ã€ŠThe Dragon Kingã€‹


 Prologue

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I say to clean this up?! And have you been fighting again!?¡±

    Hello, my name is James Bell and currently I live with my happy family here in New York City. I would say that we are in the lower part of the high class in terms of money and both of my parents work and are always busy. My hair was originally black but I dyed it blonde and I would say that i¡¯m also a pretty handsome 17 year old male with no friends who constantly gets into fights. We are rich enough to own a pretty big house too.

    ¡°Damn it! James Morgan Bell are you listening to me!¡±

    Oh right. The person currently screaming at me is my father. My mother is also standing right behind him and she looks pissed. Did I mention that i¡¯m an only child? My father is a lanky man with brown hair and pale skin. Despite his looks, he is pretty strong and also kind of aggressive.

    ¡°Listen to your father when he¡¯s talking to you, you ungrateful bastard!¡±

    ...And then there is my mother. A beautiful woman with black hair, blue eyes, and a nice body. Not only is she good looking, but she is also quite smart. The total package right? A perfect 10!...Well if you took into account that she is far more aggressive than my father and loves money more than anything, then it takes away a few points. A 5 maybe?

    *Smack*

    ¡°Are you listening now?¡±

    Just now, my mother slapped me. She put all of her strength into it too. I can¡¯t remember a single time when she ever held back when hitting me. This kind of thing is a regular occurrence so it doesn¡¯t really bother me that much and I stay silent and look at them with an indifferent look.

    ¡°Fuck! Do the usual punishment! Get the chains honey!¡±

    ¡°Of course, dear.¡±

    Let me explain what she means by ¡°the usual punishment¡±. This is the punishment I get whenever I do something bad or go against their rules. Nowadays it¡¯s because I get into fights. I think I get my violence from my parents. They do this even over the smallest things though such as not cleaning my room. Hell they even did it once just because I didn¡¯t get all A¡¯s on my report card back in middle school!

    Anyways, let me tell you about this ¡°punishment¡±. You see, first they chain me up and then they throw me in the basement. Oh but that¡¯s not all folks! My family has a pet dog that lives in the basement named Hugo! I believe that it was a rottweiler and it gets treated like royalty while I, however, am it¡¯s chew toy. It is also very aggressive and loves to fight. So whenever I get thrown down there I have to defend myself while making sure that I don¡¯t harm it too much.

    The reason for not being able to hurt it too much is because one time I was finally sick of being a chew toy and kicked  the little shit as hard as I could on the head. I had put all my strength into that kick and ended up breaking its jaw. It whimpered and howled in pain which attracted the attention of my parents. That day I was beaten up severely by my father while I was still chained up and they made sure to chain my legs together from then on as well.

    I don¡¯t regret it though, because the little shit actually put a few scars on me too and now he doesn¡¯t bite as hard. He does hate me a lot more now though¡­

    So now I am waiting at the same place where I was before waiting for my father to get here. It¡¯s a fairly big leather couch with a big plasma screen t.v. hung up on the wall. It¡¯s not all that bad here I guess¡­

    *Rattle* *Rattle*

    Just as i¡¯m thinking about this, I hear the sound of chains rattling from behind me. I turn around to see my father carrying the same steel chains and lock in his arms. He gives me a glare and I know what this means. So I stand with my arms behind my back, legs together, and standing up straight. Then he begins wrapping the chains around me as tight as possible and puts on the lock which makes a *clank* sound.

    He picks me up and puts me over his shoulder and begins walking towards the basement door with my mom in pursuit. I look up at my mother and she gives me a cold glare...She always gives me that look. That same old look of hatred and disgust. Even if I do something great all I get is ¡°Good¡± and that¡¯s it. Maybe she hates me because I never show any emotions on my face.

    ¡°None of this would happen if you would just do as you¡¯re told. Always getting in fights for no reason! Eventually you¡¯ll get killed if you do that here. The world is not that easy...You must be perfect.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    I keep quiet and look back down at the ground.

    ¡°We are here.¡±

    But just as I did we have arrived at the basement door. Despite the rest of the house being a jade white, this door is heavy and does not fit into the surroundings at all. It looks just like a door to a dungeon.

    My dad slowly opens the door and reveals a set of stairs going down into the darkness. So as per usual he sets me down horizontal and puts his foot on my waist.

    ¡°You need to learn your lesson already. I¡¯m sick of doing this!¡±

    Sick of it? I¡¯m sorry, but who is the one being chained up and thrown down stairs only then to be attacked by a huge dog named Hugo?! So I decide to give him a little attitude this time.

    ¡°Suck a-¡±

    *Rattle* *Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

    Before I could finish my sentence I was kicked down the stairs and I think I hit every step on the way down this time!

    *Slam*

    That was the door being slammed shut.

    *Clank*

    Aaand that was it being locked...Seems like he¡¯s really pissed. Whelp looks like it¡¯ll be a couple of hours until I get out this time.

    *Groowwwl*

    Just as i¡¯m thinking about how long this will last, I hear a growl coming from the dark. Luckily I can see well in the dark so I can faintly make out the outline of the little shit growling at me. Of course it¡¯s Hugo. He stands at about 3ft tall and a little blood around his mouth from his last meal of raw steak.

    ¡°Ooh you look especially terrifying today Hugo! So scary!¡±

    *BARK BARK*

    I decide to mock him a little to get him angry. To be honest, i¡¯m not afraid of him at all. Sure he looks scary, but between me and him it¡¯s a battle of endurance.

    *BARK*

    Just as i¡¯m thinking this, Hugo dashes towards me at full speed. I quickly sit up and put my feet out and push him away. He quickly gets back up and rushes at me again. I repeat what I usually do and push him away again. We do this again and again and again until a couple of hours have passed.

    Now both me and the dog are panting to catch out breath. Man I am so glad that this dog is stupid. Never mind that! Why the hell haven¡¯t my parents come to get me out yet?! It¡¯s never usually this long!

    *Groowwl*

    Looks like Hugo still isn¡¯t done yet¡­

    ¡°Can we take a break?¡±

    *BARK*

    After giving that bark he rushes forward again.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a no!¡±

    So I ready myself to push him back again, but something seems off this time. Thinking that this mutt might try something different I keep my guard up.

    *BANG*

    Just as he was about to jump towards me like usual I hear a loud bang that sounds like a gunshot come from upstairs. It startles me so I look back and accidentally take my attention off of Hugo. And of course my shoulder gets bitten into!

    ¡°AAAAHHH!¡±

    I scream out in pain because of the sharp teeth sinking into my shoulder. Just after I scream he begins shaking his head wildly trying to take a chunk of flesh out of my shoulder.

    ¡°AAAAAHHHH¡±

    *BANG*

    ¡°James!¡±

    Once again I scream, however this time I hear a voice coming from up the stairs. I look up to see the outline of a slender girl that looks to be the same age as me.

    *RIIIP*

    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.¡°AAAAAAAHHHHHH!¡±

    I howl in pain again because Hugo finally got a good grip and tore off a big chunk of flesh.

    ¡°James! Hold still!¡±

    *BANG*

    I hear another gunshot so I open my eyes despite the pain and I am shocked by what I see. Hugo has a hole right in the center of his head. Despite this, he is still standing. However, he is starting to wobble.

    *THUD*

    With a thud he falls to the ground on his side.

    ¡°Are you okay James?!¡±

    I look back up the stairs to see the girl rushing down the stairs with a worried look on her face. In a short time she gets to me and I can make out the details of her face. Jade white skin, brown hair, and emerald green eyes. She is very pretty to say the least.

    However, the thing that definitely catches my eye is that her white hoodie is soaked in blood and she has a handgun in her hand.

    ¡°Are you okay?! You¡¯re bleeding James!¡±

    ¡°Who are you and how do you know my name? More importantly why are you covered in blood?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you later! First I need to patch you up!¡±

    ¡°What!¡±

    Before I could resist anymore the unknown girl hits me with the gun and I lose consciousness.

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    ¡°Urgh what the hell?¡±

    I slowly wake up and find myself in the back of a car. The inside has brown leather seats and the trunk seems to have plenty of space. I¡¯m not too good with cars, but I think it¡¯s a suburban. Suddenly I feel pain in my right shoulder so I look to it and it has bandages covering it. Another thing is that my shirt is gone¡­

    Anyways, now that I remembered what happened I begin to look around in a confused manner and see that same girl from last time in the drivers seat.

    ¡°Oh you¡¯re awake!¡±

    Noticing that I was moving around, she pulls into an alley where no one else is and it looks like it¡¯s still night out. She then climbs into the back of the car and sits next to me. She¡¯s staring right at me while just smiling and i¡¯m kind of getting creeped out.

    ¡°So-¡±

    ¡°My name is Abbey and I saved you. Now you and I can leave and find a happy place and live there together forever!¡±

    I am absolutely stunned by what she says. I have no idea where I am, who this person is or what happened and then she begins talking about leaving and being happy together!

    ¡°H-Have I ever met you somewhere before?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t remember? You bumped into me while walking.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean ¡°that¡¯s all?¡± That was the happiest day of our lives! You bumped into me and said ¡°Sorry¡± and then walked away! It was love at first sight and ever since then I would follow you and every time I would just fall deeper in love with you!¡±

    Holy shit this chick is crazy! I had no idea I had a stalker.

    ¡°And what about my parents? They wouldn¡¯t let some girl they don¡¯t know just kill their dog and take me away.¡±

    ¡°You mean those horrible people that hurt my sweetheart? I killed them.¡±

    Again, I am absolutely speechless by her. She just casually said that she killed two people like it didn¡¯t even matter! Now that I know what kind of person this girl is a great fear begins swelling up inside of me.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong sweetheart? Are you still in pain? I think that you need more rest.¡±

    Huh? No wait i¡¯m fi-¡±

    Before I could say anything else the insane woman named Abbey takes out a needle and injects something into my neck. I begin feeling sleepy and my vision is blurring. The only thing I can see is Abbey¡¯s face because it¡¯s so close.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take you to my home soon and then we can meet daddy.¡±

    And so I again fell unconscious. Today is just not going my way¡­

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    *Smack*

    ¡°Wake up!¡±

    I feel a pain on my face and a deep threatening voice. I slowly open my eyes to a dark and damp room that seems like a basement. I am also tied to a wooden chair. Two people are standing in front of me. One is Abbey and the other I don¡¯t know, but i¡¯m assuming that he¡¯s the one that slapped me just now. He is a big fat man with casual clothes on that have sweat stains under his armpits. He also has a white mask on that only has holes to see through and he also has a machete in his right hand.

    ¡°Awake yet? Good! Let¡¯s start with introductions. Of course i¡¯ve already heard lots about you from my daughter, but first impressions matter.¡±

    D-Daughter?! How could someone like her be produced from someone like him!

    ¡°...Aren¡¯t you going to tell me your name?¡±

    ¡°Ah! It¡¯s James Morgan Bell.¡±

    ¡°*Sigh* James? It¡¯s a pretty common name huh? So what are your hobbies?¡±

    ¡°I-I like to fight, play video games, and sometimes I read.¡±

    What the hell is happening? Whatever! I just have to make sure I don¡¯t make them angry or I might¡­

    ¡°So you like to fight? I can see why my daughter fell for you hahaha! Sweetie you sure did find a keeper!¡±

    ¡°Right? He¡¯s rich, handsome, kind, and he can even fight too.¡±

    ¡°Well anyways congrats James! I will allow you to be with my daughter! I hope you two will be very happy together.¡±

    What is he talking about?! W-Will I be stuck in this situation forever? Maybe if I just refuse nicely they will understand! Yeah! That has to work!

    ¡°W-Well you see...the thing is¡­¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I uh...I am very sorry but I am not interested in your daughter that way.¡±

    There is a awkward silence for a while and then I hear a sound that doesn¡¯t sound good.

    *Sniff*

    I look up to see the insane girl named Abbey with watery eyes. The man claiming to be her father looks very angry.

    ¡°You! How could you! Leading on my little girl like that!¡±

    ¡°No! That¡¯s not what I meant! I-!¡±

    ¡°Waaahhh! D-DAddy! Another one! It happened again! Why can¡¯t I just be happy?!¡±

    ¡°Look what you did! Do you know how much she has been through?¡±

    ¡°I-I didn¡¯t mean to! I was just-!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡±

    Shit! He then begins lifting the machete over his head. He looks pissed! This can¡¯t be happening! I don¡¯t want to die! Not like this!

    ¡°Die, you bastard!¡±

    So he swings down the blade right down at my face. I hear a loud *crack* and my vision instantly turns dark.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hello again everybody! I hope you enjoyed the rewritten version of the prologue. I know that I definitely enjoyed writing it. Anyways thank you for reading!

    Please rate and comment! Let me know what you thought!

 Chapter 1: A new family

    I have no idea where I am, but there is nothing but darkness. A dark and completely silent space. So quiet, that if a needle dropped, you could probably hear it exceedingly well. I begin to start looking around to try and make out any of the surroundings, but I still can¡¯t see anything. I can¡¯t even see my hands.

    This has to be the afterlife, because the last thing I remember I was being murdered. What a way to die huh? I should have just agreed with them and waited for an opportunity to escape! Urrgh what a stupid way to die! Well I guess there are much worse ways to die¡­ Is this all that the afterlife has? It¡¯s kind of boring.

    ¡°*Ahem* Sorry I made you wait! I had some...things to take care of.¡±-???

    What the hell? Where is that voice coming from? It¡¯s a voice of a man that is a little high pitched, but I can¡¯t tell where it¡¯s coming from. It¡¯s like it¡¯s echoing from every direction.

    ¡°Oh sorry. You must be confused. I mean you did just die afterall! Allow me to shed some light on the situation! You see, you are certainly dead, but this is not the after life.¡±-???

    ¡°A-Are you god?¡±-James

    ¡°God? Well I am A god, but definitely not the god you have in mind. I do create things just like your god, however they are not things one would usually want to meet¡­¡±-???

    A god? So there are actually multiple gods?

    ¡°Anyways! Here is the situation! I have taken an interest in you, so i decided to pluck your soul before it was recycled and brought you here.¡±-???

    ¡°Recycled?¡±-James

    ¡°Yep! Once everyone dies their souls get recycled and they start over again. I believe people in your world refer to it as reincarnation! Back to what we were talking about! Like I said before, I have taken an interest in you and-!¡±-???

    ¡°Wait wait wait! Is that even allowed? Aren¡¯t you a god? Wouldn¡¯t that be like messing with the way of the world or something?¡±-James

    ¡°Well firstly, no, it¡¯s not allowed, because other gods are not allowed to take souls from other worlds; secondly, yes, I am a god; and lastly, there is no such thing as the ¡°way of the world¡± you speak of. You see, every world has their own god or multiple gods in charge of it. The world I took you from only has one and man, let me tell you, does he hate his job yhahaha!¡±-???

    ¡°But, if it¡¯s not allowed, then how come you did it? Won¡¯t that god be angry?¡±-James

    ¡°Of course he won¡¯t! That guy absolutely hates his job. He won¡¯t care if I take one soul from his world.¡±-???

    Does he really hate being in charge of that world? Our world can¡¯t be that bad compared to others can it?

    ¡°Why does he hate being in charge of my world so much?¡±-James

    ¡°Yahahaha! You¡¯re kidding, right? It¡¯s completely plagued with assholes! War, greed, lust, murder, etc. The list goes on and on in that world! Yahaha I would rather kill myself before I had to be in charge of such a place.¡±-???

    Well he does have a point. After all, i¡¯ve experienced the pain of it.

    ¡°W-Well why did you take an interest in me?¡±-James

    ¡°Why? Well I don¡¯t really know¡­ If I had to say, it¡¯s because even after all of that torture in your previous life, you still remained sane! Most people would have definitely gone koo-koo for co-co puffs if you know what i¡¯m saying yhahaha!¡±-???

    ¡°That¡¯s all? Why would you care about that?¡±-James

    ¡°Well you see, there are different kinds of gods. There are gods of life, death, love, hate, etc. I am not one of the four that I just mentioned. I am a god of madness and it absolutely fascinates me how you were able to stay sane!¡±-???

    ¡°A god of madness?¡±-James

    ¡°Yes! But, enough about that! I will bring you into the world I am from and you will retain all of your past life memories, even the ones you want to forget! Oooh this will be so interesting! Here we go!¡±-???

    ¡°W-Wait! It doesn¡¯t seem like I have a choice on if I go or not, so just answer one more question. What is this new world like?¡±-James

    ¡°What¡¯s it like, you ask? It¡¯s a wonderful place! Swords, magic, dragons, and adventures! It may not be as advanced as your world, but trust me when I say, it¡¯s a wonderful world!¡±-???

    Swords and magic? So it¡¯s a fantasy world! Well I guess that it won¡¯t be that bad then. I¡¯ve always enjoyed fantasy novels.

    ¡°I can guarantee that you¡¯ll have fun!...Well, maybe not for the first part..¡±-???

    ¡°Huh?¡±-James

    My vision then begins to start fading into darkness and I begin to feel dizzy. Before I go, I here this supposed god speak again.

    ¡°Oh and don¡¯t forget! My name is Taryn!¡±-Taryn

    And I then fall asleep once more.

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    I feel weak...I can¡¯t move or even open my eyes. Where am I? It¡¯s...It¡¯s all sticky...and I can tell i¡¯m in a small space. I need to open my eyes!

    I struggle for what seems like forever and my eyes finally begin to slowly open. Once my eyes are open I get very confused. The walls are red and slimy. I am in a very small space too. There isn¡¯t even any room to move around!

    I then look down at my own body and what I see greatly surprises me. My limbs are tiny and I have a weird cord coming out of my stomach. W-Why am I so small? Wait I was reincarnated right? Does...Does that mean that i¡¯m¡­

    I begin to put the pieces together and come to a conclusion. But I refuse to believe it! So just to confirm my theory, I gather all of my strength and kick the slimy wall as hard as I can.

    ¡°Ouch!¡±-???

    N-No! It can¡¯t be! I¡¯m a fetus! Oh god this is disgusting! I¡¯m actually inside of someone! Is this what he meant when he said I wouldn¡¯t like the first part?

    ¡°Are you okay honey?¡±-???

    I then hear a deep voice which obviously belongs to a man. I can hear the great amount of concern in his voice when he speaks. This must be the husband which also means that he is my new father.

    ¡°Yes. The baby just kicked is all.¡±-Woman

    ¡°Really? Well It is almost time for the baby to be born. It¡¯s been 8 months, so we just have to wait one more month.¡±-Man

    ¡°I can¡¯t wait for our baby girl to be born!¡±-Woman

    Wait, what!? Girl?

    ¡°No way! It¡¯s gonna be a boy! Then I can take him hunting and teach him how to fight!¡±-Man

    So they don¡¯t know what gender I am yet? So just to check I look down, because my body should be pretty developed if it¡¯s been 8 months. Once I see what I was looking for I instantly feel relieved.

    Thank god! I don¡¯t think I could go through life as a woman. I definitely couldn¡¯t go through having a period if it¡¯s as bad as girls say it is¡­

    [AN:I lived with four women my whole life and they make it sound super painful, so I definitely wouldn¡¯t want to experience that either.]

    I then begin to feel dizzy. I think that I used...too much strength...I need to sleep¡­

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    When I wake back up, I am still inside of this dark and sticky place. But I can hear something... It¡¯s screaming! Whoever it is, is obviously in a lot of pain. Wait! I can feel the walls squeezing me too! Does this mean that i¡¯m¡­ So I can finally leave this place! Oh god, this is gonna be disgusting, but i¡¯ll have to bear with it! Here we go!

    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    After about 6 hours of struggling and lots of screaming I finally made it out. I can honestly say, that this was the most disturbing and horrifying thing I have ever gone through. I will now and forever push this to the very back of my mind and never think or speak of this again.

    Anyways, once I made it out a man wrapped me in a blanket and held me in his arms. The man was very old. His face had many wrinkles, he had glossy white hair, and a very warming smile that made me feel at ease. However, his eyes were strange¡­ His eyes were a light blue that seemed to glow and his pupils were slits, like a snake¡¯s.

    ¡°It¡¯s a boy. Congratulations, Cassandra.¡±-Old man

    I look to the direction of where the old man is talking, because I am pretty curious about what my new mother and father look like.

    Laying on a bed is a beautiful woman. Her hair is black, eyes red with slits, and white jade like skin. I am assuming that she is my mother and I must say, that despite just giving birth, she looks stunning. However, she looks a bit disappointed, she must have really wanted a daughter. Then there is a man standing next to her. His body is very refined, but he has a scar going over the left side of his face, making him look intimidating. His eyes are purple with pupils, like the other two and he has black hair, just like the woman.

    ¡°It¡¯s a boy! Hahaha yes!¡±-Man

    ¡°Aww I wanted a daughter, so she could have helped me clean.¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Haha don¡¯t worry honey, he can still help you clean.¡±-Man

    These people seem odd. At least they seem like nice people.

    ¡°hoho, don¡¯t forget about the most important part. You still have to give this child a name.¡±-Old man

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Quickly hand him to Cassandra, elder.¡±-Man

    ¡°Okay, okay. Here you go.¡±-Elder

    So I was handed to my new mother, Cassandra. Her embrace is calming and her smile is beautiful.

    ¡°What will his name be?¡±-Man

    ¡°...It will be Cyril. Yes, that¡¯s a good name. Don¡¯t you think so too, Corwin?¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s perfect.¡±-Corwin

    Now they are both staring at me with a delighted look on their face. I wonder if my previous parents ever looked at me in any point in my life like this... This is the first time anybody has ever looked at me like that¡­ It was always fear or hatred.

    ¡°I still have to check if he has any innate skill, remember? Quickly hand him to me, please.¡±-Elder

    So I was then handed over to the old man referred to as elder. He began to stare at me, almost like he was staring right through me. After a few minutes, his expression changed. It went from satisfied to shocked, which made me nervous. He was so surprised that his reptilian looking eyes were as big as a baseball.

    ¡°W-What¡¯s wrong, elder? Is there something wrong with Cyril?¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°.....Would you prefer the good news or bad news first?¡±-Elder

    My new parents looked at each other, then back to the elder. They had on a serious expression as they said in unison ¡°Good news¡±.

    ¡°This child has the innate skill ¡°God¡¯s tongue¡±, which allows him to speak any language in the world. This is extremely rare. He also has high resistance in dark magic and mental resistance, which is extremely strange since one usually has to work hard to raise their resistance...Not only that, but he also possesses a great amount of mana.¡±-Elder

    The elder takes a short pause. I also take this time to take a look at my parents and they look like they just found the holy grail.

    ¡°This is great! He will definitely be a genius in the future and become the pride of all dragons!¡±-Corwin

    Will my future really- wait a second...did he say dragons? B-But these people don¡¯t look like dragons! This definitely wasn¡¯t what I was expecting dragons to look like.

    ¡°Yes, but here is the bad news. I looked at his blessings out of curiosity and found something shocking. He has been blessed by the mad god, Taryn which gives him the [berserker] ability. This...I do not know what to make of it¡­¡±-Elder

    I once again look to my parents for their reactions. They have a complex expression on. Looks like they don¡¯t know if this is a good thing or not.

    ¡°I-It doesn¡¯t matter! He is still my child and I will love him no matter what! Right, Corwin?¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Honey...Yes, that¡¯s right! So what if he was blessed by a mad god? We will still love him.¡±-Corwin

    ¡°...I see¡­ Well I respect your decision.¡±-Elder

    T-They¡¯ll love me no matter what? I...I havn¡¯t *sniff* ever had anyone say that about me before. *sniff* Of course there was that crazy chick *hik* but that doesn¡¯t count. Hearing that I will finally be loved no matter what, a great feeling begins to swell up in my chest.

    ¡°WHAAAAA! WHAAAAA!¡±-Cyril

    I begin to cry just like a normal baby. This makes everyone in the room panic, so my father snatches me from the elder and puts me in my mother¡¯s embrace. I calm down pretty quick, because this woman is so warm and kind. Everytime I look at her, I feel safe.

    ¡°Well should we introduce Lucas to his new brother?¡±-Elder

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right! I¡¯ll go and fetch him.¡±-Corwin

    I have a brother? I¡¯ve never had a brother before. I hope we don¡¯t fight much¡­

    A couple of minutes pass and the door creaks open. Now in the doorway, is a child that looks like he¡¯s about 8 years old. Ruby red eyes like tmy new Mother''s coupled with black hair. Father is standing behind him. The child looks anxious to step into the room, probably because he was scared by the amount of screaming my mother did. All of a sudden, father gives him a small nudge from behind.

    ¡°Go and meet your new little brother, Lucas.¡±-Corwin

    Lucas gives a small node and walks up to my mother and me.

    ¡°H-Hello¡­¡±-Lucas

    I can¡¯t talk yet...What should I do? I¡¯ll just do what i¡¯ve seen in movies. So I give a big smile and reach out to my new brother with my tiny hand.

    ¡°Look, Lucas. He likes you!¡±-Cassandra

    Lucas also reaches out one of his hands and sticks out his index finger. I¡¯m assuming that he¡¯s expecting me to grab it¡­

    I grab his index finger with my tiny hand and give another big smile. This seems to also make him happy.

    ¡°Welcome to the family, Cyril!¡±-Lucas

    After he says this I have a genuine smile that¡¯s going from ear to ear on my chubby baby face. It...It makes me so happy to finally have such a nice family¡­

    ¡°Now, now everybody. Little Cyril needs to sleep now.¡±-Elder

    I am then handed over to the elder. He puts his wrinkled hand over my face and his palm begins to glow a faint, blue light. It feels warm, but it¡¯s making me very sleepy.

    ¡°Sweet dreams child.¡±-Elder

    I then fall fast asleep.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

    Please rate and comment! I would like to know what you thought about this chapter!

 Chapter 2: The elders library

    It has been a two years since I was born in this world. It has only been such a short time since i¡¯ve come here and I have already had my breath taken away multiple times. Even my own body has made me speechless. In a few days I was able to speak and in another week, I was able to walk completely fine. I think it might be because of my race, but then again I don¡¯t really know much about dragons from this world yet.

    Anyways, my hair is a pitch black like my parent¡¯s and dark purple eyes. It looks like I won¡¯t have to worry about looking ugly in this world.

    I was kind of hesitant to live in a world without technology. Contrary to my beliefs, my worries were all for nothing! Sure they don¡¯t have toilet paper, plumbing, or electricity, but the people in this village completely make up for it. Everyone in this village is a dragon and they are all very nice to me. I play with Lucas and a girl named Tide pretty much all the time. Tide is a very innocent girl. Her hair is blue, coupled with emerald green eyes and her body is already starting to develope only at the age of eight. She will definitely be one hell of a beauty when she grows up. She¡¯s the type of girl that will believe everything you tell her. It¡¯s actually pretty funny too.

    One time I told her that there is fairy who gives you any kind of candy you want if you go out and scream at the sky ¡°Skooby-doo-be-doo, where are you?¡± five times. Hahaha all of the villagers were so confused! They thought she lost something and spent an hour looking for it! Of course, when they found out that I was playing a prank, I had to do a lot of chores and apologize to everybody.

    In fact, i¡¯m helping my mother with chores right now. I am currently sweeping the floors of our house. Our house has three bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. It¡¯s considerably small compared to my old house, but I can deal with it.

    ¡°Honey, i¡¯m taking Lucas out to hunt again!¡±-Corwin

    Suddenly, my dad walks in with Lucas right behind him. My dad and Lucas usually go out to hunt a couple of times a month. Apparently, Lucas has been learning how to fight and hunt ever since he was three. Lucas is a genius in fighting and magic. Especially since I have seen what they hunt, it just surprises me even more. They usually come home with monsters such as a giant three-headed dog. Pretty much like a cerberus.

    ¡°Dad! Are you going hunting again? Can I come?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Hahaha! I¡¯m glad that you¡¯re so enthusiastic about it, but you are too young.¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Aww come one. It¡¯s so boring when Lucas is gone though.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you do something with your mother? I¡¯m sure she has some good books you could read.¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Books? Cyril doesn¡¯t know how to read dad!¡±-Lucas

    ¡°Hm? Yes I do.¡±-Cyril

    Once I say this, everyone just stares at me. I actually learned to read in this language a while ago by stealing a few book from Lucas¡¯ bedroom. In my previous world, I may have gotten into lots of fights, but I knew five different languages and was a straight A student, so it wasn¡¯t that difficult to learn this language. It¡¯s kind of like a mix between english and mandarin.

    Anyways, everyone is staring at me. It¡¯s kind of making me feel uncomfortable. My mom then runs out of the room and comes back with a small book. She kneels down in front of me and holds open the book.

    ¡°Can you read this, Cyril?¡±-Cassandra

    I take a quick look at the book and read out loud.

    ¡°Once upon a time, there lived a rabbit. The rabbit had many friends. He was known for-.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Great! Sweetie you can stop now. Corwin this is amazing!¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Yes, it is. Cyril is only 2 years old and can already read. Lucas was 3 when he learned, but he is considered a genius. So what does that make Cyril?¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Hehehe my little boys are so smart.¡±-Cassandra

    Mom has a very satisfied look on her face with a smile that goes all the way across her face.

    ¡°Is Cyril smart?¡±-Lucas

    ¡°Yes, Lucas. He is smart, just like you.¡±-Corwin

    Now Lucas also has a very happy expression on. I know the reason for this. I have noticed how smart Lucas is and I am very impressed. His intelligence is much higher than most children his age, so most of the kids avoid him. Kids don¡¯t like things that aren¡¯t normal and can be pretty mean sometimes...eventually they¡¯ll grow up and begin to think differently.

    And since kids avoid him because he is very smart, I think that having someone else who is like him makes him happy. He has Tide as a friend, but she is different. She doesn¡¯t care about things like that and just wants to have fun. Unfortunately, since she plays with Lucas, other kids avoid her too, leaving the three of us alone, together.

    ¡°So if he¡¯s smart does that mean he¡¯s also good at fighting like me?¡±-Lucas

    ¡°W-Well I haven¡¯t thought about it like that. Cassandra, what do you think?¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Huh? Is there even any questioning it? My two little boys are the best at everything! Of course he will be good at fighting. I am their mother after all!¡±-Cassandra

    She says this with her chest  stuck out, as if boasting.

    ¡°Uh-huh. Is that so? Then I guess I should take him out hunting right now.¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Wait, what? No no no! I still have plenty of chores- I mean he is still too young and I don¡¯t want my baby getting hurt!¡±-Cassandra

    Huh? What was that just now?

    ¡°Hahaha you¡¯re always so protective. Okay then, i¡¯m heading out with Lucas. I¡¯ll be back by sunset with some food.¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Be careful Corwin!¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Have fun doing chores, Cyril!¡±-Lucas

    What? How could I possibly have fun doing that?!

    And so they both walked out of the house. Me and my mom were the only ones left in the house just remaining silent.

    ¡°Cyril.¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Yes, mom?¡±-Cyril

    I am trying to avoid eye contact with her, so i¡¯m facing the other way. But she walks in front of me and hands me a broom.

    ¡°Keep sweeping.¡±-Cassandra

    She says this with a sinister smile. She plans on making me clean everything all by myself again! This has happened on multiple occasions, damnit! She¡¯s so damn lazy! Argh I want to sleep too! I have to get out of this.

    ¡°Wait, mom! I can show you a trick!¡±-Cyril

    ¡°A trick?¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Yep. Watch this!¡±-Cyril

    So I begin to do the infamous ¡°thumb separating  trick¡±. Her sinister smile goes away and she begins to giggle.

    ¡°Hehehe. I remember that one! Hehehe.¡±-Cassandra

    It looks like my plan worked! Now while she¡¯s distracted, I need to get out of here.

    So I don¡¯t let this chance slip and run over to the door. Right when I thought I was about to get out of the door, I feel a hand land on my right shoulder. It¡¯s obviously my mom, her grip is like an eagles! What is this ridiculous strength?!

    ¡°Sweetie, where do you think you¡¯re going? You still have to finish your chores.¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Y-Yes, mom.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Good. After you¡¯re done with that, you need to clean the windows, couch, and finally clean and set up the table.¡±-Cassandra

    What?! That¡¯s so many tasks!

    ¡°Y-You¡¯re going to help me, right?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Hehe don¡¯t be silly. I have important things to do.¡±-Cassandra

    Sleeping is not an important thing!

