《The Tales of the Revolution》


 Prologue

    ¡°My admiration for the people of history were their means of adapting, building, and evolving¡±


    <ul>


    <li>Joseph Algorith</li>


    </ul>


    It was never my intention to get in a fight with my brother that night. Just a small quibble turned into a battle of fists. He won and I laid on the floor, my chest and arms aching unbearably. My aged mother cried at the scene, her two sons fighting; our family was left with three as our father had passed away. She wanted us to forgive each other, to move on, but my pride barred my thoughts and so did his. Jacob, my brother, was quite large compared to an average teen. Tall, lean and muscular, what any girl in puberty would desire. On the other hand, I didn¡¯t have his physique, but instead, I received an efficient mind.


    During school, he excelled in sports and kept up with his schoolwork, while I excelled in academics but blended in with the crowd during physical activities. I wasn¡¯t jealous, but I chose to strive for other things. Later on in life, this trend continued. Both My and my brother¡¯s paths began to separate, casting some sort of wall, one with ever increasing tension, veiled from each other. He received a scholarship for his athletic prowess, while I gained one for my academic abilities, specifically on technological and chemical innovation and advancement subjects. During this period, our relationship slowly lessened from conversations to the occasional remark. My mother and father noticed this, but whenever they made an attempt to return us to our old selves, they didn¡¯t achieve much. His interest and time were invested in furthering his soccer career, while I became greatly enthralled in military technology of the past, present, and future. Studying them was my pass time, but what greatly enraptured my thoughts of the military was the fact that each major advancement of humanity had a war before it.


    Fights of close combat weren¡¯t efficient in hunting nor safe, and so the bow was created. Bows weren¡¯t useful against walls, so the catapults were created. It takes too long for a bowman to be taught; there came the crossbow. Later, gunpowder was discovered, and muskets and cannons were developed. The length of a reload is long which led to cartridges. Killing one man at a time is time-consuming, then the machine gun was born. These weapons don¡¯t threaten armies, how about a nuke? Nukes are obsolete, laser satellites is the future. Satellites are too vulnerable, what about dreadnoughts?


    My admiration for the people of history were their means of adapting, building, and evolving, but the downsides were the gruesome deaths of billions of people from different planets caused by the galactic wars of multiple solar systems. Peace is what many people hoped that these weapons may bring, however, for a minor few, it was a chance to rule all, even if it is short lived.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Finishing in a top university, I was specially recruited by the government as a scientist at a military laboratory. This began the longest gap between my family and I. There, my fellow companions evolved both military weapons and common goods and utility. I was ecstatic in creating weapons but the use of it somewhat contradicted with my morals. It was fine if used for defence but massacres in other solar systems didn¡¯t sit with me well. But I thrived with more ideas and improved while under the influence of propaganda and threats. My own thoughts were being slowly manipulated until I lost the real reason of why I liked the evolution of weapons: the ability to invent and innovate and to protect ourselves. I was too young and naive back then, believing that these weapons would help others in need. My heart broke and shattered when I first witnessed one of my creations modified by the military and was utilized as a means to kill millions of innocent people within a blink of an eye. I felt hopeless as if darkness had covered the sun, and a great ocean of guilt washed over me.


    After that moment, at the age of 75, I resigned and destroyed any blueprints I created, locking the information within my soul. My guilty conscience gave me depression, one that took me a while to recover. With the money I had, I sought for a materialistic pleasure, indulging in sins that I didn¡¯t know I had been capable of for five years. I was trying to run away from the guilt and mistakes I made, covering it with dirt, but it kept crawling back and haunted me in my sleep. I knew that my life was in its lasts dregs and I had to recover because I didn¡¯t want to spend the rest of life in the gutter. It was hard and painful but for two years straight, I consulted with a counsellor, performing the best methods to improve my health and mindset. It worked, and at the age of 83, I planned to gather my courage and reconcile with my family. Unfortunately, the first information I discovered was that my father had passed away, and lived until the ripe age of 139. And so, while I attempted to salvage my relationship with my family, a scuffle arose between my brother and me.


    My brother was angry-no, furious I should describe. He despised me to the core. His reasons were that I left them without any communications nor visits, not even attending the funeral of our father. He told me that our father¡¯s last wish was to see both of us with our mother for the last time, as a family, and they tried to reach out to me but they were severed from doing so by the government. It was partially my fault as well because I never attempted to communicate with them either. I felt as if my time as a scientist was an illusion; I, myself, was an A.I. with fake human emotions, working endlessly and doing the biddings of my masters, the government, while not caring for anything else.


    Here I am now, lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling with its fading, greenish colour. I was deciding what to say to my younger brother in order to receive his forgiveness. Tears dripped down my cheeks, making me choke a sob out. I wanted to change for them and stay with my mother until her eternal peace. I desired to have some sort of identity in my brother¡¯s life as the elder brother that he deserved. It was only after a blinding light covering my eyes and the endless darkness that came afterwards that I knew it was never meant for me to be forgiven...

 Chapter 1: Pulled to Another World

    ¡°What we need is to adapt and evolve! It is our only way to pave our future!¡±


    <ul>


    <li>Rathra Stalings</li>


    </ul>


    The soul¡­ one of the most glorious and terrifying achievements of mine, only to be hidden in my mind. Unfortunately, it isn¡¯t as useful as it would be if one was an adult. In my theories, a young child could completely utilize the soul at their age, whether one has an adult to help or has the memories of the methods to cultivate it. Using my A.I. computer, I was able to simulate numerous methods in order to advance the soul, but they vary in strength. From my discoveries, it helped in improving memories and two things that are hidden within the potential of humans, which I called it, mana, though both aren¡¯t one hundred percent similar. It is a subject that I feared, if delved into and discovered, may disrupt the galaxy. Though, my computer responded that the potential of these souls and they can have the power of up to a howitzer from WW2. But the dangers are the experiments of human weapons. I thought about it, and if given the opportunity, the government may reap millions of lives in order to create a powerful soul and a weapon that the selfish pigs will use. Yet, while I did discover it, I wasn¡¯t able to see a soul¡¯s true form until now.


    Surrounding me was a group of six people coated in black and white cloaks, three on the left and three on the right. A golden symbol decorated their right breasts, depicting a fisted hand that shined a golden lustre, forming a valour vibe. Each held an object, but mysteries and power radiated from them. The room I was in had dim lights, barely for my eyes to discover the outlining of the walls and objects nearby. When my eyes reached the source of the light, my thoughts froze. Souls! I couldn¡¯t understand what was happening while a hurricane stormed in my mind. From the image I gazed upon, there was my luminescent body, glowing and translucent, showing a faint outline of my body. But what surprised me more was that there were three other souls behind my back, but I couldn¡¯t discern their looks except for an outline of a human body. They, too, seemed to be confused with the situation considering they made confused actions.


    The air was filled with a dense and ominous vibe that enshrouded the room, making me uncomfortable. Something emerged from my mind and with it brought the knowledge of language I¡¯ve never heard of; the Thesinian Language. I wanted to continue my thought process to understand my situation but I was suddenly interrupted by one of the white-cloaked beings on my right and in the middle of her group of three. The voice was feminine and gentle, breaking the dense air. She spoke, ¡°This is our last opportunity and it seems that we are lucky enough to procure four souls.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if this luck or if it is a bad omen, Rathra. To conjure 4 souls in our final summoning rather than two proves that the danger our race is facing isn¡¯t normal,¡± a masculine voice replied from a black-cloaked being on my left.


    ¡°Yes, it seems odd for such a thing to happen. This has never happened in our history nor the other races¡¯. But, we will have to make the best out of it. As for whether we fall or rise, it will be up to one these souls, Corey,¡± said a charming, feminine voice next to Rathra.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Enough talk! Remember, our time is limited and we must choose our last chosen one. The other races had already done theirs and it¡¯s pressuring our people. The question is, who do we choose,¡± questioned Corey and all six beings began to ponder.


    ¡°I¡¯d say we should choose this one and destroy the others,¡± a man, next to Corey, pointed to a soul beside me, ¡°I sense a great strength coming from him. If grown properly as a child, he will be able to lead us with great power!¡±


    Agreement and nods were seen in all of the cloaked beings except for Rathra. But what I was concerned the most about was the destruction of the other souls, and that included myself. Panic rose from the other two souls, struggling to move in their form, while the chosen soul began to radiate in proudness as if it expected to be chosen. This is it, my existence is near its end. I wanted to cry tears but I couldn¡¯t. Instead, I stayed motionless, waiting for my impending doom. Like an old film movie, my memories flashed before my eyes, showing both my sorrowful and happy moments. It is my time to repent for my sins in the oblivion realm.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Rathra quickly exclaimed, ¡°I think we should change our choice and select that soul.¡±


    She then turned her body towards me, while having her object pointed towards my soul. I was surprised but hope began to soar within my mind, yet it was dampened seconds later by the following voice that spoke.


    The man that I assumed is Corey, shifted his face at Rathra, ¡°Why so? This soul here doesn¡¯t seem to fluctuate any strength. Choosing him will be the death of our future!¡±


    Rathra countered, ¡°Yes, I understand that his power doesn¡¯t amount much, but I sense something else within him. But, before you refuse my offer, hear me out! In the last three summonings, we have chosen the most powerful out of the pair based on their strong fluctuation. Yet, out of the three chosen ones, two had died in the racial wars, while the third is gravely injured, serving to only keep the others at bay for the meantime. And now, we are given four options: three powerful souls and one enshrouded with mysteries. I can sense great knowledge within this mysterious soul. It seems fate and destiny is testing us. Maybe, it¡¯s time for a change in our criteria.¡±


    ¡°And what if your theory is wrong? You do realize that if this soul brings worthless knowledge, it is basically handing our heads to the other races.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s the thing! Even if we gain a powerful being in our ranks, the best it can do is slow down our inevitable destruction! Do you think two heroes will be able to defeat four? Or an entire army? No! It won¡¯t work, especially when our circumstances are turning dire. The only reason we are surviving right now is because of the influx of resources we receive from expensively trading with the Elves and Beastmen, while the Dragon race would only surface if the Demons were to act. The Dark Elves and Orcs are coming for our heads and each passing day, they approach. Our people aren¡¯t as strong as them and our mechanical devices can only do so much. We need to make a gamble! What we need is to adapt and evolve! It is our only way to pave our future! And this soul may be the key to that future.¡±


    After Rathra¡¯s speech, the group of six argued, pointing out facts and reasons in order to sway each other¡¯s opinion, while my sorrows slowly dissipated as my hope regained new vigour. On the other hand, Corey¡¯s chosen seemed to panic along with the other souls, attempting to escape. I couldn¡¯t blame them; if I was in their shoes I¡¯d probably had done the same. Nobody wanted to die, especially if it appeared to be a complete death where your soul shall forever be non-existent. As it was now, it was useless to try and struggle, but I prayed and hoped that their choice was me.


    As soon as their argument was resolved, their attention turned towards our group. This was it, their final verdict was about to be revealed and my existence depended on it. Though, I think my chances are quite high, considering that their main focus was kept on me.

 Chapter 2 My Life Depends on My Knowledge

    ¡°What if I can give you that, the power that can rival and defeat mages and warriors? What if my knowledge can pave your future?¡±


    <ul>


    <li>Joseph Algorith</li>


    </ul>


    ¡°So, Mr. Soul, we do have a spell that is included within this summoning formation, however, it can only be used once. And we have chosen you to speak to us, but whether we are satisfied with your answer, it will depend on you. If not, we will choose our former option. Hopefully, you will be able to deliver. Remember, you only have 10 minutes to converse with us.¡±


    I calmed my mind, formulating numerous sentences that I could utilize in order to convince them as Rathra¡¯s object began to glow goldish before it shot a beam at me. My vision started sway around, swimming in different directions until it cleared, my eyes staring at the hooded Rathra. I noticed that my arms and legs became more defined with a similar appearance of my former body. Gathering all of my courage, I spoke, ¡°First of all, my name is Joseph, Joseph Algorith. Now, back at home, I could be considered as one of the top greatest minds in terms of research and development of technology. They call us, scientists; a term that you could use if you want. ¡±


    I couldn¡¯t see it, but I could feel Rathra¡¯s gaze burning on my face, scouring for any lies or any reactions she could use to figure out my thoughts or objectives. Thankfully, she didn¡¯t assume anything out of the order.


