《Welcome to the world》


 Prologue

    A young boy, his name Nestor, age of 18, skinny in his build with black hair and dark brown eyes, not ugly and not attractive.


    Nestor was a smart student, but he dropped high school because his father was a cop killed in action by bank robbers, and recently his mother had a brain stroke. She lost all her left body functions. At first, Nestor and his family kept living on government support, but his mother''s medicals bills kept piling up until they could not even pay the rent. In the end, he had to work. To provide food and pay for rent.


    That is how Nestor ends up working in a convenience store.


    "*Yawn* finally finished my shift" Nestor turns his head a girl named Yuie "haha, it''s your turn in this hell. I am out,¡± Yuie was a co-worker.


    Yuie smiled and replied, "Yeah, see you tomorrow Nestor and say hi to your mom and your little brother."


    Nestor waved his hand to Yuie as he walked to the staff room to change his outfit. After he finished, then turned around to see the manager stand behind him.


    Nestor smiled and said, "Yo, manager, I am going home. See you tomorrow."


    As he was leaving, the manager stopped Nestor and asked. "Wait, Nestor, how is your mother?"


    Nestor paused for a bit, then he smiled and said, "We are well. Thank you for asking uncle Fen."


    Fen has a kind heart. He was Nestor''s father''s friend. From time to time, he kept checking on them since his father passed away. When he heard that Nestor dropped from school to work for the sake of his sick mother and his little brother Fen offered Nestor a job to keep him under his wing and to keep a close watch on them for his late friend''s sake.


    Fen had a relief when he heard that and said, " that''s good to hear, take some fresh apple on the way out; it''s on me."Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Nestor smiled and replied. "I am not going to say no to that, but uncle, if you keep giving people free stuff one day, you will go bankrupt." Fen put an angry face, and said, "shut up and go."


    As Nestor was walking away from the convenience store, "finally, it''s my free time. I am so excited, and I can''t wait to arrive home. Today is the release date of the new game, the saga of angels and demons. I hope it''s good".


    Nestor was dancing in happiness. He liked playing video games since that is his only way to escape from the real world, as many people do.


    On his way, Nestor stopped in front of the ATM to withdraw money the screen showing 87$ balance.


    "..."


    His face filled with sadness. As he turned his head, he saw a boy and girl at his age walking together, holding hands laughing. In Nestor''s eye, a jealousy and sadness look can be seen "I wish to be carefree like them, Not to Worry about what the future hold."


    But that was a wish Nestor knew that is there no rest in life. Humans are always running behind a mirage known as rest from life burdens, but no matter what they do, they will never get it. There is only one way to rest, which is in the grave.


    Arriving at home, Nestor opened the door.


    It was a small house with two rooms and one kitchen. "Mom, I am home, I got some fresh apples. It''s a gift from uncle Fen. I am going to my room; do you need anything?"


    Nestor Mom comes out from the dining room with a wheelchair. "welcome home, son, how nice of him. He is always kind to us. thank him for the apples when you see him."


    As Nestor sat to taking his shoes off, then his Mom spoke, "Nestor, you know there is no need for you to work. We can live by government payment..."


    Nestor shook his head. "again, this talk, Mom? I am at 18 years now. Since dad died, you took care of us, but since you got that stroke, you have forced to quit your work. Now it''s my job to take care of you and my little brother."


    With her worry, eyes spoke, "Nestor, I want you to live a normal and happy life. "


    Nestor felt that his mother is blaming herself because he now had to work and quit his dreams to support them, so he put a smile not to worry her.


    Then He turns to his mother with a smile to make her not worry. "Sure, mom, I promise I will live my life to its fullest, so don''t you worry about me."


    As he finished speaking, the door opened, and a kid wearing a red jacket with a small backpack entered and shouted with a big smile. "Mom, big brother."


    Nestor smiled and stood as he lifts his little brother. "Hey! Oscar, how was the zoo today?" Oscar laughed. "Hehe, it was fun. I saw a monkey threw a pop."


    Nestor face changed, putting a disgusted face. "Oscar, that was disgusting. Be polite around the house." Then Nestor whispered to Oscar, "At least when Mom not around." then Both of them laughed a little.


    After that, Nestor left them and went to his room.


    ''Finally, it''s time for some games.'' As he sat down and open his PC and start playing.


    Forgetting everything in the world and sinking in that beautiful world. Time went fast. It was already 2:00 am. After he saw the time, he was a little sad and wanted to continue playing more, but he could not. There is a lot of responsibilities in his shoulder.


    Nestor turning off his PC and went to the bathroom to clean his teeth, then went to lay down in his bed and closed his eyes.


    That is when he heard. A shattering scary sound like a giant hammer hitting the skies. It was so loud that it made his heart almost reach his throat. Then the earth starts to shake so much.


    "wh.. what is that sound?" he covered his ears to protect them from that loud sound, but it still was too loud, then his ears start to bleed.


    Nestor was hitting the walls straggling to stand up straight. He then opened the window. What he saw left him speechless. He saw the earth is ripple like water. Buildings are collapsing, fire, and explosions everywhere.


    "My God, what is happening? Is this an earthquake? And what is that sound? It''s hurting my ears!" Nestor''s ears start to bleed form that sound.


    Nestor opened his door, trying to reach his Mother and Brother''s room. Straggling even to walk, when he arrived there and opened the door, he saw both were still sleeping. Like nothing is happening!


    "M... Mom, wake up!. It''s an earthquake wake up. Oscar, wake up.!!"


    He tried to wake them up but with no luck. At that moment, a light enveloped him, and everything becomes dark.

 Chapter 1

    As Nestor slowly opened his eyes, he saw the blue sky and birds were singing. He sat to see his surroundings "W..Where I am."


    then suddenly, he felt unimaginable pain in his head like thousands of needles piercing his skull, "argh, my head hurts!"


    With his hand holding his head, with the pain, he recalled the previous events. Nestor''s expression darkened.


    "Where am I? What happened to me? ! "Where are mom and my brother!". all those questions filled his mind, then he stood up and saw a completely unfamiliar place to him.


