebrow lit up. "Ohh¡­ So what makes them the ruler of the high seas." Akatosh asks intensely.

    As for the two boys, keeping quiet they let the woman do the talking for they had limited knowledge about those lands.

    "To what I know, Mavigrid had a strong connection with Maginum making it easier for them to obtain the so-called ''glittering dust''. The second that I know, well mostly everybody knows is their firepower." She speaks.

    "Firepower? What about it." Akatosh said.

    "You mean, you never heard of their weapon?"

    "Nope, tell me about it." Akatosh utter

    "Well, it goes like this- -" After minutes of explaining.

    "A cannon!?" Akatosh was shocked.

    "Yes, they were able to use the power of ''glittering dust'' as one of their advantages to dominate the seas." She responds.

    "Aya¡­ I never thought that they were already incredibly good, far ahead they are from this sword people." Akatosh says keeping the words to himself.

    "She''s the one who takes command of the seas and one of the King''s offspring." She continues.

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    "A woman!?" Akatosh respond

    "Yes, she''s the one who holds the sea trading, escorting merchant ships and convoys. She was highly regarded as the ''Queen of the seas''. She is also the ''Navy''s Queen Admiral''." Says the woman.

    Placing his palm on his mouth, covering his desire laughter. Akatosh wanted to laugh but keeps his motive hidden.

    "Tell me more about this so-called ruler of the seas," Akatosh asks suppressing his tone.

    Hesitant to answer. "Do know they say she was trained at Maginum at a young age. And from her power, she was to be crowned to be a sage. She however didn''t want the title, so she gave up her title and return to her homeland to begin her career as a sailor. And throughout the land, her reputation quickly spread like wildfire."

    "And her name?"

    "Izura was hers."

    "I see."

    By their conversation didn''t they know it was already dusk. And after taking a two-mile track they reach the starting bridge.

    The caravan stops. Parking the ten wagons Akatosh descend to see a large inn near the bridge a distance of twenty meters to say. Three-story high the inn was.

    He leans towards the other side to see another wagon parked opposite from theirs, but he didn''t bother.

    Akatosh whistle. "Wow¡­ I''m impressed."

    "Are you going inside?" Akatosh asks staring at those adventurers.

    Shaking their head. "Sorry but, we are to guard these goods, this is what our quest for."

    "I see¡­ then I''ll be heading for some fill," Akatosh said to them as he quickly went towards the front door.

    "What a strange man. He seems to be a porcelain adventurer." The lad in a leather tunic says right after Akatosh enters the inn.

    "You should help your companions in setting up for tonight''s duty. And about that man, you shouldn''t be so sure of yourself. He might outclass you all." The leader of the part says to the boy.

    "Hee¡­ and why is that." Said the lad in chain mail.

    "Didn''t you realize? The way how he acts and how he speaks shows that''s what a real adventurer is."  The man replies. "Not to mention his sword." He continues knowing what Akatosh''s weapons are.

    "Hoo¡­ So your saying."

    Their leader sighs. "I''m saying to keep to your focus, not just relying on your magic and skills that''s your training from now on."

    "Right, we got it." The two lads said at the same time.

    From the waters of the seas, a large ship sat still, its sails were massive, hundreds of cannons mounted on the large ship. A hundred meters in length and width, from its side, were six normal ships.

    As the sun goes down, from the surroundings of the large ship- - ''Cerylia'' the name given to the ship. And though the ship''s surroundings, destroyed pirate vessels slowly drags deep beneath the ocean. It looks like a battle had been done in favor of the navy queen.

    Standing on the deck of the ship a woman by her beauty, a solemn lady gazing towards the sunset. Her clothes do resemble an admiral uniform, carrying with her a rapier, a magical one.

    "My queen¡­" a man messages her. "We''ve gathered the remaining survivors, what shall we do with them."

    "Take them to the cellars, the court will handle them." She responds.

    "Yes, it will be done," The man says, her loyal assistance.

    "Leaving that at hand, what message have they brought." She says still staring towards the sunset.

    "The council so to say, it seems that they had made their move." The man answers.

    "Do they now¡­ Head course for tonight, we''ll have some chattering with them." She said with a smile as she turns around walking away.

    As for our protagonist¡­.

    "My foods and drinks might not be as the Jarls'' and kings'' course but will make a fine dinner for a noble. So, what would it be for ya young lad?" The innkeeper says.

    "A grilled meat would be nice, oh¡­ and a drop of wine would be good for the night," Akatosh answered.

    "That will be all? Anything else?" The innkeeper asks.

    "That''s all I need for today." He answers.

    As he waits for his meal, few merchants start to enter the inn. The place wasn''t still full, at this time Akatosh had a chance to gather some news.

    "Here you go." The waitress said placing his food and quickly went towards the other customers.

    "Thanks," Akatosh says before start digging his meals. "Mm-hmm¡­ this wine does go with the meat."

    After cleaning his plate, he asks the innkeeper for some words. "Hey mister what words have you got from the street."

    "Hoo¡­ so you do know your way of things." The innkeeper raised one of his eyebrows.

    Conversation after conversation, Akatosh had enough for today asking for his room a waitress leads him to the second floor.

    -Creak- the sound of the door opens and before he steps inside. "Is there anything you need before I go?" she asks.

    "That''s alright I don''t need anything; I''ll be on my own."

    "Then have a goodnight, sir." She replies descending to the first floor.

    An Average room he paid yet sleep didn''t overcome him, but instead, he searches for his book and starts drafting a blueprint till fatigue and slumber take their turn.

    Taking a deep breath. "This is for today." He says and dozes off to bed. But unknown to him what lies from the other side of his room was a person he didn''t want to see.

    Without putting back his open book. The pages can be seen filled with modern technologies and the most interesting part is a blueprint of a battleship.

 The Hunt Begins

    "We''ve should have acted quickly. Now, look at what it causes us." Says the man in gray clothing, a mage he is.

    "Don''t worry we have retrieved the evidence so there''s no need to panic." A young man replies.

    They were in an obscured chamber an underground cellar. The room was full of mischievous intent, anxious of themselves to hopes of what they can bargain. Yet one man stands the premises of them all, his eyes were closed not blind but rather disaffected by the world he sees. He was silent and waiting.

    "Why is he not here?" The other person implored. There were seven of them sited to their designated chair though one was empty. It would seem they were waiting for that person to come but time already passes their patience.

    "He had some other things to attend." The man who was silent finally make a word. "Our mission from that place is done, I''ve sent someone that will unearth what''s had been lost from ours."

    "But- -" Said the man in gray clothing.

    "If you should''ve acted to your own accord rather than haggling with that man. Then I suggest having you in my line. So, what would it be?" Says the man with his eyes closed. He knows what the man in gray clothing had been unto.

    "But enough of this, I will tend to that person who you highly think as an imminent threat." He continues.

    After their cohesive meeting, they all used their magic to discreet themselves within the chamber, teleportation to say. But the man with his eyes closed didn''t use any magic but rather went towards the only exit. From a few steps along the corridor, a messenger greets him.

    "You know what to do." He said to the messenger, and quickly he dispatches.

    "I''ve received a word from him" The man clads in chainmail ask the girl in maiden cloth.

    "Hoo¡­ and what word is it."

    "Our new order is to overseer the one who- -" Before he could utter the girl interrupts him.

    "Hoo¡­ that thing, how boring. I don''t like to meddle with weaklings. That drake is but a toy to me, I only fight with the strong people." She says gliding her fingers on the blades of a scythe as she smirks her psychotic intent.

    "Indeed, you are powerful but, it''s our order from him." The man replies.

    The girl sigh. "Fine." She smiles.

    A ray of light sheers through to his open window Akatosh was a chime from the morning sunlight. He tucks underneath the comfy warm pelt that comforts him from the breezing cold wind last night giving him a cozy balance. Then he heard a sound, someone from the other room had awoken and also made a slight incidental, bottles dropped clinging to each other.

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    "My bad." A voice of a woman he heard but his sleepiness still boggles his mind.

    Until such time that he finally regains the strength to overcome his lazy slumber. He yawns slowly fixing his things, lazily stuffing them all into his magic bag. "I really like this sheet-pelt. I think I have to buy some of these when I get back or." He says going through the exit.

    As he descends the stairs few people occupy the place, there were less than a dozen tending to their breakfast and taking a belly full of mead. He ordered a portion of food and right away after finishing his meal he suddenly realizes the caravan. "Oh shit!" He says after finally finishing the last bit of grain. "I hope I''m not too late!" He continues dropping a few coins and hastily runs to the exit.

    He opens the door to see them begin to resume their journey.

    "You''re awake. I was going to ask somebody to look for you, but you seem to be right on time." Says the man, the leader of the party.

    "I thought you were all left me to dust but I''m glad to be on time" Akatosh reply.

    "Oh¡­ by the way, I didn''t last catch your name," Akatosh ask.

    "Names Lucas or everybody called me sir." He responds.

    "I see, a knight I suppose,"

    "Well then, shall we be off?"

    "You don''t have to ask me," Akatosh said as they both went towards the caravan.

    Before they could continue their travels Akatosh ask the second wagon. He wants to be on the front seat where the driver was. "Excuse me, madam." He called. "Can I take a seat right next to you".

    The woman in her thirties then said, "Oh¡­ it''s okay darling, you can climb aboard. There''s no need for an excuse."

    "I see¡­ I''ll be in your care then." Akatosh reply.

    As they cross the bridge, Akatosh couldn''t help but Awe the beautiful open scene. The bridge expands with tremendous measure a half-mile he assumes. The width was wide no more than thirty meters. Yet the best that feeds his eyes was the astonishing beauty of a canyon. Through north, he can see quite a few waterfalls step by step the falls pour down the bottom of the cliff. And from below, the serein stream creates flourishing vegetation adding its sightlines. A group of clouds descends at the north murky the incoming morning sunlight. Blissfully the wind gently rams Akatosh''s skin.

    Different kinds of birds fly through the air. And he couldn''t help but stand just to sight a beauty.

    The driver giggles as Akatosh couldn''t get enough of himself. "This is what truly means to be a traveler." He says wondering the place.

    The bridge was old, bricks are missing, and crumbling stones. Still even as it is old the bridge adds to its beauty with nature.

    He never felt this nostalgic before, he was dead silent just admiring the vast canyon. After crossing half of the bridge, Akatosh finally laid down silent by what he saw.

    "It''s a truly marvelous sight isn''t it." The woman says.

    "Y-yeah¡­ it''s more than I can take." Akatosh reply.

    She softly giggles. "This must be your first time."

    "It is."

    "So, where are you heading."

    "Through Dragons Lake."

    "Oh¡­" She was shocked and ends that topic.

    "Rarely I''ve seen a woman driving a wagon for a long travel," Akatosh said changing their conversation.

    "My husband is in Mavigrid, so I tend to be the one helping him with his chores."

    "You mean"

    "Yes, he''s but a merchant but I do like to travel like this."

    "I see¡­ some passion is still lingering. Your husband must be so kind to let you off to your things."

    "Indeed, by the way, you can visit us when you have the time." She said giving Akatosh some sort of a card.

    "I''ll see through when my work is done." He said.

    As the horse touches the end of the bridge Akatosh swayed his head going for a final look.

    "Don''t worry we can also return back." She smiles.

    "Haha¡­ well, this is how first-timer is," Akatosh responds.

 â€œThe Pounding of the White Kingâ€

    Down the mountain slope, the road ahead of them is far from when they started. As they head deeper into the forest filled with large trees, they are now on the far edge border of the elves.

    Elves isolate themselves from the outside world. However, as time ticks more thought of traveling the outside world. Some were outcasts from their homes, and some choose for themselves. Elves are highly regarded beings, their magic was much more refined, their mana flows flawlessly. Unlike humans, dwarfs, and demi-humans have raw magical flow.

    The path became silent, their conversations stop only the sound of horses'' footsteps and rumbling wagon can be heard. Akatosh felt unease as if there''s someone from behind like an assassin waiting to stab his neck. Speculating Akatosh thoughts if they''re really an assassin or an attendant sent by her husband to watch over her.

    Gripping his katana, even the slight anxiety can lead to an inexplicable situation.

    "You seem to be delectable through your travels." The woman asks.

    "Traveling is the best and the worst." He replies.

    The woman chuckles. "How so?"

    "Well, roaming the unknown place can be extremely dangerous. Dating with monsters, bandits, brigands, supplying your needs and sometimes being lost. But it can be incredibly fun, meeting different people and the best part is discovering new places." Akatosh said.

    "Indeed, but if I may¡­" She asks.

    "Go on"

    "For what purpose for a very young man like you to walks such an extent." She questions him.

    "Answer." A single word he utters.

    "Answer?"

    "Strange right, some travel to redeem themselves, others for unlocking their powers. And others exiled by their own land. We all have our purposes." He spoke.

    "I see." The woman said it was her first time to meet such a very mysterious man who''s well versed in his words.

    "Oh¡­ I didn''t catch your- -"

    A fireball suddenly came out of nowhere blasting the caravan. Akatosh opens his eyes from the sheer light created by the explosion, he was safe. The barrier which is hidden from the naked eye finally begins to show. Covering the entire caravan with tremendous protection, people felt safe, but the battle was just the beginning as different enemies emerge goblins, kobolds, bandits, ogres even animals.

    Approaching the caravan, the adventurers take their turn. Drawing their weapons and magic, they didn''t intercept the incoming enemy only holds their position.

    "Finally, some action." The lad in chainmail smiles in exaggerated not just him but his companions. The only person that didn''t boast was Sir. Lucas seems to be overly cautious, worried. Even Akatosh felt something was off, this type of ambush isn''t very normal, the brigands and monsters are unnatural.

    The gold tier mage suddenly teleports on the center of the caravan, nailing her staff on the ground the barrier suddenly intensifies. Both her hands maneuver, casting her magic she conjures a small fireball.

    Lifting her hand, the fireball levitates flying through the air then as it reaches ten meters above the ground. "Burst" as the mage utters, the fireball burst into flaming arrows.

    Raining down the enemies her magic was very wonderful to watch but so too was dangerous. Crippling the enemies as the flame-arrow punctures their flesh then the rest of her crew takes the slicing.

    "Entangled", casting another spell, root with thorns erupt from the ground coiling the enemies squishing them like a snake groping its prey. But then dark magic howls the battlefield blemishing the plants to dry up and die.

    Silver-class support mage cast their magic giving the fighter more strength and power to deal with the hordes of enemy. And while the battle is at dawn it arouses Akatosh to reveal his equipment.

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    Taking off his shroud he felt the ground rupture revealing a large and. Pushing the lady aside before the large ant could chaw her to death someone acted quickly to stab the neck of the ants from behind. Staggering the enemy, Akatosh with a single swing the large ant''s head fell, spurting greenish paste.

    Even its death the large ant bulging its last life force. "This is no ordinary attack." He notes to himself. "There someone in the dark pulling the strings." He continues cyphering the ongoing situation.

    The enemies are very unnatural, their eyes were dead, controlled by magic, they felt no pain not even a scream as the adventurers injures their flesh.

    Realizing the female driver had someone protecting her he decided to venture into the forest to find the server. Sir. Lucas had no choice but to stay in protecting the caravan dealing with the ogres. "Enough of this." Says the female mage, casting her magic, the ground froze turning the enemy to petrified iced. "Shatter." with just a snap of her finger the frozen enemies¡¯ crumbles like broken mirrors.

    Akatosh maneuvers to safer and fewer enemies going towards the forest. Little did he know the female mage took notice of Akatosh. Conjuring a familiar insect, she quickly dispatches towards Akatosh sticking behind his back.

    Cutting clean his sword effortlessly slices their flesh even their leather armor is useless to bulwark his magical enhanced sword. Fleeing the place, he distances his approach far away from the incoming enemy. Surprised Akatosh wasn''t chased by the hordes of enemies they were more focused on ravaging the caravan, more so the enemies seem to be enhanced similar to the Kobold he once fought.

    Cornering the forest, he notices what seems to be a magical ritual. Three mages in triangle position chant in unison conjuring dozens of monsters and sending them to pillage the caravan. Preparing, he takes out a flint and some sort of a mug-like barrel.

    Time is short, crucial to act he decides to interrupts their ritual in hopes of dissipating the summoning. Hiding within the thick ravine he forces himself to a place where their vision confines. He was now six meters away from them.

    Holding his position, he needed a distraction luckily, he manages to create a bomb made from ''glittering dust''. Improvised, he compressed the glittering dust on a small barrel with a tightening cap and a fuse to ignite the powder.

    The bomb was lit and Akatosh only wait for five seconds to time the explosion. He flung the improvised grenade close to where they are standing. -BOOM- the sound of a roaring blast quickly blasts the three, yet they too manage to cast protection magic minimizing the damage.

    His first time witnessing glittering dust detonates gave him a conclusion analysis. The blast left a glittering smoke but the most important of all was its impact on the environment. He defines it as an unstable release of energy, the burst isn''t spherical where some of the radius blasts aren''t affected.

    "Now!"

    Chances were small so Akatosh quickly dashes out from his hiding spot. "Yippee Ki-yay!" He ushers cutting one of the mages back.

    Deep the sword slice through his spinal cord swiftly ending the mage before he could even create a counter spell.

    As Akatosh takes the life of one mage the insect which the mage planted on him suddenly burst a magical explosion dispelling the surroundings. Stunned, the barrier created by the three slowly begins to disperse.

    "How did you manage to enter the barrier!" One of the men says. "Don''t tell me you''re a¡­" He continues and before he ends his sentence the gold-tier female mage appears right before their eyes.

    "It seems you manage to make a barrier powerful enough that not even me aren''t able to detect. More so this magic of yours even hides the people unseen to the naked eye since my familiars weren''t able to visualize your spot." She says a voice of a calm and intimidating speech.

    "Pff¡­ even so, we''ll manage to buy time for him to take his job since you even left that caravan unprotected." The man spoke with victory.

    "I wouldn''t be so sure about that." She replies with a smile.

    "Don''t tell me you''re Arc sage Lavrish." The second man said somehow knowing the lady.

    Shifting to the caravan there was a clone left by Lavrish confronting five people who are associated with those three mages.

    "Spell-trigger." Her clone says releasing dozens of spells in one strike. All five of them saw stacks of fireballs levitating ready to annihilate them. Shard blades begin to form around their body constricting their movements. Her spell was just the beginning as seven rock golems begin to rise from the ground. Ice cone hardens through the air, blue fire surrounds the caster as protection and a magical barrier to globes her. After Sir. Lucas dealt with the ogres he quickly commands the caravan to move out from the battlefield before he went to Lavrish clone making himself a vanguard.

    "Tsk." Irritate, they knew they had no percentage of winning the battle. And with no hopes left they brought out a scroll that holds a lot of dark magical energy.

    Without hesitation, they tear the scroll in half releasing foul energy and overlaying them with a great amount of power. Damn themselves with dark forces, they have no fear or whatsoever.

    "A forbidden magic!" Utters Lucas, even Lavrish was stalled but somehow, she was calm, and a smile intended on her lips.

    At Akatosh place, one of the mages brought out a scroll, a forbidden technique from the realms of the ten inferiors. ''Deedra'' a name given by the men of Vashkeil, a variant being that can rival the gods and dwells within the ten nether planes.

    "Interesting¡­" Akatosh''s blood boils, their dark emits and arouses the thing from within him.

 62: No Title

    From within the realm of Akatosh, the guardian sits. The ''Nameless Keeper'' binds the corrupted essence of the four scrolls. Suddenly, she felt a slight disturbance within the air as a voice calls to her.

    "Such time, such a lonely time." It calls for a talk.

    She ignores the voice and let out an intimidating face until she couldn''t bear the evil sight drumming her ears.

    "What is it that they want." She answers.

    "Oh¡­ it but a talk nothing more, nothing less." The dark voice responds.

    "If that is what you wish, then I will no longer have this discussion." She says bitterly.

    The dark entity chuckles. "Funny, it seems you can already tell which part he wants. There''s no stopping once you taste something that drugs your tongue."

    "Enough of this!" She furiously says, drawing her holy power banishing the entity.

    "You are just a sore eye, a useless melting adhesive wax!" He curses her.

    "And you are but a cast-out fragment." She responds.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ we''ll see. He seems to like me." The entity said before vanishing.

    The ''Keeper'' couldn''t help but be startled as Akatosh begins to again slightly draw the first seal. He was in control of his body but the lust to destroy the man who broke the scroll of forbidden magic, clearly dearly wants to eliminate him. The feeling, an instinct to show who''s better.

    As the dark aura starts to conquer the mage so too a white mist begins to emit from Akatosh''s body. Lavrish and the mage''s companion felt two opposing darkness ready for a brawl. It was not yet fully open even weaker than the first outburst but the scroll of the ''white horse'' brought a usurping power to take on the enemy, even six to one. Akatosh was the first to strike, leaping at a lightning speed he grabs his adversary''s head dragging him to a distance. Throwing him rock hard the mage cast powerful magic, "Adamantine skin" he used to cover his entire body bulwarking the force given by Akatosh.

    Coughing blood, the mage in his demonic form falls to his knees spewing blood. From a distance, he saw Akatosh slowly walks towards him carrying death with him. He conquers to be the one, power like lightning, a voice like thunder replacing enemies'' emotion with fear.

    Sending a telepathic message to his five companions in their daemon form. Through which they quickly dash out heading to join their partner. Sensing direction they felt their companion''s dark aura but the other thing that disturbs gave them chills.

    "Mm-hmm¡­" Akatosh chuckles. "Interesting¡­ most interesting." Utters Akatosh.

    With a final step, the five mages saw one of their own being choked to death. Amputated, both of his arms were torn apart, cleanly slice.

    Back to Lavrish the lonely mage couldn''t help but sweat like corn. Unable to cast teleportation magic due to Lavrish preventing him from doing it. The only option he had is to use the ''forbidden scroll'' but before he could make a deal with the Deedra''s power. The air deteriorates revealing a masked man holding what seems to be a spherical relic. The magic which Lavrish cast preventing them from escaping quickly disappears.

    For the first time, Lavrish felt unease with this new man. "That''s enough." He says in a soft voice, a gentle word.

    "Who are you?" Lavrish ask him,

    "Ahh¡­ pardon my intrusion, but it seems our introduction has to wait my lady." The masked man answers politely.  "Now, if you would." He says to his companion. The mage nods and quickly cast teleportation magic.

    "Wait!" Shout Lavrish as she cast her magic to disrupts the teleportation, but nothing came out from her magic circle. "What!" she says surprised.

    "My apologies for all of these troubles, I hope we may never meet again." The masked man ushers before disappearing from her sight.

    At Akatosh place, the five men cast a dark sword in unison to help their falling friends but were interrupted by teleportation magic and even locking their movements.

    Lifting him to death Akatosh brings forth a demonic hand and then it claws him, piercing his ''adamantine armor'', rupturing his inside till Akatosh ripped him apart like a piece of paper he was. That was their last sight to see their friend in his gruesome death.

    With no one to fight, no one to conquer a life the first seal diminishes. From the ground, there the dead man slowly returns to his original form. His dark-red eyes fade, the markings gradually shrink to nothing leaving a disseminated body.

    He didn''t boldly lay his eye on the man he just tore in half but walks away in delusion. The sudden event was too much to process what had happened. At first, he felt pleasure now he felt disoriented in finding his things.

    He returns to the ravine where he dropped his bag and scabbard only to be greeted by Lavrish who already gathers his things. Luckily Lavrish didn''t inspect his belongings she was more to Akatosh as if he lost his soul.

    "Is this your things?" She said.

    "Ahh¡­ yes, that''s-that''s mine," Akatosh replies trying to recover his mental appearance.

    "Are you okay?" She questions him.

    "I''m fine I just need to rest for a while," Akatosh replies with a much more alive tone.

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    "I''m glad you''re alright, we should return." She says and with just a snap of her fingers both of them magically appear in front of the caravan. The caravan was intact, and no signs of pillage had been done but the only problem was the people.

    It wasn''t long before one of her parties, a young cleric girl came running to give her a message.

    "Master Lavrish! I''m glad you''re safe but- -" Panic the lass said to her.

    "Calm down, what''s the situation." Lavish reply,

    "The people¡­ they''ve been unconscious." The young cleric nervously responds.

    Without wasting time Lavrish went to see the unconscious people. "Sleep magic" Lavrish notes.

    "What?" The girl asks.

    "It would seem that someone put a ''sleeping spell'' on them. And this is no ordinary spell but very high-class magic." Explained Lavrish. "How did you manage to be the one unaffected." she continues.

    "Well, between the battle I managed to cast some of my protection magic. But after Sir. Lucas commands us to be with the caravan, a mysterious masked man appears in front of us. That''s when we began to fall asleep as he walks towards us. The only thing I saw before succumbed to his spell was some sort of a ball-like artifact."

    "An artifact?" Lavrish said.

    "Yes. I managed to resist his magic for a mere second." The girls reply.

    In his recovery Akatosh treads towards the caravan, seeing the drivers and merchants lifelessly sleeping. Clearly, the raider must be very pure-hearted. Peering through the second wagon he saw the lady dozing on her sit. And from the ground two rouge adventurer just lazed on the grassy ground. Noticing their golden guild crest, Akatosh straightaway knew the person who intercept the caravan isn''t someone you shouldn''t underestimate.

    Not long after Lavrish and Akatosh return, Sir. Lucas quickly follows and by his side is Lavrish clone where she quickly unsummon. Ignoring them Lavrish cast a spell that contradicts sleeping magic and in turn, right away the people open their eyes.

    There''s nothing that Akatosh could do but watch other people casting their magic and such. He may have the knowledge of his past, but he wanted to experience magic in his hand, he wanted to try something different, something new to his experience.

    Much to their recovery, they continue their travels as it was getting dark. There were no inns and taverns to rent a room, no warm bed for tonight. Stopping on the outskirt of the forest near the road they make camp for tonight.

    As the three moons grow ever bright, clouds open up displaying majestic stars. Ever so beautiful the world was, and ever so daring it had. Resting ten blocks away from the main campfire he again reexamines the battleship blueprint. Remodeling the four main designs of the battleship, the stern, bow, its midsection, and the superstructure.

    Designing the ship in an elliptical shape, the next complicated thing he faces is nothing but everything.

    "Gahh¡­" scratching his head, Akatosh plans for its engine. "Damn¡­ this is hard, the only alternative that I could think of is coal and steam. Though I know something about reactor what could this world offer me to have such a substitute? But I should better write these two since it might be useful somehow, I guess." He notes to himself, sketching the ''pressurized-water Naval Nuclear Propulsion System'' diagram.

    Just as he was finally done with the last diagram, Lavrish suddenly called to him. As tempting as she was, pressing her chest Akatosh quickly fold his book. He was so secretive since he knew this lady is much more apparent than her looks.

    Lavrish chuckles. "I''m sorry for surprising you¡­ I''m just very curious." Lavrish says a very enticing tone.

    "In what kind?" Akatosh reply with a stoic voice trying to strengthen his anxiety, the fear of danger.

    Lavrish smile. "Have you ever heard of a Stillmage?"

    "None that I know of." He replies.

    She giggles. "Few have known that word, very few it would seem. And aren''t you aware of yourself?"

    "Well, just between you and me that''s not the first time I''ve heard that. I know little of that word but if you distinguished something like me, then no¡­ I''m not like those people. I haven''t learned a single thing about magic, nor I can''t even cast the slightest spark of a spell. I''m but a simple man, a traveler by means, but enough of this--" He says transferring to another location only to be held by her magic.

    "How sturdy" Lavrish chastised him. "I was to give you this." She says handing him a bowl of stew and a pound of steak meat.

    How she magically materializes that bowl of food is a mystery to Akatosh but even though, as cautious as he was. "I''m sorry but I have my own food and- -"

    Cutting his worlds by stuffing a spoon filled with hot soup. "You shouldn''t be picky with your food you wouldn''t let the lady''s hard work go into nothing." She said handing him the bowl to his hand as she part ways.

    After a couple of tastes. "This stew is rather good I can''t stop eating! Not to mention the pasty soup. Damn, I need a second round might be even a third round!" He notes to himself stuffing the food as if he was stress eating.

    Nearly halfway to his bowl hiding his swollen cheek, someone called to him. "Um¡­ excuse me." A tone of a lady but a more profound way of greeting.

    Swallowing the entire food in one go he silently apprehends the pain going down to his chest. "Ah yes." He said facing the lady, the female driver. "Oh¡­ it''s you."

    "Oh, I passed notice that you haven''t had a bowl of stew since you were so busy with your books. But someone manages to first give you something." The woman said and with her is another round of stew and meat which Akatosh are more concentrated rather than the lady''s words.

    "I see¡­ I can take another round of your cooking"

    "I''ll be much obliged." The lady says, placing the bowl. "I just wanted to say thank you for saving me from that."

    "It''s fine, you have nothing to thank me for, I think you should also give thanks to your husband." He said, apparently he notices her blue-faced the moment he utters about her husband.

    "It''s nothing you shouldn''t be worried about. I think I should better help the others." She bows before leaving Akatosh in his glutinous feast.

    The night went on, from a distance Akatosh can hear the heroic deeds of the adventures as they glorify their valor around the fire. He returns to where he was comfortable, and as every minute passes temperature plummets. Even the shroud won''t suffice his body temperature.

    "I need a drink," he says folding back the book he''s been working on.

    Popping out three bottles of ale. "The innkeeper says one bottle is enough to send a man sleeping with the pigs, but who cares I need to warm myself" That''s what he thought and then quickly sips to warm his body.

    Page turn, back and forth just to match the blueprints. "This thing is hard" Akatosh sigh, he was still new to this world, still adapting their ways and culture. There was little knowledge he learned from this world aside from the names of a kingdom; he truly needs the aid of dwarfs and manpower.

    "Uhhh¡­" Closing the book in hopes of refreshing his mind and relinquishing his frustration he then heard footsteps and the sound of plate mail clanging.

    "I was told you were here." Comes sir. Lucas.

    Without turning to see the man he answers. "Mm-hmm¡­"

    "I can''t thank you enough for what you''ve done¡­ I can only give you this." He sighs, throwing a pouch bag.

    Without looking at the man Akatosh quickly catches the bag. It surely dost weight a pound. He can tell the bag is full of silver and copper.

    "What''s this for?"

    "Please take this as our appreciation and our gratitude, you''ll need it for your travels." Sir. Lucas said turning away.

    "I see¡­ by the way that woman, Lavrish is it. She''s more than just a gold-tier mage." Akatosh ask him

    Lucas sigh. "That''s because she''s a magical-class adventurer, higher than me as a team leader, she requests the guild to hide her identity and I will talk nothing more about this." Sir. Lucas says ending their conversation.

    "I see¡­" Akatosh said and after taking three bottles in a row the alcohol begins to intoxicate, till dizziness fill him.

 The Calling of the Past

    "Hey, Tosh." A man calls to him, his brother in military uniform. He finds himself in his ten-year-old self, in his original world. Holding a ball, he gazes towards his brother.

    "Want to play¡­" His brother says, smiling.

    Without a comply he nod. The dream was pure, very nostalgic as they play basketball through which he knows they''re in their backyard. But the dream gave him the devoid side where he suddenly embroils by blood appearing in his brothers'' grave. After which he saw him in a box, chopped as his open eyes stared at him.

    Awake, he could feel the freezing atmosphere stinging his skin in bitterness cold. The dream gushes his past memories, ''Tosh'' a nickname given to him by his deceased brother.

    "I need to empty my bladder." He sighs when suddenly he saw the pouch given to him by Lucas. He loosens the tight to see a bracelet with copper and silver coin in it.

    Much to his wary action and how Lavrish sees him as a stillmage an endanger, despised and destructive race. He takes consideration.

    "What if this has a magical track on it, what if this has some effect." That''s what he thought.

    After taking his ''natures call'' behind the corners of the tree he suddenly saw Lavrish sitting on a stone watching the night sky. A perfect chance to may revert their offer plus he couldn''t even sleep and the three bottles of ale still in dominates.

    "I thought women sleep more often to have more fair skin beauty," Akatosh said as he walks towards her.

    Lavrish chuckles. "I didn''t know that. I just had my recent shift¡­ You seem quite tense." She continues.

    "Nothing usual, it just that I couldn''t sleep that''s all." He says sitting right next to her, facing her luscious body. "Also, I think this is too much for me." Akatosh implores passing her the pouch given to him by Lucas.

    She didn''t take back the bag, she only looked at him in enthrall face, placing her palm on her cheeks with her crossed leg embarrassing Akatosh. The situation became awkward that Akatosh couldn''t help but blush in front of her.

    "There''s no need to be conservative, I haven''t cursed it with enchantment, would I?" She jags.

    He couldn''t bear her chastised words, for his face to turn red unable to face her directly. She knew how avoiding he was, and of course, throwing a bag in front of a lady wouldn''t be so good thing to do only if she was a man.

    "It seems you haven''t noticed about that thing, no?" she asks.

    "Well¡­" Retrieving his hand.

    Lavrish chuckles. "In the past, stillmage were regarded as people who have magnificent power. At a young age, the parents would send their stillmage children to the mage academy training to control their magic. But as time change the kingdoms began to sought every stillmage, training them to be a perilous soldier for the kingdom. It is said that they were the ones who help in sealing the past era, the fabled story of Seth, no?" she said calmly and slow magically materializing a pipe.

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    "Yes, I know that story," Akatosh answered.

    "And the most famous of them all is the stillmage who killed the first arc sage of Maginum and went toe to toe with arc sage Azageis. He even took on the most powerful empire in which he destroyed two major cities, including Ilmasher the first most powerful kingdom during Azageis time, which is now Starhim in today''s era."

    "I''ve heard Azageis is still alive roaming the place. I also heard he was the Maginum leader." He said intently looking at her eyes.

    "Yes, people would still call him, but he lay down his title that''s what the rumors said. Now, stillmage today is dwindling, and it''s quite easy to distinguish them for they have a very calm flow of mana undetectable, more refine than that of an elf but if that person had high magic, he could tell which is which." She says inhaling the smoke.

    "Well, to be true I don''t have any magic abilities, that''s why Chifya mistook me as a stillmage."

    "Too, even I can tell you''re a stillmage by just sensing your magic, but there seems to be no mana living in you. Stillmage has a very calm flow of magic but deep inside is a hoard of mana flowing within them. They can also be detected using ''Seeking orb'', except- -" she says remembering how she felt the horrific power when Akatosh suddenly draw the first seal.

    "I don''t have the ability to sense magic energy but about this bracelet." He said looking at it,

    "Ara¡­ so you notice already, precisely why I''m telling you about stillmage. That thing is an artifact that conceals magic energy, masking your presence. However, it is useless when it comes to ''seeking orb''."

    "I see¡­ so just by wearing it I can cloak myself being a stillmage."

    "Exactly," said Lavrish.

    "I see¡­ so why all this?"

    Lavrish just smile and said. "A lady''s gift."

    "I see¡­" He answered. "To be honest¡­ you''re the first lady I have competent in chat than every other woman I encounter who always, nearly croak my life."

    Lavrish chuckles, a peal of very alluring laughter. "You just had a bad taste in women or maybe I''m just the one in common." She positions her lustful body for temptation.

    Blush he was, stiffing to see her directly he aside his eyesight. "Returning back, you''re one of the very few who have a word with me¡­ hardly, people in the guild would come for a talk." Lavrish continues.

    "The night is still young; I can help your asperity with women." She said, teasing and tempting him.

    Finding for an excused he remembers the book, the grimoire. "By the way, I''ve got something I want to decipher." He asks while searching the grimoire. Yet unknown to him Lavrish took notice of his action and the bag.

    "No fair." She said backing out her needler affairs. "But¡­ I can take your order for a price" she again indulges, tempting in desire.

    After lending her the grimoire. Lavrish was surprised, she tells the immense magical presence to conceal through the book by itself. "Whe-Where did you get this¡­" She asks.

    "Through my travels." He reasons.

    "These are but dragon tongue, which even I can''t decrypt."

    "Dragon tongue?" he questions.

    "Yes¡­ an ancient language that is said to have been lost for thousands of generations, only a few translations remain¡­ scattered in pieces." She says returning the grimoire, but she quickly takes it back before Akatosh could grab its edge. "About that price, I''ve taken an interest in you." Lavrish smiled as she slowly inches her way to him.

    "Aren''t you being more concern about Lucas or the caravan?" He reasons her but seems to be paralyzed by her magic.

    Lavrish giggles. "Ara¡­ he has his parenting." She says teleporting them to a different place, an isolated forest.

    Still under the influence of alcohol and her mischievous temptation she slowly engulfs him with desires. He never expected this to escalated quickly and was embarrassed.

    "I- -" before Akatosh could usher for a way out Lavrish pressed his lips using her fingers.

    "Hush¡­ I''ll take care of you¡­" She says pressuring him to deep desire.

 â€œApart so Soonâ€

    Akatosh eyes were still weary from the night with her and the ale. "Morning," says Lavrish in a nostalgic tone. "You sure have a lot of energy." She continues, reading Akatosh''s book not the grimoire but the blueprints.

    He looked at her for a second and realize she had already known his secret, but didn''t flinch. Somehow, he was credence by her trust not anymore falter by his inconsistency.

    Wearing his apparel, the morning is still early good for asking her some valuable knowledge. Directly he then asks her something. "Sir. Lucas says you are more than you look." He says with a fatigued tone.

    "Did he¡­" Lavrish Chuckles but were interrupted by Akatosh rumbling hunger.

    She jags for a second and conjures a provision using a scroll before Akatosh could take out his own meal. After slowly biting his breakfast Lavrish finally folds the book.

    "So, learned anything from it." Humors Akatosh with a smile since he can tell she didn''t understand a single word from the book nor the designs.

    "How rude¡­" She said giving him the book.

    "I''m curious, how would a powerful arc sage decide to became an adventurer."

    "Indeed, an interesting question you have." Says Lavrish but with a despondent tone. "My existence is but unnatural¡­ I''m but a mere artificial, a clone from a deceased person. Funny, for a long time have I spoken these words to someone whom I just met."

    "I see¡­" He answers

    "Then if I may, you don''t seem to be an ordinary human nor a stillmage, no?" She questions.

    "I''m a human, a simple one¡­ but holds the two-sided coin. I think you knew already¡­ a clone or not everyone has a life. You''re my first and it''s the best I''ve ever had." Akatosh shrug packing his items. "Should we? Your party members would be anxious for your absence." He continues.

    Lavrish didn''t answer but jags in flattered by his words and teleport them to the caravan.

    The caravan soon again resumes its travel and after crossing five miles they''ve stopped. Jumping, the pathway opposite to the caravan, he last looks at Lavrish as they both smiles at each other before parting away, a hunch of someday meeting her again.

    "Alone again¡­" Akatosh says with a weary voice.

    He steadies his pace walking the beautiful lonely road just as he was scouting the surroundings. The soft howling wind and the falling leave slowly accommodates the lonely traveler.

    Three miles track without encountering an enemy nor a pedestrian he notices a cottage fifteen blocks away. Feeling relief since dusk was approaching, he takes a closer look to see the house not abandoned but destroyed by fire.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ might be a fire accident or plunged by bandits." He speculates staring at the burned house.

    As he enters, he suddenly felt an eerie force calling him, begging for help. Without a second thought, he searches the place brushing off the dirt then a specter materializes three meters away. He unsheathes his sword but stops midway realizing it wasn''t an angry wraith.

    "Okay¡­ what now." He asks the spirit.

    With no response, the spirit merely walks left side then stops pointing at the large burned timbers.

    "Okay..." says Akatosh examining the burned woods then gently remove them bit by bit to see a trapdoor. He stares back at the ghost but had long vanished.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ I need to be careful." He says ripping out the trapdoor, cautious if that thing is a wolf in sheep''s clothing.

    He tinder''s the torch for a light and as he descends drawing his sword to see two skeletons. Stepping for a closer inspection then as he touches the bones he saw through a vision of fire and screaming echo.

    "Please! I beg you, take me instead." The woman cries as they take away her daughter screaming for help. Akatosh peers through the basement to see her husband dead on the spot. The men seem to be bandits at work, burning the whole house to the ground and even throwing the woman in the basement locking her up to death. With the last straw, he notices the child wears a stone necklace engrave in greenish runic as she was drag by the bandits before his vision ends.

    Backing away his hand after witnessing the vision he was filled with sudden cold feelings. Gathering their remains after taking a break he then buries them on the side of the house. Placing a stone slab two apparitions appeared right in front of him. He felt no fear between the two ghosts confronting him only the state of redeeming till they vanish as if they''ve been released from their prison cell.

    "Mind if I''m taking a shelter here¡­" He jokes knowing justice is what it pleads but he doesn''t have that kind of righteousness to take.

    By striking the flint he warms himself under the basement feeding the fire with branches he gathered a while ago. With no one to talk, no one to share a word he silently bites the meat as to burke his bleakness. Far behind the corner of the staircase he substandard the fire not wanting to attract a murderous company, also to not suffocate himself. With weariness for crossing a mile track since he wasn''t used to long mile walking sleep overthrew him in minutes.

    Feeling rested for the night with no enemy barging through his sleep he warms himself when the sunrise begins to fall on the land. And after swallowing his breakfast he hesitated to walk again, deciding what to do he gut his equity as he hit the road once again.

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    He couldn''t do anything for he doesn''t know their exact location. He had the power to sever several heads but not him in action, not his strength. The vision continues to gnaw his mind until he felt unsafe after crossing many miles.

    Feeling like a sitting duck, trusting his instinct he quickly went towards the forest not too far from the road just a slight in between. With keen perception and the silent help, he could hear the rustling sound of leafy ground pressed by someone.

    Keeping calm, he picks up a rock alluring to what hides on the other side of the forest. The first pitch didn''t arouse any suspicion but after a couple of tries as he changes position, five goblins emerge but he too was prepared.

    Knowing they are still in search, a sound of distraction is all he needs. But before he could set his moves, he notices that they are not normal in familiar with the one he fought.

    "I''ve got to be careful." He notes slowly drawing his sword.

    Quite surprised, they didn''t sniff him. Their only instinct is to kill him and that''s by far one of his luck. As it was, triggering a distraction they all went to where the rock was thrown. He waited for seconds to emerge on his hiding spot chasing the goblins faster than them. And with a quick slash of his sword, he decapitates their head one by one. The weightless and its enchanted edge, the katana did help in ending the battle quickly.

    Ignoring the presence of a headless body, he begins to loot whatever he finds their sword, money, potion anything relevant to his journey. Since goblins like to hoard treasures, he manages to loot fifty silver coins and an additional twenty copper. Plus a few weapons to add to his collection.

    While taking his time examining their weapons. "Oh¡­ its poison or¡­" He says looking at the orange substance smeared on the blade.

    After ransacking their body, he suddenly heard a puff sound from his right side as one large gnoll and two hobgoblins appears hungry for his life.

    "Oh¡­ crap!" He exclaimed drawing his sword as he escapes the place looking for a decent ground to fight these monsters. Adrenalin again gushes his heart giving him a head start. Running in circles he utilizes the glittering dust to boost his survival.

    The blast, after throwing the bomb at the gnolls head, quickly staggers the monster for a slight second tearing some of the flesh. Diving through the borders of danger he slices off its right and left arm before the gnolls could recover. The two hobgoblins however manage to club his magical armor throwing him five meters.

    Through his resolve, he manages to again scramble barely escaping the hammering of the hobgoblins.

    "You should have gone for the head"

    Without the armor that absorbs the damage, he would have suffered a lot worse. It was different this time the damage gave a slight injury to his body. Realizing they are not in themselves and had no slight thinking to use he decided to take them head-on.

    He closes their distance, knowing their large body needed a space to maneuver their attack, he manages to piece by piece amputate their limbs. Before he could decapitate the last hobgoblins, the ground ruptures entangling the monster.

    "What the--" He backs away to a safer distance witnessing the hobgoblins slowly turn to earth. His heart begins to rumble, even more, perceiving a greater danger is in front of him.

    He waited for seconds to pass to see a group of elves suddenly appears. Without wasting time, he quickly sheaths his sword fixing his shroud hiding the armor. They were five of them, two female archers, two male fighters, and one mage.

    Unsure if it were good to interact with them but he thought it is best to get out before he could raise more suspicion.

    "May I have a moment with you, human." The elven mage asks, seeing the torn limbs and headless carcass. And without the bracelet that masks his identity, he would have been falsely exposed.

    "Need something?" He boldly responds looking at their refined items of clothing and blond silky hair.

    "Traveling in this land is dangerous for a lone human." He intimidates Akatosh.

    "It sure is, but I need to get going." He tiredly said avoiding any other interaction.

    "Hold human¡­ would you tell us about--" The mage said insisting Akatosh.

    Akatosh sigh. "Look, if you want to ask me about the monster. Well, I just recently met them on the road and manage to avoid their ambush." He interrupts.

    The mage looked at the other female archer. "He''s telling the truth," the female says using their elven language.

    "I see¡­" The mage sigh, "There is a foul magic in this land an abomination--"

    "Mm-hmm¡­" Again Akatosh interrupts.

    "Just be an aware traveler." The mage says with a tired and frustrated tone as they head through the thick woods.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ elves sure are one fine beauty only a little bit skinny." He notes stepping out of the ravine.

    Hours of walking, brushing stones and lonely whistling on the road he finally has the sight of a small town as he emerges through the forest. It was a small village in a valley no doubt about it.

    Appearing like an adventurer in the open village with little walls to keep the townsfolk safe nothing to hold an invading horde of monsters or marauders. But even in its unprotected state the people however were not alarmed.

    "Guess rumors are rumors." He thought searching for an inn.

    He peers through the place, the people to be shocked by a mix-up race. There were elves peacefully conversing with a human, gnome merchant lively cries their goods and wares. The place is good for wandering but finding a place and information is his priority.

    "Excuse me sir do you know where a place to stay." He asks the man since there isn''t an inn through every place.

    "An adventurer ehh¡­ well if you''re looking for a place to stay you may head through the inn the so-called extension of the guild or whatever they called it. But if you''re looking for a warm night with a partner then head for the brothel." The man shrug.

    "I see¡­ Then may I ask where this inn is you mention."

    "Look, that bridge over there¡­" pointing the bridge, "Head there and turn right that''s all, now I have something I must do," he says leaving.

    "Thanks then," Akatosh says following the man''s advice.

    From the outside of the building, he could hear the noises of drunk people.

    "This will be a hustle for the night." He said opening the door.

    As it was, some people will stare at him if they have an interest in him then soon returns to their things, playing cards, dice, and such. He threads ignoring the people, separating the money before going inside he ask the innkeeper for a room but were first to interact.

    "Need an ale young lad?" The innkeeper says.

    "Quite¡­ I just need a room for tonight if there''s any space left..." He says sitting on the stool. "And a meal would ya."

    "You''re in luck we''ve only got one left--"

    "How much is it." Akatosh interrupts but before he could slip a coin through his fingers.

    "I''ll pay for that room!" Chifya says placing four silver coins on the desk.

    "Friends of yours?" The innkeeper says confused by the two of them.

    "He''s my companion," Chifya says.

    "How the hell you doing here!" Akatosh thought to himself, petrified by her sudden appearance.

    The innkeeper looked at Akatosh in stupefy mood. "The room is yours," He says, gathering the four-silver coin.

    "Well¡­ time to hit the brothel." Akatosh stood but Chifya quickly grabs his arms, giving him some sort of a letter.

    After reading the text he looked at her face to see if she''s serious. "Fine but I need my meal first, you can go to your room I''ll be there in a minute." He continues but Chifya just stays still retaining his words.

    "Gahh¡­ give us two orders of meal would ya." He says towards the innkeeper, presuming she must have used all that coin she had left.

    "So, how did you know my whereabouts." He asks waiting for their orders.

    "It''s simple, remember the map with Riya."

    "Oh¡­ I forgot about that, so why all for something like me." He questions her.

    "We''ll talk in the room." She said ignoring his other question.

    "Fine."

 65: No Title

    "Mm-hmm¡­" Tones Akatosh exploring the room, the furniture, the pelts after they''ve enters the room.

    "There''s something I''ve found," Chifya says seriously.

    "Mm-hmm¡­" Akatosh responds.

    "I''ve consulted one of the receptionists and the guild scout still hadn''t made contact for the past four days. People here aren''t affright which is a good thing."

    "Mm-hmm¡­"

    "But I''ve found something which the people here aren''t quite aware of," Chifya said slowly building up her frustration.

    "Mm-hmm¡­" Respond Akatosh examining the stone statue. "Why did you stop?" he continues not looking at her.

    "Is that all you have to say?" a frustrated tone coming from Chifya.

    "Mm-hmm¡­"

    He continues his despondent response not realizing Chifya''s blood is boiling until she couldn''t hold enough of his slur response till, she smacks his head.

    "Damn homo sapiens! what did you do that for! You ballistic woman!" he exclaimed holding his head.

    "Are you always like this!" Thwart Chifya.

    "Sometimes." Akatosh sigh. "Look I just came here to get something that I need, not to get caught up by some heroic feat." He softly responds.

    "So, is this all you came here for just something?" Mutters Chifya. "So, you just pass along as to watch these people die without feeling guilty from that selfishness of yours."

    "It''s society." a restlessness responds he wails then slowly crouches on the bed evading her debate.

    "Now you''re acting like a child!"

    "I just need some rest. We can talk tomorrow, I''m tired." He excuses

    "Tsk¡­ how impractical you are," she says leaving the room in dreary emotion.

    "Ahh¡­ no howling, no growling just the comfy night." He utters as soon as Chifya closed the door in a bitter way.

    "Tsk¡­" biting her thumb walking on the night cold road. "Why did I even bother".

    Astray from town and as she walks through the open plain towards the forest brighten by the moonlight. Slowly her hair changes color that from silky pitch black to blemish silver capturing the white moon.

    When the morning came¡­ "It''s morning already." He groans tucking under the thick pelt as soon as he saw Chifya sitting on the chair crossing her legs.

    "Jeez¡­ stop acting like a child and get up." She frowns dragging the blanket, shivering Akatosh from the morning wind.

    "Fine, fine¡­ I need to eat first." He yawns picking up his bag but eventually, Chifya had already brought him food, fresh and warm.

    "Oh¡­ how kind of you as my servant." Scratching his head.

    Chifya strife her eyebrows. "It''s not like I did it for your solace satisfaction, I merely did it for you not to escape."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ since when did I become your companions." A tedious response. "So, what is this all about." He says after slurping the last bowl of soup.

    "I went through the woods the other night and this is what I''ve found." She says showing him a vile of purple paste.

    "What''s that?"

    "It''s a blight." A serious tone Chifya utters.

    "Mm-hmm and what does it do?" He questions her without fearing her dangerous aura.

    "I thought you know better than this." She sighs.

    "What do you expect from a weekly old traveler."

    Ignoring his excuse. "It''s a powerful combination of magic and alchemy that can only be done through the help of¡­. Deedra''s power." She says, hesitates to utter the word ''Deedra''.

    "Deedra? You mean those disobedient diabolical gods." Akatosh swiftly spoke. "What?" he continues after Chifya glare at him.

    "Just some advice, you shouldn''t just loiter that name around town, that word alone is a curse to the people." She frowns.

    "Fine, so did you tell the receptionist about that thing?"

    "I intend to." She says showing him her golden guild crest.

    "Keep that thing away from me," Akatosh thwart, picking up his bag exiting their room. "Oh¡­ one more thing, make sure not to wind your search. Only you and the receptionist should be the only one to know, don''t want the people to go on an outbreak of panic."

    Both an inn and a guild at the same time Akatosh went towards the innkeeper asking for a piece of information. While as Chifya, she heads towards the guild-counter informing her findings.

    "I need a bottle of ale." He requests.

    "Here you go." The taverner said giving him his order.

    "By the way mister, would you happen to know the location of this place." He calls after drinking half of the bottle.

    "Ahh¡­ it''s through the west of here, don''t worry about being lost there''s a path for you to follow."

    "I see¡­" He replies.

    "Just don''t go way up through the north when you get there" warns the taverner

    "And why is that"

    "It''s dangerous, the place became hazardous."

    "I see¡­ well I''ve got to go then," he says leaving his sit with a mischievous intent bursting through his mind.

    It only took him seconds waiting for Chifya to finished her conference with the guild-receptionist only to be berated. "Have you been drinking?" She frowns.

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    "Ahh¡­ no, but thanks for asking."

    "You''re lying like an open book."

    "What are you, my mom." He jests.

    "Never mind." She sighs in disappointment going towards the exit so Akatosh follows.

    "Chifya¡­ you can sense magic right?" Ask Akatosh as they were in the outskirt of the town.

    "Why?"

    "If says, what if someone is following us?"

    Right away Chifya suddenly release a burst of magical energy scattering all over the surroundings, detecting someone that might be lurking in the shadows.

    "There''s nothing." She sighs but was a shock since she can sense some magic tingling from Akatosh. With her quick analysis and knowledge about peculiar items, easily she identifies the sort of confusion. "You''re using a magical item, aren''t you?"

    "Oh¡­  you mean this." He says, showing her the bracelet. "W-wait a second." He continues to undo the bracelet and stuffing it into his bag. "Now, can you try that magic of yours again?"

    She didn''t speak a word but carry on with his request and for how many times she tries to sense the bracelet there''s nothing but a drain-man, not even the slightest drop of mana she can find.

    "Now first things first." Request Akatosh, unrolling the scroll map.

    "What is it now!" She says frustrated by his demanding words.

    "Itchy¡­ I''m just asking our heading" he says joking her livid words.

    Chifya sigh. "It''s just here, the place where I''ve found the blight." pointing out the map northeast from the village.

    "But-but it''s nearly a day¡¯s journey or more from here, and how the hell did you even one-night trip such a distance." He complains.

    "Then what do you suggest then?" She asks crossing her arms.

    "Surely¡­ there are other ways to fast travel?"

    "And I thought you call yourself a traveler." Says Chifya lifting her eyebrows

    "I think we should head-on, don''t want this place to go in ruins." He whistles lagging Chifya behind.

    As they were pacing their way out of the forest. Again, "By the way, did you sleep with me last night." A tone joke he says. "I''m curious¡­" He continues but no response from her. "I''ll take that as a yes then," he says.

    "Shut up." She says knowing how she nearly bites his shoulder after returning from her investigation.

    "Ahh¡­ so that''s why I''ve felt that soft sensation last night¡­ wouldn''t you agree?" A lewd tone he utters.

    "You do know how scurvy you are." She frowns.

    "Really?" He jokes, even though he comprehends how sensitive Chifya is, same with Ashalain.

    Chifya couldn''t say anything, she only shrugs off his sentence knowing how to shut him up is to ignore his words.

    There were no roads for them to follow only tall grass and thick woods is their only pathway. For a couple of rest, Akatosh brought out a bow and a fully stock quiver to better train his marksmanship. While Chifya is busy sampling out her ingredients, plucking plants, crushing herbals, and after taking a break they resume.

    Nearly to their destination, a group of monsters, goblins, and gnolls are scourging the place nearly two hundred meters away from their position. With its flat landscape and few trees to miss their sight, Akatosh prepares his bow.

    Testing his archery, he takes aim. Carefully drawing the bow nice and hard. "Yeah, I got you now."

    Once he releases the arrow it shoots one meter atop of the gnolls head.

    "That''s¡­ unfortunate, I think there''s a defect on the arrow." He reasons.

    "Give me that!" Chifya exclaimed quickly snatching the bow as she precisely aimed at their heads and throat without using any skill. Firing dozens of arrows, in minutes the enemy that came rushing falls down on the ground without even reaching halfway through their position.

    "Ahh¡­ okay." Akatosh was stunned by her skill in archery and how she fired three to four arrows in one draw.

    "Here¡­ we should keep going," Chifya says returning his bow.

    "Wait¡­" Akatosh says looting the fallen enemies

    "What are you doing"

    "There must be some good information regarding that thing." He excused where his real intention is ransacking the bodies.

    Chifya sigh searching for a place to continue her alchemy research.

    "Oh¡­ nice dagger you have good for slicing my dry meat." He said to himself looting the remains of the monsters.

    Time spends minutes searching through their bodies only to find two silver coins and ten copper, he even gathers all their remaining weapons.

    "So found anything?" Chifya asks busy with her alchemy.

    "Nothing," he responds watching Chifya mixing concoctions and such.

    "What?" Says Chifya, blushing as Akatosh mesmerizingly watches her.

    "What¡­ is this your first time having an audience, it''s just quite fascinating to watch people mixing concoctions." He smiles sitting on the tree.

    Barley even holding her restless comfort. "Ca-can you please leave to my own work?" She stammers flushing her face.

    "What if I decline." He teases her.

    She sighs as to relieve her anxiousness ignoring the enthralling face of her partner. And slowly as minutes passes, didn''t she realize her tense emotion suddenly replaced by tranquility. She paused why to see Akatosh silently sleeping, leaning on the tree.

    Chifya shrug. "How heedless you are." She smiles resuming her work.

    After two hours of alchemy and experiment her work paid off. Funneling one liter of golden liquid on a bottle as she begins to pack all of her stuff on the scroll similar to Akatosh''s bag.

    "Just how much do you intend to sleep." She said taking out a vile of potion. Removing the lid of the concoction she let his noise sniffs the odor.

    "GAAHHHH¡­" He shouts waking up from the hideous smell of the potion. "Don''t you have any ways of waking up people!" He exclaimed, in rage for disturbing his rest.

    "I- I didn''t mean to." She responds.

    "Fuck! Do that again and I won''t hesitate." He utters still recovering from the smell that burns through his nose going up to his head like acid.

    "I-I''m sorry," Chifya responds trying to comfort him.

    For the first time in her life had she never seen him this angry. And one thing is for sure never wake up people in a troublesome way.

    Upset from her action, they travel in silence, and once they''ve reached a place desolated and blighted. They saw plants blemished, even Akatosh had never seen this kind of blight before, it isn''t normal. Picking a stick as to not get his hands soiled. He saw the soil itself was corrupted in pigment purple color.

    "It''s spreading," Chifya says.

    "Last time I was here it only covers a small portion of the land." She continues slightly pouring the potion she created. As the liquid meets the corrupted soil, it quickly rejuvenates the land.

    "What''s that?" Akatosh asks.

    "It''s a type of remedy, that is a combination of my potion and holy water. Though it used all of my ingredients but no matter we should find the source."

    "So, if we used it in purifying the seedbed then will it weekend the blight?"

    "Yes but no, I don''t know if it will weekend the blighted land or not."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ we should concentrate on destroying the origin." He said, and as they head deeper through the blighted part locating the source, the stench became funkier to the nose.

    "Here¡­" said Chifya giving him a seed. "It will help with the smell." she continues swallowing three seeds.

    He blankly hesitates before gulping the seed and after two or four minutes the rotten scent slowly neutralized. He couldn''t believe this sort of magic; he was left amazed.

    Tracing the place Akatosh descry a very peculiar root bursting out from the ground. Using his sword as a shovel he uncovers some sort of pulsing black veins tracing the west side. "Yo what the f-" Out of curiosity he chops the root releasing jelly acid.

    Informing Chifya, they continue where the roots came. Scattered like dots the blight was, but expanding slowly where the small ponds turn gastric like slime. Animals are too caught up by corruption. Decaying at an astounding rate they really need to end this as fast as possible.

    The night was once again on the throne making them easy prey from their lack of sense. A great time for predators to quarry what bellows their food chain. Devious monsters from the shadows are now playing the unlighted lands.

    "We''ll make camp here." She says gazing through the large tree.

    "So how will we be safe from here--" Right away without even climbing the large tree Chifya suddenly leaps like a grasshopper, reaching the fourth branch ten meters from the ground in mere seconds.

    "Sooo¡­" A mixed-up emotion of upset, amazement, and jealousy like he was ditched alone. "Okay fine¡­" He whispers in a goosey tone.

    Just as he was to make his own camp a vine slowly descends acting as his elevator. He shrugs groping the vines, slowly he ascends reaching a height of eleven meters. Much to his experience height is one of his common enemies "or should I say his fear." Upon reaching the safe place to rest, out of pride and ego he kept his composure masking his tense nervousness.

    Then again Chifya uses her magic spurting little branches on the edges creating a railing and even flattens the round log. In exchange, Akatosh gave her some blankets to ease the cold night and breezing winds. Dead silent for both of them, Akatosh only exerts his eyesight on the land struck by the white moonlight and heavenly stars.

    Once done feeding the glorious wonders of the night, he again silently tends to his book, uninspired and agitated. While Chifya silently holding, staring the necklace embroiled with purple jewels. It was no ordinary jewels Akatosh can tell. Presumably from someone, she lost since he can tell the long-face smeared on her emotion. This time around there''s no infighting between both of them only borders of privacy to each other.

 66: No Title

    Descending in different feat, Chifya easily and unafraid jumps down like an elf flawlessly maneuvering. While Akatosh, utilizing the claw-gauntlet as his elevator-brake he slides down using the vines created by Chifya''s magic. Through his surprised Akatosh didn''t feel any heat emitting from his gauntlet after descending.

    Trekking nearly a mile they came across an entrance leading to a dungeon. No doubt this is where the troubles are procuring as their senses told them they are not welcome here when a foul chill swept across their skin.

    Before stepping into the dark cavern, Akatosh prep his inventory, the endurance potion a bottle of oil, and his improvised grenades. While Chifya, raised by the druids she contacts nature, yet something obscured her communication.

    "This isn''t right." She speaks

    "Mm-hmm¡­" Akatosh responds not afraid of what lies within, rather exaggerated to finish this quest.

    It wasn''t necessary to use a torch since Chifya had magic to create a light-orb dangling in her palm. But one thing is for sure something is not right as if they''re in a circle, returning to where they''ve started. Each passage led to the exit confusing their minds.

    "Illusion?" Chifya said.

    "So how do we get past this thing," Akatosh asks.

    "I''m no expert in dispelling an illusion but the guild gave something to me. A scroll that can detect magical energy." Chifya explained unrolling the scroll and once she does like a radar of wave spreading in radius it burst a magical force.

    "What!" she exclaimed.

    "So¡­ nothing?" Akatosh said knowing the scroll didn''t detect a single illusion or, energy. "If not magic then it must be the place." He continues lighting a torch.

    "What are you going to do?" Chifya ask.

    "Nothing, nothing." He replies slowly tracing the walls inspecting every inch till he notices little tiny black roots bursting from the brick wall. "Aha¡­ I think this is it!" He smiles, hammering the walls using the improvised flail revealing a secret passage. "You see¡­" Akatosh laughs as they descend the cylindrical stairs.

    Deeper into the dungeon they again met a blockade. "Gahh¡­ for the love of God!" he sighs seeing a corps crushed by rocks and debris. "Looks like you ain''t so lucky my friend." He continues scavenging his half body. "Oh!... a penny," he said adding to his purse.

    Watching him despoiling the dead body Chifya couldn''t help but stares at him in disappointment. "I thought you''re better than this." A displeased tone she utters.

    "Mm-hmm¡­" He ushers reading the dead man''s diary. A battered leather-bound book filled out with various entries that are, full of frustration and morose with his comrades.

    Day 5

    "We had to return to square one because of that stupid new recruit. If only he didn''t touch my things, now I''m the one to blame by my superiors. This is so frustrating seeing my other colleagues as they laugh at me, I''ll show them. I''ll show them what my research is far superior to them."

    Day 8

    "Good riddance, I finally disposed of that blasted useless man. Now I have to find a suitable replacement since I used him as test subject no matter there are plenty out there. And my guinea pigs are dwindling but I''ve heard that those adventurers are caught up by our traps. Good for them, I intend to use them."

    Day 10

    "Those bastards, just because they are superior to us, they think of us as no more than servants but will see once I''m done¡­ I''ll beat that insolent man. Also, that damn Laneth, I told him not to dabble with Deedra''s power¡­ but he said "no¡­ you''re all weak, pathetic cowards", he thinks he can outsmart a god."

    Day 13

    "Something''s not right, the air seems odd not to mention the fact that Laneth had something to do with his room. Shit even my magic seems to act strange, it must be that buffoon Laneth, I''m sure of it."

    "Well, that some bastard diary¡­ now we know how those adventurers ended up. As for this¡­." Akatosh banter folding the book as he stood facing the debris.

    "I think I''ve found another passage" Chifya calls

    "Really?" facing her incoming voice.

    "It''s right this way," she calls

    "Coming!" He shouts giving her the diary. "You might want to look this up, you''ll found out how your friends in the guild died. If luck is with us, well¡­ they might be alive." he continues following the corridor. Watching him saunter through the corridors Chifya pout by his words of audacity.

    Cautiously treading the dark path with only a handful of light, examining the walls, the floors, looking for a sign of traps or lurking predators waiting for an ambush. When they''ve reached a certain place filled with malevolent tools, they came across a torture chamber. Luckily, there weren''t any dissected corpses or any sign of adventurer but rather a peculiar monster.

    "A slime, I''ve never seen such a large one before." Chifya whisper.

    "Oh¡­ so what type of slime?"

    "I''m not exactly sure, might be acid or poison."

    "I see," Akatosh says, grabbing a bottle of oil. "I hope this might work." He says, throwing the oil right beside the slime shattering the container. Throwing the torch, the oil quickly blazes slowly incinerating the large slime.

    "Well, that was quick, but how did the slime easily catch by the fire.... unless¡­" he smiles mischievously, "¡­OIL!" A fervor exaggeration as he grips his hand like a madman.

    "You''re mad!" Chifya says looking at his devious face.

    "The eagle has come for liberation and freedom!" He smiles. "So, this is how it feels like to become a mad innovator." He wickedly jags until Chifya slaps him hard. "You¡ª" he stops looking at her face, worried and scared.

    Seeing him in his mental disorder, Chifya thought of the past destruction of the white seal, the first scroll which frightens her even today. He didn''t know why she slapped him, but he ignores her and goes searching the place, looking for a slime.

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    After the commotion and his laughing madness, Chifya heard a faint groan coming towards the other room calling for help. Right away she quickly follows the voice while Akatosh went the other way tracing the strains of the large slime.

    The door was breached not by force but by corrosion. And after stepping into the room, he can hear the squishing sound of a slime embroidering his lustful plan. Swaying the torch, he had found his treasure, four different slime cages by a magical glass, and throughout the room were papers and books full of knowledge. Finding something to hold the torch, he begins his favorite stuff.

    "Are you alright!" exclaimed Chifya unlocking the prison using the key she found hanging on the wall. Its magical cage confining seven adventurers, though half of them had some energy to fight. The others however were on their deathbed.

    "I''m okay." Says the robust man.

    "I have a medicine that will heal your wounds," Chifya says.

    "Don''t worry about me...." The man coughs. "Give it to my companions." He pleads.

    "It''s okay there''s enough for you all." She spoke. "Do you know what happened here?" She continues aiding the near-dying.

    "We were ambushed because of our rash confidence. But something struck the lower level, were all of a sudden, the guards never return, and we were left to die in hunger. We tried to use our magic, but it was futile the cage is magically sealed deflecting our spells."  The man said averting his eyes towards his mage friend, injured, and dying.

    While Chifya is busy doing her things Akatosh greedily inspects the papers greedily reading what was written. Apparently, the parts hold much larger bodies of work containing detailed studies of different kinds of monsters and mutations.

    "Voracious Slime- this kind of newly mutated slime can grow even bigger than its kin only by eating living things can it grow, except for plants. It favors meat and flesh to be said, however, it is very vulnerable to fire and electricity. If I could find a way to make it immune to fire, it would be a fine specimen."

    "Ahh¡­ so that''s why no carcasses can be seen" Akatosh notes, and without hesitation, he compiles all the pieces of paper into one. And when Chifya came to him after finished aiding the adventurers, she witnesses Akatosh madly stuffing the caged slime into his bag.

    "What are you doing, those are evidence. You can''t just take them away!" she said.

    "HAH¡­ evidence my ass, I''m not a guild member"

    "But I am."

    "So, what would it be then?" Akatosh said stuffing the last item completely emptying the room.

    She quickly draws her enchanted short sword trying to intimidate him into submission.

    Pointing the sword leveling the tip to his throat, "One step closer or¡ª"

    "Or what?" He said taunting her intimidation.

    Giving him a warning, Chifya wound his cheeks. Without a word and hesitation Akatosh dashes in reverse, simultaneously switching his sword left to right. And just a few steps backward he lashes forward, using his claw-gauntlet restraining her attack. Knowing full well she had no armor only a thin layer of leather, he drives the hilt full force punching her abdomen.

    The moment his attack strikes she quickly falls barely holding the pain. "You''ve changed." She pants kneeling to Akatosh''s attack.

    "I''m still me. It''s just the other side of my coin." He says leaving but were stop by someone''s attack. Three magic orbs strike at him, yet he manages to hide behind the door shielding the incoming projectiles.

    Crash, the door shatters ripping out the woods. Following the attack, a powerful bright light flares the entire room slightly blinding Akatosh. Maneuvering at a distance, evading someone''s advantage he swung his unsheathe sword hoping to detect if someone is attacking.

    Without a mistake, a person makes contact by hitting his sword. Again, Akatosh setback trying to recover his blurry sight, but the man was persistent chasing him in circles. At last, he manages to recuperate his sense yet right away cornered by some furniture.

    Luring the man as if Akatosh had no chance of evading his attack, he takes the bait. "Just give up already!" the man shouts giving him a warning.

    In furry Akatosh had no chance but to defend himself from the incoming attack. Charging his heavy war hammer, Akatosh quickly unsheathes his sword aiming at the handle. Its weightless and sharpness easily decapitates the war hammer. After cutting his weapons into two parts he slides under his arm for a backstab but a ghastly orb flung at him releasing a cloud of a gaseous substance. Retreating his chance to decapitate the man Akatosh run to a safer distance, away from the deadly clouds.

    As the battle continues to a mere second when. "ENOUGH!" Nearly ending the mage''s life, Chifya shout.

    She came out of the room holding her abdomen, panting. A second of silent, Akatosh slowly turns around going deeper into the lower dungeon. "I won''t let you get away!" Blurt the man in leather armor-- a scout.

    "Don''t!" Chifya blocks the man.

    "But--" The man blurts.

    "I said, that''s enough!" Chifya frowns. "You''re still recovering, let him have this dungeon if he can." She said biting her lips.

    Independently they set their differences by separating. Chifya had no other choice but to prioritize their safety. While Akatosh continues, excavating the dungeon in hopes of finding that interest his scheme.

    "Let see¡­ the diary said that there are more experiments here." Pushing the door, a foul wind slams his body subsequently affecting his mind. Something is trying to dominate him. He could feel an essence wrestling with his damn soul. And after the entity digs through his inside, the four scroll triggers devouring the entity.

    "Hahahah¡­ serves you right." He laughs not knowing his eyes envelop in damnation. Adding to his frustration, for every turn he takes misfortune awaits. He was always looked-down by the people in the guild, ''the brute woman'', all of these feeds his emotion embracing the darkest desire.

    From the deepest bottom of the dungeon a black humanoid spread its wings. A servant, no a creature from the nether planes a powerful one patrons by the Deedra. And the room he dwells were different, a mass of magical clouds swirls throughout the room alive and crying.

    "I''ve been waiting for you." The entity said, the dark side of his coin, the thing that was despised by the keeper herself.

    "So am I." Akatosh respond, a communication not in his realm but physically. "So, is this it, come to gift power and shit. Come to say sympathetic words about hatred and revenge then give untamed energy." a mad tone.

    The entity chuckles. "Your past world of protagonist? HAHAHAHAH¡­ no, its but a pleasure. You can feel it right-right. You felt that fucking pleasure when you ripped that body in to two, spewing his innards."

    "I don''t know, but I''m stressed for today and I don''t give a damn about your pathetic motives. But the image of me you are using, I want to beat the crap out of you with my bare hands." He slickly smiles, grabbing the entity for a brawl.

    "You can meet me in your place¡­ oh well, too bad you don''t know the way in, stupid! But I can show you the way if you''re dumb enough." He laughs disappearing.

    "I can''t wait to pummel you." He replies when all of a sudden, he heard a voice around the corridor.

    Tracing, he saw a disturbing scene. Overgrown tissues ooze like slime. What''s even more surprising is, they are alive bulging like a beating heart. "Who''s goes there" a dying voice of a man sack in flesh.

    "What happens here?" approach Akatosh avoiding the flesh.

    "It was him; it was him... He used us; he trades us¡­"

    "Who Laneth?"

    "Yes¡­ yes, he''s the one. Please I beg of you, kill me before he takes my soul." In a slow and dying tone, the man pleads.

    "I don''t know¡­ if your fate is between my hand. Then I need something in exchange for a bargain, I want your knowledge."

    "If that is what it suits you¡­ there is a room¡­ right behind that door. It contains the thing you need. Now¡­ I beg of you¡ª" Before he continues Akatosh dives his sword piercing his heart. "T-Thank you¡­" a last breath he ushers.

    As Chifya and the survivors emerge, one of the adventurers notices her unease tension.

    "Are you okay?" the adventurer asks.

    "I''m alright, it''s nothing to worry about." She blankly expressed.

    Akatosh sigh. "Haa¡­ it''s always like this."

    Akatosh threads to where the man spoke his things. Unlikely not what he wanted; the man was researching a type of magic that Akatosh doesn''t have the slightest interest in. But even though it''s not significant to his understanding, he again completely empties the room. Upon lifting a chest, he discovers something unusual, alive and it seems to be a whip made from adamantine. Its design is very intimidating, a razor whip dismembered into pieces suspended by unknown force-- connected.

    Upon making contact using his claw-gauntlet it awakes and lashes in. Coiling with the gauntlet, dissolving with the elven-steel the two-item quickly fused into one. Subsequently, the thing started to communicate as if it wanted to be used.

    Akatosh smile, using his mind to utilize the whip, swaying his hand the whip quickly emerges trenching nine meters in length then begun desolating the walls and furniture.

    "HAHAHAHAHA¡­ INTERESTING, MOST INTERESTING. IT''S SOOO GOOD TO BE A LOOTER."

 â€œThere and Back Againâ€

    "Yes, matron mother¡­ I shall bring your path of devastation for the people to fear your name." a crooked gnome in a conversion. There''s no other one besides him and a shrine. The chamber is filled with all sorts of runic signs and different kinds of armaments or sacrificial tools used for either ritual. The gnome''s devious laughter echoes through the whole area, not a dungeon but rather a hidden cave.

    Returning to where Akatosh was.

    "What is this!" Akatosh smile.

    From the lower part of the dungeon, he had found a hidden treasure or should I say an artifact. A cube twisting and resonating a magnetic force. Greenish-light vortex around the cube enveloping as it levitates and illuminates all the surroundings.

    "This place is a jackpot!" he miserably laughs stocking everything from the room. Books, apparatus, papers, and some weapons and potions are quickly stuffed from his bag.

    Through scavenging the place, scouring every inch of the walls, and reading clues he was able to find this place sealed by a magical force. He couldn''t enter since the thirteen-inch metal door was sealed by magic a subject that he didn''t have the slightest knowledge. So, in order to pass the barrier. Like mining, he searches the softest and weakest part of the brick wall by knocking on the surface of the wall. Upon finding the spot he carved a hole using everything he got, his weapons, and some items he looted. Once there was a hole to place the ''glittering-dust bomb'' he tightly secured the bomb and ignited it.

    Considering the thickness of the wall is more than a meter, Akatosh had to use all his remaining ''glittering-dust bomb'' and repeating the phrase twice. He couldn''t cut it with his elven sword for the barrier deflects magic. Even the walls themselves are protected by magic and only by using non-magical techniques and glittering dust he was able to create a hole around nineteen-inch in diameter.

    It took him more than an hour to make a hole in the wall, but all were paid off. "HAHAHA¡­. There are many ways to kill a chicken."

    He couldn''t help himself and by the time he packs everything except the cube a demonic entity appears. The creature from below, black as the night. With bat-like wings, claws like daggers the creature gnaw in anticipation as his mouth hiss in intimidation.

    "Who the heck are you! And how the hell did you materialize." Akatosh said unsheathing his katana but he didn''t want to show his enemy''s his other weapon.

    Circling each other, watching, and analyzing each other''s steps. "Guess this isn''t just an ordinary monster but rather a unique one."

    After making a full circle both of them attack simultaneously where Akatosh quickly unleashes the demonic whip surprising the monster. Commanding, Akatosh aims at the creature''s right-wing coiling making the monster unable to fly.

    Squishing its flesh and bones, the creature had met a monster higher equal to itself.

    It screams as the razor whip tightly wraps around its wings. The monster manages to avoid Akatosh''s slashing attack but was shackled, unable to maneuver the large area.  The monster had the strength to pull Akatosh, but he too was prepared for this. When the creature leaps at a distance Akatosh quickly gulps and endurance potion equaling his adversary''s strength.

    With his enhanced strength and the advantage of his whip, Akatosh savagely rips off the beast''s wing spurting blood. And the moment the creature saw its wing torn apart, it howls in agony and furry. Blood-red begins to manifest on the creature, an aura.

    "BRING IT ON!" Akatosh shout grinning his teeth for anticipation. "I''ve never felt so alive before!" he continues dragging the dismembered parts of his enemy. Before Akatosh threw the torn wings to its face the monster charge through at an astounding speed.

    The creature rams Akatosh to the wall pinning him down. And by the looks of it, Akatosh manages to mirror its attack but suffers a crushing injury. Too, he suffers a great blow as his shoulder was pierced by the creature''s claw. In return, his katana punctures through to the creature''s chest.

    Without the claw-gauntlet, Akatosh would have a headless body as the monster''s sharp gnawing teeth couldn''t jaw the elven steel.

    "You like that bitch!" Akatosh grim, projecting the razor whip. Restraining its arm, he was able to prevent the creature from making a second move. Like a snake groping its prey, Akatosh, grip the monster''s jaw as he vertically slices its upper chest. And for the finishing touch, the razor whip firmly squishes the creature''s flesh and bones until it collapses.

    As gruesome as always, Akatosh walks towards the cube easing his panting. He could feel great energy, emitting from the item itself. And by grabbing the cube, he himself felt the vibration as his whip turn to a ravenous blazing fire. The unknown force that connects the pieces greatly ablaze his newly found weapon.

    After easily snatched the cube, the discarded creature is nowhere to be sighted. Yet there''s no nocuous presence staying in the chamber rather than him. Ignoring his enemy''s mysterious disappearance thinking it must return to its realm he collects what''s still left. Once done happily he squishes himself out of the room.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "Now what more can this place offer me." He groans, holding a torch and ignoring the pain while finding an entrance to the lower level.

    Elsewhere¡ª

    "Chifya are you sure about leaving your friend behind." Ask the female mage.

    "I-I¡­" she hesitated; she didn''t know what to say until they came upon a blighted part.

    "Just what happen here¡­" one of the adventurers said.

    "It''s a blight," Chifya says. "But I manage to create this¡ª" She stops while searching the antidote. "Don''t tell me¡­" The potion was nowhere to be found.

    "Mm-hmm, mm-hmm¡­" hums Akatosh descending the entrance to the last level, holding Chifya''s antidote.

    "What''s wrong?" asked the mage to Chifya

    "He must''ve snatched it when we were sleeping." Chifya thought.

    Using her druid power, she conjuring a large familiar wolf. "My wolf will guide you to the nearest extension of the guild. I need to return¡ª"

    "It''s fine." The mage smiled cutting her word.

    "We can protect ourselves." The mage said

    "But¡ª" said Chifya

    "Don''t worry" one of the fighters said showing her his first-class silver crest.

    Chifya nods and quickly haste to the dungeon. And when she''s out of sight, her pace became faster then turns to leap through the forest. While on the run her hair changes to silver-white.

    From the deepest part of the dungeon. The dying creature that Akatosh brutally inject grows in rage drawing the swirling energy besides it wasn''t energy, but souls.

    As they get absorbed the spirits scream healing the creature''s wounds reversing the injury and even grows its amputated wings. Greed for more the monster''s body begun to burst sharp bones. At last, it was now a fully grown monster.

    Burrowing the steps as calm and as cautious as possible and when he corners the spiral stairs. He saw through a very dim light; it was around thirty blocks away Akatosh assumed.

    Upon descending the last line of the stairs, he heard the creature scream in agony and rage. "Is it another one or maybe?" He said stopping to heal his injury.

    After the monster finished his treatment, it picked up something, sniffing around towards the entrance of the room.

    "Now how do I heal this¡­" he groans pulling some potions and medicine. He may have a lot of options but they''re all unidentified. And Akatosh didn''t have the knowledge or wisdom to appraise, he only knows the endurance potion and cure disease.

    "Guess I might try this one¡­" Pulling Chifya''s antidote. "Here goes," he said pouring little of the liquid.

    "Urrggg¡­" he muffles his voice. The antinode burns through the flesh like a wound dip through salt and hot vinegar. The moment he starts to silently groan, a claw was wrapped around the door frame. Then followed by the head of the creature he''d fought.

    "Fuck!" Akatosh stood fixing his shoulder. "Guess this isn''t my lucky day." he continues sweating.

    Unleashing the blazing whip and drawing the katana. He could feel a greater power and fluid communication with the whip.

    The monster tear through the entrance curving its large body to the narrow hallway.

    "I see you''ve become an adult." swirling the fiery whip as protection. "Time for round two!" Akatosh exclaimed as the monster crawl twerking its body in the tight space.

    "Come to papa!" At that precise moment, the razor-sharp enhanced whip easily maneuvers coiling its neck as Akatosh swiftly dashes under the creature.

    Using the same tactic before, only this time the monster had the capabilities to stretch the chain tag on his throat. More so Akatosh couldn''t compete for its strength as his arms begins to dislocate.

    "URRGGG!" He groans when felt his arms crack.

    Releases the chain he dashes away escaping towards where the monster came. Once stepping, he found the source of its strength. Souls act as a light, twice a dozen of them or more. And finally, the roots of all the plague lies in his sight. Bodies of people, elves, gnomes, and dwarfs are glued together by an unknown black blob. He could hear the echoes of people''s souls crying for help. There were running waters like ponds, flooding the foundation of the blob-like tree.

    "Ah¡­ so this explains why." He searches for a potion but were interrupted by the creature''s assault.

    Its large wings bash Akatosh at distance, separating him and his bag, spewing the things he looted. Chifya''s potion, the grimoire, the cube, and dozens of his past ransack.

    To its rage the creature leaps in triumph, trembling the place. And when the mighty winged monster shakes the soil, it rolled Chifya''s antidote to fall breaking it in half near the water.

    When the liquid begins to soil with the corrupted water Akatosh quickly recovers. Firmly gripping his sword both of them rams at each other. One was trying to coil itself around, like a snake hoping to decapitate his enemy. While his other adversary also tries to sway the irritated whip, clashing his dagger-like caws with the blazing whip.

    Domination after domination with each other. Bashing each other''s bodies to the wall the bat was finally caught by the spider''s web. The greenish energy that connects the razor-sharp pieces of the whip stretched allowing Akatosh to fully lock the monster''s body.

    When they are gutting each other''s guts Chifya''s antidote spread through the water rejuvenating everything. That''s when the seedbed of the plague slowly purifies. Adding up, the grimoire somehow absorbed some of the cube''s energy triggering a spell. And on that time Chifya came to witness two beasts brawling to death where Akatosh bitterly pressed its katana on the throat of the winged as he too greatly suffers.

    Bleeding to new and old injuries and broken bones, yet his stubbornness held his life.

    Pressing its weapon¡¯s edge and with the help of the whip pulling on the other side, he finally sabotages the neck. Just as he decapitated its head, the grimoire flashes a light teleporting Akatosh and the headless creature along with his items to a different place.

    Chifya was left speechless to see only a head rolling on the ground. And with no one to guard the corrupted place slowly begun to cleanse she let the finishing touch. Releasing her druid spell to neutralize the place, the large blob-like tree collapse. Bodies begin to pile as the soul peacefully disintegrates.

    She searches the place looking around for information. The only thing that Akatosh left are her shattered antidote.

    After being teleported to a new place Akatosh was left panting. Hopping off on his pulsing dead enemy he quickly investigates his new surroundings. There were no lights only his flaming whip is his sun.

    "Who goes there." A dark voice utters as all of the torches came to light.

    "Not again." Akatosh sigh, trembling from his injuries.

    There''s no sign of plunder or any thievery the area spans greatly enough to accommodate a drake. He can tell the place was remarkably familiar. Dwarven ruins left untouched.

    "A human?!" the voice said surprised and incredibly happy.

    "Yes, so what''s your point." Akatosh kneels catching his breath.

    "HAHAHAHA¡­ FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS AT LONG LAST!" the entity intrigues. "How amusing, don''t tell me..." the entity says, after noticing the grimoire.

 â€œA Forgotten Legendâ€

    "Hey." Panting heavily, Akatosh slowly leaned to one of the stone cubes. "Can ya¡­ wait for me to catch my breath."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ I think there''s no need for you to catch your breath." The entity chuckles manifesting through dark spectra.

    "And why is that."

    "Do you even realize what you''re into?"

    Akatosh Sigh. "Well, I''ve been through shit, and you and I better speak normally. Don''t worry we''re the only one here."

    "Hahaha¡­ Interesting I sense no fear in you nor even--" The entity paused, looking around the discarded items and the headless creature.

    "What, cat got your tongue."

    "Intriguing¡­ how did you a lowly life human as daring to fight and even killed this beast."

    "Ohh¡­ him. We have our differences, but we''ve settled them eventually. And you''re one of a few, to entertain a wounded man."

    The spirit chuckles. "Tell me¡­ have you ever heard of a stillmage. A story of a man who defiled the life of a thousand. A monster they called it."

    "There''re dozens of that story even bards sing it. Are you telling me¡ª"

    "Yes! It is I, the one who killed the first. The one who burned people for pleasure."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ nice words for someone so powerful and evil to be killed by a single mage." Akatosh laughs. "What can they say, light always triumphs the evil no matter how hard the situation is light always prevails. Ain''t that right poochy."

    "Poetic ballads hide bastard truth! Even books themselves are tainted! Replacing the ugliness of truth with shitty-ass purity." The entity shout. "It was not just him, but another special mage that burns my scar. Yet even them cannot usurp what I''ve been through. So they tricked me. I tried to become a lich, yet they anticipated they turned my body and soul into nothing so that I wouldn''t be raised again. Except, I manage to detached my soul leaving my powers so as I wouldn''t be notice. And then I was forced to wander in this empty chamber full of nothing but rocks-- hiding. For thousands of years, I''ve cowered. The spirits and wraiths that stood below my foot, now I faced them as giants. But as time goes I slowly gain my powers thanks to feeding others but only in the spirit realm can I."

    "Let me guess, you want a vessel." Akatosh smirk

    "Indeed, so there''s no point in healing your wounds when I shall take your body. Don''t worry I shall cure that wounds of yours when I''m in control." The entity intrigue projecting its soul at Akatosh''s body.

    "Do you even know what''s inside?"

    The spirit carved through deeper to his body till he met a different void. "What is this!" The spirit utters in despair.

    He had entered the boundaries of faith worse than death. He began the feel it; he can tell his existence fading to nonexistence. All of the memories of him, his tales, his past legend. He was being erased in the very existence of time. In barter for his survival, all his years of building up power were traded just to escape Akatosh''s body.

    "Gahh!!!" the spirit gasp loudly, emerging. "What are you!" the spirit asks in fear of what he''d experience.

    "HAHAHA¡­ help me heal my wounds and we can trade words. How''s that?"

    With the source collapse, little by little the plague that scattered throughout the place subsides. Yet there''s still one last thing that Chifya had to destroy. A cloud of black force is trapped by her magic, unable to escape the greenish-globe it rages to break her barrier.

    She may have trapped the dark spirit, but she wasn''t a priest. All she could do was hold, preventing the entity from fleeing while thinking, devising a plan on how to eliminate the dark spirit.

    "I can''t--" Just as she was about to lose control as her energy depletes returning to her human form an adventurer step in front of her, chanting miracles.

    "Mother of Life, may thy heed my call my prayers for in your power the enemies which stood by evil may give a breath of new repentance. REDEMPTION!" the priest exclaimed, pointing her shining staff towards the obscured cloud. Whereas a burst of golden light explodes through the dark spirit leaving a cloud of sparkling dust. "It is done," the female priest said.

    "Why did you return?" Chifya says, panting heavily.

    "We couldn''t let someone who saved our life just go alone in a dangerous place." The priest said, offering her hand to hers.

    Not long after the priest comrades came, inspecting the place. Gathering the bodies for the priest to do her work. Like Ashalain, the priest conjures a blue flame cremating the bodies eating all the flesh and bones till nothing was left not even a single speck of ash. But before she could burn the bodies the leader of the party checks all of them to see nineteen adventurers perish. All he could do is gather their guild crest bronze or not for them to give honor.

    For the head of the creature that Akatosh decapitated, the adventurers are in shock. They know this type of monster, a creature from the nether planes that serve the Deedra. A demon that even they had a hard time in killing so they speculate it was Chifyas doing since she was a gold tier. They didn''t have the slightest care for Akatosh considering he left a scar on them.

    Seeing Chifya''s panting for air the leader of the party calls this mission to an end.

    "Don''t worry I''ll carry you." Said the man in leather armor helping her stand.

    "I can walk."  She said, before falling unconscious from draining all her energy.

    Elsewhere....

    "What!" Akatosh said.

    "This is useless. Is this all the potion you have? A mating portion (Endurance Potion) what are you a traveling hooker. And what are these potions."

    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    "Damn you and your uselessness can you just find another solution," Akatosh said, barely holding the pain.

    "Don''t worry you''re still breathing" Replies the entity

    "Just--"

    "This might work. We''ll use this holy water. Now, when I place some of my dark essences to your injuries pour the holy water. This will react with my essence closing the wounds."

    "Fine do as you wish."

    "Great let''s get this over with." The entity says laying some of its dark mist from the surface of the wounds.

    Akatosh felt the cold dark mist enveloping his torn flesh. And without hesitation, he quickly pours the holy water healing his wounds.

    "That''s quite good." Feeling relief. "As for the second part, how do you fix a broken bone."

    "You serious?" The spectra said. "Look I''m no healer or priest."

    "And you call yourself the great stillmage who--", Jokes Akatosh

    "Shut your trap! I was framed because they feared what I hold. And truth to be told I didn''t kill the first nor it was I who burned those two cities but the third one¡­ well it was I." The spectral interrupts.

    "I see, so tell me what''s your name."

    "It''s Amaragnum." A soft tone coming from the entity.

    "I see. I can still walk for a few broken bones. But let me ask you, would you rather stay here cage like a bird waiting for someone to free you from this jail or let''s go for a trip... Amaragnum?" Akatosh smile.

    "Seems I have no choice then." Amaragnum agrees.

    "That settled, but how can we get out from this place." Akatosh stand

    "See those signs over there." Points Amaragnum.

    "Yeah what about it"

    "Those are wards before I confront Azageis and that bastard special mage or whatever they called him. I ask my trusted man, to place my grimoire--"

    "What! So, this is your book!" Akatosh was surprised

    "Yeah¡­ that''s my book alright anyway, I was foolish enough to trust that man. That book is my last chance of escaping after they defeated me, teleportation in short. Linking my own soul to that book I was able to cheat death but that man. Choosing the path of righteousness and justice he caged me to this place-- betrayed me."

    "Wait, if this is the other side. That skeleton behind this wall--"

    "Yes, I know, because I turned him into a lich using those forbidden magic which weak people are capable of. Ironic but it did fill my retribution and I thank you for picking my grimoire."

    "As I thought about it good for you to be cage since being a megalomaniac." Akatosh smirk, going towards his belongings. And when initially packs everything into his bag Amaragnum was stun.

    "Is that what I think it is."

    "Surprise, yep it''s a magical bag," Akatosh says, stuffing the last items except for the grimoire.

    "HAHAHAHHAHA¡­ interesting, what are you." Said Amaragnum

    "Like I said, a journey for an answer." Akatosh smile facing Amaragnum. He too was stunned by how things turn out to be.

    Amaragnum couldn''t help but laugh in amusement, "This is too unpredictable." resuming his jag.

    "Enough chuckles, get us out of here," Akatosh said.

