《Prevailing Destiny》


 Pilot

    The infamous rebel, Hyrion, was in the topic of every conversation in the bustling city of Milliore. There were reports that he was on the outskirts of the city. Soldiers from other areas were instructed to pursue. Hyrion assisted the daughter of Duke Lionfang, the most powerful man on the continent, leave and travel across the ocean. This caused the belief that the coming prophetic ruin grow stronger.


    The citizens talked how busy their city would be in the coming days. The Duke would certainly arrive and celebrate the death of Hyrion. The latter was one of the handful rebels left. Their eradication would prove that the Duke was righteous. Rumors around told that it would be Hyrion¡¯s last day. Scouts had already circled the area and waited for further orders.


    Although the city was on the rebellions side, Hyrion¡¯s reputation here was abysmal. When the Duke discovered that Hyrion was the offender, he had found a legitimate reason to quell the rebellion. Over the past year, most of the inner circle of the rebellion had been tried and executed; with Hyrion as the last. There was also another reason why the Duke would visit, this city was birthplace of the rebellion¡¯s late leader. Dealing with the unsatisfaction among the locals would be great for the Duke¡¯s reputation.


    In an alleyway on the main street, two young women quietly conversed. Under their hooded robes, one wouldn¡¯t be able to see any of their features other than their slight height difference.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to meet this friend of yours,¡± the taller woman said. ¡°It¡¯s interesting how he still lives to this day without any allies.¡±


    ¡°I told you he¡¯s still alive,¡± the shorter woman said. ¡°He was a spy in the palace for years. That¡¯s why I doubt he¡¯d be killed easily.¡±


    The taller woman softly smiled. She then gestured the shorter woman to follow her as they pass through the main street. A bunch of soldiers with the insignia of the Duke marched through. Anyone that blocked the way were pushed without concern. The man in front wore the flashy red armor raised his hand to stop the march. He scanned the surroundings and waited for the folks to pay attention.


    ¡°Everyone,¡± the man said, ¡°I am Ronan, commander of Duke Lionfang elite squadron, Winged Knights. I am here today to execute the dishonorable miscreant, Hyrion. We may have our differences in beliefs, but I suppose that our desire to put Hyrion to justice is enough for us to work together.¡±


    The people talked silently among themselves. Ronan was right, they would prefer to set their differences aside and make Hyrion pay for his sins. If not for his betrayal, other nobles wouldn¡¯t have rallied under Duke Lionfang¡¯s banner.


    Ronan saw everyone¡¯s reaction nodded approvingly. ¡°For now, we will use your late leader¡¯s mansion as our base operations. I promise that before this day ends, we will have brought Hyrion to justice.¡±


    Once his speech ended, a man wearing only a chainmail over his leather clothing ran to Ronan. He whispered something to the latter. Ronan¡¯s expression became serious. He tugged his sword hilt and told the soldier that Hyrion had been found.


    As the soldiers prepared to continue their march, the robed women blocked their way. Before Ronan could get a word in, the taller woman spoke.


    ¡°Good sir, we would like to accompany you in finding Hyrion. We would like to watch Hyrion put to justice.¡±


    Ronan thought the request was odd, but for reasons he couldn¡¯t explain, he agreed to their request and told them to walk behind him.


    ¡°I cannot guarantee your complete safety, but don¡¯t worry, I will make sure that you two will always be in a safe distance.¡±


    Ronan divided his soldiers to groups of seven and made them spread out. The faster they find Hyrion, the better. Ronan chose only two soldiers to be with him. Nobody asked, but he felt the urge to tell the reason to the two robed fellows.


    ¡°I can handle myself fairly. I doubt anyone in this city stands a chance to win a fight against me.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    The two robed women nodded.