    It was an ancient city ruin. It was so big, yet so beautiful vines climbed the ancient walls, broken status, tall trees growing from the floors, and the rubbles everywhere. It seemed like some calamity happened to it long ago.


    Nestor was wandering around. "What is this place? How can there be ruins in our city?" In Nestor''s mind, he thought he fainted then got rescued by someone, so he decided to search for anyone to help him.


    Nestor starts shouting, "Hello, anyone is here?" But No one answered him, and only his voice kept echoing through the ruins, so he continues walking and searching for anyone to help him.


    "This place is huge and abandoned. How the hell did I end up here?" His mind was full of questions, and he was thinking of his mother and his brother, fearing the worse happened.


    He wandered for almost three hours before he saw two men from far. Nestor couldn''t hold himself self; he was anxious to know what happened. So he starts running, shouting, and Waving his hand. "Hey! Hello, please help!"


    When the two men saw Nestor, he was 20 meters away from them. But Nestor noticed something strange.both were wearing a red robe, with black armor covering their chest and shoulder. The two men unsheathed their swords when they saw Nestor running toward them.


    When Nestor saw them holding their swords, his heart filled with fear. "swords! what kind of maniacs did I run into?!!"


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.Nestor stopped and then raised his hands and said, "Please, I need your help. I don''t mean any harm."


    One of the men said, "If you move one step, you will die." Then he raised his hand, and it''s beginning to glow.


    Nestor freezes in his place, not believing his eyes, "Oh my God, what is he doing? Why does his hand glow!"


    Nestor''s mind couldn''t understand what''s going on, then he cried, out of fear, "Please wait! I want only someone to help me."


    But without response to his pleas. Chains of light appear out of nowhere, binding Nestor''s body and making him fall on the ground. Unable to move, Nestor could not believe what was happening to him.


    "What the hell is this?! Did these chains appear from nowhere? Did he use magic?" Nestor did not understand what happened before even he started processing what just happened to him. In a blink of an eye, the two men appeared in front of him.


    He was shocked, fear began showing in Nestor''s face, and said to himself, ''Oh my God, are they human? How can they be so fast!''


    One of the men was large in his physical build. Grabbed Nestor''s neck and lifted him as if he were without any weight. The man was angry for no reason!


    Then he asked him, "Who are you? From where did you come? And what do you do in the forbidden land? Answer if you don''t want me to snap your neck".


    Nestor did not understand what was happening and what he meant by the Forbidden Land and said. "Wait, don''t kill me. I''ll tell you everything you want, my name is Nestor, I am from America, and I don''t know where I am, I woke up here without any clue where I am".


    The big man raised his voice, "Where is America!!? Do you take us fools?"


    The other man who binds Nestor with chains was watching Nestor and said to himself.


    "This is strange, this guy doesn''t have any essence, but he ventured this far in the Forbidden Land? How is he still alive? And his clothes look strange, but they are sewn well. His hair, his skin is clean, not like that of the peasants. Then he walked to the big man said


    "Oi Laki Wait, don''t rush, something weird about."Laki turns his head over to his companion, "what do you mean? Ranka"


    Then Ranka begins to explain. "First, this guy doesn''t have any essence, yet he ventures here? Don''t you think it is strange he is still alive? For any person who can''t use magic or anyone to help him, it is merely impossible."


    Then he points to Nestor and continues his talk "Also, examine his clothing and his looks. Do you see any similarity with a peasant? he must be someone with high stats."


    Nestor could not believe what he heard. ''Essences? Magic? Forbidden lands? Did I got teleported to another world? Where there is magic exists? What about my world? My family? can I even go back?'' All these questions filled Nestor''s mind.


    Then Laki asks, "so what do you want to do?" Ranka replied,"We better take him to our lady, and she will decide what to do about him."


    After that, Laki threw Nestor to the ground, then Ranka walked to him and said, "You said your name is Nestor, right?" Nestor looked to Ranka and told with his shaking voice, "y..yes".


    Ranka then turns his head and says, "Okay, get up, and let''s go to the camp." The three of them kept walking for almost two hours. all that time, Nestor was silent; he was thinking about where did he end up.


    After some time, Nestor asked, "can you tell me where I am?" Laki snorted at Nestor and said, "Still keeping the facade?"


    But he ignored what Laki said and turn to Ranka since he was a bit rational. Ranka answered, "we are at the border of the east side of forbidden lands. To be exact, we are at the borders of our kingdom, and since you were there with no justification, we have the right to kill you, but our lady well decides your fate".


    Nestor startled, then he said, "what is the name of your kingdom?" Ranka said, "Taria and stop asking questions" after saying this, Nestor did not ask again until they reached the camp.

 Chapter 2

    When they entered the camp, it was a temporary setup with roughly 80 to 100 soldiers. Laki started laughing and boasting around, "We found a little spy."


    Ranka turns his head to Laki, noted. "we don''t know that yet."


    On the other hand, Nestor was deep in his thought '' I don''t know what happened to me, but I am sure after what I saw, I am in a different world from mine. I hope my family is doing well''.


    While Nestor was sinking in his thoughts, another man was approaching. He was fit, tall, and have grey hair in his 40s. Wearing silver armor with a phoenix crest in his chest.


    "Welcome back, Ranka, Laki, give your report."


    "Sir Iris, we found this guy strolling in the forbidding land, he claims don''t know where he is, and he claims to be from a country that we never heard about."


    Then Laki spoke, "Sir, he is lying, and he is a spy trying to get through our borders. We should just kill him".


    Iris looked to Nestor with suspicious eyes and said, "a spy, you say why didn''t kill him? We are not here to catch worms".


    Then Nestor clenched his hand and spook, "why killing me? I didn''t do anything to kill a person without any reason. What kind of people are you?"


    Laki then punched Nestor in his face sending him flying. Then he said, "know your place maggot, never speak unless you were asked to". Nestor sat with difficulty that punch was hard as a rock".


