《Mortal Energy》


 Chapter 1

    ¡°Breath, stay low, watch where they¡¯re looking and where they¡¯re going, and when you strike don¡¯t think about them as another kid who shouldn''t have to be here fighting and killing. No, in that pit I want you to remember one thing and one thing only. On how to stay alive to the next fight because for so many of us that¡¯s all we¡¯ll ever see, the next fight.¡± Lectures a beast with the body size of a bear, with thick metallic brown feathers for a coat of fur, a beak that you could tell at a glance was absolutely used for cracking skulls, and two horns of some bone like objects coming out in a V shape from his crown.


    ¡°Yes Senior Owl-Bear!¡± A group of young children aged around 4 to 12 snap back at him. Following this all the children split off to either practice or to laze about, which paying attention to who does what also happens to be an excellent way of predicting who will survive any amount of time in the pits. These children are all orphans, pulled off the streets and told that if they sign a fighter¡¯s contract then they¡¯ll get enough money to feed their families, themselves¡¯ and even get some new gear if they¡¯re smart about things. What they aren¡¯t told is that most pit fighters don¡¯t make it to age 25, which just so happens to be the age that most of the contracts are set to expire at. Of course you could always fight the champion in a one on one deathmatch to break out of your contract but considering most pit fighters are only at the 3rd hand of power on the power scale and the champion was in the 5th hand well most people just lived and died in the pit once they were there. In an area of the pit, seperated from all the other children and under the sharp gaze of an Owl-Bear there¡¯s a young boy standing in a battle pose training for a chance to get out of the pit.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Seren, if you want any chance of surprising Glaston and breaking your contract you¡¯re gonna have to stop holding back and actually commit to everything I''m trying to teach you. You¡¯ve already got an excellent grasp of tactile telekinesis, your body training has already reached your bodies current natural peak and is ready to awaken it¡¯s vitality, but you refuse to commit to using your current biggest advantage, which is the fact that at 9 years old you¡¯re already at the pseudo-aura level. If you learn to accept your killing intent and form full aura then you can use that as a surprise attack to kill Glaston and leave this place.¡±


    ¡°But Senior Owl-Bear I, I don¡¯t want to accept that I have to do all these things to get free, I have to kill to live, I have to kill to get stronger, and now I have to kill just to have the right to make my own choices. It¡¯s not fair, It¡¯s not right¡± speaks a young boy with tight curly hair pulled back into a giant puff ponytail at the back of his skull, covered in dust and sweat, and looking up at this giant beast with eyes that don¡¯t want to let go of what a child shouldn¡¯t even have to question or think about.¡±


    The beast looks over at the child and sighs ¡°Seren, I wish I could guide you to the path you want to take but I can¡¯t. I was caught and thrown here to look over the pit-whelps over 40 years ago, I¡¯ve seen so many like you that wanted to find another way out of here but I¡¯ve never seen them do it. I¡¯m not saying it¡¯s impossible but I don¡¯t know how you can do it and if you wanna leave this place before you either turn 25 or die then I¡¯ve already given you all the advice and training that I can.¡±

 Chapter 2

    The young boy closes his eyes and breathes out. ¡°Okay Senior, I guess you¡¯re right. So with that being said the child sits down and enters a cross-legged pose and between one moment and the next there¡¯s a pressure in the air. Not a normal pressure, no this pressure showed you exactly what it was, it presses down on your body and mind and if you don¡¯t know how to fight it then it slips in and shows you how it was made. Seren¡¯s pressure or better known as Presence prior to entering the Aura stage showed you a young boy kept up by nightmares of fighting and bleeding over scraps of food, training watched over by expressionless men who only cared about the potential money they could make, tainted by blood he had split, blood of other children he had eaten and trained with. It was dark, it had a depth to it beyond his years, and more than anything else there was a fury at what he had to do to feed himself, at what others had to do to feed themselves, at the fact that they were nothing more than bodies of flesh for the bastards up stairs.¡±


    The air stills. The pressure stops roiling and it coils around his body. ¡°Well it looks he finally did it this time,¡± speaks the owl-bear as it glances over with all the pride and love of a grandfather looking after his own. After an eternal moment of silence the pressure around Seren changes from a gaseous form of power with an indefinite shape and form solidfiles and with that It takes a familiar shape. Namely the shape of the very creature who was watching him at that very moment.


    ¡®¡°Why did you shape your Aura after me? I know full well I told you that the first form your Aura takes is extremely significant.¡±the owl-bear while glaring at Seren and waiting for a response.


    Looking him directly in the eye ¡°That''s exactly why I did it. I don¡¯t know what happens when I leave this pit, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll ever be able to come back and save you, I don''t know if you¡¯ll even still be here to be saved. I know I''m just a kid but that doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t tell you treat us as your own blood. You¡¯re the only reason any one of us is still alive.¡± and with that all the children in the pit have long gathered around the two and all of a sudden they explode into noise.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Oh man it looks like Seren is finally getting out of here guys¡± someone in the crowd yells.


    ¡°It''s about time, he''s been making it impossible for any of the rest of us to gain a reputation.¡±


    ¡°Yea! Get out of here you glory hound!¡± all this and more is going off as all these kids who are in the same situation as himself, without a hint of jealousy or regret that it isn¡¯t them cheer him on in their own way.


    WIth all the noise it was bound to get someone''s attention and that''s exactly what it did, in this case the person it attracted was the next person Seren needed to see regardless.


    ¡°What the hell is all this noise going on down here!¡± grumbles a well built, dark haired, and slovenly dressed gentleman as he enters the pit-whelps training and living area.


    ¡°The noise would be me getting ready to challenge your stupid champion Pitmaster.¡± answers Seren with all the inherent disdain of authority only a child can have.


    ¡°Oh, is that right? Well I suppose it has been a while and Glaston has been begging me to send someone to him for extra training. Don¡¯t worry brat I¡¯ll make sure to tell him to only break a couple of bones.¡± the pitmaster states as he walks off laughing at the thought of a child defeating a 5th hand veteran pit fighter.


    One of the youngest children comes over and grabs Seren¡¯s hand and looking up at him tells him ¡°Be safe big brother, you can do it and you can get out here.¡±


    Seren with a lump in his throat just grabs the kid in a hug and tells him ¡°I wish i could take you with me, take all you guys with me.¡± As he gets up and looks around one of the older kids walks over. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about us, you¡¯re 9, none of us expect you to come save us, you''ve been here most of your life. You wouldn''t even know the first thing about getting us out. If you wanna do something then come back years from now when you''re smarter, you''re stronger, and you have a plan that you can carry out. Until then just worry about icking Glaston¡¯s ass and getting out of this hell hole.¡± Seren looks around the room, nods his head and walks up the stairs to the most important fight he¡¯s had in his life so far while a group of children and a beast watch his back

 Chapter 3

    In a packed dirt pit a young boy with gloves on his hands and holding onto a pair of Tonfa blades that run parallel to his arms stands across from a man who looks like he couldn¡¯t be more delighted at the thought of fighting and brutalizing if not killing a child.


    ¡°You two know the rules. If the champ wins then the fighters contract gets extended ten years and if the fighter wins then they walk out those doors a free man with a magic contract backed guarantee they won¡¯t get killed or attacked as long as they leave the city within three days. Afterall I don¡¯t need some lucky upstart to start a fighter rebellion or anything.¡± grins the pitmaster as he looks down at the pit.


    ¡°You ready brat? I knew you¡¯d be challenging me sooner or later, could tell from that look in your eyes.¡± Glaston taunts with a savage grin across his face as he circles around the ring.


    ¡°Yea I¡¯m ready Glaston. Ready to leave this place after your corpse hits the ground.¡± answers back Seren as he circles across from the champion of the pit.


    Knowing his new ability to use Aura will only work once before Glaston is on guard against it and the fact he¡¯s only had the practice with using Presence prior to this he taunts Glaston into an easy charge so he can quickly counterattack. Glaston with a grunt and a fierce stomp takes the bait and charges directly at the young boy who with naught but a moment to spare immediately shocks him by releasing all his aura directly at him to stun him for a moment, rolls through his legs and with his blade he gathers all his body strength, wraps his blade with telekinetic force he learned in secret from the owl-bear and slashes across the back of the champs neck who with his arrogance didn''t bother to put up any kind of energy shield since he was fighting a child and has long since giving up on conditioning his body any further than it already was and was content on fighting children with all that leading to a child who even being at the peak of the 3rd hand in power should have had no way of injuring let alone killing a properly prepared 5th hand fighter. Luckily he wasn¡¯t fighting one who prepared properly and therefore with a proud smile he turned back to stare up at the pit master to see his reaction, but before he can even finish turning he hears massive cheering and screaming from up top and he looks only to see.


    ¡°Big brother did it!¡± a child yells in excitement. ¡°YEAAAAAA!¡± a bunch of teenagers scream. Even the most reclusive pit-whelps are here to cheer on the first person to fight they¡¯re way out of the pit in years.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    The pit master while glaring at the child as if he had just taken his own arm away tells him ¡°Well get the hell out of here, you¡¯ve got three days brat, I suggest you be gone because I¡¯ll make sure of it if you¡¯re not by then.¡±


    Finally the same beast that was down in the training area rumbles up to the pit and comes to stand before Seren before he leaves. ¡°As you said I consider which one of you kids as my very own so since you decide to take on my form within your Aura then I¡±ll help you out¡± and with that he pierces his own chest with his claw and taking a drop of blood directly from his heart he places it on Serens forehead where it absorbs into his body. ¡°You can use that blood I just gave to strengthen your body and aura. I also imbued it with a certain amount of my spirit so that you can strengthen the aura and eventually possibly use it to form an aural beast but that''s a long way from now.¡±


    Seren looks at this beast who has been the only real parent and leaps his arms around it¡¯s neck while sobbing.¡±I¡¯ll miss you, I won¡¯t know what to do without you Senior.¡±


    ¡°Quiet now boy, it¡¯s gonna be okay. Go into the city and attach yourself to a caravan, here''s some money from me and the whelps to get you to the nearest big city with an academy that can cater to your specific talents. You haven''t had to deal with it here in the pit because I was here but you don''t use the same energy as most other people. You¡¯re gonna want to get on a caravan heading for a city called Alternate Haven, when you get there you¡¯re gonna want to talk the entrance exam for an academy of the same kind, when they ask you what kind of energy you¡¯re coming to study tell them you¡¯re there for Mortal Energy.¡±


    ¡°But senior I don¡¯t even know what that is. I thought I was using Qi or Mana like everyone else.¡± Seren exclaims while making a confused face.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t know what it is. I would have taught you about it sooner but you decided to take two years to form Aura and to get into any decent elite academy you need a certain amount of talent before 10. I wanted to guarantee your chance by having you form the energy before the test but as is you don¡¯t have the time to learn it from me anymore so you¡¯ll have to do it there. Don¡¯t worry though, this could be a blessing in disguise, I¡¯m sure the academy has even better methods for unification than I do. Afterall I was just going to use the method I instinctively have as one of the few beast species who inherently use Mortal Energy.¡± the beast responds to Seren.


    ¡°Okay senior, you¡¯re right I have to get going, but I won¡¯t ever forget this place, I¡¯ll always be a pit whelp.¡± Seren says while water holds at his eyes


    ¡°Go Seren, go and show them everything you can do and when you¡¯re ready then come back and tear this place apret.¡± says the beast while Seren walks out the pit.

 Chapter 4

    Seren walks out into an unfamiliar city despite it being the only city he¡¯s ever lived in. The first thing he does is grab a street orphan and slips him 3 bronze coins before he can say anything, asks where he can find a caravan to Alternate Haven and where he can find a vendor who won¡¯t fleece him too badly before he leaves. ¡°Well if that''s all you want then just go to that building with a sign that says Adventurers guild and they''ll get you set up with a caravan as long as you can pay, or if you wanna earn some money you could apply to go as a guard. Some of the shadier caravans dont care about age or circumstance and will hire anybody. As for the supplies, right across from the adventurers guild there''s a shop ran by an old coot named Smith, he doesn¡¯t negotiate on prices but everything is market price and he has a soft spot for kids who look like they¡¯ve had it rough.¡± he says while he slips the coins into a hidden pocket somewhere on him and glancing at the state of Seren¡¯s clothes. Luckily he was able to leave with his Tonfa blades or he wouldn¡¯t even have a weapon.


