《Great Ascension to Godhood》


 Chapter 1: Entering the Oblivion Gate

    Four young men hurriedly ran down a vacant street carrying a struggling person. Ahead, like a dark abyss was a vibrating spatial rift. In its wake, it shimmered, discharging rays of lightning every few seconds.


    There wasn''t a single soul who was unaware concerning these petrifying gateways.


    Beginning in the year 30xx with the earth''s tremendous progress in science and technology, the knowledge regarding space achieved a frightening degree.


    In addition, the overpopulated earth spontaneously gave birth to many geniuses that took bioengineering to an inconceivable high level ¡ª easily solving years of terrifying panic on the planet''s surplus use of resources.


    Having such advancement and achievements, they then applied the knowledge to adapting humans for colonizing on different planets as it became the norm in the Space Age.


    It was also because of this new era regarding space travel and manipulation; the world began developing spatial rifts unseen to the naked human eye.


    Following the events, a phenomenon known as The Great Speech occurred. Resounding reverberatingly, it sent everyone whose ears heard the speech feeling their hearts and souls quake.


    Emitting a suppression to engulf all, it''s words was the following, "My beloved creations, children, and all, I have reached my existence. Before my abdication comes, it shall fall to my successor. All candidates must enter the trials I''ve devised and prove their worth! Only one shall have true godhood to sit on this mighty throne!"


    Once the astounding episode ended, the rifts affecting the world''s fabric had appeared visible. Yet, the resonating words felt didn''t stir any great waves through the people''s spirit.


    Unless it was the government, none sought the opportunity. But even then, they also gave up once none returned.


    Over centuries by year 32xx, the portals were known as nothing more than deathtraps engineered from alien lifeforms.


    And it was at this moment that the struggling person''s awareness sensed one of these alien engineered deathtraps; the Oblivion Gates.


    Upon witnessing its proximity and seeing it shudder in enticement, the young man''s heart palpitated fearfully as his flailing became exceedingly violent.


    In the end, it all proved futile. The boy''s limbs were bound, and his movements were restricted, leaving no minuscule chance of resistance or escaping.


    "Stop! Let me go! This is murder, you idiots! If you throw me inside, all of you are going to jail!" Shouted Brigan Heartforce, who was the black-haired youth held. The response he received was a blow to the torso.


    "Heh! You should''ve thought wiser before crippling my brother. Now, look at you! I''ll have you die without a burial!" The hatred and contempt spoke volumes of Brigan''s ensuing fate.


    "This isn''t a joke! In this day and age, what criminal gets away with murder?! You all are throwing your lives away!" In his desperation, persuasion was the only thing he had.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    But who listens to their enemy?


    "Shut up failure! The Oblivion Senders always gets away! Do you think I can''t?! In your next life, be sure to remember if I see you; that''s your new death date!" The main perpetrator roared lividly.


    The time to protest ran out when Brigan felt his restrained body get tossed through the air. Eyes wide open, he swore if there ever came an opportunity to pay this debt back, it would be a hundredfold.


    With those convictions, his body disappeared in the Oblivion Gate.


    On the outside, the group of four young men stared having mixed views. "Hey, we''re not like that oblivion cult believing in delivering candidates to their god. Will we get caught? That girl still knows probably."


    Pausing to contemplate the topic, Drick Wildspark, the main perpetrator made a decision. "Since she knows too much, she has to die also." He couldn''t allow any loose ends.


    ___


    In the Oblivion Gate, the feeling of being immersed while made anew engulfed Brigan, producing a cold sensation, enabling the vast emptiness and perpetual tenebrosity to paralyze his body, shredding everything possessed.


    Even his mind experienced a danger of collapsing in on itself as questions plagued him, forcing him to endure the meaning of oblivion.


    How long has it been? Is this death? Or is this rebirth?


    In a flash, with feelings he could not describe, Brigan had his first disturbance since entering the void space. A pleasure that awakened him to his living and the end of his darkness.


    [Congratulations! You are the number ----- human to accept the trials. As a God Candidate, you will receive an evolution startup! You may now begin the trials!]


    After the message sent left his mind, there was a pop sound followed by an immense pulling response. Winds rushed pass and on his figure, steadily growing stronger.


    His nostrils failed to catch a single scent as pressure filled them and continued to augment, leaving his face to distort while seeing the earth ascend closer through watering eyes.


    Death, as close as he thought in the past of receiving it, never before did he taste it this intimately. With the occurrence prior to entering the Oblivion Gate, as well as inside it, he still would''ve had a tiny hope for survival.


    Now however, his fate was a certainty.


    A loud thunderous bang later, dust flew high in the sky. Fits of coughing and spitting allowed Brigan to discard the awful taste roaming his mouth. He also earned another message much to his displeasure and relief.


    [Your evolution startup arrived! Fifteen seconds of Invulnerability and a random Geno Art box!]


    With an instinctual movement after being embedded into the earth, he stood wiping off the dirt that clung hiding his modesty. Chilly shivers raked his body despite the sun shining brilliantly.


    A glance down showed the space within the gate had truly robbed him of everything. The only good thing out of the situation was the case of being freed from his bound state.


    Investigating with greater detail, a red box the size of a ring case rested on the soil. It produced rays of an ethereal radiance in reddish hues, presenting its clear uniqueness.


    Unfortunately, everything he attempted, failed to open the box in the slightest. He could only choose to put the matter aside for later since he had an urgent concern about his survival.


    Lost plus requiring food and water provisions, Brigan didn''t idle long. With a steady pace, he searched the area for two days with nothing in sight. All that greeted him was the scenery.


    Trees that were abnormally thick and sturdy, branches that gave metal a run for its money, and leafs gleaming with a sharp razor edge; just the valley''s trees along were deadly attending.


    And all of this didn''t even speak for the land.


    Walking bare-footed, the ground below stabbed his feet repeatedly as the grass blades introduced him to the meaning of ''walking on needles.'' He was sure now he had been deceived. His exiting the Oblivion Gate was the continuation of suffering.


    What made him question the place further was how a valley could have no water source. Sounds interrupted his pondering, raising his hope as he rushed to the cause.


    "What the heck?!" These words exited his mouth once drawing close. In no way did he expect this.

 Chapter 2: Ethereal Geno Art

    The sight in front was a man battling a giant monstrosity. The fiendish beast donned acid salivating liquid from its mouth, rotted piercing teeth the size of a human adult''s hand, and a body resembling that of a lion''s structure with two extra limbs on its back.


    Opposite stood a tall man in green, carrying a large claymore. Hoisting the weapon up with two hands, it radiated a violet shade as the man swung to cleave the beast in half.


    "Die!!!" The man roared. But his shout was soon outdone by the beast''s own roar. The exchange between the two was fast and furious. It left no room to question how intense their desires exuded on killing each other.


    From a distance, Brigan stayed crouched down and concealed, monitoring their every action. Yet, his wide-open eyes only grew wider the longer he watched.


    Had he stumbled upon an isolated region by the government?


    Judging the valley''s terrain, he never saw a place like this, so it was inconceivable to consider it as Earth. Did this mean the Oblivion Gate transported people to different planets? If correct, he perceived finding a human stronghold still possible.


    Having spent days with nothing to help keep alive, Brigan was more focus on the likelihood regarding water and food than the insane fight no ordinary civilian could achieve.


    The longer he thought on the subject, the further he understood the gravity for the man''s plight. While he was no hero, if the man died now, his scarcity of food and water would prolong.


    How many days could he last? Since he refused to leave things to chance, he would determine his own fate. Standing up and carrying the red box in hand, he made a dash to the fighting duo.


    As he sprinted forward, both the man and the beast took notice. "W-What, a naked boy?! Hey! Don''t be rash kid! This thing is out of your league!!!" Despite the urgency in the man''s voice, Brigan ignored him as he leaped for the beast.


    "Dang it all!!! Where did this reckless kid come from!!!" Amidst his shouting, he also made action to intercept the beast. "ROAR!!!" Emitting greater ferociousness, the beast''s muscle span enlarged as its figure emanated a violet glow.


    As all of this happened, Brigan began striking first. Raising his leg, he aimed a blow to one of its extra limb. His intent being, to disable or block the things used for protecting its body against the man''s claymore.


    The man trailing half a second behind, also realized this point but didn''t have the same confidence as Brigan regarding his intentions. Having fought the beast for a while, the two extra limbs could be said to be the sturdiest and strongest part.


    This analysis didn''t even include the increased strength it now exuded. From his viewpoint, Brigan was just plain suicidal. What reinforced his opinion was the lack of any God Weapon on Brigan''s person.


    Bang! Crack!


    To the astonishment of the three, beast included, the harden arm snapped, bending at an unusual degree as the beast let loose an anguished cry.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Listening from the intensity of its screams, it wouldn''t be wrong to conclude its limbs on top being both, the strong and weak point to its body.


    Although stunned by the results, Brigan wasn''t overly so. Before he shot toward the beast, he had already experienced changes that provided confidence concerning his capabilities.


    When he was standing and observing the battle, the two figures fighting were moving blinding fast. By the time he overcame the shock of an eerie looking image, the two seemed to be moving in slow motion compared to beforehand.


    With keen awareness and having fought his share of scrimmages, he believed being a God Candidate would come with some form of perk. Thankfully, it all wasn''t recklessness.


    "Don''t miss this chance!" Brigan''s reminder obtained an amused snort. "I know!" Banishing the claymore overhead, the tall man gave a clean swipe. Sadly, it only severed a front leg as the beast jumped back.


    But even then, it was enough to decide the conclusion of the battle. Having tremendously reduced its speed, it opposed no threat to the man.


    Turning to face Brigan, he deemed it okay to give acknowledgment for the assist. "Kid, thanks. I got it from here." However, the wounded beast wasn''t in consensus. With a speed that only cornered beasts could have bestowed upon them, the last remaining back arm swung out.


    "You can give the kid name a rest Old Man." He to didn''t see the action until the last moment. "Old Man! BEHIND!!!" Initiating a turn, the man got half way before his body lifted off the ground.


    "OLD MAN!!!" Blood splashed Brigan as he watched the man whom he shared a short conversation with, but life-threatening comradery, be ruthlessly mowed down while the body tumbled and rolled on the ground.


    If asked, he couldn''t claim to have a deep bond. Still, these bond''s lengths would often shorten considerably during crises like death experiences.


    And it was on this such occasion that Brigan felt had they met sooner, or had a more extended interaction, they might''ve had become best friends.


    But the beast appeared to give him no time to lament or grieve. It showed its adaptability by running off three legs as if it still possessed four, closing the proximity to its cause of anger and wanting to exact revenge.


    Brigan met the aggression head on. Digging his bare feet in the soil, he launched forward, aiming to achieve his own vengeance. This time however, he struck with his fist that concealed the red box inside.


    Engaging the attack was a giant paw gleaming with five deadly blades. What drove Brigan''s fury further was the residue of blood dripping off it in vivid detail. "YOU NEED DISCIPLINE!!!" He growled out, trying to tame his raging anger more so than reprimanding the fiendish beast.


    The claws only left mild scratches that hardly broke the skin surface as the fist penetrated forward, breaking bones and claws the same. Following the momentum, Brigan''s fist arrived at the beast''s head which he connected to bring his fist and its face downward.


    Boom!


    A slight cloud of dust flew skyward. Within the now sunk earth floor was a giant embedded beast head. Movements from it had ceased a while ago. "Argh!!!" Came the groan of the wounded man.


    Brigan hurriedly reached the man''s side. "Old Man, your alive?! Try to keep your strength. I''ll get us both out of here." In no way did he want to aggravate the injuries.


    "Hehehe! Kid, open your eyes. It''s over for me, but I want to make a request. Can you do this for a dying stranger?" Nodding, Brigan chose not to interrupt. "Let''s be clear. I''m only 29 this year."


    Seeing the man stop to cough up blood, Brigan didn''t continue letting the time slip pass. "Don''t joke, tell me your will. If it''s within my abilities, I will see it through."


    "Thanks, Kid. My God Weapon, can you pass it on to my team? They will understand I fell in battle." Taking the claymore, he gave a firm promise to look for the man''s team. Just as he thought the man had passed away, he got another shock.


    "That?! An Ethereal Geno Art?! Ahh! So the myth is true..." Brigan watched the man succumb to his injuries. He had seen death in reality, but this scene was the first time presented up close.


    Should he bury him?


    With shaky hands, he covered the man''s eyes. To survive and achieve the man''s last will, he could only fortify his resolve and find a water source. For food, glancing at the dead beast, it was all for survival.

 Chapter 3: Elber the Kind

    Preparing on using the beast''s remains to satisfy his hunger and thirst, he paused as the carcass shattered into a violet luminescence of dazzling sparkles.


