《Chronicles of the Sovereign Otherworlder》


 WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME

    Welcome to my story, hope it''s to everyone liking. Also if you have time please leave a review or comment.


    ********************


    Dawn


    "Young lord......it''s morning, you need to get up."


    ".....Go Away!" grumbled the young man as he rolled away from the man trying to wake him.


    "I''m afraid I cannot do that my lord, since it is now morning, you need to get up and go to breakfast so you can begin to carry out your duties."


    "Five more minutes damnit!!"


    "....................My lord, I must remind you to please reframe from saying such terms.........don''t forget that if someone suspects you are not the young lord and managed to prove it, then it will be the end for us."


    "........Sorry, can you let me collect my thoughts for a moment." answered the young man. Hearing that last statement took away any drowsiness he had left.


    "Of course my lord, I''ll wait for you outside."


    Sliding off the bed, the young man gave a short yawn cursing as he made his way to his closet to get dress thankful that his personal servant had sent everyone else away.


    DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!! I''m still here. Why me?!!!! Come on, get it together Tony, you can do this. I guess by now you guys are wondering what''s going on. I''m sure everyone has heard the saying ''Being at the wrong place at the wrong time'' right? Well that saying sums up the last two weeks of my life since I''ve come to this world.


    Yeah you heard me, I''m no longer on Earth. Instead, I''m at some backwards place call Varios-Reinos. Honestly, how I got here is anyone guess. Going by the rumors it seems some idiot here used some kind of unknown ancient relic that ripped open a portal that I, <u>OUT OF ALL THE PEOPLE ON EARTH</u>, just happen to be present when it was open. Talk about bad luck.


    It happened on a Saturday evening. I was in the middle of walking my dog through the park when a strong gush of wind followed by a bright circle of light appeared in front of me. Like any rational human being, I screamed, dropped my dog lease, turned around and ran like hell from that area cursing my dog when I saw it flee past me also seeking to get away. In the end I was unable to escape that light and ended up blacking out. By the time I recovered, I had become trapped in this world, but enough about that for now, the last thing I need is to be late for breakfast.


    Having finish getting dress, Tony headed out the room following his personal servant to the great hall for breakfast. His servant name was Wallace who looked to be in his late forties, however in the two weeks that Tony had been here, he had come to realize not to go by looks. Trying not to draw any attention, Tony quietly took his seat waiting for breakfast to be serve ignoring the stares of others present in the room. At the table with him was his so called ''family'' which included his only surviving uncle along his wife, his crippled grandmother, the constable, the head knight, and a few other fortress council members.


    Wallace was right, these people still suspect that I might be an imposter. SHIT!!!!.....................Okay first calm down, now remember the routine Wallace showed me and followed it as close as possible.


    Thankfully, Tony somehow made it through another breakfast without any problems and was lead by Wallace back to his room where he had about two hours to his self before he had to head to the council hall to start his daily duties, until then Wallace would be standing guard outside his room. Sitting down, Tony retrieve a box from under his bed. Opening it, he pulled out what was known in this world as a memory shard.


    Well time to go through this bastard memories again. The bastard that I''m refering to was an young man name Felix Gates. He was one of the last surviving desendents of the once powerful Gates Family who could trace their roots all the way back to the old empire. As for how I obtain his memories, it happened two weeks ago after I woke up and realize that I was transported to another world. It didn''t take much for me to know I was on a different planet, waking up in what I could only assume was an ancient jungle ruins and seeing three big moons in the sky was my first clue. Not being able to find any star constellations that I could recognize was my second clue. Finally coming across creatures that I was certain had never, ever existed on earth was my final clue.


    After coming to that conclusion, it''s only natural that I would suffer a mental breakdown, one that I refuse to talk about. Just know that it wasn''t until around noon the next day that I regain my sanity and started thinking about how I was going to survive. The end result of that was me spending the next two days walking through the woods marking trees with my pocket knife as I silently cried like a bitch. I avoided any and all wildlife present, praying for anything to send me back home as I search for water and shelter.........................No one answered my prayers. Actually I can''t really say no one answered my prayers, because after I became aware of all the dangerous creatures that lived in that area even I wondered how I didn''t get killed during that time.


    Finally on the fourth day I came out of the forest line on a hill and spotted what appeared to be a town not to far away. Perhaps had I not been on the verge of death beacuse of thirst and starvation, I might would have realize that that town was far from being my saving grace. Instead it almost finish the job of sending me to my grave. If I had been clear headed I would have realize that smoke I saw rising from the place was because the town was being hazed to the ground.


    However I was to caught up in my delusions to even consider such a thing, at least until I saw what appeared to be humanoid figures being attack and eaten on the path ahead of me as they tried to make it to the forest line I had just came out of. Could my luck really be so fucked up? Do I really need to answer that question given all the shit I had been through the last few days? Resisting the strongest urge to just lay down on the path and wait for it all to end, I cried my way back into the forest.


    As I ran through the woods, the screams of death became louder and closer to me, and I knew it was only a matter of time before I would be caught up in the situation. Coming across a low branch tree I use the last of my strength to climb it hiding my self behind the tree thick canpony after realizing I had reach my limit. With fatigue getting the best of me I blocked out the slaughter happening right below my feet as my conscious faded away. The next day I awoke from my little coma thankful that I was still perch in the tree. Hearing no shouting or crying I assume that the situation had passed, another thing that I was thankful for. However I still had no idea what to do next. I knew that trying to go any further without food or water would be the end of me and there was no telling how far the next town was.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    With that in mind I chose to wait for evening to make my way back to that place to see if there was anything I could salavge to survive. Upon entering that place I realize that it was more of a village than a town like I originaly thought. From their clothes to their apperance that I could make out everything scream medieval fantasy world. Again I couldn''t help wonder how the fuck did I get caught up in this mess as I cautiously look for food and water. No, I didn''t look for any survivors, I had concluded early that day that the people here probably wouldn''t understand me or my situation and would only consider me a threat. My plan was to quickly find what I need and get the hell out of dodge as I tried my best to ignore the rancid smell at assualted my nose.


    Most of the buildings in the village had been burned to the ground which only left me with a few partically burnt building to choose from. I chose to try the building on the far right. Before I could enter, I was struck from behind. Given my already weaken state I was in no condiction to fight back. I was flipped on my back as two hands grip the sides of my head and my eyes was force open. My attacker was some bloodied warrior that had somehow survive this ordeal. He then started mumbling some weird shit as our bodies took on a faint light, and I felt my mind being pentrated to the point I thought my head would explode...........Once again I lost coniousness.


    When I woke up, my head was killing me, I had the worse migraine ever. I also notice that I had been moved. Gone was the burnt down village and burnt villagers, gone was the unforgiven dreadful forest and creatures that should just stay imaginary. Gone was the bastard that sucker punch me and his weird mumblings. In it''s place was a draft room that was somewhat lavishly decorated.