    Ranka looked at Nestor for a moment and turn his head to Iris and said. "Sir, I didn''t kill him because there are two things that bug me out. First, he does not have any mana essence, and yet he is here in the forbidding lands. For a normal person without help, it is impossible to live, as you know. Second, his looks don''t look like that of peasant thou they are looking weird".


    Iris was looking at Nestor while he is thinking, "and what is your decision?"


    Ranka responds, "I don''t think he is a spy because he can''t use magic; also, he is not a peasant, but I think he has companions and their strengths not weak to us, but I don''t know what their purpose doing near our borders is."


    Iris Think for a moment, then he said, "If this is true, we do not need more conflict. Well done, bringing him here. Let the captain decide what to do with him until she returns from hunting. Put him in prison and put two men watch him. You both have some rest. You deserve it. "


    Both Laki and Ranka bow and thank Iris, then they turn around and walk away.


    Iris turned around and said to some soldiers. "tell everyone to be ready for the worst-case scenario," the solider is nearby said, "yes sir."


    After they put Nestor in jail. It was a small cage in the corner near the soldier''s tents, with two guards watching him. Nestor was thinking about what would happen to him and what he was going to say to make them believe him.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Time passed, then Nestor heard a commotion. He raises his head to see a huge white wolf running toward the camp. It made Nestor open his eye wide. The wolf height was almost 20 feet, scary-looking, it was like the legendary Fenrir.


    It was his first time seeing something living that big, and said to himself, ''My God, what is this beast''.


    As the wolf got closer, a girl was mounting that wolf. She was in her 20s with blond hair, beautiful snow skin, and red yet scary and sharp eyes. When the wolf stopped. She jumped and was falling slowly like it was in slow motion.


    All the soldiers were in awe because of her beauty, yet no one can speak to her because they know their head will be flying faster than light.


    Solider kneels and says in sync, "welcome back, Lady Risa, thanks for your hard work." she looked around then said, "be at ease, soldiers". She was a proud and strong young lady.


    Then she walked toward her private tent. Nestor, on the other hand, was still looking at the wolf with amazing eyes. "such a wonderful, yet scary beast". The wolf sensed Nestor''s gaze and looked at him, then lowered it is head.


    When the night settled, Eris came to the cage and said, "Guards tied him up and take him to lady Risa." Nestor made up his mind; he will tell the truth even if it were unbelievable. He could not lie since he does not know anything about this world.


    The two guards respond, "yes, sir". After they tie him with rope and escort him to the tent.


    guards stand near the entrance and say, "My lady, we got the prisoner as you ordered."


    "come in."


    As they entered, Nestor saw Lady Risa was sitting in a chair and Iris was standing at her right side, with her eye were fixed in Nestor.


    She spoke with a low but voice, but he clearly heard it because every hair in Nestor''s body stood up, and he sensed killing intent in every word came out from her mouth.


    "I don''t have time for a maggot, so let me be clear who are you and what purpose you have doing in the forbidding land and who is with you."


    Nestor composer himself and said. "My lady, I already told your men everything, and it was all true to the end. I will say it again, and I hope you believe me. My name is Nestor, and I do not know where I am. To be honest, this is far exceeding my imagination Because I am not from this world.


    After he said this, both Iris and Risa were startled.


    Then he continues to explain, "when I woke up in ruins, I searched for my family, and because I did not recognize the ruins, I searched for someone to help me. At first, I thought I was in my world but in a different place, but then I saw your men who attacked me for no reason, then when I saw their clothes and magic chains. At that moment, I knew I am not in my world because there was no magic there. And this is my first time to see that big beast of yours."


    After he finished the explanation, a dead silence descended to the room. Then a laugh broke out, "Haha, this is a story for the day."


    Both Risa and Iris laughed. then she said. "Do you even hear what you are saying? Even if you are not lying, you are definitely crazy".


    Nestor froze for a moment. Then he said, "I am not lying! And Not crazy. I know what I said is unbelievable, but it''s true if I want to lie, I will do better than this!"


    She then screamed, "silence!" Then she looked at Iris and said, "We have more important issues at hand. We don''t have time to interrogate a maggot. Put him in jail if he has a companion. They will show up at that time will see what happens. If not, we will kill him after our expedition end and be done with it".


    When Nestor hears this, he just froze his last hope to make her believe him was just cut, and despair filled his heart. Then he said, "please, believe me, I am not from this world, and I don''t have any companions."


    As Iris tried to take Nestor out, suddenly they heard a soldier screaming, said: "Intruder! we have an intruder!"


    Hearing this made Nestor''s heart skip a beat. He did not know who it is, he just said he did not know anyone, and suddenly someone shows up!

 Chapter 3

    Risa said, "it seems his friend comes to rescue." Nestor replied, "I told you I have no friends. I don''t even know where I am, why no one believes me?!"


    Iris looked at him and said, "we will see about that."


    Then she quickly went outside while Iris and Nestor behind her. As she stepped out of her tent, she saw a strange masked man. Wearing black robes, he was suspending in midair.


    The masked man raised his finger. Then the soldier who was shouting before warning about the intruder, start to float.


    Then the mysterious man said, "You hurt my ears with your shouting. You need to know how to be quiet". Then with a high speed, he starts to fall with his face.


    He immediately lost his unconscious, his teeth fell, his nose broken, but the masked man did not stop. He did it again and again until his head squashed, and his brain matter scattered on the ground.


    Nestor froze when he saw that poor man get smashed. Then he holds his mouth, with his hand trying not Puke.


    After that, the masked man starts looking to them, scanning everyone with his eyes, like he was searching for someone, then he said. "hmm, It''s not them, but some bunch of ants."


    When Risa saw this, with anger, quickly unsheathed her sword and jumped with the blink of an eye she already was In front of him, she raised her sword and Started glowing, making the night bright as day then she said, "pay with your life."


    White glowing slash that unleashed from her sword, cutting him in half, but then in the blink of an eye, he turns to a mirage then disappear into thin air.


    At that moment, Iris shouted. "My lady, be careful behind you."


