ã€ŠNingen no Tenshiã€‹


 Vol 1. Prologue

    I opened my eyes and found myself lying down. I noticed that the world around was surrounded by steamy white mist. Reaching for the ground, I felt the touch of moist soil and droplets of water dripping along the sides of the blades of grass.

    ¡°A swamp,¡± I whispered to myself. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath as I slowly went through my thoughts. Instinctively I realised that some parts of my memories were missing.

    "What was I doing yesterday?" I asked myself as it made me feel odd.

    Searching through my memories, I tried to recall how I had ended up here. But it did not add up, there was a big jump in my memories as I was only able to recall heading for school. But the memories of latter were in a blur and had given me a headache to recall.

    I gritted my teeth as I forced myself once again to recall my missing memories as bits and pieces slowly began to return.

    I saw myself waking up early in the morning before the sunrise. Feeling too attached to the warmth of my comfy bed. I felt reluctant to separate myself from it. My alarm went off in an instant, I felt annoyed by the ringing sound as I forced myself up to switch it off.

    I ended up getting off from the bed as I began preparing for school. It wasn''t unusual for me to skip breakfast, so I headed out after dressing in my uniform.

    My daily high school life continues as I took the bus. My school wasn''t far as it was only a 15 minutes ride from my home.

    I got off the bus after it arrived in front of the school''s gates. There were students walking in but few stood waiting for their friends. Some of them were people I recognised as they waved at me.

    I nodded at them with a smile as I went to line up early for the assembly . . . but everything after was missing.

    Fragments of my missing memories slowly returned. I recall witnessing everyone panicking as they head for cover from the sudden pour of rain. A bolt of lightning emerged from the sky, striking the ground as it missed the remaining students out in the open.

    <hr>

    I was one of those students, but the sudden lightning sent me falling and sprawling against the ground, my ears ringing from the incident. I looked up and found myself not being the only one who fell, as others did too. They frantically got back on their feet and quickly ran through the rain, away from the eye of the storm.

    The storm was ferocious as lightning bolts came striking down. In the spur of the moment, I pushed myself up from the ground and ran for cover. I saw the others running ahead of me towards the school canteen where everyone else had taken cover. My friends shouted at me to quickly run away. I did as soon as I managed to find my footing, running as fast as I could with the rest of the students.

    One of the students that were running in front of me tripped and fell to the ground. She desperately tried to regain her footing. However, she suddenly cried in pain, looking back at her ankle. It was obvious from afar that she had twisted it when she fell.

    In the corner of my eye, I saw a bolt of lightning came striking down, right at a utility pole. Blinding sparks burst out as the live wire snapped off from the pole, falling down, right towards her.

    I knew it was too late for her, but I couldn¡¯t run away as my feet were locked in place. I wanted to look away, to continue running ahead to my friends who were begging me to run. But I couldn''t bring myself to do so.

    I couldn''t bring myself to abandon a person in need when I have the strength to save them. Even if the odds were against me, the slightest chance of success would''ve been enough.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    Gritting my teeth, I made my resolve to save her, sprinting as fast as I could before the live wire came striking down. Time was almost up, as the wire came close into contact. I immediately leapt at her and pushed her out of from its reach. And my final moments came to an end.

    <hr>

    Seeing the memories of my death had shocked me beyond measure. Blood began dripping from my nose, as I started feeling faint and dismay. My body started shaking as I quickly pushed myself off from the ground. I screamed in tears and shouted into the sky, saying that I was alive. I began running in hopes of a way out as I saw my death reenact within eyes again and again.

    I was unable to accept my death, as I continued running in tears. Some parts of me wished that it was a nightmare, that I would come awake on my bed. But this nightmare felt too real.

    I tripped over a tree''s root and was thrown over a slope, rolling down until I hit the bottom. The fall''s concussion sent a pain in my head, and I understood that this was not a dream. I had my hands pushed against the ground, propping myself up back onto my feet. As I did, I saw the world that had finally revealed itself to me.

    The mist had vanished away to reveal a cloudless night sky with a silver moon. The sky was then welcomed by the mesmerising presence of small and beautiful yellow lights that sparkled all around. Fireflies.

    Even if they were creatures from my world, but their presence felt magical like fairies from children''s fairy tales. Slowly, the small lights then descended and went ablaze as it illuminated the entire boggy swamp that I was in.

    I was amazed and captivated by them. Extending my hands out as an invitation. A few gathered about me. They had given a smile on my face as their warmth had cast my fears away, turning this nightmare into a beautiful dream.

    It wasn''t long before I noticed the large lake that stood before me. The sound of moving water was heard and it gradually drew closer towards me.

    A large yellow light the shape of a lamp emerged from the distant darkness, revealing a silhouette of a man on a small boat with it. It wasn''t long until his appearance came into view, a man wearing a grey cloak as he held onto a lantern. His small boat moved almost leisurely towards me as it seemed to be pushed by an unknown force.

    "Who are you?" I called out to him bravely as I had questions which are in need of answers.

    The cloaked man cast his gaze on me with his piercing silver eyes. His skin was pearl white and babylike. It looked as if an angel had come to guide me to the afterlife.

    "Who indeed?¡±

    ¡°You could call me a friend, a servant, or even an angel. I am a great deal of many things, but as of now; I''m here as a messenger." He replied with a small smile that could be seen under his hood.

    "Is this the afterlife¡ªam I dead?" I asked him with a voice desperate to know.

    "This is not the afterlife, but one of the infinite worlds that exist in the universe. You were brought here into this illusionary world so that I would be able to relay my Lord''s message. And regarding your death, it seems that you already know the answer to it." The messenger replied.

    I had already prepared myself for that kind of answer, but it still stung me deeply. I found myself feeling shocked yet grateful to still be alive and breathing.

    "What reason was there for me being to still be alive?" I asked as I could smell that there was more to it.

    "It seems you have intuition. As you might have come to realise that you were brought back to life by the Lord himself. He has taken a liking to you, of your acts of bravery. Giving you a new life and purpose."

    "You are the first, not in just to being resurrected. But for a human¡¯s soul to ascend into a being far superior to mortals, to become one of us; a being of light."

    "But why me?" I asked with a voice of disbelief.

    "Of all the people that he could''ve chosen, why me?"

    "You were not chosen because of a chance of coincidence. You were chosen, because of what you felt before your death. Try to remember once again."

    My eyes went in shock as my memories were forced again onto me. I saw my final moments once again, as I pushed the girl away. Her eyes were in shocked as she saw her saviour traded his life for her. The feeling that I had felt during then, was not regret. It was relief. Relieved for being able to make it in time, as I died giving her a faint smile.

    "You saw it again didn''t you?" The messenger asked, his smile died away and his eyes showed pity.

    "I know that it is too much for you take in, but my time here is short. So listen well." He paused.

    "There is a force of power that will soon rise to bring destruction to the worlds of old. Your world is still new and may not be involved in it, but its history still shares a connection. And you must be that world''s hero."

    "But how and where do I start?" I asked him in confusion. As I knew nothing about the world I needed to save only but of its existence.

    "You will be sent back into your own world. And everything after is something you must find out by yourself." He answered back.

    "It seems that this is where we part ways." The messenger said as the world around slowly started to disappear.

    There were more questions that I wanted to ask, and being unable to have any answers for them made me feel depressed.

    "Believe in yourself. Your heritage is what makes you stand above all." The messenger said words to encourage him.

    "Godspeed, Child of Light." Were the last words I heard from him before he disappeared along with the world, and consciousness faded away.

 Vol 1. Chapter 1 - Nightingale

    Two years had gone by since the resurrection of our protagonist. He was given a new body and appearance, and had taken the opportunity to explore his strengths and skills; learning that his newfound strength and agility had exceeded his expectations.

    He spent his time in building connections by joining an underground organization that controls a large network of information; the information brokers. Working as their field agent, he needed to build his reputation and gain their trust so that he would obtain the necessary information to help in his own real quest.

    His first mission ended with such a swift success and thus he had taken up a name that they thought perfect for him.

    But the years had gone by since that day, with him accepting his last mission, before his retirement to continue with his own quest. And he was called Nightingale.

    <hr>

    The sound of heavy steps ran across the corridor as Nightingale was on his escape as he had successfully retrieved the data.

    He wore a black trenchcoat on his mission. His head covered by a hood with half of a red mask over his eyes to hide his identity, he had a cape fastened over his shoulders.

    Nearing towards the lift, he heard the sound of guns cocking right behind.

    "Freeze!" A loud voice roared at him from behind.

    ¡°Put your hands in the air and turn around to face us!¡±

    He did as he was told. Turning around to face them, he saw two officers had their guards up as they had their guns pointed at him. They were being rather cautious as they stood 5 metres away, afraid of threats that Nightingale could oppose on them.

    Their eyes followed his hands as he assured them to be empty by opening them in the air.

    Nightingale felt a regret as he knew what he had gotten himself into for being too cocky in his haste in retreat. But his mind was calm and collected as he immediately started planning for a way to escape from his current situation.

    After the two officers noticed that he was unarmed and defenceless, they took the opportunity as an advantage to apprehend him.

    Nightingale noticed them moving cautiously towards him and he knew that this was his chance.

    "Oh, I wouldn''t come close if I were you," Nightingale warned them with a smile.

    "And why is that?" One of the officers asked in confusion.

    "Many things really, but mostly it''s because I could do this¡ª"

    Two small shurikens were revealed from between his fingers as he immediately threw them at the officers who were still in midst of confusion.

    The shurikens were like a taser as bolts stung the officers and sent them out cold.

    He stood there looking rather proud of his win, but after looking around he saw another patrol of officers had caught sight of him from a far distance in the corridor.

    "Ah shit." He exclaimed in midst of his shock as he hastily began running before the patrol realised their situation and gave chase.

    The alarm went off as the whole facility were on high alert for an intruder. Nightingale knew that the lift was out of the question, as he followed the corridor blindly for an escape.

    This was not part of his plan, so he decided to improvise for an escape. The path he followed led him towards a dead end as the large pane window was his only escape. But two officers were there to cut him off.

    "Stop or we''ll shoot!" They ordered at him with their guns looking menacing and ready to shoot.

    This time he ignored them, pulling the end of his cape towards the front as he intended to use it as a shield. He ran in full speed towards the direction of the pane window where the officers stood.