    While I was sure this was the first time I had ever been here, everything looked familar to me. Hearing shouting to my left I turned to see five armed guards keeping watch over me and behind them was two servants fussing. Like this room, I knew I had never seen them before, however I knew their names Wallace and Mason. Their argurment stop when one of guards notified them that I was awake.


    Before any of them could questioned me, I called out to Wallace wanting to see if the name I had penned to the man was correct. That simple act saved my life that day, that one act allowed Wallace to clear out the guards and Mason and allowed the two of us to talk without being supervised. Wallace took no time in figuring out I wasn''t Felix and quickly made me aware that if it was found out I would be beheaded.


    Wallace also told me about the world I had been transported to. Varios-Reinos, a world of sword and magic, where all kinds of creatures exists. No one knew how big this world was and given the slow mordernation as well as other realms that existed here I doubt if anyone would figure out any time soon. But none of that mattered to me, there was only one thing on my mind, and that was HOW DO I GET BACK HOME?!...................Needless to say neither of us knew the answer to that. What we did know was that I need to play up the part of being Felix of the Gates family if I wanted to keep my head.


    The Gates was a family of nobles from the old empire that had managed to survive after the empire had fallen. Since then no new kingdom or empire had risen and the land had pretty much become a place of warring states. While the Gates had managed to survive up til this point their house was on the verge of collapsing. Constant wars for terriories and resources and attacks by monsters horde had slowly killed off their members. The Gates was also a family of magicans.


    As I stated earlier this was a world of magic. Here magic was hereditary. As long as one had one parent that could use magic there was a chance of that magic being pass on (Also the stronger the parent was with magic the better). Children that had both parents that use magic would end up recieving magic from the parent with the strongest genes (and in some rare occasion they recieve both). Magic users here was capable of usings magic as conjurors and enchanters.


    All magic users have a magic mark somewhere on thier bodies. As their magic grow so do their mark. However all magic users need a trigger to awaken their abilities. The easiest way do this was to comsume a magic core of an majestic beast or another magic user who have awaken (Majestic Beasts are any animal capable of using magic). I''m pretty sure you all can figure out which one the inhabitants of this world usually chooses. Even though there was no way of leveling up, magicans and warriors was classified in four groups: Low tier, Mid tier, High tier, and Master. Once thier magic has awaken, it was their responsibility to strengthen their magic which could only be done by training and comsuming high tier or master grade magic cores. Of course there was some who believe that comsuming any type of magic core would benefit thier advancment.


    Another way to awaken was to form a life pact with a majestic beast that was in the category of high tier or higher. The process of forming the pact would jump start the magican abitlities. However that majestic beast needed to have the same magical abilties as the user in order to awaken thier abilities. Good luck with that. The Gates Family was a family that specialized in all types of tranfer magic. Presently the family consisted of Felix Gates (previously Master, now dormant), his uncle who was acting as the family head (low tier), his crippled grandmother (weaken mid tier), one elder (weaken master), and a slew of younger cousins (dormant).


    The village that Tony had come across doing his fight for survival had been the meeting point for raiders who had kidnap several newly awaken Gates family members who was in the process of moving to the family secret safe heaven. However that fact had been leaked to other magican families who organize a raid. Recieving word about the attack, Felix rush to intercept the raiders without waiting for reinforcements. By the time the Gates men of arms arrive, the battle was over and all those involve were either dead or near death.


    Felix death came at the hands of having his magic restricted by a raider that practice sealing magic which left him unable to complete the mind transfer spell that would have cause the two of us to switch bodies. While Wallace was praising his lord for his bravery and courage, I could only curse the bastard that tried to captain gin** me with a magic spell. But as you can see I''m still alive and kicking. That right bastards, Tony Shift has lived to see another day. Since awakening in this fortress I''ve been spending all my spare time using these memory shards to familiarize myself with all of Felix Gates memories that is available. I also recieve his magic ability but it has now gone dormant until I can find a way to awaken it.


    Going by Wallace statement, since Felix had advance his abilities to the highest tier then the only way I could awaken my powers was to comsume a magic core of the same grade. LIKE I CARE ABOUT THAT! THERE''S NO WAY IN HELL I''M GOING TO THAT FOREST TO HUNT ANY KIND OF HIGH GRADE MAGICAL BEAST! I JUST WANT TO GO HOME DAMNIT!!!!!!


    Tony''s rant was cut short by Wallace coming in to notify him that it was time to head to council hall.


    Look like it''s time to play Felix once again.


    As he followed Wallace to the council hall, Tony wondered how much longer he could keep up the act. His so called family was aware something had gone wrong with the magic transfer spell. This wasn''t Felix first time using mind transfer magic, he had used it quite a few times already without any issues. Even though they had their suspicions, his family had decided to wait for their elder to return before passing judgement. Turns out the Gates elder was said to possess perception magic along with transfer magic. If that is true then Tony was screwed. Even so, at this point Tony didn''t have any other options.


    ***********************


    Well that''s all for this chapter. Till next time

 The Elders Judgement

    ****************


    Gates Family Private Training Yard


    "What the hell are you doing?" Wallace questioned glaring at his charge lying on the ground.


    "I''m enjoying the finer taste of dirt, can''t you tell?"


    "You really think you have time to be joking like that?"


    "Who''s joking?" Tony challenge spitting out a mixture of dirt and salavia.


    "Didn''t I tell you to famaliarize yourself with Lord Felix combat abilities with the memory shards?"


    "I did, otherwise I''m pretty sure I''d be on my way to see the healer from that attack."


    "Need I remind you that the elder is bound to return any day now."


    "No you don''t need to remind me, however it seems someone needs to remind you that this body is not some warrior''s body that''s been through countless battles."


    "Any idiot can see that. Why do you think I called out my attack?"


    "Like that matters, so I know what move you''re performing. None of that means shit when my body is unable to perform the necessary counter moves to avoid your attack. Any idiot can see that." Tony mocked catching his breath.


    ".............<u>GET. UP.</u>"


    Yeah, I''ve clearly piss him off. I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut.


    It''s been 4 months now since Tony came to this world. 4 months without a phone, tv, social media, video games, porn, alcohol, and most of all junk food, the seven necessities of life. While he refused to admit it, Tony knew he was having some form of withdrawal symptom that was clearly clouding his judgement because clear headed Tony would know not to piss off a seasoned warrior like Wallace. Picking up his sword and taking his stance, the two of them carried on with their spar and after a servere beat down, Tony was sent to the healers to recover.


    Since Tony started his deception as Felix, he followed a simple routine.


    At dawn, Tony would get up, have breakfast, after which he would have a few hours to himself before meeting with his uncle and council members to go over the family business. In the past the Gates family territory had been as large as Texas but now their territory was around the size of West Virginia. The family kept their focus on seven key villages. Four of them were mining towns, one village for training and teaching those the family recruited, and the last two were merchant towns on the north and south border line. Surrounding these villages and the family territory were three fortress''s in an triangle formation with several outpost stationed throughout the territory. The family sold and traded enchanted items based off thier magic and others they were affiliated with. These meetings would carry on until a little after noon before the group departed to have lunch.


