《Totaris》 The Beginning ( I am sorry in advance for any spelling or gramatical errors, i am open to opinions on how the story could be improved. ) Chapter 1: The Beginning 11 years ago, Rockwood village Rockwood village is a peaceful place located between a large mountain and a small river which cuts through the village. Wooden bridges cross the gap the river creates giving the village a rural feel. A large forest surrounds the village leaving little to be seen of the outside world. As the sun sets darkness creeps into the village, within one of the village houses a candle illuminates the surrounding room in a calming glow. A boy sleeps in a small bed looking around 8 years old, black hair covers a pale face blue eyes look at a map showing Totaris and all its discovered continents. Yes a world not fully explored by the local races of the 3 continents Dadorous, Camblar, and Zormek. Dadorous containing Rockwood village somewhere within it''s depths. The boys gaze sparkles with excitement thinking of the possible adventures the world holds and marvels which could be discovered. "Yuri its time for bed" a woman shouts appearing in the next moment with a large man, "you know its your bedtime know honestly you and your maps, the world isnt as great as you think son" the man said while ruffeling the boys hair. "Father I want to explore the world one day, this village is so small and there is nothing to see when I am old I will become an adventurer" the boy replied. "Ok ok well you will have to wait a few good years yet, when you are old another we will talk about it again, alright time for bed now" The women smiled while hugging her son. The women blew out the candle leaving the room in darkness as they left, Yuri looked at the ceiling '' I will do it the world will be mine to explore''.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Within the foest multiple shapes can be seen skulking under the canopy of trees, red eyes gleam with a frenzied hunger as they look upon the village 100 hundred meteres into the distance. A large creature larger than the others howls into the night, this seems to be a signal to the other creatures as they charge forth into the village. Screams and shouts can be heard within the village as men and women fight to protect the elderly and children from the revenous beasts. A couple charge out of a house with a child behind them "Yuri you must get out of here go through the forest in the other direction away from the direwolves" the woman said franticly. "Mum Dad Im scared" Yuri wimpered, "I know son but the only way to survive is to leave us, you said you wanted an adventure well here it is, im sorry that we will not be able to see it go now". "But Dad..." Yuri cried tears streaming down his face, "NOW GO !!!" the man screamed. Yuri ran hearing the screams of the villagers and howls of the wolves, turning back Yuri could see his Mother and Father in the distance fighting with the wolves. Yuri cried but kept on running ''I can''t turn back whatever happens dont turn back keep running'' Yuri repeated in his head, that was untill he heard the snarling behind him. A direwolf spotted the child running into the forest by the mountain side, easy prey for the beast away from the prying eyes of the other wolves. Chasing after the child the wolf snarled about to pounce, The child turned fear and dread in his eyes. Then an explosion rocked the ground coming from the boy, the wolf flew through the air many injuries visible on its body crashing into a nearby tree. By the time the wolf recovered the boy was gone far away under the sounds of screaming and the death of the Rockwood villagers. Yuri appeared at the edge of the forest with a bright flash of light, "what on Tortaris was that" Yuri said aloud still wiping the constant stream of tears running down his face. ''It doesnt matter '' turning around Yuri gazed at the flat plains at the edge of the forest before turning back, "Mother, Father I will survive and remember you... always" the last tears trickled down Yuri''s face. ''This is not the time to grieve i must survive and live on, I will fufill my dreams and explore this world and all its wonders'' Yuri''s face turned resolute. "I will gain the power to defend myself so that those i care for do not die again". The lonely path 11 years ago (just after the events of chapter 1) Yuri wiped the last tears from his face and gazed at the rolling plains that swept across the landscape, the hint of dawns light on the horizon. '' I need to get away from the forest, who knows how long it will be before the direwolves find out I''m here'' Yuri felt a shiver down his spine at the painful reminder of the nights events. As he thought this Yuri began to move across the plains, Yuri saw some trees in the