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit I have had it rough so thanks for the tip.¡± responds Seren while shaking his head. He squares his shoulders, takes a breath and walks away to head to the supply shop


    After taking a couple wrong turns and getting lost in some crowds Seren ends up in front of the guild building and turns around to spy a shop with a small sign on the door that simply says ¡°Supplies.¡± He enters the shop and is instantly greeted with a bright ¡°Hello there! What can I do for you, young man. Looks like you came here with a purpose after all.¡±


    ¡°Uh hello sir I was told you had a soft spot for kids who have had a bad time so I¡¯m gonna be up front. I just managed to beat the pit champion, I have three days to leave the city, I don¡¯t have any supplies except for these weapons, all I really know how to do is fight. I¡¯ve got 2 gold, 99 silver, and 97 bronze, I know nothing about survival outside of the pit and so If you could set me up with a caravan that''s going towards Alternate Haven and it be one that is fairly safe then I would be forever grateful sir.


    Smith looks at Seren and after a moment bursts out laughing ¡°ahhaha boy that was good, it¡¯s true I do have a soft spot for those young folk who are striving to climb out of a shit situation, seeing as I myself was one once. Tell you what you give me, say you give me 5 of those silver and I¡¯ll get you set up with a basic kit of what you¡¯ll need as a starting traveler, some protective gear, a set of tools, and as for help with a caravan¡­ hmmm there¡¯s an outfit that leaves tomorrow, decent set of fellows but they¡¯re a rather odd bunch but if you¡¯re going to Alternate Haven then I suspect you¡¯re aiming for the academy so traveling with them should work out perfectly.¡± he chortles as he looks with amusement at Seren.


    ¡®Uh why''s that sir?¡¯ with a quizzical look on his face.


    ¡®Because they¡¯re upperclassmen from the academy of course¡¯ he responds with a sly grin. ¡®Though if you¡¯re aiming for the school and they find out they may barrage with odd tests and such, the students of that academy have a rather eccentric reputation after all.¡¯This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡®Oh, well that''s fine with me sir, I don¡¯t really know much about anything and I was planning to go there anyway so I figure as long as It¡¯s not as bad as what I just got finished doing then I figure I¡¯ll be alright.¡¯ Seren responds with a confident look that was tinged with sorrow and unresolved feelings.


    When he says this the shopkeep takes a closer look at Seren and responds ¡®Young man when you walked in the shop and said that, I had taken it as a youthful boast but the look in your eyes, tell me, are you truly from the pit? You defeated the champion with power still in the first quarter of the circle?¡¯


    Seren meets his eyes from he stand across from the counter and with a smile sad enough to bring a tear to your eyes if you could see it nods and says¡¯ ¡®I did sir, I couldn''t have done without a good plan, a foolish enemy, and a good bit of luck but I did do it and before I left my senior told me to go to the academy and tell them I¡¯m pursuing a path called Mortal Energy.¡¯


    ¡®Mortal Energy huh, been quite a while since that one has crossed my ears. Well there certainly is no better place for you than there considering the headmaster.¡¯ says the shopkeep. ¡®Well young man as I said 5 silver for all I mentioned and as a gift for spending a moment with an old man Smith here and to celebrate your recent victory I¡¯m gonna throw in an old trinket I have here.¡¯ as he says this he pulls out a pair of plain silver cuffs and hands them to Seren along with the rest of the gear.


    ¡®So what do these do if I may ask sir?¡¯ asks Seren.


    ¡®Well as a city with a rather large pit, the few fighters that manage to win or age out generally come to shops in the city and get rid of weapons they only used because that''s all they could get a hold of. Those cuffs are a pair of enchanted tonfa blades a pit fighter who aged out of the pit came to drop off here.¡¯ answers the shopkeep but as he sees Serens excited look at the word enchanted he chuckles and continues ¡®don''t get too excited, it''s just an enchantment for the actual blades to come out of the cuffs so you don''t have to grip a handle and can keep your hands free if you can use any energies.¡¯ finishes the shopkeep.


    Seren who was already preparing to leave when he heard the enchantment wasn¡¯t anything flashy paused at the mention of energies and asked ¡®before I go sir could you explain a bit about energies to me? My teacher mentioned I don¡¯t use either Qi or Mana which are the only ones I¡¯ve heard of and thought I was using one of.¡¯


    Smith takes a moment to think about his answer before he opens his mouth to say ¡®Well to keep it short you could say that in the current era the energies of Qi and Mana reign supreme. Other energies such as the Elemental energies, the Mortal energy, and even the energy of the Dao are considered alternative energies. Some people may refer to them less politely as left over energies. This is because these energies were what were primarily used in the ancient periods before greater energies such as Mana and Qi formed. To most they are considered inferior methods of power. However for whatever reasons some people may find they are unable to use the more accepted forms of energy and resort to these types. In doing so they can still gain great power but they tend to be more specialized and restricted in what they may do with their powers. That''s not to say there¡¯s no path to the peak with these powers. For instance two of these powers despite being considered alternative energies are still considered Greater energies. I¡¯ll let your potential seniors and teachers at the academy to explain further than that though young man.¡¯ states the shopkeeper.


    With a bright smile that actually belonged on a child''s face Seren turns while waving to the shopkeeper and heads out to the guild with a paper with directions to the caravan given to him by the shopkeep.

 Chapter 5

    ¡®Excuse me, could you tell me where I could find the umm Ether Rocks caravan heading towards Alternate Haven city?¡¯ asks Seren while standing at the reception desk within the adventurers guild.


    A receptionist glances at Seren before tapping a plate in front of her and asking him ¡®Are you sure you want anything to do with them, a group like them can only lead to bad ends.¡¯


    Having changed clothes and properly outfitted the shopkeep had at least taken Seren for a local child and decided to try and steer him clear of the caravan due to the prejudices against the academy.


    Seren looks confused and responds ¡®Well I don¡¯t think that¡¯s very fair to say. I haven¡¯t met them yet and I¡¯m hoping to attend the academy to learn more about my abilities so I think I should meet them myself at least sir.¡¯ Looking slightly repulsed upon hearing Seren intended the receptionist was prepared to send him on his way when before he got a chance


    ¡®Well said! Little brother.¡¯ absolutely bellows a huge young man wearing nothing but a beastskin fur vest, linen pants, and thick boots who stands up along with the young men and women around him from a corner of the guild.


    ¡®A real warrior forms his own opinions about people rather than take the word of someone who has never bothered to give a person the time of day to learn about them.¡¯ angrily retorts one of the girls in the large group of very obviously experienced warriors.


    ¡®Be calm Cela.¡¯ retorts the possible leader of the group. ¡®Though she speaks true.¡¯ the large young man says while walking over to Seren. ¡®Come little brother, sit with us and we¡¯ll make sure you get to the academy all in one piece.¡¯ while casually dragging Seren to the group as if Seren weighed nothing and then pulls him up a chair to sit with the group and plops him in it while he takes a seat himself.


    ¡®Well little brother allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Braz and we are the Ether Rocks caravan from the Alternate Haven academy, all of us being upperclassmen within the academy and have therefore taken up some responsibilities for the school which include getting supplies and news from across the Kingdom, but also includes gathering potential students and taking them safely to the academy. So that¡¯s us but I wish to know about you, why do you want to head to the Academy? I don¡¯t wish to dissuade you, I just want to make sure you¡¯re making the best choice you can.¡¯ asks the initially rather goofy young man but now direct and serious.


    Not a bit intimidated, Seren responds confidently ¡®That''s easy, because my senior and caretaker from the pit told me that''s where I should go. He told me to head there and pursue Mortal energy after telling me I didn¡¯t use either Qi or Mana.¡¯


    Interested Braz leans in to ask ¡®Well what do you use then? To be honest knowing it¡¯s not either Qi or Mana is enough and with you Mentioning Mortal I know what energies you at least should have the potential for if he told you to pursue that path but I¡¯m interested to hear it from you.¡¯


    Now looking a bit sheepish Seren responds ¡®It¡¯s actually only recently that my senior told me I was using something other than those energies. I didn¡¯t realize they were their own energies and assumed they were abilities of Mana or Qi. We don¡¯t exactly have a school in the pit. We only have a basic education because of our senior who being an Owl-Bear, before he got captured and trapped in the pit he had traveled and learned more than enough to teach a couple of pit whelps.¡¯ taking a breath after getting visibly upset thinking about the pit and his senior he continues ¡®I recently unlocked Aura, my senior had been training me in tactile telekinesis since I got to the pit and showed a talent for it, and he also said I¡¯m right before breaking into the first stage of Vitality but that it would be hard without getting better nutrition than the pit would provide.¡¯


    Looking at Seren wide eyed he asked ¡®Little brother just how old are you?¡¯


    ¡®Um I¡¯m 9.¡¯ While looking at him confused.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Braz, seeing that Seren doesn¡¯t understand ignores this and asks ¡®I noticed you mentioned the pit and your senior a couple of times, could you tell me more about that?¡¯ At this he also gestures for someone in the group to step forward. ¡®This is Jacks and I¡¯m gonna have him take your info down and what you¡¯re about to tell us so we can have a file for you when we get to the academy. It will make things a bit faster. Before you go into your story could I get your name, age, and who you learned your abilities from.


    Looking slightly out of his depth, Seren just starts talking ¡®My name is Seren Pit, 9, and Senior Owl-Bear a 6th hand beast taught me what I know. My surname is Pit because I¡¯m what¡¯s called a pit bond child. When a family gambles and loses and gets heavily into debt through pit gambling and taking loans to pay off those gambling debts from loan companies also owned by the pit then when the family hits the bottom they come and test your child for talent and if they have any then the family is offered to have all their debt cleared as long as they legally and through a magic contract give up their child to the pit. I¡¯ve been in the pit since I was three, Senior Owl bear was captured before I was bonded into the pit and forced to train pit-whelps to fight for what are affectionately known as the pit little leagues.¡¯ here Seren pauses to grins ghastly before he continues. ¡®They called it that cause that was where all of us younger than 12 were forced to fight, you would think maybe the youngest would have an easier time of things but no. Senior Owl-Bear taught us as if our lives were on the line everyday because in truth the little leagues are also known as the brutal leagues. Most kids don¡¯t have access to any energy or very little amounts, minimal weapon training, and being so young can easily become twisted by the winner takes all atmosphere of the pit. It leads to the fights being more desperate, more violent, and as far as I have ever been able to tell, more exciting for the audience.¡¯ Seren again pauses but this to look at the faces around him.


    Braz goes to speak but the girl from before who had spoken up to the receptionist beats him to it. ¡®You poor kid.¡¯ she wails at the same time as she¡¯s charging forward to pick up and squeeze Seren all while still wailing. ¡®Cela, he can¡¯t breath. Let him go so he can finish talking and you know, breath.¡¯ Braz says before Seren can pass out but instead of moving Cela very firmly sits Seren in her lap and refuses to let go as he squirms about trying to get free before he gives up and continues ¡®So Senior Owl-Bear taught us all those things before we moved up to the youth league once we pass 12. If we had any talent in Qi or Mana he would try to give us some advice but he could never really help too much with it. At first I didn¡¯t understand it but with all the things I¡¯m hearing about energy and the amount of attention he paid to me I think I¡¯m starting to get why. He mentioned he was one of the few beasts that don''t inherently use Qi or Mana so I guess he could actually teach me since I didn''t either. He taught me tactile telekinesis and especially helped me train my Presence so it could evolve to Aura sooner and if he could have fed us better food I¡¯m sure he could have had us all break into vitality. As it was, some of the other kids were able to pull that one off any way. He said my body actually had too much vital potential to easily break it open without better stuff so I never could. When I finally broke into Aura I was able to surprise the pit champ using it and my telekinesis to defeat the pit champ and free myself of a contract I never even got the chance to sign. Since then I¡¯ve walked into the city, got lost a bit¡¯ got some new gear¡¯ and now I¡¯m here talking to you guys.¡¯ finishes Seren.