    They soon entered the forest and went to the general direction where Hyrion was last found. The shorter woman felt conflicted, but she chose to be here. She must see it until the end. The taller woman noticed her and said, ¡°You can speak your mind here. I casted a spell so they can¡¯t hear us.¡±


    The shorter woman heaved a sigh relief, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I should face him here. I promised that if we ever meet again it would be far from this continent.¡±


    ¡°Ronan seems to be dutiful.¡±


    The shorter woman was taken aback. ¡°I thought you¡¯re saving him.¡±


    ¡°I never said such thing. I¡¯ll decide when I meet him. In any case, his decision to send you away from this mortal land is truly the right choice. I wonder where he heard it from.¡±


    ¡°Me¡­ He heard it from me. I eavesdropped from one of my father¡¯s meeting. They say the some of the eastern lands are already uninhabitable. I urged him to break the status quo by making me, the only heir, escape this continent.¡±


    ¡°Did he understand what it meant for the rebellion?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fully aware. The rebellion wanted to take over my father so they can make everyone aware of the current situation. As long as the end goal is achieved; things didn¡¯t matter much to him. I heard from the locals that most people half the population have migrated. And the ones that are left only live in cities now. It took the lives of the rebellion, but their objective was achieved nonetheless. And fewer lives were lost for this solution.¡±


    As they continue to march on, the group found the end of the forest. A small river was in their away. Across the river, there was a small hut. This should be the last place Hyrion was seen. Ronan requested the two robed strangers to stay hidden behind the bush.


    Ronan and the two other soldiers steadily walked forward. They unsheathed their swords ready to fight in any moment. Once they crossed the river, the other groups arrived as well. They formed a perimeter around the hut and stood still.


    ¡°Hyrion!¡± Ronan shouted. ¡°Surrender now and we¡¯ll give you a swift death like your friends.¡±


    A man walked out the hut unexpectedly. He wore tattered clothing and his hair looked as if it hadn¡¯t been washed for weeks. The bags under his were dark; overall, he looked very exhausted.


    Hyrion sluggishly raised his arms; the right extended towards the sky while the other was close to his mouth. His left hand held a purple object.


    ¡°Put that thing in your hand on the ground now! Surrender or die a dog¡¯s death.¡± Ronancarefully approached. He¡¯d rather restrain Hyrion right now. He didn¡¯t seem like he could put up a fight. Hyrion¡¯s mouth moved, but words couldn¡¯t be heard.


    Ronan took a step then Hyrion swallowed the object from his hand. In that instant, Ronan recognized the object Hyrion was holding. It was one of the most dangerous poison, the two-tailed snake fruit.


    ¡°Everyone, fall back!¡± Ronan shouted as he retreated. The soldiers in the perimeter were confused, but still followed their orders. ¡°Never approach his body.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still alive, sir!¡± The soldier beside him said.


    At that moment Hyrion fell backwards on the ground. His mouth gradually released a purple smoke. Reports had concluded that anyone falling victim to it would be paralyzed for ten days and experience tremendous pain on a moment by moment basis. Anyone inhaling it would suffer the same. The only way to retrieve his body would be to wait for two weeks for the poison to dissipate.


    ¡°You fool!¡± Ronan said. ¡°Even Duke Lionfang would treat you better than this.¡± But Ronan understood why Hyrion would do this. After all, he¡¯s the reason their rebellion failed. Ronan instructed all the other soldiers to stop all reinforcements and told them to block anyone from entering. Ronan gazed across the river upon the bush. He was supposed to go there but forgot its purpose. Since the Hyrion was already a dead man waiting, he headed back to Milliore City.


    On the bush, the shorter woman sobbed silently. ¡°I think he saw me. He immediately ate that as soon as he saw me. Why!?¡±


    The taller woman sighed. The taller woman patted the shorter woman on the shoulder. She put a scroll on the latter¡¯s hand. ¡°Tear this and return home. Leave this place.¡±


    The shorter woman kept apologizing under her breath. The taller woman raised her hand, a faint light went out. It slowly drifted to the shorter woman¡¯s forehead. The shorter woman calmed down and fell asleep. The taller woman tore the scroll. Blue light enveloped the shorter woman. After the light faded the shorter woman was gone.