distance with vibrant green leaves with what seemed to be apple crossed with a melon looking fruits hanging from its branches. '' Well this is a stroke of luck '' Yuri thought as he gazed at the fruits, '' I am far too small to climb this tree there is only one solution to this problem.'' Two minutes later a small boy can be seen shoving his body as heavily as he can into the tree, quite a few minutes and scrapes later the boy is rewarded with the satisfying thunk of a fruit hitting the relatively soft grass. On closer inspection Yuri discovered that the fruits were easily the size of his head, ''I know it''s risky eating random fruits that you know nothing about but it''s not like I have much choice given the current situation.'' The fruit actually tasted great but an hour later as Yuri traveled further into the plains interesting side effects were discovered, it turns out that the fruits have a mild laxative substance which resulted in Yuri needing the toilet on regular occasions. '' well it could have been worse, the fruit could have contained poison which I would have no chance of stopping.'' Yuri decided to bring another fruit along with him, even one of these fruits was able to fill him up completely despite the awkward yet manageable side effects. As Yuri''s path continued though the plains a mountain range could be seen in the far distance, '' I need to find shelter before it gets dark and I still need to rest after last night.'' Yuri sighed at the memory as a haunted look crossed his face, as Yuri was brooding over the unpleasant memory he saw something out of the corner of his eye. Smoke in the distance over one of the smaller mountain tops, '' civilisation'' Yuri thought with happiness. Yuri with a new objective in mind walked briskly across the plains partly because of the hope to find other humans and another to find shelter At the foot of the mountains, a few hours later and one less fruit Yuri made it close to the foot of the mountains. Yuri gazed up at the mountain range now much closer than before one can truly marvel at the glorious feat of nature. The mountains seemed to be never ending in each direction covering half the sky with jagged and snowy summits that looked like claws grasping at the sky. The sun starts to set over the horizon drawing Yuri''s gaze away from the mountain view, in the distance Yuri could see caves jutting out of the mountain side making the mountains look alive and monstrous as if they wanted to devour the world. '' Caves probably not a good idea, father always told me the dangers of exploring unknown caves without Any weapons it is a death sentence.'' Yuri thought back on the events with the confrontation with the direwolf, '' I don''t know what happened then but I doubt the feat of what seemed to be a blink from one area to a close yet totally different location can be achieved again.''Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. As Yuri thought down this path he began to wonder how on Totaris that happened, was he helped by some unknown force but why would anyone want to help some child in the middle of the forest without even revealing themselves to further help the boy. '' No it can''t be that '' Yuri thought adamantly, '' it could have been me there are such a thing as mages on the continent.'' Mages are a rare but not unknown force many stories old and new of the great powers the mages of the world can unleash, Yuri had read books which held tales of vast spells which could unleash fire and brimstone, heal the injured, or even raise the dead. '' It is definitely possible that''s I may be the one responsible for that feat of yes ... magic '', Yuri smiled at the possibility '' no way to be sure of that though.'' Suddenly from the mountains howls and wails of wild beasts can be heard coming from the direction of the caves as the sun finally sets over the horizon, '' I knew it thank totaris I listened to fathers advice '' Yuri winced at the reminder, '' well cannot sleep in the caves and cannot climb any trees, luckily it''s summer so the temperature is mild even at night.'' Yuri contemplated his options in silence and chose a simple maybe dangerous method but the safest option nevertheless, settling next to one of the applemelon trees draping leaves and other natural debris around him as a camouflage and a minimum source of warmth. Yuri fell asleep to the sounds of the wind brushing against the leave creating a rustling sound, the wild animals could be heard in the distance calling into the night. Yuri woke with a start afraid and alert in case he was being attacked however with dawns light gracing the landscape no dangerous was currently in site, Yuri ate a fruit from the tree and carried another in his arms as his journey continued making sure to take