    ¡°Algorith, huh? That¡¯s the same last name as of our nation¡¯s royal family. Though, it may not mean much. And what type of technologies did you create?¡±


    ¡°I created some of the most advanced weaponry in the industry, while civil utilized tech isn¡¯t out of my reach. But it will depend on your technological achievements before I can analyze what type of technology I could build.¡±


    ¡°How powerful are they, the weapons you speak of? How do you compare them to our strength? Also, what about your mages and warriors, what are their powers and can you describe them?¡±


    ¡°Mages? Warriors? Sorry, but if you''re talking about magic and such, we don¡¯t have those in my home place. And as for the technology of ours, could you let me see something of your powers, so I may reference from it. Also, what kind of weapons do your army use?¡±


    My answer of there being no magic or mana was a white lie, but since I believed that I was the only one that had discovered this energy, it isn¡¯t wrong to say there isn¡¯t magic in my galaxy. The reason I didn¡¯t say I had knowledge of because it¡¯s best to leave some cards hidden for a rainy day, and I believe that the weapons that I¡¯ll describe should be sufficient to pique their interest. Although Corey didn¡¯t seem amused by the fact there was no magic from my world. He faced Rathra from her right, ¡°See! What could this magicless commoner teach us to empower our armies? I¡¯m telling you, we should choose my option; it¡¯s the best we¡¯ve got!¡±


    ¡°Quiet,¡± opposed Rathra, ¡°We haven¡¯t finished our conversation yet! If he doesn¡¯t satisfy our interest in him, then we will choose the other soul! Now, Mr. Algorith, let¡¯s continue our talk. We have some memory crystals on us that¡¯ll show some basic power ranking of level 1 to 10 mages. However, this is only the fire type and there are many other elements and powers out there, so you can¡¯t fully use this as your entire reference. As for weapons, we use swords, bows and magic, of course, and we can enchant items to become stronger or to have certain abilities. Though, there is a variety of close combat weapons other than swords.¡±


    Corey looked like he wanted to refute as he shook in anger, but the other members¡¯ watchful eyes were able to calm his temper. On the other hand, my mind was focused like a narrowed telescope on the images formed by the memory crystals they brought out. The images were holographic and were amazing and mythical, like a story from the fairytales. It showed a man, who stood in front of a boulder and demonstrated what seems to be spells of sorts; he performed ten different flame spells on the massive boulder of ten feet, wiping out its existence. As flaring it was, I estimated that the power capacity was on par with a shot or two from a World War II Howitzer. The question is how many of them are in the army?This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°I have some questions. That level ten spell, how many can perform them in your army? Also, I assume that your mages don¡¯t have unlimited energy, how many can they conjure? One more thing, is the state of your mages similar to the warriors? What about the strength of your opponents¡±


    ¡°Do you want the long version or short? You have around eight minutes or so left,¡± Rathra reminded.


    ¡°The long version; I want to understand the best I could so I may surmise what¡¯s happening, especially if you want me to prove my worth.¡±


    "Alright, your choice. The level ten mages you saw on in the crystal are the core elites of our army and can produce around three advance spells at a time; it takes an hour to fully regenerate the spent mana. They are second to our group and the Third Hero, which we could produce around four to five times. However, each mage has different elements and spells, so they may vary in terms of power and usage. Warriors are similar, too, in terms of ranking and elements, but are a tad bit lower in strength compared to mages as they focus power in one point rather than an area. In the army, we have around one hundred to two hundred in each category of elements of warrior and mage, but compared to the other races, these numbers are subpar. The Elves and Dark Elves have more than a thousand elite mages, while their warrior numbers are similar to ours. These statistics are similar to the ratio of our warriors and the Orcs¡¯ and Beastmen¡¯s. Because of this, we¡¯re losing the skirmishes with the Orcs and Dark Elves, while the Elves and Beastmen stood as bystanders. As for the Draconic and Demon race, that¡¯ll be another time.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the state of everything, how are you guys still surviving?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s due to an ancient contract the past rulers of the races have signed. It dictates that if an aggressor were to attack, the other races must help and support the victim, else a terrible curse will befall on both the aggressor and bystanders. We have 26 years to prepare. As for how skirmishes still happen without any repercussions, it is because of the loopholes within the contract. It didn¡¯t say that ¡®bandits¡¯ or ¡®raiders¡¯ weren¡¯t allowed. The spell that was casted by the contract covers the lands once a day. From what we understood, if it senses one hundred thousand armed combatants of the same race in a certain length or width of land, crossing borders, it will detect it. For a major offensive against our nation, they¡¯ll need an army of more than a million or two, or else, each amount of soldiers they send will be slaughtered¡±


    ¡°I see. I¡¯ve heard from your conversations that you were trading with the Elves and Beastmen, though you are in the losing end. I believe that the Elves and Beastmen will try to siphon the human nation¡¯s resources while allowing the other two races to take the lands. Then, they will use the human lands as the battlefield for the major battlefield. One side is hoping the other is weakened in this minor war, while the other side has something to depend on to still be eager in attacking the human nation even with the watchful eyes of the vultures. Though I don¡¯t believe that the Elves and Beastmen aren''t dumb to have no idea of the real reason why their nemesis is willing to weaken themselves, but it seems that greed had stopped them from helping you. Am I right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are almost right, however, it seems that we have detracted from the main topic as to why we should choose you. Might I remind you that you have around two minutes.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I haven¡¯t forgotten. But the things that I¡¯ll tell you will increasingly pique your interest eventually choosing my soul.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Do tell.¡±


    ¡°In my home place, although we don¡¯t have magic, it didn¡¯t mean we were weak. Our human race evolved and invented numerous technologies, ranging from normal tools to military. Through the advancement of science, we were able to develop medicines to defeat diseases and weapons that had the ability to kill a man in less than a second or destroy buildings in a blink of an eye. Some of the weapons I could create are evenly or more powerful than your elite mages. These weapons that I briefly described were massed produced and that any common man could use. What if I can give you that, the power that can rival and defeat mages and warriors? What if my knowledge can pave your future?¡±


    With that, my ability to speak started to fade while my body began to transform back to its original form from when I first arrived. Before my face disappeared, I made it look intimidating, prideful and arrogant, to appear convincing. With a final look at the six, I closed my senses, prepared myself for whatever choice they made. The reason I didn¡¯t explain too much about weapons was to make sure it didn¡¯t seem unreachable or give them the sense of feeling it was a hoax. Trying to describe how certain weapons work to mages and warriors in the medieval era that probably knew little of science would backfire and make it seem like I¡¯m an idiot. Even if I were to tell them how a simple musket operated, they might destroy me after gaining the knowledge and choose the other powerful soul. A revolutionary idea is better with a powerful soul rather than with a weak one, after all. At that moment, I prayed for the success of my gamble.

 Chapter 3 New Knowledge of the World and Strengthening the Soul

    ¡°And so, you will be reborn into our world as the third prince of our nation, the son of the Royal consort and general, Thelea Fortius Algorith and King Aiden Algorith the III, and shall be named, Joseph Algorith!¡±


    <ul>


    <li>Rathra Stalings</li>


    </ul>


    The area I was in was dark, warm and squishy with some sort of liquid surrounding my body. A rhythmical heartbeat echoed throughout this enclosed room while the walls constricted and moved in certain moments. My physical form adhered to the room¡¯s movement and position whenever it changed. I knew where I was; I was in a woman¡¯s womb. I had nothing much to do but let my thoughts wander wherever it may be led to. Eventually, I remembered something very important in my former life. The soul methods! From what the Guardians of Thesin had done to me, I gained the most opportune time to utilize my soul methods to empower myself and strengthen my mana before my birth. Still, the information they gave me was something I couldn¡¯t have fathom...


    The sounds of screams relapsed throughout the room, mentally creating chains that froze me in place. My mind was infested with intense fear for what was about to come, but it never came. Curiosity forced my eyes to open and I saw only myself and the six cloaked beings. Eventually, the agonizing screams faded into nothingness. I felt my soul becoming more defined again, and my ability to speak returned to me. My focus returned to Rathra, ¡°So, I was chosen, right?¡±


    ¡°Indeed, you are. We chose you, but our matter hasn¡¯t been satisfied with your undefined response in how you explained your weapons. Though you are smart, I¡¯ll give you that, or else we might¡¯ve chosen the other. And so, you shall be reborn into our world as the third prince of our nation, the son of the Royal consort and general, Thelea Fortius Algorith and King Aiden Algorith the III, and shall be named, Joseph Algorith!¡±


    Something bugged me, however. I hd some research in the soul, but how is it possible for a soul transfer to another soul without repercussions? I¡¯ve tried with some animals but they eventually died because of soul contradiction and rejection. Curious, I asked, ¡°What do you mean by being reborn? Am I going to be transferred into a body? What would happen to the soul owner inside of the body? Isn¡¯t there going to be some soul rejection?¡±


    ¡°Yes and no. You are being transferred into a body but there is no former soul within it, so it hasn¡¯t recognized any owner yet. That crosses out the rejection. As for your soul, we will have to transform it into its infancy stage, while losing soul power in the process, but you¡¯ll still maintain your memories.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean people here could be immortal, in a sense, using that method?¡±


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Rathra stood blankly before abruptly laughing as if she heard the most hilarious and ridiculous joke. The other five also chuckled, while I stood there, understanding a bit of why they laughed. Immortality. How would that be easy to gain? Eventually, the laughter died down and Rathra began to speak again.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were a jester too. Do you think immortality is like the air that you could breathe whenever you want? There have only legends of a few people that have reached this stage, however, they seemed to have disappeared, retreated or died because of some unknown circumstance. One of the reasons that we can¡¯t do this method to ourselves is because of the amount of magic that¡¯ll be needed. At least, it takes around two hundred years to eventually regain the necessary power to utilize this spell formation. The second reason is the most important one. Our souls have already been marked by our body, while souls that are summoned, pass through the void and erases their marks. It¡¯s like a cleansing process for you but if we try to erase ours, either destruction or degradation will happen. We can¡¯t use the void because there is no checkpoint for the soul to use as a return point. For example, the races¡¯ spell formation uses other dimensions¡¯ strength to push a soul towards our dimension. And this is random because we have no coordinates, not even our own.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± I replied with my curiosity satisfied. Yet, another question popped up. They said that they¡¯re only allowed to have four summoned heroes, but there must be a gap of two hundred years in each of them. Why is it only four and how is it possible that the hero is still alive unless they increase their lives through someway. And so I questioned.


    ¡°I just remembered, how does one increase their life span? Your hero is still alive yet it¡¯s been two hundred years past. Also, is there a reason for the cap limit of four heroes?¡±


    ¡°These are the last questions I can answer and I¡¯ll make it quick because the spell is almost over. We increase our lives by strengthening ourselves with auras and mana. Eventually, a man can live up to one thousand and five hundred years old or more. It¡¯ll also depend on the race, but I¡¯ll let you find that out yourself. As for the cap limit, It¡¯s because of the power scroll created by the ancestors, the one I¡¯ve told you about. Even if it disappears, the scroll¡¯s remaining powers will destroy all forms of summoning along with locking our dimension, unless something powerful overwhelms the barricade. But that¡¯s nearly impossible. As for why this happened, it''s because a tragedy had occured in the past with otherworlders involved.¡±


    When my thoughts processed this information, the main info that I desired disappointed me. It meant that I can¡¯t go back anymore. Rathra took off her hood suddenly, along with the others. Her face is one of beauty, one that could either be a model or idol. It consisted of high cheekbones, tannish skin, a small nose, brunette hair and sharp, metallic silver eyes. But within these eyes was a bit of sympathy as if she knew what I thought beforehand. Her lips parted, ¡°This it. We¡¯ll transfer you to the unborn child now. Our time has reached its limit. One last thing, we won¡¯t be able to contact you as we will fall into a deep sleep for twenty-five years. Hopefully, during this duration, you will create a surprise for us when we come back. Remember, you have twenty-six years.¡±


    Suddenly, their objects became shiningly bright, and if I had my regular eyes, I¡¯d probably be blinded for minutes. Before I could speak, My mind blanked out¡­


    My thought process was interrupted due to the sudden of my future mother. I think she began to move at high speeds. Since I¡¯m still in my initial form, my body isn¡¯t affected much except for the fact that womb deforms. Though I continued my meditation to increase my soul and as I did, I think my mind became more acute in terms of memories and remembering. I could see certain memories, that I¡¯ve long forgotten, popping up at the will of my mind. My body felt a smoothing circulation of my soul power running around, while the imagery of a gateway for my mana and aura improved in size, taking in a larger quantity. Eventually, time passed while I continued my boring meditations until the day of my birth.

 Chapter 4: Ethan Helldom, a Glimpse to the Future

    ¡°As long as I have enough power, nothing will stop me!¡±


    <ul>


    <li>Ethan Helldom</li>


    </ul>


    Ethan Helldom was of the Demons, a powerful race in the Felas continent of the Victacious realm. He lived for nearly two hundred years, being the third chosen of the Demonic race. In his past, he led a conniving and ambition-driven life as a powerful being in the Helldomius realm, but when he was summoned here, he knew that this plane if compared to his old realm, was like the ocean compared to the lake. Possibilities and opportunities were everywhere in this new world where vast and various methods within the libraries of each race are able to grant great potential to an individual. Even his own methodical system was improved by the vigorous energy in the atmosphere. Status, wealth, and women were obtainable given that one¡¯s power is inextinguishable. And though rules still constrain him, it is as loose as water. He wanted it all, the power to defeat anything.


