《God's Game》


 Prologue

    It was a bright and sunny day, the light illuminates every green leaves of the primordial trees. Plants danced by the cool and fresh breeze blowing some dried leaves from the earth. Different species of animals playing on the background. The birds were singing in chorus, gliding swiftly from the midair in the vast of clear and blue sky. The perfect scenery of the majestic nature.


    Amidst on the nature`s life, A thud of multiple footsteps resonating from a distance.


    A group of 20 people strolled gallantly around the heart of the forest.


    Each of them were donned with different kinds of apparel with different vibrant colors and matched with weapons in all shapes and sizes. Armors clad men are holding either swords, lances or shield, and some clad in mage ¨Cmagicians, sorcerers, or witch outfit.


    Despite of those differences of their armory set, the only thing they have in common was they all wearing the same badges made in adamantite. An outline image of a heater shield which tinted with silver pigment protruded on the said badge.


    ¡°Stay alert¡± said by the man with a low but sharp voice.


    Clad with the most vibrant silver helm and armor with a black cape swaying behind on his back. His right hand was on the hilt of his silver sword which on the right side of his waist.


    ¡°We are currently halfway near the center of the second region of the Island¡±


    ¡°I don`t know why is this Island is dubbing by the people to be [Island of Death] ¨CI mean we haven¡¯t even encounter any [danger beast] since the beginning¡­. Loosen up a bit Captain¡±


    Calmly reply by a happy-go-lucky female clad in a mage outfit with her hands behind her head. The prominent features of her facade was her long and pointed ears. Sheseems the only one doesn¡¯t carrying a staff.


    ¡°Just because trees are one of ye`r fighting advantages, doesn¡¯t mean ye can drop yer guard down. We should be not be careless in this situation Alenia.


    A stout but short man grunts some words of advice. A thick and long hair dangled flamboyantly from his face. He was wearing a heavy black armor. His weapon ¨C a battle axe ¨C hangs behind his back. His eyes crinkled from the serious look directing to her.


    ¡°We already know that every adventurers who set their foot on this place had never comeback¡±


    ¡°I thought the race of dwarves are said to be portraying the image of strength and power. I guess bravery doesn¡¯t correspond to those characters ¨CDroma¡±


    ¡°Ye want ta test my bravery ye damned monkey?!¡±


    ¡°Bring it on you filthy bullfrog! ¨CI`ll incinerate you with my highest destructive magic¡±


    ¡°¡± ¨Cgrrrrrrr¡±¡± This out-of-nowhere bickering caused the serious atmosphere to heated up. Now both parties grow hostile.


    All the adventurers came to a sudden halt. They seem to be feeling unease caused by the two people in front. They quietly observe the two them. The Elf slowly raise her left hand and face if to dwarf. A magic circle slowly appeared on that hand.


    Sensing the danger, the dwarf also slowly grasp the hilt of his two-handed battle axe which sling behind his back. The battle axe glint with a raging ochre light.


    Annoyance and irritation pasted on the captain`s visage. His nerves bulges from his forehead.


    Amidst of this situation, before the two of them can make their move. The captain of the group, suddenly step in-between them.


    ¡°Will you please stop this skirmish? ¨CWe are on the middle on reconnaissance. You two are the commander of warrior ranks and mage ranks¡­ please reflect your action based on your position¡±


    The two stop their bearings and lower their heads.


    ¡°All right¡­ Now let`s stop for now. Since we are already one step away from the center of this place, I want you to group you self in three ¨C2 groups with six members and 1 group with 4 members. Groups with six members will compose of 3 mages and 3 warriors each. The remaining 3 will come with me. This is the real mission begin. We are the guild of [silver shield]! We are the most powerful adamantite rank guild in all of the kingdom. That¡¯s is why the king himself are entrusted with this mission to investigate this dangerous place. Everyone let`s show them who are the adventurers of the guild of [Silver Shield]!!!¡±


    ¡°¡±Oooohhh¡±¡¯


    All of the nodded in unison as they forget the tension and uneasiness a while ago. They were now filled with vigor and courage


    They begin to assemble themselves in to their respective group. Each and every one of them prepare themselves to the approaching dangers which will come to the uncharted place. As everyone was full ready, they marshal in the beckoning of the leader.


    ¡°Now let¡¯s roll¨C¡°


    The captain in front step his one foot forward


    At the same time, all of a sudden, the sound of the forest become mute. The birds which chirping abruptly stop the same way as insects which buzzing until now. The sky which was bright and clear and free from obstruction, slowly engulf with dark clouds coming out of nowhere. The darkness of the clouds is strange itself ¨Cdarker than an average thunder clouds ¨Clike an advent of a great disaster that will unravel at any moment.


    The whole group quickly seize their movements. Their glorious valor was now replace by a subtle trepidation. With no time to waste, all of them move to their battle formation. They sharpen their senses to their surroundings. The warriors slowly bound their weapons and the mages raised their staves ¨Ceach with different colors and symbols of magic circles for different purposes ¨Cthey begin their incantation of magic to augment their attacks and defense. All vanguards step forward. And the mages were in the rear guarded by few warriors.


    ¡°I can sense something moving slowly towards us¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the appearance? How many?¡±


    ¡°It`s impossible for me to discern one`s appearance by just recognizing their magic but for their numbers¡°


    Alenia pause for a moment and say ¡°only one¡±


    Despite of the number mentioned, they don¡¯t drop their guard down and focused to the front ¨CExcept Dormo.


    ¡°hahaha only one?!¡± Dormo dryly laugh the words of Regina. It seems that his wary act a moment ago was defeated by the resurfacing arrogance. He seems too confident to underestimate one danger beast.


    ¡°I already killed [Rank A] difficulty [danger beast] all by myself. And the most powerful danger beast in the forest of Vigan in our Dwarf Kingdom. This monster poses no threat¡­ ye can rest easy while putting my bravery in to action ¨C¡°


    Then he paused and haughty shows a face full determination accompanied by seriousness and added ¡°All by self¡±


    From his position, he fiercely walked passing through the frontlines and stop a little further ahead.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    He focused his eyes in front. And he found¡ª


    What reflected on his eyes is a lone large radiant grey wolf sitting on large rock. The said creature was not scary at all ¨Chorror, savage, and ferocious beast with a drooling saliva coming out from its sharp fangs like usually perceive in adventurer`s stories ¨Cwhat he saw was nothing like those description. The wolf`s furs grey with white color. Its eyes were ripe lemons but there is no hostility. Mysterious aura radiates from depths of the creature. [Danger beast] was not the word to be used ¨Cmajestic beast will fit.


    The party had freeze up in their position with their mouth agape. All eyes were fixed to the majestic creature. Sooner than Dormo was about to speak. The beast spoke first.


    ¡°Greetings travelers¡­ this is the sacred land of Queen Octavia, which now what it was currently called by your tongue [Island of death]. I am but the guardian of this place which is you called third region. I have but one job that is to protect this territory. If you truly value your life, go back and never set your foot here again and no harm shall be put upon you¡±


    The white wolf had a like a voice of an iron maiden ¨Ccalm but serious voice.


    It can talk!? And it¡¯s a female! Impossible! There were no incidents ever happen like this before! This land is not normal! We should retreat immediately! This thoughts circulate around their mind in shock, surprise and confusion. In amidst of this turmoil, the leader speak in a low voice like of a whisper to the ears of the elf.


    ¡°What is the rating level of its magic and also its overall power?¡±


    ¡°For its offensive status, I assume the magic is [level 10]¡­. And since it¡¯s a danger beast with unique features, its strength and speed are far greater than of human. Maybe both are [level 10]. For its defense status, resistant maybe around 5-6, and its immunity around 4-5, which means-¡±


    ¡°Its power level is 41, [Ranked A]¡± Captain shows a sign of relief. An ominous grin emerged in his face.


    ¡°If it¡¯s like that, then I think we should capture it. The enemy poses no threat against three [Rank A] and seventeen [Rank B] adventurers. Besides we can get huge amount of bounty if we sell it to the traders¡­. This one is in the bag¡±


    Regina also shows the same expression and nodded¡ª


    ¡°I will inform our troops about this. [Telepathy]¡±


    She apprise immediately all the adventurers. Sooner than later, all of them are now showing with smiles of greed. They now have a clear objective in situation. Dormo ¨Cwho was in the frontal part followed up his answer¡ª


    ¡°hahaha¡­. That is some courage yer showing, I like it. But it`s seems yer no in position to bluff like beastie. How `bout ye submit yer self to us. That way, we can save ourselves from `hurtin ye. What da ye say?


    The wolf close its eyes gently. A heartbeat later, he open his accompanied with killing intent


    ¡°Foolish mortals! Disrespecting me is an invitation of death. You just wasted the kindness of Lord Haven. Death shall befall to those who folly!¡±


    The mischievous adventurers were taken aback of her words. Their evils grins were replace fear.


    Why? Why are they in shock by words of the wolf? They have the advantages of the situation whether it`s in terms of quality or quantity. But Why? The reason was none other than the words of the wolf itself. The wolf was clearly full of rancor and disdain. There was no sign of forgiveness in her tone. The wolf has a clear meaning to what she is saying. Unshakeable truth that was felt apparently on those sharp words. Adventurers, whose life is always traversed in line between life and death. They trained their mind and body which makes them aware of an incoming danger and solved the predicament with the best discretion. And their sixth sense recognize this predicament they were in.


    The adventurers hold their breath and waited unbudgingly.


    ¡°awooooOOOOooooohhh¡± a thundering howl was reverberated to the whole island. The wolf apparently emanated a killing intent aura.


    Realizing this, Dormo lift his battle axe. He poured his mana and to said weapon ¨Cthe ochre light shrouds. He began charging towards the white wolf like a loose arrow. But he stop immediately halfway¡ª


    What was that?


    He suddenly felt a tinge of danger and broke out a cold sweat. Similar to the people behind his back.


    I can feel multiple footsteps coming from every direction. T-these are¡ª


    ¡°Wolves are coming in towards our direction!!¡±


    Before the Dormo can finish its train of taught. The elf Regina shout the incoming Armageddon.


    ¡°What`s their Power level and how many!?¡±


    Sensing the abnormality around, the captain bellowed a question at her. Regina`s Face was pale and in a state of shock. A visible fear was pasted on her visage. Large beads of cold sweat fell from her face. She muster an amount of courage to answer while stuttering.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s a [Ranked A].... F-Five hundred of them!!!]


    Those words had passed through all the ears of the adventures. All faces are white. They trembled in terror for the coming storm of death. All of the courage and valor disappeared like a popped bubble. They lost their ability to fight to their fate. All hope were clearly lost. Except for him¡ª


    ¡°All forces retreat while in defensive position!!! Mages chant your [Flying Carpet] spells and combined into one whole while running. We are all going to jump up while when you start flying¡ª


    ¡°C-ca-captain?.................. NOOOOOOOOOO!!!¡±


    Before he can finish his instruction, the captain`s head had been hit by an unknown force causing head burst forth. Not even his helmet ¨Cwhich is made from the mithril ¨Cone of hardest metal and also reinforced by magic¡ª could not withstand that assault and it shattered in pieces. His deep red blood spurted like a fountain coming from neck. Everyone had no time to grieve. They ran so fast, and so hard like their life depends on it. No¡­ their life literally depends on it. It¡¯s only a matter of minutes before those savage beast can bear their fangs on their necks. All the mages cast [fly] spells ¨Cfaster than the than [flying carpet] ¨Cfor them to travel to air faster and higher with a little cost of mana. They have no time to think about the warriors who were fleeing to ground. It`s every man for himself now ¨Clike a school of [stickleback fish] which has lost its leader.


    Dormo ¨Cwho was in frontal area ¨Cthrow down its battle axe and its extra armor. He burst forth running faster than those adventurers who are retreating as he passed through them.


    Only Alenia remain¡ª


    She staggered and plopped down on her knees supported by her arms beside his decapitated captain likes puppet whose strings were cut. Her eyes were shot wide while staring on his remaining body. Her hands dripped on the puddle of blood. No fear can invade inside her heart as a ravaging anger searingly surging. Vengeance was the word inside her head. She absolutely not planning to run away. She made up her resolved, she turn her head to face the white wolf¡ª


    She was dumfounded. Unable to discern what situation takes place, her face which was supposed furrowed on anger was immediately returned to the state of perplexity. She was looking at the wolf.


    What`s with that look? Why!? Why are you also so confused!?


    She can`t understand the white wolf. Her eyes filled shaking in shock and confusion similar from hers. She want to know but she can¡¯t¡­. She don¡¯t know why¡­.. It¡¯s like she was looking at mirror¡­. They both have the same expression.


    Several seconds later and she realized¡ª


    Something is wrong¡­


    She twist her neck and look around. She noticed something¡ª


    What reflected on her eyes was none other than the absurd actions of the wolves. They all sat up and bowed their heads like they submitting themselves in something unknown. Something out of ordinary is clearly happening here.


    Why did you stop? Why are you bowing your heads?


    Is it the black dragon? ¨Cwhich was the most powerful beast in the Island ¨CNo¡­ the black was on the other side of this section and there`s is now way a guardian will bow down to another guardian. Then, who is it? This is thoughts circulate in her head. She can¡¯t grasp the situation. A few heartbeat later¡ª


    --Throb¡­¡­throb¡­..throb¡­.throb¡­throb..throb.throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb, throb,


    What!? Why is my heart beat so hard and so loud?...... Its feels like something is gripping my heart. It¡¯s so hard to breathe¡­. What is this!? I¡¯m feeling intensely terrified. I don¡¯t want this¡­ someone please stop this!!! Something is approaching here¡­. Something is¡­.. It¡¯s feels like¡ª


    --Its death himself.


    She turned her back on the white wolf. She fixed her vision into her fleeing comrade ¨CNot because she want to spent her last moments facing her comrades ¨CIt is because she doesn¡¯t want turned her face in the direction where the white wolf ¨Cwhence the killing intent aura is.


    While staring at them in horrible and hopeless situation¡ª


    Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!, Pierce!


    She almost forgot to breathe at the scene reflected on her quivering eyes.