    After lunch, Tony was left to train on his own for about an hour before Wallace would show up to begin thier sparring session that lasted until Tony could no longer stand, requiring the family healer to come to tend to his injuries thus ending his training session. The last couple of hours before dinner was usually spent learning about Varios-Reinos. If the earth was like a ball then Varios-Reinos was a collection of boxes that was connected and maintain by magic. Still no one would fall off the plane in the realm they were in, instead they would run into a cloudly magical barrier that prevented them from moving forward. Most realms had three to fours continents, but there were a few realms that only had islands and each realms varied in size.


    Typically each known realm was named after the majority race that inhabit that realm, but there were a few exceptions like the realm Tony was in. This realm was known as the Outer Realm. The Outer Realm was mainly a realm of monsters, while the other inhabitants here were those who''d fled their homes, or was exiled, or caught up in a rift opening that brought them here. Most of the races here had come to tolerate each other in order to increase their chances of survival aside from a few stubborn ones.


    After dinner, Tony would decline to join the rest of the family for their nightly entertainment, instead he would retire to his room where he continued using the memory shards to learn all he could about Felix and his abilities. Felix was a ruthless man, known by his family and friends as ''Fearless Felix'' while his enemies called him ''Felix the Butcher'', he was a one man army on the battlefield. Felix had no mercy for his enemies and never forgave anyone who cross him, and with his mastery of transfer magic there weren''t many who were willing to challenge him. It was also because of his transfer magic that Tony had no idea of Felix''s real age but was certain the man had lived at least a century, meaning the man had a hundred years worth of fighting and magic experience for Tony to comb through.


    The more Tony found out about Felix, the more he felt he had no chance of making the Gates believe he was Felix. He couldn''t understand how Wallace thought some 6''2, 19 year old ''gamer/writer'' wannabe from the states with barely any history of fighting could suddenly turn into some badass killing machine overnight. Things like that only happen in stories. However, Tony prayed that everything would work out in the end.


    As for his family, the only one who had warmed up to him was his grandmother, Fleurette Gates. She was 5''9 with a kind but stern apperance. Through Felix''s memories, Tony was aware the man spent all of his spare time with his grandmother. The lady kept her distance at first, but she had slowly start to come around. She could always be found in either the family library or enchanment hall. Fleurette was currently fighting to overcome a sealing spell that had paralyed her and stripped her of her magic for years. As of now she had work her way back to mid tier and had regain some mobility of her upper body, but she was still unable to walk and had little stamina.


    But her knowledge on Varios-Reinos was superb. It was from her that Tony learned just how lucky he was to survive his trek through the Dreaded Forest. Most of their time together was spent with Fleurette explaining to Tony things Wallace had not made clear, like how the council members were relatives but was force to use their maiden names. In return, ''Felix'' would tell her ''memories and stories'' he had acquired from his latest victim that Fleurette felt could be useful. There were many close calls during these little get together but Tony managed to fumbled his way out of them thankful Fleurette didn''t press the issue.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The rest of the family kept their distance, spying on Tony from the shadows. Tony blamed Felix for this, the man was arrogant and didn''t hesitate to suppress or intimadate those he felt below him. For them, this was thier best chance to get rid of the bastard. All they needed was proof of Tony deception and the Elder would take care of the rest. The only thing Tony had going for him was that they were too traumatized by Felix past expoilts to try anything openly.


    *************************


    MORNING


    "Elder Francois has return."


    Tony froze hearing those words, while Wallace stood by his side gauging Tony reaction.


    "Has he sent word for me?"


    "Yes, you are to meet him in his study after breakfast."


    "ShitshitshitshitSHIT!!!!"


    "My lord-


    "I know, I know, language." Tony interrupted Wallace calming down after taking a deep breath.


    Damn!!! Why did he have to return now? Why couldn''t he had given me a few more months. Fuck!!!!!


    ".....................Be honest Wallace, if you were the elder would you believe I was Felix?"


    "....................."


    "I''m guessing it''s to late to flee."


    "That was never an option my lord."


    "Can I skip breakfast?"


    "I wouldn''t advise it."


    "Any suggestions?"


    "..................."


    So this is it huh.


    Tony''s mind went through all the scenarios he could think of as he slowly got dress. He prolong breakfast as much as he could, glaring at the elated faces of his family. Only his grandmother had a worried look about the situation, not that she could do anything about it. With breakfast over, Tony made his way to the study, losing count over how many times he had to stop himself from fleeing in the opposite direction.


    "Thanks for everything Wallace."


    "..............You''re welcome. But there''s no need to thank me. I''ll probably be joining you in a few days."


    "Why?"


    "Lets just say someone wants me dead before I can surpass them, and ''you'' was the only thing holding them back."


    "Can''t you ask the family for help."


    "Your uncle will be happy with the money that he will get for my head rather than my loyalty, and with him being the head of the family, there will be no objections to his decision."


    "......Sorry."


    "This isn''t your fault. It''s like that saying you quote all the time: Shit Happens." Wallace laughed while Tony fought the tears that threaten to fall from his eyes. Arriving at the study, Wallace announced ''Felix'' presence wishing him good luck as Tony was told to enter.


    The first thing Tony notice when he entered was the strong magical pressure flowing throughout the room. Wallace had warned him that Elder Francois would be testing him, but Tony had took that waaaay to lightly. He could barely greet the man. Elder Francois look to be in his late 40''s, about 6''5 with short graying hair. He reminded Tony of Smok** from One P**** without the cigars. He even had a few scars going across his face.


    ".................You.....are not Felix."


    ".........no sir." Tony answered falling into the chair as his legs gave out.


    "Who are you?"


    "T-T-Tony Shift."


    "What are you doing here?"


    "I have no idea.................I just know that I don''t want to die."


    "Some things are unavoidable boy."


    "........Then I would very much like to live as long as possible."


    "How?"


    "Excuse me."


    "How do you plan on doing that? You impersonated yourself as Felix for months, <u>eating our food, using our resources all while you made my family look like a bunch of fools.</u>"


    "...........It was Felix that attacked me first.............I can''t help it that something went wrong with whatever he was trying to do to me and things didn''t work out. Believe me I was in no shape to fight back."


    "So why didn''t you tell anyone?"


    "Because it was made clear to me that I would be killed if I did, everyone here wants me dead except maybe Mrs. Fleurette. Look sir, I didn''t plan for any of this to happen."


    "I''m am aware of that. I can''t say I know much about you boy but even I can see that your luck is horrible."


    ".......So what''s going to happen to me."


    "Personally, you''re better off dead. At least in death there would be no suffering. Felix''s was no saint boy, and I''ve long lost count the number of enemies he has made, and before you even ask about us allowing you to sneak away don''t forget that you have information about this family that we can''t have others discovering. You also have Felix abilities but until you can awaken them they are useless. Do you truly believe that you can over come all of this?"