    ¡°Well then, i¡¯ll leave it to you! wake me up when you finish sweetie!¡±-Cassandra

    So she walks out of the living room and into her bedroom. Well I guess I should get started¡­

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After about an hour of cleaning, I have finally finished all of my chores. The windows, couch, and table are spotless. I have even set the table just like mom told me to. Thankfully dragons have great physical strength. Right now, i¡¯m probably as strong as a teenager even though i¡¯m only two years old.

    Now that I have finished with all of my chores, I have plenty of free time until dad and Lucas get back. Hmm what to do¡­ I know! I¡¯ll go and play with Tide... Oh wait, Tide should also be out hunting with her dad¡­ Maybe I should start learning about this world and dragons!

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    I decide on what to do until dad and Lucas return and head to the Elder¡¯s house. I¡¯m pretty sure I remember Lucas talking about wanting to find a good book to read, so mom told him about the Elder¡¯s library. In his house, he has his own library that has many books about magic, history, fiction, and even our races biology.

    I eventually arrive at the elder¡¯s home. It is the same size as my house, but seems to be much more sturdy and well built. I walk up to the door and knock, waiting for a response. A minute passes and nobody answers. I knock again and wait another minute. Still, nobody answers the door.

    So, seeing as the elder might be busy, I let myself in.

    ¡°...Hello. Is anybody home?¡±-Cyril

    I call out, but there is no response.The living room is nice and tidy, with a luxurious looking chair in front of a fireplace. Next to the chair is a small table with a big book on top of it. Nobody is in the room, so I decide to search in another part of the house.

    I walk down a short hallway that has a door at the right side and another at the end of the hallway. I check the door to the right first. Inside is what seems to be the Elder¡¯s bedroom. I single, small bed that lays next to a window, letting in rays of light. A dresser is located across from the bed. This room is also empty.

    I close the door and walk to the end of the hall. I am assuming that this is the library mom was talking about. I open the door and am immediately in awe of my surroundings. It is a giant, cylinder room that is filled with books. Every nook and cranny of the walls is filled with books. A ladder that goes all the way to the top is placed on the wall, which is obviously used to retrieve books. The ladder goes so high up, that it looks like one would get tired of climbing and give up halfway up. To give an example of just how high the ladder goes, I wouldn¡¯t doubt it if somebody told me that if I reached the top, I would arrive at heaven¡¯s gate.

    In the center of this room, there are multiple tables. Sitting at one of these tables is the Elder. He has stacks of books on his table and is currently reading one. No wonder he wasn¡¯t able to hear me! How the hell is this even possible? The outside of his house doesn¡¯t even compare to the size of this library!

    ¡°E-Elder¡­¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Hm?¡±-Elder

    Noticing that someone was calling him, he turns around. Once he notices it¡¯s me who called him, he gets up out of his chair.

    ¡°Little Cyril, what are you doing here?¡±-Elder

    He is wearing a crimson red robe that has a black dragon spitting fire on the chest. He is walking towards me slowly, it looks like his age has taken effect on his body. He eventually arrives in front of me and kneels down. He looks at me with a warm smile.

    ¡°Where are your parents?¡±-Elder

    ¡°Dad and Lucas are...hunting...and mom is uh...sleeping.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Sleeping? Oh dear, she really is lazy! But why are you here? Did you need something?¡±-Elder

    ¡°I...I um...¡±-Cyril

    Since i¡¯m still trying to take in all of this, I can¡¯t exactly think straight. What did I come here for again?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy. Grandpa will give you anything you want, as long as it is within my reach!¡±-Elder

    ¡°I...came here to.. find a book to read.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°A book? But you are so young! Don¡¯t tell me you can already read and write!¡±-Elder

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m still not that good at it though...¡±-Cyril

    He now has a shocked expression on.

    ¡°That¡¯s quite the achievement. Not only can you already speak, but you can already read and write! Just like your brother.¡±-Elder

    ¡°Thank you¡­¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Ah you wanted a book right? Want me to help you find one?¡±-Elder

    ¡°...Yes, I don¡¯t think I could find one by myself in here.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Hehehe that is true. Stay here and wait for me, I have a book you might like.¡±-Cyril

    I give a node after he says this and he walks over to the shelf full of books. He begins going through them, pulling one book out after another, then putting them back on the shelf. Eventually he finds what he has been looking for and walks back over to me. It¡¯s a small book with a light blue cover.

    ¡°This was my favorite book when I was a child. It¡¯s about a great hero on a quest to save his family.¡±-Elder

    ¡°Thank you¡­¡±-Cyril

    I say, taking the book from his hands.

    ¡°Elder¡­¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Hm? What is it?¡±-Elder

    ¡°What is this place? It doesn¡¯t look this big from the outside, so how is this¡­¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Hoho so that¡¯s what it is. That¡¯s a good question little Cyril. Right now, we are not in the village.¡±-Elder

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Well, right now we are in my own space. I created this place using space magic. However, if you walk back through that door, we will be back at the village.¡±-Elder

    ¡°Space magic? So you can teleport and things like that?!¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Well I don¡¯t like to brag, but...yes.¡±-Elder

    He says with his chest stuck out. Looks like the elder likes to show off. Space magic! I¡¯ve always wanted to be able to teleport! I really have to learn how to use this.

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing! Can elder teach me how to use it?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Uh unfortunately, I can¡¯t...Your father is the one who needs to teach you.¡±-Elder

    ¡°Does dad know space magic?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°.....No, but he knows lots of other things that I don¡¯t.¡±-Elder

    ¡°What kind of things?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°.............¡±

    ¡°.............¡±

    There was an awkward silence for a while. I heard that my dad is strong and that the elder is stronger, but is there really that much of a gap between them?

    ¡°The point is, I can¡¯t teach you. Wouldn¡¯t you agree that it is a father¡¯s job to teach his son these things?¡±-Elder

    ¡°Yes.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Good...I knew you were a smart child.¡±-Elder

    ¡°...Then, i¡¯ll be going.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Take care.¡±-Elder

    Just as I was about to leave, the Elder called out to me.

    ¡°Wait, Cyril!...If..Once you are able to beat your father, then I will teach you all of the magic I know. I have also told this to Lucas, so train hard!¡±-Elder

    ¡°Really?! You will teach me? Okay! I¡¯ll get strong as fast as possible!¡±-Cyril

    So I turn and begin walking out of the library. Just before I leave the room, I remember what I really came here for, so I turn around to call out the Elder.

    ¡°Elder!¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Did you need anything else?¡±-Elder

    ¡°I was wondering if I could come here whenever i¡¯m bored. Would that be alright?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Of course. Feel free to use the library anytime you want.¡±-Elder

    ¡°Thank you, Elder. Goodbye!¡±-Cyril

    He gives me a friendly smile and I wave goodbye as I walk out of the door. Next time, i¡¯ll have to start learning about this world. I wonder if there are races like elves here! I¡¯ve always wanted to meet a real elf woman! I can¡¯t wait for what¡¯s to come!

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    Hello everybody! Thank you for reading this chapter! I hope you enjoyed. Please rate and comment. I would love to hear what you have to say! Have a wonderful day!

 Chapter 3: Big brother Lucas

    I left the Elder¡¯s house and returned to my home. When I arrived at my house, Dad and Lucas had already gotten back. This time, they caught a Horned Rabbit. A Horned Rabbit is a beast that looks like a rabbit from my original world, except it is purple with black spots and obviously a horn on its head.

    As they began gutting the horned rabbit, I went back inside. inside, my Mom was preparing to cook the creature Dad and Lucas caught.

    ¡°How was your nap?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°I had a great nap. Thank you for doing all of the chores Sweetie.¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°It¡¯s no problem, Mom. What are we having for dinner?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Hmm I think I¡¯ll make stew again. How about you go take a nap and I will call you when dinner is ready.¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Okay!¡±-Cyril

    So I head to my room. It¡¯s a small room with a single bed, a dresser, and a side table. I climb up onto the bed and sit cross legged. I don¡¯t really feel that tired, so I think I will read the book Elder gave me. I open the small book and begin reading.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°In a land far far away, there was a small village on the outskirts of a certain Kingdom. The King was a coward and never stood up to those who were stronger. Always taking his life as the first priority rather than the citizens. He also liked to pick fights with those weaker than him, so his country was contently in war. /he was nothing but a fool.

    Now, in this village lived a man and his family. He lived with his wife, one daughter, and one son. His wife was a beautiful women, so naturally her daughter was gorgeous. The man used to be in the military and fought on the front lines. Over the years of being in the military, he became very talented with a sword. Naturally, he taught his son how to fight with a sword as well.

    The son turned out to be a true genius with the sword, but there was one thing he was lacking. That was experience! As long as he was missing this one thing, he would never be as good as his father. So the father sent his son away to be apart of the military.The wife was against this. She did not want her only son to die at a young age for such a horrible king. But the man sent his son away regardless.

    The son had been away for years and is now a man. He had killed many people and gained the experience he needed whilst fighting many battles. There is no doubt that he could beat his father now. After being away from his family for so long, the son decided to visit them. Within a short time, the son had finally made his way back to his home, only to find it in shambles. The entire village was destroyed! Houses had been completely flattened, the livestock dead, and the crops all burnt to the ground! Other than the fact that his home is destroyed, something was strange. It looks like this had happened just yesterday, but there were no bodies. It looked as if a monster had attacked, so where were all of the dead bodies? Seeing this, the son had hope that his friends and family had survived and just relocated. This made him feel a little relieved.

    He began searching the ruins of the village. Perhaps if there were someone left he could find out what had happened. After a while of searching, he found a man who had been buried under the rubble of a destroyed house. The son recognised this man! He was a good friend of his father and was also his neighbor. The only problem is that the man looked half dead. He looked conscious, but was still out of it.

    So the son gave the man a few slaps to the face. The man jumped alive and started yelling a bunch of nonsense. Things like;¡±Where is that dragon! I¡¯ll kill him! Where are you, you coward!¡±. This shocked the son. Did he say a dragon?! Why would a dragon attack such a small village?

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ¡°Cyril! Dinner is ready!¡±-Cassandra

    All of a sudden, my mom calls me. Argh it was just getting good too! I get out of the bed and head into the kitchen. The four bowls I set out earlier now have stew in them. My Mom and Dad are sitting next to each other and there is an empty seat next to Lucas. I can tell that everybody is waiting for me to sit down so they can eat. These people don¡¯t look like dragons, but they sure as hell do eat like one.

    I hurry over to the table and take a seat next to Lucas. Right when I take a seat, everyone begins digging into their food. Eating with them is definitely not easy. They smack, slurp, and get food on their face and the table.

    Anyways, I also start eating my stew. My Mom¡¯s cooking is definitely the best I¡¯ve ever had! After only a few minutes, everybody has finished their meal except me. Mom, Dad, and Lucas begin to chat with each other.

    Since I was still eating, I¡¯m not paying attention. Instead, I begin thinking of my current life. I went from such a horrible place to a wonderful world like this. Now I have friends, a family, and a place to call home. I owe it all to Tayrn. He says he¡¯s a god of Madness, but he doesn¡¯t seem that bad.

    ¡°Cyril! Are you listening?¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Huh?¡±-Cyril

    My Dad calls my name while I¡¯m thinking about this.

    ¡°Oh sorry. I¡¯m just a little tired.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Geez. Cassandra, did you make him do all of the chores again?¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Uuhh¡­¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Mom is lazy!¡±-Lucas

    ¡°Wha-! I am not lazy!¡±-Cassandra

    Really? Not lazy at all?

    ¡°You can¡¯t overwork him like that. Dragons may be strong, but he is still a child.¡±-Corwin

    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry.¡±-Cassandra

    She is now hanging her head in guilt. She then looks at me and reaches across the table for my hands. She grips them tightly and stares at me with her bright eyes. I can see tears forming in the corner of her eyes.

    ¡°Will you forgive me, Sweetie?¡±-Cassandra

    It was never that big of a deal to begin with, so I guess I¡¯ll forgive her. Besides if I don¡¯t forgive her, I have a feeling she is going to start crying. I put on the kindest smile I can.

    ¡°Of course. I don¡¯t mind helping you with chores, just don¡¯t make me do them all by myself. Okay?¡±-Cyril

    She just stares at me with a blank expression. After a while she wipes away the small tears from her eyes and looks at me with a sincere smile.

    ¡°My little boy is so sweet. Why don¡¯t you go to your room and sleep? I¡¯ll clean up the dishes.¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°...O-Okay. Then, goodnight.¡±-Cyril

    I get out of my seat and begin walking towards my room. Before I turn the corner, I look back to my family. All of them are looking at me with happy expressions. I wonder why...All I did was forgive my mom. Guess there¡¯s no use in thinking about it.

    I turn the corner and head inside of my room. I lay on top of my bed staring at the ceiling. I think about continuing where I left off in my book, but I¡¯m too tired. I crawl under my blanket, which warms me up from the cold of the night. It makes me feel very sleepy and I quickly fall asleep.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I open my eyes from my sleep. What I see astonishes me. I am once again in this dark and empty space. Don¡¯t tell me I died again!

    ¡°Well, look what we have here.¡±-Taryn

    I hear a squeaky voice coming from all directions. It¡¯s Tayrn.

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    ¡°Why am I back here? Did I die again?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°YAAHHAYAHAHA¡±-Tayrn

    Taryn begins laughing hysterically like he just heard a joke.

    ¡°No. No you didn¡¯t die again. I wouldn¡¯t be able to snatch your soul away if you died in this world.¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°This world¡¯s gods are more serious than my old world?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Unfortunately.¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°....¡±

    ¡°....¡±

    There¡¯s a short pause of silence. When he said that, it sounded like there was some regret in his voice.

    ¡°So um...Why am I here?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Right! I just wanted to chat.¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°Just wanted to chat?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Yep. You see, I have a problem.¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°Problem?¡±-Cyril

    Why would a god tell his problems to me? It must be something important¡­

    ¡°Yes. The problem is...you.¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°Me?¡±-Cyril

    Why would I be a problem? I haven¡¯t done anything!

    ¡°W-What did I do?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Nothing.¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Why am I a problem if I haven¡¯t done anything?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°What are you talking about?! That is the problem! You haven¡¯t done anything this whole time! It¡¯s so boring to watch you!¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°Boring?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Yes! I had an interest in you because you reminded me of a certain someone, but clearly I was mistaken.¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just watch that person?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°I can¡¯t! He¡¯s dead. Watching you run around like a happy puppy all because you found people who care for you is awful! I don¡¯t need a sap story alright? *sigh* Look, just do something entertaining!¡±-Tayrn

    What the hell? How would I know what a god of madness finds entertaining?

    ¡°What exactly is entertaining to an insane god?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Well lots of things actually. We like to see people in pain, suffering, blood and guts. That sort of thing, you know?¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°I¡¯m not becoming a murderer just so you can have fun.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Yahaha! I never told you to do that. You can kill lots of other things right? Haven¡¯t you been itching for a fight anyways?¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°Well¡­¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Don¡¯t you miss the adrenaline? The sting from punching someone right in their big mouth? The challenge and blowing past your limits! Violence is a such wonderful thing YAHAHAHAYAHA!¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°I¡¯m not-¡±-Cyril

    ¡°You¡¯re not what? You don¡¯t do that sort of thing anymore? I can tell that¡¯s a lie. You love all of the things i just mentioned. Everytime I saw you fight, you had the most brilliant smile! I love those kinds of people!¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°....Alright. I¡¯ll do it. But I can¡¯t fight the beasts in the forest. I can¡¯t even use magic yet.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Huh? Ugh of course. Useless mortals. Fine, I¡¯ll teach you a little trick. We don¡¯t have much time left though, so I¡¯m gonna have to do this the easy way.¡±-Tayrn

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Yehehe don¡¯t worry about it. Just close your eyes.¡±-Tayrn

    I hesitantly follow his instructions and close my eyes. I start feeling a tingling sensation all over my body. It slowly grows stronger and stronger until it instantly fades away. Thinking that it¡¯s over, I slowly start opening my eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t open them yet you fool!¡±-Tayrn

    I hear Tayrn shout at me to keep my eyes shut, so I quickly close them again. A few seconds after, I start feeling dizzy. All of a sudden, I start feeling an unimaginable headache! I shout in pain as my head continues to ache.

    ¡°AAAHHHHH! STOP!!!¡±-Cyril

    It feels as if something is inside of my head crawling around and gnawing on my brain! Then, a flood of information starts flowing into my brain. Things about the basics of magic and martial arts! This...All of this is incredible! Unfortunately, my head is still in pain.

    ¡°AAAHHHHGH!! STOOOP!!! AAHHH!¡±-Cyril

    After what felt like an eternity, the pain stops and I open my eyes. My eyes widen in shock as I find myself back in my bedroom. The bed is a mess and I¡¯m sweating like a pig.

    *Bang!*

    All of a sudden, my door swings open making a loud sound as it slams against the wall. My parents and Lucas are standing in the doorway. All of them have a very worried expression on their face. My mom rushes towards me and grabs my shoulders tightly. She begins checking my arms, legs, face, and chest. Why is this happening?

    ¡°Um¡­¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Are you alright Sweetie? Does it hurt anywhere?¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°W-What happened?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°You were screaming. We thought something happened so we came running. Did you have a nightmare?¡±-Corwin

    My Dad walks in and starts explaining what happened. Damn it, Tayrn! You caused this situation.

    ¡°...Yes, I¡¯m sorry. It was just a nightmare.¡±-Cyril

    ¡°You had a nightmare?¡±-Lucas

    Lucas then walks up to me. He¡¯s wearing his light blue pajamas. He still looks very worried. I give a nod to his question.

    ¡°Want to sleep in the same bed? I can protect you!¡±-Lucas

    Hehe he¡¯s trying to be a good big brother. This kid must really care about me. Thinking about this, a big smile appears on my face.

    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go to big brother¡¯s bed.¡±-Cyril

    I was originally reluctant to call a child my big brother, but this kid deserves it. Besides I¡¯ve always wanted an older brother.

    ¡°Okay! Come on!¡±-Lucas

    He holds out his hand for me to grab. Without hesitation, I grab it. Lucas helped me off of the bed and walked we walked into his bedroom. Mom and Dad came with us to tuck us in and say goodnight. In a very short amount of time, Lucas has fallen asleep. I also fall asleep in a few seconds.

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    Thank you for reading this chapter! I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I had writing it. Please remember to rate and comment! I would love to hear your thoughts on this chapter or any suggestions!

    Anyways, I will be busy for the rest of this week, so please do noot expect any chapters. Have a wonderful day! Oh hell, have a wonderful life everybody!!!

 Chapter 4: Vampchickens death

    before you read this I have to tell you guys something. I usually write these on google docs and then copy and paste it onto here. So anyways, when I finished the chapter, I highlighted all of it and pressed ctrl+c. All of it disappeared except for "ccvx" and I freaked the fuck out! I just put my face in my hands and sat there for about 10 mins. Thankfully I tried pressing ctrl+c again out of desperation and it all came back! Okay, I just wanted to share that with you. also since I haven¡¯t posted any chapters for a while, this chapter will be long. I hope you guys enjoy it!

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    The next day

    The sunlight shining through the window hits my face, forcing me to wake up. I use my small hand to block the bright light from entering my eyes as I sit up. Since I¡¯m still half asleep, I don¡¯t know where I am, so I start looking at the surroundings. I¡¯m next to Lucas who still seems to be asleep. The checkers pattern quilt is covering half of his body. It looks like he is having a nice dream, because he has a faint smile on his face.

    Not wanting to wake him, I move very cautiously out of the bed. I step out of the bed and tip-toe my way to the door which opens with a creaking sound. Once I open the door, I could smell something delicious. I walk down the short hallway but stop at the end. Taking a peek around the corner into the kitchen, I see my mom preparing what looks like bacon!

    I don¡¯t think that I¡¯ve had bacon since I came to this world. It smells so good! Argh I want some now! It looks ready so maybe I could just...¡­ Once a thought comes to mind, I put it into action without thinking.

    I run up behind my mom without her noticing. I am trying my best to stay in her shadow and keep out of her line of sight. Since I¡¯m short it¡¯s hard to notice me. Not to mention it is pretty early and she seems tired. She has bags under her eyes and looks like she didn¡¯t have a wink of sleep last night. That will just make this easier then!

    After a short while, she turns the other way to reach for a rag to clean off her hands. Seeing my chance, I snatch a few pieces out of the pan like a puma pouncing on its unsuspecting prey. Before she could turn around, I dash towards the front door to make my escape. Noticing that someone was behind her, she turns around.

    ¡°Cyril? Why are you-Ah! That¡¯s my banshic! Come back here this instant!¡±-Cassandra

    So bacon in this world is called banshic? That seems kind of weird. I think to myself after mom begins chasing after me. I know that she¡¯ll catch up to me, but this time I have a plan. The new martial art techniques that Tayrn gave me are all pretty cheap. Most of them are about how to sneak attack, assassination, escape, or disable your opponent with pressure point. That last one will definitely be useful.

    Very quickly, she catches up. Both of her hands thrust towards my shoulders attepting to catch me with her iron grip.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got you now!¡±-Cassandra

    She shouted as her hands came down onto my shoulders. However, before she could catch me with her iron grip, I ducked down making her completely miss me. I then grabbed onto both of her legs that is being covered by a long skirt and apron. When she sees me grab onto her legs, it seems like she is misunderstanding something.

    ¡°Heh giving up eh? It¡¯s okay sweetie, I forgive you.¡±-Cassandra

    I quickly slip my hands under her long skirt and before she can react, I push a certain pressure point on one of her legs. Her face quickly changes into one that seems to say ¡°What the hell?¡± and she begins to wobble. If you¡¯re wondering what I did, I disabled one of her legs. Though it should become fully functional again in only a minute.

    ¡°W-What did you do?! Cyril! Come back here with my banshic!¡±-Cassandra

    I quickly rush towards the exit with a piece of bacon in my mouth and the rest in my hand. Before leaving, I turn around.

    ¡°Thanks for the bac- I mean banshic mom! I¡¯ll be going out for a bit. Bye!¡±-Cyril

    Then I run out of the door, leaving my mom who is sitting at the dining table.

    ¡°Cyril, you are definitely getting punished for this later!¡±-Cassandra

    Echoed her voice in the distance as I ran down the dirt road of the village.

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    After a couple minutes of running and a little difficulty with the guards at the village, I finally come to a stop at a clearing. Just so you know, the guards aren¡¯t allowed to let children out of the village alone so I had to knock them out. Now it¡¯s a clearing that¡¯s surrounded by 15 ft tall oak trees in a circle. I walk to the center of the clearing and think about what I should do next.

    The reason I went into the forest is because I wanted to practice my magic. The only thing I am worried about is the beasts. I didn¡¯t go too far from the village for this reason, but I still can¡¯t help thinking about it. If I don¡¯t go far from the village only weak monsters will show up right? I don¡¯t know how it works¡­

    Well I suppose that as long as it is a weak monster, I will be able to escape. Let¡¯s drop this issue and just start this training! So the way this is supposed to work, is you have to focus and feel the mana inside of you. Once that is done, you have to release the amount of mana that is required for the spell. It is actually pretty simple, though the only downside is that you have to have a clear picture of what you want to happen for the spell to be successful. I close my eyes and begin to focus and feel the mana in my body.

    Wow! The amount of mana I have really is amazing. Elder said I have a great amount of mana, but I didn¡¯t expect it to be this much! I don¡¯t know exactly how much I have, but it seems like I could fill a lake with this much. Well onto the next step. Now all I have to do is have a clear picture of what I want to happen. The spell I am going to use is [Fireball]. There are a few basic spells that Tayrn has given me.

    I know [Fireball], [Splash], [breeze], and [muffle]. Anyways, I hold out my right hand in front of me and picture a fireball coming out of my hand. Keeping this picture in mind, I start attempting to release mana from my hand.

    ¡­¡­..

    As I begin trying to release mana, I notice that something is wrong. I can¡¯t make it come out! Why isn¡¯t anything coming out? According to the information that Tayrn gave me, when you expel mana from any part of your body, you will feel a slight tingling sensation on that part. So if I am doing it from my palm, it should feel that sensation, but I¡¯m not feeling anything!

    Just to make sure that I didn¡¯t make a mistake with my concentration, I shut my eyes and take several deep breaths. Feeling my mana, I attempt to have it slowly move down my arm and out of my palm. I thought that if I focused like this, it would help, but I was definitely mistaken. For some reason, I can¡¯t even move my mana anywhere. It is kind of like something is keeping it all in place!

    ¡°Why is this happening? According to my knowledge, it shouldn¡¯t be this hard, even for first timers like myself.¡±-Cyril

    I continue to ask this question to myself, my mind racing to find the answer. Taking a seat on the lush, green grass, I decide to stop thinking about it and keep trying to move my mana around.

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    An hour passes and I am still unable to move even a drop of my mana!

    *Siiiigghhhh*

    I let out a long sigh, remembering how much time I spent on this.

    ¡°Argh this is so frustrating! This seriously can not be happening! This stupid bullshit! I¡¯ve wasted so much time just sitting here doing nothing!¡±-Cyril

    I start to curse and pound my fists against the ground in a fit of rage. Thinking that it¡¯s pointless to just curse at nothing, I get back up on my feet.

    ¡°Damn it, my ass hurts from sitting so long.¡±-Cyril

    Still a bit frustrated I curse for one last time. Now that I am done with my tantrum, I am again just standing in the middle of the clearing, staring at the clear blue sky.

    Since that was a complete waste of time, what am I supposed to do now...? I¡¯m so bored and if I go back now mom will punish me. I haven¡¯t been punished by them yet, but it probably won¡¯t be very fun to say the least...

    *Crack*

    Just as I was thinking this, I hear what sounded like a twig being stepped on from behind. I quickly turn around to see who exactly it is and see a beast. It looks like a chicken except for it being completely blue with blue eyes. I can also see a pair of fangs coming from its beak. They seem to be a couple inches long.

    ¡°What the hell is that thing?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°GGRRRR¡±-Blue chicken

    Just as I was questioning what the beast in front of me was, it starts growling at me. Lowering it¡¯s head like it¡¯s ready to strike.

    I didn¡¯t know chickens could growl¡­ Wait it¡¯s not a chicken in this world right? So it¡¯s a beast?

    I honestly had no idea what to call it, so I quickly stop thinking about it when an idea pops into my head. As this idea pops into my mind, a sinister grin creeps onto my face.

    ¡°Well looks like you showed up just in time. You think you could help me relieve some stress little guy?¡±-Cyril

    Immediately when I finish my sentence, the beast charges forward.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes!¡±-Cyril

    I shout this as I also charge forward. When we are about 5 ft away from each other, the beast lunges forward and bares its fangs. The inside of its mouth is kind of weird. It only has those two fangs.

    Anyways, It lunges forward and aims for my neck. It¡¯s movements were actually pretty fast, but thankfully I¡¯ve been fighting for nearly my whole life and have developed some quick reflexes. Not wanting those fangs to sink into my throat, I grab it by the neck with my right hand and also grip both of its legs with my left before it has any chance to react.

    Once I get a hold of it, it begins to flail around. Flapping the wings uncontrollably and letting out different sounds a chicken shouldn¡¯t make. It is trying its hardest to escape, but it is definitely not going anywhere.Now I start inspecting it. I have always had a side of me that took interest in strange things. Ghosts, monsters, aliens, etc.

    It really is blue from head to toe! The feathers, beak, fangs, pupils, and even the tongue. It reminds me of that rare chicken from my previous world that was completely black, even its organs. Well minus the fangs¡­

    After a little bit, it calms down. Since I¡¯m not angry anymore because of my curiosity, I continue to observe this blue chicken. I wonder if it was trying to sneak attack me but made a mistake. This thing definitely is not good at head-to-head combat, that¡¯s for sure.

    (Kill it.)

    Just as I was thinking about this, a deep and oppressive voice appears in my mind. When the voice says this, my right hand¡¯s nails dig into the throat and like wise with my left hand¡¯s nails digging into the legs, as I tear the head from the body without hesitation as it gave a miserable shriek.

    ¡°Wha-What the hell did I just do...?¡±-Cyril

    Surprised by my own actions, I stare at the corpse of the beast in my hands. The crushed neck of the beast is squirting blue blood, covering my hands and getting a few drops on my face. Disgusted by this, I throw the bloody corpse of the beast away which lands with a*thud*.

    Now that I have come back to my senses, I am still trying to figure out what has just happened. What the hell was that voice?! Why did I listen to it? I continue to try and come up with an answer, but I still can¡¯t think of anything.

    Ugh how did today turn out so bad? I really thought that today would be a good day too since I had bacon for breakfast¡­.Welp, I guess I should clean this blood off of me first and just head home. Let¡¯s just act like nothing happened and hope nothing happens again. If I told someone about this...they would think that I¡¯m insane. Seriously, could you imagine a 2 year old coming up to you saying ¡°I got into a fight with a blue chicken, but caught it! Then there was this voice telling me to kill it, so I did!¡± Now that would be really creepy.

    So I take off my shirt and wipe the blood off of my hands and face. Now that my black shirt is covered with blue blood, I toss it away and begin to walk back home. Hopefully I can make a good excuse as for why I don¡¯t have a shirt by the time I get home¡­

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    Corwin pov

    ¡°Cyril, you are definitely getting punished for this later!¡±-Cassandra

    As I am just getting out of bed after getting dressed, I can hear Cassandra screaming. So of course I walk out of my bedroom to see what my wife is shouting about now. I walk down the hallway and turn the corner into the kitchen. Around the corner, I see my wife sitting on a chair at the table, looking very upset, so I quickly run over to her to see what is wrong.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    ¡°Honey, what¡¯s wrong? Why were you screaming at Cyril? Where is he?¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Darling! It¡¯s horrible! Cyril, h-he stole my banshic!¡±-Cassandra

    Oh, that¡¯s not good¡­

    ¡°Well why are you just sitting here? Normally you would chase after whomever did that and punish them severely.¡±-Corwin

    Saying this, I also remember a horrifying experience. I have also stole her banshic once and...I don¡¯t want to talk about it¡­

    ¡°I-I can¡¯t move my leg. Cyril did something to it¡­¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Did something¡­? What exactly did he do?¡±-Corwin

    ¡°When I was chasing him, he suddenly stopped and grabbed onto my legs. I thought he had given up, but he suddenly poked my leg and then it went all numb. I can¡¯t feel it or even stand on it!¡±-Cassandra

    Poked it? It couldn¡¯t be...right?

    ¡°Hey, honey...You don¡¯t think it could be ¡®that¡¯ fighting style right?¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Huh? It couldn¡¯t be. Cyril is still only two years old. How would he know it...? Oh! I can feel my leg again!¡±-Cassandra

    She then stands up and jumps up and down. It looks like she can walk again. But still, it really is similar to ¡®that¡¯ fighting style.

    ¡°Haha I guess you¡¯re right. But I should probably follow him to make sure he doesn¡¯t get into any trouble. Which way did he go?¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Hmm, I think he went left once he exited the door. Which is strange, because he doesn¡¯t know anyone in that direction.¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Could it be possible he is going into the forest?¡±-Corwin

    ¡°What did you say!¡±-Cassandra

    Once I say this, Cassandra shouts at me. Her previous expression of being upset has now turned into one of worry. Her beautiful jade like skin has become even paler now.

    ¡°What are you still doing here?! Go and bring him back! I don¡¯t want my baby boy getting hurt!¡±-Cassandra

    She screams at me once again. When she is like this, it¡¯s hard not to be afraid of her! Stricken with fear, I stand up straight and give a salute.

    ¡°Y-Yes, ma¡¯am!¡±-Corwin

    I then run out of the house and follow the direction my son went. He couldn¡¯t have gone that far, so in order to make things easier, I fly up about 80 ft into the air using [wind manipulation]. Now that I¡¯m at a considerable height, I can see the entire village. Looking around for a couple of minutes, I finally spot my son. He¡¯s running as fast as he can with his tiny leg while eating what I can only assume is the banshic he stole from Cassandra. Jeez this kid is something else. I wonder why he is in such a hurry.

    Anyways, now that I have spotted Cyril, I start to follow him until he finally approaches the main entrance of the village. We have a few guards placed there just in case any unexpected visitors show up. They have been given training by the elder and they must follow a very strict set of rules. One of these rules is to not let any children out without any supervision, so he shouldn¡¯t be going anywhere through there.

    Just as I was thinking this, I can see Cyril¡¯s tiny figure run right up to a pair of guards in suits of iron armor. They seem to be stopping him from going outside. Guess I should go and get him now. Thinking this, I take my eyes off of him for a second and once I look back at his tiny figure down below, he¡¯s still running out into the forest! Not only has he gotten past the guards, but the two guards are passed out on the ground! Where the hell are all of the other guards?