    The glimmering performance danced in the air before rushing his way. With great alarm, Brigan attempted to escape, seeking to avoid the trouble before it happened.


    However, even with knowing that it''s always better to be cautious when facing the unknown unless one had the confidence to overcome it, it was a useless effort.


    He was completely overwhelmed as an instinctual urge made him examine his state. Following it, he received another message from within, shocking him further.


    Brigan Heartforce


    Race: Human


    God Title: None


    Genotype: Ordinary


    Genophase: 1%


    Geno Art: None


    Viewing this telepathy message just raised more questions than answers. Even more critical, with the beast dissolving spontaneously, he lost his source of nourishment.


    Still with his body laid bare to all, he took a few hours to honor his deceased comrade as he apologized for his subsequent actions. "Sorry for this Old Man, but you should understand it''s used better on the living."


    That''s right, with little to no shame, Brigan ''borrowed'' the torn green clothes before burying his dead friend.


    ___


    Hours passed by as a black-haired youth in his mid to late teens sprinted in a valley searching for food and water. His youthful but handsome features exhibited an extreme urgency in every step.


    Taking a moment to shield his eyes from the approaching sunset, he lowered his hand as warm winds blew his green torn garments with a large claymore resting on his back bobbling up and down.


    This panicking youth was Brigan. His eyes were bloodshot as he searched in vain. More so, for him to be seeing a magnificent landscape of a flourishing valley like green hills, it lacked its authentic necessities for the place, making it appear illusory.


    ''Where is the water'' became a mantra as he felt reality set in. Just as he thought of going primitive by using his body''s ''water,'' he caught a glimpse of purplish liquid on the horizons.


    Filled to the brim with anticipation, he expressed more enthusiasm as he increased his pace. In a short time, he reached the area to see a river of purple water. In his haste, he lost sight of his surroundings as he kneeled before its bank.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    With hands descending to swoop up a drink, a startled voice stopped him. "Wa-wait! Unless you plan on dying, I won''t do that if I were you!" Shifting his line of sight, he noticed a slouched middle-aged man in black speaking.


    More peculiar was the man''s thumb inserted into his mouth. "Is something wrong with the water?" Looking back at it, he felt nothing amiss for the water to be a different color. In fact, most were different colors on each planet.


    "The young people these days. Look further up." Pointing at the water almost leaving the human sight, Brigan saw dead rows of small fishes laying on the land. "What?!"


    He couldn''t have been that excited to miss something that obvious right?


    "Young man, do you have a name? Wait, apologies! Where are my manners? Call me Elber the Kind or Elber for short." Given how the man helped him out just now, the name was well earned. "You have my thanks also. I am Brigan, nice to be met."


    Nodding, Elber motioned to have him follow. "You look to be starving and in need of water. Up ahead is the village Sunless where I live. There, we can chat further on a full stomach."


    Thankful, Brigan was all for tagging along. As they walked, Elber began taking glances while trying to stay from being exposed. In time, his eagerness won over his patience. "Is the weapon on your back a God Weapon? It''s hard to tell because I don''t see any resonation between you."


    Debating on how much to spill, Brigan gave in since he could tell God Weapons had a uniqueness that made them distinctive in contrast to conventional weapons. "Yes."


    "I see, I see..." Elber fully lost himself in his murmuring. Not thinking too deeply on the topic, Brigan continued following the man which upon he witnessed the large village reach their sight.


    If he had to classify the image, he would call it a fortress instead. The village was structured of a hard compound, ranging perhaps more than twenty kilometers. Being the usual size of a large village, instead of wood making up the housings, it was an alloy similar to metal.


    Fencing around the area was an enormous steel gate with two doors. On the top edges possessed sharp spikes, making it hard to climb over if one had the ability to overcome its height in the first place.


    "Welcome to Sunless Village! Let''s get moving." Proceeding forward, they were cut off by the two warriors standing guard while each owned a war spear and light armor for protection. Right away, their eyes centered on the only weapon in view carried.


    "Halt, His Excellency don''t allow strangers inside the village. Pay the entry fee or turn back." Wanting to refute the demand, he paused since Elber also was in consensus regarding their order.


    "Young Brigan, this is normal. Considering you don''t have money, handing over the weapon temporary as a loan won''t cause a big deal. Later, I''ll help you retrieve it from the village leader." Still worry but believing Elber had good intentions, Brigan grudgingly accepted the decision.


    Once inside, the nighttime lights helped guide them to Elber''s house. There, they got comfortable as they began discussing the situation. "First, take this cup of fresh water. You''re going to have to wait for a little on the food to finish."


    "Thanks!" Grabbing the cup, it was the same transparent shade of earth''s water.


    Taking a seat across from Brigan, Elber took a bit of time to gather his thoughts before he started the questioning on what he wanted to know most. "Now, how did you attain a God Weapon?"

 Chapter 4: Reliving the Past

    Hearing the inquiry, Brigan had already prepared to give the information away. If he were too worried about being deceived, his search for the Old Man''s teammates would prolong, extending to a case where it would hinder his goal of finding a government stronghold and returning to earth.


    After all, each planet ought to have high tech teleporting devices and controlled by the government. It was only a matter of time before Brigan found one.


    "The weapon is a loan from an old man''s dying request. Since I feel his death was partially my fault, I want to honor his last will." Elber nodded to the answer as he took his thumb out of his mouth.


    "I see... No need to explain further, if there is anything you need my help with don''t be hesitant to ask. I will try to help in the best way I can." After the reply, Elber''s actions once again disturbed Brigan.


    Having a serious conversation, regardless of how numerously he saw a grown man insert a thumb into his mouth, he could never get suited to the sight. "Mr. Elber, what is a God Candidate? The Old Man had mumbled something about it, but I couldn''t catch it all during his passing."


    "God Candidate? You don''t know? Well..., it''s no secret so anyone can provide you with the knowledge. There are three kinds of God Candidates. There is the God Child, the Blessed Creation, and the False Demi. Every candidate type has different strengths that set them apart from each other." Brigan watched Elber stop his hand from reaching his mouth as he explained further.


    "False Demis are born with 0% god genes and said to be the weakest of the three. They are only able to use God Weapons. Blessed Creations are born with 1% to 10% god genes and the second strongest, using multiple Geno Arts or Demi Arts as some calls it now. Last, are God Children. They can use both at half of its potential, but don''t be fooled. Even if the art and weapon are ordinary, a God Child can combine them and use God Arts which many acknowledges as superior techniques."


    "How many god genes do they possess?" Elber shook his head in helplessness at the question asked. "I''m told that their genes are 50% at birth. But to be honest, that type of number is hard to believe. Just meeting a Blessed Creation with 1% is talked about only in rumors."


    With Elber''s knowledge, Brigan also understood he was a Blessed Creation. When arriving, he received a Geno Art, and he couldn''t draw any power from the Old Man''s God Weapon. Still, there was more he wanted to learn. "What are they? Is it something to be proud of?"


    "The details aren''t crystal clear, but the myth says they are the chosen ones to be the next Ruler of Mortals. It also says that the current ruler left behind numerous God Trials to augment a candidate''s god gene ratio. However, these trials are insanely difficult and hard to find. Even if you manage to find one, the trial won''t necessarily give out god genes as rewards."


    At this point, Elber asked Brigan to wait a moment before placing down two trays of dinner. Of the two plates, Brigan''s tray held the bigger portion. "Here eat up while I finish answering your questions. Hmm, where was I? Ah yes, the trials and god genes. The god gene ratio may increase but never has a False Demi became a Blessed Creation, or a Blessed Creation became a God Child. It''s determined at birth is my guess."


    Gulp! Swallow! "Are there any here in the village?"


    "You asked earlier, is there a reason for being proud. In this village, even just being a False Demi could make you the leader. The reason why the village hasn''t succumb to monster intrusions is that the village leader is a False Demi with 1% god genes."


    "So I can be the leader or vice leader depending on my strength?" Although being a polite and kind man, Elber burst out in fits of laughter that was hard to contain. "Young Brigan is very ambitious. If you can gain a 1% god gene ratio, anyone can become a False Demi. It''s just that it''s easier said than done."


    The two then continued to enjoy their meal as they asked each other many questions. By the time the dinner and discussion were over, the sun had just begun to change the sky''s color. "Since its getting early, Young Brigan should rest for the night."If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Once mentioned, Brigan felt the exhaustion from days of starvation and worry inundate him. In fact, during the entire time, he had neglected to rest truly. In consensus, Elber directed him to an extra room and withdrew himself.


    Throughout the day, Brigan tossed and turned in his slumber. It was something that had been occurring more frequently as of late. He would relive the time right before the incident of his kidnap.


    In the dream, he was going about his daily life. There were chats with the few friends he had, school life, and the solitude of fending for himself. The thing solely left to him by his departed parents were the money expenses that would go to his schooling.


    With an era all about knowledge, being uneducated was the same as a death sentence. Because of this, the money expenses was also the thing he was most grateful for from his parents.


    As he went further in the dream''s motion, the day became night, and then the hours almost too late for his school''s curfew. Living inside the housing faculties on campus, he made to use an external porter pad that could teleport a short distance of one kilometer to any given residence in range, all for meeting the goal of his curfew.


    However, right before he could make it, he was intercepted by a group of twenty boys and two girls. In the middle acting as leader was the younger brother of Drick, Alix Wildspark. Everyone wore the school uniform of white and royal blue.


    Standing with his arms around the waist of two girls, Alix gave Brigan a look of contempt. "I don''t understand how a failure in life could gain Enha''s affections but if you promise to quit the school and never show your face again, I''ll let you off the hook."


    "Brother Alix sure is generous. If it were me, I''d break both of his legs for trying to steal my girl." One mentioned.


    Another sent a few chuckles on the side. "Just that? I would feed this little prick to my dogs. Man, I fill the rush coming just by the thought. Brother Alix, how about we rough him up anyways?"


    The entire lot of youths were performing in a depraved demeanor to intimidate Brigan. And sure enough, being the average young man he was, Brigan experienced a dread creep unconsciously.


    In his fright, thoughts of causing the most severe damage as possible to his would-be assailants assailed his mind unrelentingly. It was a predicament of ''get them first before they get you'' kind of sensation.


    With the feeling, he determined if he could hurt some and their leader Alix enough, the rest wouldn''t attack. But still, with a thin layer of rationale remaining, he attempted to diffuse the situation.


    "I can''t leave the school. This learning center is one of the best schools offered in the entire country and my parents wrote in their will to have me attend here."


    "That is your problem, not mines! You either do what I told you, or I''ll take both of your eyes." The two girls held looked frightened how things were occurring.


    Noticing the mood change, Alix reassured his group. "Relax, the Wildspark Family can cover up this incident easily, so don''t think I''m bluffing." He said, addressing the last part to Brigan.


    "Haha! That''s our rich Brother Alix! Let me be the first to get dips!" Growing impatience, one of the school members took a step forward ¡ª his intent baring malice.


    Consumed in terror, the response Brigan exerted first left the bragging youth entering a coma. Because of the sudden and rapid change in his actions, Alix''s entourage was at a loss on how to proceed.


    Furthermore, in their flustered state, Brigan incapacitated two more before invading Alix''s personal space. The two girls backed away as he then proceeded to blind and beat him until he also visited the lands of dreams.


    For the surrounding entourage, the courage of fighting disappeared. Instead, the majority left to call the authorities and the Wildspark Family.


    However, since it got discovered of being an attempted lynch and maybe murder cover-up, the charges of assault were dismissed. The Wildspark Family also dropped the issue for image sake, wanting to conceal the news as much as possible.


    It might also have been because the youngest son''s blindness was curable with the current era''s means.


    But this dream reality didn''t occur.


    Instead, after the group ran, Brigan reached the dorm room that he shared with two others. Unlike most dorms, it divided in a way where a large room had four smaller sections, and the rest was the living quarters.


    To a dorm room were a chaperone and three students. All rooms would co-exist between genders since it got abolished in the past for gender equality.


    Entering, he laid down on his twin size mattress and closed his eyes. The moment he did, he heard sounds outside the room but couldn''t move or wake.


    "Where is he Enha?!! If you hide him from me, you will join him."


    "Stop Drick! Ah! You''re hurting me!" Struggling more, he tried waking up. He knew what was about to happen next. And yet, his body stayed still.


    "I DON''T CARE!!! Here, take the money to shut your mouth. In the future, you better leave the school. Cheap goods like you aren''t good enough for my little brother."


    With that last exchange, the conversation quieted. Seconds later, Brigan''s door was kick opened, and then he was tied with a bag covering his head.


    Unexpectedly with a start, his body came alive in the dream. But his body restrains, and the bag fastened around his neck grew tighter than before.


    "DIE FAILURE!!!"