    Within a room, there laid ten thrones surrounding a round table. Each throne was engraved with magical gems and created with precious metals of various kinds. On the back seat of the thrones lies 10 different symbols that indicated their owners. A very detailed map of Felas and important documents covered the simple table in the middle. On that map were small glowing dots with grouped at the right side, top corner and north of the map. It represented the armies of the demons and the nation¡¯s army. To the south of the borders were the Dark Elves and the West were the Orcs. Going further south-west, all three territories touch upon the human nation. Whereas, the symbol of a dragon¡¯s head laid on a region bottom corner, southwest of the Humans. It symbolizes the Draconic race, the most worthy rival of the Demons. To the north of the Draconics is the Beastkin and the southeast is the Elves.


    In total, there were thirty-six people within the room, yet only one out of ten were filled. One of the occupied seats had the symbol of scorpion beast that offered a terrifying image and glance could cause a normal person to shiver in fear for many nights. The man that sat on this throne had an apathetic face, a pair of peaceful and purplish eyes, red-tinged skin, ebony black hair with a mystical, purple jewel on his right ear. What was the most noticeable detail on his face was that there was a scar that ran down the from the forehead ended at his lips. If it wasn¡¯t for that, he could¡¯ve appeared as a normal, lethargic person that cared nothing of the world. He wore a reddish garment filled with words that seemed to radiate power and on his right breast hanged a scorpion badge. But his appearance fooled what laid behind the mask. Because Ethan Helldom is a person who would kill and backstab any who dares to defy him or disrupt his goals.


    The thirty-six other people were discussing in hushed tones, not wanting to disturb this lord. They spoke about different plans, missions, and objectives while simulating figures on the map. Ethan rhythmically tapped his left fingers on his armrest impatiently while he held his head with his right arm. Without understanding his normal behaviours, many would think he was bored, but in reality, he was irritated. He abruptly stopped and stared at thirty-six other people surrounding the table, ¡°Where are the others?¡±Stolen story; please report.


    A woman walked over. She had blonde hair and blue eyes face with a pale skin tone. a thin, metal band wrapped around her forehead with small jewels dangling. In her hand was a small booklet that seemed to like a report Her face looked calm, but in her eyes was the emotion of anxiety. In hurriedness, she looked down at the words on the booklet and spoke, ¡°Sir, as you know the other six masters are in deep sleep-¡±


    ¡°I know that, Hailey!¡± Ethan exclaimed angerly, his face contorting into a scowl but a glint passed his eyes when he eyed the woman. ¡°What I want to know is where the other two are!¡±


    Hailey seemed flustered from the outburst and stuttered a bit from fear, ¡°Si-Sir, the-the other two lords, master Luther and master Gavin, are on a mission, patrolling the Forbidden Areas in our lands.¡±


    ¡°What happened during my meditative seclusion? Are there any messages from them?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Last I¡¯ve heard of them was after the birth of the fourth chosen. They said that the magical beasts are acting weird lately, especially the ones near the Forbidden Lands. They¡¯re not as aggressive than usual and are banding in groups to protect each other. There are reports of it happening in other forbidden areas of the other races'' land.¡±


    ¡®A magical beast surge,¡¯ Ethan realized, ¡®but one near the forbidden zones. It¡¯ll be a massive one, a major calamity. But why now?¡¯ Ethan held a crystal in his hand, his eyes trained on it. It was devoid of any splendour, light, or shine. If it was before, it would have some light within it, but it died out. Ethan then looked at Hailey, ¡°Go and tell those two that the Humans have finally summoned there last chosen. All races have used up their slots and now the void is locked. Tell them that we need to further discuss our plans, especially for a possible upcoming calamity.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    As Hailey was about to exit, Ethan suddenly held his hand up high, signalling her to stop. ¡°Hailey¡­ Have you considered my offer? Resources, power, and status shall be in your hands. Join me!¡±


    Hailey stood shivering in fright, but courage swelled up in her and calmed her body. ¡°Sir Ethan, I¡¯m sorry to say but I would like to stay within Lady Bethalin¡¯s entourage.¡±


    She then made a run for the exit. Ethan eyed her disappearing figure as anger and playfulness glinted in his eyes. ¡®You want to play?¡¯ He thought. ¡®I¡¯ll play with your game, but eventually, you¡¯ll be mine. As long as I have enough power, nothing will control me! And my plan will let me gain what I want¡­¡¯


    Eight years later¡­


    A child at the age of eight stood inside a room full of various tools and precious materials. His face is what should be a prince; he had platinum, short-cut hair, rosy high cheekbones surrounded by a palish tone of skin, and a pair of golden eyes that glimmered with intelligence. This child is Prince Joseph Algorith, the third prince of Zeatov, the human nation.


    He stood in front of a desk where a small, squarish forcefield was pulsing with vigour, and there was an opening, a window that led towards a target, which was a five-inch sheet of a strong, rare and precious metal. Only powerful nobles or level seven and above mages and warriors would be able to use such metals as armour. Inside the containment was a barrel with a bullet of some sort that had a brass coloured case and a bluish tip, lodge it in. If one were to carefully examine the casing, there was a small inscription on it that ran vertically across the casing. The barrel, on the other hand, was strapped down on the table, vertically facing the opening of the forcefield. A hammer that resembled a gun''s trigger was placed behind the bullet, and if it were to strike down, it would ignite the bullet.


    ¡°Day fifty-five, experiment three-hundred-sixty-nine of the level three bullet,¡± said Joseph as he wrote it down on a notebook in hand. ¡°Firing in three, two, one¡­¡±


    Bang!

 Chapter 5: Info of the Human’s and Other Races’ Strength; Glimpse of Future Plans

    My goal is to devise weapons that¡¯ll surpass magic and power.¡±


    <ul>


    <li>Joseph Algorith</li>


    </ul>


    Encyclopedia #1 Summary


    The Felas Continent had twenty-six hours a day for five-hundred days per year. But if compared the ageing process of humans of The Galaxy, it¡¯s slower as it is proportionate. If one were to be one-hundred-and-fifty years old here, one would be around Two-hundred-five years old back at home. Those five-hundred days are further split into the four seasons; spring is one-hundred days, summer is one-hundred days, fall is one-hundred days, and winter is two-hundred days; there are six months in total.


    The nation of Thesin is of the Human race, lying in the middle of the lands of the six other major races. It was abundant with natural resources where metal mountains reside and rivers flowed by, bringing a great amount of freshwater. The geographic weather comprises of a small amount of snow, enough rain to support farmlands, and moderate sunlight. The economy was boosted because of how centralized it was between all the races, providing a great trading hub for all racial merchants. There is a great mountain range that surrounded the human nation, with six major passages, each leading the other major races. For some reason, it is unknown how even great mages of the earth element aren¡¯t able to move the foundations of the mountain range. Using this natural barrier, Humans built six great cities, accompanied by great walls, to barricade the six paths in case of an invasion.


    Six years prior to the level three bullet experiment


    At the age of two, I was able to walk around my room. My room had a navy blue colour painted on what seems to be blocks of stones. Inside were toys that would excite or conceive the curiosity of a child but in my eyes, they were nothing but distractions. Okay, when I do get bored, I would play with them in order to rest my overworked mind. A window was placed one meter to the right, opposite of the doorway. It was pretty clean because maids or butlers came by time to time.


    At the time, there was me and a person named Vena. Vena was a 14-year old attendant, who kept a watch over me and provided the necessities, such as pastries or other food in general. She had brunette hair, a small nose covered with dabs of freckles and warming, hazel eyes. Her personality was kind, caring, and diligent, which was expected since her job was to care for a prince. Though she worked as a bodyguard, too, with her aura becoming rank two, two weeks ago, which is truly outstanding for her age. However, I¡¯m not sure whether a level two would be able to protect me if a higher ranking assassin were to come. But then again, it is unlikely for that to happen with the many experts within the castle and it¡¯s probably the lowkey servants who would take such an action.


    In return for such a genius to guard over me, she receives personal training from my mother, the fifth general of the fifth legion that compromised over one-hundred-thousand soldiers. The only thing that irritated me is the fact she won¡¯t get me books that I¡¯ve wanted from the library or the fact that I¡¯m never alone. Even when she trains with my mother, I¡¯m forced to watch their training.


    Speaking of which, my mother walked into the room, bringing four books with her. Her platinum hair was tied into a ponytail while her face bared high cheekbones, pale tan skin. Her silver eyes were full of motherly love when she saw me. She wore on some very expensive, light and powerful amour meant for agile movements. Other than the inscriptions were written over the armour to strengthen its defence and boosting attributes, it was simple in design. Her personality was strict, confident, straightforward and empowering, of what a general should be, but she did have some soft spots, and I was one of them. Usually, she radiated of valour but at the moment, kindness and serenity were deeply ingrained her smile.


    Behind her was a female attendant, a lieutenant in fact. Her name was Thelsa and she had brownish skin with curly, black hair, and a pair of piercing light brown eyes. Her face, however, radiated coldness like an iceberg, barely changing or moving. It seems to provide no emotions at all. She is a rank two aura user at the age of eighteen; astonishing, too.


    ¡°Here are the books you¡¯ve asked, son,¡± she warmly said, ¡°and how have you been?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been fine, mother, I-¡±


    Suddenly, Vena interrupted and snitched my earlier actions, ¡°My Lady, your son was misbehaving as he tried to escape his room again. His explanation was that he wanted to see the library.¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    In a blink of an eye, my mother¡¯s face became strict and stoic, the warmth disappearing and there came my horror. ¡°What¡¯ve I told you, Joseph, you shouldn¡¯t leave the room without my permission. I understand that you have a much more intelligent mind and your curiosity is getting the better of you, but danger still lurks within this castle. Remember what I¡¯ve told you before?¡±


    ¡°Yes, mother, I¡¯m sorry for disobeying. Usually, I¡¯m smarter than this, but being a small child limits my freedom while vast knowledge is so close; my hands couldn¡¯t just wait.¡±


    My mother relentlessly sighed at my limitless curiosity, while her face contorted into a helplessness visage, ¡°I¡¯ve already told you, I would get the books. Anyways, here they are.¡±


    Seeing the books in my mother¡¯s hands, I remembered the conversation my mother and I had last week. It surprised her a bit when she discovered my ability to speak, but it wore off quite easily and was instead happy. There were two reasons because of her lack of surprise. The first reason is that, apparently, nearly one out of a hundred thousand mature faster in terms of mentality, matureness, or increases the capacity of intelligence. Usually, these people become great mages, warriors, merchants, or other professions. The other reason is because of the small message my mother received from the guardians, which implied that I¡¯m special and should be protected yet not catch major attention. The precautions were probably due to my state as the reincarnation, but it seems like only she knew and no one else, not even the king. Though, the king did complain to the six guardians, before they slept to recover, why he wasn¡¯t able to know. They answered that it was best to keep it confidential. And so, he stopped.


    When I told my mother of my plans, she realized that I was one of the chosen ones, however, it didn¡¯t change our familial love nor did her caring attitude stop. She assured that since she gave birth to me, I would forever still be her son. I¡¯m grateful for that and it was truly there and then that I considered her my true mother, at least in this world.


    After the emotional moment during the conversation, I informed her what I needed to fulfill my goals. I stated that I needed to learn more about this world, therefore she brought books today. I then mentioned that I required a workshop and wanted to form a small army, one that I would revolutionize. She answered that it was best for me to form an army consisting of people whose age was near mine, as no adult would be willing to listen to a young child, even if they were to recognize it was the chosen one. My requirements weren¡¯t harsh, only that they were able to do manual and arduous work. Intelligent minds were automatically accepted. And so, she said that she would commence a recruiting of young orphans or children from families for this project. They would, of course, be trained to strengthen their bodies for the meantime. As for the workshop, it was best that I developed my body a bit more and she recommended to star strengthening techniques meant for ages two and above, but needed expensive and rare resources, like herbs, to utilize. Eventually, at the age of six I would have some strength to do some experiments and therefore, it would be the time she would present a laboratory. As for the materials, I decided to discuss it when I received my lab and after studying the chemicals and metallurgy of this world.


    I appreciated my mother¡¯s efforts in pulling strings behind the scenes and resources to recruit young children. It wasn¡¯t easy and very expensive to have such an operation, even if I limited to one-thousand soldiers. In the regiments, soldiers are usually recruited above twelve years old for three main reasons. At this age, children are more likely to expose their potential, they have finished gaining their elements, and they can do manual labour. The reason why soldiers need to do manual labour is that there is a rent they need to pay. The entire military held nearly three million soldiers with each receiving some sort of resource in order to further their advancement in training, with the talented ones gaining more. If one were to calculate the amount of money it would need to sustain such a group, the national treasury would eventually collapse within a few years or so. In an event of a war, taxes will be raised in order to accommodate most of the remaining gap once soldiers suspend labour work.


    As for the elemental reason, there is the time gap between the age of nine and eleven, so if one was gifted, they would eventually awaken an element, or more if one is fortunate. Out of one-hundred-thousand, roughly ten thousand are able to become either mages or warriors. However, out of the ten-thousand, about one-thousand are able to advance above rank three and as for that one thousand, around one hundred-fifty will surpass the limit of rank seven. Finally, nearly ten people out of that one-hundred-fifty can make it to rank ten. Though these numbers aren¡¯t concurrent for mages and aura users live long lives, and so they make up more than half of the current forces.