    I don¡¯t know how he did that, but i t couldn¡¯t have been magic. That is definitely out of the question since the elder has sealed his mana, so the only other option would be martial arts. But where the hell would he have learned martial arts from? He is only two and already seems to have mastered it. I have never seen something like this¡­ Ah shit, I¡¯m losing sight of him!

    Since I got lost in thought, I completely forgot about the current situation and nearly lost sight of Cyril. I quickly continue to follow him from overhead as he runs into the forest. Since the trees were covering him, I had no choice but to continue following him from on foot.

    We run through the forest for only a couple of minutes before finally stopping at a clearing. You know, Cassandra told me to bring him back, but what¡¯s the harm in watching a little longer. Although some beasts might show up so I¡¯ll have to protect him. There shouldn¡¯t be any strong beasts this close to the village, so I probably won¡¯t even have to fight. Thinking this, I kneel down in a bush and watch Cyril.

    Right now, he is just standing in the middle of the clearing with a joyful expression. It seems like he has found out about his mana level. It¡¯s completely useless with that seal though. Next, he holds his hand out straight in front of him. Looks like he¡¯s trying to release mana through his hand now¡­

    After finding that nothing is happening, his expression turns from joyful to confused in a matter of seconds. He tries once again, but now he just seems even more confused. Placing his hand on his chin, it looks like he¡¯s trying to figure out what¡¯s going on. After what seems like only a minute, he sits on the ground and shuts his eyes. He no longer looks confused, but it seems like he really wants to use magic.

    I doubt he¡¯ll be able to break the seal just by doing this. I mean this is the elder we¡¯re talking about, so there isn¡¯t any need to worry. Though I can¡¯t help but wonder what he would be capable of if he actually managed to break the seal. It¡¯s ridiculous that we even have to do this to him.

    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that Cyril has been blessed by a dark god since birth and not to mention the elder being so cautious, Cyril would already be learning magic. I hate the fact that I won¡¯t be able to teach my son magic until adulthood! That damn old geezer!

    However, it¡¯s not like he¡¯s completely helpless. He has somehow learned a martial arts without me teaching him and not only is it a formidable one, similar Dark Gods Hand. A martial art that used to be used by the black dragon. I did not know the previous black dragon but the elder once knew him. I have also heard stories about how his fighting technique focused on acupoints, trickery, and deceit from the elder.

    I am starting to worry about my son. First; Cyril has been blessed by a dark god since birth, second; he contains a massive amount of mana as a child and it will only grow stronger, lastly; All of a sudden he knows such a powerful fighting style and that scene that occurred last night. All of this just cannot be a coincidence. That mad god Tayrn must be planning something and I must prevent Cyril from getting dragged into it. Even if that means fighting a god¡­

    Well I need to discuss this with the elder later. First I need to watch Cyril and make sure he gets back home safely.

    So I watch Cyril attempting to break the elder¡¯s seal for an hour. During that period of time, only a few beasts showed up. They were only small fries like a Vampchickens. Now I am starting to get tired of this shit! It¡¯s really boring watching him like this and I didn¡¯t think that he would actually try for this long.

    (AN: Really? A Vampchicken is the best I could come up with? DISAPPOINTING!!!)

    *Siiigghhh*-Cyril

    Just as I was thinking this, I hear Cyril make a long and exaggerated sigh. He looks really upset about what has just occurred. I would be pissed too if I sat for an hour trying to move my mana and failing, not knowing why.

    ¡°Argh this is so frustrating! This seriously can not be happening! This stupid bullshit! I¡¯ve wasted so much time just sitting here doing nothing!¡±-Cyril

    All of a sudden, Cyril starts cursing and pounding his fists on the ground. This is just like a tantrum a little kid would throw, minus the cursing. Hey, wait a second! Who the hell taught him how to speak like that! I¡¯m going to have to punish him for this later!

    Turning my attention back towards Cyril, he seems to have finally calmed down as he starts to slowly stand up.

    ¡°Damn it, my ass hurts from sitting so long.¡±-Cyril

    Swearing once again as he rubs his small butt, it seems like he has calmed down a little. I wonder what punishment I should give him. Cleaning? No that¡¯s all he ever does. I need something creative¡­

    *Crack*

    As I was trying to come up with a creative punishment, I notice what sounds like a twig being stepped on. Naturally I quickly turn my head to see what has made the sound. Standing there is a Vampchicken staring straight at Cyril. I then look over at my son to see his reaction. He just seems confused and a little disgusted at the same time though. I would say that, that is a normal reaction though.

    ¡°What the hell is that thing?¡±-Cyril

    Just as his facial expression implies, he blurts something like that out.

    ¡°GRRRR¡±-Vampchicken

    ¡°Well looks like you showed up just in time. You think you could help me relieve some stress little guy?¡±-Cyril

    At this point I should probably interfere and just kill that Vampchicken but I want to see him fight. Plus this is totally different from the normal Cyril that I¡¯ve ever seen.Normally he is such a sweet kid.

    All of a sudden, the Vampchicken charges forward at him.

    ¡°I''ll take that as a yes!¡±-Cyril

    Now Cyril also charges forward. Once they get 5 ft away from each other, the Vampchicken lunges forward, aiming for his neck and baring its fangs. It doesn¡¯t even get close as Cyril also makes his move. Grabbing its neck with his right hand and legs with his left, Cyril now has it in his grip. The Vampchicken begins struggling, letting out clucks, growling, and flapping its wings wildly.

    These actions quickly fade as it starts realizing the situation. Right now, it failed to kill its prey resulting in its capture. It now has no choice but to accept what will happen. Though I don¡¯t think Cyril would hurt the beast, since Cyril is just a child. Not to mention neither me nor Cassandra have ever been violent from a young age, just very curious.

    Just as I had expected, he begins to look the Vampchicken up and down, inspecting the beast¡¯s every nook and cranny.

    ¡°Hehe just like his old man.¡±-Corwin

    I whisper this to myself as I watch my son, that is so much like me, discover this new beast.

    It reminds me of the days I would capture monsters and do the same thing. As I¡¯m thinking about this, a faint smile creeps onto my face.

    However, the smile I had previously was instantly swept away. My jaw drops in shock as I witness the scene before me. A miserable shriek reached my ears, making me feel a shiver down my spin. My son twisting and tearing the head off of the Vampchicken¡¯s body, blue blood gushing from where the throat used to be as it splats onto Cyril¡¯s face and clothing.

    When the Vampchicken is finally dead, I can barely hear the whispers come out of Cyril¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°Wha-What the hell did I just do...?¡±-Cyril

    He stands there in a daze, not knowing what to do with the mutilated corpse of the beast. Suddenly, he drops the dead Vampchicken, making a *thud* once it hits the ground; Next he takes his shirt off and wipes the blood off of his hands and face; Thirdly throwing the shirt into the forest, before finally turning and running back in the direction of the village.

    I am still trying to recover from what I have just seen. I don¡¯t know what to make out of what I have just seen. It was so unexpected and¡­.and I couldn¡¯t tell if he did it on purpose or not! It looked like he immediately regretted what he had done, but at the same time, he did not hesitate even for a second when he killed it.

    Trying to make heads or tails of the situation, I walk over the blood splattered ground, before reaching the mutilated corpse of the Vampchicken. I kneel down and begin inspecting the corpse. It looks like he dug his nails into the neck and legs before ripping it apart! This...this is sloppy. It¡¯s completely different from any of his other movements. Not only that, a dragon of his age should not have this strength! I definitely need to discuss this with Cassandra before bringing this information to the elder. I really do not know what elder would do if he found this information out...

    Thinking this, I activate [wind manipulation] and fly back towards the village. I hope Cassandra won¡¯t be too worried when she hears about this. I frown at the thought her suffering such a pain and remember how she cried all night long as I fly towards the village.

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    Hello everybody! I accidently pasted it 3 extra times hahaha! Not funny...but anyways I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Since I haven¡¯t posted anything in a long time, I added 3 extra pages to this chapter. Please comment, rate, and let me know what you thought! Have a nice day

 Chapter 5: Tayrns blessing

    Tayrn pov

    Sitting here in my little shit-shack in the realm of the gods I continue to stare through the ripple in space with enthusiastic eyes and a big smile on my handsome face. With a pair of jet black eyes, curly red hair (kinda like carrot top but a little less crazy) and jade white skin. Yep I definitely am the most handsome, and prettiest of them all!

    ¡°...Oh what¡¯s this? The reader wants to know what exactly could make such a horrendous, evil, and pain-loving being such as myself happy? Nosy little thing aren¡¯t you¡­ Well I suppose it can not be helped if the bug wants to know.

    I have just witnessed my new toy KILL a living thing! Of course he said that he wasn¡¯t going to kill anything last time we met, but now look at him! Awe he reminds me of when I was also just getting into that cute phase of psychopathic killing and torturing¡­¡±-Tayrn

    Being reminded of the good ol¡¯ days a small tear drop falls from my left eye, but I wipe away the small tear as soon as it fell.

    ¡°Yahayahaha! I¡¯m so glad that my blessing has a hidden effect! Of course it increases his dark attribute in magic and gives him the feared [berserk] ability, but the negative power of my blessing makes people more sensitive to negative emotions. For example, Cyril will become more irritable and be more likely to kill someone, resulting in me gaining entertainment! Hehe it¡¯s not like [berserk] is really that great of a thing to have though. Hmmm let¡¯s see what the father¡¯s reaction to this will be.¡±-Tayrn

    Now I switch my view to my toy¡¯s new father, Corwin, who is currently flying to tell his wife the troubling news of how their son is a psychopath. They will without a doubt try to keep this a secret from that old man.

    Just as expected, Corwin arrives very quickly and far ahead of my toy, landing in front of the village entrance. Although I don¡¯t think this will go as he expected! A man with messy blue hair just like the sea and brazen eyes who also seems to be a few inches shorter than Corwin. This mortal stops him at the gate.

    ¡°This should be good! let¡¯s see what they¡¯re saying.¡±-Tayrn

    I then zoom closer to listen to these mortals convers.

    ¡°Corwin, I need you to come with me.¡±-Blue haired man

    ¡°Uh can this wait? I¡¯m kind or in a hurry right now¡­¡±-Corwin

    ¡°No, this is an urgent matter. I insist that you come with me.¡±-Blue haired man

    Said the mortal in an oppressive tone.

    ¡°Atlas¡­ My matter is much more urgent than anything you are dealing with at the moment. Get out of my way before I make you!¡±-Corwin

    Corwin quickly countered the mortal named Atlas which made him furrow his brow.

    ¡°Do not worry Corwin. We already know of your ¡®urgent matter¡¯ and the elder is waiting for you along with Cassandra and Lucas.¡±-Atlas

    ¡°Atlas you son of a bitch! What have you done to my wife and son!¡±-Corwin

    Said Corwin as he gripped Atlas¡¯ collar and lifted him off the ground, but Atlas continues to keep his cool. However, the two guards guarding the front gate immediately brandish their spears at him. Now a grin has crept onto my face! I am so interested to see where this goes now!

    ¡°Calm down. Me and you are old friends, are we not? Your wife and son are completely safe, drinking tea with the elder.¡±-Atlas

    He says in a nonchalant tone.

    ¡°Do you really mean that? Are they safe?¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Of course they are. I would never lie to you and I promise that no harm shall come to them. We can do anything together, remember?¡±-Atlas

    Corwin then gently sets the mortal Atlas down which results in the two guards to withdraw their spears, but are still on alert in case Corwin decides to do anything fishy.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s go to the elder¡¯s house. They should be in the library right now.¡±-Atlas

    ¡°Alright¡­ Let¡¯s go.¡±-Corwin

    THIS! THIS WILL DEFINITELY BE SOMETHING WORTH MY TIME!!! YAAHAHAHHA!-Tayrn

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Cyril pov

    Just before I reach the village, I squat down in a bush. Staring at the 10ft tall stone wall that surrounds the village while racking my brains on how I''ll get back in. Last time I had to knock out the guards because I didn''t know they would try to stop me. Now I can''t go back through the front gate since I¡¯m bound to get in trouble if I just try to walk in like I own the place.

    Since I can¡¯t go through the north gate let¡¯s circle around to the east side of the village.

    Putting my plan into action, I begin moving through the shadows and eventually end up at the east wall. Before my eyes are 4 guards in leather armour standing at the top of the wall, all of which are taking their job very seriously. None are slacking off, but instead are watching the surroundings like a hawk as if trying to see through the darkness of the shadows in the forest.

    ¡°This definitely is not going to work out the way I want it to. If only I could use magic!¡±-Cyril

    Whispering this to myself due to being agitated about the situation, I continue to brainstorm a way to get inside without being noticed.

    I highly doubt that there wouldn¡¯t be more guards like this at the other walls, so this should be really troublesome. Maybe if I can find someone who¡¯s slacking off at one of the walls I can manage something¡­.Ugh should I just knock the guards at the front gate out again? They were actually easy to trick.

    *RIIP*

    ¡°What the fu-!¡±-Cyril

    All of a sudden, something in the shape of a tear formed under my feet, causing me to fall into it and land on my butt.

    ¡°What the hell was that? Was it magic?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Space magic to be exact.¡±-???

    A familiar voice reaches my ears. It¡¯s an old and gentle voice that also carries a hint power in it. This is the elder¡¯s voice.

    Why would the elder suddenly teleport me? Unless someone followed me and...and saw what happened!

    Thinking that I had been seen doing something horrible like that, I keep my head down, staring at the floorboards, not daring to look up in shame.

    ¡°Cyril!¡±-???

    A voice full of sincerity and worry reverberates in my ears. Since I know the owner of this voice, who sounds very worried, I lift my head. I am back at the elder¡¯s library, surrounded by Mom, Dad, Lucas, Elder, and a few other people in leather armour standing behind the Elder.

    My mom then crouches down to check if I am alright, searching for any bruises or scratches. Her eyes are full of worry and concern the entire time, making my heart shake. After checking to see if I am alright she hugs me tightly.

    ¡°M-Mom¡­ What¡¯s happening?¡±-Cyril

    To my question, she quickly releases me from her grasp.

    ¡°Ah well...the elder hasn¡¯t really explained that to me, but he says you¡¯ve gotten yourself into some trouble.¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°Trouble?¡±-Cyril

    ¡°Geez first you steal my banshic and now this? You better be prepared for a good spanking later!¡±-Cassandra

    Oh god, please do not let mom know about this! I don¡¯t want to disappoint her. If I had to be completely honest, I have been pretending to be an innocent child. If I was my normal self, mom and dad would start thinking something is wrong with me! Since I definitely have a bad habit of cursing they would definitely wonder where I learned it from.

    ¡°Dad what¡¯s going on?¡±-Cyril

    I asked my dad hoping he could shed some light on the situation. Contrary to my expectation he just avoided eye contact and said ¡°I...do not exactly know either.¡±

    Right after my father answers my question Lucas pushes his way past dad and crouches down so that we are at an equal level.

    ¡°Are you ok? Does your butt hurt from falling?¡±-Lucas

    He says as he holds out his hand for me to grab.

    ¡°Big bro...I¡¯m okay!¡±-Cyril

    I say this as I extend my hand and latch onto his. Lucas then helps me up. I then pat off all the dust on my pants.

    ¡°¡°By the way, where is your shirt Cyril?¡±¡±-Lucas/Cassandra

    My mom and Lucas say this in unison. This makes me break into a cold sweat. I completely forgot to come up with an excuse!

    ¡°Uuhhhh weeelll I wasssss¡­. Taking a bath in the nearby river and a wild deer stole my shirt!¡±-Cyril

    No that was such an obvious lie! Now I¡¯m sweating even more than I was before!

    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    ¡°Well we can talk about his punishment later. Right now I need to discuss a very serious matter with you three. Everyone please leave except for Corwin, Cassandra, Cyril and Atlas.¡±-Elder

    Atlas¡­?  If I remember correctly that¡¯s Tide¡¯s dad. Why would he be here?

    ¡°¡±Yes!¡±¡±-twins

    Said the two men behind the elder. They seem to be twins. Both have black hair, blue eyes, and a muscular build. Anyways, they both leave immediately after responding to the elder¡¯s order, dragging Lucas along with them.

    ¡°Please come and sit everyone.¡±-elder

    I look at the surroundings and notice that the library is not like it was before. All of the tables for sitting down and reading are gone! The only table left is a small coffee table with a couch on opposite ends, big enough to fit three people each. The coffee table is a very plain and the two couches are a velvet red with a gold ancient chinese dragon pattern. There is also five small cups of tea at the coffee table.

    I sit between mom and dad while Elder and Atlas are sitting on the opposite side. I can feel quite a bit of tension coming from my dad whilst he sips on his tea.

    It remains quiet for at least five minutes but it feels more like an eternity! I can¡¯t take the awkward silence! The only sound being made is the elder slurping his tea! I can tell mom is also kind of on edge because she can¡¯t stop looking all over the place.

    *slurp ¡°Un this tea is delicious! What¡¯s wrong Corwin? Why are you staring at me?¡±-elder

    ¡°Just get to the point already geezer!¡±-Corwin

    Shouted my dad since he couldn¡¯t take the silence anymore.

    ¡°Alright you noisy brat! Who¡¯s a geezer? I¡¯m only¡­¡­¡­..shit¡­¡±-elder

    It would be best to just act like I didn¡¯t hear that.

    ¡°AH! Are you the one who taught Cyril that kind of language?!¡±-Corwin

    Shouted my dad towards the elder. Wait wait wait I¡¯ve never cursed in front of them before so how should¡­¡­¡­¡­.Oh shit. It can¡¯t be that he actually¡­

    Thinking this, beads of sweat begin to roll down my face.

    ¡°WHAT! Elder is that true? Have you been teaching my little boy such things?!¡±-Cassandra

    Mom seems to be pretty pissed! Now I¡¯m sweating like a pig due to the amount of bloodlust coming off of her! My father and the elder are also both sweating profusely.

    ¡°No no no! I have never taught him such things!¡±-elder

    ¡°Then back in the woods, why did he use such vulgar language!¡±-Corwin

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡±-elder

    ¡°Let¡¯s all calm down. We still have many things to discuss, do we not?¡±-Atlas

    Just as I had suspected, my dad must had followed me into the woods which means he saw me¡­.oh god! Please don¡¯t hate me because of this!

    ¡°Ahem Atlas is right. Please calm down Cassandra. Grandpa would never commit such horrendous acts such as teach a young boy all sorts of slurs and curses.¡±-elder

    ¡°...fine¡±-Cassandra

    Mom still seems to be a little pissed off, but manages to keep her composure and sits down. I haven¡¯t ever seen her angry before so this is my first time and I must say, I am not looking forward to the punishment later.

    ¡°Now Cassandra, as you already know we always have our highly skilled warriors keep an eye on the outskirts of the village. You also already know Atlas is one of those warriors, but is especially trained in stealth. Corwin, you also know about that since you two grew up together correct?¡±-elder

    ¡°...Yes, I do know. So what you¡¯re implying is that Atlas¡­¡±-Corwin

    ¡°That is exactly what I¡¯m implying.¡±-Elder

    Now the two of them are in a staring contest while the rest of us remain silent. The elder has eyes as sharp as an eagles and feels like he could look right through you. My dad on the other hand looks as nervous as I am. Suddenly an irritated voice chimes in to put that staring contest to an end.

    ¡°What does that have to do with son?¡±-Cassandra

    Questioned my mom out of irritation that he just won¡¯t get to the point.

    Elder then turned to her and said this.

    ¡°He tried to break the seal I put on him.¡±-Elder

    ¡°What¡¯s the big deal with that? I don¡¯t see how that could be a bad thing.¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°If it was only restricting his mana, then of course it would not be that big of a deal. No matter how hard he tried, he would never be able to break that seal.¡±-Elder

    ¡°What do you mean by that? What else did you seal away?¡±-Corwin

    ¡°Sigh I did not tell you because I didn¡¯t want to worry you, but I had to seal away all of that negative energy coming off of little Cyril here.¡±-Elder

    ¡°What do you mean negative energy?¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°You do remember how that evil god blessed him right? Did you not think that would have an effect on his personality?¡±-Elder

    ¡°Wait what do you mean? I¡¯m not following any of this Elder!¡±-Cyril

    I don¡¯t like being confused, so I quickly shouted my opinion. Why would Tayrn¡¯s blessing have an effect on my personality? I have never noticed anything before.

    ¡°Little Cyril, you are a very smart boy, but allow me to show your recent events and I shall continue explaining from there.¡±-Elder

    All of a sudden, Atlas pulled out a green emerald from his pocket and set it on the coffee table. Then a small hologram appeared above the table. It was me sitting in the forest clearing trying to use magic. This shocked me greatly, causing me to widen my eyes. This must be some sort of magic device because this world is nowhere near advanced as my old world and we could never create something like this!

    ¡°This is Cyril attempting to break the seal I used to keep his mana in place. He continues this for about another hour or so. Please skip ahead Atlas.¡±-Elder

    ¡°Yes.¡±-Atlas

    Once given the command, Atlas waves his hand and the hologram also skips ahead stopping at the point where I finally give up trying to use magic. You can hear me cursing just as I did before out of irritation. I look towards my mom for this part and man does she look pissed! However, she continues to focus on the magic device.

    Now we are at the point where that blue chicken shows up and the video stops.

    ¡°What you are about to see is the effect of the negative energy from Tayrn¡¯s blessing. Please do not be alarmed Cassandra.¡±-Elder

    To this my mom gives a solid nod and the video continues playing. Playing all the way from me examining it, to me ripping  it apart with my bare hands. I do not dare to look up at my mom in fear of what her reaction will be.

    Then the sound of the recording stopped. There was nothing but silence the the library. The anxiety of what my loving family would think of such a horrible act made my thoughts turn into a tornado, not knowing what to say or do. It was like a carnival was taking place in my head!

    ¡°...Would you like me to explain exactly why this is the first time you have ever seen him act like this?¡±-Elder

    The Elder broke the silence with a question towards my dad and mom.

    ¡°Yes...¡±-Cassandra

    ¡°The blessing of an evil god and a good god are completely different from each other. A good god¡¯s blessing will give the person a radiant feeling of warmth due to the positive energy it gives off. This can also benefit the person whom has been blessed by making he or she feel much more happy and excited. Whereas the blessing of an evil god has the opposite effect. Now as I said before I did seal away the dark energy so that something like this would not happen, but it is a very difficult thing to keep under control. So when little Cyril here tried to break the seal, I could not help but let a little of it slip out¡­.Do you understand what I¡¯m saying?¡±-Elder

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hello people of the world! I finally gotten around to finishing this chapter! Sorry for taking so long but I was just busy. Also I made a book cover myself if you saw on the fiction page! This may just be my over confidence speaking, but I think it look great. It kinda reminds me of the cat from Alice in Wonderland though haha.

    Anyways let me know what you thought about this chapter and also the new art by commenting! Thanks for reading this far!

 Chapter 6 Cyrils training

    I continue to keep my head down even after theElder finished his explanation. I dare not look up for the possible looks of disappointment or fear from anyone in the room.

    "So all we have to do is make sure he doesn''t try to break the seal right?"-Cassandra

    "Yes. That is all."-Elder

    "But that means I can''t teach him magic!"-Corwin

    Shouted my dad. His voice filled the entire library, making an echo. Is he really worried about that at a time like this?

    "You fool! Of course you can''t teach him magic. You''ve seen what the affect of breaking the seal will do."-Elder

    "But he''s such a good boy. I''m sure he can overcome it!"-Corwin

    "No! If we were to break that seal, your sweet and innocent little boy would become a completely different person! He would feel nothing but hatred and envy!"-Elder

    Hearing this, my head droops even lower than before. Now you can''t see my face at all. Why do these kind of things have to happen to me? As if my previous life wasn''t hard enough!

    Suddenly I feel a gentle touch on the top of my head. I know it''s my mom''s hand since my dad''s would be rough and coarse. Involuntarily I lift my head up to look at her. Instead of the disappointed and fearful look I was expecting, it was a peaceful gaze which contained pity and kindness. She gave me one of her infamously beautiful smiles which could make even the toughest man look like a tomato. This smile almost instantly calmed my heart.

    "You don''t need to feel bad sweetie. We know it''s not your fault."-Cassandra

    After saying this, she turns her head towards dad.

    "Honey I think it would be best to discuss how exactly we are going to be dealing with Cyril''s training. I know it must be hard for you to not be able to teach your son magic, but you can still teach him differentcombat styles."-Cassandra

    "..."-Corwin

    Dad keeps quiet at this with a strange look on his face.

    "I think we should talk about this in private. Atlas would you please bring Cyril outside with his brother? Oh while you''re at it, how about you bring them both to play with your daughter?"-Elder

    Atlas seems to be hesitating towards that last part. After seeing what I can do he must not want me near his daughter very much.

    "Atlas?"-Elder

    "Yes...Right away Elder."-Atlas

    He then gets up and escorts me out of the library. After we are out of the library, Lucas is nowhere to be seen. I become a little worried at this, but I feel at ease shortly after Atlas says this.

    "Don''t worry kid, he probably just went to play with Tide."-Atlas

    He must have seen the expression on my face...

    "Let''s go to my home. Lucas and Tide are probably waiting for you there."-Atlas

    "...ok."

    With that said, we walk in silence towards his house. Since I feel really awkward with this guy, I decide to try and start a conversation with him.

    "Big bro and Tide get along really well don''t they?"

    "Yes.Yes they do."-Atlas

    Just that short reply and he is already finished talking? This guy really isn''t much of a talker.

    "I think they look really good together."-Cyril

    This should get him talking!

    "They sure do. I hope that someday they can..."-Atlas

    He says all of this with a bright smile. I haven''t ever seen him smile like this out of all the fewtimes I''ve seen him! He must like Lucas a lot. I look up at him and ask this question.

    "Hope they can what?"

    He then stops his footsteps, so I also stop mine.

    "We are here."-Atlas

    He no longer has that gentle smile on his face like before. Instead it''s his usual expressionless face.

    "What are you looking at? Go inside and play."-Atlas

    I give him a nod and walk towards the small wooden house. Atlas doesn''t follow, but instead walks off in a different direction. I watch him walk away until he finally turns a corner and I can''t see him anymore.

    "Cyril!"-Tide

    From behind comes Tide''svoice calling my name.Before I could turn around, she tackles me to the ground. It was supposed to be a hug but she isn''t exactly good at controlling her strength.

    " Ouch!Tide, what are you doing?!"

    She gets up off of the ground and looks at me with teary eyes.

    "I haven''t seen you in forever! Why haven''t you come to play with me?!"-Tide

    "But it was only for a few days."-Lucas

    Then Lucas walks out of the house trying to calm her down.

    "No buts!"-Tide

    Now she is definitely being difficult...

    "Sweetie calm down and bring Cyrilinside. Wipe all that dirt off your clothes too."-???

    A sweet voice reaches all of our ears. I look towards the house and in the window is Tide''s mother. Her name is Joanna and she is the nicest person I''ve ever met. It is definitely where Tide gets her innocence from. Anyways, her long and sleekhair is a jet black with hazeleyes. Her skin is tan and she isa very stubborn woman. Tide also gets her strength from her.

    "Auntie!"

    I like to call her Auntie since neither my mom or dad have any siblings. However, I don''t call Atlas Uncle since I do not see him nearly as much as Joanna.They also do not have any parents. I haven''t heard the story, but I''m sure they''ll tell me about that eventually.

    Anyway, all three of usrun into the house. After Auntie gives me an extra shirt they had lying around,I play with Lucas and Tide. Whilst I''m putting on my usual act of being an innocent kid, I can''t help but wonder what the Elder and my parents are talking about.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Cassandra pov

    Ever since Cyril left we immediatelybegan discussing the matter of Cyril''s training. Corwin was very upset that he couldn''t teach Cyril any magic. Of course he is teaching Lucas magic and how to fight but Lucas isn''t really interested in his kind of magic, which is flameandwind magic. Lucas is more interested in illusion magic.

    Both the Elder and Corwin had a very heated discussion about it. Corwin did eventually give up, but we still haven''t told him about how Cyril already seems to know Dark Gods Hand. Originally I doubted he could know a martial arts like that without anyone even teaching him. Now I am not so sure about that...

    "Elder, Cyril seems to already know a martial arts."

    Since they were both done with their argument I decided to chime in.

    "How could he possibly know a fighting style already? He''s only two years old and neither of you have taught him anything."-Elder

    He gives mea doubtful look from across the table.

    "Well the martial arts he used seemed a lot like Dark Gods Hand. He was able to disable my leg for a couple of minutes by using a pressure point."

    "He was also able to knock out two guards at the front gate, which you mustalready know."-Corwin

    He was able to knock out two guards?! He must have tricked them into lowering their guards since he is still only a child.

    "I did not know that he was the one to knock them unconscious. I just thought they were being lazy!"-Elder

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it."Seriously?"-Corwin

    The Elder looks very troubled and Corwin is looking at him with a complicated gaze.

    "They are being punished right now for being lazy. Even now that I know that being lazy wasn''t the reason for them sleeping instead of guarding the village, they were beat by a child. I''m definitely extending the time on their punishment."-Elder

    How cruel...

    "Well anyways, we don''t know how he learned that martial arts. We were hoping you would know."

    "Has Cyril shown any strange behavior other than brutallymurdering a Vampchicken and cursing?"-Elder

    "Last night he was screaming in his sleep. He was covered in sweat when we woke him up and he said it was just a bad dream."

    Remembering the event that occurred and how I cried all nightlast night, my heart quivers. To relive myself of stress I take a sip of the green tea on the coffee table.

    "Sheesh that must have frightened you both very much. Indeed, that is very strange. First he does something like that, then the next day he knows such a martial arts...? I think I can tell you who taught him such a thing."-Elder

    I can tell whatever the Elder is going to say is not good. Beads of sweat start to form on my face as we both sit on the edge of the couch nervously waiting for him to tell us who could possibly teach Cyril such a frightening martial arts.

    "It must have been Tayrn."-Elder

    "As in the god that blessed Cyril? I thought gods weren''t allowed to interfere with mortals other than blessing them."-Corwin

    "Normally that would be true but Tayrn is a dark god and a god of madness at that. Do you seriously expect himto follow the rules?"-Elder

    "Why would Tayrn do such a thing?"

    Elder turns his head towards me. His gaze shows a hint of pity.

    "...Isn''t it obvious? That bastardwants to make Cyril his newtoy."-Elder

    "His toy?"-Corwin

    Corwin doesn''t seem to understand. I understand though! This motherfucker is trying to make my baby into a crazed murderer for his entertainment.

    Since I understand what''s happening I''m really fuckin'' pissed off! It is obvious that I am angry because I accidentally broke the teacup that was in my hand. Thankfully dragons have thick skin or the broken glass would have cut my hands.Not only this but both the Elder and my husband seem to be frightened.

    "H-Honey! Try not to break others things please?"-Corwin

    "You idiot! How could you not understand the first time? He''s planning on turning my baby boy into nothing more than a puppet!"

    "Cassandra please calm yourself! We still have other things to discuss!"-Elder

    Calm down? How the hell am I supposed to calm myself when I know something like this?

    "I''m gonna go and kick his ass!"

    Saying this I stand up from the luxurious couch.

    "Elder I think you should calm her down before she does something stupid!"-Corwin

    I turn my attention towards the Elder to see what he''ll do. He was no longer where he originally was though. Trying to find him, I begin searching the giant room. No matter where I looked I couldn''t see him nor could I detect his presence with magic.

    Out of no where a wrinkled hand appears in front of my face which isfaintlyglowing! This is obviously the Elder''s hand. I try to get out of the way but I can''t move at all! Then my mood gradually becomes better. The warmth from the light on the Elders hand is very soothing and I can feel it spreading through the rest of my body. How ever, I also lose all the strength that I previously had resulting in me falling to my knees.

    Seeing me fall to my knees Corwin comes rushing over to make sure I''m okay.

    "Honey, are you okay?"-Corwin

    Now that my anger doesn''t have a hold over me I just smile and give him a nod. I would have told him in words, but now I''m really tired.

    "Jeez you are definitely where Lucas gets his temper from. That kids scary when he''s angry..."-Elder

    Normally I would have shot back by calling him something like an old fart or a crazed old bat.

    "Honey I think it''s best if you just take a nap. I''ll tell you about everything once you wake up."-Corwin

    "No. I want to be a part of this."

