《The Third Prototype》 The Beginning 2018 A virus was unleashed in New York city turning most of its residents into an infected. I happened to be there, on vacation, from my work. And as fate world have it, I''m one of the infected. But instead of turning into those abominations that most people turn into, I become something else, something different. Then there was a man, cloaked in his hood, approach me. Says I''m different, says I''m gifted, says I''m part of humanity new race "The Evolved". He took me in, help train me how to use my abilities. He explain to me that an evil organization called Black Watch releases a virus that infected the whole city as an experiment. He is one of the first experiment that survived. Says his name is Alex and there is also another one, the second experiment who survived and his name is James. He needs my help or rather people with my capabilities. To stop the evil organization and to cure the city. Of course I''m in, having the chance to save the city like the comic book heroes that I often read heck yeah. He then brought me to another group of people, a group of "Evolved", a being like me. He introduce me to James, an African-American, an ex Military. There, James help me discover my abilities. I found out I have super human strength, speed, endurance, healing factor not inferior to wolverine. How to turn my arm into blade arm, into claw, a whip, tendrils (Tentacle Tendrils), shield, how to applied the virus around my body creating armor like substance, and last but not least to consume other people. Consuming other people is like taking their every essence of being. Their DNA pattern, their skills, and their memory. It took me a while to settle down, especially about consuming other human being. That creep me out the most. Eventually, I got used to it. One day, just like always, we were sent on a mission. To intercept a virus delivery he said. Strangely, this "virus" is guarded not by military men like it usually do, instead it was a group of scientist. No matter, the order is to get the virus and kill and everyone here. Here is where I found out my difference to those of my brethren, the "evolved". Turns out, this operation is a complete bait by Black Watch. One of the scientist fire, what it seem to be a gun, to my partner for the mission and he died. Curiosity got the better of me as I tried to consumed my partner. It works. I got his DNA, his skills, and his memory. After that I run, aborting the mission. I reported the mission to Alex and James and they were not happy about it. Not because of me bailing the mission, but because the mission is a trap. I didn''t report that I consume my partner though, that secret stay with me. I then asked others of my kind, the "evolved", are you able to consume another "evolved"? They laugh at me and ridiculed me. But eventually they said they cannot. It must mean that I''m unique then. One day, I happened to witness Alex, arguing with James and then interrupted by a group of "evolved", a rogue "evolved". Alex and James consume them all. This is where I begin thinking, am I like them, able to consume other evolved? It was then that I discovered my desire for power.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. I hunt down rogue "evolved" in town. One by one, they all felled by me. I consume them all. As I consume them all, my power grows even stronger. I also manage to consume a Goliath, an infected giant who rampage around the city. This make me powerful beyond belief. It also makes me a bit empty. I walk down the street, trying to clear my head and found some injustice. A group of men are assaulting a defenseless woman. I ran out to help and quickly dispatch them with ease. The woman left after thanking me. This feels good, I thought. Seeing how happy the woman is, and seeing I manage to do something good. It feels good. I then remember why I accepted Alex offer. To help people in need, to become a hero. I continue to help people, giving people food, protected them from the infected, so on and so forth. That is when James approached me, says he got a mission. I contemplated hard on this, but in the end I refused. James is furious at me for refusing and I ended the call. I destroyed the communication device that is given to me by Alex and went on by myself. A couple days later, someone from Black Watch contacted me, meeting me in my usual hideout, in one of the rooftop at New York city. Says her name is Dana White. She invited me to Black Watch facilities, I thought it was a trap but something inside me is telling me to trust this woman. I agree and we went to one of the Black Watch facilities in town. There, she showed me everything. Everything that Alex and James has done. The one that releases the virus and the perpetrator of the outbreak is none other than Alex and James. They releases the virus hoping to gain more brother, so the Black Watch hypothesized. But I think differently. They are looking for more "evolved" to consume, thereby powering themselves. She explain to me that Black Watch, are sent from the government to clean up the mess that Alex and James has made. Alex and James is in fact not a prototype of Black Watch experiment, rather an old experiment of Nazi from World War 1. At first I didn''t believe her, but then she showed me more evidence. On how Alex turned one entire village to an "evolved" and consume them all. How James was playing with a group of kids, turned them into an "evolved" and told them to devour their parents, so on and so forth. The deeds that they''ve done. Twisted, perverted. I AM ANGRY. THOSE SON''S OF BITCHES. I''LL KILL THEM, I SWEAR. She then offered me a deal. A deal which I am to stop Alex and James. I told her I''m not powerful enough and she told me that she can make me more powerful then it is. While I know that I''m likely to be used again, if I can end this infection once and for all, I agree and the deal is made. The scientist team did experiment on me, albeit more humanly then what the Nazi did to Alex and James. They labelled me, The Third Prototype, as I have the same power that Alex and James have. I quite like it. It''s cool. They gave me different things to consume. Infected that has developed a special abilities. I consume them and gained their power. The power of camouflage, the power to teleport, the power to breathe fire, etc. And when I''m ready, something unexpected happen. Alex