    As for ranks above ten, only a handful, such as the six guardians and the hero, are able to transcend it. As said before, rank tens, from what I¡¯ve seen from the destructive fire element, are able to produce fire-power similar to that of a Howitzer from WWII, but once passed this rank, the only major improvements one may gain are a longer lifespan and larger mana storage. As far as the destructiveness of the spells goes, they would only improve to compare with one-and-a-half of a howitzer. As for the highest rank, which is twelve, their firepower is double of a rank ten.


    As for the other races, their profession rates, whether it¡¯s a mage or an aura user, is double of that to ours, while their weaker profession is similar to the size in our army. But, the exception occurs with the Demonic and Draconian races. There people in this world that would be able to utilize both mage spells and aura methods, tripling their threat. For example, if a man were to have a fire element in magecraft while the wind element as their aura, they could be analogized as cars with machine guns. These people are rare within the races except for the Demons and Dracons, their rates being double-triple of the standard.


    When my mother informed me of that in our previous conversation last week, it didn¡¯t give a long lasting effect on me. Maybe because I haven¡¯t seen the wars that had occurred in the past or I¡¯m too arrogant, but I believe that my revolution shall transform everything. With the creations of my inventions, a common man would be able to defeat a mage or an aura user. Spells will be whittled down to pieces from the many projectiles. Explosions shall eradicate earth walls and cities, turning them into rubble. My goal is to devise weapons that¡¯ll surpass magic and power.

 Chapter 6: Information of elements; A Battle Showcase

    Encyclopedia # 2


    The elements are divided into three major categories. Basol: the more common elements one can gain. Medor: these elements are much more uncommon. Hedro: Rare elements that don¡¯t appear for hundreds of years. However, strength and power isn¡¯t one-hundred percent defined by what one gain. The Hedro elements may give a user the capability to do very unusual things or be useful in battles, but in the end, it¡¯s the intelligence and power that rules everything out.


    Basol: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Lightning, Shadow, Ice


    Medor: Darkness, Light, Sound, Metal, Plant/Wood


    Hedro: Space, Time, Void, Life, Death


    The main difference between an aura user and a mage are the energy a person is born with. Mages are born with mana, while aura users are with auras. Mages are considered to be the artillery or shield of an army, aura users are the tanks, assassins, assaulters, or a special Bowman. Both have their own strength and differences but without one another, an army wouldn¡¯t be able to function properly or be widdled with flaws.


    At the age of eight until twelve, children would begin to awaken their elements. However, certain research has proven that ones with stronger souls (people who mature faster/smarter/intelligent) have a higher chance to gain an element as soon as they reach of age. But it doesn¡¯t mean that they¡¯re more powerful necessarily nor will they get rare or uncommon elements.


    Mages are usually able to use spells in long range with massive area damage. This, however, depends on the element. Even if they¡¯re only able to summon two terrifying howitzer-level attacks at rank ten, it doesn¡¯t mean they are invaluable. Some high rankers can create clouds to rain over their enemies, others can produce fog in the battlefield. One must never forget that other than their ultimate attacks, there is still their massive amount of lower tiered spells, great for barrages or for a killing opportunity. It is included that mages also provides protection from enemy mages. As mages rank up, their mana pool increase as does their ability to conjure stronger or lower tiered spells. Not only that, but the strength of their element becomes more powerful. For example, a rank 10 mage''s fire element becomes hotter and last longer than those of rank 9 and below. Their body, however, is decently increased. A rank ten human would have one-half strength more than a regular human.


    Aura users are close range, with a maximum of area effect of ten meters if they, themselves, were to use aura spells. They use their auras to empower their attacks or affect their surrounding in some sort of boundary or force. Aura users provide protection for their fellow soldiers, and if one is intelligent, lead soldiers into battle. They¡¯re great for flanking or overpowering a section of the battlefield. However, even if one¡¯s strength is empowered by aura, it doesn¡¯t mean that they¡¯re physique is permanently enhanced, as they will still have the former strength of their race. For example, if you¡¯re a human at rank ten, you¡¯ll have an explosive power of one-quarter of a howitzer (unless utilizes all power into two or three attacks) for a limited time, depending on the aura pool size and usage of power. Afterwards, the rank ten aura user will return to their former physique. Also, each advancement doesn¡¯t make the body marginally stronger, but rather the more aura once gets, the stronger the attacks one can make and the longer the aurified-self lasts. Though a rank ten human would have double and a half of the strength of an average human. It is important for a soldier of any rank to think of when they¡¯ll use their empowered aura-self in a fight or battle.


    On the other hand, people with no elements are either civilians or, if they can conjure aura, they could be fighters. They could still train in the way or aura users, but it will be more difficult and less potential.


    One thing that is for a fact is that if one is surrounded by a horde of soldiers, no matter how high ranked one is, the highest outcome is death.


    In a large courtyard, a battle was ensuing. The courtyard¡¯s ground was littered with holes as smoke was escaping. There were other parts of the area covered with freezing, blue ice, while small earth pillars were erected and smashed to pieces and fragments. Four figures were within the vicinity which was me, my mother, Felisa, her attendant and Vena, my attendant. I stood at the side, watching the battle prance around in the yard.


    I¡¯m now at the age of four, and it¡¯s been two years since I had the talk with my mother about my future plans. But in those years, the only thing I was able to do was to read books or do a special exercise method that improved the body. At the moment, my strength was similar to that of an eight-year-old child as I passed the second stage. It was a boring life, other than watching my mother fight with her apprentices. Though I continued to watch, and even after two years, I¡¯m still amazed by magic.


    Vena was a genius wind and fire mage, capable of performing numerous spells at once, while her large mana source sustained them. Not only did the fire and wind provided amazing firepower, but she is able to use her elements to escape, boosting her body like a rocket. But her problem was controlling magical rockets as she is only able to travel a linear direction. On the other hand, my mother¡¯s attendant, Thelsa, controlled ice and earth aura, launching devastating spear strikes now and then. She had two spears, one about one meter and the other a half of that size. Her spear techniques were graceful but struck with ferocity. A beautiful and elegant duo, but the main source of the problem was that they¡¯re facing my mother, the general, hailed as a thousand-year-old genius. No matter how many times Vena and Thelsa coordinated, my mother was always on the upper hand. She did this while tutoring the two.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    In an instance, Thelsa was suddenly launched by a kick and lunged with the help of a tendril of darkness. She eventually collided with an escaping Vena, and both fell over on the ground, their body feeling the aching pain. But they stood up once more, wanting to try one more battle tactic. Vena nodded at Thelsa, both ready to enact their final assault. In front, about fifty meters, my mother stood motionless waiting for the continuation of the action. She controlled the elements of shadow and darkness, a fearful duo that strengthened each other. Even more marvellous was the fact she is a dual mage and aura user, born with both energies. Considering she was a rank ten, on the verge of rank eleven, my mother restricted her movement of forward, left and right, with no retreating backwards. She also lowered her strength to that of a rank five.


    Thelsa then lunged forward with full speed as soon as Vena had chanted her wind spell. However, both needed to be quick for both were running low in energy. In the earlier engagement, Thelsa conjured some stone pillars, big enough for an aura user. She utilized these stones as barricades against each attack my mother made, creating dust and small fragments drift everywhere. Also, Thelsa¡¯s previous missed attacks struck the ground, as did Vena¡¯s volleys of fireballs and arrows, creating more ground and dust fragments. This was part of their plan, and when Vena launched her rank two wind spell and it made a gust that encompassed the surrounding, and at the same time, weakening the power. It had no ability to damage any humans, but its purpose was to create a sand cover from the numerous fragments on the ground.


    With the sand cover, Thelsa sneakily went for my mother¡¯s right flank, using ice on the ground to quickly skate across. As for Vena, she launched herself forward through the sand cover, utilizing her rocket spell provided by both of her elements. She then summoned five fire arrows boosted by air, firing in an angle at my mother¡¯s left flank Vena then pulled out her sword, aiming straight for my mother¡¯s stomach. On the other hand, as soon as Thelsa reached the outside of the sand cover, she created a small ledge which used to bank off and then launched herself at my mother, spearheading straight for the neck. As she did, she formed ice and earth auras on her spears to increase the lethality.


    My mother just stood there smiling, waiting for their attack to come near her. As soon as the attacks were one meter away, in a blink of an eye, she neutralized all the attacks. Shadow tendrils, empowered by the darkness element, rendered the fire arrows useless in one swoop, while she conjured a darkness clone, parrying the incoming Vena. The darkness clone utilized its shadow sword and used the kinetic energy of Vena¡¯s sword and pushing it aside, nearly touching the hems of my mother¡¯s clothing. The clone then reached out its hands, grabbing on to Vena¡¯s neck. On the other hand, my mother parried Thelsa¡¯s attack with her battle axes. She smashed one of her axe on the side of the long spear¡¯s tip, forcing the direction downwards, along with her body. Thelsa then blocked an incoming gravity supported axe attack from above with both her spears. But she couldn¡¯t block the incoming side sweep of the second axe, so she was forced to abandoned her spears and sidestepped to her right.


    ¡°You have lost, both of you did. Although your tactics were interesting, it would only work for at most against a rank five, an inexperienced one at that. And it¡¯ll depend on their elements and if they¡¯re alone, too. Not bad.¡±


    She then dissolved her darkness clone, letting Vena fall down on the ground, heaving for air. Afterwards, she kicked the two spears back towards Thelsa who then said, ¡°General, please teach us!¡±


    ¡°Well both of your spells were good for your age and utilized unique battle strategies against a powerful opponent, but you guys are way too rigid in individual attacking plans. Thelsa, you could¡¯ve thrown your long spear at me forcing me to block and be occupied, while using your ice to skate and agilely attack with you short spear. Vena, you could''ve combined your fire arrows to make some small explosion that¡¯ll distort my clone shadow tendrils. However, in the end, it is up to you, whether you can find the errors. That¡¯ll be it for today.¡±


    Seeing my mother walking towards me, I asked, ¡°Mother, can I see a blacksmith and alchemist workshop? Of course, my reasoning is to analyze the technological status of this world.¡±


    My mother sighed, probably due to my pestering in the past few days. She didn¡¯t want me to enter these workshops because they¡¯re very dangerous and hazardous for a small child like me. And another thing was that it was unusual for royalty to enter them for if a new invention was made, it would be sent to the palace for a showcase. But my mother relented this time, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll bring you there, but you must stay with me at all times. I have a friend there who will guide us around, so don¡¯t touch anything! Thelsa, Vena, clean this area up! My son and I are going to check out the workshops.¡±


    Five minutes later¡­


    There we were. My mother and I stood in front of a large, squarish building. The roof was built with a metallic bronze colour while four chimneys were erected, puffing out blackish smoke. At the front was a large, greyish metal door with various symbols etched on the surface. There seemed to be a few windows letting light into the building, but I couldn¡¯t see anything inside. Above the door was a large, golden emblem that depicted a potion bottle and a squarish hammer. Loud sounds of banging and bubbling could be heard from within. This is it, my curiosity was reaching its peak.


    My mother sighed, probably due to my pestering in the past few days. She didn¡¯t want me to enter these workshops because they¡¯re very dangerous and hazardous for a small child like me. And another thing was that it was unusual for royalty to enter them for if a new invention was made, it would be sent to the palace for a showcase. But my mother relented this time, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll bring you there, but you must stay with me at all times. I have a friend there who will guide us around, so don¡¯t touch anything! Thelsa, Vena, clean this area up! My son and I are going to check out the workshops.¡±


    Five minutes later¡­


    There we were. My mother and I stood in front of a large, squarish building. The roof was built with a metallic bronze colour while four chimneys were erected, puffing out blackish smoke. At the front was a large, greyish metal door with various symbols etched on the surface. There seemed to be a few windows letting light into the building, but I couldn¡¯t see anything inside. Above the door was a large, golden emblem that depicted a potion bottle and a squarish hammer. Loud sounds of banging and bubbling could be heard from within. This is it, my curiosity was reaching its peak.

 Chapter 7: The Workshop and Plans for the Flintlock

    As we walked through the metallic entrance, the smell of something burning, along with heat, hit me. Some dust floated around the air while the sounds of metal hitting against metal became louder. Arranged tables were on the sides against the walls with numerous tools of sorted on top. There were also what seemed to be armour and some bottles that glowed various colours.


    An opened door was ahead of us, where we could glimpse a man working on some metal, while spells were casted to make the fire hotter. He had raven, black hair as sweat poured down on his darkish, muscled body. He wore what seemed to be a sleeveless, brown leather, but in my knowledge from the books I¡¯ve read, it came from a dangerous and precious monster called Cavanthas; a rare magical feline monster.