    I definitely had to reject that idea! There''s no way I am going to miss such an important conversation. I mean, it concerns with the safety and future of my baby after all!

    "...No Corwin, Cassandra is definitely right. This is a very important conversation that she needs to be a part of. Now that we know Cyril is being toyed with, we need to discuss the matter of his ritual. Quickly bring her over to the couch."-Elder

    "Yes."-Corwin

    With that said, Corwin lifts me off of the ground princess styleand carries me over to the couch. We are now back to our original seating positions. So I can stay awake the Elder takes out another cup of tea for me. He adds a special root to the tea that can give a person energy. i couldn''t lift the cup so Corwin lifted it for me.

    After about five minutes I was no longer as tired as I was before. It feels more like I just woke up from a peaceful nap.

    "So first things first, Corwin you can not allow Cyril to use that fighting style anymore. We can not let Tayrn have his way. *Siiiiiiggggh* Now we reach the difficult part of our little talk."-Elder

    The elder gives an exasperated sigh. Indeed this is a very troubling matter worthy of such a thing.

    "The difficult part is theritual, right? Since using our dragon form and performing the ritualcosts mana, then doesn''t that mean Cyril won''t be allowed to go through the ritual?"-Corwin

    "Yes. That is exactly what the problem is. I am afraid that I cannot allow Cyril to go through the ritual."-Elder

    "But why?! That ritual is exactly what makes a dragon a dragon! Cyril will become an outcast if that happens!"

    The thought of him never being able to use magic nor will he ever have a dragon form is just too unbearable. Without ever being able to go through the ritual, the other dragons will never truly accept him as a dragon.

    "Yes, I know. Please forgive me. This matter is very serious. As you know during the process of the ritual, the person must fight with their inner dragon. This also means that there is always the danger of someone going out of control, never to return to their original form and their inner dragon will take hold over the persons will."-Elder

    Remembering a scene from the past both me and Corwin keep quiet to let Elder finish.

    "I have a feeling that Cyril''s inner dragon will be very strong. Please think for a second. Why would Tayrn try to make Cyril into his personal play thing if there wasn''t anything special about him?Therefor, I have zero confidence in Cyril to complete this task.Coupled with all that negative energy and having to face such a powerful inner dragon, I am afraid that I just cannot take such a risk. You understand, right? "-elder

    Silence filled the library. Unless we want him to become a bloodthirsty murderer then we really can''t allow for him to proceed with becoming a dragon. Is there really so hope for my precious boy...?

    "Yes. We understand Elder."-Corwin

    My husband was the one to answer. It seems I just can''t accept this kind of situation. Sweetie, mommy is sorry for putting you in such a difficult situation...

 Chapter 7

    Cyril pov

    After meeting up with Lucas and Tide I kept up my persona of an innocent kid and played with them for a few hours. Fortunately they got tired and fell asleep, leaving me with justAuntie. Since I couldn''t sleep,I decided to help her out with sweepingaround the house. Honestly, I am also tired from all that has happened so fartoday as well,but I just cannot fall asleep ata time like this. Neither my mom or dad has returned from the Elder''s house yet. Naturally it worries me what they are talking about if it is taking this long.

    I do not think Lucas even knows what is happening right now! Urgh as the saying goes "Ignorance is bliss". Besides being jealous of Lucas'' childlike innocence I definitely have other things to worry about. There is the fact of how Tayrn actually betrayed me for one! I seriously believed a god of madness would actually help me to live a nice life.

    Remembering how stupid I was at that time I furrow my brows and I grit my teeth. At the same time as contorting my face in anger, I tightly grip thebroom in my tiny hands. Obviously I need to start questioning people more! I mean how do I not have trust issues by now?

    "Sigh I guess thatis why he was so interested in me. I didn''t believe him at first, but now I can see what he was saying..."

    I whisper this to myself as I continue to sweep around the kitchen.

    "Cyril, are you okay?"-Joanna

    Then I hear Auntie''s voice from behind me. She must have finished dusting the living room. I get rid of my frustrated expression and continue with my shtick.

    "I''m almost done with sweeping."

    I say with a bright smile.

    "It''s okay. You can stop now. Why don''t you go and take a nap?"-Joanna

    "Um I am not really tired, so I think I''ll just continue sweeping. Thank you for worrying Auntie."

    I kindly reject her offer. As I said before, I don''t want to sleep until I see my parents again. However, it didn''t really matter if I rejected her because she took the broom from my hands as she walked towards the dinner table and sat down.

    "Cyril...how about we have a small talk. Come sit down."-Joanna

    I can feel butterflies in my stomach now! I don''t know how good a dragon''s hearing is, so I am worried she might have heard what I said.

    Nevertheless I take a seat from across the table. As soon as I do she asks me a question.

    "Why do you act so mature all the time?"-Joanna

    "Huh?"

    Her question definitely is not what I was expecting. Though I am relived she didn''t hear what I whispered to myself before, I don''t really understand what she is asking. She looks serious about the question.

    "I don''t get it Auntie."

    "Cyril I can tell how mature you really are. Whenever you play with Tide and Lucas, I can see the worry in your eyes whenever they try and do something stupid."-Joanna

    "Um I don''t rea-"

    "Not only that, but you have such nice ettiquete and you''re so polite. I know for a fact you didn''t learn that from Cassandra or Corwin..."-Joanna

    She quickly cuts me off to say something like this. While she''s right about mom and dad not being able to teach me proper etiquette, they are still nice people... To stop her from questioning me before this gets out of hand, I look at her with a confused expression so it looks like I don''t know what she''s talking about.

    "Is it so bad to worry about my friends and want people to like me?"

    "No, not at all! It''s just...you should just try relaxing for once. I know what''s happened today so if you keep this up it won''t be good for your health."-Joanna

    She then reaches across the table for my right hand. Holding onto my hand, she gives me a sympathetic look coupled with a grin.

    "You worry too much and are very mature for your age. Try acting Your agefor once."-Joanna

    To this I simply give her a nod. I didn''t think she would be this observative. Frankly I took her for a muscle head.

    "Now how about you try taking a nap? I''ll wake you up when they come to pick you and Lucas up."-Joanna

    Looks like I need to step up my acting... I was never good at acting to begin with. Anyways, not saying anymore I nod once again and head into the living room.

    Their living room has a coffee table in the middle of the room and one long browncouch, facing the horizontal side of the coffee table. On this aged couch are two small childrensleeping next to eachother.

    Both are sitting up. Lucas is at the end of the couch with Tide leaning on his shoulder. Thankfully these kids don''t take up much room so there''s lots of room for me to lay down. Thinking this, I hop onto the end of the couch and take my spot. Laying on my back with my head on the arm rest, I close my small eyes a and begin to attempt to sleep.

    While I''m trying to sleep, I think about how bothersome it is to be a toddler. My body is so weak compared to everyone else. I mean, I am a dragon so I have the strength of a teenager, but everyone else is so much stronger! Not only that, dragon children need plenty of sleep so I sleep often just like my brother. I only know this much about my race which is very frustrating.

    Maybe after today I will go to the Elder''s library. There''s so many books in there that I can definitely compare it to the New York Public Library.

    Well... That isif the Elder''s opinion of me doesn''t change I''ll be able to go there tomorrow.

    Feeling my eye lids becoming heavier, I stop thinking about this as I shut my eyes to sleep.

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    -----------------------------------------

    "...wake...Wake up..."-???

    I am currently being nudges while someone is telling me to wake up. However, since I am still half asleep I can''t tell who it is. The voice is high pitched and childlike.

    Once I realize this, it''s not hard to realize who is trying to wake me up. Tide is standing over me.

    "Tide?"

    "Your daddy isoutside. You need to wake up!"-Tide

    "What about my mom?"

    I ask this since I can''t help but wonder where my mother is after all that has happened today.

    "I don''t know."-Tide

    A short and simple reply... Not that surprising coming from a kid like her.

    After I think this, I get off of the couch and head for the door. Once I open the door I can see mydad istalking with Auntie and Atlas, but once they notice the door behind them open they turn their attention towards me. Without a thought, this is what my dadsays to me and Lucas.

    "Come on you two.Dinner should nearlybe ready by now. Don''t forget to say goodbye and thank you first though."-Corwin

    So that''s where mom is huh? Making dinner before we get home... I hope there won''t be any awkwardness at the dinner table tonight.

    "Okay! Goodbye Auntie; goodbye Uncle; goodbye Tide! Thank you for letting us play here for so long."-Lucas

    "Goodbye everyone. Thank you for letting us stay for so long."

    We both say this with innocent smiles on our faces.

    "Bye Lucas! Bye Cyril! Come over and play with me tomorrow, okay?"-Tide

    "Don''t worry. We''ll be sure to come back tomorrow. Then we can play aaaallll day!"-Lucas

    Oh merciful lord in the sky above! I hope that doesn''t actually happen. It is always so hard keeping up with them for just a couple hours. I don''t know if I can handle a whole day of that! Well it seemed to please Tide, so I''ll just let it be for now.

    "Come back any time you guys want."-Joanna

    "Good luck with your training,Lucas. Good luck to you also, Cyril."-Atlas

    To the two''s farewells, both me and Lucas give a nod. Also Atlasdoesn''t seem as uncomfortable as he was near me earlier today.

    "Good, now let''s go. We don''t want to keep your mother waiting."-Corwin

    After that statement, we were called over by dad. However, once we are about 25 ft away from each other, I hear Auntie shouting my name. So I turn around to see what she wants, as do Lucas and dad.

    "Remember what I told you!"-Joanna

    Remembering what Auntie had told me at that dinning table makes me smile. Iwave my hand in the air for a brief moment before turning back around and continuing to walk back home.

    "What did Auntie mean? What did she tell you?"-Lucas

    Now Lucas is asking me with a curious expression. Since he was sleeping soundly at the time, he didn''t hear what auntie had told me before.

    "She told me to drink lots of milk and grow strong!"

    "Oh..."-Lucas

    It seems Like it wasn''t really as exciting as he hoped it would be. Who cares though as long he doesn''t know that the me he knows is just an act.

    Dad slightly glanced at me when I told Lucas this. I think he already knows what Auntie said to me because he didn''t ask me first. He can be pretty nosy... Anyways, dad was quiet the rest of the walk home. No doubt he has a lot on his mind after today and I''m sure that this is just the beginning. I have a feeling that there will only be more trouble in the future for the both of us.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Once we got home, my mom and dad pretended like nothing happened today. I know it was on their minds, but we didn''t talk about it the entire time. We just came home, ate hour stew, and now I''m in mybed. There was a little bit of tension whilst everyone was eating dinner though. Of course, Lucas was completely ignorant to it though.

    It would have been more awkward if we were eating in silence. Thankfully there was some kind of noise...Listening to a bunch of people slurp and smack their food isn''tthe most delightful thing, but something is better than nothing.

    I swear, it sounds like a fat man is making lovepassionately to mac&cheese and then it somehowturns into a three-way as pasta joins in! I''m surprised I haven''t gone insane by now just by listening to this everyday for two years. I guess that''s another example of why Tayrn likes me so much.

    (AN: Not gonna lie, I don''t know where that whole three-way with a fat guy, mac&cheese, and pasta came from... HAve fun getting that image out of your brain!)

    Anyways, I have a bad feeling about tomorrow. I have a feeling it''s gonna be another roller coaster just like today. Thinking back at all of the stress I felt today, I recall what Auntie had said to me earlier today. Maybe it would actually be a good idea to just let loose for awhile and stop worrying so much.

    And with that, I fall asleep after such a stressful day while I keep what Auntie told me in my heart.

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    Okay okay, I know that I''m taking a little too long with these chapters, but I''m pretty busy right now. Don''t worry though, because soon enough I''ll have enough time to write all I want!

    Let me know what you thought about this chapter in the comments. I''m open to any sort of criticism, because it let''s me know that you at least read to this point. While you''re at it, try rating this amateur''s work, if you would be so kind.

    See you guys in the next chapter!

 Chapter 8: Cyrils first sword

    Tide p.o.v

    "Yaaaawwn I can''t wait for Lucas and Cyril to come over today!"

    I make a really big yawn as I sit up on my bed. Then I remember what Lucas had said! He told me that they would come over and play aaalll day today. I''m super excited for today!

    "Oh, you are already awake?"-Joanna

    While I was thinking about this, my Mommy opens up the door of my bedroom.

    "Yep! Mommy keeps saying ''The early bird gets the worm!'', so I woke up early."

    "You sure are full of energy at the crack of dawn. Well get dressed. Breakfast is nearly finished."-Joanna

    "Ok!"

    I give mommy a big nod when I say this. After she leaves my room, I yank off my all pink quilt, which my mommy made from hand before I was born. After this, I rushover to mydresser for clothes. Daddy also painted my dresser, side table, and bedwhite with pink handlesbefore I was born! It seems pretty obvious they wanted a girl hehe.

    Anyways, I pull out my garments and get dressed for the day. These garmentsare an ordinary white shirt and akirtle, teal in color, which reaches down to my shins.

    (AN: A kirtle is pretty much just a dress for those who don''t know.)

    Once I finish getting dressed, I run down the hallway and into the kitchen. Mommy is already sitting at the table with three plates of banshic, bread, and afew orange slices. Also, there are claycups, filled withwater for each plate. Daddy is not at the table yet, though. If I remember right, he said that he wakes up super early for work.

    "Come sit down, Sweetie. Your father should be back any second."-Joanna

    "Ok!"

    I do as my Mommy says and Itake a seat across from her. As I''m sitting here waiting for Daddy to get here, I can''t help looking down at my plate. My mouth begins to drool just from a sniff.

    "Sorry I''m a little late, Honey."-Atlas

    From behind me comes my Daddy''s voice. Hearing his voice, I whip my head around.

    "Daddy, hurry up! I want to eat already!"

    I can''t wait any longer! I''m super hungry.

    "Haha alright, go ahead and start eating."-Atlas

    Right after he says this, I begin to dig into my food. When I started eating, so did Mommy and then Daddy. We all eat really messy, unlike Cyril. I haven''t seen anybody eat like he does. Cyril eats just like a mouse, small bites and quietly! He''s so strange...

    After only a few short moments, we all finished our food. Since I am so full of excitement to play with Lucas and Cyril all day, I hop out of my seat and say "Bye bye Mommy, Bye bye Daddy! I''m gonna go play with Lucas and Cyril!" and head for the door.

    "Wait, Tide you can''t go see them today!"-Atlas

    Shouts Daddy before I could make it to the door. Hearing this, I can feelmy chest starting to tighten, as well as my eyes becoming teary.

    "Wha-What do you mean Daddy? Lucas promised that they would play with me all day today."-Tide

    "Uh....I..."-Atlas

    Beads of sweat start rolling down his face as he struggles what to say. I...I was so happy when I thought I was gonna get to play with them today.

    "Why can''t I play with them today...?"

    I say, as I wipe away my tears before they have a chance to roll down my face.

    "Their Daddy is going to train with them aaalll day today. I''m sorry, but you aren''t allowed to play with them today Sweetie."-Joanna

    Says my Mommy from the dinner table.

    "Phew..."-Atlas

    After Mommy says that, I heard my Daddy make a "phew" sound as he wiped off the sweat from his forehead.

    "Oh....ok..."

    I say this with a lot of disappointment in my voice as I lower my head and grip my kirtle. Usually when I do this, Daddy becomes really frantic and starts trying to make me feel better. Last time I did this I wanted more steak, but Mommy wouldn''t give me anymore. Once I did this and went back to my room, Daddy brought me a small piece.

    Just to see how it''s working, I take a peek upwards. My Daddy is looking towards Mommy with a complicated expression as she nods her head. All of a sudden, he turns towards me.

    "Tell you what, how about we all play together for as long as you want?"-Atlas

    "For as long as I want?"

    "Yup! So? How about it?"-Atlas

    "Mm!"-Tide

    I give him a nod after he says this.I''m still pretty sad that I don''t get to play with Lucas or Cyril today, but at least I get to play with Mommy and Daddy for as longI want!

    "Come one, let''s play tag!"

    I shout this, rushing towards the door.

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    Cyril p.o.v

    "Yaaawwnn..."

    I give out this big yawn, exposing the pointed teeth in the back of my mouth before shoving a spoon full of eggs in my mouth. Currently, I am eating breakfast with my family and as always, it is noisy. I am usually tired in the mornings, but today I am much more tired. Today I woke up at the crack of dawn, No one has even explained why yet either...

    I wonder if Dad is gonna take us out to hunt today. Since I only have the strength of a teenager right now, I don''t think I will be able to handle any big monsters. Well, let''s just hope I won''t have to fight anything bigger than me.

    After only a few minutes, everyone is done eatingexcept for me. I still have a couplepieces of bacon left. Or banshic, whatever the hell they call it in this world.

    Whilst I''m thinking this, my Dad stands up and says this to Lucas.

    "Lucas, go gear up! We''re going hunting."-Corwin

    "Uh..Are we bringing Cyril?"-Lucas

    "Mhmm, now go get your Falchion and armor."-Corwin

    "Ok!"-Lucas

    He says this before running to his room.So I really am going with them today, huh. I''m getting another bad feeling about this...

    "Cyril, once you finish those last couple of pieces of banshic, then come outside."-Corwin

    Hearing this, I quickly shove the rest of the bacon into my mouth and follow him out the door, leaving Mom in the kitchen.

    Now we are just waiting on Lucas to get out here in silence...Since I hate the silence, I decide to ask Dad some questions about this hunting trip.

    "Dad, what are we gonna be hunting?"

    "...Nothing in particular. We''re just going to be hunting any low level monster we see."-Corwin

    Low leveled monster? Like the Vampchicken I killed yesterday? Well if it''s anything like that, I won''t have any trouble.

    "Do I get a weapon like Big Bro?"

    Since I am hunting monsters today, I would imagine that I get some weapon.

    "Yup! You get a Falchion, just like your brother."-Corwin

    A Falchion is a one handed sword that has a slight curve towards the point, it''s single-edged, 30 inches,and hascross guards.Maybe when I''m older I''ll get another one and dual wield them!

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    "Speak of the Devil! Here comes Lucas and your mother with your sword."-Corwin

    I look back towards the door to see my Mom and Lucas walking towards us. Mom is carrying my new sword in her righthand, while holding Lucas'' right hand in the other. The sheath for my Falchion is made out of a black leather, no doubt made from a monster''s hide. The handlefor it is an amethyst purple cloth.

    Lucas is also geared up for the hunting trip. I''m not gonna lie, if he wasn''t holding onto Mom''s hand right now, he would look pretty cool. Lucas is wearing a shimmering,redleather chest plate, also most likely made out of some monster. On his back he carries his own Falchion, black leather sheath just like mine, but his handle is red. Then on his waist, he is carrying a belt with what looks to be like small throwing knives, all lined up.

    "Woow, Big Bro looks so cool!"

    When I give him this compliment, his face turns red out of embarrassment. Honestly I have seen him in this armor before, but it just looks so awesome I can''t help admiring it every time.

    *Giggles*-Cassandra

    Seeing my brother''s face as red as a tomato, she giggles.And now that I have a closer look at him, the throwing knives on his belt look strange...They..Look kind of like teeth! Since I am curious about what they are made out of, I ask.

    "Big Bro, what are those throwing knifes made from?"

    "Oh, these? They are teeth from a Amphisbaena that I madeinto throwing daggers. Isn''t this also super cool?"-Lucas

    They also have those monsters here? An Amphisbaena is a 30 ft snakewith a head on the front and end.So they are pretty much just a full grown anaconda, except they''re scales are harder, teeth sharper, and they are extremely venomous. Of course, I don''t think Lucas could kill this on his own. Maybe Dad helped him kill it?

    "Did dad help you kill it?"

    "Nope! I killed it all by myself!"-Lucas

    What?! How dida ten year old kid kill such a beast? I mean, sure he has the strength of a grown man, but that''s ridiculous!

    "Wha-! How did you do it?"

    "Well, I used delusion magic. Heh those things are reeeaally dumb!"-Lucas

    Ah of course. Magic...Since I can''t use magic, I don''t know if I would be able to take on a monster like that for a while.

    "Alright, enough about that. Cyril, takeyour new sword."-Corwin

    I give him a nod and reach for my sword as Mom hands it to me.

    "Here you go, Sweetie. Me and your father made it for you when you were born."-Cassandra

    "When I was born?"

    I question as I grab the sword from my Mom''s hand. I don''t recall them ever making a sword...They probably worked on it whenever I was asleep or playing.

    "Yes, it''s tradition to make your child a weapon you think will suitthem once they are born."-Cassandra

    I take the weapon out of its sheath to inspect the blade. The blade is a lustrous silver! Next I check the sharpness with my thumb. I can tell that it''s razor sharp and since this particular weapon was designed for chopping off limbs, this should cut through a Vampchicken like a hot knife through butter!

    After I''m done inspecting it, I put it back in its sheath.

    "So? How do you like it?"-Corwin

    "It''s awesome! Thank you, Daddy! Thank you, Mommy!"

    I give my thanks to both of them with a big smile on my face.

    "Good."-Corwin

    He says with a grin on his face. Mom also has a smile on her face. It seems like they were worried I wasn''t going to like it?

    "Anyways, let''s get going. We''ll be homebefore dinner, Honey."-Corwin

    "Good luck! And remember, keep my babies safe!"-Cassandra

    She says before giving him a kiss on the cheek.

    "Ew."-Lucas

    I hear Lucas whisper this. Haha I guess he''s still just a kid. He''ll get interested in that kind of stuff when he gets older...........I probably shouldn''t judge him on that since I''m a virgin....

    "Alright! Let''s go!"-Corwin

    Thankfully Dad takes my mind off of this.We both give him a nod before walking towards the entrance of the village.

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    After a short moment of walking, we reach the village entrance. I have, however, encountered a small problem. The same guards I knocked outlast time are the onesstanding guard! Okay, all I have to do is keep my head down and they shouldn''t recognize me! Thinking this, I lower my head and stand between Dad and Lucas.Even though I try to hide myself from them, they are both staring at us...

    Only a short moment passes before we finally pass them up and head into the forest. It may have only been about 45 seconds, but it felt like forever! Jeez that was awkward.

    "Weren''t those the guys you knocked out?"-Corwin

    Just as I was thinking, my thoughts were interrupted by Dad''s question.

    "...Maybe."

    "Pfft!"-Corwin

    Did he just laugh? Ugh I''m just gonna pretend that I didn''t hear that!

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    Now we are at the same clearing from yesterday. The blood from the Vampchicken isn''tin the same place I left it. I wonder if my bloody shirt is stillsomewhere around here?

    "Okay, pay attention!"-Corwin

    Shouts my Dad as I''m in thought. Now that he has my attention, he first walks over to where I had thrown my bloody shirt and picks it up from behind a bush. Next, he walks back over to usand points to the blood stained shirt.

    "Cyril, you never leave something like this. You absolutely have to clean these type of things up or else you will attract bigger predators! It is obvious that a monster has already been here, considering the Vampchicken corpseisn''t around here."-Corwin

    "Uh...then how do I get rid of it?"

    Even though I was considered really smart in my old world, I have never been hunting, so I don''t know aboutthings like this.

    "First, you dig a hole."-Corwin

    He says, tossing the bloody shirt towards me. Understanding what he wants me to do, I walk over to a nearby tree. I start to dig a hole about a foot deep before putting the shirt in the hole and putting the dirt back where it came from.

    Once I''m done, I walk back over to my Dad and Lucas.

    "Humph, now let me explain some rules to you. These are the same things I told Lucas when I started teaching him."-Corwin

    Seeing how Dad is one of those serious types when it comes to things like this, I give him an obedient nod and pay close attention.

    "You will fight every monster by yourself, of course you absolutely cannot handle it. Secondly, all of your weapons and armor MUST be out of the monsters you have killed. The only exception to this is the sword me and your mother made for you. Understood?"-Corwin

    "Yes!"

    "Now I need to tell you a rule that I did not give to Lucas...You are not allowed to use Dark God''s Hand!"-Corwin.

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    Hey guys, I added an extra page for this chapter! Not really anything special happening, I just got caught up in writing and lost track of the time. I somehow stayed up until 3:20 am writing this last night hehe.

 Chapter 9: Hunting trip

    This statment came to me as a complete shock. I didn''t know what to say, so I just kept silent. As for Lucas, he didn''t really understand what Dad was talking about. I''d say that''s for the best. Not being able to hold back his curiosity, Lucas asked what he was talking about.

    "Dad, what is Dark God''s Hand?"-Lucas

    "Don''t worry about it, Lucas. This is something for only me and your brother to know."-Corwin

    To this Lucas couldn''t help but look dissapointed. He always did get frustrated whenever someone knew something he didn''t.

    "I will not have my son using such a despicable and underhanded method of battle. Do you pick up what I''m laying down?"-Corwin

    "Yes, sir."

    I can honestly not agree with this rule, but what choice do I have? If I want him to train me and take me out hunting I have to follow this exaggerated rule of his. With no other choice but to follow his commands, I look him in the eyes and give a respectful answer which he seems pleased with.

    "Good. Now let''s get going. Today we are starting you off small with a boar so-"-Corwin

    "Oh can we hunt an Afrit again?"-Lucas

    Before my Dad could finish, Lucas interupted to ask a question. I wonder what an Afrit is.

    "What''s an Afrit?"

    "Firstly, no Lucas. Last time you tried that, the thing nearly singed all your hair off."-Corwin

    So that must have been why he was wearing a hat for so long last month. Lucas seems to be embarrassed when Dad brings this detail up as well.

    "Secondly, it''s a fire spirit. Small but not cute at all. Since you can''t use magic, you should run if you ever see one, Cyril."-Corwin

    Magic huh...The thought of never being able to use magic really pisses me off. Bring me to a fantasy world and I can''t even do anything! That cock sucker Tayrn! If I ever see him I''m shoving my fist down his throat.

    "Don''t worry, I''m sure someday..."-Corwin

    I must have had an unsightly expression when he mentioned magic without realizing it because it''s like he knows what I was thinking. I know both Mom and Dad care for me, but I wish I really knew what they thought about me. Dragons have such pride so to have a son that can''t even use magic must be unbearable. Will I even be able to gain my dragon form?

    "Alright, enough standing around! Let''s hunt us a boar."-Corwin

    Seeing how it put me into deeper thought about my troubles, he quickly changed the subject with an awkward smile whilsts walking out of the clearing and back into the woods with me and Lucas in tow.

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    After only a short thirty minutes of following tracks and looking through dense bushes. Apparently Dad just wants to find a male due to the fact that they are solitairy unlick the females who often stay in a sounder. If we do find a male, he will most likely be asleep in a dense cover of leafs since they sleep all day and forage for food during the night.

    "Dad, I think I see one!"-Lucas

    Finally, Lucas is the one to spot our prey. Ten yards away is a boar about four feet tall laying under a pile of leafs. This one is clearly a full grown adult due to its size. If I remember correctly, that''s about their max height.

    "Alright, you go kill it while Lucas and I watch from the bushes."-Corwin

    "Good strategy, Dad. I''ll get right on that."

    I retort in a sarcastic tone. I don''t think he liked that one....

    "Don''t be a smart ass."-Corwin

    "Aye aye, captain."

    He definitely did not like that one because the next thing he did was pick me up by the back of my collar and throws me in the direction of the boar. As I was flying through the air, I took a mental note to not use sarcasm with him ever again. Once I land I''m only a good three feet away from the boar. I knew it would smell bad, but not to this extent! Oh God, it smell like rotten egg salad and three year old milk had a baby.

    Luckily it''s still asleep. I''ll just finish him off in his sleep.

    *Whistle~*

    Just as I was about to pull my blade from its sheath, I hear what only could be a certain someone''s whistle. I look back, giving Dad a "You''ll regret doing that" glare. He only gives me a thumbs up with a stupid grin on his face while Lucas is giving him a confused look, wondering why he would do that.

    *Snort*

    Oh yeah...I should probably focus on what''s behind me instead. Assuming that if I stayed in place any longer, I''d be torn to shred by the boar''s tusks, I leap to my left. I was right to assume I would have been impaled if I didn''t immediately move out of the way, because as soon as I leaped it had charged right by, narrowly missing its intended target and running head first into a tree. I quickly unsheath my blade to prepare for its next charge.

    "Hmm doesn''t seem like he''s too good at stopping himself."

    Whispering this to myself, I come up with a plane for the next charge.

    After awkwardly stubling around for a few moment, the boar whips around. Obviously frustrated that he missed, he gives a few angry squeals before once again charging at me full speed. At only a foot away I step to the right, hold my sword to the left of me and brace for impact. You could tell the boar knew what would happen if he continued on this path. However, he realized it far too late to do anything about it. He couldn''t stop himself from running straight into my blade, snout first.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    The thing is, it didn''t feel like I had cut anything even though I watched it happen. The boar even continued on its course before smacking into another tree and falling to its side. Walking over to see if it was dead, a long, clean slash from its snout all that way to its ass became visible. With its guts hanging out, the smell became much worse than before. So bad that it felt like a kick to the face, making me gag.

    This sword really amazes me. It looks like it cut clean through the ribs as well! I think this while admiring the blood soaked Falchion blade.

    "Nice work son. Did you want to make anything from it?"-Corwin

    Busy revering my trusty sword I didn''t notice Dad walk up behind me.

    "I don''t think this would make the best armor or weapon, Dad."

    I say this, turning towards him. But there was one person missing. I couldn''t see Lucas anywhere.

    "Right. It''s definitely not the best materials to make things from."-Corwin

    "Uhm where is Lucas?"

    "Getting us dinner obviously."-Corwin

    BBOOOOOM

    Immediately after that statement, behind where my Dad is standing drops what looks like a giant Falcon with a familiar Falchion protruding from the top of the head and its throat slit! Standing on top of it....well you guessed it. It''s Lucas giving me a friendly wave! I mean, for God''s sake, it crushed the trees it landed on! I''d say this thing could carry an elephant in both feet.

    "Bu-But how? It couldn''t have even been five minutes!"

    "Man~ we got lucky! I saw this Anka flying over-head andsince Lucas doesn''t know any air manipulation magic yet I threw him up there....You didn''t think we were going to eat that thing, did you?"-Corwin

    "..."

    I could only keep silent at the moment. Seriously, the only way I could imagine Lucas beating that Anka would be a surprise attack. And just how strong is Dad to be able to throw Lucas, at what must have been a great height?

    "Well you could eat it if you wanted but...I''m not cleaning it. First you have to chop off the ba-"-Corwin

    "Stop! I don''t wanna eat it either!"

    "Dad, I want to make something from its talons!"-Lucas

    "One sec, Lucas! If you''re not making anything from it, clean this up."-Corwin

    He says before walking over to praise Lucas on a job well done.

    "Looks like I have a long ways to go till I''m as strong as Lucas... Anyways, I better clean this up."

    So I get to work on digging a hole and burying the boar, not to mention covering up the blood soaked grass with dirt. This way there won''t be any bigger beasts coming near the village. This whole thing sure is a pain in the ass, espessially since I had to use my hands to dig.

    Once I was finished on my side, I run over to Lucas and Dad who were just waiting on me to finish on my side. Six colossal sized talons were sticking out of a large sack, which was over Lucas'' shoulder.

    "You were awesome Little Bro!"-Lucas

    Such a good kid.

    "Good work, Cyril. Let''s go home."-Corwin

    After giving me his praise, Dad grabbed one foot of the Anka and pulled. The entire way home he dragged this monstrous beast! I can only imagin how much this thing must weigh...Maybe a couple tons.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Back at home I watched as Lucas skinned and cleaned the Anka. Of course, Dad was there to tell him where to cut and what parts to throw away. Surprisingly, they kept the heart. Mom says it is the best part. Afterwards, Dad went to give all the talons except one to the elder while Mom cooked the dinner. He says they are good for trading. I wonder if this means there are other dragon villages nearby?

    Again everyone ate dinner like a pack of wild dogs. Everyone except for me, of course.

    "Do you want me to read you a bed time story, Cyril?"-Cassandra

    My mom asked me after I finished cleaning everyones dishes. I guess she must still be worried about me...

    "Please?"

    "Which book do you want?"-Cassandra

    She asked with a heart warming smile.

    "It''s in my room! Come on!"

    Still acting like a kid my age I run into my room. With my mother standing in the doorway, waiting while I recieve the small blue book with no title from under my bed. Giving her the book, I then lay under my blanket while she takes a seat at the end of the bed.