    The officers hesitated for a moment, afraid in taking a life, but orders were orders as they began firing at him.

    Small sparks of lighting jolted out from Nightingale''s fingertips. His free hand touched his cape he held, and it hardened, turning into a shield.

    His cape was made using nanotechnology and had a special design where with a spark of touch the material will harden and will be able to be used as a shield.

    The bullets fired from the officers were being stopped by his cape. But he did not stop his charge as he ran past them and bashed through the glass pane.

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    As soon as he went into a free fall, he spun his body around facing back at the facility he jumped out from. He extended his wrist and shot a grappling hook randomly at one of the floors.

    It attached firmly and in a swift moment, he used his weight to pull himself back up as he retracted the line and the momentum swung him up, smashing through a window. And immediately he was back inside.

    Nightingale''s dramatic entrance was seen by the security officers who were there by chance. For a brief moment, their faces were in awe but immediately after they became hostile.

    Pulling out their weapons, they went on to engage the intruder, but what they weren''t expecting was that he was ready with a counterattack.

    After regaining his footing, Nightingale hastily analysed his enemies'' weapons and putting those with a firearm on his highest priority.

    He sent a blow into the security officer''s face, rendering him unconscious before he was able to draw his gun ready.

    The other officers went to engage him with their batons, as he dodged their blows swiftly and returned blows from one side to another.

    He sent his final blow at the remaining officer''s chest who then was sent flying, crashing on his back.

    Steps were heard from a near distance as Nightingale reacted instantly, drawing out his firearm and shot bullets that were non-lethal but able to electrocute the coming reinforcements.

    After the last remaining officer had been taken down by his firearm, he began running as he followed the corridor with the signs that led him towards the stairs.

    As he neared the door for the stairs. The door was sent open, followed after an officer who had come out with his firearm at ready.

    He was in the officer''s line of fire as the officer shot at him. He instantly pulled himself away and began charging low and as soon as he neared, sending a blow at the officer''s face.

    Unfortunately, the officer was quick as he was ready and able to dodge Nightingale''s fist. But Nightingale was a man who knew better as he spun himself around using inhumane speed, locking his arm around the officer¡¯s dominant arm.

    He used his strength to empower the officer, smashing his face with his elbow. He moved the officer¡¯s arm that still held tight onto the gun, pointing towards the floor and used his free hand to unload the magazine from the gun.

    Grabbing onto the gun, he sent a strong kick into the officer''s chest that sent him flying into the wall.

    He twirled his gun around and immediately pointed its line of fire at the officer who had just come out from the stairs.

    "Bang!" He jested, before sending a blow into the unexpected officer¡¯s face.

    After rushing up the stairs, Nightingale had found himself standing near the edge of the rooftop. With nowhere to escape, he turned back to look and saw that a group of security officers had caught up to him.

    An officer came towards the front, he had the appearance of a man in his mid-40s wearing a uniform that intuitively made Nightingale knew that he was the chief.

    "It doesn''t have to be this way, son." The chief said in a husky voice, seeing that Nightingale looked as if he was about to jump.

    "There''s more to live for, so please step away from the edge."

    "And what, rot away in a cell?"

    "You''re surrounded, the building''s 6 stories high and there''s no way for you to escape."

    "And that''s where you''re wrong, uncle. You old people need to be a little bit more creative." Nightingale ended their exchange in words as he threw a small metal ball at them as he jumped off the edge.

    It exploded and released a bright blinding light that hindered the officers'' sight.

    It took awhile for the officers to regain their sight. But as soon as they did, the chief officer rushed towards the edge and saw that the intruder was nowhere in sight.

    "Impossible." He exclaimed in shock with his face grumbling with rage.

    "Lockdown the facility now. I want all personnel to find the intruder before he escapes!" He shouted an order through his walkie-talkie as the other officers were already heading down the stairs.

    Nightingale was long gone as he had already left the facility''s grounds. He had managed to put his gadgets into use to help him find his way down safely.

    As he neared the compound''s gate, he gave a glance over at the security guard house. A smirk was drawn on his face as the officer who was in charge was still out cold.

    He went ahead and grabbed his bag that he had left near the gate. After exiting the compound, he entered the streets.

    He pulled his hood and cape off to reveal his jet black hair that covered his ears. He took off his red mask, revealing his brown eyes and his handsome young face. After keeping the mask in his beg, he wrapped his cape around his arm. He then blended into the crowd as he looked like a young office worker who was returning from a late work.

    After reaching a mile away from the facility. He stepped out from the crowd he had followed and entered an alleyway. He went deep into the alleyway and stopped as soon as he was assured that no one was tailing him.

    He pulled out a small data drive out from his pockets. The data drive had carried the data that the organization had sent him to retrieve and plugged into the small laptop that he had pulled out from his bag. The data was then being sent to the information brokers as he pulled out his phone to contact his superiors.

    "Oh hello there," A man answered with a Scottish accent.

    Nightingale had a disappointed look on his face when he heard the familiar voice of his colleague.

    ¡°Hello there, friend? Infobroker agency speaking, what would you like to order?¡±

    ¡°Is anyone there, are you in a pickle? Do you need help or anything?¡± The man pressed with his endless questions.

    ¡°Actually yes, I do need help. Mind if you help and get someone else on the line. Someone who¡¯s a bit more serious in a way.¡± He finally replied.

    ¡°Oh! It¡¯s Nightingale! It''s been a while, yeaa? And you¡¯re still cold to me as always hah! You¡¯d hurt my feelings, we¡¯re best buds aren¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°Can we please get back on topic¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hold up! Is this your private number? How come I don¡¯t have your private number?"

    "Josh! Do you have Nightingale''s private number?"

    "What!? You do? How come I don''t have his number?¡±

    ¡°Oh my god,¡± Nightingale said softly away from his phone, his face was looked as if he wanted to end his life.

    ¡°Anyhow, so did you get the data that we asked you to retrieve?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I did. And I¡¯m sending it to you now.¡± He mentioned as he clicked approve for the data transfer on his laptop.

    ¡°Aaaaand ding! Received.¡±

    ¡°Good work, bud. I¡¯ll be transferring the data that you requested as payment now.¡±

    A window appeared on his laptop asking for confirmation to receive files that his client had sent him. He clicked accept and browsed through the files to confirm if it were the files that he requested.

    ¡°Everything seems to be in order.¡± He stated.

    ¡°Is that all that you need? We can offer you more than what you requested. Want some pizza?¡±

    ¡°Burger King?¡±

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m good.¡±

    ¡°You sure? We owe you a ton since you¡¯ve been helping us gathering data for the past couple of years. Wasn¡¯t this your last job? I can help pinch in a little bit for a bonus as a farewell gift between us. Only a little bit though..¡±

    ¡°Weeell, if you put it that way. There are couple things that I could use for my expedition.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, sure! I¡¯d be happy to help you with that. So what do you need? Money? Equipment?¡±

    ¡°Equipment, really. I¡¯ll inform you more about it later.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright. See ya soon then, Nightingale.¡±

    "Indeed." He said after hanging up. He gave a look back at the file that was left open on his laptop. His eyes stared at the highlight of the file''s name, Avalon.

    ¡°I guess it¡¯s time to prepare and get the band back together,¡± Nightingale said to himself as he gave a sharp stare into the night sky.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be a one hell of an adventure, huh.¡± He said with a smile.

 Vol 1. Chapter 2 - The Gathering

    The streets of Taipan was a busy place, as the roads were bustling with cars and the area was filled with life. It was a small business district, filled with different varieties of shops; restaurants, bakeries, pet stores, electronics and many more to suit the townspeople''s needs.

    It has been more than a month since Nightingale''s retirement. He spent his time since then; organising and surveying the sites of his expedition. And it was time for him to meet with his crew.

    It was a cold, rainy day in Malaysia, as Nightingale stood waiting patiently for the cars to pass by before being able to cross. He reached the other side and continued down the street. Walking past many different shops as he headed for his rendezvous point.

    He stopped, facing the entrance of a coffee shop. He pulled out a pocket watch from within his raincoat to check on the time. It was an antique collector''s model, made out of silver and would''ve been expensive to obtain if not for receiving it as a farewell gift from one of his colleagues.

    "Fifteen minutes late." He grumbled to himself as he kept it back in one of his pockets.

    Pushing the door open, he entered the cafe. As soon as he stepped in, he was welcomed by the warmth and the sweet aroma of coffees and lattes that pervaded the cafe.

    He waited for his raincoat to stop dripping profusely before lowering his hood and slowly taking off the raincoat. He rolled it up towards his sleeve and proceeded towards the counter.

    "Welcome." A young lady greeted with a smile.

    The young lady stood behind the register, wearing an apron over her uniform. She seemed no older than he was with her brown hair tied up into a ponytail.

    "What can I get you?" She asked.

    "Hot chocolate, please."

    "One hot chocolate." She repeated to herself whilst entering in the register''s computer.

    "Anything else?"

    "Nothing else, thanks."

    "That''ll be 11 Ringgit."

    Nightingale reached for his wallet and pulled out from his back pocket. He handed the exact amount to her.

    "Thank you, sir." She thanked him.

    "Please wait beside the counter while your order will be done shortly." She said and pointed him towards the waiting line.

    He stood there waiting as he gave short glances at other customers while eavesdropping into their conversations.

    "He''s late." A young voice spoke from afar.

    It had caught Nightingale''s attention as he glanced over his shoulders to see a group of adolescence sat at the far end.

    He felt a painful sting in his chest as he recognised their faces. They were the people he was to meet. Friends, that he once had in his past life.

    His order arrived with Nightingale thanking the young lady. He hurriedly grabbed his warm mug of chocolate and headed towards the group. He felt excited to be reunited with them, but he slowly came to understand that they wouldn''t recognise him. And the person they were once friends had been dead for more than two years.

    <hr>

    A young lady stepped out from the car along with her bag strapped behind her shoulders. She wore a white jacket that had pinkish pattern designs on its end. Her hair was long and black, tied into a ponytail. She was Alicia Mei.

    The car''s front door opened and out came her mother. She had her arms open beckoning her daughter for a parting hug.

    "Be safe, Alicia." Her mother said, giving a harsh kiss on her cheek.

    "Don''t worry, mom. I will." Alicia assured her as they broke away from the hug.

    "Oh come here, give me another hug!" Her mother gave her yet another tight hug, savouring the remaining time she had with her daughter.