    The masked man was behind Risa, hearing Iris, she tried rotating her body fast and launched another attack, but the masked man disappears and reappears again behind her.


    Risa was shocked how fast he can move; she cannot even notice him, then the man raised his hand and said, "I don''t have time to play with you."


    In a blink of an eye, he hit Risa with his bare hand. With a *boom* sound, her body sends flying like a doll crashing to the ground fainted due to the high impact.


    Iris started running to Risa''s side to check her and said to himself, ''My God, please be okay, how can he be this strong? Risa already is an archmage! Yet he sends her flying with one hit only does this mean he is grandmaster? Impossible!! Because grandmasters in every kingdom are few.''


    On the other hand, Nestor was shocked at how they fought in such a way that he was amazed and frightened. "How can they move this way and that sword for a moment illuminating the whole surrounding area !".


    The masked man starts to laugh while the soldiers froze in fear if their leader is the strongest one, was sent flying with just one hit, what they can do?


    But one of the men who were angry that almost his vain began to appear he was Iris, "how dare you to hit our lady and kill one of our men? We will kill you even if we have to sacrifice our self''s". then he unsheathed his sword and said, "all men attack."


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Ranka and Laki were the first ones to attack. They both cast light chains to bind the masked man. It was much bigger and much faster than when they used it at Nestor.


    All the soldiers start attacking, tens of soldiers stand near each other. Then they raised their hand, then fireball appears and begins to grow until it becomes like a small sun. "take this and burn in hell."


    The fireball launched at the masked man *boom* explosions was at the sky illuminating the area.


    Other groups of soldiers also in sync start casting multiple spells unleashing spears, swords, fire lightning. Then also Iris jumped high and unleashed the same attack as Risa did, splitting the smoke and the explosions in half.


    Nestor''s eyes opened wide. These multiple magic attacks made the skies flicking with flashes of light, and explosions were too big for someone to live after these attacks.


    As the smoke disappears, a shadow figure appeared. The masked man was still standing, not even scratched or moved an inch from his spot.


    All of them were shocked by how he could be standing. Not even his clothing got burn or ruin. Iris clenched his hands.


    Then the masked man spoke, "sacrifice yourself? Do not be hasty. All of you will die tonight, I was going to leave, but you raised your hand and your voice on me. All of you must suffer. Try to survive the night if you can."


    After that, he lifted his hand to the sky and said, "cursed blood moon."


    Then the masked man left. Following that, the moonlight became red. The sky becomes red dark. Many roars started. Then the ground starts shaking. The soldiers'' bodies stiffened, their faces changed, fear could be seen on them, and even Iris froze at what they saw.


    Large magical beasts surrounded them from all sides, howling and growling hungry, their eye red as the red moon. One more solid fall and his leg start shaking, saying. "Magical beast, the lowest one is a rank four. We are all dead!"


    Iris was dead silence at that scene and said to himself, ''this is just unimaginable, how someone can control all these beasts. It seems we encounter someone we shouldn''t involve with.''


    Clenching his hand and said, "all soldiers stand up, we will die tonight, but we will die with honor and protect our Lady."


    After hearing that, some of the soldiers who gave up to despair started to stand up, and some did not because they just knew they were staring at their graves.


    The beasts start to attack, and the soldiers begin to defend. They launched all their strength; it was a battle of life and death. But in the end, it was one side massacre, whatever attacks they used whatever magic they did. Nothing worked at best, a surface injury inflected to the beasts. The beasts were ravages and killing everyone, devouring them. The blood was like a river everywhere.


    Nestor could not handle the screams and the scene In front of him. Heads crashed, half bodies flying, a chunk of meats was everywhere, and the bloodbath was horrifying.


    It is his first time he sees the death of someone. He was Puking and crying. He wanted everything to stop. He wished if this was a nightmare and he will wake up in his bed.


    His mind was finally broken, submitting his life to the fate he was tired want to be dead, to rest from this bloody world since the first time he woke up, it was a problem after a problem.


    Eris turns to his lady, who fainted on the ground and said,


    "lady Risa I promise you. I will be dead before anything approaches you."


    Then he saw Nestor, who was shivering, and his mind breaking and said, "Hey kid, I guess some of your words were correct after all. But regardless of that, we will all die."


    But Nestor did not hear what Iris told him. He was a body without a soul, and the impact of the scene he was watching was too big then he could handle.


    He was just saying, "Just stop, stop. Please stop. No more stop." Iris felt pity to see Nestor like this.


    When the last line fell, and the monsters arrived as Nestor and Iris were ready to die. One was standing up to defend his fainted leader, and the other was surrendering to death when beasts jumped on them.


    At that moment, a shadow appears, grabs one of the beasts, and hits it on the ground. It was Lady Risa''s wolf. When Iris saw this, it was like a light of hope that appeared on that dark red night.


    "Good timing, take the Risa, and run quickly!"


    The wolf ran toward them and grabbed Nestor with his mouth and run away. Seen the wolf running with Nestor, Iris''s heart nearly stopped.

 Chapter 4

    The last hope carried by Iris has disappeared. He could not believe that the wolf saved Nestor and not his master Risa and then Iris shouted, "You stupid wolf, come back! You''ve taken the wrong person!"


    But the wolf did not look back. It continued to run as fast as the wind, avoiding the beasts one by one, but they did not leave him alone. Some bests saw the wolf running and begin to chase him.


    They begin to attack them with magic, and the wolf activates a barrier to protect himself, but he could not Reflect all attacks. It got hit by some after their escape. Then the beasts begin to chase him.


    Iris was in shock because he could not believe the wolf had left his master to die and said to himself, "Why did you save someone you don''t even know? How do you betray your master?"


    Although Nestor was ready to die, although he only wanted to die, then he was rescued. Nestor was aware of what was happening, but he did not know why the wolf saved his life and not his master.


    The bests began attacking, and Iris tried to defend himself and Risa, but how could he drive them away on his own when all the soldiers were slaughtered and torn into pieces. Iris sheds his last tear in grief, not for himself, but for the sake of Risa. She was more than his leader, but as her servant, who watch her grew.