    All the warriors which running on foot below suddenly lifted upward about eight meters above the solid ground, supported by a protruded stake of a solid earth ¨Cwhich pierced their sagging bodies in the air. Blood flows gently though the stakes. The fleeing flying mages also noticed horrid scene happened to their comrades. Trepidation swallowed their entire existence as they cruise to air faster than they was before. Getting faster on their route ¨Cbut their speed drops momentarily instead. The climate becomes windy all of a sudden. A moment later gushing tornado was formed on those dark clouds ¨Cdescended from above to the heart of silent forest ¨Cpulling every adventures in center of the scourging vortex like dust being sucked on a vacuum cleaner.


    Large numbers of trees were pulled out from their stand. The beautiful landscape with a satisfying scenery was devastated. The bodies which pierced high above was nowhere to be found including the mages.


    It¡¯s without a doubt a total wiped out.


    Regina was the only on left.


    Her face was blank ¨Cdevoid of any emotions ¨Cshe clearly knows that next would be her turn to die.


    The powerful killer aura was already beside her. She closed her eyes gently ¨Ca single bead of tear escaped from the corner of her eye.


    Mom¡­. Dad¡­. I coming home soon¡­..


    Sooner before her tears reach the ground¡ª


    The deadly atmosphere I have felt¡­. disappeared all of a sudden? This thoughts circulated on her mind. All she can felt was a satisfying comfort. Peaceful aura wafted through the surroundings. Danger was gone like someone from heaven had descended. Warm sweat gushed out from her body.


    Is it magic? No, there`s no magic coming from the creatures beside her. Maybe it`s a trickery was devised here. No, that¡¯s even more impossible. She can¡¯t figure out what is really happening here. It¡¯s always has been. There¡¯s already no threat she felt in this situation. So she takes the courage to take a look at the creature beside. And again, no expression was shown on her face but bafflement at the creature looking down at her.


    ¡°You really are fond on surprises and shocking moments¡­. seriously¡±


    What she saw beside her was boy wearing a long white cardigan coating a white military-liked clothes, accompanied by blacked-striped white hat. His eyes was the same color of his hair which is silver. His skin was glowing with fair ivory tone. And eerie aura gushing from his existence. The appearance overall was like he came from a family of royalty. His voice like an angel ¨Cso pacific but there was a sarcasm on the words he spoken. His expression was forlorn and stoic and somewhat lethargic.


    Thud-thud


    The stamp his foot twice. She witness how wrecked landscape fix itself. The stakes that protrude retracted. The dredged earth slowly bulge out, making earth even. New trees protruded, replacing the every pulled-out ones. The dark clouds dissipates from above. Azure sky can be seen in the naked eye. The light shines warmly which balanced by the cool breeze. Everything was normal from the way they was before. It was like nothing happened.


    The fast recovery of the land is beyond explanation, beyond comprehension. No magic can keep up especially absurd rejuvenation. A damage area normally can be fixed within a month. But in a matter of minutes¡­.. Hats off.


    She was still wearing the same expression while contemplating everything that transpired. She looks back at him. Both of them made eye contact.


    She open her mouth but no word had escaped ¨Cunable to speak that her mouth repeatedly opened and closed ¨CShe gather enough courage to speak. But before she opens her mouth again, the mysterious male spoke first.


    ¡°Go home and never comeback. This is the only salvation I can offer you¡±


    Regina was given no time to speak as the white-clad male slowly turn his back on her. He walked forth with while the hem of his clothes fluttering on a gentle breeze. Sooner followed by the white wolves and its subordinate.


    All was left is Regina sitting down at the blood pool beside here. The figure of the boy disappear from the distance.


    The warm bright light shone defeating all the darkness in surroundings. Cool breezes blew gently through his face. The boy saunter across the heart of primordial trees. Together by his side, the white wolf asked the boy clad in white¡ª


    ¡°My liege, is it okay for us to spare that woman. I do not see what benefits that girl will brings to us¡±


    ¡°She will be the message¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    The Boy did not reply immediately.


    He continue walking and came to a sudden halt. He looked to the sky and nodded.


    ¡°To inhibit them from disturbing my peace¡±

 Chapter 1: Beginning of Change

    <hr>


    Long time ago, a world rich on modern technology was living aboundingly on the peak of its time. Technology was so advance that to point impossibility was on the brink of extinction. Vehicles in all shapes size that was never seen before, playing on the interweaving roads. Floating cars dominates the space and the sound of bustling people was in the harmony in the buzzing of the city. The scintillating ubiquitous blue light illuminates every corner of the metal land.


    Until one day, a massive meteor was detected from the radar of the space satellite ¨Cset on the course directly on their world. The said meteor was aberrantly massive that its already at the same size of the moon. The people had give it a name -[Goliath`s Meteor].


    Ancient countries ¨Clike Russia, Japan, China, and United State of America and the rest of Nations -united against the common odd. They all came to a unanimous decision ¨Cand that decision was to send nuclear rockets. This Operation was called [Operation Home-run]


    why the hell are they giving weird names


    20 looming nuclear rockets [David`s Cavalier] was planned to launch from the space Facility on the moon - [Garden of NASA].


    All people watched and cheered exhilaratingly on news from the flat wide screens television on their home, on their mobiles, and from giant monitors displayed, floating graciously on the city. 20


    nuclear rockets was exceedingly enough to obliterate the moon. They watch not because they`re worried, but because they want to see the mesmerizing destruction of this meteor unfolding in their naked eyes.


    All eyes was transfixed on their screens as the Garden release 20 cavalries, charging on the massive blazing boulder. But they witness something inconceivable--


    The 20 Rockets was unexpectedly bend its trajectory as its gets near to the meteor as if it''s avoiding the object itself.


    People watching excitedly with jubilation from the mother earth was replace by trepidation. The world was silenced all of a sudden.


    Vast throngs slack-jawed and freeze up ¨Cnot moving a single muscle --unable to discern the transpired phenomenon.


    it was at that moment they realized, they fucked up


    If it wasn''t for the sudden news about the evacuation and time of collision blended by ear-piercing drone, their souls would not be awakened from the inescapable nightmare.


    Approximately nine hours of before impact --They have left their primordial home.


    Because of the advance technology and the number of space stations floating on the space and the great number of depopulated terrarium-city in the planets mars, facilitating 7 billion people was not even near the impossibility.


    They witness how planet was destroyed by the impact of Goliath from the massive screens of the terrariums and space stations. A mixed of sadness and happiness showed on their facade as some tears scraped from their glazed eyes ¨Cit was the tears sowed from the cosmic implausible phenomenon. Such beauty of chaos bombardment.


    As everyone watched awe-stricken, they were caught on the hop on the next episode.


    The shattered pieces of earth revolve around the remnant of meteor. The people continued to watch inquisitively, a jet-black sphere radiating with luminescence ¨Clike an image of solar eclipse ¨Cwas formed form the remnants of the meteor. The dancing pieces of the earth also followed the same procedure, covering the black sphere. The earth debris and wreckage of earth was drawn like being pulled by the gravity waves gushing from the ebony object. Like a rainbow from the end of the storm, like a butterfly broke out from its cocoon --a new life is born.


    The world they believe to be shattered immediately begin to form a new shape. They all witness was none other than the creation of the new world.


    This was beyond theory creation which takes ages to give birth to a planet. Every people specially the scientist were drowned in sea of curiosity. The world they knew so much had change beyond explanation.


    The world leaders agreed to send a reconnaissance party to study the new world they dubbed as [Black Egg]. According to the satellite --the Planet Black Egg was composed of 9 continents. They decided to set their feet to one of the uncharted lands.


    They knew that these was made by the hand god itself which beyond the theory of science. They were all expecting a new biosphere --new animals and plants.


    As they set their foot on the virgin land. Green grass was swaying together with the trees and bushes in the fresh cool air. Birds was playing around the trees. And a deer walking gently to the clear-watered stream.


    But they saw the same. But this was also enough for them to felt amazed in the beauty of the Mother Nature and also for the flora and fauna to come unscathed from the collision.


    No -they didn''t survive, they were clearly created in an instant.


    But they didn`t anticipated what had have happened next¡ª


    The Garden from the moon sent an encrypted message from the reconnaissance team to be wary as they detected a multiple space warp developing all the continents. There were all convinced that the world creation is not yet finished.


    Garden wants recall them for precautionary measures as they don''t know what danger might fall on them. But despite of the risk , they insisted to remain and watch the process to unfold. They craved to see it with their own eyes.


    The calm breeze become stronger all of a sudden. They saw the birds and rest animal run from their place. A few moments later, a space warp like void came forth in front of them. From depths of that dark void, a creature unexpectedly emerged.


    Creature with same shape, same form as them.


    The Reconnaissance party sent a Report to the garden immediately.


    It was the very first contact from the people from another world.


    This was not the only place.


    Variety of never-seen-before races and animals popped out to the different parts of the world.


    The portal closed eventually after a month. Telling the world the last process of creation had ended.


    It takes 15 years to understand and learn their language after the repeated spying on [stranger`s] country. They try to communicate with them with their [Batali] language which the common words uses across the world. They questioned the people on how they get here but theirs wall the same; they were all sucked in a black empty space. The moment they saw a light, they pass through it. And that`s how they got here.


    When everything goes settled down, another inevitable problem has yet to rise.


    Because of racial differences, invasion on another race is something not out of ordinary. Frequent wars broke out and spread on the entire globe. Different weapons of mass destruction rain down from heaven. It was a war that the people of old world has never seen.


    They were like the medieval time, typical weapons like broadsword and stout shield and bows and arrows were given. But usage of another weapon that can rival their advance technology caught them off guard¡ª


    It was Magic ¨Can imaginary art that only exist on story books had joined the fray. This weapon that ¨Ccan twist the laws of science which their ancestors invest blood and sweat to develop ¨Chad greatly overwhelmed.


    Their physical features is greater than ordinary human. They moved fast which even bullets can`t touched. They`re strong that even they ride on robotic exoskeletal armor ¨Cthat can take the shots of a long range ballistic missiles ¨Chad been taken down by single punch of an enemy warrior. Their volley of missiles was easily intercepted by those glowing homing arrows which exploded their weapons before it can even reach its targets. And the different genre of magic with flashing colors, caused an unbearable damage to their army. It was distinctly over kill.


    Billions of lives of earthlings had perished on the surface of the Black Egg. The war started a thousand years ago


    "And that was the brief history of the people of the old, living on this unfriendly world"


    summarizing and translating a five hundred paged ancient English history book really is mind cracking. I hope I don`t commit a grammar errors on batali translation


    The white clad boy closes its book slowly as he look to the listening inquisitive owl standing right beside him. He was sitting on one of the large bulging roots on the grass, under the roof of the diamond shaped base of a tree. He returned a look to the owl as he notice that it`s likely to make a remark on the brief summary of the new history. The owl was covered by apple green feathers and clad with a butler`s outfit.


    "This clearly shows that Earthlings supreme level of technology is without a doubt no match for the [Strangers] magic -chirp. They''re truly weak and pathetic¡­. No wonders they lost their ? of territory to the human race from otherworld -chirp. It''s laudable given you''re an earthling your Excellency, your plenty strong even for the guardian beast. You''re a mysterious force that a fool must not reckoned with. Lord Haven is God among those insects -chirp"


    Hearing those words of praises with chirping voice of his trusted overseer, He offered a dry laugh.


    "it`s not that I have an absolute power, Olana. It''s just that the earthling doesn''t know how to use their powers properly¡­ [Strangers] have mana, we earthlings have ki. But their arrogance has led them to this state"


    During the first contact. The otherworld humans [Strangers] has claimed that the land they set foot on was theirs. Earthling knew that survivability is going to be extremely difficult if they have lost a place in the new world. Terrariums in the mars and culture plants on the space stations is not enough to feed the mouths of 7 billion people. They presumably need the resources coming from [Black Egg]. As the primitive rules like finders keepers follows, they assumed that he who ever put a flag on a piece of land, own the land. So logically speaking, it''s like going to be a race between the [Earthlings] and the [Strangers] to set their foot on the remaining land of the continent.


    After the to-and-fro race between two sides, in the end, they both acquired the half of the continents. And it was named [Humania]. The earthlings founded 5 new countries from the 5 most powerful country on the old world ¨CRusikia , Ameroidia, Japsifae, Chinilina, and Encaria.


    They lived respectively in peace but not in harmony for two hundred years before the ominous war started to sparked. And when spark became a raging sea of fire, they lost horridly. Giving up one of their nation, [Rusikia].


    50 years had passed since the defeat in the first war.... the earthlings had gave birth to a stronger kinds of people dubbed [Crusaders]. They are people who possessed an ancient energy known as Ki ¨Cenergy that uses by one`s spirit, augmenting all physical abilities of human. They believe this was the gift of god that can rival magic users.


    The more Ki they have, the more powerful they gets. They harness this gifts to their limits. Knowing they could defeat any adversaries with this power. That is what they like to happen but¡ª


    When they declared the Second war between the two races of the humans ¨CWith their weapons of mass destruction and god given gift ¨CKi ¨Cthey fought bravely and presumptuously knowing they will win because of their power. They want to win eagerly and retrieve their lost nation and citizens¡ª


    But they underestimated too much.


    As a result earthlings lost their ? of their territory and the lives of 1 billion men. Giving up the 2 nation: Ameroidia and Japsifae.


    The remaining forces retreated to their last nation [Chinilina]. That nation was located at the rearrests part of the continent and was surrounded by titanium walls as their line of defense against [invaders].


    The country of Encaria was a monarchy type of government located at the in the middle-bottom part continent. They have also crusaders but different to the usual description. [Crusaders] can augmented the physical abilities. What the encarian differs from the rest is that, they also have the ability to manipulate the 4 basic elements ¨Cfire, water, air, and earth. They were dubbed as [Elemental Domineers (ED)]. They don''t have enough weapons for war and the ED don''t want to wage war against the mages. That''s why the Encaria Kingdom was on neutral side. But they were rich in resources and provides an additional provision to the space and the other nations without requite. It was an unrequited kindness out of good will. This was enough to silenced that those who asked for additional forces.


    If they further lost the Chinilina, Encarians sending additional provisions to the space will not be sufficient.t Thus, renouncing the war will be the most optimal solution.


    Since the surviving nation doesn''t even have a magic barrier (that negates any magic attacks) but a solid wall ¨Cmages just can use [Ghost walk] ¨Ca spell that can pass through solid objects ¨Cand perform a raid and bring the area in havoc whenever they wanted to.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    To prevent the further loss of their land, the earthling thinks of an another idea and that is¡ª


    "I agree what you said, they are so weak and pathetic that just to survive and spare the last nation, they offer their technologies they so proud of to the hands of the invaders. they even let their citizen to be abused."