 Chapter 5: Strange Meetings

    Once day hours left the skies, the youth sleeping in a soft and warm bed, bolted in an upright position wheezing a heavy breath. Shifting left and right to comprehend his location, he spotted the bright light stationed near.


    Outside the room, the sound of footsteps rapidly approached the room''s door. If listening well, one could tell the person was also short of oxygen as pants stopped adjacent to the entrance.


    Knock! Knock! "Young Brigan?" The speaker paused to wait for a response before calling another time. "Are you awake Young Brigan? I heard noises, did something happen?"


    As a person who possessed some sense of dignity, he was declined to mention the cause was from a nightmare. "Yeah, everything is fine." He calmly spoke, hoping the answer would suffice and cease the questioning.


    Sadly, the response didn''t seem to bring any reassurance to the speaker. "Is there really no problem inside? In this village, people rarely make a sound like that for no reason." From the disbelief heard in the tone of voice, uttering no for a retort would lead to further suspicion.


    Brigan glared at the entry that faced the left side of his bed before sighing how easily he was going to shatter the small pride he treasured just to rid himself of Elber''s disturbance.


    "I just remembered the past, nothing major," he said firmly ¡ª this time with the belief that it was expressed strongly enough, really ending the doubt.


    "Yes, Yes... I see I see..." Elber said, admitting to being the party in the wrong. "In any case, the village sights are well lit at this time. Now would be an excellent chance to explore our village. It should get you more familiar to how we live." The patriotism vibe emitting from his mouth signified how heartfelt the village genuinely meant to him.


    "You really are kind Mr. Elber. I can tell you love this village greatly. Give me a minute, and we can go tour it!" Brigan excitedly replied. To him, Elber''s mood was contagious. It had thoroughly washed away his previous ordeal.


    "It is troubling to say, but I will have to displease you." Although Elber said the words with amusement, Brigan felt Elber should also be disappointed. If the door that was separating them opened, he could further decipher whether his thoughts were correct.


    "Isn''t it nighttime? I didn''t think you worked at these hours," he asked in confusion. Now mentioned, he became curious whether the jobs done here would differ much in differences from earth.


    "Well...," as Elber begun to talk, Brigan sled from the bed''s comfort to don his clothes. "...I can''t elaborate on my work, but it is something only I can do that will help the village immensely," he said evasively.


    In Brigan''s mind, an image formed. Of its figure, it was the first time he compared Elber resembling a turtle recoiling into its shell, even when counting their original meeting. Was the information classified? He failed to understand why there was a cause for secrecy unless the job was shady.


    Striding across the small space, he made sure to place the chair back in place near the desk supporting the lamp before going to grab the door handle. To get to the heart of a controversy, one needed to address each either face to face for a better discussion.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Click, click! Both, unlocking and opening the door, produced deafening tingles to ring along the inner eardrums as the atmosphere was now quiet. Greeting him on the opposite of its frame was the same slouched middle-age man in his standard black wear.


    The messy reddish hair lobed to one side emphasized his image, portraying the idea of an easy-going slacker. It didn''t mesh well with his up and tidy personality at all. Nor did it show the kindness he was known to possess.


    "Since you are ready, I also need to leave. I''ll barely make it if I delay anymore," Elber said neutrally with his head shifting to an angle that avoided eye contact. This response could only mean that he was aware of his own evasive actions, and probably creating a guiltier conscious also.


    Brigan let out a tired sigh. The enthusiasm was gone, and he had yet to depart from the house. Provided that the two of them were still strangers and Elber had been sympathy enough to render a dwelling place and free food, making him awkward in return was just terrible etiquette.


    "Alright, I''ll trust your word about the good sights and spend the night outside. I also need to pay that loan off." This was the other reason he accepted the invitation at night seeing.


    Usually preferring daylight, if the circumstances were normal, he would choose to earn money during those hours. However, in life, not everything would go the way it was wanted. "Make sure to return before daybreak. This village still has its fair share of troublesome affairs."


    Promising to comply, the two separated for the night as Brigan went the route that centered toward shopping. In his step, taking relaxed strides, Brigan had a clear objective in mind for his outing.


    One was to familiarize himself with the layout, and the other was to pay the loan off before his ownership expired. When he had a discussion the first night, Elber had explained there was an ownership time before the item then became the money for payment.


    Surprisingly with Elber''s kind nature, he didn''t offer to pay the entrance fee and wait to be paid later. Brigan also didn''t mention these queries since he had been helpful beyond what others would do in contrast.


    As the buildings changed, he could see the different kinds of structures the village fancied. Regarding the housings, most favored the silvery color that resembled mercury metal while casing off a rainbowish tint. Even the few that had sprinkles of moisture, the liquid was the same shades.


    The minorities leftover was copper but still with its metal-like shimmer. For the spectacles ahead, it was more similar to the Information Age than his Space Age. And given the night hour plus its brilliant lights hovering over the village, an Asian style festival seemed underway.


    "Such a carefree village in the middle of nowhere is amazing." He mumbled.


    "Ho..."


    "Now where should I start searching first?" Pondering deeply, the noise in the surrounding became unintelligible.


    "Hon...!"


    "That looks like a good area!" He exclaimed, seeing a shop with the name The Works & Exotic Goods in grand display.


    "Oh Honey!!! It really is you! You look the same as the day we married. Have you come back to me from the other side?" Screamed a short senior woman that appeared older than eighty.


    Feeling the pull on his sleeve and the shout coursing through his ears, Brigan redirected his head, placing his attention on the rude distraction. However, the old woman''s mood had already shifted.


    Her gaze was now facing the direction his eyes were at moments prior. "You haven''t changed at all Honey. You''re still interested in those fake items. I brought a lot of money with me to properly honor your death so let''s use it here," she declared eagerly.


    The old woman had total control of their pace as she then dragged him inside despite lacking the strength to do so normally. ''This woman''s strength is insane,'' thought Brigan, helplessly following.


    The inside was purple, dark purple. It was so dark that it was creepy. The shelves lining was like a regular grocery store. However, most of the products displayed glass jars or glass tubes housing liquids of unknown origins.


    "Welcome! Surprise me again I say. If it isn''t Madam Melody. How goes your singing? It''s been years since we last communicated." The store owner spoke stunned.


    "Can I buy another one of your God Gene Formulas? Honey would like one of those fake things."

 Chapter 6: Sunrise in Sunless Village

    The shop owner''s face scrunched up before showing his displeasure at the accusation. "Slander! Slander! What is this talk about fake goods? You come all the time to buy fake goods? Where is our friendship and trust Madam Melody?" He rebuked greatly.


    Despite expressing his thoughts, the shop owner still wrapped up a tube containing violet liquid about the size of an adult''s finger length with twice the width.


    "Hey! I have seen it all now, a grandma injecting her grandson with poison. Grandma, out of curiosity, why you hate him so much?" After hearing the amused voice, Brigan saw a man reading through a magazine while shifting through items on the shelves.


    On closer inspection, the cover had a woman looking innocent and a hand raised in an attempt to lift her shirt. Brigan''s face grew hot before he started questioning why the man carried a magazine. It was an unusual sight considering he''d yet to see any electronic devices present.


    "Honey is Honey! What I buy is what I buy! Honey, ignore them both. This time, the God Gene Formula will succeed." She said, clenching one of her hands nervously.


    The magazine guy just laughed while leaving the shop. But before he stepped out entirely, he gave a last remark of entertainment. "Hehehe! That boy is a dead kid walking."


    Brigan who remained quiet didn''t know how he should go about leaving unnoticed. Out of politeness, he didn''t want to break it to the woman that he wasn''t her dead lover, but he also didn''t want the woman wasting her money on a misunderstanding.


    In the end, his morals won. "Excuse me, Mrs. Melody, you don''t need to buy anything. This is all a misunderstanding." He said as polite as possible.


    However, his plans went downhill as the shop owner refused to lose an easy sale. "Here Madam Melody. Your honey will greatly appreciate this one. I guarantee this is the best God Gene Formula my shop can offer." He said quickly, shooting a glared in Brigan''s direction.


    Don''t mess this up for me little punk!


    Brigan could feel black lines forming. What was wrong with these people?


    Soon after, the item got thrust into his hands as Melody, and the shop owner entered a heated debate on what was fake and what was real. Determining the duo was crazy, he speedily left the shop and his morals along with it.


    Anything to get out of there!


    "Wait up kid!" The magazine guy yelled. He stopped in front with his eyes roaming around in search of something. Spotting the God Gene Formula, he shook his head before shrugging his shoulders. "You''re hopeless."


    At this point, Brigan was fed up with the recurring intrusions. "Who are you? Are you stalking me?"


    The magazine guy waved his hand in the negative before speaking again. "Just some advice to a kid from an adult here." He said boastfully, pointing a thumb to his chest with a wide smirk.


    "What do you want?" Brigan said annoyed. He could only guess that some people couldn''t read the mood and tell when they weren''t wanted.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    "You don''t look to know that grandma right? My advice is to discard that thing she gave you. In the past, she used to give the same thing to her husband all the time. With time, every dose cost the man exceedingly. First, the man lost his ability to speak, then his sight, legs, hearing, and it just kept going. Take my word kid; her nickname here is Crazy Music because she sang songs as he died slowly." The magazine guy giggled a few seconds further and then left after tearing a page from the magazine and stuffing it inside his pants pocket.


    From everything he saw, Brigan had learned one truth, everybody except for Elber was insane.


    Wanting to end the night early, he began searching for job opportunities. The faster he got his debt money, the quicker he could retire from the insanity known as Sunless Village.


    With hours going by, he failed to find anything. The employers all wanted a citizen or a long term employee. Neither were good options for him to choose.


    And as those hours continued to progress, the time for daybreak was fast approaching. Before long, he observed people rushing home. There wasn''t just the typical pace of walking fast or easy strides. Instead, some were full blown sprints. Even shop owners were closing their stall or store.


    The villagers were leaving as if their lives were in jeopardy. Amidst the small panic, two men were being glared at by the remaining people. Accusing and resentment faces spread across the crowd.


    The tens of lightly armored men stood in close proximity, showing the two men were extraordinary people. Of the two, one covered his upper face while the other covered the lower section.


    And during this time, the one that wore a white robe and mouth mask begun shouting to the villagers. "Leave quickly!!! I repeat!!! Leave quickly!!! Sunrise is coming!!!" A strong concern and great weight of anguish were in his shout.


    One could tell from his desperation that he had lost innumerable to whatever crisis occurring. The man with a regal air then turned, addressing the man wearing brunt-red clothes and an upper face mask. "Protect the inside like usual. This time, I won''t allow any to slip pass."


    Nodding, the brunt-red clothed man''s right arm trembled before he stopped it with his left. "Don''t let your habit hinder the villagers'' safety." The regal man continued saying after catching the twitch.


    Once seeing another affirmative, the regal man took the scattered armored men and departed toward the village''s gate.


    Seeing the scene, Brigan also noticed people whispering words of criticism. They blamed the man for failing to completely stop the monster intrusions despite him being a False Demi.


    Learning more, he was able to grasp that the regal man was the village leader. Furthermore, every sunrise a monster invasion would occur. While fighting with all his might, there were always a few to slip pass and enter through the gate.


    When this happened, those still roaming around the village during daylight hours would be found dead. Brigan didn''t agree with their view of blaming. If the monsters were as strong as the one he met, it was already a miracle that the village leader could hold an invasion back.


    Once more, the one protecting the inside was the other man, further making their accuses redundant. Now knowing the reason why Elber asked him to return before daybreak, Brigan could no longer keep that kind of promise.


    Possessing his level of strength, he should have some measures of killing or stalling any monster that came until help arrived.


    Having decided, he took the next few hours searching for monsters or any trailing villager in sight. If a monster appeared, he was determined to slay it. If a villager was spotted, he was obliged to help them home.


    As he followed this course, he heard shouting. "Honey!!! Honey, where are you!!!" The voice appeared to be the old woman Melody. Failing to see him after he left, she began searching the area.


    Now at the light of day shine brilliantly, she was still looking in vain. This was the scene Brigan saw upon arriving near the shout.


    "Honey, I find you!!!" Brigan sweatdropped at her claim. The truth was that he had found her instead.


    "Mrs. Melody..." he said, trailing off with a forced smile. But before she could respond, a swift shadow closed in on her, faltering any words produced. Next, oxygen finally entered Melody''s lungs before she let it out just as fast as it came. "Ahhhh!!!" She screamed shrilly.


    The monster had swiped down.

 Chapter 7: Insane Madam Melody

    Brigan swore inwardly, as he rushed for what he knew was a futile attempt. The attacking monster, on the other hand, resembled a standard grey mouse. Its whiskers were the only thing unique if not including the thing''s enormous size.