and James attacked the facilities. I''m so happy. They''ve come here without me needing to search for them. I confronted them and we battled for three days three nights. They are stronger them I imagine. I would likely lose at this rate. For some reason, after another bout of fight, they retreated. I couldn''t understand why they retreated. And then I do, a grenade, a purple grenade is right in front of me. I guess they retreated after throwing this. Fuck, I''m screwed. The grenade exploded, created a black hole that sucked nearby object then disappeared. Puff, and just like that, me and the entire facilities gone, without a trace, from Earth. A Whole New World "Urrrgghhh" I groaned "Look honey, he''s awake" a woman look over as she called her husband "Where..?" Before I finish my sentence a man cut me off "Easy there son, you''ve been unconscious for almost 2 weeks now" said the man, concerned I seemed to have woken up on a wooden house or something. The man and woman clothing reminded me of old medieval Europe "Really? Where am I ?" I asked "You are in the village called Lhant, homage to the hero of the village, Asbel Lhant" said the man proudly "Hush dear, he''s just woken up, no need for all that jazz. Here''s some water" she said as she hand me a glass of water "Thank you" as I gulp the water down my throat I hand the glass back to the woman and suddenly I feel my head ache "You should probably go back to bed now son, we''ll stop disturbing you now" said the man nicelyIf you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Thank you, and your name?" I asked "I''m Paul and this is my wife Anna. What''s yours?" "I''m.... Urrrgggghhh" I feel my head ache again "Rest first, once you do, you can then tell us your name" Anna said, with concern on her face After that, I fell asleep. I woke up the next day feeling refreshed. I check the house but Paul and Anna is still sleeping. I reached the door wanting to go out. I tried to grab the door handle but it feels weird. The handle is a little bit higher than I was used to. Maybe the people here is taller than usual. As I got out, what greeted me is an outstanding spectacle of beauty. Nature in its purest form. Forrest, plains, river, and mountains. I breathe in the air and feels that the air here is clear, unlike in New York city. Wow, I never seen nature as beautiful as this, even when I went to the village area on my home country. "Beautiful isn''t it? This is just the edge of the village. The center of the village is even more beautiful" "Oh Paul, yes it is beautiful. I never seen anything like this before in my life" I replied, still shocked "Hahahaha I''m glad you find it beautiful. That is Lhant plains and that is Lhant forest and that is.." Before he can finish I cut him off "Lhant mountain range?" "Exactly" Paul grinned "Oh by the way Paul, why is everything is so much bigger here?" I asked, curious "Hmm? Bigger? What are you talking about? You''re the one that''s small" "Me?" "Yeah you, just look in the mirror" "You have mirror?" I asked "Yeah on my bedroom. Anna put her make up there, you can''t miss it" For some reason, Paul grinned sinisterly at me "But Anna still sleeping right? If so, I''ll wait until she woke up" "Heh, and here I thought you''re naive enough to go into the room while Anna is still sleeping" "Never disturb a woman when she''s sleeping" I said, grinning at Paul "My thoughts exactly" A Different but Similar Me "You two woke up early" "Hey honey morning" Paul lean on Anna and kiss her "Morning to you too Paul" Anna blushed "Morning Anna" "Morning" "Say Anna, can I ask you a question?" "Sure" "Do I look short?" "Heh, you''re still young. There''s plenty of room for you to grow" Anna smile Young? To think that I, a 32 year old male, is called young is weird "Young? What do you mean?" "Well... Just look at yourself in the mirror" "The mirror is in your bedroom right?"This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "How do you know?" "Paul told me. I was going to check but you''re still sleeping. Paul said that you are like a sleeping lion. Docile when sleeping but when disturbed you become fierce" I winked at Paul "Paul, you....." "Honey, I did not say that. That boy is lying. Hey boy where are you..." Hehe... It''s funny watching husband and wife quarreling like that. I left them alone and proceed to look at myself in the mirror. I cannot believe this. This..... This is the face that I have when I was 18. What..... what happen? I regress in age? How is that possible? So that''s how it is. It''s not that everything is bigger, I got smaller. Before I was 20, I was short as hell, barely reaching 170 cm in height. At 20, I have a growth spurt. I become 180 cm tall and at 24 I was 184 cm tall. Paul seems to be around 180 cm and Anna seems to be around 177 cm in height. Wait, if I regress does that mean I''m not infected anymore? I tried to change my arm to a blade, and it works. Looks like I''m still an infected. I tried to shapeshift to another person but it looks like I can''t. So, augmentation works but shapeshifting doesn''t. I wonder if I can still glide. Gliding in nature doesn''t sounds too bad. I walk out from the house and see that Paul and Anna is still bickering at each others. "Ah, perfect timing boy, please explain to Anna" asked Paul begging me "About what?" I give a cheeky grin instead "You...." "Uhm... I know I already said it yesterday but I want to say it again. Thank you" Paul blushed a little "Haha, no need boy. As a man, you need to help those in need especially after I found you washed up in the downstream on the river" "So, what should we call you? You never did tell us your name" asked Anna "Oh yeah. My name is........." My Name is......... Who? "My name is...... Who?" "What''s my name again?" My head ache. I can''t seem to remember my name. I tried to recall other memories, it still there. I tried to recall my name again but my head instantly ache. What''s going on? I remember my mother and father name. I also remember that jerk Alex but why can''t I remember my own name? "I''m sorry I don''t remember my name" I said to Paul and Anna apologetically Anna looked at me, pity can be seen in her eyes "That''s fine that''s fine. You''re in coma for almost 2 weeks. It''s still normal that you cannot remember some things" Paul rebuke Anna "Don''t. What the boy need isn''t a consolation words. Isn''t that right boy? You''re not