    The taller woman approached Hyrion. The soldiers paid her no heed as she ignored the smoke surrounding Hyrion.


    ¡°Hyrion, can you hear me?¡±


    Hyrion grunted. His eyes were looking at her, but it seemed he was already blinded.


    ¡°I notice that you haven¡¯t slept for days. This must¡¯ve been a tough decision.¡±


    She knelt and caressed Hyrion¡¯s face. ¡°I think you¡¯re the one I¡¯m looking for.¡±


    Although Hyrion can hear her, his mind was too focused on the pain, not realizing that she was unaffected by poison. He felt a hand on his face.


    The woman lowered her head and whispered to Hyrion¡¯s ear. ¡°I¡¯ll help you achieve your dream, but you must work for me.¡±


    Hyrion weakly refused.


    The woman blew a cool air to his ears. ¡°I wanted to go there, too. Isn¡¯t that what you said to her?¡±


    Hyrion weakly laughed. The woman moved her hand and the surrounding area was enveloped in a blue light.

 Chapter 2: Take Your Time

    Omneira was a group of continents where the vitality of the world called, Spiritual Energy, was harnessed. It was a place where one could extend their life through cultivating Spiritual Energy, and if one cultivated enough, they could reach immortality and discharge immense power that could change landscape. Despite Omneira¡¯s size, luck was required to reach it from the mortal continents. There¡¯s a magical barrier between the two. Only when its defenses were weakened due to unknown circumstances was the only time one could pass through. It¡¯s more likely to drift to another mortal continent when sailing blindly.


    During Hyrion¡¯s childhood days, every child was told of Omneira. They would play imagining any sorts of adventure and fighting monsters their little heads come up with. To him Omneira was a huge part of his childhood dream and he never expected he would be here at this point of his life. He never thought he¡¯d live past nineteen.


    His memory was a little bit cloudy, but he remembered his childhood days were over. The time between betraying his allies and the time he was driven to a tipping point. The imperial family governing the continent suddenly died of a disease. Duke Lionfang immediately strong-armed the capital and took control during the confusion. He arrested political enemies and anyone with the blood of the imperial family no matter how far removed.


    Hyrion¡¯s late leader expressed unsatisfaction and started his revolution behind the scenes. Hyrion lived close the late leader¡¯s mansion. Thus, he was immediately recruited. Although he was at tender age of fifteen, he managed to do his missions dutifully and was chosen to infiltrate Duke Lionfang¡¯s palace. He lived there as a servant for two years and extracted as much information he could. He wasn¡¯t instructed to befriend Duke Lionfang¡¯s only heir, Nareene, but due to immaturity and inability to talk to those of his age, he went out of his bounds.


    He accidentally revealed that he was part of the rebellion to Nareene in one of their night conversations. Fortunately, she didn¡¯t mind and kept it secret from her father. Since the secret was revealed, Hyrion became more open in the way he talked, and they became closer than ever. To him, Nareene was his dearest friend.


    The days of their conversation without any reserved were cut short, however. There was news that the eastern lands were rapidly affected with blight. It took the lives of all plants and animals that lived there. Only few humans managed to escape. The empire was put into chaos and fear. There were rumors of a prophecy that told the destruction of the continent. No one knew what caused it. Leaders had the same answer for that and the deaths on the imperial family: no one knows.


    The night after the news broke out, Hyrion and Nareene met in her room¡ªboth with solemn expression. Nareene explained to him that one of her father¡¯s aide told that it wouldn¡¯t take long before blight expand to other lands. It was slowly killing all lives inches by inches. Hyrion listened as he imagined how difficult it had been for the residents losing their homes and even their families. An hour of silence was all it took for them to decide.


    Nareene told him that if she, the only heir, were to escape the country, it would make the population to be more fearful and follow suit. If it was known that the most powerful man on the empire were to force his daughter to run away, then even other nobles would be forced.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    To Hyrion, the idea sounded immaculate that day. If they do that, then surely things would go well. Everyone would be reluctant, but they would still be forced.