    "Risa, I failed to keep my promise to your father. It seems I will die today."


    Risa Aztera is from a noble family, and she is the eldest daughter in her family, and her father is the ruler of Astaria in the northeastern kingdom of Taria.


    It''s was her the first time that she went to the Forbidden Land. Her family was in a difficult financial situation. Her father collected all strong soldiers who can use magic in the city and made Raisa the leader of this expedition.


    The mission was simple to kill the beasts and collect magical crystals from them. Magic crystals used for everything from making armor, magical items to everyday life equipment, and Iris was the head guard of her family, and he was sent to serve and protect Risa in her mission.


    "I hope you will forgive me in the next life, but" Iris took a red and black colored pill and swallowed it. Then his veins pop out and become red, his skin becomes darker then start cracking.


    "I didn''t expect to use this. But it''s better to kill myself and Rise than to let these beasts eat her body".


    * Explosion* wraps the surrounding area. The red and black pill eaten by Iris is used to sacrifice one''s body as a last resort to kill yourself and the enemy.


    At the same time, in the woods, there is a white wolf dyed with his blood running with a young man in his mouth who was still trembling with fear and dread with three magical beasts chasing them and attacking them. The wolf kept running while the attacks severely damaged him.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    After a long chase, they arrived near a cliff. It was so high that it was hard to see the ground from where they stand. Then the wolf stopped and turned around to see the beasts behind them after that.


    The wolf turned to the cliff and jumped without hesitation. The beast did not stop. They were like without mind following them.


    At that moment, the wolf turned itself and made Nestor in his chest while it was falling his back. It was desperate to save Nestor, even if it is to sacrifice itself. Nestor was unable to react or think of what had just happened because they were falling too fast.


    As they were falling, Nestor, for a second, saw sunrise revealing the beauty of this world. It was his first time he saw something as beautiful as that vast open land, floating islands, and waterfalls that fell from it, creating rainbows and mountains touching the sky before they hit the ground.


    Since Nestor came to this world and opened his eyes, he did not have time for rest problems after another, and death was in his back. But now finally, he is resting without care but unconscious near the body of his Savior, who sacrifices his life, even though Nestor did not know why he saved him, but he did, and without his sacrifice, Nestor should be long dead. The bodies of their chasers around them also not moving.


    The sun was high in the sky, shining on the bodies of dead men and women. Half-eaten, mashed, and torn. The camp was gloomy silent as cemetery, and the place smelled foul of blood, which attracted rodents and worms, but suddenly there was a movement of rocks falling and then a hand coming out of the rocks. This was Risa trying to get out and pulling herself out of the rocks. Whether by chance, miracle, or luck, she survived.


    When Iris exploded, the necklace around Raisa''s neck shined and formed a barrier around her before the explosion reaches her. The neckless was a magical item, used to block one fatal magical attack before it wears out, it cost a fortune, but it saved her. It was a gift from her father when she got accepted into the Magic Academy.


    After the explosion, the place around them destroyed, stones fell from near hills to cover her body with rocks. When the remaining beasts saw that no one is still alive, they left after they fill their bellies with human meat.


    After getting out, what she saw, made her froze like a statue, and then she starts shaking, seeing the dead bodies everywhere, torn, half-eaten, parts of their bodies all over the camp, and the land was colored in red.


    "Is the one who did this a human? Do they have a heart? Or are they beasts in the form of humans body?" Risa did not know what happened when she was unconscious. In her mind, the ones who did this were Nestor and the masked man.


    Risa fell on her knees at the horror of the scene in front of her, dirt covering her body. Now the strong and arrogant woman has been broken. She starts screaming, but no one could hear her screams.


    The death of her faithful servant, his body was not even found, the soldiers who were supposed to bring them back to their city after the mission finished got wiped.


    How can she go home on her own without a single soldier? How can she explain their deaths?


    Everyone in their city depends on this expedition to collect magical crystals. Without them, they will die the war is coming, and they will be dead without them, and now they even lost most of their soldiers who use magic.


    After a while, she wiped away her tears and started digging the ground, taking the remains of the bodies and burying them. After she finished, she clenched her hand and said.


    "Rest in peace. I will take revenge on these two men''s and cut off their bodies as they to did you".


    Then she looked at the horizons while the trace of the dry tears could be seen in her face and said, "Your name I will never forget Nestor!!".

 Chapter 6

    When they arrived, Baran pointed his hand to the floating city. "That is a Lamina city, and this is Lamina outcasted town."


    "Lamina outcasted?" Nestor wondered


    "yes, those people are banished from the main city."


    As they were walking through the town, Nestor saw how poor these peoples are. Wearing rags as clothes that had patched several times, and some of them were barefooted. Their bodies were skin and bone. They just looked miserable. It reminded him of refugee camps in his world.


    Their houses are just small huts. If a strong wind hits them, it will crumble under their heads. But the people still fighting living their daily life as if it was normal, the children playing, with smiles in their face, not caring about anything.


    Nestor, with his sad eyes, looked to the townspeople, "Why have they banished from the city? What they did?"


    Baran sighed and shook his head, then he looked to the floating city. "They are unlucky people born with a deformed body and can''t awake their essence, which means they can''t use magic, and anyone who can''t use magic to them they are not human. even if they were from a noble family, they would be banished."


    Nestor thought these people did something wrong, but because they were ordinary people who can''t use magic, they cast them out. what heartless people are living in that floating city


    "Dose the magical beasts do not attack them?" Nestor, with a worried expression, asked


    "They do, and if an attack happens, the lucky survive and the unlucky dies," Baran said while he was looking at the children playing in the mud.


    Then he looked to Nestor, "I think you are one of them since you didn''t awaken your essence at an early age."


    Nestor was disturbed when he heard that. He wasn''t from this world and doesn''t even know if he can or can''t awaken his essence. So he is now more worried because He can''t imagine himself living like them.