really upset right not knowing your own name?" What Paul said might be considered rude, especially in this situation. But... Paul is right. I''m not really upset. I remember my origins, just not my name. Maybe this is a new beginning for me. With a new location and a new name perhaps. Yeah.... a new start "You''re right Paul, I''m not really upset about this. I just need a new name" I smile Anna, seeing this cannot help shaking her head "Honestly, you men are a pain" She continue "How about we call you Ed, short for Eddy" "But honey..." Paul interject "It''s fine right?" Anna turn her heads towards meThis story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it "Yes, it''s fine" I said, reaffirming to myself that from now on my name is Eddy "See, he said it''s fine" Paul sigh "Okay then Ed, how would you like to a tour of the village of Lhant?" "I loved to" I said "Before you go, please take a bath first. You both stink" "Hehe" me and Paul just laugh like an idiot. I''m surprised. This place have an indoor bathroom. Usually, people in the villages have bathroom but not in the inside of their house. But unlike the usual village bathroom that uses plastic bucket, here it is a wooden bucket. There''s a toilet as well, a crouching one, but toilet nonetheless. ====================================================================================== Paul is a pretty good tour guide. He explain things like the history of Lhant Village. Apparently, the legendary hero Asbel Lhant is born and grew up here. A hero village huh, interesting. Lhant Village is a part of Duke Lhant territory. The duke plans to move Asbel City here but many refuse. By the way, Asbel City is just west of here. Apparently, the big plains, forest and mountain that I saw earlier is the eastern part of Duke Lhant territory. Paul bring me to many of the villages attraction. Like the fish market. Despite not located near the beach, Lhant village is famous for its "Fire Fish". A fire fish can only be found and bred here. Any attempt to do so at other places result in failure according to research. He also took me to the blacksmith store, selling all kinds of weapon and armor. The item shop selling necessity item and potion. And last but not least the adventurer guild. I''m baffled. Adventurer guild? Since when does Earth have an adventurer guild? And Duke? It''s like I returned to medieval fantasy times like in novel or manga. Yeah, novel and manga. I''m what you called a man-child on Earth. I love novel, manga and anime even when I''m 32. My favorite anime is... Ahem.... Back on topic. I have my suspicion when I shrunk and gotten younger but adventurer guild? Maybe I''m transmigrated to another world like Lamune? If so...... Hehehe.... I''m so fucking excited..... Hehehe.... Pardon my language boys . =============================================================================== "Kyaaaaa" "What the?" Paul Shows His Might "Kyaaaahhh" A woman scream ruined my moment of delight. Fuck, who caused ruckus at this time of day? I look at Paul and he had an ugly looks on his face. He then ran off to where the scream came from and left me on my own. "Damn, wait for me Paul" as I chase after him ================================================================================== "What happen?" Paul asked a nearby man "Oh Paul, perfect timing. Trouble at adventurer guild" replied the man, clearly happy that Paul is here now Paul storm inside the adventurer guild. I followed him silently, slightly afraid of Paul. He''s radiating a massive killing intent. I don''t think that Paul, this goofy looking old man can emit such a strong killing intent. Inside, we see a group of 5 men assaulting a woman. There''s also a whole body of men, unconscious around them. I think they''re trying to stop them but unable to do so. This angered Paul even more. "STAY YOUR HAND PEASANT" Paul shouted, angrily Did Paul just said peasant? Savage Paul, I like it "Hahaha, another one who wants to play hero boys. GET HIM!" ordered one of them. He seems to be their leaderThis story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. One by one they charge towards Paul. As one guy try to land a punch towards Paul, Paul sway back and throws a left hook. As it hit the man face, Paul throw a right hook. The man cannot take it and fall to the ground, hard. Paul see the second man come towards him and wasted no time. He sweep the man feet with his right leg, as his body fly Paul elbows him to the gut then throw out a palm strike. "What the....." henchmen no.3 said, shocked and afraid "Who''s this monster?" henchmen no.4, also shocked and afraid, asked He continued "Our brothers got beat just like that?" Henchmen no.3 looked back at his boss "What do we do boss?" "What do we do? Fight him together" said the boss, fuming Just like that Paul got surrounded by 3 people. Paul smirks and go after henchmen 3. He quickly dispatched him with a single powerful strike to the chest. Henchmen 3 body goes flying and flipping around like a broken doll. Wow, I didn''t know that a man can be hit that hard that his body goes out like that. Scary. And Paul didn''t stop there, he went towards henchmen 4 and give him an uppercut. As the man head flung back, Paul strike him with a similar strike to the chest like he did to henchmen no.3. Paul look at the boss, smiling "Only one left" "Stay away you monster" said the man, afraid he draw his sword and lunged towards Paul "DIE" Paul evade and grab the hand holding the sword, twist it so the sword fall to the ground, and throw him, judo style. That must''ve hurt. Paul''s not done though, he slammed the boss body with a left hand hammer fist. The boss bounced from the floor and Paul hit him again with the same moves that he uses again henchmen no.3 and 4. This time though, the boss flew hard. Crashing to table after table. It didn''t stop there, it also hit the wall. The wall also didn''t stand a chance as it break sending the boss even further. Paul sigh "That was refreshing" You, sir, are a badass, I thought................ Aura Practitioner and Mage Paul approach the assaulted woman "Are you alright?" and extended his arm "I''m fine sir, thanks" the woman replied "How did this happen anyway?" Paul asked The woman replied while tidying her clothes "They''re drunk sir. After finishing a B rank quest, they celebrate by drinking" Paul nod "Not uncommon for an adventurer, so how can this happened? Where''s Sable?" "Sable is currently on an escort quest to Lhant Mountain Range sir" replied the woman respectfully "If Sable not here, where''s Jesser?" "Jesser.... I don''t know sir, haven''t seen him all day" "Jeez... why don''t you look for me then? You of all people should know that an adventurer guild need to have at least 1 A rank to prevent things like these from happening" "I''m sorry sir" she bowed apologetically "Fine fine.... So, what rank does these bunch of thugs have?" "Middle B rank sir" "Demote them to D rank. If anyone complain tell them that it is I, Paul, that demote them" Paul snort "Yes sir" Paul turned his head towards me "Sorry about this. Why don''t you go back first while I clean up the mess here" "Sure" I replied ================================================================================= "Hey Anna, I''m back" "Welcome back" she greeted me back "Where''s Paul?" "There''s trouble in the adventurer guild. He''s staying there to clean up the mess" "Oh" Anna replied nonchalantly "Can I ask something Anna? What''s Paul job?" I asked, curious "Oh, Paul is the adventurer guild Lhant branch guild master" Anna replied to me, smiling "WHAT? REALLY?" Anna giggle at my surprised face "Yes really, you sound surprised. I bet you''ll never expected Paul to be a responsible adult male right? Most people think that too" "Wow.... He''s incredible" "Yeah, he is. He''s my husband after all" Anna said proudlyUnauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. "Yeah, yeah" Me and Anna, while waiting for Paul, are having a conversation. I said conversation but it''s just mainly me asking for question. Like the name of the world that we live in, what kingdom are we in, how does adventurer guild works, religion of this world, so on and so forth From what I can gather, I am in a world called Rune Terra. A world of magical fantasy. All person are born with mana and depending on your talent, you can harvest mana from your inner self and becoming aura practitioner or control external mana and becoming a mage. Paul is an aura practitioner of Upper Grade 8. There''s a total difference of 10 level. The name are a bit lame. Grade 1 to 10. Each grade has four level: beginner, low, middle, upper. I ask Anna how to become an aura practitioner but she doesn''t know. She told me to ask Paul instead as she never learn them. Anna is a mage. An middle Grade 8 to boot. She is considered to be one of the powerful mage in the kingdom. Mages is harder to advance in grade than aura practitioner. Mages need to control external mana to their head, yes, their head to create circle. While aura practitioner just need to absorb mana to their body and create a circle inside their body. Aura practitioner and mages have different cultivation technique to form their circle. Mages creates their circle inside their head because that allows mages to control external mana easily, directly using their brain to do it. While aura practitioner create their circle around their body. Circle is like a mana pool. Creating circle is gathering mana inside and controlling it to form a mana pool, cultivating it to reach the shape that is easiest to form, hence the circle shape. Mages control external mana using their internal mana that are stored inside their circle inside their head. Aura practitioner on the other hand, uses their internal mana directly. Creating circle in ones own head have a higher dying risk, so even though some people are talented enough to become mages, they rather be an aura practitioner or not advance their Grade. That''s why mages like Anna is rare. If one create one circle they are considered to be beginner Grade 1. To advance, one need to create another circle, if one created a quarter circle they are considered to be low Grade 1. If one created half a circle then they are considered to be middle Grade 1, and if one created another full circle then they have 2 circle and become beginner Grade 2. Creating circle is the process where one guide mana to their inner self. Usually this process is done by meditating. There''s many cultivation technique in forming circles but few that can guarantee one to reach a higher grade. For example, there''s a cheap dojo that teach students their cultivation technique of creating circle. While that cultivation technique is cheap to acquire, it is limited, maybe they can only reach Grade 2, forming 2 circle. Forming another will be difficult for these kind of low grade cultivation technique. They can however, but it will be extremely difficult. The better the cultivation technique, the harder it is to find, the better the result, usually. There is exception though, Anna said. In summary, cultivation technique influence the quality or purity of the circle formed. There''s also spell and battle arts. Anna doesn''t really know how battle arts works, but she does have a slight understanding of what spell does. Spell help mages to manipulate external mana. Chanting spell helps mages to imagine something with their internal mana and help guide their internal mana to control the external mana around them and cause their imagination to become real. To do this, mages need to chant a spell composed of partial draconic language. Spell uses partial dragon language to help control external mana as draconic language is proven to have power over mana. Mages who have powerful attunement to mana can cast manipulate external mana without chanting a spell. Usually, these kind of mage have powerful imagination too. Anna said that these kind of mage were the mages of old era, before mankind learn draconic language from the dragons. This really is a different world huh? Magic, mana, aura. Not that I need it, since I have "special abilities" of mine. I wonder if I consume a mage, I be able to instantly become a mage? Ha, the prospect of a new world excite me. I still want to kill that fucker Alex and James, but it''s fine. I mean it''s living in a fantasy world. What can go wrong? Sensei Paul "Why are you asking this much stuff? Where are you from anyway?" Anna tilted her head Ba dump, my heart skip a beat there. "Well, I don''t remember any of this. My head ache" I just gave her the plain old amnesia excuse. "Right I forgot you can''t remember, but...." Just as Anna want to continue, Paul interrupted her "I''m back" "Welcome back dear" "What are you two doing?" "Oh I''m just explaining things to Eddy here" "Explaining