    We walked past the doorway and other than the man we previously saw, there were three others, one man and two women. The two women wore medieval tunics and had similar appearances; short, reddish hair, tanned skin and green eyes. They had some sort of writing utensil that was connected to two green magical cores and they were inscribing enchantments on some brand new armour made from precious metals. I think I recognize both of them from somewhere. Then I remembered they were some of my mother¡¯s friends that visited time to time. They knew that I was a special child, a genius to be exact, but my rebirth wasn¡¯t part of their knowledge.


    On the sides, the other man had oriental Asian features from back home; black hair, dark eyes, and a skin tone that seemed to be tannish yet not. He was standing in front of a metallic green cauldron where he inserted some precious ingredients that I couldn''t fully recognize. Above the cauldron, there glowed magical particles of condensed mana that lit in various different colours.


    My mother and I waited for a while before one of the women finally finished her work. My mother then called out to her, ¡°Elda, how¡¯s it been?¡±


    Wiping her hands, Elda replied, ¡°The usual, still busy working on some higher tier armoury. Sorry for not visiting your family. Ah! Isn¡¯t that Joseph? You look bigger and cuter than the last time I¡¯ve seen you!¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the compliments, madam Elda. I appreciate them,¡± I replied curtly.


    ¡°Awww, why are you speaking as if you¡¯re one of those greedy nobles? I know you¡¯re a genius, but you should be still talking like a cute, little prince! Come here and give me a hug.¡±


    A tinge of red was painted on my cheeks, while Elda hugged and kissed me, like what an aunt or grandma would do. What an embarrassing sight to be in. Thankfully, my mother saved me from any more reduction in my self-ego.


    ¡°Elda, you¡¯re making him blush. I think that¡¯s enough and we¡¯re here to check out your group¡¯s workshop. Little Joseph here is quite curious and plans to become a similar profession and wants his own workshop.¡±


    ¡°Well, of course, you can,¡± Elda delightfully shouted, ¡°Come, Joseph, what do you want to see in this shop? The potion station? The Metallurgy station? The best yet, what about the inscription station?¡±


    ¡°I would like to visit all of them, please. I need to understand each station to better comprehend my future plans as a scientist.¡±


    ¡°Sure! Looks like he ain¡¯t going to follow your footsteps, eh Felisa.¡±


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    My mother retorted, ¡°Yeah, but he still plans to be a fighter, isn¡¯t that right, Joseph?¡±


    ¡°Yes mother,¡± I answered. Although I plan to create a formidable army, in a world that still elevates and focus on individual power, it¡¯s best to for myself to become powerful. What people would follow a weak scientist into battle, even if I¡¯m the one that provided the weapons. Another reason is that if the other races found me useful or a major threat, my safety would only be assured by my strength and not just the strong people around me. It is within my plans to cultivate my future elements, and hopefully, I would be bestowed with fire and metal.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll give you guys a tour, but don¡¯t bother the others too much, okay?¡±


    ¡°Of course we won¡¯t,¡± my mother assured.


    Afterwards, Elda brought us to different stations. She provided me with some information on certain objects and tools. For example, there was a cauldron that heats up from absorbing mana or the forge that uses mana cores to run and sometimes almost reached the temperature of a twentieth-twenty or twenty-first-century furnace. With the use of these, it will be much easier to create some of the important parts of a modern gun. There were also some tools that utilize mana in a way to create parts imagined by the user, however, they¡¯re hard to use considering the creations must be detailed. Another limitation is that the substance is limited in stock.


    There were other tools in the shopthat tested mana levels or the type of mana it has. But my main concern was the storage area. In some of my readings in the library books I¡¯ve received, there were many materials that were similar to one would find on planet earth, but they had different names, of course. However, the materials that I want to find are the ones that could create the rudimentary gunpowder that the first inventors from the ancient Chinese civilization. Yet, what was more interesting is that some of these materials provide mana conductibility, which if further experimented, may provide a stronger explosion or kinetic energy for bullets. My eyes glinted at the thought.


    If I could somehow create a gun out of strengthened materials in order to accommodate magical gunpowder, the strength of the bullet impact would increase. Maybe there¡¯s a feasibility that the bullet tips could be enhanced for more penetrating power or to affect mana and aura. There¡¯s also mana crystal that provides energy, and with that energy, I could perhaps devise mana laser guns in future testings.


    What if I were to have this nation pave roads, and vehicles were created for efficient transportation, especially in terms of civilians, soldiers and goods. Mana could also be a good alternative for the fuel of the vehicles. Then another idea struck me: a tank. A magically enhanced tank created from precious metals that could counteract magic and aura attacks. The possibilities were limitless with magic involved in science and my stormed of the many experiments I could conduct.


    We eventually arrived at the storage, which had rows of shelves of various materials, I suddenly bolted, searching for materials to create my first weapon: the flintlock. I just remembered that I disregarded my mother¡¯s rule to stay with her, but hopefully, she won¡¯t punish me. I¡¯ve thought about creating a cartridge weapon based on smokeless powder, but then I realized that the feasibility was inadequate with this technological era and the small number of mages working in the production profession. The detailed parts of the guns would be hard for regular people to create and mages needed to be trained in order to do so. So, for the next few years, I devised my plan in order to create the flintlock as my opening creation while at the same time, I would research and formulate advanced techniques, while transforming some forges and workshops into factories. Developing other weapons based on mana would be good, too, especially if I¡¯m able to improve regular bullets with the use of it.


    I eventually found some materials used to create a black powder, but one of the ingredients that were missing was saltpetre, while sulphur was there along with charcoal. I wondered if there was a limestone cave or mine nearby to extract some, since some of the books I¡¯ve read about this world described many details that were comparable to that of earth, other than the magical things, of course. As my mother and Aunt found me, I quickly ran to Elda, inquiring about the existence of a limestone or saltpetre cave nearby, describing the materials with the help of my book.


    As for the flintlock mechanism, I could create a model of it using my enhanced memories as a reference along with the magical substance that creates the shape form one¡¯s imagination. If I¡¯m able to describe with detail, I¡¯m sure that fire mages would be able to make them through forging. I¡¯m not sure if I would be able to get regular civilians to mass produce them since there isn¡¯t much tech do so, but expert blacksmiths might have a chance. At most, if I¡¯m able to at least gain twenty-four of each, we should be able to produce more than a thousand by one year if the idea of an assembly line is given. Though, I¡¯m not sure If I want to mass produce them as by then, they would be obsolete once I create revolver rifles, which by then, I would¡¯ve formulated the necessary tech and methods to create in mass production.


    To my delight, she did say that there was one found near the city, where we lived, Avalon. Thinking about my first black powder creation, I used my cute, child voice against my mother to get her to extract saltpetre for me. My mother relented, saying that she is willing to send miners to get them. As for Elda, she asked why I needed these materials, but I replied that it was a secret, though she seemed really interested in it. Now, if only I could use somehow persuade my mother into creating my workshop next year, as a present for my fifth birthday¡­

 Chapter 8: A Mother’s Thought and the Sound of a Bang

    Encyclopedia #3


    The oath was a spell system created by a group of powerful organizations in the ancient and antique era. It provided the ability for an intelligent being to create an oath/promise to another, and it must be completed in terms of the set duration or if triggered. One could pledge their allegiance and others could promise to fulfill a certain action.


    It is a mandatory rule for every intelligent being to pledge their allegiance to their own race and it mustn¡¯t be a trigger or condition. Though each oath towards their race may differ and there may be loopholes. However, it is a silent rule that nobles do not pledge to other nobles for if every member of the race pledges to one, tyranny will run their nation.


    Punishments vary, depending on how serious the oath and violation. It could be as simple as getting beaten up, to accidentally eating poisoned food, and finally, the soul being tormented. Not only that, but a symbol on the forehead will appear to those that violate their oath, warning others of liability.


    One Year Later


    Felisa


    It had been a year since Felisa brought Joseph to the guild shop, but ever since then, he had become an insufferable child, who pleaded, cried and acted cute to receive his own workshop on his 5th birthday. Annoying and bratty, Felisa mused. But she loved him dearly, even if he was mentally mature, and so, she yielded and secretly built a workshop according to his schematics. However, still, what she detested the most was the fact that her son would be at the front lines of the war that would come. This fate left a disgusting taste in her mouth, but there was nothing she could do.


    She understood that Joseph being her child was a perfectly logical choice in the eyes of the guardians. He would be one of the ten sons of the king, which allows for a better screen to supply the little princeling with the needed support, especially from his mother who was a military general. A king¡¯s offspring also usually yields some amazing and scholarly minds or martially endowed bodies, which provides another layer of protection. But one main important reason is that the safest position for a reincarnator was to be blatantly in the open, yet camouflaged and discreet.


    As one of the last hope of humanity, the other races would believe that the guardians would their best to hide and protect the child until it reaches its prime. Although, it¡¯s certain there will be some skepticism where some would believe that the hero would be born within the royalty. Nonetheless, it¡¯s better to have a few bows pointed at one¡¯s area than an entire volley.


    Felisa recollected of her situation at the moment. Other than herself, only a few people knew about Joseph''s real potential, not including the king, his father. She was a bit alone in terms of politics, accruing only a few connections within some noble circles, mainly woman. She wasn¡¯t in a faction nor did she opt to be part of one. She only married the king, a person she considers as a friend, because of her noble clan, the Fortius, who had pressured her into doing so. She didn¡¯t have her strength in her earlier years, but the talent that attracted suitors to their clan. However, at the time, there was a position opened to be a royal consort, a wife to the king. King himself was intrigued by her beauty and talent, so Aiden Algorith III married her, but only to find out that their personalities could only reach to that of being best friends. It is because their personalities were a bit too similar for romance. They were both stoic in front of others, and a bit hot-blooded during fights, yet at the same time able to control their brains to form strategies. Their humour was also nearly the same, both laughing at things they understood that others didn¡¯t and during their times sad moments, they would support each other like friends whenever they had the chance. Though it was still mandatory for the consort to produce a child, therefore, she had Joseph. Aiden did feel guilty about their relationship for while he can marry and truly love another woman, Felisa couldn¡¯t.Stolen novel; please report.


    In the department of politics, her main strengths were her ranking mage power and her titles ¡®Royal Consort¡¯ and ¡®General of the seventh legion¡¯, which was composed mostly of females. Gender didn¡¯t really differentiate in this world, as a man or a woman could be the breadwinner in a family. This equality was brought by mana and aura, where the ratio of male and female becoming mages or aura users were similar in numbers. Having one side favoured wouldn¡¯t be the best political or moral move, for the other side would retaliate in one way or another. The only difference mainly in the society was that the dominant nobles or upper echelons, both male and females, were allowed to marry a number of people, in contrast to the monogamy of the commoners.


    That stupid king, she thought, can¡¯t even dare to meet his son once in a while? To his credit, however, he is under overwhelming pressure from both internal and external and is barely able to meet his other children either. The minds of intelligent lifeforms are finicky; even when faced with an impending war of survival, humans are still fighting each other politically, trying to gain any small step above from their rivals and enemies. The king needed to travel numerous times to different locations in order to ensure the survival of the human race.


    It had been twenty days since her son¡¯s birthday, in which she had finally gifted the laboratory that he desperately begged for. The main thing that contributed to her consent in the building the lab early was Joseph¡¯s success in his cultivation method. Successfully cultivating the entire method provided Joseph with the strength of a twelve-year-old commoner. Though this method provides a great foundation for the body of a warrior or mage, the strength boost would later be negligible further down the road of power.


    So, Felisa thought it was fine for her young prince to do some of his experiments with the strength he had, but he was to be watched by two, ranked one, servants who had taken oaths to protect him. At the moment, Vena was a bit busy as she was sent on missions, along with Thelsa, in order to sharpen their battle experience. It was also to improve the relationship and ease the tension between the two because Felissa felt that Thelsa was a bit jealous of Vena¡¯s talent. Considering that they were both of the same ranks but one is three years older, it wasn¡¯t surprising for Thelsa to be jealous and felt some rivalry. But it that rivalry forms into something else, problems may rise. Hopefully, this stone will kill two birds rather than two geniuses.


    Felisa disrupted her thoughts and continued to walk along a gravel path within her military compound embedded on Mount Trekus, a mountain fifty kilometres Southeast of the capital city, Thes. She was headed straight for her son¡¯s laboratory which was located inside a cave near the center and camouflaged as an armoury. Standing in front of the entrance were two female soldiers at rank three, guarding with stern faces. She approached them, ¡°Has there been anything of importance to report?¡±


    ¡°No, sir, there hasn¡¯t been any. The young prince has been inside of the lab for nearly the entire day, only either sending his servants or himself to get the food that has been delivered during meal hours.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Alright, I¡¯ll proceed to enter.¡±


    ¡°Yes, my lady.¡±


    That little brat. Doesn¡¯t come out and stay inside like a hermit. If this continues, nevermind getting a girl, he wouldn¡¯t be able to socialize or communicate well with the others if he¡¯s going to be a leader. Felisa considered being stricter by forcing out her child to hang out with the other children in the camp, even if they¡¯re only female. Or at least talk with the soldiers nearby to get a better understanding of the military and the world. Common sense and the understanding of our society will be very important, she thought, and if he hung out with the children, he might gain some understanding of the others. Or there may be some potential romance. From some snippets in what he said about his past, he didn¡¯t really have a loved one.