    Since the culture was akin to the medieval era, slave trading was frequent throughout the continent. The citizen of the invaded nation forcefully become literal stress reliever. Females got sexually harassed over and over. The people of old had become a slave worker and get killed without a particular reason. They never imagined that the cruelty of the past had been repeated to the present.


    Earthlings know these injustices. They want to buy the lives their citizens but the currency they use was greatly different. They want gold coins and gold jewelries as payment. But they don''t have enough. At that time, they don''t use coins and bills anymore as currency .They use [bit coins]¡ªa cyber-coin that exist only on cyber-system banking controlled by the government ¨Cas a system of currency. They have once have golds treasures but most of them was lost during the World Creation. The have golds on the [Space Cities] ¨Cformer space stations that was converted for the Earthlings, but it is not enough. To save them, they need to defeat the invaders directly. That''s why they eager to achieved the victory for their abused citizens.


    Olana hang her head limply on contemplation


    "I just can''t understand these people your Excellency -chirp¡­ as far as I know, the slaved earthlings are currently living in hell created by the invaders -chirp¡­" she looked a boy with those eyes that ask an explanation and continued in a saddened tone


    "Why can`t they just choose to die¡­ to die free is better than lived in chain chirp. Dying is the only rope of they can grab on chirp"


    He shows a slight smile, understanding her query, he looked to clear sky and replied like a doting teacher.


    "They are currently under the roof of a dark of storm. Maybe they are still hoping a sight rainbow to appear. The strong will to live sometime can even comeback from the brink of death as they say. There`s still a silver lining can be found on those dark clouds"


    She closed her eyes and open gently after hearing the opinion of her liege.


    "Your Excellency, a rainbow will never appear as long as the light never starts to shines -chirp¡­. The auspicious question is¡­" she look directly to eyes of the boy. A subtle smile can be seen on Olana face as she continued in her usual chirping toned voice. "Who will be the one to become that beacon of light I wonder?


    Realizing what her trying to say, Haven nodded with a dandy smile on his face.


    "Come what may happened to the world¡­"And his expression abruptly changed to a stern look and continued¡ª


    "But I, will never partake in their foolish game"


    Few moments later, Haven set his eyes fixed on the sky as he notices something strange from afar.


    "Hey Olana, Are those black birds coming the from black forest flying towards us? No fauna can be seen in the area isn''t it? Is there a word coming from drakogo-chi about this"


    Olana was completely taken aback from those words. She also looked at the same direction her Excellency was looking at. She used her special ability [Eyes of true Sight] ¨C that grants true vision of everything.


    Her large eyes budge more open as she notices the true form of those black bird he was talking about. She replied slowly stuttered in words.


    "M-my lords those are not black birds c-chirp¡­ t-those are¡ª" Haven notice her strange speech pattern. he gazed her in calm but serious expression pastes on his face. After a long paused, Olana, completed her sentence.


    "Those are the [black phoenix] spell from Drakogo himself chirp"


    Both of them stared to the clear blue sky constantly painted with dots of black flame.


    ooooOoooo


    Time: Tuesday, 25 September, year 1302. / 12:00 pm


    Location: Death Island (8th region / Black Forest)


    Sky were bright in contrast with the land that covered in darkness.


    Black grass swarming in the black soil. Everything was black, be it the roots of the trees hiding under the land up to crown of leaves they were all black.


    The roses the blooms in the side of a steep high ground were also black.


    The transparent water of the stream like glass can make one`s to see the dark clay underneath.


    There is no animals can be seen nor heard from the distance. Air was steady but cold.


    The trees are closely held to each other making a little amount of light to pass through. It''s a dark place like it was filled many horrid creatures just like in the stories of fairy tale.


    But it`s not.


    This place lives its reputation as the Black Forest which environment almost as dark as night.


    "Amazing¡­. It''s literally a dark forest"


    "Your majesty please don`t scurry further from us. We don''t know how strong that black dragon is. We should avoid unnecessary movements and be wary in our surroundings"


    The low plead of the man was enough to become like a shouts. Donned in red cape and golden tinted armor, he rushed to his strolling curious highness for any assistance. The said king was Demon lord and his name was Zagrus.


    "My my¡­ you should not let yourself concern about me Henry-kun, I''m a demon lord. My powers are enough to eradicate a country by myself. I''m more concern about you children though. Humans are the most fragile among the race"


    "But we humans are the most flexible in all situations"


    A woman with a blonde hair approached slowly to the two leading men. Donned with a mage apparel, she smiled brightly and winked to the man beside the king.


    "Alicia is right you`re majesty, we are now stronger compared to the last 2 years. We trained talents to the limits and defeated a couple of [ranked A] adventurers during the adventurer''s battle fest. This earn us the title appointed to us by the your beloved to become the most elite knight of the kingdom -The Four Great Royal Knights"


    "Is that so?"


    Despite of Henry`s encouraging golden speech, it seems the proud king himself is not convinced.


    He looked at the young knight with a sarcastic look on his face, then he turned his vision behind the young man. Henry also followed suit to the direction his highness` eyes were fixed. He unconsciously put his hand on the forehead together with his frustrated look at his fellow royal knight at the back.


    "D-d-damn this place¡­ why is it so cold and dark!"


    "Maybe because the trees were so closed at each other making the warm light barely pass though"


    "That''s really not c-convincing"


    The cry young man with a petite body and a catchy silver tinted light armor, reverberated to the whole area and shaking greatly top-to-bottom. Assisting right beside him was a young woman clad in mage cloths, covering his armor with layers of thick mantle. They were walking in a slowly towards them.


    "Can`t the two of you picked up some pace! And don''t you dare shout, Clive. Can''t you see this forest amplifies our voices!?"


    Howled by the captain of royal knights. Hearing his speech was really not pleasing to the ear. Holding his teeth from clattering, he retorted back with same amount of loudness but stuttering because of the embrace of coldness.


    "T-that so d-damn rich coming from someone who have had d-done the same thing I did, i-idiot!"


    "I just told you to refrain from shouting! The black dragon might find out our presence because of you!"


    He whispered loudly but Clive strike another retort.


    "W-we are here for that d-dragon! T-this whole mission was for that dragon you idiot!"


    Henry gritted his teeth and frowned as he realized his loosing at the argument. He calmed himself as he breath out and regain his composure. He brought the subject to a closed.


    "Enough¡­. Anyway why are so showing now such pathetic side of you, not to mention you''re doing it in front of the king. Not to speak of, in the middle of the mission. You''re looked like a weird eskimo isolated in a equatorial island"


    The two catch up to rest of the team. Hugging his bulged body caused by stacks of cloaks together with hi light armor, he genuflected staggering to king with the constant shaking ¨Cnot because out fear to the king but because the negative status.


    "I apologized your Majesty for you to see a royal knight such as myself being cold in this place"


    "Lift your head Clive-kun, this is not time nor place for that. Did you already applied [warm jacket] spell in you"


    [Warm jacket] is a spell that gives a warm buff that can be used by [rank f] as a temporary alternative for winter garments. All spells of the [Rank f] mages can be used in everyday life. Thus, it''s called [utility magic] ¨Cthe only magic can use by rank fs.


    Noticing her friend`s speech pattern would be displeasing to her Majesty`s ears ¨Cperhaps maybe also her ears ¨CSasuna, the enchanter of the group ¨Cwith her ever calm and composed facade, carried the ball for his friend.


    "I already cast that spell your Majesty, but it seems no dice. I even cast [Dispel all status] spell knowing that maybe it''s a negative buff. And cast a [greater resistance] buff to overcome the coldness, but the result was the same. That''s why I tried to cover him with layers of mantle hoping it can warm him even a little with physical means, but again it has no effect"


    "I guess even the magic of the prominent enchanter can`t keep huh"


    The blonde sorcerer joined the group discussion. After probing the methods used by their enchanter¨Cshe throws question to the shaking man.


    "Does it really that cold? From my perspective, the coldness was comparable to an air-conditioned room. Your acting was exaggerated too much"


    The coldish but hotheaded man doesn''t like the opinion of his compatriots. He voiced out ragingly from the inside of he truly feels about.


    "Y-your underrating it t-too much! Not even once I v-vibrated like a damn cellphone inside an air-c-conditioned room. Its feels like I was in the middle of the ice island, A-antartic!


    ""What""


    Everyone was taken aback and reacted in unison. They all know how it was cold it was in that place.


    In the old world [Earth], Antartica was a continent in the South Pole. But during the world creation, the new Antarctica was nothing more than a very large island made entirely of ice. The frozen wasteland has temperature ranging from negative 12 degrees to negative 5 degrees. An average human cannot withstand such temperature, but for adventurers that reach beyond the peak of mortals, it''s possible.


    The rest also utters their opinion.


    "Actually I felt it was just like the temperature of a breezy summer.


    "So that`s how you felt it, Henry-kun. For me it was nothing more like the actual coldness under the shade of the trees, how about you, Sasuna-kun?


    "Your Majesty, this was nothing different of what I feel during nighttime.


    "I see all of us has a different judgement then"


    Being fixed in their position under the shades of black leaves is getting them nowhere. Thus, they moved forward slowly and closely together ¨Cmatching the pace of the waddling Clive ¨Cwhile probing the place and the temperature issue. They think harder to discern this mystery as they getting closer and closer to the heart of the forest. Clive still shaking in coldness slip a bellyache.


    "W-why the hell this forest g-giving me such bad status, p-plus this-s strange b-black surroundings is giving me creeps"


    After a constant thinking, Alicia cease her action as something to light inside her mind. The king notice her sooner followed by the rest. They all looked at her with anticipation.


    "I think I know the reason"


    "Really? Then what is it then?"


    Sasuna, with her usual demeanor reacted quickly. She was subtly eager to know what unknown force had render her magic useless. Enchanters are mages that are good at supporting roles. They can either nerf or buff or de-buff one`s ability. Thus, trampling her abilities was troubling in her part as the most prominent enchanter of [Aslea Kingdom]. Alicia knows what he truly feels inside behind that poker-face. Without further ado, she began explaining her findings.


    "When you cast a [warm jacket] spells to warm him up, and it doesn''t have any effect. Your reason maybe [warm jacket] spell is too under-level to worked but racing its effectivity might have an effect but you never bothered to raise knowing that buff-dispelling-magic will be the most effective. You thought that maybe a high level magic was being used so you were force to the use [dispel all buffs]. But that magic can`t be removed the buff or has an effect. If that`s the case, it''s either a buff that''s so strong that level 8 magic like [dispel all buffs] had rendered useless, or it''s a kind of natural phenomenon. But the former is clearly impossible and the former also absurd since putting multiple layers of thick mantles should have blocked the coldness even a little"


    All ears are pointing at her as she stating her explanation. They all listened seriously to her especially the poker-faced enchanter Sasuna ¨Cwhich supposed to be an expert in terms of spell buffs ¨Ccannot even unravel. Alicia continued her case¡ª


    "Raising Clive Immunity status by using [Greater Immunity] spell. You can either nerf both buffs caused by magical or natural means, but also ends futile. From this exegesis, I can safely conclude¨C


    This is not a natural phenomenon nor alone a buff-causing-magic cast by someone. This is an effect of an aura caused by a [passive magic]"


    Everyone was fell silent at the end of her supposition. After a heartbeat, later they exhaled as they forgotten to breath since the beginning of the climax. They were all convinced in the story. Sooner before king finished a sentence and gestured of praise to the brilliant knight, she was interrupted by the dissatisfied enchanter. Sasuna raised her voice in the absurd conclusion, it''s because¡ª


    "Negatives auras of passive magic can always be negated by using immunity-enhancement spells! This is definitely not a [cursed]! The only explanation would be its natural phenomenon"


    Sasuna has a point.


    [Passive magic] is a type of magic that is naturally cast permanently. Since it''s a fusion magical and natural phenomenon, it doesn''t require mana. The aura caused by passive magic will be actively continue unless the user cease the magic itself or the life itself will cease. Auras with negative effect call [Curse] and the positive effect is called [Blessing]. Both Curse and Blessing are magics that affects the status of a subject or in other words called [buff]. Buffs can manually resist if the affected desired it, given that he has a corresponding amount of immunity status [IS] to make it possible.


    The coldness Clive was enduring since the beginning is definitely a buff, since it''s a status effect. Sasuna cast a [greater immunity] level 8 spell which raising the [IS] by 2 levels in an instant. Given Clive has an original high level of [IS] from the start, that [Curse] should be negated completely or at least has a little effect if the buff caused by the cursed its really high. But that''s impossible. No buffs have ever reported that augmenting-immunity magic has no effect on. It should have an effect regardless of how short IS was. But it has no effect which mean Sasuna`s point was true.


    [Immunity] is a type a magic defense against buff-causing-magic. Thus, the strange naturally low temperature is a buff which can only be dealt by a status with physical defense which is [Resistance] ¨Ca type of defense for both physically and magically direct damage as well as natural phenomenal [buffs]. This results to Alicia`s hypothesis that this was a [Passive magic] ¨Cspecifically a [cursed] ¨Cto be false since the coldness doesn''t even budge from [IS] effect.


    Sasuna was right and also wrong, as for that, it''s because¡ª


    "Clive original [IS] was high, he should be able to walked stably in such temperatures if that''s the case. You even put those useless silly mantles on him. It''s obviously not the natural the temperature since my [RS] is the lowest among us Royal Knights. But I only felt a little cold compared to him burning with arctic cold spite of his Higher [RS]


    Her mouth pursed tightly after the irrefutable words trespassed inside her ears. She had no means to retaliate. Both of their statements had proven correctly, as well as doesn''t solve the issue at hand. The king` facade showed a troubled look to the enigmatic buff problem.


    "The information we know on this place is next to nothing. Even I, a demon lord, don''t know if this buff is really from a curse or is just from a normal phenomenon. This really out of ordinary"¡ª


    "Not exactly your Highness, this is clearly a [Cursed].


    Alicia closed her eyes and hang her head slightly. She looked everyone to reveal the mystery


    "But is not your typical cursed, because this certain cursed can bypassed our [IS].


    Every face went dumfounded by the unfathomable theory of the sorceress especially the king -who belong to the race that knowledgeable in all branches of magic¡ªa demon lord. He never heard a [buff] that can bypass the [IS]. They pay attention closer to the speaker as she began stating her explanation. She continued her lecture.