    "...................I-I-I don''t know. But I would at least like to be given a chance sir."


    Elder Francois stuided the boy for a few minutes before he reach for his pocket causing Tony to gulp with fear before sighing in relief when he realize the man was only pulling a shard out of his pocket.


    "Here, I believe you know what this is. I haven''t eaten anything since I arrive so I''m going to get something to eat. While I''m gone I want you to go through that shard. When I get back, I''m going to repeat my question and your answer will decide your fate. You understand?"


    "..........Yes sir."


    "Good."


    With those words, Elder Francois left while Tony picked up the shard that would finally settle everything. When Elder Francois return, he found the boy pale face and huddling on the floor. There were no words for Tony to describe the horrors he saw. That shard was a compilation of several Gates members darkest moments at the hands of their enemies which was so horrible that it made all horror movies Tony had ever seen look like a kid flick. There was a part of him that wanted to believe he could end it all before he would be captured, but given that he was in a world of magic, Tony knew better.


    "So tell me boy, what''s you answer?" The elder asked looking at the boy tear stricken face.


    "K...........will it be painless."


    "You are not our enemy, your death will be as quick and painless as possible."


    ".........I''m sure you know about Wallace problem. Is there any way you can help him?"


    "Sorry but Wallace is on his own."


    "I see.................Elder Francois.................there is no way I can say with certanly that I can overcome the perils in front of me, and I''m aware that even the weakest of Felix enemies would have no problem putting me down. Maybe it might be better to just die now, but I want to live sir."


    "You''re sure about this?"


    "......yeah. I know I''m not some great warrior or master magican but where I''m from we have a saying: One who is cornered will fight like a beast."


    "So be it.........since that''s your answer I will allow you to continue your little ruse as Felix. It makes no sense for me to do anyone else dirty work. But don''t think I''m doing you any favors. Felix also kept the family enemies at bay, right now this family is in no condition to fight any battle and I plan on doing everything I can to keep it that way for as long as possible. If anything happens, you only have yourself to blame. Good luck boy."


    ".....I understand.............thank you sir."


    Standing up, Tony excused himself before high tailing it out of the study heading to his room where he vomited in his bathroom while he cried in relief. Reentering his room, he encountered Wallace who learned of Elder Francois decision. Seeing how mentally drained Tony was, Wallace advised him to rest for today, knowing Tony was no longer capable of carrying out his duties.


    *********************

 So I can use magic

    "I see that you''ve return, how unfortunate. I had hoped that your travels had finally led to your demise." Fleurette stated putting down her book when she saw the elder enter the library.


    After his interrogation of ''Felix'', Master Francois continued his rounds throughout the manor, giving out orders where needed and recieving reports that he had missed. Having finished everything he had come here under the guise of dropping off some new books for the library to meet Fleurette.


    "Nice to see you too, Fleurette. It seems that your recovery is coming along just fine. If only we could say the same about your attitude."


    "If you want someone to show you respect you have to earn it."


    "You''re saying I haven''t earn your respect."


    "No, you had it, however you lost it the day you did nothing to the elders that used me as a shield to save their own asses."


    Elder Francois gave a short sigh in defeat before checking to make sure they were alone knowing this was not a conversation that he would win. When he was sure no one was spying on them he gave Fleurette the signal to continue.


    "First, I want to thank you for sparing the young man. He has some unique information that I believe could be very useful- Hey stop frowning! No one has had more contact with Felix than the two of us, and I have had months to figure out the truth. Wallace did an incredible job in hiding everything. Only someone with your level of perception would be able to figure out the truth." Fleurette commented.


    "Please just stop, none of that is making me feel reassured." Francois pleaded as Fleurette gave him a look of annoyance.


    "How did your negotiation go with the other houses?"


    "Pretty much like you expected it, all the houses who still have a pact with us will honor it and aid us if need be, the rest have refused to make any new pacts no mattered what I offered. I was even told by House Bravemight to return their men and hand over any enchanted items given to us by them."


    "My, how couragouse of them. To think that they would have the gall to turn their backs on us. I guess they''re forgotten we''re the ones who took those strays in when all the others houses were enslaving them. I can''t wait for the day I fully recover, I''ll be sure to pay House Bravemight a visit and have Aramis explain his actions.


    "Aramis is dead."


    ".......So this was his son Armin decision?" Fleurette questioned in shock.


    "No this decision was made by someone from their branch family I''ve never met before. Aramis, Armin, everyone we knew in the Bravemight House have died or gone missing. The excuse given is they died in a horde attack by some unknown majestic beasts."


    ".........Really, they all gave up their lives fighting a horde of mysterious majestic beasts without ever considering retreating. Do the Warden House and Vodun Order take the rest of us to be a bunch of fools?"


    "It doesn''t matter what they think, we have our own problems to worry about. We need to prepare before we end up following House Bravemight." Francois declared.


    "How much time do you estimate we have?"


    "More than you think, The Bravemight may have been defeated but it was a costly victory. From the intel I''ve gathered Armin led their men in taking out over half of the invading army, and Aramis destroyed most of the Bravemight valuables, while the majority of his family took their own lives after realizing there was no escape."


    "They underestimated them." Fleurette stated.


    "And Felix''s battle with those raiders gave them another blow. They''re going to have restructure their army so they''re going to be busy right up to the Season of Realms."


    "If that is true then that''s good, by then I should have full use of my upper body and my magic should reach high tier."


    "How are the survivors from the raid?"


    "They''ll live, however only a few of them will be of any use to us. Most of them had their magic sealed and it will take years for the others to get over the trauma they recieve. We''re better off awakening the young ones." Fleurette answered.


    "..............................Very well." Francois agreed frowning.


    "Look, I don''t like this any more than you do but our options are few. It''s better that those kids fight and die than be captured."


    "What about Foley and the other council members?"


    "They''ve been quiet since the raid, we need to identify who''s a traitor and eliminate them as soon as possible. Foley''s too stupid to realize he''s been used as a tool against us, I told you it was a mistake to appoint him as acting Head. All he does is cater to council and other Houses and folic with his newly hired servants."


    ".....What about the boy."


    "He''s no Felix''s but he has his own usefulness, even more than Foley. You need to let Wallace continue to aid him, I''ll help him out as much as I can. Still, it''s hard to believe Felix''s is dead."


    "It almost sound as if you miss him."


    "The only thing I miss is losing my chance to slay that ungrateful rouge for trying to start a new House. By the way, just how did that young man resist him."


    "From what I could gather, Felix was careless. He never suspected that raiding party would seal off the area and obliterate their own men just to kill him when they realize they couldn''t defeat him."


    "So Felix was their true target."