things?" "Yeah, he doesn''t remember things" "Oh...." Paul turned his head towards me "I''m sure you''ll remember one day. For now though, just enjoy life" Paul smile "Thanks Paul" I feel bad, deceiving this couple in front of me when they helped me out. "So Paul, can I join the adventurer guild?" "What for? You''ve just woken up yesterday and you''re already want to join the adventurer guild?" "Yeah I''m sure. I need a source of income and a place to stay after all. I didn''t want to continue to bother you two" Paul sigh "Well, if that''s what you want.... Sure.... But becoming an adventurer is a risky job. You need to be at least a Grade 1 practitioner or Grade 1 mage to join in"Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. "Oh..." I said, dejected. I didn''t know how to use mana but I''m sure I''m strong enough. I''m contemplating of telling Paul and Anna my abilities but in the end refrain on doing so Seeing my dejected face, Anna said to me "Well, you can just learn from Paul to be a practitioner, right Paul? You''ll teach the boy would you?" Paul scratched his head "But Anna, my master said...." Anna growled "Fuck your master, if I said the boy can learn from you, then he can learn from you. I''m sure my father or "your master" wouldn''t mind" Paul think for a while "Fine, fine. Wake up early boy, we learn tomorrow morning. And call me sensei" Paul smirked at me I smirked back at Paul "Yes sensei" ==================================================================================== The next morning, me and Paul head to the village indoor training ground. Despite being a village, Lhant Village is large enough to be called a town or a city. It''s only called a village because people here want to "preserve" history. Once we arrived there, we are greeted by an old lady. Quite short, shorter than me in fact. She have quite a gentle face. Her eyes though.... You can tell that she witness plenty in life. "Oh hello Paul, what brings you here early today?" greet the old lady "Morning Eliza. I''m here today to train this kid" Eliza look at me. She appears to be sizing me up "This kid? Really? Didn''t your master said..." Paul shakes his head and sigh "I know, but my master daughter approve it" "Really? Anna did?" She looks at me again "What''s your name boy?" "Hello Eliza, my name is Eddy. Nice to meet you" I bowed politely "Eddy......" Eliza looks sad all of a sudden "Well, go on then. I won''t stop you. The rooms are still empty. Pick whichever you like" "Thanks Eliza" Paul and I thanked her "Which room do you want to go to?" Paul asked me "Up to you" "Let''s go to room no.1 then" said Paul, ginning ============================================================================================ "Okay, what I''m about to teach you is a cultivation technique from my master, The Phoenix Aspect" Paul paused for a second "This cultivation technique have 3 part: Phoenix Rebirth Art, Phoenix Destruction Art, Fledgling Phoenix Art" "Phoenix Destruction Art focus on one aspect of the phoenix, destruction. Phoenix Rebirth Art focus on restoration while Fledgling Phoenix Art focus on mana growth" "So, which one will you choose?" Paul asked "I choose....." Phoenix Destruction Art "So, what do you choose?" "Before I choose, which art are you practicing Paul?" Paul roll his eyes "It''s obviously Phoenix Destruction Art, duh..." I click my tongue. Duh? How am I supposed to know that? Am I your dad or something? "Fine, I choose Phoenix Destruction Art then" Paul grin "Good choice boy. Had you choose other art I wouldn''t be able to teach you" I roll my eyes upwards "So why do you made me choose in the first place?" Paul laugh "Hahahaha..... it''s mandatory boy. My master also made me choose, albeit he only knew of one art" "There''s this time when master........" Paul continue on and on and on I sigh and shake my head "Enough please, I feel like I''m about to lose my brain cell listening to you" Paul tilted his head, confused "Brain cell? What''s that?" Oops, I forgot this is not Earth. Seriously though, this guy''s too much. I beginning to think that his master is even more worse than him. Sigh ==================================================================================== Paul begin explaining to me what Phoenix Destruction Art is. It''s basically destruction in it''s purest form. User of the technique cultivate fire elemental mana to create the circle inside their body. User then directed the mana inside their body, giving sensation of heat, cleansing your body of any impurity with fire elemental mana. It is a painful process, Paul said.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Before learning the technique, user need to learn how to discern fire elemental mana from other elements and only then absorb it into the body, guiding it to form a circle. Sounds easy enough. I begin to meditate, as this is the most effective way to sense mana. I feel a trickling sensation at first then I begin to feel like a wave is crashing onto me. I begin to panic as I heard Paul voice "Don''t be afraid, that is what people called Mana Wave. Continue to feel, let it flow to you" I gritted my teeth and continue to feel, just as Paul said. I eventually feel 5 different types of feeling. Comfort, Freedom, Steadiness, Excitement and Passion but I also felt helpless, confused, rigid, haste and anger. "Focus on what you need right now. What do you think fire is like? Focus on that" Fire? Aggressive, powerful.... Oh, passionate and anger. I reach towards those emotion and fire elemental mana flow inside me very easily. "Now, guide it to your stomach, then your whole body. Try to create a circle inside your body. It will hurt, but bear with it" I do as Paul say, guiding it to my stomach then my whole body. I tried to create a circle but it wouln''t form. This is harder then it looks. I never thought forming a circle is going to be difficult. It''s not so painful though, as I have been through worse then this back on Earth. "Having trouble creating circle? Try to force it. Force it to submit to you. Make the mana to do your bidding. Be the king inside your own body" Easier said than done Paul. Well, I guess he''s already done this one so maybe this is easy for him. I try to force it, for it to listen to my will but it''s no use. Suddenly, something inside of me scream. It give pressure to the mana, forcing it to submit to me. The mana finally