    "The cold is not affecting Clive''s body, obviously the arctic temperature should have begun freezing the temperature of an average person. But his skin was in a normal state even and his body temperature in normal or maybe it''s already raised because of the cloaks. His face even sweating vigorously"


    She confidently say her presumption those even without touching a single part of Clive`s body.


    Hearing her analysis, Sasuna sneaked a peek under his hood. Surprise was pasted in her face after witnessing his sweat-covered visage. This spurred her to check him further as she removed his gloves on a flash.


    Her eyes went wide while clamping his hands. The shaking hands that caused by coldness ironically was damped in sweat because of warmness. Realizing this atypical scenario, she removed the stacks of cloaks together his with light armors. What reflected on her eyes caught not just her, but everyone on befuddlement


    His the inner garments was soak deeply on sweat like fresh from a bath. His body was still shaking because of the same cold buff ¨Cwhich proved that the removed garments doesn''t have any effect since there`s no difference in the amount of coldness, with or without those garments nor those invoked spells.


    "A-all this time Clive your soaked in sweat but not even once you notice? How insensitive can you get!?"


    "H-how should I know?! I`ve been really cold that its only t-thing I felt ever since the b-beginning!"


    Alicia pay no heed to their surprised reactions and continue¡ª


    "The buff was clearly affecting his soul, it''s because the strength of that cold buff was based on the psychological status. And the psychological status that gives birth to that buff was¡ª"


    "Fear"


    Sooner before she finished her sentence, someone have had completed it for her. Every heads turn to direction coming from the owner of that voice.


    From the depth of the forest that was dark as abyss ¨Ca creature with black wide wings made of skin and body that covers with stone-hard black scales had emerged. Every thud of its foot send an unfathomable fear to their hearts accompanied with a strong but dangerous atmosphere as its gets closer. Their most awaited objective has arrived ¨CThe guardian of the black forest, the Black Dragon

 Chapter 2: Invitaion

    As soon the mighty beast show itself, Clive ¨Cthinking that he would be helpless because of his negative status ¨Cthe creeps his hiding from the start became evident fear, as the coldness he felt became worst. Completely aware of the strength of the monster ¨Che thought that he will be killed instantly if the buff will not stop ¨Cthe fear grows stronger together with the cold buff that brimmed inside him. Thinking all these thoughts that dances inside his mind, the coldness and fear rose continually until its breaches to his threshold and¡ª


    His life ceased with cold death.


    Clive`s body slowly crashed to the ground with a lost consciousness. Everyone fell silenced and stupefied after they hear a thud of his lifeless body.


    "W-what Happened? C-clive!!"


    "Can`t you humans even comprehend something so simple and obvious? The keystone that binds his soul, spirit and flesh has already severed¡± said with enjoying tone ¡°Your friend is dead"


    The panicking question of Alicia had been answered by the callous black beast with an entertained voice.


    Transparent bead of tears slowly flowed out from the corners of her eyes. Clamorous cry burst forth after those insensitive words coming from the caster of [curse] itself. Her body drops down like a broken puppet and start mourning without giving attention to the black dragon. The rest shed their tears with anger and hostility for their fallen comrade towards the dragon, especially the good king, which now showered with hatred as violet aura of killing intent were now gushing from within.


    The black dragon doesn''t give a shit to the seething angers of human, but his attention was focus solely on the demon lord. He completely aware of what the demon race ¨Cthe strongest among the races ¨Cwas capable of. Despite knowing his power can completely rival by the enemy`s prowess. He confronted him in a sarcastic tone.


    "Oy oy, don''t give me that look give me that scary look. My special ability [cold fear] aura was an ability that doesn''t have capability of freezing the people`s physical shell. This frigid magic only wraps one`s soul with death-cold. The more the subject is afraid, the coldest it is. Of course it goes without saying that too much coldness can lead to death.


    It''s not my fault that your child has a phobia to begin with. Besides, I should be the one to be angry. You''re the one barge in my abode without permission. Isn''t it the blame should be rightfully fall on you?"


    His words contains a solid truth. Obviously they visited the uncharted place with a little information. This kind of unwanted scenarios should be expected.


    The visitors only has realize that this monster can talk and seems irrational in contrast with his appearance. This might be painful for his side, he set aside his boiling abhorrence to take this moment for information which ca be used against it later. Clear, sharp and calm mind is the most important possession one must have in any occasion and emotion should never take place especially during such a dangerous situation. But I guess having a heart of stone really difficult for the Sorcerer.


    That demon`s aura of hostility has already dissipates, but it seems the remaining humans still detest me. Well it doesn`t matter, they don''t have the power to put down anyway. What important is I convince the potential threat to leave-


    "Who are you? No, what are you?"


    His train of thoughts was interrupted by the sudden question of the demon. But this is already a head start for a peaceful negotiation to make them leave ¨Cwhich his superior had asked him.


    "As who am I, I am Drakogo, the master in the ninth region which famously known as Black forest by the adventures who had trespassed the same as you do. As what am I, obviously a black colored dragon"


    "So you''re the perpetrator for the missing adventurers who lost in this island?"


    "Yes and no"


    "What!?"


    "Yes, but only in this region. Each regions has each guardians you know. Our job was simply to exterminate all the trespassers who set foot in this paradise. I`d just done my job properly.


    No, because there is a certain human kid who manage to conquered us all single handedly"


    "A-a human kid!? Single handedly!?


    The golden knight unconsciously raised his voice in astonishment. Thunderstruck expression had replaced their anger towards the dragon. Not even once the humans had ever defeated a guardian in party, of course singled handedly would be out of the picture. But a single number won against 8 guardians alone, not to mention a kid, had done it. But they never heard a news about it, since no adventurers has had ever came back from this place.


    Knowing something bigger than their original mission should be prioritize at all cost. Information is the most important elements that shouldn`t be discarded when venturing the unknown, is adventurers always says. Having false or no information can deliver someone straight to their grave. There`s still plenty of opportunity to completely their task; but getting something that will assured their victory in once in a life time opportunity is something they shouldn¡¯t pass.


    As soon as they heard this unreal information, curiosity grew subtly stronger. They want to know who`s the mysterious human who had achieved the realm of gods. Alicia ¨Cwhose face was still damped in tears from crying ¨Ccan`t keep her urge from staying silent as she voiced out her own question.


    If we can really trust you words, then what is the name of this human kid you''ve speak of!?


    "Chill out child, a good story shouldn''t be rushed to tell. Before you know the present you must know what happened to past.


    Drakogo fixed himself to more suitable position for storytelling.


    "He came here three years ago and the Armageddon that he had started only lasted in hours. It was really a disaster. The whole place was in ruin and we the guardians, our bodies was scattered everywhere covered in blood and slashes.


    Then, when he came to center region of the Island to find more enemies but he found nothing since that place was abandoned. But the sacred tree of that hallowed place had chosen him to become its keeper. The one who keeps that keeps that regions keeps the whole Island. We guardians swore our fealty to him. But he treated us like his friends more than like of a subordinate, that''s why we are ready to die for him and for this island which considered his home.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Since mortals has a long names compared to us which only composed of one word. Our kind lord notice this and only give his first name out of consideration. His immaculate name that reigns over this place was¨C


    -Haven"


    from sitting position, he stood up to give his final words.


    "That''s the only thing I know. The lord never shared his life-story with us. And rarely came out to the center region. Even our overseer which spent her almost of her time beside him, has no more information to give but the story which I just gave you.


    At the end of the story, the listeners fell silent. There is a subtle amazement in facade and their anger there was diminished by a little. But they still blaming the dragon for giving a cold fate to their brother-in-arms. Although he can still be revive using [resurrection spell] of their king, they can''t seem to forget that horrible spell. But the story made them forget their fear and the coldness. What had left was nothing more than the natural temperature of the forest. Henry, a guardian type mage-knight and the captain of the royal knights break the ice with the question of more like adventurer`s thing to ask.


    "How strong this Haven kid is?"


    "Well he defeated us all directly, what do you think?


    "I think maybe he`s just powerful as our beloved king here"


    "Hahaha¡­ You''re underestimating too much. No wonder mortals are fated to meet-up death in an unexpected way. I''m aware of the strength of your king, but he is just too strong even for him. Shamefully thing to say it but, I only lasted 2 minutes. The first guardian to fall. Hehehe"


    ""T-Two minutes!?""


    Everyone cried in unison. The king can`t helped to gauge this great haven prowess inside his mind.


    (Even with all of my powers, I have no way to disarming this creature in the allotted of two minutes, maybe two hours I can secure the victory, furthermore he defeated all of them at the same time which is already been impossible for me. He was this powerful last 3 years but¡­. I wonder how powerful he is right now.)


    As he was busy envisaging the power of Haven, the other party ¨Cthe Drakogo ¨Calso doing the same thing but plotting an ominous scheme.


    Yes¡­ that''s it. Be more amazed, look more astonished, feel more admiration and show more of your fear to the power our great keeper. Although the last will never be felt unless you experience head-on.... Wait, what if I give them that experience, this way no more adventurer will ever disturb us if the king himself know the power can ground his country to dust himself. I can sense an auspicious show coming soon¡ª


    "Hey, where` does the ''No'' proving that you are not the cause of the disappearance of adventurers?"


    The out of the blue questioned of Sasuna had stopped both train of toughs of the powerful beings. Realizing the flow the conversation and strayed from its original path, he gave her the peace of her mind.


    "Well, when lord step on his position, he asked us to refrain ourselves from killing the adventurers and converse them to leave the place peacefully. His supreme intellect knows that killing the curious adventures without a warning will not give us any benefits. But he also told us that if they still insist to remain and forces us to fight, we should give them a painless death. Yes!!! Our lord Haven is so kind that those greedy adventures will receive a painless death out of his kindness!


    They die because of their greed and that is not our fault"


    Are you saying that my father¡­ my father die because of his greed!?"


    Alicia emotionally cried out those pent up words inside and small tears had started to flow out once again.


    "Three days ago, our queen sent the most powerful guild of adventurers to the third region for a same mission, but none of them had ever came back. And the leader of that party... my father!"


    "If those party died together with your father on that place, it''s basically their fault, we guardians will never attack even the enemy had already started their offense unless of course we had already gave them our warning"


    This is good, if her negative emotions had constantly taking the place inside her, I can easily bait her in to my play. If all these things continue in the same flow towards my desired path, I once again can witness the scenario that had transpired three years ago. How I wish my sister Vipressia is to be here, we could both have great time of enjoyment together.


    His lust for witnessing the power of his lord that squarely wiped them out, played on the back of his head. To make this grand play to happen, he must find a way for the actors to partake in. He needs to further amplify those emotions. Thus¡ª


    "Well now that you mentioned it, I heard from our overseer that our hikikomori Lord incredulously had go out of his way to visit the third region 3 day ago. She told me that out great lord was the one who delivered the judgement on those party. Especially that particular silver adventurer, who sniped by great one himself from a far distance. I believe he was killed first with his head that had been shattered to pieces. It was massacre I believe"


    A mixture of guilt and frustration pained the heart of good king. It''s because his wife was behind that requests of a reconnaissance mission to this place. His wife had clearly sent them to their graves.


    He lowered his head and attempted to apologize to daughter of the captain of that guild. But¡ª


    "I''m sorr-"


    "You don''t have to apologize your highness"


    He raised his head but what he saw not a crying sorcerer a while ago, but a sorcerer who is filled with strong determination and courage, making the example of a great royal knight. She was dead serious.


    "I want to fight that human you''re so proud of"


    She take the bait! It''s only a matter of minutes before the other actors will join her.


    "Are you sure? That vengeance of yours will get you killed you know"


    "Vengeance? What are talking about? I''m not doing this out vengeance for my father"


    She suddenly recall all the happy memories they spent together with his father. The moments when they have had picnic with her mother, the moments when he taught her how to use spells and incantations, and the times when he told him stories about the bravery of the adventurers in grave situations. This time she will be the main character of this new story. Be it a tragedy or a happy ending.


    "im doing this to see the strength that wipes out the strongest adamantite class guild in our kingdom for myself.


    Everyone was speechless to her insane declaration. She fixed her serious gaze to the mighty dragon as the dragon stare him back in the same expression.


    As he confirm that she certainly qualified to be the actress of the main role. He smile subtly knowing its all going according to plan. As for why¡ª


    "If you''re going, I''m going too. I also want to have a battle against him, not as a knight but as an adventurer"


    "My king protect Clive''s body and retreat immediately. As an enchanter of the group, I have the responsibly to support them. I don''t want you highness to joins us in our foolishness. The three of us will try to defeat him."


    The worry of king was replaced by encouragement by their brave plead . He too want to partake in their battle against the mysterious force.


    "Hahaha, young ones really full of valor to venture the realm of the unknown. As a former adventure I will join you"


    "What!? Your highness is a king of a kingdom. If a kingdom lost its king, the kingdom will¡­"


    "You really are a worrywart Henry-kun¡­ If the kingdom fall just because of a loss king, then that kingdom is weak. Is that what you are trying to say to the kingdom I cared for?


    "I`m sorry for my thoughtless worlds a say you majesty" Henry lowered his deeply to apologizes. But king pay no heed.


    "To battle a powerful being in that position will get you killed easily, raised you`re yourself, Henry-kun.... Besides the heir of was already prepare for this kind of situation"


    Henry looked eye to eye with the king with a strong determination. And king also turned his eyes to the determined subordinates.


    "Everyone we are the most powerful force that ever assemble for this mission. We are going to fight and see for ourselves how powerful really the keeper of this island is. And the five of us will fill fight for our fallen brethren. Now let`s wake our sleeping friend shall we.


    [Resurrection]"


    With his right arm raised facing the cold body, a magic golden bright magic circle appeared. And a golden bright lights enveloping the dead body. A few moments later, the cold body started becoming warm and the fixed closed eyes slowly opened.


    "y-your majesty¡­ your majesty!? Every one!?


    "Drink all this potion to regain your strength"


    Sasuna handed a small pouch filled with blue colored potion. This were all the mana potions.