plenty of trips to the toilet along the way. As Yuri made his way into the mountains he could see the large pillar of smoke, at a gap between two mountains a path could be seen winding between the two mountains. '' Looks like this Is the closest way to the source of that fire '' Yuri thought as he made his way up the pathway into the depths of the mountain. Yuri glanced both ways at the mountains sorrounding him at all sides feeling as if he could be swallowed up at any moment, as Yuri rounded a bend in the pathway he saw the source of the smoke a huge bonfire surrounded by tents and many people dressed in the rugged furs walking around performing there duties. Before Yuri could react he was surrounded by men in each direction with swords drawn with bowmen in the distance with Bowen drawn tight ready to fire, Yuri realised too late that this group of people were '' BANDITS '' Yuri shouted as realisation kicked in to his current situation. The new life 11 years ago (just after the events of chapter 2) Yuri gazed with slight trepidation and fear at the sight of a dozen bandits surrounding him, two of the bandits started talking to each other breaking the tense atmosphere. " It''s just a kid " the bandit on the left says with a confused look, " he doesn''t have anything valuable on him no weapons " the bandit continued. The bandit on the right looked at Yuri with interest as he listened to his comrade, " so what is a kid like you doing in the middle of nowhere." Yuri looked at the bandit on the right who seemed to be the leader of the bandit group judging by the finer furs and commanding tone, "well answer me kid we don''t have all day" the bandit said with a look of amusement on his face. Yuri cautiously replied moving backward, " my village was attacked by direwolves I managed to escape but I am the only one left " Yuri said as tears appeared in his eyes. " What''s your name kid? " the bandit replied with a sympathetic look, " my name is Yuri and I come from Rockwood village at the other side of the plains behind me." The bandit leader stared at Yuri for a few tense seconds, " I take it you have no place to go?, well if you want somwhere to stay then you could stay with us if you earn your keep." Yuri looked with surprise at the bandit leader "I thought that bandits were bad and robbed people of worse?", Yuri now had a look of hope in his eyes. "Well you would be right for the most part, most bandits are cruel creatures that prey on the suffering of others for thier sick pleasures." The bandit replied with a stoic face, " however we are not like that, yes we do steal from people and kill those that get in our way but we do have some morals". Yuri looked at the bandit with interest as he continued, " for example we do not kill innocents or anyone who doesn''t get in our way when we steal from them, otherwise" a dark look crossed his face leaving no mystery to what would happen in that event. " Anyway my name is Jason the leader here, do you want to join us or not". Yuri thought about it, '' I have nowhere else to go it will just be dangerous out there in the wild with no way to defend myself ''. Jason looked at Yuri with curiosity, '' I wonder what he went through must have been recently, he has that haunted look in his eyes'' . Yuri''s face went resolute at the current situation, " yes I will join your bandit group ". " Great I will show you the camp and introduce you to some of my mates when we get there " Jason smiled. As Yuri walked towards the distant camp Jason started to talk about the rules that every member has to follow, " you are not to kill or steal from other members if you do have problems then disputes can be sorted through a spar whoever wins will get what they what ". Jason looked down at Yuri " well you won''t have to worry about that to much as long as you treat people right, people don''t take kindly to those that judge based on first impressions especially here ". Yuri nodded, " so you said I need to earn my keep what does that entail? ".This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. " you will be trained how to use a sword and bow, when trained to a suitable level you will go out to hunt on your own as a test ". " Once you complete the test you will be able to hunt for food or join us in raids, which however is up to you ". Yuri nodded, " for now you will just train and help do chores around the camp ". As Jason finished talking Yuri and Jason both arrived at the bandit camp, Yuri looked around the camp at the large tents and burly men carrying materials and foods of various types, '' well this is better than getting killed in the middle of nowhere '' Yuri thought with a smile. Yuri and Jason arrived at the biggest tent in the camp, one man and women stood outside talking. When