    He had to know why he''s in this world and what happened to his world before he came that earthquake, and that sound wasn''t normal. If he can''t even use magic, then he simply can''t do anything.


    Nestor stopped walking with an anxious expression in his face, "Mr. Baran, is there a way to know if I can awake my essence or not?"


    Baran knew from Nestor''s expressions he didn''t want to end up like those people. But this is the truth, people from the age of 7 will awaken their essence, and if they can''t, it means they are deformed, so he just will make him face his reality and accepted it because whatever he says, it will not comfort him, and he can''t babysit him because he lost his memory. Either way, he had to face his own fate.


    "There are two ways. One is a natural way to try to sense the mana in nature day after day, and it will awaken by itself, but it will take time. second is the most used by an outside help and to inject his essence to the human body and forcefully awakening it."If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Nestor hesitated for a second, then looked to Baran. "Please, mister Baran, could you help me to try and awaken mine? I want to know! I am willing to give you all the crystal."


    Though the crystals are can be sold at a high price. But what is the use of them when he can''t even sell them? They are more dangerous for him than they are useful. He couldn''t care less for them if he can successfully awaken his essence and learn how to use magic to increase his survival chances.


    Baran looked to Nestor''s eyes." well, if you want to, I will help you, and I will take just one of the crystal. But first, let''s go see my friend. She will know if you from here or not."


    Hearing this, Nestor couldn''t help himself but feel a bit of relief. Since they came here to see if anyone could know him or not. He was pretty sure no one will recognize him, so he just has to keep the act.


    The two of them walked to the center of the town until they reached a wired black circle stone in the ground. It was 10m in diameter and has many engravings on it.


    "What is this" Nestor asked


    "That is the flying stone. It can be activated when channeling your essence to it, and it will take you up to the island."


    Nestor was amazed about it since it''s this his first time to see something like this.


    Near that stone, there was a house. It was way better looking than the other houses. They walked to the door, and Baran starts knocking.


    Then a young boy opened the door. His hair was dark brown, the same as his eye. It seems he is at the same age as Nestor, but his body is looked more muscular from the hard work.


    "Mister Baran!" he said


    "Oh, Leroy, where is Catrina?"


    "She is inside, please enter."


    As they entered. There was a woman in her 40s, with black hair and blue eyes. Behind her was a cute little girl. She was 6 years old with yellow hair.


    "Hello, Catrina."


    Catrina looked and saw an old man with him a young kid.


    "Mister Baran! Welcome, you came early this time. It hasn''t been a week."


    Baran played with his beard. "I see another one has been banished" then he looked to the little girl behind Catrina, clinging to her clothes.


    Catrina, with her sad eyes, nodded, and then she patted the little girl, "Her name is Erin, poor kid she''s been crying for 3 days missing her family, not knowing why they abandoned her."


    Nestor looked to that poor little girl when he heard that. And he felt sad for her to be abandoned by her family at such age and for no reason. Her life will be miserable.


    Baran shook his head, then pointed his hand to Nestor. "I came here today because I found this young man. His name is Nestor, and he lost his memory, and I want to know if he is from here."


    Catrina looked to Nestor as she wants to identify him.


    "This is the first time I see him! I know every young man here."


    Then she looked at the Leroy and asked. "do you recognize him?"


    Leroy shook his head.


    Baran thought it was weird indeed. He didn''t want to believe that Nestor came from the forbidden lands. Even he can not survive there alone. Now, Baran grows a little suspicious of what happened to Nestor, but he didn''t inquire anymore.


    "well that''s that, Catrina, do you have an empty room?"


    "yes"


    "Please take us there."


    As they went to the room, he then instructs catrina to leave. Then Baran looked to Nestor and said with a serious voice.


    "Nestor, I don''t know from where you are or what happened to you, but since you wanted my help to awaken your essence, then, whatever happens even if you have a deformed body, you need to accept your fate. and my advice is, don''t set your hope high."


    Nestor took a deep breath. He was a bit worried because if he has a deformed body, he will live here like them, so he had to accept it.


    "Mister Baran, whatever the results, I will accept it, and I will never forget your kindness."


    Then he took out the bag and give the old man a crystal. Baran nodded and then start to explain to Nestor.


    "The first thing you need to do is clear your mind, close your eyes, and focus. I will put my hand on your back and inject my essence into your body. When your body starts to absorb the essence, you will feel your blood is boiling but endure the pain, and by the end of this process, you will know if your essence is awakened or not. The process will take hours. after I inject my essence, I will go to the city, and you stay here until I come back."


    Nestor nodded as the old man instructed. He sat down, crossed leg, put his hands on his knees, and cleared his mind, focusing only on his back. Then Nestor starts to feel a weird but incredibly refreshing feeling.


    After the old man injected some of his essences to Nestor''s body, he walked toward the door then turn his head to Nestor


    ''Poor kid, he will be disappointed, but this is the reality some people are bestowed with luck and others and not.''


    But inside Nestor''s body, the light particles start entering his skin, then his bloodstream traveling to his heart, then his all body. Then all the essences begin gathering to the center of his body.


    Thump! his heartbeat was so clear Nestor start to feel a wonderful feeling, every beat of his heart was pushing the blood to every cell in his body. He didn''t feel any pain like the old man said. but It was the opposite!


    On the other hand, Baran wanted to leave, but suddenly stopped. He felt something behind him, making every hair in his body standing.

 Chapter 6

    When they arrived, Baran pointed his hand to the floating city. "That is a Lamina city, and this is Lamina outcasted town."


    "Lamina outcasted?" Nestor wondered


    "yes, those people are banished from the main city."


    As they were walking through the town, Nestor saw how poor these peoples are. Wearing rags as clothes that had patched several times, and some of them were barefooted. Their bodies were skin and bone. They just looked miserable. It reminded him of refugee camps in his world.


    Their houses are just small huts. If a strong wind hits them, it will crumble under their heads. But the people still fighting living their daily life as if it was normal, the children playing, with smiles in their face, not caring about anything.


    Nestor, with his sad eyes, looked to the townspeople, "Why have they banished from the city? What they did?"