    Bent at a curve near the end, and matching the image of horns, the four whiskers on each side vibrated at a frequency that pulverized concrete.


    Eyes reflecting flamed rubies, the short swipe missed Melody. She had zoomed toward Brigan in her fright. One could only say this lady was fortunate because her reactions and the giant mouse''s reach played a vital role in her escape.


    Melody then jumped on Brigan, locking her arms under his armpits, and her legs around his waist. Forced to receive the unexpected weight, he stumbled back, now resembling a human turtle with the shell in front.


    "Honey!!! You almost lost me!!!" She cried, smearing wet tears on his clothes.


    Following her weeping, Brigan had to jump back, dodging the giant mouse''s horn whiskers. Having failed to kill its target, the monster was now using its strongest killing move, its whiskers.


    As the two began a game of bullfighting with the monster charging, trying to hit Melody, plus him dodging at the last moment, Brigan''s irritation and patience ran thin.


    The reason being Melody.


    "Knock it off old hag! I''m a minor!!!" He roared, pushing her head far from his.


    While he dodged for life with his movement hampered by Melody''s clamp, he was also required to raise his head and stretch his neck to its limit as the insane old woman proceeded to assault him with love kisses.


    Or at least try.


    "You have become strong!!! Let''s make later tonight a... long reunion!!!" She said with excitement and joy.


    "Ahhhh!!!" He bellowed as he exerted everything to run away. The monster followed, trying to seize any given opportunity spotted. Whether it was buildings or trees, they dodged it all in the pursuit.


    "HELP!!!" He cried.


    "Honey!!!" She gleefully shouted.


    "HELP!!!" He cried again.


    "So manly!!!" She said, rubbing her face into his chest.


    "Please!!! Somebody help me!!!" He begged. The chasing monster was a thing of the past. Now in its place was Insane Madam Melody as she tried molesting a minor.


    Brigan, on the other hand, had tears rolling down his face. He truly exerted his full power, attempting to pry the insane old woman off. But her strength was absurd, nothing worked.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    "Where is that useless mask man when you need him? Seriously Mrs. Melody, please stop!!!" Maybe using a kind voice would allow reason to set in?


    "Even now manly, you are still gentle and kind! Honey..." Brigan felt dread on watching Melody''s lips enlarge and zoom closer. What did he do to deserve this?


    Crack! Boom!


    A tree fell, dropping centimeters from their figures. The chasing monster could be seen raging. It had felt ignored the total time. The role that it played in the pursuit was minor. How could it not be furious?


    "Your still here? Give up!" Brigan stated firmly. To think that it was raging, he should be angry instead. After all, how would it feel being targeted by an ancient lady?


    Bending down, his muscles slightly enlarged upon grabbing his targeted item, shooting bulging veins to the surface of his arms. "Argh!!!" He exclaimed, managing to lift the falling tree off the soil. "C''mere!!!"


    With an impressive all-embracing swing, the charging monster met the falling tree.


    Bang! The sound of a powerful impact, followed by a whimper, entered the area into an eerie silence.


    Boom!


    The tree once again hit the ground surface. However, the section of the earlier collision was splintered and shredded in wood shards.


    Afterward, the monster proceeded to show the same results as the previous one. With dazzling flakes, the brilliant glow danced up before it flew toward Brigan.


    Once it settled down, Melody dislodged herself from him. "Are you a Blessed Creation?" She asked softly, closing her eyes with light tears forming at the corners.


    "Mrs. Melody..." He was at a lost on how to respond.


    Shaking her head lightly from side to side, she gave out a sad smile. "I knew. I knew it was too good to be true, but I still wished heartfully that those days could return. Here, I don''t need it anymore."


    His mouth parted slightly in amazement. "How..." He said trailing off. When he first came to the village, Elber had said Blessed Creations were things only in legends.


    And yet, wasn''t Melody a Blessed Creation also?


    Upon inspecting her hand, an opened violet Geno Art Box shone faintly. "This is an Ordinary grade Geno Art called Voice Heal. With it, you can heal minor injuries using the vibration in your voice to stimulating the body''s ability to self-heal. It works for both the user and others."


    She then looked at it in reminisce. "In the past, Honey would always ask for those fake goods, harming himself each time. Every failed attempt would bring despair, then a determination on succeeding the next try. His promise to me was to have a strength that could protect a Blessed Creation. But how can a False Demi be that strong? Even so, I silently endured, waiting and healing him until his body accepted it or he perished."


    It was a sad story. From other people''s view, she sang while happily watching him suffer. But for her, those songs were healing him to survive another attempt. He sighed before focusing his eyes on her more clearly.


    Watching the old woman become more depressed the further she spoke, Brigan decided to change the subject. "Wait, what are the Geno Art grades?"


    Pausing at the break of her mood, she patiently explained. "I only know four that exist. From least to greatest is Ordinary, Extraordinary, Heroic, and Blessed. Of the four, I have seen the first two."


    With the help of Melody, Brigan absorbed the Geno Art, bringing his durability to higher lengths. He even considered himself similar to tank classes in virtual reality games.


    Brigan Heartforce


    Race: Human


    God Title: None


    Genotype: Ordinary


    Genophase: 1.02%


    Geno Art: Voice Heal (Ordinary)


    Feeling stronger, Brigan escorted Melody home before continuing his search. Since Elber had shown him kindness, he would return it by protecting the village he loved. Once the invasions deceased and ended permanently, he would consider the debt paid.

 Chapter 8: The Boundary of the Ordinary Rank

    The scenery flashed, becoming a mere blur in the fading background. Traveling at this speed was Brigan. Ever since his body consumed the Geno Art, he felt bolder in his approach.


    He understood from the sensation that new genes had mutated inside his body, producing another sense comparable to his five original senses. But one difference, it could evolve further.


    Still, he didn''t allow this new sense to cloud his awareness. With focus and closing up upon an open area, he slowed to get a vivid detail before departing once more.


    Whoosh!


    This was the course of action he chose. When there were places that appeared promising, he would slow his pace and then speed up again depending on what he saw. But even so, the small intervals weren''t wasted.


    Instead, he used his time to its absolute. Every period it took to travel, he studied how to utilize the Geno Art to its full-potential better.


    Before he knew it, an hour crossed by. While maintaining alertness, he caught sounds of conflict produced in the expanse ahead. Because every moment was dire, he quickly sped to the place, exerting his max speed.


    In moments of exiting the gaps between buildings to appear in an open spaced road, the scene of three people running in despair met his line of sight.


    Chasing behind was a rabbit of water?


    The view was truly peculiar. Although a giant by normal rabbit standards, its true height was eighty centimeters. The total of which wasn''t even half of Brigan''s full height. And yet, the strange beast didn''t lose in regards to its counterparts of beforehand.


    Each landing produced from hopping was designed to crash its victims as warnings could be gain from the footprints left embedded into the ground.


    And if meeting its eyes, the dark pools of traumatizing black sockets would draw appalling quakes in the body upon contact.


    All of these happening, Brigan saw and experienced. It caused numerous thoughts to surface. However, there was one main thought above all.


    How did the three villagers manage to survive?


    Once this concept fostered, the reason became apparent as the water rabbit leisurely glance at him, and then them. The look expressed its feelings openly. It was strong, and those running before it were weak.


    He could see its view as a hunter regarding its prey. As to prove this point, when the distance reached a certain extent between the two parties, it would hop just shy of killing but quite close ¡ª always making them fall.


    Of course, being terrified and confused, the three villagers played to the water rabbit''s tune. To them, every miss landing was another second of a blessing bestowed upon them. If their blessings could continuing endlessly, the chance of surviving their crisis was more than a fantasy.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Having had observed plenty, Brigan initiated action to interfere. But such a movement didn''t go unnoticed. As if in warning, the water rabbit''s figure radiated intense violet glows.


    The shade of its glows was different than just being violet. At the edges was a scarce flicker of a light indigo color.


    With the message being sent, it also brought a comprehension of danger. If Brigan was determined to intrude, he would need to put his life on the line. Something which he felt he''d done but in reality, the fights prior this encounter never induced pressure like the water rabbit.


    Just using his own judgment and knowledge regarding the Geno Art grades, if he applied the same concept to rank beasts, he felt that the beast and God Candidates radiating violet glows were considered Ordinary grade.


    As for the water rabbit, it was on the verge of being an Extraordinary rank beast.


    Straightening himself firmly, Brigan stood to full height. In this coming fight, he needed to be at his best capabilities to succeed.


    Now firm, he gave advice to the running trio. "Scatter to the alley gaps!!! I will block off its path here!!!" He spoke calmly. His expression was also solid, raising no indications of wavering.


    "Who..." one tried asking before being rebuked.


    "Shut up and just run!!! If that guy wants to die in our stead, let him!!! Or do you want to traded places?!!" The shouter this time was a big sturdy man hiding his muscle physique under layers of body fat.


    Turning his face grim, the first speaker ran off faster. He didn''t give a second retort nor look back. But it wasn''t just him. The other two running also came to a consensus. They were better off letting wanna be heroes take the death ax.


    Regarding their thoughts and actions, Brigan didn''t care. From the beginning, he chose this action to repay his dues since he believed in returning grace with greater grace. This was all to set Elber at ease once he left this place, nothing more.


    With his goals sets and having already approached close to the water rabbit, he assumed a fighting stance he was most familiar using during bouts of scuffles ¡ª a boxing stance.


    Tap! Tap! Tap! The bouncing of his feet echoed in the area.


    Floosh! Dashing inside, he delivered a downward blow that would drive it into the ground.


    During these happenings, the water rabbit didn''t move. In fact, all it did was glare viciously and radiate its aura brighter. But once the incoming impact closed in, its dark pools flashed.


    Showing the difference in their experience and knowledge regarding each others species, the water rabbit remained still, attempting no procedures to protect itself.


    Blop! The blow was a solid hit, but the resistance felt odd. And odd indeed it was because the water rabbit''s surface sunk inwardly which created a feeling of being recoiled on collision.


    Bong! Bop! The water rabbit once more proved its high intelligence and hunter ability as it sent out a two-foot high kick during Brigan''s repelling, landing it on his chest to send him in the air and shooting toward a pointed tree branch.


    Being the place they were at, the pointed tree branch was not a standard kind. It possessed the same features the outside trees of this planet held.


    Thick and razor sharp like long blades of swords.


    Flying through the air at rapid speeds, Brigan was helpless in controlling his self mid-flight.


    Bang! Crash! Using instinct to swing blindly behind him, and because of the insane speed he soared through the air, the branch was slightly redirected, allowing his body to take damage from a blunt type of contact.


    Boom! His figure he the ground as he hacked mouthfuls of blood.


    The difference between a borderline Extraordinary and an Ordinary was vast. Once more, having no weapon except for his body, it could be said that the water rabbit was his direct nemesis.

 Chapter 9: Chasing a Morning Shadow

    "Ahhhhhhhh!!!" The painful cry echoed, suppressing the agony of the injury while healing it rapidly. Amidst his screams, Brigan could admit the damage he suffered was the first experience of its kind. Never had he been hurt to the point his torso felt shattered.


    Just examine the surroundings of footprints was more than enough evidence to show how strong the attack dealt appeared.


    Rubbing his chest, he shot back to his feet glaring at the water rabbit. Its speed was frightening and its timing even more so. If he continued to regard it as a mindless beast, it might really have the capabilities to end his life.


    "I understand now, things here have the ability to evolve, and that includes you right," he stated confidently. The words were a question, but the way he spoke was declaring a fact.


    "Starting now, I will view you as the barrier I will overcome." He spoke again, using the talk to recover further. Once giving acknowledgment to water rabbit''s strength, he entered his boxing stance.


    Only this time, his arms and front leg was slightly raised unconsciously for supporting kicks. If ancient people were to see, they would understand it as a stance from a lost fighting style called Muay Thai.


    Tap! Tap! Tap!


    Again he started bouncing, but he made no action to be the offender. Merely from the short exchange prior, he realized that because he was forced to swing downward, he had abandoned his support to stay rooted on the ground by the recoil that would follow.


    Then with the water rabbit''s additional actions, it was the same as icing on a cake. Like the three running villagers before, everything was calculated to secure helplessness in the victim to resemble a hunter when hunting prey.


    Crack!


    The water rabbit hopped, leaving indented footprints as it speared itself forward for a frontal attack. With bad angling for a strike, Brigan dodged the body charge while opening more space between them.


    Blop!


    The water rabbit didn''t quit. It quickly repeated its former actions of blitzing.


    Crack!


    He carefully observed, analyzing the height in which each charge would produce.


    Blop! Crack!


    Around him, the earth continuously depressed on every hop.


    Blop! Crack!


    Four times...Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Blop! Crack!


    Five times...


    Blop! Crack!