    The next day, Hyrion talked to other servants much more loyal to Nareene to assist them. However, only an older servant agreed. As the night arrived, they escaped the guards and stole horses to reach the shore. Hyrion was supposed to set sail with them, but he decided to be left behind. He still had some duties left to do for the rebellion. He parted ways with Nareene, wished for safety, and hoped that she reached mythical land.


    He returned to the city back at mid-day. Things had changed. Soldiers were preparing to march outside the city walls. Various tents were placed, and loud shouts could be heard from men in formations. Hyrion sneaked through the guards and entered the hidden entrance from the wall.


    Instead of rushing back to the palace, he instead went to the home of one of the servants he trusted. The servant told him that their plans were discovered, Duke Lionfang used it quell the rebellion. All members of the rebellion were to be captured and executed in cities.


    So much had happened in that week. Most of the rebellion¡¯s leaders were caught immediately. There must¡¯ve been spies in the rebellion as well. Hyrion helplessly watched his comrades die in dishonorable ways. In one of the executions, Duke Lionfang publicly named and thanked him for his efforts. He laughed at the rebellion for putting a teenager in their inner circle.


    As a teenager, he thought that if he did things the right way and positively think about it, it would happen as it was. Maybe he got too complacent since he thought Duke Lionfang had no idea who really was for two years. Was it Nareene¡¯s fault? No, another servant must¡¯ve heard them. Hyrion didn¡¯t put much effort into assuring that no one would hear them. Maybe it was one of the servants he invited to leave the empire. Knowing the answer didn¡¯t matter to him at that point. Things had been said and done.


    Hyrion thought of surrender, but he still wanted to live. For days, he felt conflicted on which decision he should make. Days went to weeks and weeks went to months. He felt it was his duty to watch his comrade¡¯s execution, for he was the reason had enough political ammunition to crush any support for the rebellion.


    Politics, at the end of his days on the empire he never understood. Was that why his late leader took too long to make every decision? Did he consider every position and thought of its outcome before implementing it? During the times, he asked those questions, the leader was long gone. The leader couldn¡¯t answer any of his questions. He couldn¡¯t speak the late leader¡¯s name anymore. He thought it to be dishonorable coming from him.


    A year had passed, and Hyrion decided the place for the end of the rebellion should be where it started.


    Hyrion sighed as he thought of the last year of his life from the empire. All of those were in the past now and thinking about what he could¡¯ve was detrimental for his mind. He knew how unhealthy his lifestyle was on that year.


    He was under care of a young woman who referred to herself as the Witch. She never told him her real name, but she took her time and taught him everything he needed to learn to live in Omneira. Indeed, he was finally in Omneira. He never saw a single soul other than the Witch, so he it didn¡¯t feel like he truly lived there for a year already. He doesn¡¯t remember much after being surrounded from the hut, but all he knew was that the Witch saved him.


    He didn¡¯t saw her that day, but she left him a letter. It was short and direct. Hyrion, as much as I¡¯d like to stay with you longer, I still have duties I must attend. Once you become stronger, we will meet again. I have made you my champion, you might not know it means, but one day you sure will. The only advice I can tell is, ¡°Don¡¯t be stiff and take your time.¡±


    Hyrion read the letter with a soft smile. He took his bag with the Witch guidebook in it. There was an insignia inside signifying his status as her champion. He took out the only scroll inside¡ªa teleportation scroll. He tore it apart and he was covered in blue light.

 Chapter 3: Fight or Run

    If the Witch¡¯s word were true, then Hyrion was transported to an area near the city of Zestential. In his bag, there was a letter of recommendation he must present to the local guild. After that, he was told to just follow anything they asked of him.


    Zestential was a huge city that had more than a million of residents. Cities from Hyrion¡¯s homeland averaged about ten thousand. Also, Hyrion hadn¡¯t interacted with people for the year he was on a run, so being forced into a city with more than he could imagined terrified him slightly.