    "This book..."-Cassandra

    "You know it?"

    "Yes. Elder must have given this to you, correct?"-Cassandra

    "Yep! I already read some of it though."

    "Ooh such a smart boy I have! Where did you read to?"-Cassandra

    I point out where I left off which would be right when the hero figures out what happened to his village.

    "I''ll continue from there then"-Cassandra

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Grabbing the Man''s collar tightly, he smacks him a few more time to knock some sense into him. "Where is my family!" Shouted the son.

    "Boy! You are finally back! But your family th-they were taken, along with the whole village!"

    Taken? Everybody was taken? "You said a dragon did this! Where did it go!!?" Questioned the son. Seeing the burning fury in his eyes the Man could tell he would stop at nothing to kill the one who destroyed his home.

    Still a bit hesitant about answering, not wanting the son to die going after the dragon he tells him "This dragon is too powerful, boy! You would surely die"

    But his attempt to keep the son from goin was futile. "Shut up and tell me where they went! I''m more powerful than I used to be, you old fool!"

    Reluctantly giving in the man told the son which direction the dragon went. The dragon lived at the very top of a mountain just East of where the village was. However, before the son left, the Man warned him of the dragon''s great power and appearance. Its scales were a dark as the void its self, eyes cold like ice, and the size of a hill. The son was still not afraid of the dragon, no matter how monstrous it may be. The only thing that scared him was his fear of being too late.

    And so the son took off on his steed, riding as fast as he could. Once he reached the mountain, he climber for several day with no rest, before finally reaching the top. At the top was a cave. From outside the cave, the son could hear what could only be the dragon snoring! Before entering he prayed the dragon was not sleeping after from a nice meal.

    Stepping inside, he could see a giant dragon sleeping. The Man''s decription was spot on! Not on''y was it huge, but its scales were truly as dark as the abyss its self. Next to the great dragon was what looked to be a cage. The cage was full of the villagers from his home. The son thanked the Gods that he was just in time.

    Before even taking a single step, all of the villagers noticed him. All were bouncing up and down in joy thaqt their savior had come! Of course he did not want to wake the sleeping monster, so he signaled for them to quiet down.

    Quietly and carefully, he tip-toed to the dragon''s throat. Unsheathing the giant great sword on his back slowly, attempting to not wake the dragon. Once fully unsheathed, the son raised the greatsword above his head and with one single blow, the dragon was dead.

    He son saved his family and was known through the kingdom as a hero!

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    "The end."-Cassandra

    Well that was anticlimactic...

    "Thanks Mom."

    You''re welcome, Sweetie. Now get some sleep."-Cassandra

    I give her a nod before she leaves the room and I quickly fall asleep. Finally I''ll get a good night''s rest

    "Guess who!"-Tayrn

    Or so I thought...

 Chapter 10: Burning alive

    Tayrn pov

    Looking through my ripple in space I can see my precious little boy has finally fallen asleep. So peacful...

    "Guess who!"

    Now his face is one of annoyance. Hmm should I have greeted him in some other way perhaps?

    "Can''t you just leave me alone?"-Cyril

    "You know, I''d thought you''d be a lot more grateful to the one who brought you to such a wonderful place."

    "Wonderful place my ass."-Cyril

    "Tsk tsk little kids shouldn''t use that kind of language. Really I have a hard time understanding you mortals. No gratitude what so ever!"

    "Look I just want to sleep. It''s been a long day."-Cyril

    "Don''t focus on the details, kid. I just wanted to let you know your recent actions have brung me great entertainment."

    "How so? All I did was kill one boar today."

    Yehe not as smart as I originally thought...But that makes him easier to manipulate.

    "Oh that''s not all you did! You''ve put strain on you parent''s relationship, made your Uncle and Auntie weary of you, and you even have a couple of the dragons watching you now."

    "You mean that I-"

    At least he catches on quickly.

    "It''s exactly what you''re thinking!"

    He seems to not want to listen to what I have to say but no matter how hard he tries to block out my words it will never work.

    "So what? They are only keeping a close eye on me for my sake. Not to mention you didn''t tell me about the side affects of having your blessing."-Cyril

    "Your sake?! Yahaha that''s rediculous! Look at it from an outside perspective. Not only do you already have great stats, you are blessed by a God such as myself! One might think that you''ll eventually go on a killing spree or that I have sent you down from the heaven to wreck havoc on the mortals."

    This makes his brow twitch.

    "There''s no telling when or where one of the very dragons in your village will come to harm you or your family. Obviously different people warship different Gods and I''m not exactly on good terms with many of them."

    Now his tiny hands curl into a fist. How adorable!

    "Shut it!"-Cyril

    A wicked grin creeps onto my face after he says this. Oh do I love messing with people''s heads.

    "But why? I only want to help you. won''t you listen to what I have to say?"

    "Help me? I can tell you have been trying to do the exact opposite this entire time! If you want to help then take this stupid blessing off of me!"-Cyril

    "Whaaaat? That''s just crazy talk. That is not the way that works my friend. Once I have blessed you, I can''t remove it."

    "Liar!"-Cyril

    Is that all he has to say? Geez I wonder if becoming physically younger also made his brain smaller...Questions for later.

    "Seriously? You realize that''s a compliment to me, right?"

    "..."-Cyril

    Looks like he doesn''t have a comeback for that one.

    "Anyways~, let''s discuss politics!"

    "...Of this world?"-Cyril

    "Of course."

    "Well I haven''t been able to read much about this place since I got here. Especially not about the outside of the village."-Cyril

    Nice! Now I got his interest.

    "What would you like to know first?"

    "I''m curious about my kind. I want to know about the biology, political stance, and population of Dragons. Who was the strongest? How do I gain a Dragon Form?"-Cyril

    "Slow your roll Bro! One at a time."

    "Did you just call me ''Bro''?"-Cyril

    And here I thought we were becoming closer. I suppose these things need time.

    "Ahem anyways, to anwers one of your many questions, the dragons population isn''t very high right now. You see, there was this war that I maybe, probably, kind of am responible for."

    "You did what?!"-Cyril

    Yehehe it is quite funny watching such a small mortal trying to be angry with me.

    "Yeah you see I may have started a war by accident...but all in all it was really fun to watch."

    "Sick bastard! You started a war that nearly killed my race?!"-Cyril

    Always jumping to conclusions. Hasn''t even heard the full story and he''s already pissed at me! Not to mention he has only been a dragon for two years and he is already saying ''My race''. What a guy."

    "Uh did you not hear the part where I said accident? You really think so low of me?"

    "You are a God of Madness, are you not? Of course I don''t think much of you!"-Cyril

    "What the hell man! I thought we were like this!"

    I say as I intertwin my middle finger with my index finger. However, all I get is a confused look.

    "You can''t see it but I''m twisting my fingers together!"

    " Sigh You are just...Look if you aren''t going to answer my questions then I want to go."-Cyril

    "Fine..."

    I reluctantlly agree to answer his questions. I don''t even know why I bother when I know he isn''t going to play along.

    "Look I won''t go into detail about how Iaccidentally started a full out ''Dragons against the world'' war but I will answer just the question about the biology of Dragons."Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    "You made it sound like you would answer all of my questions. What''s all this about only answering just the one?"-Cyril

    "Well maybe you should think before you act. Evil Gods have feelings too y''know?"

    Alrighty then where was I? Ah yes the mighty Dragons.

    "Now I''m sure you noticed already but Dragons grow very quickly physically. Right now you are as strong as you were in your previous life at only the age of two. Your little brother is as strong as a grown man and he''s only like, ten I think? Or was it twelve...?"

    Obviously becoming increasingly impatient Cyril shouts at me again.

    "He''s ten! Get on with it!"-Cyril

    And I''m the jackass? How rude.

    "Sure, whatever. By the time he''s fifteen he''ll look twenty! The only problem is that he will still be a bit immature. Since quote on quote ''Your race'' lives for such a long time, nearly an eon, He''ll still look twenty even though he will be five hundred. *Whistle~* your race lives for a loooong ass time. That Elder guy already looks like a nu-"

    "Do you have to include that last part?"-Cyril

    "You''re not my general!"

    "Huh?"-Cyril

    I think I''m starting to get bored of this guy. He doesn''t get my jokes or my refereances! Maybe I should just take away my blessing and let him go..........Nah!

    "On to the next lesson! Dragons have huge amounts of mana, making them exceedingly powerful with magic. If a Dragon doesn''t have more than 50,000 mana he/she is not considered a real Dragon. An outcast."

    "Hmm"-Cyril

    The mortal obviously seems to be in deep thought now. Rubbing his itsy bitsy hands against his itsy bitsy chin as if he had a beard.

    "Oh! Oh! I know EXACTLY what you''re thinking about! Are you perhaps afraid that your parents will disown you? You can''t even use magic, let alone gain your Dragon Form!"

    "Hmm by the way how do I gain my Dragon Form?"-Cyril

    What''s with this guy? Didn''t even respond to my insult this time. Unpredictable, hot-headed, sincere, intelligent, and good with words. Kinda like a con man.

    "You listening old fart?"-Cyril

    "Old fart? Is that really the best you had in that head of yours?"

    Not as intelligent as I thought.

    "Every child has their own comming of age ceramony, during which they gain their Dragon Form. You see, during the ceramony the child will fall unconcious and has to fight with their own dragon."

    "I have to fight a Dragon to gain this ability?! If I can''t use any magic how will I be able to beat it?"-Cyril

    He says, putting on a stupified expression. How can he be so dumb and at the same time, so hard to manipulate?

    "No you idiot. It''s more like overcoming your inner most desires. In fact I think one of the children in your village will be having one soon so I shouldn''t have to explain the rest. You can just see for yourself what happens."

    "What if the person fails to overcome this obsticle?"-Cyril

    Yahaha! What happens? Well they are always fun things to watch when it does happen. No harm it telling him. Shrugging my shoulders I come on out and tell him what really happens.

    "That person never returns. Their Dragon Form will completely take control of them, going on a rampage attacking anything it sets its sights on. One of the reason everyone hates Dragons nowadays."

    <hr>

    Cyril pov

    So even Lucas is in danger of this? If me or Lucas were to fail this test, what would happen to us? I don''t even want to imagine something like that.

    "What happens to the person stuck in their Dragon Form? Do they..."

    "Oh yeah no they die. Pretty funny watching a Mother or Father kill their own kid Yahaha!"-Tayrn

    Sick bastard has just been mocking me this entire time. Wish he''d show his face so I could smash it. The only problem with that plan is that I''m nowhere near strong enough to beat a God. This damned blessing of his. He says he can''t remove it but that has to be a lie. I need to get it off somehow!

    "............"

    "Thinking of something little guy? You look troubled."-Tayrn

    "Yeah. I have just one more thing I''d like to talk to you about.Will you hear out my proposal?"

    "Oh~ Well don''t be shy. Spit it out already."-Tayrn

    What I''m about to do is incredibly risky. It''s not like I have any other choice if I want to be strong enough to deck Tayrn in the face.

    "You take this blessing off me and I-I''ll do any one thing you ask of me other than harming myself, my family or the village."

    "....."

    "....."

    There was a long silence. I don''t know if he''s thinking about it or just laughing at me.

    "Hmmm sure. Let''s sign a contract to make it official."-Tayrn

    A flame spontaniously bursts out in front of me forcing me to cover my face due to the heat. From this flame emerges a rolled up scoll which unrolls all by itself revealing its contents. Next to it is now a feather pen.

    "You can read it if you''d like."-Tayrn

    Going over the contract, everything seems to be fine. Not even any loop holes for me or him. The only con to this contract is as read. "If the following conditions are not met, your soul will forever burn." It doesn''t matter what he makes me do in the future. Destroy a city or murder a King. As long as I can one day become strong enough to destroy this sick freak. Seeing no other problems I sign the contract.

    Cyril

    "YAhaAHahAHHAA!!!"-Tayrn

    As soon as I signed, it once aain burst into flames along with the pen and disappeared. Now all I could hear was Tayrn laughing just like the real Mad God he is.

    "YAYAahAYayAYAaHAHAHA you have no idea what you''ve gotten yourself into, Bug! I''m going to ruin your life. At first I thought you would be a challenge. Now I can see you are just plain retarded! I''ll make you wish you were never this stupid!"-Tayrn

    BBOOOOM

    Immediatly after all of the space is now occupied with fire. No longer is it a black void, instead it looks like what you''d imagin Hell to look like. I can feel the heat melting my skin, burning away my clothes, singeing my hair. I can smell my own flesh burning off.

    "AAAAAAAHHHH!"

    This is the worst pain I''ve felt thus far! I''d rather have my head cleaved in half again than something like this.

    "Time to wake up now, Bug!"-Tayrn

    In an instant, all of the pain stopped. My flesh was no longer burning but I can still remember the scent clearly in my mind. Opening my eyes I notice I''m back in my bedroom.Hopefully I wasn''t screaming in my sleep this time.

    "Whelp...Moving on then,"

    Let''s just forget this ever happened and get some breakfast. It seems to be a little after dawn. Dad should be gone already and Mom usually gets up around this time. She''ll probably make something from all that left over Anka.

    "Wait wait wait I have better things to worry about. I-Is Tayrn''s blessing gone?"

    Holding my hands in front of my face. Not sure what I''m looking for. To be honest I don''t feel different at all. Maybe it''s because the Elder''s seal is still in effect. I''m gonna need to go see him as soon as possible...After breakfast.

 Chapter 11: Cyrils first fireball

    After breakfast I headed straight out to see the Elder. For some reason my Mom insisted on me keeping my sword on my back at all times. She said something like "You never know when you might need it." It''s understandable especially since Tayrn mentioned the world not being on the best of terms with Dragons at the moment. He may have become a complete jerk towards the end but at least I got some handy information out of him. For example we live for nearly an eon. It almost seems unbulievable that we could live for that long. You would think we would have a much larger population since it''s that long. There must be something he left out.

    "Oi Cyril!"-???

    Now this is a voice I didn''t want to hear today. Though I suppose it was inevitable seeing him when getting this close to the Elder''s home. Turning to the person who called my name I see Uncle Atlas motioning for me to come over.

    "Ugh"

    Dragging my feet I walk over. That stuff Tayrn said really messed with my head. I know he''s only trying to manipulate me. I just can''t deny the fact that he wasn''t too keen on the idea of bringing me to play with Tide the other day.

    "Come with me. I''ve got someone who wants to talk with you."-Atlas

    "Is it the Elder?"

    I already guessed this would happen. Elder could tell there was no longer any negative energy that he had to keep sealed away, so he became curious.

    "..."-Atlas

    Hitting the nail on the head, Uncle keeps silent whilst walking away. He didn''t motion for me, but it was obvious he still wanted me to follow. For someone who always keeps a straight face he''s surprisingly easy to read. Maybe it''s just me though.

    <hr>

    Arriving at Elder''s house, Uncle takes into the the giant library. I am never not amazed with this place. Admiring my surroundings with an open jaw I barely noticed Elder sipping tea at the very same couch I sat at the day before. Only this time he''s wearing a blue robe with nothing speacial on it.

    "Just as curious as your father was at that age."-Elder

    "Ah..Sorry."

    "No need to apologize. Come sit."-Elder

    Taking my seat on the fancy couch I notice that Uncle is now gone. He must know that Elder wanted this to be a private talk so he left. I don''t actually know what he does. I think Tide mentioned something about him being a super strong elite or whatever.

    *clanck*

    Elder sets his plate and cup down making a clanking sound. You can hear it pretty well in this huge place making it a little nerve racking.

    "Has anything...weird happened since yesterday?"-Elder

    Looking me right in the eyes now he asks this question. His peircing blue eyes feel coupled with this serious vibe I am getting from him make me feel like I just blew someone''s brains out and now I''m in a police station.

    "I-I did sorta have this...weird dream last night."

    "Tell me."-Elder

    Just getting straight to the point huh? I don''t want to tell him everything because if he finds out about the deal I made with Tayrn, he will most definitely either kill me or lock me away for the rest of my life. Truly there is no telling what such a powerful person could do if he found out. Honestly, there''s no telling what Tayrn might have me do as well. I am sure I''ll get over whatever it is he''ll make me do.

    "Flames...Lot''s of flames."

    "Child, I do not feel like playing games. Describe it accurately."-Elder

    Why is he so suspicous? I know an Evil God has his eye on me and everythingbut he still thinks I''m just a kid. Using the fact that he thinks I''m still a child to my advantage, I force myself to cry. Pretending to be truamatized by the event. My old parents even forced me to be perfect at acting so this trick really comes in handy.

    "I....It was *sob* so painful E-Elder! It hur..Hurt so much. And *sniff* And the laughing! It wouldn''t stop!"

    Clearly feeling guilty after seeing such a reaction he was no longer attempting to see through me. Avoiding eye contact and sweating like a fat man in August. I got to admit, being two years old has its perks. Although the cons out weigh them.

    "Sorry! Please don''t cry!"-Elder

    Breaking the silence, Elder apologizes and begs me to stop crying. I comply.

    "Good thing we''re in my pocket dimension or else Cassandra would of heard you crying. Surely that would be the end of this Old Dragon''s life."-ElderThis book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    I know she''s also really strong like Dad but is her hearing really that good? This house is about one hundred yards away from mine. Well it doesn''t really seem that unlikely for a Dragon.

    "I was just wondering because....You no longer have any negative evergy coming off of you."-Elder

    "Really?! So I can be as strong as Big Bro now?"

    Got to keep up the act...

    "Well I don''t see why not. Looks like you really will be a real Dragon."-Elder

    So if I really did stay that way, I would have been considered a failure. Just like Tayrn said.

    "Let me call for your parents now and we can tell them the good news together. Atlas!"-Elder

    Appearing out of thin air is Uncle. Instead of his usually expressionless face he seems happy. Completely delighted in fact. I had thought he left on the contrary he was here the whole time. Never thought he would care about me enough to be that happy.

    "Right away, Elder. Congratulations kid."-Atlas

    <hr>

    A few moments later and all of my parents walk through the door being led in by Uncle. Uncle still has the same look on his face as he did when he left, in contrast everyone else looks a bit worried.

    "Is something wrong, Elder?"-Cassandra

    Mom was the first to speak up. It seem like they''re still on edge from the other day.

    "Yes, I have good news to share with you all. Come have a seat."-Elder

    Mom and Dad no longer have the same troubled face as they did before. Instead, it''s like they have seen a light at the end of a dark tunnel. Like they were saved from certain death. I never knew they were this unsettled by the whole thing. Anyways, Atlas dissapeares again and every one else takes a seat.

    Now that everyone is sitting down, Elder tells them the good news.

    "I can finally take the seal off of Cyril."-Elder

    "Really?!"-Corwin.

    "Then you mean..."-Cassandra

    "Yes. It seems like Tayrn has left Cyril alone for the moment."-Elder

    Indeed, only for the moment. It''s obvious to even an idiot Tayrn has no intention of letting me off the hook so easily based on what I said about my dream.

    "Isn''t that great, Sweetie? You''ll grow to be strong like Daddy!"-Cassandra

    "Now Dad can teach me magic!"

    Really wanting to get this seal off of me already, I play along and agree that I want to be as strong as him. It''s not that I don''t like the thought of being like him but I need to become far stronger than that if I want to kill Tayrn before he makes me do whatever it is he has in store. Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine.

    "Hell yeah I can! Elder, hurry up and take the seal away so that we can start his training already!"-Corwin

    He seems way too pumped for this than he should. He even put his foot on the coffee table whilste pointing at the Elder.

    "Err....s-sure. I just have a few more things to discuss regarding the current topic, so if you could remove your foot from my antique coffee table."-Elder

    "....Oh sorry. I was a little excited is all. My apologize once again."-Corwin

    Removing his boot one could clearly see where his foot had been due to the dirt at the bottom. However, Elder didn''t make a big deal out of it. With the snap of his fingers the foot print dissapeared. That''s extremely convenient.

    "First, Cyril has lost nearly all of his dark resistance has nearly fallen to zero. Originally it was near seventy percent."-Elder

    That high? Oh well, I''m sure I can live without it.

    "Secondly, he has lost the [Berserk] ability. This is not necessarily a bad thing either. It has proven to many to be hard to control and extremely draining. Third, Cyril seems to have kept his mental resistance which means he is naturally gifted in that area. Last of all he has kept his ability [God''s Toungue]."-Elder

    I thought that came with the blessing. Maybe Tayrn decided to let me keep that one? Whatever the case it''s a good thing he did. Otherwise I wouldn''t even know what the hell these people were talking about.

    "I am sure we won''t be missing that ability. As long as that monster has leftour son alone."-Cassandra

    To this, Elder makes a complex expression.

    "I would not count on it. There is no garuntee that Tayrn will just leave him be forever."-Elder

    "What are you trying to say? I thought you said he-"-Corwin

    "I know exactly what I said. I did not mention he would be completely left alone. If it were not for what Cyril has told me, I too would have thought this problem was all in the past."-Elder

    I cover my face with both hands, making it seem like I remembered something awful. I can still remember the scent of my own skin burning off. Although I''m already over it, I still have to keep up appearances. Now that I think of it, this must be what Tayrn was talking about when he said my ability to stay sane was incredible.

    "What exactly happened? Cyril looks horrible after you brought that up."-Corwin

    "Ahem yes....well he uh....hm."-Elder

    "It''s okay Elder. You can say it."

    Keeping my face in my hands I assure Elder that I won''t tell them.

    "He says he had a horrible dream last night. Appearentlly he was...burning alive and that the only thing he could hear was laughter."-Elder

    Surely that laughter would haunt anyone else. It even muffled out my screams of pain.

    "That is not all. Cyril says he could actually feel what was happening."-Elder

    "Poor baby."-Cassandra

    Next thing I know my Mom wraps her hands around me, pulling me in close. Ah it''s nice to have someone who cares about me this much. No longer with my face in my hands a plesant smile makes its way onto my face as I hug her.

    "I''m surprised you''re not going ballistic."-Corwin

    "Not in front of Cyril! He''s been through so much."-Cassandra

    "Shall I take the seal off now?"-Elder

    "Yes!"-Cassandra&Corwin

    Without even getting up Elder lifts his index finger. finger. Out of this finger shoots what could only look like a blue laser. It hits me right in the solar plexus. I couldn''t even feel it but I can tell! I can tell the seal has been removed!

    "Done."-Elder

    I can feel the mana flowing through my body. It''s such an amazing feeling. I don''t even know how to explain it. I just feel like something heavy has been lifted off of me.

    "Don''t get too overwhelmed son." I know it''s a lot to take in so-"-Corwin

    "[Fireball]!"

    I couldn''t help but try it. Pushing as much mana as possible into my palm I cast the spell [Fireball] straight up into the air. Out comes a giant ball of fire. Totally not what I was expecting...Oops.

    "Crap!"-Corwin

    "Cyril!"-Cassandra

    "[Gate]"-Elder

    Above the giant fireball appeares a rip in space. Just like when I was teleported into the library the other day. The rip in space is bigger than the fireball so it has no problem going through.

    "Someone seem enthusiastic to get started."-Elder

    "Yes...He still needs to learn how to control how much mana he puts into an attack."-Corwin

    "Where did you teleport it to?"-Cassandra

    "...I don''t know?"-Elder

    That seems dangerous. Anyways, I think that really drained me. I must have used a bit too much mana.

    "Great, now look at him. He needs to rest for a little. And when he is finished with his nap he gets a good spanking."-Cassandra

    All I can say is, at least they never use a belt.

 Chapter 12: Mana control

    After the whole giant fireball insident, Elder wanted both my Mom and Dad to teach me how to control my mana as soon as possible. So after a short nap at home we went outside of the village to start. Lucas won''t be joining us today because he''s with Tide, playing. Anyways, once we make it to the very same clearing I was in the other day we begin my training.

    "Today I will be doing the talking instead of your Father. He will just be the punching bag."-Cassandra

    "Just like for the past five thousand years or so."-Corwin

    She gives him a feirce look in responce to that comment. One that says "Who said you could talk?"

    "I have to hit Dad?"

    "Hm that is right, Sweetie. You do not wish to hurt Daddy?"-Cassandra

    "Yeah! You do not want to hurt me do you? I am old after all."-Corwin

    Remembering how he threw me infront of that boar the other day, I think it''s time for some payback.

    "Nope."

    "Good."-Cassandra

    "Hey!"-Corwin

    Mom gives me a satisfied thumbs up while Dad doesn''t seem too happy about it. Why is he so afraid? He shouldn''t be afraid of me with his strength.

    "Now listen, I have a few mana potions with me today. They won''t completely bring back all of your mana due to how much you have, but they should fill one quarter of your mana."-Cassandra

    "I really have that much?"

    "How else would you have created such a gigantic fireball? You will surely have more mana than us when you get to our age."-Corwin

    "How much do I have?"

    "Elder says around 200,000. The average adult amount is 250,000 and you used up 150,000 when you made that fireball. You are lucky that library is so big, otherwise you would have burned everything."-Cassandra

    Holy shit! Guess Tayrn wasn''t lying when he said Dragons have a huge amount of mana.

    "Hehe shocked? Not surprising my boy is so strong."-Cassandra

    "Uhm he''s my son too."-Corwin

    She ignores his input. These guys are actually pretty funny to watch when they are together. That''s how it''s been for the past two years. They just go together so well.

    "You are lucky Dragons regenerate mana quickly. Anyway, now that you know how much mana you have, you need to learn to control how much you put into a spell. If you put too much power into certain spells it could be disasterous for not only your opponent, but you as well."-Cassandra

    "Especially fire magic."-Corwin

    Hm I can see how it could be a double edged sword. Not too keen on the idea of burning alive again either.

    "How am I supposed to control how much I use? There''s just too much."

    "Take a deep breath and look into your Core. Everyone''s mana generates from there."-Cassandra

    She says, pointing to her solar plexus. Is that what they call the place where the mana is stored? That''s where the Elder shot that beam of magic earlier. It would make sence for the seal to go there if that''s where it usually generates from. As instructed, I take a deep breath.

    *Inhale~*

    *Exhale~*

    And feel around where Mom pointed. Considering I have such a high amount it wasn''t too hard to find. I don''t know how to decribe it. It feels like an endless amount of water is generating from my Core, then it''s running from there through my veins. So I''d say maybe a river would fit the description.

    "It''s like a river..."

    "Yes yes that is exactly it. When you cast this next fireball imagine just taking a drop from that river rather than a whole glass. Got it?"-Cassandra

    "Yes."

    "Ready when you are."-Corwin

    "[Fireball]"

    Opening my eyes, a cast my spell and a fireball the size of a baseball shoots from my hand. Dad doesn''t even flinch as it heads straight towards his face. At only two feet away it bounces off of some kind of barrier. There are even protective spells huh?

    "Good. This time make it the size it this berry."-Cassandra

    I recieve another order as she pulls out a blueberry from behind her. Does she also know space magic?This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    "Yes."

    Just a drop. Just a drop. Repeating this line to myself I use just a drop when firing the spell. Out comes a berry-sized fireball which bounces off Dad''s barrier.

    "Very good! Next task is to fire three of the same berry-sized fireballs in a row."-Cassandra

    I give her a nod before firing three small fireballs consecutively. All the intended size.

    "I did not expect you to learn this so easily..."-Cassandra

    "Can I learn something else now?"

    "Huh?"-Cassandra

    I''m getting tired of saying the same word over and over again. Fireball this, fireball that. Makes me want to shoot myself.

    "I suppose you are ready to move on....Let us try barriers now. The way it works..."-Cassandra

    <hr>

    Back at my house again, I''m sitting at the kitchen table waiting on Mom to finish making Lunch with Dad and Lucas. We finished a few hours ago and much sooner than either Dad or Mom expected me to. I already have a good feel for my mana so it wasn''t too difficult to make a high level barrier around my hand. Apparently even though it was a weak one, the barrier my Dad used during training was still a higher teired spell since it covered his whole body. Tomorrow I''m going to practice some more magic with Mom while Dad and Lucas go hunting. I think they were talking about a schedule where they take turns having me everyday.

    "Want me to help, Mom?"

    "It''s alright, Sweetie. Today is a special day. You won''t even have to help with dinner or cleaning dishes today. But your Father is a different story..."-Cassandra

    Thank you God! For once I won''t have to clean everyone''s dishes after every meal.

    "It is good that you are finally healthy. I can teach you lots of things, y''know!"-Lucas

    "Okay! Teach me later. I want to be just like you, Big Bro!"

    When Lucas heard what had happened he was pretty excited. I think he was getting bored of just fighting monsters all the time. Not to mention sparring with Dad. He seems to be excited about being able to spar with someone closer to his level. That and the fact he wants to be seen as a role model from me. Truthfully he got my repect ever since that night Tayrn gave me Dark God''s Hand. One of my goals in this new life is to try and protect him Protect my family, my home, and my friends.

    "Here you go! I made sandwiches."-Cassandra

    She puts a sandwich in front of each of us. Mine is just a plain one. Lucas'' has the crust cut off and Dad''s has extra meat. Of course, the meat is from that Anka yesterday. You''d think suck a large amount of meat would last at least a few months, but we all have such a big appettite I don''t see it last even two weeks. Shit''s rediculous. Speaking of rediculous, magic pops back into my head. Learning basic spells is fun and all, I just want to learn something a little more...unique.

    "Hey Mom? What other kinds of magic are there?"

    Oh? Are you perhaps thinking about what you want to specialize in? There''s fire magic, water magic, shadow magic, wind magic, delusion magic, space magic, summoning magic, lightning magi-"-Cassandra

    "Summoning magic! I want summoning magic!"

    There''s no way I am going to be able to pass up the chance of being able to make monsters fight each other. For as long as I can remember I''ve always wanted to see a giant monster battle. Such is the true dream of any man

    "Honey, neither of us know summoning magic."-Corwin

    "Indeed. I am sure Elder has some books on it though. I''ll take Cyril there after lunch to look for some and ask the Elder everything he knows about it."-Cassandra

    Hearing how she will take when I''m done, I eat as fast as possible. Taking as big of bites as possible.

    "I''m done! I''m done! Let''s go!"

    Launching out of my seat, I grab her hand and pull her out the door.

    "Okay okay! Slow down Sweetie."-Cassandra

    <hr>

    Arriving at the Elder''s house, we walk inside and down the hall into his pocket dimension where the Library is located. He''s exactly where we left him this morning. Sipping tea and reading a book with nothing on the cover. Noticing us, he puts his tea down, inviting us to take a seat.

    "So how didi his mana control training go this morning? Seems to me like it went rather well considering little Cyril can''t stay still."-Elder

    It''s true. I can''t really stay still at all. Just thinking about being able to summon a monster and have it fight for me gets me all fired up.

    "Mh-hm, Cyril did extrordinary today. He learns very fast just like Lucas. But that is not why we came here."-Cassandra

    "You have a question?"-Elder

    "Yes. It looks like Cyril wants to learn a certain magic that neither me nor Corwin knows about. Why don''t you ask him yourself Sweetie?"-Cassandra

    "Summoning magic! I want to learn about summoning magic, Elder."

    "Oh~ what a good choice. However, you know this particular category of magic can be very dangerous, do you not?"-Elder

    I can imagin that, yes. The person summoning the beast would probably have to be stronger than said monster to be able to control it.

    "Not only is it difficult to keep certain beasts under your controle, but it is also very draining. The stronger the monster the more mana it drains. Not only that, If it feels as though you are not fit to command said beast, it will attack you."-Elder

    It does seem like a tricky magic. No doubt lots of people have died to their own summons.

    "Before you try and master such a dangerous art, you should learn more about attack magic."-Elder

    "What would you suggest he starts off with? Perhaps shadow magic?"-Cassandra

    "That sounds a bit...I mean we just got finished dealing with that pesky Dark God so to teach him shadow magic would be..."-Elder

    "That''s true."-Cassandra

    Shadow magic sounds perfect for me though. Coupled with Dark God''s Hand it could make me one hell of an opponent. Too bad it''s more than likely they won''t want me to use that particular fighting style or learn shadow magic.

    "How about lightning magic? Maybe even couple it with your knowledge on fire magic. Let me get a few books for you about them."-Elder

    With the span of his finger three books fall onto the coffee table from another one of his rips in space. Just how convenient is space magic?

    "I recommend starting off with these lightning magic books first and you can teach him about fire magic with your own knowledge. This black one contains summoning magic. No need to worry. There are only low leveled beasts in here. It also tells the reader of the basics so it shouldn''t be too hard for you to come to a well enough understanding of it to teach Cyril."-Elder

    "Th-Thank you. I owe you one...Again."-Cassandra

    "Thank you."