    "I love you, mom¡ª"

    She said, rubbing her mother''s back.

    "¡ªand you too, dad."

    She said as she glanced over her mother''s shoulders at her father who was still in the driver''s seat.

    Her father made a distinct grumpy noise of a protective father who''s reluctant to send her child away.

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    ¡°Just ignore him, sweetheart. You can go wherever you want and choose whatever you want to be."

    Her mother said as they broke away from their hug.

    "¡ªYour father will still love you nonetheless, he¡¯s just bad in showing it.¡± She assured Alicia, giving her a pat on both shoulders.

    They both gave a glance at him, and he was trying his best to hide his embarrassment after hearing his wife''s statement. His face looking in the other direction.

    ¡°Yeah, he does seem so too,¡± Alicia said with a small giggle.

    She looked towards the far back seat and saw her little sister waiting for her turn. Moving away from her mother, she went up and opened the door for the back seat.

    As soon as the door opened, she came pouncing at her. Her arms latched around Alicia and not letting go.

    "Don''t go, big sis. Don''t go!" Her little sister asked in desperation as she did not want to part from her sister.

    Tears dripping from her face as Alicia sat her back on the seat, and rubbed away the tears from her cheek.

    "It''s alright Mei, I''ll be back in a few months time. So behave yourself and wait for me to return, okay?" She said softly, rubbing her little sister''s head.

    Her little sister was twelve years old, and they both share a strong sisterly bond, as the little girl looked up to her big sister a lot. She hated the fact that her big sister was leaving her behind, wanting to spend more time with her. Wanting to be with her.

    ¡°O-okay.¡± Her little sister replied. Wanting to look strong in front of her sister, she held her tears but her nose was seen running.

    ¡°Goodbye, little Mei.¡± Alicia said as she closed the back seat.

    She turned around to face the shops nears the sidewalk. She began to part ways from her family but she stopped as she heard her father called out for her.

    ¡°Be safe, Alicia.¡± She heard her father said as she turned around to see him waving her with his goodbye.

    Alicia gave her father a big, bright smile. As it was unusual for him to put his pride away.

    "I will, dad. I will!" She replied, waving back at him.

    She turned around once again to face the sidewalk. But with a tear running down her face as she hurriedly wiped it away. She saw the coffee shop''s entrance. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself before entering through.

    "Alicia!" A familiar voice called out to her, as she looked towards the source.

    "Over here." Another voice called for her.

    She saw five of her friends sitting near the far end, waving her over. She smiled and hurriedly walked to meet them.

    It had been awhile since the last she met them after their graduation. Most were busy with college, and some just hang around. It was their semester break and all six of them had gathered together under a man''s request.

    It had seemed to her that the five of them had arrived earlier than the appointed time. Settling themselves early so that they would be able to have their reunion first before meeting with their host.

    As Alicia drew closer towards the table they were seated in, she slowly recalled each of their names and faces.

    Darren Lee a Chinese boy. He had a round face, with his hair combed towards the side. His body was slightly built as he was a hard-working person who once became an outstanding scouts member in his high school.

    He was rather known to goof off at times, making silly jokes all around. But he was looked up to as a knowledgeable and reliable person.

    Then there was Telvinder, a Punjabi boy with frizzy hair and a broken nose. His most distinguished feature is that he always wears glasses.

    He too loves goofing and making pop culture jokes a lot following with his clownish look, but even then, he was a kind and honest person. She thought.

    Pee Aun on the other end, who sat beside him was a tall skinny Chinese boy. He had a bowl cut and he was at most 10 centimetres taller than all of us. He may be rude at times but he is honest and dependable and smart.

    Then there were two girls who sat across them, Shuen and Arielle, who like she was, were all Chinese.

    Shuen Yee, a model student who scored top in her grade and had managed to receive scholarship offers to study overseas. Why she didn¡¯t accept them remained a mystery to her. But she had an idea to why, as she was known to treasure her friends close.

    She was pretty with beautiful white skin and silky long silky black hair. Her personality on the other end would turn out differently than what others would expect. She was a feisty girl who loves chatting with friends more than any other.

    Arielle Tan, the last of the two girls, is her best friend. One would exaggerate and say that she''s an ''Angel'' as most boys did in school. She is a kind, quiet and honest person. She apart from the rest was an introvert who enjoys reading books. Her brown hair dangled along her side and was long and shiny.

    All her friends were wearing sweaters, jackets and hoodies, all in different colours and patterns.

    Alicia noticed that they had their bags laid under the table and left hers on her seat and went away to order a drink at the counter.

    It started raining outside when she returned with her drink, the others were in midst of their conversation as they were talking about their lives in college.

    When she came back with her drink it had started raining and her friends had started talking about their lives in college and reminiscing on their past memories of high school.

    ¡°So I heard that we were going to England,¡± Alicia forced herself into the conversation.

    ¡°From what I heard, yeah,¡± Telvinder said as he raised his head from his arms.

    "Don''t you guys think that it''s rather suspicious for a guy who we don''t know invited us along on an expedition?" Shuen stated with caution.

    "Of course, we do. And that''s why we''re here to sniff him out. Especially since he claimed to know our old friend." Darren said.

    The mood changed as a friend they once knew was brought up. None of them spoke his name for he had been a person who once was a big part of their life. But he was gone, died in an incident years ago.

    "Well if anything, we''ll just have to press questions onto him cautiously."

    The other¡¯s agreed to his words, but Alicia on other hand was deep in thought, wondering why the mention of the host, stung her chest.

    Her thought was broken off as she was surprised by the sudden bell that rang as the door pushed open. A tall man wearing a raincoat had entered through the entrance.

    She looked away and joined back into the conversation. The mood seemed to have gotten better as they were now talking about how they would expect the expedition to be like.

    ¡°We¡¯d probably just find some artefacts and old vases.¡± Pee Aun said.

    ¡°Hey, don''t look down on vases. They might sell a lot to the museum,¡± Darren stated with a chuckle.

    "Or we hit the jackpot and found treasure!" Telvinder sprung his idea out.

    ¡°As if.¡±

    Both the boys said as if they were in sync, and began laughing at Telvinder''s wild idea.

    "How long have we been waiting for the host?¡± Arielle asked Alicia who was sitting beside, with a soft voice.

    ¡°It''s been fifteen minutes,¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s late.¡± Pee Aun grumbled with his arms crossed and his face looked annoyed.

    ¡°I¡¯m not the type of person who likes being kept waiting.¡±

    ¡°You''re not one to say that, you kept me waiting everytime we''re out on our outings!¡± Telvinder scowled.

    "No? I don''t normally appear late. Only when it''s you of course." He chuckled and grinned.

    ¡°A wizard¡¯s never late, he arrives precisely as he means to.¡± A man interrupted their conversation.

    "Wait, when did he get here?" Pee Aun asked in his surprise.

    "Sorry to keep you, young lads and lassies waiting. The sudden downpour of rain had made it a bit tricky and delayed me from reaching here early."

    The man bowed his head in apology.

    ¡°So are you a wizard then, Sir Host?¡± Telvinder joked with a stoic face.

    "Was that supposed to be a joke? Or are you just making weird assumptions of whether I''m a wizard or not? Cause I can''t really tell when you''re making that weird face."

    "Please, do look goofier when you''re making a joke."

    The boys began to burst into laughter as Telvinder was left in confusion.

    ¡°So I guess you¡¯re the one who¡¯s hosting the expedition,¡± Shuen wanted to confirm.

    "Indeed, I am." The man replied.

    They looked at him and saw a man who seemed to be no older than they were, but it was impossible for such an age to be able to host an expedition unless if he was rich.

    ¡°Let¡¯s start with introductions then, shall we?¡± The man clapped both his hands together to break the boys off from their laughter.

    ¡°I go by the name Nightingale."

 Vol 1. Chapter 3 - Magic Exists

    "I go by the name Nightingale."

    Pee Aun began laughing tremendously upon hearing Nightingale''s name. Tears came running from his eyes as he slowly slid down his chair.

    The others were shocked to see him acting so rudely in face of their host.

    "Dude, stop it." Darren scowled at him with his eyes watching to see if Nightingale was furious. But he wasn''t and it had seemed that he was able to tolerate Pee Aun''s behaviour.

    "No, I just can''t¡ª" He continued laughing, banging his fist on the table.

    "This guy is actually taking us for fools. So why should I even be serious to any of this?"

    "Honestly, what reason is there for me to even stay here?" He cut his laugh and glared straight into Nightingale demanding an answer from him.

    Taking a deep breath, Nightingale had already been prepared for such questions as he knew that they wouldn''t react too friendly to a stranger as suspicious as he.

    "To listen to what I have to say."

    "I don''t know why he chose any of you for this expedition. But what he decided, I will follow."

    "Who?" Pee Aun asked as he and others were had confused looks on their faces.

    "Did you actually think that I was the one who gathered you here," Nightingale chuckled.

    "Heck, I don''t even know who any of you were before this. For you see, I am not the only founder of this expedition. The other is being someone I used to know, but he had left this world two years ago."

    "Does it ring a bell?" He asked them.

    He gave glances at each of their faces but none dared to answer.

    "No? What if I told you his name was Nick."

    The mention of his name stung them painfully as their face whitened and their eyes were in shocked. It was a name that none of them wanted to be reminded of. A boy with a tragic death.

    "He. . founded this expedition?" Pee Aun asked, stuttering on his words.

    "Yes, yes he did. And he chose all of you to be his crew." Nightingale nodded at them.

    "I am here, to carry out his will. To ensure that the expedition would be carried out."

    "It took me two years to prepare everything, so please don''t lead it all to waste¡ª not on my behalf, but on his." He pleaded with them.

    "You''ve been going about an expedition, but really, what''s all this about?" Darren asked, wanting to know more about the expedition his friend was once part of.

    "It''ll be easier for you to believe if I show you," Nightingale stated, his hand reaching for his pockets.

    "Show us what?" Pee Aun asked, his eyes staring at Nightingale''s pockets, eager to know what he''s searching for.

    "Magic," Nightingale answered at last after reaching out for a gemstone out from his pocket.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    The gemstone was in a bright orange colour, with runes engraved on it. It was the size of half a palm.

    Nightingale took a seat as he placed his drink on the table. He held the gemstone high so that everyone was able to have a clear look at it.