they saw Jason they both said " welcome back boss ", " hello Carl, Rose " Jason replied with a smile noticing Yuri''s look of astonishment at the woman. Rose looked like a giant at 2 meters tall with bulging muscle showing the power behind that large frame, a large great sword twice the size of Yuri visible on her back. Carl looked like a child compared to her with his thin wiry frame, at This point both Carl and Rose noticed Yuri standing next to Jason. " Jason who''s the kid? ", Carl said looking at Yuri with curiosity. " This is Yuri we found him wondering the mountain path behind the camp, he is gonna join us after he lost his family and village " Jason replied with a somber look. Rose looks at Yuri with a heartbroken face " oh my you poor dear ", Rose thought about the past a look of reminiscence crossed her face. " That''s rough but events like that happen all to often in the wilds, it is not too uncommon to hear of whole villages wiped out by beasts " Carl said stoically. Yuri looked at Carl and Rose '' it seems that it is not only me here that has suffered similar losses'', this made Yuri feel better in a way as it means he has something in common with many of the bandits in camp. James glanced around camp while talking " Yuri well this is it your new home for however long you need it, just follow the rules we discussed and everything will go smoothly ". " These two are Rose and Carl, Rose Is the Head warrior in camp and the strongest in pure physical strength, she also has plenty of experience with swords axes you name it. Carl is my second in command and is the finest archer in camp, Rose will teach you how to use close combat weapons while Carl will teach you archery ". " They do this regularly for all the new recruits " Jason glanced at the dimming sky " Yuri I will show you to your sleeping quarters within my tent, after all i cant have an 8 year old sleeping in a tent on his own with no defense ". Jason walked into the tent Yuri followed behind him. " Goodbye Yuri " Rose said with a sad look in her eyes, " he will be fine you know " Carl said leaning against some crates. " I know i cant help feeling sorry for him I know that look very well " Rose replied. The inside of the tent was much larger than one would think, the tent had multiple sections made out of the same material as the tent itself. This formed about 4 small rooms joined with a main section in the middle which housed a dining table with ornate chairs, Jason smiled at Yuri''s look " I stole those chairs from a low class noble " Jason looked almost gleeful at the memory. " Your room is there it already has a bed so you can get some rest, I will find some clothes to fit your size I''m sure there will be some around camp ". Yuri looked in the room which held a simple Bed and desk with some books piled in a corner, '' this is good very good'' Yuri said with a smile as he looked at the books. Yuri fell asleep that night with no discomfort and the confidence that a new life has just started. The Training begins 10 years ago ( 1 year after the events of chapter 3 ) Yuri clad in basic leather armour fit for a boy his age and a wooden sword in a scabbard strapped to his side, Rose said it would help him get used to drawing a real sword. Stood around 100 meters circular arena with a group of much taller bandit recruits, they were all told by Jason that Rose would be displaying her prowess with the sword. Rose had shown Yuri many methods of sword fighting over the past year since he arrived at the camp, this included safety and maintenance when using weapons mainly swords as this is Yuri''s preferred weapon. Other than watching Rose the recruits were required to show the camp how much thay improved after the year training. Rose now appeared jumping into the arena with a loud bang as her body hit the dirt, the arena itself was just a circle of dirt with wooden poles which had ropes running across them all making a basic barrier. On the other side of the arena a group of 10 bandits can be seen standing together in a line, Rose looked at the bandits and they cringed in slight fear at the glee appearing on her face. Jason who stood next to Yuri lifted his hand and sliced it back down through the air, the spar had begun. In the Moment the signal was given Rose charged at the other bandits ,the bandits raised wooden swords and shields in preparation looking determined against the bull like charge of Rose who''s black hair billowed in the wind. Rose reached the bandits with a roar as her wooden great sword cleaved through three of the bandits knocking them out instantly, the bandits responded by surrounding her and sliced their swords at Rose''s back and sides. Rose managed to parry all of the blows surrounding her looking like a whirlwind of