    The whole group just looks at him incredulously. ¡®Hey wasn¡¯t the pit champ for this city a 5th hand? I don¡¯t care how shit his foundation was, there''s no way he should have lost to someone at the 3rd hand, especially before they even have access to all three energies of Mortal energy or one of the fusion energies between the three.¡¯ One of the group members who hadn¡¯t spoken yet said from the back.


    Braz looks at Seren carefully before he says ¡®He¡¯s right. Even the worst 5th hand shouldn''t lose to a 3rd. At such an early level unless whatever technique you¡¯re using to train was at the Divine level you can¡¯t make up that power gap. With that being said do you mind if I test your talents Seren? Normally we would just wait for the academy to do this but I am authorized to test and record the results for the school so you may have to take another more comprehensive test you shouldn''t have to do this one again.¡¯


    Thinking about it slightly Seren responds ¡®Well if they¡¯re just gonna do it there anyway then It shouldn''t be an issue to do it here so sure.¡¯ Getting his affirmative Braz goes into a bag at his waist and takes at a clear melon sized sphere and passes it to Seren.


    ¡®All you need to do is place your hand on the orb and you¡¯re gonna feel a sort of mental prompt asking for permission to scan you.¡¯ explains Braz after passing it.


    Taking a breath Seren grabs the sphere and after he accepts the prompt colors start rushing into the orb. Looking closely at the orb Braz explains ¡®The almost translucent gold clouds of power signifies your Vitality is right before cracking open fully, the purple energy is your Aura, and as for this white energy it¡¯s Physic energy but there¡¯s something about it. Unfortunately I don¡¯t have an advanced Physic energy detector with me so we¡¯ll have to wait until we¡¯re back at the academy and you can test in. Though with talent like yours I don''t expect any issues. Alright Seren you can camp out with us at the caravan for the night and in the morning we can start the trip to the academy.¡¯

 Chapter 6

    The next morning they start their journey before the sun has even risen, prior to leaving though one of Braz group members can be seen sneaking over to Seren¡¯s tent ¡®Time to get this kid used to the way we do things at the academy,¡¯ the group member moves the tent flap aside to sneak in and commit his deed only to find the tent empty and so heads back over to report to Braz only to see.


    ¡®Huff huff, I gotta admit getting actual weapons practice for once is very different from just having got used to my weapon of choice in the pit.¡¯ Seren is panting while saying this across from Braz in an open area of their camp.


    ¡®To be honest you have a solid foundation, with using Tonfa blades they more so than other weapons at the beginning stage are truly part of one''s body and if the Pit taught you nothing else then it taught you to move.¡¯ Braz replies while casually holding a shield the size of a door and a greatsword to match it. ¡®It¡¯s just bad luck that I happen to be a sword and shield fighter, even if I was a weaker warrior this would be a poor match up for you.¡¯ Braz is circling the training ring they¡¯ve quickly created with their feet while saying this.


    While also circling the ring Seren responds ¡®That was seniors most important physical lesson for us. He would always say he wasn¡¯t familiar with human fighting methods because he hadn¡¯t reached the level where he could transform into a humanoid species prior to being captured, so instead he told us that he would make sure our bodies were in the best physical condition they could be at all times so that if we did find a teacher we could at least have some foundation. As for weapons guidance he just told us to take it slow and sense if what we are doing is wrong through a connection to the weapon. I was only ever able to achieve the most basic level of this, but I could use it to make sure I was practicing in a way that wouldn¡¯t harm me and eventually gave me better control of my weapons.¡¯


    With a downtrodden look at Seren once again unknowingly mentioning his crazy talent he asks ¡®You say you entered the first level of this feeling? If it is what I think it is then I can tell you havent been using it so far in our spar so please by all means come at me.¡¯


    Hearing this Seren breathes and crouches lower ¡®Fwoosh, as Seren takes off charging along the circle perimeter to Braz¡¯s left but his shield is already there upon arrival, Seren jumps and places his Tonfa on the upper flat edge of the shield and holding himself there he spins to try and kick Braz in the head but Braz simply spreads his legs to bring his body lower while at the same time furiously lifts hsi shield even higher throwing Seren off. While Seren is coming down to land Braz is turning to swing his great sword at where he¡¯s gonna land. Seeing this Seren use¡¯s his telekinetic field to push himself away from the sword as it rushes in to strike his chest. He''s still sent flying back into a tree but manages to land feet first on the trunk before stepping down and bowing slightly to Braz from outside the ring.¡¯


    ¡®That was a much better fight, I could tell you were trying to see every option but didn¡¯t let it get in the way of your instincts. To be honest your biggest weakness right now is the fact that your Vital energy hasn¡¯t been awoken. Add that to the table even at just the first level and you¡¯ll take off in your combat abilities.¡¯ Braz smiles slowly while the rest of the camp has gathered behind him all the same smile on their faces before he continues. ¡®Luckily for you it''s gonna take two months or so to get this caravan back to the academy, we still have a few more towns to hit for supplies and potential students. Which leaves us plenty of time to get the kind of food in you that you need to bust open your Vitality.¡¯ This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    With wide eyes he exclaims ¡® You guys can help me open my Vitality up before we get to the academy? Can you guys also help me fuse and form Mortal energy? My senior mentioned that it could actually be a blessing that I hadn¡¯t unlocked it already because the academy should have even better techniques for it.¡¯


    ¡®I forgot how unfamiliar you are with the energy typings haha. Yes we can definitely help you with your Vitality. The caravan is called Ether Rocks because we are all Ether users which is the energy formed from the fusion of Vitality and Aura. As for the Mortal energy, while I do know the basic unifying technique, your senior was right, that''s gonna be best done at the academy under their guidance. After all what I have is the most basic one just in case I manage to unlock my Psychic energy and with your ability you¡¯re definitely gonna qualify for a higher class technique.¡¯ he replies upon seeing the excitement on Serens face. ¡®So with that being said I certainly don¡¯t think we''re gonna have any problem getting you up to the 1st hand in Vitality, in fact I¡¯m a bit higher than that for you, the biggest thing holding a Vitality practicer back in speed is the inherent strength of their body from the start, you with the Aural boost from your noticeably more solid than average Aura, plus tactile telekinesis also boosting your durability you¡¯ll be able to push harder for longer, and heal faster, and push through the early levels faster all while keeping a sturdy foundation so with all those advantages I don¡¯t see any reason we can¡¯t get you up to the 3rd hand of strength within Vitality.¡¯ as he says this the rest of the caravan has gathered around him and start cracking their knuckles, stretching out, as if they¡¯re getting warmed up for something all while grinning like devils at Seren.


    ¡®Umm Braz why do I get the feeling that even with all my advantages getting to the 3rd hand in two months isn¡¯t gonna be easy.¡¯ looking around nervously Seren replies while backing away slowly.


    Braz stands up and Seren is suddenly reminded of when he first met Braz at the guild HQ and how he seemed far more intimidating, goofy, and action before thought seeming than he had been acting recently and with that being said Braz¡¯s voice booms out ¡®HAHA Thats becasue little brother is smart, I certainly hope you¡¯re ready because the next months are going to be some of the most fun ones of your life so far, I guarantee it.¡¯ all while his skin has started to glow slightly and the rest of the caravan has spread out to surround Seren.


    Seren turns around and gets ready to run only to find Cela already behind him looking at him with only a bit of pity but mostly the same crazed excitement as the rest of them. ¡®You too Cela?¡¯ he whispers while looking slightly hopeful.


    ¡®Of course me to little brother, after all once you¡¯re at the academy it¡¯s only gonna be even more rowdy than here, so good luck Seren.¡¯ smiling wide she answers while crouching low as if she¡¯s getting ready to pounce.


    Seren backs towards the center of the entrapment and starts quickly looking around, ¡®so we can¡¯t talk about this¡¯ maybe talk over some different options or strategies.¡¯ he croaks while still desperately searching for some kind of ally or escape route.


    They just circle in tighter the same way ambush predators do when they know you¡¯ve got nowhere to go and that they have all the time in the world and after a few moments you hear just the first of a child¡¯s cries in this stretch of woods and onwards for the rest of their return trip.

 Interlude

    A small caravan can be seen coming up the gates of a city, ¡®Hey I think we¡¯ve got a group incoming.¡¯ a guard with a pair of binoculars says while nudging another guard.


    The other guard also spies the caravan and lets them finish approaching before calling out, ¡®Halt! What brings you to the gates of CinderSands, the desert jewel of the forest.¡¯ he finishes while his chest and voice are filled with pride for his home.


    ¡®We¡¯re a caravan from Alternate Havan making our return trip and we hope to board for the night, resupply and possibly recruit for the Academy.¡¯ Braz replies for the group from below.


    ¡®Oh, well if it¡¯s you lot as long as you all don¡¯t make as huge a scene as the last group of you did then you¡¯re more than welcome but the city lord was mighty upset when he favorite bar got burned down last time I suggest you take my advice seriously.¡¯ saying this the guard opens up the gate and let¡¯s them enter.


    After the group has entered the city the guard who first spotted them turns and asks, ¡®Don¡¯t most academies recruit, I don¡¯t know more covertly than that?¡¯ while looking at the other guard curiously. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡®You¡¯re right, most do. The reason they do it differently is because despite being the lowest ranked major academy in the empire, they have the easiest time recruiting of all academies within the empire. It¡¯s actually a bit pitiful, they come to cities and small towns to gather students and as soon as everyone knows who they are the locals start pushing people forward as if it¡¯s their greatest joy to get rid of them.¡¯ the guard answers while sighing and looking and looking out towards the trees.


    ¡®I don¡¯t understand, why is it so easy for them to get students. I know people don¡¯t like alternate energy users much outside the city but surely it¡¯s not that.¡¯ the first guard cuts him off and and finishes for him, ¡®bad? I assure it is. You¡¯re young and you¡¯re a local, you¡¯ve never spent more than a few days outside the city so you haven¡¯t seen it. Seen what it¡¯s like to be different from everyone else and most importantly usually weaker than them too. All of sudden no matter the personality of the person, whether they deserve it or not, they suddenly become the dumping ground of everyone¡¯s problems. They¡¯re to blame for everything going wrong in their lives, suddenly it''s your fault these people continue to make the same bad decisions and fall to the same old hates and ruin their own lives. No, it''s your fault. All because you can¡¯t do things the same way as them or you aren¡¯t powerful in the same way as them.¡¯ the guard finishes and folds his arms, leans forward onto the top of the wall and continues to stare out into the forest.


    The first guard just stares stunned at his back and then turns back to also stare out into the forest.

 Chapter 7

    ¡®So can anyone explain to me why I¡¯m seeing a dozen or more different colored sand houses, glass and flame everywhere, why it¡¯s suddenly tens of degrees hotter and basically why are we suddenly in a desert?¡¯ Seren asks while looking around in awe.