    Baran sighed and shook his head, then he looked to the floating city. "They are unlucky people born with a deformed body and can''t awake their essence, which means they can''t use magic, and anyone who can''t use magic to them they are not human. even if they were from a noble family, they would be banished."


    Nestor thought these people did something wrong, but because they were ordinary people who can''t use magic, they cast them out. what heartless people are living in that floating city


    "Dose the magical beasts do not attack them?" Nestor, with a worried expression, asked


    "They do, and if an attack happens, the lucky survive and the unlucky dies," Baran said while he was looking at the children playing in the mud.


    Then he looked to Nestor, "I think you are one of them since you didn''t awaken your essence at an early age."


    Nestor was disturbed when he heard that. He wasn''t from this world and doesn''t even know if he can or can''t awaken his essence. So he is now more worried because He can''t imagine himself living like them.


    He had to know why he''s in this world and what happened to his world before he came that earthquake, and that sound wasn''t normal. If he can''t even use magic, then he simply can''t do anything.


    Nestor stopped walking with an anxious expression in his face, "Mr. Baran, is there a way to know if I can awake my essence or not?"


    Baran knew from Nestor''s expressions he didn''t want to end up like those people. But this is the truth, people from the age of 7 will awaken their essence, and if they can''t, it means they are deformed, so he just will make him face his reality and accepted it because whatever he says, it will not comfort him, and he can''t babysit him because he lost his memory. Either way, he had to face his own fate.


    "There are two ways. One is a natural way to try to sense the mana in nature day after day, and it will awaken by itself, but it will take time. second is the most used by an outside help and to inject his essence to the human body and forcefully awakening it."Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Nestor hesitated for a second, then looked to Baran. "Please, mister Baran, could you help me to try and awaken mine? I want to know! I am willing to give you all the crystal."


    Though the crystals are can be sold at a high price. But what is the use of them when he can''t even sell them? They are more dangerous for him than they are useful. He couldn''t care less for them if he can successfully awaken his essence and learn how to use magic to increase his survival chances.


    Baran looked to Nestor''s eyes." well, if you want to, I will help you, and I will take just one of the crystal. But first, let''s go see my friend. She will know if you from here or not."


    Hearing this, Nestor couldn''t help himself but feel a bit of relief. Since they came here to see if anyone could know him or not. He was pretty sure no one will recognize him, so he just has to keep the act.


    The two of them walked to the center of the town until they reached a wired black circle stone in the ground. It was 10m in diameter and has many engravings on it.


    "What is this" Nestor asked


    "That is the flying stone. It can be activated when channeling your essence to it, and it will take you up to the island."


    Nestor was amazed about it since it''s this his first time to see something like this.


    Near that stone, there was a house. It was way better looking than the other houses. They walked to the door, and Baran starts knocking.


    Then a young boy opened the door. His hair was dark brown, the same as his eye. It seems he is at the same age as Nestor, but his body is looked more muscular from the hard work.


    "Mister Baran!" he said


    "Oh, Leroy, where is Catrina?"


    "She is inside, please enter."


    As they entered. There was a woman in her 40s, with black hair and blue eyes. Behind her was a cute little girl. She was 6 years old with yellow hair.


    "Hello, Catrina."


    Catrina looked and saw an old man with him a young kid.


    "Mister Baran! Welcome, you came early this time. It hasn''t been a week."


    Baran played with his beard. "I see another one has been banished" then he looked to the little girl behind Catrina, clinging to her clothes.


    Catrina, with her sad eyes, nodded, and then she patted the little girl, "Her name is Erin, poor kid she''s been crying for 3 days missing her family, not knowing why they abandoned her."


    Nestor looked to that poor little girl when he heard that. And he felt sad for her to be abandoned by her family at such age and for no reason. Her life will be miserable.


    Baran shook his head, then pointed his hand to Nestor. "I came here today because I found this young man. His name is Nestor, and he lost his memory, and I want to know if he is from here."


    Catrina looked to Nestor as she wants to identify him.


    "This is the first time I see him! I know every young man here."


    Then she looked at the Leroy and asked. "do you recognize him?"


    Leroy shook his head.


    Baran thought it was weird indeed. He didn''t want to believe that Nestor came from the forbidden lands. Even he can not survive there alone. Now, Baran grows a little suspicious of what happened to Nestor, but he didn''t inquire anymore.


    "well that''s that, Catrina, do you have an empty room?"


    "yes"


    "Please take us there."


    As they went to the room, he then instructs catrina to leave. Then Baran looked to Nestor and said with a serious voice.


    "Nestor, I don''t know from where you are or what happened to you, but since you wanted my help to awaken your essence, then, whatever happens even if you have a deformed body, you need to accept your fate. and my advice is, don''t set your hope high."


    Nestor took a deep breath. He was a bit worried because if he has a deformed body, he will live here like them, so he had to accept it.


    "Mister Baran, whatever the results, I will accept it, and I will never forget your kindness."


    Then he took out the bag and give the old man a crystal. Baran nodded and then start to explain to Nestor.


    "The first thing you need to do is clear your mind, close your eyes, and focus. I will put my hand on your back and inject my essence into your body. When your body starts to absorb the essence, you will feel your blood is boiling but endure the pain, and by the end of this process, you will know if your essence is awakened or not. The process will take hours. after I inject my essence, I will go to the city, and you stay here until I come back."


    Nestor nodded as the old man instructed. He sat down, crossed leg, put his hands on his knees, and cleared his mind, focusing only on his back. Then Nestor starts to feel a weird but incredibly refreshing feeling.


    After the old man injected some of his essences to Nestor''s body, he walked toward the door then turn his head to Nestor


    ''Poor kid, he will be disappointed, but this is the reality some people are bestowed with luck and others and not.''


    But inside Nestor''s body, the light particles start entering his skin, then his bloodstream traveling to his heart, then his all body. Then all the essences begin gathering to the center of his body.