    When a person dies, the keystone that called [Energy X] ¨Csaid to be the original particles of god ¨Cthat binds his soul, spirit and flesh will fade. And the life will cease. Thus, the [Energy X] was called the life. The dead body has a total of 9 hours, before those elements parted. The spirit, which the energy that gives the ability to move the flesh (the body) was commonly known as life force. And the additional new energy that gives more power to the spirit was [Ki] and for the magical power [Mana]. The soul contains the consciousness and the will of the person, thus, soul was the whole person. [Resurrection] was a level ten spell that restore the missing [Energy X]. But the process compromises both the [Mana] and [Ki]. And mana potion will restore them back and stamina potion will restore the [Ki]. If there`s is no potions, both elements will recover naturally in 2 weeks after the [resurrection] spell.


    Clive rise half of his body and instantly drank all the potions from her hands. He slowly stand up from his position. The king asked for any problems but he seems okay. After that, the king informs him about the good news.


    They all carefully prepared a plan and strategy to the foreboding battle. As soon as they finished, Drakogo make sure they are really prepared themselves.


    "Are you guys had prepared your winning strategy, just so you know, Lord Haven is an expert on ''one against many'' battle type. That''s why our wise guardian, that primate gives our Lord the title; one man army"


    "Are you not going to help your master, looking at you helping us without a return is really troubling."


    "Without a return you say? Witnessing once again his strength was all I desire for. Besides not assisting lord Haven will not make any difference. I`ll just do what my role is and you guys can have fun..... Also you don`t have to worry about my [cold fear aura], I have had already disabled it the moment you wake up heheh.... I just can`t believe a [Ranked a] adventurer like you has a phobia of pitch black surroundings. That really is funny"


    "Shut up you black weirdo!! Let''s see who gets the final laugh as we bring your master your to his demise!"


    "Oh we`ll see indeed"


    After the bickering between the prey and the predator, Drakogo rose up from his position, beckoning the start of the show.


    "if there`s no more any problem, then¡­. Let`s lift the curtain shall we.


    [Greater enhancement magic] [Flock of black Phoenix]"


    He opened his mouth wide and a black and wide multi layered of magic circle appeared.


    The adventurers awestricken as they felt the great magnitude of the spell when the numerous numbers of bird-shaped black flame burst from the circles towards the intended direction. The king who can rival its power slip an astonished voice inside his head


    This destructive power is even greater than of myself. And the enemy that we are about to face, is the being that extinguished those flames.

 Chapter 3: Calm before the Storm

    His peaceful frolic was suddenly interrupted by the racing hundreds of black phoenixes charging towards him.


    From his comfortable seating spot, he sluggishly rose up with his ever apathetic face.


    He slothfully raised his right hand on a shoulder level. Then followed by quick and sudden swipe movement, causing the air around his surrounding, energetically flew upwards.


    The huge load of ravaging gust made the carpet dances as well the leaves of the hallowed tree, carrying a number of its fragments.


    The flaming black birds intercepted by the frenzied breeze caused the former to explode in the midair. Haven knew that the most effective to exterminate those swarm of burnings insects was to expose them in an atmosphere of pure oxygen, causing a combustion in the process. As a result, all of them fade-out before they can even touched their target.


    His face was still calm but with subtle annoyance.


    "I-is Drakogo pointed his against us -chirp?"


    "I can`t believe his doing this again, I wonder when he would learn"


    "Pardon!?"


    The flustered bird voice out a confuse reaction, but he denied to answer.


    I can''t just say to the little fathered servant that that colossal charred reptilian, sometimes drops a heavy offensive magic over my head, if her ears got a word about this, the other guardians will take his head for sure


    Pay it no heed... Anyway, what can you see through his area?


    Her troubling doubts promptly forgotten when her master gave an order. She spread her folded wings and flapped, lifting her body to a better position.


    From her clear and rounded tinted-grass eyes, a micro magic circles appeared. From her all-seeing-eyes. She suddenly flustered at the inconceivable image she saw.


    "Ma-my lord!? ¨Cchirp"


    "What?"


    "Drakogo is¡­.. Drakogo is unconscious! ¨Cchirp¡­ he is trap inside the [divine cage] spell. And there are five adventurers around, one is Demon lord your highness! -chirp"


    "I see¡­ where are they?"


    "At the center of the forest ¨Cchirp, if we don''t hurry, we may lost the strongest guardian -chirp.


    What the hell is a demon lord even doing here, they should be busy fighting angles for the continent of [Divinarya]. I guess having a stray or two is something to be normal. It''s explainable to see why the charred reptilian lost despite of his enormous amount of mana. I should test it for myself then


    "Inform the other guardians; thou shall not interfere."


    She caught in surprise for his Excellency''s undaunted declaration. It''s because she knew the power of that demon more than anyone. She`s worried for her Excellency''s sake spite of knowing he will be victorious at the end. It''s because¡ª


    "It''s a demon lord, your Excellency ¨Cchirp¡­. Even if you will be end up victorious, it will all be for naught if you get caught of the permanent cursed at the time of his death, you will¡ª"


    She stop before she finished her sentence after noticing his master began strolling a few strides away, leaving his book at the base the hallowed tree. He stopped to the spot before the slope of the grassy hill began.


    "Only if you get caught, but it`s impossible for them since..."


    From his position, the javelin protruded coming out from the converging of earth. As soon as the javelin finished its shapes, he pulled it out.


    He positioned himself to a javelin thrower`s stance. From his stretch hands, the winds from the surroundings converges to the earthed javelin. Followed by the surging electricity from his muscles. From the combination of the compressed 3 elements, anyone who will take the hit will surely die.


    As soon as his preparation ready, he finished his sentence¡ª


    "Nobody can catch the wind"


    From his stressed muscles, he released the powered javelin with his explosive strength. That mighty throws caused a powerful shockwaves and a backlashes from its departure. A heartbeat later, he followed suit with the same power and opposite reaction. He burst forth like a juggernaut with a relentless speed matching the pace of the thrown javelin. Like 2 arrows released from the same bow at the same time; one surfing to the sky, and one running from the ground.


    To secure Drakogo-chi quickly, I don''t need to negotiate to those buffoons¡­ I need to kill them on sight and to that¡ªThe author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    He change his trajectory the moment he passed through the black trees.


    I need to assassinate them from behind after that arrow hits its mark.


    Simple but brilliant plan coming from his genius mind. That heavy powered javelin will cause explosive shockwave from its impact ¨Cadding with its air compressed cover with matching electricity ¨Cthe shockwave from the impact will be amplified. Plus the electricity will trigger a natural buff. Electric buffs can prevent mage from regenerating its mana. This will put a pressure on them. Once they expecting the enemy from the front, a backstab to the off-guarded adventurers from the rear will surely wiped them out.


    ooooOoooo


    [The master will surely believe you lots have the potential to defeat me since you have a demon lord on your sleeve¡­ Thus, all we need to do is for you to cast a high tier restraining spell on me and use my high level skill of "playing dead" so that we can fool my lord out of his playground. Then u can have fun at the stage. Be informed that I''ll be muted once I started, so don''t bother asking further questions.


    Once you''d finished to plan out your strategy, I`ll send the invitation letter. It''s a win-win for you, as well as for me]


    As the king recall their earlier plan, he gave off chortle. They already in position to counter the foreboding assault.


    "It`s unbelievable that he truly gave his words. He let himself be caged in by the some strangers he just met just for the sake of his entertainment.


    "Truly as you say your Majesty, he sure is surprisingly rational that I`m starting to doubt if they really are a monster just as the adventures describes it"


    "Your right Henry. They just doing their obligations, the blame should not be fall entirely in them alone, we adventurers did the first mistake¡­. Talking to that dragon helps to ease a little, the ill will I felt against him. My fathers had his part of the responsibility. What really had transpired here was truly just"


    Using [telepathy] spell ¨Cwhich give them the advantageous of communication during combat ¨Cthey seem to have engage to a mild discussion. They are starting to have a different idea of what the common picture of the island was. But not everyone¡ª


    "Alicia you shouldn`t have warm feelings for those creatures here¡­. beasts are beasts. That''s the reality¡­. They killed us people. And that is not something we shouldn''t forget just because we encountered a rational talking [danger beast]"


    "Sasuna is right, Alicia... don''t forget what those damn creatures have done to your father`s squad, also.... don''t forget what they have done to me earlier.


    Clive can''t helped but to grimaced as he remembered embracing his cold fate. Alicia denied his opinion.


    "You died because of your phobia isn''t it, that dragon doesn''t even touch any of our skin¡­. And as I recall, the guardians wasn''t the suspect behind death of my father`s guild-mates¡­ it''s the portentous enemy that we are to face soon. Don''t worry, the guardians are the only rational [danger-beast], when it comes to the normal types, impression towards them won''t change.


    All right everyone, seven minutes had passed after the invitation. If we moved just like as we planned, he will surely meet his defeat.


    Since Drakogo gave them a little information about their enemy named Haven, they assumed that he is not powerful alone but very intelligent as well. As their strategist, Henry, predicted, he most likely going attack from behind, knowing he has the geographical advantage. But that plan was very simple for a genius that defeated the eight guardians of the island. Since he was a genius, there`s a possibility he had already thought through his plan. Thus, they assumed he will assault at the frontline.


    Their strategy was to plant a [divine cage] trap ¨C a spell with five meters radius of invisible magic circles which can be triggered whenever someone had step on it ¨C on the perfect spot for ambush in the frontier. The vanguard position (Henry), would be standing on the top of that spell together with Clive`s clone. This will give them the image of two vanguard tanking all the offensive attacks. The clones of the enchanter would be 30 meters to the rear, perfect safe spot for the supporting role in large scale battle. And at their middle would be the clone of king and the sorcerer which gives a high magical destructive power. Each clone was standing on their own [divine cage] trap. But where is the real ones?


    They are hiding in the side of theirs clones six meters beside it with an invisibility spell. Clive which has the assassin class in the mage-knight category, his job was to observe around and deal any possible contingency.


    Their scheme was to let vanguards deal with the enemy. The planted trap will trigger in 3 seconds upon the caster activation. Three seconds was plenty of time if the enemy is really the enemy that they perceive. He can clearly escape his predicament with ease. To remove his wings, Henry will force his enemy within a radius of five meters to forcedly fight him the moment his enemy step on the range. That spell [berserkers call] will give an additional resistance status within the duration of 10 seconds upon activation. But the powerful has its own downside. Anyone within its radius will be forced to fight the caster be it an enemy or an ally. That''s why [ranked A] adventures who acquired this spell rarely used it.


    The Clive`s clone ¨Csince it''s a clone ¨Cits physical damage was reduced by half. Clones doesn''t have the capability of casting a magic, only physical attacks. This will give a least amount of damage to Henry.


    Since Henry will cast that perilous magic, both of them and the enemy will be caged inside a hemisphere barrier with it indicated size of five meter radius. The support will augment the parties both offense and defense. The two sorcerer will blast the enemy inside the magic-permeable cage by high powered offensive magic. Then the game is over. Henry can reincarnated if ever he died inside.


    But that plan can be failed if the enemy finds its way to bypass the vanguard and intended to kill the mages first. That will be the clones'' job as a decoy. If he assaulted one of them, the real ones will come out and forced him inside the trap`s radius until its finished its three seconds triggering time. Then it''s the adventurers win. Or that''s what they thought.


    My enemy is a demon lord. A race which has both Ki and mana surpassing the maximum scale of humans. I''m pretty sure he has a brain too given he`d defeated my strongest subordinate. He must be thinking that the strongest threat of the island was already taken care of. I`ll definitely destroy them from the rear.


    The sprinting boy has no clear information about his enemy. That''s why he acted on the discretion of surprise attack. The losing side would be to the adventurers since they got the wrong judgment.


    But Henry also included the possibility of a surprise attack from the rear, that''s he had positioned Clive as a field monitor to the rear side above the tree. He can send a message to party if ever that possibility was true. It will give the party a little time to adjust their positions and strategies to the unexpected turnabout.


    As they finished their group discussions, Henry ¨Cthe vanguard, felt something powerful raining down from above. The dragon also notice it, which gives him the signal of the start of the show. He opened his eyes as he voiced out his feeling of enthusiasm in his mind.


    So its begins...

 Chapter 4: Hope

    From the wide and clear blue sky, a small twinkling star can be seen even though it''s not yet dark time. As it came closer and closer to the viewer, it`s seems it was not one`s have thought is supposed to be. The object in mind was none other than a javelin.


    "Clive what do you see?"


    From their voiceless communication, he responded to the leader`s query with a dull voice.


    "It''s nothing worry about, it''s just stray javelin" From his spell [oculus], he saw that faraway object with ease. He is currently standing at the top of black branch the same kind of trees as before. But some things not right, he further zoomed in his vision. He call back with a jeering voice to report what he truly perceived.


    "Actually it''s a javelin, covered in electricity, I''ll shoot it down for you"


    "Please do so"


    Henry, hang his head in contemplation. (Why would a powerful being sent just one javelin? It''s more reasonable and chaotic if he just launched a hundreds of them. Just what can he achieved in throwing just a single javelin. Maybe he could¡ª)


    "Henry, its bad news!! rally bad news!!"


    "What, what is it!"


    From his voice clad in despair, he answered in that manner, to the panicking leader ¨Cwhich had suddenly pulled in from the flow.


    "My arrow¡­. My arrows evaded the damn thing!"


    "What?"


    "My arrows can''t touch it. There is something in that thing, you got less than 15 seconds before contact"


    In the bald area of the forest, lies a 9 persons¡ªincluding the clones. As the report said, the party quickly deal with it.


    "I see" The king nodded as he broke out from invisibility and followed by invoking his magic ¨C [void storage] ¨Cthat stores any item without a limits. From that floating dark magic circles, a sheathed sword covered in an elegant shades of blue spilled out. As soon as he grabbed the sword, he prompted to pull the blade from its scabbard. The sword was covered with purple and violet shades. The legendary sword that was said to be as powerful as its user, [Joyeuse], was on the hands on the king.


    The said sword emits an ominous aura, telling death awaits within the swords range.


    "I''ll take care of it, just focus on your positions"


    He raised the sword up with both hands.


    The sword gleamed a dark aura as owner feeds it mana. He brought down a downward slashed accompanied with a battle cry. A crescent shaped violet light formed from that action launched forward, intercepting the falling javelin.


    "What¡­ the.."


    The two invisible man together with their clone in the frontline, suddenly felt an electricity crawling through their muscles. Voltage was not enough to keep them from moving, but it caused a big trouble considering the electricity keeping them from moving too fast also from recovering their lost mana. The clones on the other hand was completely paralyzed.


    As the two powerful attacks collided, that crescent light split the javelin in half. However, that contact exploded the air covering, causing massive shockwave with a surging electricity riding on that matter to spread unto the given area.