    "So now try not to blink, or you''d miss the magic trick." He grinned.

    "Cyfuno sillafu!" He chanted.

    The gemstone shone brightly, reacting to his words. His drink then suddenly vanished away.

    "Oh my god, I told you guys he was a wizard!" Telvinder clapped loudly in his surprise.

    Everyone else had the same expression but Nightingale hushed them as he did not want people to notice.

    "But how?" Shuen asked, her eyes widened, intrigued to know.

    "As you''ve seen the gemstone I held, was not just an ordinary gemstone." He flashed the gemstone again before their very eyes.

    The gemstone that once shone its bright colours like a lamp slowly died away and its colours had faded too, revealing Nightingale''s drink.

    "This gemstone is what I call, a talisman or a better name for it; A magic stone. It is infused with a complex magical spell, allowing a user with an affinity in magic to be able to use it without knowing the spell itself. And this, in particular, helps to conceal."

    "But it''s magic is limited and sadly it''s only a one time use." He sighed as he had wasted away a rare piece of magic, keeping it back into his pocket.

    "I discovered these magic stones, not too long ago. And they are one of the few evidence I have to prove that magic exists."

    "And what of the other?" Darren asked.

    "I had a theory, that in a lifetime ago, magic once delved freely in our world."

    "The world we thought we knew so much about¡ª had secrets hiding deep in our history."

    "Are you all accustomed to the tale of King Arthur?" He asked them and received their nods.

    "In 1976 an archaeologist, Travis Martin, stumbled upon a gateway. A tall metal arch, hidden in our world. And this gateway may link to other worlds that exist."

    "It would also answer the magic''s disappearance from our land. It''d even be able to solve the mystery to Excalibur''s magic and the Lady of the Lake''s origin." Nightingale stated, looking around at their confused and interested looks the others had on their faces.

    "Wait, I think I got it!" Telvinder sprung up from his seat.

    "What? But how?" Pee Aun looked at him in confusion as he would least expect Telvinder to be the first to understand.

    "This gateway is located on Avalon, isn''t it?" Telvinder asked, ignoring him.

    "Yes, it does."

    "So they were aliens." He concluded, smashing his fist on his palm.

    The others were astonished by them being more confused in Telvinder''s conclusion rather than Nightingale''s explanation.

    "Well.. you can put it that way," Nightingale agreed with a half-willing face.

    "I believe that their ancestors of people of Camelot were the ones from this other world. And after the Battle of Camlann, following King Arthur''s death, they returned home, along with magic they first brought with them."

    "I''m sold, lemme in on this." Telvinder had made his decision.

    "What?" Almost everyone mouthed together in confusion, along with Nightingale too.

    "Hey man, think about this way. This is a once in a lifetime situation. To actually go on an adventure like we see in movies and read in books! Of course, I''m going on it!" He explained excitedly, standing up from his sit.

    "Alright, let''s pretend that my buddy here doesn''t exist, so please, do carry on." Pee Aun pleaded to Nightingale, his hand grabbing Telvinder''s shoulder, pulling him back into his seat.

    He began scolding Telvinder, like a parent disciplining his child.

    "If Travis Martin did found Avalon in 1976, wouldn''t they have already sent an expedition team there?" Darren asked, pulling their attention back on topic.

    "They did, but what they didn''t expect was that the island had vanished," Nightingale stated.

    "That doesn''t make sense, it couldn''t just simply vanished out of thin air¡ª"

    "¡ªunless if it was by magic," Darren said as he came to a realisation.

    "Exactly what I had in mind." Nightingale nodded in agreement.

    "If they weren''t able to find the island, how would that make it different for us?" Shuen finally asked a question they all wanted an answer to.

    "It is because, I know where to look, and just a week ago, I had already found the path we''d take. So now what I need isn''t a crew to go on a search for Avalon. But of a group of friends, to discover what lies beyond that gateway."

    "Well, this is actually quite a lot to take in." Pee Aun whewed.

    "No, it isn''t," Telvinder stated.

    "Shut up! No one gave you permission to talk." He yelled.

    "Were you close with him?" Alicia asked Nightingale.

    "Him? Ah, yes I was. He was very passionate in his work. It''s quite a pity that he wouldn''t be able to join us." He said with a saddened look, staring into the table.

    "But the only thing I can do for him now is to carry on his legacy, our legacy." He shared his resolution.

    The others stared at him as they shared his saddened expression.

    "The path would be long and dangerous, I cannot guarantee your safety, but what I can guarantee is for you to be part of something bigger than the lives you''re living." He stopped for a short moment, taking his breath before asking a request.

    "So I''d ask you all once again, this time not on his behalf, but on mine. Would you all like to go on an adventure with me?" He said at last.

    The six of them remained silent as they exchanged glances with each other. They all looked at Darren, giving him a face that he knew that they had made a decision.

    "Alright then, we will join you." Darren said as the others nodded in agreement.

    "Then let us be off," Nightingale said, standing up from his seat. A smile was drawn on his face, relieved to have convinced them to join him. But he felt his chest tightened in pain and felt guilty for keeping secrets from them.

 Vol 1. Chapter 4 - The Past That Haunts Us

    Nightingale was slowly falling asleep. His head pressed against the cold touch from the window. The once and harsh rain had let up into drizzle as it continued hitting against the glass.

    Within his dream, he saw a memory of a time in his past life. He was thirteen then, and he stared into his young self who sat in the rain, under the cover of a tree. His uniform drenched and loose as if it had gotten into a fight.

    The boy had his face hid in between his legs, as he immediately knew that he was crying. Bruises were all over his arms as he slowly recalled his memory.

    A fight had happened as he was picked on after school by a group of delinquents. It was before the rain he had been taken to a park. Far away from help. They wanted money from him. But he denied them, followed by the black-and-blue eye he received from them.

    He was a stubborn boy then, with no intention of backing down so he fought back.

    Trading blows after blows, he managed to stand his ground against a group of three. His will and endurance were stronger than theirs as they had picked on the wrong boy.

    In his young self''s adrenaline, he let out a warcry, charging right at them. He sent a strong blow that sent blood spurting out from one of their noses. His face filled with rage, giving him a look of a savage beast.

    He went on the defence as one of the boys were enraged. Rushing straight at him with his fist. He dodged it and sent a strong jab at the boy''s chest with his elbow.

    The others came in to join, along with the boy with the bloodied nose.

    Taking a deep breath, he locked his feet, holding his defence high and his head low. He grabbed onto the closest boy''s arm, pulling him towards him as he sent his knee into the boy''s stomach.

    A blow went straight at his face, as the other boy had arrived. He felt the punch hit him hard as he was sent a few steps back. The pain throbbed, but it had made the delinquents'' situation much worse.

    He began charging straight into the boy, returning him the punch he received. It wasn''t all as he sent a kick into the boy''s chest, sending him flying back.

    The boy with the bloodied nose stopped his charge as he knew better. His mind filled with fear as he screamed and retreated away. The delinquents did the same as they followed in his retreat.

    The boy who was last taken down was crawling on his back, staring right at the young Nightingale''s face. He was terrified and in tears.

    "M-Monster!" He screamed with all his heart, hastily pushing himself up, and ran in retreat.

    The young Nightingale had his hands clenched into the fist. His uniform was all loose, his hands filled with bruises and his eye; black-and-blue. The rain came shortly after the delinquents'' retreat. But he did not move, as he still stood standing.

    He was crying, but the rain was covering over his tears. He let out his final warcry as he screamed into the rain. The cry wasn''t for his victory but was out of rage.

    He felt his body turn cold, as he began shivering and sneezing. He went and looked for cover, and saw a tree nearby. He grabbed his bag that was all wet and covered in mud.

    He sat down under the tree, hoping to take cover under it. But the tree did not fully shield him from the rain, as raindrops fell, continuously hitting the back of his neck.

    He buried his head in between his legs, hiding his face from view. As he did not want people to see his pathetic face crying.

    A while after, he felt the raindrops stop, but the harsh sound of rain hadn''t let up. Confused, he pulled his face away from between his legs and saw an exquisite face of a girl in his age, with her hair, long and black.

    She had a sparkling smile, while she extended her hand, shielding him from the rain with her umbrella.

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    He held back his tears and was left speechless. He did not know what to say as he kept himself quiet. But his face, fighting his tears.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s going to be alright.¡± The girl assured him with a gentle voice.

    Her hands caressed his cheek, as the young Nightingale was shocked and surprised.

    ¡°It''s okay to cry.¡±

    He heard the words echoed in his mind. His eyes became blurry as he was no longer able to hold in his tears. He gave in and began wailing. As the girl sat beside him, holding him close to her side, like a mother to her child. She told him as his eyes became blurry as he could no longer hold in his tears. He let out a wailing cry filled with sorrows as he held her tightly, savouring the warm feeling given to him by the girl who sparkled in the rain.

    His dream slowly faded away, as heard a voice calling for him in the real world.

    "Nightingale." Again the voice called out to him.

    His consciousness slowly returned to the real world. But his mind did not drift away from his dream as he tried slowly to recall the girl''s name. Alice.

    ¡°Had a good dream?¡± Pee Aun snickered from his right.

    ¡°Yeah, something like that.¡± He replied, covering his mouth for a yawn.

    ¡°Well, sorry to interrupt your beauty sleep, but we¡¯re almost there.¡±

    Nightingale gave a look around and found himself sitting in the front seat within an SUV. The others were behind, wide awake and chattering about, while Pee Aun had his eyes on the road, in charge of driving.

    It had been a couple hours ago as they had left Taipan for the airport. He gave a look at the time and it was still more than an hour away before their flight to England.

    ¡®A reasonable amount of time to get ourselves checked in for the flight.'' He thought.

    Stretching his arms, he set his back up straight, facing the road. He had his elbow on the armrest with his fist supporting his head. He watched the cars passing by whilst listening to the conversation from the back.

    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to try out as a mage specialised in fire and ice when we¡¯re there. Oh, how much goosebumps I¡¯m getting from just imagining it!¡± Telvinder said excitedly, hugging himself as he tried his best to control his excitement.

    ¡°Just be careful to not let the spells be blowing back at your face." Alicia teased him followed by Darren''s laugh.

    Further, in the back seats. Shuen was busy, typing on her smartphone as she was texting her friends, while Arielle on the other end was sitting quietly, reading a book she had brought with her.