listen as I took this opportunity to form my first circle. I breathe in relief as I slowly open my eyes. I see Paul staring at me like I''m some sort of ghost "So, how did I do?" I asked as I checked my body. I could feel the heat coursing through me. I feel power. I feel like when I consume another "evolved" back at Earth. It feels refreshing Paul spaced out for a second "Oh yeah, yeah. You did good, you did good. You must be tired, go back home and eat" "What about you?" "I have to discuss something" Paul said, hurriedly leaving the room, leaving me alone. I stood there, confused Paul POV My name is Paul, and I''m the guild master of Lhant village adventurer guild branch. A couple weeks ago while I was fishing, I found a young man laid helpless beside the river. He looks like shit to be honest. All beat up, his clothes are ripped apart. A victim of robbery perhaps? I approach him to check if he''s still breathing. Thank Lady Gaia he is. I pick him up and carry him into my house. "Honey, I''m home" like usual, I greeted my wife as I enter my house. It is a tradition that I practice my whole life. Not saying it feels awkward to me "Welcome home dea.... Who''s that?" my wife stare at the boy in my shoulders "I found him near the river, barely alive like this" My wife sigh "Poor boy, put him in the spare bedroom while I prepare an ointment and a wet towel" she said with pity I put the boy in the spare bedroom. My wife entered with an ointment and wet towel in hand. She cleaned the boy wounds and body effortlessly and she put the ointment where the wounds looks worse. As she clean the boy face, she gasped "Hey Paul, don''t you think...." "Yeah, he looks like Edward" "Could it be that he decided to return here?" "Honey, you of all people knows that he is dead" "But... We never did find his body and maybe... maybe...." "Honey please" I said as I embrace her She started crying "But honey, he looks just like Edward. What if he is Edward and trying to return here? What if...." "ANNA, OUR SON IS DEAD" I shouted at Anna, reminding her that our son is dead "WHAT IF HE''S NOT? LOOK, MAYBE THIS IS OUR SON. DON''T YOU SEE THE RESEMBLANCE. BESIDE, WHO''S FAULT IT IS THAT LED OUR SON TO DEATH?" she shouted at me back "Anna please...." "I''m sorry Paul, it just so hard....." Anna started crying again "I know... Let''s just ask him when he wakes up" "Yeah let''s do that" A few weeks later, the boy finally woken up. He offer some gratitude and ask where is he. I answer and I also introduce myself and my wife. Just as I was about to ask for his name, his head ache and need more rest. My wife let him rest and drag me outside. "What did you do that?" I asked "Do what?" "Letting him rest without asking his name" "Let the boy rest Paul, he''s been through a lot" she said back to me "How do you know?" "I mean he is our son right?" Anna face brightens up "Anna..." Helpless, all I can do is to wait for the boy to wake up and make him explain his situation to Anna The next day, I find him admiring the view from our house. Our house is located near the edge of the village as such we have a great view. I got to admit, he really resembles my son. The way he like to admire the view from here. The way he smile, he looks just like him albeit an older version. After Anna woke up, we ask the boy of his name and origin. He claims he forgot his name and origin. I didn''t seemed like the boy lie either. Amnesia maybe?You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. As I contemplate his situation, Anna suddenly talk "How about Ed, short for Eddy?" Gawked, gobsmacked, confused and bewildered I look at Anna. This is not our son, I''m sure of it. So why does she do that? "Ed for Eddy huh... I like it" the boy said merrily but I think the boy didn''t hear Anna said another word, but I do "And Eddy for Edward" Oh Anna, when do you plan on letting our son go? After that, I gave the boy, Eddy a tour of the village. The villager give me a weird look, seeing the boy as they thought our son Eddy comes back to life. The boy didn''t seem to notice though as he''s so engrossed in the scenery. A scream from a woman interrupted us and I chase after the scream. As the guild master, I''m task to defend the town from evil (A/N: Yeah, maybe not). I reached the adventurer guild and see to my back that the boy followed me effortlessly. People don''t follow me running at full speed effortlessly. I''m an Upper Grade 8 master after all. No ordinary person can unless they''re at the same level as me. I proceed to take care of the incident. After that, I look at the boy and found nothing on his face. People usually becomes afraid at me after watching me fight. A side effect from how powerful I am but not the boy. I looked at his eye and I''m perplexed. Those are the kind of eyes that have seen much. Is it possible that a boy his age see much of this life already? I digress, I send the boy home as I clean up the mess in the adventurer guild. Before I know it, the sky''s gone dark and I ask permission to go home. Yeah, even guild master need permission to go home when there''s shit like this happening. I went home and found the boy and Anna still talking. I look at Anna and I see her smile so vibrantly. I haven''t see Anna smile like this in a long while Later that night, I asked Anna about this afternoon and guess what she said? She said "I know maybe he isn''t our son, there''s plenty of discrepancy between him and our boy. I checked earlier if he had affinity for mana and he checked out. I realize that he may not be our son. But, can I think of him as such? I mean...." I hug her. I hug her so tight so she can never let go. I want her to share her pain and sadness with me. And just like that, we fell asleep. The next morning the boy asked me if he can join the adventurer guild as an adventurer. I said sure but the minimal requirements is that you have to be at least Grade 1 mage or aura practitioner. Anna then do something unthinkable again. She told me to teach the boy. Anna really? I know you want to think of him as Eddy but.... She glared at me and I could do nothing about it. My master told me to not teach it to other people but it is my master daughter''s that told me to teach the art to the boy. Well, you can''t refuse Anna. We went to the training ground and entered one of the room. I guide the boy on how to form your circle based on my own cultivation technique. As he