    She opened a metallic door and went in with a warm smile plastered on her face. But as she went down a small hallway, she heard a loud bang that echoed throughout the rooms within the lab. Startled and concerned, she rushed forward, using all of her power, reaching the location of the sound.


    There, she found herself at her son¡¯s main working area and she busted through the doors to find two servants on the floor, tied and shivering in fear. She turned her worried eyes around the room, looking through the messy tables full of materials to find Joseph. And when she did, she saw Joseph standing near a table with his hands on a lever pushing down. In front of him were some metal shields and a reinforced glass that seemed to protect from what she assumed a staff with smoke coming out from the front. The smoking tip was aiming at an armour stand which had some armour.


    Her eyes widened at the sight. The stand carried an armour with mid-level inscriptions usually used by rank fours and fives, but she could see a small hole in the middle of the breast platings which something had penetrated. What was that loud sound, she pondered, and what caused this hole? That staff?


    Unsure, she wanted to ask her son, but her motherly concern and worry returned, however, Joseph stood still, his hand still on the lever. His face was stuck in a scared and frightened state, while his eyes showed fear and guilt¡­

 Chapter 9: Explosions, Algorithian gun, Flashbacks

    Prior to the Firing Experiment


    Joseph


    I was preparing the materials I needed to craft the most basic and rudimentary gunpowder. I¡¯ve ordered my servants, Tellon and Kall, to take some of the sulphur and charcoal hand it over to my station, but their eyes seemed nervous while their hands trembled from terror.


    Oops.


    I may or may not have frightened them with some explosion the other day while experimenting with the same materials they had in their hands. Afterwards, they repeatedly showed hesitation in proceeding in with the experiment as they¡¯ve tried to dissuade me. It didn¡¯t work but their repeated actions of dissuasion bothered me while their mumbling for mercy irritated my mind. And now, they¡¯re afraid of touching the substances they¡¯re handing, but they regardlessly kept handing them towards me.


    A few moments later¡­


    Let¡¯s just say that having a lit candle nearby the powder wasn¡¯t a great idea, I thought. But I blame Tellon and Kall. Their fault, not mine.


    An hour ago, I ran out of magic crystals to power the light system within the lab, and I¡¯ve ordered other servants to arrange some for me, but they haven¡¯t returned yet. And so, I opted to put a lit candle to continue my work. However, I was frustrated by the lack of tools to create the needed flintlock parts for the musket, and I was building them on the left side of my table. To the right was a candle and further down the table was a good amount of gunpowder. Ahem, I also blame my infant mind, which my body and my souls devolution to its infancy had created a child mentality with the knowledge of advanced technology. Not a great combo. Add more frustration from Tellon¡¯s and Kall¡¯s vexatious mumbling and pleading to the mix, I exploded as any annoyed scientists would.


    ¡°Would you mind stopping your mumbling?!¡±


    With my exclamation, I swung my arms for more demonstration of my irritation and annoyance but¡­ I whacked the nearby candle¡­ towards the powder¡­ and the candle slowly rolled to the substance¡­


    ¡°Fuck! Get down!¡±


    Startled by my warning, the two servants quickly followed suit in my actions, diving and ducking under a table far from my station. We waited for the explosion but it didn¡¯t occur. Looking at the servants I gave them the coast is clear, so we started to stand up.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Hey, I think that was a false alar-¡±


    Boom!


    And that, my friend, is where you can imagine a midget scientist and two scared, grown men screaming soprano, like girls, squatting down on the floor with hands on the ear. Though I was relieved to see that my work wasn¡¯t too harmed from the explosion and was salvageable. But I need to seriously shut these servants¡¯ mouths as they¡¯re getting to me. And I crafted just the perfect plan. I just need some rope and two makeshift gags. Hopefully, no one thinks I¡¯m sadistic¡­ or into BDSM.


    The next day¡­


    Okay, I just put some sleeping potions inside the servants¡¯ drinks and it seemed it was working since Tellon and Kall were slowly moving around dizzily with their eyes half-closed. Then, they slumped on the floor and were knocked out, while I proceeded to tie up their bodies and placed gags in their mouths. Trust me, it wasn¡¯t easy, especially when disturbing thoughts kept occurring within my mind.


    Am I a dominant or into men? Nah, I shrugged off the thought and continued my work on the first prototype of my musket.


    As for the flintlock mechanism, I could create a model of it using my memories as a reference along with the magical substance that produces the shape from one¡¯s imagination. If I¡¯m able to describe with detail on the book, I¡¯m sure that fire mages would be able to make them through forging. I¡¯m not sure if I would be able to get regular civilians to mass produce them since there isn¡¯t much tech do so, but expert blacksmiths might have a chance. At most, if I¡¯m able to gain some mages to provide support, we should be able to produce more than a thousand in one year, given that the idea of an assembly line was revolutionized. However, my recent research for a more advance firing mechanism isn''t as fruitful, as I''m missing memories and information. This might mean I would have to mass produce this basic flintlock mechanism. Hopefully later, in the long run, I would be able to formulate the necessary tech and methods to build a more advance firing mechanism as this one is barely efficient to be used in fantasy infested reality.


    And there I was, staring at my creation before I placed it on a holding aiming at an armour on a stand. The armour was made of iron and was designed for strength-type aura users; it was heavy and created for utmost protection. This type of armour was usually used rank four and fives, but it wasn¡¯t the materials that made it so. It was the inscriptions, that rose defensive powers, engraved on the armour that made it valuable. I understood from certain books that inscriptions that strengthened defence didn¡¯t produce shield by using their user¡¯s energy, but it rather strengthened the material it was engraved on. In basic words, it made the iron armour stronger.


    As for the reason why iron was chosen by the military, it was because other than the fact that the material was easily produced, the material itself could hold a few regular attacks, except special attacks, from a power enhanced rank six strength aura user (meaning they used their aura to transform their body and abilities for a short duration. Though it may leave some trauma from the kinetic energy passed. If the inscriptions were used, the armour could defend against an enhanced special attack from a weak rank six aura user. As for duelling against similar ranks, it will take skill and great energy management to be victorious.


    I took some metallic shield platings and magically enhanced glass and placed them in front of me in order to protect myself from an explosion caused by the prototype musket. Just to be safe. Then I tied some wires to the trigger of the musket, which was attached to a lever that I would pull for the flintlock to work its mechanism.


    Yet, before I pulled the lever, I saw something within the armour. It was a corpse, a female body that I¡¯ve seen before. The eyes were diluted and were lifeless, while the arms sagged by her side. There was blood coming out from her mouth and radiation scars can be seen all over her face. It frightened me into standing there motionless before my arm had accidentally pushed the lever. It felt like I was there again and it was a memory that I didn¡¯t want to remember.


    The last thing that I saw before I faded into to darkness was my mother¡¯s worried face in front of mine¡­

 Chapter 10: Flashbacks, Consoling, A Foreboding Future

    "Fear will not consume me for I shall use my fear to fuel my ambition: to reform the world."


    - Joseph Algorith


    Flash Back


    I stood in a desolate city. Other than the small breeze passing by, everything else was quiet. The sidewalks were empty of life and what resided instead were ¡®bags.¡¯ The buildings in the surrounding were in great shape other than the few destructions caused by hover vehicle failures that had occurred a few hours ago. The sky was as blue as it could be, without any clouds blocking the ever bright light. It was too quiet.


    I walked near the ¡®bags¡¯ on the sidewalk, but it horrified me for what I saw. It was a woman that had fallen, wearing casual clothes with some bags near her. Feeling the need to help, I immediately rushed to her, turning her body over with her face up. But what I saw was a faced mangled and scarred by wound inflictions I¡¯ve seen before ¡ª radiation scars. The wounds were repugnant to the eye as I was left aghast at what just happened.


    Terrified, I let her go suddenly, making her body create a ¡®thud¡¯ sound. I looked around the sidewalk and fear and revulsion was rising through my stomach. I wanted to barf in a corner and cover myself blanket while shivering as I noticed more people laying on the ground affected by what had happened to the woman beforehand. Their wounds were similar to that of the woman''s.


    And it¡¯s all my fault, I thought. These were my doings. Though it wasn¡¯t direct, with one of my new inventions, I gave the government a new toy to play around with and utilize. It wasn¡¯t supposed to be like this. The ¡®toy¡¯ that I created was initially a medicine meant to provide a cure for certain diseases, looking for the harmful invaders within the human body and destroy them using radiation. But instead, the government turned the drug to seek humans as enemies.


    I felt a massive guilt rush through my brain. All of this needed to stop. I didn¡¯t want to create any more weapons. I didn¡¯t want more to die from my creations. It felt agonizing to realize that I used to love the word "weapon" and praised it for man''s massive leap of advancement. All it did was give the man the ability to massacre their fellow beings in the pursuit of personal benefit. Even innocent products were turned to death toys.


    ¡°You-you d-did this to usss!¡±


    My body was fear-stricken from the accusation before I turned around looking for the perpetrator that said this. My eyes and mouths, however, were wide open from what I saw. Zombies-or at least what I thought they were. The woman that I held before was slowly rising, and it¡¯s body barely having the ability to raise its body. Then the others, too, slowly rose from the ground. And they gradually shuffled towards me.


    ¡°You-you d-did this to usss!¡±


    My body was fear-stricken from the accusation before I turned around looking for the perpetrator that said this. My eyes and mouths, however, were wide open from what I saw. Zombies-or at least what I thought they were. The woman that I held before was slowly rising, and it¡¯s body barely having the ability to raise its body. Then the others, too, slowly rose from the ground. And they gradually shuffled towards me.


    Ignoring my plea, they marched on and eventually started to cover me. Their scarred hands were covering my face, simulating a drowning sensation.


    ¡°Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡­!¡±


    End of Flashback


    Confused and terrified, I got up quickly from the bed, huffing heavily and sweating all over. My hands and body were shivering all over, and I could do nothing to stop myself. The scene frightened me, and I was hesitant confused about what I should do. I had enough; I didn''t want to create weapons nor anything that could similarly be utilized as one. All they do was harm and create suffering for all beings.


    Without any notice, suddenly I was hugged by arms bigger than mine. My face was plunged deep into a pair of soft mountains. It was my mother. Her warmth calmed my body and at the same time gave the feeling of safety and serenity. My heavy breathing slowed down significantly as I refocused my teary eyes on her face.


    ¡°Mother¡­ I want to tell you something.¡±


    I retold her what I''ve seen in my dreams and explained the backstory behind. More tears slipped down my face while continued my story. I felt like I was delivering testimony to a judge and the jury, and they would give out my guilty sentence. My mother''s facial expressions transformed into various emotions; astonishment, worry, fear and sadness. At first, I was terrified that she would be disgusted by the fact I''m a monster who was behind a massacre of a planet. But these thoughts were for nought as she hugged me tighter, whispering calming words.


    "Joseph, it will be okay. That''s the past, and you don''t have to dwell there anymore."This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Mother, I just can''t forget it. It keeps coming back, and all their faces enshroud my vision. I just can''t, I-"


    "Stop!"


    My mother looked at me sternly before it melted into a worried and serene face.


    "It''s not your fault, Joseph. You may have created the medicine, but it wasn''t you who had weaponized the drug. Your initial intention was to help the sick, not harm; it was the government who had done it. You bear little fault within the incident."


    I emphasized the word ''little'' in my mind. It still meant that I was still accountable for the event in her thoughts.


    "Joseph, you know that our nation is in deep trouble. We still need you to help us, but I will understand that if you want to stop making weapons, I would always love and protect you. But I will tell you this. Although your past government used your invention for murder, we will use them for protection."


    "But I still believe that murdering is wrong. Couldn''t we plead for mercy?"


    I know what I''ve said was dumb, naive and idiotic that was purely ideal and not realistic. But I had to at least try in asking this trivial question. Maybe there will be an alternative option.


    "Let me ask you something, son. I wouldn''t say killing is okay nor will it be right, whether the intention is for good. However, if somebody were to kill innocent people or enact evil on others and oneself, wouldn''t it be more wrong to be a bystander than eliminate the evil person before an incident happens? What I''m trying to say about this is that if we don''t fight and kill our enemies, they will murder the innocent people within our nation."


    I let her words sink in. I understood the concept of what she said; however, the action of killing still affected my morals albeit lesser after her explanation. I thought about this notion before, back at my original universe, yet I still needed someone to at least suggest it to me, as I''m afraid what I think was wrong. Call it insecure, if you ask me. Nevertheless, something bugged me.


    "Mother, what would happen if our country was to conquer one of the other nations?"


    My mothers face turned serious yet contorted into one of grief. She knew my concern. What will our people do?


    My mother spoke in sorrow, "I''m sorry to say, son, but our nation is plagued by discrimination of other races. The outcome will either be slavery or extermination. Though I and some of the others believe it''s wrong, the general population isn''t educated and are fueled by nationalism or manipulated by certain groups."