    Both girls hadn''t interacted with one another, not because they were in bad terms but instead, their personalities were polar opposites.

    Nightingale continued staring through the window. His eyes set across the horizon and saw large mountains, and in the clear night sky; were filled with stars shining as brightly with the moon.

    He gave himself a moment, his eyes closed, savouring the warmth of nature he felt pressing in his chest. A smile drew on his face under the cover of his hand. He continued staring into the night sky as he slowly fell deep within his thoughtless mind.

    Pee Aun brought the car to a stop as they had arrived at their destination; the airport''s underground parking lot.

    ¡°Alright everyone, let¡¯s get going,¡± Nightingale ordered them.

    They began packing up their things and began handing their bags to one another from the SUV''s boot.

    Darren took charge of taking out the heavy bags and handing it to Telvinder who then called out to the ones whose bag it belonged to and passed it to them.

    ¡°Yours the last one,¡± Darren said, tossing a small travelling bag at Nightingale.

    He caught hold on the bag''s strap and wore over his shoulders.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t bring much, did you?¡± Darren asked him as he joined in wait for Pee Aun to lock the back compartment.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Nightingale replied.

    ¡°Don''t forget to lock the car.¡± He reminded Pee Aun who joined them away from the car.

    "I''m no Telvinder." Pee Aun joked as they chuckled together leaving Telvinder confused.

    <hr>

    It took them awhile to check in, with the airport terminal filled with life. Nightingale was in charge of claiming their tickets. While the others had spent their remaining time to catch a late dinner.

    <hr>

    An hour had passed as Nightingale and the rest had already boarded the plane. He found a nice seat next to the window, as he sat down, laying his head gently back against the seat. His eyes closed, ready to take a nap.

    ¡°Hey, do you mind if I sit here?¡± A familiar voice asked him as he eyes sprung open to see Alicia occupying the seat next to him.

    ¡°No, not really.¡± He replied, closing his eyes once again and slowly fell asleep.

    Nightingale¡¯s eyes slowly opened as he let out a small, quiet yawn, waking up from his satisfied nap.

    He looked over to the window and saw that they were already in flight, heading to their next destination; England. The start of their journey for Avalon.

    He looked over to his side, where Alicia was seated and saw her still wide awake. It had seemed as if she was deep in thought.

    He did not notice at first, but he saw that she had a saddening look. He hesitated to ask if everything was alright as he pondered whether she might have wanted to be left alone.

    ¡°Thinking about something?¡± He decided to ask.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡± She replied to him with a smile, but he saw the sadness masked behind her smile.

    ¡°I can be your ears if you want to talk about it.¡± He assured her as he felt responsible in handling his crew''s mental state.

    ¡°Miss your family?¡±

    ¡°No, an old friend.¡± She, at last, answered, but with tears, dripping from her cheek.

    ¡°I knew him very well,"

    "Nick."

    "He was the type who''d love to tell tales sharing stories he read from his favourite authors.¡±

    ¡°He would seem childish at first, going on about this and that. But as you grow to know him, he was the kindest person I knew.¡± She said as she began wiping her tears.

    Nightingale felt his heart moved by her tears as he badly wanted to tell her that he was here; well and alive. But he knew that he couldn¡¯t as some truths were best to remain a secret.

    ¡°I never told anyone, but at his funeral, I made a promise that I would go on an adventure in his stead.¡± She said as a smile slowly drew on her sorrowful face.

    ¡°And now, I would be able to fulfil that promise. So thank you, for bringing me along.¡± She thanked him with her smile slowly died away.

    As she had hidden her face, fighting her tears. Nightingale was staring away into the window. His eyes filled with tears and his heart was screaming; ¡®Thank you¡¯.

 Vol 1. Chapter 5 - A Short Detour

    The sky was filled with brilliant gold rays, stretching far across the horizon. The newly risen sun signals the dawn of a new day as Nightingale and his crew had reached England.

    After landing safely at London Heathrow Airport, Nightingale stood outside the main terminal entrance. He was in wait for the rest of his crew as he stared into the horizon.

    There were buses and taxis all lined up near the drop-off section as they waited for customers from the airport to hire a ride. He closed his eyes feeling the warmth of the sun''s rays. Taking a deep, long breath as he prepared himself for another day''s journey.

    The automatic doors slide open and came a cheering sound with laughter from inside. His crew stepped out after collecting their luggage.

    They saw him standing as he faced the horizon.

    "Nightingale!" One of them called out to him.

    Nightingale turned around in response and saw them heading towards his direction.

    Their faces were filled with joy as Pee Aun had his arms over Darren and Telvinder''s shoulders as they walked together like close friends would.

    "So where to next, Captain?" Pee Aun asked him.

    "To the train station. But I''ll be taking a little detour to the British Library. There are some things that I need to grab from there, while you guys can go ahead for some breakfast." He stated after he saw the hungry looks on their faces.

    He felt his belly grumble after his statement, as he decided that he would join them to eat.

    "Come on, we''ll take a cab there." He said as he waved them over to follow.

    "Will a cab even fit all seven of us though?" Telvinder asked with a perplexed look.

    "We''ll take separate cabs, you idiot." Pee Aun replied with a deep sigh.

    "Telv, sometimes I question your stupidity." He added.

    "Well, you don''t have to put it like that," Telvinder replied before hearing Nightingale letting out a laugh.

    "Don''t worry boy, no matter how stupid you are or how dumb you look. They''re still your friends." Nightingale said with a smirk as the others began laughing.

    "Also, I got dibs on shotgun." He said as the two boys immediately went into a rage.

    "That''s not fair!" Telvinder exclaimed with his eyebrows frowning.

    "The shotgun in the second cab is free," Darren told them as the boys stared at him as if they saw their lord and saviour.

    Pee Aun cleared his throat to grab everyone''s attention as he placed his hands on Darren''s shoulder, giving him a warm smile.

    "Darren, this is why we needed you in our quest. Your only usefulness is in helping us in dire situations such as this." Pee Aun smiled as he rubbed Darren''s shoulders.

    "Now do please step aside, as I will rightfully claim my seat."

    "Oi! Who gave you the right to call that your seat?" Telvinder roared at him.

    "Huh!?" He said as he grabbed hold onto Pee Aun''s collar, asking for a fight.

    Pee Aun, on the other hand, stared down at him dumbfoundedly as he was witnessing himself being grabbed by the collar by a guy who was 10 centimetres shorter than he was.

    Nightingale had his head turned away as he hid away his laughter from them, but the girls instead were laughing directly at them.

    Darren''s face was still perplexed after receiving the compliment from Pee Aun.

    "Did he just called me worthless?" Darren asked the girls as he realised the truth behind Pee Aun''s words.

    "He probably did," Shuen replied with a giggle.

    Nightingale shook his head with a smile as he saw the two boys were caught in a fight. Pee Aun had the advantage as he had his arms locked around Telvinder''s neck as he rubbed the boy''s head with his knuckles as Telvinder was seen moaning in pain.

    Nightingale felt a small ache in his heart, as he saw the deep bond between them. He let out a small sigh as he turned away and headed for the nearest taxi.

    The two taxis dropped them off near the train station. Nightingale told them to go ahead and have the breakfast without him as he would return shortly after his short visit to the British Library.

    It wasn''t a long walk to the British Library, as Nightingale had arrived. He stood outside the entrance in wait as he pulled out his phone to contact his colleague.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    He had planned to meet up with his old colleague, just outside the British Library as he had ordered him off on a little errand for his equipment.

    A ginger-haired man dressed in uniform gave him a hard pat on his back.

    "Good to see you, me lad!" The man greeted him with a thick Swedish accent and a heart filled with joy.

    "How are things going, aye?"

    "As I expected it to be," Nightingale replied.

    "Good God! Don''t be so cold to me. You and I; we''ve known each other for ages."

    "I don''t even remember your name," Nightingale joked.

    "Seriously?¡±

    ¡°It''s Albert." The man introduced himself once again.

    "I''ve gone and prepared everything for ya," Albert said as he handed Nightingale a bag he brought with him.

    "Yea appreciated it," Nightingale said.

    "Ya hungry? Thirsty? How ¡®bout you and me, go and grab some coffee aye?¡± Albert suggested.

    ¡°C¡¯mon it''s on me.¡± He added before Nightingale could reply as he saw the reluctant expression growing on his face.

    ¡°Take it as a.. farewell gift between you and me.¡± He suggested once more, and his words seemed to have won Nightingale over for some coffee.

    They headed over to a nearby coffee shop alongside the street. The shop was filled with an aroma of a mixture of sweetness and bitterness.

    There weren¡¯t many people seated around as it was still early working hours with office workers lining up for early coffee for work.

    Nightingale found a seat for the two and waited as Albert came over bringing with a tray, bringing their coffee over.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Nightingale said as he accepted the cup of black coffee Albert handed over to him. Placing it on the table with a saucer.

    As they had comfortable seated themselves, Nightingale went for the small packet of creamers and added it to his coffee.

    Albert was surprised to see Nightingale doing so.

    ¡°Oh, you don''t prefer it black?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Not really, I prefer mine with cream,¡± Nightingale answered.

    ¡°Ehhh,¡± Albert said with a superior look as if he had won something against Nightingale.

    Albert went for his black coffee and began sipping a bit after bit.

    ¡°Uuggg, bitter!¡± He soon said after with an almost disgusted face, as he tried holding his expressions in.

    Nightingale shook his head dumbfoundedly as he continued to stir his cup of coffee with a teaspoon after adding a couple of sugar cubes.

    ¡°Maybe I''ll add a little bit of some sugar too.¡± He said surrendering to the bitterness of his black coffee as he did the same, adding not one but three sugar cubes in.

    ¡°So, I got a lil bit curious and had a tincy bit look into the documents that you asked for.¡± He said out of a sudden whilst stirring his coffee.

    ¡°Avalon. Gateway to another world. Pretty shocking I should add.¡± He announced as he once again sipped his coffee, he gulped, placing his cup back on the saucer, licking his lips.

    ¡°Mmm.. just the way I like it.¡± He said with a satisfied look.

    ¡°Just the way you like it?¡± Nightingale asked with a brow raised at him in question.

    ¡°You mean to say that you had been lying about drinking black coffee regularly, now do you?¡± He pressed on with his interrogation.