    At that moment, he saw an opportunity. Crouching down lower, he didn''t shy from the attacking beast. Instead, he met the water rabbit''s chest charge with a rising knee strike.


    With the two attacks closing the distance, the water rabbit took a hit underneath.


    Blop!


    As prior, the blow felt similar to hitting jelly. But damaging it wasn''t Brigan''s goal. His real aim was to lift the water rabbit higher in the air, the same as it did him.


    After all, when receiving the water rabbit''s cunningness, the properties on how its body worked was also understood by Brigan. The water rabbit couldn''t control what got repelled. Instead, it could only use the ground to stop its own recoil.


    Bang! Crack!


    His remaining foot on the ground caved the soil in from the collision as bulging veins sprouted to the surface of his leg.


    "I''m not done!!!" He shouted, his body flickering in a violet radiance as he healed the aching pain coursing through his foot.


    Blop!


    Before allowing it to distance far on the repelling, he sent a lightning roadhouse kick to steer it to a cluster of sharp branches.


    Snap! Whoosh!


    Brigan stood stunned. The tree he targeted to help him end the fight rustled before a shadowy item cut the branches and a figure concealed in darkness dashed from the spot.


    Still at a loss for words, he mindlessly watched the one arm shadowy figure escape. Only seeing the water rabbit recover and make its own slip did his mind reboot.


    Quickly, he feet sped in chase toward the shadow instead of the beast. But there was a reason for his action as well. From the time he saw the shadowy figure, and to the time it was leaving his sight, he sensed a greater crisis on letting it go than the water rabbit.


    "Stop!!! Who are you?!! Why did you save that thing?!!" He yelled annoyed. If he was to allow that water rabbit to roam around in the village, there was no telling what may come of the villagers by nightfall.


    "I said wait!!!" Taking up a large rock twice the size of his hand, Brigan pulled his arm back before launching it forward.


    The shadowy figure dodge without looking behind. However, the gap between the two became smaller as Brigan exerted more energy to catch up.


    "Are you the one behind the monster invasions?!!" Brigan loudly asked. His hope was to stall the shadowy figure in any way he could.


    Hearing a snort in reply, he didn''t notice the next happenings as another sound echoed out.


    Plik!


    Due to the morning rising sun and traveling near the surroundings of shadows, the darkness concealed the black blade''s motion as scattered pieces of dirt flew toward Brigan face. "Dang!!! You''re petty!!!" He retorted. Thankful that his reflexes enable him to avoid most of it, but disappoint that some still got into his left eye.


    "Where?" Scanning ahead, he spotted the shadowy figure heading toward a high slope as a violet glow radiated from its shoes. The glow was bright enough to provide awareness regarding its location as he resumed the pursuit. "There!!!" He exclaimed relieved.


    After being chased around the village, the shadowy figure finally arrived at its targeted goal as it jumped over the edge while vanishing from Brigan''s view.


    However, right before it left sight, Brigan was shocked again. The reason being, up until the moment it jumped over the edge, he thought it only possessed its left sword arm.


    But it then revealed its right arm as it used it to leverage the jump.


    "You are really petty!!!" He roared as he also arrived at the edge of the slope. And if one were to look down themselves, they would see nothing but the ground below.


    Moving his hand off the edge, Brigan slightly felt a touch of moisture on his hand. Inspecting the edge closer, he saw a receding water spot that was evaporating fast.


    "Hmm..." Thinking on it, he moved his hand in the same position he saw the shadowy figure take to support its weight. Once doing that, the evaporating liquid seemed to match in the same location where his thumb rested.


    "Impossible!" He would never accept this truth.

 Chapter 10: Village Leader Jehan

    Arms crossed and feet walking from one end of the room to the next was Brigan with an ugly expression. Prior to returning, he scouted the entire village for an hour, ensuring there was no water rabbit or shadowy figure silently lurking about.


    Besides damages to the village, he did not find anything amiss or prowling left in the aftermath''s wake. In the end, with a small measure of relief, he chose to head back and confront his suspicions. This led to his excessive pacing now while enduring the intolerable wait.


    But a constant unease feeling burdened his mind. To discover that Elber was possibly the culprit causing the invasions, and their first meeting almost a certainty for being based upon lies, it forced him to do what he usually did as a last resort, contemplating the course to take next.


    On one hand, he did not need to honestly place the matter of the village''s problems on himself. Since there was a high chance his guess was correct, leaving the difficulties of the village to the villagers was normal because he owed Ebler, not the village.


    On the other hand, he himself drove into the false integrities the place was experiencing without first having grounds to determine the complete picture. So by his own morals, he was obliged to see the process through ''til the end.


    Nevertheless, there was another thing that left a sour taste in his mouth. To be used ignorantly by another and then willingly dropping the offense as it was, was not his creed. That being the case, he would wait and endure the time for Elber''s arrival before hearing his confession to determine everything.


    Click!


    Frowning further as he regarded the sound, he departed the guest bedroom to stand near the opening front door. Facing it with a glare, he remained patient to see who was entering besides Elber since the sound of footsteps had two extra steps.


    If the actions Elber took was to bring reinforcements after see his strength, it would prove even more that he was betrayed. And betrayal was not something he was capable of dismissing. Especially if he was certain.


    The occurrence which permitted him to come to this very place originated from the act of betrayal. Although there was no proof of Enha''s actions, he saw no other explanation to explain his midnight kidnapping.


    "This is a misunderstanding! Young Brigan does not possess this ability." The voice of Elber argued, defending his case vehemently.


    "And I told you, the victims that were hunted by the invasion''s beast leader said they bore witness to him helping it. Your anger is toward the wrong person." Calmly refuted a charismatic voice. The tone itself spoke of someone experienced in addressing the public or being in command.


    "How can that be true? Why spare them and bring future troubles? Do you not see the flaw in their testimony?" Once again, Elber asked accusingly.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Blah, blah, blah! Save it Elber, your annoying!" This time, there was a third speaker who sounded like he carried open hatred for Elber. "It''s not hard to deduce the facts regarding the boy. Him being stupid explains the hole in your theory." He stated matter factly.


    "Cease agitating him Emeric, your past should never affect..." The words died as the trio detected the presence of Brigan''s angry flaring eyes.


    Ignoring the mean look pointed toward them, the one with a noble bearing met the glare unflinching. "It''s good that you did not run. Otherwise, your well being would be foreseeable." He spoke calmly.


    Brigan''s anger grew. From listening to the short conversation outside the door, he got accused of being in cohesion with the beast leader and for attacking the village. Something which should be self-evident as being a lie since the running trio were unharmed.


    However, the man he suspected as the village leader, and he once thought appeared admirably, turned out to be nothing more than a short-sighted fool. The weighted grief he showed during the yelling to the villagers was nowhere found.


    The change did not surprise Brigan. Even if the emotions he showed were real, it meant little to him now. From his view, All three man were his enemies until he could prove differently.


    "Who are you? And I wouldn''t run even if the beasts returned," he replied ignorantly. They could accuse him all they wanted, none of the things they tried would succeed. He would keep a low profile until he could uproot everything.


    "Your Excellency, isn''t this proof of his stupidity? Case closed!" The one who was called Emeric said nonchalantly.


    "Young Brigan please, you should be able to tell somewhat that this is village leader Jehan." Elber hurriedly helped. Their position was terrible from his eyes, so he didn''t want to worsen the issue.


    Again, Elber''s methods stunned Brigan. Either the middle-aged man was really kind as he portrayed, or he was very cunning like a wolf lying in wait. Either way, he couldn''t see through his means if it truly was false.


    "This is also the man I said would hold your God Weapon until the loan ended. However, we just found out that the weapon is gone and there is someone suspected of providing the beast leader an entry inside the village. A mole you could say." He explained further, hoping to ease both parties so that things could be talked out.


    "More words spoken from Mr. Goody Two-shoes, always having something to say while pleasing everybody. Mind your own business! Brat, nothing you say or think matters! This is the verdict! You come with us for your trial, hehe... or you lose your life. You decide," Emeric ranted heatedly before giving a small chuckle.


    Seeing how fast things were spiraling out of hand, Elber went to persuade Brigan to the best of his abilities. "I know this is very unjust Young Brigan, but please just comply for now. I swear, I will make sure everything turns out fine. Give me..."


    "Okay!" He said, agreeing to both Elber and Emeric''s demands. Since the beast he fought was the leader, he was confident that he had measures to protect his life or escape if the situation really did become terrible. He also chose to trust his instincts regarding Elber''s interventions on the whole subject.


    Elber was truly kind.


    "...a day and I will have all the accusations clarified. You won''t suffer unjustly, my young fri... Wait! Okay?" He rambled before asking.


    "Yeah, I''ll go along," Brigan replied easily.


    "..."


    Letting things proceed their course, Brigan willingly let them escort him out the house. But not walking very far did he stop and turn back to the stunned watching Elber. "Oh yeah! Elber, I''ll be counting on you!"


    With that said, the anger left him. For now on, he felt it was better to trust himself than doubt. After all, he didn''t like being bitter.

 Chapter 11: Easiest Escape in History

    Bam! Click!


    "Sit tight boy. Your following hours will be something to look forward to," Emeric taunted nonchalantly before departing. And as he left, the torches that poorly lit the background flickered, matching his retreating burnt-red clothes perfectly as it graced the holding cell.


    Brigan snorted to himself. During the walk to the holding cell, Emeric''s upper face mask concealed many of his expressions well, but it did not hide his eyes that reflected the amusement and hatred he harbored.


    His past also seemed to correspond alongside with Elber''s, bringing the two in conflicts like oil and water. This malice he carried then shifted on to him because of his close ties shared with Elber.


    Thankfully, when Jehan told Emeric to search his person, using his upper mask God Weapon to inspect for hidden items, he failed to locate the Ethereal Geno Art box he carried.


    However, he was not any one''s punching bag. When there was a chance, he would remind the two men that throwing fists to others; one had to expect fists thrown back.


    After putting thoughts of the two aside, Brigan began inspecting his new living quarters. Similar to the buildings of the village, his jail cell location was underground in a basement or cellar of sorts with walls constructed using a metal stronger than steel in a brick-like patterning.


    Furthermore, each brick alternated colors between the same silvery mercury and coppery colors of the houses on the surface. Unfortunate for him, the jail cell only provided one entrance that blew gentle breezes every few seconds with diamond goldish bars to act as the cages.


    Bored with the inspection, Brigan sat legs-crossed near the wall, leaving his back to rest on its cold exterior. "Time to wait for daybreak," he said quietly. He would put his trust in Elber and give him half a day.


    Once the village entered another beast invasion, he would start his own investigation. Hopefully this time, he got the opportunity to confront both the water rabbit and the shadowy figure.


    Finally at peace, Brigan''s eyelids shut as he heightened his awareness for the slightest sound. While his senses were on alert, the seconds he endured became minutes. Which in turn, those minutes became hours.


    Before long, using his own inner clock, he determined the sun was making its appearance. If he had thoughtlessly fallen asleep, he probably would have missed the correct hour. After all, his holding cell did not have windows. And the only entrance there was, was located far away.


    Quickly jumping to his feet, Brigan determined it was time to initiate Plan A for what would be known in the future as the easiest escape in history. Taking a deep breath to inhale his lungs'' greatest capacity for oxygen, he cupped a hand on each side of his mouth before starting the plan.


    Nothing could go wrong!


    ___


    Sometime earlier outside the underground cellar, a group of four men wearing brown light armor that protected their torso, joints, and neck with greyish green uniforms was executing preparations for the incoming beast invasion like usual.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    As they did their daily routine, the captain began addressing the other three soldiers. "Double Nine and Triple One, you two are to stand watch over the prison. Later, One Hundred and I will relieve you in shifts," the captain spoke firmly.


    "Yes, Sir!" All three replied. However, before the four separated, Triple One raised his hand childishly. "Uh... Sir...? I mean Captain Sir! May I ask one question, Sir?!" He said timidly at first before finishing strongly.


    "Permission granted and denied! You just asked a question soldier! Can you not count?!" The captain roared loudly after leaning next to Triple One''s ear.


    "Uh... another...?" He asked unsurely.


    The other two watching sweatdropped at the stupidity of his actions. By now, after spending numerous years with the captain, they thought Triple One would understand the captain better.


    "Another?" The captain asked with his face turning ugly.


    "Captain Sir! Triple One wishes to ask a question, Sir!" This time, Double Nine could not bear to continuing watching the train wreck known as Triple One further.


    "Okay, granted Triple One!" The captain roared again.


    "Uh... about guarding the prisoners, may we uh... decide the time lengths by... wagers?" Triple One asked again unsurely.


    The two observing and listening eyes grew big hearing the question. ''Oh no,'' they both could not help thinking. Knowing how the captain operated, it was like giving a man suffering from thirst a glass of water.