    Hyrion observed the area around him. He was in a middle of a forest without any notable landmark. In situations like this, there were three things he had to look out first: trail, river, or a main road. Since none of those were in sight, he had no other way but to search in a random direction.


    He covered his eyes with his left and pointed his right hand forward. He spun three times and walked. He stumbled on a rock and fell. He then decided to go to the direction where his right hand after he fell. Little games like this should ease of the tense that built up.


    The Witch gave him a vague goal. He had become her Champion¡ªwhatever that meant. She didn¡¯t tell him any specifics other than becoming strong, so he was free to do anything as long as it led to that. He didn¡¯t want to be in serious situations anymore. He knew how one misstep lead to his friend¡¯s death and his own destruction. He had another chance to live, and he would use much better than before. A carefree life should do that.


    As he continued his journey, he finally found a trail. It looked like it was traveled by someone or an animal recently. He followed the direction the steps took.


    Time passed. The flora that surrounded him were more or less the same. He didn¡¯t cross with any animals. In the forest, only the sound of wind blowing to the trees could be heard. Birds, and even insects were silent.


    This had put him into full alert. He had a sword sheathed on his hip, but he had no idea how to use it. For years in the rebellion, he avoided any practice and made sure he never got involved in fights. He¡¯s frustrated at his past self for not doing any training. To ease himself for a bit, he practiced what he would say to the local guild.


    There was a loud thud. He heard the rustle of shrubs from a distance. He unsheathed his sword halfway before hesitating. The steps were loud. He concluded that it must be a large animal or a monster perhaps. He hoped it was not the latter. He started the first step of his run, but his legs froze. They were shaking too much. The creature was fast approaching. He had no other choice.


    He ducked and curled into a fetal position.


    When he was a child, elders warned him that if a large animal approached them, it would be better to act dead. If the animal thought you¡¯re dead, then it wound find other to prey upon.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Hyrion held his breath and mentally repeated, ¡°don¡¯t eat me.¡±


    The sound of footsteps stopped. The creature was definitely close. Too close for comfort. What should be the exact distance that was enough for comfort? Hyrion shook his head. It wasn¡¯t the time for random questions. His life was at stake. He heard another set of footsteps. Did the creature ignored him and continued to run? He slowly opened his eyes. A creature with long fangs glinting the sunlight. Its face looked similar to a tiger, but it had red eyes and no stripes on its orange fur. It was also an absolute unit.


    ¡°Ah sh¡ª¡±


    The Tiger-like creature stared at the forest were another set of footsteps could be heard before it ran away. If a large creature was afraid, then he should scramble away from the area. However, it was too late. He ultimately stayed in the same position.


    The footsteps stopped around him, and there was more this time. Unlike the last time, he didn¡¯t feel any shake from the ground.


    ¡°It got away,¡± a man said.


    ¡°We¡¯re only here as escort, ¡°a woman answered, ¡°don¡¯t mind it. Anyhow, Cerea, is that guy still alive?¡±


    Hyrion felt a tug to his cheek, and he saw a girl with short side ponytail.


    ¡°He seems to be unhurt, but I found him in this strange position. That huge cat must¡¯ve had rolled him into a ball to play with him,¡± Cerea said.


    ¡°I have no idea how you came up with that.¡± The woman sighed.


    Hyrion stood up and brushed off the dust on his clothes. There was a buff guy fully decked with obsidian armor staring at him. Another was a lanky blond-haired guy with leather clothing. The woman wore glasses and stood with grace similar to nobles he met back in Lionfang¡¯s palace. They all felt like they emitted this grand aura that he couldn¡¯t help but admire.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Cerea asked. She looked over profile to find any wounds or scratches.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Thanks for saving my life. I¡¯m Hyrion.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Cerea, nice to meet you!¡± She reached for his hands and shook it.


    ¡°Yo, I¡¯m Ridge. You¡¯re lucky we¡¯re here or you¡¯d be a toy for that cat. Or mincemeat. We¡¯ll never know.¡± He casually saluted then pointed his two fingers at him


    Hyrion chuckled sarcastically.