    "Yeah, although he defeated those assassins, his weaken state made him desperate, if he had waited for morning when his men would arrive he would have lived. But when he sense that boy presence he acted. Had it been anyone else from a known realm, Felix would have succeeded. But that boy is from a realm without magic. I''m still trying to figure out how Felix was able to imprint his magic mark on the boy. It looks like Felix had some secrets even we didn''t know about. Those rumors that Felix was caught in a seal is just something our enemies are using to influence the other Houses.....(Suddenly Elder Francois stop talking glaring at the door).....Here are the books you requested. I''ll be leaving in the morning, so I''ll leave things here in your hands. I hope you use them better than you use your legs."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll complete my tasks. If that is all then please leave. I still have things I need to do. I''m sure you need to prepare as well, we wouldn''t want your travels to the end of you."


    The two gave one another a knowing look before parting ways.


    =====================


    CONSTABLE QUARTERS (EVENING)


    "You''re serious......that bastard is really Master Felix?"


    "I''m not sure Lord Foley. I just know that Elder Francois didn''t kill him, as we speak, Master Felix is resting in his room." Mason answered watching as Foley slammed his fist on the table. Foley was the Gates Family acting head. He looked to be in his mid 40''s with balding long dark hair and eyes. He had a short goatee and he stood about 6''0 ft. His body was somewhat muscular if one disregard his bulging stomach.


    "That''s enough Foley, you need to calm down." Constable Jacoby reminded. Jacoby had the apperance of a tanned drill sergeant (bald head, short mustache, piss off).


    "How can I be calm given the situation?! That bastard still lives! Do you really think Felix hasn''t realize that he was betrayed? We both know what that monster is capable of, and we both know he''s going to go on a rampage once he''s recovered. You told me this ''Felix'' was an imposter, so why didn''t the Elder take care of him?!"


    "I don''t know, but right now we need to keep everyone from suspecting us. No one in the family can prove anything, not even Francois, so we''ll put suspicion on someone else. As for Felix, we''ll deal with him in time. You''ve already waited this long to gain full control of the family, waiting a little longer shouldn''t be a problem."This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "........You''re right, it''s just I''ll feel better with Felix dead you know, one less problem to worry about."


    "Everyone knows your family reputation. There''s no doubt the other Houses are reevaluating how to handle them. We just need to be patience and wait for the right moment to strike, in the end-"


    "Everything will be ours." Foley finished chuckling.


    "It''s almost time for the family''s evening activities. There will be rumors spreading if you don''t show yourself, and I have other business to take care of." Constable Jacoby reminded as all three of them stood to leave. He smiled at Foley as he was led away by his servant Mason only to scowl at thier backs when they were out of sight.


    ''Everything will be ours''...........ha honestly how much of a fool can you be.


    After Jacoby arrive at his villa, he entered the hidden dungeon located under his home. His face had a look of relish at the fear that emitted from the prisoners who notice him as he made his way to the last cell at the end of the corridor where the guards quickly saluated him bofore opening the cell. Inside was a frail elderly woman chain up on the wall. Jacoby strode up to the woman giving her a hard slap to knock the distant look off her face enjoying her fearful expression when she came to her senses.


    "I thought you told me Felix was dead?"


    "He......is....dead." The woman answered weakly before she was slap again.


    "THEN WHY DIDN''T THE ELDER KILL HIM??!!!!"


    "I....don''t know......(cough)....but Felix is dead.........I can no longer sense him.....all I can sense.......is a stray from a unknown realm....(cough)......he may have Felix''s magic (cough) but.......he is not Felix." The woman answered while Jacoby studied her.


    "You wouldn''t be lying to me would you?"


    "NO..no I''m not lying. I''ll make a pact- Her voice was cut off as Jacoby roughly grabbed her neck choking her.


    "Yes you''d love that wouldn''t you. You''ll make a pact with me just so you can break it and lose your perception magic. Don''t play games with me bitch! You think I can''t tell what you''re up to?! If you don''t want to cooperate then I guess I''ll need to start focusing on your grandson."


    "I''ll cooperate I swear!-" The woman replied before having a coughing fit.


    "Then lets hear it! What are your orders?!"


    "My orders are to restrict......everyone perception on you and your men.........and report anything I find out about the Gates family and council members." The woman answered as Jacoby smiled. He gave the woman a light slap on her swollen face and was about to leave before he thought of something.


    "Ah, that''s right, this is the day I come to brief you on your grandson isn''t it." Jacoby remembered pulling out a memory shard and placing it on the opposite side of the room. "I''ll leave it here for now, you can use it when your hands are free. Remember, as long as you follow orders your grandson will be safe." Jacoby lied smirking as the woman broke down sobbing.


    Having obtain the information that he wanted, Jacoby left the dungeon.


    Just what is Francois thinking? Whatever it is it I won''t let it hinder my plans, and since Felix is dead all that''s left is one crippled bitch and one dying elder. After I''ve dealt with them, I''ll enslave the others......hahahaha the era of the House of Gates is finally coming to it''s end. thought Jacoby as he retired for the night.


    ********************


    "Do we have any other books on traveling between realms?" Tony asked.


    A few days had pass since his encounter with Elder Francois. At present he was in the library with Mrs. Fleurette looking for books to return home in exchange for explaining to her all he knew about cell phones. The lady in question was currently fiddling with what he assume to be seashells, and every now and then she would stop to takes note on the side while mumbling.


    "There are others but are you sure you want to browse through them? If you''re not careful the content in those books will kill you." Fleurette warn.


    Fuck that. "Nono, that''s fine." Tony sighed.


    "I realize you''re eager to return home-


    Oh god not the ''be patience'' speech! Tony thought as Fleurette lectured him.


    Tony wasn''t surprise when his ''grandmother'' had mentioned that she knew he wasn''t Felix. Given how much time these two spent together and all those slip ups he had he suspected it would happen eventually. However, he was shock to find out Felix''s true motives for being a caring grandson. The man was trying to break Fleurette mind to get information on enchanments that only she and the elder knew about. It was from this that Tony realize that when he used the memory shards, he also needed to look for motives along with the memories.


    "Am I boring you?" Fleurette inquired.


    "No ma''am." Tony lied as he broke out in cold sweat at the woman hard glare.


    "Here, catch." Fleurette commanded throwing an object the size and shape of a tennis ball at him.


    Tony fumbled with the object before finally catching it, watching in amazement as the object glowed brightly before fusing into his hand. He felt a cool sensation flow from his hand all throughout his body giving him a surge of energy.


    "Before you start, yes that was a magic core, however your abilities are still dormant. You have already awaken once so technically you just need to find an alternate source to fuel your magic." Fleurette explain chuckling at Tony baffled expression. "Low tier cores will last you a few days at most. If you have some mana shards you can use them to keep the cores active." Fleurette answered.


    Just like a battery. That means mid tier should last about a week, and high tier maybe two weeks. I guessing the more I used my magic the less time I''ll have and mana shards can recharge the cores I''m utilizing. Tony thought.


    "Can''t you guys just awaken my magic?"