    ¡°Oh! Just imagine what the others would say of this if they discovered the truth.¡± He exclaimed with a small chuckle as a smirk grew on his face.

    ¡°Sshhh, don''t sell me out bud. They''d start having a different view on me if they do find out.¡± He pleaded.

    ¡°You''re saying that as if they haven''t already been looking at you with pity,¡± Nightingale stated in a low voice.

    ¡°I beg your pardon, they what?¡± Albert asked with a surprised yet slightly furious look, his eyes locked on Nightingale¡¯s as he began looking away, feeling guilty.

    ¡°So as you were saying that you were read the documents.¡± Nightingale brought up Albert¡¯s previous statement as he tried to change the topic at hand.

    ¡°Don''t bother trying to convince me out from going.¡± He said with a meaningful look as he began sipping his coffee.

    ¡° ¡®Course I wouldn''t. You have your own path to walk even if it leads away from us. I still won¡¯t stop you.¡± Albert assured him.

    ¡°But what I would ask of you is to.. um..¡±

    ¡°Snap and send some pictures for me!¡± He asked an impossible request of Nightingale, with a large pleading smile on his face.

    ¡°Implying that if there''s a line on the other side.¡± Nightingale sighed.

    ¡°Oh yeah, silly me. But do try though.¡± Albert said, pressing on with his request.

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± Nightingale answered reluctantly.

    ¡°Oh, that''s a yes!¡± Albert exclaimed out of joy.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a yes, but I will consider it only if there''s a line there,¡± Nightingale said as he tried not to get the ginger-haired man¡¯s hopes up, but it seemed to have done the opposite.

    ¡°Wonderful! I knew I could count on you! Now the others would be amazed to see pictures of the other worlds!¡± He exclaimed once again joyfully.

    ¡°Speaking of which, heard you banded a team. I''m sorry to intrude but I was really curious and decided to look into their personal information.¡±

    ¡°College students, ages of 19. Nothing too astounding other than their achievements in education and sports. Average lives, average dreams. Why choose them as members of your team rather than those with experience?¡± Albert asked with his brow raised in question.

    ¡°I have my reasons really. But if I were to say why it is because I needed people with a fresh perspective on things. They may be young, inexperienced and out of question in being part of my team. But I trust them more than anyone else.¡± Nightingale answered.

    ¡°You acquainted with them?¡±

    ¡°No. But someone I trust did and I made a promise with him to bring them along.¡± He stated.

    ¡°And I assume he¡¯s in the team too?¡± Albert pressed on with more questions.

    ¡°Unfortunately, no. He, left this world not too long ago before he was able to.¡± Nightingale answered with a saddened look as he started out through the window on his left.

    ¡°Ah, I''m sorry to hear.¡± Albert apologised as he had realised he had touched a landmine in their topic.

    It was a brief moment of silence after then as Albert patiently waited to see the right time to continue their chatter, to rid away the intense awkwardness in their air.

    ¡°So um.. I guess this is it huh. Two years of working together.¡± Albert said at last.

    ¡°You''ve done so much yet leaving so soon.¡± He added.

    ¡°Heard the others held a farewell party for you. Sorry, I wasn''t able to attend, I was ugh.. busy with things.¡± He apologised.

    ¡°Nah, it¡¯s fine,¡± Nightingale assured him as he saw Albert¡¯s expression grow slightly darker.

    ¡°You patched up things yet with her?¡± He asked again bringing up a new topic.

    ¡°Somewhat.¡± Nightingale let out a sigh.

    ¡°A lot of things happened between us, so I decided to give her some space.¡±

    ¡°That''s a no then,¡± Albert stated.

    ¡°Ugh.. women. They''re so unpredictable.¡± He added with his head shaking in disapproval.

    ¡°But I guess I would understand why she got mad, because of you leaving and all.¡±

    ¡°Leaving this world too.¡± He added with a saddened look before letting out a sigh.

    ¡°Wish I could tag along. But eh..¡±

    ¡°We all have our own paths to walk.¡± He stated staring into Nightingale, but he, on the other hand, remained quiet as he continued staring out through the window.

    ¡°I guess this is it,¡± Albert said as he stood up from his seat.

    ¡°Our farewell.¡± He announced.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a... pleasure working with you... chatting with you... being friends with you too. .¡± He said with a sniff as he tried holding his expressions from going wild.

    ¡°These past two years had mean so much to me. And I want you to know that I had always been honoured to call you my pal.¡±

    ¡°So did I too, Al. So did I.¡± He repeated as the words he heard made him realise the memories he had made with them and tried to savour his last words with his friend.

    ¡°C¡¯mon don''t say that,¡± Albert said as he could no longer hold back his tears, as few began dripping down his cheeks.

    ¡°There, there big boy. It¡¯ll be alright, even when I''m gone. You¡¯ll still do fine without me.¡± Nightingale said as he embraced Albert with a hug, patting him on his back.

    ¡°I''ll take my leave now.¡± He announced, breaking away from the hug.

    He went and grab the tissue from the table and hurried towards the door. He stopped at the exit for a brief moment as he still had words left to say before departing through.

    ¡°Godspeed and safe travels, Nightingale.¡± He bid his farewell, as Nightingale watched him walk out from the coffee shop.

    ¡°Goodbye, my friend.¡± He said silently so that only he could hear. He felt his emotions went wild, filling him with a sadness of parting away from the organisation he had spent his two years with.

    He stood up from his table and went to approach the door. Exiting through the door would mean that he had entered a different path, away from his colleagues.

    He hesitated for a moment, as he stood staring out. There weren¡¯t any people walking in or out so he wasn¡¯t being a bother.

    At last, Nightingale stepped out with a new and refound self, as he understood and reassured himself of his purpose in this world.

 Vol 1. Chapter 6 - The Ruined Chapel

    The clanking sounds from train¡¯s wheels were heard as Nightingale was deep into his thoughts, with his head leaning against the window. His eyes stared blankly into the clouds.

    He and his companions were back on track in their quest and were on their way to their next destination, Glastonbury. The home to the legendary burial of the King of Knights, Arthur, as so the locals had believed it to be.

    He shrugged off his thoughts, pulling himself away from the window. He began looking around in his surroundings.

    He found himself sitting inside a cabin with the boys fast asleep, snoozing as they hugged their bags tightly against their chests as pillows for comfort.

    He slowly rose from his seat at the far corner of the cabin. Slowly and carefully stepping over the boys¡¯ legs, he headed for the door. He exited through and closed it quietly behind him as he had no intention of disturbing their sleep.

    Nightingale had intended for a stroll along the corridor, heading towards the far back of the train compartment for some fresh air, but had stopped midway to check the girls in their cabin.

    He took a glance through the small windows on the door and saw that all the girls except Arielle were fast asleep. She was leaning against the window, with her eyes staring blankly through as she was deep in thought.

    Nightingale gave three gentle taps on the cabin¡¯s door, grabbing Arielle¡¯s attention. Her head slowly turned towards him, her fingers brushing her hair away so that she could get a better view. He quietly pushed the door open, enough for his voice to go through.

    ¡°May I come in?¡± He asked her softly without disturbing the other¡¯s sleep.

    She gave him a quick nod in reply before looking away, back at the window.

    Nightingale quietly entered through the cabin¡¯s door and closed it behind him. He slowly moved towards the empty seat next to Arielle, who seemed to be shy. He realised that he never heard a single word from her. He sat down in the seat and took a glance at the two sleeping girls who sat on the opposite seat. Alicia had even brought along a small pillow with her. Shuen, on the other hand, was sleeping in a sitting position with her head leaning back against the wall, wearing an eye mask.

    Although she slept in a straight and proper form, her soft snores gave it away. He looked back at Arielle and saw her still leaning against the window, her eyes staring blankly through it as if she was worried and was deep in her thoughts.

    ¡°Thinking of something? I¡¯m all ears if you want to talk about it.¡± Nightingale asked her and before she was able to give a reply, Shuen let out a loud snore, leaving him with a baffled face.

    ¡°Well, who would''ve thought she''d be this type of person in her sleep.¡± He joked, his face still baffled by her sudden loud snore.

    He heard a soft giggle coming from his side and saw Arielle giggling, her cheeks blushing red. A smile grew on his face as he had finally succeeded in grabbing her attention as she had seemed to be hiding behind her shyness.

    He waited for her to finish giggling before giving her another question, but was stopped instantly by her reply.

    ¡°There is something that has been worrying me recently.¡± She replied with a soft voice, a calming voice that was able to send warmth into his skin.

    ¡°And what was it?¡± Nightingale asked her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like I belong here, travelling with everyone. You could easily tell that I¡¯m inexperienced in mixing with large groups of people, as I always end up being unable to join in with their conversations." She stopped, her fingers digging into the seat.

    "I promised that ever since the day he had saved me, giving me another chance in life. I want to change."

    "Saved you? From what?" Nightingale asked with a confused and stunned look.

    "Don''t you know how Nick died?" She answered with a question.

    "Of course I do, he died in a midst of a storm, by an electric cable that electrocuted him when he was saving a girl." He answered.

    "And I was that girl¡ª" She answered once again but with a strong and saddened voice.

    Nightingale''s eyes widened as he realised that he did not catch a glance at the girl''s face who he had saved. It was only in a spur of the moment that forced him into saving her.

    "¡ªAnd these past two years, I haven''t done nothing to improve. And I don''t want to waste the life he had traded me for!"

    Tears began dripping off her cheeks as Nightingale felt the burden of responsibility on his shoulders. Never he had dreamt of saving a person''s life would come with consequences. But he understood that it is his responsibility to face it.

    "But there''s still a flame burning deep inside you. Feelings of you still wanting to change. I doubt he would ever resent in saving you. At most, if he''s still here he''d say, "But you did manage to change. You''ve finally begun to open yourself, to express the feelings that you once hid." "Stolen story; please report.

    "Isn''t that the reason why you came along?" He asked.

    "I wanted to start a new life; a life where I can express myself without worrying of rejection. But I just can''t. . ."

    "I''m scared that I''d end up being a burden," Arielle replied as she slowly wiped her tears with her wrists.

    Nightingale rested his head back against the wall as he stared into the ceiling.

    "You wouldn''t be a burden. Not to me, and not to anyone." He assured her.

    "Everyone who came along this journey has almost the same reason as you do; a chance to start a new. Well, maybe some might have come for the fun of it. And others came to run away from their regret."