    ¡®I can answer that one for you. Like the guard said this is the desert jewel of the forest. The communities here originally come from the desert lands of the east but a few hundred years ago there were a series of major plagues in the area and these people¡¯s ancestors choose to flee the area and eventually they settled here in the forest, but rather than adapt to the forest they adapted the forest to them in what is to this day considered one of the most impressive feats of magical terraforming ever seen. After choosing a base area to settle they had their gatherers spread out and collect all kinds of different dirts from wherever they could get out to while still being able to return. Once they had enough, due to the materials all being from different areas all the sands they created were multiple different colors and textures, this is the jewel part of the cities title well the sands as well as all the different colored glasswares of the city. As for the temperature, if you get a chance to look at the walls of not only the city but most of the buildings and homes here you¡¯ll see enchantments on them. These enchantments take a certain amount of heat from each place they¡¯re located and use it to passively increase the temperature within the entire city. It only works because for one the enchantments are all absolute works of art and two because of all the extra heat the city produces with their glass creation. All of that together plus some of the toughest yet closely knit people known in any location and you have CinderSands, the city of glass and fire, rolling dunes every color of the rainbow, mercenaries who don¡¯t know the meaning of surrender or retreat and never break a deal, Outside of the academy this is one of the few major cities alternate energy users can go and expect to be reasonably safe and well treated. Here as long as you respect the people and their culture and have enough personal power then it¡¯s no different for us than anyone else. In fact the folk here tend to like us more than Big 2 energy users.¡¯


    ¡®Damn Fairs, do all scouts at the academy need that level of background knowledge of where the team is going?¡¯ Seren asks after Fairs finishes speaking.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡®It¡¯s not just the scouts either, Seren, energy users like us are almost always at a disadvantage in terms of power or versatility. We typically don¡¯t become truly powerful until we¡¯re older and have come into contact with enough Daos to further our power and control plus give our bodies more compatibility with our energies.We have to use every scrap of knowledge, every dirty trick, and check every corner in order to compete and keep our standing as a major Imperial academy. The other academies are always looking for a chance to take us out of the rankings and trust me when I say that once we fall out, they won''t be making it easy for us to get back in if not outright impossible.¡¯ Braz answers while coming up from behind Serens and Fairs. ¡®While I won¡¯t call being raised in the pits lucky it did shelter you from certain things, after all when you¡¯re fighting for your life everyday then no one really cares what kind of power you use do they. Users like us aren¡¯t liked and if the academy falls out from the rankings then things will only get worse. You¡¯re gonna have to start getting used to different sets of challenges now that you¡¯re out of the pits.¡¯


    Looking sadder than a moment ago Seren responds, ¡®I hadn¡¯t thought things would be easier when I got out the pits but I was hoping the people would be nicer, that the worst of society was what I saw in the stands yellind down at us to fight and kill each other.


    Picking him up and throwing him on her back like a much smaller child Cela comes up, ¡®It does get easier, once you¡¯re strong enough and can compete in the same power class people start to at least while you¡¯re in the area be more circumspect with their prejudices.¡¯


    ¡®I suppose that means I just have to make sure that when issues come that I¡¯m strong enough to handle them then huh.¡¯ he says back while looking around from above Celas head.


    ¡®Well said Seren, now let''s go get resupplied, we can ask the local stores about where to stay for the night as well as ask around about who we can take with us.¡¯ Braz claps Serens back and then without so much as pause, ¡®ETHER ROCKS CARAVAN MOVE OUT!¡¯


    ¡®ETHER ROCKS.¡¯ They all thunder and while the locals look around confused Seren just huddles into Celas shoulders blushing.

 Chapter 8

    The caravan splits up to resupply and gather info. While still on her shoulders Cela grabs Braz and says, ¡® you know I get lost easily so you have to make sure I don¡¯t.¡¯


    Arching his eyebrow he looks at her, ¡®Shouldn¡¯t you be grabbing Fairs then, considering he is our scout and has the most knowledge of the cities culture and layout.¡¯ while smiling wryly at her he responds.


    Standing fully upright and proper she looks at him, ¡®Yes that would indeed make the most sense oh great and fearless leader but I didn¡¯t ask him and now I feel like you¡¯re trying to ditch me because you don¡¯t like me anymore.¡¯ halfway through speaking she has slid over to grab his arm and looks at him already tearing up.


    ¡®You know with Seren on your back looking at me with eyes the size of saucers it¡¯s not easy to say no so I suppose I can guide you.¡¯ he says while not looking at all surprised at this turn of events.


    Chuckling happily she reaches up to pat Serens head and tells him, ¡®I knew you would work, the captain has been getting too good at resisting me so I was getting ready to bust out the big guns but thanks to you joining the group I can save that for later still.¡¯


    Braz looks over slightly scared looking but before he can speak Seren goes first,


    ¡®Can I ask you guys a question?¡¯


    They look at each other and nod.


    ¡®I¡¯m starting to realize some things don¡¯t quite work the same out the pit so I just wanted to ask you guys before and make sure before I did something embarrassing or that gets me attacked. Usually when I saw the older kids or adult leagues talking like you two do they usually go off and have sex but I¡¯m pretty sure you guys haven¡¯t so does that mean you guys aren¡¯t like dating or am I missing some things, are there supposed to be some other in between steps that I missed out on seeing in the pits or?¡¯ he looks at them waiting for an answer after he finishes.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Both blushing furiously Braz coughs before answering, ¡®ahem, well while some souples certainly do have sex soon after meeting thats not considered the norm, tyically there are indeed some in between steps. As for me and Cela we are offically engaged meaning we are promised to marry each other and while its not uncommon for couples to hvae sex before marriage, in fact its typical, Cela has asked to wait so we ourselves have not as you have you have so keenly noticed had sex.¡¯ Braz answers while looking at Seren despairingly.


    Taking Seren off her back she places him before her and comes down to his level to tell him, ¡®Now as for the girls who do do that before they¡¯re married that''s completely okay and If I hear you saying anything to the contrary not only will I be severely disappointed, I¡¯ll also be paying you a personal visit with my fists, you understand?¡¯ she says while glaring slightly.


    ¡®YES MA¡¯AM!¡¯ he snaps while shaping up, after that he asks ¡®It might not be that important but do you think you can tell me why it was different for us in the pits?¡¯ while looking straight across into her eyes.


    ¡®Well, I imagine it''s due to circumstances, when people have to fight every second, or they¡¯re worried about getting killed the next day they¡¯re less worried about getting to know each other, about the potential consequences, they just want to feel connected to someone, their adrenaline is pumping and they know they go through the same struggles so it¡¯s easier, easier to let go and live in that moment without worrying about the next. Out here we have a little more time to consider all the ramifications, we do more than our fair share of fighting but we still have enough time to say I wanna get to know you more first, figure out if you want more than sex from each other, if you all want a life together. You¡¯ve been through a lot Seren and it shows in how you talk and think but there''s still things you don¡¯t understand and relationships are gonna be one of those for quite a while I imagine so if you don¡¯t understand all that right now then it¡¯s enough that you remember and if you ever meet someone that you really want to know everything about, spend every second with, fight armies for then keep what I said in mind and I think you¡¯ll be just fine.¡¯ she smiles at him while finishes speaking and stands up to grab Braz¡¯s hand. Looking over Seren sees Braz also smiling at him.


    Seren, blushing says, ¡®so what about that resupply we''re supposed to be getting to.¡¯ They just look at him and laugh, Cela throws Seren back onto her shoulders and they walk off looking for all the world looking like a small family of three.

 Chapter 9

    ¡®Sorry I don¡¯t know if we have anyone for you guys this time around¡¯


    ¡®Hmm can¡¯t say I know of any in particular but Georgie might know something.¡¯ a clerk says.


    ¡®I don¡¯t know anything about this one either but if you go to some of them alley shops then they can maybe tell you some things but be careful over there.¡¯ the other clerk answers from the back of the store.


    ¡®Looking for alternate energy users huh, well I can tell you that they¡¯re two for sure in the city and for a price I could maybe tell you a little more than that.¡¯ a clerk answers while the group of three stand a slightly secluded shaded area.


    ¡®Tell you what Mr, I¡¯ll give you 3 gold and you tell me everything you know and answer a couple questions.¡¯ Braz counters confidently knowing 3 gold is more than enough.


    Knowing he''s unlikely to get a better deal the shopkeep answers, ¡®Well I think that''s more than reasonable.¡¯ he smiles while gesturing them into his shop to sit.


    Once they¡¯ve all gotten settled he turns to them and sets a tray of spiced tea in front of them and begins speaking, ¡®I¡¯ll be upfront if you could get the two of them out of the city then everyone would be grateful but you won¡¯t have an easy time convincing their parents to let them go.


    Cela braces herself and cuts in, ¡®Are they being abused, mistreated, used as a power source?¡¯ she questions rapidfire and looks over at Braz to ask, ¡®The academy will understand if we make just a little collateral damage right?¡¯


    Sighing Braz answers, ¡®While the academy does allow a certain amount of leeway when it comes to getting potential students out of danger, until they are actual official students we have to be a bit more subtle if possible. Before anything else though let''s make sure they¡¯re actually in danger or not.¡¯ Braz finishes and looks back at the shopkeep blankly but with a very distinct stillness that some will recognize as a warrior on the edge of his fury.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Seeing that he¡¯s not in imminent danger the shopkeep hurries to speak, ¡®no no, the children aren¡¯t in any danger, in fact it¡¯s much the opposite. The issue is that the children are the city rulers own and he refuses to believe that his children aren¡¯t blessed to use Qi or Mana so he forces them to practice things they can¡¯t do and they give it their all everyday. The city rulers don''t physically abuse them or anything but we can see the wear and tear it''s having on them. Our culture puts much emphasis on family, and that counts double for the ruler¡¯s family. They are expected to be the model for the people and contrary to outsiders beliefs that doesn¡¯t mean be the most powerful. It asks them to show us what it means to love and accept each other, to take each of us as we are, and with the city lord relentlessly training them and the despair in their eyes growing deeper everyday when they can only use their respective energies instead of Qi or Mana, it¡¯s starting to push the people against the lord and lady. They say they have strayed from the path, that the children should be allowed to leave and go where they can gain the most but his pride in the city runs so deep that he refuses to believe they can learn more outside of it than it.¡¯ the shopkeep finishes while shaking his head sadly. ¡®This is why I said the cities people would be grateful if you could get them out of here, if you can convince them to let the children go peacefully instead of us helping them escape with you as we fear we¡¯ll have to then we can avoid the city going through a revolt that will make us a prime target for the enemies on the outside.¡¯


    ¡®...tsk, it would have been easier if it was the stuff if I said at first, if it''s just misguided parenting then that''s way harder to deal with, can¡¯t just punch that away.¡¯ Cela grumbles.


    ¡®You¡¯re right, we can¡¯t. So it looks like we¡¯ll need to get into the city rulers presence, though this does explain why they didn¡¯t call us to their castle like the academy said for us to expect. He also couldn¡¯t just refuse us entry or tell us to leave either because the city is on cose terms with the academy. Let me guess, the children are one of those secrets that everyone knows about but isn¡¯t typically mentioned to outsiders?¡¯ he asks while looking at the shopkeep.


    ¡®Indeed, exactly so. All the citizens know of the children and since for the most part we keep to ourselves here we¡¯ve been able to keep it under wraps but the children will get older and eventually their fathers expectations will cause a rift that will break their family apart but the city as well, so please I beg you, even if you can¡¯t convince the Lord we¡¯ll help you get them out.¡¯ the shopkeep pleads while looking at them.


    ¡®Sigh, let''s hope it doesn¡¯t come to that. Thank you for the information sir, we¡¯ll use it well. Come on you two, the others messaged me earlier that they already found an inn to meet up at, this is gonna require a plan.¡¯ Braz gestures to the other two and starts to head out. Seeing this Seren climbs back onto Cela¡¯s back and they head out.

 Chapter 10

    ¡®Sorry didn¡¯t learn anything, boss.¡¯


    ¡®Same here boss sir.¡¯


    ¡®I heard something about there being two kids who need saving or something.¡¯


    ¡®Yea, I heard they need saving from the parents specifically.¡¯ The caravan members report varying amounts of success as they file into a private room they rented from the inn they were staying at.


    ¡®Alright alright settle down, Me and Cela already tracked down what we need to know. What we need to do now is plan how we¡¯re going to get in front of the city lord and lady and convince them to let their children come to the academy to learn how to use their energy. The city people have already told me that if it comes to kidnapping they¡¯ll help us but the problem is that doing things that way will lead to political dissent and likely intensify current feuds and create new ones leading to a potential revolt in the city. The people would like to avoid this considering like most other cities in our wonderful violent world of Seisma that they have enemies they can¡¯t afford appearing weak to, and there''s no better way to look weak then being unable to handle internal issues and having things like revolts or coups happen.¡¯ Braz announces to the room as he briefs the group.