    "I hate to break it to you, but the master cores we currently have in our possession have been used to some extent so even if we gave them to you, your situation wouldn''t change. You also need to remember that you will be force to make a pact with us before we give you one." Fleurette reminded.


    So they are aware I''m not under the family''s pact. Never underestimate perception magic, man I really miss being on earth, Tony thought sighing as he started straightening up his area. Judging by the setting sun, he knew it wouldn''t be long before Wallace came to fetch him for dinner.


    "Starting tomorrow instead of coming here, you should use that time to focus on your magic to see what you''re capable of. You shouldn''t have any problems considering you have Felix memories to aid you, if you do then get Wallace to help you. I don''t mind Wallace knowing about our little conversation but I forbid you to tell anyone else."


    =========================


    one month later


    =========================


    GATES FAMILY PRIVATE TRAINING YARD


    Tony glared at the three guards circling him as he kept a firm grip on his short sword and shield while crouching low. A second later he jumped at the guard in front of him slashing at the man. The guard held up his shield to parry the attack while the other two flank Tony from behind stabbing at him with their weapons. Tony smirked at them as his body disappeared avoiding thier attacks. The three guards quickly put their backs to each other waiting for Tony to reappear. Hearing a shout above them, they raised thier heads and was hit by a cloud of dirt.


    The unprepared guards curse in irritation while Tony reappeard slashing at their unprotected legs before finishing up with a stab that subdued two of them. The last guard avoided Tony attack with a sidestep bashing him away with his shield which sent Tony spiraling to the ground. The guard moved in for the killing blow when he felt his sword disappear followed by his shield, still the guard charge forward catching Tony off guard with a swift kick to the gut.


    SHIT Tony curse as he skidded across the gound letting go of his shield. Right before that kick Tony had tried to teleport away but felt something anchor him to the ground. His chest and stomach felt as if they were on fire, however Tony manage to stay focus pushing himself off the ground and throwing his sword at his attacker. The guard paused briefly knocking the sword away with his gaunlet, before arriving in front of Tony throwing a powerful punch his way.


    "Transfer Body."  Tony chanted. He used his sword as a distraction to allow himself to call forth more magic countering the force holding him down and marking the unknown magician waiting for the perfect moment to switch places. The magican was startled when he appeared in front of the guard taking his punch which knock him out, while Tony teleported behind the guard using his arms to strangle him and his legs to restrict the guard movement.


    "Transfer Injury." Tony chanted, as a familar glow enveloped their bodies causing the guard to grunt in pain before tapping out a few minutes later. Tony release the guard watching him grumble as he headed over to check on his comrades.


    I see, when he teleported in the air he intentionally took the dirt surrounding him and the guards with him. He also appears to have learn how to use his magic to sense others nearby. "Excellent work my liege, while your little dirt trick is not a ploy Felix would have use it''s still a victory." Wallace congratulated.


    "Fuck you Wallace, what the hell man!"


    "Something wrong?"


    "You tell me, you said this was a spar with three low tier warriors. That last guard was definitely mid tier, and you never said anything about there being a magician!"


    "I''ve told you countless time not to trust what you hear and see. A strategy like this is something all houses use to catch their enemies off guard. These very same principles cause the death of your namesake, please remember that." Wallace reminded. Tony continued to scowl at him mumbling about cheating servants while he check his gear.


    "You have nothing to be ashame about, you have already surpass most low tiers by overcoming this trap." I certainly didn''t expect this to happen. Wallace mused.


    "Thank you for the compliment, but honestly this was just a fluke." Tony laugh not liking the contemplative look Wallace was giving him.


    "I don''t see nothing to laugh about. You have too many openings. If that last guard had an enchanted weapon or something that could disrupt your magic that would have been the end for you. You also need to remember that those cores you''re using will only give you access to your magic temporary, so you need to end the battle quickly." Fleurette lectured, only Tony and Wallace was able to hear that last part.


    The two of them turned so see Fleurette and her pupils observing them from side.


    "Good evening Mrs. Gates." They saluted.


    "Don''t mind us I''m just using you to show my charges what not to do in battle." Fleurette stated, while her pupils giggled behind her.


    How thoughtful of you. "Looks like our time has expired so if you''ll excused us, we''ll take our leave." Tony suggested.


    "Enjoy your evening Felix, however I need to discuss some things with Wallace." Fleurette declared sending her charges to warm up.


    "I must commend you Wallace, I didn''t expect that boy would acclimate to Felix magic so quickly. The only question I have for you is why isn''t he fighting with the intent to kill?"


    "He''s still hasn''t come to terms with killing people. The culture he grew up in has different values than ours."


    "Wallace, I know you''re not trying to break him, but right now it''s crucial for everyone to get as strong as possible. I want you to take care of this before the Season of Realms."


    ".....................Yes ma''am." Wallace acknowledged.

 First Blood

    GATES FAMILY EXECUTION GROUNDS


    What the hell am I doing?


    That was the thought running through Tony''s mind while removing blood from his face. For a little over a month now, Wallace had brought Tony to this facility to help him come to terms with killing by having Tony mimic fatals blows to living corpses. Tony had freaked out a first, until Wallace explain that the corpses were just a humanoid body that''s been force to function on instinct by magic since their minds were permanently erase. Had he been on Earth, Tony would have looked like he was on the set of a horror movie. He was standing in the middle of a room that reminded him of a morgue, and scattered around him were countless bodies that Wallace had force him to mutilate or dismember. His clothes and the walls had been stain with blood, gore, and other fluids he''d rather not think about. At this moment, Tony truly felt he embodied ''Felix the Butcher''.


    "You alright over there?" Wallace ask.


    "I''m good. I would feel even better if you would do something about the smell in here." There''s no way this is sanitary. Tony thought making a mental note to see the healer after this was over.


    "I''m sorry but you need to get used to these types of situations. Soon you''ll be venturing outside on assignments and we can''t have you displaying a weak front or vomiting everywhere."


    "I haven''t vomit in weeks."


    "That''s true but you still have a pallid complexion. We need to eliminate that completely. Your namesake would never let a scene like this get to him."


    That''s because he was clearly a pyschopath, or maybe a sociopath. He definitely wasn''t normal. Tony thought nodding at Wallace. "Let''s just get this over with." So I can try to maintain what''s left of my sanity. Tony turned away from Wallace, taking a deep breath while steadying his sword. A second later he heard the tell-tale sign of the corpse appearing somewhere behind him before Wallace gave him the go ahead to attack. Using his senses, Tony pivoted on his heels lunging to the left corner of the room striking the corpse.


    Good, he''s become so aware of his surroundings that he''s no longer obstructed by the corpses and blood in his path. The adjustment of his sword to easily penetrate the body and reduce the chances of it getting stuck was excellent. He even remembered to use his senses to lookout for traps and ambushes...(sighing)...It''s time we move on to the next step. Let''s pray this doesn''t break him. I wish we had more time but all the houses have started preparing for the Season of Realms, I cannot delay this anymore.