    I wasn''t surprised. Even the humans back home weren''t united. Rather, it would be surprising if a world filled with various races defined by different physical and biological characteristics was to be united.


    Even if I don''t want to be part of this war, it is inevitable I would be dragged into it. My summoning''s purpose was to wage war in the first place. I need to stop thinking naive and steel my emotions. These wars need to stop for everything shall always end in despair and continue in a cycle.


    Though I''m still skeptical and unsure, I will use this moment to build myself slowly. Fear will not consume me for I shall use my fear to fuel my ambition: to reform the world.


    At the same time, at the city of Thes in the Thesol castle throne room...


    The room consisted of various designs and decorations all meant to express wealth and power. A red carpet donned the floor that led from a metal arch-door to a throne. Currently, seven people occupied the room. Four guards of both female and male stayed near the throne as two stood near the metal door. The guards wore armour made of mithril, a sturdy metal better than iron that provides better mana and aura conductibility. The inscriptions on the material were very detailed and prepared for those in rank 9.


    On the throne laden with gold and jewels, there sat a man. His face consisted of golden hair and his eyes radiated of metallic gold. He had high cheekbones, and short-hair styled elegantly. If scrutinized, one could find similarities of Joseph''s facial features to the man. He is Aidan Algorith.


    At the moment, Aidan was studying a parchment that was recently given by his attendant, Luke. The parchment contained details of territorial disputes between two Earls within the southern borders near the beastkin mountain barrier.


    "Stupid idiots," he humbles as he sighed out of tiredness; Humans were still fighting each other when the destruction of the nation was nigh.


    Recently, or all the time, he had been complaining and confused about the Dark Elven and Orkan races'' motive and hostility. It made no sense at all, he thought. For the past years, all races were amicable and on friendly terms, while trading with each other bloomed (there was still trade between nations but at a smaller scale). Suddenly, fifty years ago, they turned hostile and were able to convince their counterparts, the elves and beastkin, to not war with them until they''ve conquered the human race.


    Maybe they are being manipulated by someone or the demons? Or what if something is pressuring them to attack? Whatever it is, it isn''t good, Aidan thought.


    Knock. Knock.


    The tapping of the metallic doors 5 meters in front of him disrupted his train of thoughts.


    "Come in," Aidan said, feeling annoyed about being disturbed.


    The guards immediately opened the door, and the person that came in was his assistant, Luke. Luke had a lean and lanky body, and his face was normal and average. Nothing significant was worth mentioning about him if one were to take a glance. But his efficiency in his work made him an incredible asset to Aidan.


    "What''s the news?"


    The servant knelt in obedience. "Sire, I bring terrible news regarding about the Forbidden Lake and Abysmal Pit."


    Aidan''s eyebrows arched in concern. "And what are they?"


    "My king, our nation''s hero, Lord Jeremy Squires, had discovered obscure and massive movements of monsters near the two forbidden zones. They seem to attack less and move in larger groups for protection. He requests to station at least five-hundred thousand soldiers, one hundred rank-ten mages and one hundred rank-ten aura users to each zone."


    A magical beast Surge! The monster lords are rising, and at such unfortunate times, too, Aidan thought.


    "Prepare what Jeremy had asked. Start conscripting more soldiers, even if they''re not rank one."


    "Yes, sire. Also, queen consort Felisa has started to conscript, too. Mainly children who are orphans, however."


    Aidan wasn''t surprised as he had heard of this piece of this news before from another messenger that she intended to campaign recruitment. He still felt some guilt towards her even if she repeatedly had forgiven him about their circumstance.


    "Spare what money we could from the treasury and support her campaign at the same time."


    "Of course, sire."


    Luke scurried away to prepare the needed documents and resources, leaving Aidan the six guards. Aidan used one hand to massage his head and thought, how are we going to survive?

 Chapter 11: Siblings, Recruitment

    Malburrey was a notable and bustling city one hundred miles southwest of Thes, the capital. The surroundings consist of plains used for farming various plants that yielded food and materials for products. There were forests a kilometre away, acting as the source for wood while a river flows nearby, bringing the necessity of water. Due to its centralized position at its location, the city generated an exceptional economy and market for the many merchants stopping by before heading to the capital city.


    Though the city earned great wealth, it was only prosperous for the nobles, the strong professions and merchants. As for the middle class, they worked as regular adventurers or provided their trade skills as service. However, the poorer sections were usually the most populated and located outside of the city, which where most evil acts and deaths happened. It was very dangerous, especially during nights when beasts attack. The poor residents weren''t able to do much but band together against the terrible monsters and stay near the walls; after all, it was much better than living in the middle of nowhere.


    The denizens pleaded to the nobles repeatedly to add more magical walls for better safety and generate more jobs within them. The nobles and officials replied before, but declared there wasn''t "enough money," and it was only feasible "five years later." They announced that ten years ago.


    Occasionally, guards would patrol the poor districts to keep them "safe" during the day, but never the nights. Nevertheless, their real intentions were to "ask for protection fees and taxes" from the residents. As how much the hatred runs deep, the people were powerless and could only concede.


    At the northern parts outside of the wall was District Nine. In an alley two blocks away from the nearest adventures guild and pub, a brawl was occurring between five people consisting of three females and two males. The three females were of course much powerful and a larger group than the two, and so they empowered the men.


    Minutes later, one could see some clothes, weapons and scraps of food one of the men was eating on the sides. After dominating the two guys, they forced them to strip from the waist-below, a similar action that had occurred numerous times for both genders in District Nine; the women were going to rape the men. It''s a testimony of how genders paid no importance of good or bad, but rather, introduced equality that another civilization in a different world had tried to achieve and couldn''t in its earlier years. In the end, only strength within this world will keep one safe.


    Further down the alley, hidden in the shadows was a small and lean boy. His clothes were ragged with numerous holes and cuts. Dirt and unpleasant grime covered his face and body; he hasn''t taken a bath in a while. This person was Mark, an orphan of the slums. He was weak, but his intelligence and street smarts made up for it. However, desperate times called for desperate moments.


    Mark knew that staying nearby wasn''t a great idea, for if caught, the women might''ve done something if they had inspected his face. Or even slavery could be his ending. He had to cover his face because of one reason: he was cute and a candidate to add another handsome person to the population. Under the filth were beautiful blue eyes, fair skin and golden locks. If he took a few baths, some haircuts, ate till full and wore decent clothes, women would flock to him and enact force or seduction.


    Still, he stayed. Mark waited and carefully watched them do the deed. It wasn''t because Mark was lustful, but something else had interested him: the bag with the food scraps. Not only was he hungry, but his younger brother and sister were, too. If he hadn''t lingered, others could''ve come in quickly and taken them; he couldn''t let that happen.


    After the women had left, Mark immediately enacted his plans. He quietly rushed forward at his primary objective, the food. If possible, grab the two cheap daggers for reselling. However, not far away, he could hear sounds of feet nearing the location ¡ª other scavengers.


    Hurrying, Mark utilized all he could, swiftly picking up the bag and one dagger nearby. He wasn''t able to grab the other as it was far away. He again raced down the alley where he came from, where a small broken hole on the poorly made brick wall.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    "Stop!"


    He heard a gruff, adult voice but Mark didn''t turn his face and feared that he might be identified. When he reached the hole, he listened to the patters of steps behind him getting louder by the second. He hurriedly threw the bag past the hole and quickly ducked through the opening, using his legs to propel his body forward repeatedly.


    He felt fingers barely scraping one of his foot before he slid past the wall. He took his prizes and ran while using his sensitive ears to hear the whisper-shouts of two men scarcely.


    "Dammit! The brat got away!"


    "Do you fucking think I didn''t see what happened? You don''t have to say something that I can see, you fucktard! Now get the other stuff and search through the bodies..."


    Eventually, Mark ran out of the hearing range and understood that they wouldn''t be following or searching for him, but he had to make sure. So, he weaved through the miserable maze full of delipidated houses and sorrowful people of District Nine, making numerous turns to shake off any possible pursuers, eventually reaching his destination. An old shack that fitted well in its surroundings. Nothing was of importance to take note.


    Looking once more to his surrounding, Mark could see the dirty and disgusting buildings and a few people sleeping on the floor. The sun was slowly setting in as darkness was taking over. He then entered the shack and met a sharp sword ready to cut his neck.


    "Wow, there. Wouldn''t want to kill your older brother, would ya?"


    "Brother!"


    Another boy around seven years old hugged Mark. His face was full of tears and snot was leaving his nose; he was crying. His name was Theo, Mark''s self-claimed adopted brother. he had brownish, unkempt hair and greenish eyes. His face had some chubbiness to it, but cute at the same time. A fine looking man would be in his place when he grows up.


    Theo quickly looked up, his voice sobbing, "Brother, sis isn''t getting better. She is becoming weaker!"


    Mark''s face paled, his worry shooting through the roof and he instantly grabbed Theo''s hand and ran to where their sister. Their sister''s name was Bella, five years old, and she had similar facial features to that of Theo, clearly siblings. Except, she had reddish hair, and her eyes were a lighter shade of green ¡ª a future beauty.


    "Here, Bel, have this," Mark pulled out the bag with the food and he identified it as a half-eaten meat bun with a bit of warmth left in it. As disgusting and embarrassing it was to eat another''s scrap, it was better than eating the stuff in the garbage. One time, he thought that he found (tasted a little) some soup in a broken bowl, but it was puke. Later on, he barfed nonstop, even gorging out his stomach acid.


    Theo supported Bella''s head with his arms to help her eat the meat bun. Her face was flushed and sweating as her eyes slowly opened, but was too tired and dizzy to focus. She opened her mouth to take in the food.


    Now, why would three seemingly handsome and beautiful kids be left in the streets? Well, they were once noble, bastards to be exact. Mark was a bastard in one of a male''s harem. The noble found out one of his harem member''s affair that resulted in Mark being born, and he punished her before throwing Mark into the slums. On the other hand, the siblings had a similar story but a different setting. The two were children of a man that was part of a woman''s harem ¡ª same outcome.


    After Bella finished eating her food, she dozed off to rest her aching head. Following that, Mark and Theo continued a conversation they recently had yesterday.


    "Theo, I think we should do the recruitment, all three of us. This isn''t fine anymore. Bel''s headaches are getting worse, and we can''t do anything about it."


    Theo looked ferocious, "But they''re nobles, for crying out loud. Why would they be recruiting children that haven''t even gained their elements? It''s not like there is a high chance that we would be getting our elements until age twelve. Nobles are people who would only do things for their benefit or if it is something that affects their reputation!"


    "Yeah, but it''s better than what we''ve got! Bella is slowly dying whether you like it or not! At least we won''t regret it, and we can say that we''ve done all we could to save her! Plus, rumours say that General Felisa is leading this recruitment."


    "Who the fuck cares," screamed Theo, " They''re all nobles and they-"


    "Yes, they''re nobles, but so what? It could be a way to save Bella! Either way, we would still be dying, but do you want your end in this shithole or at least die trying to get a better life?"


    Mark gently kneeled and looked at Theo''s face whose anger was slowly fading. Tears were falling down his face.


    "Please. For your, mine and Bella''s sake. Let''s just do it."


    Theo stood frozen, then lifted Mark and hugged him and agreed. He didn''t want his sister to suffer anymore.


    "Fine, but if we''re tricked and duped, I''ll blame and haunt you."

 Chapter 12: Improvement of the soul, decision to mass produce flintlock

    Encyclopedia #4


    The adventurers guild is just an association of numerous influential organizations that spans all over the continent. The guild''s buildings and pubs are meant to act as an information hub for various adventurers from different organizations to group up, and military personnel of different national armies.


    The adventure''s guild was am association beneficial to everyone, and numerous influential organizations support it, so rarely did anyone challenge it.


    Other than that, wealthy people, companies, or merchants would regularly post quests or subjugations in different areas for a high price, of course. The militaries usually take large subjugations for practice and to gain military funds form the rich who had assigned(to lessen the pressure on the national treasury). And, they could sell the materials and carcass from dead monsters to wealthy merchants, alchemists, blacksmiths, enchanters, etc.


    But the military typically gains more talents as their talent hunt is on a much larger scale and are less exclusive than the ones by organizations. Not only that but the lure of receiving a fiefdom or noble title is quite enticing to hot-blooded youths.


    On the other hand, organizations are like freelancers or mercenaries, in other words. They have powerful elites and usually fights for the highest bidder, though there are exceptions.


    Joseph POV


    I was in my lab utilizing the soul method I''ve brought with me. Other than that, I''ve been recently looking through some records containing information about fire mages and metal aura users. In some research I''ve done, I''ve concluded that it would be efficient for fire mages to help in manufacturing the metals for the flintlock or any future weaponry. But for the fine details in designing and creating the parts, it would be best to leave it for metal aurers (aura users) and their precision, since their specialty is accurately striking one thing at a time.