    After a few minutes of watching the group bounce idea off of each other Seren asks Braz, ¡®With the way their culture emphasizes family ties and letting everyone go their own way what do you think would happen if we could gather the whole town and get the lord and ladies children to ask for permission to leave with us to head to the academy to train their abilities? With the way that alley shopkeep made it sound if the Lord disallows them to go in front of the whole town like that then it could lead to almost instant revolt. I don¡¯t think it would be good for the relationship between the Academy and CinderSands, at least not before the two of them start showing results.¡¯


    Looking at Seren, Braz responds with a question first, ¡®Did your senior teach you to think like that or is that all you?¡¯


    Scratching his head sheepishly Seren answers, ¡®No that''s all me, senior said when I put my mind to it I can notice things and use them to my advantage pretty well but I tend to not use that trait enough according to him. I don¡¯t really agree with him myself, I think I use my brain plenty. I just don¡¯t usually decide to craft fancy plans first, I only do that if I can¡¯t think of an easier way such as using telekinesis to throw someone all the way out of the pit for instance. He would call it me going for the cheap and easy option before he would tell me that power can indeed barrel through all obstacles given enough the right type and enough of it but that using power that way usually creates more and more problems, that it takes both wisdom and control tempering your power and choices to make the best decisions you can at any one time.¡¯The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Braz looks up while thinking about Serens answer before whispering to himself, ¡®The Imperial path huh, he¡¯s certainly got the potential for it.¡¯ He shakes his head and looks back at Seren to say, ¡®That could work but we would need to get the children in on it, get the people gathered and have the lord and ladies attention. I¡¯m sure I could think of a plan but I¡¯d like to hear what you¡¯re thinking.


    By this point the rest of the group has keyed into the conversation and is listening closely for Serens response. ¡®Well with how deeply rooted the towns people are telling us these cultural rules around family and freedom are then they should include the people in the castle as well so I figure if they can help sneak one of us in then we can tell the young nobles the plan and get them in on it, I think it may even be possible to do without us going inside at all if we¡¯re willing to trust it just the servants but that seems riskier. If we can tell them the plan and then have them actually guide the servants in what to do themselves I think we¡¯ll get better results overall.¡¯ Seren finishes speaking while slouching down into his seat awaiting the response as he realizes how it might be considered hearing a 9 year old, even one who is an expeniced pit fighter outlining a plan to use a people''s own traditions against the city lord to their own advantage.


    ¡®...Well sounds like a damn fine plan to me! Fairs I want you to go with him seeing as you¡¯re the sneaky one but I want you to let the kid do most of the talking, if his senior says he hasn¡¯t been putting his mind to enough use then I figure we can do at least a bit to rectify that. That sounds good to everyone else?¡¯ he asks the rest of the group.


    ¡®SIR YES SIR!¡¯ the rest of them thunder. Turning back to Seren who is looking around in wonder at his plan not being laughed at or rejected outright he leans over to tell him. ¡®Don¡¯t worry about what any of us will think if you¡¯ve got something to say go ahead and say it. I¡¯m not saying that if you say something crazy or out there you won¡¯t get some crazy looks or jokes but I¡¯m gonna let you in on a secret. The academy never cared about how strong you were or how far you¡¯ve come with your power. We care about you having the right kind of heart, we care about those who don¡¯t fit in because of circumstance. You were gonna get in as soon as the teachers read your file. I mean a kid who made it out of the pit by beating a champ two hands above him, a set of advantages guaranteed to eventually make him the kind of powerhouse that can fight armies, but most of all you¡¯re gonna get in because the teachers there will always recognize someone who has lost the only family they knew and could use a new one.¡¯ he and the group look at him with cocky grins and laughter, ¡®Welcome to the family Seren, it¡¯s great to have you.¡¯

 Chapter 11

    ¡®First things first we¡¯re gonna have to decide how we¡¯re going to get into the castle. Boss said to let you handle the planning but that doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t help you out or answer some questions for you.¡¯ Fair opens up the conversation while the two of them are perched on a building within sight of the castle and the streets surrounding it.


    After thinking for a bit, Seren asks, ¡®Well they''ll have to be people who come in and out the castle on at least a semi daily basis right? I think we can use that as a method to get us into the castle.¡¯


    ¡®That''s a good start but do you really want just anyone who comes in and out? After all CinderSands is by no means a small city and has an equally not small castle.¡¯ Fair asks in return with a small smirk on his face.


    Appearing stymied for only a second Seren thinks for second before coming up with, ¡®Well it should be someone who can normally be seen with them on regular days, so possibly someone like a caretaker or handler, but I don¡¯t know how often they would have to leave the castle or where they would go when they do.¡¯


    Nodding sharply Fairs before speaking, ¡®That''s good, and you¡¯re right but here we can assume that for the most part a caretaker of children like those two who officially speaking don¡¯t exist would be kept close to them but also someone well trusted with the people, after all if they suspect that the caretaker is mistreating them along with they already are being forced to leave it wouldn¡¯t work out so what I suggest we do is follow the city lords assistant and see where that leads us.¡¯


    ¡®Okay but how do we do that without being seen?¡¯ Seren asks while looking over at Fairs who can be seen smirking again.


    ¡®Normally at the 3rd hand you wouldn¡¯t have a chance to interact with the Dao yet but because you intend to walk the path of Mortal energy today is your lucky day. What I¡¯m about to tell you is actually the only reason Braz was willing to let you do this otherwise it would be a senseless risk.¡¯ taking a pause to gather his thoughts Fairs starts, ¡®So Qi and Mana despite being the major two energies worldwide they are not actually our human species inherent energy type, this is why at the same stage as beasts humans are generally weaker in raw power. We make up for this with versatility and then during the Quarter Breaks of cultivation we can begin the reforging process to bring our bodies closer to harmony with those energies. I bring all this up because where those are the natural energies of beasts, the energies we practice for Mortal energy are precisely our inherent energies. The reason Beasts can achieve insights into the Dao without meditation and enlightenment is because of their bloodlines but also because of their increased natural harmony giving them a superior connection to the Heavens and Earths where the Dao resides. Humans can have this same advantage but only upon achieving at least a second Quarter Break and even then only if both breaks were of sufficiently high quality. Since we practice these inherent energies we can interact with the Dao at earlier stages and therefore have an edge in using them. Which is why despite the Dao generally only being something you focus upon reaching the 6th hand and needing one to break into the 3rd quarter, I have already reached a high enough level in the Dao of Stealth that I can cover us both in it and we won¡¯t be detectable by physical or energy based senses by anyone below peak 6th hand.¡¯ Fairs states produly.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Looking at him excitedly at first then confused Seren asks, ¡®If our own natural energy can bring us closer to the Dao which is required to enter the higher stages then why don¡¯t we practice these energies anymore?¡¯


    Fairs looks away and looks as if he¡¯s remembering a heart rending story before answering, ¡®While I can answer that, the academy can answer it far better and in a way that will give you an understanding that I can¡¯t. So with that being said let''s get on with this mission.¡¯ Here Fairs jumps to the next roof heading towards the city halls leaving Seren to have to rush after him.


    ¡®Heyyy! Wait up!¡¯ Seren yells while Fairs just looks back and chuckles.

 Chapter 12

    After asking around, Seren and Fairs quickly find out the city lord''s assistant has a notorious love for a local bakery called CinderCrumbs and could be seen there almost daily. ¡®Do you think the guy who just walked out the bakery carrying an unreasonable amount of bread goods and wearing easily 5th hand enchanted gear is the guy we¡¯re looking for?¡¯ Seren asks Fairs bemusedly as they watch the lord¡¯s assistant leave the bakery and begin to follow him from the rooftops.


    ¡®Well if he¡¯s not then I¡¯d honestly be quite surprised considering his robes are the same as the cities trademark sands and he¡¯s wearing the lords crest very prominently.¡¯ he replies while staring at the man slightly disgusted, not because of the insane speed he''s devouring his purchases but because while sands of every color rolling up and down in flowing dunes and valleys looks quite awe inspiring the same can¡¯t be said when they¡¯re covering the body of a man who has a very visible love of mealtime both from observing his eating habits and his figure.


    Upon seeing the assistant near the castle gates Fairs covers the two of them within his Dao and they enter the castle. ¡®I was really hoping it would be cooler inside the castle, it turns out it¡¯s even hotter.¡¯ Seren speaks while a sheen of sweat can be seen on his face with drops rolling down his face only to be caught by Fairs Dao before they can hit the ground.


    ¡®It¡¯s not that surprising once you consider the ancestors of all the peoples here and specifically the cities ruling families. As the legend goes there were once two great beasts deeply in love, one of sand and one of fire but due to their powers being so great they would be unable to take on humanoid forms and be together until they we¡¯re nearly at the peaks of mortal power. Realizing that as long as they were of two different species they wouldn¡¯t be able to mate with each other and that there was no guarantee that either of them would be able to reach the heights of power they needed to reach let alone both of them, they decided to do something to simulate the depths of the love they felt for each other. They decided to both raise up a group of peoples by using a lesser known method beasts can use to pass down they¡¯re bloodline. Typically a beast won''t start passing their bloodlines unto humanoids until they can take on a form that naturally allows the to do so, these two decided to remove portions of their blood essence, life spirit, and primal instincts and merged them into drops of bloodline power and passed them directly onto humans, repeating this until they had both reached their dying points. During this time the peoples they had gathered and blessed asked what their purpose was, why were they chosen. ¡®You were chosen to represent the love we have for each other, to fulfill what we couldn¡¯t. We have no other tasks for your peoples than to mingle and coexist, live together in harmony and give birth to the things we couldn¡¯t while we lived.¡¯ the beasts speak to the people they had gathered for the last time as they told them this and then as there bodies began to break down and fade, rather than allow their spirits to return to the cycle of Samsara they dispersed themselves over not just their own peoples but onto each in order to reinforce the fact that all they had wanted in life was to be together. So considering these guys are direct descendants of at least semi divine beasts if not full divinities I''m not surprised that their idea of comfortable temperatures differ from ours.¡¯ Fairs finishes as he chuckles at the wide eyed look on Serens face as he tells them that the people of CinderSands were all descendants of great beasts.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    With a dazed expression Seren can be seen staring into the distance as he thinks to himself, ¡®When Senior Owl-Bear gave me his blood essence and life spirit I originally thought I had felt a third energy flow could that have been the instincts? Fairs said the beasts merged the energies first though which Senior didn¡¯t do. Argh, I can¡¯t figure it out, I¡¯ll have to hope someone at the academy can tell me if I can¡¯t figure it out myself.¡¯ As Seren shakes out his daze he can see Fairs glancing back at him and smiles sheepishly. ¡®Sorry about that, what you said reminded me of something.¡¯ Seren responds to Fair''s look.


    ¡®Well enough then, It looks as if this guy has finally reached wherever he¡¯s been heading, let''s hope it''s the destination we want. ¡® Fair¡¯s answers while they get ready to enter a room approximately three flights of stairs down and dozens of turns later.

 Chapter 13

    Blazing sunlight, crisp clean air, refreshing breeze and filled with beautiful vegetation were the first things Seren and Fairs heard and saw as they followed the lord''s assistant into the area. ¡®Evan, Ceris! I¡¯m back from the bakery, get out here!¡¯ The city lord''s assistant hollers out once he reached the cleared center area of the underground garden.


    ¡®Uncle Barrack!¡¯ Two children of roughly 10 years age and extremely similar in appearance appear in swirls of fire and sand before solidifying back into human forms.