was struggling to form his circle, I told him to force it if you can''t. Suddenly tendrils shoot out from the boy''s body. The tendrils then shoots towards me, it stopped just before it reach me. It radiated pressure beyond anything I''ve seen, even my master never radiated this much pressure. The tendrils just move around me, and it observed me, like it have its own intelligence. As it deems I am of no threat to the boy, it withdraws back to the boy like it protected him from harm. Just as I felt the boy is done creating his first circle, the tendrils went back inside the boy. Fucking scary. He then asked me if he does okay. I paused for a second and told him that he did alright and bail on him after telling him to go home to Anna. After that, I ran through Lhant Forrest and straight to Lhant Mountain Range. I''ve got to tell master and hope that teaching the boy how to create his circle is not a mistake. Waiting Um.... Why did he react that way? I succeed creating my circle, maybe Paul is so happy that he brag to his friends or something. Oh well... Since I''m now technically Grade 1 Aura Practitioner, I can register as an adventurer. Hehe~~ I''m excited I go out the training room, and walk towards the adventurer guild. I don''t know why, but every villager looked at me weirdly. Maybe I''m just to handsome? Different from the first time I come here, but the adventurer guild is really lively. People come and go, drinking, joking. Overall it''s a fun atmosphere. I approach the receptionist table and see the woman from yesterday. The one that is assaulted by those 5 thugs. As soon as she sees me, she bowed her head "Hello can I help you?" Such a polite woman. She''s pretty too. "Um... I want to register as an adventurer. Can you help me?" "Sure, fill up this form and wait in the testing area. The testing area is in the second floor. You can''t miss it. There''s a big sign over there" the woman smiled while handing me the form. It is a standard form. It ask name, origins, skills, etc. I fill out the best I could and handed it back to the receptionist. Before I go to the testing area I asked her if she is okay. "Thank you for asking, I''ll be fine. Mr. Paul handles everything. It''s rare for people causing trouble in this guild branch. All because of Mr. Paul" she said as her eye turn to stars.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. This woman idolize Paul very much, I think. "Oh, you were with Mr. Paul yesterday right? Can you tell Mr. Paul that Josie from the adventurer guild sends her regard?" "Can you just, I don''t know, do it yourself? Paul work here right?" The woman sigh "That''s the thing, Mr. Paul is not usually here. He likes to roam about" she pouted. "Well, if I meet him I will tell him" I said as I left for the testing area "Thank YOU" She waved her hands at me. She''s kinda cute, I don''t know what she sees in Paul. Besides, Paul already have a wife. Eh, I''ll try not to think about it. =================================================================================== "Number 47, number 47 into the testing room please" Sigh... That damned woman didn''t tell me there''s a queue for testing. I got number 99 as well. Fuck my luck. Today will be a long day =================================================================================== "Number 69, number 69 into the testing room please" For pete''s sake man, this is so long. It''s going dark and it''s still number 69. FUCK Noticing my displeasure, one of the worker there approached me "It is alright boy, the guild opens 24/7" NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I''ll be here all day........... Sob.... Sob...... =================================================================================== "Number 98, number 98 into the testing room please" Finally. After this it''s my turn. The sky turned dark hours ago. I bet it''s almost morning now. And I''m so fucking hungry as well. I didn''t bring any money because I didn''t have any money. I can''t buy food or drinks. FUCK me man. Not like I need to eat and drink as my body has the abilities to absorb nutrients from air (A/N: I don''t know how that works either) but not eating and not drinking feels so uncomfortable. At least I''m not the last one. The last number is number 100 by the way. I watch as number 98, the person before me finish. As I tried to enter the room the worker there said "Sorry, we are going to take a short break to refresh our self" Me and number 100 cursed out loud WHAT THE FUCK!!! Finally an Adventurer "Number 99, number 99 please enter the testing room" Finally it''s my turn. The test is quite simple actually, about some knowledge of low class monster, basic survival skills, and also showing my circle. At first I was nervous because I didn''t know jack shit about monster in this world. Fortunately, the monster in question is similar to the monster from many novel and movie. Hey, lo and behold, it''s mostly right. Not all of them right as the examiner told me to study more but at least I barely pass. Now come the survival skills. I didn''t know much but I do know how to light a fire, set up a camp, treating a wound. Apparently that''s enough to pass. The examiner told me to practice how to knot a rope, and also sign language. I knew a few knots and a few sign language but while the knot is similar from Earth, sign language are not. After I showed my circle, the examiner nod and then fill out a form showing that I pass. "Give this to the receptionist below" said the examiner, handing me the form "Thank you" ====================================================================================== "Here" I handed the form to the receptionist. It''s still the same woman from yesterday, Josie was it? "You waited till morning?" "Yeah, aren''t you supposed to wait?" She laugh "No no silly, once you get your number, you can leave until when you''re most likely to be called. Didn''t the worker there told you?" "Most likely to be called?" I asked, tilting my head confused "Yeah, the worker is supposed to give you the estimated time when you''ll be called" she said, trying to hold back her laugh Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions."SHIT. I waited there for nothing. I could just go home and eat first" Not being able to hold her laugh, she let it all out, LOUD "Hahahahahaha, sorry sorry..... Here''s your card. Drop your blood here and it will be bounded to