    However, a problem has occurred to me: most mages and aurers, if not all, are militarized or battle endowed. Nations drilled war and fighting into the minds of aurers and mages with elements. On the other hand, people with no elements are either civilians or, if they can conjure aura, they could be fighters in an army or an organization (mana needs at least one element). But they are usually marginally weaker in terms of war, strength, ranking potential. Still, most without elements but can be warriors have chosen the adventurer or military route, given the fact that both give out numerous incentives for people to join.


    The main reason for this recruiting campaign is that the mind of an adult is hard to change; to break this mentality, it would be better to provide education to children at an earlier stage. Eventually, they could help support my research in creating more weapons or they could learn the usage of future weaponry. After all, an army needs to be intelligent in both mind and weapon. It would be a plus if I could also start schools to improve the education of the nation. Brilliant ideas of science and magic combined could further strengthen the infrastructure and economy, for solely military can only do so much for the benefit of the country.


    Also, another reason to recruit younger children is to not conflict with the military''s recruiting campaign pre-teens at the age of twelve (they would have already passed the elemental phase when people may or may not have received their elements). However, our campaign is much more liable to weaker talents as it isn''t one-hundred percent that each child we recruit will have an element or can even manipulate aura at the bare minimum. But I''ll prove to everyone that anyone, whether they can manipulate energy or not, can be useful and are valuable.


    I''ve told my mother that the drafting should be limited to one-thousand children, as too much could cause problems in both cost and or the organization of large numbers would be too difficult. I''ve also decided to talk in batches of a hundred for more accessible communications. These children would eventually doubt or question my intentions, and I would have to dispel them, but it wouldn''t be suitable to have too many people argue at the same time.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Another thing I''v planned was to give them options of either joining my army or plan to work with me in research, work, and or assembly of weapons, though both options would still include education; education would, however, vary in each option. But I think that many would join the former because the latter sounded more skeptical and is akin to being manual labourers. And I also chose to provide more incentives and benefits of the military option as this field of work is significantly more dangerous.


    ''All this thinking hurts,'' I thought. I should probably educate some of the older children to form a department for human resources to reduce my responsibility. And I think it is eventual for the need to start making civil tools to generate money and improve living standards; a business department is essential. Hmm... for now, I should teach some of the more willing soldiers in the ways of the guns, and they could pass that down to the youths.


    Suddenly, I felt a breakthrough within my soul, and it was my first one in my entire existence; it wasn''t possible in my other universe because it was too late for my age at the time. My soul was growing more prominent, more significant than that of a twelve-year-old. There was a door-like entrance within my soul that weakened. I felt that as soon as I reach the age of eight (the start of the period when everyone would potentially gain an element or gain the ability to manipulate energy), it would unlock and let in either aura or mana inside. As for elements, there might be a higher probability I''ll receive at least one, but there is a chance I might not gain one at all. Not only that, but I think with this improvement, I would be able to contain are a more considerable amount of energy. It''s like my soul is a container of water, but this growth of my soul is like an upgrade from a cup to the size of one and a half.


    Then, out of nowhere, my mind was filled with more knowledge that was locked and hidden before as my soul was too young. And so, I only had relevant information of the early 17th century. This is another reason why my research for higher grades of firing mechanism hasn''t been developing much. I''m missing too much information, such as the table of elements to create other specific solutions, like smokeless gunpowder. And manufacturing methods of weapon parts, such as the reloading mechanism of a carbine wasn''t feasible yet. I could deduct the creation of these products, but with the limited technology, it hampers my experiments. Another obstacle is that mass producing items isn''t my forte, and having the information I''ve read in my last life would be very helpful.


    Now, I''m forced to mass produce the flintlock as one of the essential and relevant knowledge I received from my soul improvement is the method of mass production; my memories only expanded to information of late 17th century.


    If possible, I might be able to convince older mages and aurers to help me in developing this large-scale production system. Why older ones? It is because advancing ranks become much more difficult. The younger the person is, the more they focus on meditating or becoming more powerful as a mage or aurer. Those who are older begin to lose hope in advancing, and they tend to focus on other things in life. If given enough incentives, it might work.


    Oh yeah, I had to give Tellon and Kall a small vacation because of some... incident that had happened, for lack of better words. Now they probably think I''m into BDSM. Or a maniac that might kill them with explosions. And they may or may have not repeatedly complained to my mother. But damn to them! What I''m researching is essential and something that would save their and the nation''s asses. ...why am I thinking something wrong with the word "asses"? It certainly does not have anything to do with BDSM. Nope.


    Suddenly, someone barged through my lab''s door; It was my mother. As she came in, her disturbance broke my thought, but I wasn''t annoyed. Instead, I got up and ran to her and hugged her. Recently, I''ve been doing this activity because it gives me calm in life. Being in my mother''s arms provided a sense of safety and serenity in this world of suffering. You can call me a mama''s boy, but I don''t care. It''s what keeps me sane.


    It''s like it filled the void I had during my first few years of scientific research in my past universe; she has become my mother that I desperately needed to cope with what was happening.


    I looked at her face, and I noticed my mother''s happiness with her bright and beautiful smile, so something good must''ve happened. And I was right.


    "Joseph, I''ve got some good news for you."


    "What is it?"


    "Well, our campaign doing well, especially with some support from your father. We already have more than one hundred recruits."


    "Thanks, mother," I replied with a smile.

 Chapter 13: Oaths, Marks Curiosity

    Joseph POV


    I was pacing back and forth in my lab, putting the effort in memorizing my speech meant for the meeting later in the afternoon. Some may think it''s stupid to do so much for a bunch of little kids and they would care for naught, but it was in my better judgment to understand that a blunder may affect my future image and reputation. I was totally not nervous. Nope, nada. It''s totally not like it''s my first speech in front of an audience of more than one-hundred people with a short attention span... okay, to tell the truth, it''s my first time doing it... Why am I so dirty minded?


    "... Today, I will give you... no, no! that''ll make me sound like I''m bossy or something."


    "... Would you people like to join my army... no, no, that sounds too casual. I''ll still need to act like a general of some sort."


    I checked the wooden clock on the wall to my right. The clock invention surprised and amazed my mother and her people. To them, it was a tool great for military use in terms of keeping a schedule. It was a pretty basic invention, easy to create, but in turn, the power source was a problem until I was able to use magic stones, albeit it used the energy inefficiently. The significant difference in the setups was that there are thirteen numbers to accommodate for twenty-six hours rather than twelve.


    "Shit! 12:30!"


    At that moment, I realized that I fucked up. It''s like the time when my friends in high school would finish all of their homework, presentations, and projects the day before it''s deadline but realizes that there wasn''t enough time. I should''ve practiced the other day. Oh well, the best word that most last-day-students like is "Improvise"; I''ll have to do just that.


    Just as I was about to get my flintlock proto-type, I heard a knocking.


    "I''m coming!" I face smacked myself in my mind. Why did I say something like that?


    I quickly grabbed two bags that contained gun powder and metal balls, along with the flintlock, then I ran to the door and opened it.


    In my sight was one of my mother''s guards, Sasha. She was kneeling, and she had black hair and greenish eyes, as she wore a serious face. She dressed up with an inscribed Maranite armour, fit for rank nines. However, she is only rank 8; she is an exception. The armour is expensive yet strong.


    "My lord, the crowd is gathering for your speech. The preparations have taken cared of. The guards have already committed an oath to not speak of your technology, as did the children that are entering the building within our camp. The silencing stones have been placed, too."


    "Thank you, Sasha. Have you healed and fed the children before the travel to our camp?"


    "Of course we have, my lord."


    "Good. It should have at least brought some good first impressions or even bring some favourable thoughts of us. Let''s go."


    I put my arms behind my back as I clasped both my hands together. I felt like a boss.


    But, in reality, my hands were sweating from the anxiety and the nerve-wracking situation. And I probably look stupid with how I''m walking. The scene was a small child acting like a boss. Many would think I''m spoiled or awkward. Or maybe people would call me that word from the Japanese language. What was it again? It started with the letter "C"...


    As for how these personal soldiers know of my genius intelligence? It is because of an oath that was placed on them. And we had to use expensive magical materials to concoct some "Oath Verifiers" which if the gel was to be spread on the forehead of the oath taker, a small, black marking would appear. It was to have at least the basic assurance that my mother''s soldiers won''t rat me out to enemies.


    Another good thing about my father''s support is that we had enough money from my father''s support to verify eight hundred of the thousand children and will be able to single out as many possible spies. Mind you that cost us three hundred thousand gold coins! But even if there is this solution to spies, there is in no way to utilize it as a formal method for soldiers to enter the army because of three main cons: the cost (self-explanatory), concealing artifacts, and potential distrust. Concealing artifacts could put pretense of markings and are hard to differentiate between the real and fake.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Most concealing artifacts that I''ve read are physical and outside of the body, but I believe that there are ones that could be put inside the body or there could be artifacts created by a high alchemist or enchanter that isn''t even on this material world. And to see whether a person has an artifact or not wouldn''t be ideal because undressing over ten-thousand soldiers in one legion would be impractical. Not only that, but people, and the strong ones at that, may feel offended or harbour distrust... that wouldn''t be good.


    One more significant thing about taking oaths are the intentions behind them. They must be genuine and sincere, or they will fail.


    Mark


    Mark and his siblings were riding a carriage. Other than them, there were nine children similar to their age fidgeting, looking around, or appearing to be anxious; there were five girls and four boys. Mark carefully looked at each other without them noticing, or so he thinks. He eyed them warily and made sure that his siblings were safe.


    Behind their carriage were four others, klicking klacking on the road. Three, including the one that carried Mark, carried children, while the last one held soldiers and guards. Other than that, soldiers on war-bulls escorted them. One thing that was similar to these soldiers were that they were all females.


    He noticed that two of the boys took numerous glances towards his sleeping sister, while three of the girls eyed him and Theo like a hawk. Handsomeness and beauty are like double-edged swords. If one didn''t have the strength, they would either be enslaved or killed out of jealousy. Of course, Mark knew that death would be better than enslavement as there are horrible things that can be worse than meeting the reaper.


    Mark was tired, but he couldn''t take a rest or lower his guard. There were possible enemies nearby, and they weren''t entirely sure what their future held as recruits of General Felisa. Were they going to be cannon fodder for some expedition? Or will they be used as slaves? At least they had provided them with baths, food, and healing their sickness and ailments. Though while they did have friendly hospitality, he wasn''t buying it. Maybe he was paranoid, but the streets and poverty made him like that.


    "Halt!"


    The convoy abruptly stopped. Then Mark heard people walk near.


    "Bring them out for inspection!"


    The carriage''s door swung open as children began to exit. Mark and his group stayed until they were last as he didn''t want others molesting them - at least not his siblings.


    In an orderly fashion, they exited the carriage into the bright, open world. Mark noticed his surrounding was a bung of trees and an entrance with tall walls that lead to various, large numbers of buildings, with a castle in the middle; It was a fortress. The medieval-style palace was grand yet simple. He felt like that it was a giant monster with all the guards walking around it acting as its moving veins.


    Hurriedly, led by the guards, they passed the gates in single files and marched to a large, domed building, constructed to what seemed to be metal. Two quiet guards stood tall in front of large gates. Entering inside, they found themselves in a clean hallway with the temperature was lower and cooler compared to the sun''s heat outside.


    Mark and his siblings noticed light coming from crystals encased with glass. Curiosity hit him as he had never seen such a light source other than fire. Next, he saw six more guards on the sides, carefully watching Mark and his group. Mark felt unsettled yet at the same time safe and comfortable. He wasn''t sure how to fully explain it.


    He felt the unease of the guards stares, yet these walls and their small group provided a safety he hadn''t felt since he and his siblings had been left to rot in the slums.


    Finally, they entered the open area within the building. Natural sunlight came through from the glass ceilings from above, while at the same time, additional light sources from magical crystal surrounded the room. More guards were around, and Mark was able to count up twenty-six in total. In front of his group, however, was a large platform, and on top of it were three people.


    Mark never saw such a beautiful and mature woman like the one on the stage who was donning some simple armour with a brown cape on her back. Her face was stoically painted, but Mark noticed that whenever she eyed the small figure next to her, gentle, loving feelings spread out. On the other hand, the small figure looked to be about five years old or so, but his facial feature resembled that of the beautiful woman; Mark realized that they were probably a mother-son pair. Next to the boy was a female soldier-servant that appeared strong and ready to protect the child from any danger.


    But what interested Mark was the thing the boy was holding. It was a long cylinder object that had weird contraption at its wooden, bigger end. The main body looked like it was made out of metal because of the shine it gives from the sun''s rays. What were they...?

 Authors Note

    Hi... So, I haven''t been able to write lately, and I will be straight forward. One of the main reason why is because of the exam season. Due to this, my teachers are pumping out a ton of homework, tests and projects. And I have been already been assigned a project that is to replace one of my subject''s final exam. So, it''s been tough for me and my mental capacity. I also didn''t want the story to degrade. From how bad my story is right now, I don''t want to lower the standards anymore.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    However, I''ll be back in mid of July as I need to sort out my schedule and figure out more of the layout of the story. Sorry about this, and I hope you guys understand.


    Sincerely,


    Gamers22