    ¡®Sigh, you two know you shouldn¡¯t be using your abilities like that. If your father saw you two then he¡¯d immediately berate you for not spending your time practicing the powers that actually matter rather than leftover scraps as he would say.¡¯ groans Barrack before turning around sharply at the same time Fairs releases his Dao and he and Seren appear in the garden.


    ¡®I have to say Mr. Barrack that on behalf of the Alternate Haven academy that what you just said is in fact the worst path these children could possibly take. Life threateningly bad in fact if I¡¯m entirely honest.¡¯ Fairs calls out as the two of them appear.


    ¡®Disregarding the fact that you two young men are in a highly private area, what exactly do you mean by what you just said?¡¯ Barrack questions as he stands in front of Evan and Ceris ready to fight or flee at any moment with the children.


    ¡®Simple. Originally when we heard the situation here we took it as a parent who refused to accept circumstances and was forcing his children to do things they couldn¡¯t or would never be able to become truly strong with.¡¯ Fairs pauses as he sees the other man wish to speak.


    ¡®And how exactly is this situation different from that. I¡¯m not surprised you¡¯re here, in fact I suspected it ever since the caravan arrived. I know full well what the city lords family situation has begun to cause in the city. In fact if necessary, I, just like the rest of them, would give our lives for these children. That is our way but what do you mean by forcing them to train in Qi or Mana could threaten their lives?¡¯ Barrack questions sharply.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ¡®Before I answer that please allow me to ask you a question, our peoples original ancestors, did they by chance use pure Fire and Sand energies rather than Qi or Mana?¡¯


    ¡®... yes as far as records go they did indeed use those energies, but why does that matter.¡¯ he once again questions while still standing ready.


    ¡®It matters because these children have each inherited so much of their respective bloodlines that their bodies aren¡¯t compatible with Qi or Mana. Most ancient bloodlines, even of beasts that didn¡¯t use Qi or Mana naturally we¡¯re still consumed and converted by the two energies before they continued being passed down. However in the cases of extremely powerful beasts their bloodlines can only be fully expressed with their inherent energies, in fact if the bloodline is strong enough then the energies will directly fight incompatible powers which is what the path you have started these children down is. In the case of your people I suspect that none of you have been able to achieve more than 30 percent bloodline concentration before you appear to hit some sort of wall yes?¡¯ questions Fairs while knowing he¡¯d be on the spot by the reaction of Barracks.


    ¡®How, how, how did you know that. That''s not publicly known information, not even most high level city officials know that.¡¯ Barracks answers while dropping his guard and appearing shell shocked at the thought of causing harm to the children.


    ¡®It¡¯s something we¡¯re taught to look out for at the academy. Few beasts were so accomplished in the ancient energies that typically it''s not relevant. However in the cases where it is it¡¯s of a critical importance. Normally we would need to test their bloodline concertation in order to know if this is the case but seeing the children completely turn into their elements and then shift back are signs of either extreme power such as that within the 3rd quarter of power or in their case, the natural ability of beasts with an intimate connection with the elemental energies. There can be no doubt, those two if forced to continue training as they are, they will die. In fact I can already see the signs of deviation in their auras, nothing unrecoverable though.¡¯ as Fairs says this Barrack shifts to face the children wide eyed. ¡®Children, is what he is saying true, have your practices begun deviating. Don¡¯t try and cover anything up, I need to know this immediately.¡¯ Barrack snaps sharply as he regains some energy knowing that the children aren¡¯t at immediate risk of death.

 Chapter 14

    The children glance at each other before Ceris steps forward and says, ¡®He¡¯s right Uncle. I can feel it whenever Father forces me to absorb Qi or Mana. The Sand energies in my body began to fight them and recently it feels as if my blood has even begun to fight them as well. I''m scared uncle, whenever Father leaves once he¡¯s done forcing us to practice, me and brother have to purge the energies or it gets even worse¡¯ Ceris manages to speak clearly before trailing off quietly near the end as she shakes in fear clearly lost in a memory.


    ¡®Ceris, Ceris! What happened? Did you harm yourself because of us child!¡¯ Barrack asks in an almost panic.


    ¡®It¡¯s not that Uncle or rather not mostly that. Father¡­ caught us purging our energies once. He forced us to drain all the pure elemental energies out of our bodies and then pull in Qi and Mana. He forced us to absorb, cycle, and then drain Qi and Mana in our bodies for days. It was, I don¡¯t know how to describe it. It felt as if our bodies were collapsing, we thought we were going to die. Father only stopped when our bloodlines exploded out. It¡¯s why we¡¯ve been able to turn into Fire or Sand, Father took it as a sign that our bodies had accepted the energies and told us to train down here.¡¯ Evan answers for Ceris as she calms down.


    ¡®Does that mean forcing them to do that managed to strengthen their bloodlines? Possibly due to the extreme internal battling?¡¯ Seren asks as he glances at Fairs only to be shocked into silence as he sees the fury on his face.


    With a tight face Fair answers, ¡®Indeed, the natural tendency for Mana and Qi to subsume other energies and fight against that is considered an effective if difficult training. However in the case of children like Celis and Evan, it is nothing less than toture. To the point that if we hadn¡¯t told the city folk that we would attempt to get the children out of here peacefully that I would be contacting Braz now to inform him to prepare to take the city lord and lady to the academy for judgement. After all it¡¯s well known that the academy has taken on the role of protecting those who use alternate or as we prefer ancient energies. As it is, children, we do have a plan to attempt to have you two leave the city peacefully but we also have the entire city''s support to get you out of here less than peacefully if needed. So, what do you want to do? Do you wish to come with us? Don¡¯t worry about any fallout, the academy watches for its own if you choose to come with us.¡¯If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Once again they glance at each other before answering, ¡®We want to go but we don¡¯t want our home to fall apart just so we can go. Please help us leave peacefully, this is our home, our people. We don¡¯t want to burn these bridges.¡¯


    ¡®Very well, Seren explain the plan please. After all, nominally you were supposed to be in charge this whole time. It¡¯s just that circumstances changed and you didn¡¯t have the knowledge to handle it, but now we¡¯re back in your field so please go ahead.¡¯ Fairs pushes him forward while chuckling while the other three turn to stare at Seren who has had very little presence this whole time.


    ¡®Oh, well, ahem.¡¯ He coughs into his head before beginning. ¡®We were planning to get the entire city to gather in the city square after we sneaked you two out of here. With you two being meant to be hidden we''re taking the bet that having you out in public while we¡¯re here would be enough to draw your father out where we could we force him into a corner by having the two of you publically ask him for his permission to attend the academy.¡¯


    Ceris pouts before speaking, ¡®That''s a mean way to do it, do we have to to do it that way?¡¯ as she finishes Evan places a hand on her shoulder while glancing at Seren hoping for a different plan.


    ¡®It¡¯s not that we can¡¯t make a different plan but we have to head back to the academy soon and doing things this way while I¡¯ll admit it''s a dirty way to play it¡¯s also the best way to not set off a civil war as the two of you leave.¡¯ Seren answers while Fairs begins to speak again.


    ¡®As it is because of the actions your father took with the way he trained the two of you I¡¯m obligated to inform the school. Once they hear, even if the two of you choose to not stay here, the academy will send out master levels to come and make sure that ancient energy users are being treated fairly. Doing so would of course be a huge slap in the face to the face of the city lord considering our previously extremely close relationship. It could easily lead to the dissolution of the current alliance we have. If you two do choose to come then we can avoid that, your father will still receive a personal visit but with you two coming with us we could have it be a private one rather than a public one.¡¯ Fairs explains further so they can understand the situation they¡¯re in.


    While the two of them clasp hands they both answer, ¡®Okay, What do we need to do?¡¯

 Chapter 15

    ¡®Well, first things first we gotta get out of here, while I¡¯m sure we could figure a way out I¡¯m hoping the two of you have a secret passage out into the city you use to avoid your father.¡¯ Seren asks the two twin children.


    Glancing at each other mischievously before motioning for everyone to follow them the two of them head for a bush set off center in a dense collection of berry bushes. ¡®Ceris used her Sand energy to to drill a tunnel to the outside underneath the bush and thats how we usually get out into the city when it¡¯s not too crowded with tourists.¡¯ Evan explains as the two of them move aside the leaves and branches to reveal the tunnel entrance.


    Seeing this Barrack glances at the two of them, ¡®I suppose it doesn¡¯t matter now since we¡¯re trying to get the two of you out of here but I¡¯m guessing the two of you have more than just this one way out.¡¯ he questions the twins as they head down into the tunnel.


    ¡®Hmmm well we won¡¯t tell you right nowww but we can send you a map when we get to the academy hehe.¡¯ giggles Ceris before Fairs motions for silence and begins to speak.


    ¡®Okay right now I¡¯m gonna cover us with my Dao as a precaution.¡¯ Turning to Seren he speaks again, ¡®Braz and the others should have already gathered enough people to the town square so when we get out of these tunnels we¡¯re gonna head over to the meeting point at a local shop off into an alley by the square.¡¯


    Once they¡¯ve gotten settled and continue walking further into the tunnel Ceris and Evan drift over to Seren and the three of them begin to talk to each other. ¡®So what kind of energy do you use that you¡¯re going to Alternate Haven as well.¡¯ Ceris questions as Evan looks from side to side as they walk but clearly also listening.


    ¡®Oh. Well right now I use the three parts of Mortal energy. I¡¯m strongest in my psychic ability being at the peak of the 3rd hand, my Aura was at the 2nd hand as soon as I awakened it and now it¡¯s at the late stage. I just unlocked my Vitality recently since I started with the caravan but I¡¯m already at the entry 2nd hand and they plan to have me be at least 3rd hand entry level for both Aura and Vitality before we arrive at the academy.


    ¡®Oh wow, you¡¯re really talented huh. Most kids our age, even the rich and connected ones are only at the 2nd hand of power but you¡¯re already at the 2nd hand in two different energies plus the 3rd hand in another.¡¯ Ceris exclaims quietly wide eyed.


    ¡®To be honest only some of it is talent in my opinion, the rest is the fact that I had to learn fast or I wasn¡¯t gonna last long. After all, I grew up as a pit fighter in my city so it was in my best interest to get stronger as fast as I could but let¡¯s talk about something else instead, like our energies.¡¯ Seeing Seren didn¡¯t wanna speak about his past Ceris doesn¡¯t ask anything else immediately so Evan asks a question instead.


    ¡®Um I know from our research that all natural human energies can be learned regardless of inherent energy type and I¡¯ve always been interested in the Psychic school so could you tell me about it please?¡¯ Evan asks quietly as he quickly glances at Seren before he returns his eyes to roaming all over the tunnel space.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    ¡®Well I can tell you the basics that my senior taught me but despite it being my strongest ability I can actually only use tactile telekinesis within the school.¡¯ Seren answers after giving it some thought.


    ¡®Oh? Is it that hard to learn that you can only focus on one path within the school?¡¯ Ceris asks curiously since with Seren being at the 3rd hand she originally thought he would be able to use at least a few different psychic abilities.


    ¡®Not at all, it can be difficult but that¡¯s not why I can only use one ability. I was basically raised in the pits due to being pit bonded by my parents. One of the first things the pit runners do during new intake is they cripple certain skills or abilities so they can¡¯t be used by the youngest to escape. They tell you that if you choose to renew your contract and continue fighting for them if you manage to survive to 12 and move up into the youth league then they¡¯ll heal you for free. Of course they only partially heal you and by the time you¡¯ve maybe managed to gather enough winnings to get outside healing it¡¯s been too long and they can¡¯t be healed fully. Psychic energy is on that list so when they checked my mind roots they crippled everything except my telekinesis root. The problem is I was only three when they did that so all that damage to my other roots was causing my telekinesis root to wither as well. I was able to hold on for three years but eventually I couldn¡¯t keep it strong enough to use consistently and at the time that was the only energy I had to use. Without it I was gonna die in the matches sooner or later. So my senior told me he had a method he could use to help me, he told me since I was still young my roots had the potential to fully heal but I¡¯d have to stop using them and since I couldn¡¯t afford to do that he told me that if I was willing to sacrifice my potential to eventually use the other facets of the school then he could convert my other roots and use them to empower my telekinesis root. So that''s what I did, I¡¯ll never be able to use any elemental kinesis, telepathy, illusion abilities or anything like that, the trade off is that my telekinesis is crazy powerful for my rank and is only going to continue to become more overpowering. As far as why I don¡¯t use standard telekinesis, well that''s cause I¡¯m super bad at it ahaha. Despite being at the third hand and having the direct guidance of an owl-bear, a beast well known for it¡¯s psychic strength I can only manage to affect objects within a few feet of me. So I just doubled down my training on the tactile side of telekinesis.¡¯ Seren explains to the two of them as they stare back enraptured by what he¡¯s saying.