you" she said whipping her tears of joy out of her eyes with one hand and giving me the card with the other. Dropping blood huh? Like is this eastern fantasy or western fantasy? Wait.... Am I supposed to cut myself? Fuck this. FUCK the worker upstairs for not telling me. FUCK my own stupidity for not asking. I''m FUCKING pissed and hungry. I''m going home......... Wait, I''m cutting myself first. For the adventurer card. Teehee ======================================================================================= This adventurer card is really magical. After I dropped my blood, there''s a picture of me in it. How the hell could it do that? No matter, I better head home. I''m hungry (A/N: Head home? You didn''t have a home my good sir. You''re freeloading in Paul and Anna''s house) For those wondering how the card looks, it basically looks like this ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Picture here] Name : [ ] Age : [ ] Register at : [ ] Rank : ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As I am grabbing the door knob with my right hand, I hear voices inside. Anna and someone else, arguing. Afraid that someone want to do bad things to her, I barged in. I see Anna and a weird guy. Wearing all yellow suit from top to bottom. He had a bob cut, which man is sane enough that he will get a bob cut? Maybe it''s the trend in this world. I stimulate the virus inside of me, ready for battle anytime, any day. "Oh hello Eddy welcome. Come and meet my dad, Paul''s master and your grand master" Anna said with a smile Whaaaat? Grand Master Marshall Grand master? This guy is? He still looks young..... "Yo.... What''s up pupil of my pupil? HAHAHAHA didn''t think that Paul can choose a good disciple. HAHAHA.... How old are you boy?" the man asked "Dad, introduced yourself first.... Honestly..." she said clicking her tongue while shaking her head "Oh yeah, where are my manner... The name''s Marshall, nice to meet you" he said, doing a nice guy pose and all. Why did Marshall here reminds me of a certain village best taijutsu user.... "My name is Eddy, Anna gave it to me. I''m supposed to be 18, nice to meet you" "Eddy huh...." for some reason, Marshall looked sad "What''s wrong?" I asked "Nothing... HAHAHA 18 years old right? You''re still young" He laugh "Young people must have spirit. HAHAHAHA.... The Spirit of youth" he said, doing the nice guy pose again The resemblance is even more so now....... Anna sigh as she watched her father doing stupid poses "Enough dad, why do you want to meet him in the first place?" He points his finger at Anna"Good question Anna" he winks at me as he do a pose again, this time he put both of his hand just above his head "I come for him. Paul run all the way to my dwelling up in the mountain just to tell me all about his new apprentice. At first I was mad, mad because he didn''t listen to me. Teaching my art to someone else while I clearly warned him not to do so.... But......" he paused for a second, then turn his head towards Anna "But he said that Anna allows him so as a doting parent, I''ll allow it. But...... I need to see for myself...... Come out with me oh youth, to my dwelling in the mountains" I didn''t have time to react, he suddenly grab me then my vision blurred Anna sigh, shaking her head in disbelief "Honestly, this father of mine"If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ====================================================================================== "UAAAAAHHHHHHHH" an ordinarily good looking young man scream while carried by a silly looking guy wearing a green tracksuit Now maybe you''re wondering why a man in a green tracksuit carry an ordinarily good looking young man. Ah well, that is because he''s my grand master. His name is Marshall and he reminded me of a character from one of my favorite anime. He wears a green track suit and have a bob cut. Ah, yes, let''s get back to the initial question. BECAUSE HE''S CARRYING ME TO HIS HOME, IN LHANT MOUNTAIN RANGE MOVING AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT. Okay, I might exaggerate things a little bit..... "UAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH" I can feel the wind on my face, tearing my face apart like I''m sort of swish cheese. NOPE, I DEFINITELY WASN''T EXAGGERATING. THIS IS LITERALLY THE SPEED OF LIGHT. ======================================================================================= "What are you screaming for boy, we''ve arrive" the silly looking guy put down the ordinarily good looking young man down from his arm "What, what, where?" I shake my head, left and right. I see a wooden hut beside a beautiful waterfall. I assume this is Marshall place? "How do we get here so fast?" Marshall looks down "Well, it because" he do the stupid pose again "I''m awesome.... HAHAHAHAHA..... The power of youth is still in me..... HAHAHAHA" I facepalmed "So, what are we doing here?" I raised my eyebrow in question of Marshall action "Well, you''ll see. Come, follow me boy" Marshall led me into the waterfall, apparently there''s a cave right behind it. "We''re going to train here. Paul mention something interesting to me and I want to see it" "Interesting?" I tilt my head in confusion "Yeah, interesting. Go quicker boy, Paul''s waiting for us deeper in the cave" "Roger" ====================================================================================== "Yo, Paul. I brought the boy" Marshall wave his hand at Paul "Really, that fast?" Paul widen his eye in disbelief "All this time you''re training with me and you''re still surprised at this?" "Well, I mean, Anna let him go so easily?" "I kinda snatch him up" Marshall scratched his head "Seriously master, you never change" Paul facepalmed "Hahaha.... The Power of Youth still burns within me" "That''s not a compliment" Paul sigh, he then turn his attention to me "Alright boy, let see what you got" "What do you mean what I got?" "Well, when you try forming your circle Paul saw something that frightens even he. Show me that" Marshall added I look at Marshall then to Paul "What did you see?" "Tendrils or some sort. I think you are hiding something, and that is something dangerous. I can feel it. That''s why we bring you here, so that whatever happen here doesn''t come outside" Paul said with a serious face. I glanced at Marshall, he too had a serious looks on his face. I felt sweat dripping down my back. Dang, my secret is out?