    "Interesting idea but considering that my powers are gone. Even holy waters can beat my ass. We just have to use my book tell me; how did you manage to fill it with large quantities of energy."

    "I don''t know; I was beating this ass when suddenly a flash of light slaps through my eyes. But there''s one thing I''m certain of." Akatosh said, pulling the cube.

    "Oh¡­ that seems to be familiar to me, I''ve might have seen it somewhere before."

    "Now I get it! The book must have absorbed some of its energy, triggering teleportation. But the problem is the place."

    "Don''t worry I''ll take care of that," Amaragnum said

    "How?"

    "Well, it''s like this. In teleportation, when using a large amount of mana to activate the spell it will leave faint energy. It is why people use a standard amount of energy when they use a scroll of teleportation. Now if I put myself to my book, I can locate that faint energy sending us back to where you last teleported."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ I see"

    Harnessing the energy of the cube both of them teleported to where he fought the nether creature. But when they arrive, the place had changed no more black-water, no oozing blob the place was purified.

    "What happens here. Last time this room was hell." Astoundingly looking at the foliage.

    Growing moss and plants emerging from the surface of the walls. Floating golden orbs fly across the room, serving as light. All this variation came from Chifya''s power, depleting all her energy.

    Much to his injuries and Amaragnum''s emotion to see the light of days. Akatosh crutches his katana supporting his maimed leg. Thereafter an hour of difficulties in climbing the dungeon they finally reach the top in his heavy panting and showering sweat. Until he couldn''t bear his injuries he then decided to rest apprehending the pain for another three hours.

    "Scout every surrounding! We mustn''t let this place known to others!" Shout a man in silver plating. Wielding a majestic sword and with a face of a truly charismatic commander.

    Hiding through the maze the voice alarms Akatosh comforting his emotion when Amaragnum interferes. "Wait! This isn''t right."

    "What do you mean?" Akatosh whisper, hearing the stomping sound of boots going down the dungeon.

    "I sense dozens of priests, and if they manage to detect me lingering with you, they take no chances of mercy," Amaragnum said, binding himself into the grimoire. "This is the only thing I can do to evade those enlighten ones." Amaragnum continues, communicating through their thoughts.

    Hiding his bracelet, Akatosh crawls through the shadows, peering through the entrance. Amaragnum was right, dozens of soldiers and cavaliers are blocking the entrance. And the most intriguing was, they are legionnaire of Endregar, which can be seen through their banners and crest.

    Not long, a group of people returns with their report.

    "WHAT!" The man in silver plating shouts in an unease tone.

    "I''m sorry, but it would seem that either the adventurer''s guild or someo--"

    "Move!" The commander interrupts, descending down to be struck by what he sees.

    The place is empty; no books or things can be seen. Running to see where the cube is, he was again in sweat. Unsealing the barrier, all of them were surprised. Even the mages are speechless as to how a person could cunningly outpass the barrier.

    "How did this happen!" The commander says. "Find the person who did this, I''m going to consult those adventurers'' guild." He continues exiting the dungeon.

    "So, how can we escape this place. We cannot just sit our asses here waiting to be exposed." Akatosh said.

    "If perceives, I can cast a high-tier invisibility spell undetectable by magic. The only problem is... it might last a mere minute. Considering your injuries, and with my current power I''ll take this as a gamble." Says Amaragnum.

    "Might worth the shot. I can bear the pain a little longer." Akatosh stand, drenched in sweat and blood.

    Once Amaragnum quickly cast his spell, Akatosh hastily move, dragging his crippled leg. And when they emerge they saw dozens of mage and soldiers securing the place. Without wasting time Akatosh turns towards the forest escaping the place before nightfall.

    Walking nonstop he accidentally stumbles down greatly affecting his injured leg. He couldn''t help but muffled his groan tightly grasping and uprooting the grasses. Following his harsh pain Akatosh lounges near a tree contemplating their next move.

    "Hey Amaragnum, you know where to teleportation right?"

    "I a place, but I have little mana to use such a spell."

    "I don''t know but I have tons of scrolls do know if there is one." Says Akatosh having a difficult time extracting the scrolls.

    "I see you still haven''t uncovered the secret of that bag." Emerging from his hideout.

    "Tell me."

    "It''s like this." Amaragnum envelops the bag revealing a floating screen, showing all the items he stored. "I Just activated its secret."

    "I see¡­" Akatosh jags

    "Also, I can enhance its privilege making you the only one to use it," Amaragnum said.

    "Really but can I trust you?" Implore Akatosh uncertain by his words.

    "There''s nothing to worry about." He replies, remodeling the satchel into a medium leather belt pouch bag. Not only did he revise its design but also he added a pouch for the grimoire. Whereas it hides the black presence emitting from the grimoire.

    When done Akatosh begun searching a teleportation scroll supervised by Amaragnum. Luckily, there was three teleportation scroll which brightens their happiness. Upon picking the image, it magically appears in his hand.

    Before they could teleport the stillmage ask Akatosh their location. And again, he right away conjures the map.

    "I think this is where we are," A difficult tone he implored, pointing their location northeast from Dragons Lake.

    "Northovil¡­ if my marking is still there, we might find a place to cure your injuries." The stillmage says, utilizing the scroll teleporting them.

 â€œLon and the Basiliskâ€

    "You and your kin ain''t welcome here hero." A displeased tone Implore the dwarven guard.

    "Listen here dwarf do you even know why we came here!" Said, Lisha

    "Pff¡­ so what if I do dang pointy elf. The king has ordered us not to. Even if ye all bragging your ticket given by that priestess of yours." Replies the dwarf.

    "But¡ª" Roland steps in only to be interfered with by Ulgar.

    "Is there anything that we can do to enter your kingdom?" Ulgar appeal.

    "There''s only one-way human. leave and never come back." The dwarf disdain.

    "I''m tired of this!" Riza utters trying to teach the dwarf a lesson only to be stopped again by Ulgar.

    "Tsk¡­" Riza sneers stepping away.

    "I apologize for my companions'' behavior. But this is a delicate matter for our task. I''m sure your king might have decent validity for even a day or two."

    "Aye if I could though, I like your tone human but it''s the king''s order. And I, me not me see me own head on a sack." The dwarf says now with a pleasing tone.

    "I understand." Ulgar nods leaving the guards. "We should head ourselves some inn." He continues.

    As for his companions, they too follow heading to the nearest tavern where they can perpend their next chart.

    "Gahh¡­" Utters Riza, drinking a tankard of grog.

    "Clearly those dwarfs weren''t very unwelcome for us. I''ve seen other gnomes and people enter with their goods." Lisha said.

    Ulgar looks at Roland in his distraught face clearly there must be something from him and the dwarven king. "We don''t know why the king bans us from entering their kingdom. But we shouldn''t let this problem trouble us."

    "I got an idea. Rein, you can do illusion and alteration right." Irish entreats.

    Rain shakes her head. "I''m sorry but, my magic is far consistent from those types of magic. I only specialize in invocation and abjuration. Also, the entrance is protected by powerful magic, more powerful than Starhim. I tried to discreet my magic when we are transacting with the guards but the person who cast it is even more powerful. If we use my illusion magic, we can be easily detected leading to more troubles."

    Ulgar sigh, thinking for a way-out then suddenly a man intervenes. Wearing a leather gray tunic, drinking alone. "There are other ways to enter the city illegal or not... if you wish." Resuming his toast.

    The Priestess of Aziru is kneeling in the grace of the dwarven king. Crowned with majestic symbols of wealth, a rather quite tall for a senile dwarf like an old sage in retire. "I beg you, King Korug. I know how you felt from the past, but we mustn''t--" Ferish says projecting her image in front of the king.

    "HAHAHAHAHA¡­ how nuisance of you!" King Korug interrupts in an enrage laughter. "A word of a joke coming out from a guile human. Tell me, did you really feel the way my people are sacrificed as a pig-like. Twice had it been done, like a jackass we were in your tongue. While that miserable hero you adore left as to nothing." Crushing the goblet in his hand.

    The priestess was silent, dead silent. "If I haven''t been there, either of us wouldn''t be so lucky. Now get out of my sight your presence disgusts me." The King said.

    And so Ferish slowly fades still kneeling in front of the king.

    "Interested I see. Like I said there are many ways to enter the kingdom but not everything is free." The man in gray tunic said.

    "Just get to the point. If you want money, we can make a bargain." Ulgar said.

    "Mhh¡­ it''s not money that I''m after but rather a more delicate thing. You see, there''s a creature living in this land. A creature that scares the living folks near this town. If you can slay it I can help you with your tickets." Sipping a mug of beer.

    Ulgar sighs giving a look to his companions if they agree.

    "It''s not much we have a choice," Riza said,

    "Fine, I''m in." Lisha agrees so do the others.

    "Then it settled though it''s a little bit late for details." The man said swaying his eyes to the people. "We can discuss this in the morning. Oh¡­ pardon my low fraternity for not introducing myself. Name''s Lon or people call me Snitch. We''ll meet at the same place same table if you want." He says, departing the inn.

    "Are we sure we can trust that guy?" Irish said

    "If he''s playing card with us then we must prepare ourselves for when the time comes," Ulgar said going to his room.

    As for the hero, he didn''t say a word as he enters his room. And just when he goes to his bed, the priestess magically appears. "Lady Ferish¡­ w-what bring you here," Roland asks in respect.

    "You''ve been well I see. How are your friends." She asks, stepping towards the balcony.

    "They''re okay, Ulgar had a hard time with Lisha and Riza. But they manage by his words."

    "I see¡­" Ferish responds staring at the night sky.

    "May I ask something, those dwarfs¡ª"

    "So you notice." Ferish sigh. "Before Seth became a hero, there was a friend of his. His name is Kalen or rather King Korug of Dolvathur. To this day he bears the wound from Seth."

    "Then how¡ª" Roland interrupts.

    "Much like him, they were once an apprentice of Azageis. Both training in his palm all day and all night. And when the time comes, when darkness descends on the land Seth had to make a sacrifice."

    "He chooses." Said Roland sitting on his bed.

    Ferish nods with his words. "Korug manages to overcome the odds, but the kingdom collapse. Much to his people, thousands drenched in blood."

    Even though Ferish words are a vague detail about his past ancestors. Roland finally realizes why the king despised him so much. All he could do was listen to what Ferish is saying. "But we mustn''t fumble ourselves in this time of crisis. Deep beneath the chamber of the dwarven kingdom there will it show your path." The priestess says, conjuring a blue orb dangling in her palms. "Take this¡­ it will aid you in times of trouble." And as she gave him the orbit quickly disappears in his hand. "Take no worries, it will appear when you need it the most."

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Disappearing from his sight, Roland''s eyes stiffen with determination vowing to end this foreboding darkness. Gripping his hand staring at the night sky and said to himself. "I will, no matter the cost."

    And when dawn arrives, they huddle at the exact same spot. "Early I see," Lon said.

    "Just what type of creature are we hunting."

    Lon chuckles. "Ever heard of a monster that turns flesh to stone."

    "A Basilisk." Rein utters.

    "That''s right, it lives in the southeast of this land. You see, hunting one is quite difficult. Moreover, it is complicated when going up against a full-fledged Basilisk. But don''t worry there is a way to sabotage this type of species¡­ so are you in or not."

    "Tell me what type of Basilisk are we¡ª" Rein asks, with a striking face.

    "I''m not exactly sure but the locals told me it was a green type." Lon interrupts. "Your friend sure has some knowledge regarding that thing. It would be wise to share it with your friends?"

    All of a sudden, her companions shift towards her for information.

    Rein sigh. "Basilisks are classified into four different species; the weakest of them is the green basilisks. Which is often common in dense forests where the temperature is right. Brown basilisks are a little aggressive than their lower cousin. But the red ones are more dangerous than those two for red basilisks have higher resistance to magic. Adding to its magical resistance, they also had a high-density thick scale, giving them physical armor. They can turn a person into a stone statue by just looking at them."

    "Wait, what about the fourth one," Roland ask.

    Rein hesitate, "I don''t know much about the fourth one since we only studied those three in Maginum. Even my teacher would just call it a legend when I ask about the fourth one. The only thing I know is their black color."

    "So how do we subjugate these types of monsters. Can we just bring a mirror to deflect its power?" Irish said.

    "No can-do young girl," Lon replies.

    "Basilisks are immune to petrification I tried it once. Not to mention they have sensitive senses."

    "You mean they can detect my invisibility." Riza implore.

    "Yes, they can, so don''t act accordingly to your own." Rein said.

    "True basilisk are to be considered when crossing with one. But they have certain weakness, particularly their eyes." Lon implies.

    "You mean¡­ By destroying their eyes, we can easily take it down," Roland said.

    "Not necessary to be confident but, basilisk has a thick lens of protection. And by just closing, it can deflect magical and physical offense. That''s why your skill is needed, elf girl." Lon replies sipping a beer.

    After their discussion, they head to where the lair of the basilisk. Crossing small villages and creaks they head deeper letting Ulgar become more suspicious.

    "We''re here." Lon stops, sighting the cave about eight blocks away and seeing countless statues of people, animals, and monsters turn into stone.

    "So where is it." Whisper Riza.

    "It must be sleeping or¡­" before he could finish his word, something large is crawling towards them. It didn''t attack them but rather went to the entrance of the cave guarding. A giant green serpent measuring up to nineteen feet, roaring its deadly and venomous fangs. "Don''t look to its eye.

    "Rein shout as they scatter.

    They try to lure it away from the entrance but somehow it won''t budge. Rein and Lisha hurl magic and arrows if it can go to offensive mode but for how hard they tried the serpent stays still.

    "Why won''t it attack us?!" Shout Riza, gripping her dagger.

    Ulgar and Roland know that entering the tight cave could lead to a disaster leading to one of them being petrified even if they have holy weapons in their belt. So they quickly reinstitute their distance

    "I don''t know." Rein implore, conjuring a fireball. "Take this!" she shouts sending the fireball.

    The explosion was loud and enough to erode little of the cave. But also awaken its rage, the serpent had enough to which it dashes outside with its yellow eyes glowing. Drooling its thick venom, locking its target towards Rein.

    "I can''t move." Rein said, sweating for her life. Unable to speak or move she prays that her companions would save her.

    Lisha fired her powerful skill, which can decimate a foe in one blow. Yet the serpent easily maneuvers faster than the arrows could hit it. Considering the elf''s ineffective range weapon, it manages to slow the pace of the serpent, enough for Ulgar and Roland to shield Rein.

    Upfront, Ulgar with his large shield draws upon the holy might, boosting his strength to tank the incoming force. While behind him is Roland, like always utilizing the power of his legendary sword. Irish dashes in taking Rein to a safer distance.

    Charging at each other Ulgar was bested in seconds. "Now!" He shouts to Roland. And in turn, a hurled of immense force swept the serpent, knock backing it. Just a strike of his holy weapon, it tore the armor of the basilisk, cracking the scales.

    Without a moment to waste Riza, with her ability to teleport plunged her razor dagger into the serpent''s eyes. Crying in pain it retreats to its den.

    "I''m impressed well done." Lon claps, emerging in the shadows. "I have to say, you clearly are the hero they have spoken to." Lon smiles.

    In a fit of rage, Roland sways his sword in front of Lon for not cooperating when Reins nearly chaws to death. "You used us." Roland implores.

    Lon chuckles with ease. "Well, I never said about helping me in eliminating the basilisks but rather you volunteer for yourself¡­ But no matter you did your part in incapacitating the serpent." Lon said, before walking towards the cave only to be pursued by Roland, Riza, and Ulgar.

    Upon entering, they saw the creature bleeding its last breath, protecting her three eggs. Anger quickly turns to sympathy and pity to see a brutally wounded mother laying close to its offspring.

    Paying no heed, Lon conjures a black quill and sends it to the basilisk head easily ending the creature''s life-- a painless death. And with the death of the basilisk, their part is done, now it''s Lon''s turn to finish his deed.

    Once Lon is finished dealing with the carcass of the basilisk, he begins his part. "You see, entering the dwarven kingdom is hard. They have special types of barriers which your friend already knows. But the only safest way to bring you in is through this." Showing them a potion.

    Upon hearing his plan, they all look at each other in perplexed faces. "Are there any other way?" Ulgar said.

    Lon sigh in fatigue. "This is all I can offer you, or do you want an injustice way of breaking in-- paladin?" Lon said in a serious tone. "Are you all in or not, either way, our agreement is fulfilled even if you deny it or not, considering I''m the one to offer?"

    With no choice left, they simultaneously gulp the potion leading them to hallucination and finally unconsciousness.

    "Tar, get the wagon" Lon smiles.

    "As you wish." A halfling mage reveals himself just a few feet from Lon''s side.

    Ulgar was first to recover but awaken an unlikely body. He couldn''t believe himself to be a dwarf same as the others. "I see you''re awake," Lon says leaning on the wagon.

    "What did you do!" A rather ragged tone Ulgar implore.

    "Don''t worry the effect will wear off eventually might be two to three days if I''m certain."

    "This isn''t the part of our agreement¡ª"

    "Look around you." Lon interrupts. "You''re already inside Dolvathur. you should be thankful for giving you a bonus. If I had given you the details of my plan, this would never happen. But enough, our deal is done." He said, before parting their ways.

    With just a blink of an eye, Lon faded as if he was just a delusion in the mind. Nevertheless, they are now inside of Dolvathur a large cavern with its own ecosystem. Unlike its other dwarven kingdom, Dolvathur is a kingdom like no other. Stretching over a mile and a height of twenty giants combine. Enough to hold five castles adding to its beauty three dolines allow sunlight to pass through enabling foliage to grow inside.

    Elsewhere--

    Akatosh had finally awakened in a grunting hunger. Much to his surprise his broken bones were as now healed. "Where am I?" He implores.

    "So you''ve awakened," Amaragnum said, with a sophisticated tone. "Welcome to my other hideout, I''m surprised it is still intact for centuries."

    "I see¡­" Akatosh reply, checking his inventory, fixing his armor, and cooking some meals.

    "Eager I see," Amaragnum says, watching him preparing his things.

    "Say Amaragnum, you could have taken advantage of an injured wolf," Akatosh said referring to himself.

    Amaragnum chuckles for just a second and in return. "I could but even an injured wolf can be extremely dangerous and much deeper than an abyss. Don''t you think?"

    "Funny you ask, even I myself don''t know what I am anymore."

    Following the partial hours of silence, Akatosh is now ready to start another journey. "So where to," Amaragnum asks.

    "To the same place, there''s still an unfinished business that I haven''t done."

 â€œThe Mist of Desire and Illusionâ€

    Upon returning to whence they were, both of them can tell, the soldiers of Endregar are still inclining at the dungeon. If they had used the cube, abruptly the mages nearby would have to sniff their escape. In contrary to their location, Akatosh casually treads towards the west, as he constantly looks out for any scout. Once they are now out of reach, Amaragnum begins to ask questions initiating a conversation.

    "Curious is to say, may I be in question on to what is that you seek on a simple pool of hot water. Clearly, I can tell the guile intention you had." Amaragnum implored.

    "Hmm¡­ it would be ponderous to reveals such details, wouldn''t you agree?" Akatosh smile.

    "Ahh¡­" Amaragnum chuckles, "A tedious way to flutter such significant plan from the eyes of your onlooker I see."

    "Indeed, it would be less fun when you spoil the show. But in return, I too was allured by your past, it would be good to dugout the truth considering the old-time you had."

    "It seems you''re filled with pesky liars, but I don''t blame you since I was the bad guy." Amaragnum sigh. "In the past I, Azageis and Elemis or the first arc sage. We were once called ''The Celestial Trio'' though Azageis and I have different motives. They were my friends as the three of us traveled together honing our magic."

    "So how did you gut each other''s throat." Searching a bottle of ale.

    "We went our separates ways, back then Maginum was ruled by a council. A bunch of senile and young sage who prides themselves as the most powerful mage. But not until the three of us challenged them. We won the battle, changing some of the rules, unlike Elemis, Azageis and I weren''t interested to be an arc sage, so we handed over to him, which was then the birth of the first arc sage."

    "Go on," Akatosh says, drinking on the road.

    "When Elemis was crowned the arc sage of Maginum. Azageis and I traveled our own path in search of mysteries. I do not know what Azageis is looking but mine however is a little bit different."

    "So did you uncover it."

    "A little, I manage to learn something when¡­" Amaragnum hesitate

    "Tragedy?" Akatosh utters.

    "A part of me had been taken, when I returned to my birthright my village, there through the north. Didn''t I meet a warm hug, nor a warm bed, or a warm soup from my travels but what greeted me is total carnage. Bodies staked like pigs, mutilating their flesh as their inside are rip from the outside. So, I track down the people who massacre my village, which leads me to Ilmasher, and when I arrive, in front of me was my own adoptive family butchered by my very own eyes. That''s where it all began."

    "And you burned Ilmasher to the ground."

    "I hesitated but after seeing those people in their wicked eyes. And yes, I razed that empire to ashes. Following the destruction of Ilmasher, Elemis was killed blaming it on my hand. And through that, the killing never stops as I''m the one to blame. The world turns against me, and so I went with it, until Azageis and his lackeys finally put an end to me, but not before I killed that nuisance mage."

    "And who might be that nuisance mage?" Akatosh leaned to one of the trees as he continuously drinks the conversation indulging in Amaragnum''s storytelling.

    "An annoying mage to be short his magic is different. It contradicts that even I had difficulties in opposing. My memories of him are but long forgotten and the only thing I remember is killing him."

    "An eye for an eye I see." Drinking the last drop of ale.

    And just as they begin to hit the road, Amaragnum was magnetized by something. "Wait." Implore the stillmage. "Something is cooking here."

    "What are you saying," Akatosh asks, pausing his step.

    "This faint essence. Yes¡­ it''s familiar¡­" Amaragnum chuckles. "I remember."

    "Spit the crap." Implies Akatosh, annoyed by the stillmage''s word.

    "Looks like someone is dabbling to forbidden magic being a toy with the devil. And it''s coming from the mountains opposite from our way quite surprisingly it is a potent one."

    "The mountains?" Bringing out a map from his bag. "To which place is it coming from." Akatosh quickly unrolls the map.

    "Hardly, I think it''s coming southeast to where we are standing." Replies the stillmage.

    "Oh¡­ it''s close to the village." Akatosh pause.

    "So what would it be, want to play a hero."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ I''m not a hero but, I''m a human and the hot bath can wait." And before he takes a step. "By the way, you do know teleportation magic. Right?"

    "What do you think I ''am!" Shout the stillmage. "I can on this range." He continues.

    "Range?" Akatosh question.

    Amaragnum sigh, "How much of a toddler you are. Teleportation has limits so the kingdoms had to create a place of teleportation. And as far as I know, placing your markings on random places on the borders of a kingdom means illegally."

    "Ahh... so that''s why they have those circles thing."

    "Also, during my time before I was caged into a dungeon. Placing a marking to one''s kingdom must have a permit, a license to be short and your markings must be visible to magic detection so visible that even a low tier mage can descry without sweating a single drop." Amaragnum Explain.

    "Quite the establishment these kingdoms have to offer. But how did you detect such presence when it''s far away from here."

    "I''m in the boundary of the spirit realm and the living. It''s like I''m in a beach once I dive through the waters there''s no turning back. And I''m to be careful when fishing on the waters who knows I might fish a hell hound."

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    "So is that how you get your powers."

    "Correct it''s like a human fishing for its meal to sustain its life only a little bit different. And the essence of the Deedras is inconsistently in the boundary realm, which is easy for me to detect."

    Sticking on the side of the road little by little few people and adventures are starting to fill the road. Occasionally Amaragnum lay hidden in his grimoire. Akatosh knew that both of them might have a hard time dealing with this type of situation unless if Chifya is still around. And as he steadily marches towards the guild receptionist, some of the people are looking at him in tension cold eyes.

    Barley holding the pressuring atmosphere, Akatosh ask the receptionist. "What can I do for you today sir." The receptionist replies.

    "Umm¡­ I''m looking for a gold-tier adventurer, a woman name Chifya."

    "Ahh¡­ her. It seems you might want to ask the innkeeper she might be around." The receptionist kindly replies.

    "I see you have my gratitude." Akatosh nods, going towards the innkeeper.

    "She''s in the same room." The innkeeper sigh, cleaning a tankard.

    Immediately as he was climbing the stairs towards where Chifya is he can tell the other adventurers are constantly preying their eyes to him. "Oh¡­ I sense something here." Amaragnum chuckles, now telepathically communicating through their minds.

    "Shut up," Akatosh responds, knocking on Chifyas door. And when Chifya opens it, she was filled with pleasant happiness and at the same time anger. Masking her warm emotion to ire audacity right away Akatosh remembers their disagreement.

    "Ah¡­ I completely forgot." Akatosh reckons.

    "Tough love?" Amaragnum laughs.

    "We have our own stern agreement which led me to reprisal her."

    "So, what is it that you want," Chifya says, with a torpor face.

    "I think that dungeon thing from last time is still active." Akatosh reply, a dull respond.

    "And?" Chifya strife.

    "You do realize she wants an apology." Amaragnum giggles.

    "Bahh! I had enough of this, apology my ass I had my fill for apologies. She was the one who acted first not me, and I will not solace her like I''m a donkey."

    "Ohh?"

    "Just-just forget about this." Akatosh sigh, casually stepping away from her.

    "C''mon why are you leaving?! I want to see this continue." The stillmage insist.

    Just as he was about a few feet away from her, Chifya calls. "Wait!" but Akatosh is in a hurry ignoring her call.

    "She''s calling for you." Amaragnum implored.

    "Nahh¡­ trust me she''ll be the real bossy one. And we should concentrate on this one, know anything about it." Akatosh reply, changing the topic.

    "Very well." Amaragnum sigh, and as he was about to explain little of the details. Chifya quickly packs her necessary things and hurriedly runs towards Akatosh.

    "Why did you stop," Akatosh respond but Amaragnum had quickly reinstituted into his hiding place. And before he knew it Chifya was already right beside him.

    They were still inside the inn, and Chifya knows that Akatosh isn''t fond of creating a fuss through an open crowd. "I need you to follow me for a minute or we can indulge ourselves through this crowd." Whispers Chifya in a fomented tone.

    "She''s serious." Amaragnum interrupts. "I think you need to follow her, given how noxious these people are.

    Akatosh casually sighs. "Fine."

    Sitting alone peering through Chifya''s interaction with the reception. Unsure of what they are saying but Akatosh can foresee that it might be linked to their past mission as he hopes to have no involvement of him in their discussion. And when Chifya finishes her discourse, undoubtedly, she right passed Akatosh with no word whatsoever.

    Leaving the tavern in complete silence, "I do hope I haven''t been involved in your discussion with the receptionist." Akatosh ask, patiently waiting for her to respond until he stops. "I''m just asking for yes or no, and I''m not going to move until I hear a respond¡ª"

    "No, and I didn''t do this to help you. I did it for the safety of these people. And what''s up about you being so concern to yourself." Chifya interrupts

    "There are some things you should be careful about." Akatosh smiles.

    When their last conversation fades to silence, they can hear people murmuring. "I thought that the guild had resolved about our problems but why are our crops still in blemish."

    "Not only that I heard there were people missing again."

    "The guild said they would fix this, but I see no fit to it. Particular to their drunken demeanor."

    "Haa¡­ society" Akatosh sigh.

    Trekking nearer to their destination again they had to cross a forest. Besides, it gets even darker considering the alps preventing the sunlight from lightening little of the forest. For that time, Amaragnum finally realizes what they are dealing with when they are walking through the thick mist but kept his silence at bay.

    The two however weren''t very particular in what surrounds them. It felt very normal for them, not knowing the mist had already taken possession. It wasn''t long before Akatosh saw Chifya in her uncontrolled self. Shivering on her knees as if someone had shown her a grim vision. Not knowing what to do, Akatosh initially goes to comfort her.

    "You alright?" He asks, where out of sudden Chifya clutches desperately and tightly wrapping her arms to him.

    "Rag!" Akatosh calls for the stillmage except Amaragnum didn''t respond thinking he must''ve again been discreet in his realm amusingly watching them.

    "Don''t leave me! Why are you doing this to me!" Chifya cries, still struggling to overcome her dream.

    Akatosh however was more daze to this unexpected particular situation, rather than solacing Chifya''s drama. It took her minutes to finally quench her sobbing tears but still stuck to him unable to let go.

    "I-I''m sorry," Chifya whispers, as she breathes a warm air.

    "Okay, now will you let go of me." Akatosh says, "Look there''s a person amusing himself right now, and we should best be on our track."

    Yet little by little Chifya''s appearing warm breath fluster his desire. Her thin leather clothing that fits her luscious body lush to his senses. Absorbing him into submission of explicit desire. Akatosh''s body grew numb much as his mind brim in temptation. Submerging him to the ground as Chifya slowly inches her way to his face and when she does she slightly undoes her apparel.

    In moments of sweet indulgence, Akatosh unexpectedly felt oddly different. He realizes the surroundings he where emits a foul play. He looks to his sideways ignoring the woman, to see a pile of loot waiting to be recovered. Surprisingly, Akatosh easily recovers going towards the piles of treasure. And when he happily grasps the coins into his hand, he found himself kneeling, returning to reality.

    "Wait, where''s the loot." Worried Akatosh and to see Chifya lying on the ground, still in comprehend by her dream.

    "Ahh¡­ that some nice meal," Amaragnum said, and before Akatosh could make a question Amaragnum quickly interrupts him. "Both of you are in her illusion right after you both crossed the mist." The stillmage said.

    "And why didn''t you warn us from the beginning."

    "Well, I wouldn''t miss this opportunity to take a piece of her supply. For you to understand the mist is her doing. Shastra the master of desire and illusion. And someone made a pack with her to became her puppet. See, when you are dreaming through this mist created by her you are procuring energy that feeds her power, so I secretly branch the energy taking some for myself.  And you should you be grateful I was the one who dispels the illusion unlike you your friend over there was the one who mostly donates large quantities of energy."

    "Okay, I understand so by dispelling such illusion. One must put something more desirable than the dream."

    "Not necessarily, you can break it by also showing some of her gruesome past. I can show you although, this might be inappropriate for her considering how nice her dream was." Amaragnum chuckles casting his magic towards Chifya.

    Upon her awake both Amaragnum and Akatosh can see how flush her face is. And without further ado Chifya quickly stand and begun floundering without knowing where she was heading.

    "Is she alright?" Akatosh ask watching her struggle.

    "She''s fine though. She''s just recovering from her dream." Amaragnum giggles.

    "Wait-wait the minute you saw both me and her our dreams, right?"

    "But of course¡­" Amaragnum can barely contain his laughter. "It''s quite amusing."

    "Hmm¡­ by the way can you tell me Chifya''s dream." Akatosh insists.

    "Nahh¡­ I think you should be ready, your friend there has recovered." Amaragnum said avoiding his question. And just like that Chifya returns to her sober attitude.

    By the help of Amaragnum they were able to emerge from the mist. While Akatosh is in lead, "By the way Chifya I''m quite inquisitive to what your dream was¡ªARGHHH!"

    A hard club smack through his head, not enough to injure him but enough to cause pain. He turns around to see Chifya holding a club made from her magic and a cold aura emitting from her.

 A Temporary Rebirth

    A nasty essence howls through their skin, worst a dark-like mist can be seen crawling out from the cave unpleasant to the eye. A little step further through the entrance, malicious barriers render their mind and body, unable to let them pass. The streams of water spewing out from the cave were unlikely normal however, Amaragnum had already seen this type of corruption. It may look like clear normal water but what it holds is a blight not powerful to instantly decay crops rather slow and unnoticed. And only a high priest and priestesses can sense the rot. Knowing why this is the result of the stain crops from the village he turns at the stillmage.

    With zero knowledge, Akatosh asks Amaragnum for help or advice. "A physical barrier ehh¡­" Says Amaragnum, "It seems you''re in luck, if it would be a boundary barrier, we would have a hard time dealing with such magic. A powerful priest can break such as this but there are other ways in dealing with this type of forbidden magic."

    "What do you suggest then." Akatosh reply.

    "Judging by its level I can say¡­ I need to borrow your body."

    "You what!?" Akatosh doubt.

    "Do you want to end this quickly or not. No worries I shall use half of your body."

    "Fine." Akatosh hesitated.

    "Good... however, being a low entity on my current power that I can''t even possibly force my way in¡­ I suggest you must open yourself up."

    "Ain''t this more complicated."

    "This is just simple if you let me do the work," Amaragnum said, and once Akatosh blink they find themselves in a different dimension where only both of them are the ones staying.

    Facing each other. "Welcome!" Amaragnum said in his shadow form, a murky black-flames like. While Akatosh stays in his human appearance and in between them is a barrier consisting of a rainbow color twisting, resonating.

    "What now?" Akatosh asks, unsure if he can truly trust this stillmage.

    "You just have to let me pass. See this color thing you just have to deteriorate through imagination." Amaragnum said.

    "I can but I don''t blame you if being eaten again." Akatosh smiles, intimidating Amaragnum.

    Once Akatosh weakens the barrier, he returns to his body but is different. "So this is what it feels to have a body!" Akatosh exclaim and with a tone of a dark voice.

    Chifya who nearly transforms in helps if she can withstand the barrier, right away saw a dark aura discharging from his right side. She was paralyzed by the evil presence coming out from Akatosh and once again she remembers his first rampage.

    "FLESH AND BONES!" Akatosh laughs, confused if it was Akatosh''s voice or the stillmage. Ignoring Chifya, Akatosh easily treads towards the obstacle, and with a single touch, the invisible force crumbles. Upon shattering the barrier, a wail of screams violently exits the cave. Upon entering the cave, out of sight Chifya fell to her knees panting and sweating.

    Not being afraid of what enemies he encounters, they slowly march their way smiling, excited for carnage. Without holding back from the first wave of enemies, the stillmage unleashes its true power. Materializing a tiny burning sphere levitating from his palm. And when he clenched the flaming-orb the huddled monsters burst into flames which then quickly turns to ashes and staggering the cave.

    Following their first attack, Akatosh unleashes the whip decimating the gargoyles. Casting magic using his right arm, while to his left is a sword that can slice flesh like it was just a jelly and a whip attached to his claw-gauntlet ripping his opponents.

    Two souls into one body sharing each other''s chord, both of them frenzy themselves on the open cavern full of possessed creatures and monsters summoned from the nether world. Akatosh for the first time had never felt this sensation before. The feeling when you cast a fireball, the feeling when you conjure dozens of black arrows excruciating mobs in a single strike. Even though he wasn''t doing the magic thing, Akatosh felt it. He fervor the sensation of what it feels like to be a mage.

    As they were constantly grinding, blasting unknown magic. A large demonic-ogre rams Akatosh''s body. However, Amaragnum was quick in casting powerful alteration magic stiffening their flesh to dragon scale. When the demonic-ogre sandwich them to the rough wall, the whip had already snaked itself from the ogre''s whole body.

    "''Tis but a scratch!" They simultaneously said, stabbing the ogre''s throat adding up Amaragnum unleashes powerful magic. "Decay!" He grins.

    The moment he places his hand on the ogre''s forehead, its flesh turns to withering soil easily for the whip to shatter. There were no magic circles, no incantation this is what a legendary stillmage is. For thousands of years imprisoned now Amaragnum finally let loose and with a body to amplifies his power, his knowledge, his wisdom there is no stopping these two megalomaniacs.

    Outside where Chifya is she can feel the earth tremble as dark and chaotic energy rips her druid senses. Quickly finding her resolves, transmuting to one of her druid gifts, eyes turn purple glowing in the dark, instantly her long silky hair shifted from black to silver-moon. Wolf-ears appear on her head, popping out from her hair. Not only did she slightly gain the appearance of a wolf but also raises her attributes five times than her normal trait.

    Forcefully drilling their way in, and just a few steps away, literally they burst the door open. And from within is a gnome in an outrage panic. "Stay back!" The gnome mage shout, casting magic to defend himself. "I said stay back or¡ª"

    "Or what?!" They said, slowly marching towards the gnome.

    "I warned you!" The gnome says, and with a swift slam of his hand, the room slowly changes. Once they are in a cave, full of rocks, tools, apparatus, now they are in an icy-hell open blizzard and the gnome is nowhere to be found-- vanished.

    "Illusion ehh¡­" Amaragnum said, shaping a blue ball of energy from his arms, and once he burst the compressed energy, "I see¡­ so this is not the work of that gnome." Amaragnum continues trying to break the illusion.

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    Frostbite slowly grovels the frail skin, the conceit they were is as reality as itself. And the only thing that can defend themselves from the intense nature is the blazing whip and Amaragnum''s fire magic, which encloses Akatosh''s body from the severe snowstorm.

    Amaragnum wasn''t done, comparing his past experience to this present day, it was no more than a walk in the park. Once he senses the gnome busy maneuvering his hand invocating magic circles, casting a spell. Amaragnum together with Akatosh they conjure tremendous electricity discharging from their hands. With both hands barely compressing the blistering magic some of it was leaking and like lighting it serrated the ground carving the place.

    "Adios." Slamming the concentrated energy from the snowy ground. The lightning rapidly directs to the gnome in mere seconds, so fast that it travels faster than the shockwave hurling the layers of snow. They didn''t hastily run towards the gnome, rather marching slowly sighting a bunch of lightning erasing the gnome''s protection.

    They watch as the gnome struggles to maintain the barriers. Hearing the crackling roar of thunder but when they are a few yards away, the gnome''s barrier shatters from the battering waves of lightning. Inflicting massive damage, the gnome was hurled ten meters. "Matron¡­ g-give me power¡­" It calls for Shastra the queen of illusion and desire and for somehow Shastra didn''t answer her servant¡¯s plead, for she had lost interest.

    His flesh is cooked, nerves are shut down paralyzing the gnome. While he Lays in wait and unable to regenerate the gnome still breath, waiting for Akatosh to decide his final fate.

    "H-have mercy¡­" Pleads the gnome¡¯s name Laneth.

    Akatosh pauses for a moment gaping down the dying gnome. But when he saw Laneth''s face, all he saw is pure wickedness, he saw nothing but a thirst for sacrifice and power. Uncoerced, Akatosh plunged the gnome''s heart dispelling the illusion.

    After they easily dealt with the gnome and his abominations, Amaragnum again forcefully tries to seizure Akatosh''s body. However, Akatosh was prepared to sort for holy water while he struggles to dominate Amaragnum.

    "Screw you!" Akatosh shout unable to control the whip.

    "Hahaha¡­ ain''t this a surprise, what secrets are you hiding in this body of yours." Amaragnum laughs using Akatosh''s right hand to cast a spell.

    Anticipating the stillmage''s magic, Akatosh using his claw-gauntlet slams his right hand piercing his flesh and disabling the stillmage''s casting. Once he''d manage to procure holy water, Akatosh forcefully gulps the entire liquid. Truth to be known, he wasn''t sure if it can purge his body but for a few seconds, the stillmage exist in his steaming body.

    Swallowing the holy water is like drinking hot water cursing through his stomach. It was an excruciating pain such as his inside is being roasted. "Now I know why holy water is for external use." He groans, sitting on a chair in a deranged position.

    And when Chifya arrives checking for Akatosh, a voice of a woman called. "Mortal¡­ I see you''ve defeated my servant and my pets, no matter he proved his delicacy."

    Chifya looks back and forth, to compass the voice. "Who are you?" Shastra questions Akatosh while in the state of recovering.

    "A human." Reply Akatosh.

    "Then I suspect you are one of the causes here¡ª"

    "Two of one to be fact." Akatosh interrupts. "Speak your intent and make it simple."

    Shastra chuckles in an intriguing tone. "A daring tongue, no mortals have this kind of word with a Deedra before. But I see fit as you to be my champion, a loyal subject to my ranks."

    "You are one to ask such a thing with an indefinite price. So I must do the same."

    The Deedra couldn''t help but laughs imbues if she were mistreated in her statues or chuckles in amusement. "And what would that be--" Before she could finish her sentence Chifya found her shrine, her channel to spoke with mortals.

    A deformed mirror twisted in the spiral shape of obsidian. Upon shattering the object, Chifya severs their conversation. "What are you doing I was just asking if she''s willing to be my gir--" By the time Akatosh could follow a word, a cold slap Chifya gave him.

    "Do you even know what you''re doing, the consequences of having a covenant with a Deedra!" Chifya exclaimed, grabbing his shredded vest.

    Akatosh affixes his eyes to the woman, He couldn''t believe what stood in front of him. An incredibly beautiful she-wolf and with her is a fomented stern atmosphere. After Akatosh saw Chifya, he merely smiles despite the pain and blood he bargains for accepting a power not his own. He thought it would be best to go for looting rather than argue with her like a childish person he was.

    And so Akatosh calmly pushes her hands, going through the gnome''s corpse. Using only his left arm, all he found was a mask broken but holds a secret. And the only thing why he kept it, was the design. A very enticing mask where half of it was shattered, a mask made out of scale, scale from a shadow dragon. Cracks and fractures can be seen like it was now a fragile object. Surprisingly, the mask is as hard as an elven-steel.

    Once she saw Akatosh in his solemn face resembling a lonely man unacceptable to a companion. "Tsk¡­" Neglecting to face him, she expressed not in disapproval to him but to her relevance.

    After he inspects the mask, Akatosh quickly tries it. And when the mask touches his face, he felt protected when a swirl of energy unseen to the eye begins to form. He felt it, he knows it, he no longer needs to wear a helmet, no longer need to defend his exposed fragile head.

    He smiles, putting the mask in his void bag. "You can have this place as your evidence. Only don''t involve me or my name to what happened here." He says to Chifya''s remorse face, who didn''t even do a thing or two.

    "Will you?" He implores.

    "Fine!" A frustrated tone Chifya utters.

    Apart from the holy water that renders his strength, the consecutive battle and little rest worsening his health. Chifya could see him staggering to walk for that she kept her pace with him and when they descend the slope Akatosh scramble to the ground. That''s when Chifya quickly catches him, grasping his body.

    "It''s okay I can walk." Akatosh insist, which forced Chifya to use her sleeping potion constraining him to slumber.

    "Just not a temple¡­" Akatosh request before slowly closing his eyes.

    She then carries him and with her superhuman abilities, she was able to bring him to the nearest treatment house. There was no temple in this faraway village though, she could have taken him to some priest but when Akatosh says otherwise she really did keep her word.

    After hours of treatment. "His wounds are healed; he just needs a day or two of rest." The doctor said, surprised at how a man would brutally inject himself with all kinds of injuries and potions without fearing the outcome.

    "Thank you kindly I''ll repay you--" Chifya bows and with her is his items.

    "No need, your help was nobler to these people living in his village." The doctor interrupts.

    "No¡­" Chifya calmly shakes her head, "You should be thanking him¡­" Gazing her eyes towards Akatosh.

    "I see," The doctor understood her words and eyes, "Then I''ll let you know when he''s fully recovered."

    She returns to the inn and once she reports her quest, she carefully places Akatosh''s possession in their room. She was surprised, normally Akatosh always carries a medium bag, now he carries a belt pouch. What she didn''t realize was, she became more interested in him in way of uncovering his mysteries or perhaps the other way around.

    By the time after the dawn brought light to the land, "By the order of the adventurer''s guild and the council of Endregar. Under the name of Council lord Eskandor Alvatras, I hereby call for Chifya, a member of the adventurers'' guild to appear to the council. Failure to do so in three days, the laws of policies between the council of Endregar and the adventurers'' guild will be implemented." Cries the messenger of Endregar and with him are three bodyguards. A third-rate Endregar knight and a bald mage.

    Their presence silences the inn; some adventurers are murmuring as to why there were no little details to be told. Even the guild receptionists are in solitary faces-- helpless. However, Chifya freely gave herself to them appearing before they leave the place. Remembering why Akatosh constantly ask not to envelop him in this guild affairs, now she knew why. Not knowing the connection, Akatosh clearly tangled himself with a dragon.

    The inn was left dreary but how can they when they are just under the kingdoms'' government and laws. All they could do is watch as Chifya faded to their doorstep.

 â€œWhat is your Destinyâ€

    As regard to Chifya''s summons to the council of Endregar to be interrogated, Akatosh had finally awake on an empty stomach and as always, he searches for his belongings.

    "Oh¡­ you''ve awoken." The doctor said putting the folded clothes on the cupboard.

    "Where are my things," Akatosh asks, flexing his shoulder.

    "Ahh¡­ your friend asks me that she had your belongings. She said that you can find her at the tavern." The doctor replies.

    "I see," Akatosh said wearing his clothes.

    "Are you sure to go? You still haven''t recovered yet."

    "I''m fine¡­ how much is the cost." Akatosh implore.

    "That''s alright young lad, our help is free of services." The doctor smiles, "And you should take this medicine." Giving him three small potions.

    "I think it''s too much for me." Akatosh decline.

    "Please take this, it''s our token of gratitude from this village." The doctor insists.

    "Fine," Akatosh sigh, accepting the potion thinking Chifya must have spoken some of his deeds.

    By destroying the lingering evil that infests the land from the clutches of a Deedra''s plague. The plants near the canal are no longer dying, in fact, they''re quickly recovering in just a day. And the people weren''t grumping their voices towards the guild. But not for Akatosh when he opens the tavern''s door.

    Their eyes are not right, much more aggressive than before. He didn''t ask for information about Chifya knowing she''s in her room. Unfortunately, when he was about a few feet away from the door a man slams him to the wall. It was the rouge that Chifya rescued, angry and had an unpleasant eye.

    Akatosh was ill-filled with anger as to why this young man suddenly assaults him. He could punch him in the jaws but considering his unfortunate early recovery.

    "That''s enough!" A man called to his companions before Akatosh could again resolve to brawl.

    "Tsk¡­" The lad steps back, relinquishing Akatosh.

    "Forgive my companions for his rude action." The knight apologizes, it was the man whom he nearly decapitates back at the dungeon.

    "What is this all about." Akatosh imply.

    After minutes of extensive explanation, Akatosh finally understood why and also why those adventurers that are bellying their mead had those hatred eyes. His expectation didn''t go wrong as to why those soldiers of Endregar are occupying the dungeon. He knows he had what there are looking though he doesn''t know the specific item which Akatosh assumed must be the cube.

    "I see." A blunt tone Akatosh usher from them. Without showing emotion, he rises from his seat and by his side are the people which Chifya rescued.

    "So are you just going to walk away!" The female mage slams the table. "Are you going to abandon your friend!" The mage shout watching Akatosh leaves the table treading to Chifya''s room.

    "Only a worm would leave their friends¡ª"

    "That''s far enough." Again, the leader interferes. There are on the second floor, privately conveying. Fine for them to say any emotions they can utter.

    "Thanks for your time," Akatosh says, as they watch him accessing Chifya''s room. And to his surprised, his things are neatly piled on the table. "Cute" he smiles.

    Going for the grimoire. "Hey, I know you''re there Amaragnum," Akatosh says swinging the grimoire. Out of patience for not having a single word utter, Akatosh pours holy water on the grimoire''s cover pulling Amaragnum.

    "I''ll get you!" The stillmage shout.

    "This is for double-crossing my body." Pouring some holy waters to his grimoire and sprinkling some to Amaragnum.

    "Damn you I swear I''ll rip your soul¡ª" While Amaragnum constantly roars his rage, Akatosh calmly ignores his words then went ordering some food at the waitress.

    Slowly chopping his food, Akatosh was settling his mind on how to pull Chifya from the hands of Endregar''s council. That''s when he thought about the mask.

    Akatosh smiles changing his apparel and also his attire not anymore equipping the claw gauntlet and the elven-steel armor. He was now wearing simple leather armor and even switches his weapons that from katana to a dagger and a short sword.

    Putting the mask his appearance slightly changes. Discontent, Akatosh fixes his hair too far erasing his original appearance. Once satisfied he double-check the room to see Chifya''s satchel. With an insolence action, Akatosh peers through her things to see countless potions, scrolls, and the necklace that is safely kept in a box.

    He smiles putting a bow with a fully stock quiver on the satchel''s side, and a letter. Before departing the room, Akatosh wears his worn-out shredded shroud and undoes his original image. Once he descends to the first floor, he drops a few shillings and asks about Chifya.

    "Well, they came after dawn arrives, and judging by the parchment they had it was a high-end order from the council. The guild receptionist had it although one must be a member." The innkeeper said.

    "I see, take care of her room for me, and when she comes back tell her my regards."

    "I will" The innkeeper smiles.

    Before long, he switches his appearance masking his true identity just as he was outside the village. Gathered a little information about where Chifya was heading.

    "The innkeeper said that they must have headed through the north. True, if they are using a carriage, then I must follow this road." Akatosh says, contemplating the angle of the sun. "Judging by the sun''s elevation and the heat, I daresay I''m four hours away." He continues, changing his shredded shroud.

    Gulping an endurance potion, he flexes his entire body for a marathon. Hasting adrift from the open road, he really does enjoy running none stop without never getting tired, jumping logs, and even training his swordsmanship while on the run.

    As for Chifya, inside the carriage there she was handcuffs through magical energy unable to cast a single spell. Two people are on the look, one was a mage the bald one, and a knight. The messenger however was on the front wheel and by his side was a knight who''s running the horses. She thought it is best to silence as to wait for the further outcome.

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    "Hey, Amaragnum," Akatosh calls while heating up his boots, yet there was no response. "I still have holy water." He continues.

    "What do you want!" Amaragnum finally answers.

    "Help me."

    "Help you for what!" Amaragnum furiously said.

    "Screw you, if you want a body so bad why don''t you possess some fresh corps." Akatosh implies however, it also silences the stillmage. "Look we can settle our differences later."

    "Gahh, forget this!" Akatosh shout, after not receiving an answer.

    "I will help you. But I also have some request." The stillmage said.

    "Deal and I need your power," Akatosh says without hesitation.

    Over time, they were able to catch up but kept their distance. Shadowing their path and after a few miles of journeys, they stop at a camp. He wasn''t mistaken when Chifya emerge from the carriage waiting to be transported through teleportation.

    But they weren''t in haste, inside their main tent the mage somehow conjures a projection of the king''s ambassador for communication. Akatosh was thinking, and after molding a plan, he needed to make them as his enemies even for Chifya. He needed a tactical script for them not to trigger suspicion, a query that would lead to both Chifya and his connection.

    Without even preparing teleportation, Akatosh suddenly appears inside their tent, like the assassin he was. And by his entrance, the bald mage together with the two knights fell to slumber. Leaving only the messenger, and the captain of the soldiers that Akatosh saw at the dungeon.

    They call for help, but there was no one to enter the tent. "It''s useless," Akatosh says, again merged with Amaragnum. Conjuring a powerful wind, it easily burst the tent open revealing dozens of unconscious soldiers. Even so, the three were paralyzed unable to move, but secretly Amaragnum lessens his spell towards Chifya and even breaking her handcuff.

    "Who are you¡­" The captain says, sweating and in fear by the overpowering dark force that Akatosh emits.

    Akatosh chuckles. "Let''s leave our introduction for a while, I know you have it."

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about." The captain nervously says.

    "You''re lying; I''m talking about this," Akatosh says, revealing the cube dancing in his palm hiding it from Chifya''s view.

    Upon showing the cube, the two were shocked to the point as their eyes no longer blink. "You-you''re the one--"

    "Cut the crap he told me you had it." Akatosh interrupts and by his words, it arouses the suspicion between the messenger and the captain.

    Returning the cube to his bag, "Where is it!" Puncturing the captain''s shoulder using his dagger.

    "So, I was fooled by that man. It seems I need to teach that senile a lesson." Akatosh said creating a lie.

    Faking to stab the captain''s heart Chifya finally breaks the petrification spell, saving the captain and the messenger.

    Evading her attack, Akatosh smile. He was waiting for this moment to dance in his plan. Picking up the sword from the dozing knight she charges at Akatosh, casting her druid spell. And while she was fighting him Chifya felt an odd familiarity to him and his aura.

    Since Amaragnum was sprinkled with holy water some of his power was depleted still, he had the power to rip dozens of guards.

    "I see, a half-dark elf, maybe a half-bred." Amaragnum says through their mind.

    "A dark elf?!" Akatosh says, surprised at what the stillmage said.

    Pressing her palm on the surface. Creating a magic circle spiky roots emerge from the ground to where Akatosh was standing. Fortunately, Amaragnum''s power easily pounces her magic using a powerful fire spell that erases the roots into ashes.

    "Who are you." Chifya exclaim.

    Akatosh smiles in relief. "I believe my introduction is needed. Remember these words. I''m a man with two faces of one, and Time is what I am called. If by certain, our paths may cross again-- if." Akatosh says before Amaragnum cast an invisibility spell. "Bitches!"

    Without running away, Chifya heads towards the wounded captain. And when she closes in, the paralyzed spell vanishes allowing the two to move freely. "It''s alright." She kneels healing his wounds though she wasn''t a master healer, not even close enough to heal Akatosh''s past injuries.

    It took her minutes to finally close the open wounds and after that, the captain, and the messenger nods to each other before the captain could engage a word with Chifya. "We are grateful for your help and your presence that save our lives."

    "You''re welcome although it wasn''t necessary to thank me for it is my own action when dealing with such enemies. But I must ask a question as to why I''m to be interrogated by the council and that man from before." Chifya says with a serious face.

    "Forgive us, it was the course of my action that led me to my mistake. However, I cannot say little of such a word, for I''m not in a position to speak such details. I will send a remission letter from your guild and as a token of my mistake for summoning you. Please take this." The captain said, giving her a pouch of coin.

    Chifya hesitates, but in the end, she accepts his offer. And unknown to them, Akatosh was hiding, checking if his plan work. And when he saw their transaction, he envies her when the captain offers her a pouch of coin. As Chifya aboard the carriage returning to Dragon''s Lake Akatosh breath in consolation.

    Teleporting to where Amaragnum''s passed mark his ground, this time Amaragnum return to his grimoire dreary to dominate Akatosh''s body. Who would never have thought that coming here for sulfur would give him more than he can bargain.

    It was until dusk when Chifya arrives and as she opens the door. She was met with a warm welcome and with it was a small banquet for her heroism and hearts of valor for solving the village''s crisis that not even them can''t.

    "We received a remittal message from the council; thus, we all agree to prepare some for you. Now come¡­" The female receptionist says with a felicitous face, delighted by her return.

    "I-I¡­" Not knowing what to say, Chifya couldn''t help but hides her sentimental face.

    "C''mon don''t be shy, the BEERS ON MEE!" One of the adventurers says to the people.

    Same with Chifya only earlier, Akatosh arrives at the place he was looking for. And when he sees the large deposit of sulfur, his prosperity beams. He couldn''t help but grin while mining the sulfur. He was prepared to buy ten sacks, and with the help of his magic bag, he had no difficulties in transporting such large quantities.

    Satisfied, Akatosh searches for a decent spot. Upon finding the place, he first cooks his dinner, and for a little celebration, he pours everything to create a fine dish made from meat that he preserved using a chest and some little chunks of ice. He never thought that his magic bag could even maintain the ice''s condition, nevertheless, he was pleased.

    After he appeased his stomach, Akatosh slowly dips himself on the hot spring relaxing his aching muscles. And while unwinding, he enjoys the delightful scenery on what''s in front of him. The silence of the night, the luminous aurora that paints the sky, and with it are stars and three moons illuminating the vast lake creating a marvelous setting.

    "So nice yet so very nostalgic," Akatosh says puffing a bottle of ale.

    At the tavern, the rowdiness of the people could be heard from the neighboring area. Bards jags their instrument matching the celebration. Adventurers utter their spirits of deeds; some are challenging each other at arm-wrestling.

    "Are you alright?" The female mage said to Chifya.

    "I''m fine¡­ it just, the beer slightly got me." Chifya reply, trying her best to indulge in the ongoing fest.

    "Then let us drink to our heart''s content!" Shout the man in leather armor, a fighter.

    "A toast to our lady who dedicates herself to cleansing the land from the jaws of evil." Shouts the man wearing chainmail,

    "CHEERS!" They simultaneously glee.

    From their melodic words, Chifya couldn''t hide her blushing face. "Don''t be you''ve earned it." The female priest implores solacing Chifya''s embarrassment.

    Through the passing night of celebration, it finally ended. At dawn, Chifya opens her eyes inside her room. The banquet from last night left her to daze, unknown to her if someone help her or she managed to crawl to her own room. Over time, she eases her hangover, and to her surprise. She saw Akatosh bow resting on top of the cupboard.

    Subsequently, her emotions replace her ailing condition. A thought of farewell gift as her hand slowly reaches to the bow. And when she saw the folded papers, she quickly grasps it, and a word written. "Remember these words, I''m a man with two faces of one, and Time is what I am called. If by certain, our paths may cross again-- if. PS please forgive me."

    The words quickly fell to her the moment she connects the sentence. "You stupid idiot," Chifya whispers barely suppressing her emotions as she firmly crushes the paper.

    Heading down through west, Akatosh peacefully walks the road. Crossing valleys and steppes, hitchhiking a wagon to ride. Immersing his traveling adventure, he pays attention to what he encounters, ruins to loot, skeletons to loot, looting fallen enemies for the spoils.

    "You never get tired of this?" Amaragnum asks, after watching him ransacking the ruins.

    "I don''t know¡­" He replies.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ I''ve been meaning to ask; I''ve seen people bound by their elusive instinct. I saw people who take up to what they believe in hopes of changing the future. But you''re no different if not¡­ what is yours to you."

    Akatosh pause, "Fate and destiny huh¡­" He sigh. "Maybe nothing, maybe something. Exist that doesn''t exist, but time will tell."

 73: No Title

    "Speak." An irrelevant tone the ambassador said, communicating through magic.

    "Ambassador, we have found the culprit although¡­ the man is not what we think he is." The captains say. "He casually came to us alone, looking for the other parts of the relic. And he seems to be in league with someone higher than him."

    "And who might that be¡­"

    "We are still on the investigation; however, I have evidence that he had the cube considering he even unveiled it in front of us."

    "Did you see any signs on that man that I''ve been telling you about?" The ambassador said.

    The captain shakes his head, "He didn''t carry much, but he''s more dangerous to be an adversary. His casting is that of a high mage, a sage to be said."

    "He didn''t use an incantation?" The ambassador says somewhat shock.

    "I believe so."

    "Very well¡­" The ambassador sigh masking his trepidation, "I will send one of our best diviners to put a bounty on his head." Severing their communication.

    Ending the conversation, the captain returns to help fix the camp. And just a couple of hours, a lady enters the captain''s tent an empty emotion smeared on her beautiful face, blank as a clear white sheet. Wearing a long ornamental red cloak, shorthair, and crimson lips.

    "You''re fast," The captain said.

    "And thus, I should be, place your hand to mine." The lady said, offering her hand to his.

    Without hesitation, the captain gently touches his hand for her to begin the ritual. And with that, the white circle expands less than ten inches in diameter and when the lady opens her eyes, all was pure white, shining like a light bulb.

    Prying the captain''s memory, she faces Akatosh substituting the captain''s body. Unfortunately for her, what she met is more than what she can take. Her powers cannot comprehend the overpowering stench of Amaragnum and Akatoshs'' aura, forcing her to end the ritual.

    Thirty seconds, those seconds cause the lady to tumble down. Luckily, the captain caught her before she falls to her knees.

    "Take her to rest." The captain said, calling the two-knight guarding the entrance. He has never seen her like this before, how someone could even overpower her even for just a memory.

    Even through her sleep, she dreams of Akatosh, standing with his mask as confuse as to see two souls into one body. It was their cursed as to their gift for a diviner.

    She had awakened on her two hours of rest, followed by a small dose of headache. After revitalizing her mind, she finds a clear parchment for her to gently place her hand on the open sheet, drawing the face of Akatosh through magic.

    Once finished, the lady calls for the guard outside her tent. "Give this to the captain." The lady says, handing him the scroll.

    Before the guards deliver the scroll, "The captain said, you are to join him at his dinner." The guard implores.

    "Thank you kindly, but my time here is but temporary and short. If very much for a guide." The lady says, referring to teleportation.

    "I''m sorry my lady, but the captain insists."

    "Very well, tell the captain I''ll be there soon."

    At the captain''s place, "Sir," the guard said delivering him the scroll.

    "Come in" The captain responds.

    "She gave me this for you. She also said she''ll be in touch as soon as she was done on her chord."

    "Hmm¡­ good job soldier." nods the captain, "Return to your post." He continues.

    "Yes, captain." The man said, returning to where he was assigned.

    Calling his mage assistance, "Make a replica of this and send every copy to every part of the kingdom, especially the adventurers guild." Giving him the exceptionally fine details of Akatosh''s face and a letter to enter every kingdom.

    Heading to where the land of merchants, Akatosh calmly whistles through the road humming some lyrics. "If you miss the train I''m on, you will know that I am gone, you can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles--"

    "What are you even barding." Amaragnum interrupts.

    "What¡­ It''s not like it can kill you."

    "Bahh¡­" Amaragnum implore.

    "So what is the thing you request."

    "Nothing much, I just want to visit a place." The stillmage says.

    "Hmm¡­ what about teleportation." Akatosh implies, entering through the open valley full of beautiful scenery.

    "My markings had long faded, or even erased by Azageis himself, my last special marking was at my hideout that''s one of my last resort. For your information, normal markings have a life span of a year or two. And since he''s still stretching that life of his, I must erase my footprints, not to be nose up by him."

    "I almost forgot, you said Chifya was a half-dark elf. She seems pretty human to me, and her neko¡ªI mean her wolf form though."

    "Don''t know, dark elves don''t usually interact with other races especially with their cousin. I''ve only met, I think fifty or more on my past travels. Though during the stillmage crisis that I created, they pledge their alliance with the other races." Amaragnum says as they both travel for three days and three nights without encountering a wagon to ride. Using ruins and abandon cottages to shed from the rain they slowly take their journey.

    While both Amaragnum and Akatosh are hitting the road, Chifya returns to Ravalind aided by some adventures and with a cloudy emotion she took. Her name even reached the main guild, greeting her high while she goes to report her quest towards the guild administrator.

    "Let see, did you register here." The receptionist asks in surprise.

    "Ahh¡­ nay, it''s my first time becoming a member. I just recently registered at Dragon''s Lake."

    "Wow¡­ I''m surprised for someone like you as a fresh gold class adventurer." Gasp the receptionist. "Truly are, you''re one of a few to achieve such as this."

    "Ahh¡­. It''s not like that, I just had a friend that helped me." Chifya smile.

    "Here you go then." The receptionist says, giving her seven gold Shar and an accomplishment card boosting her crest. "Ow¡­ before you go, there was a person who came here four days ago, asking for you. He seems to be one of the druid clans."

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    "A person?" Chifya breaths.

    "Yes, luckily one group was familiar to you."

    "Do you mean--" Before Chifya continues, someone taps her shoulder.

    "Yo, long time no see." Riya smile along with her two friends, Reith and Sei.

    "So did you found him," Riya asks, as they are padding through the town.

    "He-he ran away." A gray face coming out from Chifya as she speaks.

    Avoiding further emotions, Riya changes the topic. Trying her best to cheer Chifya. "Well, we''ll see you at the camp," Sei said as they head opposite their direction, leaving the two females behind.

    "Where are they going?" Chifya ask.

    "Ahh¡­ they''re going to the market for some provision," Riya replies.

    "Don''t forget to buy those things that I''ve said," Riya exclaims towards the two lads.

    "Right, we got it." They spoke.

    "You know what¡­ thanks to him we were able to see what''s down ahead of our path¡­" Riya smile, "We even manage to come this far." Showing her silver crest, a third-class silver adventurer. "Not just me but also them."

    "I see" Chifya smiles.

    A little step further they notice a crowd of adventurers and bounty hunters gazing at the board post. Curious both of them join the view.

    "Fifty gold!" A certain person said through the crowd.

    "I could live a noble class with this much coin."

    "Is this guy worth taking?"

    Taking a view, Chifya was struck after looking at Akatosh''s bounty image, and a reward of a whopping fifty gold Shar.

    "We should return to your home." Chifya shrug, turning her back from the crowd. Confused Riya follows.

    And when they are gone, a group of adventurers and at the same time a bounty hunter, forcing their way to the crowd. Quickly noticing their appearance, the crowd makes way for them.

    "Is that what I think it is." One person whispers.

    "Yeah, it''s them alright."

    A fine man, casually treading through the throng. A man with sharp cold eyes and a striking appearance. Wearing a beautiful dark Mithril armor, belt with a legendary long sword, that others truly favor. By his side are five magical crests class-type adventurers. Where each of the five had a dark phoenix engrave on their right shoulder. While their main leader had it on his back.

    "The Ashen Phoenix." A person whispers.

    Also known as the guild''s champion, the highest rank of all the guild members the foremost cardinal as was the sovereign of the adventurer''s guild.

    And by his side are two mages consist of one male and a lady, two male rouges are lingering behind the crowd, and a single paladin at his side.

    He goggles Akatosh''s bounty for a mere second, and without hesitation, he removes one of Akatosh''s bounty. "Hold this." A tedious tone he said handing the paper to his female mage.

    Without saying another word, they left the crowd going to report their quest to the guild.

    The crowd was left astound; they could feel the pressure as the champion walk past them.

    "I heard he was out for nearly four months." An anonymous person says after the champion left for a couple of minutes.

    "Yeah, he took one of the most dangerous quests after all. Though they didn''t survive but no one would imagine he would be back."

    Elsewhere¡ª

    After following the narrow road, he came across a section, through his left leads north, and south towards his right.

    "Okay?" Akatosh says, looking for a road sign unfortunately there wasn''t a single one standing.

    Luckily, he saw a caravan heading in his direction fast and hasting their horses.

    "Do you know the way to Mavig--" Without even answering his call the three wagons smoke past through him ignoring his presence leaving him on the dusty road.

    *Cough-cough* "I hope those wheels fall apart! Much as those goods of yours shall be a raid by bandits!" Akatosh curse, shouting at the caravan.

    "Gahh¡­ might as well follow them." He shrugs. Walking half a mile Akatosh saw an open wagon down the creek.

    Descending the edge of the creek, he met a man busy piling barrels on the wagon.

    "Excuse me, do you by any chance know the way to Mavigrid."

    The man pauses his work, scoping where Akatosh was. "Oh¡­ what brings you here stranger." He said, a middle-aged man masking his worried and dismal face.

    "Ahh¡­ I was looking for a heading, to Mavigrid if you wouldn''t mind." Akatosh says, looking at the man''s scar, left to his cheeks.

    "New in this part I see." Wiping his sweat using the towel wrap on his neck.

    "Yeah, it''s my first time."

    "I''m sorry to say but the road you''re heading leads to Starhim." The man answered.

    "Starhim?"

    "Yes, it''s a long journey from here."

    "I see¡­"

    "Well, my house leads to Mavigrid. You can hop on; I''m almost done packing these barrels."

    "Many thanks," Akatosh says, helping him loading the barrels, and once finished they head towards the main road returning to where Akatosh was left to dust.

    "How old have you been to the road." The man asks, but after a couple of minutes of waiting, there was no answer. He turns around to slightly pry Akatosh in his complete silent slumber.

    Three hours had passed sleeping on the wagon and dusk falls in less than a minute. But before it gets dark Akatosh finally awakes somehow well-rested.

    "You must be tired from all your travels."  The man says.

    "Yeah, so how far is Mavigrid."

    "Not far, it might take a day or two." The man replies, "But my house is not far, you are welcome to stay." He continues, crossing a quarter of a mile.

    And when they finally arrive at the man''s house, Akatosh couldn''t decide if he was to accept his offer or find a tree to sleep in.

    "Go on, take this opportunity and raid them once there are asleep. Isn''t that what you are good for." Amaragnum imply.

    "Damn you," Akatosh said, and when he descends a little girl with braided hair came running towards them.

    "Daddy-daddy!" The girl shouts. "Did you get me one of those?"

    "Of course my dear." The man smile, giving her dozens of beautiful colored rocks.

    "WTF rocks?" Akatosh says, conversing with Amaragnum.

    "I think I should better be going--" Akatosh says but he was interrupted by the girl, grasping his cloak.

    "Mister, you don''t seem to be one of those bad guys. You seem to be lonely I can tell."

    "This girl has a good sense of instinct," Akatosh says to Amaragnum.

    "Or a stupid one." The stillmage reply.

    "Mm-hmm¡­" Akatosh scratches his nose.

    "Can you stay with us please?" The girls plead.

    "Mm-mm¡­" Without even agreeing with her reason, the girl forcefully drags him.

    His father walks to stop the girl but Akatosh suddenly agrees.

    "Yehay, do you like rocks. I can show you my collection they are beautiful." She exclaimed still holding his shroud as she babbles her sentence none stop.

    "Oh¡­ this bastard loves rocks alright especially those shiny things that you kept hidden in your house." Amaragnum laughs.

    "Shut up," Akatosh says ignoring his words.

    Just at the front door, Akatosh saw the man''s wife timid and afraid by his appearance. And when they are nearer, the woman quickly hides her tense emotion.

    "Welcome back dear¡­ I should prepare some dinner for our visitors." She said, "Now come child you shouldn''t chastise our guest here."

    "Okay, mom." The girl reply, going upstairs to fix her things.

    "Forgive our child¡­ she''s been always alone without a friend to share with." The man says.

    "It''s fine, it''s fine." Akatosh smile.

    When dinner is served, Akatosh can say, he was a little embarrassed by their hospitality. Much was put on the table, serving them with lots of varieties of food, consisting of whole chicken meat, a stew, vegetables, and bread.

    "Come," The woman says, "You must be hungry from your travels. It''s okay it''s our child''s birthday, no need to be flustered." She continues after seeing Akatosh''s embarrassment.

    "It''s her birthday?" Akatosh was shocked.

    "Yes," The woman smile.

    While they are digging their meal, sharing little of Akatosh''s story the girl can''t hold her enthusiastic after they fed themselves fully. Again, she forcefully drags Akatosh to where she kept her collection of rocks and beautiful things.

    "This one is my favorite one." Showing him a very peculiar rock, glowing in crimson fire.

    "Hoo¡­ a fire gland," Amaragnum says. "This girl is quite interesting in picking rocks."

    "I had to hide these from the bad guys that came here. Last time they stole some of my things." The girl says grabbing a jar containing a speck of glimmering dust like a firefly they were.

    "I see, tell me child what are those bad guys?" Akatosh asks.

    "Oh¡­ you mean those meanie people."

    "Yes, care to describe those meanie people."

    "Well, they often came here beating papa when he had no money to give while I and my mom hide."

    "I see¡­ I do have some fine collection of shiny things in my pocket." Showing her the gems he''d looted and played with her for a time being.

    Her intensity and enthusiasm slowly eat her energy away to the point she slept on her knees clutching her collections of rocks.

    Carrying her to her mother, "You should take her to bed¡­ one more thing I need to speak with your husband."

    The woman nods after taking her child. "He''s outside the house" A trouble words she says.

    "I see..." Akatosh answer stepping out from the house. And when he does, he saw her husband busy tending to his horses.

    "Hard times are upon us these days." Akatosh implores initiating a conversation.

    "Truly is¡­"

    "The girl told me about some troublesome people here, care to says something about that."

    "I see that she''s very friendly to you. I can''t blame her for being a child. They come here once every after four moons forcing some compensation."

    "Have you report this to your closes village."

    "I tried but I have no money to pay for them, they said it cost only a single gold piece. Those bastards. And this place is my birthright I have nowhere else to go."

    "Milking money I see¡­ do you know their location," Akatosh said, calmly sitting.

    "What!" the man says surprised, "I don''t know their exact location, but I know where the place is, ar-are you sure"

    "Trust me I have seen much worse than bandits. I just need a direction." Showing him the map.

    "Well, if you say so." Giving him a heading.

    "Hey Amaragnum care for some night exercise," Akatosh said after he received a map leading to where the bandit is.

    Amaragnum chuckles with an ill intention. "Mm-hmm¡­ do I?"

 Plunder

    Placing Amaragnum''s marking they haste. Aided by an endurance potion and Amaragnum''s magic Akatosh was a blazing wind on the road. Equipped with elven-steel apparel and weapon, they set out for a nighttime desert.

    Half an hour through the forest, Amaragnum sense a barrier coming towards the west side. A faint energy suppressed by a somewhat powerful mage. Not a replant force, rather a confusion of illusion guiding them in circles.

    Invisible to the naked eye, grasping his hand Amaragnum easily erases the barrier. And when the barrier was broken the mage from the bandit''s camp felt their coming, very chaotic energy the mage had sense.

    Informing the bandits busy feasting themselves to take arms. The only problem is, they are already at their place, waiting for them to prepare themselves and once they are fully equipped, the two in one make their entrance.

    Green gleaming eye from his left side, Akatosh slowly makes his way towards the group as they grin for carnage. The whip greatly illuminates from the darkness shelling Akatosh in spiral form.

    They felt it, the evil and chaotic atmosphere lingering form Akatosh. Even the mage together with his five servants was thinking for a retreat but when they prepare a teleportation, Amaragnum already had anticipated their escape disabling them from running away.

    "HERE WE GO BABY!... IT''S DESSERT TIME!" Akatosh sneers in a sinister voice.

    They grind the bandits as they amuse themselves. The mages were inferior to the stillmage''s power, resulting in panic as they cast every single spell available.

    Using his stocks of energy.  Amaragnum together with Akatosh''s help they make a finishing touch to the remaining enemy. Entangling the bandits with thick spider''s web. He then bends his back, and when Akatosh''s burning hands horizontally sway through the air, the ground rumbles.

    "Firestorm¡­ hahaha, tremble!"

    Far away from the towering kingdom of Mavigrid, they saw dozens of burning meteors descending through the sky. Arousing the royal people from the high tower to watch the marvelous sight.

    Before it showers, Akatosh saw ten people chained and cowering in the open kitchen.

    "This is bad!" He instantly moves his body passing the bandits in sitting duck. "Rag!" He shouts Amaragnum for anything that protects the imprisoned slaves. However, the stillmage was long from humanity to have some heroic feet under his name.

    "HAHAHAHA¡­ this brings back memories!" He bewilders himself.

    He hisses instead of helping Akatosh saving the people from the raining fire-boulders of his magic. Inconsistently from their action especially Akatosh, the result from their madness turns into a threat.

    The firestorm which Amaragnum created is now a double-edged sword to them all. Akatosh knows that once, the meteor shower drops, the bandits'' fortress would perish, everything, the hordes of spoils to be loot. The life of innocent slaves is now in his hand.

    "Damn it!" Akatosh shout gritting his teeth.

    Easily cutting the iron shackles, "GO, GET OUT OF HERE!" He shouts, carrying the young ones who are too weak to run.

    Away from the area Akatosh hurriedly put them on the ground. After that, he returns, seeking other prisoners before the place would turn to ashes. Forcing his way inside the large hut, he found a pregnant elf unable to stand or walk.

    "If you don''t want to help me motherfucker then let go of my other arms so I can¡ª"

    Without delay, Akatosh felt his left arm coming back to him. Scooping the elf in one go, "Hold on to me! And close your eyes" Akatosh says, carrying her like a princess she was.

    Unfortunately for them, the storm had reached the ground crushing the camp, burning the woods. Unable to avoid the falling meteors, Amaragnum finally takes action. Erecting powerful barrier, so powerful that the boulders are the ones being destroyed when they came in contact with the red globe of energy.

    "That''s the last of my energy, the rest is up to you," Amaragnum says. "Pitiful." He hisses fading away from Akatosh''s body,

    Once he''d taken her to safety, Akatosh slowly lay her down from the soft grass.

    "Take care of her." He says to the people he rescued.

    As they watch the last flaming boulders fall, he then returns running towards the bright orange fire. Seeking someone, luckily there were huts untouched by the flaming-boulders but on flames.

    Using the whip to cover him from the falling flaming debris he found another gravid woman, panting and trembling, frozen by fear.

    "F¡­" He rushes towards her.

    Taking off his shroud, he sorts her from the radiant heat.

    Lifting her to safety, he sprints like a chased dog ignoring the screaming agony of the bandits.

    After rescuing four more, like a saw he, again and again, search for soul survivors. Consuming five endurance potions for him to sustain the restless night.

    When the first morn light strikes the land, there he was sweating, kneeling, and incapacitate to move. The overdose was too much, tired but unable to rest, his eyelids fall heavy to him such as his body similar to a tranquilizer. Barley flinching his fingers he faces the burned bandit camp.

    "Loot¡­" He mutters helplessly sighting the charcoals and smoking timbers.

    Concentrating most of his energy towards his right hand, he slowly removes his mask. His chest is heavy as if his lungs are strangled. Concluding to hard breathing, he forebodes this might take him.

    Fortunately for him, the people whom he rescued came to his deathbed. A she-elf with bruises in her body gently pressed both of her palms to his chest. Creating little sparkling yew, Akatosh suddenly gasp, panting as he stepped out into the water.

    Freed by the clutches of insensitive leaving only aching muscle.

    "T-Thank you." Akatosh pants, hiding the mask.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    In her response, the elf only shakes her head while giving him a sign of her muteness.

    Shortly thereafter an open wagon emerges from the fogy dense forest. Unsure if it''s an enemy or a friend Akatosh forces himself to stand taking the front line as he conjures the whip.

    Waiting for it to get closer, Akatosh was relieved when he saw the man''s face.

    "Oh, it''s you." Akatosh sigh folding back his whip and sheathing his katana.

    "Are you all alright, I came as soon as I saw smoke and flames coming from this direction."

    "Yeah, I''m a little bit fine," he replies slowly sitting on the ground. "Can you take care of them." Pointing at the prisoners.

    The man looks at them, raged clothing, bruises, dirty and malnourished. "You don''t have to say it." He nods.

    "Okay good." Akatosh shrug calling for them.

    "Excuse me but¡­ my father!" A young boy said.

    "M-Mother¡­" mutters the young lady.

    Both of them could hear their sorrows of whispers and murmurs from their lost ones. Akatosh knew that when the firestorm desolated the bandit''s camp, he knew he couldn''t save all of the prisoners leading him to guilt himself.

    "Sorry kid," Akatosh pats the young boy''s shoulder. "It''s my fault and I couldn''t save them all, that goes for some of you. But at least you got a legacy to carry. My friend there will aid you all if you''re willing."

    With that said, the people faintly oblige by his words. Stacking like a can in a box, they manage to accommodate the single wagon.

    Calling the man, "I''m sorry but I didn''t quite get your name." Akatosh ask.

    "It''s fine, you can call me Roel."

    "Roel it is." Handing him a pouch of coin worth five gold Shar. "Use this to help those people, food, water, clothes, anything. Can I trust you for this?" Akatosh says, patting his shoulder.

    "You can trust me." Roel nods in a serious face.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ I''m counting on you then." Walking towards the burned camp.

    "Aren''t you be coming with us; you don''t seem to be in good shape."

    "Don''t worry, I had a far worst experience than this. I''ll be in a flash at your place once I''m done investigating this place."

    Making excuse to loot the remains of the place, Roel gave his last look at Akatosh zoning out. Lashing the two-horse, they left the place averting their eyes from their savior.

    He ponders after they left, carefully studying the place while imagining. Inclining to one of the rocks he searches for an antidote the potion that revitalizes intoxication.

    Wondering what will it do, he swallows the entire 20ml liquid without thinking twice. Subsequently, he muddles on the ground, drooling saliva. He can feel his whole veins compulsion, much as his stomach turns to pit pressure.

    Throwing up all the toxic black water his tense body begins to ease. And the pain gradually decreases leaving only physical injuries.

    "I''m torturing myself!" He slackers to the ground for a power rest.

    Not more than an hour, he fixes himself from the ground. There''s still a dose of pain left in his flesh but it was enough for him to search what''s left from the burned camp.

    He considers the place, that a large-scale camp like this run by bandits is hard to attain. Unless this organization is a fund or very good at being a marauder. Seeing the way, they are well hidden, well-kept, and well equipped, he concluded it was provided by either a high standard person or a kingdom.

    Ignoring the burned corpses, he silently rakes the whole place. Amassing twelve gold Shar and myriads of unscathed weapons, he moves to the two slightly damaged huts. Drawing cupboards and drawers, turning beds to see what''s underneath all he found were books, clothes, papers, scrolls, gems, pieces of jewelry, and some copper and silver Shar, which he didn''t falter to hoard it all.

    After completely taking all the spoils, he searches for a teleportation scroll in his unkempt inventory.

    "Gahh¡­ I need to fix my things."

    Following his grueling to find that teleportation scroll, Akatosh calls Amaragnum to trigger the spell. And without a word, the scroll was used transferring them to Roel''s house.

    When they arrive, the people were neatly cared for, taking a bowl of stew to quench their hunger. Moreover, their sloven clothes and appearance were no more to be seen. It looks like the couple is very thoughtful in handling these people.

    "Mister-mister¡­" Comes Roel''s daughter dashing like a dog she was. "I''m glad you''re alright!" She continues disregarding Akatosh''s stench and unpleasant presence.

    "Where''s your father." A fatigue tone Akatosh responds grasping his stomach.

    "He''s inside the house, you should take a rest, you don''t look well." The girl asserts, grabbing his cloak.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ I''m fine, I need to make this quick."

    Calling the couple for a private discussion, they head to an isolated room. With no tables only chairs, Akatosh quickly engage in the main discussion.

    Appealing to the couple, "I''m very much thankful for your help. And I understand your concern about those people and to your family." Akatosh says distancing himself from the two.

    "It''s nothing to be thankful, we are more oblige in helping those people." The woman says now with a delighted tone.

    "I understand, as for them¡­ Oh, how much farther is Mavigrid."

    "I can do half a day if I''m going to use the shortcut, however, the shortest road is now dangerous to use," Roel said.

    "Monsters?"

    "I believe so."

    "I see, I''ll ask if they have relatives and families. As for those who do not, the temple in Mavigrid might take an orphanage for those children. And for the rest I let them decide for themselves, just not staying here."

    "Um¡­ I have a question about those bandits--" Comes Roel.

    "I can''t say much, that is one that baffles me. However, if someone came here seeking information about some destroyed bandits'' camp¡­ just tell them how those bandits oppressed you."

    "I do understand, but why." Roel reply.

    "That''s one thing that I''m seeking, rest assured there''s nothing to worry about. Those marauders won''t be causing you any troubles."

    From his words and action, the couple breath in relief.

    "Oh¡­ do you have some bath or some nearby creek that I can use to clean myself," Akatosh says, before exiting the room.

    "There is irrigation not so far, just around the house near the garden. And you''re welcome to use the bath anytime you like, come I''ll show you the way." The woman said.

    "Thanks then¡­"

    While being guided by the woman Akatosh ask her name.

    "You can call me Ann." She replies.

    Taking his time washing all the sweat, scrubbing his bloody hair. "Damn son." A very tired and distrait tone he mutters staring at the ceiling.

    Looking for a decent tree to sleep, Ann and her daughter forced him to sleep in her room. Taking the opportunity Akatosh quickly falls to bed ignoring his hunger so too his stained equipment''s piled on the corners of the room.

    Later, Akatosh rouse from his bed unsure if it''s late dusk or before dawn. Checking his equipment first, to his surprise the blood and mud from his soiled stuff are now clean as the elven skin. But when he hears a commotion from below, he quickly went to see what''s the fuss.

    "What is going on--"

    Before he continues, Akatosh was interrupted by Ann''s daughter hastily carrying a small basin of water and a clean towel. The sound of a woman painfully wailing on the room where Ann''s daughter rushed towards inside diminish his hunger.

    Knowing the situation, Akatosh goes to where the sound is muted. Choosing outside, he searches for a bottle of ale gratifying the cold breezing wind as he sat down near the irrigation.

    Drinking one more, Roel called, "I''ve been looking for you thought you were at the kitchen. And that''s very unlikely of you, drinking in the morning without having breakfast first."

    "I''m accustomed to this, so how''s it."

    "It was the elf, don''t worry the elf and her child is safe."

    "I see." Akatosh shrug as his groaning stomach.

    Roel laughs, "You don''t seem to be taking care of your innards. Unfortunately for you, you have to wait for a while, they are still preparing for breakfast."

    "I see; I think I''m craving for a burger."

    "Burger?"

    "It''s simple, I just need to borrow your kitchen if you let me."

    Roel smile, "Well, let see this so-called burger of yours."

    For a small family, the kitchen was quite large, enough to hold ten people cooking. Taking his part, cutting vegetables and meat the six people that are assigned to cook were surprised by his skill.

    Combining spices, his red wine the smell filled the room sending the fine aroma to the nose chilling their mouth.

    "You sure got something," Roel says, staring at his cooking.

    "Well, thanks to my scary eldest sister, forcing me to learn how to cook. Bragging me about, ''If you don''t know how to cook, how can you get a lady or please one.'' That''s what she said for a woman who''s still single in her 30ths."

    Making two burgers, he then cut them into three parts for the others to taste.

    "So, this is it, just bread some vegetables¡­ and meat." Akatosh smile.

    Thinking they are eating a royal meal, they plead with Akatosh to make more.

    "I can, but about those elves, I heard they aren''t very fond of meat."

    "Now that you mention it, Ann had to cook pure vegetables and fruit though, bread is acceptable to them."

    "Fine then, the cooking is on me as for the elves I have some dishes that will surprise them."

 â€œJust Another Day at the Roadâ€

    For a brief minor banquet, Akatosh went upstairs to prepare, leaving the people happily feasting his dish. And the moment Akatosh was preparing his armor, Ann''s daughter came.

    "Mister." She calls.

    "Need something."

    "Are you going?" She mutters.

    Akatosh didn''t answer her question but remain on his preparation. Sheathing the katana Akatosh briefly lowers his body.

    "I didn''t get your name," Akatosh says.

    "Names Ellis." She exclaimed.

    "Ellis, what a beautiful name you have. You know what I got some gift for you."

    Using the magical bag, a blue screen appears showing all the items he looted. And while he was scrolling, "Oh¡­ do you see some blue screen in front of me?"

    Ellis shakes her head, "I don''t see any, why?"

    "It''s nothing." Akatosh smiles sequentially scrolling until he found the silver ring. Conjuring the ring in his hand, right away Ellis was stun.

    "You''re a mage!" Ellis says as she augments her eyes.

    "Nope, but Rag (Amaragnum) is."

    "Rag?"

    "It''s complicated. Anyway, this ring here is a special one."

    "You dare still calling me Rag!" Comes Amaragnum speaking through his mind.

    "What? It''s not my fault your name is long and tedious to call."

    "You think your name is good, then why not starting today I shall call you Kat. A pretty decent name for a pussy."

    "Bugger off!"

    Handing over the ring, "What will this do?" Ellis asks tilting every angle of the ring.

    "You said her magical energy flows is good, right?" Akatosh asks Amaragnum.

    "Bahh! Let her wear the ring, the beast will make a contract with her." Amaragnum blurts fading away.

    Akatosh shrug, asking Ellis to wear the ring and when she does, Ellis was petrified for a second. Not a voice but a feeling, Ellis can feel the faint probes gently brushing her mind. She senses the entity is curious as it reads her thoughts. Giving her a test as to why she wants to make a contract with her. And for a little girl who never had any friends to interact with, nor had a chance to experience an emotion from other people of her age, "I-I have no one but mom and dad. So, if you''re willing to be my friend I would be glad!" Ellis shouts at the entity.

    The spirit that dwells in the ring was startled when Ellis says her honest word. A feeling of pleased and grateful cinches her mind, accepting her, to serve her as her familiar.

    When Ellis returns to herself, the ring glows summoning a gray wolf.  Standing in between the two, about a meter tall and with soft fur, the wolf sits facing Ellis.

    Twice the size of a grown man, the wolf gently brushes its fur to the girl''s cheeks. And like a man''s best friend Ellis cuddles her familiar.

    "Hmm¡­" Akatosh smile after seeing the girl happily playing with the wolf.

    When the three goes down, the people including Ellis''s parents were frightened as they saw a large wolf coming down the stairs. Giving a sign not to be afraid Akatosh talks to Roel about the wolf.

    "This is the least thing that I can give her," Akatosh said, leaning on to one of the columns.

    "Well, I''m the one that should be thankful. And¡­ about those elves."

    "What about them."

    "I think you should be the one to talk to them," Roel says scratching the back of his neck.

    "I see; I''ll do what I can."

    After done chatting with Roel Akatosh then went to where the three elves are. Two of them are silently conversing to themselves through their own language that Akatosh isn''t familiar to their tongue. When he approaches them the muttering stop.

    "Yo, greetings, mind if I have a word."

    The two elves were silent, only when the third elves approach in human language. He gave a nod to the two which they themselves breadth to the other side of the corner giving them some privacy.

    "I''m glad that I have someone to exchange a common language."

    "You can call me Lafary, and I thank you and on behalf of my people for saving us at that place."

    "No need, but first it seems you didn''t fill your stomach or, so I''ve been told."

    Lafary shakes his head, "It''s fine for us, don''t worry we have our own ways of procuring our provisions. And we aren''t very much costume to your people''s culture."

    Taking a deep breath, "Elven pride huh¡­" Akatosh''s thoughts leaving Lafary.

    In his return together with Ellis and with them are foods that vegan people like to eat, a burger consists of pure vegetables, some pie, salads, and two more.

    "If you want to expresses your gratitude, you do so in tasting these and I insist. Don''t worry, there''s novitiate mix with it, so goes to the two of you there." Akatosh says with a very grave look.

    Being forced to eat, Lafary together with his two kin takes his word. Just as they munch the food, chewing the combination of vegetables, fruits, cheese, and bread they were overwhelmed by the explicit aroma and the taste.

    Having a slight breakfast with the humans, Akatosh grabs some of the food fully satisfying his stomach. Asking Ellis to give some to the other elves staying inside the room, Ellis quickly abides.

    After some time, Ellis emerges with a swift smile on her face. Giving Akatosh a thumbs-up both of them smile at each other. When Ellis is on her way to the kitchen Akatosh resumes their conversation.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    "You and your people are free, and I understand your keen perspective of going back home. But I''m afraid this time¡­ you''re on your own. However, I am certain you''re better than these humans."

    "That''s certainly is true, but we cannot leave one of our brethren behind¡­ not while she''s still¡­"

    "I understand; I can talk to the couple about your concern."

    "I appreciate your help--"

    "However, you are to be at their presence... do you understand." Interrupting Lafary, in a low voice.

    Lafary nods to his words which then again silence their dialog for a mere second. Till, asking about the elf who gave birth, not to involve in a parental affair but rather engage in curiosity. And in acquaintance to his in-depth understanding as a son whose father is a bandit. Born from a captivated slave moreover an elf, things wouldn''t go smooth to a mother and her child, not just the elf but so too the others.

    "About them¡­ the elf and her child." Comes from Akatosh, chomping a lump of grilled meat, not an appropriate way to show to an elf.

    "Frankly¡­ I don''t know what to say. It''s up to her to decide for her boy."

    "A boy I see."

    "Yes, and by the looks of it, you won''t be staying here for long, no."

    "That I am, the boulevard is long, so my stay is short but I''m in no hurry to hit the road."

    "Is that so," Lafary smiles. "Then would you mind if my brethren would set their eyes to one such as yourself?"

    Akatosh returners with a smile and say, "Too, I''m quite curious, so why not."

    When he gently opens the door, Akatosh was greeted by silence and agitation. To their surprise, Akatosh greeted them with a smile. Acting his delight expression all the female elves gracefully bow to him. And to their respect, he wags in response.

    It was an open room comporting of a single bed around the open window, taking the full view of the field. Mellow wind sweeps through the thin curtains flapping the soft fabric. And from the bed lies the lovely elf, peacefully resting.

    As for her child, Akatosh notices the mute elf is tending the infant, girt in white fabric. Unsure if they are genuinely or shamming their delight grim Akatosh leans close at the window taking some of the cold wind. He was told by Lafary that they understood the human language but were unaccustomed to speaking.

    "Names Akatosh." A sudden word from Akatosh folding his arms.

    "Umm¡­ I''m Fillina." The elf resting on the bed said.

    "What a good name¡­ the wind is very nice don''t you think."

    Fillina muffs her voice responding only to nods as she slightly unveils her sullen face.