    Wallace had tried several times to ease Tony into killing but he''d only achieve minimum success. Tony had become capable of dispatching wild beasts and monsters with only a few issues, however he continued to procrastinate when confronted with humans and other sapient beings. Despite knowing they were scum and that most of them would be better off dead, their crying and pleading would eventually break Tony''s resolve causing Wallace to scold him repeatedly. Wallace couldn''t understand how the boy or anyone from his realm could feel protected leaving their lives in the hands of others when they had the option to train themselves. It was one of the stupidest thing he had ever heard. Shaking himself from his thoughts, Wallace instructed Tony to continue and when he was certain Tony was attacking automatically, he implemented his plan.


    "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh."


    SHIT...WHAT.....OH GOD!!!!


    Tony took out his sword from the stranger chest, dropping it to the ground while grabbing onto the person staggering before him.


    "WALLACE.....HELP.....CALL THE HEALER!!!!" Tony shouted desperately while carefully placing the man on the ground. He spent a few minutes looking around for anything that was partically clean to be use to help stop the bleeding.


    "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING WALLACE?!!! STOP FUCKING AROUND YOU SON OF A BITCH AND GET THE HEALER ASAP!!!!!!" Tony demanded hystercially. "Hang on man, the healer will be here soon. I''m sorry, I didn''t mean for this! They told me you guys were dead, YOU LYING MOTHERFUCKERS TOLD ME THEY WERE DEAD!!!!!!!!!"


    "They are dead, from the moment they chose to oppose us, thier death was imminent." Wallace stated approaching Tony and the dying man.


    Tony ignored Wallace, instead he tried to sense the location of the healer cursing once he realize they were intentionally blocking his senses. Dread and guilt filled Tony as he sat there powerless watching the man take his last breath.


    "You have nothing to feel bad about. No matter what, that man was going to die tonight." Wallace consoled.


    "You....you told me they were dead."


    "Usually they are dead. I''m guessing this one must have piss off one of the preparers or kill someone they knew. Things like this tends to happen every so often."


    "..........So you''re saying....some of the others were still alive?"


    "It''s a distinct possibility." Wallace shurgged.


    That means....oh god how many of them have I kill? Tony thought fighting off the bile he felt wanting to erupt from his throat.


    "Why didn''t you call for the healer?"


    "No one calls a healer for a dead man."


    "He wasn''t dead yet, there was still tim-


    "Time for what?! Time to save him? Have you forgotten our purpose for being here? You do remember that you have been mark for death right? Where''s the man who said he''d do anything to survive? Wake up! You''re not on Earth anymore, this is Varios-Reinos! Here you either fight to survive or pray for a quick death. I''m sorry, but I saw it necessary to rid you of your delusions."


    Rid me of my-!!!! "You scheming motherfucker....you....you planned this!" Tony accused. Picking up two severed limbs, he flung them towards Wallace using them as a distraction to get behind the warrior slashing at his spine.


    "Barrier sphere." Wallace chanted stopping Tony attacks. Tony quickly put some distance between the two of them frowning at this new development. He had assume that Wallace was just a high tier fighter, it never cross his mind that the warrior was also a magician.


    "Why Wallace, why would you do this?"


    "Because it''s not just your life on the line and only a fool would entrust men under someone who''s too incompetent to kill."


    "No one told you guys to put anyone under my command. I didn''t ask for any of this!"


    "Do you think those villagers you came across when you first arrive here asked to be slaughtered? Do you think the majority of the people living here chose to come to here knowing they would be pitting their lives against unspeakable odds? Having Felix memories should have taught you that those who are weak here survives at the mercy of the strong. You need to understand that if this house had a way to move Felix magic mark they would have done it and cast you aside, and someone like you would be dead, enslaved, or someone plaything before half a season pass by."


    .....He''s right. Tony thought spending some time remembering how he fared when he first arrive here.


    "So to ensure my safety, you''re saying I need to become a killer."


    "Nobody is telling you to kill people. We just want assurance that if the situation arise you will handle it accordingly, otherwise this whole facade of you being Felix will be for nothing."


    "................If it isn''t one thing it''s another. Why is it so hard for me to get a break?" Tony complained sighing. After taking some more time thinking things over, the anger he''d had was slowly fading away, however he was piss at how everything had played out.


    "Wallace, I''m done with this shit."


    "..........I understand, we''ll retire for today..........Perhaps you''d like to postpone these engagements for a few days so you can sort things out."The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "I would appreciate that." Tony replied motioning for the healer. Nice of you to join us. Tony thought sarcastically.


    "Then we will recommence in a few days, just know that when we do you will be undergoing fatal combat." Wallace annouce, his statement caused Tony to paused momentarily before he nodded and exited the room.


    Prior to returning to his room, Tony took what he knew to be the longest shower of his life. Doing that time Tony fought to justify his actions by constantly reminding himself that his victims wasn''t innocent but criminals who had commited heinous acts (at least he prayed that was true). He spent the next few days mulling over everything, his nights were plague with insomnia. Eventually, he decided to consult with Mrs. Fleurette about the previous event.


    "So, you wish to have Wallace replace." Fleurette deduced.


    "How can I trust him, all that time.....I was being tricked into......butchering them......I don''t like the feeling of being manipulated."


    "Then I assume you want people to be blunt with you. So listen up! Wallace was following my orders! That statement about us removing Felix magic from you if it was possible is true. Leaving all of that power Felix accumulated in your hands would be preposterous when we could transfer it to someone who is certified, so consider yourself lucky we don''t have that option. Yet here you are weeping about killing some brigands. If the situation was reverse do you think they would weep for you? Our enemies are gathering their forces and growing more powerful everyday. This family do not have the time to slowly nurture you! If we are unable to repel or defeat them when they come for us, then none of us will be spared. I can tell you from experience that the battlefield is the last place you want to be when testing your resolve because failure won''t just result in your death. <u>This condition of mine is proof of that!</u> You can curse or hate us if you want, but I can guarantee that you will be thanking us eventually. Now after all of this, if you still believe you''re being treated unfairly then you''re better off commiting suicide. Your prospects are only going to get grimmer from this point onwards!"


    Well.......damn! Tony thought staring at the woman unable to formulate any words on his behalf. "Thanks for being so blunt with me." Tony mumbled.


    "Do you know about the Season of Realms?" Fleurette continued.


    "Yeah. I learned about it from Felix memories."


    Unlike Earth, Varios-Reinos have five seasons with each one lasting between 90 to 100 days. The seasons are: the Season of Sowing, the Season of Life, the Season of Realms, the Season of Falling, and finally the Season of Death. The Season of Realms was when the barriers of each realms violently collided with one another weakening them and creating rifts that was sometimes large enough to move whole continents to another realm. The only exception was said to be the Outer Realm because this place was almost impossible to leave. On the other hand the Outer Realm recieve twice as many transporters as other realms which made this time so terrifying becasue no one knew what to expect. So far, every book Tony read about traveling between realms invovled two groups of multiple Master tier Magicians. The first group would open a portal from their realm and use it to connect to the second group from the designated realm. The incantation would have to happen simultaneously, however those in the outer realm could only expect mixed results.