    "Psh this is nothing! Now shoo I have a book to finish."-Elder

    That entire time I hardly spoke a word. The reason being I did not really have much to say. Out of all the magic, those two are actually what I wanted to learn other than summoning or shadow magic. Anyway, we begin our walk back home with our new books. Tomorrow I start learning lightning magic. This should be fun. Wait a second, I totally forgot about that thing. Elder is not here so I guess I''ll just ask Mom.

    "Mom, how many kids can a Dragon have?"

    I ask as innocently as possible. She looks down at me confused, wondering why I would ask such a thing.

    "Uh we can have only two in our life time. We also wait a long time to have any so...There aren''t really a lot of people having kids. Where did this come from?"-Cassandra

    Okay I love how she knows I''m actually smart and doesn''t treat me too much like a kid.

    "Just wondering."

    I put a smile on my face as bright as day. She also has a grin as soon as she sees mine.

    "Let''s go home now. I wanna go back to sleep."-Cassandra

    Haha usually she doesn''t even go out this much. Did she forget she has to make dinner later?

 Chapter 13: Do you feel sad?

    It''s the next day. Mom and I are back where we practiced yesterday. Only this time, Dad is not here to be the training dummy. Yesterday I really didn''t have to help with anything around the house just like Mom said. Not that I think lowely of her or anything, I was just expecting her to fall asleep and leave the rest of the work to me.

    "You remember what the book said right? Exude the mana from either hand to create [Static Palm]."-Cassandra

    We skimmed through the beggining of the trainee leveled lightning spell book. Before reading about the particular spell mentioned, I started out with something small, [Spark]. Which only makes a small spark on your finger tip. Unlike [Spark], [Static Palm] is a bit more dangerous, basically making the casters hand into a taser. Just like [Fireball], the more mana you put into it the stronger it gets.

    "Right! [Static Palm]!"

    Next thing I know, my hand is covered in crackling electricity. At this level I don''t think it would do much to any of the stronger beasts living around here.

    "Hmm if I''m right about this..."

    I mumble to myself before gradding my Falchion off my back. Due to the electricity surrounding my hand, the blade becomes electrfied. I think. I don''t really know since I can''t really see it.

    "What are you doing? Want to spar or somethin''?"-Cassandra

    That might actually be a good idea! Or the worst mistake of my life.

    "Yes! I want to test out my new magic!"

    "Reminds me of myself when I was a kid."-Cassandra

    She begins mumbling something to herself, but I can''t quite make out what she is saying.

    "Okay~ I won''t even use my weapons. Come at me so I can remind you where you belong!"-Cassandra

    She says, giving a mocking grin as if I had just slipped on a bannana peel. Good grief she''s not even getting in a stance! I''m sure she won''t actually attack on my first assault. Her demeanor says it all. I ready myself, casting [Static Palm] on the left hand as well. She''ll know something is up if she see''s me using too much mana on my right hand which is holding the sword, so I lower the mana used in this hand and use up to about 2,000 in my free hand. Making it sputter even louder than before. She doesn''t seem to know what I''m doing with. This will make it easier.

    "Here I come!"

    I launch forwards, thrusting my open palm towards her stomach. Of course, she dodges still with those taunting eyes. I''ll admit she is actually too fast for me to keep up with, still it''s my win!

    Swinging my sword at her throat as soon as she dodges, things go exactly as planned. She stops the Blade with her fingers! Granted she can''t feel the shock yet because it''s so low, but let''s change that real quick.

    I cancel the spell on my left hand and up the mana in the other by 3,000.

    "Hmph Sweetie you should know better. Something like this would never work on me."-Cassandra

    "Crap..."

    Recieving a flick to the forehead I am sent flying a few feet back. I regret even trying to fight an adult Dragon now as I role back and forth holding the spot where I was flicked away like a mosquito.

    "Ow ow ow!"

    "You really thought I didn''t know about something like that? I''m much smarter than your Father afterall."-Cassandra

    "How else would I beat you?! How did you not feel anything from that?"

    "I am much too tough to be affected by a puny shock like that. Seriously, it is me we are talking about here!"-Cassandra

    I knew I should have put more into it. For some reason I fought like I was fighting a regular person. Huge mistake.

    "Hmph"

    "Heh do not be too dissapointed. Look at this as a learning experience. Now you know that trick would never work on me."-Cassandra

    "What if I used more mana?"

    "Well of course that would work. But for such a low leveled spell it would have to be all of it to even somewhat effect me."-Cassandra

    All of it, huh. That seems like it would kill a normal person...

    "Let''s try out a different one."-Cassandra

    Taking out the lightning spell book, she starts flipping pages.

    "Hmm propertis of electicity...limited range...yada yada...Ah here we go! This one is called [Bolt] and it says here it is used for medium range. Sounds useful."-Cassandra

    "So how does it work? Is it like [Fireball]?"

    "Basically, yes. Only difference is you use your finger instead of your whole hand."-Cassandra

    Without warning, I disperse mana from my index finger and fire staight at Mom.

    "[Bolt]"

    *ZZZZZ*

    Out comes a bolt of electricity thathits her in the chest. Sounds like a Tesla coil rather than a bolt of lightning. Anyways, as expected it doesn''t do anything. She actually just takes the hit and gives me a "Really?" look.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    "Don''t get upset at me! It''s not like I have anyone to spar with!"

    *Sigh*

    "This is true. Battle experience is important. Something like sparring can also make you realise your own weaknesses so you can improve....Stay here. I will be right back."-Cassandra

    She says before dissapearing completely from my sight. Guess she really does know space magic. Not only that, she didn''t even say the spell. Is it perhaps something like instant casting?

    "Here you go, Sweetie! Play nice!"-Cassandra

    "What the hell is that thing!"

    Reappearing, she''s holding a giant worm by its head. It is nearly a two yards in length and a foot in diameter. Coupled with four jet black eyes are long jagged teeth. Flailing around in a panic, it just keeps trying to sink its teeth into anything within reach.

    "This? It is a Earth Crawler. Should be around your level. Hup!"-Cassandra

    I leap back as she tosses the nightmarish creature towards me. When it lands, it just digs straight into the ground. Now I don''t know where the hell it went!

    "Where did you even get one of these? It''s disgusting!"

    "How do you think I felt touching it?"-Cassandra

    *Screeech*

    Schreeching as it lunges from behind me I barely manage to dodge to the left. Again it digs into the ground leaving a hole. Okay I need to focus if I don''t want to be this hideous things next meal.

    *SCREEECH*

    This time it comes from my left. However, I was ready for it this time. I point my finger straight in between its demonic eyes a cast my spell.

    "[Bolt]"

    *ZZZZZZZ*

    This time I put in around 3,000 mana.

    *SCRRREEEECH*

    It letsout a horrible scream as I fry it into dust. Does Mom really think that this Earth Crawler was really on my level? Is she just testing me or what?

    "Good! Good! How was it? Want to do another?"-Cassandra

    "Ugh I was think something more on the lines of an actual person Mom. Not something as grotesque as that. I didn''t even want to touch it with my sword!"

    "That explains the overkill."-Cassandra

    Indeed. There is no way I am letting something like that live. Well not unless I summoned it.

    "There isn''t really anyone around your level here. You are the youngest in the village right now so."-Cassandra

    "How about Big Bro?"

    "Lucas? Haha sorry, I don''t think you''re quite there yet. How about..."-Cassandra

    Looks like she can''t decide to do what she is thinking about or not.

    "How about what?"

    "How about I bring a Human knight here? You could fight him."-Cassandra

    "Is that a good idea?"

    Last time I checked everyone hates Dragons. So why would she bring one here? Wouldn''t that be super dangerous?

    "It is if he doesn''t ever leave here."-Cassandra

    Oh man. I see what she''s saying. If she brings a Human here he/she has to die. That''s really fucked up! However, I suppose I should get used to killing people considering my contract with Tayrn. Ther is no telling what he''ll have me do. For all I know he will have me comit genocid.

    "Okay. Please bring a Human here. I''ll kill it."

    ".........Just a minute."

    Before teleporting she looked very serious. I am not good enough at reading people to tell what she was thinking, but I could at least tell she was a little nervous. Oh she''s back.

    "Where the-! What the fuck just happened?!"-Knight

    Being carried by the collar is a man clad in armor. He looks just like a knight from my old world.

    *Thud*

    "Fight."-Cassandra

    She drops him, ordering him to fight. Still seems like he does not know what is happening though.

    "What? Where am I? Who the hell are you? You-!"-Knight

    He must have figured out who Mom is. Our eyes are a pretty distinct feature after all.

    "You''re a Dragon! I...I Can''t fight you! I''ll-"-Knight

    "Him. Fight him."-Cassandra

    She says, point towards me. Mom is not letting up on this guy. She wants to let him know that if he does not do as commaded, he will die. Either way he''s going to die though.

    "You want me to fight a kid...? If I win can I live?"-Knight

    Mom gives him a nod. There is no way she will actually let him go. If she did, the whole village would be in danger.

    "Come on. I don''t have all day."

    "Cocky brat. I''ll show you how much better us Humans are!"-Knight

    Pulling out his short sword he readies himself for an attack. Let''s start off with something small. I kind of want to take my time with this.

    "[Bolt]"

    "Wha-!"-Knight

    He must not have expected me to be able to use a spell because of my age. Doesn''t matter in the end since he managed to jump out of the way. He doesn''t seem that fast either. Must be because of all that armor he''s wearing.

    "Why don''t you take off your armor? Otherwise this won''t last very long."

    "Hmph! If you say so."-Knight

    He takes off his plain armor revealing the man inside. He is a very plain looking man with messy black hair and dark brown eyes. The only thing that sticks out is a scar on his nose. Most likely from battle.

    Raising his sword once again, he is ready for round two. Geez my fisr contact with a human in two years and I have to kill him. That''s just my luck.

    "Here I come! [Enhance]!"-Knight

    This time I am the one receiving the attack. Contrary to last time he is way faster. What spell did he use? Maybe a muscle enhancment spell.

    Anyways, he''s lunging for my heart. I can''t block this. I''m just not strong enough yet so I roll out of the way. With some distance between us again, I cast [Bolt] in my open hand nad [Static Palm] in the other. The first shot misses. Let''s try tiring him out so I can block a hit without being blown back.

    "[Bolt]"

    "[Bolt]"

    "[Bolt]"

    "[Bolt]"

    Casting my newly learned spell four times in a row I miss all of them. Not to mention he isn''t slowing down. However, this is a good thing. That body enhancment spell must be draining his mana. All I have to do is keep this up and it will be an easy kill.

    "Stop messing around! Fight me like the prideful Dragon you are supposed to be!"-Knight

    Someone''s getting impatient.

    "[Bolt]"

    "[Bolt]"

    "[Bolt]"

    "[Bolt]"

    "[Bolt]"

    Keeping him at a distance like this really was a goode idea. Not moving as fast as before, he''s now panting heavily. With this I should be able to recieve a swing. Judging on how upset he is it looks like he plans on splitting my head in two. All he needs now is a little push.

    "Hmm are you sure you are a knight? I thought knights were much stronger than this."

    "I''ll kill you!"-Knight

    That''s it. Come get me! This time I stay in place instead of running away. Just as I had imagined, he went to split my head in two.

    *CLANG*

    I block it with my sword and electrcuting him in the process.

    "AAAAHHHHHH"-Knight

    Yeesh still not dead? Should probably end his suffering.

    "[Bolt]"

    Casting [Bolt] aiming right for his gut something unexpected happened. It shot right through him leaving a hole where his stomach used to be. Did I use too much?

    *Thud*

    He falls to the ground with a thud. What''s left of his organs fall onto the dirt. This is a completely different sensation from killing an animal or a beast. Killing a man I don''t know in the middle of God knows where. Did he have a family? Friends? Pets? What will happen to them now? Will they starve and die because of me? Have I murdered more than just one person today? And I did it in such a gruesome way too. The thing is...is that I can''t find it in myself to feel bad about it.

    "Do you feel sad?"-Cassandra

    For a moment I forgot she was even there. Do I feel sad? I...

    "Yes."

    Why am I lying? I don''t feel bad. What''s happening?

    "Shhh It''s okay."-Cassandra

    Trying to understand my own feelings I don''t notice Mom coming up behind me to pull me in for a hug. I hug her back and bury my face in her chest, not knowing what else to do.

    "Training is over for today. How about you head home while I clean this up."-Cassandra

    I nod. I still don''t know what to do with myself. Looks like I need to do some soul searching when I get home. I knew from the start I wasn''t all here, but not feeling anything after murder? This is...new to me.

    I sheath my sword and start my walk home. Thinking about it, how will she clean up my mess? Elder mentioned she has a lot of knowledge about fire magic. Without a doubt she will incinerate the corpse. He doesn''t even get a proper buriel. Why do I still not feel anything?

 Chapter 14

    Cassandra pov

    "[Flare]"

    [Flare] is a short range fire attack that sends a burst of searing flames. It has no trouble turning the corpse to ash or even melting that knight''s armor. I waited a few minutes after Cyril left, so he should be back at the village by now.

    "Ugh what was I thinking? I should have just made him fight another monster."

    It was only a Human, but he still looked disturbed. Maybe because they look like us? He has killed animals before and this is not any different. Is he just that much of a caring soul? Regardless, I should head back home as well to check up on him.

    Starting my walk back, I go over the fight that just occurred. Cyril''s fighting style is still a bit...scummy. Seems like it may just be in his nature to be trickster. Not only that, but the kind of magic someone uses says a lot about them. People who learn summoning magic more often than not want others to fight for them instead of having to get their own hands dirty. Perhaps it would be for the best to just let him use that technique.

    His ability [God''s Tongue] sure is really though. He was speaking perfect Humanitary without even realizing it. Even though I am so old I never really bothered to learn too much of it. Why should I have to learn such a disgusting language, made by disgusting things? It is not like I will ever hear anything other than "Please stop!" or "Mercy!"

    "Honey, there you are! Looks like we beat you here."-Corwin

    Standing at the entrance of the village are my Husband and my eldest son. Behind them is anotherAmphisbaena. Dead of course.

    "Mom, where is Cyril? Is he already home?"-Lucas

    "Yes, Sweetie. I told him to go ahead. What did you catch today?"

    "I killed anotherAmphisbaena. They are nasty to clean, but they taste so good!"-Lucas

    They do taste damn good. Should I make another stew?

    "Hahah indeed they do. Alright, let us go home now. This time we will have Cyril help us clean it."-Corwin

    <hr>

    Lucas pov

    "Cyril! Come see what I hunted today today."

    Calling out for my little brother as I run inside the house, I thought he would be in his room. He was just sitting at the dinner table though. He looks like he is thinking about something. I wonder what he is thinking of?

    "What''cha thinking about?"

    I decide to ask him what is on his mind, but he just continues to stare at the table. Did something happen maybe?The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    "Cyril!"

    Getting impatient I shout in his ear. It must have hurthis ears because now he is holding them.

    "What! What do you want?"-Cyril

    Crap! D-Did I make him mad?

    "Sorry I didn''t mean to...Are you okay?"

    I do not want him to hate me. I have to be a good example for him!

    "Oh it''s just you Big Bro. It''s okay. You just hurt my ears. What''s up?"-Cyril

    Hmm he seems fine now. I have never seen Cyril like that before. What happened today?

    "I was just asking if you wanted to see what I killed today. Cyril, are you fine?"

    "Yeah I''m okay. Just had some tough training today. Let''s go see what you caught!"-Cyril

    ".....Sure."

    Something is definitely wrong. He has never shouted at me like that before. Why does he pretend?

    "Come on! Let''s go!"-Cyril

    It must be something he does not want to talk about, so I will leave it at that for now. I will talk to him about it later. If he can''t trust me enough to tell me his problems, how will I ever be a good role model? Anyway, we walk outside to where Mom and Dad are waiting. On the ground by their feet is theAmphisbaena with its tummy face up.

    "There you are Cyril! Quickly, take out your sword and chop this thing''s heads off."-Corwin

    Looks like Dad wants to hurry this up so he can eat. And Cyril does not even hesitate. Already with his Falchion unsheathed he dashes towards theAmphisbaena and chops one head off. Not even three seconds later the other head rolls. All that was definitely with the intent to kill. The feeling he gave off made my skin crawl. So much so that I had grabbed on to one of my throwing knives without even realizing it.

    "Easy son! It is already dead. No need to be too violent."-Corwin

    "Sorry... My body moved on its own."-Cyril

    Both Mom and Dad are surprised. I knew something was wrong. I have to help him somehow.

    "Dear, can I speak with you in the kitchen? Lucas why don''t you teach him how to do it while me and your Father discuss something."-Cassandra

    "Uh sure."

    I say, before they walk inside. Mom looked pretty nervous like she was trying to hide something.

    "Here take this skinning knife. It''s much sharper than your sword so be careful."

    He does not say anything before taking the knife from my hands. This is really strange. One second he is in deep thought, the next he completely fine and now it is back to complete silence.

    "What you do next is-"

    "I know what to do."-Cyril

    Interrupting me before I could fully explain the next step, he already starts to cut it down the middle. And then he cuts the threads connecting the tissue to the muscle. Next he peels away the skin and removes the guts afterwards. How does he know how to gut and clean it? We have never let him do something like this before, yet he already knows how! Not even the putrid smell is making him flinch.

    "Where is the water? I need to clean it off."-Cyril

    All I can do is point to where the buckets of water are. I really do not know what to say. I wish Mom and Dad would hurry up and help me out here.

    "Big Bro."-Cyril

    "Huh?"

    He finished that surprisinjgly fast. All of the blood is already off the corpse.

    "Wow~ you finished fast. Did you need something? "

    He hands the blood soaked skinning knife back to me without a word. He has not let go of it yet so we are both holding on to it. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

    "Will you fight me?"-Cyril

    Looking my right in the eyes he asks me this. Is he serious? He only started learning how to fight a few days ago and he already wants to fight me. I don''t want to hurt him...

    "No weapons or magic. I just want to fight you with my fists. Please."-Cyril

    ".....Fine. We can sneak out when Mom and Dad are asleep."

    I propose this plane since I don''t want to get in trouble. However, Cyril does not seem to like this plan. His grip on the knife tightens as he lowers his head. I don''t know what happened today, but I can tell he really wants this.

    "Fine."-Cyril

    Letting go of the knife, he speaks a single word before walking back inside. Only a few days of training and Cyril already has a scary bloodlust. I hope that this sparring match will turn him back to his usual self. I do not like this Cyril. I like the Cyril that is sweet and caring. The one that looks up to his big brother.

 Chapter 15: First Summon

    Cyril pov

    Laying in my bed I can''t help but think: What the hell am I thinking? With all that''s happened today do I really want to start a fight with my own brother? Something I''ve wanted for a long long time. Someone to share my pain with, to talk about my problems with, to stand by me. Not to mention how caring he is.

    I just can''t shake this feeling of...of blood lust. Well, it isn''t exactly blood lust per say, but I just have to hurt someone! First I surprisingly don''t feel anything after making a gaping hole in a man''s gut and now this. Am I just insane or is Tayrn still fucking with me! I can only pray for it to be the latter. I have felt something similar to this in my previous life, however, that was for theadrenaline. This is just for the chaos. This is for seeing my opponent in pain. Once we start I don''t know what will happen from there on out. The only thing I can do is try and control myself as much as possible.

    Argh! I can''t wait till both of them go to sleep! I need SOMETHING! Should I just attack him now? No I can''t do that. Hunt? I could go find a beast to just fuck up. Wait. I have a better idea.

    I get up from my bed and walk out to Mom''s room. It should be empty since they went outside with Lucas after I came back inside with both Dad and Mom asking if I was okay. I guess they saw my little confrontation with Lucas so they were worried we got into a fight. That stacked on top of how I reacted to killing that knight. Fake reacted anyways. I told them I was a little tired so I wanted a nap.

    Their room was exactly what you''d expect a married couple''s room to look like. A Queen sized bed, two identical side table on either side and both have their own dressers on opposite sides of the room. Now, the reason I''m in here is for a certain magic book. One with a plain black cover with no title or author mentioned. Clearly the writer was not concerned about gaining fame or money for making such a book. Instead his concerns lay in teaching others how to summon their own henchmen. Monsters, beasts, creatures, devils or whatever you prefer to call them. Either way, you have have your own minion who does whatever you say. At least as long as you''ve got enough strength.

    Looking under the bed, I spot nothing but dust. Next place I look is the side table to the left of the bed. Inside is the book I''m looking for. Let''s get this shit done with as soon as possible. I need something to stop this feeling now!

    I was thinking of sneaking out and going back into the woods, but I don''t think that will work without me being seen this time. So I head back into my room. There should be enough room in there to summon something small. Besides, I don''t really plan on having an all out battle in there. Just...I''ll just say it will satiate my urges.

    I sit indian style on the floor as I open up the book. I start flipping through the book as fast as I can looking for something I could easily beat. The contents of this book is actually pretty interesting. It lists a bunch of monsters and their special abilities. Where they''re from, their anatomy, theirphysiology, etc. Anyways, I have no doubt I could beat anything in here at my current level if I just used Dark God''s Hand, which is exactly what I plane on using.

    "Come on! Come on! Vampchicken.....Puffball...Enfield..No no no! Something more....human like. Aha a

    Goblin! Here we go. Maximum height of three feet, green, pathetically weak and a complete savage!"

    Okay how do I summon this? Doesn''t cost very much mana to keep here and all I have to do is imagine a goblin as I exude mana from my entire body. Spell is called [Goblin] huh. This is a lot easier than I thought it would be. Whatever, let''s get started.

    Picturing what a goblin would look like I think of a small green man with ragged clothes. I disperse only the neccesary amount of mana before casting the spell.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    "[Goblin]"

    In front of me appears blue light particles which come together to form exactly what I had pictured. Only this one looks a bit more unkempt as it has drool hanging from its mouth and it exudes an unbearable smell with a long ears as well as a long nose.

    "Orders!"-Goblin

    "Fucking donkey''s ass keep your mouth shut! That''s your order. Your breath is fucking awful!"

    I''m not even exaggerating. It actually smells like a donkey''s ass.

    "You can understand me?!"-Goblin

    "What did I just say? And stop drooling on my damn floor!"

    To this he gives a solid nod and wipes away his drool. Looks like he was surprised there for a sec. Now he''s just standing there waiting for more orders. Alright I''ll make this quick.

    Before he could tell what was happening, I stike at both legs using Dark God''s Hand, disabling them. Those first two were aimed at his knee caps. It won''t last for long unless I strike at more places of the legs.

    "What the Hell!"-Goblin

    Ugh I can''t have him screaming and causing a scene. So I aim for his throat next.

    "Ack!"-Goblin

    "There. That should make you a lot quieter. Don''t worry. This won''t take that long."

    He seems terrified now. Shaking his head violently as he tries to crawl away. I take this opportunity while his back is turned to me and strike his achillies tendon, popliteus muscle, and finally the fibularis

    That should stop him from walking for a few weeks since I put all my strength into those. Don''t want any resistance from his arms either. Let''s take out the~ deltoid.

    *Thwap*

    Aaannd the brachioradialis.

    *Thwap*

    Nooow the biceps.

    *Thwap*

    (AN: No idea what the fuck I''m talking about? Me neither!https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/75/dc/a8/75dca842478c2c17da268cc2f2fe8eb4.jpg Next: http://www.fitengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Arm-Muscles.jpg</a>)

    Realizing there wasn''t anyway he could escape, he tries to beg. He props himself up against my bed as he tries to speak. Nothing comes out except for a wheeze. I can see the terror building up in his eyes, drops of water fall from his ugly face. I have to finish this before someone walks back in!

    I Punch him right in his long nose. Hmm is it broken already? With the way it''s bent it looks like it.

    *Whack!*

    I go in for another punch. This time in the side. Next in the temple and back around to the nose. I could tell how much being punched in the nose hurt just from his expression. Full on crying now. Snot and tears everywhere. Like a toddler who doesn''t know any better. Gross. I think I''ll stay away from the face for now.

    This time I kick him in the side. Again and again and again until he coughs up blood. This feels! This feels amazing!

    "Ahahhahahaa!"

    I can''t help it! I let out a miniacle laugh before punching him in his neck. I love it! The blood! The look on his face! Everything! I love it all!

    *Shink*

    "Wait. What am I doing?"

    Before I noticed, I had my blade to the Goblin''s throat. This wasn''t the plan! I was only supposed to- to.....Good God what the fuck have I done?

    I snap back to my sences before I could thrust my blade into him. Looking at what I''ve done, I feel nothing but shame. This Goblin is...in terrible condition. As he gurgles on his own blood I try and figure out a way to fix him up. Without a doubt I destroyed his spleen and probably a kidney as well. I basically already killed him. Shit shit shit! What do I do? There is a techinque involving Dark God''s Hand that temporarily boosts your physical performance but this is completely different! Should I just end his suffering? No I can''t get anymore blood around here or else someone will notice what took place here. Alright I''ve got no choice. I''ll just send him back and clean this place up before someone barges in.

    I deactivate the spell. The bloody Goblin turns into light particles and he dissapears the same way he appeared. I take out a rag from my dresser and begin cleaning the blood off the floor. Some even got under the bed.

    <hr>

    After I finish cleaning up I jump on my bed face down. What the fuck is wrong with me? Just when I thought I was free to do as I pleased I pull something like this. There''s no way it could be Tayrn because of the contract. Maybe he found a loop hole? Or am I actually... Let''s put that aside for now. I can''t fight Lucas anymore. Not after what happened. I knew if I fought him I might go a little overboard, but now I''m worried I might kill him! No, I will kill him!

    I just have to apologize. I can''t risk hurting someone I care for. Not now. Not ever.

 Chapter 16: Betrayed trust

    I get out of bed and put the book back in my Mom''s room before heading outside to try and find Lucas. Sure enough he''s right where I left him, cutting the Amphisbaena into pieces.I was supposed to do that so it looks like he got stuck with that job. Mom and Dad weren''t in the house and they are not out here. Where could they be? Whatever, I have to apologize first.

    "Big Bro!"

    I call out to him. He doesn''t turn around though.

    "Bro!"

    I call out again thinking he just didn''t hear me, but he still is not responding. Is he ignoring me? Is he mad at me for how I acted before?

    "Lucas!"

    This time I grab his shoulder to get his attention. This time he whips around and slaps away my hand!

    "Don''t touch me you-you..monster!"-Lucas

    "Wha-!"

    What the hell is he talking about? I may have acted strange, but he shouldn''t be this upset with me!

    "Big Bro...I''m sorry for how I acted earlier so...please don''t be mad anymore."

    "I''m not angry about that! Did you think I wouldn''t notice what you were doing!"-Lucas

    Oh shit! He didn''t see what I did, did he?

    "What are you talking about!"

    Just feign ignorance and pretend you don''t know anything. Pretending is what I do best after all.

    "What you did to that Goblin. I went inside to check on you because I was worried. Dad said you were napping so I peeked in your room. You weren''t napping at all... How could you do such a horrible thing? I thought you were-"-Lucas

    He stops himself mid-sentence before he could finish, avoiding eye contact.

    "Do they know?"

    He shakes his head. He knows who I''m referring to. Mom and Dad. It would be a disaster if they saw what I was doing. They might think I''m actually evil if they saw that now that I don''t have Tayrn''s blessing to blame for the way I act.

    "They went to visit Aunty right after I went to check on you. Look at you, Cyril! You don''t even seem to care about what you did! You are only worried about them finding out!"-Lucas

    "I didn''t know what I was doing! I just! I can''t explain what happened."

    I can''t tell him why I did that. That I had an unnatural urge to hurt someone to that degree.

    "Please, I''m just as confused as you Big Bro. I only came out here to apologize for the way I acted. Please please forgive me."

    "Is that why you wanted to fight me? So you could do something like that?"-Lucas

    He gives me a furious look like he was about to explode. I can''t deny that. The reason being, that was exactly what I was going to do. I was going to beat him to a bloody pulp.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    "No! No I would never try to hurt Big Br-"

    "Don''t call me that!"-Lucas

    Trying to assure him I would never do something like hurting him I reach out my hand. Lucas pushes me away before I could even get close, causing me to fall on my bum.

    "..."

    "..."

    Both of us just sit there in silence. I remain on the ground. Only staring up to Lucas not knowing how to react to the blow. He refuses to meet my gaze. Still looking as pissed as before his next words cause my heart to shatter.

    "I won''t tell either of them. Do not ever call me by that name again! Only my little brother is allowed to call me that. And you are no brother of mine! [Leg Enhance 1]!"-Lucas

    After saying this he dashes away leaving a dust trail behind. He had to have used body enhancement magic, else he would never be able to move that fast. I remain as still as a possum playing dead before slowly getting up.

    What the fuck did I do? Always... Always such a... Why do I always have to fuck everything up! You always do mess something up Cyril! You''re finally happy and you sabotage yourself! Blood drips from my palms as I turn my hands into a fist, my nails digging into my skin. All this in an attempt to hold myself back from screaming my lungs off in fear of someone seeing me in such a pitiful state. I have to let it out! I have to get away from here!

    So I run. I run as fast as my powerless tiny legs can go. Not being able to hold it in any longer I start crying the same way I did my first day here. This was all before reaching the gate. Luckily the same guards were standing at the front gate. They were taken aback by my crying making it easier to knock them out.

    <hr>

    Still running through the forest while I uncontrollably cry I decide to come to a halt after running for such a long time. It has to have been at least twenty minutes since what happened. Unfortunately, I collapse to my knees as soon as I do. This entire time I was driven by my grief and anger to get away from my problems. This is the most extreme rage I have ever felt.

    "ARGGHHH! GOD DAMN IT!"

    I pound my fist with what little strength I have left. A sharp pain bursts from my hand as I do so. I don''t even notice it.

    *Thud*

    "FUCK!!! WHY!! AFTER EVERYTHING!"

    I can''t help but remember everything that''s happened to me thus far. The unbearable pain I recieved from my old parents. That stupid dog! Tayrn! And Those cock sucking insane morons that killed me! At first I thought the worst was behind me. I had a loving family. Parents that loved me. A brother that would do anything to set a good example for me and I betrayed his trust! I ruined it all!

    Another slam to the ground.

    *Thud*

    "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH! WHY!"

    *BAM*

    *Rumble~*

    This time the ground rumbles when it comes into contact with my fist. Again, I don''t notice.

    "CAN''T YOU DO!"

    *Rumble~*

    "ANYTHING RIGHT!"

    *BOOOOM!!!*

    This time it isn''t a rumble like before. An ear-splitting boom erupts from my clenched hand as I pound the dirt soaked with my own blood, the earth beneath me crumbles away, and a shock wave explodes from my surroundings knocking over trees.

    "GOD DAMN YOU! SON OF A BITCH!"

    A mysterious black mist begins surrounding my body whilst I curse at no one in particular. This anger has nearly taken control. What was grieff in the beginning has turned to uncontrollable rage.

    Now it becomes completely pitch-black as that mysterious mist becomes a solid sphere around me.

    (Don''t you hate it?)

    That same deep and assertive voice from back then resounds in my head.

    "Who the hell are you! Get out of my head!"

    I have been questioning my sanity all do so to hear a voice in my head doesn''t help at all. I start banging my head against the ground now hoping this would make whoever the hell is in it fall out.

    (You hate it right? You want your problems to disappear don''t you?)

    "Piss off!"

    (I can make it go away for you! Just gIVE ME CONTROL!)

    "I-I hate...I hate..."

    I don''t know what it is I''m supposed to be mad at. Is it myself? My parents? Tayrn? Lucas? With all these emotions swirling around it is hard to think. My senses are telling me not listen to this voice no matter what. If I give in then i know something will happen. Something I would never be able to live with.

    "No! Did you not hear what I said?! I said PISS OFF!"

    (AAAGGHHHH)

    Using all the energy I have left to push myself to get up, I stand my ground in an attempt to rid myself of this aggressive voice insisting that I "Give him control". The black sphere that was once surrounding me disperses. Turning from a solid back to a mist before finally it disappears.

    *pant pant*

    At last, I pushed it away. Now how in the shit am I supposed to get home?

    "Come to think of it....Where the hell am I...?"

    Is the last thing I say before falling face first, passing out.

 Chapter 17: Ambrogino the little immortal

    Cyril pov

    "Ugh my damn head."