    ¡®I didn¡¯t even know that was an option oh man that''s crazy.¡¯ Evan whispers quietly after Serens is done.


    ¡®That''s because it''s not something commonly done, most people would say its a fool trade. After all, most people can get plenty powerful within their specialized abilities without making such a heavy trade. A method like that is typically reserved for only those who focus on extreme specialization but I suppose in a case like ours where you still could learn other energy types and you were in a crap situation that it could be a great boon.¡¯ Barrack interjects from the front of the group where he and Fairs are leading form.


    ¡®He¡¯s right and it also explains why your Psychic energy was so different from your other two energies. Either way I can¡¯t say its not working out for you, with the fact that you almost have an entire owl-bear bloodline, with your growing Vitality, both of those plus your tactile telekinesis you¡¯re well set to be a physical powerhouse in the future. I¡¯m sure the physical education teachers at the academy are gonna have a lot of fun with you, Braz too when I tell him about this.¡¯ Fair says with a smirk as Seren visibly shudders at the thought.


    ¡®Fairs, wait, we can talk about this.¡¯ Seren pleads as Fairs speaks.


    ¡®No can do Seren, afterall knowing this Braz can make sure to push you into the 3rd hand before we get to the academy. With a mind root that strong he¡¯ll be able to push you even farther than he has been. Now no more arguing, look there''s the exit.¡¯ Fairs hustles the group out as Seren can be seen grumbling and the twins giggling behind him.

 Chapter 16

    ¡®Well it took you two long enough, so these two must be the city lord¡¯s children then and if I remember correctly then this is the city lord¡¯s assistant Barrack who happens to be the actual strongest person in the city being the only master in the city at the mid level of the 7th hand and known best for his fearsome glass magic.¡¯ Braz remarks as the group of five gather into the shop area, Fairs can be seen walking up to him to give him a file he¡¯s been taking notes in since he left the group to go with Seren.


    ¡®Hmph, not many people outside the city are aware of my status so I¡¯ll assume the teachers at the academy told you before you left out for your expedition.¡¯ Barrack indirectly confirms his status as he replies to Braz.


    Laughing loudly before he turns to speak with the twins, ¡®So you two are the ones we have to get out of the city huh? Well my own bloodline is telling me that both of you are gonna be right monsters one day so it''s my pleasure to introduce to the Ether Rocks caravan from Alternate Haven and just like I told Seren, no need to worry about being accepted into the school as far as were concerned you¡¯re both already part of the family.¡¯ he says while smiling broadly at the children.


    Ceris steps up to Braz slowly before speaking, ¡®Do you need our help with anything, I know you guys are risking the academy''s relationship with our father to take us out of here and the least we can do is help in some way.¡¯ she asks while Evan can be seen behind her nodding furiously.¡¯


    Braz kneels down to her height before responding, ¡®All you two need to be ready to do is stand up to your father and ask for permission to leave for the academy with us, we¡¯ve already gotten the townsfolk prepared to gather in the square at the signal. Having said that, I was a kid once with my own parents who I didn¡¯t see eye to eye with. I haven''t been able to read everything in the file Fairs just gave me but I can see that your father has hurt you two greatly and in more ways than one.¡¯ before he can continue speaking Evan nervously interrupts.


    ¡®It''s only, only cause he wants to be able to get as strong as everyone else.¡¯ he almost shouts while Ceris can be seen tightly gripping his hand while looking down.


    ¡®I¡¯m sure he does love you, but is that a reason to ignore what the best path for our child is, to not even bother to research about the two of yours states, and considering the cities relationship with the academy he could¡¯ve called us years ago and you two could already be even stronger than you already are and all without having almost died because of training deviations. Love isn¡¯t an excuse to cause pain.¡¯ Braz speaks to the two of them gently and pats their shoulders before standing to address the rest of the group. ¡®Alright with everyone gathered back together we can start the operation, Cela and Fairs split up the group and start making sure all the townsfolk are ready. Seren before we head out I wanted to speak with you.¡¯ Braz orders while gesturing for Seren to come over.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Hearing this Seren comes to stand over by Braz, ¡®Not bad for a first mission, don¡¯t feel too bad about not doing all that much. I sent Fairs with you for exactly this kind of reason, situations can be volatile and you haven¡¯t actually learned anything from the academy yet so you wouldn''t have known everything you needed. With that being said, I happened to notice in the file that Fairs has marked down that we start pushing you even further in training due to you having an especially strengthened telekinesis root. I¡¯m looking forward to when we head out of the city so we can push your training up a notch.¡¯ Braz grins devilishly while he finishes speaking.


    Seren grumbles before he responds, ¡®So do you need me to do anything else now or am I spectating for this one?¡¯


    ¡®Actually I do have a role for you, I want you to stay with the twins up till they confront their dad. I imagine they¡¯re plenty nervous about things and it¡¯ll be good for you to interact with kids who haven''t had to spend their whole lives fighting.¡¯ Braz tells him as he moves to give the opening signal for the operation.


    Seeing him walk away Seren speaks to himself, ¡®Humph I think I turned out pretty normal all things considered, I could be a battle crazed nut, I remember some of the other kids had already decided they were gonna renew their contracts just because they got addicted to the fighting.¡¯


    ¡®What was that Seren?¡¯ Ceris asks as he can be seen walking up to them.


    ¡®Ah, nothing much. Braz said I should hang out with you guys until you have to talk to your dad.¡¯ Seren turns as Braz can be seen getting ready to release the signal.


    Braz walks to the center of the town and then loudly, ¡®CITY LORD. We haven¡¯t been able to get your attention so we thought we were going to miss out on any students from CinderSands this year, luckily for us your own children came to us to request acceptance into the school. Of course before taking them with us we just wanted to make sure you were okay with this. Afterall the city and the school have always been quite close and I¡¯m sure neither of us would do anything to harm that relationship.¡¯ After he says this the townspeople begin to gather around him as they wait for a response from the castle and within a few minutes a figure can be seen walking out onto an upper floor terrace that overlooks the square.

 Chapter 17

    Clothed in robes similar to those of Barrack but when worn upon his frame they served to help radiate the Aura of a man who had lead his people through battles and strife, his steps let you know he was a peak warrior in his own right, only being surpassed by Barrack who choose to serve under him as his traditional role of younger brother to the ruler dictated. ¡®So, my dear children wish to attend Alternate Haven, despite my recommendations to the contrary. Not only that, but my own town people conspire to push me into allowing this. In fact even my own brother, I¡¯ll admit maybe a weaker man would let himself be cowed like this, but I am not that man. In my name of Averis CinderSands, ruler of this city that is so named after the Cinder and Sands tribes of our ancestors, formed by the great beasts of old, I refuse to allow this.¡¯


    ¡®What is this!¡¯ ¡®This is not the way.¡¯ ¡®Our ancestors would cry at this.¡¯ ¡®Oh, how have we fallen.¡¯ ¡®This is blasphemy!¡¯ As soon as he declares this the town folks are ready to take up arms and charge the children out of the city but before they can do the city lord release his power as one who stands at the peak of the 2nd quarter, a step away from the realm of masters where they begin to train to reach the Gods.


    ¡®Quiet.¡¯


    With one word alone he blows back all resistance, those with lesser strength stumble and fall under the pressure, they bleed from nose and eyes, and yet despite this they glare on ready to fight. Seeing things going badly Braz motions for the caravan to grab the children and get ready to execute the escape plan they¡¯d prepared,


    ¡®Wait!¡¯ Despite not having the power or the presence of their father, Evan and Ceris manage to hold off the people as they walk to the front of the crowd to stare up and address their father. ¡®Why?¡¯ Ceris cries as she says this, heartbroken at what she sees around her. ¡®Why won¡¯t you let us go father, if we keep doing things your way, we could die father.¡¯ Evan asks as tears run down his own face. ¡®Do you love us so little father that you¡¯d train us to death for your pride?¡¯ Ceris asks as she stares at the man who despite all the training and pain always made sure she was fed, took her around town to meet the people, he built a garden for her and her brother. Evan remembers the man who told him to be gentle isn¡¯t to be weak, to be quiet isn¡¯t a crime, that power comes in many forms. Despite everything else and all the pain they never doubted his love for them.


    As he hears them speak he looks to stare over at Braz, the clear leader of the caravan and asks, ¡®Is this true, will they die from what I¡¯ve been doing?¡¯Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Staring him clearly in the eyes despite the distance and height he answers strongly, ¡®Yes, due to the strength of their bloodlines they inherited their bodies are only compatible with the same energies as their ancestors. This is the very reason none of you have been able to pass thirty percent bloodline consternation, you would have to convert your energy from Qi or Mana to pure elemental energy. For most of you it''s better to use the weakened converted bloodline that supports Qi or Mana and use it as a supplement or boost to your other strengths. From what we¡¯ve been told your methods have already come close to killing them already.¡¯ Hearing this the crowd below stills for an instant before they explode into chaos and once again the city lord releases his Aura but this time so does Braz, revealing himself to be standing at the same strength as the city lord himself, peak of the 6th hand. As the crowd is shocked into silence he begins to speak again, ¡®Originally we wished to leave you face as the city of CinderSands has long been our ally, we were going to have the academy send some agents in private to deal with the harm you had caused your children. As you know the academy is quite the busy body when it comes to Ancient energy users. So tell me city lord Averis do you really wish for your cities relationship to end with the academy like this?¡¯ he questions as he and the caravan stand poised and ready for battle.


    Hearing that they really could have died the city lord deflates and seems weaker in presence before he speaks again, ¡®Do you know why? Why I pushed for them to not attend that school of yours? It¡¯s because despite all your status and influence, the students of the academy all have one major flaw that leads to differences in power. Your school cannot foster power in the youth, Ancient energy users never truly become powerful until they reach the later stages of power. Generally there''s nothing wrong with this as power at any age is still power except for the fact that the more you can grow and prepare yourself in your younger stages it converts into greater peaks of power as you age. Your school has been the bottom rated Major academy for generations now, even the strongest Ancient energy, the Mortal, hasn¡¯t had a user of any true strength in decades. Why would I wish to send my children to a place where they wouldn¡¯t prosper until they had missed the opportunities that in other academies they could have gained and used to reach further heights. I just wanted them to be able to reach as far as they could go and as far as I can tell, your academy''s Ancient energies are not that road anymore.¡¯ Averis declares solemnly as he looks down at the caravan, his people, his brother and his own children.


    ¡®So your problem is that you think the kids at the academy are too weak and that the academy can¡¯t boost them to become true power houses.¡¯ Seren can now be seen beside Braz speaking as all eyes turn to him.


    ¡®Hmm yes child I suppose that is indeed what I said. Why exactly does that matter to you though?¡¯ he asks, appearing to think he is humoring Seren.


    ¡®Easy, if that''s the problem then send out your strongest Mana or Qi user under 12 years old and I¡¯ll kick his ass to show you we Ancient energy users aren¡¯t weaklings.¡¯

 Chapter 18

    Hearing this everyone turns to look at a Seren slightly incredulously. ¡®Ahaha, Doesn¡¯t sound like a bad plan to me city lord Averis, so what do you say? After all, Seren here along with your own children will eventually become the new generation of warriors that shape the world and its culture. If he can take down your strongest warrior under age 12 will you let your children leave with us?¡¯ Braz takes Serens statement and uses it seriously against the city lord.