    ¡°Lance.¡± He muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯m Leili, the captain of this group. It¡¯s strange to find someone here. Let alone a single person. State your business, Hyrion, and we¡¯ll decide how to deal with you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m supposed to heading toward Zestential City.¡±


    ¡°Zestential?¡± Cerea said. ¡°We¡¯re also headed there. Are you going to attend the Invitational as well?¡±


    Hyrion had no idea what the Invitational was, but he nodded.


    ¡°Great, we¡¯re also going there. How about you come with us?¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Leili raised her hand to stop Cerea. ¡°Do you have an idea where you currently are?¡±


    Hyrion shook his head. ¡°In fact, I¡¯m lost.¡±


    ¡°Lost!?¡± Ridge was surprised. ¡°No one can get here without knowing where they are. Are you stu¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be a threat,¡± Leili interrupted. ¡°We¡¯ll let you come along until we¡¯re at the gates. We won¡¯t ask you any questions, but if you ever pose a threat. We¡¯ll have no choice but to restrain you.¡±


    ¡°Fine with me. Let me just pick up my bag.¡± Hyrion took his items while Cerea, Leili and Ridge went ahead. Lance didn¡¯t budge. He waited for Hyrion to join the three before he walked.


    ¡°We¡¯ll arrive there by noon,¡± Ridge said. He looked as if he wanted to say more to Hyrion, but he noticed the glare of Leili.


    Hyrion was glad he met other people. He wouldn¡¯t have to worry about any threats or getting lost anymore. This group looked like normal travelers¡ªexcept Lance¡ª, however, to be able to scare the tiger-like creature, they must be strong.

 Chapter 4: Trouble Brewing

    The group arrived in front of the city gates peacefully. The walls were at least thirty feet tall, and the gate were ten feet taller than the wall. On the side of the gate, there were two large banners embroidered with tree covered in clouds and a large moon behind it. There were lines of people outside the gate where they talked to guards. The gate was slightly open where everyone entered in a group with a guard leading them.


    ¡°Hyrion, this is where we part ways.¡± Leili said. ¡°I hope luck is on your side in the Invitationals.¡±


    ¡°Bye, Hyrion.¡± Cerea said. ¡°Let¡¯s meet again sometime.¡±


    Hyrion waved. Cerea¡¯s group left. Leili greeted a guard with a nod and they entered without a guard. They seemed to have influence in the city.


    Hyrion looked over the line and realized they were extremely long. It would take time to enter the gate.


    ¡°Oh no.¡±


    Hyrion tried to get the attention of Cerea¡¯s group, but they were already inside. He sighed and began to find the start of the line. It took him a while to find the start of the line.


    Thankfully, the line progressed smoothly. It was now his turn.


    Another guard approached the guard on the line.


    ¡°Hey, Sim, Sir Baltar is looking for you,¡± the guard said.


    ¡°Huh, why?¡±


    ¡°No idea. He just told me to replace you until he¡¯s done with you.¡±


    ¡°If this another one of your games, Domnall, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re sent to the mines.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth. I swear.¡±


    Sim passed a sheet of paper to Domnall and left frowning. Domnall raised his arms and was giddy with delight.


    ¡°Visitor!¡± Domnall¡¯s chest was puffed and he spoke in a much deeper voice. ¡°State your name and what your purpose here in the most glorious, magnificent, grandiose and¡­ what¡¯s the word¡­¡± Domnall tried to think and shook his head. ¡°You get what I mean, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Hyrion nodded to avoid trouble.


    ¡°Let me see your Invitational letter.¡±


    Invitational? The guard must¡¯ve misspoken. Hyrion brought out the recommendation letter from his bag and gave it to Domnall.


    Domnall opened the letter. He raised an eyebrow and suspiciously looked over the letter and Hyrion.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a letter for this city.¡± Domnall turned paper and showed it other people in the line. ¡°This is in another language. You must be sent by foreign enemies. You¡¯re in deep trouble.¡±


    Hyrion began to sweat. The letter was supposed to be his introduction for the city.