    I wake up in a daze. My surroundings cold, back stiff, ground rough, head pounding. Where the hell am I? It looks to be a cave. Stalactites hanging from the roof from which water drips onto stalagmites. How the fuck did i get here? Wait last thing I remember was...

    "Oh finally awake are we? Well you sure took your time. What was it agin? Something like two days?"-???

    "Eh?"

    I hear an unfimiliar voice echo as I start to remember what exactly had happened before I lostcouncisness. It''s snappy. Like what you''d expect an evil gnome to sound like. I hop to my feet and look around frantically trying to find the owner. I have had enough of disembodied voices.

    "Who''s there!"

    "Is that how you speak to your host?"-???

    "Host? So this is your-"

    "Mhm you''re in my home. Shouldn''t you show some respect?"-???

    Did I get abducted by some sort of cannibal? Who the hell lives in a cave?

    "Why so nervous? Scared I might pop out at you? Heheh that would be funny. I doubt it would scare someone with such a high mental resistance though."-???

    "How do you know about that! Show yourself already!"

    "Oh~ Touchy touchy! You don''t like that you can''t see me? Does it maybe remind you of a recent event?"-???

    Damn, he hit the nail right on the head. This fucker is mocking me! Not to mention he knows things he shouldn''t know about.

    "Fine. I''ll let you see me. Just look behind you."-???

    I whip around as fast as possible to see who exactly has been messing with me. However, all I see is more rocks. Am I still being messed with?

    "Down here."-???

    I follow the instructions on where to look and spot the strangest sight I have seen since coming here. A god damn talking weasel. Snowy white fur covers his whole body. His tiny eyes not black like a regular weasel, but a peircing red.

    "I know I know I''m adorable. Want to cuddle? Heh name''s Ambrogino."-Ambrogino

    "Cyril. You can call me Cyril."

    Despite this being the strangest thing I''ve seen these past two years I refuse to let this effect me. Without a doubt there will be stranger things than this.

    "Oh I already knew that. Considering Tayrn sent me to watch over you since day one, I know everything about you."-Ambrogino

    What! That shit head is still watching me?

    "[Bolt]"

    Not letting him have the chance to say another word I cast [Bolt] straight at his fuzzy face.

    *ZZzzzZZZ*

    Dust clouds the area I shot at, covering my view of the weasel. Did I get him?

    "A natural reaction to such a horrible person''s name. But-"-Ambrogino

    Behind me!

    "[Fireball]"

    Out comes a blazing how ball of fire. Damn another miss!

    "Do you really have to take it out on me?"-Ambrogino

    This time he appeares on my left shoulder. Using his scarlet eyes to stare deep into my eyes.

    "Ugh forget it. Just tell me what you are. And get the hell off of me."

    There''s no way I could fight this thing if I can''t even keep him in my sight. Besides who am I to kill the messenger.

    "Of course!"-Ambrogino

    He says before leaping off me before landing back on the ground.

    "As I said before, my name isAmbrogino and this is my home."-Ambrogino

    "Weasels don''t usually live in caves. Why do you live here?"

    "What made you think that this is my true form? No, I am a Vampire. More specifically a Bajang. I can just turn into a weasel."-AmbroginoThis text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    So just a regular Vampire except it can turn into a weasel instead of a bat. That sounds...Very lame.

    "My class of Vampire mainy feeds on children. Oh! They tast much much more delicious than any of those dirty adults!"-Ambrogino

    As expected of one of Tayrn''s henchmen. Disgusting.

    "Not even surprised huh? That mental resistance sure is convenient."-Ambrogino

    "You know, I don''t even know how actualy number. Just that it''s really high. No one ever wants to tell me."

    "Hmm I think Master Tayrn said it waaaas 94%"-Ambrogino

    "Damn. That really is impressive. So? Can you do anything else? I''d like to learn all I can about the species of this world."

    I really do have a genuine interest in learning this sort of thing. If I am going to live here I might as well learn about the things that can and can''t hurt me.

    "As expected. Just as curious as you were the day you arrived here. Ahem I have incredible physical strength as you just saw earlier. Even in this form I can move so fast that I am invisible to the untrained eye. Pair that with my vast amount of mana, it makes me one of the higher teired Vampires."-Ambrogino

    So Vampires have a sort of ranking system huh? I rub my chin as I listen toAmbrogino''s lesson on his kind.

    "My special abilities include spreading madness and disease. If the latter is not treated properly it could be extremely deadly. Even to the strongest of warriors."-Ambrogino

    "How could such a fluffy furball be such a horrid creature?"

    "Heh only in this form am I cute and cuddly. I make grown ass men shit themselves in my true form!"-Ambrogino

    A monster that eats children is bound to be hideous. Hearing what he actually is there was no way I could really fight him. I may not scare easily but I sure do have a short fuse. If he had not been sent from Tayrn to watch over me there is no telling what he would do to me after I attacked him. I need to be more careful in the future.

    "Alright. Now can you explain how I got here? Last thing I remember I was having a hissy fit in the middle of the forest. Now I''m here. Why did you take me here instead of just taking me home? Or at least somewhere close?"

    "Take you home? After that happened? You really do not understand a single thing that is happening, do you?"-Ambrogino

    "If you''re refering to that black sphere that formed around me then no. I just want to head home to my family."

    After that scene with Lucas I just want to head home and try to patch things up as soon as possible. He may have said he no longer thinks of me as his brother, but I know him too well to know that is not true. That kid is way too sweet to say something like that and not regret it.

    "Kid, I saved your life by bringing you here. Not to mention I nearly lost my own doing so."-Ambrogino

    "What do you mean?"

    Perhaps a beast was chasing me. Or humans?

    "No you idiot! That black sphere was the darkness within you! A darkness that has not been seen for eons!"-Ambrogino

    God damn cryptic bullshit.

    "I don''t like playing the pronoun gameAmbrogino. Say it in a way that makes sence."

    "What I am saying is that you are a very special breed of Dragon! Most people of your species would have to go through the threat of fighting their inner demons to gain their Dragon form or go berserk. However, this does not apply to you because your particular breed is a special case. You don''t need to go through a ritual."-Ambrogino

    "if I don''t need a ritual how come this has never happened before?"

    "Kid, your breed is known as a Black Dragon. Black Dragons are fueled by negative emotions such as grief and hatred. From what I have seen, you haven''t really had many bad experiences since coming here. You just needed a push to trigger it. Not to mention their unnaturally incredible thurst for battle. In fact, the previous Black Dragon would destroy entire cities just for fun!"-Ambrogino

    Hmm so I am constantly in danger of this. Was that voice just a manifestation of my inner termoil? Did Tayrn have a part in this as well? No, there''s no way he would have known something like this. Was it just a coincidence then?

    "So what you''re saying is that I need to get my emotions under control or else I become a horrible monster? That doesn''t really explain why I am here."

    "Sigh~Your predecessor was known as the most evil being to walk the planet since the devil himself. Do you know what I saved you from? I saved you from your own kind! Dragons!"-Ambrogino

    "What?!"

    "Did you really think that old bastard would not have people watch you just because you no longer bear the blessing of my Master? The people assigned to watch you probably recognized what took place and wanted to kill you while you were just a child. Before you could grow up to be a walking apocolypse."-Ambrogino

    This means I won''t be able to go home without someone trying to kill me? I can''t believe Elder would order something like this...That''s just one more person I''ve lost!

    My brows furrow as I think about how much I have lost in such a short amount of time. I always thought of him as a Grandfather and he does something like this!

    "Hey hey hey! Don''t go doing what you did back there! I live here you jackass!"-Ambrogino

    Ambrogino noticed I was getting riled up again before he shouts at me to stop what I''m doing before I destroy his home.

    *Inhale~*

    *Exhale~*

    Calm down. I can''t lose controle again. I don''t know if I''ll be able to stop myself the next time that voice shows up.

    "What about my family? What has happened to them? Do they know where I am?"

    "How should I know? One thing for sure is that you most likely have many Dragons looking for you now. And if I had to guess theat old fox probably did not tell your family what you really are yet. More that likely, he will tell them you are just missing so he can kill you without them knowing. You would just be "lost" until they find and kill you. Afterall, there are many dangers this deep in the forest."-Ambrogino

    That does sound like a good plan. My parents are the strongest people in the village though. Certainly they will both be part of this search team. It makes me wonder. Would they kill me if Elder orders it or would they protect me...?

    "...Hey. What was the previous Black Dragon like? Before he gained his Dragon form, I mean."

    "What was he like before? I do not know. I may have been alive at the time, but I did not know him. Legend says he was worse than scum even before he gained that form."-Ambrogino

    "Well I know one thing. I am not evil! I am not like him! And I am certainly not worse than scum! My reputation may be tarnished all because of my predecessor but I will prove this fact! Then I can return to my family!"

    "Then why would you beat a goblin to death?"-Ambrogino

    Remembering what I did to that goblin makes me grit my teeth. I don''t know why I did that. It felt like I would go insane if a hadn''t.

    "Don''t take it personally. It''s just a fact that all Black Dragons crave battle. I believe that you can prove others wrong. Prove to them that you are not evil. I''m just pointing out that you have the potential to be as wretched as my Master wishes you to be. Although I had to hold back from eating you these past couple of years, I also grew quite fond of you."-Ambrogino

    Hah seems like I''ve found a new friend. Even though I''m being hunted.

 Chapter 18:

    Lucas pov

    Here I am laying on my bed, in my room alone. Mom and Dad are out at a village meeting. I wasn''t allowed to come though because the Elder said it was only for the adults. More than likely it''s because of Cyril''s disappearance.

    I can''t help but think of the events that transpired yesterday.

    It was a complete mess. However, I don''t regret anything I said or did. To think that this whole time my little brother and bestfriend would turn out to be a monster like that. Something as sadistic and bloodthirsty as that is no brother of mine.

    "Lucas! Lucas!"

    The door to me room bursts open and from the doorway emerges Tide with a terrible look on her face like she just saw something terrible.

    "Lucas! I heard something! I was-was sneaking and-!"

    "Calm down, Tide! What is it? What''s going on?"

    I stop her from rambling incoherently so I could understand what she was saying.

    "Now take it slow and explain what is going on."

    She takes a deep breath before continuing.

    "Daddy told me I had to stay home while him and Mommy went out to the village meeting and I got really curious so I sneaked out."

    I don''t like where this is going, right off the bat.

    "I followed them to the meeting which wasn''t far out in the woods. All of the grownups were there. I hid behind a tree while I listened and they were talking about Cyril!"You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    Of course they were. Not very surprising.

    "They said things like ''He''s too dangerous now!'' and ''He might hurt somebody if we don''t do something!'' Then people started talking about hunting him!"

    "What?! Hunting him? I thought they would just send out a search party or something..."

    Why would they want to kill him? He''s a terrible person, but why would they want to kill him?

    "When your Mommy and Daddy heard this, they got super mad and started yelling at everyone! They all started fighting and I left in the middle of all the chaos."

    It just doesn''t make any sense. Why would they want to kill Cyril?

    "Lucas, we have to do something before they hurt him! Your little brother!"

    Little brother, huh? I divert my eyes from her. Not wanting to think of that snake being even closely related to me.

    "Lucas! They''re going to kill him! He''s always...*sniff* always been so nice. He''s my friend!"

    "Tide..."

    Tide begins to cry. All my thoughts about Cyril were swept away as soon as I took a look at her weeping face. Is Cyril really taht important to her?

    *Sigh* I take a deep sigh before I continue my chat with her. For a second I forgot who I was talking to. Tide has always been like that. So caring and honest...To her, losing a friend means losing family.

    "Alright. Go get your hunting gear."

    " *Sniff* What?"

    "Go get your hunting gear. We''re going to look for my little bro."

    <hr>

    Corwin pov

    "Sweete what are we going to do? The Elder and everyone will..."

    "Not if I have anything to say about it!"

    The results of the village meeting is not something I agree with. In fact, I''d rather give my body to Chernobog, the God of the Underworld himself, before I let anything happen to my son!

    "But..."

    She stopped herself before continuing. I know what she was going to say. ''But the Elder trapped us.'' Right after we opposed the village''s decision to take out Cyril, he used his space magic to trap us. A purple transparent cube surrounded both me and Cassandra and he sent us both to a place outside of time.

    I tried to break out, but no matter what I throw at it, it doesn''t even put a scratch on it. That goes for Cassandra as well.

    I take a seat in the corner to take a rest. I need to recover my mana. Cassandra sits down next to me and leans on my shoulder.

    "What are we going to do...? What if-"

    "Stop... If that happens... I swear, I''ll get my revenge. No matter the cost."

    <hr>

 Chaper 19: Meeting With a Parasite

    Cyril pov

    "So where are we headed to?"

    I ask the little weasel as I trail behind him. We''ve been walking for a few days now. Honestly, I didn''t keep track of the time. It does seem like it''s around noone though. It should be getting dark soon. At this time I wish I was back at home. A comfy bed with warm meals everyday. Out here you sleep on the ground and there''s always a rock in your side no matter what position you sleep or how many you throw away. Not to mention I''ve had nothing to eat but monster meat roasted over a campfire. Luckily I didn''t have to go and hunt them myself. Ambrogino said it would take too long if I did it. I''m actually kind of glade I didn''t have to. I don''t know what will happen if I get into another fight.

    "We''re going to meet a friend of mine in this Kingdom''s Capital. We''ll be there soon."

    "As in a city? With humans?"

    "Yes. However, we''ll have to keep those eyes of yours hidden so put this on."

    He pulls out a brown dusty cloak from out of no where. The thing has a awful stench to it. Seems like it hasn''t been washed in years.

    "Look we really don''t have a choice here. I know it smells bad, but you''re just going to have to put up with it for now, got it?"

    Ambrogino must have noticed my face cringe after he handed me the cloak. I do as he says and put it on. The hood of the cloak is pretty big. It''s able to cover most of my face. Why do I even have to wear this? Do these Humans not like Dragons?

    We continue walking after this little exchange. I am a little nervous about meeting Humans after such a long time. I wonder if they''re the same as the ones from my old life.

    <hr>

    A few hours have passed now and it has become dark. Another perk of being a Dragon is that I have very good eye sight. I don''t think I''d be able to keep track of Abrojino in this darkness if I had Human eyes.

    "It''s just over this hill. Keep climbing!"

    After reach the top, I spot the city. Surrounded by giant walls that go on for miles with armed guards stationed at the top.

    "Welcome to Warsent! The Capital of Desreot and the largest city on the continent."

    Largest on the continent, eh? Well I''d say that sounds about right.

    "Come on. We have to get to the gate."

    He takes one step before pausing.

    "Oops, almost forgot. I can''t be seen like this!"

    Ambrogino then becomes covered in a dark mist. The mist is too thick for me to see him anymore and soon appears a man with light brown hair and peircing blue eyes with a height of around 5''10. On him is a basic set of clothes. A dirty brown T-shirt and black pants with a rope for a belt.

    "There we go! Now let''s get to the gate already. Luckily it''s late so there''s not many people there."

    He says before marching toward Warsent. I abscent mindedly follow him as I still have a somewhat shocked expression. Well in a world of monsters and magic, why would this be that surprising?

    <hr>

    We reach the Gate of Warsent and we are met with a guard taking a nap on a stool behind the gate.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "Hey wake up Mr. Guard!"

    Ambrogino shouts at him in an attempt to wake hime up. It works, but it didn''t have the desired outcome. Well not my desired outcome anyways.

    *CLATTER*

    The guard jumps out of his stool in surprise, trips over his own foot and falls to the ground.

    You can hear Ambrogino titter at this. Luckily, I don''t think the guard did.

    "What! What do you want!"

    He gets back up rather fast and shouts at the both of us. He looks pretty average. Brown hair, tan and sunken eyes. Most likely from having to guard this gate all night.

    "We need to enter the city Mr. Guard. Could you open up?"

    "Entering times are over. Come back in the morning!"

    Ambrogino looks like he expected this as he pulls out a small bag from his back pocket. Or at least he made it seem like that from the guard''s perspective. Since I was standing behind him I clearly saw his hand disappear into a small black hole and pull the bag out.

    "Are you sure about that, Mr. Guard?"

    He tosses the bag to the guard through the gate.

    "OPEN THE GATE!"

    After rummaging through the bag, the guard shouts to his fellow soldiers to open the gate.

    I''m assuming it was money in that bag. I don''t really know about this world''s currency considering in the village there was''nt any. We only traded things like food, clothes, toys, etc. But if this is a fantasy world it was probably something like coins.

    "What are you spacing out for? Let''s go."

    Ambrogino beckons me to follow him into the city. I do as I''m told and follow his lead. As I follow, I can''t help but become curious about these people''s culture. So I ask him a few questions.

    "Hey what''s the currency here?"

    "Coins. Copper, silver and gold. A single silver coin equals on hundred copper and one gold coin equals one hundred silvers."

    "What are these people''s Holidays?"

    "These Humans do not celebrate any Holidays. Unless you count King''s Day, which celebrates their King''s birthday. Every citizen is required to pay an extra 5% in taxes."

    "Wow that sounds horrible. You''d think this King would have been overthrown by now."

    "Mm"

    He answers all of my questions swiftly like he was expecting them. Well he has been watching me ever since I arrived here so he must have noticed my natural curiosity. Another question pops in my mind. Something I was wondering about before arriving at Warsent.

    "Do Humans not like Dragons?"

    "Of course they don''t. Humans fear those with greater power than theirs and Dragons are much much stronger."

    An answer I was expecting but with a little twist at the end there. It reminds me of my old world. This was always the case. Nations and Alliances going to war with others because they had something they didn''t want them to have. Guns, explosives, nuclear missles.

    I try to dismiss these thoughts from my mind to try and keep track of Ambrogino as he enters an ally making turn after turn. Soon we end up at a dead end. A long ally way with an old wooden door at the end.

    "This is the place. Listen, this man is a parasite controlling a human. You won''t be able to tell, but he''s dangerous. Don''t eat or drink anything he gives you."

    "What the Hell? Are you saying he''s going to try and infect me? I thought you said he was a friend!"

    "He is! It''s not that I don''t trust him but....He''s a little unpredictable and kind of a fuckin'' nut so just do as I say."

    Holy shit this is not going to be fun.

    *Knock kncok*

    Ambrogino knocks on the door a couple of times and after a sew seconds the door creaks open. I can''t make out a face despite having a Dragon''s eye-sight.

    "Who is it?!"

    "It''s me you freak now open the door already."

    "Ambrogino! What the hell are you doing here?! You know it''s too dangerous for you to be here! H-He might find you and and then he will find me a-and-!"

    "Arrgh enough just open the damn door!"

    He kicks the old door open, almost brreaking it off the hinges.

    "Oof you bastard!"

    With the door now wide open I can now see the man owning parasite. He''s an old man. Around Ambrogino''s height with a balding head and a short white beard. You really can''t tell he''s a parasite at first glance, however after a closer look his eyes are completely black!

    "Cyril, meet Gnat. Gnat, meet Cyril."

    The old man immediately jumps back to his feet and rushes over to me, grabbing a hold of both my shoulders. Out of relfex I swat them away. That and the fear of some disgusting bug latching on and taking control of my brain.

    "Ooh! Did you bring me this as a present, Ambrogino? Finally a fresh young host! I''ve been getting tired of this weak old shell."

    Ambrogino pushes him away and takes a step infront of me.

    "No you idiot! This kid is with me. Touch him and I''ll burn you to a crisp!"

    "Humph! Fine I''ll just have to latch onto another pathetic human for the time being. So? What did you want?"

    Ambrogino then yanks off my hood and points to my eyes.

    "I need you to unlock Cyril''s Dragon form."

    What?!

    [AN:Nani?!?!??!]

 Chapter 20: Trusting The Enemy

    Cyril pov

    "I need you to unlock Cyril''s Dragon form."

    "Huh?"

    I thought I didn''t need any ritual to gain a Dragon form. What''s he talking about?

    "Haha! A Dragon! Are you sure I can''t have him? Ooh it''s been so long since I''ve been a Dragon! Are you sure I can''t have him?"

    "What did I just tell you, you bug? He''s with me!"

    A clear look of disgust is on Ambrogino''s face now. I really can''t tell if these two have a good relationship or not. Gnat just keeps brushing all these insults aside like he''s used to it. Either that or he knows what he is and doesn''t care.

    "Come over here and listen to me, Gnay. This is important."

    Ambrogino then leans in and whispers something to Gnat. I can''t really make out what he said.

    "That? Are you sure about that?"

    "Positive."

    "Ugh fine! Although I must say I''m surprised you haven''t eatin him yet. He must be special to you."

    "Something like that."

    "So am I going to transform into a real Dragon or not? How is it done? How does he know how to do it?"

    There''s an awkward silence after I speak. Damn, looks like I let my curiosity got the better of me again.

    "He sure is inquisitive isn''t he?"

    "Unfortunately."

    Unfourtunately? It''s not a bad thing to be naturally curious. In fact, it''s more of a good thing!

    "Well I can do it, but obviously we''ll need a more secluded and...open area. I''m not making any promises though. It''s been a long time since I''ve performed the ritual. And lucky for you it doesn''t require much mana."

    "I got a good place. Just meet us at the gate tomorrow at dawn."

    "Dawn?! This body is so old it has trouble taking a piss in the morning and you want me to wake up at dawn?"

    Ambrogino suddenly grabs Gnat be the collar and shoves him against the wall. He''s got a serious look on. Quiet different from his usual mocking attitude.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    "Listen here you shit eating parasite! This is very very very important. And you know I can''t be here for long without that damned racist adventurer sniffing me out! Be there at dawn or I burn you to a crisp!"

    Whoa...That was pretty intense. Gnat seems scared shitless. Considering he''s just an old man that has no power he can''t really fight back. This doesn''t really stop him from swatting Ambrogino''s hands away though.

    "You think I don''t know about him?! He''s been hunting me for weeks and now I''m stuck in here with this shitty old body! Also if you ''burn me to a crisp'' who will perform the ritual?"

    "Tch!"

    Looks like he hit the nail on the head. It''s true though. Ambrogino can make all of the threats he wants, but we still need him. I don''t know why this is so important either. Ugh I hate being kept out of the loop.

    "Tell you what. You bring me a new strong body and I''ll do it! it takes a lot of mana to perform this ritual and I''m afraid this body just isn''t going to cut it."

    "You bastard! You just told me it doesn''t require that much!"

    "Well now it does, so bring me a new body!"

    You know, this is kind of entertaining to watch. Makes me wish I had a bag of popcorn. It does seem to be pissing Ambrogino off quiet a bit as well.

    "FINE! Look atfer Cyril. I''m going out."

    After his confrontation with Gnat, Ambrogino turn to me and kneels down to eye level.

    "Remember what I said, okay?"

    I give him a nod before he heads out of the door.

    Now that I don''t have that distraction I take a look at the place. It doesn''t look like a home at all. Aside from a a single dining table with a few loafs of bread and a single chair. There aren''t even any other rooms. Which begs the question, where does he use the restroom?

    "Whoa!"

    While I had my back turned, Gnat sneaked behind me. Now he''s at eye level just staring at me. His completely black eyes really creep me the fuck out.

    "Oh sorry sorry. It''s just been so long since I''ve seen a Dragon."

    He finally backs away a couple of steps.

    "How long?"

    "Hmm about 5,000 years. Of course, back then Dragons weren''t forced into hiding."

    Forced into hiding? Is that why my Village was in the middle of nowhere? Come to think of it, I really don''t know anything.

    "Why were we forced into hiding?"

    "Well kid it happened a long long time ago. I don''t really feel like talking about it. Plus it''s a really long story."

    "That''s the reason you won''t tell me?! Because it''s too long of a story?"

    "Damn right."

    Lazy old fart.

    "Then would you at least mind explaining what this ritual is? Ambrogino said I didn''t need one."

    "Unfourtunately I can''t do that either."

    Hmm I really don''t trust this. It seems shady. Epsecially since Ambrogino is a servant of Tayrn. Can I really trust someone like that?

    "I can see the doubt in you. Do not worry child. Ambrogino is a very trust worthy person. Even if he is an absolute shit face sometimes."

    "Well he did save my life. I guess I can put my trust in him once."

    Just once. I''m not going to put all of my trust in a servant of Tayrn himself.

    "You''ve been walking all day haven''t you? Why don''t you...take a nap?"

    "Yeah, I''m not going to do that around you. Considering you are what you are."

    "Heh smart kid. Believe me, I wouldn''t lay a finger on you. If I did Ambrogino would do God knows what to me."

    I am damn tired. I didn''t have time to eat dinner either.

    "I don''t have a bed, but there''s a quilt over there on the ground and a pillow."

    "Thanks, I guess."

    In the corner is a small grey quilt laid on the ground with a pillow at the bottom. I kick off my shoes, lay down on the quilt and put my head on the pillow. Soon I fall asleep.

 Chapter 21: Brothers And Too Many Questions

    Lucas pov

    Inside of my room I start gearing up to search for Cyril. Tide is already geared up and waiting for me outside. When it comes to fighting you''d think she would not be too good at it however, she is pretty dependable when it comes to battle. Although her reaction to killing her first Human was not good, she has no problems fighting monsters. She cried for days.

    Anyways, I begin with my chestplat. It''s made from the scales of a Fury Salamander. A giant salamander that erupts with fire from within and releases the flames through the pores. The scales are nearly impossible to penetrate without magic. Next I fasten my belt with my hand crafted throwing knives. And finally I put my falchion on my back.

    I can''t believe I''m going to go and save my brother after what he did. He beat that goblin to death in such a brutal fashion and he was going to do the same to me. He was going to kill me or at least try.

    "Argh! I don''t know what to think anymore!"

    I say this as I put my face in my hands. I still love him, but he was going to try to kill me!

    "......"

    I sit still and think about things for a little. Surely he''s not completely evil? All of those good times we''ve had. All of the games we played, the food we''ve shared, the laughs we''ve had together as friends. As brothers. Surely they do not mean nothing to him?

    After thinking things over I head into Cyril''s room. I reach under his bed and pull out the weapon Mom and Dad crafted for him at birth. Other than the purple hilt, it''s exactly like mine. As I stare at it in my hands I remember all of the good times we''ve had together.

    "I don''t know if I truly know you, Cyril. But you will always be my little brother and I will always be there for you when it counts."

    I then put the matching falchion on my back and head out of the house.

    Tide has been waiting for me outside. Her setup is a pretty interesting one. She has a pure white leather chestplate made the hide of a Raging Bull. It''s basiclly like a regulare bull except three times the size. What''s special about it is the breed it came from. Pure white Raging Bulls are extremely uncommon and ofter stronger than the more common breeds. This may seem like an incredible accomplishment, but Tide told me that her Dad helped her kill it. I don''t doubt that since he spoils on her so much.

    Next is her weapon. On her back she carries a black Warhammer made of ebony. Only the best for Uncle Atlas'' little princess haha. She doesn''t know too much magic other than some basic body strengthening and attack water spells since she relies mostly on her natural strength.

    "What do we do now?"

    *Sigh*

    I give a deep sigh in response. I know it was my idea to go after him, but I don''t actually have any plan.

    "Let''s try going the direction he ran off in."

    "Wait he ran away?! I thought he was just missing! Why would Cyril ever run away?"

    "Well...We got into an argument and he ran off. That is the last time I saw him."Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    "What could ever make you two fight? You guys have always been so close!"

    "I don''t want to talk about it Tide. Sorry."

    To this she has a worried look on her face, but she doesn''t push for answers.

    "Well then, shall we head off?"

    <hr>

    Cyril pov

    *BAM*

    I''m rudely woken up from a loud sound. Being a bit on edge I jump to my feet and ready myself for a fight. But since I just woke up from a nap my stance is a bit sloppy and I''m a bit out of it.

    "Relax kid. It''s just your Daddy."

    "Dad?! He''s here?!"

    Hearing that my Dad is here I begin to frantically look around. Then I rub my eyes and clear my vision. Dad is nowhere to be seen.

    "I''m not his Father."

    Ambrogino? Was that some kind of joke Gnat just made? Or does he really think I''m Ambrogino''s kid?

    "Oh? And I was so sure he was your illigitimate child."

    "Enough with the jokes shit eater. Here''s you new body."

    Now that my vision is clear I focus on Ambrogino. He tosses somebody off of his shoulder onto the ground. It''s an unconsious young man around his twenties with brown messy hair. He looks pretty scrawny like he hasn''t been eating enough.

    "I tell you to bring me a young strong body and this is what you bring me? This fool looks like he hasn''t eaten for days!"

    "He IS strong you idiot! He may look like a stick but he has plenty of mana to spare. ten thousand to be exact."

    Gnat''s eyes light up after hearing this. So ten thousand is a lot? Wait if Dragons have more mana for than Humans, then how much is mine?

    "Ten thousand! That''s great! This body only has five thousand. He must have been someone pretty important."

    "I had to follow him for a while so I overheard plenty of info about his life. He''s the son of a noble that has little influence. Apparently his father also just liked to use him as a tool to get to a higher position due to him having such high mana."

    "Perfect! Alright enough chit chat. Let''s begin switching bodies."

    "I really want to know how this works, so I''m just going to watch."

    I announce this to both of them. Gnat doesn''t seem to be paying attention and Amrogino has that same smug grin on his face.

    "Suit yourself."

    "What''s that supposed to mea- Oh my God!"

    Without any warning, bursting out the side of Gnat''s head comes a giant worm like creature of at least three feet with long tendrils on both ends. I think some brain matter got on my face so I wipe it away.

    *Thud*

    The body of the old man quickly falls flat on its face leaving Gnat, the parasite, right next to it.

    "It''s a good thing this kid isn''t awake for this."

    You''re telling me! I''de be freaking my shit. I may have a high mental recistance, but I fuckin hate bugs and nothing will ever change that.

    Now that Gnat has made his way out of the old man body he makes his may toward the young man. Once he gets next to his head, Gnat somehow manages to squeeze inside of the ear. After waiting around for a dew minutes the young man''s body springs up. He does a few stretches, opens and closes his hand and runs in place. I guess this is Gnat testing out his new host.

    "Aaah that should do it. Alright, you guys can leave now."

    Says Gnat as he waves his hand in our direction like shooing away an animal.

    "And you will be meeting us at the city gate tomorrow at dawn?"

    "Yes yes now hurry up and leave! I still need to configure myself to this body a little."

    Ambrogino says nothing as he motions for me to follow him. Once we finally leave I ask him a few questions while we walk.

    "How does he control them?"

    "His tendrils wrap around certain parts of the brain to control his movements. That way he can see what they see, taste what they taste, feel what they feel and he can even absorb their memories which stays with him forever."

    Welp that sounds terrifying.

    "Why did you tell me not to eat anything he gave me? How would he be able to possess me like that?"

    "He can''t. He is always looking for an opportunity to provide a host for his offspring which reside inside his host''s body. In fact, he''ll have to dig them all out of that corpse''s lower intestines and swallow them again."

    Holy shit that''s gross. It''s kind of like how alligator Moms carry their babies in their mouths. Except in his stomach.

    "How many are there?"

    "Last time I checked there were a couple thousand."

    "Where are we going?"

    "To find an inn to stay at."

    "Who''s this adventurer both of you have been trying to avoid?"

    "Do you ever shut up!"

    Ah looks like I hit a soft spot. We''ll just try to not touch on that anymore. I have to admit, I did just ask a bunch a questions in a row. I csn see how that can be annoying.

 Chapter 22: Unleashing The Dragon

    Lucas pov

    After following the direction Cyril ran off in Tide and I come across something very strange. On the ground is a hole of about two feet in circumfrence. That may not sound too strange, but there''s more. There are multiple cracks running along the ground, which start from the hole. They all go out by a few feet so whatever did this has to have some serious strength. The thing is, we are not even that far out in the forest. There shouldn''t be any monster around these parts that could do something like this.

    "Do you think Cyril was here? Lucas?"

    "I have no idea. I don''t think Cyril would be able to do something like this...Was he fighting something?"

    "Lucas! Look over there!"

    She shouts while pointing right in front of us. A few feet away from the hole and cracks in the ground is more carnage. Burned grass, patches of dirt missing from the ground and unnatural damage to trees. We both walk over to take a look around.

    "Looks like there was a fight here."

    "Was it Cyril?"

    "No. It couldn''t have been him. He doesn''t know this much magic."

    The only magic he knows from my knowledge is [Fireball] [Bolt] [StaticPalm] and one summoning spell. This looks like the works of more experienced fighters. People that know more advanced techniques than Cyril. This is definitely the way he went, but none of this was his doing. There is no sign of him being here at all. What happened to you, little brother?