    "You are asking an upright captain to gamble?!" The captain roared furiously. However, his broad smile, eyes thinly split open, and hands clasped rubbing together failed to conceal his real thoughts. "Of course we may!!!" He shouted eagerly.


    ''We''re going to miss the invasion today!'' The both exclaimed inwardly.


    Tightly grabbing Triple One by the shoulder, the captain leaned in as far as to touch noses. His eyes then glared heatedly, "Do you have a deck of playing cards? No? Alrighty men, listen up!!! We are to retrieve my card deck and start it off with Dead Man!!! Move it!!! Move, move, move!!!" Despite his words, the sprinting figure in the distance showed his impatience for waiting on them.


    To avoid getting an earful later, the remaining trio also sped after their disappearing captain while calling out. "Wait!!!"


    At the same moment, a muffled sound was in harmony. "Help!!!"


    ___


    Screaming at the top of his lungs was Brigan. "Help!!! There is a beast inside my cell!!! Did you hear me?!! Help!!! It''s a real, death and life situation!!! Why are you guys being so ruthless?!! If I die, you won''t get any answers!!!" He continued yelling.


    Sighing after catching his breath, he thought up a reason that would cause them to fail on responding. "Hmm... let''s go with Plan B!" He said decisively.


    Plan B was to wait one or two hours for mealtime and then trick the food supplier into entering the holding cell. He was positive that nothing could foil this chance since everyone needed to eat also.


    "Shut up noisy pest!" Cried a prisoner that was far from his eyesight.


    But in the end, he ignored the complainer. He needed to focus on the goal, the goal of waiting for food service.


    ___


    Meanwhile, on the way to the captain''s home, the group of running four saw two more soldiers wheeling trays of food.


    Growl! Rumble!


    All four felt the sensation of hunger. Being the ever so questioner, Triple One made his inquiry known. "Uh... Sir...? I mean Captain Sir! Uh... that food... is it okay to have some?" He asked timidly.


    Shifting his head and slowing his pace, the captain of the four stopped the two food suppliers. "Halt!!! Since we are about to play Dead Man, why not the two of you join us and bring along that delicious food?!! It''ll be a morning party!!! Let''s go!!!" Not taking the time to hear their regards, he grabbed both and had the others roll the trays with them.


    ___


    Back in the holding cell, Brigan waited for an hour. As he endured, he called out to some of the other prisoners. "Does it usually take this long for food service?"


    All he received was a roar of laughter. They all knew, if the food was delayed, that guard captain was the one guarding the morning shift.


    Brigan''s brows raised before dismissing the others.


    ''Let''s wait, Plan B is good!'' Was his final thoughts on the matter.

 Chapter 12: Easiest Escape in History 2

    Sunless Village''s Prison.


    After waiting calmly for two extra hours, Brigan understood there was a problem preventing the food suppliers from arriving.


    Deep in thought, he determined that the morning invasion was the cause and the delay would settle by waiting longer than the usual time.


    As if to prove his conjecture correct, thirty minutes later, two depressed soldiers wheeled in trays of food. But unlike the prior batch of food, the plates served dishes that was unpleasant to the taste.


    By this time, Brigan had his eyes closed, head perched on top of his folded arms, and legs crossed with the top one bobbling vertically. It presented a picture of one that was having leisure time, and there were no worries to be had.


    But for the veteran prisoners, the majority began trembling after spotting one of the food suppliers. Some of the clueless ones also became frightened upon witnessing the reactions of so many scared adults.


    ''Who are these guys?'' The collective mass thought while watching.


    "Look at this brat! Easy-going despite being declared for execution tonight! He must be one of those freaks that relishes death. Come here brat, let this young daddy grant your wish!" One of the soldiers said as he fished out the keys to the holding cell.


    "Hold on, what do you think you''re doing?! He''s in here because he has the ability to escape the beast leader! What do you think will happen when you open the door?!" The other yelled nervously.


    "Your a born chicken newbie, you don''t get it at all. Who runs this village? His Excellency Jehan, that''s who! Even the beast leader don''t dare show his face before our leader! Now, look at this brat with a death wish, he''s a born masochist! He''ll be receiving as much pleasure from this beating as I get from dishing it out. So relax, my judgment is always a hundred percent accurate!"


    The tone of the first soldier''s voice was full of annoyance and arrogance. But it was understandable since he was a soldier who had done this plenty of times in his numerous years of service.


    Whenever there was a prisoner with the verdict being a death execution, he would volunteer to be the food supplier. After taking a visit to hand out the meals, those assured on this execution list would be found dead and accused of an inside killing from one of the cellmates.


    In time, he even acquired a nickname from the remaining prisoners, the name being Inmate Slayer because the prisoners thought it was the soldier''s life mission to slay every inmate.


    "I''m not apart of this! I''m telling the captain," the second soldier stated, departing fast.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Shrugging at the retreating figure, the first soldier did not give chase. "Suit yourself! Not like it will matter, chicken!" The first soldier stated amused.


    Shifting his head back to the holding cell, he inserted the key as his tongue ran across his bottom lip. The anticipation felt was unreal. He could not wait to start the beating. "Come, you will never forget this experience!" He said excitedly.


    Click! Clang!


    However, the moment the door swooshed open, Brigan seemed to teleport in front of the man as he grabbed the back of his neck down to meet his rising knee. "Delusion Killer!" He exclaimed, naming the attack.


    Panic bore fruit as a frightening thought surfaced in the first soldier''s mind, ''God Candidate!'' Nonetheless, he still managed to pull his emotions under control before declaring his unwillingness. "You''re the one dreaming! There are plenty of hidden God Candidates in the village! They just don''t want to be forced serving His Excellency!"


    After making this statement, a metal plate, acting as a head protector, appeared on his forehead.


    Bang! Thud!


    Despite its strong properties, it failed to provide a proper defense on impact. As for the soldier, he flew back hitting the cellar wall while his figure hung embedded into it. Thankfully, the God Weapon helped him to keep his life as he was only rendered unconscious.


    "Hmm... I couldn''t tell before because I was fighting that water rabbit, but my strength really did increase a lot!" He exclaimed as he reached out to grab a cell bar tightly.


    Crink!


    Moving his hand away, he almost died of embarrassment right then and there. The reason being, looking at the cell bar showed a warped bar in its place.


    Was not the prison made to contain God Candidates? Or was those candidates not False Demis, excluded from the equation?


    Regardless of the matter, Brigan was still relieved to have freedom. He also made a side note to test all possibilities instead of overestimating the opposing side.


    Giving the defeated soldier his gratitude, he bolted to the only existing entrance. Upon exiting, he caught another disturbance, the second soldier returned looking disheartened.


    He assumed the news of the first soldier''s action was not a secret to the higher rank guards. It also made sense since his procedures been going on for an extended period of length. Still, Brigan did not sympathize with the returnee. After all, they were enemies.


    Feeling the sensation of eyes looking upon him, the second soldier turned his head to face the entrance. There, he spotted Brigan just standing there and waiting, as if he was waiting on him.


    "What?! How you get o... No! What did you do to Brother Fifty Five?!" He hollered nervously.


    Brigan ignored him. What he had to do first was disable the man. The lesser amount knew of his escape, the further he could do his own investigation. "I won''t harm you greatly, but this will leave a bruise later." He calmly and quietly told him.


    "What?! St..." He tried to say as he placed his hand in front of his face, a reflex with the act of hoping to protect oneself. Unfortunately, it proved to be little resistance against Brigan as he hit the back of the man''s neck. "Wow, it really works like its shown. Sorry, but not sorry. You''ll thank me later after I save you all." He finished just as calmly and quietly.


    Hurrying along, the time did not pass great before someone was calling out to him. Spotting the shouter, it turned out to be a familiar person.


    "What are you doing here?" Said the caller.


    Looking at the person, Brigan was stunned as he saw them chased by many beasts.


    It seemed that this time, the beasts had finally made it into the village in large numbers. The village was now in great danger.

 Chapter 13: Elbers Secret

    Keeping up the pace, Brigan began running adjacent to the man he once met after leaving The Works & Exotic Goods'' shop, the magazine guy. "You''re not stalking me again are you?" He asked dubiously.


    With the way he saw how the village worked, he could never be too sure regarding these kinds of things. In fact, being stalked had a higher probability than meeting at random when taking the village as a whole into account. After all, the villagers were weird like that.


    "Huff... huff... okay, further advice from an adult to a kid. Huff... when your life is on the line, huff... huff... you need to be serious, or you''ll die." The heavyset man panted as he shared his wisdom.


    For a man who did not exercise well, the arduous run was torture as it caused buckets of sweat to fall around him. Even his curly brown hair was tangled from the sweat as a hand on a hairy arm clinched tightly to his heart location.


    "Huff... huff... I''m a good citizen so last advice kid, run faster! My body can no longer keep up." He heaved laboriously.


    "Continue leaving, I''ll take care of the beasts," Brigan said confidently. For the tired man, he looked about ready to refute the boast. "And don''t worry, I got this!" He finished, sounding even more confident.


    Feeling emotional at the thought of a kid exchanging his life for an adult, the magazine man sniffed as his eyes watered, but a single tear never fell. Reaching inside his pocket, he pulled an item out. "A kid dying for an adult is the greatest shame I will take to my grave! Kid, take this! Don''t die as a lonely virgin!"


    The man then proceeded to toss him a small stack of crumpled paper. Brigan easily caught the flying items as he unrolled one. "Thanks, I gues... " But his words ceased at the content it contained. "Trash!" He screamed with a tomato face as he threw the torn pages from the magazine on the ground.


    "I''m never saving your ungrateful tail again!!!" He roared at the top of his lungs.


    He was the same as the next guy. He liked women. But he did not believe trying to gain experience through anything unreal. However, this was merely a misunderstanding between the two. If he knew how the man truly cherished his torn pages, he might have different thoughts ¡ª probably.


    Faced with the incoming beasts, Brigan put the peculiar matter behind. Steady and focus, he waited for the first of the five beasts to enter his range.


    The first to come in close proximity was a wolf beast. With four red eyes and brownish fur, it leaped upon him with its tongue hanging out, displaying rows of teeth resembling steel.


    "Delusion Killer!" Raising his knee, he launched its head back as the wolf beast''s mouth was forced shut while breaking several teeth.


    Thud!


    It soon hit the ground unmoving. Then following a short delay, dazzling lights danced up before once again entering Brigan. "Come!" He spoke again, trying to get used to talking as much as possible to utilize his Voice Heal during damaging impacts better.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    The following four beasts were unmoved as they charge relentlessly. Seeing their behavior, Brigan realized they resembled a small pack.


    They would attack together, die together, and run together ¡ª this act made dealing with them harder than the usual if they had fought separately.


    Growl!


    In the mode of a hunter, they surrounded him inside a formation, each facing the north, east, west, and south of his position. Crouching low, the four beasts slowly prowled once they were sure his escape was sealed and his demise inevitable.


    Shifting his field of vision to and fro, he centered his sight on the closest one while also observing the others for the slightest of errors.


    Snap!


    Losing the long-awaited patience, one leaped forward as its eyes shone brilliantly. "What?! They have eye attacks?!" He swore dumbfounded as he felt his body stiffen and a numbing sensation entered him from the bottom to the top.


    "Ahhhhh!!!!" He shouted as a violetish radiance shone off his figure. It was the only attempt he could think to solve his imminent crisis.


    ''Work!'' He thought strongly.


    Bang!


    His body resumed its function as he hit the wolf-beast suspended in mid-air with the hardest punch he could perform. "Delusion Maker!" The blow clipped its jawline as it descended into an unconscious state similar to when a human was hit on the chin precisely before it also hit the ground.


    Unlike the other beasts, it did not burst into illuminated specks, instead, its legs twitched every few seconds.


    Experiencing the repeated defeats at Brigan''s hands, the remaining three gave an all or nothing charge.


    Bam! Bang! Pow!


    By the end of the exchange, the four beasts became showers of light as Brigan''s body absorbed what he expected to be the genes that improve his God Gene ratio.


    Taking a moment to recover, he heard a sharp snap sound of a twig breaking as he stiffened up. "Who''s there?" He called out on high alert, stretching his senses far to catch a glimpse of who managed to sneak up on him.


    "It''s me, Young Brigan!" Came the reply of Elber with his hands raised in a gesture meaning he meant no harm. "How did you escape the prison?" He inquired.


    Brigan relaxed seeing Elber. "Secret! What about you? I know you said to wait until you investigated the matter, but I''m not the type to wait forever on things that concern me. Sorry!" He apologized.


    "I see... I see... so it was like that..." Elber said trailing off. He then spoke again. "Since thing are as they are now, why not tag along together? Two heads are always better than one." He suggested searchingly.