    "The wheat sure is very bright this time of year¡­ They say that a seed that grows on harsh soil won''t either grow or wither before it can bare. Unless it was grown on lush soil. But it all depends for me." Akatosh says, speaking metaphorically.

    "Why¡­ why are you telling me this?" Understanding what he said Fillina imply in a low voice.

    Yet before Akatosh could answer her question Ellis came in. "Pardon me¡­" She bows, "Mister Akatosh, t-their waiting for you."

    "So, it''s time then." He sighs walking past the elves. But before he steps out, "A boy ehh¡­ it just reminds me of the barren dirt I''d been." Akatosh nods, "It''s a pleasure knowing you all." He continues exiting the room.

    Drafting the wagon Akatosh takes the front seat. However, before Roel could kick the horse running the mute elf suddenly climb aboard sitting with the humans.

    Confusion alerts his brain as to why this muted elf happens aboard. To Roel''s perplex he looks at Akatosh giving him a sign to whether take her with or reason her first.

    "So¡­" Akatosh asks the muted elf but to no avail.

    Beginning to get tired Akatosh gave a sign to Roel to continue. Again, they were halted by Ellis riding her large gray wolf.

    "Mister Akatosh!" Ellis exclaims offering him a medium sack full of provisions.

    Turning to his father, Roel nods.

    "Thanks then."

    "Make sure to come visit us again!" Ellis shouts waving her hand as they progress the road.

    "By the way, how far is the main road," Akatosh asks Roel as they advance through the open road.

    "Err¡­ you will need to cross those two hills," Roel says, pointing to the mountains, west from where they are.

    "Ehh¡­"

    Using the shortcut Roel talked about, they stop on the face of the dense forest. To Akatosh''s observation on the snake-road ahead of them, verdure plants overlap the track.

    "When did this road became like this." Akatosh ask Roel.

    "Ermm¡­ about a year."

    "As expected, the bandits'' camp and now this, someone wants to control the road."  That''s what he thinks. "Stay here I''ll scout ahead; don''t worry I won''t distance myself." He continues pulling off the deck.

    Forwards as he goes but when he was slightly far from the wagon, the muted elf surprised him nearly drawing his blade.

    "Don''t startle me like that! I could have nearly slice you." Akatosh exclaimed at her.

    She didn''t flinch, only when Akatosh turns around he sees words floating in the air saying, "You can call me Lila."

    Akatosh flung back towards her, "Is this your doing?"

    Lila nods and begins to change the words, "I heard you are heading to Mavigrid."

    "Yes, but will talk about it later, right now I can feel it in my guts, the things that creep me. You should return back; this is too dangerous for you."

    Lila shakes her, and while the words are scribbling in front of him saying, "I''ll help too." Lila begins to gather long sticks and branches.

    Using her magic, Lila begins to bend the long cane forming a bow. Next, she flawlessly yarns the spider''s web hardening it with her magic. And for the arrows, using the leaves as feathers she had created twenty ammunitions in just a minute.

    After watching her aimlessly, Akatosh return scouting. "This world never ceases to amaze me." He reckons.

    Putting on his mask, and not before long they felt a soft grumble, something is fast approaching.

    "Spiders." Lila notes. "Watch out for their spit."

    Whizzing in hunger they charge through as they slush their venomous liquid. Unfortunately for them, Akatosh is already prepared. Utilizing the whip as a barrier and like a twister he sands their legs, crippling their movements. Harassing his enemy in this kind of formation isn''t his style unless he was in an odd situation.

    Splattering their slimy poison as they pass through the Akatosh whip-barrier. He whirls to avoid the incoming liquid nearly painting his left shoulder.

    Know knowing their arsenal Akatosh switches to aggressive mode. Instead of standing, letting the whip do the work he first inspects Lila.

    Unlike Akatosh, Lila was more reflex easily evading the spiders'' liquid. She dined well to her weapons, aiming at their heads but how long can she maintain her stand.

    Inwardly Akatosh was beginning to get discomfort to where they should cross. The spiders have poisoned the forest too; they infest faster in the past months considering the wave of them.

    "We should retreat!" Akatosh shout at Lila.

    Lila nods which then they sprint off the battlefield. Fading back to where Roel is Akatosh looks back to see they slowly reverse their movements.

    "What happen," Roel says.

    "This road is too dangerous for us to use. The spiders are more than we can take." Akatosh pants.

    "Then--"

    "I''m unfortunate that we have to use the longer one to get to the closest town." Akatosh interrupts when¡­

    "I think I can help with that." Lila writes.

    "Really?" Akatosh says, staring at her for a second. "What do you imply then."

    "We can use the forest to reach faster. Don''t worry will use the farthest side away from the lairs of the spiders."

    His lack of knowledge about elves doubts her but soon he agrees. "Fine will go with your way." Akatosh sighs climbing on the front seat.

    Instead of railing the curvy roads Lila leads them into the flat underbrush. And when they head deeper, Akatosh sight the people beginning to get nervous. Even Roel''s grip is tense.

    "Well, this is to be expected." Akatosh thinks. "People like these who thought they are safer on the roads are affright to these kinds of new things." He continues staying with them to fix their timid affliction.

    On the good side, having its flat trajectory and few bushes Akatosh can sight incoming ambush or enemy.

    The people including Roel felt like eternity passing through the place. The only people who were not afraid are Akatosh and Lila. And after three hours of crossing the forest, Lila gave a sign they have reached the place, and after a few hundred yards they are now on the borders of the town.

    The free slaves are now smiling in sensation as they went to rejoin with their families and relatives. Though some of them are not as happy as the others especially the three children who lost their parents. Their only choice was the temple if not, some of the people might welcome them into their house but who knows to what they will do to them. Still, there are others whose homes are far from the next village.

    "Well, this is what I can do. Are you sure about the others?" Akatosh sigh as if a burden has been removed.

    "Don''t worry there is a transportation that they can aboard I just have to pay their expense."

    "Alright, then I''ll leave the rest to you. Ahh¡­ are you fine in going back alone."

    "It''s fine I have been through this place before."

    "I see, Godspeed to you," Akatosh says, moving towards the forest while Lila follows.

 The Land of the Merchants

    Dusk is near, about an hour, and the sun would begin to settle down. They were left with two choices, to sally forth their travels or find a bed.

    Sounds of nature''s twilight can be heard as Akatosh looks up through the sky, deciding. Meanwhile, Lila blankly narrows her eyes towards him waiting for him to make a move.

    "Mm-hmm¡­" Akatosh sigh. "Do you like inns?" He continues towards Lila.

    "I-I''m not sure. I''ve never been to an inn." She writes.

    "Then it''s settled, we''ll be staying for today. You okay with that?"

    Lila looks down fiddling with her clothes. "I don''t have money."

    "It''s fine I''ll take care of it." He says, passing her. "Let''s take this as part of your experience as an elf." He continues sauntering away.

    Lila was left silent. She had met countless humans with their disgusting desire and lust but never had she met a human like he was. The only thing she could do is follow his back.

    Postponing their journey, Akatosh and Lila went around town asking and looking for a decent inn. With some money in the pocket, Akatosh picks the ''Merchant''s Inn''. A tavern for high-class people.

    He took notice if Roel is still around town, but he must have left the town early after accomplishing his task.

    Pushing the double door open, the inside of the tavern catches their attention. All were put to upright property. To their front were crisscrossing stairways overlaid by red carpet leading to the second floor. From the left side of the stair is a bartender, while to its opposite are two female registrars busy with paper documents.

    The architectural design bedazzles Akatosh. Vines slithers around the columns as rays of sunlight beams some of the places. The cleanliness and way it were organize, truly fits for merchants and royal travelers. And it wasn''t just an inn, but it also serves as a brothel on the third floor.

    As always, Akatosh cautiously observes the place, the people, and the tavern guards glancing at the two of them in a peasant''s eye. There were few adventurers, not more than five conveying in elegant manners.

    "What can I do for you two." The female receptionist asks, masking her unpleasant reaction to the two of them whose boots mar the carpet.

    Their presence tinder''s some of the merchants and royals. So too the adventurers were embarrassed by his appearance. Even Lila was petrified, blushing in mortification.

    Trying her hard, the receptionist expects a bag full of coppers but Akatosh glides a gold coin on the table shutting her low social sight.

    "Two separate rooms if you wouldn''t mind." Akatosh lower.

    "Err¡­ do you have a balance of ten silver." She says nervously.

    Akatosh sigh checking his inventory. Conjuring coins in thin air would suspect the receptionist as an illusion, so Akatosh slip his hand through his cloak hiding the magic.

    "Here you go," Akatosh says, placing the silver coins. "And do you have a restroom?"

    Nodding to her coworker, the receptionist asks them to follow her.

    "You can take your time here." The receptionist says, swaying her hands.

    "Thanks," Akatosh says.

    Separated into two corners one for the female and the other for the male. Indistinctively Akatosh headed inside and quickly he begin cleansing his muddled boots. After that, he switches his boots to a modern shoe then quickly exits the room.

    "You''re fast," Akatosh says, seeing Lila standing on the wall, waiting for him.

    Measuring her in seconds Akatosh notices her clothes and her worn-down boots.

    "The day is still hot; why don''t we use this time to go around town. What say you?" Akatosh smile.

    "I''m fine with it." Lila nods.

    Lucky for Akatosh the town''s ground is paved with cobblestone, good for him to use his shoes.

    Taking their time wandering through the bustling market. To experience new as an elf, Lila was glamorized by the merchant''s jewels shop and other fascinating objects. She however was disgusted when she saw the caged birds.

    Having seen enough Akatosh led her to an apparel shop. And as soon as they enter the place, ringing the doorbell.

    "What can I get you, my beloved customers." The shopkeeper said, drifting his pipe away with a feminine voice for a man.

    "I need new boots and clothes for her." Akatosh reply.

    "Ah¡­ An elf I see. I may have some for you, young girl." The shopkeeper says. "Oh¡­ feel free to look around." He continues.

    And while Akatosh was checking his wares. "These are pretty good qualities you have," Akatosh says, rubbing the fabric.

    "Ahh¡­ you''ve got a good eye. Sadly, it''s hard for people like us to keep the rout going."

    "You mean the roads?"

    "Yes¡­ you are quite the person I''ve met. The merchants'' guild is now¡­ let''s say they''re in charge of the road. Tell me, you must come from Mavigrid."

    "Oh no we are. It''s the opposite however, we''re going to Mavigrid."

    "I see¡­ here we are." The shopkeeper says, bringing out packs of clothes closely resembles that to elven apparel. "It''s not the best but it''s the least I can offer."

    Lila was staggered gazing at Akatosh. "Are you sure I can--"

    "Well go on then¡­ try those clothes." Akatosh interrupts.

    Like a slave from his words, Lila quickly scoops the clothes, and right away she went towards the changing room.

    Few seconds after she left. "Is she your¡­" The shopkeeper blurts.

    "A companion." Akatosh quickly respond before the man could continue the word ''slave''.

    "Oh! I apologize."

    "It''s fine. How much farther is Mavigrid from here if you don''t mind asking."

    "Depends if you are galloping the horse full time it might give you a few days and weeks. But if you are accustomed to snail wagons, I''d say you''ll consume more than a week or a month."

    Minutes pass from their cohesive words Lila emerges in her new form outfit. Like a mage, the long sleeve and her fitted robe-garments suit her the best. Dyed in verdant, patterned in composite design. The clothing was a beauty for the eyes.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Akatosh looks for a mere second and returns his eyes to the shopkeeper paying for Lila''s clothes.

    Bidding their farewell and gratitude, Lila asks Akatosh when they are outside the shop. "I don''t know how to thank you but, why would you--"

    "It''s society," Akatosh interrupts, "I just don''t want those eyes narrowing at me with an elf in rough clothing."

    Upon their return, the place quickly fills dozens of merchants, wondrously sipping their goblet of expensive wine. You can tell their clothes are fine and decorative so much so that silver and gold are embedded.

    Ignoring the whimpering laughter and boastful conversation of those high standard people Akatosh and Lila heads to their respective room. Before Akatosh would enter his room, he requests a basin of water.

    Locking the door, Akatosh immediately brings out the weapons he collected, spilling through the floor. From the other side, Lila can hear the sound of metal clanking.

    After completely emptying all those weapons he stored. Using the basin of water which he requested before, Akatosh slowly takes his time cleaning the weapons and armors.

    Taking a good look at every shape, size, look, and enchantment of the weapons. He separates the common weapon from the exotic ones. And out of fifty weapons, five were added to his special collection.

    Wrapping them in fabric he moves on to sort his gems and money. He went on with his things busy harmonizing the items until such time sleep once again take over. The night after that, both of them resume their travels just as the sun tops the level of the mountains.

    "Can you just get a horse?" Says Amaragnum. Tired from seeing him taking the roads on foot.

    "I-I" Akatosh stammer.

    "Don''t tell me¡­ You don''t know how to ride a horse?!" Amaragnum shrieks. "Hahahahah, look at this, a self-proclaim traveler who doesn''t even know how to saddle a horse."

    "Damn you¡­ It''s not like that." Akatosh reason but Amaragnum had far suppressed his word.

    Using the newly updated maps that Akatosh bought from the town. And after carefully reviewing the data, the map gave him a month to reach Mavigrid using the road. The town they passed rested was the border of Mavigrid but, to reach the main city of Mavigrid they will need a bit of time. However, Akatosh takes a different approach.

    To shorten the time and efforts, they cut straight through the dangerous mountain pass. He was in a hurry after he heard a commotion about the ''Fleet Admiral Queen'' back at the merchants'' inn.  It was indispensable for him.

    The far edge of the alps was easy to cross yet when they are in the middle of the area, things start to become more difficult. Lucky for him Lila was there to help him cross the treacherous mountains.

    It was hard, snow blizzards their path, snow trolls are frequently encountered. Worst, Lila nearly falls into the dense cliff and loosens rocks.

    Due to his ecstasy, Akatosh felt sorry for Lila. And when the eighth night came, inside the cave, Akatosh questions her after their dinner.

    "Why is it that you want to go to Mavigrid that bad," Akatosh ask after he overlooked her unbending determination.

    "It''s my brother." She responds as her face turns cold and blue. "We wonder far from our border, that''s when we encountered a group of people. I tried to get him out of their grasp, but their power is far superior... I even grovel for them to let my brother go but¡­" She writes gritting her teeth.

    "I see," Akatosh says, already knowing the next phase of her story he calls it a night. "Sleep, I''ll do the watch--"

    "No, I''ll do it." She interrupts.

    Raising his left eyebrow. "Are you sure?" Akatosh ask.

    There wasn''t a text, she only nods in sincere firmness.

    "Fine then," Akatosh says, conjuring a potion.

    "What''s that." Lila writes, showing her worried face.

    "My medicine."

    Taking ten drops of the liquid, Akatosh quickly fell to slumber as he cocoons himself in a thick blanket close to the bonfire.

    Sighting in relief, Lila can''t help herself to this curious and mysterious man. She thought about his magic, and how she had witnessed his demonized power. She felt the immense energy bursting through his body. But she was disappointed when they battled the spiders. Lila had hoped to better know this man, his power but she completely lost it when the storm passed.  Having 90% resistance to sleep and daze magic Lila took the night shift all by herself while Akatosh sloth himself.

    When the rays of sunlight crest the cave, warming the land and banishing the luminous darkness. Lila was still hesitant to wake Akatosh in his comfy sleep, muttering the word ''battleship'' through his sleep.

    Later, after patiently waiting for him to open his eyes. Lila sigh shaking Akatosh. It starts with a slow and smooth shuddering to an aggressive quiver.

    "You were talking to yourself last night." Lila writes after she had wiggled him from his slumber.

    "Mm-hmm, what did I say," Akatosh says fixing his items and preparing breakfast.

    "Something about battle and ships." Lila writes.

    Akatosh chuckles while preparing a meal. "Damn, I hope I can turn my dreams into reality."

    Burying the bonfire in snow they trek down the slope heading towards the vast valley. Once they began to stride down the hill, Akatosh realize the angle wasn''t as steep as a pyramid. Assuming it was safe to slide down the hill he opens his magic bag pulling the thickest blanket like carpet.

    "What are you doing?" Lila writes.

    "Fun," Akatosh says laying the blanket as a sled.

    Once he places the open blanket on the snow, he pulls the end of the front edge shaping a bumper. Picking the best line to roll, he calls Lila.

    "You can join me if you want though I might be waiting for you at the foothill if I might be lucky," Akatosh says eager to run the thick blanket.

    Lila hesitates, deciding her choices but, when Akatosh finally breaks his patience Lila joins the fun. Sitting at the rear, Akatosh quickly throttles his body sparking the run.

    With an angle, less than 160 or 20 degrees they accelerate slower. Shouting his thrilling joy, Akatosh motion his body stirring the blanket.

    Their playtime is short when they begin to enter the middle section. The soft comfy snow roughens. As bumps rocks start to hit hard Lila quickly wraps her feet at his waist avoiding the bumps. And to her overflowing fear, she nearly chokes Akatosh.

    "I c-c-cen''t breahhh." Akatosh says, taping Lila''s arm.

    Once she loosens, Akatosh looks for a safer line. And when their throbbing fear skyrocket Lila again squeezes his neck strangling Akatosh.

    "CRAP-CRAP-CRAP-CRAP!"

    Reaching near the foothill, their improvised sled turns to a raged blanket. Holes widen and Akatosh needs to end the fun before they hit the green vegetation.

    Utilizing the claw gauntlet, he slowly anchors it on the ground, decreasing their speed. He could feel the rocks banging his hand as his arms rapidly dig the snow. Once their speed lowers to a sudden stop Akatosh lay sideways on the ground.

    "You can let go of your arms," Akatosh says to Lila who''s still in paranoia.

    After she loosens her grip for more than a minute Akatosh gaze to where they both started. "Oof¡­ I can''t believe we just cross nearly a mile." Akatosh implores massaging and stretching his left shoulder.

    When he turns around to face the vast valley a sentence slams to his face. "Don''t ever do anything similar to that." Lila writes along with her angry face.

    "Fine-fine-fine I won''t," he replies rolling the blanket.

    Putting back the shredded blanket while he hides it in Lila''s eyes they continue to travel down the hill. Looking at the visible roads down to where they are walking Akatosh is on the lookout for wagons and other travelers. On the other hand, Lila was tasked as a radar for any incoming predators.

    Hours of nonstop marching, they finally reach the road with no enemies to cut only animals and insects.

    Akatosh sigh. "I need a motorcycle or a car."

    "Then go buy a horse or steal one! I''ll gladly help you to steal one, I''m tired of your snail walking." Amaragnum shouts.

    Without even responding to the stillmage''s word. "That''s it. Damn, I miss riding a bicycle I should try making one though, I don''t know how."

    Little by little they are now on the edge of the kingdom. The ''Three Towers'' of Mavigrid appear in their sight as they meet more and more houses and cottages.

    "AHH! Finally, civilization." Akatosh exclaimed.

    To his enthusiasm, they were halted at the gate. "Entrance fee? And papers?" Akatosh says to the guard.

    "Didn''t you hear me! I said fifteen silver pieces and as a traveler both you need to gain a passport at that building over there!" The guard shouts pointing towards the large two-story building.

    Knowing how the gatekeeper is milking money out of travelers for demanding large amounts of coins. Akatosh thought it was useless to bribe this guy presuming he might raise his requisition.

    Retreating back from the line he suddenly saw a man next to him showing some crest or symbol to the guards, it was an adventurer''s crest. And at that moment he realizes the gold card he received from the lady. "Worth the shot." He thought slipping his hand into his shroud just like he did at the ''Merchants'' Inn''.

    After waiting for their turn. "What! You again." The guard stamps his foot.

    "Is this good enough for you?" Akatosh reply showing him the gold-card sigil that of a lady holding a ship the size of her palm. There were also other symbols that Akatosh didn''t have the slightest care to know the symbols of the merchant.

    Upon his inspection. "Y-you must be the one madam Eletzi said." The guard says surprise.

    "Yes, that''s her." He lied not even knowing or asking who or what Eletzi is. Preventing a suspicion thus resulting in a direr complication.

    The guard retorts the card to him then runs to the post-house. In his return, he gave Akatosh a sheet of paper-- a passport.

    Akatosh chuckles, "Luck is on my side." He says after they''ve entered the city.

    Just then the townsfolk begin striding towards the large harbor near the vast riverbank. He takes a closer look to see a large ship close to the size of an aircraft carrier.

    The ship was ported as so too Akatosh and Lila was there to see a beautiful lady. Slowly marching with her arms at her back, and as quickly as a robot the people make a large path for her to walk.

    The ''Queen of the Sea'' has returned.

 â€œThe Ecstasy of Power and Challengeâ€

    Accompanied by Riya, Chifya felt somewhat off when they enter the house. And what greets them is Sheila busy reading a spellbook.

    "We''re home." Riya exclaims.

    "Welcome back," Sheila responds folding the book.  "It''s good to see you''ve returned from Dragon''s Lake. Umm¡­ there''s a person who wishes to see you." She continues after seeing Chifya.

    "Where is that person?" A soft sad-words coming from Chifya.

    "He''s upstairs." Sheila points her fingers at the ceiling.

    "He?"

    Sheila nods and quickly Chifya slowly goes upstairs. "Can I borrow your room?" Chifya says before stepping on the third platform.

    "You need not ask. And I think he might be at the balcony." Sheila said.

    "Thank you very much for your gratitude." Chifya bows her head and quickly she jogs the staircase.

    Without even putting off her satchel and Akatosh''s bow. Chifya narrowly saunters to the balcony.

    "Galish?" She calls to the person standing on the balcony facing opposite her.

    The man slowly turns right after he heard Chifya''s soft call. Dress in a glamourous white silky robe. With emerald eyes that fit his beautiful face and a long grayish hair reaching his waistline.

    Similar to an elven ear only shorter, the druid let go of his cane to hurriedly embrace Chifya.

    "Chifya¡­" Galish says, tightly embracing Chifya, "I was so worried about your return."

    Pushing him aside after their long grasping Chifya asks. "Galish, I thought I''d send a word."

    "It''s because I have a message for you." Galish reply fumbling her hand. "The elders¡­ they gave us our blessing."

    Chifya gasp, "I-I¡­ I need to rest for a bit." She said rushing towards Sheila''s room.

    The sudden decisions from the elders were hard for her to process. She never wanted this, never even cared the slightest. Chifya had already made the decision for herself to avenged her village from the gruesome fate they''ve met. She was told many times by her elders, by her new friends to let the past go and stride for a new life.

    Bound by her adopted clan Chifya was at loss. To recuperate her sudden emotions, she groped around in her satchel, looking for her amulet a necklace given to her by her loving mother.

    Rubbing salt to the wound Chifya''s amulet turned into a note saying. "Collateral payment¡­ Hehehe, peace."

    Her rage quickly escalated, "I''ll show you collateral payment when I put an arrow to your chest!" Chifya exclaimed exiting the room.

    Grabbing the bow and her satchel she burst the door open. Ignoring Galish call, she manages to control her anger towards Sheila and her companions but even they can tell her emotion.

    With her heartfelt gratitude towards the group, Chifya gave them a pouch of coins. In a rush to track Akatosh, Chifya as a friend ask a final word that if they ever come in contact with him, they should inform her in secret.

    Ripping Akatosh bounty paper on the board Chifya hurriedly went to the guild for teleportation. Unfortunately, Galish transports them to a forest near the kingdom.

    To her opposition, Galish tightly hugs her trying his best to comfort her anger.

    "Let go of me!" Chifya shout.

    "I won''t¡­ not that I would lose you again," Galish respond.

    "I said let me go¡­"

    Taking the situation Galish quickly used a teleportation scroll gating them back to their homeland. Her rage as of now erupt to the point she nearly slaps Galish.

    "That''s enough Chifya." Comes in a soft voice an elderly tone.

    Chifya was frozen, frozen by magic. Realizing the voice Chifya eases her temper which the elderly man in white robe undoes his magic.

    "Welcome home Chifya."

    Elsewhere¡­

    The crowds of people are cheering for the return of their queen. Dozens of people shout their joy as the Queen of the sea makes her way on the street.

    Accompanied by her three assists and two powerful guards. She was a person to be both respected and feared. Following her shadow, a man with glasses and a short cloak stiffens his eyes in bold intimidation. It was her assistance as well as her royal advisor. And to her left are two female mage-fighters who closely distance themselves from her as they keep a sharp eye on the people.

    Not before long, a little child makes her way to the crowded street blocking Izura''s way and offering her a very majestic sparkling blue flower. To her action, the people wonder in embarrassment.

    As a bodyguard, the two female mage-fighters flinch their hands but Izura''s royal advisor stops them, giving them a sign not to intervene.

    Izura lowers herself to receive the child''s gift.

    "What''s your name little one," Izura says receiving the flower.

    "Names Celi." The girl responds.

    "Celi, what a pretty name." Izura implores patting her head.

    In the middle of their conversation, Celi''s mother came. To her shock, the girl''s mother apologizes for her child''s inconvenient behavior.

    She didn''t take her apology but only ask something. "This flower is beautiful and smells wonderful where did you get this child."

    "From our garden," Celi respond.

    "My lady queen, we''re actually a florist." Her mother explained.

    "I see, then I should have some of these at my place," Izura says nodding at his assistance.

    After a short word, the two bow and quickly joins the crowd earning the respect of the people.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    "Welcome home Admiral." One of her captains says greeting her.

    Izura nods and so the man who greeted her guides the admiral and her servants. From a distance, they fade like a man enters a fog.

    "OOF¡­ what a show," Amaragnum says. "So what are you going to--" The stillmage stops the moment he realizes Akatosh trembling rhapsody.

    "OHH KAMIYO!" Akatosh responds to Amaragnum.

    Gazing the large ship of the admiral, Amaragnum understood his host''s desire.

    With a staggering size nearly of an aircraft carrier. Its single sails were like a drake''s wing sigil that of a sea dragon. Near the upper gunport of the ship were clad of golden-steel carved that of a gothic design. And at the figurehead of the ship was Aziru the goddess of life as to the sea, and a sea dragon slithering her arm.

    Changing their position for a better perspective of the ship Akatosh assumed a hundred guns mounted on the ship were 8-inch in diameter. Its uniqueness and the beauty of the ship gave a reason to build one for himself-- a battleship.

    There are other average sizes ships floating near the docks about twice a dozen of them, but none could compare to the majestic ship of the queen.

    "The scoundrel has found another reason," Amaragnum said.

    With his lustful excitement, Akatosh must first attend to what ties to him. He looks at Lila so too Lila stares at him in a pleading eye.

    "I ain''t a liberator." Akatosh thinks. "Tell me? Was the person who had your brother a merchant or a noble. Something like that." Akatosh says towards Lila.

    "I don''t know but I know his face. He had a saturated eye, brown hair, and a beard, and--"

    "Stop¡­" Akatosh interrupts. "We should find an inn first then we''ll find your brother." He continues and then went asking the local people for a tavern.

    Before they both headed near the tavern recommended by one local merchant, Akatosh turn his eyes at the large ship then smiles.

    Frequently asking the people for the direction they finally found the tavern they''re looking. ''Mermaids Water Inn'' that''s what the signboard says.

    Putting on her hood Lila shadows Akatosh before they enter the building.

    The place was different when they set foot. Unlike other taverns, it was designed in a cylindrical form, and through the center lies a fountain and a mermaid statue sitting on a stone holding a chalice of overflowing water. There were more sailors and fishermen than nobles and merchants combined. And it was his first time seeing a demi-human solitude themselves from the humans'' boisterous words.

    "A separate room for two. And I like to have some of your popular drinks." Akatosh says to the bartender.

    "You must be a traveler." The bartend responds.

    "You could say. And I would like to take out my drinks and food same goes with my companion."

    "That would be three silvers."

    Guided by a female waitress, "Really? this is why you choose this place, just for some wine." Lila writes.

    "Hey¡­ well, we could give it a try if you want," Akatosh says.

    "P-pardon, is there something you wish from me?" The lady says after he heard Akatosh.

    Knowing the misunderstanding. "Oh... I was talking to my companion." Akatosh reply.

    Apologizing for her misconstrue she soon leads them to their respective room. "Is there something you wish to add?" The lady says.

    "I''m fine just bring us our order." Akatosh reply.

    Once Akatosh closed the door he instantly searches for his book scanning the battleship''s blueprint. Although his inspiration to design the battleship was easy but some parts of the ship, its engine, the system, and the way it works were too much to him. Knowing little of the battleship''s turret and the way it runs he quickly writes it.

    While struggling to design the ship the waitress knocks on his door with a word. "Your order is here."

    Pausing his work to eat his meal slowly chewing the food and at the same time thinking, imagining the ship he was designing. And when he nearly finishes his plate, he suddenly realizes something. "Can I borrow your grimoire?" Akatosh says abandoning his last quarter meal.

    "What for?"

    "About the fire gland¡­"

    "It''s there. You are free to use it but, can you read it?" Amaragnum chuckles.

    "Of course, I can''t. I don''t have the knowledge to read dragon language."

    "It''s not a dragon language."

    "What then."

    "That''s what I''ve been seeking. I have asked that one who battled the corrupted guardian of Azarus or whatever. But all he gave me was a word that I didn''t understand."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ so can you translate this."

    "I may, but you''re the most peculiar person I''ve met. Yours that of a stillmage but a fraud. Tell me why do you seek... strength."

    "I don''t know, to pummel some person at the adventures guild. To beat the people that I don''t like or who provoke me. It''s all about revenge and I want to make the devil run."

    Amaragnum chuckles. "Revenge, now that you mention it you remind me of the person who cage me."

    "Oh¡­ I like where this is going."

    "Say, you scratch my back I scratch yours."

    By his malicious excitement, Akatosh hesitated thinking for a word to say. "Since we both have the same intention. I agree, but--"

    "I know, not taking over your body." Amaragnum interrupts.

    "You got yourselves a deal but, your book."

    Amaragnum sigh. "Since I''ve been taking my secrets for hundreds of years, guess it''s time then."

    Through a single cast, the book reveals thousands of words and signs floating in the air. Then with surging energy, they were all swallow by the book.

    "There¡­" Amaragnum says, "I''ve reversed the book''s seal."

    "So is that it."

    "See for yourself."

    He quickly scans the translated words but no matter how many pages he flips, the pages were at no end.

    "My grimoire holds thousands of books. It has an infinite page from the knowledge I stock through my travels."

    "Can you do it to mine?"

    "Your demands are tingling my nerves."

    "Fine, I let you used my whole body when you get your revenge with that lich."

    "Deal"

    Once again, after they were finished leveraging each other there was a knock on the door. Akatosh calls but there was no one to answer. Ignoring the person, the knocking begins to irritate his mind.

    He goes to check the person, "Oh¡­ how stupid of me." Akatosh says seeing Lila on the front door.

    "Can I have a word with you?" She writes followed by a worried face.

    "Wait" Akatosh responds hiding the grimoire and the books from the table.

    When they were alone Lila slowly grovels on the floor pleading to help her rescue her brother. Even Amaragnum was stunned, it was his first time seeing an elf grovel to a human.

    "Wew¡­ what a damsel." The stillmage says.

    "I''m already making a plan¡­" Akatosh sigh, "so don''t do that it gives me goosebumps."

    "Are you really--"

    "Yes, so go to bed I have some monkey business to do."

    Driving Lila away Akatosh sigh.

    "So what now stupid genius," Amaragnum said.

    Akatosh pauses his work, "Merchants ehh¡­ my pregnant pouch seems to crave more coins. To forge a majestic sword, one must have materials and tools, and one must know how to smith."

    "What do you mean?"

    "To make a great heist, I need information and provisions for me to know who the person is."

    "You''re more on the fortune."

    Akatosh chuckles, "both."

    Leaving his plans to rescue Lila''s brother, Akatosh toasts a wine from himself as he continues his work.

    When the next day arrives, they make their way to the bustling busy merchants'' square. Thousands of varieties were displayed but Akatosh was looking for one thing.

    "Glittering dust?" The merchants say.

    "Yes, glittering dust got any of it."

    The merchant crosses his arms and spoke. "Head to the ''Seven Seas''. They are the only ones who can sell that thing."

    Giving him a guide Akatosh goes to where the ''Seven Seas'' were. It was a large place like a coliseum. Divided into thirty parts he goes to where the one is selling the item he needs.

    "Funny there was a person at Keshoval who sells the same."

    The old merchant laughs. "That was but an imitation. And by the looks of it you were fooled by that person."

    To better explain it to him the senile merchant scoops 20 grams of glittering dust. When he torches the powder, it burns more stable than the other powder he bought.

    "You''re lucky, the person was kindhearted to sell you a powder that burns, if worst it may not even burn like a wet rag."

    To have a better understating of glittering dust he asks for more information.

    "This thing is very handy why aren''t other kingdoms won''t use its capabilities."

    "The mages had strict rules regarding this powder. Lucky for Mavigrid, we were able to make a contract to use this powder. The same goes with teleportation all-around the kingdoms and empires."

    "Thanks that''s all I need to know," Akatosh says dropping his payment.

    "Glittering dust?" Amaragnum question, looking at Akatosh carrying the 15 kilos of glittering dust the limit when buying one.

    "I thought you knew about this. It was your friend who created this."

    "Azageis?"

    "Yes, that''s him."

    "Such a long time had passed; I wonder what he looks like."

    Shifting, he goes to the weapon shop. There are many flamboyant weapons and serrated swords, but none could top his sword made from elven-steel and the blazing whip. Having no weapons to buy he ask if the merchant would like to make a trade.

    "Depends¡­ so where are your goods." The merchant asks.

    "Hold on a minute," Akatosh says carrying the sack of powder leaving Lila behind.

    Upon his return, the person was shocked the moment he saw Akatosh carrying a bundle of weapons and dragging sacks of armors.

    "How about these," Akatosh says putting the items on the table.

    The merchants were silent to see a man carrying many weapons and apparel. They were more curious as to where this lad obtains and hoards such items.

    "Are you going to buy it or not?"

 â€œThe Right Ways to Approachâ€

    After so many lies and hard convincing Akatosh managed to sell all the items. All in all, the particular amount he received was only four gold and eighty-eight silver Shar. He wants to explore the place, but Lila''s restlessness postpones his time.

    "So what''s the person look like," Akatosh asks.

    In a quick response. "A scar on his neck?" Akatosh says after he received Lila''s words.

    Lila nod and with a brimful of hope and expectation smeared on her eyes.

    "Gahh¡­ I ain''t a ''knight in shining armor to this elven lass."

    Without knowing where to begin, Lila silence herself waiting for Akatosh to make a move. And before she can finally ask him where they would start, he smiles and went conversing with a random man.

    After hours of seeking the place both of them are standing at a brothel called the ''Siren''s Kiss''.

    There are still many things the elven lass didn''t know about the outside place. However, she can feel a vitiate sense through the building. And when they enter the debauchery, now she realizes what they are in.

    For a brothel, the surroundings are very enticing to the eye. Decorated by blooming flowers and alluring smell it was a high-class place to be. Statues of Hinara ''the goddess of love so too as a passion'' can be seen cemented through the walls acting as columns.

    Not only the design of the place that meets the eye. The thing that catches men''s desire is the people glamorously warping their eyes towards the two travelers. Their fine smell and the clothes they wear for a courtesan truly outwit the less fortitude.

    With a steady eye, he ignores the tempting atmosphere for his lust is far suppressed by the inconceivable distinct desires.

    He slightly turns his head to check Lila in her flushing state, barely keeping her eyes on the surroundings. Uncomfortable to her new surroundings Akatosh let it slip.

    Going towards the receptionist and to what greets them is but a beautiful long-haired woman. Dressed in fine silky apparel, fitting her luscious body and bluish lips.

    "May I know who the person that keeps the place turning." Akatosh bluntly said.

    The woman gestures a smile. "My, what a straightforward man you are." She says blowing the smoke away then slowly spins her pipe.

    "I''m guessing you''re the person who''s in charge here?" Akatosh responds after he saw the five bouncers begins to stiffen in alarm.

    "That I am my dear¡­ So, what brings you to this place for a man who has someone with him." The woman says looking at Lila avoiding looking at her surroundings. "A room of privacy for the two of you?" She continues chastising Akatosh.

    "Hardly, I''m rather more interested in you." He clears his throat slightly showing a gold coin slipping through his fingers.

    The woman smiles. "And her?" She says raising her left eyebrow.

    Akatosh sigh. "Give her a table of privacy and a snack I''ll pay for her compensation."

    With one final sip of her pipe, she calls for her assistance to overlook Lila''s needs.

    "One more thing, she''s unable to speak but she can hear and write," Akatosh add.

    "Oh? Then I''ll be temporarily borrowing your companion." The woman wink at Lila.

    While Lila was guided to a table away from the workers Akatosh follows the woman still sipping her pipe as she glamorously sways her hips. "I believe introductions are in order, you can call me Sophie."

    As an ordinary traveler provoking powerful people, he had to keep his secrecy at bay.  "Name''s Hector." Akatosh lied assuming to who knows there are agents of rich and powerful people even for a brothel, shops, and beggars.

    "Don''t worry boys you can lay down your guard." Sophie wink at the two enormous bouncers guarding the entrance of her room.

    The two guards were very intimidating to their looks much as the large swords they carry sheathed behind their back. And without a weapon and magic to use, their large muscular arms would easily snap Akatosh''s neck like it was just a twig.

    "I''m guessing you aren''t here to make a bed for me," Sophie says sitting on her bed following their steps to her room. It wasn''t a red room but normal and quite luxurious stead.

    "That if I could but, my schedule is a bit tight this time."

    "Mm-hmm¡­" She sips her pipe and then continues. "Or we can make your schedule tighter." She smiles.

    "Funny, you remind me of someone."

    Sophie suddenly laughs thereafter their conversation. "How odd."

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    "I didn''t realize you and Lavrish were acquaintance," Akatosh says.

    "She''s more of a sister to me. It was fifteen years ago that I met her but one day she suddenly went to Maginum. She was desperate that she left without saying her reason. And when she had returned, she decided to live at Ravalind. I never thought you would be her first."

    "She''s a maide--"

    Sophie laughs cutting Akatosh. "She told me and the fact that I''m speaking to her ''first'' quite diverted me to where this is going. But enough of that you didn''t come here for chitchat."

    Summarizing the details that Lila gave, Sophie was quick to respond.

    "Lord Endeve Threshfoll," Sophie says crossing her legs.

    "Endeve Threshfoll?"

    "Yes, that''s him alright. One of the council''s barons. Here in Mavigrid, the king is just below or equal to the ten councils. And every member of the council has their own mogul to support them."

    "Council ehh¡­" Akatosh smile. "By the way¡­ know little about this." He pulls the gold card.

    Sophie smile. "Lady Eletzia Alustroll." Without further continuation, she lays her pipe on top of the table then begins to tread towards Akatosh.

    With her enthrall steps and just a few inches apart. "So how about it." She suddenly dives on top of him for a defloration wrapping her arms at him.

    "He didn''t even flinch nor even emits a cold killing aura." She reckons, reversing away the thin needle sticking on her palms inching his spinal cord.

    "How odd." Sophie thought, gazing down at Akatosh.

    For few seconds looking at his face with his mouth slightly open as if rehearsing his mind. Sophie secretly cast a magical barrier. She smiles licking her lips and speaks. "I think your schedule needs to be in a tighter condition."

    And with that, she lunged her lips to his. There''s a slight taste of tobacco and herbs mix in it but eventually, her kiss turns to a sweet sensation like a siren charming a lonely sailor. Akatosh felt different and paralyze for he was bound by her magic.

    At the moment of their indulgence, Sophie felt something, but she then let it flow and continues rupturing him. And not before the warm atmosphere accelerated there''s a disturbance from the other side.

    "Please child!" A voice of a man from the other side of the wall.

    When they open the door to see what it is, they met Lila in the arms of Sophie''s guard. In comparison, Lila was but like a child punching the man''s abdomen.

    Akatosh sighs seeing the guard standing like a stone statue ignoring Lila''s hammering.

    "Lila you can stop now." Akatosh implore.

    When she heard his call, Lila stops squirming. Sophie smile then nods to her guards which then let go of Lila.

    "I think we''ve stayed quite extensive of our time here." He said towards Sophie.

    "Come," Sophie replies returning inside.

    "Stay put, and don''t worry this won''t take long," Akatosh asks Lila before following Sophie into her room.

    Shutting the door, he then asks how much of the compensation.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ let say--" Sophie says embracing Akatosh, "--how about you." She continues.

    "Look I don''t have time--"

    Sophie chuckles. "It was a jest it''s all free there''s nothing for you to pay."

    Picking up her pipe she begins to walk towards the door and without further conversation, Akatosh follows her. And while they are descending.

    "It might be good to visit this place once in a while." Akatosh imply.

    "Careful dear wouldn''t want her to know our secrets."

    Akatosh looks up to gaze upon Lila''s discomfort eyes.

    Later their temporary farewell Sophie asks him for a final word. "Say hello to Lavrish for me... Akatosh."

    "Not until I''ll get back to you one more time." Akatosh jest as he smiles and raising his right arm while exiting the door.

    Once they are now faded from Sophie''s eyes. "Now I know why you''re very much interested in him. So, what are you going to do... Lavrish?" Sophie reckons gliding her fingers through her lips.

    "Damn I was so stupid¡­" Akatosh says, "asking two high standard people at once was a mistake. If I have taken defensive action, she would have paralyzed my body. Though I like her alluring taste." Akatosh continues, smiling.

    "What are you talking about." Comes Amaragnum.

    "Just where have you been? I''ve been calling your ass." Akatosh responds.

    "Fishing, I have to hide when collecting essence."

    "From what?"

    "Karangax''s hounds, the Deedric lord of darkness dead and undead. They''re still searching for me from the contract I''ve made a long time ago. The one that I used to turn that bastard into a lich and myself."

    "Mm-hmm¡­ I hope I''m not involved in your merry affairs."

    Amaragnum chuckles. "I think you should or maybe--"

    "Don''t you dare!" Akatosh hiss.

    Their sudden argument was halted when Akatosh felt his clothes pulled by Lila.

    "It''s them."  She writes staring in hatred and disgust at the five people murmuring their laughter.

    Without even hesitating she quickly draws her bow aiming towards the group. Somehow Akatosh was quick to respond, groping where the arrow was rested. Forcing her to lower her weapon, Akatosh steps forward blocking their view.

    "If they see you, they will know what happens to the bandit''s camp and those who are involved. Don''t let your hatred take over you." Akatosh whispers to her.

    Lowering her boiling blood. "Humans¡­ truly are disgusting animals." She writes gritting her teeth.

    Pulling out a mantle he hastily let her sort the stuff hiding her appearance from the men. Observing them for a distance. "Might be mercenaries." He says looking at their edgy armors and weapons.

    While they begin to stray off from that place. "Oof¡­ she must have been through a lot from those men. We humans really are disgusting mammals." The stillmage laughs.

    "Agreed, and I do agree with her." Akatosh sigh, "I need to end this quickly before I''ll take a good look at what''s inside of that ship."

    "Hoo¡­ so what''s your next decisive action."

    Akatosh smiles, "you''ll see."

    Taking guidance from the locals they were route to an estate. Standing high from the town''s view looking up through the large riverbank. It was a majestic spot to put a mansion.

    As they begin to channel their steps the guards initially act. And when they are a few meters away from them. "Stop right there--" shouts one of the guards, "--State your business here."

    Having no reaction to the guard''s words Akatosh begins to search the gold card underneath his cloak alarming the guards to stand prepared. But even their pointed weapons didn''t intimidate his blank expression.

    With no authority to enter as he please he stakes everything from the card and his only slight connection to Lady Eletzia Alustroll.

    Just a slight inspection from the card and good right approach sends one of the guards as a messenger to the owner of the estate. Leaving only blank aspects at each other''s eye, finally one of the royal''s servants came. Heads stand high bolstered by his moral high standard he then asks to follow him.

    As soon as they enter the building the man stop. Asking them to unveil their cover Akatosh didn''t hesitate to strip his blanket so too did Lila. Leaving their things at the hands of the maidens and guards, following the man finally leads them to where Lady Eletzia Alustroll is.

    Thought that he would meet a fine lady in garment clothing, only to find a woman deranged in papers and work. Moaning her fatigue and excessive works.

    "When wills this end." She says drinking the fresh tea neighboring the piles of paper. While in the midst of her time she suddenly changes course the moment her servant introduces Akatosh.

 â€œHow Much of a Thief Are Youâ€

    It was dark and the light of the three moons was bulwark by the thick clouds unfazed through the sky. He was given a task by lady Eletzia Alustroll though, Akatosh had already made plans from the beginning even before lady Eletzia Alustroll commands him.

    As an inept man who knew little about raiding a manor''s house, he had to slowly champ his ways into the mansion. Circling the villa at a safer distance, reviewing the guards in their pattern ways he notices only five of them are in their serious duty while the others are slaking off.

    Knowing little of the mansion''s outer shell he stakes his opportunity through the backdoor where cooks and servants are. Lucky for his mysterious existence, undetectable by magic and concealed presence he easily slips through the place aided by Lady Eletzia''s item. It was an invincibility gem and activating its magic was through shattering the gem.

    Cold and visible breathing he put on his mask to better hide his vulnerability. But before he steps into the house, he first undoes his boots mar with mud, leaving him barefoot.

    "Sneaky little bastard, are we?" Amaragnum said watching him maneuvering the place like a sly rat.

    Akatosh may have a chance in raiding the estate but what concerns him is the stillmage amusingly watching his moves. He may have passed the guards and the barrier that detect unwanted visitors but Amaragnum might create a ruckus unveiling his ensconce.

    Ignoring the chattering words of the stillmage Akatosh plans his next move. After several minutes of skulking in the hallway, he averts his eyes towards the large windows. Akatosh smile, the clouds have begun to move, allowing the moon to give light throughout the land. Luck was on his side but even then, it was just the beginning of his first task.

    Just then he heard a noise loud and furious words coming through the corners right where he was sneaking.

    "Milord, I guarantee that they will find that man."

    "GUARANTEE!? IT''S BEEN WEEKS AND YOU STILL HAVEN''T GOT ANY NEWS FROM THAT PERSON! IF THE OTHER COUNCILS FIND OUT MY INVOLVEMENT, IT WILL BE THE END OF ME. DAMN, I SAID THAT BASTARD TO DESTROY THOSE DOCUMENTS! BUT HE DIDN''T."

    While they''re busy exchanging words Akatosh takes a quick sneak-around. "Endeve Threshfoll!" He reckons as his eyes brighten.

    As he watches him conversing with his royal servant Akatosh examines the surroundings but, the moment he shifts his eyes Endeve Threshfoll and his servant enters a new chamber. Once they close the door the four guards move from that position securing the door.

    "Damn, ain''t this more complicated. I can''t afford to lose sight of them." Akatosh bitterly pressed his teeth together.

    "Noob!" Amaragnum laughs.

    Rather than arguing with the stillmage, he focuses on sighting the earl without making the slightest commotion. Avoiding scouts from the hallways his concern begins to burst. Time is fading, and no matter how hard he searches for an easy entrance leading towards the second house, there were guards all over the place blocking the door.

    After patiently keeping his disappointment, he was given an opportunity. Two guards that are guarding the entrance can barely keep themselves awake. Guards that are in this situation tend to react to the slightest noise if they still got some energy to stay awake.

    Now that he finally found a way into the manor''s place, he needs a diversion. Hiding near the furniture where on top are vases containing plants and flowers, just a few seven meters apart he takes out a sack. Inside the sack was a rat. Normally, he needs this to extract information from the slime.

    "I hope this works."

    The moment he pulls the rat out of the bag it has begun to noise, alarming the guards. "Who''s there!" One of the guards said after he heard the squirming sound of the rat.

    Tapping his partner''s shoulder, they initially slowly step forward. To speed things up Akatosh drops three vases making the guards run towards where he was. Thanks to the moonlight''s shadow he was fully merged with the illusion and the darkness completely masking his presence.

    A few seconds thereafter they arrive Akatosh quickly maneuvers from their back. Letting the animal crawl through one of the guards, he quickly hides through the shadow.

    To his success in disrupting the guards, he didn''t wait for them to recover but, the moment he leaves his hiding spot two guards sprung out from the other side of the door.

    Drawn from the noise of his confusion they left the door open allowing Akatosh to slip through.

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    "Lucky bastard," Amaragnum says.

    He however was far to entertain Amaragnum''s attention for he was fully merging with his next step. Once he enters the main house, he was met with the silence which concerns him.

    Thanks to the high-class item that Lady Eletzia gave to him, Akatosh easily walks through the hallway without even projecting a shadow.

    Time is of the essence and the silence of the place nerves his spine. He could ask Amaragnum for assistance, yet his help would be a double¨Cedge sword.

    "Oh¡­ I sense some danger." The stillmage says high for an expectation.

    Amaragnum''s words rang Akatosh''s alarm and without a doubt there it appears. A wisp in blue-orb form slowly marches its way towards him scouting the hallway. Shinning likes a star, its strips of energy swing throughout the place detecting any invisible force.

    "Run", his instinct rushes his feet away from the wisp''s radar. Yet not a couple of minutes there was another one at his left corner. The inside of the house was unparalleled to his familiarity. And with hopes of keeping his presence undetected, he dashes out smoking the-wisps.

    As failure and despair closing in, he lay to rest on the side of the cupboard after he barely escaped the wisps. Then, as Akatosh takes his time calming his mind and collapsing emotion he rips a blank page, drafting and tracing the mansion''s floor plan while he skulks in the shadows.

    When he reaches the third-floor things take tremendous turns. He was lucky to make a slight connection. From the rear end at his spot, he heard a slight commotion.

    "Take this message to him. And make sure no one will see you." Endeve Threshfoll says, with a voice of unease tension.

    It was a low conversation but Akatosh was able to track its location thanks to the silence of the night. And when he peeks to where the voices are coming, he saw the earl''s servants carrying a two parchment each bears the sign of Endeve Threshfoll''s crest.

    Just as the servant goes to a safer place to cast his magic, Akatosh swoops in. With a piece of cloth soaked from Chifya''s sleeping potion, Akatosh bitterly pressed the rag to his nose. Using half of the potion the pack of its power was so great it easily left the man dozing in a mere second.

    Dragging the servant''s body, he wonders why there are no guards patrolling the area. "Maybe the earl was desperate. Maybe he was so aggravated and endangered, so much so that he grew deluding its servants and guards."

    Seconds of ciphering the events that surround him. He was able to hide the body underneath one of the tables. The thick sheet cascading down from the legs of the table was enough to hide a person. Coiling the servant''s body, Akatosh was forced to fit the man underneath the table. The only thing that concerns him is the wisps patrolling the house.

    Now that he had what he needs. Akatosh craves more secure evidence. He wants to barge the earl''s office which he didn''t know. Even then, he follows where the servant had last come out. Using the second and last invincibility gem, and when he returns where he last saw the earl''s servant walk out from the room.

    "Damn! I hope that man got what he deserves!" Endeve Threshfoll says scuffing out from the other side.

    While in the sanctuaries of the shadows, his mind crank. When he saw the earl in his desperate look, now he knows the connection, now he realizes what he got himself into.

    During his time cleaning and sorting his inventories there at the Merchants'' Inn. Akatosh also carefully reviewed each and every document. And the ones that intrigue him the most were the documents which he seized back at the bandits'' camp.

    He was left questioned by the document''s seal and the golden card given to him by lady Eletzia. Analyzing the crests and little time to compare the two family''s seal, Akatosh saw one tiny similarity. By carefully looking at the two signatures. At the top right corner of the seal, both bear the sign of the three towers of Mavigrid.

    After he gained a piece of information between these two royal families that aren''t hearty with each other. Akatosh was rout through this situation.

    Without dropping a sweat, he easily enters the earl''s office. The lights were off but the moonlights coming from the large window were enough to illuminate the room.

    His agitation and the lateness of the night drive him to one choice. Every parchment and document related or unrelated to his target are all sack. Not only papers but objects that glitters his eyes.

    "You''re one gluttonous thief." The stillmage says.

    "Yes." Akatosh reply just as he exits the room.

    Barley executed his plan, the stillmage had one thing to entertain himself. Evaporating some of its dark energy, the wisps all over the house were alarmed by the strong essence of Amaragnum''s chaotic energy.

    "RAAAAAGGG!" Akatosh scream at the stillmage the moment he felt the dark energy emanating from his body.

    "Oh, this is going to be so much fun."

    Not even a minute to prepare two wisps emerge from his viewpoint followed by three more. The color of their energy wasn''t blue anymore rather red in berserk mode. A sign that an intruder was detected, and, at that moment, the entire mansion was filled with guards'' stomping noise.

    Carrying his feet, he manages to reach one of the balconies, the only problem is. Ten meters below lays rocky ground that could injure his feet and may even cripple him. However, it was not enough to stop him from jumping over the fence taking the pain with him.

    With a beating heart and adrenaline blood, he drags himself to safety deep inside the small pot of forest. From there on, he conjures a scroll of teleportation and then starts calling Amaragnum to trigger the spell.

    "W-what. P-pardon me sire but, could you make it louder?" The stillmage says.

    Akatosh had enough. Fueled by pain and malice he takes out holy water forcing Amaragnum to trigger the scroll. Leaving no traces of energy, the place changed once the golden light erased from his eyes.

    As plan by lady Eletzia Alustroll and Akatosh, they are to meet in a private place.

    In regard to his trust issues, Akatosh prepares for any twisted act from the person he''d made a pact.

    "Oh, there you are." Lady Eletzia Alustroll says, dressed in a black shroud.

    "I was worried." She continues unhooding her cloak.

    After three days of laying rest within the mansion, Lila reunites with her brother. Akatosh didn''t know how but he knew the connection from his mission. While the siblings are having their tearful reunion Akatosh swiftly left the place without a word to say.

    Now that some weight is lifted, Akatosh initially begins his main target.

    "Now then. What awaits us from that ship of the queen." Akatosh says, with a sneering smile of excitement.

 â€œParting from the Pastâ€

    Before Akatosh''s mission came to its final conclusion, there at the high tower of Mavigrid held a meeting from the councils.

    After he had delivered the parchments from lady Eletzia Alustroll. She hands over the documents to her sovereign superior, the lady queen of the sea¡ªIzura. The second council of Mavigrid.

    From there, six out of ten were present inside the meeting chamber. But it seems only one controls the room, and that is Izura.

    "Well then¡­ shall we begin," Izura says.

    "We will now begin the questioning conference." Implores Izura''s royal advisor, the man with eyeglasses. "If there are any objections feel free to say now." He continues scattering his eyesight towards the five councils.

    Seconds of no objection or words from the five council Izura''s advisor sigh.

    "Since there are no objections I shall continue--" He stop the moment Izura''s eyes went serious as if she had detected someone with foul intention.

    "Tselios you may continue." Izura smile.

    "Pardon me," Tselios says, placing dozens of parchments and documents. The ones that Akatosh scour. "One of our confederates manage to gain this valuable information from one of yours¡­ Lord Mizrah." Tselios''s eyes narrow one of the congress-- Lord Mizrah the fourth member of the ten councils. A middle-aged man with fine skin and cold eyes.

    "Earl Endeve Threshfoll one of your barons was allegedly funding bandits, brigands, pirates and even making alliances with the Empire of Endregar. Not just him but four more were convicted of revolution." Tselios says eyeing the two members of the council.

    "Though, there wasn''t any traces concerning or connection from their superior. However, there are countless evidence and people regarding your rank as one of the councils."

    "Investigate as much as you want." Lord Mizrah interrupts. "Inquire as you like. As for my congruity with revolution. I let you know I have nothing to do with it."

    "True, there wasn''t a shred of evidence that would reject your denial. Still, the fact that they are under your--"

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    "I said what I said. You can ask your divination friend hiding in shadow." Mizrah interrupts. "And for the faith of those that were accused, they will be tried of heresy. It is my duty as one of the four members of the ''Council of Order'', is it not."

    "Very well then. But you should know what would happen--"

    Mizrah smile. "You can have your surveillance at full time, it doesn''t matter to me."

    "Well then let''s move on to the next topic." Izura smile. "There''s something I want to confirm but since we''re not in a full meeting. I will let you all inform just a little, regarding some ''Stillmage''."

    Following the past hours of conversation, the room was left silent after Izura and her servants left the chamber.

    "Damn it!" One of the councils slams the table. "We should have dealt with her a long time ago. If it weren''t for him, she wouldn''t be here."

    "Don''t worry." A man in bandage says, covering all his body except his right red eye. "The sea can be soft sometimes."

    Roughly three days had passed, Earl Endeve Threshfoll followed by his four other accusers was stripped from their nobility and thus clamp with heredity. As for Earl Endeve Threshfoll''s estate, Lady Izura granted one of her servants to overlook the place and its property. By then all the slaves were freed from their captivity which is requested by Lady Eletzia Alustroll.

    As Akatosh and Lady Eletzia are having their last conversation in the garden. Sipping tea and exchanging words Akatosh had one parting request from Lady Eletzia Alustroll. A requisition that his connection would be left to silence and of course there''s money and items involved.

    "Aren''t you going to say farewell to them?" Eletzia says towards Akatosh.

    "It matters not. By the way, you must have felt lonely, I can tell."

    "So you notice. It was five years ago when he died."

    "Oof... Now you''re interested in someone else drama." Comes Amaragnum.

    Ignoring the stillmage''s voice Akatosh indulges himself in what Eletzia''s saying.

    "My husband was ambushed after he had finished conferring there at Starhim. But the truth is, he was killed for political reasons."

    "I-I''m sorry for bringing this up to you," Akatosh respond.

    "That''s alright because he still lives to my heart." Eletzia smile, a pure smile.

    "I see¡ª" Akatosh says slightly curving half of his lips. "¡ªit seems my time here is enough. Give my regards to Lilia." Akatosh said sauntering away. And just a few feet away he heard a child calling to her mother, it was Eletzia''s child.

    Akatosh sigh. "So it was happy after all."

    A couple of steps away from the villa, someone grabs his cloak. He turns around to see an apparition. It was Lila.

    All of a sudden, a gush of sadness and sorrow submerges his heart. She couldn''t say a word, but Lila conveys her last message to the traveler not by words but through telepathic.

    "My brother doesn''t know but after we''ll return to our homeland, I will soon be gone. But before that, I will tell him our time, even if it is just a little."

    Akatosh couldn''t say a word but he already knew the moment Lila reveals her true form. Now he realizes the true identity that was traveling with him.

    "Akatosh¡­ thank you. It was fun meeting you." Lila says as her apparition begins to disintegrate like fireflies.

 â€œThievery at its Bestâ€

    Filled with pure stillness, the inside of the inn whereas calm and serein to one man''s drowning sorrow. From there, Akatosh sits alone at the far edge corner slightly far from the clusters of people. It''s where he soothes his despondent emotion until he drinks his last ten drops of ale.

    "Haaa¡­ Life." Akatosh sigh, looking down at the green gem given to him by Lila before they part ways.

    "First time?" Comes Amaragnum.

    "Not the first time. It''s just a heartfelt emotion¡­ But anyway, we got more things to do tomorrow."

    "Oh¡­ and what might that be."

    "To cure my curiosity." Akatosh smile heading to sleep.

    When dawn arrives rumors and words about the occurrence of what Endeve Threshfoll had been, still rings the place. Even at the market, Akatosh can hear the peoples'' words about the commotion he''d made. Yet his past days inside Mavigrid were long eased in just a few days and a few drinks.

    "Wow¡­ sixty gold!" Says one of the guards looking at the billboard.

    "What sixty! From what I last heard the bounty should be fifty gold. But in just a short time. This guy must have put a really big hole at Endregar." Reply to the guard''s companion.

    "Really let me see, let me see."

    When Akatosh crosses the commotion, his curiosity again overwhelms him.

    "What the! Is that me!?" Akatosh reckons, looking at his bounty. "And by the looks of it, I''m the most wanted guy on the list."

    "Looks like your hands are full." The stillmage chuckles with a malicious intent smeared in his voice.

    "What are you up to?"

    "Nothing." The stillmage responds then quickly hides into his book.

    After Akatosh had restocked his provisions, he quickly set his eyes at the harbor. It is where his real intention was laid.

    "So¡­ this is it huh. The most famous and powerful ship." Akatosh says, relentlessly gazing at the magnificent watercraft.

    "It''s quite magnificent indeed. It must have been built after my time. And what are you going to do about it? Steal it?"

    "Yes but no. C-can you feel something about the ship."

    "Can you just use your magic to detect¡ªI forgot. You''re shit at magic."

    "I''m just asking¡­ you buffoon."

    "You should be grateful that ship itself reeks tons of magic and powerful barriers. Even from this distance, I can feel the pressure rupturing my aura."

    "Oh¡­ but can it work against me." Akatosh smile.

    Fitting and planning his motives he didn''t realize there was another large ship five hundred meters away from the queen''s ship. Less than the size of Izura''s ship Akatosh however was suddenly went high after seeing another one.

    By silently listening and cautiously gathering information. He manages to gain little but valuable information.

    From what he heard. Izura had seven captains and each one of them had one main ship which is close to the size of the queen''s ship. Not only that, each captain had their own fleet at their disposal. This is why Mavigrid holds the strongest navy rivaling the people of the north.

    Also, one rumors that intrigues his interest is said that Izura had an affection for one of her captains.

    By carefully watching the guards patrolling the ship. He saw a handsome person dress in blue uniform, that of a captain going up to the queen''s ship.

    "That''s it, I''m going in. It''s now or never." Akatosh says gritting his teeth.

    Without hesitation, he quickly utilizes the invisible gem a reward from Lady Eletzia herself.  But hesitant to bridge towards the ship.

    "Do it! Make a step!" Amaragnum shout.

    Passing through the invisible barrier Akatosh stop himself from going, waiting for what could befall.

    "Ahh¡­ Sooo¡­ Nothing."

    "Wait!" Still in hiding Amaragnum interrupts. "That tremendous energy. Can you try going towards that lady over there?"

    Akatosh was confused. Seeing the place overrun by guards and workers he couldn''t get what the stillmage was talking about.

    "Just go there at the quarterdeck." Amaragnum insists.

    Akatosh without a word followed the stillmage''s command and to see a very beautiful and solemn lady averting her eyes towards the sun ready to descent down the sea. It was Izura.

    Besides, there''s another person he notices. It was the man in blue uniform taking the stairs going up towards Izura.

    Henceforth not a time to waste Akatosh roguishly maneuvers on the large group of people till he caught up with the man in blue uniform.

    In a fashion, the man greeted Izura with respect and esteem as a captain below her ranks. Subsequently, Izura unexpectedly awakens from her drowsiness.

    "Is she zoning out from before?" That''s what Akatosh thought, watching the two people collaborating with each other.

    Izura blush "Captain Lyner. I-I never thought you would arrive early than I expected."

    "Then I would train myself to arrive on time." He responds which made Izura giggle.

    "What a loyal dog he is," Akatosh says hearing the two flattering each other.

    Upon further conversation captain Lyner steps forward to watch the sunset together. And as he maintains his distant position towards Izura, Lyner grasps Izura fiddling with a blue flower.

    "Hiris." Said Lyner. "It is said that Hiris the blue glowing flower was a gift from the ''goddess of love''(Hinara) to a knight who fell in love with a beautiful woman. The story said that the woman was cursed by Mirin the goddess of beauty."

    "Why did Mirin curse her?" Izura says, carefully sniffing the fragrance of the flower.

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    "Yes... why did she curse her." Akatosh follow.

    Lyner smile. "It''s because she was Mirin''s high priestess and her most trusted and loyal acolyte. For breaking her vow, she was cursed for her beauty. Strip from every inch of her fair skin and looks, she was then cast out. And only at every blue moon will she gain her true self. That''s when destiny collides when an injured knight is laid to rest into her territory waiting for his last breath. She appeared to his aid in her original self. Love burst and soon melancholic follows when she confesses her true identity to him. But the knight''s love to her was imperishable that it reached the call of Hinara."

    "Oh¡­ what happens next." Akatosh conceive while still under the spell of invisibility.

    "By overcoming trials, the knight finally received the blue glowing flower that would end the curse of his love. And in order to end the curse, she must eat the flower during the twilight of the sun."

    "By eating the flower will the curse be broken." Izura blush.

    "The rumors were true all along." Akatosh chuckles to himself knowing Izura had a deep affection for her captain.

    "Yes."

    "By the way, who was her first love," Izura ask unable to look at the captain''s eyes.

    "No one knows but the story said that the knight who came to her was the one she fell in love in the first place, his reincarnation. Also, legend says that if you ate the flower while you stay at the side of your destiny. You and that person will be destined together."

    "I see¡­" Izura clears her throat and quickly she cast powerful and elusive magic the moment captain Lyner swayed his eyes towards the sunset.

    "I think she''s going to eat that flower," Akatosh said towards Amaragnum thereafter he had witness Izura magically creating an identical illusion of the flower.

    At that perfect timing, Izura purposely covers her mouth then quickly swallows the real flower hidden from her palm.

    "Yep, she did it. And RAGGGG!... You are done with your thing?!"

    "But of course, PUSSY and that was quite the story and a show. Anyway, I''ve seen enough¡­ so what''s next."

    "Haa¡­ What else, to ransack this place." Akatosh responds leaving the two lovers behind as they watch the sunset slowly fades down.

    Thereupon his success in entering the inside of the ship. Akatosh hides through the darkness where no one lingers. Changing his identity, the one he used in rescuing Chifya, he and the stillmage again struck a bargain.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ deal," Amaragnum said.

    "Then let''s get on to business." Akatosh grin as he puts on his mask.

    At Izura''s front door chamber, the two female guards from before fell in a different atmosphere.

    "Illusion!" Shouts the long hair female guard as darkness squints their surroundings.

    "It''s not an illusion," Akatosh said slowly revealing himself towards the two lasses.

    "Bastard! Who are you." Her partner shouts.

    "A destructive mammal." Akatosh reply dashing towards the two.

    "Well, that was easy," Amaragnum said after they easily suppress the two mage-fighter in just a mere two minutes of battle.

    Currently while on the clock of the stillmage''s magic. Dimension magic from which alters the reality of the planes, Amaragnum easily puts a sleeping spell towards the two female guards. Enough for Akatosh to do physical injuries at their abdomen.

    With his triumphant victory without shedding little or no blood, he was now in front of what fills his desire.

    Sealed by Izura herself Amaragnum''s power effortlessly shatters the barrier leaving the door swung freely.

    "Damn son." Akatosh grins stepping into the queen''s chamber.

    With an infinite bag at his disposal, everything within the room was at no mercy to his lustful greed. He couldn''t stand his excruciating happiness as it turns into insane thievery.

    On top of the madman, the queen and her captain fancy themselves. While Akatosh with his trembling hand crazily sack all the things she had been collecting from the past years of her voyage. It was madness. Weapons and jewelry are scooped inside a sack. Books and parchment are savagely harvested like some fruit they were. And while he hastily stuffs all of the objects and treasures, he couldn''t keep his grotesque face.

    "HAHAHA¡­. This is madness." Akatosh laughs after he had ransacked the place.

    "Your preposterous and stupidity ¡­. It-it frightens me," Amaragnum says.

    "Shut up," Akatosh said after lounging from Izura''s room. And at the same time, Amaragnum''s spell expired and to what meets them is Tselios.

    "Oof, I''m out of here. It''s all up to you." Amaragnum said returning to his realm.

    "RAAAAGGG YOU BASTARD!!!" Akatosh reply.

    "Bastard, who are you?" Tselios respond by activating a purple magic circle from his palm.

    "Your brother." Akatosh reply.

    As the sunset would soon be gone in less than two minutes. Izura was struggling to shout her feelings towards Lyner.

    "C-Captain Lyner." Izura stammer too, she was blushing intensely. "I-I Lov--" Izura continues when all of a sudden, a loud explosion burst through the quarterdeck''s large door. And what sprung out are Akatosh and Tselios fiercely battling each other.

    Magic versus sword Akatosh was at a disadvantage. Hardly even following Tselios magic and sword combat he was forced to used glittering dust. Except, Tselios easily counters the explosion by conjuring a magic barrier that deflects magical weapons. And since the glittering dust holds magical energy, the explosion was foiled.

    "Intruder!" Lyner shouts drawing his saber and then goes to join the fighting knock backing Akatosh at his first lightning approach.

    Cornered and with zero chance of victory Akatosh quickly sprint towards the water.

    "Adios bitches!" Akatosh shouts the moment he leaps out from the ship. And while he''s still on the air, Amaragnum teleports them away.

    "What a waste." Izura sigh materializing a flintlock from her hand.

    "A GUUUUNNN!?" Akatosh was surprised the moment he saw Izura pointing the flintlock at him.

    As soon as Akatosh''s body begins to fade, Izura calmly triggers the flintlock putting a bullet at Akatosh''s shoulder. The only thing he last saw was Izura sneering at him.

    Not far rather 700 meters from where he was teleported Akatosh emerge at a forest. A forest near the shore where he can still see the two large ships.

    "Arrggg¡­" He muffles his groan as he spoons out the bullet burning into his flesh. "Shiiii¡­ that was a close one." He continues throwing the bullet. And when it hits the ground, the bullet burst into shining blue light revealing Izura.

    "She marked the bullet for her to use it as teleportation. How cunning." Amaragnum chuckles.

    "You''re the one that I''ve heard." Izura coldly says and at the same time, she magically creates thick blue energy using her only two fingers. "Let see what you got." She continues restlessly dashing for close combat.

    "Ngek!" Akatosh was flung the moment his short sword clash with Izura''s magical sword. Not only did he was thrown at a distance, but his sword also crumbles to dust and even paralyzes his body for a short time.

    "What a pity. I was merely swinging my fingers." Izura sigh in disappointment and cold dagger eyes. "I expected that you have more potential since you have a large bounty. But I never thought you would be as weak as a mere rat."

    Crying blood and shaking muscle from the shocking pain she''d delivered. He hastily scans his inventory while being mock by Izura''s cold words.

    "A pity indeed," Amaragnum said emerging from his hiding place.

    "And you there, the one that''s cowering in the dark. I could tell how low your power is." Izura points her gleaming sword towards the stillmage.

    "LET ME IN! LET ME IN!" Amaragnum roars at Akatosh''s ears.

    "Let us end this."

    Confident to end the traveler''s life Izura dives without thinking. That''s what Akatosh had been waiting for, and the result of her pride leads to her humiliation.

    Halfway from their distance Akatosh materialize a bomb and when he does. Amaragnum quickly ignites the fuse.

    "It''s futile." Izura cast low protection against the bomb. However, the explosion was low and the smoke it produces was like a smoke grenade.

    It was odd, the large bomb which Akatosh threw at her gave a small explosion but left a massive red smoke. Still standing on the winning side Izura unexpectedly kneel. Her eyes were crying from the pepper smoke that Akatosh had fabricated. Then follows by intense pain from her throat and lungs.

    "Who''s kneeling now." Akatosh emerges with a fury fist ready to punch Izura''s face. Once he had hit Izura, Akatosh went running away laughing like a hyena.

    Not letting Akatosh go for what he did. Izura quickly cast a restoration spell then chases Akatosh at tremendous speed. And when she goes to end his life for good¡­

    "What did you say to me before?"

    Akatosh eyes were gleaming in bloodlust. The dark energy which Izura felt from before was now a monster. Amaragnum and Akatosh had fully merged themselves into one.

    "Bye-bye."

    A tremendous explosion burst from where Akatosh and Izura are battling. Trees quickly turn into charcoal leaving a hoard of flames blazing through the early night. Yet not even this massive burst of energy didn''t scratch Izura.

    When her barrier begins to shatter, Lyner, Tselios, and dozens of others came to her. After a minor conversation and reports, Izura quickly returns to her ship. And when she saw what Akatosh did, a tremendous force of mana unexpectedly explodes from her. Crews that are unable to withstand her pressure are hurled away. Even the ship itself was suddenly pinned down from Izura''s evaporating power.

    "That scoundrel!" Izura furiously crumples Akatosh''s bounty paper. The only thing that was left in her room.

    Far away from the city of Mavigrid. Simultaneously teleported when the explosion was triggered. Akatosh with his severe injuries left him smiling in victory.

    "Okay revenge, we''re coming."

 â€œLich vs Demilichâ€

    The words spread like wildfire. The two megalomaniacs had done what others could not. They were left defeated but the wounds they inflicted were much more to demise the admiral''s pride and glory. Frustrated and humiliated, the queen Izura commands her best tracker, her best diviner to find the man who only left a bounty and his dagger fasten on her desk.

    Yet even with their very best, there was nothing they could do. It was a mystery to them and to him and his companion, the stillmage. Using his dagger and the bounty parchment as a locator, the diviners cannot track his location. It''s as if he wasn''t even existed, it''s as if he was but a wind faded after passing through.

    Even the ten councils of Mavigrid were shocked. A sneering smug was written on their faces, a heartfelt of joy to those who loath the queen admiral. And for those who do not, they only pity her. Even Izura''s followers and servants are filled with abhor emotion.

    By their unlawful action, Akatosh and the stillmage had triggered some of the council members and their royal barons. To bring Akatosh to their side, to use him as their pawn. A sniggering smile of corruption is all they had in mind.

    There across Starhim, the ''Thief''s Guild'' was intrigued by Akatosh and Amaragnum'' exploit. They were left to wonder about his capabilities, his power, his quality. Regardless, Akatosh was no more than an intricate to them.

    Following the aftermath of Akatosh and Izura, the state of Mavigrid became stricter. All around the city, its provinces, villages were under the iron-jurisdiction of fugitive and travelers'' law. It was still early so Akatosh had time to hospitalize his injuries, a town three-week journey to Dolvadish. It was an average town, a place called ''Kermish'' southeast of the main city. A town thrived from the inn-like fortress there at the heart of the village. It was a fortress-like tavern to be said and there Akatosh laid to rest for over four days, thereafter the closest temple healed his wounds.

    Because of his sense of awareness as a man being hunted down for his crimes. Akatosh didn''t stay there more than three hours. He only ate and left the inn in haste without making contact with other adventurers or people.

    Not in haste to exit the borders of Mavigrid, Akatosh took him nearly a month to reach the borders of Dolvadish. And when he reached halfway across the edge of Dolvadish using the roads leading to Ravalind. Akatosh felt the atmosphere became frostier, it was the dawn of winter.

    "Winter huh." Akatosh sigh, riding a wagon he just recently hitchhike.

    "What about it." Comes Amaragnum tired from Akatosh''s long traveling.

    "Nothing, I was planning where to live¡­ Or maybe." Akatosh smile.

    "Rag (Amaragnum)¡­" Akatosh called. "I was thinking about your hideout. Can you still teleport us to where that place is?"

    "You sure got tons of demands. Well certainly I can, but what are you going to do with it. Hibernate?"

    "Let just say, our secret base." Akatosh smile staring at the fading beam of lights as the frosty clouds start to slowly envelop the land.

    As the silence tends for a couple of minutes, they again resume another conversation.

    "So¡­" Akatosh calls. "I was curious about the admiral queen there at Mavigrid. Even I with no magic felt that extreme pressure the moment we confronted her."

    "Nah, she''s just strong. Clearly, you heard her rumored story there at Maginum. But¡­ I was surprised though. We stillmage are lucky to have massive quantities of energy and power. And she wasn''t a stillmage so she must have trained a lot, sadly we will never know."

    "I see."

    "However, I can easily deal with her if I''m at my full prime."

    "Shove off¡­" Akatosh quickly said. "Well, the world is a big place for both of us. There are a lot of people out there who can top and beat our asses. Who knows your magic might be inferior to some of these new generations?"

    "You''re right. I too was anticipating my years of imprisonment. If that dilly-dally old fool of mine still doing good, we might get into a rematch."

    "Really, is fighting you''re only good at from that misty brain of yours," Akatosh says, conjuring a thick blanket to keep himself warm.

    "Says the man who always picks up a fight at every step he takes," Amaragnum responds.

    Just as they are about to make another argument, snowflakes start to fall. And Akatosh couldn''t help but envelop from his past. He was silent, so silent that the driver was hesitant to make a conversion. But for a point of perspective, Akatosh was merely contemplating his own purpose, his circumstances, his destiny as to why him.

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    He had met the ''one'', yet he was still baffled. True, there are countless other billions or so to be the pick. Yet he was telling himself as to why a question he asks himself.

    With the passing time where snow slowly envelops the green grass. Akatosh felt Amaragnum''s presence dissipates through the book thinking he must have gone fishing.

    Thinking nothing, Akatosh slowly searches for a good spot to rest. Avoiding the loaded goods, he slowly sinks his slumber without the help of Chifya''s potion.

    Reaching the majestic bridge, Akatosh shifts his position right beside the driver for an overlook. The second time crossing the bridge was different. Snowy ground laid to rest on the side of the bridge. Horse and carriages'' track print the white road. The cold chilling wind feverishly howls the passing wagon. And the once beautiful scene coming from the stepping waterfalls turns into a dark and grayish atmosphere. But even at this gloaming time, Akatosh was still bedazzled by its twilight beauty.

    "I''m sorry young lad but this is far as I can go." The driver said after he had parked the wagon at the side of the inn, the tavern right near the bridge.

    "Don''t mind, I was going to ask you for a warm bed. But I never thought you work here." Akatosh responds after seeing the man unload the goods.

    Giving a helping hand, three workers from the inn came for help. And after taking the last goods into the inn, as always Akatosh directly goes to the innkeeper for a room. And just as he was about to head towards into his room. Akatosh saw a cluster of adventurers and people gazing at the post board.

    Intrigue by their attention, Akatosh goes towards for a slight sight. And when he realizes they were mooting one single bounty post. His face was flabbergasted, it was him they were discussing. The sixty gold rewards that had once been written on the bounty paper was now a continental bounty. Through his triumph in trampling the rich and powerful people, his bounty crimes reach over a hundred worth of gold coin which is now continental money.

    "Oof, one hundred and ten gold. Dang son! Looks like you''re as wanted as me in a different realm." Amaragnum laughs. "So, what are you going to do about it."

    "Beats me." Akatosh laughs out his bounty crimes. "Ain''t this more problematic."

    When morning came, Akatosh quickly left the inn after he''d finished his plate. He was in a hurry so was Amaragnum who couldn''t wait to have his revenge on the one who imprisoned him for centuries.

    Using ''haste spell'', the two in one reached the place where he''d fought the giant kobold. That''s when he realized why the kobold was too strong for him and Ashalain after Amaragnum carefully explained lich''s power.

    "Lich has the power to influence other things that surrounds them but only in a designated range. They can channel their power and essence alive or dead just like me a demilich. However, as a demilich, I am more complicated and much more powerful than a lich. Though, since I lost all my energy and power, I need a body to utilize my spells and magic."

    "I see," Akatosh says, entering the inn owned by Garry the first tavern he''d sheltered. And after a few custom greetings, their topic now directs towards the cave.

    "Well, after you had left the place. There were five adventurers a gold tier to be exact. They came five days after you and your maiden left. I don''t know much but they only came here for an investigation, the cave where you last went."

    "And?" Akatosh responds.

    "Pretty much nothing at all." Garry sigh. "I asked them how their trip went but in return, it was no more than a bunch of burned corpses and a few explored dwarven ruins."

    "That''s all? Literally, that''s all they have said."

    "Yeah, is there something wrong?"

    "Nothing¡­" Akatosh says booking a room before stepping out from the inn.

    When they arrive at the place, corpses from before were no more to be seen. Thinking as he moves, Akatosh thought it must be the work of the recent adventurers that Garry told them. Leaving the lair of the lich, he first checks the den of the large kobold. And it seems to say everything was free of corpses only one thing that remains are burned woods and scorched walls and grounds.

    "Are you ready my boy?" Akatosh says, standing from where he''d last felt the lich''s cold and dark presence. And without calling or drawing out Amaragnum''s dark energy. Purple orbs initially dangling through the air. In an instant, the atmosphere ruptures from where he stands.

    From where he stands, the place was distinctive. The perspective from his surroundings was all rubbles. The lights that illuminate the realm are blurry in pigment color. Seconds of descrying the place, far in front of him ten meters apart there he rises. Crawling out from the ground like a man digging his own way out of his grave. Tattered red robes and decaying body the lich which Amaragnum dearly want to obliviate appears.

    Enclosing Akatosh''s sight, they began to fill their own promised leverage. As the lich slowly takes its full shape so too Amaragnum slowly envelops Akatosh''s body. It was now all-out as Akatosh''s sclera turns to pitch-black while his Irish brim into gleaming blood red. The stock-up energy that Amaragnum gathers quickly dispersed from Akatosh.

    "So, you''ve been hiding this whole time," Amaragnum said now in Akatosh''s body. "I have been waiting for this moment¡­ Hayes."

    The lich however didn''t respond to Amaragnum¡¯s words, it only slowly shakes his head measuring Amaragnum.

    Anticipating an answer, Hayes the lich just by pointing his skeletal fingers. The dimension they stand abruptly enlarge stretching indefinitely for merely ten seconds. Simulacrum, ten flaming blue orbs appear from Hayes''s back floating in an organized circle. And for the last part of his greeting, a ray of decaying magic rockets towards Amaragnum.

    Responding to Hayes''s regards, Amaragnum with his flaming palm hammers the ground. And in an instant, the roaring decay disperses to thin air. Upsetting the privilege of Haye''s realm, the clouds up above twist and roar in thunder. In a flash, the sky rains in fire like what he''d did at the bandits'' camp.

    The moment they had met after thousands of solitudes, Amaragnum and Hayes quickly resolve to a brawl. And the calamity of magic was just starting to boil to an extreme sensation.

 â€œA Glimpse of Destinyâ€

    Through parting from his material self, Akatosh''s soul has only one place to go. From a pit of darkness an endless void to where the nameless keeper is. Pulled, he found himself where he''d last left the lonely angle. At this time onwards Akatosh was now striking, for one thing, a conversation of presumption. He wasn''t here for some honeyed words or romantic courts, Akatosh was now asking for an answer.

    Time flies for a second, and little did he know he was holding a crown he''d once took from the lonely angle. Wondering why after he''d saw the thing he was holding and for a good turn he was facing her.

    Gesturing a smile Akatosh steps closer which in turn made the angle fluctuated. Standing with her hands fumble together she remains silent for what Akatosh has to say. Elegant and graceful, while uninspiring to the sight Akatosh takes his step. Once he was two meters apart from her, Akatosh then slowly starts a word.

    Thinking for a word of a greeting Akatosh sigh for he doesn''t know how to address a slow conversation, he was straight at words so to say. After greeting her, the angel didn''t answer in words she only bows back.

    "You do know the reason why I came here," Akatosh said overlooking the vast surroundings created inside his realm. After his question, the keeper''s eye swayed down avoiding contact, and moreover, her eyes were filled with pity towards Akatosh. Unnoticed her sign of benevolence Akatosh follows another word.

    "Tell me, what do you know about the cursed thing that I carry. And I''ve been meaning to ask, from what role do you play in this dice of revelation?"

    Taking a walk, the keeper then finally returns a word. "Forgive me but knowest not, I am forbidden to give the answer thou ask. I am merely a watcher that keeps the thing from within." The keeper said with her eyes on the ground as she walks the fluffy-looking grass.

    "I see, then what about him he might know some," Akatosh said while recalling what his other self said to him and the keeper.

    When Akatosh said his words, the keeper turns to a quick and uneasy surprise. Remembering what the keeper last told him how he can bend the realm to his will Akatosh just by imagining and calling, the dimension quickly calls to his need. Just thirty meters from where they are, a wall of dark mist envelops half of the realm.

    "So, he wasn''t lying after all," Akatosh said treading towards the wall of darkness. "Sorry honey for the short visit but I''ll make sure to return in one piece. And I''ll be keeping this crown."

    As she watches him sauntering over the gate to the next plane, she quickly calls to him. "Akatosh you mustn''t, you mustn''t enter for it will tend you through the most terrible."

    Answering a bon voyage motion and with a smile, Akatosh slowly steps into the realm of where his other one was. On the other side, the keeper was left speechless to what she just witnesses. The moment Akatosh walks through the darkness there she felt what feared the most.

    Upon his arrival Akatosh could see nothing but himself, he could see the place overrun by old ruins and decaying leaves. And through that Akatosh saw his dark self, sitting on a crumbling throne.

    "You sure do know how to make such a decent aspect," Akatosh said enthrall to his dark image sitting on a ruined throne at a desolated kingdom.

    "Mm-hmm, isn''t this the thing you liked?" His dark representation said.

    "Quite the contrary, anyway shall we get on to business."

    Back forth at the material realm, Amaragnum and Hayes are in the constant barrage of magic power. Both are at their peak to their fullest disrupting each other''s spell casting. Hayes the lich still lingers from his spot summoning otherworldly beings such as ghouls, and dark entities.

    "Ain''t this exaggerating!" Amaragnum shout unchaining the razor-like whip on the claw gauntlet.

    From there on, Amaragnum viciously rakes Hayes''s minions into bits. But even with the stillmage''s power, Hayes stood at every turn Amaragnum unleashes his spell. The keen roots Amaragnum had created from the ground crumbles into dust before it can spear the lich''s decaying body. The firestorm the stillmage had created on his entrance wasn''t enough to suppress the undead hoard as it rises to thousands¡­ more than what Amaragnum could chew.

    "You like to play rough do you," Amaragnum said creating a colossal cataclysm by just putting his palms on the ground.

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    The earthquake was so massive it tore the ground burying thousands of shambling undead in minutes. But the show wasn''t finished as the wind grew heavily spiteful, to those from the sky that Amaragnum couldn''t bury begin to dismantle. Their body couldn''t withstand the chaotic wind wrenching their wings and flesh.

    "I am the master of calamity don''t you ever forget about that." So, say Amaragnum when a large magic circle quickly surprised him.

    In return for the stillmage dissolving Hayes army, the lich gave him a hazily greenish explosion melting the ground. It was a powerful spell but Amaragnum had far anticipated his magic through embroiling himself with ''dragon scale''. A protection spell that''s more powerful than ''adamantine skin'' second to ''goddess shield'' the most powerful spell ever created. From there Amaragnum stood still with gleaming red dark eyes. The dragon scale-like spirit layering the armor which Akatosh used begins to take its full form. Transparent to the look, two large curvy spikes like horns solidified on his shoulder both left and right.

    Not to be surprised, Hayes so too cast his own ''dragon scale'' spell. Although similar in power Hayes''s ''dragon scale'' was much more razor and edgy to the look, plus it was light in color.

    Following a spell, Amaragnum calls upon the raging sky. "Lightning", the stillmage calls raising his left arm and like a lightning rod, the zapping electricity funnels at his hand. Chaotic and harrowing but when it fumes at the palms of Amaragnum, slowly it eases. Much to the eye, immediately he thwarts like a bullet ramming Hayes''s protection spell. Drilling the layers of protection, Amaragnum went to a quick stop the moment he reaches the core.

    "Wail of the Banshee," Amaragnum said, and once he utters the word an inhumane scream of a woman howls through the air.

    Piercing death, the undead, and cacodemon from all sides disintegrate into dust.  Not only did it erased the hundreds of fiends surrounding the lich, but it also devour Hayes''s protection. Leaving the lich standing, Amaragnum tries to claw Hayes for close combat. Unfortunately, not an inch close Hayes turns transparent, and quickly the lich vanishes.

    Appearing where Amaragnum was when he''d last conjured the lightning. Again, the place was quickly overrun by all sorts of necromancy and nether creatures.

    "What do you mean? Or are you lying?" Akatosh says, passing left and right as he eyed the dark image of his.

    Akatosh''s dark image chuckles. "Mm-hmm¡­ why would I even lied to you."

    "So, you''re telling me both of you are just a gate? A double door that seals the thing from within."

    "That''s what I know. And yes, there are much more things that you and I do not know of¡­ only she''s the one who knows what secrets that ours don''t have¡­ But anyway¡­" Akatosh horrific image says lifting himself from the throne. "Aside from that, there is something which I too like to do." He said leaping onwards at Akatosh.

    Fortunately for Akatosh the crown which he''d hidden before entering the dark realms flashes a bright light.

    Stopping his dark image from coming closer, the misty energy crumbles like ash. "How devious, to think that you took what was part of her and used it. But whether or not, I have the power of advantage--" Akatosh''s dark image said when suddenly a hand grabs his throat cutting his sentence.

    Pinning him down, anxious and staggering heart Akatosh plunged the shinning crown on his entity''s chest as he sarcastically said his words, "in the name of God".

    As one would imagine, the dark entity instantly became agonized throwing Akatosh with the last energy he had. Following their short confrontation, Akatosh''s dark entity can be seen flagging out. The immense power his dark self was swept away by the holy crown. And with no power to overthrow Akatosh''s soul, they are now on a par.

    "Funny because there is something that I dearly so wanted to do. And that is putting myself to the test."

    "Come, come then hector." His dark image said quickly overcoming the side effect.

    And just like that both continue their defiance. Much like Akatosh, his dirty martial arts skill was very equal at every level he throws to his dark representation. Considering they are both spirits the first contact felt different when fighting in the spirit realm. It felt like he was fighting a solid cold wind and as painless as it may seem for a soul, the pain was different. Akatosh felt more than fear, what he felt was like a black hole tearing him apart, breaking his soul into nothing. Other than that, his adversary was different than him for it didn''t feel an emotion there was only pure blackness and nothingness.

    Fearing at loss, the only thing Akatosh could counteract was his emotion of rage. Amidst each other''s wrecking soul, both are having trouble with themselves. While Akatosh had been enduring what he felt from fighting his dark entity, so to his obscured representation felt the holy crown purging him from the inside.

    In a state of despair, both sides are as stubborn, there was no surrender nor concede from either one of them. Their fighting continues until their last ten punch put them to the ground. At last, a conclusion was made although from their excessive brawling there was no panting for fatigue, there was only despair of a soul.

    Staring at each other''s image, Akatosh could see his dark image begun to crumble. Worst Akatosh felt something more than what his dark image is having. Rather than being weakened, he felt the cursed thing coming to devour him, he felt the fate worse than death, he felt his soul fading. And this is not the first time he''d experienced, Akatosh first experienced this situation when the ''first seal'' loosen there at Ravalind.

    As for his material body, Amaragnum borrowing Akatosh''s body so too begun to fade as it goes with the withering soul. In the blink of hopelessness, the keeper came. Quickly extracting her holy crown from Akatosh''s dark imitation she then quickly vaults towards Akatosh taking him away to her dimension. Before that, Akatosh heard his adversary shouting at him.

    "You felt it did you not!"

 84: No Title

    Uncomprehending to what transpired, the second he took the revelation''s power was enough to send him shaking in fear and despair.  Although it was such a terrible experience, there was something he saw. A different side, nevertheless, it was enough for him to face that thing again.

    "What the fuck happen!" Amaragnum said now on a defensive track from Hayes''s minions and magic barrage.

    Having enough from what he felt and what he faces, Amaragnum raise both of his arms after rejuvenating from Akatosh''s fading body. Crossing his arms, a shockwave manifests through his hand reaching an indefinite range of proportion throughout Hayes''s dimension.

    "Bend thee to my will and let this world shatter through my eyes." Amaragnum implored slowly dragging his arms and while he does Hayes''s realm crumbles.

    The ground erupts flipping the crust of the land like broken glass. Starting a calamity Amaragnum moves on to the core. Seeing through how Hayes had the advantage the stillmage tore Hayes''s dimension, the place where his power was hiddenly placed.

    Not only did the stillmage affect Hayes''s realm, outside through the dimension Amaragnum''s power also influences the realm world of Vashkeil. At the inn where Garry is busy cleaning a cup of mug, he felt a strong tremor coming from the cave. It was powerful magic from the ancient that ranges throughout Ravalind. Even the crowded adventurers'' guild instantly halts their rowdy festivity. They never felt this kind of earthquake before, it was ominous to say.

    Shattering Hayes''s void, tons of energy burst out from the sundered ground. And it was at this moment Amaragnum knew Hayes was doing the same thing Amaragnum had been doing the past thousands of years. He too was gathering and stocking energy from whence he became and trap as a lich.

    "I see, so you truly mastered the art of dimension magic," Amaragnum said instantly teleporting to where Hayes is. "Why didn''t you erase my markings." Amaragnum implies but he receives no word from his apprentice.