    "Maybe he was being chased?"

    Tide gives a suggestion about what she think might have happened.

    "What could he have done to be chased? None of this makes any sense."

    "Hmm."

    Looks like Tide is just as confused as I am.

    "Looks like we don''t have any other choice but to follow the trail, Lucas."

    I give her a nod. She''s right. We''ll just have to see where this takes us.

    "That''s as far as you go kids."

    "That''s as far as you go kids."

    Two voices ring out from the quiet behind us. Both of us quickly turn around and draw our weapons. Tide with her Warhammer and me with both of the Falchions drawn. It''s the twins that Elder is so fond of. Their peircing blue eyes seem to glow in the darkness.

    "Lucas it''s the twins!"

    "You know we have names, right? I''m Prusy and this is Pasky."

    The one to our left names himself and then points to his brother and introduces him.

    "Really? Prusy and Pasky? Those are...very unique names."

    [AN: You talkin'' to me? Look my imagination isn''t that great give me a break man.]

    I didn''t want to insult them so I had to stop myself there. Despite them being well known in the Village I never heard their names before. Just ''The Twins'' is all people ever call them.

    "Enough talk. Come with us and neither of you will get hurt."

    "Is that a threat, Pasky?"

    "Kid, that is a fact. Put your weapons away or we do it for you."

    I stand my ground. I can''t help but sweat a little when being faced with these two. It''s like facing off against a mountain.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    "Lucas, what are we going to do?"

    I can see Tide is is begining to tense up as well. She seems a bit scared like me.

    "Run!"

    Without any more words both of us turn and cast body strengthening spell to increase our speed.

    "[Leg Enhance 1]!"

    "[Leg Enhance 1]!"

    Once we cast the spell, we leave our previous position in the dust. Prusy and Pasky are both nowhere to be seen.

    "This is the best that two little geniouses can do?"

    "You''re 10,000 years behind us kid."

    Wha-!

    *Bang!*

    Before I could even notice them, both of the twins had gotten in front of us. With a bang Pasky decked Tide right in the face!

    [AN:It just doesn''t feel right writing about a little girl getting decked in the face. Makes me feel guilty! Am I a bad person?]

    God damn! Did he have to punch her in the face?! Oh man Atlas is going to be so pissed.

    "Sorry about this kid!"

    *Bang!*

    With another bang, Prusy does the same as Prasky and knocks me out with a fist to the face.

    <hr>

    Cyril pov

    The next day we go to meet Gnat at the city Gate. Ambrogino looks to be on guard. It looks like he''s really worried about this adventurer him and Gnat were both talking about. He must be very powerful if he can put Ambrogino on edge this much.

    "Hello friends! Nice day isn''t it?"

    Gnat calls out to us from a distance. He looks to be in a good mood. Is it because of the new body?

    "Hurry up shit eater! I don''t want to be here longer than necessary."

    "Understandable. Looks like we are on the same page for once, Ambrogino. In fact, I don''t plan on coming back here so let us hurry out of here."

    "Hmph."

    Doesn''t seem like he likes agreeing with him too much... Are they really friends?

    <hr>

    After leaving Warsent we headed west for five hours and then stopped at a clearing.

    "Here is good. Cyril sit over there."

    Ambrogino points toward the center of the clearing. I once again do as he says...I don''t like it, but what other choice do I have?

    "What is this ritual even for? You said I didn''t need a ritual for a Dragon form."

    I can''t help but question him. I know I said I would trust him, I just hate not knowing what a weasel and some parasite are going to do to me with some unknown ritual.

    "Cyril, you need to trust me. I may be Tayrn''s servant, but remember that I was sent to protect you. /if something happened to you, Tayrn would butcher me. I''m your friend."

    "Mm."

    I really can''t argue with that.

    "Gnat, start now."

    "You gotcha."

    Gnat kneels down in fornt of me. He sticks out his index finger and holds it right on my forehead.

    A sudden feeling of bliss flows through my mind and I close my eyes. I feel as happy as when I was back at home. With Mom, Dad and Lucas. Playing and laughing together. Then I feel something...horrible. I open my eyes and Gnat now has his finger on my heart.

    [AN:BAD TOUCH! STRANGER DANGER!]

    I can feel something swelling up inside me. I close my eyes once again and it reminds me of back then. Way back when I was in my old world. The pain of my constant beatings! The verbal abuse! The bites of that dog that would leave scars all over my body!

    Iget to my feet and leap away from Gnat. I keep trying to calm myself, but-but it won''t stop! This anger and sorrow won''t stop!

    I fall to my knees and grab my head in both hands.

    "What did you DO!"

    I look up to Ambrogino and demand answers. And he has that same stupid smirk on his face!

    "I helped you. I removed that pesky seal your Elder placed on you. Now you can realize you potential and Master Tayrn is happy. It''s a win-win situation, right?"

    "You bastard!"

    Now I''m even angrier than I was before. Why does this always happen to me? Why why why why?!

    "I trusted you! You said that you- You were-!"

    "What? Your friend? Hahaha! I can''t believe you really bought that!"

    I''m pissed, but he''s right! How could I have ever trusted him? How could I ever trust anyone?! Even Mom or Dad! Or even Lucas! I hate them! I hate all of them!

    "No! No! I don''t hate them! How could I hate...my family."

    (Family? They were never your family!)

    It''s that same voice from before. The one that made me kill that Vampchicken. The same one that popped in my head when I went berserk. I close my eyes as hard as I can and put my face in the dirt.

    (They mean nothing to you! They were only there to fill the hole in your heart! They were fake! They never loved you.)

    "You''re wrong! Mom always talked with me and Dad was always there to cheer me up! And Lucas-!"

    (Lucas? He hates you, remember? He disowned you. Threw you away like a pest! That whore is the same. She used you like a tool ever sinse you caould walk!)

    "That''s...Not true..."

    (Why do you lie to yourself? You know the truth already.)

    "Stop! Don''t say it! It''s not true!"

    (You have no friends! You''re an outcast! No one loves you and they never will!)

    "NOOOOO!!"

    I grip the sides of my head. It hurts. It feels like I''m dying! Suddenly the pain stops. However, it feels like a part of me is gone. Like I''m empty inside.

    I open up my eyes to check on my condition. I completely ignore Gnat and Amrogino and start to check myself. I look down at my hands.

    "What!"

    Instead of my normal hands I''m greeted with something completely different. A three clawed paw with jet black scales all over my arm. This isn''t even close to an arm! This is more like a kanine''s leg!

    "Yes! Finally! The Black Dragon has returned!"

    I hear Ambrogino yelling about a Black Dragon. Is this my Dragon Form? Is this The Black Dragon?

 Chapter 23: Parasite BBQ

    Cyril pov

    Dragon form, huh? I can already feel the power coursing through me. My mana has definitely increased immensely.

    "This form...I could get used to something like this."

    "HAHA! Right?! Isn''t it great? I told you, you could trust me! Here, take a look!"

    I look back over to Ambrgino. Somehow a giant mirror appeared. I''m going to assume it''s some kind of magic.

    Anyways, I look into the mirror. I have to say, I don''t hate what I''m seeing. Standing on all fours is a black scaled. I''m a bit slime, but I''m slightly taller than Ambrogino now. The color of my eyes have remained the same, purple spikes are protruding from my back which almost seem to glow, each of my paws have three razor sharp claws of about 6 inches in length and my tail is quiet long as well. Almost the entire length of my body. The only thing that bothers me is that I have no wings. I can''t say that I''m dissapointed, but I was looking forward to flying.

    "Hmm I don''t know. The kid doesn''t have that same spunk to him anymore."

    Gnat thought I had "spunk"? Didn''t know that was a word in this world.

    "You moron! This is the embodiment of evil! The ultimate power! And you think he needs spunk?"

    Sigh He sure does yell a lot. It''s getting on my nerves.

    "It doesn''t matter anymore. My business here is done. See you around, Ambrogino."

    He then begins to leave, but immediately after Gnat turns to leave I dash infront of him, preventing him from moving any further. I don''t want him to leave yet. I want to take this puppy for a test drive. I don''t know what he''s capable of, but if he''s a friend of Ambrojino he is sure to be strong.

    "...Get out of the way, kid. Trust me you will regret what you''re about to do."

    "Trust? Last time I trusted someone... I turned into a monster."

    I look past Gnat for a split second. I can see Ambrogino still smirking. That tears it. Once I''m done with this bug, he''s next.

    "[BindingRing]!"

    Gnat casts a spell and out of his palm comes a ring of swirling wind that gets larger as it heads right for me.

    "So slow."

    "Huh?"

    I move the left out of the way of the oncoming spell. Then I dash straight past him with my final destination being behind him. His movements are so slow. Was he always like that or is it this new form?

    Noticing I had gotten behind him, Gnat leaps away from me.

    "So this is the power of a Black Dragon? I need to quickly-!"

    Before he could make any other moves a once again dash at him. He doesn''t have time to react to my next attack, so this time I aim for the neck.

    "Ergh!"

    I take his pasty, white neck into my jaws and clamp down as hard as possible before lifting him into the air. Blood sprays from his throat and gets in my mouth. Disgusting.

    "EEAaAghHrr!"

    He''s trying to speak, but I''ve completely crushed his neck. That and the fact that his lungs are filling up with blood so he can''t get any words out. He does do one intersting thing though. Before taking one last gurgle, he reaches for Ambrogino. Of course, Ambrogino does nothing. Although he doesn''t have that same smirk on his face as before. I''m sure he expected something like this to happen. Doesn''t look like he was completely prepared for it to happen.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    *Thud!*

    I drop him from my teeth and his body hits the ground.

    "SCREEECH!"

    I was expecting this to happen. Gnat does the same thing as last night and bursts out from the side of his host''s head. Only this time it starts screeching in fear.

    "Annoying."

    I couldn''t take anymore of that ear peircing screeching, so I stomp him into the ground. A white goop splattered onto my paw, staining my obsidian like scales. This ugly thing just keeps getting more and more disgusting. I rub my foot on the grass to get it off.

    Then I remember what Ambrogino had told me last night about Gnat''s children so Igo back to his previous host''s lifeless corpse. Crawling out of the wounds in his neck are tons of mini Gnats. So I open my mouth as much as possible and out comes a purple flame. Like that, I turn the old host and Gnat''s children to ash in a mere second.

    *Clap clap clap*

    "Well done, Cyril! Well? Don''t you love this new you? Overwhelming isn''t it?"

    I give Ambrogino a nasty look. He doesn''t seem to care.

    "You don''t care about what I''ve done to your "friend"? That''s dissapointing."

    "Oh~? Were you attempting to hurt my feelings by killing a bug?"

    I was. I want to hurt him as much as he hurt me. I want to crush his spirit and revel in it.Now I know I can never do that. This thinghas no feelings for anyone. A real monster.

    "Sorry to dissapoint, but I feel no attachment to anything but my Master. After all, he provides me with some very interesting toys such as yourself."

    "I AM NO TOY!"

    Lunging at him I shatter the ground beneath me. I open my jaws wide and prepare to crunch down on his neck. However, I pass straight through his body as my mouth snaps close on nothing but air. Immediately I turn back to Ambrogino. With his neck still intact he gives me another one of those infuriating grins of his.

    "You didn''t honestly think I''d be stupid enough to actually show up to this did you? Hahaha! Your power is great, but you have SO much to learn little friend!"

    "Where are you! I''ll rip you to shreds you rat fucking weasel!"

    "Tsk tsk tsk. That''s no way to speak to a friend is it?"

    Fuck you! I hate this punk so much I could kill his whole family! I''m sick of his constant belittling attitude!

    "Listen, this was fun but it''s time for me to leave. I have a few loose ends to tie up."

    Ambrogino''s body starts to become smoke as he fades away. It isn''t until he becomes nothing but a head that he says one last thing to me.

    "Oh and a word of advice friend. I''d start running if I were you. You see, there''s a rather troublesome person coming this way."

    With that Ambrogino dissapears into the wind. I furrow my brow as it happens as I''m completely unable to do anything to stop it.

    "Ambrogino! I''ll find you! And then I''ll-I''m Going to burn you to a crisp! Do you hear me?! Huh?!"

    My anger begins to overwhelm me again as I shout to the heavens in rage. I swear! I will find him and make him pay if it''s the last thing I do!

    *BOOM*

    I wasn''t paying attention when it happened because I was enveloped in a blind rage, but said "troublesome person" that was previously mentioned had fallen from the sky and landed ten feet away from me in the clearing.

    Since I hadn''t noticed him I continued my shouting.

    "Do you hear me, Ambrogino?! Come out now! I will rain fire down on you fucker! I''ll turn this entire forest into a wasteland!!!"

    "What the FUCK!"

    "Hm?"

    Hearing someone yell it catches my attention.

    "It''s a BLACK DRAGON!"

    It''s a man that stand at seven feet with red spiky hair and green eyes. He is also incredibly buff with biceps the size of a man''s head. He wears a metal chest piece and has a giant claymore on his back. This is the troublesome person Ambrogino was talking about? He doesn''t really seem like much.

    "Leave and I will let you live you runt."

    I am in no mood to deal with this right now. I''ve had enough social interaction for one day.

    "Leave? And miss my chance to become the hero that slayed a Black Dragon? I don''t think so."

    "Okay that''s it. I can''t take this. Just remember I gave you a chance."

    Then I put all of my strength into my legs and shoot straight up into the air. I caught a glimps of the man''s face and he looked to be both impressed and a little dumbfounded.

    Once I reach a good hundred feet do I start falling head first that I ready my flame breath. I build up as much as I possibly can. Just before I release it I yell this.

    "This is for you Ambrogino!"

    "Wait did you say Ambrogino?"

    I''m not listening to him since I start remembering that lying bastard.

    "Scorched Earth, Motherfucker!"

    As I release my fire breath I unhinge my jaw to let out more. Seems like this is something my Dragon Form can do because it doesn''t hurt at all. In fact, it feels natural.

    Anyway, I hurl a giant fireball the size of the Hindenburg Blimp. the force from releasing such a powerful atatck sends me back up into the air. Once the fireball hits the ground it spreads across the entire forest for as far as the eye can see. It''s not enough! I will incinerate everything as long as I can kill Ambrogino. I have to make sure I kill him! So I keep pouring out purple flames and propelling myself back up in the air again and again and again.

    It''s not until there is nothing but ash left on the ground that I stop and begin falling back to the Earth.

    *BOOOOOOOOOM*

    I land on my feet and beneath me the ground shatters and a shockwave is visible as the ash is blown away.

    In front of me is a site you''d see during an apocalypse. Nothing. No sounds but the wind and no life except for me. What have I done?

    "I have..done something so-so......beautiful!"

 Chapter 24: The Power of Dragons

    Tayrn pov

    "Yhahahahha! This is perfect! You''ve done well Ambrogino."

    "Thank you, Master. Thank you for pulling me out of there as well. I would be nothing but dust if you hadn''t."

    My fateful servant thanks me for the praise and rescue as he kneels with my back turned to him. Currently, I am looking through the ripple in space I have created. Though, it is a bit blurry due to the high amount of mana being thrown around at Cyril''s whim. This beautiful display of power is a magnificent sight to behold.

    "This will surely put me at the top where I belong! With the Black Dragon returning after so long spilling blood where ever it travels even those Elf''s will not stop till Cyril has been destroyed. Those neutral motherfuckers!"

    "Yes. With the Dragons and Humans hunting him as well, soon the Dragon race will be discovered."

    "Exactly right my servant. With that happening there will then be another War. Then chaos and mayhem will once again cover the land! YHAAAHAHHAA!!!"

    <hr>

    Lucas pov

    Opening my eyes I struggle to see anything due to my vision being blurry after just waking up.

    "Ow!"

    I feel a sting in my left cheek from when I was taken down by Prusy with a strike to the face.

    *Gasp!*

    Tide! What happened to Tide?!

    Remembering what happened I finally am fully awake. In an attemptto find Tide I dart my head backand forth. At first I don''t see her anywhere, however, I see that I''m back in my room laying in bed.

    "Mmm. But! I want to sleep more..."

    Hearing a voice coming from beside me I look down at my next to me. Sleeping beside me is Tide. A bruise on her cheek from last night or however long it has been. Howhad I completely missed her when she was sleeping right next to me?

    "Phew~"

    For a second there I thought they had locked her away or something.

    This isn''t the time for watchingher sleep. I need to find out what happened. Why would they just bring us back home instead of locking us away somewhere? Surely they expect us to try and escape to find Cyril. It just doesn''t make any sense.

    While racking my brains to try to solve this question I get out of bed and head to the kitchen, hoping to find Mom or Dad for some answers toall of the questions I have. Sitting at the dining table is not my Mom or Dad, but Tide''s Mom.

    "Auntie?"

    With a surprised look on her face, she quickly runs over to me. It looks like she has been crying.

    "Lucas! You are awake! Quickly sit and have some breakfast."

    "Mm. Thanks."

    I nod my head and thank her before sitting at the dinner table. She serves me scrambled eggs and I start chowing down. It feels like I haven''t eaten in forever! Although that is how it always feels when I''m hungry. Auntie looks a little happy that I am enjoying the meal so much.

    It only takes me a couple minutes to finish the eggs. Then I remember all of the questions I had. I look up from my empty plate to Auntie from across the table.

    "Auntie I--!"

    "You want to know what is happening, right?"

    Cutting me off she says exactly what I was thinking.

    "Well...Where do I even begin...?"

    She looks down at her crossed hands on the table. A short silence later after her thinking, she raises her head to look at me.

    "Let''s start with you. You have been out for only a night. The Twins went easy on you there is no bad damage."

    "And Cyril? Where is Mom? And Dad?"

    I ask her the question that had been on my mind since I woke up. What happened to my family? For a second she does not answer me and only looks down at her hands. Her bangs are covering her face. I notice she is now clenching both of her hands together as they tremble. Then it stops. She looks back up to me and explains what is going on.

    "Lucas, I am telling you this because you have a right to know. I need you to listen and do as I say. Got it?"

    I give her a nod before she continues.

    "Your Mommy and Daddy have gone out on a very important mission. As well as your Uncle and many of the Village warriors."

    Why would so many Dragons need to go out for one mission? What are they after?

    "You see... There is no easy way to say this, but they have been given the task of killing Cyril."

    "What! Why Would they--!"

    "Quiet!"Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    Before I could say anything else Auntie cuts me off again. I just can''t wrap my head around it. What has Cyril done that is so bad that it is punishable by death?

    "Your brother is a rare powerful type of Dragon that is near impossible to defeat. A Black Dragon!"

    "But Auntie I have never heard of that kind of Dragon before! Why does my little brother have to be killed just for that?"

    "Black Dragons are inherently evil. The last one would destroy entire Cities just for fun and kill countless people. Regardless of race, gender or age."

    "No, I refuse to believe that! Cyril has never done anything bad! My little brother has always been kind and caring!"

    The only time I''ve seen him do anything bad is when I saw him beating thatGoblin.

    "Sweetie I know this is a lot to take in, but it''s true... We just received word that he gained his Dragon Form and turned an entire forest next to a Human City into nothing but a barren wasteland."

    An entire forest?! What kind of immense power could do something like that...?

    I can''t believe the things I''m hearing right now. My own brother is capable of such disastrous things. So that night I confronted him...He really was going to kill me.

    "And now not only the Dragons and Humans are hunting him, but the Elves as well for destroying a forest."

    "Did Mom and Dad go for the reason I think they did?"

    "Unless they somehow convince Elder to change his mind about killing Cyril they wanted to do the task themselves."

    .......

    There''s a long silence between us. At this point, I have my head buried in my hands. Almost like I am trying to hide away from the truth of the situation. The little bro I thought loved and admired me lied to me and wanted to murder me for the sake of testing his own strength! Now both of my parents are going to kill him with their own hands and since Elder is a very stubborn person so I doubt he will listen to them...How did it come to this? I curse the world for allowing such a cruel fate to befall my own flesh and blood. I can''t help but let out the tears I have been holding back.

    *Sobbing*

    "Why? Why did this have to happen Auntie?"

    <hr>

    Cyril pov

    Walking around this dead area I start to think to pass the time.

    Hmm, I wonder what else this new form can do. I thought someone would come around looking for a fight after seeing what happened like that adventurer. He seemed excited to be facing off against me. Maybe I incinerated him or he booked it. Regardless I''m getting bored of just wandering around this wasteland. Should I pay that Human City a visit and see what other monsters are lurking in the shadows there?

    "Cyril!"

    A voice I know all too well calls my name. I stop dead in my tracks and turn around to face the owner of the deep rough voice. It is my Father. Standing beside him is my Mother, the Elder, and Atlas. I am shocked to see the three of them, however, I am more surprised to see the rest of the Village Warriors standing behind them. I never knew there were these many people living in that village. I can count about 70 heads.

    "Father! It feels like it has been a full year since we last saw each other. Hello to you too Mother. Come to congratulate me?"

    He does not look excited to see me. Neither does Mom or anyone else for that matter. But I have to say I am veryhappy to see all of them. Looks like I''ll get to finally test myself to the fullest.

    "No. Me and your Mother have come to take you home."

    "I HAVE NO HOME!"

    The Elder looks like he wants to say something, but holds his tongue. Instead, it is my Mother who speaks her mind.

    "You idiot son! How could you say that to us! We love you!"

    "LIAR! NOBODY HAS EVER LOVED ME! ALL I KNOW IS BETRAYAL BY THE ONES I HOLD DEAR AND I WILL NOT BE FOOLED AGAIN AFTER SO MANY TIMES!!!"

    The Elder finally speaks his mind after I say this.

    "The only ones who have been betrayed are your parents, Cyril. And we have no intention of letting you go. Even if it means killing you. Surrender. You are still a child and don''t know how to control all of that hidden power. You are no match for us even if you are a Black Dragon."

    "Pffft HAAHAHHAA! You guys? Kill me? Oh, now that is hilarious. Well? What are you waiting for? Comeand kill your son Mother, Father."

    ...........

    Now in a stare down, we wait for someone to make a move. It doesn''t look like I''ll need to worry too much about anybody other than Mom, Dad, Atlas, and the Elder making the first move since everybody else looks too nervous. I need to think about this. I haven''t really gotten too used to this new form and I don''t know all of its abilities yet. Being outnumbered I don''t see any way to come out of this unscathed. Wait! That''s it! Time to make my escape!

    "[Enfield x500]"

    I decide to act first before anyone else could and summon 500 Enfields that I saw in thesummoning book. A chimera-like creature with the head of a fox, the chest of a greyhound, the hindquarters and tail of a wolf and forelegs like an eagle''s talons. Since I''ve gained such enormous strength I''m able to summon an entire army of monsters to aid me in my escape.

    Certainly, they''re no match for 74 Dragons, but they''ll hold out long enough for me to get away.

    "It was a nice reunion with you all, but I have somewhere to be right now! Don''t worry though my friends will keep you company. ATTACK!!"

    As I give my farewell and turn to run I hear myMom calling out to me.

    "Where do you think you''re going, boy! [Ancient Fire]! "

    I take a peek behind me to see what kind of spell she cast at me. Charging its way through my Enfields toward me is a bright red fire blast as big as a 4 story building and it doesn''t look like I can dodge that!. I think quick and before it has a chance to get any closer I concentrate my fire breath into beam many times stronger than before and use it to blast myself out of the way.

    I look down the divide of my small army made from Mom''s spell and I spot her. A red scaled Dragon with a mouth like a crocodile two wings and walking on all fours is glaring at me. She''s around 30 feet high.

    I can see countless other Dragons as well firing off spells at my army. It seems like in a matter of minutes all of my Enfields have been defeated.

    "Give up and come home, Cyril! I don''t want to hurt you!"

    My Dad walks up to my Mom''s side and shouts this to me. He''s got to be at least ten feet taller than her. With a dark purple scales and a serpent-like body, four legs with razor-sharp claws like a Tiger''s. It looks exactly like the Chinese dragons.

    "You don''t want me to come home! You only want to betray me just like everyone else in this world!"

    "Fine. We''ll do this the hard way. Let''s go, Cassandra!"

    "Right!"

    Both of them begin their assault and I ready myself, but as soon as dashed forward I lost sight of them. How can such hulking monsters be this fast!

    "Up here!"

    "Behind you!"

    Before I could even spot them I hear Mom''s voice coming from above and Dad''s from behind. Damn! I don''t have time to dodge! Not even my concentrated fire breath will get me out of this.

    *BOOOOM*

    I couldn''t get out of the way and Mom ended up crushing me with her paw. The ground around us shook like a violent earthquake from the attack. As for Dad, it looks like he was just the backup in case their plan failed.

    I ended up coughing out blood from being crushed.

    "Oh,fuck I''m peeing blood tomorrow."

    Is this really how it ends? Knocked out in one attack? Pathetic. I didn''t even have a chance to fight back.

    I can''t hear anymore fighting. It sounds like all of my Enfields are dead and I can''t move. I doubt even my fire breath would do anything.

    "Time to go home, Cyril."

    "Ah, I should have summoned the Black Worm when I had the chance..."

    I regret my decision to summon a bunch of worthless beasts to fight FUCKING DRAGONS instead of mountain-sizeddeath worms before blacking out.

 Chapter 25:God of War

    Tayrn pov

    "No no no no no! How could this happen?! The infamous Black Dragon defeated?"

    After going through so much trouble to finally release his Dragon Form this is how it ends?

    "Master I do not believe you should worry. If they wanted to kill him he would already be dead. We still have time to figure out a plan. Besides, Cyril was still young and inexperienced. There was no way he could stand up to those two."

    Yes, yes. I still have time to think of a way to get him out.

    "This is may be true Ambrogino, but still... That pesky Dragon Elder and his space magic."

    "Indeed. Not just anybody can summon The Void."

    The Void. A realm where nothing exists and nearly inescapable. If only I could interact with mortals directly, then I could-

    "Master, Why do you not simply summon up a portal to the void and get him out?"

    "Because, did you ever think that he may go insane just at the sight of us? Heheh we did ruin his second chance at life, remember? No, I''ll need someone else to do it for me."

    My movements will most likely be restricted, as well. No doubt the other gods have caught on to my plans and informed their champions.

    *BAM*

    "Perhaps I could help?"

    While trying to think of what my next step should be, someone kicks the door to my home off its hinges. Cadmar. The God of War. Always looking for his next challenge and never stopping for anything other than the next opportunity for a War. Doned in head to toe in golden armor, standing at 7ft tall and a rough voice, Cadmar is War personified.

    "I have caught wind of your schemes just like all the others. Though, this one seems a bit more threatening than usual."

    "You just kicked down my door."

    "..."

    "Ambrgino. Leave us."

    "Yes, Master."

    Once Ambrogino leaves, I motion for Cadmar to come and sit at my dining table. Old and rickety just like the rest of this shit hole.

    "I see that you still enjoy a grand enchrance. So? Have you come tobring me before the others for judjment? Or...perhaps you would like to aid me?"

    "The latter, my friend. Laurent seems to agree with me. After all, what better way to celebrate a victory than with mead or wine?"

    Laurent, the God of Wine. Despite being a party animal he has done his fair share of bad deeds.

    "Listen, Tayrn. I know not the methods you used to return the infamous Black Dragon to us, but you have my thanks. Now my champion shall finally have a good fight."

    "You want Cyril to battle Donovan? Surely this is a joke?"

    "Joke? I am no comedian Tayrn. After all, what better opponent for my champion other than the great Black Dragon? You see, Donovan has become quite bored. He''s even bored with hunting Titans! Can you belileve it? HAHAAHA!"

    "You must be careful with your champion, Cadmar. If he gets bored enough he may even challenge you."

    Not every mortal is dumb enough to challenge the Gods. However, if they attain enough power, they somehow think they can kill even a God and deserve to be worshipped as such.

    "Well? How do you intend to help? You better not be talking out of your ass Cadmar."

    "Mm. You know I, just like all other Gods, have access to the void. After all, you know of all your little "creations" we had to throw in there."Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    "Oh, come now Cadmar! The cute little beasties didn''t deserve to be thrown into the void to waste away and you know it!"

    "Very funny, Tayrn. However, I do not see how a thousand-eyed monstrosity that makes others go mad just from a glance of it''s hideous face."

    I remember making Eriysichthon. Lots of eyes and a whole lots of tentacles. I was going through a bit of a phase at the time, but still something I am proud of. Too bad it died of starvation.

    "Now, my plan is to-."

    "I can already tell what you''re going to say, Cadmar. You will Pull him out of the void and send hime back to the world of the mortals, right?"

    "Uh yes. That is my plan."

    "The real question is, where are you planning on dropping him off?"

    "With my champion, of course! Who better to guard him from danger than Donovan?"

    Wait wait wait! So this muscle head''s idea is to send Cyril on his merry way with that battle crazed maniac? Ooohh this will be interesting.

    "Now I know what you are thinking! Are you insane? Wouldn''t Donovan immediately attack him? Well I''m just going to tell him that Cyril is an abandoned child I found and to take care of him!"

    "And you think that would work? In what world would that ever work?"

    "Do you have any other ideas? I mean, what should I tell him?"

    Hmm it shouldn''t be too difficult to fool his champion considering Cyril is still only a child. As long as Cyril doesn''t go crazy and plays along with this plan. Ugh I don''t have time for this! That stupid geezer could put the seal back on Cyril at any moment!I''m running out of time and I can''t think of anything.

    "You know what? Screw it! I don''t have enough time. Just make sure you do not mention me! There''s no way he''ll play along if he knows that I am involved."

    "That''s what I thought. Now, I''ll be on my way."

    Really? That''s what you thought, huh? You little-!

    Not noticing Cadmar leave due to being lost in thought, I couldn''t make a rebuttle in time. I really hate that meat head.

    <hr>

    Cyirl pov

    Nothing but pure darkness. Am I finally in Hell?

    "No. I can still feel this unyeilding anger in me.If only I was dead."

    "That is no way for a child to speak. Perhaps I can help?"

    A bright light appears from the never ending darkness and out steps a tall figure. He''s in golden armor from head to toe. He has this sort of choking pressure coming off of him. It''s similar to Tayrn''s. Is he a God?

    "Piss off. I don''t need help from a God."

    "Ho~ not even interested what I am the God of? Or even why I have shown myself to a mortal?"

    "Don''t care. Besides, it''s not like our interests would exactly align with eachother. I bet you just want something from me. Kill this person, cause destruction, ect. Why else would you show up infront of the Black Dragon and not make an attept at my life?"

    I glare at hime the entire time I am speaking. I truly hate these Gods. They only do things for themselves.

    "You''re a clever one, I''ll give you that. Though, it does not matter if you do not wish to listen. It''s not like you can go anywhere."

    Ugh why did I have to get caught? I could have just run away and continued killing. But now I have to listen to this guy..

    "To start, I am Cadmar, God of War and this is the void. A prison that no mortal can escape without proper knowledge of space magic. I have come to help you escape this place."

    "You want to help me escape? What''s the catch?"

    "Nothing. The only thing I ask in return is that you travel with my champion, Donovan. I feel as though you and him would make great comrades! Also, I believe he is the only person capable of protecting you from the upcoming War you''ve started."

    "War?! How did I start a War?"

    "Hahaa! Simply by existing, child! May I remind you that a Black Dragon is the most feared thing in this world? A human who has seen your Dragon form would have surely reported to his King by now and humans love their gossip, so I am certain word has spread to at least the elves."

    Just by existing I started a War? That''s just depressing! Causing so much death just from being born. Wait wait! I can use this.

    My mouth curls into a wicked grin.

    If this is true, then I''ll have plenty of people out for my head. Then, I''d be able to kill as many people as I''d want!

    "You''re probably thinking something like ''That would mean people would be after me, so I can murder a whole lot of people.'' Right?"

    Hit the nail right on the head.

    "Well people won''t just be after you. They''ll be after the Dragons as well. Not that a Black Dragon has appeared, everyone with figure out that they missed some Dragons during that whole genocide after the previous Black Dragon''s death and that they repopulated somewhere. So? What do you think happens next?"

    "Everyone will also start hunting Dragons."

    "Exactly. That is why you must leave this place to guarantee your people''s safety. As long as you are not here, people will hunt you and leave the other Dragons be. Do you understand now?"

    "I don''t really care what happens to my people anymore. As long as I get to fight, then I''ll fight."

    I say this without stuttering once. I seems to shock Cadmar a little, but he gets over it quickly and continues.

    "I see. I would expect no less from the infamous Black Dragon."