    "Okay, sure! There were a few questions I wanted to ask you about, like the poison water outside the village. Where is the fresh water coming from?" Brigan asked curiously.


    "That is rather random giving our predicament now, but I can answer it! The village is built on a water supply located inside here. We also have water towers as you have seen that catches rainwater. However, for the poisoned water, it should be the doing of a human." He stated, saying the last part low and angerly.


    "A human? You mean the shadowy figure I saw helping the beast leader?" He asked, secretly wondering why Elber never mentioned his fight between the beasts.


    Was he scared by his show of might? Or had he known since the beginning? Furthermore, how did he manage to protect his wellbeing during this chaos?


    These questions assaulted Brigan as he waited on Elber''s response. "You saw?!! Did you see his face?!!" He asked hysterically.


    "Uh... no, sorry!"


    "No Young Brigan, I am sorry! It''s just that the matter is personal. You asked about the poison water, right? Well, that person is using our fresh water to entice the beasts to attack the village relentlessly. It is to the point where he has even poison the majority around this area." He explained as he stopped moving to place a hand on Brigan''s shoulder.


    "He?" He questioned, surprised he knew the shadowy figure''s gender.


    But before he could get an answer, a cage appeared around him. "Sorry Young Brigan, only I must stop him."


    There, on the outside of the newly made cage was Elber with the large claymore in his hand.

 Chapter 14: Battling the Water Rabbit Again

    Feelings of betrayal, shock, and anger surfaced at seeing the trap. Glaring at Elber angerly, Brigan spoke with a sharp edge to his voice. "Why?" Just that simple word alone spoke many meanings to it.


    On the side, Elber flinched slightly before facing his head to the ground in reminiscing. "The suffering of this village can''t be understood by an outsider. Why did I deceive you? Why did I steal the sword? Even if I told you, could you understand? Young Brigan, you don''t know true hardship. I remember our first conversation still. The day we met, you were attempting to drink poison water. Your posture was relaxed the same as it was now. Any beast roaming around knows how to make surprise attacks. You had beyond a sheltered life. It was peaceful!!! So peaceful, you never heard of God Candidates or faced a beast invasion!!!" He expressed, starting softly before yelling vigorously.


    "Why?" Brigan asked again just as sharply as before. Despite what Elber said, he didn''t care for those things. What he wanted to know instead was the reason to stop him from helping. There was no reason to cause the problem to augment when preventing it was better instead.


    Elber shot his own glare after hearing Brigan''s response. "Why? I don''t understand your question, and we don''t have time. When everything has been settled, you can leave the village or choose to live here. For the cage, it is my only God Weapon but the strongest one there is. With it, you should be safe until nightfall. Whether it be those on the outside or inside, anything under an Extraordinary striking force has no ability to cause damage. "


    After mentioning his last words, Elber left to head east where the village gates were located. Letting his anger slowly cease, Brigan sighed at Elber''s kindness and stubbornness.


    He wasn''t the smartest person around, but even he could tell the happenings using the few signs there was. For instance, Elber just gave up his best defensive God Weapon when he was going to search for that shadowy figure he met last time.


    This was Elber''s kindness in trying to protect someone whom he deemed as free of hardships. He didn''t want to see that kind of person suffer from the unjust reality presented to everyone.


    Then was the mentioning of it being his only God Weapon. Since the shadowy figure had a blade God Weapon, Elber needed a way to fight back instead of only guarding. This was why he took the claymore God Weapon.


    Last was Elber''s stubbornness. Despite knowing that two is better than one, he still chose to shoulder everything on his own. Even offending those close and breaking the law didn''t deter his beliefs.


    Brigan sighed again as he watched the space where Elber''s silhouette disappeared. "If you shoulder all the burden, how do I repay your kindness?" He whispered. A true friend didn''t consider an act of kindness to be something as debt, but Brigan had his own morals.


    Losing his parents and living alone, he made a promise to himself that any true kindness shown to him, he would definitely repay ten fold or more. It was a vow he made because he had wished to have experienced the same thing himself during his younger.


    Stuck with nothing else to do, Brigan tried checking the cage for a way out. If he was to reexamine Elber''s words, this God Weapon not only had the sturdiest defense ability for Ordinary God Weapons, but it also could be damaged or broken, provided the strength was strong enough.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Prior, during his fight with the water rabbit, he measured their strengths to be the same but with the water rabbit''s defense being superior. Since it was a beast at the boundary for Ordinary rank beasts, he determined there was a chance his own strength could affect the cage.


    To test his theory, he drew back an arm before thrusting forward with a twist, exerting his greatest force. "Delusion Twister!" He yelled the moment his fist made contact. By doing this, he was hoping to diminish the damage his hand received on impact.


    Crink!


    Bursting forward and straight, it was like a spiral as it caused the cage bars to crank and make grinding noises while vibrating.


    But even so, there were only slight signs of being damaged. "It''s hard!" He said after feeling the pulsating pain numbing his hand.


    Deciding to endure, he initiated to perform another strike. And just when he got in position, a shadow engulfed the cage. Shifting his head, he spotted the water rabbit from before standing in an area that shone the sun''s brilliance and letting it appear larger than its actual size.


    No scratch that, he was wrong. The water rabbit had truly grown larger. The stare from its eyes was also more frightening than prior. Its dark pools seemed to devour the surrounding light.


    However, there was another thing different. The attitude it showed when chasing the three running villagers was nowhere to be found. Instead, if it could kill using its eyes, Brigan would be dead. The hatred that it felt to losing against Brigan was that intense.


    In fact, if Brigan made a guess, he would assume the purpose for it entering the village this time was to get revenge. And what gave it its boost of confidence was the larger size it now possessed.


    "What do you want, sore loser? Can''t you see I''m stuck in this cage? Don''t give me that look, we can''t fight even if you want too." He said nonchalantly, acting like nothing was wrong as he sat down crossed-legged while imitating the pose for gaining enlightenment.


    "Patience! All things will come clear in time, old one. Learning to endure is part of life." He said wisely.


    In truth, he was nervous at the moment. Being trapped made him feel handicap, and with the strongest enemy he fought to date nearby, it made the feeling heavier.


    Did the cage really protect against anything below Extraordinary rank?


    Crack!


    Brigan felt the ground tremble as it leaped toward his direction. "Not good!" He panicked, jumping to the side farthest from the water rabbit.


    Boom!


    Like a tidal wave descending, the water rabbit blasted the cage from its position. Brigan, who was inside, felt the surge of liquid travel up his throat as he was tossed about like a bouncing ball.


    Thinking quick, he used the momentum of the spinning and bouncing cage to turn it into a hamster wheel treadmill. While running, he sprinted in a dash to escape the upgraded water rabbit.


    "How is fighting me now proving your strength? Are you afraid of me coming out?" He taunted to heal his injuries.


    Cracking the ground to launch itself once again, it ignored Brigan''s words completely. Only killing the prey existed in its eyes.


    Left with no choice, Brigan wheeled the cage around before striking it in the same place the water rabbit would land. "Delusion Twister!" He shouted.


    Boom! "Argh! Stupid Elber! He completely forgot how strong this thing is," He groaned while shooting daggers at the water rabbit preparing to launch another assault. "When I get out..." He paused seeing it already mid-flight again, "Dang! Stupid Elber! Stupid water rabbit!"


    Once more, he let loose complaints as he delivered Delusion Makers and Delusion Twisters to the cage every exchange.


    After a short while, five minutes passed of him running and trading blows before there was a loud snapping sound. With the noise, three bars of the cage fell off.


    Boom!


    The water rabbit landed on the now empty cage as it still glared hatefully at him. He, however, ignored the look as he grabbed two of the broken bars, and at the end of each one was a sharp point reflecting the sun''s brightness. "You got your turn. Now you will become the punching bag!"

 Chapter 15: Experiencing Luck or Maybe Not

    Using all the experience he obtained from their first encounter, Brigan started to bounce on the balls of his feet as his mind enter a tranquil state.


    Placing the two bars at a crossed angle centering to his right, he speared forward. Each edge of the bars shone brightly in the sunlight as the piercing strikes whistled through space to arrive near the water rabbit situated on top of the damaged cage.


    In contrast to before, it did not welcome the attack. Instead, it ascended through the sky before diving in a vertical spin. Like prior to its other charges, the descent of its figure displayed a crushing force pressuring all below it.


    Sensing the heavy sensation engulfing his being, Brigan raised the acute bars high while bracing himself for the extreme impact that would follow. "Delusion Guard Point!" He yelled to further shave off the injuries received.


    Boom!


    Astonishing enough, friction began to build while producing a scraping sound. For Brigan, his feet sunk half an inch into the ground. With legs buckling under the mighty weight, he redirected the water rabbit''s fall to the side.


    Crack!


    The earth trembled beneath its pressuring power. Brigan did not stand still. Rather, he sprung back to create space between the two as he analyzed what happened.


    To him, it didn''t make sense how a soft body like the water rabbit''s could achieve a compressed state. The feeling resembled water becoming solid like ice.


    And yet, the water rabbit not only lacked this ability previously, but it was also saved by the shadowy figure''s intervention, further proving this was new.


    Thinker harder, his eye lit up as he realized something. Earlier, the water rabbit initiated a leap to avoid his weapon. But later, it still had the confidence to engage him in a frontal assault. This indicated before the jump, and after the jump, the water rabbit''s body state was soft at one point.


    Giving a test run, Brigan once again engaged the water rabbit. After dodging another failed charge, he jolted toward the landing water rabbit. The same moment it touched the soil, caving everything under its feet, he gave a small rotation to his arm while aiming for the disoriented water rabbit.


    "Delusion Assault Point!" He shouted, expecting to undergo slight harm from the jarring halt of its hardened body.


    Splish!


    With no resistance of any kind, the acute bars penetrated its body like a hot knife through butter. In severe agony, the water rabbit screamed a squeak similar to when an ordinary rabbit feared for its life.Stolen novel; please report.


    "Shut up! This is the outcome you sought yourself. I''m just helping out." He said, pulling his misshapen weapons out.


    Although his voice was calm, he was greatly stunned. When he perceived everything, the only place hardened on the water rabbit was its feet. It also used it to exert tremendous weight on its enemies.


    Looming over the wounded beast, he ceased its suffering as he allowed the dazzling specks to dance around him. Giving out a small hmm sound, he once more felt the rise in strength.


    "Really strange, it''s like leveling up!" He pondered, trying to explain the peculiarity of the environment. "Hmm...?" Situated in the disappearing beast was a small glowing violet box.


    To be exact, it was an Ordinary Geno Art box. At this moment, Brigan''s lungs ceased taking in oxygen as he stared speechless at the item.


    Did this mean each beast had the chance to drop items?


    Feeling the world turning black, he exhaled as his body forced him to remember how to breathe while oxygen returned in great waves. "Truly like a game!" He said amazed.


    Picking the box up, he gave it a few tries but failed to pry it open. Sadly, the method he used to absorb the Voice Heal couldn''t be used the same way.


    With the Voice Heal Geno Art, he had Melody''s help to make it into a solution that was digested by the body. However, she didn''t have anymore, and it only worked after the box opened.


    She even explained that once absorbing the Geno Art, he could later reject it from his system if he possessed the box still.


    But the main thing he found important was her explanation on how to open the Geno Art boxes. Depending on one''s genotype, there were three ways to go about opening it.


    One was to open it normally which he tried but failed to do as one needed a genotype above the Geno Art box. The second method was to use blood and let it simulate one''s genes so that it was compatible during absorption.


    However, although the Geno Art would open and drop a grade, it was useless if it was more than one grade higher because one would need the genotype equivalent to its dropped grade.


    Then was the third method. It was also the only dangerous method of the three. Using this method, one could not later discard it. Regardless of its grade, one could simple forcibly swallow it whole.


    After digesting it and depending on its grade, the risk of mutating into an abomination was determined by one''s countering genotype. The genotype would range at a ten percent failure rate for one grade above the Geno Art grade, and then an additional ten percent every Geno Art grade augmented.


    For example, using the four grades of Ordinary, Extraordinary, Heroic, and Blessed, if one had a genotype of Extraordinary, swallowing an Ordinary Geno Art would have a ten percent chance of mutating.


    Keeping an Extraordinary genotype, if it were an Extraordinary Geno Art, the mutating chance would be twenty percent and so on for each grade higher. Only swallowing a Geno Art two grades lower or more would diminish the risk.


    And it was because of this factor while also having some confidence in his own strength that he was not willing to take the gamble. Instead, Brigan put the box away as he proceeded to chase after Elber''s last direction. Hopefully, he could make it in time to give a helping hand.


    Flashing through the village and passing destroyed areas, he searched for any signs that would provide evidence to any fighting ongoing.