    As result, a wide radius of countless black trees mercilessly plowed down. A large bald spot was instantly created from that collision. Even the vanguard who''s approximately a hundred meters away was caught up by the blast. Since the clones was made up of mana and thrice weaker than the original, its completely got immobilize by the shock and after a short while it vanished.


    "Everyone are you alright"


    "Were fine your Highness, but the clones are completely gone"


    "Clive-kun, have you spotted the keeper"


    "Nothing to report your highness, I still can''t catch a shadow of that man¡ª"


    His sentence was interrupted by the sudden dramatic pain inside his chest. His invisibility cloak dispelled as the bloods spitted out from his mouth.


    The image of a hand covered in his own blood coming out from his center, gripping his beatless heart was too much for him to stay sane. He wanted to scream the pain and struggle, but it''s no use. His completely paralyzed in the blanket of trepidation and agonizing ache. His pupils was shaking vividly, together with entire body which soaked in the dripping blood. He fixed his vision alone to his own heart, telling him that this would be the first as well last moment he ever witnessed the true color of his heart.


    From his horrid state he watched how it was crushed like a jelly, bursting its fragments against his cheeks. In the end, I don''t get the chance to show everything. That was his last thought as his consciousness faded.


    "C-clive¡­" Henry anguished by the sudden loss of his friends "we just lost Clive"


    "Impossible! How can he died like that" everyone also grimaced. They knew Clive supposed to be an [assassin] type mage knight ¨Cclass that expert in perception and hiding his presence ¨Cand was killed in an instant.


    "Every one, lets regroup, I think our invisibility has been saw through and I doubt our traps will truly work on him"


    As the order of their calmed king, they quickly move while still cloaked in invisibility.


    He got Clive, surely I would be the next¡ª


    She running from the rear position, but her thoughts was interrupted as she was sank down immediately to the ground.


    O-ouch¡­. what the hell was that¡­ What is this¡­ I can''t move. She struggled to break from her bindings, but it''s useless. There''s something pricking and holding down her legs as well as her arms. It''s too dark I can''t see... What is this place? The last thing I remember I was running, then the next moment was already here¡­ I guess I will cast a magic to lighten this place up¡­ what I can''t invoke! Help!!! You`re Highness! Henry! Alicia! Everyone please save me"


    Her composed demeanor was replaced by apprehension after she realized her unescapable predicament.


    As the vanguard from the frontlines reaches its destination. He asked a question in a troubled tone.


    "W-where is Sasuna?"


    "Fear not, she has yet to arrive"


    "Just to make sure you`re highness [telepathy]" No one can blame Henry for his strange acts. His skilled friend was killed like nothing. Now, he truly understand how powerful this Haven is. And procrastination is something they should avoid. A late in small amount of time can lead to a serious problem, which had already happened.


    "Henry what`s wrong, why are you making that weird face?


    "He got her" hi muttered dejectedly. "she still alive, but she`s not answering"


    "Shit¡­ Henry use your [berserker`s call] when that bastard approached us. When that happens, you`re highness please get back immediately and strike him together with us inside the hemisphere.


    Her voiced was calm but subtly reproachful. She exactly knew what was starting to get over her. It can''t be helped, anyone who had their friends got killed one by one would surely can`t keep their composure.


    "Alright" the king knew there`s no convincing her to change her mind. He understands better the pain inside their heart. That''s why he gave them a forceful nod.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    After along paused, a twinge of danger was felt. They notice his presences.


    "Have you felt it?"


    "Yeah, that him no doubt"


    "The two of you get ready"


    They felt his strong killing intent from the distance. A young man donned in white military-like clothes with an overcoat in the same color. it`s was surprisingly unstained right after he pieced the adventurer`s body with his arms.


    Amid of the clear area of the forest, the two party stared at each other as if waiting who will make the first move. After a long paused. The white man make his move first.


    He stomped his feet, at the same time a couple of black stakes ¨Cfrom the black earth ¨Cprojected from behind. The objects movements was extremely fast, the three of them barely evaded. But their clones got pierced and vanished like a popped up bubbles.


    They leapt a separate direction, abandoning their planted traps. Alicia who was in the middle, had leaped forward. But the moment the tip of her shoe kiss the black grass. He saw the image of the boy in front her slashing with his flatted gloved hand in a horizontal direction, like his hand was the blade itself. At first she didn''t understand. Could his obviously dull hand are sharp enough to make even a slit on her vestment? But as his flat hand gets closer, until then she understand what it is.


    A fast moving wind takes a shape of blade, extending from those hand. The air blade cuts trough to her defensive magic ¨C [greater enhancement] magic, [boosted resistance], [boosted immunity], [iron flesh], [crystal skin], and [refraction]¡ªlike it''s nothing. Like cutting a cake with knife, her body split in half.


    Her lower torso plopped to the ground. A bucked of blood gushed out from the opening along with her intestines. It was a clean cut, so there''s no burst out of entrails occurred, but just a few amount of blood.


    Her upper torso few towards to the direction of the man in golden armor which a few meters beside her.


    His eyes budged open as he witnessed the macabre state of his friend. The eyes was fixed to the remnants of his comrade''s body, forgetting the enemy in front. He didn''t have the luxury to mourn as that little time he spend staring at the half body had caused his death.


    ooOoo


    Soon as the white man killed the sorcerer, he didn`t stop as he go to the unguarded armored man. He knew from his appearances that he is belong to a guardian class of mage-knights, which boosted in a high defense and heavy attacks. Which is why that was the best time. He increased the amount of wind dramatically, his target was the vulnerable spot of that armors. He sprinted towards the enemy. With his turning slash, his right hand slashed through the neck, and the second blade cut down his hips. Henry got split into 3 parts accompanied by the surging flow of blood.


    One more left , he murmured as he removed the few droplets of blood in her clothes.


    He slowly turned his head to king. As a response, he tightly grip his sword. Gnashing his molars with a bloodshot eyes in anger.


    (He is clearly angry. But there''s a hidden fear inside his heart)


    The white boy knew how this event will turn out. So from his hair clip which was shaped like a flower, it flew out slowly and the three petals opened a space warp.


    The king knew about those devices. It was called [void cloud] a device that opens an empty dimension. Just like his spell [void storage] it carriers the items of the user but with a certain capacity. It was invented by the earthling kingdom called Encaria. Inspired from that spell, they manage to created it. But he had no idea it can used as a hair clip.


    Soon he realized that that this young man was an Encarian. By the [Void Cloud] he had, and the elemental manipulation, the reality dawned on him.


    From that empty space, a katana sheathed in a bamboo-like pattern design came out. As he remove its covering, a jet black blade with white edge made the king`s eyes fixed in subtle awe.


    Based from the weapon the young man, the king assumed it`s a sword with great power. He put more power to the sword as intense amount of dark aura was produced, emanating from his body.


    The white young man responds by releasing an invisible heart stopping aura as his killing intent grew stronger. At the same time, a great amount of electricity crawling in his body through his sword ¨Cwhich had also began to absorb converging wind. He knew his weapon just ordinary weapon made from rare material and doesn''t have any enchantments. He`s aware that a contact from the [joyeuse] would be break his sword,[Apraya]


    Long range attacks were futile if an enemy before him has speed that makes everything so slow. So the king`s only option was to face him in a melee combat.


    Two exactly understand what will happened next. They would end up having a duel with their swords decides their fate.


    The king recites every physical enhancement magic he can think of. As soon as he finished. The two charge on each other at the same time. With their great speed and power, every steps dent the dark ground.


    As the two was about to closed their distanced, the king thrust his sword forward. Air is being split as moves relentlessly.


    Haven with his reverse grip, his sword facing backwards, he ran like a ninja.


    A heartbeat later, the passes each other. There`s no clang can be heard in the collision.


    Both of them stop with their backs facing each other. After long paused. The demon lord struck his sword to the ground, supporting its limp body.


    How did he do it? That''s the only words playing inside his head. Unable to comprehend what had transpired.


    The jet black sword lacerated his abdomen freeing those contained blood to drip. He slowly turned his body to face the man named Haven, as the boy was already gazing at him wearing his usual lethargic look.


    That facades made the king grimaced at his pitiful situation, he was frustrated inside his mind. Is he not a worthy becoming his opponent? Does he sees him nothing but pebble in the sideline? Does he even makes him sweat that after all the preparation he`d done? How does a mere human become suddenly outranked the highest race in terms of power? Deep inside his heart, he wanted to cry. All his comrades were gone, and he can''t event touch their killer.


    The boy walk a little closer to him. With a thud of his feet. A woman whose legs and arms were all pierced by a needles of earth and cemented on a platform shaped rock, ascended from the black soil.


    "Your highness!!!" Sasuna emotional cry as her tears of joy rolled from the corner of her eyes. But her candle hoped was spilled by a cold water as she witnessed the his king`s cowering body with his arms wraps around his open would.


    "w-where are the others?" she stuttered question with a fluster voice. She had already prepared herself on what to expect. But she want hear it from the words of his king. But the king stay silent as he drooped down his head and greeted his teeth.


    Unable to her get her answer, Haven, gestured his hand to rotate rock platform. Her face distorts as she witnessed the dismembered bodies of her friend. Unable to keep her composure from the horrid scene, she vomited in her place mixed with the gushing of her tears.


    Her vision involuntarily turned by turning of the rock platform filled with stench of her vomit. After a seconds she notice the white man unfazed by the smell was standing beside her with a blade touching her throat.


    (Im a going to die soon, Alicia, Henry, Clive wait for me) Sasuna`s tears remained to fell down with a blank expression. Any seconds now she can see the afterlife.


    The king, unable to endure their both suffering, plead the white man as he struggled to kneeling directly to the ground with his injured body.


    "Please let this child go.. let me take her place instead"


    Her face become alive again, after watching her dear king to do an unbecoming action.


    "Your Highness don''t do it!! You should run now¡­ please I beg you¡­ You there, you want to kill me right!? you can do anything you want with this body!! Just please let my king go!"


    "Don''t listen to her! I`m a king, my value should be enough please¡­"


    The two continued their argy-bargy. But it`s seems those two was starting to getting on his nerves, he let out a sigh and speak placating voice.


    "Give me your sword" they stop their argument as they heard the strange request of their captor. After a moment of silence, those words repeated again as if making them to understand. But they knew the sword would be useless since its strength was dependent on the user''s mana. They knew he can''t use it since, he has no mana. What the hell is he trying to do with that sword?


    "Don''t get the wrong idea I`m just using it as a display in my house" he muttered "Your enchanter can heal your wounds, then use all your mana to resurrect you`re fallen comrades. It''s a fair trade isn`t it"


    Fair trade? It''s clearly not a fair trade, he can just kill those two and steal the blade. The king couldn''t predicted his way of thinking.


    It`s true he still have a mana to spare for his comrades, resurrection magic is one of the highest tier magic which expends a great amount of mana. A demon lord can repeated cast the magic based on the amount of his mana. But for humans, it can only cast once a week, since resurrection will drain their mana dry and provides a substantial strain on the psyche for a week.


    But a window of hope was open for them. It`s no exaggeration to call this as once in a life time chance. They must grabbed and never let go. Thus, the king nodded.


    "Take my sword"


    The sword sank down just like what happened to the sorcerer.


    Haven faced Sasuna.


    "If your wandering why you can`t cast your magic it`s because I pierced you with the earthed needle which constantly carrying electricity in your mana circuits."


    She was taken aback by his words. She understands it now. This man apparently knows how to disarm mages. And the man before her is an enemy that should be avoided at all cost.


    She suddenly released from her constrained and hang her head down dejectedly


    Haven walked away from them as [joyeus] spitted by earthed jumped towards his hands. But he stopped after a few trades.


    He looked back and said. "Your children would be exhausted as you after their rebirth. If you want, I will send my overseer to guide you in my home. You can rest there. I will prepare a meal" then he continued to takes his steps.


    The two adventurer baffled in silently by his unexpected hospitality. From an enemy to a guests. What is he even thinking? The adventure can`t discern his personality no matter what the think. But they remember what the black dragon had said to them a while ago. That he truly is kind. Maybe this was the real kindness he was talking about. But those question has yet to be answered as they finally made up their mind.


    (It truly is good show. The change will come soon, Queen Octavia.)


    From the depths of the forest, the black dragon murmured in delight.

 Chapter 5: Become an adventurer

    From the black world that seared her vision, she saw the bright and warm light embracing her as she open her eye sluggishly. He sat up her body slowly but surely over the foam mattress.


    ¡°Good morning, Sasuna. You seems to have nice dream¡±


    ¡°Alicia¡­¡±with a soft voice. The female turned her neck to her surroundings, where the king, diligently fixing his bed and the usual worrywart Henry, trying to take his majesty`s paltry task as he said ¡°let me fix your bed your Highness, the royal hand shouldn`t concern itself for a servant¡¯s job¡± But the king didn`t let him take his task. ¡°But I¡¯m already half way done¡±. Clive is missing to the scene though. But after a few moment, he barge in to the room and said ¡°your Highness, Haven-sama had given us a swimming gears and also our change of clothes¡± as he passed down those garments to everyone.


    The sun light slipped down between the open curtains, illuminating the simple yet elegant interior of the room. Wide and clean wooden floors was sparking in the naked eye. There`s nothing so much stuff in the room except for the laid beddings and a recessed cabinet seemingly to be its storage.


    Outside the room where supposed to be its living room, fixed with neat and orderly fixtures such as cabinet filled with variety of sorted books. A forty inches Television set in front of wooden black braced sofas laid in white foam pad together with the center tables and a beautiful interior plants rustling in the early morning breeze from the open walls in the second floor was really quite a feat. Just where did he get those stuffs? wondered by the adventurers coming out from the wide guest room.


    From the side of the living room was the dining room, it had an open wall yet fenced by railings. The wood corner post had vines of plants with peculiar pick flowers slithering on it. From that dining room lies a sitting man clad in with white bath robe, sipping a cup of coffee as he set his gaze on the majestic sunrise.


    Everyone already donned their garments which supposed to be a swimsuit and a bathrobe. Behind Haven was scenery of the sun struggling to rise over the horizon, as it died the sky in ochre together with the faint clouds at the background. Beneath the warming sky was the crystal clear water in the bed of white sand which still overlaid by the color of the cold night. The place they currently settled was the beach house made entirely of woods and thatches raised in that place, ¡®Shore of Delight¡¯ ¨C 6th region.