    "But what makes it special, is that all your reasons are connected in a sense; because of Nick."

    ¡°I once too wanted to start anew, to let go of my past and try out new and different things. That is how I became a founder of this expedition, and that is how our journey began.¡± He said in a gentle voice and gave her his smile.

    ¡°So don¡¯t worry too much about it, we¡¯re all here giving our best trying to lead a new life. So just try and open yourself to them. We¡¯re all strangers in these parts of the world, so let''s try our best and be a family of friends.¡± Nightingale finished his words and began rising slowly to leave the girl''s cabin.

    ¡°I will,¡± She said at last as she was moved by his words.

    Alicia slowly closed her eyes and went back to sleep. She had only been pretending asleep and been wide awake ever since Nightingale first entered their cabin.

    Thoughts suddenly started springing into her mind as she began wanting to know Nightingale''s true identity.

    "Who actually is he? Why does it feel like he''s someone I should know? What is this eerie feeling in my chest every time I see him?" She wondered.

    It was in the late afternoon when they arrived at the fields of Glastonbury Abbey. Nightingale stood, watching his crew running excitedly ahead as they led the way towards a ruined chapel.

    He took a step forward to join them but as he did, he felt his sleeve being tugged from behind. He looked over his shoulder and saw Arielle hiding behind him.

    It would seem that she was still feeling anxious and shy to join the rest.

    Nightingale pitied her as he let out a small sigh with a smile on his face.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s go join the others.¡± He said as they walked towards them as they were gathered around a memorial.

    ¡°So when did you two grew closer?¡± Pee Aun asked Nightingale with a mischievous smile as he saw Arielle walking close by him.

    ¡°When you were busy snoring your ass off in the train,¡± He replied.

    ¡°Go on ahead and join them.¡± He said as he gave her a small push towards the rest who had gone deeper into the ruined chapel.

    ¡°You should know her better than I do, she¡¯s a shy one that is." He said as he watched her go.

    "But she''s trying her best to change, so do me a favour and help her out in that," Nightingale asked him as he gave a small pat on Pee Aun''s shoulder.

    "Will do," Pee Aun replied with a quick nod before leaving to join the rest.

    Nightingale took a step towards the memorial that the others had gathered around. He saw a frame that had been buried on the ground with a sign placed in the middle. He could easily tell that it was the said grave of King Arthur as his eyes scanned through the words that were written on the sign as it said;

    <table>

    <tbody>

    <tr>

    <td>

    SITE OF KING ARTHUR''S TOMB.

    IN THE YEAR 1191 THE BODIES OF

    KING ARTHUR AND HIS QUEEN WERE

    SAID TO HAVE BEEN FOUND ON THE

    SOUTH SIDE OF THE LADY CHAPEL . . .

    </td>

    </tr>

    </tbody>

    </table>

    A stern look was drawn on his face as he carefully read the sign, before moving away to join the others. He shook his head in disappointment as he still reminisced of wanting to visit this tomb in his past life when he was younger. But his excitement in visiting here had died away ever since he knew that King Arthur¡¯s real tomb was elsewhere.

    As Nightingale took a step into the ruins to join the others, he felt a strange yet familiar vibration that sent a tremor through his body. He had been here before in his preparation for the expedition.

    He had surveyed the sites, finding the path that would lead him towards Avalon.

    He began walking straight past his crew and went deeper into the ruined chapel. His crew began following him in return.

    He stopped without a sudden notice and stood, staring into a brick wall.

    ¡°Found something?¡± One of the boys asked him as he turned around to face them.

    ¡°A door,¡± Nightingale replied with a sneer of confidence.

    ¡°Pull out your smartphones and flashlights, it¡¯s going to be pitch black down there.¡± He said as he switched on his torchlight before disappearing through the wall.

    The others were shocked to see him disappear, as they hastily began pulling out their flashlights.

    ¡°I''m never going to get used to seeing that,¡± Darren stated to himself before following through. Soon, the others started taking turns going through it.

    Past the illusionary wall, Nightingale found that the stairway continued deeper into the ruined chapel. As the set of steps ended, he flashed his torchlight around the darkness and found himself in a room that seemed to be an empty cellar filled with dust and cobwebs.

    ¡°Strange,¡± he thought as he placed the torchlight on the ground in an angle that brightened up most of the cellar after which he went ahead to investigate.

    ¡°I knew the last time I came here I felt traces of magic originating from this point,¡± he thought, before noticing markings that were covered in dust on the cobbled floor near the centre of the cellar.

    He went closer and slowly knelt down on the dusty floor before wiping a speck of off it with his finger.

    He heard the others¡¯ footsteps draw closer behind him as they joined him in the empty cellar.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing here.¡± Pee Aun said disappointedly as he flashed the light from his smartphone all over the cellar. They took a step closer to join Nightingale before they were halted by his hand.

    Nightingale gathered his breath before blowing away the dust that had covered the floor on which the markings were, revealing incantations that were written in Ancient Welsh drawn onto the cellar¡¯s floor.

    ¡°Switch off your flashlights,¡± Nightingale ordered them as they quickly proceeded, turning off their torches and devices, all but his torchlight that he had placed down. He reached for the torchlight that was not far behind him without moving away from where he stood.

    He brushed away the dust that had covered the connecting incantations away from the floor, revealing that the incantations were linked in the large shape of a circle.

    ¡°A magic circle,¡± he gasped in surprise as the others took a step back to view the circle of incantations.

    ¡°What¡¯s a magic circle doing in here? What¡¯s it for?¡± Shuen asked out of curiosity.

    ¡°This is a transfer circle,¡± Nightingale said at last.

    "But how would this help us if we don''t know where we want to go, it can''t just simply send us straight to Avalon, can it?" asked Telvinder.

    ¡°Of course it wouldn''t. Don''t mix up a transfer circle with a teleportation circle. They''re both different things. A transfer circle is connected to another, and would only be able to send us to its connected location. It¡¯s more of a door that links between rooms than a spell that brings you anywhere you wish to go to.¡± He replied as he waved them over to come closer.

    ¡°Quickly, gather around me.¡± He said as he waited for them to gather near him before switching off his torchlight and leaving them standing within a pitch black cellar as he began chanting.

    ¡°Anadlwch a gadael fyw hud o fewn y cylch hwn.¡± Nightingale chanted in Welsh as the magic circle started glowing in a bright colour of blood red, as holographic runes started slowly appearing, circling around them. Its magic was similar to the magic that Nightingale had previously used, but now on a much larger scale.

    ¡°O corneli y Bydysawd i wyneb y Ddaear. Mynd a ni i''r bedd y Brenin mawr! Mynd a ni i''r man geni y Cleddyf Sanctaidd! Cymerwch ni i Avalon!¡± He ended his chant with a roar as their surroundings began to shake.

    As if responding to his roar, the runes revolved around them with increasing intensity, quickly surrounding them with a red wall. The circle glowed even more resplendently, bathing them in its colours.

    Their blood roared as sweat beaded on their forehead, nervous of their happenings.

    The blood red circle began spinning, quickly dissolving into a spinning hole, leading to lands unknown. They could only gasp as the hole swallowed them in whole, fading away. With an air of finality, the runes disappeared away where the cellar was once again left in darkness.

 Vol 1. Chapter 7 - A Moment He Would Never Forget

    A scintillating red light flashed into existence as it grew larger and larger, carving its way into a new location. It spun faster and faster, forming the figures of Nightingale and the rest. It disappeared in an instant after throwing them out into a new location.

    They stumbled and fell to the ground, feeling disoriented. The location that they had been transported to was dark and cold, most likely underground as there was no light reaching through. They let out a small groan, pushing themselves off from the ground, they ended up bumping into each other.

    ¡°Hey! Where do you think you¡¯re touching?¡± cried Shuen in the dark as somebody had copped a feel of her hips.

    ¡°Ah! Sorry!¡± Telvinder apologised as he pulled his hands away, only to end up bumping into someone else.

    ¡°Oi, watch where you¡¯re going!¡± Darren scolded him as Telvinder bumped into him.

    ¡°It¡¯s too dark in here, I can¡¯t even see where I¡¯m going or who I¡¯m even pushing!¡± replied Telvinder.

    ¡°Get your flashlight out,¡± Darren suggested Telvinder who immediately began searching his pockets for his torchlight.

    It was a mess as the others had impatiently tried to regain their balance, but ended up causing more chaos against each other as Telvinder was pushed back and forth. He tried to his best to maintain his footing before falling, stumbling back on the ground.

    ¡°Ouch, that¡¯s my foot!¡± Darren exclaimed in pain as Telvinder fell, his elbow hitting Darren¡¯s foot as he shielded his face from the fall.

    He quickly pulled himself up and started searching around for support as he was having trouble finding his footing.

    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re pulling my hair!¡± Alicia cried as Telvinder mistakenly tugged her hair to bring himself up.

    ¡°Who¡¯s touching my crotch!?¡± Pee Aun began angrily, only to stop abruptly and scream, stunning and silencing everyone.

    ¡°Um . . sorry.¡± Telvinder apologised with a low voice as he was too embarrassed by the others finding out that he had mistakenly searched the wrong pockets.

    The others began shoving each other about as they were fighting for their footing within the dark.

    ¡°Would everyone just stay still!¡± Nightingale roared in order.

    As the others were shocked and frightened by his sudden rage, he immediately reached for his pocket and lit his cigarette lighter up.

    The sparkling light from the lighter brightened up the area as they found themselves in an empty dungeon. Searching around, there was only a single path that led towards a blocked-off-wall. The walls around had vines and roots sprouting from above, and the cobbled floor was covered in moss. The dungeon seemed to be centuries old and was preserved from collapsing by the supporting roots and veins.

    Nightingale gathered his strength, pushing himself off the ground as he went ahead towards the blocked-off-wall.

    ¡°A similar spell,¡± he whispered and waved for the others to follow him.

    They were welcomed by the bright sun as they exited the dungeon. Turning around, Nightingale saw that the entrance of the dungeon had been disappeared and in its place was a small ruined structure, covered away under a large forest tree. Taking a step back, he found himself standing at the edge of a large forest with trees that seemed to be centuries old.

    ¡°How would they even expect us to find the entrance, if it¡¯s hidden this well?¡± Pee Aun exclaimed as the others turned around and saw that the dungeon they came out from had disappeared within a forest.