    "Goodbye, then my apprentice¡­ ''Final reckoning''." Amaragnum continues erasing all Hayes''s protection and buff magic and when it quickly dissipates the stillmage''s punctures Hayes''s chest.

    Crushing the black beating heart of the lich, Hayes''s body instantly moldered into dust. At this moment, the soul that was trapped for thousands of years was finally set free. It was shocking that Amaragnum was silent by what stood in front of him.

    "Greeting¡¯s master," Hayes said, a middle-age man with globose hair and lightly tanned skin.

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    "How did you?! I thought I''d completely parted your soul and your material body." Amaragnum says.

    "To be honest I already mastered my dimension magic before you turned me into a lich. That''s why I was able to trick you into this illusion of dimension."

    "Hah¡­ But-but why did you do that?"

    "Because you saved me." Hayes smile.

    "Saved you?! You must be joking." Amaragnum said as he watched his apprentice ready to ascend through the sky.

    "Master was I good. Was I able to stand at your place?"

    "Yeah, you already were even before we''d met." Amaragnum reply.

    "I''m glad¡­ I''m glad I was happy to meet you again. With this, my task has finally come to an end." Hayes said levitating away.

    "WAIT! WHAT DO YOU MEAN¡­ WHAT TASK!"

    "Farewell thee master Amaragnum," Hayes says before departure into thin air.

    Instantly when Hayes vanishes, the dimension which Amaragnum broke rapidly deteriorates and increases in releasing tons of energy for the two kingdoms (Ahgraim and Keshoval) to see. It was a straight green beam of energy evaporating on the mountain where the cave was.

    In the afternoon of the day, were winter blocks the sunlight of dusk turning the land into a dim place. There the people witness a gleaming beam of light bursting for minutes. As suspected the two kingdoms quickly sends a convoy for investigation. Even the adventurers'' guild was quick to respond to the orders of the royal monarchs.

    From the balcony at the house of the de Shilvia family, Ashalain already theorizes what befall at the beaming light. An understating of her connection to Akatosh and the lich inside the cave. Although there are countless speculations were someone who''s more powerful manage to bring down what lurks inside. Ashalain however was more bound to her first hypothesis.

    During the aftermath, Amaragnum had already exceeded his limit in keeping his soul intact in between the afterlife and the living. He could feel the chain of the spirit realm and Karangax''s hound sniffing his hideout. Moreover, he was having a hard time controlling the crumbling body. Luckily Akatosh calls but in a shaking voice.

    "C-can I have myself back?" Akatosh says appearing where they last transact.

    The uneasy tension of eye to eye already made Amaragnum notion something had happened. In connection with what he felt when he was fighting Hayes, Amaragnum was true to his promise. He can see Akatosh''s eyes were dispirited, it''s as if he was now just an empty soul. And without obstruction, they return to their original places.

    Safe and sound, Akatosh carefully exits the cave using the fiery whip as a torch. Halfway to the inn, he heard dozens of either adventurers or commoners from the inn came rushing to investigate the beaming light that occurred. On-time, Akatosh quickly corners towards the woods just a few meters away from the road. Indiscreet and waiting for them to pass, he then resumes walking in a deranged way. And when he reaches the empty inn Garry immediately greets him aid and tons of questions.

    "Are you really okay, I will send an errand boy to the nearest temple. And don''t tell me you''re the one who--"

    "Don''t, I''m okay¡­ I-I just need some rest and forget what you saw. And can you guide me to my room?" Akatosh says in an uptight voice interrupting Garry.

    "I can but you really don''t look okay to me. We could wait for some adventurer priest to come--" Garry says but again interrupted when Akatosh closed the door ignoring Garry''s words.

    Quick to bed as he hastily removes his gears, Akatosh then let out heavy breathing to ease his shaking emotion. And it wasn''t long till slumber takes him.

 â€œThe Dead Three"

    Resonating through time and space Akatosh finds himself at a bridge, a dimensional bridge. There was a faint essence linger through the atmosphere a very neutral sensation. Shortly he saw his dark image stepping through the darkness so was Amaragnum.

    "Yo, we meet again." Says Akatosh''s dark image.

    It was a surprise event even for the stillmage who was left silent and baffles by what he was. And as far as to see, they did not personally come here for a moot nor leverage of transaction.

    "Did you summon us here?" Akatosh imply.

    "I suspect you would say that¡­ Technically It wasn''t I who gathered us here. I do not know what draws us into this place but one thing I presume is because of what happened the other day. Through that, it distorted the flow of space and time between us three. Ain''t that right new friend." Akatosh''s entity said eying Amaragnum.

    "What''s this got to do with me?" Amaragnum reply.

    "Funny ''cause you''re already in our merry band." The entity chuckles.

    Getting a serious eye Amaragnum tries to bend the dimension like what he did to Hayes''s realm. Strangely there was nothing Amaragnum could conjure not even a single spec of magic.

    "Low on calories?" Akatosh''s dark image chuckles. "And since I haven''t fully introduced myself why not let my other one serves me an introduction."

    "You want a name?" Akatosh said.

    "Why not? It''s just a name."

    "Very well, since you put it that way starting from this you can call yourself Tosh for, I care not."

    "I''m very much obliged." Tosh happily responds.

    "So, what is this merry band you''re talking about?" Amaragnum implores.

    "To be honest I don''t know either." Tosh laugh. "For now, I think." He continues as they felt themselves slipping away from this place.

    As short as a dream Akatosh awoke from his slumber. Well-rested he notice it was already at the zenith of time. Fixing his scattered armors, he went for a full-time meal.

    "Do you mind if I ask something?" Akatosh implores Garry.

    "Go on lad I''m all ears."

    "I see¡­" Akatosh said observing his surrounding for any person that might be intrigued by their conversation. "Any commotion that had to happen the other day." He resumes after he concludes his observation.

    "Quite loud I say. Clearly you attracted more than certain people. The other day before my shift, a group of royal soldiers¡¯ barge past midnight. They were the royal soldiers of Ahgraim looking for shelter. And just the other morning seven adventurers from the guild came sniffing for information lead by one magic class adventurer. And I heard they were ordered by the upper ups, the royal people. But don''t worry both of the parties left without information or understanding what had to happen."

    "I see, I''m very much thankful for you."

    "Don''t worry about that." Garry smile. "In return why don''t you tell me what truly happens. And worry not lad this is between us two so how about that."

    Akatosh smile. "It was a lich."

    "A lich!" Garry was shocked but kept his voice low.

    "Yeah."

    "But the adventures told me--"

    "That''s because the lich was a dimension specialist that kept himself hidden through the ancient times."

    "I''m surprised! ¡­ I never thought I was neighboring a powerful lich this whole time. T-then how did you manage to defeat it." Garry says stopping his work.

    ''''It is complicated to tell; it was a one-on-one battle not for me but the remnants of your history''s past. Sounds exaggerated right, regardless I spoke what is true to my mouth it is up to you to believe it or not. Either way, this is just a mere curiosity to being filled."

    "I do, I believe your words. And that''s because I, myself is a mage." Garry said magically emitting a faint compressed wind from his hand. There were no magic circles which made Akatosh''s eyes stunned. "As a mage, I can tell which presence is which. That is why when that massive energy burst through the mountains, I was shocked by the quantities of energy being released. Although the first part of your word philosophies me. And I, myself was quite baffled the moment you first spoke to me." Garry smile with an intent look in his eyes towards Akatosh.

    "Mister, are you perhaps a sage? Is that why you first entrusted that letter to me?" Akatosh responds.

    "Mm-hmm, I only gave that letter to you because you''re the only one I know heading to where my brother is. Well, the magic thing you saw was just the only thing that I master because I''m just a beginner at that." Garry sigh.

    "I see," Akatosh respond unable to continue their conversation leading to silence for both of them.

    The moment of silence a party suddenly came breaking the barrier between the two. A party of three people consisting of one male fighter and two females, a mage and a priest. They were youngsters the moment Akatosh set his eyes on them. And it looks like they were about to discussed something about Garry.

    "Mister about the bounty, we''re here to collect the reward." The young lad said.

    "Okay-okay, let me look at the paper, see what I can do," Garry said leaving Akatosh''s side.

    Seeing Garry busy with something Akatosh took this opportunity. Grabbing the handkerchief that Garry used to clean the goblets and mugs he then put something and then covers it. Placing his plate atop the folded handkerchief he quickly moves out from the inn without Garry noticing him walking away.

    "Here you go," Garry said, giving them a pouch of the coin towards the party.

    Returning where he had left his work, Garry smiled upon seeing Akatosh had already left the building. While a bit surprised Garry then went to grab Akatosh''s plate. Seeing his folded handkerchief after lifting the plate Garry already realize what Akatosh had done. And when he unfolds the fabric a gold coin drops just a few inches on the table.

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    "Good grief that kid."

    Slowly trekking the snowy road, as he looks for any wagon to ride. The journey to Ravalind was quite long and the shivering winter makes the travel uneasy. And that long time walking a mile a wagon finally emerges. Heading towards the kingdom of Keshoval, Akatosh then carefully talks to the driver. With a good conversation, Akatosh joins the ride. There were few people in thick clothing while Akatosh only had a spare cloak to warm himself and his armor. Nonetheless, he was happy to get out from that cold road.

    Once arrive Akatosh then again carefully talks to the guards and even bribing them. At this time, it was now nighttime, and with good direction from the citizens of Keshoval, he slept at an inn letting the night pass.

    Following the cold winter night, Akatosh quickly heads towards Barry''s shop right after he had finished his breakfast. He was so happy to get his newly finished commission. But right after he enters the shop.

    "What? You gave it to them." Akatosh implores.

    Barry sigh. "Wasn''t it you who ask me to do that?"

    "Did I?"

    "You didn''t even reach middle age and yet you''re as old at remembering stuff. And yes, I did as you told me to."

    "Dang¡­ Is the market still good for today?"

    "Quite, though it varies on what business you are looking for."

    "I understand¡­ Then see you around." Akatosh says heading through the market as he thought the first thing he would do and visit.

    Passing through the jewelry shop Akatosh thought about appraising the gems he collected. It was good at first that the shopkeeper easily identifies the gems he had stashed. Though when Akatosh has shown Chifya''s jewelry the shopkeeper would not identify not even the slightest.

    "I think my knowledge won''t give you something about that gem of yours. Don''t worry there is another shop that might know something about that.  Although she might be a bit different, here¡­ I''ll give you the direction." The shopkeeper said.

    Paying the cost of identification, Akatosh heads to where the shopkeeper had told him. And while Chifya''s jewelry was still at the palm of Akatosh''s hand, he saw something odd about the design. From the center of the necklace, the gleaming purple oval gem had something that Akatosh manage to notice. By carefully overlooking the design and how the gem was embedded. Akatosh saw a slight curiosity where the large gem is placed.

    Finding a tight alley where Akatosh secretly dabbles with the necklace he then brought out a dagger and begun prying the largest gem. In minutes of struggling to root out the gem a folded paper falls through the snowy ground right after Akatosh carve out the gem.

    His first thought was a letter from a family though when he unfolds the compressed paper. Akatosh saw a family drawing consisting of only three people. It was Chifya''s parents and moreover, her mother was a very beautiful dark elf smiling in purity.

    Akatosh whistle. "Whew, what a beauty, what a dang," Akatosh says carefully staring at the dark elf''s drawing. The long hair and pointy ears but what shows the true beauty of the drawing was the smile. Not just the dark elf but also the child which is Chifya when she was still young and carefree.

    "Should keep this, might be a good fortune someday." Akatosh says folding back the paper and stashes it on his ''bag of holding''. And for him not to attract attention he wears the magic bracelet Lavrish gave him.

    When he had arrived at the shop, an old gnome, a hag greets him in a gloomy way. Unfazed by her greeting Akatosh right away goes straight to business.

    "A fine young man you are." The hag giggles showing her rotten teeth.

    "Mm-hmm, I''ll take your compliment." Akatosh sigh. "Can you tell me what this is?" Akatosh continues revealing Chifya''s necklace dangling in his hand.

    All of a sudden, the old hag became silent and shock by what she sees. Charmed by the gem the gnome suddenly leaps to grab the amulet.

    "Apapapah¡­ Hold your horses'' grandma." Akatosh implores retrieving back Chifya''s necklace. "And judging by your high greedy-lust, this necklace is very much valuable to you." Akatosh smile.

    Suppressing her greed, the old gnome then makes a word. "Not here, we should discuss this somewhere else. And if you want, do wear a hood." The gnome said triggering a hidden mechanism under her desk.

    With confidence, Akatosh follows the old gnome through the hidden door. And just taking twenty steps he unnotedly found himself in a different place. It was a large place of gloomy people and total strangers selling different and priceless gears and artifacts.

    "Hehehe¡­ new to this place?" The gnome giggles.

    "What is this place." Akatosh imply.

    "It''s a black market. Here you will see fugitives, outlaws, the thief''s guild, you name it. Here this is where they make a business that sorts of things. There are also some political people involve in this place."

    Having her explanation reach through Akatosh''s mind the gnome leads him to her shop. Not to magnet other dangerous people from their transaction. The gnome conjures a barrier that traps their discussion where they''re the only ones who can hear each other''s voice.

    Fully prepared, Akatosh place Chifya''s necklace on the table which again made the gnome escalated. As precious to the gnome, Akatosh was a bit-off seeing the hag''s senses claimed by greed.

    "Ahem¡­ I''m still here." Akatosh clears his throat.

    "Oh, pardon the old hag''s attitude." The gnome replies gently brushing Chifya''s necklace.

    "Let''s us cut to the chase can you just identify me that thing."

    As always, the gnome chuckles in a dreary way. "Then let me first ask you. How did you manage to get a hold of this? I presume, did you by any chance stole this item?" The gnome wickedly smiles.

    "Yes but no. So, tell me what secret does that gem holds."

    "Oh, this ain''t just an ordinary gem. This gem belongs to the royal dark elves."

    "Dark elves!? What do you mean?"

    "Hehehehe¡­ To better understand, dark elves are ruled only by females, a queen. While the male party is only for the show worst maybe a slave."

    "Like a hyena to be precise," Akatosh said.

    "And when choosing a new ruler, the queen will give each of the candidates this kind of gem. ''Zovaas Sulyek'' is the name of the gem which can only be crafted by a dark elven gem-maker. At first, it is only just a simple stone full of purity but once fully filled from the essence of the great creatures from the material and spirit realm, it will turn this gem into gleaming purple. And the candidate who fills this gem shall be granted the honor to be queen. Although from the past generation only two generations of dark elves manage to gain success."

    "So that''s it¡­ A gem of proof just to show how strong you are?"

    "Clearly you don''t understand the hierarchy of dark elves."

    "So how much does it cost," Akatosh said curving half of his lips.

    The gnome wickedly smiles, this time in full sensational greed. "Twenty-eight gold shar."

    Akatosh smile. "Thirty-five."

    "Thirty and that''s is all I can give you." The gnome said somehow frustrated.

    "Tch¡­ erm¡­ ahh¡­ I think there are some people here who are good at making business from this kind of gem." Akatosh said.

    "Okay, thirty-two." The gnome agitatedly said.

    "Tch¡­ hmm¡­ ahh¡­ Maybe I should better be going--"

    "Thirty-five then." The gnome said gnashing her rotten teeth.

    Akatosh smile. "You got yourself a deal."

    After sealing their deal, the old gnome went and brought five bags of coin. Thinking Akatosh would grab and go, the gnome was mistaken. When the gnome went to get the money, Akatosh quickly bring out his Katana, a piece of paper, and the magic quill. As for his sword, he has secretly hidden it on his cloak.

    "What?" Akatosh smile gazing at the dagger-like eyes of the old gnome. "I''m just making sure our business is plain equal." Akatosh continues quickly start counting the bags of coins.

    Accounting every single coin from the bag Akatosh was sudden. "Sorry, grandma but you are short by twenty silvers."

    Frustrated the old gnome immediately grabs her last pouch of coin and throws it on the table. "Here''s your bloody coin!" The hag implores.

    "Now that''s very kind of you," Akatosh said counting the last pouch of coin.

    With their trade now finished, Akatosh curiously asks the old hag. "This place seems very peaceful."

    "See that hooded people over there." The gnome said pointing towards one person leaning on the wall. "Make a commotion and they will slit your throat before you can cast a spell nor draw a sword."

    "Peacekeepers I see."

    Returning at the market of Ravalind, Akatosh went towards where the saltpeter is made. Once removing all the cover and brushing snow Akatosh was smiling happily from the vast quantities of saltpeter.

    "Damn son!" Akatosh wickedly smile as he didn''t hesitate to scrap the whole crystal.

    Having what he needs, he then buries the whole plot removing any traces behind it. With enough time to spare, Akatosh went to retrieve his weapons at Shelia''s house. As you imagine, he was met with warm greetings. And when he was about to leave the place after getting his weapons Sheila called to him.

    "Akatosh¡­ We''ll be having our last mission and we would like you to join us. It won''t be long; it will only take about three days. Don''t worry we''ll be using teleportation, that''s why I''d like you to--"

    "Where is this place." Akatosh interrupts.

    "It''s at Northor (Chifya''s place) or some people may call it as druids'' cove. Just south of Keshoval."

    "Fine, I''m in." Akatosh shrugs not even knowing what their ambition is.

 â€œA Strange Reunionâ€

    Packing bags, Akatosh asks them to rather use his ''bag of holding'' for easy trekking. Having explained to him about their mission he, however, didn''t mind nor had the slight interest in their quest.

    "So, you''re to subjugate some sort of monster and also to bring a gift to the druids'' elder." Akatosh implores just to make a slight interest on their behalf.

    Using the teleportation stone near the temple, in seconds they are now at the borders of Northor. As cold and shivering as it gets the group decides to hasten their pace towards the druid''s village. Passing dense forest and few monsters to slay. Akatosh was impressed by how the group manages to easily dispatched a high-class monster such as giant spiders with their venomous glands and dozens of hobgoblins.

    "I am speechless, your collaboration with each other improves," Akatosh said.

    After their conversation and a few gratitude to say the group continues their journey but not before looting the remains of the monsters, they had slain. About a few hundred meters away from the closest border of the village a giant tree with a human-like face and having both legs and arms blocks their path.

    Staying vigilant Sheila unrolls a parchment. "We are from the adventurer''s guild we came here to discuss something about the elders."

    Taking a closer look, the tree slowly bends for a closer inspection on the parchment. And while the tree moves, they could hear the gnashing sound of wood and cracking branches.

    "You may pass." The tree said moving away for them to continue.

    "Do trees read?" Akatosh said towards Reith and Sei.

    "Well just as you saw it, they do read," Sei replies.

    "I see," Akatosh said.

    "A tree spirits." Comes Amaragnum.

    "I''m surprised did you finished refueling," Akatosh said to Amaragnum as they continue their walk.

    "Just a slight--" Amaragnum implores when interrupted by someone.

    "Haha!" A voice of a female child called. "In the name of my grandfather and as the granddaughter of one of the elders I hereby came to test your capabilities." The child says posing her stance at the party.

    "Hah, LAMEEEEE¡­" Akatosh said at the young girl.

    Having heard him saying like that, and as a sensitive person, the young druid girl was flustered. "I''ll show you. I''ll make you beg by destroying that large stone over there." The girl says pointing at the two-meter height border.

    "Mm-hmm, we should move on," Akatosh says when the girl has immediately begun her spell.

    Different from other spells, the girls conjure a magic circle with a radius of two-meter. Adding up, the ground slightly trembles, and they could see few pebbles slowly levitates. Shock by what they are seeing, the druid child then billows forth a pinkish orb as she too creates a dramatic exhibition. Her action however made her slip on the ground disarraying the direction where the orb would go.

    "Mister watch out!" The druid child yelled at Akatosh since her spell went in his direction.

    Not to be surprised, Akatosh and Amaragnum begun laughing as they saw the orb coming through them. Rather than a straight and fast approach, the orb however was slow and sluggish as if it were more like a dying orb before it can hit its target.

    Akatosh chuckles. "How can this possibly harm someone¡ª NGEEKK¡­"

    The moment the orb contacted Akatosh''s fingertip he was flung away like a cannonball shot at a straight line. The force was so great it sends him fifteen meters across the few trees and then rams him on a tree. Akatosh''s chuckle was silent in a flash but not for Amaragnum as he laughs louder and more amused than ever before.

    "What happens? You didn''t nazi that coming." Amaragnum said laughing miserably at Akatosh''s injuries.

    "A-a healing would require," Akatosh said in a pitiful voice towards the group who came dashing at him.

    As for the young druid girl, Riya went to comfort her miserable whining. "I''m sorry it wasn''t my fault, I''m sorry." The child exclaimed as she weeps loudly.

    In seconds of time, three female druids immediately came running at the group. Understanding what had happened the two quickly goes where Akatosh and leaving the other one to help solace the child''s grumbling cry.

    "Big sister Faylinn, I-I was just trying to show them, then-then I slip and then, and then the spell went¡ª" The druid child cried.

    With the help of the druid healing power, Akatosh was able to properly return to normal. But not everything for he could still feel the aftereffect of the pain similar to when Izura ''the sea queen'' gave to him through their short confrontation. Left stunned, one of the druids came for an apology.

    "We''re very much sorry for what happen to you," Faylinn said, a beautiful short hair druid with emerald eyes.

    "No need, the good thing is I''m still alive, so your apology is good enough for me." Akatosh reply.

    "I''m glad, then I would like you to accept this," Faylinn said kissing Akatosh.

    Having publicly shown their sweet indulgence, Akatosh''s party was left star gazing at them. Jolt and disconcert Sheila and her friends felt they are out of place. Rather than honeyed clement, Akatosh felt the pain all over his body begun to ease.

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    It was only less than a minute until their lips parted away. And with that Akatosh was more surprised by her magic than her kiss.

    "Feeling better?" Faylinn says.

    "Very much¡­ But I would like to have more of that healing action you gave me." Akatosh smile.

    Following a sweet giggle and another apology for unexpectedly kissing him without permission Faylinn then makes an introduction.

    "Name''s Faylinn, these are my sisters Tana and Oona. We''re the caretaker of this child Aryl one of the elder''s grandchild. And I daresay are you all from the adventurers'' guild."

    "Yes, indeed we are¡­" Comes Sheila showing the parchment and a short explanation regarding their quest.

    Having stopped at a place, a dead-end cliff concealed by magic. "Illusion?" Akatosh says touching the walls of rocks and roots.

    "You could say that," Faylinn said waving her magic.

    As soon as Faylinn''s magic ended Akatosh''s group felt nothing had happen, that until Faylinn walk through the cease path followed by her sisters and Aryl. Having seen them crossing they too enter.

    Upon stepping into the druids'' cove, their sight was instantly blurred by darkness but also quickly replaced by a shining beam of light. That flash of light and darkness exchange simultaneously slightly making Akatosh''s eye discomfort to blindness just for a short amount of time.

    Once recovered they are now stepping on the druids'' land. Oddly and new to the eye Akatosh never imagine such a place could exist. From a hundred distance large Stonehenge particularly at the center of the village can be seen. There too are glowing mushrooms and peculiar fireflies with different colors illuminating the shaded forest. Even though the forest was covered in heavy snow burying its true beauty it was still aesthetic to one''s eye.

    While being toured through the village of caves, forest, peculiar plants, treehouse, and druid people, Sheila, and her friends are expecting someone from this village. Not for them but for Akatosh whose eyes swayed left and right to the surroundings.

    As of noon strikes, Faylinn leads them to their own respective huts made out of trees and growing mosses on top. Knowing the place of their bed Faylinn asks Akatosh and his group to see the elders at the center of the village regarding their mission.

    Early in the noon the group quickly follows Faylinn''s request. At the center of the village lies a large cavern, a mooting place for elders and kings, and important visitors. From there Akatosh together with Sheila''s friends faces the five elders. After Faylinn had escorted Akatosh and his group, she happily returns to her duties tending Aryl. Only one mistake, Faylinn was dismay when she saw Aryl wasn''t there holding her hand, she had lost her again.

    Facing the elders, the party was surprised, there are few druids lingering in the meeting acting as if they are witnesses. Even Akatosh was surprised, he thought of senile and old druids, but he only saw one elderly druid in a white robe and white hair. While the rests are middle-aged and young elder druids consisting of two hags a slightly old man and an adult elder druid.

    "Well, now it''s good that you came." Says the senile elder druid. "I am Zeymah, the leader of the five elders. And these are my associates." Zeymah continues.

    "You may call me Verthain." The slightly old druid said.

    "I''m Dayes." Says the youngest elder druid.

    "And these are Mironda and Talena." Zeymah says introducing the two-female druid.

    While the elders are making an introduction for themselves Akatosh was hiding behind Sheila and her friends. Putting on his hood he whispers to them.

    "Can you please cover my identity and introduction?" Akatosh whispers to the group.

    "Why?" Replies Sheila.

    "Right side from the elders," Akatosh said.

    Swaying her head, Sheila and her friends saw Chifya in her beautiful dress, and with her side was Galish. When their eyes met Chifya waves her hand followed by a smile, a lost smile. Returning a sign greetings Zeymah takes notice of Akatosh in hood and cloak from behind his companion.

    "I take it that your friend seems to be uncomfortable," Zeymah said relating towards Akatosh.

    Having him heard, Akatosh whispers the words for Sheila to say. Acting as moderator Sheila sigh in consideration.

    "It''s fine, it''s just that our companion is a little bit timid at a large crowd." Smiles Sheila.

    "I understand¡­ then it wouldn''t hurt to be in front for us to say our greetings," Zeymah replies.

    Without knowing what to reply Akatosh was forced to follow Zeymah''s words. Still having his hood and cloak intact Akatosh steps forward, facing first the crowd when unknowingly his shroud was removed. It wasn''t Sheila or any of her friends, but it was Aryl pulling Akatosh''s cloak.

    When Aryl was staring at Akatosh, Faylinn came rushing in then drags Aryl away from the group. From that commotion Faylinn apologies towards the elders and the crowd before quickly exiting the place.

    As for the traveler, both eyes are lock between Akatosh and Chifya. Putting on his hood and faces the elders as if he didn''t notice Chifya''s cold eyes Akatosh was flustered in embarrassment and fear. And as modifying as it gets, Sheila and her friends couldn''t help but being disconcerted at Akatosh''s action. Though, when they saw Chifya deadlocking at Akatosh in a daggerlike eye they can tell he was in a heap of trouble.

    "Hoo¡­ what do we got here? It seems we got some good entertainment, right stillmage." Comes Tosh.

    "Rag! I need teleportation." Akatosh said.

    "Not my fucking problem, pussy." Amaragnum replies.

    Hearing those two murmuring their chuckles and amused by his scenario Akatosh was planning to escape the place. And while he was contemplating his mind, his ears became deaf to the conversation between the elders and Sheila''s companions.

    After the conversation with the druid''s elders, Akatosh manage to slip out from the meeting hall. Having bad timing a blizzard unexpectedly fell. Strong gush and whistles winds were driving all living things into hiding.

    As quickly as they run to their huts Akatosh thought he was safe thanks to the storm. That''s when he saw Sheila and her friends locking themselves in their own respective camps. His hut however was a little bit far from their camp.

    Taking a quick turn and just a slight glance he saw Chifya in her wolf form. He was stun at her beauty so much as her immunity to the storm.

    "GIVE IT BACK!" Chifya exclaimed trying to open the door.

    "What''s your offer!" Akatosh replies blocking the door with every piece of furniture he had in the room.

    "I HAD ENOUGH OF YOU!" Chifya shouts gnashing her teeth.

    "This is my private domicile and I will not be harassed!" Akatosh says bringing out the drawing of her parents.

    Without breaking a sweat Chifya forces the door open sending a tremendous shockwave. Scattering furniture and letting snow enters the hut. Chifya slowly step inside knowing full well Akatosh was cornered.

    "How rude of you," Akatosh says sweating from her deadly aura.

    "Give it back!" Chifya says.

    "Calm down honey."

    "Don''t make me--" Chifya glares ready to pounce Akatosh with her sharp claws.

    "Or what?" Akatosh implies showing her the drawing.

    Just by displaying her the drawing, Chifya''s anger eases. "Is that¡ªwhere did you--" Chifya says with her unblinking eyes locking towards the drawing.

    "Touch me and I will destroy this," Akatosh says ready to shred the drawing. "And don''t ever try, I can hide this using my bag, and only I can gain access to my bag of holding."

    "Bitch please." Comes Amaragnum.

    "Fuck you, do you want to feel that damn experience again." Thwarts Akatosh.

    "Even if you manage to kill me from that unstable barbaric hatred of yours, you won''t even get your precious drawing."

    Lost by Akatosh''s sly leverage Chifya can''t help but yield in silence unable to look directly at him.

    "Okay since we have a little understanding, can you close the door its freezing." Akatosh says stashing the drawing into his ''bag of holding''.

    Responding to his words Chifya went and close the door with her stress and frustration still intact.

    "Ain''t that so hard," Akatosh says. "Now let us talk as a civilized people shall we honey." Akatosh continues fixing the chair.

 87: No Title

    "Let''s make a deal," Akatosh says.

    Sitting by the bed Chifya can barely hold her grudge against the man sitting in front of him confident to talk in her ferocious mood. And Akatosh can see her angry lips as her teeth grating in hatred ready to slash him.

    "Do you hate me that much?" Akatosh said when suddenly Chifya glared at him with eyes full of malevolence. "I take that as a yes. Leaving that aside, you see I''m not a--"

    "Have you had enough!" Chifya interrupts. "Money!? It''s that all you care!"

    "Well that''s one of my choices, but there are other things that I''m more interested in. The thing is, I''ve been running out of your sleeping potion lately and since I''m in at a good and bad timing we can make a bargain. And seeing how much bitterness you had in me I''m not a fool to give this early." Akatosh said waiting for Chifya to respond.

    Having no words coming out from her and can''t even stand to stare at him Akatosh continues.

    "We can continue our bargain once I''m done helping these youngsters and their mission. But more importantly¡­ won''t you leave a lonely man to his sleep."

    Assuming Akatosh would run away from her again, with no words or whatsoever Chifya went by the corner and sits watching him from escaping.

    "Well, we can sleep together like we did last time." Smiles Akatosh removing his gears and even casually putting his ''bag of holding'' right on top of the table where Chifya could grab it with ease.

    Chifya''s intense watch caught a glimpse at Akatosh''s eyes. A sight that made her unease.

    "You can take that bag and kill me. And make it quick and painless that might satisfy your abhorrence." Implores Akatosh tired from Chifya''s malice and after his words he then drinks the sleeping potion.

    Lost from thoughts Chifya only wonders what surprises her. After Akatosh had quickly fallen into slumber Chifya was filled with confusion. Hesitant to scavenged her stolen items she decided it''s best to make a conclusion till morning comes.

    With nothing to do as silent grew and blizzard persist Chifya thought from the past. The lingering mark that burns her heart from those stillmage people. Now with a set of minds Chifya decides to do what''s right for her.

    As for the traveler, something creeps his grave-like slumber, not light or darkness. He was drag into an unknown dimension and little did he know his soul was ripping into chaos. Sucked deeper into a dimensional blackhole and while frequently being tortured a vision gnawed his mind. He saw a colossal monster ripping through chaos itself, walking in four it roars heavily through a different dimension filled with rival monsters. Then again, he was drag into his past world but what he saw was different. A limbo, a place for the dead, and a die from his past world in a never-ending war. Never tired, never dead they clash recklessly.

    From there, he watches history in a different era brawling in a desolated land. The bronze age, the dark age, the ashes of world war one and two and so on are all-in-one. Battleships and warships brutally clash at the sea sending tremendous explosions, shocking the waters. While on the land are the sounds of the dead in their war cry ripping each other as they fear nothing from the explosive ammunition. Warplanes from the air savagely chasing their adversary hitting everything from their path. And while on the run the sky was raining bombs and hailing machineguns. The roar of the big guns and the breath of rapid firearms terrified and excites his desire. And the madness of blades and arrows filled his lust to which he doesn''t know why.

    As all things come to an end when an atomic bomb roars and ruptures through the battlefield, he finally comes face to face with ''Death'' himself. In the flesh, a god in black clothing that of a grim reaper. The patriot from deep within him.

    When Akatosh was plunged into the world of limbo, Chifya saw his body slowly taken by frostbite. Being immune to cold and too distracted she haven''t noticed the chilling chamber they were. Forgetting the hut was imbues with magic, didn''t she hesitate to activate its effect. Using magic, the room''s temperature quickly rises to melt little icicles that form from the intense blizzard.

    "That should do it." Sighs Chifya checking Akatosh if he recovers. Sensing nothing she turns around seeing Akatosh''s body

    Despite her, work Akatosh was still dead-cold. Rushing without thinking, desperately she pools her healing power. Inadequate, her magic won''t even change a thing, not even the slightest.

    For a glimpse of seeing another god equal to the one, the creator, Akatosh was sent back from his place. Having his soul reunited with his material body. Tolerating no more, Chifya is worried and panic she goes to call for help. And in time when Akatosh''s soul and body fused, she finally saw his body returning to normal.

    A brief of respite, she outbreathes heavily. Closely by his side Chifya in her she-wolf can''t help but be puzzled more by what''s in front of him. She had seen chaos within him but never knew what it is, she had experienced his enigmatic existence and presence. Though never once she wasn''t unraveled its inexplicable life nor taken a slight interest. Nonetheless, she could keep her eyes no longer and fell asleep right next to him.

    The two of them slept well that night and the next day Chifya was the first to rouse on that late morning. Taking time to refreshen her weary morning a knock suddenly came from the door calling Akatosh. Not a time to react Sheila opens the door overlooking Chifya in bed with Akatosh.

    "I''m sorry!" Exclaimed Sheila immediately closing the door.

    "It''s, it''s not what you think it is." Chifya implores nonetheless Sheila was already gone taking with her what she saw.

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    Clenching fist Chifya forces Akatosh to stir from his slumber. The first shake didn''t affect him, but after losing her temper Chifya uses her druid magic rooting Akatosh in his deep state slumber.

    "Are you like this every day!" Thwart Chifya in her cold glare and crossing arms.

    "Mm-hmm¡­" Akatosh moans squirming under the blanket ready to continue his sleep.

    "FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE WOULD YOU STOP ACTING SO STUBBORN!" Roars Chifya dragging him out of the bed. Separating him from the bedstead Chifya then begun scolding him in an aloof way. The words coming out from her were Akatosh''s words from last night, about helping Sheila and their mission. On the other hand, Chifya didn''t utter a word regarding her family drawing.

    In spite of her loud voice, the message didn''t enter his dead-ears for he was far too busy contemplating his dream, or so he thought it was a dream. Recuperating for a second Akatosh goes preparing his gears. Drawing out the mask, he quickly remembers the bounty on his head which he then returns back the mask.

    "How long are you going to monitor me with that dangerous eyes of yours," Akatosh says opening the door. Having no response only silence of observation he smiles. "By the way, I like your flowery smell it feels nice smelling it."

    Regrouping from his companions and with a hungry stomach, Sheila and her friends had to patiently wait for him to eat his breakfast, gloomy and melancholy.

    "Are you alright, Akatosh? Is there something the matter? We could postpone the mission--" Implores Sheila.

    "Don''t worry I just got traumatized, Chifya raped me last night." Akatosh doughtily said unfazed from Chifya''s ire, sitting three blocks away.

    Avoid adding fuel to the fire Chifya restrains her fury from his derisive words. Following his breakfast, Chifya maintaining her composure follows Akatosh and his companions in a discomfited silence. Making the four friends wonder and question their relationship.

    Not before long just a few minutes of walking, Galish came desperately looking for Chifya. And once Akatosh and Galish cross, Akatosh felt the abhorred atmosphere lingering from Galish. A sensation of loath, jealousy, and those disgusting eyes coming from a druid.

    Stopping Chifya from her track, Galish let out a word of his love about how he was worried and anxious during last night''s blizzard. Now with open ears, Akatosh can tell their affiliation as Galish gushes out his emotion, his devotion.

    With closing ears and few steps apart their conversation no longer influences him. There were only muffled voices even though he was only ten meters away from them. A habit which he develops from those long past desertion. And he too was still longing from that experience he felt, an encounter with ''Death''.

    "We should move on." Akatosh bluntly implores.

    With no more restriction from Chifya, Akatosh calmly asks their quest. Considering how oblivious his behavior is, they all repeat their explanation.

    "So let me guess this straight. You all came here to gather something from this place guarded by some sort of a guardian or whatever it is. Which you need permission from those senile druids." Akatosh reply after hearing their quest''s clarification.

    "That''s right¡­" Riya nods. "Though the guild mentor advises us to rather stick with our current goals. A trivial task such as scouting, gaining authorization, that sorts of things. But Sheila insist--"

    "Wahh¡­ That''s enough already!" Exclaimed Sheila in her fluctuated face-covering Riya''s mouth.

    "Taking a risk eh¡­ There''s nothing wrong with that, you can always withdraw and challenge again¡­ So, what''s my role?" Akatosh implores fixing his equipment.

    Using the druids'' teleportation stone they were cast in a different forest. An uncommon place to be, and a very unusual impression. They could see sparkling dust elegantly dance through the forest and what''s more, there was no snow on the ground. Curious, Akatosh''s eyes were swaying all sides looking for clues. The glowing mushroom and few other lights emanating from plants which he didn''t know, gave him an understanding. Snow would quickly turn into the water the moment it reached the ground.

    While he was busy investigating the place, Sheila was doing her occupation. In her hand was a glowing golden fruit, and upon laying it on the ground. It quickly burst into sparkling lights making the trees slowly part ways, creating a route.

    "That was cool." Whistles Akatosh.

    Stopping at the entrance of a cavern the group first prep their equipment and potions for a big fight. Seeing Reith''s sword, a broad and large weapon Akatosh thought something else.

    "Hey Reith, try using this." Akatosh called tossing his katana.

    "Are-are you sure," Reith replies but Akatosh ignores his words as he conjures a sword. It was the sword he commission from Barry.

    "Just what type of monster are we facing and what kind of item are you seeking."

    "Didn''t we told you before?" Sheila said.

    "Um, er¡­ I was dreaming back then."

    Sheila sigh, tired from repeating her explanation. "''Zelus Senires'' that''s what the druids called it. Which is translated to as ''Guardian of Life''. And once we slay the ''Spirit Guardian'' that''s the time we will collect the elixir from its body. It may be a trifling drop but it''s very valuable." Sheila says showing him a very small bottle, closely at 40ml in size.

    "Where did you all learn these things, do you even know how to dissect the process just to obtain its vial. And what does it have to be so valuable." Replies Akatosh.

    "Well, to be more particular the elixir from a Zelus Senires are used to make high tier health potions or recovery potions and lots more."

    "A recovery potion?!... RAG! C''mon, stillmage it''s your time to shine." Implores Akatosh towards Amaragnum.

    "Bah, pity¡­ Since you''d been battered and shitted at every fight. I guess there''s no helping it. Getting a large amount of liquid from Zelus or whatever it is, is just a minor task. And I don''t mean killing, you just have to reason with it."

    "How."

    "Graph¡­ just get inside with your group I''ll show you."

    Following the stillmage''s command and with weapons sheathed the four friends can''t help but doubt Akatosh. Upon entering the open cave, there was a pond luminating in aqua. And every corner houses dozens of dead Zelus Senires and corpses in withering time.

    Not even close to the glowing pond the spirit guardian sprout through the ground. With its entrance, the ground shakes, weighing heavily and elevating four meters tall. As much as its bulky body made out of thorn hard roots, its presence gave a very intimidating atmosphere.

    Hesitating to draw their weapons Akatosh quickly calls for a halt.

    "Who dare enters this place. Are you here to do what my past had been through, to kill?" The guardian said not by voice but through telepathic as it waits for an answer.

    "Well hello there," Akatosh replies through the help of Amaragnum. "And to answer your question, no. Correct me if I''m wrong, test me if you want but that''s all my honest word."

    "For the past hundreds of years never had I met a human who could talk with a spirit like me." The guardian said surprised by Akatosh''s reply.

    "Then congratulations must have been rough being so lonely."

    "Hmm¡­ That may be true to your heart, yet I sense you are more grasping than those people I''ve seen, even for me."

    "You could say that." Akatosh sigh. "Moving on to our delicate matters, these lads here are seeking your so-called elixir of life. We can make an arrangement."

    "Hmm¡­ There is one. From time to time, the odium essences of the dead people I''ve killed from the past have grown, slowly corrupting the waters. Soon it will consume this place and me. I cannot even reach it for it''s beyond my grasp. However, I can send you to cleanse it."

    "Then you got yourself a deal." Akatosh quickly respond.

 88: No Title

    "I will guide you to where the corruption lurks, but I fear there will be struggles." The spirit guardian said.

    "What do you mean?" Akatosh replies.

    "I believe your friend in the shadows will tell you the answer." Says the guardian.

    "Rag?"

    "Bahh¡­ In this kind of situation normally I would prefer to destroy it. Then again¡­ making contact in the spirit realm will give my location from those shit Deedras. There is another way in eliminating such a task though, in simple words¡­ You just have to lure out from its hiding place and eliminate it on the material world."

    "I see and I''m sorry to say spirit guardian but I will follow what this shit guy said," Akatosh says towards the guardian.

    "I understand, if that is what you do, I shall then create a barrier that entraps it here in this place."

    "That will be a great help."

    As soon as they were done conversing, Akatosh turns around to relay what word they''ve been exchanging. And for some reason, he saw his companions are on their stance ready to draw their weapons and magic.

    "C''mon guys don''t be so rude to our new friend here." Akatosh implores the group whose hands are steadying on the grip of their weapons. "And I like to ask if there is some magic or a thing that''s good for dealing with evil and undead and so on." Akatosh continues seeing how they ease their anxiousness.

    "I have five scrolls of purification and two protection from evil. Purification will only work on a single target though."

    "I see then let me first explain what my nature friend and I have been talking about," Akatosh replies quickly discussing their next action.

    As plan, the spirit guardian now shares its thought through Sheila and her friends requested by Akatosh. He was then guided by the spirit guardian. As a guardian who walks on two worlds, Zelus Senires uses the glowing pond. And with its power, it creates a portal to where the corruption hides.

    Taking the greater risk Akatosh alone was the one who personally goes into the enemy''s den. Stepping into the pond and with a splash, he plummeted quickly to the bottom. With a blink of an eye, he was now in the realms from the other side. The surroundings were much different compared to the other dimesons he encountered. Similar to the real world where trees, waters, and soil are in common. The only thing that differs was the atmosphere and the world itself.

    Strange green fogs envelop the world transparent to the eye. And few spirit creatures roaming the area, friendly unless provoke. And the moment he enters the spirit realm he immediately started to feel the tingling sensation, the presence of distortion.

    As deeper as he goes, where there are no more spirit creatures to be seen. With two steps ahead Akatosh was now where the spirit guardian cannot reach. Blob-like roots crawl out from the swirling mass of purple-black clouds, layering the place and its inhabitant.

    Using the scroll of purification Sheila gave him and with a slight trigger from the stillmage. The swirling dark masses quickly burst. Now with the portal still open, the dying corruption in mist form hastily goes, escaping the spirit realm.

    "Oof¡­ It seems we have a slight problem." Amaragnum said in amusement.

    "Fuck! We should have first destroyed those corpses before luring out." Akatosh implores remembering his past encounters with corpses and how corrupted spirits easily possess an empty shell.

    Running as fast as he could to leave the spirit dimension and when he leaps out before the portal is closed his heartbeat was diminished. By the looks of their battle, his companions along with the spirit guardian easily destroy the walking dead.

    Side by side, offense and defense they clean dozens of undead. And with the support of Zelus Senires, they easily destroy their enemies. Sei and Reith with their sword made out of elven steel and with a boost of their power they slice clean the enemies. Sheila''s honed magic now bursting through the battleground erasing corpses in a swift wave of magic. And with Riya and the guardian in support the enemies are now but ants on their feet.

    Now with no body to possess and with the portal closed, the corruption now was levitating in the air waiting for it to be purified. Combining powers with the spirit guardian, Sheila with the power of nature easily purges the sleazing darkness.

    "Well, that was fast." Akatosh and Amaragnum said.

    Passing the aftermath of the battle and as promised the spirit guardian gave the traveler and his companions a large sum of elixir closely at five liters. So much more than what the past adventurers have gathered.

    "Um¡­ If I may." Sheila implores. "W-we''re very much thankful for the elixir that you gave us--" Sheila implores but was interrupted when the spirit guardian gave her an unusual large thorn.

    "I believe this is the other thing that you seek." Says the sentinel offering Sheila the unusual thorn it created.

    "H-How did you know," Sheila says.

    "It was time. I had met people such as you, adventurers and felons who come seeking the elixir from this body of mine. And the horns of my power, however through this day you''re the first to come in a different approach. Conversely, this day will never be the same."

    "The deepest apologies from my guild." Sheila bows along with her friends.

    "What if, we could make an arrangement from the adventurers guild." Sei Implores. "I will make a request, to change the sequence of the mission. We will ask the guild to provide protection from this place and in return¡­ You could provide the guild with an elixir. Even if it just a small amount."

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    "Oh¡­ this guy sure is good at doing business." Akatosh implores.

    "Hmm¡­ I understand." Says the guardian intently sighting Sei''s eyes, eyes full of relegate. "If that will end this endless disunion, then I will abide by your word human."

    Before they depart, Akatosh first lets his companions went ahead and when they are out of the cave. "I was curious, why didn''t you attack me when you sensed a threatening spirit with me?" Akatosh implores.

    "Then I ask you, does every clear water you see, drinkable? Does every single person''s warm smile hold compassion? Everything has its own, and everyone has their own place to be. But to answer your question is just simple, it was merely the passing of experience. If you live long and learn how to grasp what everything holds, then you will see what I see. But I can tell¡­ you''re already beginning to see what I''ve said."

    Akatosh smile. "Not going to lie, you sure did saw right through me¡­ Then again, that''s all I have to say. May we see each other again, if there''s a chance."

    "Hmm¡­ so am I. Farewell, thee, and have a safe journey, mortal." The guardian said watching Akatosh, aware of something within him, far deeper than he can imagine.

    After warping up their treaty the party parted with a smile written on their face and a new learned experience to add up from their growing adventures. And upon their arrival, Akatosh was surprised since there were no piles of snow lingering in the area.

    "Magic. Druids sure are a part of nature."

    Coming back from the druids'' grove, the group disperse from their hut for some preparation as requested by the druid elders.

    Not having a slight interest to join their festivity, Akatosh goes to sleep although Sheila persistently pleads to him. A request that Akatosh can''t take her dramatic entreat.

    "Fine, but I''ll be outside. I''ll just wait for you all at the bonfire."

    While Akatosh and his companions are preparing, changing their gears to decent clothing. Chifya on the other hand unknowingly awakens from her bed. Feeling something burning through her chest she takes a look to see a crescent moon engraved on her flesh design in druid form. Knowing the meaning of the symbol she quickly barges through the elder''s council demanding an explanation.

    "WHAT!" Chifya exclaimed towards the elders after they''ve spoken their words. "You want me to stay in this place for the rest of my life!"

    "Chifya please, it''s not like that--" Galish implores.

    "Like what! You want me to be bound here for the rest of my life, a priestess." Thwart Chifya

    "But we have no other choice Lord Hackrash had chosen you. I''m sorry Chifya."

    "But I don''t want to! I trusted you Galish." Says Chifya before walking out of the room leaving the elders and Galish in difficulties.

    "Chifya wait--" Galish called stepping to follow her but Zeymah quickly grabs hold of his shoulder.

    "Let her be." Zeymah implores.

    "But the ceremony--"

    "That will have to wait for today. There are still three days before the blue moons will disappear. Let''s wait for her to ease her emotion for the time being. She had already received Hackrash''s blessing, talking to her will not solve her feelings. Rushing things over will not solve everything, she''ll soon have to accept what''s best for her and for the two of you to be together after the ceremony."

    Four hours before sundown, Akatosh aimlessly wait for Sheila and her friends after they went to deliver the spirit guardian''s horn. And while waiting he notices unfamiliar surroundings. He saw the druid''s village drastically change; decorations were at every place even the druid people are wearing bloom designs. Glowing flowers were used as bracelets and crowns, not even that their apparels were floret and beautiful to look at.

    Doing nothing but looking he pulls out his book, tearing one piece of paper he began folding a paper plane.

    "This odd feeling," Amaragnum said.

    "What about it," Akatosh reply slowly making a paper plane.

    "Blue moons, that horn, the people and the decorated place. Damn, I have totally forgotten this kind of thing."

    "Obviously, they might be celebrating some sort of festival."

    "I know that dumbass! I''m just regaining my knowledge from these people."

    "Do know. Ceremony about some god of nature or so I''ve heard. It''s very startling from what they told me."

    Amaragnum snorted. "Druids¡­ Spending the rest of their lifeguarding nature. Sitting in circles and moaning their words of ''halleluiah'' to that God of nature. I just find it a boring life."

    While he was busy with the stillmage''s conversation, didn''t they know Aryl was standing two meters away from him, hiding in a tree mesmerizingly watching his work? He stares back at her with a blunt expression not knowing what to say.

    "Okay, this is awkward." He thought.

    Having nothing to say from the young druid girl, he slightly curves his lips and then lifts the paper kite. With a placid breeze, all it takes was just a gentle pitch to send the kite flying through the open plane village. And as it flew Akatosh trails it, so too Aryl follows him.

    It first flew in a straight line but with the swirling wind, like a tornado the paper plane curve through the air. And while it still levitates in the air Akatosh aimlessly monitors it turning around like a clock.

    "H-how did you do that without using magic. C-can you do that again." Aryl said with an overflowing fascination.

    "There''s no magic involve; sure, I can do it again but--" Akatosh pauses seeing the druids are somehow gawking at them. Not only that he notices they are ogling at them in disgust and shame. Feeling uncomfortable if he was to blame, he continues a key question. "Well this is plain simple to create however if I teach you how, can you go play with those druid kids over there."

    The moment he finishes his words, the once fascinated face, and excited eye quickly turn to despondent misery. She couldn''t even stand to stare at him moreover to her other kind. All Aryl could do was stare at his boots.

    "Okay? What seems to be the problem here." He asks Amaragnum.

    "If she''s not a stillmage why did she had a suppression mark."

    "Suppression mark? What''s that."

    "To suppressed magic, you idiot. There''s one on her forehead but the person who cast it hides the marking. I can show it for a second if you praise me, my boy."

    "Fine¡­" Akatosh grunted, "Oh, mighty stillmage Amaragnum kindly show this man something to fill his inquisitiveness."

    "Now that''s more like it."

    "Hope you get your ass eaten by Karangax''s hound."

    Without hesitation Akatosh lowers himself, crouching to better face Aryl. And just a glimpse he saw a triskelion mark at the center of her forehead. And for a second, her long bronze hair shimmers through the sunlight creating sparkling stars.

    "You see stupid."

    "Well if she''s not a stillmage why put a suppression mark on her. In addition--" Akatosh reply glancing towards the druids. "Might be a gifted child, don''t you think Rag."

    "Might be or--" Says Amaragnum analyzing Aryl''s energy and aura. "So that explains why."

    "Spit it out."

    "You''re right she''s a gifted one."

    "How did you know."

    "I just bypass the seal without tampering with her energy. She''s more like a stillmage, but her mana is unstable, similar to that bitch sea queen. And this could be the reason why her kind cast her out from their society."

    "Society huh¡­"

    For a minute of silence, Akatosh gently offers her the paper plane.

    "Forget what I said about earlier, here I''ll show you how to fly this thing. Don''t worry about those people."

    Once accepting his offer, Aryl mutters in gratitude. Still, she didn''t return to her first expression.

    "What''s your name." Akatosh implores.

    "Aryl."

    "Good name¡­ That aside--" He sighed sitting on the grass which he again rips another sheet of paper and used his book as a folding bench. And while he''s busy folding the paper, Aryl sits with him, watching how he folded the paper.

    It was slow progress but right after Akatosh taught her how to gently flew the paper plane Aryl''s face quickly change. He can now see her jovial face while chasing the flying kite. Too, Akatosh began introducing her different types of paper planes and other various paper art.

    Adding magic, Aryl cast wind magic sending the paper plane higher through to the closest small hill.

    "Leave it be, there''s more paper to make." He calls but Aryl was far ahead of him excited to retrieve the paper plane.

    He walks faster to stop Aryl but a woman stops him at his track, it was Faylinn.

 â€œMark of Responsibilitiesâ€

    Akatosh''s step suddenly stop when he saw Faylinn. He felt odd from her as if she was about to relay something, he felt a shudder from underneath his senses even when Faylinn shows a very blissful air.

    "Don''t tell me, am I going to be grilled." He thought.

    "I hope so." The stillmage replies.

    "Aren''t you going to look after her?" Akatosh asks Faylinn.

    Faylinn smile. "My sisters are with her so no need to worry. Besides you''re the first human she''d taken an interest in."

    "I don''t know could be the ''paper plane''."

    "You mean that, that flying thing. She''s very attached to it."

    "I think so¡­ Anyway, what brings you here."

    "Nothing in particular." Faylinn smiles circling Akatosh.

    "I''m confused." His wits are trembling whenever Faylinn goes around his back.

    "Akatosh was it, say why don''t you stay here for a while until the next season end. I could offer you a place in my room--"

    "Sorry, but I''ll pass."

    Faylinn grumbles. "How firmly," she sighs, "the thing is I just came here to tell you something about her. The truth about her is not something to talk about to an outsider like you."

    "It''s fine no need to tell me."

    "No, we''ve been surveying you both for the past hour and it''s nice to see Aryl having a smile like that. When she was left alone, all she could do was hide her emotion, pretending to be contented from her surroundings."

    "What about her parents."

    Faylinn pause, tentative to utter a response but, still, she spoke her words. "It was harsh, when she came into this world the clan rejoice when they''d known she was a special one. We thought it was a gift from lord Hackrash himself until that day happen. When her powers abruptly went berserk, her parents tried to seal it unfortunately, they were killed by her before they could end the spell. And only it was her grandfather Zeymah who manage to suppressed her power. He even had to erase her memory after that incident. It didn''t end there however when she nearly killed four of her playmates for competing with her power. That''s why everyone in this cove doesn''t see her as one of us but a monster."

    His tongue froze, unable to squeeze a single word he let it pass hoping if he can respond to another word, Faylinn have to say.

    Somewhere else on a small rocky cascading waterfall near to a creek, a place where few pine-like trees are growing. There Chifya laid rest sitting on a hollowed log, weighing her emotions. She thought for the first that Galish would help her, she thought that she could be free from the elder''s coercion. But in the end, it didn''t matter¡ªwhether she like it or not.

    Amidst her sentiment a gushing wind breeze at her location thrashing her long charcoal hair. Fixing her hair, she stares at the clear blue sky that''s when she saw a paper plane landing on one of the trees. The moment she saw the paper plane she immediately racks from her sit going to retrieve the kite. And when she was about to cast a spell twerking the tree to drop the kite Aryl came running with all her might.

    "Ah, big sister Chifya. Sorry for intruding on you but have you seen a white paper-like bird. It''s similar to a bird''s beak but it''s more plane and--"

    "You mean that thing over there?" Chifya points towards the paper plane laying on the leaves.

    "Yes, that''s the thing!" Aryl happily said.

    "I see, stay put I''ll cast some spell." And with her offer she used her druid magic causing the tree to twerk and bend down allowing Chifya to easily grab the kite.

    When she gently grabs the paper plane, nosiness takes over her. She has never seen anything like this plus she had never seen Aryl so enthusiastic. She''d known her for a long time but it was her first time to see her breaming in happiness.

    "Did you make this?" Chifya asks giving her the paper plane.

    "No big sister Chifya, brother Akatosh made it for me."

    "Akatosh?!" Chifya was surprised.

    "Yes, brother Akatosh was so amazing he even taught me how to make this paper kite. He told me many incredible stories about his country and how they lived. There was so much, he said that they manage to visit the moon with something similar to this. Big brother Akatosh said that you will die the moment you went up there. So, they would wear enchanted armor to protect them from ''space''. There was so much, if you want big sister Chifya we can go visit him together."

    "That''s okay I''m fine in here, I''ll soon be with you after I''m done with this place."

    "Then I''ll be heading first." Waves Aryl.

    When Aryl left, Chifya returns to herself once again murmuring in sadness.

    It was almost dusk when they heard Aryl yelling at Akatosh. Straightaway Faylinn runs towards hiding leaving Akatosh to entertain Aryl once again. But before Faylinn left, Akatosh ask her to bring her some materials.

    "It looks like it won''t be a good time tonight," Akatosh said staring at the black clouds knowing it will be a blizzard.

    Before dusk came, Chifya went to the closest human village to buy something that will ease her troubles. And when she returns, the night was already taken its position. Hiding the boozes, she bought, Chifya went to a place where she can be alone, a place where she can drink all her problems away. From there she wept and thwart every sentence she can utter and constantly blaming Akatosh for giving her troubles. And after sipping three bottles, she was already drunk, but still kept on drinking another bottle until something snap from her mind.

    She thought something, something very mischievous that will somehow tingle her fate from this place. She knew how the mark from her chest work, it''s one of the key essentials to be able to conclude the ritual. And the purpose of the mark is to unite with her partner together and that someone she knows was Galish. It can''t be undone or erased once she shares her mark though, it will not be counted as a couple if they didn''t fully fulfill the ritual.

    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Chifya smile after finishing the fourth bottle. Changing to her wolf form she then trails off before the storm once again swoops the village.

    "What a nice day," Akatosh said after taking a refreshing cold bath.

    Taking the materials comprising of large barks and an unknown adhesive Faylinn gave him, he then puts them on the table. Dragging the workbench near the bed and, with just a loose shirt and loose pants and barefoot he begins his work.

    "What''re ya making boy," Amaragnum said, watching him chipping the bark, slowly flattening the surface.

    "Watch and learn idiot," Akatosh said using the bed as a chair.

    After only ten minutes of working the blizzard finally takes its landfall. Rustling trees and whistling wind can be heard outside but Akatosh was too focus on his work. He was so mesmerized that he didn''t notice the creaking sound of his door open and closed.

    "Ah, boy." The stillmage calls watching the person entering their hut still Akatosh was now too busy to hear his voice. "Ngehh, forget it," Amaragnum said retrieving back from his hiding place.

    "You sure are one noisy child," Akatosh said ignoring the presence of someone crawling towards him and the sound of bottles clinging on the floor. He thought it was Amaragnum causing a ruckus, trying to tamper his work but he was wrong.

    When he was about to compare the exact measurement of the book and the flatted bark, he realizes his arms were frozen. Not only his arms but his entire body. Fortunately for him, he can only manage to move his eyes and tongue. He rolled his eyes down to see a white magic circle embedded on the floor right where his foot was. And then comes Chifya. Placing her head on his shoulder she then wraps her arms around him, embracing him tightly. With just a snap of her finger, Akatosh''s body turns frozen to paralyzed. Although too weak to move his muscle, he can feel the touch of a woman rubbing with him.

    "Since you''re--" *hiccup* "--so mean to me, I''m going to--" *hiccup* "--punish you!"

    "Rag, I beg you! Please¡­ friend! I beg you! Friend!" A grunted voice Akatosh shriek.

    *Hiccup* "Are you laughing at me!" Chifya scorn changing her position from back to front. "Are you mocking me again--" *hiccup* "--like you always do! Because I''m a dark elf." She shouts pinning Akatosh down on the bed.

    True, her luscious and beautiful body, plus her white silky hair are a gaze to behold from her more enticing wolf-form. But Akatosh''s wits are shaking like a dog tucking its tail after seeing Chifya''s fang and ravenous steel-claws that can easily carve and rip him apart.

    "Please, anyone! Someone saves me from this sadistic drunken bi-- AAARRRRRRGGGG!" He screeches in agony when Chifya like a cat claws his back and at the same time tearing and shredding his shirt into pieces without dripping an effort.

    Sweating from his injuries and what''s in front of him. Akatosh tries to reach out the book to use it as his defense but, all was in vain when Chifya quickly snatched his wrist. Firmly pressing his arms, she then sneers in a sinister smile slowly scratching his arms.

    "If you do that again I''ll tear your drawing to bits¡ªAAAARRRRGGG!"

    Again, but this time Chifya nips his left shoulder dipping her fangs at his flesh after ravaging his shirt. Bloodstained the furry bed and her bite begins to worsen. He felt Chifya''s bite burning like someone just pressed a hot iron into his flesh. After that comes dizziness, he doesn''t know why as his sight blurred and the world around him spin until he couldn''t care less anymore and drown in slumber.

    After Chifya had retrieved her fangs from his flesh, her powers quickly deteriorated changing back into her original self. Tired and drunk she pulls the bedspread warming themselves from the cold night.

    The blizzard from the night was but a gift to the woman who laid her troubles at the young man. And a cursed storm to the traveler who received her shares. The wolf had caught a lovely prey.

    When morning arrives. "Okay whoever picks the shortest stick will be the one to check Akatosh," Sheila said at her companions, and from her hand are four spouting taper sticks.

    "Can you just go by yourself I''m busy with something?" Reith scratches his head.

    "You seem different from today Sheila, is there something troubling you?" Riya said.

    "I insist." Sheila shakes her head.

    "Fine," Sei sight, "Let''s get this over with and head back to our guild."

    "That''s the spirit!" Sheila happily smiles.

    Afterward---

    "Why does it always have to be me all the time." Sheila moans after choosing the shortest one.

    Hesitating to go, Sheila first inspects Akatosh''s hut at a few distances. And with a good look, she saw the door slightly open just a few seven or five inches. And since it''s an ''okay-to-go'' from her perspective, Sheila trails while exclaiming Akatosh''s name.

    Chifya was awoken from the rushing shout and the sudden sound of a door open. Bottles rolled on the floor and once again Sheila saw Chifya in loose clothing laying atop of Akatosh''s deadass body. And by the looks of Sheila''s eyes, they were more enthusiastic that night from that shredded shirt and those unfinished and spilled boozes.

    "I''m sorry!" Sheila shouts quickly closing the door.

    "So, how is he?" Ask Sei when Sheila quickly whack his stomach.

    "Ouch, what''s wrong with you all of a sudden." Sei implores.

    "Nothing," Sheila replies blushing in mortification.

    Sei sight. "Then I''ll go check on him--"

    "Wait," Sheila exclaimed cutting Sei. "Just stop, let''s just wait for them to wake up."

    "Them?" Sei replies.

    "Yes, Chifya and Akatosh." Sheila embarrassedly said.

    The three looks at each other and, having the same idea towards the two they then said. "Oh, that explains a lot."

    "Shut up!" Sheila exclaimed.

    "Ugh¡­ what happen last night," Chifya murmured after she saw Sheila trailing off after she''d close the door.

    When her vision returns, she gasps to see herself in Akatosh''s room moreover in bed with him. Feeling nausea from her extreme hangover she quickly shook off from the bed and let everything out in the window. Leaving hurriedly away from the hut she quickly went to her house without being seen by anyone. And when Chifya quickly went to her room, where she finally notices the blood-stained in her arms.

    "Wake up boy," Amaragnum calls from Akatosh''s mind ringing his slumber like a mosquito.

    "Damn everything hurts," Akatosh grunted in pain checking every part of his body. "The hell is these, I''m lucky I didn''t lose much blood or else I''ll be just a pile of corpses."

    "It''s all good but I had to say, that''s a nice tattoo you got there," Amaragnum said.

    "Where?"

    "Left side of your shoulder."

    "Do you know what this is?!" Akatosh implores seeing a blue quarter moon mark parallel to Chifya.

    "Mm-hmm¡­ I don''t know it might be good to ask the elders. Could be a curse or just a tattoo." Amaragnum lied.

    "You''re lying."

    "Look I''m not a master of everything and I don''t have the slight interest to learn druid spell and their magic thing or their lame tongue. If you want to fill your answer go and ask the elders or the one who put it. And I''m not a healer so go and ask some aid to your companions."

    Dragging himself towards where Sheila is, Akatosh quickly asks for a healing spell.

    "Ahh¡­ that''s right that''s right¡­ Ahh, yes the pain''s fading." Akatosh moaning in pleasure.

    While Sheila is busy nursing Akatosh''s wounds, Sei, Reith, and Riya are whispering about Akatosh''s injury.

    "Just what kind of things did they done to have that kind of scratch." Reith implores.

    "Must be too big for her to handle." Sei follows trying to hold their laughter.

    "I can hear you guys," Sheila said.

    "If I may ask do you know this mark, the one on my left shoulder," Akatosh said.

    Sheila shakes her head. "I''m sorry but I''m not very familiar with that type of symbol. I believe you should ask the elders about that; they might have some knowledge."

    "Now you see stupid," Amaragnum said.

    "Fuck off." Akatosh snorted.

    "So about today. Faylinn said there will be some sort of druid festival about someone for today. And she''s asking if we could you know, stay and join their feast." Implores Akatosh.

    "I-I don''t know we''ve never been to--" Sheila wince unable to continue her words.

    "Why not let''s take this as experience. Someday all of you might be invited in a palace, why not take this as familiarity. The guild could wait."

    Having reason with them the four agrees and not before long Aryl came running to see Akatosh. And behind her are Faylinn and her two-sister shadowing her from behind.

    "Ahh¡­ and one more thing." Akatosh sigh.

 â€œRun Away Groomâ€

    It was a slow pace but, when Akatosh had introduced his companions to Aryl they gradually went along with each other.  Although Aryl was more tickle by the two lasses, Sei and Reith just smile and went striding off, outing the village.

    "Where are you going?" Aryl implores the moment Akatosh walks away.

    "My tummy hurts, I just need to have some privacy. Don''t worry I''ll soon be back." Akatosh lied.

    Aryl understand what he meant and swiftly nodded to his lies. He returns to his hut to find the smell of Alcohol, his shredded shirt, and stained fabric. Eventually, he goes to fix the place and returns to his project.

    Patiently using the use of dagger as a sculpturing tool, Akatosh enduringly carves the edge of the picture frame in vines and flower design. And with just a few and junky kits his hand successfully shapes a quite desirable frame. Scrapping a single sheet of paper that contains a drawing from his book he claps it onto the frame.

    He looks at his finished project for a mere second and said. "Not the best but this will do."

    Putting the wrapped picture frame into his bag-of-holding, he had to again clean his room from the flakes of woods littering on the floor and bench. Subsequently, after tidying the room he goes out to check for his companions. And when he opens the door, he saw Faylinn sitting on a rock right beside a tree.

    "That took you a while, I was about to check on you." She implores.

    "I was hoping you did that. Anyway, do you mind if I could ask some request?"

    As soon as they enter his hut, Faylinn sob a slight distillation of alcohol lingering in the air. And because of the small space of his compartment, it didn''t take long for her to notice the discolored fabric.

    "Sorry for the mess--" Akatosh stop seeing Faylinn''s eyes were looking at him in discomfort look. "What?" He continues.

    "Are you a bit more concerned about yourself? Is it too hard for you to ask for some help rather than hiding your injuries?" Faylinn said. She thought of him as a neglected person who doesn''t have a slight interest in sharing what he does in his life. "And those bottles over there?" She continues pointing at the bottles of hooch steeped beside the table. "Have you been deliberately drinking all night while bleeding to death?"

    Just a gesture of her face and the words coming out from hers is enough for Akatosh to understand her misunderstanding. "Well, they say booze fix boo-boo as an adult. Why not." He follows constantly smiling in-jokes.

    "Let me check your wounds first." Faylinn strife her eyebrow and offering her hand.

    "My boo-boos already fixed by Sheila." He implores showing her the nursed injuries inflicted by Chifya.

    Faylinn shrug. "Fine. Let-let''s just get this over with."

    With that said her arms gently sways conjuring a soft breeze around the room which constantly cleans the scent of malt. As for the blood, Faylinn drops a few glasses of water on the stained area, and with a few incantations it miraculously disappears.

    "All done." She said.

    "That was fast." Akatosh reply with a fascinated eye.

    "Right, we should head out. Aryl must''ve been worried for your return." She replies, hastily exiting the room.

    "Oh, I almost forgot--" Akatosh interrupts taking out a rectangular item wrapped in scraps of paper. "¡ªAs soon as I left this place make sure to give this to Aryl."

    She received her offer although with a despondent feeling.

    "Why don''t you stay here for a while. There''s enough--"

    "I''m sorry but I have to again decline your offer. I would love to, on the contrary, I have something to take care of." Akatosh interrupts.

    "I-I understand, then I hope you''ll accomplish your goal." She glumly replies.

    Time leaps and before they knew it, Akatosh and his companions were in a room. It was near dusk and the place they were was in an underground cavern. Stone columns carved in druid markings are station at every corner, two meters apart. Blue flames without fuel or wood are burning in a bowl, illuminating the room. Although from their color, the bluish flames didn''t deem the place in azure but clarifying in white hue. And the most promising to see is the ceiling from above glittering like stars similar to the universe itself.

    Soft as wool, the ground was paved in soft grass enabling them to sit comfortably. It was their last day in the cove, so the elder gave them farewell gratitude. Like a chessboard, Akatosh''s and his companions left facing the druid elders, Dayes however was absent. And right beside Zeymah are Chifya, Galish, and Faylinn tending Aryl''s silent atmosphere.

    "You have done us a great service from retrieving the spirit of Hackrash (Zelus Senires). And not only did you bring his blessing but you also made a concordat. Truth be told not even I was able to speak with Hackrash''s spirit, yet for a long time, you were able to connect with him. And that is not something to be little with, you might perhaps hold something which I don''t. A paradox for a druid such as me, don''t you think." Zeymah said towards Sheila, which he thought was her who made a connection with the spirit guardian.

    "Ah, it''s nothing, but I think you should express your gratitude to him," Sheila replies offering her hands towards Akatosh who''s busy talking with the stillmage.

    When Zeymah told them about the real identity of the spirit guardian, Akatosh was barking Amaragnum tons of questions.

    "What''s so special about that guardian spirit," Akatosh asks.

    "That''s because they are a part of a deity himself, Hackrash to be precise. Quite powerful at that, if you have ever seen their true potential your balls will be squirming. And the way it did from your previous encounter was merely a test, I don''t know why but he too seems to know what I am."

    "That''s a little bit surprising."

    "Yeah, even I was shocked about your confident friends confronting such a beast they didn''t grasp nor understand. I had thought you might be in a shit situation."

    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    Just when Akatosh follows another word, he felt a shudder. He departs from his other conversation to find Sheila wincing at him.

    "What did I miss?" Akatosh implores facing the peoples'' eyes were gaping at him.

    From total silence, the atmosphere gradually changed. Even Chifya and Faylinn were in disbelief the moment Sheila said her words. Galish however was more on the opposite side, he didn''t believe a single word to the point he protests in front of them.

    "Lies!" Galish object. "There is no such human who can convey with Lord Hackrash''s spirit. And besides what can a lowly human do--"

    "Galish." Zeymah interrupts with only a swift lift of his fingers. And with just a slight action the chamber murk in strong essences of druid energy. "I believe that''s more than enough." He continues.

    "Tsk!" Galish odiously grunted quickly deserting the room.

    "What an asshole," Akatosh said towards Amaragnum.

    "Pardon for his difficulty, it''s just that he had some troubles with his past." Zeymah implores.

    "No worries I''m used to it." Akatosh lied, the fact that he wanted to hammer Galish''s face so badly.

    "I appreciate your word. On the other hand, to think you''re the one with such feat to be able to spoke with Hackrash''s spirit. Only a few people are chosen to have such gift, except if you are a ''Spirit Priest''."

    "Spirit Priest?" Akatosh reply.

    "Yes, they''re the embodiment of the spirit world and the world we are living. Mironda and Talena here are spirit priests--" Zeymah says offering his hands towards the two elderly druid women. "They may be retired from their callings but their powers endure to this very day, hoping to find a new successor."

    "Quite a gift, but then again why didn''t you call a ''spirit priest'' to solve this Hackrash''s spirit of yours instead of hiring adventurers to you know, dispatch it."

    "They tried." Zeymah shakes his head. "Spirit priests have come and go, nevertheless they weren''t able to attain how Hackrash''s spirit severe its connection with us. That until you came." He continues eyeing Akatosh intensely.

    "He was just tired. And please, I''m not some specially chosen person or extraordinary man for you to know. It may have just snapped from its fatigue and spoke with me. This is all just purely coincidence."

    From then on, they went with their conversation about how Zeymah would ask him numerous questions. And how Akatosh would impede Zeymah''s words with an end word of ''coincidence and misunderstanding.'' They were so heated that the two left their surroundings, their companions and relatives would only stare at them and observe in silence. And that''s when things escalated.

    Because Akatosh and Zeymah were very good at each other''s words, Akatosh accidentally created something. When their discussion was about to cool down, Akatosh ask Zeymah about the markings he had on his left shoulder and even showing it to him without knowing the consequences.

    His immediate action instantly changes the faces of the druids. Disbelief and alarmed the atmosphere dreaded in silent.

    "Rag you bitch! You knew this would happen all along." Akatosh shouts at the stillmage.

    "Hmm, it''s your fault for not heeding my warning. If you did none of this would have happened."

    "That''s not the point here!"

    Akatosh turns at Chifya for an explanation, only to see her hysterically giggling. A taste of his own medicine, that''s what she felt.

    "So that''s how you play rough, do you. I''ll wipe that smug on your face when you come begging for that drawing." He reckons to sway his head for the elders with their eyes deeming in disdain.

    Zeymah stood and said. "We will speak of this for some time. Apart from that, I''ll see to it that your companions will be properly sent back from their home. You, however, who shares Hackrash''s blessing will be staying until this situation is resolved."

    After which the elders except for Zeymah eventually left but, in return, few druid guards came surrounding Akatosh and his party.

    "Fine I''ll stay, but you''ll have to keep your promise in guiding back my companions." Akatosh implores.

    Zeymah nods. As soon as dusk settles, Akatosh watched his party disappearing from the teleportation stone right after they said their regards. And with the proof that they were sent away in no harm''s way, as promised, Akatosh calmly returns to the druid cove. Following that he went to his hut and by him are seven druid guards shadowing his back.

    As for the elders, words of difficulty flung at every corner. It was a soft exchange of tongue but in truth there was trouble. On the other hand, there was no sign of Mironda and Talena joining the moot, leaving the males to do their political thing.

    "What shall we do, it''ll be only a day before the blue moons move. If we don''t do something--" Dayes implores.

    "Calm yourself, brother Dayes, arguing like this won''t do good." Verthain interrupts.

    "I know, but this is the first time a human was involved. What''s more, it''s a sacred one that we druids are the only ones in courtesy. Not-not this cursed human, it''s a blasphemy."

    "True he may be a human, however that doesn''t mean he''s a sacrilege. He was the one who spoke with Hackrash''s spirit after all. If that doesn''t still induce you, we have several who can see this through." Zeymah implores, the moment Mironda and Talena enter the moot.

    Once stepping the three make their silence waiting for the two to speak. And because ''spirit priests'' are more significant than the elders, they''re the only ones that can settle their discord.

    "It''s true, Hackrash''s spirit finally spoke to us," Mironda says, a stout old ashen short-haired woman.

    "Indeed, it was. Called us from our respite that I never would have thought this would come true. Perhaps the spirit saw something from this young human that acknowledge him as one of our own." Talena follows. Slim and older than her associate.

    "On what word the spirit spoke." Verthain replies.

    "It''s naught to say. The spirit simply gave us the proof of conceding."

    "Very well, if this is how it is. Then I will let this one pass." Dayes shrug.

    Zeymah looks at Verthain for approval which he indistinctively nods. "Since all in favor, the ceremony will continue. And let it be known to our brethren the news of what transpired."

    As for the traveler¡ª

    "Nah-ah, I ain''t staying in this hellhole, ah-ah not going to happen," Akatosh says, wearing his gears and equipment after he was led to his shed.

    When fixed, he wanders around the tight room, checking the door and windows. Sadly, the door was sealed tight and windows were blocked by large magical vines trapping the little cabin.

    For a while Akatosh screams his escape plans, taunting the guards to open the door. Testing if Amaragnum said to him was true, how the house was sealed by magic. Preventing him from teleporting, blasting the house, and even sound itself.

    He waited for seconds, hoping the guards would become impulsive from his demeanor and force to shut him up. In the end, the stillmage was correct.

    Circling around, devising and thinking about his escape he heard a rough voice. Someone with a furious tone was arguing with the guards. It was a static for him to hear, but it''s clear it was a fixed argument from someone he was familiar with, Galish.

    "Well someone wants you dead. What happens while I''m gone?" Comes Tosh.

    "Shut your trap and help me with this." Replies Akatosh.

    "Well¡­ that''s a big no-no. If we didn''t brawl like dogs, your barbaric-angle wife wouldn''t implement very strict rules and barricades to fend me off. Now I''m just but a reciter to you. It''s fun watching you though, funny how you''re doing with your life."

    "Oh, I wish there is a way to wield your mouth. Although calling that angel my wife, I could get used to that."

    "Hmm¡­ save it, you''ll need it."

    After halting their conversation. A hint erupts from Akatosh''s mind. Taking back how his undetectable presence is Akatosh quickly set in motion.

    While the traveler is busy fleeing, somewhere else there was a heated exchange of words.

    "How could you do this Chifya! Why? Why did you do it, to the point you have to go against the ceremonial. Is my love not enough." Galish implores.

    "This is not about love Galish," Chifya replies.

    "Then what about him. What did he have that I lack?"

    "There''s nothing between him and me. He''s merely just a tool."

    "You''re lying!"

    "I''m not lying Galish!" Chifya exclaimed.

    "Then what other reason. Are you still clinging on to your previous life? If you could let go of the past, I''m sure we''d work this out."

    "Enough! I heard enough!" Chifya shouts, followed by teary eyes. "I''m sorry Galish but. We aren''t meant with each other." She continues passing Galish, hastily running out from his sight.

    Following that harsh day, new dawn arrives. And as Zeymah walks towards Akatosh''s hut, the guards quickly unseal the door. He steps in but, saw Akatosh still sleeping, with the whole blanket covering him.

    Zeymah sighs and immediately left the room. After the passing hours, Zeymah returns again and sees the same sight he last saw. Feeling something was wrong the druid slowly pulls the blanket only to see pillows and things covered in the blanket, making it look like it was a sleeping person. And with its side was a letter saying.

    "Taleyhoo! Motherfuckers!"

 â€œThe Place of Powerâ€

    After months of being secluded at a dwarven territory, the king of Dolvathur begun to suspect something from his city. A report of strange activities and suspicious people was roaming his dwarven city. Having suspected it was his ex-friend''s grandson, King Korug didn''t flinch an iron fist he only strengthens the investigation. Still, they were shifty as snakes.

    "We''ve been here for many days and months are you sure what she said was right. The thing we''ve been looking for?" Implores Irish taking the body of a female dwarf same goes with everybody.

    "I just want to finish our task here." Riza shrug in weariness. "I''m tired of changing my appearance from this to that. And this-this h-hairy thing sticking out of my skin and, this lump of fat and--"

    "Now-now Riza we''ve only been here for months I''m sure we can be more befitting to this place. And I''m pretty sure it''s here, somewhere in this city." Roland replies tightly gripping the handle of his legendary sword and vexing his best to lighten the mood of his companions in distraught.

    Having that said, Roland check Lisha who was silent thereafter they''d enter the city and disguising themselves as dwarves. And since, commonly, dwarfs are their loathed rivals, Roland shifts his eyes towards the mage knowing Lisha was very much disgusted for having the body of a dwarf. Surprisingly, Rein was more patient and calmer than the rest of the crew.

    Behind more passing hours, waiting in the dark alley Ulgar finally came. With a more facial body than his companions Ulgar''s dwarven body is more hairy, elderly, and most of all one of the biggest belly of them all.

    "Did you find the location? The thing we''ve been looking for!" Riza shout.

    "Riza let''s first calm ourselves, let Ulgar first explain." Replies Roland.

    "Fine!" She replies stepping back for the paladin to clarify his findings.

    "It seems we have our hands full of complications. Given the impression, king Korug noticed our disturbance and won''t be long before our disguises are exposed. But not to worry, I have found the location, although we''ll be in a tricky situation."

    "Then tell us!" His female companions said aside from Rein.

    The man who helped Roland named Lon was with the shadow, mischievously watching the party slithering their way into the palace. Being fond of them he once again waits for a more interesting outcome.

    Aided by magic and the priestess''s blessing, the party had the handicap to prolong the preciseness of dwarven magic. The only dwarven city that utilizes mana, but far from humans, elves, and even demi humans'' magical power.

    Once they were in a hallway of the palace, large stone carvings of dwarven kings and their ancestors towers the majestic antechamber. Guards were everywhere neatly position in every row and column of the passageway.

    Due to their lack of magic and mana manipulation, the dwarves didn''t have the slight chance of discovering the heroes ''invincible magic'', but not for Lon.

    Ulgar felt the place had a prominent danger. The guards are calm and relax, the sound of the great hall had an eerie impact, and what rings him the most is the fact that they were led into a trap. A sensation he was bewildered.

    Ulgar stops his track recuperating his mind. He had scouted the massive palace and its catholic space five times. And to his bemused, Ulgar was able to locate the hidden thing the priestess was indicating, but only its entrance.

    "What''s wrong." Implores Irish.

    "Nothing it''s just that--" The paladin stops fixing his mind.

    As he was about to continue, Roland''s treasure sword begun to hum. Shaking like a rattlesnake''s tail the massive double-door throbs for a second. And there, far away at the temple of Endregar, the priestess who was sitting in a secluded open room, windowing the large kingdom, slowly she opens her sparkling eyes.

    Drawing Roland''s legendary sword, the blade illuminates in bluish light. Flashing for a second, and when their eyes recover from the blinding light Ferish was there, teleported in an instant.

    "F-Ferish!" Roland stutter.

    The priestess bypasses the hero''s word and promptly swings her golden staff letting the flickering rod distorts the room.

    Lon who was hiding in an invisible magic steps backward and covers his eyes. Once open, he saw the party ogling at him with stupefied faces.

    "Y-You!" Riza shouts.

    "I was hoping my hiding should be convincing against you. Seems I was wrong for doubting the famous priestess of Endregar." Lon said fixing his hat.

    "I knew you were scheming something right after that basilisk. Rain you said there was no one following us." Riza implores gripping her daggers.

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    "I don''t know okay! He''s using a powerful item that''s why I wasn''t able to sense him." Rain irefully replies.

    "Hmm, I''m not plotting¡­ I''m just following my orders. And silly girl, I don''t use magic items it''s just that I''m better than your magic abilities. Ain''t that right, a mage from an esteemed family?" Lon smirk which made Rain infuriated. "Oh, noble mages from the academy sure don''t want to be inferior. It''s a shame then." He happily continues after he had decried Rain''s ego.

    "What is it that you want, and what orders are you following." Comes Roland pointing his weapon against Lon.

    "Don''t know, you should ask him."

    As said, the two massive double doors reveal an ancient word similar to the letters that were carved from those legendary weapons. Once revealed they bend and form a circle, and begun wheeling counterclockwise.

    It is said that only the chosen ones can open such a gate but when the door''s seal begun to unfasten. Ferish felt an unsettling feeling. As the door open and the seal vanished so to the massive gate disintegrated. And what faces them was shimmering silver lava.

    Silent fell for a second, but once King Korug came out from the shimmering portal the people from the room were in disbelief. Old and tall for a dwarf, he was a king like no other dwarven monarch. Dress in lavender robe but design in dwarven style. Half dwarf and half-human, having long black hair and a bush going down from his chest. He then stops, just a few feet from the open portal.

    "Well ain''t this a surprise." Lon implores, prostrating himself not to the heroes but for the dwarven king. "Your majesty."

    "You''re leagued with him!" Irish said.

    "But of course, my dear. I was just playing with you all, just to buy some time for his highness to finished his duties."

    "What duties?"

    "The usual, politics, governing and so on. And once he''s done, my king and I just lured you all. Like a dim fish being funneled to be eaten."

    "You cast a spell on me." Ulgar interrupts.

    "Yep, I just implanted the way, the direction to the place you are finding. In short, you just became a guide, a flue, a tool to lead your companions to a snare."

    "Sorry to tell you mister but this fish is going to end you." Comes Riza sprinting her daggers and dashing her skills.

    Bursting her dagger, Riza covers the ground within seconds. Though when her weapons slash her target, Lon''s body turns to black, leaving only a shapeless smoke.

    "Shadow magic!" Riza said.

    Riza turns around knowing Lon would backstab her from behind. Then again, as she faces her back, Lon steps out from the shadows absorbing his smoke-clone and ready to put a dagger from Riza''s spine. It was a simple dagger but enough to bring death with just a light stroke.

    "Don''t just charge like a bull!" Rain shout immediately cast a protection spell against a normal weapon.

    And so, Lon''s hand bounce back so too his dagger flung from his hand just before it would hit Riza. In a blink, three arrows are flying towards him bearing magical energy. With his skill still intact, Lon was able to dodge the incoming attack. His eyes sweep towards the arrows nailing on the walls. And like a seed, it sprouts roots that would entangle a person when hit by one, paralyze to be exact.

    "You''re wide open!" Irish shout, quickly stepping in to deliver a blow.

    "Silly girl," Lon said disappearing from Irish''s sight.

    Irish didn''t flatter but continue her swing. A thought that she might still slash Lon, in the end, all she gets was just wind.

    "That''s quite enough," Ferish says releasing powerful mana that ceases every movement, all except Korug. "What did you do?" Ferish continues eying the dwarven king. "Only the chosen ones can enter, so why are you."

    "Hmm¡­ So, the little girl needs to be enlightened. Or have you forgotten already the man whom you all turn your backs to?" Korug replies, making Ferish eyes distaste from his words.

    "The stillmage crisis." Mutters Ferish.

    "What do you mean," Roland said, curious about Korug''s power and how he obtains such feat to open the door.

    When Roland spoke the dwarf hush in laughter. "Why try to tell a truth when all of you are blind by your ancestors'' rotten fame and glory. It would be impudent words from your ears, is it not? Heroes."

    While they are having their small heated dialogue, hundreds of guards'' footsteps are hoofing the ground in seconds. Yet when they arrive, a magical barrier keeps them from interfering with the group. Physical force alone isn''t enough to shatter the barrier made by Ferish. Even with the help of a minor dwarven spellcaster, the barrier stood still having no crack to be seen.

    "Roland give me your sword," Ferish said and right away the young hero furnishes his sword.

    Few swings and then steady poise, the priestess borrows the sword''s power which extends her power further for just a few seconds. And with her powers and the sword combined, Ferish unleashes a gush of steaming water followed by a sheering blue light.

    The magic fades and what''s left are but Korug and his servants. Korug looks to his right seeing his robes melt and flesh burning in steaming blue. The portal gate was no more to be seen revealing an opened door.

    "I see, it was not quite enough to stop them." The king said.

    "So¡­ What shall we do now?" Comes Lon.

    "Nothing. Leave them be, I''ve already given them their shares." Korug replies, and with a brush of his left palm, the wounds quickly heal.

    Appeared from the side of the portal, teleported. Ferish falls from her kneels coughing in blood. Her companions rush to her aid but immediately she stops them from coming by casting a barrier. Upon closer look, the priestess''s skin turns dark, vessels are corrupted. She had taken the full brunt of Korug''s magic before teleporting.

    As a priestess of a God, Korug''s magic was dispersed but cost in a painful way when Ferish evaporates the toxins from her body. Although in pain Ferish kept her will to not let her followers in dismay. And with a final exhalation, the priestess opens her eyes facing a vast open world.

    The world they stand in was but open water infinite as it goes, not in raging tide but calm as a cement reflecting the clear blue sky. Ferish clings her magic unnoticed, a touching spell that detects a tingling distortion from Korug''s magic. Silence goes till the priestess withholds her magic.

    "This will do." Ferish sigh. "Take this sword and its power will guide you to this endless voyage, chosen one." She continues offering Roland his sword.

    Without hesitation, Roland takes the treasured sword. And when his flesh touches it, he was consumed so too was the sword.

    When eyes open, the hero finds himself in a raging torrent but was standing on a desecrated temple. Sheering in light his legendary sword carries him to the center of the temple. Where a beam of light pierces throughout the sky, reaching endlessly. There he laid waste his sword, and a female voice spoke to him, a foretaste of his destiny awoken.

    "What''s happening." Riza implores, finding themselves fading from their flesh.

    "It''s done." Comes Ferish and at that time they simply vanish, returned in a different place.

 92: No Title

    When Zeymah left in an uneasy feeling taking with him the guards, the hut was no more than silent itself. But once silence prevail Akatosh came out in hiding, smiling from his feat.

    Using invisible magic and patiently positioning himself in the ceiling, he waited till the druids are in anxiety after they''d successfully bite his trap. Since then, he only needed was the door to remain open, and lucky for him it was widely sweeping.

    "Freedom faggots!" Comes Akatosh emerging out from his hut, hungry to run away.

    His disappearance was a tsunami from the elders and, those that are related to the ceremony were left fuddled. Seeming his desertion, they spread in search of his scent and footstep, if luck they may stop him from leaving. They head for the entrance guarding immediately, except Akatosh had already anticipated their strategies.

    "Please let there be a teleportation scroll here." He wagers, dashing in scanning his inventories. "Cursed horde of items, where is it!" He continues sweating nervously.

    Somewhere else, the person who hated Akatosh to the guts deepens.

    "What!" Galish''s words are furious to the pits. "How could you let this happen!"

    "We don''t know my lord. But master Zeymah request for your aid in finding him."

    When the messenger finished his words Galish''s teeth were vexed. He had his fill with Akatosh''s doing, now he was forced in finding the man who swept the woman he loves. He turns around to see Chifya looking at them intently.

    "Fine, but it''s not my responsibility to bring him injured or unharmed. And one more thing, watch over her. If she tries to escape you are obliged to use force if necessary, is that understood."

    "Yes, I understood."

    "Then--" Just before Galish makes his way to the exit, Chifya quickly went ahead. "Where do you think you''re going." He continues grabbing her arm.

    "Let me go Galish."

    "I won''t."

    "Or what?"

    "Don''t force me Chifya!"

    "You''ve changed, is this what you are Galish? The man I know was not like this."

    "I-I¡­" Galish stammer loosening his hand.

    "It''s fine I don''t blame you, it''s not your fault. But he''s my responsibility¡­ I''m sorry Galish." Replies Chifya walking away from his sight.

    Like a deer being hunted, Akatosh was running in every direction he could find, hoping to outrun the druids. Knowing they are related to nature, trouble-free in finding him Akatosh uneasily scans his inventories and at the same time praying for his escape.

    "Yeet found it!" He triumphs, raising the scroll.

    "Need some help." Approach Amaragnum.

    "Neh, I have what I need." He replies taking out the cube that harbors great energy, which in turn enthuses Zelus Senires from his den. "The heck!" Akatosh mumble shaking the cube close to the teleportation scroll. "Why won''t it work."

    "Told ya stupid. And if you successfully activate the scroll where will it lead you to?"

    "Fine, you got a point what do you want me to do."

    "Druid''s vaults treasured items. And there is one that picks my interest. Although its presence is weak, I can lead you to it."

    "I agreed to your biding but how can I fucking sneak to their arch when I don''t have anything that will help me."

    "Urgh¡­ shut your mouth and let me borrow your body."

    "Don''t believe you."

    "I''m in a dire situation here too! If you want to get the fuck out of this place easily, you''re going to need my help."

    "Okay, you got a point, and damn you."

    Hesitantly agreed to one another, they eventually fused and like a shark nosing up blood in the ocean. The two make their way to the druids'' dome. It was sealed but the knowledge the stillmage had, the sigil was no more than a rotten lock to him.

    "Lady Chifya!" Comes a female druid.

    "Any whereabout from him," Chifya replies.

    "My apologies, we''ve tried everything that we can think, even the trees and animals haven''t uncovered his presence."

    She pauses for a minute thinking about how demeanor his character was. A thief but much more than a thief, and an unpredictable man who holds secrets she couldn''t understand. Having her thoughts finished, she implored her servants to continue searching. Once they are out of sight she went alone where she knew he would be there.