blades, the rate of which she swung the greatsword should have been impossible but the picture before him showed moves which defy every logical sense. Rose explained to him that on Dadorous warriors and mages were ranked based on the raw power that they can release, warriors with the power the muscles can release and the amount of stamina they have and mages with raw magical power and the amount of energy they have to use those powers. These ranks go from 1 star mage or warrior to 10 stars, after a warrior or Mage passes this stage the power available to them will increase greatly. This new stage is known as the platinum star stage, the stage works the same as before going from 1 to 10 platinum stars. For example Rose is a 3 platinum star warrior and the bandits she''s facing each being 10 star warriors,Yuri''s thoughts were interrupted by a sudden bang as 2 bandits slam into the ground before him.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Rose stood in the arena only 5 bandits left around her, with a sly grin and a (come get me) gesture the bandits rush towards her one jumping to Deliver an overhead swing down on Rose''s head. Rose rolled under the bandit before leaping, spinning around mid air to deal a side long kick to the side of the bandits head. A resounding crack vibrated through the air as the foot connected with his head, causing the bandit to catapult and smash through a wooden post and out the arena. Yuri along with the viewers winced then cheered at the bandits plight and Rose''s performance. As Rose landed on the ground one of the bandits scraped her arm with a wooden sword causing a scratch, the bandit grinned before also finding himself outside the arena. The last three bandits Dropped their weapons knowing that the chance for victory was over, maybe also in part to the damage inflicted on the last two bandits. As the arena starts preparing for the recruit spars mainly through cleaning up Rose''s mess Jason turns to Yuri with a serious expression, " Yuri it is your turn to battle now, you will be facing against 2 opponents each being at the 4 star level ". Yuri nodded thinking back over this years training allowing him to reach the 4 star level himself, " I will be ready for them " Yuri said with a nervous excitement. Yuri stood gazing at the 2 bandits at the other side of the arena, '' this spar will test my skill levels in an unfair battle against multiple opponents at a similar battle strength, it really gets the blood flowing '' Yuri thought as an excitement for battle took over. The bandit on the left holding a sword and shield charged, the bandit on the right holding 2 daggers following close behind. Yuri with his sword took a defensive stance dancing around the first bandits charge before slicing at the bandits back, the bandit managed to barely block with his sheild. The other bandit lunged daggers seeking out Yuri''s throat, Yuri quickly ducked getting grazed across the cheek with a dagger in the process. Yuri responded with a thrust catching the bandit in the leg sending the bandit crashing down, Yuri span around parrying multiple blows from behind then jumping backwards over the downed bandit grazed his sword against that bandits throat. Not before a dagger sliced against his leg, the downed bandit raised his arms and stood up walking out of the arena. Meanwhile the battle between Yuri and the final bandit continued with blows going back and forth between them, Yuri quickly parried a blow while kicking out against the bandits leg causing him to stumble and receive a stab to the heart in the next moment. " Yuri wins " Jason shouted with a smile, Rose stood next to him clapping loudly. Yuri approached them a smile of victory plastered to his face, Rose walked up and pulled on Yuri''s ear " you know if that was a real battle you would be faced with serious injuries " Rose let go and smiled " however you did a great job and showed above average skill I''m proud of you " " thanks Rose " Yuri replied with an awkward smile. Yuri walked of with Rose and Jason to celebrate a well earned victory before the next year of training begins. The hunt 9 years ago ( 1 year after the events of chapter 4. ) Within the Great forest a deer grazing on grass looked up ears twitching feeling an obtuse sense of danger. Two pairs of eyes watched from within the shadows of the bushes, they stared intently and without movement as the deer moved. Carl glanced at Yuri beside him, " Yuri this is your chance remember what a taught you. " Yuri continued staring at the deer nervous excitement showing in his eyes while nodding. He then drew the wooden bow given to him a year ago which marked the start of the bandits archery training. Carl had shown him how to use the bow through months of target practice, this provided Yuri with the technique and skill required to hit moving targets with relatively decent accuracy. The last half of his training included hunting skills which required the silent movement, tracking, and the resolve to kill. Yuri''s arrow sprang from the bow like lightning lodging into the deers skull with surprising force for a 10 year old. Yuri in the past year managed to increase to a 6 star warrior during the years training, to the surprise of Rose and Carl they had mentioned that at this point in the training recruits would only have around 5 stars maybe less. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Rose and Carl were very happy that Yuri showed a decent talent and comprehension for the warrior arts, Carl also expanded on Rose''s explanation of the strength system. Carl explained the many ways in which power could be gained either temporarily or permanently. Temporary methods included potions, scrolls, and runes. These methods can improve a users strength but larger improvements can cause a backlash when the benefits end, Carl really drilled into him to be careful when deciding to use such items. Permanent methods can be found in training or dangerous situations, Carl explained that the more life threatening a situation when overcome the warrior/mage will more likely grasp certain knowledge or power otherwise unavailable at that point to them. At least that''s how most people gain strength naturally, items enchanted with runes can also permanently increase power while wielding that item. However the rarest method lay in artifacts and other oddities found in dungeons and other dangerous places. These artifacts are said to increase powers dramatically and provide entirely new power, Carl even mentioned that a warrior with no magical talent was able to become a Mage due to such an artifact. Carl and Yuri walked over to the deer''s corpse, " well done Yuri your first kill sigh... I remember the first time that I got my first kill when hunting, those were the days. " " Anyway let''s get back to camp soon you will be able to start the test to become a fully fledged bandit, Yuri I''m really proud " Carl gazed at Yuri warmly. '' soon I will be able to start adventuring in earnest, Mum, Dad I will make you proud. '' The test 8 years ago ( 1 year after the events of chapter 5. ) Jason, Rose, and Carl seated around the table in Jason''s tent were engaged in a heated discussion. " We shouldn''t just leave them at least tail them in case anything happens, " Carl said exasperated. " If we did that they would learn nothing, we are bandits not some noble or dandy pansy young master " Jason relied. " I agree with Jason no matter how we feel they need to learn about the realities and way of the world, a bird will drop its young to kick in the chick''s instincts allowing them to fly, if this fails then that chick was too weak that is the way of the world " Rose sighed. " Yes this test will decide the weak from the strong, the cowards from the brave " Jason agreed. "Gregory call them in " Carl called to one of the guards at the entrance to Jason''s tent. " Outside the tent Yuri and two others waited, they were told the previous day by Rose to wait here for the next stage of their training. " Gregory call them in " they heard Carl say from within the tent, " go on then you heard him " Gregory said with a bored tone. Yuri and the other bandit trainees entered the tent to see the three camp leaders, " welcome you three are here to perform in a test that will decide whether you are bandit material or not " Jason said in a serious tone. " For this test you will enter the great forest west of here and search for then kill a beast, each of you must bring back a kill worthy enough to provide a passing grade " Rose added. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. " Because of concerns about the potential difficulties of the task we have decided that you three will work as a team untill you are either dead or successful, good luck " Jason said with sincerity. Once Yuri and the others left Rose started laughing, " Jason you really know how to inspire confidence in the younger generation " Rose said with sarcasm, Carl snorted while Jason looked at Rose indignantly. 