    Unfortunately, except for destruction, there were no beast or human in sight. And compared to the last invasion, this invasion had appeared on a greater scale.


    Not giving up hope, he searched the village for an hour before something flew past him the moment he got closer to nearing the gates.


    Bang!


    Slumped against a now broken house door, Brigan spotted the seriously injured Elber. Not only was he in critical condition, once he checked for a pulse, he felt his heart drop. There was no pulse found.

 Chapter 16: The Kind and The Crybaby

    Acting on impulse, Brigan hurriedly placed his hand on the server wound he saw of the large gash going across Elber''s torso diagonally. "Wake!!!" He shouted while a violet glow intensified on his hand.


    "Wake!!!" He shouted again. And yet, there still was no response.


    Just when he was preparing his third attempt, Elber''s body convulsed before his eyes shot wide awake. But even so, the healing had done little help so far. "Argh!!! You are... Young Brigan?" He barely managed out painfully.


    "You can''t be talking right now Mr. Elber! Conserving all your energy is the priority! If you don''t, I can''t guarantee I can heal you!" He explained quickly.


    "Where..." He began before awareness set in as he shut his eyes in anguish. "I failed... I failed everyone!" He whispered with tears forming.


    "Quiet! You''re not dying! I got this!" Brigan reassured.


    Becoming delirious, Elber paid little attention to Brigan''s words. Instead, he began reflecting on his mistakes in life and how things came to be what they are now.


    Immersed in his depression, he focused his vision on the person shouting wake repeatedly. Thinking further, the dame he kept to himself enduring the suffering alone broke at this moment.


    Tears fell as he faced Brigan with utter despair. Upon closer inspection, in his eyes was a soulless gaze, showing that the fleeting hope he once had to carry his emotional burdens were entirely ripped and shattered from encountering the shadowy figure''s retaliation.


    "He would have never become like this if only I had realized sooner. Even now, I regret not shielding him." He said nostalgically.


    Brigan listened to Elber telling his past regarding the shadowy figure as he continued healing him.


    "When we were younger, he always cried..."


    ___


    "Waah!"


    In Sunless Village about forty years ago stood a boy defending a five-year-old boy who was crying loudly in a playground area. Before them with the sun high in the sky and the heat blazing down was a large group of children around the same age.


    "Tell that crybaby to shut up!" One yelled angerly.


    "Yeah! His crying always stops our playtime!" Another agreed.


    With his arms spread out, seven-year-old Elber glared at the group. "Leave him alone! He fell and hurt his knee!" He said defensively.


    "He falls and hurt something every day! You''re only taking his side because he''s your brother!" A third child accused.


    "Since you like sticking together so much, we will beat both of you up." This time, the speaker was an eight-year-old Jehan with his arms crossed over his chest.


    Grabbing his little brother''s hand, Elber pulled him along as he made a run to escape their rage.


    ---


    Sitting at a dinner table, the two brothers waited for their father to serve food. On the side, Elber spotted his little brother''s eyes watering.


    ''Hold it in!'' He prayed inwardly.


    "Wahhh!"A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Walking to the table with a few trays held in hand, Elber''s father sighed at his youngest son. "What''s wrong now? Are you crying again because of the wait? You know you are five now right?" He asked, helplessly sighing and at a loss on solving the issue regarding his sensitive son.


    "That''s not it father. We got beat up, and he''s still feeling the pain from the bruises." He quickly covered for his brother.


    "What?! You were bullied?!" He shouted in outrage.


    "They were mad that I interrupted the game..." He replied looking away.


    Giving a hard stare at Elber, Elber''s father looked at his youngest again while searching for a sign on how to solve the problem he was sure Elber had no cause within.


    His thoughts were then broken.


    "Waah!" cried Elber''s little brother, holding his finger as both Elber and his father shifted their heads in panic. Once focusing on the source, they saw a fork chipped on one side smeared in a small drop of blood. "Waahhh!" They heard as his crying grew.


    Jumping to stop the bleeding, Elber''s father inspected his youngest son''s hand before giving out instruction for Elber to provide help. "Elbie, go grab the first aid kit!"


    Returning with the supplies, Elber''s father took them as he got to work on treating his son. "There, all finish!" He exclaimed as he got off his knees to stand up. "I just got the best idea ever! Rikky, man is supposed to be strong and tough. How about this, if you feel like crying, do this!"


    Watching their father, Elber and Rikky saw him place his thumb in his mouth. "Scee, nlo sonsh!" He told them as he tried saying ''see, no sound.''


    ---


    Bam! A seven-year-old boy hit the dirty ground as he was surrounded in the small grass field.


    "Waahh... hmm hmm!" Rikky cried with his thumb in his mouth.


    "Look at the little itty bitty baby! Crybaby, crybaby, suck your thumb, you won''t get any bubblegum! Hahaha!" A boy teased.


    "Stop!" Elber shouted to help his brother. However, he was blocked by Jehan standing in his way. "Move!"


    "No! The crybaby is annoying. He even asked to hang out with me. If I did that as the village leader''s son, Father would be shamed." He stated calmly.


    Growing mad, Elber pushed Jehan aside before arriving next to his brother. "Ignore them! Father said it was okay right? Don''t feel disgraced; you''re not alone!" Encouraging his brother, Elber also placed his thumb in his mouth. "Scee!"


    ---


    With his legs popped up, thirteen-year-old Rikky was resting in a chair on Melody''s porch as the mature woman healed his legs. "Little Rick, now that you and Little El are the only men in the house don''t keep such bad habits. Also, keep my ability a secret. That means you too little troublemaker!" She warned as she moved his thumb from his mouth before glaring at Jehan who was trying to stay hidden.


    Elber on the after hand look onward with a sad expression. His brother was still being bullied, and the matter got worse since their father''s passing.


    ---


    The two brothers now in their late teens could be seen entering the village. At the head to welcome them was a small crowd of adults and Jehan with his father.


    "How did it go? Are you two now God Candidates?" The village leader asked.


    Before Elber could say anything, his brother with a calm look but hidden hatred in his eyes, beat him to it. "Just me! Elber is a failure though. Can I be Village Head?"


    The village leader shook his head in the negative. "No! Jehan had already achieved the qualifications two years ago. He also has the strongest God Weapon!" He informed them.


    Elber was worried after witnessing his brother''s concealed hate for the village. He decided to help elevate the harboring rage. "Is there nothing to determine a fair opportunity? Maybe the two could battle to decide." He suggested.


    Hope and glee flashed in Elber''s little brother''s eyes. This was his chance to turn everything he had experienced around. Everyone would look at him differently.


    Looking around, he saw the crowded adults stand confused as a small commotion spread. After some time, the village leader nodding his head. "Very well! Jehan will have a private duel with him. However, whoever loses will have to serve under the winner. This is all to keep the village safe." He explained.


    ___


    Brigan sighed as Elber was no longer in grave condition. And having listened to his past, he could understand Elber''s brother using resentment to destroy the village.


    But regardless, he did not believe the actions in the past warranted the harm of others uninvolved. "Your life is out of danger now. Just relax and let me take care of the rest."


    Still shredding tears, Elber grabbed Brigan''s arm sleeve. "Please! Let me be the one to end it. I don''t want to be hateful too!" He begged selfishly.


    "Okay!" He said since he had no problem on letting him deal the finishing blow.


    As he agreed, a figure holding on to the village leader Jehan''s broken body appeared. "Elber! You really are still alive! If this idiot didn''t show up, I would have been here sooner." The shadowy figure said.


    After speaking, Brigan was again shocked at the disbelief following next. Jehan''s body shuddered before becoming dazzling specks. These dancing specks then entered the shadowy figure''s body.


    "Oh! You made it out boy?" It said surprised while walking into the bright spot that sunlight was illuminating.


    There, in clear view was...

 Chapter 17: Emeric the Contender

    There, in clear view was Emeric. On his unconcealed lower face was a peaceful smile. To him, having just killed Jehan, one could say he finished one of his life missions.


    Brigan, on the other hand, stood rooted to his spot in shock. He had always speculated where the people were hiding after seeing signs of destruction. However, the thought of them fading similar to how the beasts did, never once crossed his mind.


    Centering a frown at the shadowy figure he now knew as Emeric, he prepared himself to confront his greatest challenge. "Why did he disappear like that?" He asked first, hoping to gain some insight into the confusion he bore.


    From what he knew, even if people did vanish after being killed, Old Man who was the first person he saw, did not meet the same fate. In fact, he was also able to bury the unlucky guy.


    Patiently waiting, his generosity failed to reach Emeric as the man signal with his hand to charge forward. Perplexed at the peculiar behavior, he heightened his awareness as his confusion was answered in the form of two beasts, having remained lurking in the shadows, charged forward with the intent to kill.


    Surprised but not unduly so, Brigan did not shy in his approach as he intercepted the charging beasts. Coming from the right was a giant mouse being the same species as the one found attacking Melody.


    On the left with thunderous steps was the additional limbed lion beast comparable to the one that killed Old Man. The only differentiation dissociating its distinctiveness was the reduced size and lack of salivating acid.


    Confused and wanting to attain answers, he determined the best route to take was subduing Emeric quickly. Having rushed forward to create distance between him and the injured Elber, he picked up the discarded God Weapon.


    After all, there was no point in allowing a good weapon to go to waste when he required a greater offense.


    With the rapidness to erase all bridges severing him from his enemies, he took out a page from the late water rabbit''s book and crouched down before releasing his full strength to spring ahead at a prominent velocity.


    Grasping the large claymore, he positioned his flying body horizontally while becoming a human spinning top.


    Buzz!


    Like imitating a chainsaw, the rotating claymore zoomed upon its first target, the giant mouse. Unwilling to just roll over and die, it placed the vibrating horn whiskers to blocked the advancing attack.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Right before the strikes clashed, there was a roar called out. "Delusion Scissile!"


    The vibrating horn whiskers gave all but a second to collapse under the claymore''s cutting prowess as Brigan''s momentum carried forward to arrive in Emeric''s personal space.


    Emeric snorted seeing the foolery. Calmly placing his hand on the blade surrounded in darkness, he slashed at the frontal assault. A violet shimmer manifested as the dark blade travel through space.


    Clang!


    The spinning Brigan halted instantly meeting the collision. With his feet planted firmly on the ground, Emeric did not budge a centimeter. Instead, Brigan was ejected from the clash and sent flying before skidding to a stop near Elber.


    Hum!


    Taking a glance at the item he held, he saw the weapon and his arm tremble as it produced a humming noise. From this, one could tell how great, the amount of pressure the claymore was undergoing.


    For Brigan, the exchange made him frown further. The power coursing through his arm felt on a higher level than even the water rabbit''s strength. And yet, he saw for himself that the light shimmering from Emeric''s blade was in fact, identical to everyone else.


    Being, it was a violet color.


    Debating his chances, he switched his aim to the remaining aggressive beast. Thankfully for itself, it still had self-preservation instincts because it avoided making the same mistake the other did by keeping distance during Brigan''s rampage.


    However, its time appeared to be up as Brigan speared forward to pierce it through. "Delusion Assault Point!" Once this attack was made and considering Brigan''s speed, the extra limbed lion was helpless as Brigan forced it into guarding, rather than attacking.


    With only this option available, it swung its back arms to push the claymore away. Unsurprising, one of the limbs were severed at its base as the beast became wild in its agony. "Wroar!!!" It roared pitifully.


    Feeling no remorse from his actions, he continued to pick the beast apart until it became dazzling particles that danced in the sky before engulfing his being.


    Like always, the aftereffects gave an immense impression of empowerment. Not disoriented from the rush, he once more focused on the waiting Emeric.


    Despite him slaying his minions, Emeric seemed to careless of the resulting process. To him, it was as if everything was already determined. But his thoughts were understandable. Having experienced a short exchange prior, he understood his confidence.


    Even so, Brigan was still prepared to subdue the arrogant man. As if reading him like an open book, Emeric stared coldly before snorting again. Lifting the blade with his left hand, he brought it chest high as his other arm trembled a few seconds but remained in its place in the end.


    "Do you think that this is my only God Weapon? Have you forgotten my escape the other day? Or even if it was, do you know why the difference in our power is vast like the sky and the earth?" He rained question at Brigan.


    After waiting a moment before discovering Brigan chose to stay quiet, Emeric chuckled. "I can''t stand seeing people like you the most! Looking at you reminds me of looking at a younger Elber! Your eyes say you want to help very badly, but the fact of the matter is, you are powerless to bring this help. Watch, I will give you the experience of both. You can then understand, us brothers, entirely!"


    Following his words, his blade shimmered as his feet did alike. Resembling a phantom, he appeared in front of Brigan with the dark blade centimeters from his neck. "Rejoice brat, this is the greatness of a Contender God Title!"