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    "What a jackpot." Akatosh implores wondering the druids'' vault.

    When they entered the undercroft, Amaragnum like a snake shedding its skin departs from Akatosh''s body. And with his form was a murky black body.

    There were dozens of items kept by the druids but the only thing the stillmage desire was an urn.

    "Yes, with this I''ll be able to restore some of my power." He laughs drawing out a greenish ball of energy from the urn and then ate it fully like a snake he was.

    He waited seconds to feel its effect and when it arrived. "What! Is this all, just a drop of energy! What a waste." The stillmage said, tossing the urn breaking it into pieces. "I''m done here, give me the scroll and we--" He paused as soon as he saw Akatosh ransacking the whole place.

    "Ah, just a minute."

    "Very well, I''ll be at my book call me when you''re done," Amaragnum replies retrieving into his dome.

    Shifting to her wolf form, Chifya reached the vault''s entrance in mere minutes. When she saw the door was open, unsealed that even she wasn''t able to unchain Chifya concluded she precisely knew where he was.

    Like a wind, she sweeps her steps on the vault to find Akatosh sacking a green jewel, close where Amaragnum picked the urn.

    "What are you doing!" Chifya shouts furiously.

    "Ah¡­ Honey."

    "What have you done!" She says, going towards the broken urn. "Return everything!"

    "What do you expect, I''m a thief. And I''m not the one who broke that thing, what do you call it?" Akatosh stop when Chifya''s eyes were in ferocities. "Rag, can ya do your magic thing to activate the scroll." He continues stuffing the filled sack into his magic bag.

    "Don''t force me to do this to you." She replies, slowly taking her steps.

    "Stay back honey. Rag you bitch we have a deal! --" He was cut off the moment Chifya tackles him with stern speed. "Not this again." He continues struggling from her robust strength.

    Like a plank, he was, useless to tussle, and slowly his strength fades. Similar to what Ashalain did to him, the only thing that varies was Chifya''s straining to remove his ''bag of holding''.

    "You''re a rough one eh, darling? You sure we''re going to do it here on a hard floor, it would be more enthusiastic if we could do it in a soft bed¡ªARGGGG!" Struck by his words, Chifya pinched her nails to his wrist leaving him growling in pain.

    "No-no-no don''t you dare take my personal belongings." He continues after he saw her unfastening his ''bag of holding''.

    "Return what you''ve taken, and I won''t break your arm."

    "Hah, make me." Akatosh smile, a haughty smile. "Hey Rag, can you stop watching and send us to a safe place!"

    "Well, I thought you were having fun." The stillmage replies.

    "You call this fun! For our sake lead us to a sanctuary."

    "Urgh¡­ Fine."

    Sensing dark energy, Chifya leaps away the moment she saw a black mist evaporating from Akatosh''s body. And while painfully standing, he rolls out the teleportation scroll.

    "Put your blood on the scroll so that we''re the only ones to be teleported." So, says the stillmage.

    As followed, Akatosh with blood on his wrist wipe it clean on the teleportation scroll. That''s when Zeymah and all of the druids that are tracing him arrive at the scene. And when they felt a surge of darkness within him, they immediately ready their battle stance.

    "What an impeccable timing you all have although, all I can say is. Thanks for the loot ''grass worshiping people''." Akatosh says fluttering the teleportation scroll. "So long homos." He continues seeing Chifya coming at him with her hand reaching out to him, nonetheless, he disappears taking with him the buried treasure the druids have kept for centuries.

    "W-what now? H-He had taken everything and desecrated the sacred urn." Says one of the druids.

    "It''s her fault! If she hasn''t taken him with us this wouldn''t all happen!" Followed by another angry druid, thus begun their charted charges against her.

    As for Chifya there she was on the floor kneeling, frozen with her hand gripping her left shoulder. Moreover, she was despair from the words her clans were throwing at her. An overwhelming emotion she can''t bear petrified to face her people. She wanted to run but to where she wanted to ask for remission but words are lost to speak.

    "Leave us." Implores Zeymah, but just as they head off in livid faces the ground shakes, and then came Zelus Senires.

    Its entrance was like a large stone rolling down the mountains. As a result, when he takes its full shape, all the druids bow down like a servant to a king to a god. And Chifya who was in total misery swings into aggregate reverence.

    "I have felt, ye who carried a piece of dominion." The guardian talks echoing the air all around them and for the first time, the druids are in constant stagger.

    "Noble guardian h-he left, teleported just as you arrive. Pilfering everything in this place." Zeymah replies.

    "Hmm¡­ So, they''ve left, such a pity I came a little too late."

    "They?" Comes Chifya.

    The guardian chuckles for a second and then said. "Yes, I had thought you knew little about him for you''ve been traveling with him."

    "I-I--"

    "Hmm¡­ you seem dread." The guardian interrupts, walking out from the treasury, and straightaway the druids form a path. "He holds something that''s far beyond the knowledge of mortals. Much more than the elements you''d all vaulted." He continues once they were outside, gazing through the visible three moons. "It is not yet the time nor the beginning but one must prepare."

    "I don''t understand," Chifya replies.

    "Some secrets must be kept and some must bare at the right time.  But I can speak no more of this, you who share his must find him, there you will understand. Or are you not?" The guardian said, eyeing Chifya intently.

    "I-I don''t know, it''s because he wasn''t really meant to be--" she replies trying to avoid its gaze but, was interrupted.

    "It doesn''t matter if fate or accident, what counts is you have the means to grasp. Take this with you, it will aid you from troubles." The guardian said, giving her a marble stone, gleaming in green. "My time is nigh; he''s calling from my absence; I must go now." He continues turning into a thousand glowing orb, leaving only an elusive message.

    Chifya turns around facing her people, no longer looking at her with loathed eyes but taken aback by the appearance of Hackrash''s avatar.

    "It''s seemed we were wrong about you," Zeymah said walking towards Chifya. "I have never dreamed this day will come, if this is truly what you choose then it''s yours to take."

    "I-I don''t know¡­ it''s just that, it''s all in flash."

    "There is nothing to fret, the world is yours to walk."

    It took time for Chifya to clutch her decision and so her emotion. But at ease, she decisively resolves her certitude. Gathering her things and before she stands at the teleportation stone, she bid farewell to her clan.

    Galish who on the backside slowly came towards Chifya. And with only silent stares, he offers her something draped beautifully. After quickly being handed his farewell gift, he immediately turns around and whispers to her.

    "I love you Chifya, I truly do and it pains me to see you go. Then again, it pains me more to see you in sadness, so wish thee you''ll find your happiness in him."

    "Thank you Galish, I too hope you will find yours."

    The stone brightens and within seconds it hazily distorts teleporting Chifya.

    Riya heard the knocking on the front door, sleepy and not a doubt of hesitation she opens the door. And straightaway Chifya in sobbing tears hug her.

    Unbound and free, she had finally found her way, her own life.

 â€œA Devious Artâ€

    After four days when he escaped the druids'' cove. Akatosh didn''t waste time fixing the stillmage''s last hideout. A cave and quite large to call home.

    "Are you sure no man or someone knows this place''s location?" Akatosh asks the stillmage.

    "Who the fuck knows, even that bastard couldn''t trace my last mark. So, I guess it''s a good place to bury your shit here."

    "Now that you mention, I should better get started."

    Eager and enthusiastic Akatosh one by one pulls out all the items from his bag of holding. Later when he withdraws all his horde of stolen inventories, didn''t he know the cave was half full?

    "Damn dog, why didn''t just keep it still in that magic bag of yours." Ask Amaragnum.

    "A hunch maybe."

    "A hunch, what do you mean?"

    "I don''t know, it''s just that this bag won''t stick to you forever. You might never know it will dissolve tomorrow or the day after."

    "Got a pretty good point but, if your things disappear it won''t be me," Amaragnum said, fading away into his book.

    Akatosh sighs heavily, afterwards he tends to his scattered stuff. Organizing the potions, books, weapons, armor, and unidentified things to their desire location.

    Neatly tend and establish, Akatosh was now smiling as he imagines what he can do when he obtains his finished project. Filled with joy and lust for crafting, he quickly starts coining black powder after he filled his belly.

    Grinding solid charcoals to powder, mashing the pebbled sulfur and saltpeter. Immediately after pulverizing a small portion from those three ingredients, he carefully ground it together.

    "What are you making." Comes the stillmage.

    "It''s serpentine honey!"

    "A what?"

    "Nothing, just wait for the outcome."

    Not ratio or calculated, Akatosh was eager to ignite the powder. His aim was not the rate of burn but to see if the powder he made can be oxidized. Trailing the powder more than one meter, he then hastily lights the end¡­ he smiles.

    When he saw the sparkling orange flame bursting like fireworks and the smell of black powder enveloping his nose, his heart was in constant joy.

    "It works bitches!" Akatosh amusingly laughs as he watches the line of powder incinerating.

    His foundation in creating serpentine came with great success. Having the powder ignited, he can now proceed to his second step, that is¡­ the rate of burn. He needs the powder to char more faster for it to give a potent explosion.

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    His hands stop for a moment for his mind to think. Since there''s no tools and materials for calculation, all Akatosh could think of was to improvise.

    As a basis, he cut the upper segment of an empty wine bottle leaving only the cylindrical part. After making ten more, he can now begin his own recipe.

    Having himself an improvised apparatus, he labels each tube for him to distinguish the fraction. Understanding that a filled bottle is 100% capacity and, differing half of the bottle is 25% he can now do simple quantification.

    With little bits of knowledge at hand, he remembers the time he wrote his presumed formula.

    "A 65-70% of saltpeter, 15-19% of charcoal, and 10 or 12% of sulfur? Or perhaps."

    He tore a piece of paper and begun scribbling his first formula that is 75% saltpeter and since the partial half of 25% was 12.5% he concluded both charcoal and sulfur''s segment should be 12.5%.

    Once he blends his first recipe, Akatosh again scatters the powder inline track and, slowly he flares the powder. And from that moment on he was pleased how it quickly burn that from his first mix of minutes to second. Though however, he wants to make it swifter, hastier for he sues more, he wants the best outcome he could find. For that, he composes another formula and reprises the work all over again. But for one and a half days had passed, the ''mad crafter'' has already jaded.

    Dispirited to continue he went on to sort other things, such as studying the unknown slimes, trying to learn magic but still can''t. More importantly, he created another pit for him to produce more saltpeter.

    Without furniture to sit and sleep, all he could do is sit on the ground poking the bonfire while at the same time fathoming. Alas¡­ Akatosh remembers how he set fire to the large slime he encountered, how it quickly ablaze and easily flaked.

    "Well, I''ll be damn!" He rushes towards the three slimes. "It''s right under my nose all the time."

    Borrowing Amaragnum''s book he learned that slime needed to devour flesh, living or dead for them to sustain their lifeforce. Otherwise, they will stop excreting fluid and eventually expire.

    "Welp¡­ guess we need meat after all. But why aren''t these little pigs won''t produce liquid or die."

    "They''re in a magic prison dumbass," Amaragnum said. "They''re being conserved by that cube."

    "I see¡­ So, do you know how to utilize this magic cube¡­ Oh, great stillmage?" Akatosh smile.

    "You scoffing my knowledge, for me to help you? Boy."

    "What''s obvious."

    Following the harsh winter season but, after two months of preparation and outrageous trial spring was beginning to take its place. And for Akatosh''s powder, he was very much in elation. He was able to attain higher oxidization. It was due to one ingredient from the slime''s excreted fluid that was mixed with the powder, boosting the rate of burn. Other than that, he was able to comprehend the ''corning technique''. A method that turns the powder into grains intended for the fire to spread quickly.

    How he manages was all because of a slime''s fluid. So too is his stirred observation on how slime''s fluid work. He gathers that when leaving the fluid to dry for an hour it will turn into withered flakes, a fitting ingredient for stronger explosive powder. But after all those days of feeding the slime and himself, his meat supply was no more.

    "But why bother when I got lots of money! Rag we''re going for a market."

    "Hmm¡­ Where to?" Amaragnum replies.

    "Do you need to ask? To Ravalind because I need barrels to pack these large quantities of powder."

    "All of these works, just for you to make business."

    "Business? Sell? Why would I, this knowledge and work is mine, mine alone, this is the light of greediness."

    "Pff¡­ so what''s the use then, I never even seen its capabilities. All I''ve seen was good for starting a fire."

    "Oh, you''ll soon see it alright. But enough talk we''re going for a market so send us to Ravalind honey."

    When they were teleported to the outskirts of Ravalind, avoiding for small disturbance of illegally teleporting without permission. And just a few sights through the gate and the place, things were a bit different at the promptly of spring.

    He came to the festival of spring¡­

 â€œSpring Festival (Need for Speed)â€

    When he enters, the capital was tinted, decorated and the streets were filled with blissful people. Not only men, elves, dwarfs, gnomes, and even non-humans are present. Though few in numbers their presence was seemingly welcomed by the countless people.

    "If there''s a festival¡­ we can buy many good quality supplies." He reckons, then casually inquires particular people about the place where he can buy empty barrels. Although certain people ignore his query, some were kind enough to give him direction and advice.

    "It was obvious," Akatosh said seeing the furniture shop.

    Buying fifteen empty barrels and some furniture to fill their barren cave. And since he had a wealth close to a king''s fortune, he didn''t dilly-dally hired a wagon.

    "You sure this is the place to unload your things?" The charioteer worriedly said.

    Akatosh nod. "I''ve hired another wagon to deliver my things." He reasons, waiting for them to unload his stuff. And while they are unpacking, the workers were anxious. Nervous since the site they were hidden on the outskirts of town. Eventually, they finished their work and quickly left in haste, not even uttering a single word.

    He didn''t bother their tense atmosphere, instead, briefly, he voids all the items into his magic bag. Quite hungry, Akatosh strolls off for some festival enjoyment.

    Nobles and royals in their luxurious dress can be seen heedlessly flaunting their significance. Needless to say, they were not the only ones that takes the spotlight but one group of adventurers catches nearly everyone''s eye.

    Tooth-picking after dining one great fancy feast, Akatosh''s eyes follow steadily towards the adventurers with engraved dark phoenix. He could hear his surroundings gossiping, whispering. From their words, he understands those people but wasn''t interested to know further.

    Just as he was having a good time experiencing this strange and otherworldly festival. Amaragnum emerge from his dimension but concealed his presence. The stillmage was ringing Akatosh, after seeing one entertainment. It turns out Amaragnum was esteem to join a particular race.

    "With the state, you''re in? You want to take part in that kind of race? How absurd." Akatosh ridiculously replies.

    "Of all the things I have done to you. Of all the things that I''ve to save your puny ass. Is this the way to repay me?" The stillage angrily scorns.

    "Fine, I''ll go sign up."

    "Good¡­ but first, we need to buy a strong animal or tamed monster that''s good for sprinting. The finest." Amaragnum amusingly said.

    "The finest you say." Akatosh smile.

    After sometime¡­

    "You motherfucker!" The stillmage shout at Akatosh who''s busy poking his nose. "I said the best, not a mule! Dispose that mule and buy a better one."

    "Well fuck you¡­ you want me to buy those reptiles that cost a whopping five to eight gold shar." Viciously Akatosh retort. "And I don''t even know how to ride those shit even this mule. Although this mule seems very considerate." Akatosh chuckles but answered loudly as if talking to himself.

    Amaragnum mumbles for a second and then responds. "Fine¡­ the race will start after an hour, so you should practice how to ride a mule--"

    "Move! Idiot peasant!" A man interrupts the two and jolting Akatosh and their mule on the other side.

    He shifts angrily to see a man tugging a five feet black saber cat. And a striking female rider looking at him and his mule in slump glare. Half elvish, rosy shorthair, and garbing tight black leather armor. From a glance she was a rider so too was a warrior. Just a sneer from her sabretooth made Akatosh''s mule shiver.

    "You should watch where you stand." The female rider says when she saw Akatosh''s ireful face, it was a soft voice but a harsh message.

    He stays silent and watches other riders with their mounts of strange animals and tamed creatures. Some smirk from his mule mount others didn''t pay attention.

    "Rag¡­" Akatosh solace the mule.

    "I know."

    Insulted and angry Akatosh purchase a saddle from where they bought the mule and quickly stroll off the place. Not much time to waste the stillmage commands Akatosh to buy ingredients he didn''t know. After which they accumulate those ingredients, they hide outside town for the stillmage to do the finishing touch.

    There were ten ingredients, six compose of plants while the four were composed of animal or creatures'' substances. A flask of troll''s blood, a bottle of the guardian''s fluid, and two unknown alive organs. Gating magic circle, the stillmage conjures a flying wrinkled old face. Then with its hollowed mouth and eyes, it sucks all the ingredients together. Once swallowed, the face''s jaw opens and slowly it excerpts a potion filled with blue liquid. Afterward, the wrinkled face twisted and disappear.

    "Now¡­ bring the mule," Amaragnum said.

    Not forced but willingly drank the potion and after ten minutes of waiting for its effect. Akatosh and the stillmage were giving a sinister face.

    "Are you sure we won''t be disqualified for doing this?" Akatosh said.

    "You underling my power and knowledge? Believe me, my boy."

    They return to where the competition will be held but before entering, they needed to sign up for the race event.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    "You want to join the contest, with a mule?" The registrar hoots but stop when Akatosh didn''t repost. "Silent are ya." The registrar continues registering Akatosh as the 20th competitor.

    "Thanks." Akatosh implores as he was directed by two assistants.

    Being led in a preparation room, he was but a staring spotlight for bringing a mule. It was either an insult to the other competitors or ignorance. But as seconds pass, they ignore him tending to their mounts. Although from Akatosh''s flout appeal, inside of him was a particularly observant. He discerns his competitors, how they look, and the mounts they have. It was no ordinary race he reckons, for there were only three horses but they''re no ordinary horses as seen from their appearance and the rest were tamed creatures, large fox and reptiles as such.

    While in the state of glimpsing, he saw the woman with a sabretooth mount and a deep feeling of thrashing her. The rampant crowds begin to escalate, knowing that they would soon begin the race a man came to him bringing with him his mount.

    "Would you mind chatting with me for a bit, the race can wait for a minute."

    "I too was bored of waiting."

    "Names Felix and this is my partner Trixy." The man smiled showing Akatosh his mount so too was his partner.

    "Nice companion. Call me Tosh." Akatosh reply regarding Trixy, a large fox. And while seeing the saddle full of weapon slot he continues. "Are you perhaps an adventurer?"

    "Yep, a ranger to be precise. I was curious how a strange man would bring an eccentric mount on this particular race."

    "Trust me, even I don''t know why I''m here." He lied.

    Felix chuckles. "Or are you here to flatter the princess."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Um¡­ Aren''t you perhaps not familiar with the winning price?"

    Akatosh nod. "I just enlisted an hour ago because a dog forced me to. Hence, I wasn''t aware of the winning prize, if very much enlighten me."

    Felix sigh. "Twenty gold shar for the first place, and if lucky you might hit some noble. And for the second place, you''ll get ten gold shar and the third will receive only five gold shar."

    "I see¡­ do you know that woman with a saber cat."

    "You don''t know her?" Felix says surprised. "She is a five-time champion of this tournament. And a magic rank adventurer, due to her unique abilities and powers she was promoted to gold status at the age of twelve. The guild nickname her ''The Whirlwind Zuleika''."

    "I see." Akatosh dauntlessly reply when a group of men came and begun inspecting the competitor''s steed.

    "It looks like the race is close, good luck with your mule."

    Akatosh nods and waits for the overseers to finished examining his mount since there are rules. A rule that no magic or drugs to be used in the fairness of the game. Anxious while they regulate his mule, in the end, he was given a green light and handing him a ring.

    "What''s this?" Akatosh ask.

    "It''s a tracking ring¡­ it allows us to track every contestant, to not take shortcuts and other unfair play. You''ll see it in the stadium." One of the examiners'' replies.

    From the open arena, sits were filled acquaintance from his past were there sited at a different corner. Ashalain and her companions, Chifya and her new friends, and even Roland with his buddies were present.

    From the right corner of the stadium, rulers and royal classes were occupied. There with a swift wave of the king''s advisor, a large cube appears at the center of the stadium. Magic eyeballs were summoned acting as cameras. Thus, when the flying eyeballs open, the large cube displays the road where the competitors would race. After that, the speaker of the event passionately addresses his words to the crowd.

    "I heard a mule is participating in this race. So, what will be your bet today?" Baron Implores Garrick while the speaker is deliberating his speech.

    "We''ll see¡­" He replies as the competitors emerge. And when they saw Akatosh and his mule, the crowd''s chuckles. As for Chifya and Ashalain, they were more stupefied than to snicker.

    "Bahahaha¡­ What kind of idiot would bring a stupid mule on an exclusive race?" Baron snort.

    "I wouldn''t be so sure about that," Garrick replies after firmly seeing how uneasy the mule was.

    "You willing to bet? How about it, one hundred silver shar."

    "Make it five hundred."

    "Oi-oi-oi are you sure?!" Baron chortle. "Then I''ll pick that lady champion." He confidently continues.

    Considering a circuit race of ten kilometers, where the path is magically highlighted serving as a guide. Mounted and ready the players waited for the signal and when it was lit, swiftly all the contestants charge except for Akatosh and his now tempestuous mule. He was looking at the large cube, directly looking at the mini-map as explained by the examiner.

    Smiling and waiting for minutes to pass he then said. "Let her rip!" The second impression of him running his buffed mule was much more thrilling, for there are competitors to overthrow. And to the crowds surprised, their face was dazed when the mule takes a shocking whirlwind run.

    After crossing five yards, his mule accelerated at tremendous speed, and while at it Akatosh was screeching wildly. "I''M COMING BITCHES!"

    Passing two-kilometer Akatosh was able to see three competitors. One riding a horse and the other two was riding an ostrich-like with a fan shape feather on its head. With a mad face of ecstasy there he easily outruns them. Zuleika who was on the first spot confidently smiles in victory. She was so full of herself since she couldn''t even see her opponents, except there was a mad-rider on the loose smoking, eight players, after dashing four kilometers.

    "What a lovely day, what a lovely day!" Akatosh implores, barely holding into the mule.

    Covering six kilometers and outrunning eight more competitors of different mounts. Akatosh would always grin in satisfaction whenever he passed a competitor. And not only speed to be considered but too was endurance. "But not for me mule!" Akatosh said firmly holding as not to tumble from his mount.

    Keeping its constant speed, Akatosh caught up with Felix who was having a difficult time outrunning a player whose mount was a red wolf with an overgrown spike on its shoulder.

    "Adios." Akatosh grin at Felix after easily seizing their third place. But when he gets to the second player, things went a little bit rough.

    Just as he was about to pass the man with a wolf mount, greed and conceit filled him. Spiking the mule''s leg to eliminate Akatosh from the race.

    "I''m warning you!" He shouts at the man, yet it was futile when the man triflingly injured the mule''s leg

    "Feh¡­ even if it''s just a small wound, the effect of my wolf''s spike is like a venom enfeebling its target." The man smirks after seeing Akatosh being outrun by Felix.

    From its injured leg, the mule was screeching in pain trying its best to keep up with the race. And revenged quickly filled the two, so Amaragnum secretly cast some magic undetected by the ring, soothing the mule''s pain.

    As Felix was again taking its hard time seizing the second place. He felt an ominous feeling on his back, he looks back to see Akatosh holding a log and with a vengeful emotion.

    "HEY, BITCH!" Akatosh shouts, and with a sudden gaze from each other. He smacks the man''s head but he wasn''t finished to the point he even clubs his mount before it could gnaw his mule.

    Now only three kilometers left, Akatosh finally caught up with Zuleika. There he swiftly outpaced her just as he returns the face, she once gave to him. And as a person with high ranks and bolstered pride, she didn''t want to be belittled by a man riding a mule.

    She hushes her mount, softly uttering a word, then suddenly her saber cat turns wild. Clouding its instinct to a vicious predator for the kill.

    From Akatosh''s instinct, he takes a quick look. He saw naught a race, but a chase between food and a devourer. But not even her whispering magic couldn''t take advantage of their mule, aggressively accelerating.

    Grasping and taking the lead, the mule shocks everyone when it slowly lengthens their gap. Thus, at the end of the race the mule was the surmount of the race.

 â€œThe Duelâ€

    Once the race was over and with him and his mule, the first to take the end of the racecourse. Yet by the rules of the game, his victory wasn''t still assured. Facing the crowds, there the contestant awaits their places. And when the announcer of the game had spoken, Akatosh together with the man whom he bitterly smacks were disqualified from the race. Even before they had crossed the finish line.

    For Akatosh, he was very much satisfied by outrunning the champion so as stepping on her pride.

    Upon hearing his disqualification and no rewards to receive. He quickly turns around and slowly shuns the scene, silent as the passing wind he was.

    As for the people whom Akatosh was acquaintance, they immediately left their seats racing to catch him. Not to have a warm reunion but a bittersweet to see his face and a pounce of beating him.

    It was already dusk after the race and, he needed to heal his mule. He could see the distressful eyes the mule was emitting.

    "You''re going to be healed, my champion." Akatosh implores, soothing his mount.

    Seeking a secluded corner, the stillmage immediately teleports them to their hideout before his acquaintance catches up to him. And when they arrived, Ashalain and Chifya were yet again too late to see him, seeing no signs of him, only staring at both of them. The two ladies slowly came to understand why another person was chasing him.

    Seconds of measuring each other, and before they could simultaneously utter a word, both of their companions came at them.

    The first to come were Chifya''s group calling at her and reporting that they hadn''t seen him at the exit gate.

    At a brief moment, Chifya''s companion quickly notices Ashalain curiously looking at them but, even they can tell there was something odd between Chifya and the woman standing in front of them.

    "We should go." Chifya sighs, seeing Ashalain¡¯s group were stepping from their sight.

    "Hey, I know that woman." Baron implores right after Chifya with her friends left the place. "She''s the one, the adventurers of the guild are speaking about her, how she was able to purify that place... Um... Ahh... that one, Dragon''s Lake. That¡¯s the one," He continues, not knowing Ashalain was listening to him intently.

    "Just what''s the thing you''re so worked up, that you came racing in this place." Garrick implores Ashalain unreservedly as she fixedly where Chifya left.

    "It''s nothing... I thought that person was my friend." Ashalain replies, walking away as she ponders the woman (Chifya) who at the same time came looking for the man (Akatosh) whom she was investigating.

    Somewhere at Akatosh''s place, he was running at every corner seeking potions and herbs the stillmage orders.

    "Okay, sir... How do we heal this?" Akatosh implores, seeing the injuries from the mule wasn''t stop bleeding.

    "It seems that it''s a bleeding effect from that wolf. And since we''re not a druid or a doctor, there is one thing we can do. I will put the mule to sleep and, after that, use that heated rod to seal its wounds. Got that?"

    "Solid clear."

    Through combining sleep and paralyzing magic, it took Amaragnum to put the mule into a deep slumber so powerful that even pain won''t wake the target. With their mount''s life saved, they again teleported back at Ravalind.

    After the next day, the streets were lively again, flourishing with different races. There Akatosh took this opportunity to view the incoming parade in his room. When Amaragnum teleports them back, Akatosh was told about the parade. And he didn''t waste the opportunity to watch. With that, he went and search for an inn facing where the parade would cross. And by the time he arrived, the inn was nearly accommodated and, only one expensive room was open. The second problem is, there was another person, a merchant paying for that only room. But with his extreme wealth, he managed to bid the room with one gold coin triple than what the merchant had offered.

    "Mhh... what a glamorous festival, don''t you think so, darling?" Akatosh implores at the stillmage, sited on the window.

    "Not bad... Not bad at all." Amaragnum reply as he watches the parade consisting of different priests and paladins with their statues of gods, royals in their jeweled clothing, traveling performers doing their things. And when the center of the parade came the king and queen with them were their children, King Reigal IV, and his wife. Freia and her little brother. And from the sides of the monarch are the knight commander, the captains, and four mages and wizards accompanying their chariot.

    "When will this end." Freia sighs in embarrassment, as she notices some of her guild members are looking at her.

    "Be more fashionable one day a time will come when people will look up to you, not a royal adventurer but a person who guides her people for a better future. So, strain yourself from the crowds'' eyes." The queen implores.

    "I know mother... it''s just that... I just want to -- Ahh, never mind." Freia says, not wanting to start another argument with her mother.

    As interested, Akatosh was. He noticed that the flowers scattered by the crowds didn''t reach the chariot of the monarch family. Some fell before they could reach the majestic chariot and, some blew in different directions.

    While watching, Akatosh brought out an apple as soon as the military section slowly took its turn. Knights in their horses, Chosen soldiers with their decorated armor march in unison.

    For a second pass. Akatosh doesn''t realize that Ashalain, together with Garrick was there at the parade riding an embellished horse leading dozens of soldiers from their section. And when Ashalain saw few people are in the building, she manages to lock eyes with Akatosh.

    As soon as their eyes intertwined with widened eyes, the traveler quickly dashes out from her view.

    Ashalain quickly reacts by getting off her horse, but knowing her situation she stops midway.

    "Shit! I need to get away from this place," utters Akatosh, hastily stuffing his items, and immediately runs to the first floor.

    "Hey, what for¡­ the parade''s just getting good." The stillmage said.

    "Ignore him our dog is just afraid of that woman." Comes Tosh.

    "You mean that paladin woman? Ahh... now I see why. This festival''s going to be a good one." Amaragnum replies.

    While drilling through the crowds away from the parade, Tosh without hesitation fills in Ashalain and Akatosh¡¯s'' story to Amaragnum.

    "Oh... That''s why." Amaragnum said.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    "Yeah... and I think my little time is up, I''ll be seeing you both again," Tosh replies fading back to his realm.

    As the parade came to an end, the people disperse scattering through their designated places. As for the traveler he was at around another inn. But as soon when few people came to have a drink, he heard about the gladiators'' event.

    Asking the taverner, the location where the event would be held, he quickly strolls off the place. Few ins and ups Akatosh were thinking about what he will do. And when he saw the man whom he deeply wants to put his fist right through his face.

    "What now?" The stillmage implores, knowing what motives Akatosh had.

    Before he would follow the man, he heard people talking about the gladiators'' event. Names were betting through their words, waging their champions, staking what times their opponent''s champion would fall.

    Learning that the man he was seeking turns out to be one of the competitors he went and quickly sign up. Given the rules that when a player would go for a kill, they would be immediately teleported and disqualified from the game same goes for casting death magic or curse spell.

    "Do you understand the rules?" The administrator implores Akatosh and gives him a ring that would teleport him nor cancel his spell.

    "I understand correctly." In a dry tone, he replies equipping the ring the man gave to him.

    With him joining up the competition, Akatosh was now one step away from his other objectives. And one thing that hinders his plan was the schedule of their match and the opponent he faces.

    "Since you''ve done your part with mine, time to do mine," Amaragnum said.

    "Your plan?"

    The stillmage chuckles and spoke. "Just let me do my part... I need to do it in minutes but, I need your body to cast this magic."

    Akatosh smiles and willingly lets the stillmage do his tricks. Before Amaragnum took half of his body, they went to some dark corners. There they merge, and when they do... Priest, the paladins, clerics, and some magic and golden rank adventurer felt a dark, tremendous, and chaotic energy. It was an instant but, when Amaragnum began twisting Akatosh''s hand time from that area came to a halt.

    "Funny... I mostly cast this when I was in a pinch. Never thought I would use it for some lowly situation." Amaragnum implores walking towards the administrator''s desk.

    Akatosh smiles and, with just a sway of their palm the writings from the parchment change-making Akatosh and his opponent on the tenth stage.

    "What was his name again... Ahh, Gilan¡ªGulin--Gishin ."

    Time resume and, the people who felt their presence were confused. It was odd, the shivering touch of their presence couldn''t be traced. Even the people that conspire with the Deedra were in disbelief.

    With their doings, the people who felt their dark presence were now timid and alert. But with the festival in motion, they had to keep it a secret, not wanting to cause an outroar panic to the people.

    It was his second time dueling Galin but different when he first fought him. This time he had the equipment and his friend from the other side to help him. Being on the third stage of the battle they went to a preparation area.

    Using his newly forged armor and equipped with his claw gauntlet together fused by a razor whip and swords made in elven-steel. After he was done furnishing his equipment, the first stage of the battle had already ended between an elven male archer and a halfling mage, in victor won by the elf.

    By the second stage, Amaragnum quickly returns to his hideout saying that the show was just for children the stillmage said before disappearing. It was a battle of mages so to speak of, and by comparing how his friend ruptures the land and brought dozens of small meteors Akatosh agrees and ignores his partner''s ego.

    Even though their powers weren''t as equal to the stillmage. Akatosh however, was still very much enthusiastic to watch the two fights. A fight between a female battlemage and a male illusionist. When the fight began, the illusionist quickly cast dozens of clones for him to stage another spell. The battlemage smiles and conjures a yellowish medium shield and turning her sword into yellow flames.

    Smacking her shield through the ground, the dozens of clones disperse but show no signs of the illusionist. And at that moment, four summoning circles appear in front of her. A four floating sword was now facing her.

    Alive and like a professional holding the floating swords they charge through the battlemage. Shielding the first attack, she was shocked that the floating sword went through her shield, an illusion. But when the second sword gave its attack, it injures her shoulder.

    "Ahh... some are illusions, and some are not... A clever trick." Akatosh said

    Backing off for a bit, the battlemage extinguished her flaming sword. And with a full brunt of her swing, one of the floating swords was glued from her sword and breaking it apart.

    After dealing with the floating sword, two copies of the illusionist appear simultaneously casting what appears to be a paralyzing spell. Throwing her sword at one of the clones, she then charges to the other one. But when she reached the two, she realizes they were an illusion and the real one was finished casting a fireball spell. The battleground ruptures and the battlemage were left panting, her magic shield was now erased and her energy was depleting. With the illusionist was on the verge of victory, he then appears and waited if his opponent could concede defeat. Making more clones and readying spells, he together with his clones went closer to point a blade at his opponent showing he''d won. But when he was just three steps from her, he notices that it was an illusion. Then with a surprise, an invisible force somehow manages to grab the real one. There she appears, injured and inching her dagger towards the illusionist''s throat.

    "I-I yield." The illusionist implores.

    Bested by his overconfidence and an ironic paradox, a trick to use an illusion to an illusionist.

    As the stage goes on, Akatosh''s heart was rumbling, his blood was in adrenaline since the ninth competitor was nearly finished. And when the stage was set, Ashalain who was sited below the monarchs'' place was yet again in shock. Chifya who was with the crowds never predicted Akatosh would be partaking in the competition¡­ again.

    "If you surrender right now, I promise I won''t make this hard for you." Galin smiles.

    "Judging by your words... Let me guess, did your balls shiver?" Akatosh replies, with a twitching eye.

    The crowds chuckle and quickly Galin retort with a dry tone. "It seems I''ll have to teach you some manners."

    "Please kid."

    Thus, as the signal was blown, Galin swiftly dashes, spearing his sword towards Akatosh. And when he was about one yard from him, Galin turns his body into a mist.

    "At your back," Amaragnum said.

    "I know," Akatosh says, backlashing his sword, not the katana but, rather his second sword, a kriegsmesser. And when his elven-steal sword turns backward, Galin immediately uses his weapon to block the incoming attack however, Akatosh''s sword easily rips Galin''s weapon in half.

    "Mhh... You got a pretty nice sword." Galin says after backing out from Akatosh''s slash. "But don''t get ahead of yourself... Tara, Vena" He continues when a mist slowly surrounds Galin, what''s more, a magical and flamboyant estoc magically replaces his broken sword.

    "The smell of the mist, now I get." Ponds Akatosh.

    "No, you stupid dog, let me make it clearer." The stillmage said changing the color of Akatosh''s eyes into purple.

    When his eyes were changed, he looks at his opponent to see two elven women floating in misty form.

    "Ahh... it seems he got two little kittens at his disposal... But what about my ravenous dog here," Akatosh said.

    He felt Amaragnum smile at him waiting to do another shenanigan.

    Charging once again, Akatosh hurls his swords only to slip past through his body.

    "It''s over," Galish said but just as he was about two meters from him. A wind suddenly blasts through the ring.

    The razor whip was summoned so was Amaragnum smiling with his vessel. Galin was paralyzed and the two elven women were now tremulous.

    "Ehem..." Amaragnum clears his throat. "Sorry ladies but, I need a little snack." He continues.

    The mist that engulfs Galin suddenly disappears, and when it does the razor whip slices his right hand. Little did Galin know, the battleground was covered in smoke unable for the crowds to know what was happening.

    And at that moment Akatosh suddenly lashes in, throwing a brutal punch at Galin''s face. It didn''t end there but he continues to throw punches at every part of Galin''s body, they were now like a boxer and a punching bag.

    "I-I yield! I yield!" Galin begs on the ground praying for mercy.

    After hearing him begging Akatosh stops his attack, but when he was about to call Amaragnum, Galin quickly gets up and magically creates a dagger. Sluggish from the beating, he manages to grab Galin''s other hand, and when he did, he throws him to the ground and begins to pummel his face, hydraulicly.

    "My time is up dog," Amaragnum said dispelling the smoke revealing Akatosh savagely mauling his opponent.

    Disappearing in just two seconds the smoke was, a person suddenly burst through the fight cutting Akatosh from killing his opponent. While he manages to avoid the person, Akatosh realizes it was a woman dressed in royal clothing. It was Freia who interfered in the fight.

    At a distance of three-meter, Freia quickly cast a healing spell at Galin. "Just what kind of man are you?!" Freia angrily said after seeing how Akatosh brutally mauled his opponent. Akatosh however didn''t respond but turned around, going towards the exit.

    "I Freia, the first daughter of king Reigal IV and as one of the members of the adventurer¡¯s guild. I hereby challenge you to a duel."

    "Stop this at once!" Freia''s mother shouts but suddenly the king agrees.

    "Fine then... I''ll accept your duel." Akatosh smile.

 â€œThieves Guildâ€

    "Fine, I accept your challenge." Akatosh smiles, "But on one condition." He continues eyeing her clothing.

    "And what would that be?" Freia glares.

    "Wear your armor." He answers while searching a portion of food and, when it magically appears, he then chomps an apple and a pair of dry meat right in front of the crowds and the princess.

    Teleported her equipment in minutes, and to make the wait shorter, Freia equipped her gear through the use of magic.

    "You done?" She says, watching Akatosh taking in the last piece of meat.

    "I''m ready." He smiles, stepping out a distance from the princess.

    As the crowds grow in silence, waiting for them to begin their fight. And when the signal was blown Freia didn''t take any seconds as she quickly dashes in with her sword and shield. But when she was halfway through her target, Akatosh who was merely standing raised both of his arms.

    "I give up. victory is yours." Akatosh implores.

    Stopping her attack, the princess was confused, angered, and humiliated. "THIS IS NOT WHAT WE AGREED!" Freia shouts, angry and embarrassed.

    "You know the rules and, so do I. Isn''t that right umpire?"  Akatosh said, looking at the arbiter.

    "Um... Since the duel was held here and with the concur of our king. It is by the rules that when an opponent concedes defeat, the fights already decided. I''m sorry but, the duel''s already ended victories on you." The referee says, unable to look at the princess.

    "Then what about him nearly killing his opponent!?" Retort Freia.

    "He didn''t yield and, he was talking shit about me, so I did a little bit of workout," Akatosh says pulling out the ring from his finger. "I believe that this ring will suffice my fairness." He continues tossing the ring from the umpire and slowly walks towards the exit.

    While the crowds begin to shout in disapproval, calling him a coward, some smile from his balls humiliating a princess right in front of her family.

    "That guy seems pretty interesting." Says a man stroking his beard, a middle-aged man. And one of the thieves'' guild members.

    Right when he was about to enter the dark tunnel leading through the exit, Ashalain and Chifya once again rushes out from their seat.

    "Haa... here we go again." Sheila implores, right after Chifya quickly pulls out from her seat and, to her surprise, she saw Ashalain too was doing the same.

    Striping his armor and put every piece of equipment on his magical bag. He then casually wears a commoner''s clothing for a look around at the festival before heading out to his next destination. As happy-go-lucky as he was, but when he opens the door, a hand quickly grabbed his shirt cornering him on the wall, it was Ashalain.

    "It''s nice seeing you." Ashalain smiles and, with bitter feelings she stored for him, constricting both of his arms. "Do you know what you stole?"

    Seconds after being greeted by Ashalain, Chifya appears.

    "Miss, can I have a thing for him too?" Chifya smiles at her.

    Ashalain, knowing her intention smiles back and said "you''re welcome. Feel free to do whatever you want."

    Gripping her fists, Chifya punches Akatosh''s abdomen hard and with a sprinkle of her magic sends him down on his knees.

    "OOF... karma is real! You shouldn''t have taken off your outfit now look what state you''re in." The stillmage said.

    "Did you or did you not sell my brooch?!" Shouts Chifya, watching Akatosh growling from the pain she inflicted.

    Ashalain without hesitating lifts Akatosh from the ground and then corners him against the wall.  "How many coins did you make from taking the gems on my sword."

    "Darlings, if you two didn''t make a painful greeting--" He pauses when blood and saliva drool from his mouth. "I would''ve freely given your items back. But since it came to this, I''ll be taking it to my grave. So even if you kill me and take my bag it''s useless cause you won''t be seeing a single piece of your belongings stashed." Akatosh smiles holding the pain caused by the two ladies.

    Out of a sudden, the two ladies felt an ominous feeling emitting from Akatosh. And in a blink of an eye, he was gone and, when they turn around, they saw him walking away from them.

    "Hey, your time magic just went off," Akatosh says, groping his abdomen from the pain.

    "Just shut up and let me have the concentration, do you know how hard to control this shit when you''re hungry as fuck."

    Before the ladies could take another step, Akatosh was now gone from their sight. They search and search but, he was already gone.

    Sitting in through the alley, he takes his time slowly apprehending the pain. From his stomach, he felt it like his intestine was just ruptured, and the bones from his arms-- snaped.

    "What happens to the two ghostly women."

    "Killed them and ate their energy."

    "What?"

    "Nothing, go see a druid or a priest. I''m going back fishing might be a few weeks to recover my power."

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    "I thought you liches and demi lich have an unlimited stored of energy."

    "It''s because of what those bastards did to me distorting the essence of me being a lich. And to what happened from that thing you stored."

    "Fine, I get it thanks."

    Minutes after the stillmage went for a fish, a man suddenly saw him. The man hides his shock and slowly goes towards Akatosh mumbling his pain.

    ''''Are you okay?"

    "Does it look like I''m okay? And let me guess, going to rob an injured man--" He stops when the man gave healing on his abdomen easing his pain.

    "You¡¯re that man from the arena, you sure are one heck of a fighter after seeing how you smashed that guy''s face."

    "Well, he was asking for it."

    "But I didn''t see you injured from your fight. Did those two women of yours do this?"

    "You were there?"

    "Well, I thought It was some lovers'' quarrel so, I casually passed by."

    As the man continues to ease his pain, Akatosh saw he was a full-bearded middle-aged man with a muscular body.

    "Are you perhaps one of the adventurers'' guilds." Akatosh blurts though the man only shakes his head.

    "Mercenary?"

    "Try harder."

    "The mage academy?"

    The man smiles and said, "the thieves guild."

    Hearing his words Akatosh turns silent, brisking his senses for any action.

    "There''s no need to be intense." The man says as he finishes his healing. "If you want to join, come at the ''Fox''s Inn''." He continues smiling as he walks away.

    Half an hour came, Akatosh stood and went asking for that tavern. He follows their words as he waggish his face through the crowds. And when he enters, he saw the same man sitting conversing with the taverner.

    "I didn''t get your name," Akatosh says, sitting right beside the man.

    "My name, many. But you can call me Hawk."

    "Names Tosh... and about the thing you''ve told me about."

    Hawk nods at the taverner and gave Akatosh a ring. No conversion continues Hawk stood and treads towards the kitchen. Akatosh hesitates but, he takes the ring and without wearing it, he then follows.

    "You should wear that." Hawk implies and suddenly walks through the wall.

    Akatosh tried doing it but, he was unable until he equipped the ring. And when he touched the wall, quickly he was pulled and, in a blink of an eye there he was.

    "Welcome," Hawk says, walking on the open ruined cavern. And beyond their front was a keep fifty meters from them.

    As they came closer, members of the guild set their eyes upon him. While on the tail Akatosh sways his eyes looking left and right, measuring the members. Some were mages, a hooded rouge flipping a coin, mask thief but, he was more bedazzled by the place. Small creeks run through the places giving thrive to the vegetations and the warm sunlight coming through the hole of the cavern. Given that, the place was a warm haven for the guild members. Entering through the keep, the two went to a private room.

    It was a short conversion direct to the point and for minutes truths were spoken.

    "You were expecting me?"

    "Not really, I was about to meet you after you''d finished undressing. But I was too late when two of your lasses began cornering you."

    "Then how did you find me at the alley? It would take four out of ten to track me."

    "When you know some tricks and stuff, it''s easy to track someone." Hawk smiles. "So, how about it?" He continues offering his hand.

    "Tell me about the rules and regulations." Akatosh implores.

    After some extensive introduction. "What? There are four headquarters of this guild."

    "Yeah, this place was the first headquarters of the guild. The oldest, so to tell, followed by the ''Arcane Tricksters'' that consists of rogue-mages, the ''Phantom Blade'' that deals on scouts, information, spy. And the ''Blood Shadow'' that works on the dirty jobs, assassins to be precise."

    "Then what about this place."

    "The First."

    "The First?"

    "It''s more like the basic training for the members. After unlocking their specialties, they''ll be moved from those three headquarters."

    "I see... Well, I''ll be in your care. But I have to settle something, don''t worry, it will only take a day." Akatosh implores, remembering his mule.

    "Then I''ll wait for you with a drink on the table."

    "Thanks." Akatosh smiles walking away from the Fox Inn.

    They then teleport back to their place, after which Amaragnum told Akatosh to better take a single page from his book.

    "Why?"

    The stillmage sigh. "Do you want to cause an uproar?"

    "Ahh... I get what you mean but, you wouldn''t be around."

    "Stupid... All I need was just a single page even a single torn page is enough. Let us call it more like a door."

    "Oh... I see."

    "Oh, I see." The stillmage follows in a monotonous tone. "Ahh... I remember." The stillmage says, leading Akatosh out of the cave.

    Once out, Akatosh was struck by how marvelous the place was. They were on an island, but not just an island. Three gorgeous mountains towering the sky, grassland filled half of the land and, trees on the other side. And the best part was a lake centering the island. Not only was the landscape that meets the eye but the place teeming with various animals.

    "How did you find this place?" Akatosh says.

    "I don''t know, I can''t remember. All I know was... From the first place I was teleported by that one who calls itself ''The Guardian''. But I don''t know... That''s what I was searching for."

    "I see," Akatosh replies freeing the mule through the open planes.

    They return to the Fox Inn on the evening of the night. And as promised, he was given a welcoming party by Hawk and the innkeeper.

    "Hey! You¡¯re that man who beat that shit. It was a spectacle to behold mauling his face." One member implores as they practice lockpicking.

    "Ugh... Thanks for the compliment, I guess. You seem very happy about what I did to that man."

    "Well, he did get a few of our members."

    "It seems the adventurers'' guild is much hated in here."

    "Please, we''re criminals. What do you expect our bounties are everywhere? But haven''t you heard about that man."

    "About who?"

    "You know the man in the mask, who stole the sea queen''s horde of treasures. And even cause some uproar at the Endregar kingdom."

    "Ugh... Yeah." Akatosh implores.

    It was a hectic month for Akatosh, but soon he was able to learn the lockpicking skill. Time flies for about a few more weeks and with few friends to laugh and drink. But one night he stumbles Hawk having conversions through via magic. And from the looks of it, it was at their conclusion.

    "They are offering us a way out." A voice of a woman said.

    "I highly doubt that--"

    "Hawk! This is our--"

    "I''m sorry but will have to discuss this another time. I got works to do," Hawk says, closing their conversation.

    "Hawk!"

    Just as Hawk ends their negotiation, he notices a shadow. Which, he immediately went to check who that person is. As quick as a snake, he saw Akatosh walking away just a few feet away from him.

    "That''s odd? Why didn''t I sense him when he''s just very closed?"

    "If you want a drink, I can get you some." Hawk calls.

    Akatosh hesitantly agrees and accepts Hawk''s offer. As though they would drink in a private room. However, his anxiety is gone when Hawk leads him to the Fox Inn.

    "I was informed that your fellow seniors are having a large heist this year." Hawk says, initiating a conversation.

    "And?"

    "Some juniors want to partake with them. I heard that one of the royal lords are their targets."

    "So, you want me to dine with their feast?"

    "It depends on you." Hawk smiles taking another sip.

    "Tell me about the details and this royal vassal." Akatosh implores, eying Hawk intently as he smiles.

    "Not here," Hawk says, nodding at the innkeeper.

    They went to another room carrying drinks and snacks. And there, Hawk carefully explains the details to the traveler.

    "Three months ehh... If that man hoards his money on a vault..." Akatosh smiles. "I''ll be needing just one thing." He continues still smiling.

    After one year has passed...

    "I remember you. I thought you were dead," Akatosh says, with a dagger in his hand.

    "Are you crazy!" One of Akatosh''s partners implores in a low voice, trying to hold Akatosh''s killing intent. "That''s Ariendal De Shilvia! Are you nuts!"

 â€œA Thief and the Dark Healerâ€

    One year Ago...

    Inside through the thief¡¯s guild, Akatosh''s seniors had just recently started discussing their operation. Blueprints of the estate were scattered on the round table. There Akatosh observes their plan, and for just a few minutes he quickly loses interest. Unorganized, the seniors began fighting for themselves about their cuts and who was the leader.

    "You want a copy of that blueprint," Hawk said.

    "Yeah, I think working alone would be more suitable," Akatosh said.

    "And what''s your plan then?"

    "You''ll see."  Akatosh smile.

    After quickly getting a copy of the plan, he then went out and, immediately goes to work. Circling one of the Lord''s estates to a safer distance, checking the blueprint if it matches the design. And by his luck, the elevation plan was very much similar to what he held. The only thing that worries him was the floor plan.

    "Well fuck it... it¡¯s do or fail." He says, bringing with him a rope.

    With a bit of knowledge about geometry and, architecture. He decides to manually measure the distance and, the location of the vault. Since the vault was located in the basement of the estate, close to the right side of the house. He first has to know the distance and the pinpoint of where he would make a tunnel. Therefore, using a stick as his basis and since the front of the estate was facing north, he went to the back of the estate aligned himself where the rear and the right-side corners. With the help of the stillmage''s magic, making himself invisible, he took his time plotting the estate. He could easily swipe the Lord''s treasure with the help of the stillmage, but Amaragnum says otherwise. He can only help him with a few sprinkles of his magic, for he was storing for something big if they would encounter any.

    When he aligned himself from where he would begin valuating the distance, dusk was closing in. Marking where he stands, he returns to his guild. As always, Akatosh''s seniors were still organizing themselves. While some wants a bigger cut others began working in a few groups and, some went solo.

    "Good grief, these mongrels." Hawk implores while writing something on a book. "So, how''s your first day at work?" He continues.

    "Good... not so bad but, it might take me a week."

    "Well, you better watch yourselves. Few of our lads were captured sniffing around that place."

    "I''m surprised this place hasn''t been caught by those venturers. Not to mention the monarchs and their royal dogs called knights and shit."

    Hawk smiles for a moment. "It''s magic, the moment you all join this guild a spell that removes your memories about this place will quickly activate itself before you spill the beans. But that''s just the slight secret why this place was intact."

    Akatosh turns at Amaragnum, "You knew this?"

    "Well fuck you, do I look like a servant to you? And what''s the harm it¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to die about that simple spell."

    "Gahh... Fine, I get it."

    Days passed, Akatosh was able to start making a tunnel, and since he has no measuring tools to know the exact distance. He relies on the rope that he''d approximated from when he''d calculated the dimensions of his plan.

    "Must be 25 meters, 27... Nah, let us get on with it." He says looking at the rope.

    The guards were uptight since few of his guild members recklessly sips the way to the house only to be caught by the hands of mages and experts. For their actions, Akatosh was now having a second problem. He thought the Lord''s money was transferred to another location or the vault was just a trap waiting for its victim.

    He hopes as he digs and digs, too he bought a lot of sack and with his bag of holding, he didn''t have a hard time taking out the dirt. After one week inside the tunnel. At last, when he stretched the rope, it would need him a few hours till he reaches the vault.

    Little by little, he tunnels upward and, with a few four meters the dirt felt soft. He brushes some of the soil to see a stone pavement. For him not to get squashed by the size and the thickness of the pavement. He widens the area where if the stone would fall there''s enough space for him.

    He asks his stillmage friend for sensing the surroundings detecting magic traps or some guardians.

    "There''s no magic trap but, the place was filled with magic. though it looks good to me."

    "Are you sure about that?"

    "Say that word again and, I''ll see to it no help will come for you."

    Akatosh sigh and continues his work in the end, the stone pavement quickly falls due to the sheer size and the heaviness. When it made a little sound he pauses, hearing if some guards are in motion.

    Amaragnum cast a silent spell, concealing their noise.

    "You sure are one hectic bastard." Amaragnum implores seeing Akatosh was erupting with joy and in ecstasy for the Lord''s treasure.

    "Ahh..." Moans Akatosh for he had done what his members could not.

    With a few minutes to set out his emotion, he quickly sacks all the stored money. Bashing the chest and the cabinets filled with coins lustfully packing ornaments pieces of stuff and, jewels.

    "Darling, send us back." Akatosh implores as he wickedly smiles.

    "I could but, I need to break this magical barrier that jails us from teleporting. After destroying it, who knows it might set an uproar to every corner of this house."

    "Fine." Akatosh sigh and writes a letter. "Thanks for the riches, fuckers." He writes.

    Leaving the message, together with Amaragnum''s magic they lift the stone pavement. Once the stone pavement was columned through strong roots created by the stillmage they then bury the tunnels using the dirt he excavated.

    To make more things interesting, Amaragnum destroys the barrier quickly arousing the mage who made it. It didn''t take a day for the news to be spread and, when the guild heard the news, Akatosh came a few minutes after the guild was alerted.

    "BOYS! DRINKS ON ME!" Akatosh wickedly smiles carrying with him a sack half-filled with the items he looted. He even unloaded the coins and jewels on the ground, showing his members his achievement.

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    Astound and paralyzed, some are jealous others came to him with a fake smile.

    "Sorry seniors but, there are no spoils left for you all." He laughs while still covered in dirt.

    He divides his spoil which is a quarter of what he earned. As for the half of the quarter, he then takes it to Hawk.

    "Here''s the... guild''s tax." Akatosh smile.

    Hawk chuckles and accepts his offer. After that, he then gave it to his assistance taking it to a safe vault.

    "I think you owe me a drink." Hawke continues.

    With him making a small celebration, Hawk and Akatosh were having a conversation through a private corner.

    "I-I never thought you would be this guild''s headmaster." Akatosh was shocked.

    "The seventh-generation, to be precise. But enough of that, I''m curious as to how did you manage to pull it off on a whim."

    "I don''t know about how you people do a heist. I just tunneled the estate it would take me weeks or months. But with the help of some endurance potion, I did manage to cut it within one week. Honestly, this type of robbery is quite common from my place."

    After hearing his explanation, Hawk couldn¡¯t hold his laughter.

    Elsewhere...

    Through the corner of an adventures'' guild, just before Akatosh creates turmoil. Two of his female acquaintance was in a tight conversation.

    "Have you ever felt something unusual when you were traveling with him?" Ashalain implores at Chifya.

    However, Chifya didn''t very much trust the woman sitting in front of her which she decides to give her vague detail. Knowing Ashalain as a paladin a class known to have a deep hatred towards evil and chaos. And so, she tries her best to shorten their conversation.

    Having noticed that Chifya was giving a few aspects of their subject and avoiding some of her questions. Ashalain slowly retorts, and once their blissful meeting slowly turns to a warring chat.

    "It''s getting late and, there are many things to do." Chifya sigh, as she stood. "I hope we''ll not see again, goodbye." Chifya continues with a sharp tone.

    "Same goes for me." Ashalain implores in a riposte tone.

    The moment the two met, they already felt incompatible with each other.  Like fire and ice, they quickly left their conversation. Seconds after they depart from the table, an angry Lord came barging through the guild''s administrator. Angry and frustrated, the adventurers could hear his howl.

    "With all due respect my lord, this would take us time to--"

    "TAKE TIME! DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THOSE THIEVES ROBBED ME! DO YOU KNOW!" The Lord shouts, holding the letter Akatosh left.

    "My lord if I may." One of the magical adventurers implores, a diviner.

    Explaining his power from the Lord, the man quickly gave Akatosh''s letter.

    The moment the lord gave him the letter, he quickly tore it in half. Using the half, the diviner uses it to track Akatosh. But no matter how many times he tried using more of his power, not a single trace of Akatosh was detected.

    As the lord and the adventurers continue their commodity. Ashalain and Chifya already perceived Akatosh, especially Chifya since she knew what Akatosh had done to the ''Sea Queen''.

    Weeks¡¯ pass and, still the investigation regarding the thief who stole the lord''s treasure continues. What''s more, Hawk was having a hard negotiating with the other headquarters. His other members didn''t know this but, Hawk seems to have trusted Akatosh as days go on. Also another turmoil was just starting, and that was between the two kingdoms Keshoval and Endregar. Time goes, the thieves'' guild became more doubting to each other. Rumors have begun to spread that another war will erupt. Heroes and adventurers are becoming unreliable to the peoples'' aid.

    One year has passed and, Akatosh was assigned to join a group consisting of four members. Being the last member of the party, the group decides which will be the leader and the house they would target.

    Akatosh didn''t want to be the leader since he wasn''t used to be. After Choosing one leader of the member the next thing they were discussing was the target. With other groups wanting big fame, they went ahead and target large houses and families same goes for the group. Some barely succeeded others were executed, it was a life as a thief.

    "De Shilvia estate?" Akatosh implores.

    Being short in memories, and the time chasing gold and adventure Akatosh quickly forgotten that name.

    "That''s right." Their leader implores and begins giving them his plan.

    "Okay, that''s fine with me," Akatosh says.

    Being assigned to a below-average group, Akatosh didn''t care for he was satisfied with his horde of treasures. Merely going with the band, they waited for the night to come.

    "Okay, like I said, take what you can hold. We''re putting our skills into this and what''s get left behind gets left behind... understand?" Their leader implores.

    It was a casual infiltration, hiding through the shadow using the skill that they were taught. Scattering into two groups they run through the house gathering what valuables to their eyes.

    "Since we''re alone, I was wondering how did you successfully infiltrate that Lord''s vault even though its security was tight as guarding a king." His companion whispers.

    "What''s your name again?" Akatosh bluntly implores.

    "Uh... it''s Gathric."

    "Gathric it is... sorry but, I''ve got a trust issue."

    "You mean? --"

    "Yeah, I''m a greedy bastard."

    The night was a bit unsettling for Ashalain. She was in her father''s estate watching his health gradually diminish. High priestesses and priests couldn''t decipher what was causing her father in such a state. Even the famous Roland and his companions and acquaintance were only left sorry for Ashalain.

    She lay off from her bed and went strolling through the large house. And whenever she walks through the hallways, she felt something wasn''t right. Precious silverware was missing, doors that should be locked were left unlocked. Her instinct quickly set her body in motion, alarming the guards and doubling their security she then joins the search.

    As Akatosh and Gathric fill their bag, the house suddenly went uproar. Staring at each other for a second, they quickly run whatever direction they could find.

    "RAG!" Akatosh called for the stillmage

    "Oh, this is going to be so much fun. Run boys run."

    "The hell... just what did those--" Gathric was cut off when Akatosh put his hand on his mouth.

    "You want us to enter that room?" Akatosh asks Amaragnum.

    "I''ll paralyze those guards, there''s something foul but sweet food from that room."

    "Fine."

    When the stillmage borrows Akatosh''s arms, a gentle wave from his hand quickly sends a spell to those guards.

    "Not a time to waste they head inside."

    With just a bit of light coming from the moonlight there an old man was resting on a bed. I was Ashalain¡¯s father ''Ariendal De Shilvia''.

    Upon looking at Ariendal, Akatosh suddenly remembers the face that put a sword into his stomach. Gathric who was gathering a few wares suddenly saw Akatosh taking out his dagger.

    "Hey... what are you doing?" Gathric nervously implores.

    He ignores his call and slowly went to the man.

    "I remember you. I thought you were dead," Akatosh says, with a dagger in his hand.

    "Are you crazy!" Gathric implores in a low voice, trying to hold Akatosh''s killing intent. "That''s Ariendal De Shilvia! Are you nuts! We should fucking get out of here!"

    After seconds Gathric snap and went towards the window.

    "Do as you wish." Gathric says before jumping off through the window.

    "Hey dog!" Amaragnum shouts. "I don''t know what happen between you two in the past but let me have my meal first then you can kill him."

    "Fine." Akatosh sighs sheathing his killing intent. "So, where''s your meal?"

    Amaragnum with his power materializes, murky black shadow the stillmage then inspects the man.

    "Ah... I remember this shit. The state of this man... Since you two had a past, did you perhaps kill something that is similar to this man''s face?"

    "I don''t know, but I do remember killing that man if I¡¯m correct.¡±

    "That explains why... this is a dark spell, a ritual to completely take his memories, appearance, his power everything except souls. The downside is if you killed that person who attached himself to the victim it will distort the flow of the process. In short, both of them will die since both of them are linked. It''s an ancient that few know this trick, I think someone made a pack with those abyssal self-proclaimed dark gods. Although... this is quite a good meal."

    "Just get on with it," Akatosh says, sheathing his weapon after Amaragnum enlightens him.

    "I just need to cast time stop then after that; I''ll extract my food... also I need your body."

    "Half would be good."

    Taking half of Akatosh''s body he quickly cast a time stop. Following another spell, the dimension changes. Quickly, Amaragnum conjures his third spell that revers the ritual''s spell. When finished, a purple monster emerges from Ashalain''s father. A worm with sharp spikes, serrated tentacles, and an inhuman face.

    "You''re mine!" Amaragnum implores trucking the ghostly worm with Akatosh''s hand. With his attack, the worm shrieks as it slowly turns into an energy ball.

    Departing from his partner, his spell quickly deteriorates. Swallowing the purple energy ball, the stillmage returns to his hiding place.

    "Who are you..." A very soft and weak word from Ariendal.

    "A thief."

    "A thief hardly..." Ariendal responds slowly getting up from his rest. "I never met a thief that can cure such spell."

    "Nah... you should thank my partner, he''s the one who extracted that thing living in your soul, hiding if that''s what he meant."

    "Partner?"

 â€œA Favor to the Travelerâ€

    "A servant betrayed you, captured you by some cult. And the most intriguing part was, using you to distort this kingdom." Akatosh implores casually sitting right beside Ariendal. "It''s nice talking to you but, I got to go."

    "Wait... You''re from the thief¡¯s guild?"

    "Yeah... what about it?"

    "There''s not enough time but, promise me that I''ll meet you at the plaza, tomorrow."

    "Um... Uh... This is weird, I''m a thief and, you''re a noble. You do know the consequences of dealing with a wanted man."

    "I''ll give you your reward for saving me."

    "Deal... So... is there any password or something-something?" Akatosh without hesitation, accepts his word.

    "Take this--" Ariendal says, giving him his ring, and just as when Akatosh glared in seconds Ashalain barge through the door with a sword in her hand. Still, in her skirt pajama, Ashalain was furious when he saw Akatosh glaring at his father''s ring.

    "Oh..."

    Not a second to waste Akatosh quickly leaps through the window but before the stillmage teleports Akatosh. He waited for him to painfully land on the ground.

    "AAAARRGGGGG! Fuck you!" Akatosh shouts in pain before being teleported.

    Ashalain runs through the window hoping if she can still injure him by throwing her sword. It was too late for her to spear him, for the stillmage''s teleportation ability was far quicker than those regular and intermediate mages and wizards.

    She turns around to see her father in a healthy condition.

    "How..." She was left stunned. "Just..."She continues, unable to conjure a word.

    She had seen high priests and sage swapping to cure and understand his father''s situation. Even the heroes and high-class adventurers are helpless to comprehend what ill his father had.

    "Leave us." Ariendal implores the guards.

    After a few minutes of shock and a cut-by-cut conversation. Ashalain told a secret that she promised she won''t tell.

    "That''s impossible for someone with no magic. That man must have used the power of Farenggar''s gems to cure--" With her sudden mistake, her father quickly apprehends her words.

    "Farenggar''s gem?" His father implores in a shudder and cold tone.

    "Um..." Knowing she couldn''t avoid her father''s intuition. Ashalain musters her courage and told everything that had happened regarding the sword and how he met Akatosh.

    Elsewhere...

    Suddenly appeared at the corner of the thief¡¯s guild headquarter. Akatosh was crawling for help with his watery eyes of pain.

    "Ugh... Why are you crawling like a maggot?" Amaragnum laughs.

    "You dog, you bastard, you bitch¡­ I''ll get back to you when I''m healed."

    Aid came to his call and quickly cast healing magic at his feet. Members with druid healing power were the ones who mostly mend his injuries in one night.

    "You alright?" Hawk says after seeing Akatosh open his eyes.

    "Does it look like I''m alright? But yeah, my feet are in good condition. Anyway, I got something to tell you."

    Equipped with his armor and the gauntlet he then cloaks himself for a visit. Akatosh strolls through the park casually eating a bunch of apples. Being early in the morning he took his time glaring at Ariendal''s ring. It was an ordinary silver ring which he grew tired and brought his book, continuing his blueprints.

    "A man with a silver ring." A man called to him; it was a servant in commoner''s clothing.

    He didn''t reply and quickly follows the man leading him to a chariot. When he enters, Ariendal greets him with a warm welcome.

    "So... Shall we?" Akatosh implores.

    "Again, I''m deeply in gratitude for you."

    "Um... Ugh, it''s fine... Just, let us get on with the topic."

    Ariendal sigh, "As you may have heard, citizens are anxious. The person who stole my appearance had created a large hole. After I was rescued, King Reigal manage to secure some people who were involved. Although their--"

    "Let me shorten, that person who stole your appearance caused some ruckus here in this kingdom to start a war, correct?"

    "Seems so, but what intrigues me was their main goal. That''s why I need your guild''s help." Ariendal implores handing Akatosh a parchment sealed by Ariendal himself.

    Akatosh sigh as he receives the parchment. "Oh, I forgot..." Akatosh says, magically conjuring a three-flaming gem. "I''m tired of your daughter chasing me around just for these, so I''ll be returning what I... Stole."

    "Keep it."

    "Wha--"

    "Ashalain told me her story, that''s why I entrust those gems to you. Consider it as a favor."

    "Okay, this''s getting weirder. Why me?... Well, you could have given it to those renowned heroes." Akatosh complains but, all Ariendal could do was shut in silent. "Let me guess, it''s about my magic bag, isn''t it?"

    "Magic bag?"

    "You know those bags that store anything... Didyour daughter tell you about that?" Akatosh says and with a sudden realization for spouting his secret. "You do, believe me, right?" Akatosh smile.

    Ariendal clears his throat and in seriousness, he then spoke. "Now I know why my daughter is very much interested in you. But please, for the sake of these people you must keep it hidden."

    "Fine, just-just tell your daughter to stop tailing me. I had my fill being tortured by her."

    Ariendal smiles ignoring his last request. "I believe a courtesy of reward should be an honor." Giving Akatosh a large pouch of coin, he then continues. "That''s 25 gold in all, feel free to count it."

    "It''s fine, it''s more than I can take."

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    "Please, you save me twice and the kingdom of Keshoval from degradation."

    "Ah, so thanks... I guessed."

    Giving farewell, they shake hands before parting. It was still fresh in the morning, so Akatosh went walking around the town. Visiting expensive restaurants, buying odd stuff that catches his eyes.

    "So, this is what it feels like to be a rich bitch ass motherfucker." He mutters, spending two gold coins in a single day.

    Meeting in privacy, Hawk carefully reads the letter Ariendal sent to him.

    "So... Is it a green light or a red light?" Akatosh implores after Hawk finishes reading.

    "Not very much." Hawk sigh.

    Hawk spend a few minutes contemplating his mind and, after deciding. "Have you ever heard of artifacts?"

    "None that I know. But I did hear a young hero carry such a thing. They say it was a gift from the gods."

    "That''s true but, there are other scattered relics that''s might be far older than those." Hawk implores but with a serious tone.

    "Um... why are we discussing this?"

    "Do you know why the thieves'' guild was divided into four?"

    "Ughh..."

    "Mezura, the goddess of blade and shadow patron of the thieves. Not knowing much about the past but, she gave her chosen four different types of artifacts. And the reason for those things is to vanquish a demon prince. A dagger that heals its wearer and can kill a single foe with one strike, a cloak that grants fathomless invincibility that not even a demon prince can see through. A ring that grants the user a vast regeneration of energy. Some say it holds great spells unknown to sages."

    "And the last?"

    "The last was forgotten. After the battle with the demon prince, the fourth one who wields the last artifact was lost in the astral plane."

    "And why are you telling me this."

    "It''s because the three artifacts are kept in this place, beyond time and space. Naturally, those three were supposed to be kept in a different place."

    "You mean those three headquarters?"

    "Exactly, although greed and power overtook those three generations."

    "And?"

    "I killed them." Hawk implores in a sharp voice. "Lost by greed and power, I had to sort it out before the guild flooded in blood. It was hard before they could start plotting their plans. I took it as an opportunity, gathering the past three leaders into one place and, with the help of some friends, I manage to dispatch them all." He implores showing Akatosh a prominent mark. At the left side of his heart, Akatosh can see through, it''s as if a part of him is fading.

    "So, what did you do to those artifacts," Akatosh replies hinting at a fragment of lies from Hawk''s word.

    "Like I said, hidden. But enough of that, I''ll meet Ariendal De Shilvia tomorrow."

    Secretly working with Ariendal De Shilvia, Unknow to the other three headquarters, Akatosh''s headquarter became much busier. Not robbery but passing messages and spying on other high-ranking merchants, nobles, and kingdoms.

    A month has passed and, Akatosh notices the word he lived, age different. It was truly a different word in time, space, and everything.

    "Fuuuuuuuk." Akatosh moans bathing in a pool of hot water, tired from the constant barrage of missions and requests from his guild. Carrying messages back and forth to Ariendal and his guild, stealing items that are intermediate thieves are capable of.

    It was a short time though even then, he became tired of his guild''s work, procedures and, a few laws to be followed. He wanted to return to the road.

    Rumors about the war slowly subside, with the guild''s help fueling Ariendal great information. There, their work leads them to Endregar and Maginum. However, new problems arise from the thief¡¯s guild itself.

    At the headquarter of ''The Phantom Blade'' located through an unknown place of Endregar. A meeting was held by Hawk and the headmaster of ''The Phantom Blade''. Hawk together with Akatosh were the only ones who went for a settlement. Teleported in a different way only known to the thieves the two reached the destination at a lightning speed.

    When he met the headmaster of the phantom blade, he was surprised it was a woman. But not the ideal woman anyone could have. Her hair was cut enough to mistake her for a man. Battle scars could be seen all around her body. She might not be the woman one could think, but an ideal for leading a guild.

    It was a short meeting, and her words were not a threat but a warning to his headmaster, Hawk.

    "So, you must be his right hand? I''m surprised I expect a lot more--"

    "Bulkier? Taller? A man with many scars?"

    "Different." She replies.

    "Mhh..."

    "Though be careful, that warm and cozy fire could burn a house down."

    "You mean Hawk."

    She smiles, "Out of us four, he''s the most mysterious of us. And the most dangerous of us. None knew his past nor his power, but one thing for sure, he seems more than human to me." She implores walking past Akatosh. "Good luck, handsome."

    They quickly return to their headquarter. Meanwhile, Amaragnum was requesting Akatosh a favor.

    "What? You want me to couple a piece of your grimoire to me flesh?" Akatosh blurt.

    "Quit complaining, just take a piece of that paper from my grimoire and paste it to your left hand. Except don''t put it anywhere on your body especially to your lower body."

    "What if I want to put it there."

    The stillmage pauses for a moment and replies in a very drastic way. "You want to take injuries while I watch you screaming in pain?"

    "I''m joking, why so serious." Akatosh implores pasting a piece of paper from his left hand. After which the stillmage uses his spell, as it was the paper dissolves into his left arm allowing Akatosh to no longer loses contact with his partner.

    Still untrusting to the members of his guild Akatosh hides his equipment at their hidden island. As bonus for aiding Ariendal De Shilvia, a party was held. And on that faithful night, it came in with a dark turn.

    A sudden attack was unleashed from within their headquarters. Worst their defense was in a drunken situation. The enemy clad in robes and mask easily dispatched the members of the thief¡¯s guild. Throats were sliced as if they were mere cattle. The enemies'' magic was far too intermediate for their mages to counter. Cornered, a man with a burned face appeared offering Hawk a deal.

    "Hand over Hawk and I promise you''ll all be offered with mercy."

    "You know me?" Hawk replies tossing one of the enemy''s heads.

    "Only by name."

    Like wolves cornering their prey, the enemies outnumbered them one to ten.

    "Mercy this!" Hawk thwarts.

    It was only a blink of an eye, but Akatosh saw his sight turns translucent. And after a blink, he saw Hawk choking the man with burned face to death. Not only that, his arms were chopped off and, the enemies were dead on the ground, headless.

    "Who send you."

    "You truly are a legend although, you should have come prepared, more of us are coming right now--"

    Without continuing, Hawk decapitates his head.

    For a second, Hawk suddenly kneel on the ground holding the part where his body was fading.

    "Take them somewhere safe I''ll deal with the incoming reinforcements. It''s all up to you to guide them." Implores Hawk at Akatosh.

    "Sorry but I''m not fit to be a leader, I don''t have the confidence to guide these parties." Akatosh implores as the stillmage casts a sleep spell on Hawk.

    "Guys, I need you to take boss at Ariendal estate. I''ll buy you all a time to teleport."

    They hesitated for a bit but in the end, they all teleported. The moment his members faded; the enemy''s reinforcement arrives led by a female mage.

    "Where is your leader teleported?"

    "You''re asking the obvious."

    "Tell me, and I won''t let your head roll on the ground."

    "You shouldn''t have said that woman." Akatosh voice was now dark, chaotic and the two were about to get wild.

    With a single clap from Akatosh and Amaragnum, they were all drawn to the stillmage''s dimension. Following another spell, they unleash a catastrophe sundering the ground. Burying them in a flash they left the woman to be their last meal.

    Being left to be the last, the woman couldn''t help but tremble at what she faced.

    "Watch your head."

    Using magic to decapitate, a burst of light suddenly covers the woman. Like a deva, the woman''s eyes were shining in white light. More so she was floating and, her voice was now of a man.

    "You are not him." The woman implores easily breaking Amaragnum''s dimension.

    Sharing the same mind, body, and emotion. Their blood begins to boil for Amaragnum had loathed anything noxious in light''s clothing.

    "Who are you--"

    Not giving a warning, a cone of ice suddenly was fired in her direction. with enough time to react, she only waves her hand to diminish the projectile. Yet suddenly, Akatosh teleported in front of her and gave her a hard punch in the face.

    In addition, a barrage of spells was then followed. Locking her into another dimension they brutally pummel every inch of her body. However, with so many of their attacks and spells they didn''t manage to disintegrate her body.

    Ceasing their attack, they notice the woman was breathing heavily and the injuries they gave were now regenerating at a slower pace. They smile, "Not so good after all."

    They rush to give her a final beating. Dashing as if being catapulted, Amaragnum suddenly felt ominous energy coming from the woman. It was a power coming directly from a god.

    "Wait! I know that power." Amaragnum implores but, it was too late when they pierced her stomach with their bare hands. And at the same time, a burst of bluish energy was released from her.

    As being roasted in an oven they could feel their energy being distorted. The worst to receive the power of a god was Amaragnum. purge from every aspect of his life force, the stillmage with his remaining power teleports them away escaping another death''s door.

    Days passed and when Akatosh had risen from his slumber, he felt a collar tightening his neck.

    "Hey, you''re finally awake." A person said.

    When his vision returns, he was dressed in ragged clothing. He was in a mine full of prisoners and slaves.

 Sword and Pickaxe

    Hawk awakes in a hidden chamber, the pain from his chest still rings but not enough to cause a groan. It was only a rested days for there were no injuries marked on his, only far worse than a physical wound.

    "Headmaster!" Cried one of his members.

    "Where are we."

    "We''re at Ariendal¡¯s secret chamber. It was master Tosh who order us."

    "And him?" Hawk says, staring at the person, waiting for his report.

    The man shakes his head. "I''m very sorry."

    Hawk clench his fist so as his teeth, after minutes of him to vent his anger in silent, he then spoke. "How are the others?"

    "Only 20 of us survived from the onslaught thanks to you and master Tosh."

    "I would like to speak with Ariendal and find out who are the people behind this."

    "Sh-Should we first inform to the other headquarters?"

    "It''s better not to since we still don''t know who the enemies that attacked us."

    "You mean?"

    "I''m not certain but, I''m certain there''s a traitor among us."

    From where the traveler was...

    "Move it, people!" The guard shouts, lashing the miners that consist of slaves and prisoners who are too sluggish to work.

    Like worker ants there were, dying at every corner. Brutally oppressed by the guards, it was a hell place to be. From there on, Akatosh was tasked with putting the timbers on the newly tunneled mines.  For days he called for his partner''s presence but, still to no avail.

    Two weeks passed when suddenly Tosh called to him his other self.

    "Damn just what happened to you two."

    "Where''s--"

    "He''s safe if it wasn''t for me, he would have been purged into nothing. But don''t worry his resting in my care."

    "You seem to be enjoying this."

    "Oh, quite yes indeed. I would like to continue this conversation for a very good time but, your guardian angel is very greedy."

    After hearing Tosh''s word, Akatosh was quite relieved. Following a night''s rest, he decided to escape this place. He knew that without his partner''s knowledge and power, he was but a magot crawling through the darkness.  Now an independent man he continues, waiting for clues and gathering intel from this place... until such time.

    "Oi stupid!" One of his members in repairing the timber called to him.

    Akatosh ignores his call and indulged in his work, carrying timbers and hammering them to the newly tunneled. The man that was calling his name was bald and seems to be the boss to their group. And the reason for him being aggressive towards Akatosh was from their last work that caused major injuries to the three of their members due to lack of manpower. For that, the man blamed him since the last man he constantly abuse was dead.

    It was a silver mine owned by a powerful noble at Endregar close to a coliseum where prisoners would be freed from that place only to be eaten by monsters and butchered by gladiators.

    Sometimes Akatosh would constantly get beaten by the guards for putting up a fight. Not just the guard but some prisoners who like to start a fight.

    From there on, he constantly watches his back, and whenever riots would erupt unable for the guards to control the fight. That''s when the collars take its turn, with just a few spells from the person who was in charge with the collars sends the men into a groaning pain. Electricity would surge only the part of their head, distorting their brains and systems.

    However, for every prisoner, there''s only one man whom they always avoid. It was a rumored fallen knight but also their one and only healer. He wasn''t just an ordinary man; he was a man with a great body. Even in the quadragenarian age, there''s still a great surge of energy for a fallen knight.

    While keeping in silence, he learns that the fallen knight has his room to sleep and write as he pleases whenever they would rest. unlike Akatosh and the rest who only slept in a raged cloth. And within two months of living in mines, few of his members began to set their eyes on him till that one evening when a bonus food was given to them directly by the temple''s gratitude and mercy.

    While silently enjoying his meal, a set of meat, a slice of bread, and a sweet porridge. That''s when he saw the bald person together with his two people straightly going through his direction.

    As the fallen knight notice them, he saw Akatosh hiddenly snap his spoon. And just like that, the three slowly make an entrance, playing and putting dirt at his food till Akatosh was fed up and quickly skewered his opponent''s neck right when the man challenged him.

    His two men react quickly and dash in to put a fist in his face. But with years of experience, when the man grabbed his waste ready for a takedown. Akatosh with burning anger savagely elbows his opponent''s nape. In just four hits, the man was on the ground... dead.

    Now a one-on-one battle, the prisoners quickly make a ground for them to fight. And this time, he wanted to slowly beat him to death, as both filled with anger, they charge at each other. But for Akatosh, he quickly tackles his opponent mid-air and begins mauling his face.

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    While enjoyingly smashing his opponent''s life. One of the members of the temple who were giving food to the prisoners called to the guards.

    "Son of a whore!" The man shouts, clubbing Akatosh''s back which he quickly moves aside. "Showing a disgrace in time of her grace!" The guard continues, ready to club Akatosh again.

    Being fed up with the guards and the bullies, Akatosh sprinkle dust at the guard''s eyes. With an opening, he again pinches the guard on the ground and began hammering him with a club.

    The viewers went high, cheering and shouting as Akatosh dives his fist at the guard''s face. Four more guards came but with Akatosh let loose, he was like a tiger jumping around. Hit and running while he deliberately punches a blow at the guards.

    When Akatosh was slowly constrained by the growing numbers of security. Beating him to death, a man came and shout.

    "That''s enough."

    With just a single cast of his hand, the collar erupts and sends the whole prisoners on the ground moaning in pain. Even the fallen knight was on his knees apprehending the pain.

    As for the traveler, he was the one at death''s door. Being mauled by the guards and the collar that adds to his injuries, he was still concussions. It was luck since he protected his head when the beating started. Only his body took the damage.

    "Send him to a room." The man says in a sharp tone, pointing towards Akatosh.

    "Understood."

    "And I see to it that there''s no more setback from you to this man... Especially on this day." He implores, eyeing the guards in death''s eyes.

    "You one lucky punk, if that man hadn''t intervened you would be dead by now." The guard spits at him after throwing Akatosh on a cell.

    "Or maybe... Since the tournament will be coming in four days. It would be good to send this one."

    "That''s a great idea I would love to see this shit mauled by those monsters."

    While they are laughing, the fallen knight came and convinces the guards to heal Akatosh''s injuries.

    "Thank you very much." The fallen knight implores, using the holy day of Endregar to persuade the guards.

    When arrived he saw Akatosh groaning in pain. Covered in dirt and bruises, lifelessly lying on the ground. It took him half an hour to heal most of his wounds after that he quickly left without saying a single word.

    "Bloody hell... what happens to you," Amaragnum says with a humored chuckle, finally coming out after a month.

    Three days had passed Akatosh was forced to return to his job. And knowing that he would be thrown tomorrow for the upcoming events. The Guards didn''t give him a meal to eat. But They forced him to work for a longer period.

    Taking only five hours of sleep, four guards came to his cell and drag him out of his sleep. Hungry and tired, he looks behind to see a dozen prisoners coming with him. Some were being dragged, if not they would be beaten. And the closer they came; they could hear the crowds cheering the champions of the gladiators.

    Since the mine was connected to the coliseum. Hundreds of prisoners came to join the view while they offer a path to those who will partake in the tournament.

    Facing the large portcullis, and with enough view, he saw that the tournament was just beginning. With the exhibitions coming first, gladiators were introduced one by one. After that, different types of monsters were released from the other side of the gate. Griffins and manticores first roam the sky, circling the coliseum giving anxiety to the crowds.

    "Fret not people, for they are well tamed by a powerful Beastmaster." The announcer implores.

    After the griffins and manticores, came next are ground monsters. Trolls with sharp claws march out, great orcs and hobgoblins emerge.

    "Oh?... but this is not the end of our second stage. For I bring forth, from the depths of woodland Valthamir. Hundreds of people were trampled by its power. It says that it took hundreds of men to capture this beast. Its hide is tough as dwarven steel, powerful like a mammoth. I give to you the Great Valtha boar."

    As the gates roll up, immediately a very large dark boar with great tusks dashes out. Intimidating, colossal even in looks it was a monster to avoid.

    Dire wolves, wyverns, large scorpions, and even a Delverish. But it wasn''t the Delverish that Akatosh had last fought, it was larger and more vicious.

    After the exhibition, the first stage was set between the large scorpions, wyverns, and dire wolves.

    When he saw the number of monsters set on the stage, he knew that the party they would face wasn''t just for the name.

    "People of Endregar, let us welcome, ''The Drakecleaver''. Led by a dark elf, a party consists of a minotaur, a mage from Maginum, and a dark paladin."

    From the start, the party scrambles and quickly fires their strength. As easy, the minotaur with just a single sweep of its massive battleax sends the dire wolves to death. When the wyverns dive at the party leader, the mage quickly sends magic projectiles. Having their attacks distorted the dark elf maneuvers like a fly avoiding the attack of the wyverns. And just a few cuts of his poison blade in just minutes send the wyverns on the ground unable to fly and move. As for the paladin, he easily dispatches the three large scorpions with his unholy power and weapons.

    The crowd roars in thunder, entertained by the blood and skills of the fight, people were eager to see the next stage. However, when a party of seven people with no name to themselves. To shine like the ones who first set the first stage, they were obliterated in just five minutes. At first, they manage to stand their ground killing a few wolves and trolls. However, when the manticore snatches their leader''s head who was the one organizing their movements. The part fell into despair, fear struck, and little by little, when they saw their members being mutilated by the hands, and mouths of the monsters they were annihilated.

    The crowds fell silent as they saw the monsters feeding the carcasses.

    After a while when the ground was cleared for the third fight to come. The prisoners who watched the brutality succumbed to despair. Some are shaking their legs; few were on their knees praying for their gods. While Akatosh was left standing still reminiscing what had happened. His hunger and fatigue were quickly replaced by the adrenaline of fear and hope.

    The third fight came, and with a good balance of six-party members with calm determination, they were able to overcome their opponents. Sticking together, they corner themselves on the wall for them not to be surrounded. And with good thinking, the mage was at the back overseeing his companions while they protect her. As they set their position, the mage quickly cast magic armors and blessings to her companions.

    Using shields and pole weapons, they slowly decrease the number of their enemies. Leaving only the two griffins to attack while the party patiently remains their position. And when the first griffin dives the mage quickly cast fireball not enough to kill, but enough to distort its maneuvers. And when it loses its flight, her companions send spears and projectiles. Skewered at every part of its body the griffin had no choice but to land on the ground. With enough power, they quickly send their attack towards the manned griffin. Poisoned blades and magic send the two griffins dead. With their victory, the party suffers a major injury. One of their members died while three more were left wounded.

    Again, the crowds rejoice, but it was different for they follow a condolent for their fallen party members.

    "Now people, before we go on the other round. Let us first give you all a break." When the announcer implores, from where Akatosh was, the large portcullis slowly lifts. "Thus... let us enjoy this first. Coming from the mines, you know them."

    When Akatosh set out, the crowds quickly shout in disapproval. Not only their disgraceful voice, but the people also began to throw rocks at the prisoners.

    "Yes...!!! These are the prisoners, people that are a shame to our kingdom. Murderers, bandits, rapists, heretics to our gods, and so forth. But on this day, they shall see what truly is a monster to them. I give you all, Great Valtha boar!"

    "Oh fuck."

 Cloak and Ears

    As they emerge from the crowds'' eyes, Akatosh saw hundreds of weapons littered at every corner of the coliseum. They could hear the people shouting in disapproval, hissing as they threw rocks.

    From where monarchs sit, the king and queen weren''t present instead occupied by a young man. From its lower section, nobles and royals are seated, gleamingly sipping wine and munching fruits as they indulge themselves with their female companions.

    "Yes... These are the prisoners, people that are a shame to our kingdom. Murderers, bandits, rapists, heretics to our gods, and so forth. But on this day, they shall see what truly is a monster to them. I give you all, Great Valtha boar!"

    "Oh fuck."

    When the large boar emerges, the prisoners scram at every corner. Few pick up weapons, but when one brave prisoner speared the boar, the weapon just bounces off.

    Reacting to the man''s attack the boar set its eyes on him. Charging and with its steps, they could feel the ground rumbles. It was a gruesome sight to see when the boar tramples the man like it was just an insect.

    Akatosh looks around, looking if there''re any enchanted weapons to see but, all he saw was just ordinary equipment. With each passing time little by little, the prisoners dwindled. Some were munch, trampled, and even speared by the boar''s tusk.

    No matter what the prisoners threw at the boar, it didn''t very much affect it at all. Now when the boar set its eyes on Akatosh, his body quickly burst into adrenaline. He took a poleaxe and waited for the boar to come at him. Gaping its mouth open, Akatosh hurl the poleaxe directly at its mouth when it came at a distance of mere ten meters.

    "Fuck yeah! It connected." Akatosh implores when he sees the poleaxe punch right through to its flesh.

    Giving more critical damage, he waited seconds before slipping away through the boar''s charge. Ramming the poleaxe, the boar was in agony when the weapon bore through to its body.

    "Take that you swine!" He smiles but suffers a fractured arm when the boar''s large tusk slightly grasps Akatosh''s arms.

    Rallying fellow prisoners, someone from the crowds secretly cast magic. Buffing the boar with great strength and immunity to pain, they could feel and see that the poleaxe nailing through to the mouth of the boar didn''t affect it at all.

    "Fuck... I''m screwed."

    "Need some help?" Tosh came together with Amaragnum.

    "Of course, you imbeciles! Can''t you see what I''m facing right now!"

    "Oh, someone must have cast a pretty decent magic to that pig." Amaragnum said.

    "What do you want me to do." Akatosh implores running around the arena.

    "Pick a weapon, I''ll just cast some magic."

    Picking a spear, the stillmage with a slight time imbues the weapon with dark magic. It was invincible to the eyes of the people, however, right when the stillmage cast its spell. The priestess of Endregar felt its reeking essence.

    "Throw it dog."

    He did just as his partner ask and somehow the spear punctured the boar''s hide. Like an injection, the dark magic burst into ice crystal puncturing every part of the monster''s body. Sprouting out from the boar''s outer skin, the ice crystal vanished so was Amaragnum returning, hiding.

    "W-we''re saved!" His fellow prisoners implore.

    "Um... ahh... Well, that was something." The announcer says, unable to believe that a mere prisoner could kill the black boar. Even the crowds were silent, from before they would shout in approval as the boar slowly eradicated their numbers.

    Breathing heavily, Akatosh swallows his saliva to water his dried throat. The gates are open for the prisoners to return from their mines. But with a hungry stomach and aching body, he picks up a sword and starts to skin the boar.

    "Your grace." The guards bow when Ferish, the priestess of Endregar steps into the coliseum. Not on the arena but opposite from where the monarch''s place.

    "This is not something you see every day... Your grace." A man says, clad in majestic plate mail armor.

    "Greetings, Knight commander Larkin."

    "Did something pique your interest in here?"

    The priestess kept her silence and, just as she was about to view the arena. She saw a man butchering the carcasses that he killed. Taken aback, she saw that the man hadn''t bathed for months, his face was very much covered in dirt and bruises. Yet the presence she felt wasn''t there, not even the slightest speck of dark magic that lingers from the arena.

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    "Is it him the reason?"

    "I wonder why, I thought I''d sense some strange occurrence in this place. I can''t say, however, if it was just me or something else."

    "You mean?"

    Ferish shakes her head. "It''s a bit different."

    "Hey!" Akatosh called to his fellow prisoners. "Help me drag this meat."

    The prisoners look at each other and decide to help him drag the boar. It took thirty men to be able to drag the boar into their mines. Even the guards couldn''t do anything but watch the prisoners like ants dragging their food into their holes.

    "Looks like meat''s back on the menu boys!" Akatosh shouts to his fellow prisoners.

    Since she couldn''t hold to see such barbaric and desperate sight. Ferish with a disappointed look quickly left the place together with the knight commander.

    The tournament continues, but for Akatosh they were busy butchering the large boar. It took them time to skin the boar, with a borrowed sword from the guards they slice the meat. Smoking, roasting, and boiling every part of the boar. There were still human remains on its stomach but even they weren''t affected by its sight but continued to dismember the boar.

    "I would like to see the man who slew the Valtha boar." the person who manages the collar implores. "I don''t like to be patient and, I won''t hesitate to make your collars activated."