    Thump! his heartbeat was so clear Nestor start to feel a wonderful feeling, every beat of his heart was pushing the blood to every cell in his body. He didn''t feel any pain like the old man said. but It was the opposite!


    On the other hand, Baran wanted to leave, but suddenly stopped. He felt something behind him, making every hair in his body standing.

 Chapter 7

    Baran slowly turns his head. What he saw made his jaw drop. He saw a storm of bursting mana around Nestor. Baran opened his eyes wide, not believing his eyes.


    Slowly sweats drops from Baran''s forehead. ''This is unbelievable. That much amount of mana fluctuation around him! Did I wake up a sleeping monster?. If he didn''t have a deformed body, Then why didn''t he do it at an early age! What mysterious background he has?"


    But Nestor wasn''t aware of what was happening. He was fully immersed in that beautiful feeling.


    Time passes fast. Nestor opened his eye slowly. He felt completely different than before. a Power was surge inside him. He felt like he was reborn. The feeling was indescribable. It''s like if someone was blind, then suddenly he can see.


    After he regains his senses, Nestor checked the room; he didn''t saw anyone. Baran was not there. It seems he took a long time until he awakened his essence, so he got out of the room to search for Baran.


    As he walked out, he saw Catrina and in her lap was Erin sleeping when Catrina saw Nestor and greeted him with a smile. "Hello, Nestor. It seems you have slept well."


    It seems Baran hasn''t told her what he was doing, so Nestor acts naturally and smiles, "ah, yes, thank you. Where is Mr. Baran?"


    "He went to the city still not returned yet, but it will not be long until he is back."


    Then the door opened. Nestor saw Leroy with his hand branches of trees.


    "Catrina, I bring some wood to warm the house."


    "Oh great timing Leroy why don''t you show Nestor around until Mr. Baran return"


    Leroy put down the branches. "Sure."


    Nestor and Leroy got out walking around the town.


    "So, what is your deal? you really don''t remember anything?" Leroy asked


    Nestor noded to Leroy, "Yes, Mr. Baran saved me. He found me unconscious and took me to his house. the rest, you know."


    "Is that so? You are lucky, indeed. No outcast can go around by himself. Outside is a dangerous place filled with bests."


    Then Nestor asked, "and what is your story?"


    Leroy then stopped and looked toward the city. "I was born into a Nobel family. When my family knew that I have a deformed body, they hide me in the house and pretend I was dead so that they would not banish me. But the servants betrayed them and told the authorities about my existence.


    Leroy clenched his hand. "Then they tied me around a pillar in the city square, and they hanged my family in front of me and made their bodies hung for 3 days so that they would serve as an example to people. After that, they cast me out. Since then, I lived here. Miss Catrina took me in when I was a child, so she is my family now." This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Nestor looked to Leroy with admiration and thought. ''He went through all that, and he still fights to live. "Sorry for asking and bringing this memory''s back to you."


    Leroy saw Nestor''s eyes that were sincere. He then smiles, "Nothing to be sorry about. It''s not our fault. It''s this world an ugly place and not for the weak to survive."


    Then both of them start talking. Nestor asked about the world. He still didn''t know anything. According to what Leroy told him,Lamina city is a part of Taria Kingdom, and as for the forbidden land, he didn''t know much about it, but he knew that strong magical bests there. after some time they saw a couple of people running toward the town center. yelling to each other, "hurry or the food will be gone."


    Leroy said, "It seems Baran comes back. Let''s return."


    As they arrived. Nestor was astonished he saw a lot of people gathering around a caravan. But what surprised Nestor is that the caravan was floating, and it was filled with foods.


    "What is that weird caravan who brings foods?" Nestor asked.


    "I guess you don''t know who Mr. Baran is," then smile appeared in Leroy''s face, then he continues his talk. "Baran is a savior of this town every week. He comes with crystals and sells them in the city to buy us food."


    Nestor was amazed by Baran''s kindness toward those people. As Catrina saw them, she shouted, "Leroy, Nestor, be kind and help me distribute the food."


    After they finished giving the food, they entered the house and saw Baran sitting drinking tea. Near to him, Erin was smiling and had a doll in her hands playing with it. seems he brought it for Erin


    When Baran saw them entering, his gazes fell to Nestor, "Oh, you have come back, did you awaked your essence?"


    "Yes" Nestor replied


    Leroy and Catrina stiffened and looked to Nestor with wide eyes. "How is this possible? so you are not outcasted?"


    Nestor only could play like a fool and laugh, "haha, I really don''t know."


    "Well, I guess your background is more mysterious than I thought," Baran said


    Then Baran stood up and said to Nestor, "Follow me outside."


    As they walked out, Leroy clenched his hand. Because of how unlucky he was, he only can curse his fate. He thought Nestor like him, but it turns he was blissed.


    Baran scratched his beard. "Nestor, since you awakened your essence, you need guidance and training, and I am willing to do so, but I want something from you in exchange."


    Nestor didn''t expect that Baran should say that. Since Nestor successfully awakened his essence, he thought of how he can make Baran teach him how he can use magic. When Nestor heard Baran say this, he was more than happy to do what Baran wants.


    "anything!" Nestor said With a big smile in his face


    "I want your promise that you will never use your power to kill or harm innocent people."


    Then he turns toward Nestor with worried eyes, "look around you. this world does not need any more evils."


    Nestor was surprised by Baran''s request. He had never intended to use magic for such a thing. He just wanted to protect himself and find answers about what happened to him.


    "I swear I will never do any evils with my power."


    "Good kid, then lets us say goodbye to Catrina and the others. We will return home. You will stay with me, and from tomorrow your training begins."


    Nestor Noded.


    Baran never was in his intention to be a teacher to anyone. He isolated himself because he didn''t like this world. And didn''t want to be part of it. But when he saw how mana reacted to Nestor earlier, he felt this kid may have a big impact on this world. So he decided to guide him. He feard that if Nestor was guided by others, he would do more harm.


    After they said goodbye. They walked back to Baran''s house. Nestor was thrilled to start his training. He never imagined, even in his wild dream, to use magic like some fantasy games.