    ¡°What do you mean another language?¡± A person behind Hyrion quipped. ¡°You¡¯re speaking the same language as that. I can even read the words Zestential this far.¡±


    Domnall crumpled the letter. ¡°Who was that?¡± He scanned over the line. ¡°Do you dare imply I can¡¯t read. Whoever you are, you¡¯ll never enter here.¡±


    He glared at Hyrion and tore the letter. ¡°This stupid thing. Next time you try to sneak in, make sure it¡¯s not me that¡¯s on guard.¡± He laughed as he stepped on the torn paper ¡°Okay, next.¡±


    Hyrion kept his silence. A commotion would only worsen the situation. He could wait until Domnall was gone. He picked up the torn pieces of paper. A boot went in his sight. He immediately dodged to the side. He saw Domnall falling. Deserved, he thought. Hyrion did his best to stop himself from laughing.


    ¡°Why would you dodge?¡±


    Hyrion ignored Domnall and placed the pieces of the letter inside his bag.


    A blue light appeared in front of him as he was about to go. Two silhouettes were inside. As the light became transparent, the guard Sim, and an old man emerged. The man was a foot taller than Hyrion and sported a twirling gray mustache. He had a painting on his plate armor similar to the one embroidered on the banners.


    Domnall tried to move. The old man threw a dagger just an inch to Domnall¡¯s face.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡± He met Hyrion¡¯s gaze then looked over the line. ¡°I am Baltar, the Commanding General of this city. Now, tell me what had occurred here.¡±


    A woman from the line raised her hand, and with gesture from Baltar, she approached. She recounted to Baltar how Domnall acted aggressively and tore a letter to pieces. She even told him how he clumsily kicked and fell on his own.


    ¡°Your luck¡¯s ran out today, Domnall.¡± Sim snickered. ¡°Please, Sir Baltar, send him to the mines. On such a busy day, he dared to do this.¡±


    Baltar looked over Hyrion. ¡°Do you disagree with this punishment?¡±


    ¡°I agree with whatever punishment you see fit, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve been a mistreated, how about I show you something entertaining.¡± Baltar raised his right arm forward. A blue sphere of light started to converge as he gently pulled his arm backward. As soon as the blue sphere took its final shape, he pressed his hand forward.


    Domnall¡¯s face went white. He scrambled and started to run. ¡°Sir Baltar, forgive me. I swear I won¡¯t do this again.¡± Baltar didn¡¯t reply. The blue sphere floated to Domnall, once it¡¯s only a few feet away, it moved in the same pace as Domnall run. Domnall looked behind and screamed. ¡°Sir, please, it won¡¯t happen again.¡± Domnall ran to the forest as the sphere followed behind.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be sent to the mines once he stops running. What¡¯s your name, young man?¡±


    ¡°Hyrion.¡±


    ¡°Hyrion, come to my office.¡±


    Hyrion nodded. Baltar placed his hand on Hyrion¡¯s shoulder and blue light enveloped them.


    In the place Hyrion assumed to be Baltar¡¯s office, he found various painting of battles and buildings with Baltar¡¯s face. The office was quite spacious with its own red carpet leading to the desk. Various medals and badges were inside glass cabinets.


    Baltar sat behind his desk and gestured for Hyrion to sit. ¡°Now, let me see your letter of Invitationals.¡±


    ¡°Letter of Invitationals? No, Sir, it¡¯s a letter of recommendation.¡±


    ¡°Who is it from?¡±


    ¡°From the Witch, Sir. I have no idea what¡¯s her actual name is, but she said I should bring it to the local guild here.¡±


    ¡°A lot of women call themselves Witch: Fire Witch, Ice Witch, Fairy Witch, etc. What¡¯s the complete title of this Witch you spoke of?


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t answer that Sir. I truly don¡¯t have an inkling. I¡¯m not aware of her name either.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know her title, but she gave you a letter of recommendation? Are you trying to trick me?¡±


    Hyrion took out his bag and placed the torn pieces of the letter on the desk. Baltar picked a piece up and examined it.