    The prisoners right away pointed at Akatosh who''s busy savagely munching a piece of roasted meat.

    "There''s a person who wanted to see you." The man says in disgust when he saw Akatosh eating wildly and smells like rotten grass.

    "Sorry, tell that person who wants to see me should be the one coming here."

    "Please, can you say that again?"

    "Go fuck yourself."

    "Sorry... I don''t quite understand that."

    "It means go plow yourself."

    The man right away activated the collar sending Akatosh on the ground screaming in pain.

    "Fine, I''ll go-- I''ll go. Arrgggg!"

    Commanding two officers to lift him and drag him away. And just before he left the prison, Akatosh saw the fallen knight staring at him, relaying on a message not to accept some deals or offers.

    A healer came and quickly mends his distorted mind through that the man ordered Akatosh to clean himself.

    "It''s best to clean your filth before displaying."

    When he enters, the thought of seeing a cruddy bathroom. Instead, he was offered a very first-class lavatory.

    "Ahhhh... It feels so good to have a bath once a month."

    Clean and offered some clothes, Akatosh didn''t accept the servant''s offer and asked the man to quickly settle the matters.

    "So, you''re the man who killed that head price. Please... Take a seat."

    He measures the man for a second. A young royal one he is, and from his perspective the man was very much interested in fame and power. He could tell by his looks how he speaks even his instinct is tingly to avoid him.

    "Let''s just get through to this."

    "Not fond of sweet meeting are we. Well, my offer is just plain and simple. You see, I''m very much fond of how you killed that boar. So, what I''m offering you is become my champion and by that, you won''t be needing to work in that mine anymore. No more collars on your neck, no more holding a pickaxe. You''ll fight for me; you''ll earn your reward. You live a good life; I get a good life we''ll be happy." The royal man smiles.

    ¡°This guy wants me to be his dog, fighting other''s dogs. It''s no different from being a slave.¡±

    "Sorry but, I''ll have to reconsider your offer. I''ll think about it if you give me time to decide." Akatosh implores eager to return at the mines.

    "I understand, then I''ll hope you will consider my offer after you finished your time." He implores offering his hand for a shake. "You can stay in this place as you like, of course, I''ll be sending you a company as much as you want. Better than a cell, yes?"

    "I appreciate your offer but, I''m not very much fond of living in luxurious places."

    "Oh..." The man implores lifting his eyebrow, drawing back his hand after Akatosh ignores it.

    "Then, I''ll be taking my leave now."

    "By the way, we didn''t introduce ourselves. I am prince Zehdyr, fifth son of King Reynfred Dryden II of Endregar."

    "Names, Tosh." Akatosh nods and quickly left the room.

    When he left, the prince was a bit frustrated. He wanted to make Akatosh accept his offer instead, he was the one making a fool of himself. Offering generous prices like a servant he is to a king, in the end, all his sweet talk was just ignored. Like a dog wagging its tail for its master to feed him.

    "Tosh eh... Fine, take all the time you want. But it won''t be a good end for you when you finished thinking your days." He smiles, "you can come out now." He continues as a man appears at his side wearing a different collar.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              -------------------------------

    "Good call you did there." The man that was accompanying him implores.

    "Oh...--" before he could continue another word, Akatosh was immediately sent to prison.

    "Been waiting for you." Says the fallen knight leaning.

    "Okay... just what''s happening."

    "Come with me."

    Akatosh follows him and before he realizes it, they were walking to his room.

    "You know... I prefer a woman, with good looking and big you know--" Akatosh says, scratching his chest.

    "You can have as much time with a woman when we get out of here."

    "Oh..."

    Locking his cell, Akatosh was a bit paranoid when the fallen knight cast a spell.

    "Ahh... Ughhh..."

    The knight ignores him and is seated in his chair.

    "So... why did you invite me for?"

    "Judging by how you return, you must have rejected their offers."

    "Nah... they were a jerk to begin with, so yes, I did."

    "If that''s your decision, how about joining me in escaping."

    "Mhh... That''s something that I could work for. However, I have trust issues."

    After only half an hour, Akatosh came out and ponders if the man''s words were true.

    "Five days... I really want to get out of here. And my dog is in hospital."

    After a day, Akatosh threw his solicitude for a moment and finally respond to what the man was offering.

    "Hey... So, about your offer, I''ll be joining in."

    "By the way, I''m Torval."

    After that day, a riot suddenly erupts and, the collar from the prisoner''s neck isn''t active anymore. Guards were brutally mauled from every corner of their faces. Their escape had begun.

 Escape

    "Before we get to the details, how do these collars work..." Akatosh implores, touching the collar on his neck.

    "The full details or--"

    "The full details if very much."

    Torval sigh, "these collars were invented by a mad sorcerer at the Maginum. Originally... it was intended to bind astral beings. But soon, it was discovered it also binds people. It was a fitting gift to a slave from its master."

    "I see... So, how does it work on us."

    "To understand better, these collars will trigger itself when the person steps out from the boundaries of its prison, either killing or incapacitating if the person has high fortitude. Also, it renders the person unable to cast magic, if one manages to find a loophole... the collar will automatically explode. It may be a powerful tool but, it has its limits. One person can only control only five slaves, adding one or more will break its power. Lucky for us..." Torval pauses as the man who manages the collar appears.

    "It seems you finally decided, I was getting tired from this place." The man says, unhooding.

    When he removed his cloak, Akatosh can tell he was in his mid-thirties. He can tell by his appearance and clothing that he was a mage. But it seems he also wears a collar but is different from him and his fellow prisoners.

    "Allow me to introduce my partner, Manok."

    "Okay, what''s going on in here?"

    "Well, that I can''t tell you." Torval implores.

    "And why is that."

    "I have trust issues." Torval smiles.

    "Fair enough, but can I get a little beef at your partner." Akatosh smiles, just as the man seems to retort in an unceasing expression.

    "I can still do that to you. Want me to do it again? There''s still plenty of resistance you have." Manok replies with a sharp face.

    "I deeply apologize for my sudden jokes."

    "*Sigh¡­* you both can set aside your places. Since we don''t have enough time, we need to act quickly tomorrow. Now, where were we--"

    "The part how this collar works."

    "Oh, like I said these tools have limitations yet somehow, to control large numbers of people they devise an ingenious way. An average person can control one or two people but, a powerful one can either do five or more."

    "So, the ingenious way is that they created a pool of energy that can sustain in controlling vast numbers of people, is that it?"

    "It seems I mistaken you for more into brawls than brain. And yes, your right." Manok implores.

    "I''ll take your compliment, but to sustain such energy, it needs a vast amount of fuel."

    "To be honest with you, we are the fuel," Manok said.

    "What? can you elaborate."

    "It''s quite simple really, there''s a device that harnesses little life force of every prisoner here. It might not be much but, considering the vast numbers of slaves and prisoners, it''s enough to feed the device. It also works as a boundary alarm that triggers the collar when certain prisoners escape from its radius and poof a head explode."

    "If you''re one of the switches, how come you have a one?"

    "You think it''s easy to be a switch, following rules and regulations just to stay alive."

    "Oh, I get what you mean so, you can shut up."

    Three hours pass, Akatosh emerges after that long discussion. It was a simple plan but a high-risk work. A plan to disable the source of the device from which they would use teleportation magic or scrolls to escape. It was explained that when the device was disabled, it would take them a small amount of time to escape before the royal guards would arrive. Gaining access is impossible for him, luckily with his two mysterious partners, they made a big hole in the system.

    A task in sneaking through the place where the power would be disabled. With Manok at his side, they took action after a long day of work. Striking at night and with a spare of clothes for disguised they enter a large building.

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    "Wear this." Manok implores giving him a ring similar to what he wears.

    There were few guards but, as they head deeper, wards were more seen than humans. Just standing in the corridor, they could feel slight vibration tingling from their skin. No doubt they are close to the source.

    When they enter, there was a large crystal filled with magical energy circling in ring form. And from every corner of the room lies dozens of strange blue rock emanating with the crystal.

    Their original plan was to disable the device, giving them a short amount of time to escape, However, Akatosh had other plans, requesting Manok for glittering dust, Akatosh planned to disable the device permanently.

    With his experience, he created a bomb to destroy the devices.

    "Hey, I got something to tell you since both of you agreed to my other plan. Our heads won''t explode if the device was disabled in a rough way, is it?" Akatosh ask towards Manok hesitating to fulfill his plan.

    "Then why would we agree on your plan in the first place."

    "Ah, okay..." Akatosh implores, still anxious if he was a hundred percent sure.

    Akatosh ignite the bomb and, quickly they stroll off as fast as they could. Manok with limited spells casts invincibility for a short amount of time. Slipping past through the guards and wards, and by then, an explosion burst through. Not loud enough nor powerful enough to shake the place but enough to destroy the device.

    They continue their pace as soon as the chaos starts. Once arrived at the prison, someone who knows little of the collar announces that they are no longer oppressed by the devices. Thus, from there on, they rebel-- others cast their magic to escape. Those who didn''t know teleportation muscles their way through the mines either magic or weapons.

    Slipping past through the chaos, they headed towards Torval''s room. When they arrived Torval was somehow busy, kneeling as his palm touches the magic circle.

    Akatosh could tell he was constraining some sort of spell.

    "Hurry! I don''t have enough energy to hold the barrier!"

    Quickly, Manok cast a teleportation spell, and by their swift actions, the three escaped without any difficulties.

    A shook of sounds emanating from the ground and, with sudden seconds they emerge. Discarding the collar like a wild pig, Akatosh was very much shocked and apprehensive.

    "Fuck! Thought my head would be gone." He mutters.

    Right when they escaped Torval and Manok was discussing some sort of teleportation spell. Akatosh could tell they were exchanging information just as Torval passed a scroll. Just when Manok utilizes a teleportation scroll, a man suddenly emerges in thin air. To their unwary, the attacker manages to injure Manok. Striking a strong force and needle-like weapon, he pierces Manok''s chest.

    Disrupting the flow of casting for a mere second, Torval jumps in, shielding Manok. Blocking the assailant, he was able to buy enough time for Manok to teleport.

    Because of the sudden outburst, Manok was the only one to profit from the scroll of teleportation.

    "What kingdom do you belong to?" The man question in confidence as he watches Torval''s injuries.

    Unarmed and with no equipment to counterattack, worst reinforcement quickly arrives at the scene.

    "Rag... My love, where are you. Raagg!"

    "Do anything necessarily but, I want them alive." The assassin shouts.

    "Yes, captain!" His five subordinates implore.

    Akatosh looks up to Torval to see him weakening. It was a shallow wound but, from how Torval''s heavy breathing, he concluded it was poison. Losing all hope, Torval unravels his only strength. A surge of dark pigment energy erupts from his body. Pausing their attack as they captured, witnessing the  knight drawing his power from a god.

    Once finished they could see a dark pigment aura enveloping Torval. The poison that plagues his body was purged.

    Killing four enemies, Torval''s power begins to weaken. While acting as a shield and a sword behind him as Akatosh in hiding, watching them. The ground shakes and within seconds dozens of reinforcements arrive. Now with a counter made up of light mages and priests Torval sigh as if it were his last breath.

    Guilt overcomes Akatosh, yet from his position, he was but a snail to a bird. They are mages with superhuman powers and magic, it''s like using only a fist to fight a man with a machinegun.

    Just as they start their incantations drawing their powers to the one they follow... a god, right when they finished their incantation, the stillmage smells one that he despises the most.

    Grunting from his injuries Torval slowly kneels from the barrage of light magic. As his dark powers aren''t enough to sustain his life force, all it took was a few spells to finally incapacitate although suddenly...

    "WHERE ARE YOU BASTARD!"

    A surge of chaotic and ominous feeling erupts through the field. A hatred they could feel, and a lingering of death they saw. Like a tiger, he walks on a battlefield, and face of a predator the two were banging for carnage.

    When they saw him the priest and clerics quickly cast their anti-undead spells. But for an ancient like primordial beings, the stillmage easily bounces off their attack.

    While still on the back of Torval''s sight, all it took was a wave of Akatosh¡¯s hand for Torval to fall from the grassy ground sleeping in slumber.  To disable them from escaping the stillmage turns to dimensional magic.

    Imprisonment... a powerful spell that incarcerates people into one tight dimensional space. Initially it spells traps the victim beyond the passing time. But being a deceptive stillmage, he turns it to his own dimension.

    They tried to use every spell they can, to either flee or disrupt the dimension.

    Spells ring and for just a moment, the stillmage revamp the dimension into chaos. Rusty skies and pitch cloud descends to their sight, echoes of stone rumbling. Like a volcanic erupting, a whale of banshee pulsates and those who didn''t resist its deathly howl have their life fade away in an instant.

    The captain of the groups was able to withstand thanks to the help of his companion''s protection magic and spells. Using every ability and skill at his disposal the assassin turns invisible and dashes for a backstab. After his sudden attack, the assassin froze unable to talk all he could do was see his death at the hands of Akatosh.

    At the material plane, shook of void cracks the air and with a sudden surge, all of the people who Amaragnum trap came out. Although, they were now just empty husks lying on the ground.

    After the battle, Torval awakes in a cave. He cites his surroundings only to see Akatosh sleeping warmly.

 An Unexpected Surprise

    After the fight with Endregar''s soldiers, Akatosh and Torval seek refuge at every safe place they can find. Torval, with no ability of teleportation and Akatosh''s partner, was in a deep resentment to the point he didn''t control the use of his energy. By that, it would take him another week or more to replenish his used-up powers.

    Having no optional shortcuts, they reside at an inn. Utilizing the things, they scavenged from the last battle and with a little bit of luck, they came across a village.

    "I have been watching you for quite a regular time. And I have to say your one strange person that I''ve met so far." Torval says after they ate their meal.

    "Same goes for you... With your shady works and secret things."

    "Well, before we get to that, I was curious to how you create a spell in killing that boar."

    "What about it?"

    "Did I tell you about the collars and how they restrict a person in casting spells?"

    "Oh¡­ well... um... it was my dog''s doing." Akatosh bluntly replies.

    To his reply, Torval''s face wasn''t very much applause to his word.

    Torval sigh. "Moving on, it''s quite peculiar to have a marking embed on your shoulder."

    "Do you know about this thing?"

    "There''s more to that than just a tattoo. Prior to that, what pact did you make from those druids."

    "I don''t know... I just spoke to one of their unsociable guardian and... Oh, not that. It''s just that one of their chosen priestesses wanted to be free, and to do that... well, she created a scandalous move on me. Though I did manage to escape that hellhole... In return, well... it would be nice to tell me one of your stories, though it''s fine if you don''t. We both have our ways to watch."

    Torval pauses for a moment, surveying Akatosh as he happily sips a mug of wine accompanied by food and snacks. "The truth is..." He pauses, looking at the surroundings for a green light. "The truth is, I was one of the people assigned by the kingdom of Keshoval to spy at Endregar."

    "Well, that pretty much sums my conclusion. Anyway, Keshoval huh... I too was working with... Uh... Let me reminisce my memory. Ah, that family the de Shilvia know anything about that?"

    "H-how long have you been working?" Torval says, alarmed by Akatosh''s sudden words.

    "Not long--" before Akatosh could continue, Torval immediately stood and asked to chat in private.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    "Well, that''s a common thing." Akatosh exhaustless says. "It''s always the same since it''s in our blood, humans or not. We are born to kill each other."

    Upon hearing his word, Torval was silent and quite fluctuated. He had explained the opposition and tension between Keshoval and Endregar. Yet for someone who had worked with Keshoval didn''t give a thing about it.

    "Then I have to ask, from which place you came?"

    Understanding the connection of his question, a question of patriotism. Akatosh smiles for a moment and replies calmly. "Earth."

    "Earth? I never heard that country."

    "Great Mother Earth, Mother Earth, Planet Earth... you name it. Although, it''s only but a memory. Where I came from is much as equal in here.  Tension will rise, hunger and bare resources led to war, through all of that gave a path to death. And if you''re asking which side, I take... well that but I do not know."

    Torval notices his hesitation as he stands smiling at him.

    "What?"

    "Nothing we should gather information." He implores, going downstairs.

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    Slowly as they head to the innkeeper, a group of dwarves¡¯ barges through the inn. Clad in armor and equipped solely of hammer and war axe. Some were carrying shields, brutally damaged so as their armors. Desperate and injured, they lay one of their commanders whose skin turns pale. And the veins were dark, pulsating as if it would explode.

    "Is there any priest or clerics here!" One of the dwarfs¡¯ shouts, echoing through the building.

    Torval rushes to see the dwarf''s injuries, and right away his face was disappointed the moment he saw the dwarf.

    The situation rouse as the atmosphere turns dull. Some of the humans didn''t dare to look at the desperate dwarves. Tension boils the blood of the dwarves as no one would take turns to help them.

    "Well, what do we have here." Amaragnum implores.

    Akatosh went for a small peak and, just by looking at the ornated equipment and armor. He concluded he was the leader of the group.

    "Looks like they did get their ass whopped by a shadow demon." Amaragnum continues.

    "Care to explain that man''s situation."

    "Monsters such as shades, wights you name it... they''re the ones to avoid when you have no white mages. But going head-to-head with a shadow demon is suicide to these dwarves."

    "Know anything that corruption-like things on his body?"

    "Soul drain, a dreadful wound from a shadow demon. It corrupts the body and soul of a victim, giving them a slow and unceasing pain until the victim dies."

    While they are chatting, one of the dwarves destroys a table with his hammer, and from the looks of it, he was going berserk. Torval tends to the dying one but, his healing didn''t give an effect.

    "Boss, do you know how to heal it?"

    "Well, if that shade did a physical injury that I can''t. But... if it is the opposite, quite a piece of cake."

    Akatosh walks calmly, checking the dwarf if there''s any wound inflicted. Yet by far, the words coming out of his companions said that their leader didn''t receive any physical injuries.

    Slowly Akatosh squats, and as his arms begin to again borrowed by the stillmage. Torval felt Amaragnum''s dreadful energy and, for a blink, the dwarf''s life immediately returns.

    "Fuck is that all?" The stillmage implores, disappointed by the low energy he harvested.

    "Ah... so can you do a teleportation now."

    "Teleport yourself! I thought I would have a good amount of food. All that use of time spell cost me a shit amount of mana. I''m done with this place; I''m done with being humanity." Amaragnum angrily says, retrieving back to his hiding spot.

    Whilst at his time chatting with Amaragnum, Torval, and the dwarves were silent as they stare at him, paralyzed.

    "What?"

    After a successful heal, the leader of the dwarves took his time resting for about a minute. Following that a pack of beers was ordered by him joined by Torval and Akatosh as thanks, there they take a staggering encounter. "I''m thankful ta ye human. Me wou'' have been dead if it weren''t for your help than these blasted kins o'' yours."

    "Pease... it was my partner who save you," Akatosh replies, and to his words, Torval was confused and somewhat surprised.

    The dwarf moves his eyes at Torval and says his thanks. To his surprise, Torval looks at Akatosh in a confused mind. Replying to him with a blank expression Torval decides to go with the flow.

    Saying their gratefulness to Torval, the leader of the dwarves moves his eyes on Akatosh since there were eyes that gave witness. Having thought that Akatosh was just saying small things, the dwarfs then said something interesting.

    "Ta be true ta ye, I''m Vuldrig Duhlgerlun first son of king Durvod Duhlgerlun of Thuram."

    "Well, what a revelation meeting you. I''m curious how''d you face a shadow demon."

    "It all started when we received a report that a large number of ogres were spotted at our border. Got few of their numbers at the cave entrance. We thought that our scout was misled, but after investigating the cave. Those damn mongrels dug up an old dwarven road that connects to our kingdom."

    "Seems civilization is catching up. Don''t you think there''s something more to that? How a group of ogres manages to found a hidden old road of yours connecting to your home. Don''t you think there''s someone involved?"

    "Aye, me too was suspecting that. But leaving that aside, we venture our way deeper into the road. That''s when we encounter a large number of ogres and trolls lying dead on the ground."

    "And that''s when it appears."

    "Bloody bastard... We should have run while we got the chance."

    While Vuldrig was venting about his past encounter. Akatosh was calling at his stillmage friend.

    "What!" Amaragnum hists.

    "Do share some of your things about killing a shadow demon thing?"

    "Hire a white mage, a priest, or some shit people for I care."

    "Why so grumpy?"

    After hours of drinking and telling stories, both Torval and Akatosh made a decision. To help Vuldrig subjugate the shadow demon. By that, they were financed by Vuldrig, buying them equipment at a local armory.

    "I''m just a regular everyday normal motherpuker, I told you in the first song I''ll tell you in another... I''m just a regular everyday normal motherpuker, I don''t have a girlfriend my hands, my only lover..." Whilst Akatosh was humming his song as they head to where the shadow demon was. His companions were a bit twitchy since he was crooning through their language.

    "Heh, that be some shit-good song ye have young lad." Implores one of Vuldrig''s companions.

    Having understood half of his song, conversation sparks the group. Being good at chatting, the group exchange words about their stories so was Akatosh uttering about his past life.

    Taking only a few hours, the party stands before the entrance observing the ancient dwarven structure. Like a train tunnel, the inside dimmed as they head deeper. After a few more hours of walking, Torval''s magic orb light then shifts to a quick extinguished.

    "It''s here!" Torval implores after seeing his light orb slowly fade.

    Appearing through the corners of the walls and columns. Transparent silhouette and glowing red eyes, five shadow demon was now surrounding them.

 Lies and Reality

    They crawl like a snake through the wall, dark and hungry for the soul they growl in sinister darkness. Like wolves they are, circling their prey for an opportunity to feast.

    Barricading in circles, they hammer their shields, fortifying a defensive wall. And the moment they compressed themselves, ancient runes slowly glow from their shield.

    "Hey, bitch it works!" Akatosh shouts.

    While they were traveling, Amaragnum gave a sprinkle on how to deal with spectral and spirit monsters. Carving strange ruins, the dwarves and Torval were silent watching him as he silently chiles runes they didn''t know.

    Just as the shadow demon charge, the dwarves quickly bash their shields. Swiftly the enemies turn into dust but, in return, they created two more of their clones.

    After quickly dealing with the five shadow demons, a new problem arises When the five enemies are multiplied by two. returning to their formation they clash again, bashing their shields and cracking their blunt weapons. They manage to end eight shades, though suffer one of their comrades.

    Their claws were like daggers colliding from the shield of the dwarves, it screeches like metal, piercing to the ears. having miscalculated, three more shadow demons emerge from the columns and walls.

    "Do it!" Amaragnum shouts.

    Relaying the message Akatosh shouts at Torval and quickly Torval brought out a flask and smash it to the ground creating a light enough to whiten the place.

    As a string, they could see a dark mist of string connecting the three shadow demons that had just emerged.

    While the shining light is still in effect stunning the enemies, the group charge through where the dark strings lead them to. Not far, Torval smashed another flask creating light for their paths to be visible. Taking only a minute, they came across an object... an urn designed in a dwarven model.

    Close to their objective, hundreds of shadow demons were brimming their red glowing eyes at the group. Cornered and facing death they were, a sudden surge of chaos they felt. And in a blink of an eye, the shadow demons were shrieking as they deformed and vanished into thin air.

    "Yes! Yes! Yes!... Finally, some good fucking energy to eat!" The stillmage shouts as he sips away the energy stored on the urn.

    Confused, stunned, and amazed by what happened they were mystified by the sudden vanish of their enemies.

    "Bloody hell?! Be I dead?" One of the dwarfs implores.

    Having heard him said, one of his companions kick him, hard enough to make him tumble on the floor.

    "Blasted bloody fool!"

    While busy making a commotion, Torval once again takes his direction toward Akatosh. For he knew all of them didn''t have the power to suddenly end the situation. Silent, he was now firmly averting his eyes towards Akatosh, who was silently looking around the corridors of the tunneled dwarven road.

    Spending three more days on the tunnel for reinforcement to come. And from those days¡¯ prince Vuldrig questions Akatosh.

    "Yer tha first human ta nae accept a large sum o'' gold. Tell me ''en what other offers that I kinna grant ye."

    "Hmm... I don''t know, I think I''ll have to hold my boon for a while." Akatosh smiles as they sip a bottle of dwarven ale.

    After scouring the place, and purging undead creatures. Mapping out tunnels while recovering some treasures and lost equipment. Not only did they unearth some lost things but, they also recover a sum amount of knowledge the ancient dwarves had. There Akatosh didn''t hesitate to write down using borrowed scraps of papers and their unusual type of pencil.

    A day passed and with it came reinforcement among them, was a King Durvod Duhlgerlun. greetings from the royal family came first, after that the king then goes towards Akatosh.

    The dwarven king measures him for a second and implores his gratitude for saving his son. And in the same way, the king asks him for a boon which Akatosh replies similar as he has done to his son.

    Soon the place was then reclaimed by the dwarves. And with their help, they were teleported to the border edge of Ravalind. And with a temporary farewell, the dwarves gave them gold and some magical equipment.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------

    At the prestigious castle of Ravalind, a royal man was sincerely being guarded and treated like a king. His clothes were that of a royal one, and along with him were five slaves with a collar embedded on their neck.

    Surprisingly Ashalain and fellow adventurers were the ones who were bodyguarding the wealthy man. Keeping distant monitoring, Ashalain didn''t like guarding the man she sees, it was by the order of the king and his father, however.

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    After the talk with the king, the royal man then set out to explore the kingdom. And him and his self-esteem of arrogance.

    "Duke Oreson, I wasn''t able to find one single slave merchant."

    "What?" The duke surprisingly responds.

    "I''m sorry my duke I tried searching and asking the locals if there were any slave traders around here."

    When Ashalain hears what they''re talking about and when she observes his five human slaves. Ashalain realizes that all five of them were different, she could tell that the youngest slave girl was a northerner. The two belong to a nomadic tribe that she knows from her encounters. And the other two seems to be common human but have well-built body good for carrying goods and supplies.

    "A kingdom free of slaves... bah forget it." The duke says. "Hey, you there." He called one of the adventurers that were guarding him. "Take me to where your merchants are."

    "Sir..." Just as the adventurers implore the word ''sir'' the duke felt disrespectful. "I''m just new here, I think one of my fellow adventurers might know some good merchants around here." He continues.

    Wearing a helmet to mask her face, Ashalain sighs and asks the duke to be the one to tour.

    "My lord, I know a place which is good for your taste."

    As they began walking around the city, his slaves were slowly burdened by the number of items the duke was buying. And as they continue, Ashalain couldn''t bear to see the young northern girl struggling to carry his master''s things.

    Without hesitation, Ashalain took the load from the girl, and that time her eyes deadlock at the duke.

    "Do as you wish." The duke bluntly said.

    After that day, the northern girl heartily gave her gratitude towards Ashalain. With a smile, Ashalain patted her head as she heals some of her injuries. Seeing her ragged clothes and bare injured feet Ashalain''s heart sank in pity as she looks at her northern blue eyes.

    A few minutes as the girl went inside to her respective place. Ashalain swiftly dashes away, and when she came home not at her father''s manor but his sister''s villa. There she takes out her savings from her past quest, an allowance from her father. After taking her time accounting for every coin, she was able to have 13 gold coins and 92 silver coins.

    "This should be enough, right?" She thought to herself, for she wasn''t 100% sure if the duke could surrender his slaves.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------

    "So¡­ this is where we part." Akatosh implores.

    "If you need some assistance in the future, you''re always welcome to come to me," Torval replies after they had spent drinking at a local tavern on the heart of Ravalind.

    Taking a small bit of time, Akatosh wonders his mind. How far he had passed time at his new life, how he manages to avoid his second death. But by far his emotion directs him was himself, for he unearths only a spec of his newly mysterious existence.

    They return to their hideout, where Akatosh sleeps in silence. Once morning came, he recalls his guild. Deciding to leave, he quickly gears up and with a cloak, they then return.

    Waking up late, Sheena finds his sister sleeping on a desk with a dozen pouches of coin lying on her desk. It was not the first time she has seen this, for she thrice saw Ashalain freed a slave when they were a child.

    Shaking her sister, Ashalain took his time moaning for a second till she remembers her work as an adventurer.

    "Get dress, I''ll take care of these."

    After equipping, Sheena was already finished stacking the coins and with a sprinkle of her magic, she then stores it on a scroll. And before she went out, Ashalain tightly hugs her sister as she recalls the northern girl''s eyes.

    Using a teleportation stone which only royals have the privilege of utilizing, she hastily runs where the duke was. And to her eyes met cold blood.

    Before the setback, Akatosh was strolling around the kingdom. That''s when he heard a commotion, curious he then follows. To his surprise, he saw a broken vase and scattered priceless items scattered on the muddy ground. And the center of attraction was the duke lashing the girl in cold hatred.

    "Please! My lord, I haven''t eaten for--" Without continuing a cruel lash her words.

    "You useless northerner slave, those things worth more than your petty life!"

    "I''m sorry." The girl cried in pain as the duke continues his beating. "Please, I''m sorry."

    "Your sorry is not worth the things you destroy!" The duke implores grabbing the girl''s neck shifting to strangling.

    It was a cruel sight, yet only the bystanders could do was ignore the commotion for they knew their social status so was his. Even the adventurers that were assigned to protect the duke could only look away from the disgusting sight. It was a slight second when Akatosh came and from the moment he saw the girl bleeding time suddenly stops.

    "You see this..." Comes the stillmage. "Funny isn''t it, this is the humanity that those bastard heroes desperately protected and preserved. What a shit, how these hundreds of people could gather together in hopes of saving that girl but let''s face it. These folks here were all full of shit, that they are obeying laws to be a good citizen. Even some of these powerful people and adventurers are ignoring, where they can smack that clown in seconds. Look, even other races don''t bother the situation. Saying that they''re avoiding it because they are a different race and it would bring them disaster and shame. In the end, they all follow the life of an illusion than face reality."

    When the girl lost conciseness, Ashalain came where she watched the girl at the duke''s hand. Her whole body and soul were filled with hatred, malice to kill the duke.

    "Oh, looks like we got someone with a good intention but cage by the law." The stillmage says pointing towards Ashalain.

    Without hesitation, Akatosh asks Amaragnum to cast a spell that froze the people except for the duke so they can watch his actions.

    "Well, you got it, my dear customer." The stillmage says, casting his desired spell.

    Lost in misery, all Ashalain could do was watch the girl. She had the power to end the man''s life yet didn''t want to involve herself or the people living in this kingdom. But suddenly she felt her body freeze, she couldn''t move but she can see a man walking towards the duke and that man was Akatosh.

    The dukes'' royal servants and bodyguards tried their best to move to no avail.

    Revealing his equipment and the claw gauntlet, the duke could see Akatosh''s murdering eyes. The duke tried to run away but, he was stopped by an invisible wall.

    "Stay back! Do you know who I am!" The duke shouts. "I am Duke Oreson brother of King Reynfred Dryden II of Endregar--"

    With a sudden slash, the duke''s right hand was cut. The duke screamed in pain, but Akatosh wasn''t done as he dragged Oreson on the muddy ground scrubbing his face at his scattered things as if he was a rag.

    Just as he released his grip on the duke''s clothing, right away Oreson catapults towards his bodyguards.

    "HELP ME!" Oreson cried at his frozen servants and guards. "I SAID HELP ME! WHY AREN''T YOU MOVING!"

    Grabbing the duke''s hair, a swift of magic energy enters through his body for him not to faint from the pain inflicted. Twisting his arm, Akatosh with his claw gauntlet and buffed strength rips his mouth separating the jaws from his head. Not contented, Akatosh cut his head and even carved out the duke''s heart. And there on forth the macabre continues at the sight of a crowd.

 104: No Title

    Inside the castle of Ravalind, the enormous door leading to the throne was suddenly swung open. There the dukes and aristocrats were filling the atmosphere in anxiety. The death of Oreson reached their ears, as their words are smeared with fear. The only word coming out of their mouth were questions, to why the guards and bodyguards did nothing. To how they wouldn''t able to catch the man who created the macabre.

    And from the center of the throne chamber, lies Ashalain and the adventurers who were tasked to protect the duke. Even Oregon''s slaves were there.

    "I was wrong to have you guard the duke''s life since there were no magical adventurers to hire... Tell me, why didn''t you save duke Oreson while he was still alive? King Reigal IV said in cold words.

    "My-my king..." Nervously implores Ashalain, but she gathers an act of small courage and spoke. "It''s not why, but we were bound by a powerful spell."

    "A spell?" Says the King.

    "It''s true my lord, there was a---" Follows by Ashalain''s companion only to be cut off by the dukes and aristocrats.

    "Magic! Pheh... Pitiful lies!"

    "Yeah, if there were magic involved, then why didn''t the ones who witness it wasn''t held by that spell you were uttering?"

    "It''s because she wanted to free that slave girl, that''s why she didn''t want her hands to be dirty."

    While the Aristocrats were shouting with a mix of fear in their tone. The King suddenly shouts to the crowds, dispelling their rowdiness.

    "You can come out now." The king continues, there a woman manifests through his left side. "Is she telling the truth?"

    "Yes, my lord."

    The king sighs and orders his aristocrats to set off, leaving only Ashalain and her associates who were cuff in a magical string of energy.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    "Hello?... Anybody?" Akatosh echoes through the desolated thief¡¯s guild. While exploring he wasn''t able to find a corpse lying around.

    "Looks like somebody did some cleaning." The stillmage says manifesting in a murky black shadow.

    Just as they headed towards the building, Amaragnum felt a disturbing presence in front of them. It was a dark hallway leading to Hawk''s room. And as he prepares for combat, Hawk emerges from the dark.

    "Y-you''re alive?" Hawk says, surprised.

    "In the flesh, yes I''m alive."

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    They exchange their greetings after that, the two sit down for a drink and a story to exchange.

    "Sooo... You didn''t inform the other headquarters, because you suspect something from them?"

    "Quite, I have stained my hands for far too long to know the anticipation."

    When said, the two were silent for a minute so was Hawk contemplating his next words.

    "Do you remember the stories that I''ve told you?" Hawk asks.

    "The four artifacts. I do."

    Hawk stares at him like an eagle, but Akatosh wasn''t provoked by his serious eyes. After only ten seconds, Akatosh drifts his face and starts drinking avoiding Hawk''s gaze. Exhaling deeply, Hawk then revealed the truth of his secrets.

    "Forgone after the age of fire and heroes, there one of the princes of demon emerges. Drawn by the remaining power of the golden dragon hoping to become far more than a prince of demons. The demon sought the remaining powers but was sealed by Mezura¡¯s champions. Gifting her champions and a task to confront the demon. And one of those champions was I..."

    "Just how old are you exactly?!" Akatosh replies and a little far-fetched from his words.

    "Time knows, I have forgotten even my name. For I have seen kingdoms rise and fall. Humans deceiving each other, Elves raising their weapons to their brethren just because of religion by their gods. Dwarves consumed by greed."

    "And the prince?"

    "Sealed, the delusional temptation overcome my fellow champions. Yet before the price could take over them, I manage to seal him. It was the only thing I could do so was to end my fellow friends before they could completely be manipulated and return the prince to our world. Like circles, I''ve searched champions compatible with the artifacts. Still and all, it ends the same they were consumed just like what happened to their progenitor."

    "If so, why didn''t you query a hand to those powerful adventurers and the arc sage?"

    "That because I sealed the prince on Mezura''s realm. Only I and the ones who are compatible with the artifacts can. The gods are selfish and prideful to one another."

    After some time, their topic slowly changes, and what Hawk said surprises Akatosh.

    "A war?"

    "Might be, but before we get to the details, our acquaintance wants to see us."

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After the brief conference with the King, Ashalain and her fellow subordinates are confined in a dungeon. She could confess the man who hideously killed the duke''s life. Yet her second instinct clasps her mouth. Each of their cells was separated for an extensive investigation. While inside her cell, she prays on the spot where the narrow window welcomes the sunlight. Her prayer wasn''t for freeing her from her cell, but to have a strong faith in her god and the chaotic situation she hopes to diminish. After a broad kneeling and praying, Ashalain opens her eyes just when she heard the door open.

    "Father." She implores after seeing Ariendal waiting for her.

    She slowly steps out of her cell, but her eyes are avoiding his father. Feeling guilty and disappointed because she failed to protect the duke''s life.

    "You must be tired now. You should take a rest at your sister''s--"

    "I''m sorry--" She implores with a very disappointed look on her face. "I''m sorry I''ve failed, I''m sorry..." She continues with a tearful emotion after remembering the northern girl who''s nearly in her last breath. She still remembers Akatosh carrying away the northern girl to who knows where.

    He waits for her emotion to subside after which the two set out of the dungeon. Just as the two exited, they bump into another reunion.

    "Ah... Master Hawk, and sir Torval. I never suspect to meet you so early."

    Stun and surprised, Ashalain was confused upon seeing sir Torval whom she knows when she was still a child. And a mysterious man she didn''t know that rings her holy sense. For what she didn''t know was a spark of war that would soon grow into a wildfire. But most importantly, the thing that surprises her was Akatosh who was writing his diary. He was too mesmerized by scribing his second life and the constant conversation with his two partners inside of him.

 Lies of Manipulation

    Ashalain froze the moment she saw the man who caused chaos. She felt the urge to bark him tons of questions. But for a moment of meticulously eying him, all of them except Akatosh was looking at her. And since they knew Ashalain was one of the members tasked with protecting the dead duke. The three hunches towards Akatosh.

    The room fell silent with that Ashalain steps toward Akatosh. Just as they were feet apart, Akatosh looks up at her, and with a blank expression mocking her cold presence.

    "Why is this man here?" Ashalain sharply implores.

    "Ashalain--" Her father replies trying to diminish her stiff emotion.

    "Father, just what''s the meaning of this? He- he¡¯s the one who-- the one who--" She riposte but hesitating to confess. Yet the moment she turns around, she saw cross-legged Akatosh, enjoying her vexed emotion.

    She goes for a slap to his face, but she was blocked by Torval''s sudden reaction.

    Torval sighed, "You still haven''t changed Ashalain, it''s best that you should abstain from this."

    Just as Torval had instructed her, three guards came to escort her out from the building. She calm her livid face and agrees with the guards. Yet by far, Akatosh was still in his hysterical mode mocking her as if she was a peasant to a king. In the end, she left the place irritated. When she left the whole group turned at Akatosh.

    "What?"

    They stayed silent for a second and headed to where they were going to discuss their topic. It was an underground chamber, but the intriguing part was the place. Every surrounding wall was black and glitters, like the stars in the universe. More so, a realistic 3D map of Keshoval was completely lay-out on the round table. Every detail of the land was there as if he was living in the future.

    "What are these walls?" Akatosh asks.

    "Seredian wall." Hawk replies. "It plugs transmission magic such as teleportation or any kind of magic for spying."

    "Oh, now I get it."

    Situated in circles, Ariendal then begins the topic. At first, he was at the introduction between political kingdoms. And when he goes to the death of duke Oreson and the reason of the commotion. There Akatosh felt off, just as Ariendal explains every detail. What''s more a man appears through the dark and points at Akatosh as he shouts.

    "IT''S YOU! HE''S THE ONE WHO MURDERED THE DUKE!"

    "On what evidence to support your claim?" Akatosh lively replies with a smug face.

    "Do you know about the truth-seeking orb?" Comes Hawk.

    "The one that detects lies?"

    "Yes," Hawk says, magically revealing the truth-seeking orb at the center of the table.

    "Ughh... what?" Akatosh was surprised.

    "Can you at least tell us the reason why you killed the duke?" Ariendal implores.

    "He''s a disease to humanity, so I gave him what he wanted--"

    "And are you happy now?!" Shout the man, the one tasked with protecting the dead duke. "Because of you, my families are held captive for my failed duty! And now this kingdom is doom because of you!"

    Silence by the man''s retort, Ariendal calls the guards and quickly escorts the man as he shouts and curses Akatosh.

    "Well, this is surprisingly messy," Akatosh said.

    "Indeed, I had my doubts from when Ashalain twitched her eyes on you. Therefore, I had to confirm it nevertheless, what''s done is done."

    "So I''m going to be leverage to the opposing kingdom?"

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    "Normally, you are to be held accountable, but since the king of Endregar has already made its decision. It''s latent to bring your head to him. Even so, the death of duke Oreson was arranged from the beginning. Sir Torval did bring news to their scheme but, you did more than they anticipated. And bringing the dismantled body of duke Oreson in front of his brother was the best to start a war."

    "Soooo... does this kingdom have the thing to counter their invasion. I heard there are powerful adventurers... or..."

    "Truth to be told, there are rules and regulations for the adventurers'' guild. And chances of counteracting their 50,000 armies and the combined forces of their allied kingdoms are slim to none."

    "Oh, how many militaries does this kingdom have?"

    "Pretty much only 10,000 if not below that number." Torval implores. "And if you''re talking about the adventurers'' guild. Well, if they like to join the conflict then they would become mercenaries, and any interactions with the guild are terminated. And the adventurers'' guild will only intervene if there are atrocities to the citizens. Anyway, there are also spies from the adventurers'' guild."

    "Not to mention the ambassador," Hawk said.

    "Now that''s a lot of eyes and ears. Just what does the king of Endregar want with this peace-loving kingdom. That he had to architect and sacrifice his brother. Is it a powerful artifact, is it a wishing artifact or a ring to rule them all?" Akatosh implores with a sprinkle of humor.

    "The old heroes had hidden and sealed some artifacts and other certain individuals. It''s no wonder other kingdoms sought those that makes a man become a higher being." Torval reply.

    "Okay... So what now."

    "Well, what else you''re the reason who caused this war."

    Akatosh took his time contemplating the 3d map, he looks at every detail, every inch. After thirty minutes of evaluating his mind, he then spoke.

    "If I''m going to take responsibility for this, then I want to take part in the details. Information about the enemies, their troops everything. And when I say everything the rules and regulations of your war, if you have."

    With a decision settled, Akatosh was then illuminated with tons of information. Once done they then query his contribution to the war.

    "Now then for a return, on what plan do you have in mind."

    Akatosh was silent still looking at the 3D map of the kingdom, after a minute he then ask the bridge.

    "Well, since teleportation had limits... You said it would take them a month to arrive at the border of Keshoval?"

    "Yes... if my presumptions are correct the Endregar armies should take the route at the edge of Dolvadish since it was safer. But if they would pierce their way into the Cliffs of Grish it would take them half a month. But make no mistake it would barter them heavy casualties."

    "Why is that."

    "Because the place is littered with monsters and dangerous roads. And judging the differences of our strength to them, they might send half or less of their armies." Hawks replies.

    "Hmm... Well, Torval guessed we have to ask those dwarves."

    Three days after duke Oreson''s death, the king of Endregar is facing its priestess so was Roland and his companions.

    "To what do I owe the pleasure." King Reynfred Dryden II implores in a cold tone. "Did you come here to prostrate yourself in hopes of stopping this chaos or to take sides? Leave... I have nothing more to say to you all." The king continues calling his royal guards to escort the heroes and the priestess.

    The heroes left in disappointed faces even the priestess felt something was off. Leaving his throne, a piece of great news came rushing towards him.

    "What!? Thuram and Keshoval are joining forces!"

    "Yes, my lord, the dwarves of Thuram are helping in defending Keshoval."

    "And Aghraim?"

    "There''s still no news, but I''m sure my lord they would soon join the defense. And we don''t know if the other dwarven kingdoms will join the fray."

    The king was silent, shocked in a silent yet hesitating to send his military''s full capabilities and his neighboring alliances. He soothes himself and orders his best spies and three of his Royal guards to bring him a message if the joined alliance is true.

    Holding his invasion for a week, the king waited for his spies to bring news to him, and true they brought the same information.

    With that, the king of Endregar stood like a lion and gave his final decision.

    While the kingdom of Endregar was now all-out together with its neighboring alliance Starhim. Akatosh was looking intently at the 3d map and when suddenly he saw the other side of the bridge was a small road leading down the large canyon.

    "Hey, can you tell me about this road?" Akatosh implores at Hawk.

    "That''s a very old road it was used even before the bridge was built. But since after the construction of the bridge, it was now an old memory."

    "Hmm... tell me what''s a massacre and a victory to you. Tell me sir Ariendal how willing will a kingdom do to gain victory."

    With a sudden twist after his words, the four of them were walking towards the war table. And just as they arrive, the meeting was finished. Only the king, his royal advisors, and his stubborn daughter were the only ones attending the table.

    Ariendal first enters for him to alarm the king, and after taking their time waiting the door opens. And when they were welcomed inside, they could still feel the sour atmosphere. They can tell there were arguments and disagreements from the last meeting. Yet Akatosh only came to offer something different in return only Ariendal, Torval, Akatosh, and the king are the only ones to stay. But some quickly retorts his words, especially the king''s daughter Freia.

    "God, why does it always be a fucking female."

    Without hesitation, the king agrees to his condition. And just as the other exits the room, Freia was looking at Akatosh intently ready to pounce at him.

    "Well then, shall we begin?"

 106: No Title

    "So you want the explosion of the bridge before the enemies to take their step?" The king says.

    "Yes, but if you prefer a more afrite way, we can destroy the bridge while they''re at the middle."

    "If so, do you have the statistics to demolish such a massive structure? A bridge that''s protected from any type of magic, and secured by the kingdom of Maginum. Even--" Before the king could continue his words, Akatosh brought a small cylindrical no more than two inches long. With lit, he then places it on the pot of fruits. And for a second of the explosion, it sends the fruits at every corner.

    The explosion was heard and at that moment the king''s guards and advisor burst through the room. They go to apprehend Akatosh but the king quickly orders them to leave the room.

    "That''s just a small piece, and imagine what would it do if it''s a barrel size? And it''s not even magical."

    The king was then silent drumming his index finger on the table. "To blow up the bridge surely you must be educated regarding the bridge."

    "I have, I''ve been enlightened on the treaty of the bridge. The Maginum''s connection and the consequences."

    "And how do you tackle the consequence?"

    "What if an outsider will have to apprehend the sequence. Although it''s up to you to settle the political affairs, for the safety of the kingdom towards Maginum."

    "We can settle the affairs in many ways, good or bad. But are you confident being hunted by the Maginum? We all know nobody wants to enter their jail."

    "Well, I do have a friend, still if you want to hear my deeper thoughts. It would be wise to have our conversation in a different place. We don''t know if there are ears behind the walls."

    The king agrees without hesitation and they move to a different room. There Akatosh spoke his plan but, didn''t utter any words regarding the black powder when the king brought it out. Through hours, the king grants him his work but in return, he was collared. Similar to the one they do to the slaves and prisoners at Endregar but a bit different for he was given a ring.

    Easily accepting the slavering, Akatosh wasn''t very much worried. For he wasn''t looking to run away, and he had a partner that can break such magic.

    Once the first step was finished a congruent with the king. He then takes a stroll around the town. And while walking he could see some of the citizens were hasting to move out from the kingdom. He can see other nobles packing their carriage for they knew the kingdom they lived in was doomed.

    Using the crest given to him by the king, he went searching for the blacksmiths.

    "Metal shards, I can take your offer but thirty barrels. That''s a lot of work and metals to be used, not to mention the equipment of these damn inept soldiers."

    "Well, why don''t you tell the other blacksmiths to divide those thirty barrels, after all, it''s the order of the king." Akatosh implores revealing the crest. "And by the way, keep this a secret, spies are littered at every corner." He continues giving the blacksmith ten gold coins, and a parchment ordered and signed by the king.

    The next day, Akatosh and Ariendal together with the ambassador the spy of Endreger went and teleported at Thuram. There Akatosh travels to ask his boon. Asking to speak in private, Ariendal and the ambassador waited for their convention to finish. And to their surprise, King Durvod Duhlgerlun announce his aid towards Keshoval. Stating to send half of its soldiers, and a sealed parchment to justify their allegiance.

    Stunned and dumbfounded, the ambassador quickly sends a message to Endregar regarding their joined alliance.

    Successfully tackling the second pace, Akatosh went to their hideout. It''s where he furnished more black powder for the upcoming show. Thanks to one ingredient from the slime, he was able to achieve a higher explosion similar to dynamite. Once satisfied he returns to Keshoval for information.

    Heading towards Ariendal''s mansion, there he waited for Ariendal to return from the king''s war table. Yet somehow, he felt someone watching him, stalking him. And only when he enters the room filled with Seredian walls made the presence of someone disappear.

    "So what did you discuss at the war table."

    "It''s regarding the joined alliance with Ahgraim."

    "What about it."

    "Aghraim and Keshoval were once allied kingdom. Well, that was now a memory, the first war started way before the dawn of heroes. During that time there was land that holds an incredible amount of energy. From there the two kingdoms share the energy, harnessing and converting it to sustain the harsh winter. Turning the frosty storm into a warm spring. That until Aghraim was consumed by greed after their previous king was dead. The alliance broke and, there it starts the first war between the two. Even today, the people of Keshoval remember the atrocities the armies of Aghraim did. It was only an unknown hero who decided to put a stop by devouring the pool of energy. He however didn''t have the power to sustain such energy, so he sealed it away. No one knows but one thing''s for sure, it was sealed on this land."

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    "So... did the council make its decision?"

    "Hardly, countless dukes want to join the alliance. But few didn''t when they were informed about the aid of Thuram. Even the king''s royal advisor was against it."

    "What happens if the king disagrees with Aghraim''s offer."

    "The armies of Keshoval would be lessened since some of its soldiers belong to the dukes. They turn neutral or worst join the other side between the two."

    "Well, that''s a hard punch, anyway when will the armies of Endregar arrive."

    "While you''ve been gone our spies confirm that they will arrive here within a week."

    "On which road did they use."

    "The edge of Dolvadish, and from our intel, it looks like your premonition came true. With the combined forces of Starhim and Endregar, I believe we''re facing more than 80 000 thousand troops."

    Hearing the numbers Akatosh felt putrid.

    The day after, prince Harith of Aghraim came prostrating himself in front of king Reigal. He was asking the joined alliance of their kingdom and, without hesitation the prince''s request was denied. The king''s answer shocked the nobles and dukes even the prince was dismayed for he was hoping for a good answer.

    "Was that your final decision lord Reigal?"

    "Yes, that''s my final decision."

    "I see... then best of luck to you and your people." The prince said with a relaxed face, and just as he turns back his face turns into disappointment.

    While Akatosh was behind the crowds of the aristocrats, silently observing the scene. And when the prince was gone, few who wants to join the alliance confronts the king. Arguments and disagreement filled the chamber, having lost interest, Akatosh quickly exits the place.

    As he walks through the outside castle, he can tell few people were roaming the place. After passing through the empty alley, a woman suddenly blocks his path equipped and ready for a fight.

    "Well, hello there, have we met before?" Akatosh was the first to engage a word.

    "Are you always this full of a joke." Freia angrily replies.

    "Sometimes yes, sometimes no why."

    "Do you not remember me."

    "Ahh... so you''re that woman from that time, sorry I had bad memories."

    "Well, now you do because I''m going to reveal your true intentions," Freia says just as she lashes out trusting her sword towards Akatosh.

    Having his instincts and abilities he was able to dodge the incoming attacks. Because of his light armor, Akatosh was at the advantage easily avoiding the incoming attacks. Yet his guts can tell he was far to confront Freia''s magic abilities.

    "You do know I work for the king."

    "Shut up! I''d heard you talking with my father. Blowing up the bridge, murdering the duke in broad daylight, and causing a war?! Just what are you scheming."

    "You do know how childish you are... for an adult."

    "Come again?" Freia retorts with murder in her eyes, and without hesitation, she slowly unleashes her magical abilities.

    "I mean, you may be on the age, but I can tell you''re still a child who doesn''t know how society runs," Akatosh replies with a smirk, and before he knew it, a shockwave of magic knockbacks him on the wall.

    Digging the grave of her memories, she remembers her childhood memories. How others look down on her as a child even until she grew up. She could still remember her mistake of how she mistakenly accused a man of crime. She tries her best yet for some reason the people were more concentrated on her mistake. How she always acts without knowing leads to her discrimination. Even today the mental damage still clouds her.

    "Struck a nerve, did I?" Akatosh implores struggling to get back on his feet. "Gahh... I had enough of dealing with such annoying childish situations. Rag! My darling, get us fuck out of here."

    He waited for his partner''s teleportation but had no reaction nor a flinch of a spell. Freia dashes and leaps for a decapitation blow, quickly reacting to her attack. Akatosh drew his sword, the kriegsmesser type, and let it clash with her.

    Freia''s fast attack and heavy blow deliver her sword in half. Yet Akatosh''s sword is still in good condition.

    "Elven-steel bitch!"

    Having heard what his swords made, Freia smiles and creates a sword made of energy.

    "Prepare yourself," Freia responds just as her blade brightens.

    Quickly taking out another sword, the katana type, Akatosh took a buff potion for the worst. And for a moment Freia with a swing of her sword launches curve energy. Cutting the pavements and craters, Akatosh who didn''t know that attack decides to dodge the incoming projectiles. Barely dodging two more, Akatosh saw Freia dashes for melee combat.

    Dodging and clashing the weapons, Akatosh manages to break her shield however, her energy sword corresponds to his blade. Creating another energy sword for a two-weapon style, Freia launches another long-range attack.

    By far, Akatosh notices that she''s beginning to get sluggish. And how her longer-range attack only creates one. And to test his theory, Akatosh was now the one to engage. Overtime for only a minute, Akatosh senses her fatigue, so without hesitation while his buff''s still in effect. He goes for hand-to-hand combat, griping her wrist Akatosh easily takes her down.

    Sitting atop of her, he saw her skin color slightly change. And the energy sword grew thinner and shorter.

    "Just give up already." Akatosh implores when suddenly her nose starts to bleed.

    Relinquishing his grip, the energy sword diminishes for her to recover. And while she was in recovery unable to walk or stand Akatosh then said.

    "Look, I don''t know if you have a terrible childhood that pollutes your mentality. But listen here madam, I''m trying to save your kingdom. So don''t follow me, I''m busy fulfilling my responsibility. Whelp, it all thanks to your rash actions and mentally angry emotion that I won. And a word of advice bitch¡­ observe and analyze in silence before engaging, that way you might be a better person... princess."

    He walks away leaving the princess to recover for herself.

    "Oof... that was one heck of a play you got there. If she overexerts that arcane spell, she might be dead by now."

    "Fuck you, where were you when I need you."

    "Watching, any way you could have plow that robust princess. I''m very disappointed in you, that wishy-washy look on her face. She might even like you after that, you know that fantasy thing?"

    "Like that''s ever going to happen, I had my fills with women in this world. Moving on... right, time to do the preparations."

 A One Mans War

    He recurs to where he commissions the metal shards. And to his surprise, they did prepare his order.

    "Well, hey-hey-hey... I''m very proud of you my lovely blacksmiths." Akatosh implores smiling and giving the blacksmith another five gold coins.

    "Errm... Isn''t this too much?"

    "Nah... you deserve it, oh and I need a wagon and a driver."

    Once the wagon was outside hidden, Akatosh ordered the men to unload those thirty-plus barriers of metal shards. After they went ahead, he then put them all in his magic bag and headed towards the bridge.

    "You want another bargain?" Amaragnum implores.

    "Well, yes."

    "Hmm... There''s quite the place I want to visit. And it''s a hassle for me to enter such very protected land. So yes, name your damn succor."

    "I''m good with it, you good at necromancy, right? And making a person fly? Right?"

    "What do you think I am? But if you''re talking about flying then there are three things you can choose. One is morphing you to have wings, the other''s using wind elementals, and the thirds is where I cast a flying spell into you enabling you to control your movements on the air. But the third one cost more energy and I do hope for a larger return."

    "I pick the third one, after that, I need a party good for digging. Maybe a dozen or more. Oh, and if my powder failed to blow up the bridge. You know your master of calamity might be a good help."

    "You what."

    "Well, I have my doubts even to myself."

    "Fine." Amaragnum replies in a fatigue tone.

    As the armies of Endregar were closing in, the kingdom of Keshoval is under pressure. Some of the aristocrats turn their backs on their king. And what''s more, the kingdom of Keshoval was still waiting for their dwarven allies.

    Only three more days to come, Akatosh was busy planting the bombs under the bridge during the night. Hidden and with enough powder, Akatosh then again asks his partner a help.

    "Write my markings on the fuse, and with a flick of a finger it will set on fire."

    "Ugh... praise thee to you, my darling." Akatosh humorously said.

    Now that the bridge is full of explosives. They then move towards the old road that connects Keshoval and the other end of the bridge. Bringing undead at night, digging an area of one meter in diameter and half meters deep. The undead assistant was able to dig up more than one hundred holes, down where the road flattens.

    After the digging, Akatosh first plants the explosives at every hole. And with the help of the undead, they manage to deposits the metal shards quickly before dawn arrives. The second night came, Akatosh ponders his remaining explosive powder. And when he saw the rocky cliffs that had various cracks on them. He smiles, putting his remaining powder on the cracks of the cliffs. He then had to contemplate how to camouflage where the explosives are buried.

    Akatosh can tell even a toddler would notice the hundreds of patches on the road.

    "Well fuck it, guessed I''ll go with the old way."

    Using log barricades and spikes that were placed on the road. And plowing the soil, for the enemies not to distinguished the patches. Akatosh was now tired but somewhat anxious, not sure if the enemies could dance at the palm of his hand.

    The time came, even the king was angry since the dwarves who promised their aid didn''t appear. Even the kingdom of Aghraim didn''t welcome their second beseech. The kingdom of Keshoval was now all alone, outnumbered, and outpowered. The king travels with his armies hoping he can have an amnesty with the armies of Endregar. Across the middle of the road, the king was suddenly stopped by a party on a horseback. Once close enough, the party begged on their knees it was Roland and his party taking the side with Keshoval.

    When Akatosh was waiting for the Endregar¡¯s army to come. At that time, Ferish the priestess of Endregar was confronting the king.

    Even with his royal guard, Ferish didn''t waver as she walks through the throne chamber.

    Not before the priestess could take another step, the king''s royal guards block her path.

    "Ahh... do what business did you come here for?" The king coldly said.

    "How disgusting, I failed myself for not realizing who you are... demon. Reveal yourself or I''ll have to do it myself."

    As Ferish said her words, the royal guards felt something from their backs. A burst of devilish laughter came out from the king.

    Sigh, "It seems you were able to detect my presence for such a short time. No wonder--" Before the king continues, a large demonic hand came out of the king''s mouth. And like a banana peel, it tore apart the king''s flesh. Blood and flesh smeared on the throne and to their eyes, a hideous demon was now facing them. A face like a minotaur but with large horns and burning green eyes. The demon''s throat was gleaming in fire, like a dragon ready to breathe fire. Large and intimidating, the royal guards switch their position.

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    "Ahh... Finally, I can now stretch myself. They say you were once a powerful priestess of the gods. So let''s see if those stories are true then."

    Not giving the demon a time to attack, Ferish unleashes her spell. In an instant, the room was covered in pure white light. And then came a spectral woman behind Ferish. Buffing the royal guards with light magic, good for countering demons. Ferish''s spectral pulls out a sword brimming in golden light.

    "A planar prism, how--" Not giving him another word, Ferish''s spectral smashed him. "I see, so you are one of the people that helps with the seal."

    After being smashed, the demon was now a blob steaming like acid. And before they knew it, a dark patch of lava burst through where Ferish''s standing. Thanks to the quick observation of the royal guards, they manage to pull Ferish saving her from injuries or worst death.

    "Eye of the gods." Ferish implores, revealing the demon who was all along invisible.

    "I need time to cast my spell. Can you keep it busy?" Ferish implores, connecting her thoughts towards the royal guards.

    They all nod without batting an eye, and just as Ferish starts her spell. They all engaged towards the demon, with weapons smeared in holy energy. The demon was having a hard time dealing with them. While it did injure some of the guards, Ferish was now finished.

    A beam of light hammers through the demon constraining its movements and power. Adding up, dozens of golden spikes puncture through to its body.

    "Begone." Ferish implores, and at the same time, the beam of light gradually gets thinner. And as it gets thinner the demon was disappearing.

    It was a victory, however before the demon was put to death, Ferish saw his sinister smile.

    "King Reigal IV, if you would we would like to consolidate with you." Roland implores kneeling in front of the king.

    "And to what reason?"

    Roland didn''t answer but brought out a parchment given to him by Ferish herself. After receiving the parchment, the king''s ethereal was pulled to a different dimension. There he saw Ferish coming towards him, just a single touch of her finger revealed the true colors of king Reynfred II. It was vague convey, but enough to convince King Reigal to let Roland join his forces.

    "Very well if that''s what you wish then I shall grant it. However, your ranks are but the same as these soldiers here."

    "I understand, and I appreciate you for allowing us to join your place."

    "Hmm... tell me young ones, is this your first?" After Roland joins their marching.

    Roland nods, but with a determination smeared in his eyes. Following Roland''s acceptance, the soldier''s spirit brightens up. For they knew a powerful person joins their side. But for someone, it was one man''s responsibility.

    Dress in a cloak, and use the mask that branded him a wanted man. He waited at the edge of the bridge to greet the soldiers of Endregar. Casting a ''wizard''s eye spell'', summoning an eyeball the size of a soccer ball. It then levitates high enough to see if the Endregar armies are closing in. It only took half an hour until the Endregar''s soldiers were sighted.

    Taking a closer look, one of the high-ranking commanders halts the marching when Amaragnum''s wizard''s eye faces him.

    "Hello, can you hear me?"

    "Speak, I can hear you." The commander implores in a confident voice.

    "Well, if very much... kindly to those that don''t want this bloodshed to happen. It would be better if you would turn around and live a peaceful life with your wife, children, and families, for fuck¡¯s sake." Akatosh implores seeing there were five prestigious generals. Even by the look, he can tell they have potential and fought countless battles and wars. Three of them seem to be in their mid-forties and fifties, the two were younger.

    Thereafter Akatosh''s words, one of the young commanders. A handsome, and with grayish-long hair arrogantly laugh at his speech. With that, his colleagues and the soldiers who heard Akatosh''s words laugh with him.

    Short after their amusement, the man with grayish-long hair showed a predator-like expression before cutting the wizard''s eye in half.

    "Fine then." Akatosh implores before the wizard''s eye disintegrates after being cut.

    Then without a warning, a tremendous explosion shook the armies on both sides. It was a consecutive explosion, desolating the long bridge. And due to its crumbling structure, the bridge collapse as if it was just uncemented bricks. The only thing that remains was the columns.

    A few seconds after the explosion, the generals of Endregar went silent before they rush towards the bridge.

    To their surprise, they saw the man with a high bounty sitting on the edge before being teleported at the other end.

    Switching places, he waited for the armies of Keshoval to arrive. But before they show up, Akatosh changed his mask into a balaclava. After only waiting for more than an hour king Reigal IV arrive galloping his horses together with his generals and the esteemed descendants of the great hero Roland with his powerful companions.

    "You''re late," Akatosh said chillingly sitting on the parapet.

    The king couldn''t believe his eyes, for the once majestic bridge was now but ruin. Not just the king, but everyone on both sides was in a state of shock. Stupored, the armies of Keshoval rushes in to see the broken bridge. As for Akatosh who didn''t want to be interrogated by the king and his generals slip out from the crowd. Although, there was one soldier who manage to carefully observe him even when he was slipping out from the crowded army.

    The king turns towards Akatosh but saw a letter warning him not to descend the steep old road. Follow up by a piece of advice to better wait for the enemies right where he was standing.

    "Fuck, what a bitch life I had." Akatosh implores after sitting in a safe spot under the trees.

    And while he prepares to make a meal, a soldier of Keshoval was right in front of him. More than five meters of a distance, he can hear the soldier''s heavy breathing. Taking off the helmet, Akatosh was sudden when it was all along Freia.

    "Bollokcs."

    Hasting her step, Freia lifts her two-handed sword but is petrified to slash Akatosh. He didn''t flinch only stares at her with a blank expression. What she didn''t know, Akatosh was ready to pounce a kill if she did engage for a kill. After ten seconds of eye to eye, Freia relinquishes her sword but with a wave of anger in her eyes.

    "Why did you do it." Freia engaged a word.

    "Did what," Akatosh responds continuing his cooking.

    "All of this, the bridge, manipulating my father and everyone."

    Sigh, "As I said, I''m just fulfilling my responsibilities and saving your kingdom."

    Freia didn''t respond but curls up on the other side of the tree, not knowing what to do. Half an hour passed; Freia was alarmed by Akatosh who was offering her a plate of meal.

    "I''m not a five-star chef, but I''m sure the food is good to your taste. And if you think the food is poisoned you can leave it." Akatosh said, placing the plate on her side and passively digging his meal.

    Freia hesitates, but the sound of her stomach embarrassed her to the point even Akatosh was giggling. A bit frustrated, she grabs the plate and fills her empty stomach. To her surprise, the peculiar dish was even better than the food she ate at her castle.

    At that time, it was the calm before the storm.

 A Massacre and the Unsealing

    "You don''t seem to be unfazed from the situation you''re in," Freia says, as they consume their meal.

    "That''s a lie, I''m more than rattled by what I''m going to do next. All of us are a monster to each other. There''s a quote that ''He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster... when you gaze into the abyss the abyss also gazes into you...'' A fitting word that defines us, don''t you agree?"

    Upon his words, Freia was shut in silence for she knew he was speaking reality. Her first impression when she met him was a scoundrel, a jester a no more than an uninteresting man. But as she perceives how he manipulates and the destruction he caused. Freia was now taking back what she thought of him, and this time she was rather scared of him.

    They continue their meals in silence, even after they finished their meals. Only awkward silence between the two.

    Packing things, Akatosh returns to where he will hold his final step. But before taking a leave he notices Freia was following him.

    "We should go our separate ways."

    "Wait let me go with you."

    "You what?" Akatosh implores seeing the hampered Freia, who''s anxious to fight the soldiers of Endregar.

    "My father didn''t want me to join the war, so I had to sneak up and steal some armor, that''s why I was able to come this far."

    "And why?"

    "What?"

    "Why are so you eager to face the soldiers of Endregar?"

    "I-I-- It''s because I despised them! I absolutely despised them--"

    "And why is that?" Akatosh implores unfazed by her emotions.

    "Because they took what''s dear to me! --"

    "How many? Is it ten people, is it a dozen?" Akatosh implores now with cold eyes.

    "I--"

    "Tell me? Are those dearest to you equal to the annihilation of the kingdom of Endregar?"

    "That''s-- That''s" Freia stammers unable to blink from Akatosh''s eyes.

    "What if I bring you hundreds of Endregar''s people, tied and helpless. Farmers, Innocent children, a kind soldier who''s forced by his king to kill. A pregnant woman and a baby, tell me would you butcher them for the death of your dearests? Is one of your dearest love equals to a thousand soul?"

    Freia couldn''t fire back at him, since his words truly struck her moral aspect.

    "You have no idea what shit is about to happen, but anyway if you want your retaliation so badly. I''ll welcome you for a show."

    Freia who was now havering her emotions follows Akatosh. The day was still young, and for Akatosh, when he saw the armies of Endregar using the old road, his heart thrills.

    Standing in a different place where they can over watch the situation. He saw the armies of Endregar stop where the road would ascend. He can tell they''re surveying the road full of barricades. Without hesitation, the soldiers of Endregar wave magic that detect traps nor any anomalies regarding any types of magic.

    Having nothing detected, the generals send dozens of troops. Forcing, dozens of their soldiers to climb the steep road.

    While watching, Freia saw her father descending bringing only two convoys.

    "Father!" Freia worriedly said, and before she goes to join her father Akatosh stops her. Grabbing her biceps, "Let me go!"

    Freia struggles for a bit but after Akatosh''s adamant. She then summons an energy sword. And just as she did, Akatosh quickly releases her.

    "A word then... If you manage to be alive after the show, I do hope for sympathy to the other side. And good luck princess."

    Now all alone but watching them moving like ants, he watches the princess galloping to reach her father. And when she does, Akatosh can tell they''re arguing at each other. In the end, King Reigal IV submits to her daughter''s stiff-necked personality.

    "I would like to meet your commander in chief." King Reigal said towards the soldiers of Endregar who were climbing the road.

    They look at each other''s faces and decide to let the king pass.

    "Ah... It''s an honor to meet you King Reigal. I am Alfren, the storm of Endregar." Says one of the generals who had long-grayish hair.

    "Pleasure''s all mine, I have heard of you. The man who stains his hand from the blood of the thousand he liquidates."

    "Some may call me that, but I prefer the other one. Anyway, I heard you have problems with your allied dwarf."

    "Whether or not our alliance is a faux or not is not your concern."

    "Oh... Then what reason did you come here for?"

    "A remittal."

    "Amnesty?"

    "Yes, I''m offering a remission for the sake of our kingdom. For the welfare of our peace, and the life of every soul standing here."

    "And in what return."

    "Privilege, the kingdom of Keshoval will take into account the desired contract."

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    Alfren smirked and slowly reject the king''s proposal, tearing the contract in half.

    "Very well then..." King Reigal implores and returns to his army giving them the news.

    "What now father," Freia said after his father announced the news to the soldiers.

    "I want you to return to our kingdom and deliver this letter to Ariendal De Shilvia."

    "I don''t want to... I''ll stand here with you."

    After waiting for some hours, Akatosh saw the armies of Endregar begin climbing. Easily smashing the barricades, once they were at the range. The armies of Keshoval engaged in their long-range attack. Casting magic missiles, poisoned arrows, fireballs. In return, their adversary counters with magic barriers as they too fired long-range attacks. Even then, Keshoval was holding the upper hand since they hold the higher ground. But for some reason, they couldn''t completely overpower the mounting perseverance of their enemies.

    While they were busy killing each other, Akatosh waited and waited. Until the two opposing armies gap a distance of fifty meters. At that time, soldiers of Keshoval charge through hoping they can push their enemies back. Only to be brutally killed by the generals, worst Alfren was enjoying the battle easily disposing of his incoming enemies.

    "Well then, let the show begin," Akatosh said calling Amaragnum to light the fuses.

    Borrowing his hand, with just a flick of his finger unearth a destructive force. Erupting underneath their feet, blowing and tearing their flesh. The metal shards scattered like bullets piercing and desolating their armors and flesh, killing them instantly. Even some of the Keshoval''s soldiers were caught in the explosion.

    For a second¡¯s pass, Akatosh and Amaragnum trigger the second explosion shaking the land once again. Shuddering the cracked rocky cliffs, it created a landslide of large boulders. It wasn''t a war anymore but a massacre as the remaining Endregar soldiers awaits their brutal death.

    Now the 80 000 soldiers of Endregar whom Keshoval feared were desolated in mere minutes. As for the remaining survivors, only three thousand were alive. Yet they were too shocked to move a muscle, all they could do was stare at the destroyed road. Morals sunken, and the soldiers of Keshoval didn''t know what to do so too were their enemies. They could see bodies amputated, shredded flesh, innards scattered. And Alfren who was caught in the massive explosion was left dead on the ground with half of his body blown away.

    Freia who was at his father''s side couldn''t bear to see such sight. And for a moment she remembers what Akatosh has told her. Corresponding to what had happened, the hero was dumbstruck all they could do was watch in silence.

    Following the aftermath, Akatosh quickly left the place but felt desolated. Teleported to Ravalind without thinking, he goes to drink what he had done.

    "Welcome to our world boy!" Amaragnum cheerfully implores at the drunk Akatosh. "Don''t you worry, it''ll go away."

    "Fuck you and fuck this shit, fuck it all! Damn, I hate myself."

    The night came, and the exhaustedly drunk Akatosh searched for a roof to sleep.

    "Ohhhhh... Should I go there?" Akatosh says, going towards where he left the northern slave girl.

    "Hello anybody home?" Akatosh called but, after a minute of no response, he then decides to fiddle with the lock. "Gahh... Why isn''t working, did my lockpicking skill decrease?"

    While working with the lock, the door suddenly flung open revealing Chifya.

    "Well, hello there... I hadn''t seen you when I brought that slave girl. Is she good?" Right away Akatosh suddenly vomits and without a second thought, he fell on the ground sleeping.

    While in his state of slumber, Akatosh was in a dream. He was in a different place, in a small farmhouse. He saw a bright young man clad in armor, saying his farewell to an old woman who seems to be either his grandmother or his mother. Yet as the door closed blanketing the sad smile between the two. Out of a sudden, he was flung in a different place, he saw a man older than him, and too was saying his farewell to his sibling.

    While in the state of observing, he could feel the tense emotion emanating from those people, people that he killed. And for the hundred times of beholding and sharing the past emotion of the dead. He saw again, the four horses of the apocalypse. This time was the second horse, the one who represents war or the war itself stepped forward.

    Locking each other''s eyes, Akatosh suddenly felt a thousand emotions of the dead searing his soul.

    Unable to endure, what he was experiencing he suddenly awoke. Sweating and shivering, he instantly throws up on the floor. Creating loud barf, Chifya rushes in to see Akatosh now spewing blood.

    "Geez... just what kind of alcohol did you drink."

    "Stop! Make it stop! I had enough." Akatosh implores still remembering what he experiences.

    "What are you saying."

    Alarmed by his loud vomiting, Sheila and her friends rush to his room to see what was happening. When entered, they saw Chifya signaling them to move on.

    "Are you hurt." Chifya implores, helping him recover as she felt his temperature decrease. And without hesitation, Chifya embraces him, as she cast her healing magic.

    "It''s warm... can you stay just for a bit."

    "I understand, I won''t be going anywhere."

    "Thank you..." Akatosh mumbles slowly returning to his sleep.

    Awoken by the warm sunlight, he saw Chifya waiting for him to arise.

    "Drink this, it helps with your hangover."

    "Thanks..."

    After only taking the remedy, Akatosh quickly recovers. Surprise yet kept his silence waiting for Chifya to make a word.

    "I heard what you did, about the northern girl that you brought here. Just what did you do this time." Chifya implores.

    "The longer version or the shorter version."

    "The specific."

    "Fine then," Akatosh replies and goes to tell his story but didn''t tell her about his explosive powder and how he decimated a thousand armies of Endregar.

    "Endregar was driven to war because of you murdering the King''s brother."

    "Yes, but it''s now over. And I hate myself for doing that."

    "Over?"

    After a few moments, an announcement was heard. Since Ravalind was closer, the armies of Keshoval first make their camp before dispersing.

    "Miss Chifya! The guild calls for an emergency that those with healing abilities--"

    "Got it... There''s a meal downstairs for you and please stay for a bit. There''s something I need to ask you." Chifya implores quickly attending to her guild''s call.

    In time, when opponents clash one leaves a victor and the other for the crushing side. When the conclusion came, the defeated armies suffers both moral and everything they hold. And the vanquisher will march through their kingdoms carrying their superiority, and prisoners to parade. However, this time was different for the armies of Keshoval came in silent. And to what they brought wasn''t prisoners but their injured enemies.

    It was a repel sight for their citizens to see, arms were torn apart. Disrupted faces, legs were severely injured, and worst gone. It was their first time to see such a gruesome war.

    "Just what happen at the bridge," Chifya shouts at Akatosh who smothers on the bed.

    "I don''t want to, just go and ask the survivors they''re the ones who know."

    Chifya who was boiling her blood for answers suddenly calm down. Realizing that provocation wasn''t his thing.

    "Fine..." Chifya now says in a calm tone. "Just come down and eat when the food''s ready." She continues going to wash away the smeared blood on her clothes.

    The group stays silent as they ate their food, even Sheila who took part in the emergency couldn''t believe what she saw. But the most broken face of them all was Akatosh who still reminiscing what he experiences.

    "I''m sorry... To let you see such repulsive sight." Akatosh implores, slowly eating his food.

    "You should eat first," Chifya says easily eating her meal.

    "Oh... of course, um... do you have those sleeping potions. Mine''s gone so, I was hoping if you could let me have some."

    "We''ll talk when we finish our meal." Chifya coldly replies.

    Following their dinner, Akatosh awaits Chifya''s sleeping potion while he contemplates the blue night sky in his room.

    "Hey emotional dog, did you feel something different in here?" Amaragnum calls.

    "Nothing, why?"

    "Strange... There''s something shifting, even I can sense it here in my dimension."

    "Is that good news or bad news?"

    "I don''t know... it''s still a faulty distortion but, I might be certain it''s a bad one. I''ll check a bit more, might have some fun in here than watching an emotionally damaged man."

    "Your mom."

    Amaragnum returns leaving Akatosh to have his time. And at that time the seal that was once keeping the demon prince was slowly cracking.

 Everyone has their Secret

    The door creaks, and there came to Chifya holding a sleeping concoction. The night was like a day, thanks to the appearance of the three moons.

    Chifya sighed upon seeing Akatosh brim when he saw the sleeping potion. "Oh... Finally, I can sleep like a pig again." He implores, reaching to grab the potion.

    "I won''t give it to you unless you answer my query, understand?" Chifya replies, quickly pulling her hand before he could grab the concoction.

    "Ugh... Fine."

    "Okey then." Chifya sighed, "You do know that your friends are a bit tense."

    "Um... Ugh... I... Ugh..."

    "Please, no more hiding in the bush, I want to know what truly happens at the bridge."

    "For what?"

    "It''s because I''m your better half!" Chifya shouts while blushing.

    "A what?"

    "Fine, if that''s what you wish then you no longer have this. Go, find an alchemist for all I care." Chifya retorts, hiding the concoction.

    "Wait." Akatosh implores, grabbing her arms and at the same time pulling out her family portrait. "Um... we could trade?"

    To her reaction, Chifya pauses for a moment for she was more frustrated with his action. "Are you making fun of me?!"

    "Ugh... No. Please, I just want to sleep peacefully."

    "Then sleep on your own!" She replies angrily, walking away towards the door.

    "I understand, it was me who cause that gruesome sight. I did what had to be done, I killed thousands just for this shit kingdom to have peace. Where they can continue fucking around like pigs. But oh, what the heck what''s done is done."

    Chifya stops, and silent conquers both them and the room.

    "Well, the truth why I ask you that question was because I was still curious about you."

    "There are many people that are more perplexing and interesting than me--"

    "And because of you, I was relieved from the chains of my clan. It was because of you that I had a life that I wanted."

    They went silent once again, and ultimately Chifya offers her potion in return Akatosh relinquishes the portrait.

    Hesitating and afraid of what he underwent would return to him again. Sure enough, when he drinks a quarter of the concoction they again appear. This time the four reveal the souls pleading an aid at him, how a thousand souls turn into energy. Fueling a demon, he has yet to know.

    After more than an hour, Chifya stayed in the room since it was hers. All the nostalgic emotion came back when she indulges in seeing her mother''s drawing. Yet to her father, she was still a bit confounding to his disappearance. And how her mother told her he was away on a mission. Once as she suddenly saw Akatosh awoke and nonetheless throwing up again.

    "Please no more, no more," Akatosh said, shivering and afraid, worst the drug was in effect but now distorting his body and mind.

    With a little bit of help and conformity from Chifya, Akatosh sat down while Chifya cleans his waste.

    "Sorry, for making you do this," Akatosh said before vomiting again.

    "Akatosh!" Chifya implores as she again solaces his distraught situation.

    The night continues, and while they are still unable to sleep. Chifya was now concocting, a special remedy for her partner''s sickness.

    Just as Akatosh drinks the medicine he finally tattles how he ends the war in just a day. And telling her the torments of the dead people he buried.

    "Do you deal such things in your country?" Chifya asks, looking at his face.

    "It''s complicated, what I just did was just small destruction compared to my past home. In my home, there''s a weapon capable of erasing a kingdom, a country in seconds. All you need is a touch of a button and poof, you become death destroyer of worlds. But that''s not all, we have smaller types of equipment that can turn a peasant capable of killing a high tier adventurer such as your level. And I''m surprised, you aren''t a bit terrified after seeing what became of those soldiers."

    Chifya didn''t reply but returned to her desk, fiddling the apparatus. "Try to get some sleep, I''ll be here with you."

    In silence, Akatosh did what she told, and when he submerges to slumber. It was not the four horsemen nor the spirits of the dead but Tosh.

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "You seem awful this day."

    "Yes, and what do you want."

    "A bargain."

    "Name it, but I don''t deal if it is necessary."

    "Well, it''s quite simple, but to get to that I do admire your work. Savagely ending a whole bunch of people now that¡¯s a spectacle." Tosh quote yet to Akatosh wasn''t pleased by his words. "Fine, moving on to our topic. So how was it?"

    "The what."

    "The affliction of the dead, the guilt that sears your soul."

    "It''s a shit."

    "Well good for you cause I''m offering you a way out of that hell hole."

    "Spit it."

    "I can draw out that problem of yours but only temporarily if your wife angel isn''t around. She really did her best sealing the second coming. You see, she had a large role to play, but there are consequences. And you don''t want that beautiful lass of yours fade away, don''t you?"

    "And what if she isn''t around?"

    "Simple... all hell will lose, but if we do a little bit of fiddling. Separating her immense white light power and kicking her out of her place. We can still prevent the unfolding and she can avoid her you know... fade away."

    Akatosh hesitates and, he can see that his other half wasn''t lying. "Fine but you double-cross our agreement I''ll just let the scrolls open."

    "You got yourself a deal." Tosh implores, and with a touch, he pulls out from Akatosh a red and chaotic soul. Lashing like a fish, Tosh slowly submerges in dark mystic energy until it disappears.

    Returning to his material world, Akatosh was awoken... it was morning. Astonishingly he felt different, the guilt emotion that lingers was gone. The souls that torment his very own soul, are gone. Even then, his body was very light, the ponderous feeling weighing him down vanished like magic. And the memories of the war seem a million years had passed.

    Mystified, he goes to check the house even Chifya was shocked when he saw the normal face of Akatosh. When ask about his change he only reasons out Chifya''s healing medicine.

    Then he remembers the northern girl he saved, wanting to know her condition. Chifya then leads him to where she was confined.

    "When you brought her here, it was fortunate that Sheila was able to give her a spark of life."

    Out of the ordinary, the girl is rehabilitating differently. Glowing yellow vines wrap around her arms and feet. Akatosh can tell that the vines are restoring her life.

    "What are these."

    "The vines of Alther tree, the ones pluck from Alther where the world tree stand. I was lucky I still got some of these in my pocket."

    "Hmm..."

    After seeing enough, Chifya takes him to their room.

    "I wanted to ask you about my mother''s brooch."

    "I... Um... Ugh..." Akatosh stammers avoid gazing at her.

    "Please," Chifya says, but wasn''t angry at her words.

    "I... I sold it to a black market... For thirty gold coins... I think."

    "You what?!"

    "Um... but, don''t worry I''ll ask the thieves guild for a refund--"

    Out of a sudden, his guild''s ring that Akatosh stores in his pocket glow in sky blue. He quickly pulls it out and when he does, it flashes, and there teleported an injured man.

    The first impression was the man''s left arm is brutally removed. Harsh wounds carved at every part of his body. Panting heavily and then speaking in a shivering tone.

    "Master Akatosh, our headmaster Hawk needs your help."

    "What happen?!"

    "I don''t know... we were doing our work reestablishing our guild when suddenly the other guild headquarters attacked us. He also said that we should warn the adventurer''s guild." The man implores while Chifya heals him.

    "Did they do these to you?"

    "I don''t know, but they were demons who attacked us. Headmaster said that the capital of Keshoval is in danger and that demons will appear if our headmaster''s seal would be weakened--" Without continuing the man''s eyes rolled up and suddenly dies.

    "FUUUUCKKK!" Akatosh shouts as he remembers the connection of Amaragnum''s word. Quickly gathering everyone he without thinking orders them.

    "Chifya, go warn your guild about the danger that will arise. I''ll go to the palace if I can warn the king." Akatosh ask, and without a second thought, he gave Ariendal''s ring to Sheila. "Inform Ariendal de Shilvia about the message, use this ring, and he''ll believe you."

    Once said, they disperse to their corresponding task. Chifya, together with Sei and Riya was having a hard time convincing the guild administration. While Sheila and Reith force their way into the mansion.

    "Why have you returned?" King Reigal implores with a bit of hostility.

    "I came here to warn you that your kingdom is in peril!" Akatosh says, just as he was surrounded by dozens of powerful guards. Even Roland was there supporting and protecting the king like a dog they were.

    "And why should we believe you?" retorts the king in a drastic tone.

    "Well fuck you, let''s see whose face looks like shit then." Akatosh implores before Amaragnum teleports them.

    Teleported to his guild, he saw the once beautiful hermitage was no more¡­ desolated. He could see burned demons lying on the ground, strange summoning circles at every corner. The plants that thrive through the large cave withered so was the water that turns into a pigment color. And the place was filled in a translucent purple fog.

    And just as he arrived, he hears the echoes of a thousand souls. Coming from the chambers where they kept their valuables. He rushes to see, three higher demons surrounding Hawk who barrier himself.

    Three humanoid demons, with wings that of a dragon and a body of a bulky man. The other one was different from the two who had four arms and a head that of a dragon.

    They spoke in a different language a demon tone so to say. Right after Akatosh''s arrival, the two demons were teleported. Sensing his presence, the demon dashes for a devour. And before they would get him time suddenly stops, not the stillmage but it was Hawk. Trusting a peculiar dagger, the demon smiles, and right when the demon was stabbed, it unleashes thousands of souls. Souls that Akatosh had killed at the bridge.

    Just as Hawk saw the demon''s intention, he immediately unleashes a spell.

    Dazed by the demon''s bursting, Akatosh finds himself in an odd dimension.

    "Wake up," Hawk says, helping him stand up.

    When recovers, he was surrounded by thick clouds. And the rumbling thunder and lightning, wreaking havoc at the far end of the dimension.

    "You, okay?" Hawk implores.

    "Yes, just what happen here."

    "Razgothor''s acolyte, I should have seen this coming."

    "The what?"

    "It was their doings... The war between Keshoval and Endregar. the death of a thousand for their prince to be released from its prison."

    "Ah... the fifth prince of demons, Razgothor the manipulators and devourer of kings ruler of the purple realms of the abyss." Amaragnum calls. "Or I like to call it the slug."

    A moment later, they felt an ominous presence a pounding that draws closer and closer. And from the clouds lies a silhouette of one of the princes of demons.

    "So-- this was the bastard that you been secretly hiding."

    "Afraid yes, and pardon me for mixing you up to my secrets." Hawk replies in a weaker tone.

    Akatosh smiles, "Well, we all have our own secrets." He replies pulling out the mask which caught Hawk by surprise.

 Let there be Chaos

    The silhouette that was muddled by intense cloud slowly reveal itself. Razgothor appears with a size of a two-storey building. The demon prince was as heavy and rhythmic as one must run away when a prince of demons makes its entrance.

    A head of a deformed horned wolf, and a wing made of bones. Its torso is a slug-like body but plated in scales similar to a dragon''s belly. It has no legs but has enormous four-burning arms parallel to a human.

    "Ahh... The mortal world again." Razgothor says in a fiendish tone. "Yet it seems I had to open another door."

    Hawk who was surprised by Akatosh''s real identity wasn''t ready for the second one when Amaragnum borrows his left body. He felt a very powerful magic and darkness linger on him.

    "It''s been ages since I fought a prince of demons."

    Hawk who was silent couldn''t speak a word grew more curious to the man at his side.

    "What is this?" Razgothor calls. "Ah... the champion, it''s been a while and who''s this?"

    "Raz..." Says Amaragnum, but using Akatosh''s voice. "You''ve grown ever so pathetic, ever so frail."

    "The infamous stillmage Amaragnum... Ever so feared but easy to manipulate, tell me how does it feel to be outcast, renegaded by your fellowship."

    "A bit fun in a shit way, tell me how does a prince of demons ever so dreadful, ever so powerful to be cage-like a chicken. Humiliatingly imprisoned at the hands of a mere human. And you call yourself a prince of demons¡¯ ruler of a thousand demon shit. You make me laugh for a demon whore."

    "We''ll see about that but, before we get to that--" Razgothor replies eying at Hawk.

    "I have lived for a thousand years, and this time I''ll end it. This time I''ll full fill my role and be done with it."

    "So, say." Razgothor replies slowly emitting a battle stance.

    Before the three would begin their battle. It was in the afternoon when after Akatosh left the king, a special guest arrived at the kingdom. It was king Durvod Duhlgerlun of Thuram coming to fulfill Akatosh''s aid.

    "I didn''t expect your arrival king Durvod. Isn''t it a bit too late for you to attend your presence?"

    "That''s not the reason why I''m here, the basis of me coming to your kingdom is to fulfill a person''s boon."

    "And who''s that person."

    "I believe you already met him; I was informed that he''d done his part. And I would like to see the parchment that holds our agreement."

    King Reigal went silent and commands his servants to retrieve the contract.

    "I was well informed about the agreement. That it will only open only by the king of Thuram."

    King Durvod smiles and waited for the servant to bring them the parchment. After a few minutes of waiting, the servant came and brought the scroll on the table allowing the dwarven king to unseal. Locked by a powerful mechanism and enhanced by magic all it took was the blood of King Durvod to properly unlock the scroll.

    "It''s blank!" The royal servant implores.

    "Indeed..." says king Durvod. "In accordance to his word and my word. I was to help him convince the Endregar to fully deliver their full force."

    "And that you were."

    "But the second part needs authorization. And that agreement is to help with the construction of the bridge. We do know how this works as a king of different races and land. Anyway, I''ll leave the decision to you it doesn''t matter if you turn down our offer. You''ll keep your honor, and will keep to our accord."

    King Reigal went silent for he knew that king Durvod knows his dignity. A self-esteem dignity.

    "As king of Keshoval, I king Reigal Arturos IV fully accept the kingdom of Thuram''s proposition."

    After that, a contract was then placed on the table, and after the two kings signed. King Reigal then implores before the dwarves would leave.

    "Let me ask you something, are you fine of being maneuvered at one''s person''s hand?"

    "It depends if it''s good then it''s acceptable, but if it''s not then you know the answer. You did win the war, so why complain when we are all slaves to this land, we dwell in."

    Just before they would return, a powerful convulsion shook the castle. And then came a guard, injured.

    "My lord! The kingdom is under attack by demons!"

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "Demons!"

    "Yes!! but the Adventure''s guild--"

    Out of a sudden the guard burst, and what came was a high-ranking demon. The ones Akatosh had encounter. The inside roars into battle just as the demon begins summoning dozens of its kindred.

    The heroes and royal guards quickly establish their position protecting the kings. The land rumbles once again and the kingdom was now a blazing battlefield as summoned demons are now fighting with the adventurer''s guild.

    Roland saw that the high demon was still unprepared took out his scared weapon and gave a powerful slash.

    "Farenggar..." The demon says while chopped in half. "But it seems it''s gotten weaker."

    After delivering a lightning attack, Roland spins his sword giving a shocking blast disintegrating the demon.

    "Tsk-Tsk... That won''t do for my life is not mine but to my master." The demon says, just as he again revives in a hurl of twisting fire. "Now, shall we do it again while waiting for my master''s return."

    Just as the two kings manage to escape, king Durvod then spoke.

    "It seems your kingdom is in a dire situation if perhaps an aid would be more welcome."

    "Please."

    King Durvod nods to his human mage, unleashing a powerful phantasm spell. It teleports Thuram¡¯s best fighters.

    As for the Hawk and the travelers, Razgothor was now erupting his long-caged power. Hawk, who now wields the three artifacts make the first move just as when Razgothor summons ten purple orbs dangling at his back. Changing the dimension''s perspective, the whole place turns into a land of his realm.

    Razgothor steps for a rampage felt Hawk''s true power. Time suddenly stops yet he can see him running to make an attack.

    "The river of time... You''ve gone pretty feeble, champion."

    Hawk ignores his words and delivers a blow to the demon''s chest. The dagger pierces, but it wasn''t enough to vanquish the demon for he wasn''t the master and he was now too weak.

    The toll of his last battle with the demon rises, unable to withstand the pain cuts off the flow of time.

    "Calamity reaper!" Says the travelers ready to create chaos.

    Right after they change the trajectory of the dimension. The travelers¡¯ dashes to hammering the razor whip. Enhanced by Amaragnum, the whip was now blazing in dark energy. Shredding the demon''s wing, it tore a quarter of its left wing. Yet the demon was able to ricochet their attack when it draws two massive swords.