    "Your arrival was at the end of the Season of Sowing, and you have stayed throughout the Season of Life. We both agree that you won''t be returning home anytime soon right? (Tony nodded reluctantly) Are you aware of the family protocol doing the Season of Realms?"


    "Newly awaken members are brought here for protection with half of our fighting force. This group will be place under your command. The rest are split up and stationed at one of the three main stronghold in our terrority under the command of Elder Francois, Family Head Foley, and Feli-myself. The council members will follow a similar procedure and will serve under us in the chain of command."


    "That''s correct. You see, Felix wasn''t just a deterrent for our enemies outside the family but inside as well. You''ve been so preoccupied with Wallace and locating a way home that you haven''t notice others are questioning your authority. I know you don''t care about these matters but this needs to be rectified. Francois and I will think of something but if someone challenge you, make sure you emplace them."


    This.....this is a lot to take in. I''m pretty sure I''m undergoing stockholm syndrome right now because everything she said made sense. Tony thought nodding his head in agreement to Fleurette demands.


    "One last thing, you shouldn''t question Wallace loyalty. All of his arrangements are for the survival of both of you."


    "If that''s true then why was he following your orders?"


    "I gave Wallace a deadline on your development and you have yet to pass that assessment. If you cannot overcome this hurdle then I can only consider you a liability. At that time I will have to choose between eliminating you or subjugation."


    ".........................I thought this House had a ban on enslavement."


    "That only applies for strays. You see, as long as we give strays food, shelter, and provide basic care for their families they will willingly lay down their lives for us. Enslaving them is just a waste of magic, however, we wouldn''t hesitate to enslave someone of your caliber. If you''re wondering why that hasn''t happen it''s because enslaving you will put a cap on your overall potential limiting your battle prowess and thinking capabilities."


    There''s no way you want me for my fighting abilities. You just want access to the knowledge I possess. I need to do everything I can to keep you fascinated with me and when I see Wallace again I owe him an apology. Tony thought.


    "Why are you telling me all of this?"


    "To free you of your misconceptions."


    ".........Thank you for this informative conversation, my eyes have truly been open. You can be sure I will cherish your advice."


    "I''m glad you feel that way, however I don''t believe your eyes have been open wide enough. Next week the family recruiters will embark to the encampments nearby to enlist any capable fighters to replenish our forces before the season end. I will inform Wallace to prepare for the two of you to travel with my aides. This way you can experience with your own eyes just how brutal the Outer Realm can be. You should also use this time to replace your men."


    "I guess I should be thanking you for this opportunity."


    "You don''t sound thankful or grateful for that matter. But I''ll ignore your little statement as long as I see some results from this little expedition."


    "I will do my best to meet your expectations."


    "Forget about meeting my expectations. Just focus on returning alive."


    =====================


    "Apology accepted my lord. It''s good to see you being more decisive. I know this isn''t the first time you wanted to dismiss me. Hahahahahahahahahaha."


    "Shut up Wallace. That statement wasn''t even that funny." Tony complained walking beside his steward to the end of the hall.


    "Lets see if you''d feel that way when we return, ah I mean if-


    "Just shut up!" Tony commanded reaching their destination and forcefully slamming his hand on the door injecting his magic into it. The door glowed brightly before morphing into an entrance. Inside was ''Felix'' personal armory.


    "Doesn''t this place seems a bit empty to you." Tony question looking around the room. Clearly, several weapons had gone missing.


    "Chances are they were taken by Elder Francois or Lady Fleurette to strengthen the family forces or maybe their own private forces." Wallace answered watching Tony sweep across the room examining the remaining weapons.


    "You don''t know?"


    "No since I prefer to stay among the living."


    "Point taken. Do you happen to know what happen to the rest of my men."


    "Most were reassign within the family. The others just......................dissapeared."


    "I see." Tony stated taking off his regular sword and equipping a master grade sword that was enchanted with elemental magic. The weapon had a purplish hue to it with some unknown symbols engrave halfway down the blade. The crossguard was pointed upwards like a sai while the pommel had three sharp edges at the end of it. He chose a curve dagger of similar design for backup. Having selected his weapon of choice for offense he moved on to defense.


    "Do you have any ideas about this new squadron you''re forming?" Wallace asked.


    "I don''t have an exact number yet, I just know that it will be as small and strong as possible. I want them to be adaptable to any situations and highly mobile. They should be able to strike quickly while leaving as little evidence as possible."


    "Little evidence as possible?"


    "Felix can be known for making a scene, but I''m going to do all I can to work from the shadows. The less people know I''m involve the better- OUCH!!" Tony yelped gripping his head.


    "Are you alright? What happened?"


    Wallace approach Tony checking him over in concern.


    "Yeah. Just now this dispeller stone gave me a shock. I had a slight headache for a few seconds however I''m okay now."


    "That''s weird." Wallace pondered.


    "You''ve thought of something?"


    "Maybe..................we''re going to have to wait and see if I''m right. Don''t worry, dispeller stones are only able to erase magic nothing else."


    Tony sighed in relief. That little espisode nearly gave him a heart attack. He didn''t bother messing with anymore items on that table. Let''s just get a shield and be done with this place. Tony thought.


    "You should know I obtain permission from Lady Fleurette to head out with the scouts. She believe it''s best to minimize your engagement with the rest of the family."


    "Didn''t she say the family were only sending out recruiters?"


    "Certain council members will come along because it will be much safer than going on thier own. They will use this time to pick men privately for thier own uses. After they become aware our presence, there is no doubt we will be caught up in unforseen circumstances."


    "And that is when I shoot first and ask questions later."


    "............I have no idea what that means."


    "Think of it as me reminding them why they shouldn''t cross ''Felix''." Tony explained smirking as Wallace gave him nod of approval.


    "But that''s not the only reason you want us to leave early is it?"


    "I did say that you will be undergoing fatal combat. If you make a fool of yourself in front of the scouts it won''t take much to make sure they keep quiet."


    "How can you be sure?"


    "I have my ways." Wallace smiled.


    And scheming Wallace has return. Tony thought ignoring the creepy smile covering the man face. Having examine all the shields present, Tony was dissapointed there was no enchantments on any of them. He chose a master grade kite shield that had the capability to be enchanted. He chuckled seeing Wallce frowning at him.


    "I know what you want to say Wallace but six months of training is not enough to make me a badass. I''m keeping the shield." Tony confirmed watching Wallace shake his head.


    "Don''t forget that your new squadron will need to make a pact with you." Wallace reminded.


    "We can''t let the cat out of the bag huh." Tony laughed.


    "........If that means keeping certain things about you a secret then yes."


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