    ¡°I sense Spiritual Energy inside. It looks like it¡¯s a magic where only the recipient could read. There are many guilds inside this city, so it¡¯ll take days for you to find the right one. What do you think about joining the Invitational, Hyrion?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only here to give that letter.¡±


    ¡°Security is tight in the city right now. Without proper permit, I¡¯ll have no choice but to kick you out. Here, I¡¯ll write a letter of Invitationals for you. Whether you decide to join the Invitationals or leave is up to you. The Invitational gathers various prominent people. One of them might be the one you¡¯re looking for.¡±


    Baltar drafted a letter and handed it you Hyrion.


    ¡°Looks like I have no choice but to join.¡± Hyrion sighed.


    ¡°Hyrion, remember that this letter meant that you represent me. I have no idea how strong you are, but make sure you don¡¯t embarrass yourself. I am basing this trust to the fact that I can¡¯t unravel the magic placed on your letter. Now, go. The Invitationals must¡¯ve started by now.¡±


    Hyrion picked up the letter and the torn letter back to his bag. He shook Baltar¡¯s hand and blue light covered his surroundings. You must love teleportation, don¡¯t you? Hyrion thought.


    Hyrion was transported to the plaza. There were thousands of people around, and in front of him was a stage where a man in gaudy outfit spoke. Hyrion was in the front, and he gathered a bit of attention himself. Baltar couldn¡¯t read minds, could he?¡±


    ¡°Please excuse the interruption,¡± the man said. ¡°Now, where was I? This Invitational was built on the idea of recruiting talented young ones. But we all know the true reason, don¡¯t we? The leaders found a genius and wanted a fair ground¡ª¡±


    Another man shoved the speaker, it was Ridge.


    ¡°I¡¯m Ridge, part of the Verriad Guild. I was part of Invitationals a few years ago and managed to get in even though there were people that were a lot stronger than me. The Guilds and Sects will recruit anyone that suits their needs. They won¡¯t just pick whoever¡¯s the strongest.¡± Ridge backed off and sat at the back with people that Hyrion supposed were important. Leili also sat there.


    The man went back to the front and said, ¡°Ridge, that was a joke. Anyhow, this Invitationals will consist of different events that will show each of your talents. It¡¯s best if you show all you have during this event. You might be able to enter your choice and fulfill your childhood dream! For the one-thousand and one participants here today, I wish you the best of luck.¡± Hyrion met the man¡¯s gaze when the latter announced, and one.


    ¡°The first event for today will be the display of Spiritual Energy. On this stage we have ten Orb Gauges. Since we have an odd one out. How about we invite the young man who teleported to start this event, shall we? We reminded everyone not to use any teleportation magic, but it¡¯s unfortunate that some ignored the rules.¡±


    The man gestured Hyrion to come up on stage. Hyrion felt thousands of eyes focused on him. He reluctantly climbed up the stage. Behind the man, he saw Leili and Ridge with amused faces. That was not how he imagined how they would meet again.


    ¡°You were rather late,¡± the man commented. ¡°I¡¯m Orwenn the host of this event. What¡¯s your name, young man?¡±


    ¡°Hyrion.¡± Hyrion handed the letter he received to Orwenn.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see here.¡± Orwenn read through the letter. His face changed from annoyance to glee. ¡°Listen carefully. The Commanding General, Baltar, himself have recommended Hyrion. All of you might not be aware, but all of Sir Baltar recommendations became popular for their strength. This, ladies and gentlemen, this is history in the making. What you¡¯re going to see is history in the making! Give Hyrion a round of applause.¡±


    Thousands of viewers cheered for him. Hyrion forced himself to smile and waved to the crowds as he was led to the Orb Gauge. Even though he was placed under the care of the Witch, he never attempted to harness Spiritual Energy. This would be his first attempt.


    I¡¯m in trouble, Hyrion thought.