    Using the ring, Hawk burst his magical energy allowing him to become different.

    The realm of Razgothor was now rumbling in calamity, earthquakes, meteors, thunder, and lightning are all fusing into one powerful destructive force.

    Consuming all the orbs, Razgothor morphs into a more intimidating demon. His head was now burning, the slug-like torse changes in a form of a snake but scaled in dragon. The pure bones were now fleshed in purple fire. It even grew bigger, enough to top a dragon''s height.

    "Enough of these games..." Razgothor implores trying to fracture the dimension.

    But Hawk''s combining the three artifacts and himself manage to suppress the demon''s power.

    Meteors showers the demon, but the current form of the prince was able to counter it. Since it was only the size of a car, Razgothor was able to disintegrate by waving his mighty sword. Even the lightning wasn''t affecting the prince of demons.

    Fighting a humongous demon isn''t what Akatosh would imagine. He was more like a normal man fighting a ten-meter bulldozer with a machinegun and laser guiding missile installed.

    The travelers, engaged once again this time they engaged at long-ranged attack. Creating four orbs representing the four elementals, the travelers quickly fused them into one and at the same time compressed the massive energy for a blast. Their surroundings shatter, the rumbling lightning now striking at their location. The earth vibrates so was the atmosphere around them turns into gravity.

    The dimension they linger started to crumble as it won''t hold their massive power. From the material realm, all of the adventurers and people, and soldiers felt a strong tension. They could feel the now distorted atmosphere lingering throughout the kingdom.

    After compressing the fused elementals, Amaragnum''s dark material emerges like a symbiotic. He opens its mouth wide open and ate the compressed energy. Akatosh felt his body rumbling with magical energy, and Amaragnum was now part of his completely merging.

    Razgothor swings his blades towards the travelers creating a massive cataclysmic projectile.

    Hammering the traveler''s palm on the ground creates another cataclysm effect distorting the demon''s attack. Razgothor felt Hawk''s presence disappear which made him lower his guard. Then without a second, a large hand made of rocks grip the demon. It was the travelers, who were taking another spell. The foul sky swirls at the demon prince seconds later, a rain of acids pours through the demon.

    The prince roars in pain from the squishing grip of the earth and the raining acid from above. It roars so heavily that it creates a big bang on its surroundings crumbling the large hand and warping the skies. Weakened for a small-time Hawk emerged in a dark form and with his mustered strength and power. Hawk plunges his arms at the demon''s chest. After doing so, he injects his goddess''s power into the demon, poisoning it.

    The blazing wings begin to extinguish, its body was now turning into black charcoal.

    "Not yet..."

    Hawk''s final attack made light at the end of the tunnel. And just as he hoped they would reach the end of the conclusion; he felt a lingering disturbance. The crack of his dimension gave a path to the lingering souls of the dead from the war and today''s battle. He tried to destroy the funneled souls going towards the demon prince but his power was now gone. His body was now disappearing and with only a few bursts of his last remaining power would end him forever.

    When a thousand souls were absorbed by the demon prince. It gave extreme energy returning to its former power and erasing Mezura''s poison. Hope was now at a loss and the Hawk''s dimension started to shatter.

    "What now, got any tricks?" Akatosh implores his partner.

    "Well... I got something just for you, and I do hope you''re ready."

    "Bring it on!"

    Agreed, the stillmage unleashes the beast within. The traveler''s body suddenly embroils, dark essence begins to surround him. And just as the Razgothor reached its ultimate power. The travelers were making another commotion when a powerful dark tornado ruptures the land. After it dissipated, there came a large and powerful shadow dragon.

    Before the battle of the behemoth, the battle at Keshoval dwindles. Through the help of Thuram, the powerful adventurers and the priestess of Endregar came to help the heroes. At this moment Chifya and Ashalain were side by side fighting the demons.

    Having exterminated all the demons, the kingdom is now facing the two servants of Razgothor. Immortals, the priestess of Endregar only manages to put a barrier so was the adventurer¡¯s guild. The only thing they could do is to find out how to end the immortal demon. But when they felt the atmosphere change, the two demons smile for their master arrives.

    And at that moment, the sky burst into chaos. The spell ''Calamity Reaper'' was diverted into the material realm. On the ground, the side of the castle ruptures, and there come two colossal beasts destroying each other.

 The Second Coming

    The prince of demons was at its peak when it absorbs all the souls of the dead. And from its now immense power, only the intervention of the gods and another powerful celestial would be the only thing that will stop the prince. However, there are also others who can excel in such dreadful cases.

    From the opposing corner lies the two travelers staggering an adversary for the prince''s current power.

    When the powerful twister cloaks their dramatic transformation. A great roar erupts through the chaotic battle. Blasting the dark twister, it reveals a large shadow dragon.

    "Need more power!"

    The now dragon form of the travelers stretches its massive wing, two times than its body. And when it does, it roars so heavily that it creates a hypersonic sound. Adding to its glorious size, Amaragnum with his dark power enhanced their transformation. And when it''s done, their form was now smoking in pure black.

    Taking the first strike, the two in dragon form daunted a dark fire towards the prince of demons. Just as they unleashed a massive fire, they charge forth rumbling the dimensions as it crumbles apart.

    Soon after the prince of demons saw the dark fire like a tsunami. And with its great power, it raises all of its four arms and bashes the ground splitting the incoming attack. When the prince disrupts the fire, right away he was met by an assault.

    From the material realm, the entire kingdom felt a great disturbance from the ground. And when the earth erupts, they saw a two massive goliath on a rampage.

    Like two lions on a duel, they didn''t hesitate to account what was surrounding them. Using its four arms, the prince of demons delivers a heavy blow at their head. While on the opposing side, filled by the past rage of the shadow dragon and theirs. They respond by biting the upper right arm of the demon and severe it with great strength. The demon roars in pain but not before they followed up with lava of flames.

    When the acolytes felt their prince in a disarray. They immediately released their energy sending it to their master.

    Seeing the calamity they created, they grab the burning prince of demons carrying their battles a bit far away. The moment they felt the regeneration of the demon, they hammer it on the forest and a sprinkle of fire breath.

    Although they divert their duel a bit far away from the kingdom. The people can view their humongous size savagely tearing each other apart.

    Left with only two arms, while the travelers in dragon form still going strong even if their horns were shattered and injured body.

    "I never thought I would use this form on another prince of demons. But this shit never gets me bored!"

    Injured and amputated Razgothor unleashes a powerful shockwave. Hurling the travelers at a great distance.

    "It''s time to end this once and for all!" Razgothor shouts creating thousand purple orbs.

    Like stars and galaxies that appear at night, it was all directed at the travelers.

    With a point of a finger, the thousand orbs fired only a hundred. And when it projects, it turns into a laser. Using its colossal hard wings, they cover themselves from the incoming attack. Testing its power, Razgothor indeed conveys a stunning blow towards the travelers in dragon form.

    Following the simultaneous attack from the demon, their dragon form was tattered and on the verge of amputation. Its left shoulder was sliced but still intact only hanging. Wings are now covered in holes and shredded flesh.

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    When the prince of demons unleashes another darkness of despair. Throughout the kingdom, those who were affected by the demon''s surging power kneels to the ground. Thanks to the thousand souls he accumulated, Razgothor was able to succumb powerful people. Even the heroes who wield the sacred weapons could barely withstand the misery. And thanks to the priestess barrier, they managed to stand their feet.

    When recovered, Roland suddenly thought of an idea. Alerting his fellow companions, they use telepathic communication to the whole people of the kingdom.

    "Everyone if we''re going to end this chaos, once and for all I need to borrow your strength."

    Humans, elves, dwarves, non-humans all of them received the hero''s appeal. Those who wish to lend their power glow in which a surge of warm light entangles their soul. And like a thousand fireflies, they then gave most of their power towards the young hero.

    Ferish who was holding the barrier smiled upon seeing the young hero brimming with intense power.

    A bit far from the enemy, Razgothor felt intimidating energy. He turns towards where it comes, to his surprise he was happier to see a sacred sword in action.

    Drawing his enormous sword, Razgothor once again draws a hundred orbs and so too fused it for collusion. The now flaming sword turns into a purple gleaming orb.

    On the other side, Roland was being pushed back by the immense power of the sword. However, with his companions and few people lingering at his location. They help him control the unstable sacred weapon.

    "Everyone braces yourself!" Roland shouts before hurling the power of Farenggar.

    When their attacks clash, right away Razgothor¡¯s orb bursts by the shear beaming strike of the sacred sword.

    Taking a direct hit, their attack gave a flashbang to their eyes. For once it dispersed, the prince of demons was injured but not the damage the travelers had delivered. The only thing it gave was a burning light mark on the prince''s body. For the demon has already amassed a thousand lives to withstood a power of a god.

    Shock the hero was dumbfounded by the gap of his power to the prince of demons. Not until...

    "It seems we''re in trouble boys," Tosh says. "It would be fun if we borrow something from those four. After all, we''re facing not one but a thousand. Don''t worry my other half, it won''t do the same thing. Since I was busy hacking through your deep system."

    "And did you prove successful?"

    "Slightly but it would be good to go wild once again... Right?"

    "I was about to bring my trump card but I would like to see this promise of yours."

    "See... even our friend is thrilled to see the second one."

    "Urgh, fine let''s just end this bastard so I can go for a drink and sleep."

    "Well, then let our phase four begin¡­ the second horse."

    Razgothor, now first draws its attention towards the dragon before rupturing the castle. Not until the travelers in dragon form rapidly regenerate. The dark flames that linger turn into a burning red flame, the sky was now painted blood red. Now the world is his and no longer at the hands of the gods.

    It spread its massive wings again and roars to the point that the world tree was shaken by its daunting clamor. The king of dragons awakens to feel the lava he dwells in isn''t reacting to his. The arc sage Azageis was now looking where the mayhem is stated. Other heroes who wield the sacred weapons are now feeling the disruption.

    Now having the fragment of the creator, they barrel like a hungry lion. Razgothor who felt fear lunged his thousand orbs, but it was now useless as the charging dragon ricochet every attack. Drawing again a massive sword for melee combat. The prince was caught off guard when the dragon''s claw shattered his sword.

    Feared overcome Razgothor that he leaps away before he would be caught. Yet before he would escape, Razgothor was overwhelmed by something. The prince of demons was locked in a duel.

    Now in mid-air, and while Razgothor was levitating. He watches the dragon flying through the clouds going for a big dive.

    "Then so be it," Razgothor says, flying to clash with his adversary.

    Beaten from their vertical collision, the prince of demons was now waiting for its permanent death. Wings are torn apart so does his four arms, an aspect of the red horse appears at the dragon''s back. A figure of a red warrior burning in blood color. The dragon was now clutching the torn body of the prince. While the figure of the red horse was holding the phantom of Razgothor.

    "Adios..."

    Like a piece of paper, they shred Razgothor in half so too was his spirit. And while they pull apart, the travelers in dragon form withers Razgothor''s body into dust.

    When done, the travelers still in the form of the dragon stood high in their victory. And when it does, the dragon roars once again staging its power.

 A Bid Farewell

    When the travelers in dragon form had end chaos through chaos. The red sky slowly takes its spring shape. The rumbling thunder and chaos would fade away just as the sky clears.

    There the dragon last looks at the castle and with an intimidating stare, the residents of the castle quickly ready their stance. Even so, their feet were trembling, their eyes couldn''t blink. Keeping vigilant the young hero tries to suppress his emotion, his companions however could see him in disarray.

    Once giving them a good fright, the dragon looks up through the sky, and there it steadily dissolves down into a cloud of dark smoke.

    Returning to their original form, Akatosh felt his body was heavy. He kneels to catch his breath only to be greeted by the thousands of souls facing him.

    Facing a standoff, and with one final minute of gazing Akatosh. They nod at him and slowly part their way to the afterlife.

    Sigh* "Guess I''ll go for a drink after this." Akatosh said and for half an hour his guild''s ring brightens. Sigh* "What is it this time."

    "Over here." Hawk calls when Akatosh was teleported.

    When arrived, the place was different. Displaced in a new territory, where the place is much cozier.

    "I''m here." He says, while still kneeling.

    Akatosh waited for Hawk to show himself, and to his eyes met an old man who''s in his eighties. What''s more, his torsos and other parts of his body were transparent to tell he was like a ghost.

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    "What happened to you?"

    Hawk smiled. "I''ve used up all of my life force on our battle with the prince. Let''s just say I''m the fourth artifact that weaves time for a short period."

    "I see... And the other three?"

    "Gone, that last attack from me was from the fusion of the three artifacts, including me."

    "Ah... so what will you do now?" Akatosh responds in a soft voice.

    Hawk smiles again and spoke. "A drink would be welcome, but we''re far from the tavern."

    Akatosh smiles and silently scans his inventory. "The king of Thuram gave me this seventy-year-old dwarven wine. I believe it''s good for both of us." He replies and crawls to pluck the leaves that are shaped in a bowl.

    "A toast."

    They share one bottle of dwarven wine and at the same time, Hawk asks Akatosh his real identity. Akatosh smiles but with sadness when he notices Hawk''s body slowly dies. Without hesitation, he tells his story, his past, the creator, meeting with Amaragnum, his ransack on the sea queen. And through most of all, the affliction he gains from the war and his tragic travels.

    "I see..." Hawk replies before dinking half of his share. "I''m really glad that I''ve met you, for without you... I am merely an empty soul walking in this land... But it seems I''ll be sleeping for a while, forgive this old man for our short toast."

    "Truth to be told, you''re the one who drank most of our wine. And you haven''t told me how to handle those women that I''m talking about."

    Hawk chortle in a very old tone before saying a word. "May your travels deliver you to what you seek. And thank you my friends..." Hawk said before he takes his last breath while still holding his half-filled drink.

    Body and soul, Hawk''s body would gradually disintegrate like a firefly. And before Hawk''s drinking bowl lost balance, Akatosh moved it on the ground as he watches his partner vanish. Silent once gone, he carefully places the dwarven ale right beside his partner''s bowl.

    Once he recovers a small portion of his injuries and paralyzed muscle. Akatosh left the place silent as the passing wind. Ending a second book...

 One Final Request

    They left the place in silent, as they teleport at Ravalind to have a final sight before going to where Amaragnum spoke. When they arrive, Akatosh brought out his guild''s ring... A now broken ring.

    Sigh* "Fuck..."

    He goes to check the Fox''s Inn, only to see a destroyed tavern burned into charcoal.

    Sigh* "I hate this... I need a drink."

    He stood like a statue contemplating the sudden outcome. The guild he was apart from was now gone, the place where he learned all kinds of rouge skill is now but a burned rubble and the people, he made friends with... faded. Unsure if there are other survivors from his guild, but he wasn''t very much interested in rebuilding their guild. For he already had enough, the sentiment he gain is enough to distort his soul. He was a human nonetheless.

    He looks around the town only to see injured soldiers and adventurers were being treated. He ignores the moaning pain and looks for an open tavern, in the end, he wasn''t able to find a single inn or tavern available.

    By odds, he came across a shop he didn''t see for a long time.

    "Welcome--" Linda discontinues, she was a little bit off seeing Akatosh.

    "Hi... Um, is your father here?"

    Linda tilts her head; she was a bit off to the new face of Akatosh.

    "He''s at the back working... Are you okay, your face seems stale I could offer you a bed to sleep while you wait for him."

    "Ah... I-I um... I was hoping if he could offer a... Drink?"

    Linda''s face was in disbelief upon hearing Akatosh''s mumbling reason.

    "Really?"

    "Ugh... yeah... Well, I-I... I have some coins if you want." He implores scratching his head unable to gaze at the little girl.

    "A drink you said?" Linda twitches her eyes.

    "Um... Yeah."

    "That would be two silver coins."

    "Ugh... okay."

    Linda went around the back of the shop desk and in her return were two mugs of water.

    "Ugh..."

    "You said a drink, right?"

    "Yes but--"

    "But you never specified it."

    Tired and unable to withstand a long conversion, he gulps every drop of the mug. Saying his gratefulness and as he was about to leave, Barry then shows up.

    "Oh... Haven''t seen you around for a long time, what brings you here?"

    "Ugh... A drink..." Just as he implores, he saw Linda staring at them with a disappointed face.

    "Well, your face does really need a taste of ale. I could offer you some two to three bottles... how ''bout that?"

    "Gladly..."

    Linda sigh and went on mounting the shop.

    "So, why the long face."

    "I had a lot of fed-up intensity, that''s why I need a drink."

    Barry sighed, and without a warning, he puts his index fingers on his chest revealing why. The sudden touch of his fingers quickly divulges Akatosh''s inner emotions and past. When he enters his soul, he felt distorted. What he saw was a fucked-up soul filled with nothing but misery and guilt. That was then he initially removed his fingers.

    "What... are you doing?" Akatosh said, rum by Barry''s action.

    "Nothing... I was just checking your heart."

    "Oh... If serves, do you have a stock of ale? If you have some five or more, I would like to buy some."

    Giving him only seven of his ale, Akatosh exits the shop.

    "What a weird guy... Coming here in search of an ale."

    "What else for a man with poor soul, all alone taking the burdens and remorse by himself."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Nothing, the world is full of mysteries." Barry implores, retrieving back to his forge.

    "You''re both weird."

    Once he left the shop, dizziness struck Akatosh, and with no inns available he goes to his friends'' shelter. And since they were busy fixing the capital and healing the wounded. The traveler had no choice but to apply his lockpicking skill.

    Choosing Chifya''s room, he first drinks one ale before reuniting with the bed. An hour later, his slumber was interrupted by the high alcohol substance in his stomach and an argument just outside of the house.

    "Will you stop following me!" Chifya shouts.

    "I won''t, not until I see her."

    "And why is that?!"

    "Because I wanted to help her!"

    "And why should I trust you lady Ashalain?"

    "That''s not the issue here Chifya!"

    Right before the situation escalated, Sheila and her friends didn''t know what to do. Until however... a loud bang opens the window and came Akatosh.

    "WILL YOU BOTH SHUT THE FUCK UP! I''M TRYING TO SLEEP HERE! IF YOU TWO WANT TO CONTINUE BITCHING AROUND, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. AND--" Akatosh discontinues when his stomach ejects from the high alcoholic level. "Ughhhhh... Fuuuuuuk...."

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    After emptying his stomach, he slowly pulls away just as he leisurely closes the window. Seconds of bedcovering, he heard nimble footsteps climbing up the stairs. When stop, a loud bang opens the door, and there came Chifya who''s in furious mode.

    "Where have you been! I''ve been looking all over for you!"

    "Mhm..." Groans Akatosh

    "People are dying and you have the audacity to get drunk at a time like this. Don''t you have any shame sleeping here and to yourself!"

    Sapped to make a conversation or argument, Akatosh pulls himself as he pulls out a small pouch of gold coin. For he saw it as a mere argument of an irritated child who knows nothing.

    "Sorry..." Akatosh implores giving Sei the pouch of coin. Silent as they are, he saw Ashalain''s eyes were filled with disappointment and cold stare eyes.

    "Now where will I sleep comfortably." Akatosh implores flipping his guild ring. That''s when a mysterious man blocks his path.

    "Master Akatosh..."

    "Uh... yeah?"

    "Ariendal De Shilvia gave me this letter to you and... about our headmaster..."

    Sigh* "Master Hawk left this world after his last battle with a prince of demons."

    "Then-then..." He says, holding back his sorrow.

    "Don''t worry, he parted peacefully and a hero. By the way are there more of you who survive the onslaught?"

    "Only a few, but the guild is no more... Are you our new--"

    "No, sorry but I''m not chosen nor it''s my destiny to become one. The goddess Mezura might give you light. Who knows she might chooses you."

    "I understand... then I''ll be on my way."

    "Oh, wait... do you know an open tavern or inn to sleep in?"

    "I do know one tavern although it might be expensive."

    "Lead the way."

    Sometime later¡­

    "Godspeed master Akatosh." The man says after leading the traveler to an exquisite inn.

    "Same goes to you." He replies after taking one expensive room to sleep in.

    Two days pass, Akatosh decides to finally open the letter after his sweet slumber.

    "What is this? An invitation at the king''s banquet... tonight? And a private meeting from Ariendal... An importation discussion? Hmm... well why not I do hope for extravagant food..." Sigh* "Guess a bath might be good."

    Using the letter as his passage ticket, he was then teleported to the capital.

    To his surprise, he saw the past destruction from their battles was at seventy percent finish.

    "Hmm... might be magic. But what the heck I''m starving."

    Wearing a mantle that fits his earthly clothes, he was stopped by the guards from entering the royal''s banquet mansion. Even with the letter, the guards were hesitant to let him enter.

    After his hard passage, Akatosh was met by the clamorous party by the king. Aristocrats in their flamboyant dress, the music that filled the atmosphere, and the most important part from him were the food served at the table.

    Unexpectedly he saw Ashalain in a beautiful dress surrounded by suitors. Even Chifya was there being wooed by either high-rank adventurers or some lords. Also, he notices Freia, who was happily smiling while she chats with some royals and nobles. All of these were due to his impeccable observation.

    And while walking he could hear the aristocrats applauding a hero named Roland and the priestess of Endregar.

    Not wanting to make an opera, he goes out filling his plate. Which was eventually seen by Ashalain, since he had the most different clothes. Uninterested of the banquet¡¯s atmosphere, he goes out to check the balcony. And with luck, he found an empty one waiting for Ariendal to have one last conversation before doing his partner¡¯s ambition.

    Exactly at his feeding time, he heard a footstep, and to his eyes was Freia.

    "What do you want?" Akatosh implores in a still tone.

    "I''m surprised to see you here."

    "If you want me to be kicked out from this party, I would like to take this food with me."

    "That''s-that''s not what I came here for. I came here to show you my gratitude for what you''ve done to this kingdom."

    "Please, I''m no more than a murderer. I''m quite surprised, how did those nobles and royals you were smiling at, feel the death of a thousand. Look at them with their esteemed nobility. I once saw them, trembling before the war, running their asses to sanctuary. And now return as they pride themselves the victor... Fucking shitheads. And do hope your arrogance and immature might have learned from what happened to this place."

    Freia who was hit by his words couldn''t utter a reply.

    "Princess Freia..." Ashalain suddenly calls. "I would like to speak with that man." She continues with a bit of malice on her face, not for the princess but the man who¡¯s gluttonously eating.

    "Lady Ashalain..."

    "Your father, the king is looking for you. You should appear at his proclamation."

    Freia nods, but she wasn''t completely swayed by Ashalain¡¯s words. Instead, she secretly conceals at the back of the door, listening to their conversation.

    "Why are you here?" Ashalain implores in an ice tone.

    "Why do you care?"

    "Well, I''m asking someone who drinks every day while his surroundings are keeping him safe. And a thief at that."

    "Hmm..." Akatosh sighed with an indifferent face. Taking out Ariendal¡¯s letter he pulls his magic pen and wrote at the back of the paper while saying his message. "Sorry, it seems I won''t be attending your conference."

    "I believe you should give this to your father."

    "You really are an unscrupulous man, making a forged letter just to enter a banquet--"

    Before Ashalain would continue her words, Akatosh silently walk past her ignoring her call. He passes the letters to a butler and when Ashalain saw him. She rushes to the butler and seizes the letter. Once she had it in her hands, Ashalain returns it to Akatosh.

    After silently taking the letter, Akatosh exits the mansion without remorse and with him the plates of food. However, when he was outside and was about to leave. Ariendal came out in his chariot.

    "Master Akatosh, why are you leaving?"

    "Well, it seems people aren''t very much welcoming to my presence." He implores while eating. "And about your discussion, it would best to hear it here now and clear. I have a busy schedule to meet."

    "Not here."

    Leading back to the mansion, and with Ariendal''s presence. And with privilege, they easily gain access. Keeping out from other nobles, Ariendal requested a private balcony for them to finished their discussion. And since they''re on the other side of the banquet, certain people would hear them but with the debauchery going on they have fewer things to worry about.

    Clear to their particular chat, the two didn''t realize that Chifya, Ashalain, and even Freia noticed their evasive affiliation towards the banquet. They aren''t aware that they are being overheard by the three of them. Ariendal on the other hand did notice their presence, but he only smiles and lead Akatosh to their private meeting.

    "I heard what happen to Master Hawk. But I was more curious to what transpired the appearance of demons in this kingdom."

    "Hmm..."

    "To be fair... I wanted to know if you really are the dragon who appears."

    "Me a dragon please, I''m no more than an ordinary man--" He paused when Ariendal shows him the truth-seeking orb revealing that he was lying. "Oh..."

    "Ordinary man eh... but this thing here says you are lying."

    "Might be broken."

    "Well, I did give you my ring when we first met... did I?"

    "Ugh... no," Akatosh replies but was corrected by the truth-seeking orb. "Fine... I''ll tell you the truth--" Akatosh continues telling Ariendal what truly happens.

    As the traveler spoke his stories, the truth-seeking orb didn''t hint a lie. Akatosh however didn''t care if they believe his stories or not. He was more focused to end their meeting so he can go on his travels.

    "Well, before Master Hawk departs. He offers me something from you and me." Ariendal implores showing him two tiny boxes.

    "What''s this?"

    "It''s much just like what you hold... a bag of holding. These however are very limited. And it''s Master Hawk''s final request to me since he already perceived the aftermath of the war."

    "So... what''s inside the box."

    "You''ll soon know, for he entrusts those things to you."

    "Is it money... or some artifacts maybe?"

    Ariendal smiles, "It''s getting late and we should enjoy the king''s banquet don''t you agree?"

    "Do apologize, I would like to turn down your offer. I have more things to do. Oh, and what becomes of the guild."

    "They are serving for me at a time being. They really did give the largest contribution to this kingdom. However¡­ they need someone such as you."

    "Hmm... like I said to master Hawk, I''m not suited to be such as him. But I''m still a part of, so if you need some complicated situations... call me."

    When they exit the balcony, they were met with three beautiful ladies. And the faces they showed towards Akatosh changes when they heard the truth. The tables had turned, the once aggressive Chifya and Ashalain were now silent and self-conscious to look at his face.

    Ariendal greets princess Freia, as for the traveler. He ignores their action and went straight to the exit.

    Wanting to make amends, the two chase after him. But once they were outside, no matter how much they tried to call him. Akatosh didn¡¯t take notice of their action for he was slowly teleported away from the place.

 114: No Title

    Once again, a new road welcomes the trio for either a devious plot to fulfill or another unexpected scenario they will provoke. But as of now, the battleground they left after sending the prince of demons to the astral plane or its ending existence. Where it can only mingle like a worm, a magot who crawls at the endless land of darkness and silence.

    There... famous and powerful heroes, adventurers, wizards, and ancient beings are gathered to scrutinize the chaos that erupted. One of these people was Azageis, the great Archsage, the myth, the legend. The one that can toe to toe with Amaragnum. Fraindul, the present dragon king, king of fire. Even Izura the sea queen was there overlooking the aftermath of the battle.

    Disguised in human form, Fraindul was walking the destroyed curtain walls and towers. The dragon king stopped when his surroundings changed. Displaced in another dimension, Fraindul didn''t flinch but was waiting for the person who cast it.

    "It''s nice meeting the dragon king once in a while."

    "Ahh... Fine greetings for a fellow whom I didn''t hear for a long time." Fraindul implores not bothered to look at the man standing by his side.

    "All those years... and you haven''t changed a bit."

    "Same goes for you... for an old man who wanders the continent with the appearance. Never changing, still always the same after that incident."

    Truth indeed, the appearance he was that day is still the same. Matching that of a great archsage, layered by a blue robe tingling with great magical essence that only influential people can detect. Through his right side was a floating ordinary staff that rivals that of artifacts given by the gods. To his waist was a belt pouch, a bag of holding similar to what the traveler''s holding. Another that added to his collection was his very own grimoire, an age of knowledge intact throughout his travels.

    "Hoho... I wonder why such a great dragon visits such this place?"

    "Same goes for you."

    "I''m just merely passing by from my travels."

    "Mm... I felt it, I felt the land being taken away. You did sense what I have did you not? A world being devoured."

    Fracturing the dimension, Azageis''s appearance changes from an old sage to a middle-aged merchant.

    "The wind has changed, but I wonder about the things from up above," Azageis said, stopping to contemplate the clear sky.

    Fraindul too stops his steps and does what the archsage is doing. As again they return to what they''re doing, camouflaging with the few people.

    A familiar voice rings in their ears, it was Roland and Ferish who were busy treating the wounded.

    "It''s been a pleasure meeting you, but I have other things to do. I''d seen enough of this place."

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    "Well, should it be good to greet a descendant of your former student?"

    Fraindul stops his track but quickly goes to his own business.

    Being the current hotspot place for powerful people, the king once again hosts another banquet. Welcoming famous people, that was magnetized by their past situation. The king''s daughter was tired of the aristocrats'' festivity. Instead, she disguised herself and went for a roam, just as Freia maunder through the kingdom. She came to realize her senses, the harsh reality of a social scale. She saw her people eating a bowl of a peasant meal, while their kings and aristocrats enjoy a feastful meal.

    "Is that you princess Freia?" A person called, a woman.

    Freia turns around and saw Sheena, who was wearing a cloak masking her appearance.

    After a long harsh day, the kingdom that became a battleground slowly recovers. Through the help of the dwarven kingdom, the land of the merchants. The kingdom of Ravalind and its neighboring kingdom... peace was restored, but for how long.

    While on the track and investigation, Azageis were gathering the young heroes. Assembling and merging their information to come up with a conclusion. There they tell their own experience for the archsage to come up with a verdict.

    After their extensive story, Azageis brushes his long white beard and instruct the young heroes on a heading. With his words finished, the archsage turns to the other people, people who are related to the young hero Roland. They are the ones who hold the other sacred weapons. As for the other influential people they go for their own ways of gaining different types of information. The reason for the sea queen''s visit was the rumors of the one who robbed and left a mark on her reputation. Akatosh''s mark burns deeply in her scar, not only does he smudge her reputation as one of the most feared and influential people. He had taken something from her, a priceless item or perhaps a lover''s token.

    As the heroes and powerful people were seeking the occurrence of such a disaster the travelers were going for other shenanigans.

    "Alther?... Just what do you want with the world tree?"

    "I''m just retrieving a token of gratitude."

    "Oh?" Akatosh sighed uninterested in his partner''s objective, but what''s more interested in the other races. And so, he asks...

    "Bah, there''s no difference between elves, humans, dwarfs, monsters you name it even gods. Well but if you want some enlightenment, I have a thing or two for that."

    "Fine then do tell me about the elven races, the place we''re going."

    "Well get your dried meat and drinks for we have a long journey ahead of ourselves. Now first things first, the elves have many species. The wood elves that inhabit the deep and large forests of the continents. who are mostly neutral... I think. The high elves live where the world tree is. The ones that pride themselves as the highest form of beings... *sigh* shit people. As for their cousins or their hated kindred, two moon elves live in the dark forest where only the moon''s light penetrates. Who mostly aren''t very evil... or let''s just call it less chaotic or more neutral same with the wood elves. And for the most chaotic of them all are the drows, or the so-called dark elves. But what the heck they''re all the same as the humans."

    "Oh... if so, do tell me why?"

    "Huhu... Well, to sum it up I have lived long to know a little about their relationship with each other. And you know why they hate each other?"

    "Let me guess... money and power?"

    The stillmage stops for a while unknown if he''s amused or stupefied.

    "It was all about their gods and goddesses, unlike humans who wage war for land, power, hate, you name it. The elves butcher each other because of their gods and goddesses. I don''t know much about their history but one thing that starts their war was the fight of their gods."

    As the travelers progresses along the road, the night takes its turn. Luckily, he was able to find an old temple ruins to shade them from the night or the coming rain. After building a fire, Amaragnum resumes his history class.

    "Where was I... ahh the gods and elves. As you know my barbaric and uneducated students..."

 The Paradox of a Goddess

    "Back in time, the pantheon gods that were tasked to watch over the races of elves were in chaos. So were their believers, hate, and grudges they butcher each other''s life not even a sentiment of life was spared to them, especially the dark elves who didn''t consider even if their enemies were at an extinction." Amaragnum implores as Akatosh began to make a campfire for the night.

    "So what''s the reason for their festival of killing," Akatosh said while preparing his provisions for a long history lesson.

    "Well, as you know in the past the pantheon gods of the elves didn''t have any watcher or a higher god that keeps the balance between those nut gods and their worshipers. Not until the first crown war erupted. And one interesting event was when Althiranii the goddess of loath, hatred, darkness, and assassins. One of the goddesses that rules the dark elves began to expand her dominion over her kin. And so, she set her plot--"

    "Wait-wait-wait... I thought Mezura was the one that holds that title about assassins and stuff." Akatosh interrupts.

    *Sigh* "The gods are many, diverse, and classified into different dimensions. The endless abyss that goes down without end is filled with demons and ruled by the abyssal gods or the oblivion gods. Then there''s the nether world or the nine realms of hell ruled by deedric prince or the ''nine lords'' you call it. It''s where the devils are, as for their counterpart the ether plane the place where neutral and other righteousness gods belong. As for the astral plane, that is nothing more but a no-god''s land. That''s the place where even the most powerful gods are afraid to walk. But some say it''s where that one god resides."

    "Tell me more about that one god." Akatosh suddenly blurts once hearing the last part.

    "Well, I don''t know much about that place nor that rumored god. All I know is a place where the hidden god lives, it had no name nor description. But for me, it''s only just a fairy tale."

    "Mm-hmm... if that''s a fantasy then where did that story get its life from. "

    "You want me to believe that?"

    "I don''t know... well as the saying goes, when there''s smoke, there''s fire."

    "Ugh... believe it or not, that might be true or, we''re being led to believe a madman''s ideology. And what got you work up to be interested in that rumored god?"

    "Nothing... Just continue about the elves."

    "Fine then... Now-- As gods, there are some rules and laws to follow, it''s an absurd thing as a god."

    "Mm-hmm... I have to agree with the absurd thing about the gods. Think about it if there''s no order all the gods would slaughter each other. Not only themselves but involving their worshipers, dominions, and by the end, this world would be nothing but ash, no thrill, no adventure, no nothing."

    "You got a point, as I was saying Althiranii knows getting involved in the material world would involve the gods from every realm. But evidently, she manages to find a loophole, it was by fragmenting herself in two. One was to stay in her realm, while the other was to walk among the mortals. This was so successful that her other half wasn''t detected by the other gods. The downside is, her other half can be killed or even get absorbed. To avoid suspicion Althiranii had to start from scratch. And what better way than to start with bloodshed, earning merit from every fight not only from the drows but also from the surface. Yet before she would go for the throne of the Underdark, Althiranii had to bid her time through exploring the surface. While walking with different races she had to avoid powerful people especially the ones that are close to their gods or her rivals. And of course, she was the one who cause the death of two abyssal gods."

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    "Damn."

    "Surprising isn''t it, but that''s nothing compared to what I did about ending the former dragon king, the collapse of the two deedric gods and three abysmal gods. But that would be another story to tell."

    "You and your pride and your ego... But It would be interesting to hear that."

    "You should, anyway-- How Althiranii achieves such a feat, was because of a godslayer whom she molded. A young adventurer, a diamond in the rough, whom Althiranii saw something in him the day they met. After shaping, training, and giving him knowledge beyond mortals'' comprehension. She then eluded the man to kill her two former rivals or so the story was. The other version says Althiranii absorbed them making her on par with her other self."

    "Would that make her other part taxing?"

    "Who knows if she did, she assimilated her other half before absorbing the two gods. But there''s more to parting oneself that we didn''t know."

    "But did you ever try it?" Akatosh asked in amusement.

    "Have you ever tried fighting your other part just because he wants to have a new life unchained by you? And yes, I did, which ended with me brutally taking him back. Now, back to the topic... After the killing of the two gods, Althiranii wanted to use him more. Since she only saw him as a weapon, by the end she was conceived with that godslayer. And by the time Althiranii was pregnant, the godslayer was investigating her wife''s puzzling life. So he seeks help for that all-knowing god, the neutral one who''s but under that overgod. Following the godslayer''s uncovering he took away their children right after Althiranii gave birth. And you already know what happen, overcome with anger she went looking for her spouse. But no matter where she looks, the godslayer was nowhere to be seen. Frustrated, she storms the Underdark brutally eradicating the queens and waging war with other houses. There she wages war against herself the war known as the Paradox war, not only herself but her other sisters. Nevertheless, thereafter the drow war they turn towards their most hated cousins thus sparking another elven war, The War of the High tree. Under the leadership of Althiranii, they turn the border war into an all-out war. Alas, that''s when the godslayer returned aided by other gods, he was offered a powerful weapon called the Devourer. A weapon against the gods, crafted at the bottomless pit in the abyss. But was seized after the war of the three realms. However, as you know... love... the godslayer turns down their offer and chooses another path which is sealing both himself and Althiranii. It''s called imprisonment, where you''ll get sent to an unconnected dimension. But there''s a way to free you with a spell. The downside is you''ll either die or be trap with it. Considering the godslayer''s knowledge and experience, the way he did it is beyond understanding. Evidently, he succeeded where others thought he couldn''t."

    "Care to enlighten me with the last part?"

    "Ugh... To end the war, the godslayer stabbed Althiranii turning them into stone and together they withered right in front of his companions. Hundreds tried to undo the spell, but all was naught. If you want the full details, there''s a book that I forgot but we can find it at the ''stairs of the endless shelves''."

    "So, what happens to their children?"

    "I don''t know." Amaragnum lied, "Like I said you''ll have your answer when the time comes. Anyway, we got a long day ahead of ourselves." He continues, just as they stare at the world tree a magnificent creation.

 116: No Title

    Staying near the crackling sound of their bonfire, Akatosh couldn''t resist his curiosity. And with a direct point to his partner, he asks.

    "Hey boss, could you tell me some cataclysmic event that happen in this world."

    "What for?"

    "Well, the night is still young. And I''m curious, what happens when a god is killed or a demon lord is overthrown."

    "Fine after this, I''m going to for a fish. When a god is either killed or absorbed at the hands of a rival god or mortal. The vanquisher shall take his place or we called it ''portfolio''. If you can''t understand it then let me explain, example is if you are the god of magic and I''m the god of destruction. Assuming that I killed you, choices are to take your place or let the other gods decide to either resurrect you or replace you as a new god of magic. Since the physical appearance of the gods is nothing more than a vessel. However, if I take your throne, I will have control over your realm, your power adding me as the god of magic, making me the god of magic and destruction. The downside is, I must take your duties as the new god of magic. In short, the more gods to kill, the more powers to take, and the more realms to conquer. But most importantly more additional jobs to manage. Also taking many gods would lead to madness and death. I know for a fact since there was a god who tried collecting as many portfolios as he can but subsequently succumbed to insanity, discord you name it."

    "What happens if you don''t carry out the task of the past god?"

    "Chaos erupts if I take over the god of magic and didn''t keep the duties of being the new god of magic. Magic wouldn''t work, or become unstable. Just like what happen to that goddess who didn''t do her duties because of some fucking love affair. No matter, I gave her a dose of her medicine. As regards the abysmal and nether gods with their lesser deities are just complicated. The same goes for the Aether realm, still and all I''ll have to go for fishing. I need to amass quantities of fire for our next journey."

    As regards, the stillmage reinstatement to his place, and Akatosh dabbles with his inventory. Studying every item and at the same time inquiring about Amaragnum''s book. The night went on for the restless travelers as they prepare themselves for a new place to venture.

    Whilst the travelers are on the road Azageis in a blink of an eye emerges at the cave where Amaragnum was once imprisoned. A single tap of his staff brought him deeper into the cave it was there he already knew what had happened. A drift through to a realm he where, the place where Amaragnum was imprisoned in dimension but what baffles him was how exactly his old rival escaped.

    Seconds after elevating the place, he turns around walking towards the darkness, and soon there was silent. The archsage returns to the young heroes, conveying their next journey.

    "The world tree?!" Implores Liza in a stuttering voice, "do apology archsage Azageis but-- I think we''re not fitted to--"

    Before she could continue her words in a distraught way, a hand grabs her palm. And from there was her partner smiling with encouragement and faith.

    "I don''t know your connection with the world tree but no matter how dire the situation is, I am-- no, we''re here for you," Roland said just as his companions did the same way the young hero gave an impact to his elven partner.

    A moment of relief sends a smile on the archsage, which Azageis brings a smile. "Well then... it seems my apprehension is still conventional as for a parting gift here take this," Azageis says giving the party a very peculiar gem the size of a tennis ball.

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    "A rift stone!" Riza exclaimed in disbelief intently looking at the rift stone that glimmers in different colors spinning sometimes violently and sometimes calmly. However, her excitement would soon follow in disappointment. "Do forgive me for imploring this still, even if we have such a powerful item in our pocket. It would only be useless to the ones who aren''t keen nor proficient in using a such prominent relic."

    Stroking his beard Azageis then said, "Well, but that doesn''t mean I''m the only one who can use its potential. knowledge, skill, mastery doesn''t come to those who turn away from it, for it welcomes to those who challenge it." After his words, Azageis felt something in the air which distorts their conversation. "Do apologize young ones for our short meeting, I have something to do." He continues magically giving the party a scroll not sealed but tied through a strand. "This will give you all access to the kingdom of Alther"

    Just as Azageis exists for his private meeting with the young heroes, he was met by the sea queen.

    Before saying a word, Izura bowed in respect which her two companions followed. "Pardon our frightful intrusion archsage Azageis. I''d overheard your conference, and it enthralls me why our great archsage sends the young heroes to Alther rather than an esteemed one."

    "It seems formalities aren''t my good choices, and oh-- I''m just helping the youngsters on their journey. Well, do excuse me madam Izura but I have an attendance to make." Azageis calmly implores and with a step passing Izura, the archsage suddenly vanished.

    "What now my queen," one of Izura''s servants said.

    *Sigh* "I want you to follow the young heroes and send reports even if the slightest situation occurs. If ever the chances of slight information about archsage Azageis send it to me, even if it''s a mere rumor."

    "As you wish my lady."

    The rapture''s outbreak drew powerful and influential people. Like irons drawn to one magnet inquisitive, questioning not only to themselves but to their gods. And through the aftermath, a great banquet was prepared for the people who came to visit.

    While the influential people do their things, Chifya was in isolation meditating in front of an ancient tree. Through the teaching of the druids, she was able to do astral projection. Parting from her physical body, Chifya in astral form faces the tree. And the world she where was like water reflecting the material world.

    A slight touch and movement cause the world to sway, but after a short second, it quickly returns to its original form. Chifya smiles and begins stretching her arms toward the tree trunk. The moment she touched its bark, she was hoovering to a different plane. A realm of strings connected to one orb-like sun. And like a moth drawn to a fire, she floats closer, and there she felt a call, not a voice but a sensation.

    Chifya felt a question as to why she came to this plane. To her, she responds in her honest answer, "To find a certain man, a man whom I''d share with."

    In its response, is ''why'' which Chifya quickly responds in an outburst. Reasoning to retrieve once what was lost to her, to demand an answer, to give him a good beating yet all her answers didn''t pass. All she could receive was ''why''.

    Frustrated, she musters as many reasons as she can, bringing the man to justice. Until she came tired and spoke her last response.

    "I don''t know" Chifya despondently said, "I don''t know, I''m lost... I-I-- he was right. I''m lost-- like that of a caged bird who''s set freed but neglected by the vast world. All it could do was follow the one who freed her from her cage."

    Moments after her assessment, a wave of light erupts from the orb sending her back to her physical form along with a gained ability.

    Placing her palm on the tree, her visions suddenly scattered all around the world, overloading her senses and forcing her to end the spell.

    Drained and tired she tries again three more times until she falls to her knees. Unknown to her, Chifya''s eyes were crying in blood so was her nose oozing in blood. But her persistence came up with another way, and that was to finalize their past unfinished matrimony.

    Having her energy drained but her will standing strong, she mustered up her last remaining strength to do one last strive. Kneeling calmly even when her eyes and nose are oozing blood. And when she stabilized her body, the mark on her chest symbolizes the wedlock between her and Akatosh hue in moonlight so too when she opens her eyes.

    Without wasting another second, she quickly reiterates and when she does, her vision led her to the person she was seeking. Beyond the clusters of trees, there she saw Akatosh lying beside a log, resting clutching, and embarrassing an unsheathe kriegsmesser. To his front was a dying bonfire a little no less to warm him. When suddenly her vision flew her to the world tree.

    Consuming only seconds, Chifya was knockback one meter away from the tree paralyzing her and consuming all her energy. But before the blurry vision close, she notices a person in armor jogging towards her. Unable to move a muscle, all she could do is watch the person picking her up till unconscious claimed her.

 Jaws of Karangax

    After extensive studying and no one to chat with, Akatosh felt his armor the one he bought and upgraded from Barry, couldn''t sustain him from the decreasing temperature. Knowing the fire couldn''t keep him warm for the time being. Pausing his studies, he brought out a scarf and a blanket adding warmth from the cold night. And for safety features, Akatosh unsheathed his kriegsmesser gripping the handle and embracing the blade, and with only a minute to pass sleep welcomes him.

    Following an hour of his slumber, Akatosh awoke but was in a world of darkness. Before he could fathom the situation a sharp pain like a burning needle stabbed to where Chifya gave him the mark. Without giving him the time to scream out the pain, he suddenly stood in front of his physical form. There he felt something, he felt the trees that surrounded him were watching him.

    Keeping his composure while he stares through the forest, out of sudden a large single eye opens gazing at him eye to eye.

    Only sixty seconds of pure eying, Akatosh arouses in a bitter way to which he stares through the tree just as he did in his dream or so he thought it was a dream. Quickly moving up his feet, he then starts slashing the trees hoping to trigger what lurks beneath. Just when he''s about to swing for the fortieth time, he then realizes...

    "What the heck am I doing. Stupid!" He implores returning to his campfire.

    While feeding the fire, his mind is in an argument about whether to continue his sleep or resume his studies.

    "Fuck it!" He exclaimed returning his position and bringing out the sleeping potion but when he brought it out, all he could do was stare at it. Stepping to another conclusion, to stay awake or risk being mauled while sleeping.

    "Whelp... I haven''t got any good sleep these past few days. But what the hell I''m in for a surprise." He continues taking a sip of the potion slowly sending him back to his sleep diving for a risk.

    Five hours later early in the morning--

    "WAKE UP YOU BASTARD!!" The stillmage shouts, "WE GOT A FUCK UP PROBLEM!!"

    "Urgh..." Akatosh groaned too lazy to heed his partner''s morning thunder. "Can we wait until morning arrives..." He implores curling up to resume his slumber.

    Taking no hesitation Amaragnum dives in, possessing Akatosh, and begins prepping their things.

    "What''s your problem grandpa, can you at least tell me why you got a hot pepper on your ass?"

    "Karangax evil god shit of the dead sniff us out and--" Just when they finished packing their belongings, time suddenly stops, and there came two powerful servants of Karangax. "Shiiiit-- we''re in a dimensional hold."

    It was an unlikely dimension they encounter where it mirrors the real world. But what shows is a freezing time trap, the leaves that would fall from the ground stay frozen in the air. The dying campfire wouldn''t dance or budge for all was at rest. And when Akatosh tries to touch nor disrupt the frozen things, his hand merely passthrough.

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    Taking only ten seconds, two liches came out from the darkness. A dried-up flesh but blurry to see, wrapped in a dark smoky fire that clothes them. But the most riveting from the two was a split balancer they''re holding from the left carries what''s made of flesh, while the other holds a spirit one.

    "Why does it have to be those two." Amaragnum timidly implores trembling in fear and despair.

    "So, what now?" Replies Akatosh who felt his partner''s dread emanating through his senses.

    The two liches stood still as they deadlock their eyes towards the two in one, judging them. Amaragnum tries to conjure his magic only to no avail.

    Frozen in time they wait for what''s to come, interestingly the two servants of Karangax didn''t emit any assailants from the travelers.

    "He who carries..." The lich says holding the flesh balancer--

    "He who weights..." Continues the one that holds the spirit balancer

    "He who judges--" Both simultaneously implore before fading away.

    Following their departure, the world returns in motion still the travelers are left in concussion. From there Akatosh for the third time saw the great Amaragnum, an ancient of wisdom and knowledge, powerful like a god but now trembling like a cowering dog. Seconds pass their instincts and adrenaline kick in, sending them running away from the bonfire.

    After their fleet of fear, and nearly running two miles to who knows what direction to follow. Then without a warning, Akatosh''s left leg sprained, leaving him stumbling down.

    "MY foot!" Akatosh groans looking for a position hoping to ease the pain. "Fuck my foot!" He screams followed by watery eyes.

    "QUIT YOUR WHINING BITCH!" Amaragnum anxiously shouts at his partner. And like always, the stillmage hurriedly concentrating some of his energy helping in reinforced his partner''s injury. "NOW FUCKING RUN!"

    Just as Akatosh would resume their track a hound dashes out from the trees going for a pounce.

    The hound''s assault was as swift as a tiger but not as fast from the combination and refined reflexes of the travelers. The enemy Akatosh face is new to his bestiary. It was putrid, and rotten where some of its body parts are decaying and wrapped in greyish smoke it was like an undead wolf burning in grey flames. And with its crystal blue eyes the hound lashes for another attack. But Akatosh retort back and with the use of his sharp weapon, the hound was decapitated. It didn''t end there when the hound''s head still thrashing going to attack Akatosh''s feet. There the travelers¡¯ resort to chopping the whole hound. The end, however, with its sickening smell curses Akatosh''s stomach forcing him to vomit on his slayed enemy.

    "We need to move--" Akatosh implores but was cut off by a sudden voice coming from the chopped hound.

    "Many will come for you deceiver and my lord shall be the one who will take what''s not been taken--" Halting the hound''s speech through stomping the head the travelers quickly rove carrying with them the pungent smell.

    "Can you just teleport us?! Away from this motherfucking shit!" Akatosh angrily shouts at his partner.

    "You think this is some walk-in-the-park you dickhead! I need time to sever my link before we teleport. But if you want an endless undead chasing us across this shit land then be my guest. Although we still have your untapped hidden trump card-- do we not?"

    "You want to go back to what had happened on that day...? Fuck you!"

    "Still, if we''re going to be taken by that shit god, might as well drag him down with us."

    "Hey!... I just got here bitch and I won''t quickly waste my second wind!"

    Still, on the wheel of running the travelers would soon slowly faces more and more undead creatures forcing Amaragnum to use his stock-up energy.

 Call to Arms

    Carrying the stench of putrid death, Akatosh buys time for Amaragnum to find a solution. Which is to either confront what¡¯s chasing them or erase their traces, spirit or physical from the hounds of the god of dead. But with the constant confrontation of the endless undead even the stillmage was on a hard time resolving the situation.

    ¡°CAN YOU DO ANYTHING BESIDES RUNNING!¡±  Amaragnum shouts in infuriation.

    ¡°Fuck you bitch I¡¯m trying my best to escape from your shit problem!¡±

    ¡°OH, SO NOW YOU¡¯RE BLAMING ME!¡±

    ¡°WHAT ELSE TO BLAME HERE¡­ YOU¡¯RE THE CAUSE OF US BEING HUNTED.¡±

    ¡°YOU MILK DRINKER IF IT WASN¡¯T FROM ME YOUR SQUIRMING ASS WOULD BE ON THE PLATE OF MAGGOTS!¡±

    ¡°YOU MOTHERFU--¡±

    On edge, the two travelers were on discord¡­ Still Akatosh would buff and put every item that benefits their situation hoping they would escape. Drinking potions boosting his physical abilities and putting the scaled dragon mask for a head protection. There¡­ still on a verbal fight and before Akatosh would finish his sentence he saw an arrow heading towards his head. However, with his buff and equipment set Akatosh effortlessly dodge the incoming projectile and instead the arrow went pass towards the undead hound chasing him at the back.

    Just for a quick observation, when the arrow plunged through the hound. It quickly began threshing as blue fire erupt dissolving the hound into ash.

    ¡°SHIT... NOW WHAT!¡± Before Akatosh would continue his run, his sense tells him he needs to hide.

    Without knowing, his body sends him hiding behind the tree large enough to shield his entire body. True enough, a hail of arrows rain over his location eradicating the hordes of undead that was chasing them. Ending in seconds Akatosh was now worried to the person who annihilated the undead. Not before long when Akatosh turns to pry who the person is, his scaled dragon mask repelled a dagger revealing an assassin. Taking only a small time to react he saw silhouette of an assassin swallowed by the shadows.  Taking no chances, he dives out of the forest but was met by adventures one that belong to the guild, to make it worst they are the highest rank the guild offers.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be damn.¡±

    A quick observation, the traveler saw they are already past organizing to meet what¡¯s rushing towards them. Adding to their uneasiness, the band of adventurers are now facing the most wanted criminal and the highest bounty. From their formation and armor, the traveler already tells they are not just a casual player. And when he notices their crest that of a dark phoenix, he remembers them during the festival. Through the words of the royals, he heard they are the top notch rumored to have slain a dragon. But today¡­ the opposing party will either test their steel and magic or one will choose for an evasion.

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    ¡°Good day fellow travelers it¡¯s nice meeting you all.¡± The travelers casually implore walking away.

    Just as Akatosh takes ten steps, right away a shocking wave bucked him away unable to escape. When recovers, he saw an aurora dangling on the ground enclosing the place about an area of 200 square meter, enough for them to make a dance.

    Backing away from the adventurers, the party with a blink of an eye¡­ assemble showing the travelers a standoff before they engage. Magnificent and majestic to one¡¯s eyes, clad in high quality armors and weapons. The group consists of six players, a two-weapon style female assassin whose head was wrapped in black bandage so was her elegant body that her leather armor was like her own skin, like a serpent river following its meander. On the other hand, the one that causes the ward was also a female cleric, clad in chainmail armor but was layered in grayish white robe¡­ magical at that. At her disposal was a combination of light mace and a staff that emits a yellow fire. Adding to her beauty she wasn¡¯t wearing a helmet but a magical blue headband on her forehead.

    ¡°Finally!! I¡¯ve been waiting for another good fight!¡± Shouts a man that is half elf and human¡­ a fighter wielding a dual scimitar. And by the looks of his worn armor which Akatosh can tell it¡¯s a combination of a chain mail and a harden leather armor.

    ¡°Calm yourself.¡± Implores a middle age man, a mage in purple robe.

    *Flick* A snap of the mage¡¯s finger quickly conjures two rings of fire, a blue fire and an orange fire. Like a Saturn¡¯s ring enclosing the mage it orbits in opposite direction, taking another step ten white runes emerges from the ground.

    As for the fifth was a female dwarf, a ranger and to her side was a drake twice the size, dripping its saliva ready to pounce at Akatosh. One that¡¯s responsible for ending the swarm of undead more over she already prepared drawing her bow towards Akatosh¡¯s head. And much like her companions, she wears a hybrid armor consisting of plate, fur and harden leather.

    ¡°Boss¡­ should we keep him breathing or not?¡± The dwarf implores magically poisoning the drawn arrow.

    Taking out Akatosh¡¯s bounty the male fighter then says; ¡°it says here¡­ bringing him dead will give us half the reward. But to hell with the reward, I want to see how powerful this man!¡±

    Stepping for a closer conversation the party leader then stops about ten meters away from Akatosh. Taking a closer look, their leader was a paladin wielding a twohanded great sword. Yet the way he effortlessly brandishes the heavy sword is like swinging a stick. Furthermore, he too wasn¡¯t wearing a helmet nor a head showing a face in his early middle age. And what separate him from his other companions was his majestic medium plate armor that fits his shredded body. The traveler can tell the paladin he was facing fought hundred battles through the testament of his face, his shredded gray cloak, and the armor that¡¯s been through many fights.

    ¡°I ask that we settle this in a peaceful way.¡± He implores nailing his sword on the ground and firmly holding it with both of his hand as he waits for Akatosh¡¯s answer.

    ¡°How about this¡­ I¡¯ll go on my way; and you-- your party go on your way and we forget this as if it never happens.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying for second time, we can settle this without bloodshed or your life?¡± He replies, unleashing a blast of white wave creating a gust of dust causing Akatosh to shield his eyes on the incoming wave.

    When the dust settle, he saw his body glowing in red, and when he retrieves his sight towards the paladin¡­ it appears just hovering on the paladin¡¯s head is a black ring dancingly dangling. Additionally, his sword is in flame that of a grey white flame. And for the finishing touch his armor were in white flames.

    ¡°Last chance?¡± The paladin spoke seconds after Akatosh gawk at him for only five second.

    ¡°Fuck¡­ you.¡±

    ¡°Your choice.¡± The paladin replies pulling his weapon for a big battle.

 The God of Undead and Death

    ¡°BOSS!!¡± Akatosh shouts at his partner yet not a word nor an assistance was given.

    Quickly engaging after denying the adventurers¡¯ offer, all six of them lashes all at once. Having the dwarven ranger took the initial, she quickly fires the shot and with the support of the cleric the arrow was enchanted by white light strong enough to purify a strong undead creature. In his respond Akatosh savagely unearth his flaming whip bashing the arrows. Following the unraveling of the whip, the mage with a snap of his finger one of the ten runes disappears and in exchange¡­ Two images of the mage appear which they immediately start conjuring a spell. Also, his comrade¡¯s speed was amplified through their movements and combat capabilities.

    While his comrades are taking their next step, the fighter didn¡¯t hesitate to go for a melee combat. Ignoring his groups call, the fighter dashes and as he stylishly brandishes his swords, he went to test his blade towards the flaming whip. And like the sound of a two-ramming buffalo, his enchanted scimitar and the blazing whip produces a crashing sound. Taking only twenty slashes, the male fighter heard a shout saying ¡°Get out of there if you want to live!¡±

    Hearing his companion¡¯s warning, the two saw what appears to be a barrage of magic ready to fire. In response, the male fighter dashes out and when Akatosh saw thirty flaming orbs dangling in the air, shards of obsidian dripping in acid, thirty boulders the size of a baby but engross by magic, and a phantom gate made of burning bones chain by hundreds of black ropes two storey high emerges. While the gate slowly opens all the conjured offenses were send towards Akatosh.

    Fast and unable to dodge, Akatosh reticulates his whip and like an egg it shells the incoming barrage of magic. *BOOM¡­ BANG¡­ CLANG* When it hits, all manners of noise were heard throughout the area. Like a machine gun and missiles combined, all Akatosh could do was to fortify the defense¡­ For even with his strong disposal, he slowly feels the heat slowly frying his skin. Not only the wave of heat but also the shards which passes through the hole giving the travelers a major injury were some nails through the unprotected part such as the legs and arms. Additionally, the sound was unbearable to his ears as if he was facing thousands of firing artilleries.

    While the mage¡¯s spell continues, his face slowly turns to smearing excitement showing his real image¡­ a psychopath.

    ¡°There you go again, doing all the fun.¡± The male fighter implores but the mage didn¡¯t care for he was too amuse watching his destructive power let loose.

    Consuming five runes, the hail of mage¡¯s conjured offensive damage would slowly settle down. Following the aftermath, they saw Akatosh suffers a major blow. His legs and arms are punctured by the obsidian shard. Some parts of his body were burned except for his head and neck which is still intact and uninjured thanks to the protection of the mask. And for the flaming whip, it lay waste on the ground

    Putting one sword on his shoulder, the male fighter walks slowly followed by the paladin. And as they stood in front of him¡­

    ¡°Is this all? Those rumors calling you a god in flesh was nothing more than a joke. Leader¡­ should we keep him alive or the other way around--¡±

    Before the fighter would put his scimitar at Akatosh¡¯s neck, the whip quickly reacts slapping the sword. Baiting them to lower their guards, Akatosh rush his adrenaline and quickly went towards his neck. Unfortunately, the assassin emerges trying to parry Akatosh¡¯s attack. Yet even the assassin¡¯s interruption, Akatosh with his enhance strength manage to wound the fighter¡¯s neck. Following another attack Akatosh was bested in speed and reflex which the assassin push kick him away from her companions.

    Backing away in mere seconds, she sends her wounded friends to the cleric which they initially start healing his bleeding neck. Consuming another two runes, the mage conjures two earth elementals, a barrier protecting the cleric whilst she cast cure wounds. And lastly, he again conjures a giant fireball, yet by the time he conjuries another of his offensive spell¡­ The gate was open revealing a pit fiend, a demon conjured. It stood high ten meters tall bearing thin but menacing six arms and three tails covered in spike its torso was that of a grasshopper¡¯s leg. The head was that of a dragon and a head of a bull combined, its appearance was a menace for its body was glowing in bronze and there were chains on its neck and arms.

    When the mage commands the beast, it roars in a hellish sound and too it conjures a spell. Drawing four of its arms towards its chest, the demons create a large glowing orb and inside of its core was pulsating cube. Once finish the demon releases and follows a wail of hundred dead people. As the orb projects every surroundings quickly decays but the mage didn¡¯t stop as he sends his massive spell hurling at travelers.

    ¡°ENOUGH!!¡± Finally, the ancient stillmage has spoken and when it had enough chaos and calamity emerge.

    The atmosphere turns heavy, there a blast of unrelenting dark force emerges followed by a whirl of dark fire. When two opposite wave clashes, the glowing orb and the massive fireball was consumed by the twisting dark tornado. And as it was¡­ Akatosh scream would slowly change to a roaring of a dragon. Funneling more power, their form would grow even bigger five times the size of the conjured demon.

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    Once the transformation is finished and the roaring entrance diminished, the traveler stares at the adventurers showing them what a hellish mistake they come across. As the paladin saw the travelers were preparing for chaos, he screams towards his mage companions for a teleportation.

    The demon charge and so too the traveler but the outcome was devastating, like a giant elephant and a bull crashing. The traveler in dragon form overpowered the pit fiend through size and strength, as a result the travelers in dragon form razes the demon on the ground savagely pounding and ripping its body even as the fiend screams the traveler didn¡¯t stop until the demon turns to grind meat even the summoned creatures were perished by their onslaught. Uncontented the dragon stood high as it spews a lava of flames towards the sky creating a fire storm. Once they turn the sky into red storm, it turns towards the dead fiend and gushes a ray of black flames turning the land into lava.

    As for the party who teleported, soon they would realize, they are in grave danger. Teleported only a hundred meters away from the traveler they turn to see that the dragon was facing towards their direction.

    While their cleric is still busy healing their companions the mage conjures all types of protection magic turning their skin into adamantine, giving fire protection buffing their strength although they can tell their protection nor them was no more than a wet grass to a raging fire. The travelers brought out a howling grouch showing their rage towards the powerful adventurers their guild can offer. Returning the favor, their howls would soon amplify into a supper sonic sound blasting their eardrums, blurring their sight disordering their mental conditions. Fortunately, the cleric manages to restore their conditions but she too was in dismay. Commanding, the mage then teleports them far away to sanctuary before the raging dragon would trample them¡­ However, their teleportation could only offer them a maximum of one hundred meters, it¡¯s as if they are trap¡­ cage and unable to escape the dragon¡¯s wrath and all they could do was vanish and reappears.

    Frustrated, the travelers would turn to a different approach which is through complete desolation. Spewing dragon¡¯s breath at every surroundings, razing the landscape with his own body there the band of dark phoenix was now waiting for their final confrontation. The mage which kept them alive had all burned his mana that he even sacrifices his life force prolonging their survival. The once powerful and psychopath mage is now lying on the ground whose body is now malnourished and on deathbed. Luckily the fighter was restored which his balls would tighten when he saw a large black dragon charging towards them.

    When they would meet their end, the travelers in their dragon form dissolves before their jaws would maw the band of adventurers. About twenty meters of distance and once the dark mist dissipates, they can see Akatosh lying flat facing the muddy ground. Pooling the clerics ounce of her energy she was able to bring the mage¡¯s back to normal but not entirely rejuvenating her companion.

    ¡°Bloody hell?!¡± The ranger implores too stun to comprehend that they survive.

    During the aftermath, the adventurers wait for a minute until they went to check Akatosh who didn¡¯t flinch a muscle. Paralyzed, they stop ten meters away since they learn a lesson for dulling their guard.

    The dwarf then orders her pet to check for irregularities nor traps but as the beast would go nearer time stops and there once again the two lich who holds a half balancer emerge. In-between Akatosh and the adventurers the two liches emerge in the air. And for the first time, the highly praised band of adventurers could feel death in the air, fear struck them as they watch the two levitating liches slowly headed towards Akatosh.

    From there at the center of the two liches, they sunder the ground and a sound of calamity follows. When the ground opens, a shard of skeleton roses to which it was then layered by flesh spawning the god of undead and death.

    Time resumes and a choice was given for the Dark Phoenix, to intervene and fulfill the bounty or quietly they back away. As for the traveler¡¯s situation who finally moves a muscle; his choice however was far from escaping.

    Once the flesh and bones of the god of undead and death combine it forms a black silhouette glowing in green it then spoke.

    ¡°How long has it been¡­¡±

    Lifting the travelers through magic, he was surprised that the mortal he was facing is odd.

    ¡°How fascinating You are neither dead nor alive¡­ I think I¡¯ll add you to my collection but first things first, I believe you have something that¡¯s belong to me¡­ Amaragnum or should I say the fallen one, the deceiver.¡±

    ¡°Same goes to you, but I wonder can you sense your other power?¡± Amaragnum answered

    ¡°Where have you taken it?!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know I just trade it.¡±

    ¡°Then I shall take you both and see through that you¡¯ll face the consequences.¡±

    Moments before Karangax drags the travelers into his plane, the two levitating liches quickly lands on the ground and there they stood motionless unflinching like a statue. And through the dark came Tosh who easily pulls Akatosh and Amaragnum.

    ¡°Who are you?!¡± Karangax bitterly implores.

    ¡°I am the better version of you, also your time is up¡­ boy.¡±

    Hearing Tosh¡¯s words, Karangax was furious from the inside but his replies were calm and striking.

    ¡°Then know this for once when I return to this plane, I shall raze all three of you.¡±

    ¡°Big talk¡­ Although I do hope you¡¯ll succeed because I¡¯m watching a good show.¡± Tosh implores watching Karangax return to his plane additionally he was dragging Akatosh dying body towards the shadow as he erases the traces of blood.

    ¡°Oh¡­ I forgot, good luck to you too guys.¡± Tosh says to the adventurers who are too stun to move or speak.

    Hours pass, they would soon remember why Azageis was insisting them take the rift stone as precaution and assistance, in respond with their high ego they refuse and ignores the legend.

    ¡°Leader¡­ should we--¡± The cleric implores but was cut off by the paladin.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take a rest at the nearest tavern¡­¡± Implores the paladin, ¡°After our rest, Zehra¡­ I want you to retrieve our items.¡± He continues commanding the dwarven ranger. ¡°And Ishra¡­ do prepare the altar.¡± He says, ordering the assassin.

    ¡°Please brother¡­ you promised you¡¯re not going back to that place again.¡± Quick the cleric shouts at their leader.

    ¡°We should move on.¡± The paladin ignores carrying their mage.

 The Pact

    Taking days walk, the Dark Phoenix reach what appears to be a small village. Tired and hungry except for the paladin it didn¡¯t took them a hard time finding an inn to rest. After which of regenerating their health and feeding their stomach, using a scroll the mage then teleports them to a barren land except the cleric and the dwarven ranger. Trees are withered, the soil were putrid such as the air reaps their sense of smell. For a few minutes of walking, they reach what appears to be a tree, but what separates it from the other withered tree was its atmosphere and the twisting look. Through its look, three women were merge together to which their hands and fingers creates a creeping twigs and branches. On the ground lies a broken golden bowl cemented on a stone smeared in thick blood.

    ¡°That was short sir. Aldrin.¡± Ishra says, emerging from the darkness.

    ¡°Are you always like this Ishra, always on the hide with your hide armor?¡± Grondal blurt

    ¡°Do you want me to make your neck piss again?... Grondal.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ I do need another hide armor.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough you two!¡±  Aldrin interrupts heading towards the altar.

    Right away, once Aldrin thread towards the altar whispers and weeping clouds his ears. A voice that draws a person¡¯s past, problems anything that will bleed one¡¯s insanity.

    ¡°Such a long time my dear¡­¡± Implores a voice of a woman, soft yet dreadful.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting¡± Followed by another sister¡¯s voice, with a giggling purpose.

    ¡°Indeed¡­ Oh¡­ how we¡¯ve missed you.¡± Says the third voice, seductive yet restless.

    As the whispers and voice echoes his sinister past and experience his will and fortitude overcomes. Drawing closer at the altar, the tree that resembles three women would shake and rattle. Alive but their movements were that of a robot, the three then split themselves for a closer look at the paladin.

    Stood still, the paladin makes eye contact with the three unfazed he then relays his reason. But to gain a wish from an abyssal deity one must give sacrifice, it¡¯s a matter of give and take.

    Knowing the paladin¡¯s life, the abyssal goddesses of oath breaker, betrayal and divination offers him a choice.

    ¡°Well, we do love your sister as much as we want your oath whom you still keep, even falling to a blackguard. Give us what we want and we¡¯ll give you your desire.¡± Passional the three simultaneously said.

    Aldrin didn¡¯t answer to their call but rather he gave them something that even them are afraid. Placing his hand on the altar, he shifts his vision towards the goddess. The reason why he came to visit the place was to know who was the man in the mask, the two lich and their summoned master and also the thing that drags the travelers and what are their objectives.

    When they rehear Aldrin¡¯s past encounter, the goddesses were silent. They know Karangax and the two liches but what interest them were the people involve, so much so that even the god of death had to appear on the material plane.

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    The silent continues so was Aldrin and his companions waiting for an answer. Like an investment, the three goddesses were very much interested to this new revelation.  Much to them, obtaining the throne of being God of undead and dead would be a divine feat. On the downside, horning a deity¡¯s business will cause a war between two factions considering the one their facing is much more powerful than them. But in the end¡­

    ¡°We¡¯ll give you the power that you¡¯ve surrender to us¡­ But know this, the pact you made from Azoneth is not the same. He¡¯ll come for you and you¡¯ll know what the consequence of your betrayal.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fully aware of that.¡± Replies Aldrin

    ¡°However, there is a way to undo your pact with him¡­¡±

    ¡°Ahh yes there is¡­¡± Follows by her sister¡¯s voice.

    ¡°But if only¡­ only¡­¡±

    ¡°And what would that be.¡± Aldrin ask somewhat curious.

    ¡°Oh¡­ we only need you to shift your pact with us my lovely dear.¡± Implores the goddess one with a seductive voice.

    The paladin went silent as he picks for a decision to make,

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry love, we¡¯ll wait for you.¡± The goddess implores retrieving to their home.

    ¡°Wait!... l will do it.¡± Aldrin shouts and as soon as he agrees to their term, a moan of joyfully came from the three-goddess followed by a giggling laugh.

    Shifting his pact with the goddesses, but before he could gain their power, he needed to eliminate his past master. Fortunately, the goddesses mask Aldrin¡¯s from Azoneth giving him time to prepare.

    ¡°There¡¯s a summoning place at Voldavir there you¡¯ll find the summoning place.¡±

    ¡°It will force that fiend additionally weakening it¡­ but don¡¯t underestimate Azoneth for even if he was weakened, his power can be as equal to us or more.¡± Implores the first sister

    ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯ll be needing this.¡± Says the third sister revealing Aldrin a key made of wood.

    ¡°If you summon him break the key and will help you in defeating him.¡± Continues the second goddess

    ¡°Our time is up my dear.¡± The goddesses say after retreating from their call.

    ¡°What now boss.¡± Grondal implores.

    Aldrin sigh, ¡°We¡¯ll discuss it at the inn.¡±

    When return, the band then gathers ordering drinks as they discuss their next step.

    ¡°I¡¯ve decided I will travel to Voldavir and do as they say--¡±

    ¡°What do you mean I?¡± Zehra interrupts.

    ¡°It¡¯s a personal business, there¡¯s nothing more for you to do--¡±

    Tapping Aldrin¡¯s shoulder, Grondal spoke ¡°Who says you¡¯re going alone I¡¯ve been itching to test me rusty blade for a good sport.¡±

    ¡°True, I¡¯ve still got a long way of sharpening my skill.¡± Ishra follows.

    ¡°Count me in, I¡¯ve never been happy joining this band than when I was at my home.¡± Zehra implores. ¡°What about you Stan?¡± She continues eying the mage who was somewhat in despair from their encounter with the travelers.

    ¡°I need more power, and if I can get some demon lords essence then so be it.¡± Stan replies with a vengeful ambition.

    While Aldrin¡¯s companions have finished their decision Kiran, Aldrin¡¯s sister was silent.

    Knowing that his brother would talk to her alone after their festivity, mustering her courage Kiran announce that she too will be joining the quest.

    Aldrin tries to persuade his sister not to join their travels, but as he follows a word¡­ a mug filled with beer hurls to his face.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a child anymore brother, and who was the one healing your wounds and reviving you two times.¡± She follows as she gulps one mug of beer.

    Her brother tries for another persuasion but ended up ignored or being smack by her sister.

    As the Dark Phoenix set their preparation and decision¡­ meanwhile.

    To where Akatosh hoard his items there at the island from the shadowy forest Tosh emerge and with him dragging the wounded traveler. Without sympathy, Tosh tosses Akatosh as if he was just a trash bag.

    Facing flat on the ground, Akatosh was grumbling, cursing Tosh for his action.

    ¡°What can¡¯t hear you¡­¡± Tosh replies fading away from the shadows.

    After an hour, Akatosh can move his muscle but too weak stand at the same time heavy rain slowly pours the traveler.

    Cursing while scouting through turning heads and swaying eyes he manages to spot the cave where he keeps his items. Unable to walk nor stand he patiently crawls like a maggot grabbing grasses as he pulls himself, he continues his curses none stop.

 121: No Title

    The ritual that Chifya arrange gave a fairish toll, draining her energy resulting to her unconsciousness.  When recovers she found herself to some esteemed person¡¯s house and that person was Ashalain. Still in recovery yet willing to venture the only thing that stand in her way was Ashalain herself who was on a chair constantly on the watch. As Chifya tries to roll out from the bed, dizziness quickly fills her head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t push yourself.¡± Ashalain implores catching Chifya before she touches the ground.

    ¡°I¡¯m fin--¡± Replies Chifya trying to overcome her illness.

    ¡°Just take a rest there¡¯s no need to concern yourself.¡± Ashalain implores helping Chifya reinstitute to her rest.

    ¡°Curious, why would an esteem person take interest to someone who¡¯s irrelevant to her? You do know what I¡¯m after, no?¡±

    Ashalain brushes her eyes avoiding to make eye contact delaying her answer.

    *Sigh*, ¡°My father asks me to look out for him, and there¡¯s something which he took from me¡­ but with all the things happening, honestly I don¡¯t know.¡± Ashalain said followed a sad smile.

    Chifya smile with a mix of loneliness, ¡°Me neither¡­¡±

    When Chifya said her words silent follows until Chifya would fully recovers from her affection. Leading Chifya to the exit, Ashalain utters a word.

    ¡°If by all means, could I take a chance to see her?¡± Ashalain replies, referring the northern girl.

    ¡°Why are you very much absorbed--¡± Chifya stop after seeing Ashalain¡¯s eyes and hair color that¡¯s very much similar to the northern slave girl considering her kins are quite rare to see around Vashkeil. ¡°Fine you can come.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    As for the travelers¡­

    Panting heavily, Akatosh with his disable body drags himself towards the cave, to shelter from now heavy rain. When enters, just only a few yards from the exit he removes the mask and quickly dozes off come what may happen to his wounds. In the midst of his slumber, his wounds would force him from his sleep. The acid that slowly eats his flesh, his sense of hearing are slowly dwindles additionally he can feel his muscle in distorted state.

    Alone, his anguish scream would echo through the cave followed by tons of swearing. So much so that he had to put a clothe from his mouth muffling his scream so as to ease the pain. After a while¡­

    ¡°Rag!¡±

    ¡°What! Faggot!¡±

    ¡°Left your mark somewhere?¡±

    ¡°You have to ask¡­ No, this is the only place I¡¯ve marked and why would I do that when a bunch of hobos are after my ass, but I do know a way.¡±

    ¡°Do it.¡±

    ¡°If you have a clear vision to a certain place, you know I can get you there, and you¡¯ll need a fucking scroll because I¡¯m drained.¡±

    ¡°Oh, fuck you¡­ I do know a place.¡± Akatosh replies searching for a scroll through his bag of holding.

    For minutes¡­

    ¡°Hurry up bastard!¡± The stillmage shout.

    ¡°You shit!¡± Akatosh shouts Finally pulling one scroll of teleportation.

    Painting his blood and concentrating his memory to one specific location his partners then teleport them to the desired location.

    As the gates open, a portal was open at the inside of a house yet instead of a smooth teleportation. The portal was open on the ceiling just above the table. Like a whole roasted pig on the table ready to serve, Akatosh who fell from the ceiling was splattered on the table creating a loud ruckus ringing the alarm for the residents to take action. Additionally, Amaragnum was on the laugh, seeing how Akatosh looks on the table, paralyzed as he wails in pain.

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    On the outside, Chifya and Ashalain heard the commotion to which they quickly dash to see what¡¯s the uproar. Lucky for Akatosh the gang were all gathered, holding their weapons and spell in the end they¡¯re the ones who are surprised, for the person who disappear from their sight appears on their table like a butchered pig who run away from turning into a can food.

    ¡°H-healing¡­¡± A groaning phrase Akatosh mutters.

    Stunned from the outburst the gang didn¡¯t flinch a movement to the person served on their table. Only after Akatosh repeats his words till they help him. As for the two, they stood still as they watch Sheila and her friends¡¯ position Akatosh for Sheila to heal his wounds worst they have to tolerate the smell of rotten death.

    ¡°We should carry him to the temple.¡± Riya implores.

    ¡°Agrees--¡± Sheila replies.

    ¡°No¡­ No temple¡­¡± Akatosh interrupts as his wounds would slowly spread enough to reveal bones. ¡°Just stop the wounds from eating my flesh.¡±

    ¡°Reith--¡± Sei implores, ¡°Can you get the regenerating potion.¡±

    ¡°But can it? With his wounds I don¡¯t think that common potion can--¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better or nothing!¡±

    While Reith went to grab the potion, the two finally snap diving in for a helping hand. A quick sight from his wounds already sets Chifya for a tactical approach. Instructing Ashalain to get some water¡ª

    ¡°Here I¡¯ve got the potion.¡± Came Reith

    ¡°That will have to wait.¡± Implores Chifya who begins bending the water as she adds some of her druid magic.

    Letting the bended water glue at the wounds, slowly it draws out what appears to be a dark orange liquid.

    ¡°That¡¯s a strong acid.¡± Ashalain said.

    ¡°Seem so, I amaze how this man manage to endure an injury like this.¡±

    Once the acid was fully removed, together Sheila and Ashalain funnels their healing abilities hasting Akatosh¡¯s wounds. So was Reith, who then gave Akatosh the potion.

    ¡°Finally¡­ You see that old geezer, I¡¯m alive!¡± Akatosh implores towards the stillmage.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Shouts the stillmage retrieving back to his sanctuary.

    Consuming half an hour, Akatosh pain and injures were finally come to an end but even his acquaintance help, although rest would be essential. Furthermore, he had to face some personal things two of which. Still, he would end up sleeping right after the recession.

    When awoken, the putrid smell still lingers yet his armor was on his side clean and fix. He looks around for any suspicions after which he went straight for a bath.

    ¡°Hi¡­¡± Akatosh implores sitting on a chair as he faces Chifya and Ashalain. Bringing out a pouch of coins for their assistance.

    Putting the pouch on the ground, he slowly arises for a walk, unfortunately the two forces him to return to his chair.

    ¡°What the hell¡¯s your problem.¡±

    ¡°I think you owe us something.¡± Implores Ashalain.

    ¡°Oh, what would that be?¡±

    ¡°You know some red gems?¡±

    ¡°And my mother¡¯s brooch?¡± Chifya follows.

    Akatosh went silent since he sold Chifya¡¯s brooch, and hoard Ashalain¡¯s gem to his cave to which he doesn¡¯t know since it was mixed with the hordes of gems he collected.

    ¡°Oh¡­ those, I place them to a certain location¡­ don¡¯t worry their safe. If you could just--¡± Akatosh replies again standing up but was push by the two.

    ¡°C¡¯mon! Fine how much coin will I pay.¡±

    ¡°You think this is just about money?¡± Ashalain replies followed by a frightful look.

    ¡°Well, I do.¡± Akatosh replies.

    Ashalain tries for a more physical respond, fortunately for Akatosh Chifya intervened.

    ¡°We don¡¯t need your money for compensation.¡±

    ¡°Then what is it that you need? Look I don¡¯t have your items but if you can let me--¡±

    ¡°We would like to travel with you.¡± Ashalain interrupts.

    ¡°Fine by me, we¡¯ll leave tomorrow morning.¡± Akatosh quickly respond knowing he can get away easily.

    Ashalain smiles and draws herself closer at Akatosh. Seeing her action, the traveler hides his hand sensing Ashalain was planning something. As a result, the two women would force Akatosh, and with their strength drawn from their god and magic, they easily hold Akatosh allowing Ashalain to put a ring.

    Seeing Ashalain holds an identical one, he asks towards Sheila.

    ¡°Do you know this ring.¡±

    After seeing their commotion Sheila understood, the ring Akatosh wears.

    ¡°Um... it¡¯s a ring of matrimony.¡±

    ¡°A what?¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s kind of like a betrothal item.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding me, no?¡±

    ¡°No¡ªno I¡¯m not, but the ring has capabilities¡­¡±

    ¡°That would be?¡±

    ¡°It can traverse each individual, although¡­ judging by its look I think madam Ashalain is the only one who can track you.¡±

    ¡°Oh, do tell can you reattach a finger if it was cut?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­ I might be able to but it might take a long time. Besides I wouldn¡¯t recommend--¡±

    Quickly pulling out a dagger, Akatosh tries to slice his finger since pulling out the ring didn¡¯t help. Yet as the blade was only an inch to his finger, the dagger suddenly turns into a dust.

    ¡°Told you.¡±

    Just as Akatosh and Sheila are in the midst of talking Chifya saw Ashalain¡¯s melancholic face as she exits the house. To her quick observation and knowledge, gathering and grasping the details she was able to uncover some Ashalain¡¯s secret. Knowing how the ring works, Chifya notion that Ashalain had a past lover she¡¯s still incline to.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Chifya intervenes, ¡°What¡¯s done is done¡­ As for you, you should stop your childish action and wear the ring.¡±

    ¡°Fine¡­¡± Akatosh replies going towards Chifya¡¯s room.

 The Mind of a Slave

    After a well-rested body and mind, The gang huddle together for a dinner. As for the elephant in the room, swallowing after only a few five bites Akatosh was like a horse continuously feeding his mouth ending his dinner in mere minute.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have any etiquette.¡± Ashalain implores.

    ¡°I do I¡¯m just too lazy to use it.¡± Akatosh replies followed by a chuckle.

    Ashalain sigh, and resumes her form of eating. Akatosh follows and starts going for some desserts.

    ¡°Curious brother Akatosh, how did you end up with those injuries.¡± Riya says towards Akatosh who¡¯s by far detach from his surroundings. Neglecting her words, Riya slowly became embarrass until Chifya mildly elbows his abdomen enough to stimulate his senses.

    ¡°Wha¡­¡± Akatosh implores at Chifya.

    ¡°Our friend ask how you douche yourself in pig slop.¡±

    ¡°No-no-no, what I mean is, what did you fought before teleporting here.¡± Riya quickly replies.

    ¡°Funny you ask, Chifya didn¡¯t have the tenderness to let me teleport with her after we done our rutting in the sewer. I can still remember how good and cranky her technique was, oh she sure is a feisty viper.¡± Akatosh replies seeing Sei and Reith holding their laughter. ¡°Speaking of the devil¡­¡± Akatosh continues right after looking at Chifya who¡¯s somewhat hit by his jest.

    Understanding that proceeding with another joke Chifya would give him a smack, he turns at Riya and tell his vague answer.

    ¡°I was caught up with your history¡¯s unfinished business. An affair with dead and undead, but that¡¯s enough I have to sleep.¡± Akatosh says stuffing the whole dessert then went towards Chifya¡¯s room.

    At around midnight, the traveler awoken from his sleep ready for an escape but the room was sealed similar to what Ashalain had done.

    ¡°Bollocks¡­ Rag, help me with this shit.¡±

    ¡°Fuck you bitch I had enough of you! Do it on your own.¡±

    ¡°Fine then¡­ guess I¡¯ll do it with my own barehand.¡± Akatosh implores returning to his slumber.

    Morning came and still the seal from the room wasn¡¯t lifted nor his partner didn¡¯t dispel the seal. To kill some time, he instigates a conversation with his partner.

    ¡°Do tell, what do you know about that god we¡¯ve met and those two associates.¡±

    ¡°Karangax, I say the god of undead and dead¡­ Additionally the name Karangax is nothing more than a title. Not much is told about who or how many have taken turns but what I dearly avoid are those two corpses.¡±

    ¡°What about them?¡±

    ¡°A thing or two¡­ They are not to be meddle with even those higher up gods would curl their balls to those two. It is said they¡¯re the overseers of life and death even to the gods¡­ I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s true about a certain god who tried to conquer the two only to be erased and replaced.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been questioning¡­ what¡¯s your real deal with Karangax.¡±

    *Ugh¡­* ¡°Before the stillmage crisis which I the cause did some shenanigans. I was hungry, hungry for more to the point it backfired. I did many deeds as I could, gaslighting the abyssal gods, causing the fall of that one specific Lord of all dragons, shifting the balance of the realm. But there was that encounter that really¡­¡± The stillmage pause somewhat hesitating to continue. ¡°The one who lead me through the place we are now occupying.¡±

    ¡°You mean the island.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­ You do know the story of those old heroes who battled and seal the corrupted dragon of Azarus?¡±

    ¡°I do, What about it.¡±

    ¡°I was there, back when I was a power-hungry man. Following our separate ways after the crowning of the first archsage. A new crisis emerge so too are heroes guided by Azageis and the crowned archsage Ethos. As for me, I had a different plan¡­ thinking to myself that If I could obtain the power of a god, things would be different. Not only did I want a divine power but also to satisfy my curiosity.¡±

    ¡°And were you successful?¡±

    ¡°It went south, I was a stupid fool thinking that I could take takedown the avatar and taking the spoil all to myself. My first encounter was like a peasant to a mountain crumbling down on me. And as you can say, I cowardly run that day.¡±

    ¡°Then how did those heroes resolve such crisis, I mean--¡±

    ¡°Bah! Their help was nothing more but shit. When I tried my third attempt it was at that time that the avatar was now fully corrupted and ready to fuck the world. That¡¯s when I witness another more terrifying creature.¡±

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    ¡°Let me guess another god.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, it was a dragon but much bigger and more powerful. I still remember how it thrashes that avatar like it was a new born baby. I cannot tell if it¡¯s an intervention with the gods but I was sure it wasn¡¯t considered he was the one who shepherd me through that island¡ªand I know how to differentiate a god when I encounter one.¡±

    ¡°He?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it was a male.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­ it seems there is much for you to apprise me of your history. And by the way what happen to that avatar.¡±

    ¡°Weaken to its deathbed, and not sure why did its adversary halt its final blow for those inept heroes to do the finishing job. Also, it was a hilarious seeing those heroes struggling to seal the avatar who¡¯s at death¡¯s door. Anyway¡­ I think we should postpone our trip to the world tree I have release too much of my aura and that old bastard knows I¡¯m not yet done¡­ too, I had a feeling he knows of my return.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s your decision there is a place I like to visit, and things I like to do before taking the road. Also, there¡¯s something I like to try.¡±

    ¡°As for your question about my dealings with that god of corps--¡± Amaragnum stops when his partner notice Chifya and Ashalain staring and observing Akatosh talking to himself.

    ¡°Oh¡­ is the food ready?¡± Akatosh implores right after seeing Chifya and Ashalain witnessing their man speaking to himself.

    The two look at each other in disbelief yet somewhat curious, unwinding a word Akatosh ignores their silence and headed for breakfast. When he went down, he saw the northern girl that he saved looks at him as if a daughter to a father.

    ¡°I ain¡¯t no father to this girl.¡±  Akatosh thought.

    The girl didn¡¯t utter a world but she glances at him going for a breakfast. While Chifya and Ashalain follows, right away the northern girl went after Akatosh. She didn¡¯t sit by him nor hug or thank him, she stood at his side a meter apart and like a statue she waits for Akatosh to give a command.

    ¡°Ugh¡­ need something?¡±

    ¡°M-my lord I¡¯m waiting for your order.¡±

    ¡°My what?¡±

    ¡°Your order my lord.¡±

    ¡°Good lord¡­ Fine but eat first then I¡¯ll give you your order.¡±

    ¡°Sire, we¡¯re done with our breakfast. It¡¯s only you who didn¡¯t have breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Oh, then go kick out those two women over there.¡± He implores pointing towards the two lasses.

    ¡°Hesitating to fulfill her duty, the girl decides for a second then went to carry off her work.¡±

    Just as the girl take action, Ashalain rushes towards Akatosh ready to pounce at him. Akatosh however didn¡¯t waste time and rushes at the backdoor after seeing Ashalain¡¯s furious reaction. Thankfully the door wasn¡¯t seal nor lock allowing him to escape the danger. But when he was about to exit the place, the grass quickly come alive, groping around his feet entangling him as it drags him closer. Quickly accepting his fate, he closes his eyes waiting for some physical injuries.

    ¡°Fuck me, welp it is what it is¡­¡±

    Sensing he was being lift on the ground, he relaxes his body for a beating but as second pass there was no physical assault to be taken.

    Opening his right eye, he saw an upset Ashalain. And from her side was the girl clutching her clothes as she pleads towards her.

    ¡°Please¡­ please don¡¯t do that to her again. It vexes me that kind of treatment to my kin.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not forcing her; I do understand your sentiment. But for her to swiftly brainwashed her mind would lead to her discomposure.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking.¡±

    ¡°Being a slave to one¡¯s mind is an addiction especially to the young. It¡¯s like a young horse chained that if it grows, even a puny string won¡¯t let it escape for in its mind the horse was already bound from birth until its death. And hasting to re-educate her mind would only lead to her confusion. It¡¯s best to take it slow.¡±

    Akatosh waits for her respond, seconds of no respond he continues.

    ¡°Did my words get to you? Or should I have to explain it more to your primitive brain.¡±

    Suddenly released by Ashalain¡¯s hand, he then goes to have a word with the slave girl.

    ¡°Sorry for what you¡¯ve seen, by the way I didn¡¯t get your name.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ¡°slave girl¡± my lord.¡±

    ¡°The fuck¡­ Do you by any chance remember your parents?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know my lord.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Akatosh implores patting her shoulder only to for him to saw her past.

    He saw her as a baby wrapped in a blanket on a snowy place. Crying, waiting for predators to have her as a feast, but by the favor of the gods a woman holding a lamp came. Taking her away from the wretched winter, the woman who was then revealed to be a slave by one noble family. Secretly nurturing her, unfortunately the family¡¯s servant dogs found out and added her as slave. There her nightmare would begin, at a young age noble children would harass her and done unspeakable deeds to her. Unable to see her being molested, her foster mother gave light and helping her escaping the place. But she would soon be caught by slave hunter which delivers her to Endregar. Until the travelers appear before death could take her.

    Withdrawing his hand, Akatosh was filled with emotions. Hiding his malice, he decides on what to do with the girl¡¯s recovery.

    ¡°Tell you what, you see these two women.¡±

    ¡°Yes, my lord.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re my wife¡­¡± Just as he said, Ashalain and Chifya directed their eyes towards Akatosh piercing in disbelief and shock. ¡°So, they are your second master.¡± He continues going to resume his breakfast.

    Just as he was about to take a spoon of his meal, the northern girl follows.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I told you to serve those two women over there.¡±

    ¡°Um¡­ I was taught that the first master is the one I serve. Only then will I serve the second master when the first master is away.¡±

    Akatosh smirk, ¡°You heard that princesses it seems I¡¯m--¡± Before he could continue Ashalain suddenly sits by his side as she grabs his left wrist, and at the same time she slowly added pressure.