    Averis steps down from his terrace and using sand to carry him down he appears in front of Seren and asks, ¡®Child what is your strength?¡¯


    Staring defiantly he tells him, ¡®I¡¯m peak 3rd hand Psychic, mid 2nd hand Aura and 2nd hand entry Vitality.¡¯


    ¡®You wish to fight the strongest child we have under 12? Our strongest child of that age I believe is my very own nephew, Barracks son Vastin. An entry 5th hand Mana user who has been personally trained in glass magic by the strongest man in our city. Do you still think you should be so confident.¡¯ Averis questions clearly implying Seren has no chance.


    Stomp! Seren releases his Aura and shocks most of the towns folk and even raises the eyebrow of the city lord as he senses the bloodlust and killing intent held inside it. ¡®Of course, after all I had to fight a 5th hand warrior when I was weaker than this to make it this far.¡± He answers as he grins wickedly while giving off the kind of Aura you would expect from veteran killers.


    ¡®Hmmm very well. Not only will I allow the two of them to leave should you win. I will also admit to my failings as city lord and father, I will admit that I have walked astray from our peoples path and will step down from the city lord position and pass it on to the next in line should you win this battle.¡¯ Averis declares as he turns to look directly at Barrack.


    ¡®Brother, wait.¡¯ Barrack speaks but he¡¯s stopped by Averis, ¡®You know full well that no matter the results of this battle that I won¡¯t be able to continue as lord in any effective manner after this. This is the best option little brother. In truth I hope the boy wins, after all I certainly never thought I would become the same kind of monster our mother was.¡¯ Averis walks away while ordering city guards, ¡®Prepare the dueling stadium for combat, we will begin in an hour.¡¯Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡®Big brother Seren do you really think you can beat cousin Vastin?¡¯ Evan asks wide eyed looking at Seren. ¡®Yea, I¡¯m pretty sure but I¡¯m still gonna treat it like a pit fight so I hope you guys can forgive me if I hurt your cousin a little.¡¯ Seren states sheepishly once he realizes he¡¯d be fighting their family.


    ¡®Its okay, Uncle Barrack taught cousin to never go easy on anyone so you¡¯re gonna wanna do the same thing.¡¯ Ceris says as she sniffles and wipes her nose.


    ¡®Aww little Seren is gonna save the day by beating up a puny Mana user, come give sister Cela a hug.¡¯ Cels shouts excitedly as she''s already picking up Seren as the rest of the caravan gather around the group.


    ¡®Alright Barrack has gone to get his son ready for the fight so now the pressures all on you Seren. With your strengthened Aura and Vitality plus your incredible telekinesis you should be equivalent to a 5th hand warrior pretty easily but still don¡¯t take him easy. You winning this fight will solve all our problems at once and it will also spread to other academies that just because our energies are older and more specialized doesn¡¯t mean our youth can¡¯t compete with everyone on the same scale. This could actually be the spark the academy has needed to get their reputation back to what it once was.¡¯ Braz declares grinning broadly at Seren. ¡®Alright Cela let him down, he¡¯s gotta get ready for this fight.¡¯


    The caravan has slowly made their way to the battlegrounds and before they leave to the stands Evan and Ceris come up to Seren. ¡®Thank you for helping us big brother Seren.¡¯ Evan says shyly. ¡®We know you¡¯ve had your own hard times so thank you for fighting for us Seren.¡¯ Ceris says in gratitude.


    ¡®No big deal guys. Besides the last people to call me big brother were the other put-whelps and they would always cheer me on so if you guys can do that for me too while you¡¯re in the stands then I¡¯m not worried about it at all.¡¯ he declares proudly as he stands strong in the entryway to the stadium. Directly across from him on the other side of the stadium he can see a figure, ¡®Well I think your cousin is ready to go so I¡¯ll talk to you guys after, ok?¡¯ Seren says as he releases his tonfas from his wrist bands.


    Seeing this Evan and Ceris say, ¡®Good luck big brother!¡¯ before they go and join the caravan.

 Chapter 19

    A different place and stage but the same feeling, the eyes of the crowd, the sound of circling feet on dirt, a thudding heartbeat, animal sharp focus. It was almost like he had never left the pit but he could see his new family up in the stands so he was ready, confident, primed to fight and prove the strength of his new family. ¡®So you¡¯re the one who decided a fight would be the best way to get my cousins out of the city. I personally think that it''s foolish and arrogant to make a bet like that concerning their futures but they seem to trust you so I do hope you can live up to all these expectations you¡¯ve created outsider.¡¯ Vastin remarks scornfully as they circle each other. ¡®My cousins deserve a chance to be free, I think that Qi and Mana are the best but I want my cousins to smile for your family like they used too, the way I¡¯ve seen them smile around you and these newcomers. Should you fail to be strong enough to defeat me then for not being able to live up to the hopes you created I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯ll never be strong enough for anything at all. ¡®Glass Scattershot!¡¯ A hailstorm of glass shoots out in a cone directly from Vastins hands. Seren dashes to the left and at the same time once the glass shards enter into his range he redirects them using his telekinesis and further increases their speed in a return shot to Vastin. Vastin rolls forward seeing the redirect and suffers small scratches on his back and closes into range with Seren and attempts to sweep his feet as he rolls into crouch. Seren jumps and clads himself in Aura as he drops an elbow from above Vastin. Vastin uses sand he keeps in a belt on his waist to push him to the side avoiding the blow, Seren lands and immediately locks his Aura onto Vastin stunning him for a split second. He immediately boosts all his muscles withVitality and Aura clads his body with a light covering. He immediately uses all his owl-bear gifted strength, tactile telekinesis, Vitality, and Aura to launch a jab at Vastin. Vastin can¡¯t move so he creates multiple layers of thickened glass. Seren¡¯s fist crashes through each layer and finally lands on Vistans chest after having turned into an open palm. Vastin glares furiously as Seren smirks. They both know Seren could¡¯ve caved his chest in if he hadn¡¯t opened his palm even despite the glass layers. ¡®You¡¯ll regret not striking me with your fist.¡¯ ¡®Glass Field!¡¯ Vastin casts a spell and the entire field is covered in floating glass panels. ¡®Bouncing Heat Zone!¡¯ Vastin shows his talent as he uses the heat aspect of fire to cast and bounce heat rays off the panels of glass he just created. Still clad in Aura and surrounded by his Psychic energy Seren starts rolling, ducking, and dodging the heat rays. Only ever taking minimal damage, he moves forward constantly. On a unerring path towards Vastin, like a beast closing in on his prey. His Aura spreads out from him and knocks against Vastins Mana defenses from a distance. Vastin starts leaping back out of reach but Seren still follows while avoiding serious damage from the heat rays. Vastin stops launching heat rays and calls all the glass to his body covering himself in super heated glass armor and charges forward towards Seren. Seren grins broadly and immediately meets the charge and on contact he rolls to Vastins back and locks him into an energy empowered choke hold. Vastin starts heating the armor even further but Seren just increases the thickness of his Aura and even starts incorporating some of the blood his senior gave him to use to strengthen himself that up to know he simply had stored in his body along with the spirit fragment he had given him. Vastin tries to cast another attack but can¡¯t focus as his armor starts to shatter and he starts to fear. ¡®He fights nothing like a child! He fights like a little beast!¡¯ he thinks as Seren¡¯s arms finally make it to his neck. ¡®I YIELD!.¡¯If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Seren steps back as he releases Vastin, ¡®Good fight bro, It¡¯s been awhile since I had a thrill like that. Arms are gonna be sore like crazy after this.¡¯ He says while clapping Vastins back as he vaults out the stadium to stand with the Ether Rocks caravan and the twins. ¡®He¡¯s an absolute freak by the ancestors.¡¯ Vastin thinks to himself before he laughs loudly and turns to face the city lord. ¡®My lord despite my best efforts I was unable to best my opponent. My sincere apologies my lord.¡¯ Vastin kneels as he speaks but at the same time can be seen grinning broadly.

 Chapter 20

    ¡®Stand nephew, there is no shame in your loss. That young child seems to have an abnormal amount of battle experience and instinct.¡¯ He states while looking over at Seren before he stands and announces, ¡®As a said should the young academy student win not only will I allow my children to go their own way, I would also step down from my ruling position. So from henceforth I will be phasing my brother into the ruling position as I step down from power. To my children, I am sorry I was not the father I should¡¯ve been, I was blinded by the power I see others wield. I convinced myself the path you two must take couldn¡¯t give you enough. I¡¯m sorry. As for you academy students, I¡¯ll admit that an upperclassman at the peak 6th hand and a not even fully registered student who can defeat a 5th hand Mana user despite his strongest ability being Psychic at the 3rd hand peak. He certainly has potential to become a powerhouse but it takes more than one or two students of power to raise an academy in a situation like yours up from nothing. I may not be a ruler any longer and my children may not feel safe around me because of choices I made but I¡¯ll be watching. I expect my children to have everything they need to use all the potential they have and develop even more.¡¯


    ¡®We still love father!¡¯ Evan can be seen running to the front of the caravan to shout. ¡®We just, we were scared sometimes and now were confused because all the other folk said what was happening wasn¡¯t okay but you¡¯re our father so we just didn¡¯t know what to do.¡¯ Ceris follows after Evan to aslo shout.


    Looking at his children sadly he responds, ¡®and that very fear and confusion should be things I never caused. My own mother treated me much like I treated the two of you but thanks to the people me and your uncle we¡¯re feared from that situation. It will be my biggest sin that I carried the sins of my mother onto you. Your father will be watching the two of you and know that he is always proud but now I must go and repent in the way of your people.¡¯ Hearing this all the people of CinderSands gasp and Evan and Ceris shout in dismay to their father. ¡®Brother there''s no need to go so far surely.¡¯ Barrack asks desperately as he knows the risks of such a thing. ¡®Is there truly no need? As I said our mother did much the same to us and her punishment was the very one I just declared. The traditional repenting of your people, The Journey Home. After sealing our powers we must cross the lands to return to the graves of our ancestors and ask for repentance. In our history very few repenters every return but without doubt every one that returns invariably reaches at least the peak of the 8th stage with many reaching Godhood. Worry not brother, I have no intention of dying. Now please see the children and the caravan off would you? Think of it as your first task as ruler if you like.¡¯ Averis declares as he walks off.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡®Sigh, don¡¯t worry children. I have no doubt your father can make a trip but it means once you two leave here you won¡¯t see him for a quite a while.¡¯ he comforts the children before he turns to speak to the caravan. ¡®You have not only my and the childrens thanks but the thanks of the entire city of CinderSands for giving these children the chance to pursue their path to power.¡¯ Barrack thanks them gratefully as Braz shakes his head and says, ¡®No need for thanks city lord Barrack, this is what we were sent to do after all. Collect the future students of the academy so that we can bring them to their new family at the academy. Allow me to say that I have no doubt that under your leadership your city and the academy will continue to have a harmonious working relationship.¡¯ Braz fulfills his duty as caravan leader admirably as he speaks to the new city lord Barrack.


    ¡®Especially you young Seren, thanks to your amazing battle skills we were able to avoid the worst result and need to sneak the children out and risk civil unrest within the city.¡¯ Barrack thanks Seren for his willingness to fight for them.


    ¡®Eh, no big deal. These guys called me their big brother and to pit-whelps like me that''s more than enough to fight for them.¡¯ Seren declares proudly.


    Finally as Barrack leads the caravan and their two newest members to the exit of the city and back into the forests to continue their journey he speaks to Evan and Ceris. ¡®My dear niece and nephew, I¡¯ll miss you dearly but I know in the academy the two of you will flourish.¡¯ He hugs the two of them strongly as they speak, ¡®We¡¯ll miss you Uncle!¡¯ the two of them cry as they hug him. Finally he stands and the caravan starts to leave as he watches their backs.