1 hour later Yuri and the others stood outside of camp looking nervously at each other, " well I guess introductions are in order I am Samuel 8 star warrior and ladies man " the blond youth said silver eyes looking smugly at the other two. " I am Yuri 9 star warrior and adventure infusiast " Yuri said with no reaction to samuel''s comment. Samuel looked surprised at Yuri''s strength when looking at his small stature, " h hello my name is Ned I hope we can work well together " Ned said nervously. " Hmpf well its obvious who the leader should be here, " Samuel said while silver eyes looked to Ned''s scruffy brown hair and tattered attire. As he said this he started walking towards the plains which will lead them to the great forest where the test awaits. Yuri gazed at samuel''s back then glanced to Ned, " are you ok ". " Yes I''m sorry I''m so nervous I have heard about the many bandit recruits who ended up dead during the tests " Ned looked down angry at his own nervousness, " it will be fine, if we work together I am sure we will get through this " Yuri said with a smile then stuck his hand out. Ned shook Yuri''s outstretched arm " friends " Yuri asked curiously, " friends " Ned replied with a happy smile as if a weight has lifted off his shoulder. Yuri and Ned then followed Samuel towards the great forest, after 8 hours the trio made it to the forest edge, " we make camp here " Samuel said with smug authority. As Yuri finished setting up his tent and removing his leather armour Yuri climbed into his makeshift bedding, '' this is it I must rely on myself and my teammates to survive this challenge I do worry about that guy though '' Yuri sighed as the warm embrace of sleep took him. The awakening 8 years ago ( Just after the events of chapter 6. ) Yuri awoke to the sound of bird calls from the forest edge, Yuri looked around spotting Ned stoking a fire with a tree branch. " good morning " Yuri said smiling, Ned looked up surprised at Yuri''s voice " morning I couldn''t get much sleep so I stayed on watch and made this fire " Ned replied tiredly. " well at least we can have something to eat now I''m famished " Yuri said as his stomach growled, Ned grinned " sounds like a hungry beast is nearby already ". 10 minutes later Yuri and Ned worked at the fire creating a stew containing a few vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and a strange vegetable called a gromp, which is a small round pink vegetable, gromps provide many different nutrients however they don''t taste amazing so seasoning is added to mask the bitterness of the vegetable. Yuri started slicing a loaf of stale bread to dip in the stew. " you two already up, hey give me some of that " Samuel said looking at the stew cooking in the pot then at Ned with a subtle sneer on his lips. " It''s not ready yet and it is customary to ask people politely before asking for something " Yuri replied irritated by Samuel''s continual arrogant attitude. " Hmpf who do you think your talking too, just because you have a higher rating than me you think your all that, I could beat yo--, " a howling in the distance interrupted Samuel. " Tell you what why don''t we have a bet, first person to slay that wolf wins and gets to keep the corpse, of course that will be me " Samuel said looking down on Yuri. " Fine " Yuri said through gritted teeth at the annoyance that is Samuel, " w we should eat first we don''t want to fight on an empty stomach " Ned said nervously in light of the beastly howls. After finishing the meal the trio entered into the great forest, the trees swayed as the sky darkened due to the numerous branches the sound of water gurgling through the nearby river. " If we follow the river north we should reach the River Avon " Ned said looking in the direction of the river, this just so happened to be the direction that howl came from. " Fine let''s just get this over with " Samuel replied impatiently. 2 hours later the trio reached the large River Avon " I remember coming here years ago with my father, he was also a bandit from camp untill-- " Ned teared up at an unpleasant memory. " Don''t have to say anything if it''s unpleasant, besides I just found wolf tracks " Yuri said patting Ned on the shoulder. Yuri remembered his lessons with Carl and the many times he joined him in hunts learning to track and hunt prey, " remember Yuri the tracks can tell you many things how long ago the animal was here, how many there were, and the state they are in " Carl had said constantly drilling it into Yuri''s head. " It seems one wolf passed by here 1 hour ago heading northeast " Yuri said in anticipation of the hunt. The others silently followed in nervous anticipation and followed behind Yuri, " hmpf I few mongrels won''t stop me " Samuel snorted. 3 hours later Yuri spotted a large cave at the bottom of a mountain the wolf tracks led inside, " ok we are here just need to kill some wolves " Yuri said gaining confidence. Suddenly Yuri''s eyes opened '' shit I totally forgot the other tracks leading to and from th-- '' Grrrrrouuuu loud growling sounds interrupting Yuri''s train of thought. From the surrounding clearing 4 wolves creeped into view, " oh lord an ambush " Samuel said looking nervous for the first time. Ned looked terrified and didn''t say a word almost looking like a petrified statue, Yuri quickly gazed at the wolves then at a large wolf which appeared at the cave entrance.