    ¡°Honey you talk too much, it would bad if you show your swearing right in front of a child.¡± Ashalain deviously smiles.

    ¡°Woman--¡±

    Before Akatosh would retort, Ashalain delivers her abilities, a spell that was used from when they met at the mansion. Though it wasn¡¯t as strong when he first received her magic it was enough to send a message at the traveler not to make an arrogant action.

    ¡°Fine-fine--¡± He replies. ¡°Just let me finish my food.¡± He continues munching the food like a cow.

    After his munching, Akatosh went upstairs prepping his items for his next plan. And as usual the girl follows, intently waiting for an order coming out from his savior¡¯s mouth. Through that, Ashalain became agitated by the girl¡¯s action. When finished, he went towards the exit.

    ¡°Milord may I ask where are you going?¡±

    ¡°Master is going to buy some milk.¡±

    ¡°Umm¡­ If you¡¯re going to go shopping, I can do with carrying stuff.¡±

    ¡°Look missy, the milk I¡¯m going to buy is rather more sophisticated. It would good to stay here and I don¡¯t know¡­ just help those two lasses.¡±

    ¡°But master--¡± The girl stammer, somewhat afraid to be ordered by either Ashalain and Chifya.

    ¡°Sorry can¡¯t talk right now¡ªbye-bye.¡± Akatosh replies quickly closing the door.

    ¡°Now where was I?¡±

 The Fathom of Magic and Technology

    A Gush of fresh cold air sweeps Akatosh as he travers the town. Stopping by at a small bridge, a stone bridge at that. And under the bridge was a small creek where he can hear four or more children were playing.

    Eyes are turning left and right observing the surroundings, with few people crossing the bridge he sit-down and starts munching a dried meat, a snack but also to stimulate his mind chewing as he contemplates.

    ¡°I need a gun, a modern one.¡± He implores in a low tone.

    In his mind visioning and designing a modern gun is a complicated work but forging a gun by hand is much more challenging. But when the hand holds such weapons or he like to called it the devil¡¯s toy, not only will he boost his survival rate but to go for a rematch with the sea queen. Another thing why, he wants to create such weapon is to feed his curiosity between magic and physic.

    Ignoring the passing of time, he brought out his book and carefully he reinspects his past design. And as he inspects the blueprint, his brain immediately releases questions, prediction, problems and such. Unfazed through time, when he closes the book for comfort, he realizes it was near dusk. Still in a stalemate he watches the sunset inducing a vibrant scene not only to the sky but the town. Through his stillness and a blank expression, he didn¡¯t know Chifya was watching him intently just as Akatosh was mesmerize by the beauty of dusk.

    Sensing someone after a minute, he inspects his sides to see Chifya holding a large basket full of goods and a full sack.

    ¡°Whaa?¡± Akatosh says, a bit surprise by Chifya.

    ¡°Finally snap from your dream?¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­¡±

    Chifya sigh, ¡°Care to help me carry these goods?¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ Fine, but I¡¯ll carry the lighter ones.¡± He smiles in amusement as he picks the flimsy ones, leaving Chifya the heavier ones. ¡°What?¡± Akatosh follows after seeing Chifya staring at him in disbelief.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this lunatic.¡± Chifya respond turning towards to magic. Unrolling the scroll, she then places the heavier goods atop of the scroll and with a cast of magic the scroll quickly swallowed all the supply.

    ¡°Oh, how stupid of me.¡± Akatosh says using his magic bag but was stopped by Chifya.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just casually use your bag in these kinds of place.¡± A serious tone Chifya says.

    ¡°Ah¡­ my bad.¡±

    While trailing towards their friends¡¯ house, Akatosh who was at the back following Chifya, he suddenly thought of an idea. The answer to his trouble was all along in front of him. To achieve his desired weapon, he needed the help of magic and what better way than to go rummage his hoard of stolen items.

    Just as he was thinking of escaping the place, his mind was cut off. Three meters apart Akatosh stops his movement when Chifya also stop. When she turns around, Akatosh was captivate by the combination between the color of dusk and Chifya¡¯s beauty. When the air breezes, her silky raven hair flutters like a calm wave at the time of sunset and the one that catches Akatosh eyes was her eyes that changes from lapis to gleaming amethyst.

    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± Express Akatosh looking through his surroundings before returning towards Chifya. ¡°Is there something I¡¯m missing.¡± He continues when he saw tears slowly falling from her eyes.

    Unable to comprehend what was happening all he could do was break away their contact. Also unbeknownst to her, after thirsty second had passed she suddenly realize she was crying without reason and right in front towards Akatosh. Quickly rubbing her tears, she strolls off leaving her partner stupefied.

    ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡±

    Shifting to a different scene, the place where Akatosh sold Chifya¡¯s brooch. The hag whom Akatosh made transaction with was doing a magic spell or so much like a spell ritual one that¡¯s specialized in dispelling certain seal nor barriers.

    The room where the magic is taking place is no doubt a ragged site to hold such practice. The walls are constructed with stone bricks, yet the venue was completely brightened by a three levitating crystal humming in unsteady way. And from the center of the crystal was Chifya¡¯s brooch. Taking out a flask that contains a blood-like substance she didn¡¯t hesitate and gulps the entire potion. When swallowed she then waits for a minute to pass, slowly her body morphs into her younger self. Her craggy teeth suddenly changed to that of a younger white tooth. Her wrinkled skin age backwards revealing a smooth and slender body. A cinnamon short hair reaching only to her nape and a glamorous diamond shape face, beautiful but her expression is cold and a poker face.

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    Once her transformation is finished, she quickly extends both of her arms and right away the three crystals stop its humming in exchange it produces a green aura. Like water evaporating, the misty green aura funnels towards her. She smiles confidently knowing the spell will succeed, when the energy was gathered it creates a pulsating orb, without a second to waste she then cast it towards Chifya¡¯s brooch followed by another magic. When the first spell was cast the air rips the atmosphere revealing a four layers of circle magic compressing the brooch. However, all was in vain when the brooch releases a shockwave decimating the spells and the crystals.

    ¡°Why won¡¯t it work!¡± Shouts the woman who slowly returns to her versed age. ¡°Unless¡­¡± She continues shifting to a different plan.

    Following the sudden situation for Chifya, Akatosh didn¡¯t bother nor try to reach Chifya for an explanation for he was too much harrowed in fulfilling his desired devious crafting and the lust of curiosity. After delivering the goods, he didn¡¯t bother to look for Chifya for an explanation. The only thing he approaches was to beg his partner for a teleportation, pleading to return them to their hideout.

    A flick of magic returns the travelers to their refuge, for Ashalain who was in the guild together with her party who are busy asserting a plan felt the ring of matrimony lost contact to its other half. Abrupt by the sudden condition still she quickly suppress her emotions. Even Chifya who was changing to another appearance felt the mark on her chest was odd. The resonating feelings she had from Akatosh, suddenly ceased. She once felt this kind of affection before until now this time was different for, she was on her conversion state.

    For the man whom they have connected with was on his horde, pulling out every item and neatly organize them. The only problem was, he didn¡¯t have the slightest knowledge of every item he garners from his journey.

    ¡°Um¡­ Sir boss¡­ do you have a thing or two about detailing these?¡± Says Akatosh, calling towards his partner. In return he felt his partner a distasteful feeling not only towards Akatosh but to himself.

    ¡°It questions me¡­ Why am I still serving this man¡¯s obligation?¡± Amaragnum replies, in a discontent tone.

    ¡°C¡¯mon grandpa loftiness will only get us into nowhere. What¡¯s the point of stacking all those knowledge and wisdom?¡±

    The stillmage pause for a moment, deciding if he concede to his needs or shut away.

    *Sigh* ¡°Finish organizing your pile, if you¡¯re in luck there will be an item that helps identifying your scrap.¡±

    ¡°Okay then¡­¡±

    When done, and by surprise Amaragnum was able to sort out an item that Akatosh need, three to be exact. A single command let Akatosh quickly pick up the desired thing. At his hand is a peculiar eyeglass, the other two was a scroll, an empty blank scroll.

    ¡°So, how do I use these tools.¡± A fluffy tone Akatosh says.

    ¡°There are many varieties of identification tool¡­ The one we have is a high-class one, and what differs between the low-quality are their ability to decipher valuable items. Common tools of identification are able to only render common items but not for valuable items¡­ Ugh why am I explaining,¡± Amaragnum implores with a tired tone. ¡°Just use the glasses and you¡¯ll find out, as for the scroll just put a single item and it will reveal the knowledge you seek.¡± He continues and quickly reinstated to his place.

    Akatosh did what the stillmage said and as it was, eureka the items that are nameless to his knowledge was appearing to his eyes. When wearing the eyeglass of identification, it changes his sight of perspective the moment his eyes concentrated towards an item and for a flash his brain was stuff with knowledge. Although the glass of identification was indeed an exceptional tool, however it gave a strong impact to his brain exchanging him a strong dose of nausea and headache.

    Putting aside he waits for the side effect to diminished, after which Akatosh Shifts to the scrolls. Having no knowledge on how to use such items, he tried to put the items on the scroll.

    ¡°Ahh¡­¡± Akatosh cry in astonishment.

    Once the scroll touches the item, it quickly reveals what it truly is. What differs from the glasses of identification was it¡¯s up to him to absorb the knowledge.  Curious for more, he tries to copy the information on the scroll and paste to his ¡®book of endless page¡¯. Whilst the scroll is still uncovered, he put it atop of a blank page, true enough his prediction was dead center. The information from the scroll slowly dissolves and slowly it transfers on the blank page.

    ¡°Ohh¡­¡± Moans Akatosh in euphoria.

    Through the time of his quest for knowledge, a curious question swiftly burst into his mind. He remembers the pistol Izura had, the sea queen. He fathoms where did Izura obtain such weapon, inquisitively he debates himself what are the chances how the pistol was made.

    ¡°Was there someone before me?¡± He asks himself, ¡°But if not, was there someone who created for her?¡± He continues pondering every debate he could produce. ¡°The world is vast, and humans are good at adapting and evolving. Not only humans maybe those dwarfs could show some light.¡± He smiles and resumes his data collection.

    Three days had passed, with a good rest the travelers teleported to Thuram where he might gain the answers, he ponders from the past days.

 Headhunterâ€™s Axe

    ¡°Be me axe ready?!¡± Cry Akatosh in Excitement.

    At the heart of Thuram¡¯s forgery, the atmosphere was intense to Akatosh sight. Thundering echoes of large hammers pounders his ears, there Akatosh can tell by the sight that it was propels through magic and dwarven technologies. Even with the potion of fire resistance that was given to him in advance, he can feel the vibrant sear of fire as the large foundries pours the molten mix of minerals. And at the same time when the heat was too much to take, the large pipes that spread around the forgery quickly sucks out the heat and emission at the same time it pumps in cold fresh air. Awe, not only its function that gather¡¯s one interest but its size, he can determine that it was ten meters in diameter.

    Akatosh learns that dwarfs are high resistance to fire and freezing temperatures but, to see it with his own eyes, how the dwarfs would brush the heat like nothing without using any magic protection and potions really bewilders to his new given world.

    While being led through the vast forgery, not only magic and technologies involve but also golems with different roles assigned to them. From his gathered knowledge there are four types of golems, the runic golems, the elemental golems, the dwarven made and the astrals. And in this place two were present, the dwarven made and runic golem.

    Upon observing the two varieties of golems, runic golems were task in guarding the place. Standing around seven meters tall, their body consist of pure stone carved in dwarven design. Bulky and the most intriguing part was, there were no heads to be seen however through the center of its chest lies a pulsating blue core. For closer inspection, the brachium and femur of the golems has different design. Unlike its outer layer covered in dwarven, the one that connects the body have a root-like pattern. When passing one of them, Akatosh felt the vibrating energy stimulating his skin.

    For the dwarven golem, compared to the runic ones their size is much larger and bulkier. Not only through size but they are made of pure dwarven cold metal, a material that close to rival the elven-steel or also known as Shirvia¡¯s gift. A glance shows that their head is the same size of a dwarven height and design similar to a ¡®great helm¡¯, a medieval helmet so to say. Massive and a force to be reckon, their movements would quake the ground as they haul massive amounts of materials and blocks of metals.

    New to one¡¯s sight, Akatosh was too absorbed from his new experience. He had seen the industrial machines from his past life but, for this kind of experience was undoubtfully perplexes his lust of cutting-edge.

    Approaching deeper, his guide then leads him to where priceless weapons and items are made. By the words of the dwarfs, he was the eleventh outsider to enter a significant place and being the fourth person to gain the trust of the dwarven king. How he achieves a certitude with the dwarves was him joining expeditions and conquest throughout the deep forgotten kingdom of dwarven ancestors, deeper as the roots of the world tree. It was Amaragnum¡¯s knowledge and Akatosh action that helps the expedition achieve such enticing feat. Lowering the death rate, increasing their progression and in return Amaragnum gets what he needs, a fuel that keeps him running.

    ¡°Tell ye what, wi''out your help, we wouldn''t have reached that cursed place in a short amount o'' time. Our lads may finally find amendments from our fallen brothers an'' sisters.¡± Says Akatosh guide initiating a conversation as they travers the forgery.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m glad I could help, just-just keep to our promises.¡± Akatosh respond

    ¡°Ye sure? almost every hero that i''ve heard o'' have their names been song throughout tha lands with their deeds an'' valor. Ye me brother be quite tha opposite one.¡±

    ¡°Fame and glory of one¡¯s name is hard to keep, for it comes with a price. Well, it might befit others but It¡¯s not my thing.¡± Akatosh reply, ¡°Especially when you have a historical maniac and being one of the most wanted man.¡± He continues but only through his thought.

    ¡°Indeed, people like tha thrills o'' gaining reputation. True ta ye, our cousins from Dolvathur an'' Kolvathur be setting their interest from our successful past expedition... But nae ta worry, when we keep our promise, it''ll be as strong as tha strongest shield ye can find.¡±

    ¡°Thanks then.¡±

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    ¡°Dinna be too affectionate, it''s our thing as a dwarf¡­ Oh an'' look we''ve reached our destination. It¡¯s up to ya now lad, ya can call one of the apprentices to lead ya back.¡±

    ¡°See you around then.¡±

    At the entrance of the forge, was a two colossal statue of dwarves both holding an axe as they face in opposite direction. In between the two statue was the entrance guarded by two runic golems glowing in red color different to the blue runic golem. The place was large and tall, and inside were five dwarves busy forging. For the forgemaster he was busy instructing the four-apprentice left and right as he blasted his shouts at them.

    ¡°Don''t just hammer that damn thing! Use your gift that ain''t a simple metal, you blockhead!¡± Shouts the forgemaster intently looking at his apprentice. ¡°Blasted one! I told ya ta use only six powders nae eight now ya going ta have ta add more metal!¡± He continues at the second one who¡¯s busy on the smelter.

    ¡°Forgemaster!¡± Cry Akatosh in excitement. ¡°Be me axe ready?¡±

    ¡°Took ya long enough, follow me then.¡± A quick respond coming from the dwarf.

    A couple of step lies a case a height of five meters, a width measuring only fifty centimeters as for the thickness he can tell it was eight inches. Ornamented in gold and layered with eccentric dwarven design.

    When the weapon was shown Akatosh is smeared in awe, his ax was made in pure dwarven metal. A two-handed weapon, the axe¡¯s head was shaped in crescent form like an eagle¡¯s head where its beak is the blade. And on the opposite side was a spike seven inches long like that of a pickaxe. For the handle, near the head of the axe was flatten but the handle is round. The sleek part was it had an added pattern from every part of the axe, a dwarven design at that.

    ¡°I tell ya what when I finished this weapon of yours¡­ what do ya called this thing again from your land?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s an igorot head hunting axe.¡±

    ¡°Right, this one be scary thing ta whack someone else head¡­ care ta hold it?¡±

    ¡°Well certainly.¡± Says Akatosh quickly grabbing the weapon but when the dwarf releases the handle, Akatosh quickly felt the mass of the weapon. Unable to hold the ax, he quickly relinquished it. He tried to pick it up yet, it was like picking a two hundred kilograms of pure metal.

    The forgemaster chuckles, ¡°C¡¯mon pick up some muscle young lad.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m trying.¡± Akatosh replies but he was only able to lift it up for the harder part was swinging. The forge master laughs when he saw Akatosh¡¯s face ready to take a toilet.

    ¡°Let me help ya a bit.¡± Says the forgemaster, easily holding the heavy ax using only one hand. For Akatosh, his eyes were poking out unable to blink, stupefied at that. ¡°It¡¯s not yet done, what it needs is an enchantment, follow me.¡±

    Akatosh bids by foragemaster¡¯s words and they headed to another room a bit far from the forgery. When arrive, the place they went is far different from the dwarven forge. The venue had plants, shelves and books at every corner. On the center lies an altar made of stone, ancient, remarkable as hundreds of glowing orbs swirls around at its top.

    ¡°Where¡¯s that damn enchanter!¡± Forgemaster cry.

    ¡°You called?¡± A sudden voice Implores, Akatosh turns to where the voice came but he only saw a slight silhouette before disappearing. ¡°Look here.¡± Akatosh swing his head to see a person in gray robes.

    ¡°An Elf?¡± Akatosh says, when the person unhoods revealing a handsome elf in raven long hair and quite tall.

    ¡°Care to put some magic?¡± Forgemaster implores extending the axe towards the elf.

    The elf already saw what the dwarf is planning so he goes towards the altar. ¡°Bring that thing here.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re no fun.¡± The dwarf says placing the weapon on the altar.

    Akatosh blink and in seconds the elf was facing him. ¡°Your hand please.¡±

    Akatosh extend his hand, suddenly the elf with a swift of his finger flicks a ghost blade cutting the human''s hand. Blood oozes from his hand but the pain was nothing to Akatosh feeling, furthermore his blood was drawn from the elf¡¯s hand creating an orb of his blood.

    Taking only ten seconds of extracting, the traveler''s wounds was healed in seconds not even a scar was left. Sigh the elf and slowly goes towards the altar as Akatosh¡¯s blood in spheric form follows him. Now only a few inches from the altar, the elf conjures four spheres. An orb of stone, an ice, a lava, and a cloud emitting lightning.

    Commanding, the elf¡¯s hand lifts the four orbs and so too was Akatosh¡¯s blood. Dancing in seconds Akatosh''s blood merges with the lightning orb.

    ¡°Oh¡­ now that¡¯s a fine one.¡± The forgemaster says.

    Once Akatosh¡¯s blood merge with the orb, the elf brought it down. While still on his palm, he places it atop of the axe then when he raises his right arm, a blue ghost of an ancient elf appears holding a hammer it follows the enchanter¡¯s movement.

    Smashing the orb, a bright light flash at the epicenter blinding Akatosh. Seconds of recovering his humming sight, he saw his axe levitating as it produces pure lightning plasma. Now with an enchantment place the elf easily without effort single handedly holds the weapon.

    Yielding the weapon at Akatosh, he couldn¡¯t help his shaking hands. The moment t his hand grabs the handle he felt the surge of the storm giant¡¯s strength cursing through his body. He now shares the aspect of a storm giant. The axe from before was now light as a stick, and every enchantment the axe received was tingling his body, his brain, his senses all was known

    ¡°Ventawan¡­¡± says the elf as he blows blue dust at the axe. ¡°My work is done.¡± He continues walking away and slowly disappearing.

 Ferocity of the Storm

    ¡°Say lad, tha goddess o'' luck sure has a crush on ye.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t get it.¡±

    ¡°Tha enchantment ye have on your axe be a formidable thing, an'' one o'' tha rarest ta be in sync with¡­ ye see, enchanting be nae only just chunking up magic into one item it¡¯s all about harmony. Tha more tha compatible tha enchantment with tha person be, tha more ambidextrous tha man be. It¡¯s like those bard people doing those music things, if tha harmony ain¡¯t in sync it¡¯s nothing more but a racket.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­ I see.¡±

    Master forger measures him head to toe and, when he saw his hand nervously itching as he tightly grips the handle he smiles. ¡°Say lad, I see ye hand be itching ta swing that axe o'' yours.¡±

    ¡°You bet I ¡®am!¡±

    The magical axe of his, was far different from the enchanted weapons he wielded from his journeys. His hoard of weapons was unlikely to his feelings when he holds it, Akatosh felt less, he didn¡¯t grasp the full potential of those weapons. Until this time, when Akatosh¡¯s hand grabs his newly crafted weapon the strong tingling sensation overwhelms his body and soul, the full power of the storm giant was within.

    ¡°Just a warning lad.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± A worried tone coming from the traveler.

    ¡°Rage¡­ storm giants be tha fiercest o'' their kind. You¡¯ll get tha answer when your life visits death. Oh¡­ an'' a bit o'' advise stormy times will grant ye more thrill.¡±

    Entering the training hall was anticipated, the area was double the size of a football field. Divided into four sections, testing area where the dwarfs would test their weapons. The training area leaves for the people who are practicing their combat style. As for the sparring field holds where two or more people involved in fighting session either through one versus one, two versus four and so forth.

    Shifting to the fourth section lies an interesting sight for the traveler. A gladiator¡¯s field, a place for those who will seek the reality of surviving. Surrounded by magical barriers and triple the guards, that section is for those who are confident and are to test their prowess and magic.

    Thrill overcomes Akatosh as he and the forgemaster enters the place. Before they enter Akatosh wears a newly crafted armor similar to the ones he commissions to Barry, only differs is, the armor is padded with dwarven cold metal and design in eccentric dwarven carvings.  Still wearing the claw gauntlet, while the mask was hidden through invisibility spell. Looking around Akatosh saw the venue was filled with mix races, adventurers who came to test their skill, mercenaries for a good sport and dwarven fighters on training session.

    With a flex, some adventurers and mercenaries¡¯ glances at Akatosh as he walks towards the testing center. Curious to his design axe and armor, they waited to see what the travelers would do to his unfamiliar equipment.

    Swinging the axe five times, testing his reflexes and warming up his muscles, he swiftly dashes towards the complete sets of armors in different varieties. Choosing the humanmade plate male armor layered with chainmail and enchant with powerful spell. Doing a forty-five-degree angle, his Igorot axe simply folds the armor in one swing, slicing it like thin paper. With many varieties of armors offer, he quickly moves to the big two the elven armor and the dwarven armor.

    In his teachings elven armor is higher for magic protection, while dwarven are good for absorbing and deflecting physical brute force. Picking the elven armor, Akatosh surges the magical power of his axe and quickly it comes to is call. Lighting burst striking every surroundings, he dashes for a swing. Along with his boosted strength he uses it to swing the axe faster and, in the end, his axe like a dragon¡¯s claw it tore the armor.

    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    For the dwarven, the traveler flips the axe¡¯s head utilizing the pointy side. A swing to the chest area pierces it with great ease, like a needle easily penetrates through a cardboard. Shifting to a killer blow at the helmet, he again alters the axe¡¯s head. And as it was, he slices the helmet in half through pure strength and speed.

    Hungry for more, he switches towards the gladiator¡¯s area. This time he wants see how his weapons deals to a flesh and true hack and slash battle. When ask, he was offered different varieties of monsters to fight. Choosing three, a rhinoceros where it had long tail and a long white horn five feet at that, it was like combination of prehistoric dinosaur and a rhino. The second one was a powerful frost troll, a beast that have high regeneration. And for the fun part was a runic golem, it¡¯s were his real battle will start. For emergency he carries another weapon the eleven steel kriegsmesser.

    Facing the large double door crafted in pure metal. Using a magical bandage Akatosh was tackling his axe to his hand, preventing him to relinquish his weapon even when an enemy hurled nor knock him out. With a final wrap, the gate was open revealing his first opponent a rhinoceros.

    The beast was uneasy, his eyes and violent trashing of its body implores it was given a sedative. Horns at the front the rhinoceros immediately went for assault. Unfazed by the tremoring attack, Akatosh was more designated in testing his impressive strength. And as the two clashes, Akatosh was quickly overwhelm by his opponent¡¯s blitz, unfortunate for the rhinoceros, the traveler outwits his opponent¡¯s strength for his was the strength of a giant. Thrill overcomes Akatosh senses, with his now found power he could easily dispatch it by swinging his axe at the beast¡¯s throat. This time he decides to defeat it through endurance and strength.

    When the hourglass was flipped five times, five hours to be exact the rhinoceros was on the ground exhausted through their wrestling and boxing. As for Akatosh, he was still standing unexhausted ready for another round.

    Facing the second opponent was a giant frost trolls, skin was dark blue, ravenous claws and hideous face. Like his first opponet, the trolls were given powerful drugs, additionally there are ten frost troll Akatosh was facing, giving the audience a thrill. After testing his strength and endurance, he shifted towards his axe.

    Bashing the axe at the ground, the two opposing race promptly went for who will plate death. Since trolls were giant beast, the traveler chooses the ankle the thinness part of the trolls¡¯ lower body. Lucky for him one troll outrun his other kin enabling Akatosh to dispatch it with in second.

    When the first troll tries to claw the traveler, the beast¡¯s attack was surpassed by Akatosh¡¯s swift reflex and enhance muscle. Evading the sharp claws, he directly swings his axe at the ankle slicing without a sweat.  The troll fumbles on the ground, as it regenerates the injury Akatosh with his axe blistering lighting hammers it at the back of the troll. Troll maybe have the best regenerating abilities but when they face acid and fire, their natural abilities would deteriorate. And lighting do create heat when it strikes giving Akatosh a burnt-up troll corps. Going head on with all of the remaining trolls would turn him into a punching bag, unless if he wants to show all of his arsenal to the audience and doing that would exploit his real identity.

    Dashing out from the killer zone, he collects his thoughts and approach. Only seconds after dashing out from the giants, he felt an enlighten from his axe.  Sprinting away, gaping as much distance as he could from the berserk trolls. Once they attain the distance, Akatosh roar his lungs out as he ferociously smashes his rumbling axe on the ground.

    *BANGGGG!!*

    When Akatosh hammers his axe, like a clapping of a god the sound of thunder reaps the place clamoring every living thing. Not only the sound of thunder that shook, lighting viciously rakes every place turning the frost trolls onto black charcoal. As for the traveler he was on his knees, panting heavily in return for his attack depletes his energy. He looks around to see some spectacles and guards being send to a healing room.

    ¡°HAhahah¡­. Shiiiiiet.¡± A humorous tone coming from Akatosh.

    He wanted to take a rest, yet to his mind he wanted to test how far can his body and skill goes. Persistent and stubbornness he orders to battle the runic golem to which the dwarves agree.

    The gate opens and from the dark reveals three runic golems, even from their distance Akatosh could feel the heaviness of their presence.

    ¡°Shiiiet¡­ well then come to papa.¡±

 Rage of the Storm

    The tremor was heavy, this time the opponents he¡¯s facing were marching. The ground would quake from their stomps, what¡¯s more his adrenaline was boiling giving him a meager strength. Still, the power of the axe so far infused, and yet his body suddenly in a feeble state. A curious thing he question, for now, he needed to finished what he organizes before consulting with the dwarfs for an answer.

    ¡°I suck at this¡­ Should have studied how to deal with rocks.¡± Akatosh mumble¡¯s gathering his remaining strength for decisive clash.

    The traveler could tell the golems were measuring him as they close the gap. Having no knowledge or whatsoever about runic golems, he decides his own strategy. That is to poke, evade and run while gathering as much intel what runic golems are capable.

    Taking seven deep breath and after which, Akatosh dashes in for a swing of his axe. In unison the golems smash the ground, shaking the area for their enemy to lose his balance. Sure enough, Akatosh fumbles to the ground but manage to stabilize his struggles by nailing the pointy side of the axe giving him support.

    In a short amount of time, he saw the three golems dashing for a colossal attack and taking a direct punch from their fists would send him six feet under. The Only thing Akatosh can prevail was his speed and reflexes. As it was, he was able to evade their humongous fists but even for only a meter Akatosh felt his body quivering from the resonating magic surrounding the golems.

    Adrenaline is boiling, his sweats were the size of a corn, his breathing were heavy yet calm, there Akatosh goes dashing them in circles, like a wolf circling its prey for an opportunity to pounce. Somehow, he was able to confuse their attention, for his main goal was to separate them. Synchronously, his axe was coming alive spewing lightning. After successfully separating the golems about twenty to thirty meters apart he goes towards the farthest of its allies. Using his superior abilities, Akatosh closes in, evading the golems attack and when his plan connects, he savagely swings his axe at the leg. And by surprise, the golem lost balance from loosing its other limb. While on the ground, Akatosh didn¡¯t hesitate to hammer his powerful axe and from there a substantial bolt of lightning and thunder combined directly strikes the golems rupturing its body into chunks of stone.

    ¡°That¡¯s odd, runic golems are immune to magical weapons so why is he¡­¡± Says one of the adventurers who was watching the show.

    Just when Akatosh disposed the first golem, a hurl of boulder size of a car was flying towards him. Sudden and unable to dodge the boulder sweeps him away from the dead golem. The force was dynamic enough to send Akatosh sandwich on the gladiator¡¯s wall.

    It was a catastrophe, the attack from the golem awfully did gave the traveler a fatal compensation. Thanks to his armor and his buffs, Akatosh would have been turn into a grind meat pasted to the wall. Yet even the best of his mended body and abilities he suffers great injuries. Lightning burst, the bolder that was thrown from the traveler explodes and came Akatosh grunting.

    Time was fast and death is near, in the meantime while his axe is still intact with his hand, he saw the other golem picking another boulder to throw, so as the other one dashes for an uppercut. Moving his left shoulder for a twohanded style, Akatosh felt cold when he saw his arm limping.

    A split second of observing was all it took, from his left arm all the bones were broken, his flesh was smashed, blood drips. Not only but his whole body were injured from the inside and outside. A brief of compensating he saw death was rocketing, and at the same time the ground trembles from the dashing of the second golem ready to send him flying.

    Pumping out his adrenaline, he barely avoided the incoming projectile unfortunately for the second golem evading was not on the list. From him to survive, he needed a new strategy and that is go for an offense.

    ¡°Eat this shit!¡± He grunts.

    Using only one hand, he rests his axe on his shoulder. Utilizing every part of his body, he muscles up the axe, catapulting to be precise. Gambling his rumbling axe against the golem¡¯s pulsating fist, the entire area was hit by a tremendous blast.

    When the dust settled through the vacuum of the pipes, the runic golem¡¯s right body was ravage while Akatosh was rocketed sixty meters away from the clash. And when death was ready to hold Akatosh¡¯s life, forgemaster orders to maximize the barriers and sends reinforcement. Adding up the last standing runic golem gathers up all the destroyed runic golem¡¯s bodies scattered from the arena through magnetizing their shattered parts, there all the three golems were mashed into one colossal runic golem and this time it¡¯s glowing in crimson fire.

    Akatosh¡¯s Igorot axe begins to kindle as he growls, for the spirit of the storm giant slowly curbs the traveler.

    ¡°Shiiiiieeettt¡­¡± Amaragnum chuckles upon witnessing his partners situation. ¡°This could be fun.¡±

    Summoning three more colossal runic golems, the audience begins to get uneasy. Their senses would tell them to leave, but curiosity overpowers their mind forcing them stay. In the end, most of the audience who are not dwarfs scatters away when they felt the ominous lightning and thunder reaping out from Akatosh.

    Steadily as he gets up from the ground, the three giant golems dash out to distinguished the raging storm. At a distance of fifty meters, all of the people that stays in the area all witness the beautiful flickering crimson fire of the axe as it discharges thick lightning.

    ¡°Bring me that damn elf.¡± Forgemaster roars when suddenly, a blast of air and lightning explodes through the gladiator¡¯s area.

    A single pummel from the ground creates a shockwave causing the golems to halt their attack. Before the dust could be cleanse a burst of strong lightning decimates the field, carving every corners it strikes. Suddenly Akatosh came charging towards the three giants bringing with him a clamoring storm of lightning. With a wave of his weapons sends a tremendous barrage of lightning decimating the three into shattered rubbles. At the same time, when the dust calms and the golems were destroyed the elf who forge the enhancement was on the arena.

    ¡°Most interesting¡­ how interesting.¡± Amaragnum implores.

    The once expressionless elf suddenly felt a surge of ungodly magic and suddenly disappear. Before he could comprehend the cause of that flash impression, Akatosh emerge at his back swinging his weapon for a decapitation.

    Teleported before the axe could savior his life, he saw Akatosh charging at him with fury.

    ¡°Awaken thee.¡± The elf whispers, there a spectral female ghost appears cloak in beautiful white clothes it then covers the elf with her transparent cloak as it slowly disappears.

    Lightning claws at every place but when it reaches the elf it was quickly repels. Unfaced from the incoming berserk man his body turns to mist when Akatosh delivers a blow.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°WAIT!! DON¡¯T USE THE VACUUM YET!¡± Shouts the forgemaster.

    The mist that was created suddenly multiply and the elf was nowhere to be seen, vanished into thin air. Covering the whole arena, Akatosh felt his lungs being poison, his brain slowly distorted additionally his body weakens.

    Using the power of the axe, the traveler tries to cleans the place by blasting the atmosphere using air. That however didn¡¯t work at his favor, for the mist slips through air, unhinge by the blast.

    ¡°Okay then¡­ let¡¯s sprinkle some spices for a good show.¡± Amaragnum implores flickering a spell; ¡°Now get him dog!¡± It was a flash cast as a blast of wave quickly disperse the mist and at the same time it reveals the elf in hiding.

    Upon seeing the elf, Akatosh immediately went on assault mode. The elf didn¡¯t waste a second and quickly cast dozens of protection magic in a one single cast through a single wave of his hand. Yet with his abundant protection, the elf¡¯s instinct tells him to avoid the incoming attack. In a blink of an eye, the elf cast a doppelganger teleporting himself while his double stays bearing the outcome.

    Dead on his decision, even with the amount of protection spell that was invested, the doppelganger was decimated in seconds. Unable to grasp what abilities nor power his opponent had, he needed to bit by bit understand the capabilities before doing an absolute clash. By looking at the state of the human he was facing, he¡¯s no different than a walking corps. He was enthralled how fatal his injuries, so far Akatosh was able to wreak havoc.

    Leaving with two options, the elf could prolong the battle and in return he might able to fully feed his curiosity. As for the other decision, he needed to end Akatosh¡¯s rage before he could create further damage since the barrier was slowly deteriorating.

    Flickering, in a flash the elf was teleporting whilst simultaneously cast spells that cultivates his understanding on how to deal with Akatosh. A chase of a cat and mouse so to say, the only twist was, the mouse was throwing offensive and defensive spell towards the attacker. But no matter how many times the elf heave at the traveler, Akatosh would either dodge his spell nor break his protection magic.

    ¡°Strange¡­ I didn¡¯t place any dispel, spell breaker nor any other types of counter magic. And that strange sensation coming from this man¡­ Who are you really?¡± The elf asserts. ¡°Come Haiden, Risha.¡± The Elf cries.

    To the enchanter¡¯s words a blue beam ruptures the arena, when the entrance was diminished there were two people, one holds a wooden staff while the other holds a grimoire. The one that holds a grimoire was a human, a middle age man who had a braided chestnut hair and his name was Haiden. As for the other person, she was a half-high elf, the king¡¯s personal mage.

    ¡°Risha, use spatial magic only and don¡¯t engage him¡­ Haiden distract him with offensive spell, I¡¯m going to use time scroll.¡± The elf implores at his comrades telepathically.

    ¡°Understood!¡± The two simultaneously respond.

    Swiftly casting protection magic, thousands of orbs appear from the elf¡¯s acquittance giving them protection against the clamoring lightning. Just after the elf introduce their work, Akatosh was on an assault pose, putting the burning axe on his shoulder he bends for a harrowing approach.

    ¡°Here he comes! Get ready!¡± The elf cry when he saw Akatosh¡¯s skin begins to reveal spots of dragon scale similar to a storm giant. Furthermore, Akatosh¡¯s boots was worn out form his intense movement. Perceiving his next attack would make him barefoot.

    Haiden hastily casts dozens of offensive spells, although Akatosh quickly respond carrying with him the power of the storm. Zigzagging at tremendous speed, taking only three corners was enough to discard one of his worn-out boots. And before Akatosh could reach the three, he was either teleported or they become ethereal.

    The battle intensifies as the arena became battered through desolation of magic and physical fray. The destruction spell that Haiden invocate was only good at keeping out Akatosh from advancing. Spike roots would get easily cut down or get rend by the shear power of lightning and his sharp ax. Dozens of fireballs were easily dodge, lightning bolt is useless since they are dealing with lightning itself. Ice spell would get shattered or evade.

    Consuming more than a minute, the elf was half-kneeing while his hand touches the magical circle embedded on the ground.

    ¡°Now.¡± Say the elf triggering a powerful spell, a time stop magic.

    ¡°How pitiful¡­¡± Amaragnum implores casting what appears to be a counter spell for the elf¡¯s magic. ¡°You just send your two subordinates into the afterlife.¡± He continues eager to see the outcome.

    As the elf¡¯s spell was triggered, in a flicker of time all of the surroundings were stagnant. The place around him turns into black and white in color, but as he gets up from his knees, he felt a grim sensation. He looks around sighting for Akatosh but he was nowhere to be found. He turns around to check at his subordinates to see Akatosh was three meters away moving for a killing blow.

    ¡°This is bad! I need to delay.¡± Meditates the elf canceling the time magic, but it was too late Akatosh had already swing his ax.

    When the time spell was diminishes, Haiden saw an incoming attack, unable to dodge or counter an offence magic all he could do was use his arms as protection.

    ¡°AAARRGG!!!¡± Haiden grunt as his left arm was easily notch.

    The elf throws a magical spear pulsating in blue light suspending Akatosh from getting a kill. As for the berserk man, he easily dodged the spear as he quickly moves towards Risha. With enough time to react Risha was able to avoid the incoming attack, what she didn¡¯t perceive was a kick in her waist that send her rolling on the ground. Akatosh pursue Risha but was block by the elf who¡¯s now in a different appearance.

    Eyes where gleaming in golden, golden tattoo markings appears at every part of his body. His golden long silky hair was fluctuating revealing an alluring sight.

    As for the traveler, he didn¡¯t hesitate to swing his ax and before it could reach the elf a deva appears shielding the elf.

    ¡°Oh shit! Looks like I¡¯ve stayed too long, welp got to go.¡± Amaragnum implores as he quickly returns to his sanctuary.

    A feast to one¡¯s eyes would make them kneel at the face of a beautiful deva clamored in majestic armor. Twice the height of Akatosh, bearing a round shield and a majestic flaming sword. Floating only a foot from the ground her presence gave all the audience an awe, and with a flutter of her wings calms the raging storm that the travel had created.

    The two look at each other and immediately Akatosh advance swinging his axe horizontally. Utilizing both her shield and sword, the deva manages to block Akatosh, she smiles when the ax manages to pierce her shield but was stopped at only seven inches.

    Pushing Akatosh with tremendous strength, the traveler was flung at a distance of fifteen meter. Using lightning movement once Akatosh recovers, he went for a backstab attack. Jumping for a quick vertical slash, without even turning around the deva casually lifts her shield blocking Akatosh¡¯s ax. It pierces her shield but not enough to breach the only thing he did was shorten her on the ground.

    While the two are busy dancing, the elf breezily heals his allies without any effort.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for dragging this mess with you two.¡± The elf softly says, reattaching Haiden¡¯s arm.

    After healing his two subordinates, the elf shifts his interest towards Akatosh who slowly drained, consumed by his fatal injuries. Blocking Akatosh¡¯s attack would break the devas shield, so to avoid such result, the deva changes her fighting style that is through parrying Akatosh attack.

    A quick glance of Akatosh weakening the elf didn¡¯t waste time prolonging the fight. When the deva manages to distort Akatosh movement, the elf together with the deva in a blink teleport in front of him. the traveler tries for a counterattack but was block by the deva. Before Akatosh would react, a magical root sprung enveloping and holding Akatosh giving the elf enough time to cast a spell. In a desperate attempt to free himself, Akatosh initially vaporize the roots, the elf rapidly places his palm emanating a pinkish mist at the traveler¡¯s chest.

    The moment Akatosh was touch, he was horizontally launched similar to what he encounters at the druid¡¯s cove. Just as he was nailed to the wall, the deva with a flap of her wings beams in front of Akatosh. Grabbing his right hand, the deva fixes it on the wall preventing him to cause anymore attack. Relinquishing her sword which it casually float, she then grasps Akatosh¡¯s chest hindering him to fall.

    The elf conjures three golden spectral spears to which he precisely hurls at Akatosh. One was at his left shoulder, the second struck his left leg, and the last went at his right arm.

    ¡°Arrrkkk,¡± Akatosh grunt the moment the spear struck his flesh.

    ¡°Forgive me young man but this is the least I can do.¡± Pounds the elf.

    The deva who still holding Akatosh grieves a tear when she saw his bloodied face and fatal wounds. Whilst his flaming ax begins to quench, filled with pity and sorrow the beautiful deva whispers towards the traveler in a tongue he didn¡¯t know. Once done, hundreds of horizontal lights and orbs emerge in thin air. Unable to say a word, Akatosh felt a warm healing, the deva smiles for her work was finished. There she slowly turns into stone, but before that she takes a closer look at the traveler before completely turns into statue.

 Learn with the Masters

    In the midst of a midnight slumber Chifya awoken from the gushing feeling, a consciousness coming from her chest where the mark of matrimony lies. A feeling of affliction to the person she commits, a worried pain.

    "Now what have you gotten yourself into again." She tensely implores as she solaces her chest pertaining Akatosh.

    Chifya had felt these types of sensation before, and each time her affiliation towards the traveler became grimmer. Having her rest disturb followed by a distress feeling, Chifya decides for a cup of water. Just as she arouses from her bed, and while the moonlight of the three moons burnished the room, she saw her appearance change. She looks at the mirror and saw her new appearance.

    Her hair was now a silky silver strand, enough to reflect a moonlight and offering a luminescent sight. The iris part of her eyes gave an amethyst color shimmering when given a light. Her ears were now that of an elven, a pointy ear. Her humanly skin changes to that of a moon elf, a pale icy moon color. And the last thing was her ashen smooth curve tattoos that paints her body.

    *Sigh*, ¡°That fool.¡± Chifya says after drinking a glass of water.

    For the lady paladin, Ashalain immediately stops his rummage at the library. Before she could return a certain book to the shelve, she unconsciously looks at her ring, the ring of matrimony. She saw the ring slowly chinks as the colors fade. She was frozen from the sudden case, the only thing she can do was to give her healing magic, through the use of the ring.

    To one¡¯s knowledge the ring of matrimony has many uses, it can share and transfer users¡¯ power. Known each person¡¯s location, can share thoughts as basis for communication. However, these stats can be utilized when the couple are truly devoted to each other¡¯s love.

    Regardless to Ashalain¡¯s situation, the ring¡¯s ability is nowhere near at its potential. Its only capabilities were to know the person¡¯s location, a one-sided ability. She tries to give healing magic towards the ring but was repel, dispelling her spell. It is undoubtedly that the ring rejects her offer since she isn¡¯t actually devoted to Akatosh. Still, all she can only do was observe, miraculously after an hour the ring slowly returns to its former glory.

    For the traveler, he finds himself in a nursing room nevertheless fatigue was lingering his body. A quick glance to his surroundings, he saw all his equipment neatly pilled on the table which is enough to send himself back to slumber.

    Previously when Akatosh was nailed to the wall, by the order of the elf he personally assigned himself to be the one to treat the traveler¡¯s wound. Removing his armor through the use of phantasma spell, turning the armor into ghostly item for an easy removal. Moving on, he notice a magical item emitting from the traveler¡¯s face. A quick cast of divination spell reveals a mask, and a faint of dismal magic lingering on the mask. Fortunately for Akatosh, the enchanter wasn¡¯t very much absorbing by the outside news. The elf sight as he puts the mask atop of the drawer, he was rather more interested towards the wedlock mark and the ring Akatosh have. Yet by the knowledge of the elf, he can tell both the ring of matrimony and mark of betrothal was incomplete or rather at odds to the traveler. The colorless ring didn¡¯t emit strong attachment, same goes to the mark, he describes it as no mere than a trinket lodge into the flesh.

    Moving on, he creates a sun-like orb gleaming in golden light, once fully brimmed with energy, the elf simply lay it off on Akatosh¡¯s chest for his flesh to absorbs. For the crushed hand, a golden vine sprout from the elf¡¯s hand, progressing towards the smashed arm, acting as bandage the vines slowly wrapped the arm concealing all the flesh.

    ¡°It¡¯s done.¡± The elf sigh and casually left the place, but not before he glances at him still inquisitive by their past battle.

    The second time Akatosh rouses from his rest, all of his injuries completely healed. The stiffness of his muscle eases, the heaviness of his body facilitated. Subsequently, he reminisces his previous battle. Fully knowing his action even, the pain, he describes himself as a drunk man on a loose.

    ¡°Guess I¡¯ll ask Mr. forger for an answer.¡± The traveler says after organizing his equipment.

    ¡°If ye want an answer for your past action, we''ll be needing more than water ta wet our lips.¡± Master forger implies while examining a certain ore.

    ¡°Fine by me, my throat needs some good alcohol.¡±

    Shifting to a different place, they arrive at particular dwarven bar. ¡°Brother.¡± Forgemaster cry, ¡°Give me one o'' your special drinks, our kid here be aboot ta get some deep tale.¡±

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°Wait your horses.¡± The barkeep replies.

    A taste of the special brew sends Akatosh¡¯s nerves in high-pitch, he had tasted every alcohol from different kind. Elven wine is alluringly sweet and succulent to the taste, human alcohol is rather on average depends on the brewer, but for the dwarven; their drinks are superb a quick sip will make the tongue want more; nerves would jolt after gulping half the bottle.

    ¡°So, how''s your senses during your time dancing at tha theater o'' whacking someone else balls.¡± Forgemaster says initiating a chat.

    ¡°It was awesome!¡± Akatosh says exaltedly. ¡°It was batshit insane I tell you! Just how powerful did that enchanter did to my ax.¡±

    The dwarf chuckles in amusement, ¡°Aye kid... there be many types o'' enchanting weapons, shield, ye name it. Our enchanter however has different kind o'' approach an'', one o'' tha unique ways o'' enchanting.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ so, what type of enchanting did that elf use?¡±

    ¡°Soul enchanting.¡± Replies the dwarf who after emptying a full mug of beer. ¡°It''s a powerful type o'' enchanting I tell ye kid, casting magix on items be nae different than mere child''s toy. But soul enchanting be a different breed, what''s special aboot it be ye can put any souls ta your item whether it may be dragon, demons, devils ye name it.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ what about gods?¡± Akatosh respond.

    The dwarf went silent as he swirls the mug of beer. ¡°Aye, ye can... but nae mortal has ever achieved such feat, unless yer a god. Well, tha God o'' order once insert an abyssal god o'' darkness ta a lamp for challenging tha all father. Tha best part was he ''en throw it down ta tha abyss, an ironic result ta a god o'' darkness.¡±

    ¡°Oh well that took a humorous turn.¡±

    ¡°So, anything more ye can tell me young lad?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got lots to be honest, like during my past fight it baffles me why I didn¡¯t fully absorb me ax¡¯s ability, well not until my near-death experience. Also is it okay for me to ask that enchanter to enchant me armors and weapons?¡±

    ¡°Hmm... it''s best for you to ask the elf for that kind of favor, it''s not me to decide. As for your other question, the reason you didn''t fully emersed with the storm giant''s spirit. Well; how do I say this... both you and the spirit are still adapting to each other''s compatibility. You''ll soon see the full brunt of your ax a year maybe, but if you spirit be on good chum it might take ya a month.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ well if that¡¯s the case then can you teach me about forging.¡±

    ¡°Now that¡¯s some strange request;¡± the dwarf replies ordering another case of beer, ¡°I might teach ye how ta hold a hammer but what for?¡±

    ¡°I just need how to make pipes and barrels.¡±

    When Akatosh explains his reason, the dwarf promptly laughs. ¡°Ye sure be one strange human.¡±

    ¡°Umm¡­ is that a yes?¡±

    ¡°Aye we can start tomorrow, but I can be a brute when it comes ta blacksmithing.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mid.¡±

    ¡°Then it settled.¡±

    When the day of his lesson arrive, Akatosh was very much determined to his foragemaster¡¯s teaching. Before they could start, he was given a potion of strength since all the hammers the dwarves used weigh more than seventy kilos or more. Plus, he was given a spell that allows him to absorb skill forging much faster. Truth to be told, if Akatosh would have ask to fully teach them about their secrets, right away forgemaster won¡¯t hesitate to decline his favor. But since he was only asking for pipes and barrels, the dwarf was willing to teach him a thing or two about their industrial forging.

    Before they could start hammering metals and melting ingots, Akatosh had to first learn different types of ores, metals, tools everything that had connections with smithing. Thanks to the spell that was given to him, he was able to absorb it within just a day.

    Once filling his brain with knowledge, Akatosh steps for a new experience. Rough and merciless to the skin and bones, Akatosh¡¯s still determine as he pound the hammer on the anvil. If not for the potions and spell he would¡¯ve been a roasted meat on an oven. Additionally, his endurance and techniques are tested to bones.

    ¡°Listen kid, smithing be nae all aboot hammering a damn metal, so i suggest ye need ta loosen up your terrible hand.¡± Forgemaster implores upon inspecting his third project, ¡°Again,¡± he continues throwing his project to a furnace and giving him other materials to make.

    Three days later¡­

    ¡°Nay, your tempering won¡¯t suffice.¡± Says the dwarf and then throws his work on the furnace. ¡°Again.¡± The dwarf orders Akatosh to start from square one.

    When the seven days came, Akatosh was moving towards smelting and casting different kinds of materials. It was like chemistry, but he was mixing solid materials as he too quantitates the volumes for the best quality product he produces.

    As the eleventh day came, Akatosh was now able to produce a quality product not weapons, shields or armor but rather an assorted item. An item that will give him a stepping stone in achieving his desired trinket. Even without holding his devil¡¯s toy, he constantly ponders how he could do when holding such weapon.

    Following his teachings, there still one piece that he needs to grasp, that is ¡®rifling¡¯. True, an unrifled pistol nor barrel still works but to have a rifled barrel will greatly increase the aerodynamic stability of the bullet, not only aerodynamics but accuracy. But how can he when there¡¯s no modern machine¡­

    ¡°Unless¡­¡± Akatosh says pondering a strategy, and after an hour he was bale to decide one method, that is ¡®button rifling¡¯. A technique that inserts a bullet-shaped that has a reversed grove pattern, once displaced, you can either push it through or pull the button if you have the necessary tools to use. Once decided, he returns to the forgery to procure and forge tools.

    Just when things about to go as plan, certain circumstances postpone his project. And a new battle is about to commence, a conflict between the dwarven kingdom and the ravel of their ancient kingdom.

 Into the Deep

    Four months had pass since their expedition from the ancient dwarven kingdom, or what the dwarves called it, ¡®The Deep Roads¡¯. A deserted empire that once expand all throughout the land of Vashkeil. A now teeming with all sorts of monsters, demons, devils with each of their own establish territories. Before the dwarven expedition, it was a rumbling battleground to all sorts of unearthly and earthly species.

    The message from the scouts was secret that not even Akatosh was allowed to partake the conference. Eventually after their gathering, Akatosh was informed permitted by king Durvod himself.

    ¡°A new road?¡± Akatosh implores towards Forgemaster as they gossip in a private place.

    ¡°Aye, coming from those skulking scouts, I say this won''t be just a mellow expedition.¡±

    ¡°If so; any involvement from your neighboring brothers?¡±

    ¡°Nay¡­ our relationship with our neighboring brothers is a bit rooted.¡±

    Curious after the forgemaster words, Akatosh was intrigue to know more. He speculates that dwarfs are steadfast to their accord no matter what kingdom or place they came, tis was but a ¡®blood is thicker than water but water runs deeper¡¯. Longing for more why they have a deep affair with their own brothers, however, his consciousness is grasping him not to, for it might give him a remorseful respond.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Akatosh says, brushing off the dwarf¡¯s words, ¡°Is it okay for me to join or.¡± He continues shifting to their first topic.

    ¡°Well, that''s up ta ye lad; but given the king¡¯s information...¡± Pauses the dwarf as he drinks the whole mug of beer, ¡°I''m certain ye won''t decline such trip.¡± He continues with a smile.

    ¡°You bet I am.¡±

    Forgemaster smiles, ¡°''en this might be a good time ta consult our enchanter for some good ol¡¯ upgrades.¡±

    ¡°Really?! Y-you sure.¡±

    ¡°Nae completely but I¡¯m pretty sure he might agree with our request. Tha reason tha elf was willing ta enchant your axe was because o'' tha king¡¯s request. But never in a hundred years did I believe tha storm giant¡¯s spirit chooses ye.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m flattered, but I¡¯ve been meaning to ask; the materials you use in creating the ax is not just an ordinary dwarven metal, no?¡± Says Akatosh as he chomps a piece of meat right after gulping a dwarven beer.

    Silencing their conversation for no more than thirty seconds, forgemaster then respond after a sip of alcohol.

    ¡°Guess nae hiding from a man who''s keen in searching for answers. Tha metal I used in forging your axe be me family''s heirloom.¡±

    ¡°Even so, why give such priceless item to someone like me. Heck there are tons of worthy candidates.¡±

    ¡°I was bored, I''ve lived for hundreds o'' years guarding a piece o'' metal ta nae use. So why nae give this man a good arm for saving tha good ol'' prince. But never did I expect ta be this more interesting.¡±

    ¡°By interesting, you mean the spirit that reside within the ax?¡±

    ¡°Tha spirit that resides ''ithin tha ax, was one o'' tha few that lives during tha first era. Countless candidates came ta seek its power for thousands o'' years it waits, till now. Nae worry, only tha elf an'' I know your deed; it¡¯ll be troublesome if tha word spread.¡±

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    ¡°Thank you, thank you, thank you, I¡¯ll make sure to bring my outmost service to the next expedition.¡±

    Forgemaster didn¡¯t reply to his gratitude, he merely chuckles and proceeds to drink his beverage. After that, they switch to a different topic, lavishly drinks their story all night.

    When the day came, the two were inconstant deliberate on how to persuade the enchanter. But once they face the elf, the two was silent thinking a way to spout a word.

    ¡°Errmm... Our boy here be needing some good enchanting for tha hefty crusades.¡± The dwarf implores pointing at Akatosh hugging his equipment.

    The elf didn¡¯t reveal any emotions, but rather more interested to what the traveler¡¯s holding. Uttering no respond, the elf casually lifts his arms, and by his magic, Akatosh¡¯s gears slowly levitates away from his hand.

    Upon inspection, the elf was sudden by the items floating in front of him, two armors an elven made and dwarven made. As for the weapons with his high level of divination he uncovers it was made of elven steel, curious the elf then asks¡­

    ¡°How did you procure such pieces.¡± The elf says without any mixtures of hatred nor malice, but rather inquisitive as he secretly cast a divination spell, a spell that see through lies.

    ¡°Um¡­ I found them through my travels, which I then commission to a blacksmith.¡±

    After the traveler¡¯s word, the elf¡¯s divination magic didn¡¯t ring a deception. Levitating the items for more than a minute while he contemplates his mind. Times pass, and after silent of waiting the elf then finally decided to accept their request. Silent and no words to spout, the enchanter goes to the altar dragging with him the floating items.

    The first thing the elf toil were the elven armor and dwarven made, putting both on the altar. When placed, the elf thus transforms into his higher elven form, one he used to neutralize Akatosh¡¯s rage. Through transmutation magic, both the two armors begun to melt into a spherical shape, color in black for the dwarven while the elvish was silver. A gentle swing of the enchanter¡¯s hand merges the two spheres into one. Now painted in grayish, a hammer appears floating atop of the altar.

    ¡°Forgemaster,¡± the elf called, and right away the dwarf walks to deliver a hand, for one can tell he already knows the task.

    The hammer that appears was different, a forge hammer but to one¡¯s eye, magical mist would slowly spew out, followed by hundreds of blue orbs resonating around the hammer. Forthwith when forgemaster grasp the hammer, he slowly but heavily hammers the orb. A bit sudden, all kinds of dusty colors would begin to produce by the hammering and a blast of sound bursting out.

    The two masters at work made Akatosh in a state of great wonder, that he didn¡¯t blink an eye as they enchant his equipment. After minutes of pounding, the sphere turns into a hot disk, gleaming in crimson red flame. Having no tools to hold the elf casually grabs it without feeling a pain, a whispering breath of the elf turns the red disk into a dark orb.

    Resting the orb on the anvil, the elf then glace towards forgemaster. A slight nod from the two reveals their specialties. For the dwarf, a spectral of his ancestor appears on his back with it the ghostly dwarf¡¯s hand merged with the forgemaster. So too was the elf summoning the ghostly form of an elf holding an ether hammer, the same thing he conjures when he enchanted the traveler¡¯s axe.

    When the two reveals their abilities of two different kind in one anvil, it gave the traveler a sight to the point his jaw drop in awe. Just then, the elf and forgemaster together hammers the dark orb and in turn it creates a flat explosion slapping Akatosh¡¯s stunned face.

    ¡°W-wha-what happen?¡± Akatosh groan recovering from the impact.

    The moment his eyes saw what the two had created, jaw drops in hectic appearance. Floating atop on the anvil was his armor, the elven and dwarven armor of his was merge into one. Additionally, the two masters enchanted it to be more powerful.

    ¡°Hawuwuwuwuw¡­.¡± Drooling from ecstasy, Akatosh couldn¡¯t help but petrified. ¡°Is¡­ Is it done? Is my armor done?¡±

    ¡°Aye¡­ why don¡¯t ye try it yourself.¡± Smiles the dwarf as he nods at the elf. And in return the elf made a last enchantment, blowing a blue breath towards the armor.

    ¡°Now¡­ as for your weapons, what shall we put?¡± The elf implores dangling Akatosh¡¯s weapons.

    A month had passed, as secrets of their expedition kept in tight security avoiding any leaked information. For when their plans would exploit by their neighboring brothers, conflict would arise for who will take control of the deep roads as bloodshed would soon follow. And for those months of sending scouts few returns with little information. What¡¯s more time is running out before the other dwarven kingdoms would learn their expedition.

    In the end, through the pressure of time the king of Thuram sends dozens of expedition teams and that includes the travelers.

    ¡°And off to the deep roads we go.¡± Smiles the traveler.

 Untitled

    ¡°Shiiieeettt!!!¡± Howl¡¯s Akatosh after returning to the deep roads. ¡°Rag¡­ any known knowledge about ancient dwarven kingdom?¡±

    ¡°Beats me¡­¡± Amaragnum replies. ¡°I haven¡¯t much dabbled with ancient dwarven technologies nor their kingdom. Although there¡¯s a thing or two, I know about their ancient secrets.¡±

    ¡°And? Care to tell me what it is?¡± Akatosh replies, hinting a bit of falter from his tone.

    Unable to reply his question, the stillmage reinstitutes to his safe heaven. Through his silent Akatosh became more engross to what lies beneath these abysmal roads. The more they explore deeper, atmosphere where disoriented. One place is filled with lava enough to turn a person into a roasted meat, meanwhile some areas are the exact opposite.

    The place is large, that for every turn of the sight would mesmerize the traveler. For not only lava and ice that were present but so too its own ecosystem as different kinds of mushrooms and fungi litters at every corner large and small. At the upper level, trees and different kinds of plants and animals thrive; on the lower level finding such ecosystem is but rare and if ever found one; danger lurks.

    Three days passed the expeditioners are bathing themselves in festivity, drinks and savory foods are all over the place and courtesans too. One could say it¡¯s a last supper for those who wouldn¡¯t survive the voyage that they were facing. Still in the upper level of the deep roads a safe zone to held a banquet, there Akatosh was on the other side of the party in a dwarven room as he was searching the history and the secrets the dwarven kingdom hold.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t ye join us young lad.¡± Implores one of the drunk dwarves.

    ¡°Oh; I¡¯ll join you once I¡¯m done with my things.¡± Akatosh replies while sipping a mug of dwarven alcohol.

    ¡°Nahh, don¡¯t be shy kid¡­ don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re bad in bed.¡± The other dwarf says as he follows a roar of giggle.

    ¡°Well, if you can find me a nice tall, beautiful woman with big bosom and nice juicy figure; then I would gladly join.¡± Taunts Akatosh as he smirks since all he saw where dwarven women.

    ¡°Mhh¡­¡± Stroking his beard, ¡°Eyy brother, lads here need more of those fine beverages.¡± He continues before they exit the place, and after a minute a small Barrer containing alcohol was delivered to him.

    Looking at his empty mug, Akatosh was rather suspicious to the new alcohol the dwarfs had prepare. But with a dry throat and the flavors they brew; he sighs and pour some. To his surprise the color was different, it was golden in color as so too it shimmers unlike the other murky brown beer he¡¯d been drinking. Hesitating for a sip, ¡°To hell with it!¡± He shouts before taking a drink.

    ¡°Shiiiiiittttt!!¡± Howls Akatosh; flabbergasted by the flavors of the beer. ¡°Har-har-har-har¡­¡± He continues gulping a whole mug as if it was but water. Its texture was honey-like, sticking to the tongue and lips, succulent to the taste. The flavor was different for he doesn¡¯t know what fruit nor thing it was made. One thing for sure it was the best alcohol he ever tastes better than elven wine, more soothing impact than dwarven brewed beer. With one cup, he can feel his mind tingling in euphoria, his body was in high-spiritedness as his body was rising in temperature. And for some reason he wanted to join the festival, after filling a second mug and carrying the small barrel to take it outside. ¡°This taste something, I need to know who made this! I¡¯ve never taste something like this before, this sapid taste! Oh boy!¡±

    While in the middle of his second toast before he went out to unwind, he was facing a disturbance. A bunch of his dwarven friends forcefully introduce a woman, an elf, pushing her with great force and locking the door, additionally putting a seal.

    ¡°This ain¡¯t funny!!¡± Shouts the elf pounding the door, as she conjures magic trying to force open the door. ¡°Once I¡¯m out it¡¯ll be your nightmare.¡±  She continues summoning a teleportation magic; yet by the time the magic would finish the elf wasn¡¯t teleported since they sealed the room. She turns around to see Akatosh in frozen mode holding a barrel and a mug of beer.

    Consuming a minute of locking eyes and stiff muscle;

    ¡°Wait isn¡¯t this the woman whom I fought at the arena?¡± Akatosh consider still eying the woman.

    ¡°Is this the man who I think it is?¡± The elf ponders.

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    ¡°Uhh¡­ So, what will it be?¡± Implores Akatosh. ¡°Those damn dwarfs, I never really think that those rockheads would actually bring me a woman an elf at that.¡±

    Seeing the elf observing his surroundings, his room and the man in front of her; Akatosh then puts the barrel. ¡°I apologize for nearly ending your life back at the arena, I¡¯m Akatosh by the way.¡±

    ¡°Names Risha.¡±

    For closer observation, Risha do have the figure Akatosh was demanding. He was even stunned towards her calm voice even when she was shouting at the dwarfs. What¡¯s more interesting is that he notices that she was a bit drunk.

    ¡°Is there any way you can bring that door open or bring us out of here.¡±

    Risha who unable to do anything blushes in silent; flustered since she herself was the one who gave the dwarfs an understating about sealing spells. Before being caged together with the traveler, she was constantly being clown by her fellow dwarfs how she wasn¡¯t able to bed a man. Through their taunt and sarcasms, she just openly intoxicates herself drinking the beer abashed by mere words of her friends. Coincidentally the traveler was taunting the dwarfs for a courtesan, and because of his words the dwarf went to Risha taunting her about Akatosh.

    ¡°A hundred-year-old elf who didn¡¯t bed a man what are ye a eunuch?¡± Laughs the dwarf at Risha.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be embarrassed dear lass, for I got a spellbook on how to yoke a man. But I doubt it would work on you.¡±

    ¡°Okay that¡¯s enough;¡± shouts Risha as she empties the mug. ¡°Bring me to that man you all been talking about, I¡¯ll let him dry till morning.¡± She continues gulping another shot, yet by her words all the dwarves laugh hysterically at her.

    ¡°Tell ye what if ye can bed our human friend, I¡¯ll give ye tha thing you¡¯ve been seeking.¡± Comes the prince Vuldrig.

    ¡°Fine then! lead me to that human!¡± Risha quickly replies.

    Back to present, the traveler was stupefied after Risha explain their wager while looking his eyes towards the elf. Risha however sways her gaze too mortified to even speak.

    Akatosh sigh scratching his head, ¡°So what kind of seal did you teach those knuckleheads. We might be able to dispel or reverse its spell.¡±

    ¡°Um¡­ about that the magic those dwarves used was a wager¡¯s seal.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a wager¡¯s seal?!¡±

    ¡°In order for the seal to be broken the person must fulfill its bargain. And we must do those thing¡­¡± Risha implores followed by a quivering voice and trembling fingers.

    Unfazed by her actions, Akatosh drinks another sip of the golden beer.

    ¡°Welp, a deal¡¯s a deal.¡± He implores removing his shirt.

    ¡°W-w-what, w-wait!¡± Stutters Risha running towards the door, pounding hoping her friends would open the door.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with.¡± Akatosh sigh, pinning Risha on the metal door and right away smooched the elven soft lips. The savory of her tongue was exquisite to the taste sweet and jolting with alcohol.

    Clutching her waist compressing their flesh, the two can feel each other¡¯s warmth as the elf¡¯s heart throttling faster. The moment Akatosh grasp her, he felt something different between human and elven kind. Its as if he was rather more entranced to their aura, mesmerized. Through the midst of festivity and debauchery time was at ease, savoring every moment every second till the deed is done.

    The night ends in tranquility, Risha awoken to find herself grasping Akatosh head clasping on her chest. Bewildered, she never thought how her other side would erupt while copulating to a man she recently known. Maybe because of the pent-up desire she amass from her years of living with the dwarfs. Flabbergasted she is, slowly Risha elope from Akatosh and after wearing her clothes; unforeseen to her she was met by her dwarven acquittance. Surprising her as they kick open the door;

    ¡°Morning little beasty!¡± Shouts the dwarf,

    By their commotion Akatosh was awoken yet unfazed by the proceeding situation. Naked, he casually used the blanket as cloak wrapping his whole body.

    ¡°Who-who you calling little beasty?!¡± Replies Risha with a hint of stammer.

    ¡°Aye-aye we heard it all from that night.¡± Says the other followed by a hysterical laugh.

    Flustered, Risha hastily cast a teleportation spell vanishing in seconds. As for the man in cloak blanket, he didn¡¯t feel any embarrassment but rather amused from his night with Risha.

    ¡°She really did run ye dry lad.¡± The dwarf says followed by a humorous chuckle.

    ¡°Indeed, and still I¡¯m recovering from that; so, what¡¯s our next plan?¡±

    ¡°The prince needs you at his chamber.¡±

    ¡°Mhh¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ there¡¯s food on the prince¡¯s table, the prince is in a hurry today.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Akatosh replies while organizing his belongings.

    ¡°Good grief boy o¡¯¡­ ye two did went all wild that night.¡± The dwarf says after observing the scattered things.

    Akatosh chuckles ¡°We sure did, anyway any news from the scouts or the roads?¡±

    ¡°None that I know o'', best ta lessen uttering secrets an'' information our neighboring brothers be beginning ta get aroused.¡±

    Cutting their conversation, Akatosh quickly headed towards the prince¡¯s chamber.

    ¡°A scout?¡± implores Akatosh towards the prince.

    ¡°Yes, there¡¯s a place that I want you to investigate.¡±

    ¡°Mhh¡­ any clue about that place.¡±

    The prince sigh, ¡°Can¡¯t say if this information is enough but five of our scouts never return from that place. We send out rescue team about a dozen but only eight manage to return.¡±

    ¡°Mhh¡­any report to from the survivors?¡±

    Shaking his head in disappointment, ¡°They return with no memories of them entering that place. Also, magic won¡¯t do good enough from that place.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Our mage tried using their magic but somehow their casting won¡¯t create a spark of magic.¡±

    Unable to implore more questions, Akatosh mull over as he chews the food. Minutes passed when finally, the traveler musters the courage to accept their request.

    ¡°So where is this place you speak off.¡±

 Ancient Secrets

    From the moment the traveler steps in front of the entrance he was assigned, Akatosh can feel an enigmatic atmosphere simulating his senses. There were no gates to be seen only a large entrance; a giant corridor to be said. What¡¯s more at a distance of ten meters, a fog was obscuring the area making it harder to observe the field.

    Glancing his eyes from every direction observing the place and as he breath; condensation starts to form. Equipping his newly molded armor, his claw gauntlet, his ax and kriegsmesser at his back; he can feel his items resounding to what lurks on the corridor.

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Akatosh smiles slowly he enters until he was consumed by the fog.

    In a blink of an eye, he finds himself in a new brand of environment. The fog hue in bluish, strange blood gleaming roots germinates at every corner, luminating crystals and mushrooms burnishing the surroundings.

    ¡°Now what.¡± He murmurs trekking casually from the place, mapping the area while journaling.

    Time pass for about 2 days still there were no creatures lurking for a battle, no sense of individual stalking him in the shadows. But through his time, he learned little things; gathering unknown samples such as the glowing red roots, the shimmering crystals. Yet by far the one thing he was puzzled is that the enchantment on his weapons and armors where unable to work its magic. The enchanted blazing kriegsmesser won¡¯t even produce a spark of flames. His axe won¡¯t even produce lightning and the deeper he dives the place his axe slowly loosed its enchantment that it begins to weigh heavy. Fortunately, his magical bag works stuffing his ax for a meantime.

    Marching a day¡¯s pass and somehow, he found the remains of the scouts as crystals germinates from their body. Upon inspecting their body, he saw their flesh begins to wither turning their skins into charcoal flakes.

    ¡°Umm¡­ Rag, any clue what we¡¯re facing?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I have the feeling we¡¯re in big trouble.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡±

    ¡°My magic isn¡¯t functioning, it¡¯s as if we¡¯re in a place where no magic works.¡±

    ¡°Any information why magic isn¡¯t working?¡±

    Amaragnum sneers in anger as if remembering something from his past.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be dramatic and just tell me already!¡±

    Consuming a minute for Amaragnum to regain his composure which then the stillmage respond to Akatosh¡¯s demand.

    ¡°Known any knowledge about the ¡®Scroll of Balance¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Ahh¡­ no, care to tell me what it is?¡±

    ¡°Back in time when gods, demons, devils and mortals are bitching each other, magic was the most powerful tool to use mortals or not. And as you know being a magic user, it became apparent that magic was turning the world into chaos. Kingdoms that have little or no known knowledge about magic would perish from sorceress, mages, witches that wreak havoc. Not only mortals that went lunatic but so too the gods themselves. And the goddess of magic was the most arrogant of them all, Balance gave her a warning to solve the issue but to her insolence she ignores the warning.¡±

    ¡°I like where this is going.¡±

    ¡°And by her cockiness for holding the portfolio of being the goddess of magic Balance gave her a lesson. A gruesome lesson.¡±

    ¡°What did he do.¡±

    ¡°Detaching some of his flesh, Balance then gave it to the people who have no magic or aren¡¯t related to mages, sorcerers you name it, there he let the game run its flow. What¡¯s interesting about the scroll of balance is that only none magic users are allowed to used its power.¡±

    ¡°What kind of power?¡±

    ¡°When used, the scroll grants immunity to any form of magic physical or not even to those gods, devils and demons won¡¯t lay a scratch on you. And as you know; as the way of life goes it led to a massacre. None magic users who have scars from the past action of those magic users, innocent or not were butchered, staked, pitchforked all manners of mortal things you can think of. It was the darkest time for being a magic user, because of the consequences the goddess¡¯s pride turns into begging, prostrating as she watches her followers being depredated. Yet even her surrender, Balance didn¡¯t give a shit about her cry for she knew she will be neutralized, not only her but so to the other gods who followed her stupidity.¡±

    ¡°And the ending.¡±

    ¡°Balance gave them a sample, nearly erasing their existence before bringing them back.¡±

    ¡°What about the scrolls of Balance?¡±

    ¡°He reclaimed it but left some giving it as a warning to magic users. During my era only three were left and one of it was used against me, and I bare the scar from that old man¡­ him and his associates.¡±

    ¡°You mean Archsage Azageis?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I was beating the shit out of them that I didn¡¯t know that old man was hiding a scroll of Balance.¡±

    ¡°Shame, sucks to be defeated like that, but how come Azageis was able to utilized the scroll since you told me the scroll of balance is only usable by none magic user.¡±

    ¡°Beats me, from the knowledge that bastard had; he may have decoded it¡¯s structure and somehow rewrite its system. Or went asking help from those gods, I think nowadays scroll of Balance must have been a legend.¡±

    ¡°Best to ask the new generations of yours, might know little or to no knowledge at all.¡±

    ¡°Might be if we find this scroll¡­. Hehehe, I¡¯m going to return the favor for what he did to me.¡±

    Further as the travelers¡¯ traverse through the deep road, the atmosphere became intense. Air gradually became cold and heavy; his tingling enchanted armors aren¡¯t even sparking a light of magic. Along the way they stumble upon a corps of a kobold. This creature however isn¡¯t the wolf species but rather the draconic species. What¡¯s interesting was, the kobold is completely frozen in a purple crystal.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°Cute.¡± Akatosh implores upon seeing the kobold¡¯s outfit.

    Standing about two and a half feet, Akatosh was impressed towards its outfit. Wearing a thick fitted long sleeve shirt, firm trousers and small hooded cloak. Further seeing the crystalized kobold, he notices the little creature had a book belted on its left side. Enthroned by its adorable appearance he didn¡¯t saw there was an illuminating message etched on the kobold¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Use ordinary weapon not magic.¡± Says the message etched on the creature¡¯s hand

    ¡°Hmm¡­ Umm¡­ use normal weapon? But to what beings do I tend to use it on, Rag do you know what creatures this kobold¡¯s indicating?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t know, best to ask that kobold.¡± Amaragnum says trying to dispel the crystal but even then, he wasn¡¯t able to generate magic. ¡°Gahhh¡­ I hate this!¡± Amaragnum angrily sneers.

    Out of nowhere, the travelers heard a heavy sound of whiffing fire, immediately Akatosh went on hiding just as he observers the creature. Elevating about eight feet, embodying a human¡¯s body, it had no face only a pure obsidian color. What¡¯s more, the creature was blazing in lavender, covering the entire body into a purple flame. And while in hiding, the travelers were given a choice; either go for a brawl nor sneak past the enemy.

    ¡°So, what you gonna do big guy?¡± The stillmage ask since his magic are now powerless.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, best we should go past that thing. We don¡¯t even know what abilities that flaming golem had and our equipment are useless so does your magic.¡±

    ¡°And how you going to do that?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s us observe first then we act.¡±

    Going in silence, there Akatosh intently monitors the flaming golem. At the same time, he was praying if his magic bag is still working,

    ¡°Lucky.¡± Akatosh implores relief since his magic bag is still doing its magic. ¡°C¡¯mon there¡¯s got to be some ordinary weapon I didn¡¯t disposed.¡± He continuous, sweating as he searches for a normal weapon.

    Ten minutes passed and finally the flaming golem move out allowing Akatosh to slowly enters where it originates. When arrive the structure of the place change, the area was now in dwarven structures. The place is large enough for Akatosh to run away. What he was searching for was the center to why magic isn¡¯t working. And worst dozens of flaming golem litters at every corner swaying their body as they search for an intruder to kill.

    ¡°Now what¡­¡± Murmurs Akatosh still searching for an ordinary weapon. ¡°Fine shiiit!¡± he continues right after finally finding am ordinary weapon and that weapon was a short bow, fortunately there too was arrows about hundred of them and last was simple long sword.

    Resorting to potions for a buff, yet when he tries one potion, he didn¡¯t feel it¡¯s effect. Amaragnum however was far more intrigued towards the magic bag. Everything that isn¡¯t ordinary were regulated even Amaragnum¡¯s enchanted book was now a simple book unable to generate magic, yet Akatosh¡¯s magic bag wasn¡¯t affected.

    ¡°Now what how shall we start the thrill.¡± Akatosh murmurs as he licks his lips for a sensation knowing this time he now resorts to his ordinary strength.

    His armor felt slightly heavy but with the unknow enemy he decides to wear it. Fighting in a safer distance Akatosh looks for a high place to climb; when in position he then draws his bow aiming at the flaming golem. It took ten shots till he finally struck the creature¡¯s neck; upon hitting he quickly hides from them but to his surprise they didn¡¯t flinch nor tried to find where the arrow originates. He didn¡¯t fire another round but rather observes the arrow plunged at the back of the flaming golem.

    ¡°It ain¡¯t burning?¡± Akatosh implores seeing how the purple flames didn¡¯t burn the wooden shaft. ¡°I¡¯ll be damn, this world bewilders me every passing time.¡±

    ¡°But it ain¡¯t dead.¡± The stillmage said.

    ¡°Best we observe it more time.¡±

    Consuming about half an hour and with no chances, Akatosh grew impatient that he fires dozens of rounds towards the creature. And by the looks of it the creature was turned into a firing dummy as dozens of arrows needled his body. This time Akatosh saw that the creature was beginning to get feeble as his flames dwindle, until an hour passed the creature falls down as his flames extinguished.

    ¡°Shiiitttt¡­¡± Akatosh chuckles firing another round until his arrows was depleted.

    Thanks to the kobold¡¯s dying message, the travelers have the means to end the mysteries of the place. Ending five creatures, now with fifty more to go Akatosh didn¡¯t directly go for a brawl instead he one by one engaged those that are isolated. Utilizing his reflexes and dodging skills, Akatosh went on decapitating its body parts. Cutting first the legs he then goes at their arms until hi finally decapitated its head. And once in a while he went and recovers his arrows but as time goes fatigue quickly overwhelms his body. And no matter how he dispatches his enemy more would suddenly appear.

    ¡°Now what?!¡± Akatosh scoff, frustrated since the only thing he had done was an endless fighting. ¡°This is absurd.¡± He continues returning to a higher ground for a safe rest.

    When awoken, the travelers¡¯ strategies their plan; rather than being a brainless adventurers heading on to an endless fighting until death, the two investigates who or what summons these creatures. Exploring every inch of the area, seeking answers until one time when he was engaging the creature one of its attacks hit Akatosh¡¯s claw gauntlet.

    ¡°URGGGG¡­ THE HELL?!¡± Akatosh cry by the sheer pain it delivers, melting some of the gauntlet¡¯s cuff in once single attack it too burns Akatosh¡¯s skin. The bruise was small but its effect was potent that he felt his nerves being electrocuted and scorch. The pain from his arms became unbearable that he retreated after slicing the creature¡¯s right leg.

    Once again in hiding, licking his wounds if ever it would ease the pain. Muffing his groan and cry, as he tries every attempt to ease nor cure his injuries. Pouring water, dirt, alcohol, potions even licking and biting it to the point he grabs his long sword and removes the injured area. Through his attempt, after discarding the burned parts although it eases the pain, he made his injuries worst.

    Runny nose and sweating like corn, Akatosh in outmost pain explores the area. Yet no matter what room he finds nor discovers there where no abnormal atmosphere to be seen, felt and smell. Worse his injuries from his past fight slowly starts to spread. Like a toothache, his one thought was to cut of his arms just like a man eager to remove his tooth from the pain. Moreover, it slowly weakens him, until such time when they saw how the creatures where summoned.

    In their naked eyes, the strange crystals and roots would suddenly glimmer and before they knew it a rift appears birthing a flaming golem. From what transpire in front of them the two was now in thoughtful thoughts. Thinking every theory every knowledge until Amaragnum begins to laugh hysterically. And knowing his laughter, Akatosh knows his partner may found a solution.

    ¡°Quit laughing and tell me already! I¡¯m dying in pain!¡± Akatosh scoff still in pain.

    ¡°What fool I am¡­ Do you know the spell imprisonment?¡±

    Right from his words, Akatosh begins to laugh like a fool. ¡°Fuck me! All this time we¡¯re in a parallel dimension.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    ¡°Well, what if we try diving into the rift while it still open?¡±

    From Akatosh words, Amaragnum was silent and from his silence Akatosh new his partner was afraid.

    ¡°C¡¯mon say something will ya?¡±

    With no words coming from his partner Akatosh stood up and waits for any rift to be open. It took days for him to wait and before that he gathers as many unusual things he finds even the corps of the flaming golem, chopping and stuffing it tohi magic bag.

    ¡°HERE WE GO!¡± Akatosh shouts jumping into the rift.

    Upon entering he was slam by scorching burn, however it¡¯s not his skin that was being inflicted but rather his nervous system. It was only a second when out of sudden he appears in a newly form environment. There were still roots and crystals forming but this time the structure of the place was changed. And lies the center was a strange scroll being held by a gleaming red roots top and bottom.

    While still in pain Akatosh upon seeing the scroll; in a disable state he aggressively went and upon detaching the scroll from the roots he at the same time screams and laughs like a mad man he is.

 Bloody Throne

    Akatosh''s laughing madness echoes through the place, for one of the most powerful scrolls was on his hand. His injuries were severe but his feelings from garnering the item was nay exceptional. The moment he grasps the scroll; it was no denying that the item in his hand is the real thing the genuine feeling coursing through his mind as if speaking to him.

    A tattered paper scroll, as stains of blood etched at every corner, there were no written words no diagrams or signs to be seen no nothing at all. Yet he felt the consciousness of the scroll¡¯s power as if he was holding a living god.

    Still on his hand; grasping the item he sits on the corner contemplating while curiously examining the scroll. It took him time till he realizes to unravel his enchanted weapons, as it was their enchantment was restored. Stuffing the scroll in his magic bag, he then strolls of the place since there were no items to loot no dead corps to plunder.

    ¡°So how do you use the scroll?¡± Akatosh ask Amaragnum but there were no words coming from his partner.

    Acknowledging his silence, Akatosh continues his steps once they reach to where he found the frozen kobold.

    ¡°Don¡¯t come any closer!¡± Shouts the kobold who somewhat holding a spell as glimmering yellow orb resonates both in his hand.

    Swaying his eyes, he saw there were four kobolds surrounding him and through their appearance and clothes they are the exact copy of what¡¯s in front of him. Bewildered, all manners of question running through his mind.

    ¡°Rag¡­ are we still in another dimension?¡± Akatosh ask in a telepathic way.

    ¡°Might be¡­ or we¡¯re not in a dimension.¡±

    ¡°Care to explain?¡±

    ¡°This place must have been merge by different dimension trapping us in an endless possibility.¡±

    ¡°Hey, talk to me or I release this spell.¡± The kobolds say cutting their telepathic conversation.

    ¡°Um¡­ I was sent by prince Vuldrig son of king Durvod to investigate this place.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Sigh the kobold relief after hearing his words. ¡°How many are you?¡± He continues dispelling his spell except the clone.

    ¡°One¡­ But let me ask you a question, do you remember yourself being crystalized?¡±

    ¡°Crystalized? No, I haven¡¯t¡­ I¡¯ve been wondering these halls for a month.¡±

    ¡°A month?! Then what--¡± Akatosh stops, then begun processing his thoughts, ¡°I notice you can utilize your magic abilities; did you find any odd circumstances?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but there¡¯s a twist in that.¡±

    ¡°What kind of twist?¡±

    ¡°A month ago, I was tasked in helping decodes what lies through this place but once we entered the fog, I cast some buff spell and my perfect image spell before we enter.¡±

    ¡°And the result?¡±

    ¡°When I exited the fog, I was the only one left and all of my magic buff was gone so too my perfect image¡­ I did try going back but somehow I would return to this same place over and over again.¡±

    ¡°Tell me did you encounter any enemies in here or any unusual situation?¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ I didn¡¯t meet any single creature¡¯s here though there¡¯s one odd situation. I tried doing conjuration spells any type of spell that I know but it always somehow won¡¯t summon any creatures.¡±

    ¡°I see, URRGGGHHH¡± grunt¡¯s Akatosh slowly as he sits on the corner. ¡°Know any healing magic? I¡¯m in a bit of trouble here.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I¡¯m good at healing--¡± The kobolds stop the moment he saw Akatosh injuries.

    Part of his gauntlet was melted, so too a flesh was slice; removed. But the intriguing part was the lavender burn spreading all over his body.

    ¡°What creature could have done this?!¡±

    ¡°Know anything about purple flaming golem.¡± Akatosh replies catching his breath.

    ¡°The only creature I know from your words is a fire elemental.¡± The kobold replies conjuring his healing spell but somehow his spell slowly disintegrated. ¡°How the¡ªWhy is my magic won¡¯t even work but instead being dispel.¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Shouts Amaragnum, ¡°If magic won¡¯t work same as the creatures we encounter, then what if we use a natural way of healing. Tell me, what kind of sensation are you feeling from your injuries?¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s burning like hell.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you tried pouring water?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I did¡­ It eases the pain a little but I was too hurt that I was looking for a fast way of healing.¡±

    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you say it earlier you stupid moron!¡±

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°Hey¡­¡± Akatosh implores at the kobold. ¡°Do you have a bucket of water.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t but I know an area where there¡¯s a lot of water, but what will you do about it.¡± The kobold says still trying to amplify his healing spell.

    ¡°Take me to it, just take me to it.¡± A panting as his injuries begins climbing up towards his throat.

    The kobold didn¡¯t say a word and quickly lifts Akatosh taking him away at a small pond of water. Not more than a four-square meters, its depth was just mere a few three feet deep. Then without hesitation Akatosh dives submerging his whole body. Thirty minutes had passed and finally the purple burn vanished the only left was his sliced flesh which is now curable.

    ¡°Hey cutie pie, didn¡¯t get your name?¡± Akatosh implores at the kobold.

    ¡°Ignus¡­ name¡¯s Ignus.¡± The kobold replies restoring his chunked arm.

    ¡°Ignus eh, so what¡¯s your specialty?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much, just a journalist. And you must be the one the dwarves are speaking about.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­ what the minute! Did you say you¡¯ve been wondering this place?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I did and I manage to create a map.¡± Ignus replies bring out a sketched map.

    ¡°Could you follow me, there¡¯s something I like to show you.¡±

    Following his hospitalization, the two went to where Akatosh took the scroll and surprise; the kobold was bewildered. Ignus was in a state of confusion since in his past time of lingering in this place he hasn¡¯t encounter this area it¡¯s as if it had changed.

    ¡°Do you have a freedom scroll if not try asking the kobold.¡± Amaragnum says, ¡°I can¡¯t even enter other dimension to refill my belly.¡±

    ¡°Ignus is it, do you have any freedom scroll?¡±

    ¡°Freedom scroll, no it won¡¯t work I¡¯d tried it countless times but let me try searching it on my book.¡± Says Ignus opening his book and by Akatosh¡¯s eyes he saw it contains vast writings, scrolls, bestiary as it rapidly turns the pages. ¡°That¡¯s unfortunate but I can create that kind of scroll.¡± Ignus continues ripping out a page, scribbling ancient text using what appears to be a golden quill.

    ¡°It¡¯s done, what are you going to do about this scroll.¡± Ignus continues handing the traveler the item.

    ¡°Use it, I¡¯m sure this time it will work.¡±

    Ignus was silent and used the scroll, putting it on the ground he then conjures a white pulsating disk on his palm. Hammering it on the face of the scroll, by then him and Akatosh was suddenly teleported to the original deep road and what meets them was a battlefield as countless dwarven armies are battling demons and unknown creatures. Lucky for them Akatosh was in full battle gear quickly drawing out his axe and sword for a two-weapon style. Eager to test his newly enchanted items Akatosh quickly dives into the battlefield delivering chaos as he slices and dice on the enemies, spilling their innards, axing their flesh.

    For the first time Akatosh felt the sensation of thrilling battles. Thunder and lightning echoes, his blazing sword burns his foes into charcoal. His glorious axe would slice his enemies even if their armor was six inches in thickness. Despite encountering a giant foe, a demon who¡¯s head that of a goat but have serrated teeth similar to a shark. With four arm, two crab-like arm was at the back of its shoulder while on the lower was a human arm. Its torso was that of a human but have a leg that of a horse.

    ¡°BRING IT ON BITCH!!¡± Scream¡¯s Akatosh as he charges before the demon would finish his spell. Unleashing his razor whip entangling the demon, enabling Akatosh for a decapitation as he leaps towards the creature¡¯s head.

    The state he¡¯s in was pure discord as sounds of magic, weapons, screams of pain and agony all matter of battle sound are ringing his ears. Then out of nowhere, walking in all four ¡®Nabassu¡¯ emerge from the depths of the deep road. By Amaragnum¡¯s sight, this was no ordinary demon for Nabassu are common on the abyssal realm.

    ¡°Shii¡­ Looks like we found ourselves a good opponent. It must have evolved itself by consuming other of its brethren.¡±

    ¡°It appears so.¡± Akatosh replies seeing how its height was more than nine meters, as its mouth was dripping molten lava.

    The demon roars with its tremendous fiendish howl, spectating its pitch-black flames covering its entire body. A single flap of its wing sends a tremendous gush of wind knock backing who ever wasn¡¯t fortitude enough.

    ¡°Any tip handling that kind of demon?¡± Akatosh implores at his partner.

    ¡°Many, we could banish it through its name if that we know of. Or we could dive into the fray and there are a lot of ways to end that demon.¡±

    Right before Amaragnum finishes his sentence, Nabassu steadily stands casting a powerful spell.

    ¡°SUNBURST! This is bad that spell will erase everything once it expands!¡± Shout the stillmage upon witnessing the demon conjuring a blazing black orb similar to a sun.

    Using both hands the orb from the demon¡¯s palm expands in mere seconds. And as it was, every living or unliving immediately disintegrated except the caster itself.

    ¡°THEN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!¡± Akatosh shout, summoning lightning if he can disrupt the demon¡¯s spell. Yet no matter how powerful the lightning was, it simply overpowered by the fiend¡¯s spell. Allied spell caster cast their offensive spell trying to overpower the devouring orb but it was naught.

    ¡°Let me borrow your body.¡± Amaragnum said.

    ¡°Do it!¡± Akatosh reply willingly let his partner borrow his body.

    Two in one body; seven meters from their distance on the incoming sunburst. Dropping both of his weapons the traveler with their shimmering palm; viciously they clap releasing a spell a time stop spell. When time stop, a sinister smile appears upon the traveler for Amaragnum was summoning ten spells in one cast.

    Summoning ten orbs dangling at their back and each of the orbs represents one spell. Taking a stance, Akatosh felt his body weigh a ton for the orbs quickly merge into one; riveting in his hand.

    ¡°Tell your demon prince Amaragnum says hello.¡± A deep tone the traveler implores before hammering the unstable orb on the ground.

    Time resume and at that moment the ten-calamity spell unleashed by the traveler was instantly explode. The sunburst that Nabassu had cast was reverse within millisecond shrinking until it was dispelled. Moreover, the creature was flung nailing the demon as part of his right shoulder and wing was chipped as if a large creature bitten of its flesh.

    To his surroundings the horde of demons were disintegrated into sand. Nabassu who still have a life left moves its last muscle roaring towards Akatosh, yet before it could again charge for battle its body begun to crumble as pieces of its flesh falls down on the ground.

    ¡°THERE¡¯S MORE COMING!¡± One of the dwarf cries seeing two massive behemoths.

    As the two behemoth walks, they could see their form a malevolent form. A huge creature with two great ebony wings standing at thirty meters. The two had dark green skin and a long tail. Had a gargoyle-like form, pointed ears, and a muscular frame. And along them were endless demons thirsting for blood.

    ¡°Round two?¡± Akatosh said and before he could dash out for who what comes next a golden bright light shines at his back.

    The light was so intense that he needed to close his eyes, when its finally tolerable he finds out the massive open road was sealed. From before they were facing an endless massive open road, now a large stone door was in front of them as two massive stone statues armored in plate mail stand at the corner of the gate. Not only that, mist begins to engulf the gate as if a liquid nitrogen was poured.

    Looking back, he saw Risha and Haiden holding what it seems to be an ornamented scroll.

    ¡°That should be enough.¡± Risha says panting together with Haiden.