    ¡°How are you feeling¡±? Asked by a man with a touch of mollification as he turn his eyes to them


    ¡°Care for a breakfast?¡±


    ¡°From the depths of our hearts, I thank you for thy hospitality¡± nodded by the King, no sooner than he sat across the table before him than the entire party followed suit.


    ¡°This is not much, but please enjoy yourselves¡± across the table, set a few breakfast dishes such as: breads and butter, soup, and a champorado (chocolate rice).


    ¡°What is this stuff? It look like a porridge mixed with mud¡± murmured by the assassin.


    ¡°Oy, were in front the food show some respect¡± grunted by their leader. ¡°This food was made by Haven-sama himself... Im sure this will be good as last night¡¯s dinner.


    Last night dinner was a new cuisines that they do not recognize to their home land. At first they were hesitant to try, believing it were mixed with poison. But If Haven really has that kind of wicked intention, he should have killed everyone from the start. The King knows that the boy was genuinely offering kindness to them. Thus, he`s the one to become the guinea pig of the group.


    ¡°As it you said, Haven-dono will offered us anything but a poor-tasted foods. The explosive savor of last night`s dinner pork cubes dumped in soy sauce, was still remained in my tongue. I believe it was called ¡®Adobo¡¯¡±


    The king sneaked a glace to the Master of the beach house whom wearing an unconcealed smile. Up to this moment since the time they started to take his kindness, not a single moment he forgot to discern the nature of this young man. What is he thinking right now I wonder?


    Everyone start tasting the mud-colored porridge in their plates. No Sooner the fluid drip than their tongue than they close their eyes trying to savor more the exquisite flavor the food.


    The Clive who was doubting the food earlier felt the satisfying taste that played inside his tongue.


    ¡°This mud porridge is amazing! The distinct flavor of sweetness of chocolate and milk is really pleasing to the tongue.¡±


    ¡°I`m glad that menu had pleased your palate¡± chortle by the Haven as he glace with everyone delighted in his dishes.


    So he was capable of that kind of expression. The only visage they knew was cold and the usual calm and lethargic. The enchanters chuckle for this rare scene.


    ¡°How did you learn to cook Haven-dono? Your dishes was so delicious that embarrassing to say, it could brought shame to the best cooks in my kingdom¡±


    ¡°As it as you said your Majesty, I can¡¯t help thinking what am I eating in my entire life¡± said by Henry with an apparent teary eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing especial. I learn cooked because I`m hungry. That`s all there is to it¡± Haven said in a calm voice with a hint of gratification ¡°A person who doesn¡¯t cooked shouldn¡¯t eat. That`s why I`m making my own food even though my maids were there to cook for me¡±


    Maids? By the neatness and orders of things around the house, and the cloud nine taste of foods, one can`t be blame if he or she assumes there`s a maid in the house. But not even a shadow or a figure of another person except for the owner was present. That`s why the maid he was talking about is definitely not here on the island; but in another place. Maybe his life before he got here.


    ¡°Haven-sama, are you by any chance a son of noble¡± inquired by the sorcerer with a look of curiosity.


    The question stop everybody in the middle of the meal. It seems everyone pique their interest on the sudden question. There was a long pause before he gave a response.


    ¡°So it comes to this huh¡± he sipped the remaining liquid left on his cup before he continued ¡°not just any noble, I was the crowned price of the Encaria¡±


    Everyone was taken aback by the unexpected answer. Not just the fact he was the crowned prince but also the fact that the kingdom of Encaria doesn¡¯t declared they have a prince. Only just a princess. But they knew they don¡¯t have sufficient knowledge to discern much of the unknowns shrouding in the boy`s existence. Thus, they push their further questions.


    ¡°Please do forgive me if I do offend you in my sentiment but, Haven-dono, the royal family of Encaria only contains three members; and there`s no prince in that family¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    The kingdom of Encaria that lies at the former borders of the [Strangers] and [Earthlings] was famous from being the only country that stayed neutral. The county was open to both sides without discrimination. Thus, giving the adventurers form the neighboring countries to visit the small yet prosperous nation. The country`s important news were very much concealed and only exclusive to the nobles and other higher-ups; and the information gained by the adventurers was only from hearsays and rumors.


    ¡°Of course¡­ I was never showed on the public. Not even once¡± haven said with a touch of a little bit sadness as he reminiscent the past.


    ¡°When I was a kid, I order my father to crown me secretly when I reach the age of 12. Aside from my family, only the nobles and few people knows my face but for the common people the only thing they knew was that the kingdom have a crown prince and as the time passed they treated it like a myth¡±


    ¡°O-Order?¡± yelp by the sorcerer who seems can`t indulge that fact.


    Just where can you find a son ordering his father like his servant? What`s more, A king who held all the power within a nation? Even in the average kingdom, not even once a prince had manage to raise his hand against his king. But this young man named Haven had successfully defied the common law. Is this really a normal circumstances between the members of the family in their kingdom? Their curiosity was getting stronger and stronger per questions he answered keeps producing another question.


    ¡°But H-Haven-sama, why did you order the king, excuse me, your dear father to do such secret coronation?¡±


    There was a long pause before she get her answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I hate people¡± his slips slightly parted, and a thin smile crept on his face.


    ¡°People who only cares about power. Mingling with those buffoons was really nauseous.¡±


    ¡°is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes it is¡±


    The whole group dropped silent before the young man whom staring at his empty cup. The empty cup he fixed his gaze on was shallow, yet the people before him knew he was clearly thinking something deep. Deep as the bottomless abyss. He was like an unknown entity they truly cannot fathom. Amid in the silent moment, this time, he asked his own question in a mollified tone.


    ¡°King Zagrus isn¡¯t it? Just what are you doing in the eight region? Judging by pathetic display of your talent, I can safely assured that the summation of you all of your forces is not enough to disable my strongest guardian. If anything, all of you will die in less than one hour if you happened to be pitted with him¡±


    The words ¡°pathetic¡±and ¡°summation of forces¡± put a grim expression in their faces with concealed feeling of safeness that they didn¡¯t challenge that beast head-on. If they do, they would probably resting by now on the cold dark earth of that place. They dashed out here with a tidbit of information knowing it¡¯s enough to capture the Black Dragon. But the Supreme Being itself knew already the outcome beforehand.


    ¡°Our mission was supposedly to capture that ¡°black dragon¡±; but because of many happenings¡± he said with a hint of regret, hang his head limply and didn`t continue.


    ¡°But if you already knew that from the start, why did you even bothered coming out from your comfort zone anyway?¡± said by the enchanter.


    ¡°I didn`t say I already knew¡­ When I saw Drakogo-chi inside the [divine¡¯s cage] after the volley of [black phoenix], I assume the possibility of defeat, granted you have a very skilled demon lord. But-¡±he turned his eye from enchanter to the king who perk his head after he mention his entity.


    ¡°After our battle which only lasted less than a minute¡­ I`m sorry if I¡¯ll be blunt but, King Zagrus, your sword skills doesn¡¯t give justice to your enormous power, in other words, you¡¯re a complete novice.¡±


    The Image of Haven wearing a faint smile but no hint of pompousness was reflected on the trembling glaze eyes of the king.


    ¡°That gives me a conclusion that Drakogo-chi let himself be cage-in. No- judging by his nature, there a possibility he was in cahoots by his captors just to force me out in my home for his own satisfaction.¡±


    A moment of silence with a touch of guilt had swept down across the room. They had been saw through and through. Everything he said was spot on. He truly is a man with both intellect and power. The party was silent, but deep inside them was a blooming admiration to the young man.


    But if he really is that smart, surely there must be a meaning behind his kindness to them. A person will never take something so little from the greater, if there`s an option to take all of it. Which means there must be another reason why he spare them. A Single enchanted sword was way too light form the scale that holds the weight of five heads of powerful people. There has to be. Is what the leader of the group had in mind.


    ¡°In behalf, of my comrades, we ask for your forgiveness in our folly¡±


    ¡°It`s already on the past now¡­ it¡¯s not like I was badly injured. All the damages within the black forest had already restored its former beauty. And that enchanted swords was the compensation for your sins.


    ¡°That was the royal family`s heirloom¡± Dejectedly murmured by the Sorcerer. She spare a glance at their leader who seemingly have something on his mind


    ¡°Haven-sama, do forgive me for my unbecoming behavior but I can`t keep myself still. I can`t helped to noticed that there`s more reason why you spared our lives. And I think it¡¯s the most important of all¡± Henry slid the chair and prostrate himself before the young man. He pay no heed to his frozen comrades glancing at him with perplexity. If my assumption was wrong, I¡¯ll gladly pay the mistake with my head. But if there is, I plead your Excellency, to enlighten us¡±


    Haven observe him silently without a trace of haughtiness. After a long moments, a sigh escaped under his breath.


    ¡°I see¡­ you`re smarter than your looks, It is as you say indeed¡± Haven said, pouring another cup of coffee from the pitcher ¡°In a normal circumstances, death is the deserving punishment from your sins just like the adventurers who had already given their second chances, yet they still want for more¡± from the man before him, he spare a glance to the entire party. Their peaceful moment had already long gone and swallowed by evident fear, except for the king whom seems still composed. Perhaps he already knew it was coming ¨Cor maybe there`s something else he had in mind. Whatever it is, god only knows.


    ¡°But you have a king in your team. Maybe this time¡­¡± he closed his eyes to meditate, after a few moments he opened it directly to the king before he continued. ¡°He will make the wish I`ve been yearning for¡±


    A wish something their only king could give. Just what is it? Another question puzzled the adventurers who`s seems already long forgotten to finished their meals.


    ¡°Haven-dono, I already gave you the most treasured weapon of the country. I don`t think I can provide anything that has more value than that. Said by the king with a touch of regret.


    ¡°Mr. Henry lift your head; that pathetic posture will get you nowhere¡± Haven said. From his prostration Henry rose briskly with a curt nod ¡°yes sir¡±


    He take another sip from the cup before his chair slides as he stand facing everyone.


    ¡°King Zagrus, I don`t desire any enchanted items nor any invaluable treasures¡± there`s a long paused before he continued.


    ¡°All I want is peace¡±


    ¡°P-peace?¡±


    ¡°I want all the adventurer to stop intruding my Island¡± he said with a sincerity ¡°I don¡¯t want this Island to be covered by a sea of blood. I`m already tired of it. I even spare one adventurer from her death 3 days earlier to be the messenger, but your presence spoke that she failed¡±


    Three days earlier was the day Alicia`s father and the party were wiped out at the 3rd region. Not even a word they heard that there`s a survivor from that exploration. Reminding her that incident warps her face in grim.


    ¡°I want you to ask the adventurers from your country and also from the neighboring countries to quell their curiosity on this Island. In exchange I¡¯ll give your sword back¡± Sooner before the King to voice out his thoughts, Haven bowed his body making everyone in the room flustered as he pleaded ¡°Please help me¡±


    Sweat of regret flow down the king`s cheek. Haven is asking something that he clearly can`t grant. But he can¡¯t ignore this pleading young man before him. What`s more, he`s ready to give back treasured weapon of the country for just a small request. No one could blame the king as he grimaced on this helpless situation. He so powerful yet he can`t do anything. This thoughts put a twinge of frustration on his heart. Just what can I do? He can`t helped to notice that they seem to have a similar predicament. Which gave him all more the reason to help him.


    The gears inside his head continued to turn until¡ª


    He found it. If he can¡¯t provide the solution, then he can still help him to find his answer. There`s a slight smile of contentment pasted on his face. It¡¯s because the brilliant yet absurd suggestion was¡ª


    ¡°Haven-dono, Become an adventurer¡± he say it with determination.

 Chapter 6: A New Friend

    His words prompted Haven to jolty perked his head. Unable to comprehend where does those words came from as the cool gentle breeze sail across the silenced room. After along moment passed, Haven nodded with a short but seemingly adequate response ¡°huh?¡±


    But the king don¡¯t let himself bothered by his rare expression of confound. This is his chance to do something for troubled man. He muster every ounce of courage and wisdom to enlighten him about his proposal.


    ¡°Haven-dono, I may have no luxury to grant your long desired wish, but I can help you to achieve it¡± the king walk to the still crooked young man as he fixed his posture properly, to face him eye to eye. ¡°Haven-dono, if you become¡­ If you become a well-known adventurer you can gain enough popularity to influence the rest to follow your will. All you must do first is to become a student on the academy. Then become an adventurer after you graduate¡±


    By making him a student, not only I can help him to become more socialize with people, but also, I can show him more the better life. This will clearly help him expand the small world behind those eyes.


    An Isolated island inhabited with dangerous beasts is not a place for a young boy to spend his youth. He should be brought to the human environment and have normal life as a human. The king was trying to change his world back to its rightful place.


    Haven smiled faintly with a hint of a bit of regret. He knew it will never work. It¡¯s because¡ª


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for that kind offer King Zagrus¡­ but, I don¡¯t have any of the required papers to enter to school. It¡¯s because¡­¡± He sighed deeply and let a few seconds pass ¡°I never once enter to a school. I never even seen an actual school. But I see them on pictures and TV¡±


    Hearing his implausible answer, This time it`s King`s turn to nod with a short but seemingly adequate response ¡°huh?¡±. Not only had him, but his party also were the same expression ¨Cslacked-jaw in dumfounded manner.


    ¡®No¡¯ maids and ¡®no¡¯ educational and a ¡®suspicious¡¯ family background. Is he truly even a prince? The future-king must possessed all the wisdom he needs when his turn came to pass. That¡¯s why a prince or any royalty and nobles are obliged to go to school for the sake of the kingdom¡®s future. Yet this man once again opposed the common law.


    No one could blame the adventurers if they now starting doubting his words. Is he even saying the truths? Does what in those answers are true and false? Or does it even have true answers. But his undisputed power spoke the irrefutable truth which is enough to quell their doubts. And his next explanation had proved it.


    ¡°Teachers always says what they have in mind and they teach us based on their perspective. When the time I became literate because of the teachings of my sister, I read a certain book. It`s says that true education can only be achieve by your own efforts¡±


    They could hardly believe that this a bit frail-looking prince had manage to become self-dependent. Disappointed by the minor but helpless problem. Just what can he do? the only quesion that fueledthe gears inside his head. But after a short while, a belly laugh spilled out by the King. He smiled proudly at himself as if he realized something he knew but long forgotten. He¡¯s a king! A position that can naturally twist the laws of the nation or even make apparent wrong things to become right. A small problem like paper requirements from the middle school can be nullified by his royal words of power.