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. '' This was an alaborate ambush all along, that wolf wanted me to follow '' Yuri thought a scared look crossed his face. Remembering another lesson from Carl " never underestimate an enemy even prey, that will lead to imminent death even for the strong, remember this and you will avoid dieing due to stupidity " Carl had said with a serious atmosphere around him. The alpha wolf looked almost smug as he moved forward, the other wolves closing in from all directions. Yuri''s face hardened '' we have no choice but to fight or die '' " we can''t let them surround us I know your scared but if we do nothing we will die for certain " Yuri shouted startling both boy and beast. Ned looked scared but as he heard Yuri''s shout he realised that it Is do or die, '' I will try my best to survive and help my friend. '' Samuel continued looking at the wolves '' shit i never should have come here. '' After Yuri''s shout the wolves lunged, pouncing on the Youths, the alpha wolf and another wolf went for Yuri while 2 others went for Ned, the last wolf snapped at samuels leg while he dodged slicing the wolfs face cutting through one eye in the process. Yuri acting quickly attacked the wolf closing in chopping its head off as it tried tic bite Yuri''s neck, meanwhile Ned exchanged blows with the two wolves nicking the wolves as he parried the wolve''s bites. Yuri slashed at the alpha a dozen times but didn''t cause much damage, the alpha then charged shoving his body weight against Yuri sending him 5 meters where he smashing into a large boulder. Yuri coughed up blood as time seemed to slow down, his blurring vision scanning the clearing. Ned struggled against the two wolves scared but resolved to fight untill the end, as Ned bashed the wolf on his right the other wolf bit deeply into Ned''s leg causing blood to appear running down his leg, and into the Maw of the viscous beast. Ned screamed in pain and in a blind panic stabbed the wolf repeatly in the neck killing it, '' oh lord that''s painful I hope Yuri is o-- '' Ned''s thoughts we''re cut of for as the other Wolf took the opportunity to sneak behind Ned sinking its teeth deeply into Ned''s neck. Ned fell to the floor blood gurgling out of his mouth as he tried to speak, moments later the light could be seen leaving Ned''s eyes. As Yuri looked around when he Heard Ned scream, seeing the other wolf sneak up but before Yuri could warn him the wolf pounced tearing a chunk out of his neck. " Nooooo " Yuri screamed. Samuel heard the scream as he engaged the now one eyed Wolf, the Wolf looked on its last legs with many gashes across its flank. Samuel looked towards Yuri who lay against a boulder a large wolf closing in on him, to Ned who lay face down clearly now a corpse. '' oh lord I gotcha to get outa here, '' Samuel thought a look of fear in his eyes. After a futile attempt to kill the wolf Samuel ran as fast as his legs could carry him into the forest, the wolf gave chase for a few moments before looking back. Yuri looked at Ned''s corpse '' shit shit shit it happened again '' Tears welled up in Yuri''s eyes as he remembered how his family died in a similar manner. '' My first friend... I will make them pay for this, '' Yuri became enraged charging the alpha cutting its front leg off before lunging at the wolf over Ned''s corpse. The wolf disturbed from its feast snarled, turning towards Yuri who in a blind rage pierced the bottom of the wolfs head the tip of the sword poking out of it''s skull. In the next moment Yuri felt a searing pain go up his arm, the alpha wolfs teeth sunk deeply into Yuri''s flesh. Yuri desperate to kill the wolf attempted to pull the sword out of the dead wolf only to discover that it would not budge, the alpha shook it''s head back and forth while latched on to Yuri''s arm. The wound aggravated further spurted blood everywhere, Yuri did not notice this as another pain came from his leg. The one eyed wolf decided that Yuri would be easy prey seeing the alpha pinning him down, the wolf gleeful at this chance snuck up and bit Yuri on his leg creating another painful wound. Yuri started to feel faint as he screamed losing blood quickly, '' it burns so hot ... so dark. '' Before Yuri lost consciousness he felt a blister surge of heat rush to his wounds before gouts of fire burst out of his wounds, the wolve''s heads burst into flames, an energy then condensed inside him. As Yuri entered unconsciousness the energy released creating an explosive shockwave, the wolves catapulted across the clearing flying for 30 meters looking like furry fireballs breaking many bones in the process before slamming into the ground dead.