    ¡°Haven-dono, I¡¯m an entity that rules a nation. You have the wisdom to discern what I mean¡±


    ¡°I can`t say I dislike the abusing authoritarian power¡± he sighed for last time before he answered with contented smile ¡°I will take the offer then¡±


    The light grew brighter in the dining room together with the smiles of the persons satisfied with result. They can now enjoy the time to finished their respective breakfast, which already gone cold because of the unusual long debate.


    As soon as they finished their food, Haven stand up and give his final remark ¡°you`re welcome to enjoy the beach. After you`re done were going to depart¡± And the party rest nodded in euphoria.


    The adventurers enjoyed the scenery of bright golden sky and the rejuvenating water of the beach which stretches towards the horizons. The light shines at them, filled with excitement, over warm-tinted fines sands. The sun was already passed the horizon and they charges to the waters.


    Haven left in the dining room fixing all the dishes. As soon as he reached to the kitchen carrying all used dining utensils, there was the owl standing over the countertop with mocking look in her face. She always donned with subtle expression which was unique to the birds. But even though, Haven knew she`s smiling at him now in mockery.


    ¡°Not partaking in their foolish game huh?¡±


    ¡°I am not¡± he groaned while not budging his eyes on his task. He put all the dishes to the kitchen sink and turned the faucet on. The water flowed down to the drain including removed stains as he washed plates gently with his hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing this for our home. I¡¯m won`t do anything foolish¡±


    ¡°Your Excellency, once your entity has been exposed to the outside world we can`t be sure that everything is going accordingly as you desired -chirp. There`s a plenty of reasons to object, but I am your humble servant. I support you in any way to gain whatever you want -chirp¡±


    Nodded by the excellent servant. But there`s a hint of sadness on those mollifying chirping tones. He understood it very well. No one can predict the future but anyone can prepared themselves for it. He must prepared himself for anything that life would throw. His former life that covered his hands with blood has a chance to be repeated, only god knows.


    He strides towards the owl, embraced her, caressing her head gently. Inadvertent small bead of tears flows form the corners of her bulging eyes. She must not have expecting this unforeseen touching event. She spent most of her time alone together with his master. As the time passes, the master-servant relationship developed into something more intimate. She gives back a hug, spreading her wings to his chest.


    ¡°May the all-knowing one guides you the safest path¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± he nodded ¡°I¡¯ll bring you bird seeds when I get back¡±


    And the two of them giggled and soon burst into a belly laugh giving life to the silent house.


    oooOooo


    The sun had soon to reach its prime, blinding light shines down to the 6 person standing on white fine sands. As everyone done with their own task, they had gone down once again to the same shore they enjoyed so much, but this time they were accompanied by the master of Island itself. The earlier lively water had once again became seemingly silent despites of the rustling of small waves. The cool sea breeze was still blowing across the crowd, bending the small braches of the rustling leaves on the coconut trees standing by


    ¡°I will produce a portal to the castle`s front yard garden by using [gate] magic¡± said by the king who`s seems more excited than rest of them. ¡°My remaining mana should be enough to reach that place¡±


    ¡°I see, so gate magic`s mana cost was based from its distance huh¡± Haven murmured.


    Zagrus had expend a substantial amount of mana from reviving three people from the brink of their true death. One day rest was not enough to regain all mana he lost. It may understandable if ever he collapsed from the fatigue after he used the [gate] spell that consumes mana based on the distanced and duration of the spell.


    ¡°Are you going to be alight?¡±


    ¡°No need to fret Haven-dono, I¡¯m a demon lord!¡± he declared with confidence. He trust his both hands forward and followed by the appearance violet magic circles. No sooner had those shapes widened than the image of the castles courtyard was formed.


    ¡°Let`s now enter to my domain¡± he beckoned as his forehead becoming damped in sweat.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Hold the fort for now. If anything happens, let me know immediately¡± although it¡¯s impossible for this place to have problems except mine.


    Haven said as he turned his head to the seemingly smiling owl.


    ¡°I bow to your will, your command shall be done Your Excellency, Lord Haven-chirp¡±


    ¡°Im off¡± he said to the bird behind him. And he receive her cheering reply ¡°good luck on your journey ¨Cchirp¡±


    Haven goes first. He set his foot forward after another, slowly but surely until he passed the gate between him and his destination. He stop his tracks to view the said place thoroughly. The sun was a bit hotter than the island, giving light to an elaborate garden which flooded with trees pruned into circular shapes over the well-trimmed grass. They lined orderly to the surroundings giving an image of a border. The small pavestones he standing was fenced with plant box altogether stretches forward to an arching branches and vines filled with purple flowers before an ornament-covered gazebo. Behind were five more of them placed on a certain location, collectively surrounding fountain over the wide circular plot filled with variety flower in all shapes and sizes. If one performed an aerial viewing, this garden without a doubt was shaped in a hexagonal manner.


    ¡°So this was the best of their landscape architect could manage¡± he muttered ¡°so simple and plain¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    He was answered by the shrilly cry of an approaching young maiden beside him. Judging by her clothing, she seems to be one of the maids. Knowing stranger had successfully trespassed a heavy guarded place, she had instinctively leaped in a wide distance away from him and followed with an immediate incantation of her magic.


    ¡°O-o Holy fire-god that dwells from the abyss of the unknown, let fire song pleased the heart of thy believer and thy fire scorches against the wretched creatures before me¡±


    She still invoking the chanting words. An utter novice. Guess I shouldn¡¯t be expecting too much form a maid huh.


    The maid save the triggering last words of the spell as she noticed the white man not even a bit threatened. Haven`s vision budge from her to the gazebo, he walk slowly with his bold, nonchalant stride, paying no heed to the harmless person gazing him with distrust.


    ¡°Hold it Josefa¡± grunted by Henry ¡°he`s with us, low your arm¡±


    ¡°H-Henry-sama¡± she briskly nodded as she dispel her magic.


    As soon as rest of the gang passed through, the gate spell was dispelled and vanished on the thin air. The king was the last to enter. No sooner had the maid`s bulging eyes were fixed on the king than she genuflect before him.


    ¡°Y-you¡¯re Majesty, please forgive me from the rude conduct¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fret over the little things, what you¡¯ve done was the appropriate response¡± he said placatingly ¡°just prepares something for our dear guest here. And also set me up an appointment to principal of [Aslea Gifted Academy].


    ¡°As you wish your majesty¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, I want to see the best places of the city¡± haven brushed it off flatly. He was inside the gazebo, probing the structure and elegant ornamental plants dangles on it.


    ¡°Sasuna-san you`re going to become my tour guide¡±


    ¡°Huh? Why am I going to¡ª¡±


    ¡°I can do whatever I want with your body isn¡¯t it? You¡¯re already my servant, just follow my order and get on with it¡± he said tersely with coldness


    Those words felt like a cold water splashed on her. She make herself believe that sword had taken its place for her, and that, unwittingly forgotten the words she said. Everyone knew what she`d done but Haven wished for the sword and still gained the least amount. Henry knew that there`s something more. Even the ¡°becoming a student¡± proposal was very little since ¡®he¡¯ himself will do all the effort. Obviously no equality he had ever gained. So they, the party, including the king wasn¡¯t flummoxed about this scenario of Sasuna to become his servant, much better than a slave at least. Then again, they can¡¯t helped themselves to feel guilty, like treating their colleague as a sacrificial pawn. They can`t do anything but to dropped silent.


    She grimaced on the helpless situation she put herself into. She had no choice but to nod ¡°yes Haven-sama¡±


    ¡°If my orders doesn¡¯t gladden you, you`re free disobey, I won`t punished you. Just spare me some few coins, there must be some stuffs in the city that will please my eyes.¡±


    Once again the adventurers was taken aback by his deviant nod. Just how many times they had donned that expression? It seems they still can get over his strangeness no matter how they would expected it.


    He stopped his activity and stride towards her. He raised his hand open, beckoning her to gives some gold coins.


    Am I really a servant to him? She can hardly believe that her new master was not the typical master she used to be expecting. But her master was surprisingly nice. Too nice actually. One can never see a master letting his servant do as they please. Until now.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure going there alone?¡± she said, producing a purse from her summoned [void storage]


    ¡°Like as if I was never alone¡± he said as he take purse from her and store it from his floating [void cloud] device. As soon as he get what he needs, he face every to say good bye ¡°I¡¯m off¡­ I¡¯ll be back before sun down¡± he walk casually towards the gate exit.


    Everyone¡¯s seems contented what had been transpired. All well ends well as they say. They can rest easy and do what errands they may have after. As they go together towards their respective direction, the enchanter Sasuna, was freeze on her position, gazing the fainting image of the young boy to the distance. She felt a mixture of joy and guilt at the same time. She can have her rest without problems and she was told to disobey him whatever she likes, as if she was never become his subordinate at the first place. Yet, why was she troubled for no reason. She grip her hands to her chest, hoping somehow to ease her pain. A few heartbeats later, she realized something.


    I see¡­ How can I forgotten he spent three years in solitude on that island? Maybe¡­ just maybe he wants me to go with him, wanting someone to talk to or share a laugh with. And maybe he was afraid to ask for having enough distance between that`s he using his authority over me. He must be for a friend. And I, the first person, his subordinate should helped him... but I rejected him, I¡¯m so stupid not even realizing something so simple


    ¡°Hey? what`s wrong?¡± Henry inquired as he stop his tracks. He must have noticed his friend was still fixed in her place.


    ¡°I really can¡¯t let myself leave that man on his own devices¡± intoned with seriousness ¡°I¡¯m going for him¡±


    She dashed out forward leaving standing but smiling Henry alone.


    oooOooo


    It`s already high noon. The kingdom`s central building district overflows with joyful voices. The wide main street was filled with horse drawn carriages. Different races such as: the humans, demi-humans, dwarves and elves and other travelers with their traveling gear are going about their business.


    Despite of the [strangers] invasion to the [earthlings] last millennium, the only technology they gained were the use of wireless communication or the so called ¡®cell phones¡¯ device and televisions and other cyber gadgets. Their buildings was still the same as ever like medieval era and the vehicles doesn¡¯t improve much.


    The only reason why didn¡¯t they improve much of their way of life was because of the fear of the exploding vehicles. After a month since their first attempt to drive the steel vehicles and also the aerial type on the three conquered nations, ten million people had died due to the mysterious sudden massive explosion of the vehicle they had just recently learn how to used. After two weeks since that incident, they didn¡¯t expect that earthling buildings which had they became their settlements also had the same scenario. The fear of using earthling stuffs had forced them to wipe the entire area clean and build a new city. And the only things they gained was cyber gadgets they assured safe to use. They didn`t even try to reverse engineer the thing knowing the possibility of another explosion. They had use the captured humans to do maintenance but they didn¡¯t spill their knowledge about it and whenever they attempted, they, themselves also explodes.


    Looking at people wearing full armors and mage garments while using cellphones is really weird. They no idea how the grave the risk of that technology on their part.


    ¡°I thought you don¡¯t want to be my tour guide, why change of hearts?¡± He said while not budging his to his surroundings. It¡¯s seems the people were staring at them with slacked-jaw and sometimes casually raised their phones as if taking pictures accompanied with their gossips. ¡°And why there¡¯s so many eyes are focused on us?¡±


    ¡°Its Sasuna-sama of the Royal knights¡­. I can`t believe she come to the city. So cool¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the greatest enchanter¡­ I wish I can be like her, she so beautiful¡±


    ¡°But who guy beside her? I can¡¯t believe she got herself a boyfriend with that stern expression she always wear¡±


    ¡°Seriously? Lucky¡­¡±


    I¡¯m not his boyfriend!!!


    ¡°I¡¯m now your servant, I¡¯m just doing the befitting act¡± she muttered sullenly. She glancing at him at corner of her eyes, he still wearing that apathetic look. ¡°And for the other question, I am greatest enchanter here and one of the royal knights. Its natural response for them since they didn`t expect such rare event¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you noble?¡± he said stopping his tracks in front on a novelty store, ¡°Don¡¯t force yourself in something you don¡¯t want¡­ I¡¯m troubled of people walking on eggshells around me¡±


    Troubled?... He really is nice person


    ¡°Pfffmm¡­. No I`m not. I¡¯m came on my own volition¡± she chortle ¡°Besides it would be troubling if you got lost your way back.¡±


    ¡°Impossible¡ªthe castle was the tallest building on the city¡± he said flatly, pushing the double glass door to enter.


    ¡°Hrk¡­¡± she grimaced knowing she said something stupid.


    A black bald man was standing at counter spare a glance on them. He must be the store owner. But his glance sudden became an intent gaze after the young man clad in white overcoat.


    The shop doesn¡¯t have a single customer inside. But it was filled with different things such as regular books and grimoire place orderly on the shelves, chanted weapons and armory hung on till mannequins and walls, and things that were never seen before. But his eyes solely fixed on one thing ¨Ca creepy looking mask with ¡®X¡¯ mark as the eyes and cross-stitch pattern as the mouth. It was enclosed inside a glass cube over the pedestal.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have a price tag¡± he murmured


    ¡°I can`t believe you like such creepy things as this¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care... I love the design¡± he curtly retorted


    She sighed at her weirdo master seeming she can¡¯t do anything on this. ¡°let`s ask the shop owner about the price and¡ª


    Ka-Boom!!!


    Her words were cut by the sudden ear-piercing explosion that reverberated to the area.


    ¡°What was that?¡± his tone doesn¡¯t change, as much as his vision, still focused on the enclosed mask


    ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯s definitely not good¡± Susana rush outside and soon followed by the store owner leaving Haven all alone inside.


    Throngs of people were running in havoc. Soon the bystander adventurers together with the city guards, are dashing forward to the scene. A collapsed building, billowing with large smoke and dust up to the sky, giving its position throughout the city. A silhouette of large figure of an unknown entity was visible behind the mass of smoke. With its vicious sound ¡°Grrrrroooo¡± he step into the light then he roared furiously ¡°Mooaaaaa!!!¡±


    The load roar was filled with blood lust, causing an inarticulate terror to the adventurers¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a [Chieftain Minotaur]!¡± Inadvertent cry by one of the bystanders, visibly shaking with the clatter of his armor.