    ¡°Well the ones who placed such a spell, would not want people to easily stumble into it,¡± Nightingale replied.

    ¡°If they had hidden this place that well, what about the wall back in the chapel? It was not too well hidden, people might accidentally stumble through it.¡± Darren asked.

    ¡°No, not very likely. There are things that may or may not have been overlooked by people, and also, the reason why we were able to pass through that wall was that the magic had recognised me as a disciple of magic and gave me an authority in allowing us entry.¡±

    ¡°So, where are we now?¡± Alicia asked, looking around as she saw fields of grass that stretched far into the hills beyond the horizon.

    ¡°To be honest, I have no clue. But as a start, you could pull out your phones and check in with our location.¡± Nightingale suggested as the others quickly began rummaging through their pockets. Shuen was the first to do so as she had already started checking their location.

    ¡°Bosherston. . Wales.¡± She gasped in astonishment, lowering her smartphone as the others turned to look at Nightingale, waiting for him to give them their next move. Nightingale scratched his cheeks as he looked at the sun that was soon to be nearing the horizon.

    ¡°It¡¯s getting late now. Find us an inn that¡¯s nearest to our location, we¡¯ll be spending the night there as we prepare for tomorrow¡¯s journey.¡± Nightingale said as he extinguished his light by capping it, returning it into his pocket.

    ¡°There¡¯s an inn nearby and it¡¯ll only take a 10-minute walk to get there,¡± Shuen informed him.

    ¡°Good, I¡¯ll let you take charge in leading today.¡± Nightingale smiled.

    He walked past her and went away from the group, heading back towards the dungeon¡¯s entrance. He pulled out a tracker from within his coat. Activating it, he threw it into the forest where it fell and was hidden away in the tall grass. He was prepared with tools and devices that he requested from the organisation he retired from.

    Nightingale took no chances for a risk of losing their lead in finding Avalon, as he had placed a tracker for them to easily find their way back. He saw that the others had already moved ahead as Shuen cheerfully led them on their path towards the inn. He pushed the strap of his bag up his shoulder before heading to join them.

    He felt a strange gaze staring right at him from behind, as he was made quickly turning around to look.

    There was nothing to see, as the forest seemed empty and was shadowed and had been darkened over by the clouds. The eerie feeling of a gaze disappeared at his glance.

    ¡°Strange, must¡¯ve been my imagination.¡± He whispered to himself.

    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Darren called out for him from afar as Nightingale turned around and saw Darren staying back, waiting for him.

    ¡°No, nothing,¡± Nightingale replied as they went ahead to rejoin the rest.

    It was nearing dusk when Nightingale and the others arrived outside of the inn¡¯s entrance. The inn had the look of a cottage and it was built along the side of the road, not far from a large lake. Taking but a single glance at its sign, they went on ahead, entering through the inn¡¯s door as a sound of a ringing bell greeted them in.

    They were welcomed by the smell of fresh food as their bellies growled out of hunger. Nightingale proceeded towards the counter, followed by the rest. Looking around at the inn, there were plenty of tables that had been left unoccupied as there weren¡¯t that many tourists in this time of the year. There were still customers inside as they laughed and chatted while enjoying their meal. The atmosphere within was warm and calming as the inn gave the vibe of being at back at home.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°Hah ha, welcome!¡± A middle-aged man greeted them from behind the counter. He had a great silver beard on his face with a bald top. His clothing was different from that of the other workers and it would seem that he was the innkeeper.

    ¡°Tourists, aye?¡± The innkeeper asked after peeking over Nightingale''s shoulder and saw that the others behind him were Asian folks, except for the boy with frizzy hair wearing glasses.

    ¡°Mmmm . . . tis a lovely part of the country, Bosherston that is. Large lakes and grassy fields as far as the eye can see. I do love this place . . I really do.¡± He added with a smile as he began reminiscing, before shaking off the feeling and continued attending to his customers.

    ¡°So, what can I help ya with?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like two rooms for seven people for the night. Dinner and breakfast too please.¡± Nightingale replied as he pulled out his wallet, ready to pay the amount on hand.

    ¡°Breakfast is included with the rooms, so it¡¯s relatively free.¡± The innkeeper informed him.

    ¡°That¡¯s great. How much is it?¡± Nightingale asked.

    ¡°Two rooms and dinner for the night; that would be 130 pounds.¡± The innkeeper replied and accepted the cash that Nightingale handed him. He gave him two sets of keys and directed them towards the stairs.

    ¡°Up the stairs and your rooms should be on the at the furthest end of the corridor. On the left, Room 7 and 8.¡± The innkeeper said with a smile as the other gave them their thanks, following Nightingale towards their rooms.

    They settled their bags down in their room and immediately went downstairs for dinner.

    ¡°Come, join us for dinner.¡± Darren invited Nightingale but he was declined politely.

    ¡°Thanks, but I would like to sit this one out. I¡¯m feeling sleepy and would love for some shut-eye.¡±

    As Darren left the room, closing the door behind him, Nightingale took his long coat off and laid it down on the drawer near his bed. Lying down on his back on the soft mattress, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.

    Night had fallen when Nightingale woke from his slumber. He saw the night sky through the windows and immediately got up from his bed. He had overslept. Reaching for his coat, he pulled his watch out from its pockets, it was 9 PM.

    ¡°Two and a half hours,¡± he whispered to himself before taking his clothes off and went for a shower.

    Nightingale came out, looking refreshed, wearing new clothes and a towel around his neck. He dried his hair with the towel and tossed it into a basket for used towels. He went out of the room and headed downstairs. Walking away, he passed the others who hadn''t noticed him and headed for the door.

    Nightingale stopped as soon as he reached the door before turning around to take a glance at the others. A pleasant melody sounded through the inn, with the others smiling as they laughed with each other, with Telvinder blushing. It seemed as if they were making jokes about Telvinder again since he kept scowling and scolding them. But they did not falter and continued laughing on at him.

    Arielle was seen giggling as they started exchanging jokes with one another. It seemed as if she finally overcame the weakness that held her back from interacting with others. She seemed delighted as her smile was bright and pleasant. She was happy, and so was Nightingale as he had managed to help out an old friend of his.

    As he exited the inn, he was welcomed by the moonlight that shined down on him. Closing his eyes, he relished the gentle breeze blowing past him, from a nearby lake not far ahead.

    It took only a couple minutes of walking to reach the lake. Satisfied with the spot, Nightingale slowly sat down on the grass. He glanced at the lake and saw the clear water near the horizon reflecting the crescent moon and the stream of stars that filled the sky.

    "We''re almost there," he whispered to himself in his relief.

    Lying down on his back, he gazed at the stars that were dazzling in the night sky.

    "We don''t have this kind of view back at home."

    He closed his eyes and began listening to the sounds of the wind and crickets chirping as they hopped around in the grass fields during the night. He started reminiscing about the memories of his past life, the days before the lightning. As he reminisced, he saw a memory he had no recollection of.

    <hr>

    Nightingale saw a figure of himself thrusting a bloodied sword into the rubble on the ground as a female knight was left motionless on the ground before him.

    He was in the aftermath of a battlefield as bodies of knights and soldiers were lying dead all about. Looking at the blood on his face, he saw the tears of grief falling from his cheeks, his teeth clenched hard. Sorrow and anger raged around in his piercing brown eyes.

    His hands slowly slid down along the sharp ends of the blade before prostrating on the ground. He roared with an unrelenting rage that would match a monster, as he wept and wept on in pain.

    ¡°Give me another chance!¡± He screamed as he pleads into the sky for a God to save him from his sins. He slammed his face against the ground, prostrating himself.

    ¡°I''m sorry . .¡± He cried with his fingers started digging into the soil.

    ¡°I¡¯m sss-sorry. . . I''m s-sorrry . .¡± Nightingalewatched as he saw that figure of himself cry again and again until the world around disappeared.

    <hr>

    From the corner of her eyes, Alicia noticed the door swooping shut, that leaving her pondering if Nightingale had gone out.

    ¡°Think I should go and wake Nightingale up so he could come join us for his dinner,¡± Darren said in tandem with Alicia¡¯s thoughts as he was concerned about Nightingale. He stood up halfway from his chair before being stopped by Pee Aun.

    ¡°You probably should leave him to his beauty sleep. He¡¯s probably exhausted from the magic he used today.¡± Pee Aun calmed his worries as Darren slowly returned to his seat.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget he probably had done a lot giving encouragement to the little missy here.¡± He nodded his head towards Arielle, who was in the midst of a conversation with Shuen. They both were interrupted by his words of mentioning Arielle as they both turned their attention towards them.

    ¡°He deserves that sleep. But it is odd how he managed to push her into being able to interact with us after years of her reclusiveness, ever since our good old friend died.¡± Pee Aun said as his cheery face slowly turned depressed on the mention of his old friend.

    ¡°It¡¯s like he knows more about Arielle than we know about him. Must be a coincidence ain¡¯t it?¡± Pee Aun added as the words dragged its way into Alicia¡¯s thoughts.

    ¡°But how did he manage to get you to talk to him?¡± He asked Arielle.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But he gave off a warm and familiar vibe like a mother. It made me feel relaxed and at home.¡± Arielle replied to him as she covered her flushing cheeks with her long sleeves.

    Those very words had made Alicia came into realisation as she quickly rose from her seat and headed away from their table. The others piqued with curiosity as they watched her leave.

    ¡°Where¡¯re you going?¡± Shuen sleepily called out for her in question.

    ¡°Out for a walk,¡± Alicia replied with a smile as she went out through the inn¡¯s door.

    Nightingale''s eyes immediately opened as he forced himself free from the nightmare within his recollection of memories.

    ¡°What was that?¡± He whispered in confusion as he was confident enough to confirm that what he saw was not a memory of his.

    ¡°A vision?¡± He pondered before being alarmed as he felt a gaze staring again in his back.

    He immediately turned around to look and saw Alicia standing not far from him. A gust of wind blew past them. She brushed the hair away from her face before her mouth opened.

    ¡°Nick.¡± She called out for his name again with a straight face as her eyes stared into his.

    ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± Nightingale replied to her call with a surprised and puzzled look, stunned by the name she called out for.

    Alicia hesitated a bit, before clenching her fists hard as she mustered the courage to ask the question that had been plaguing her mind recently.

    ¡°You¡¯re him, aren¡¯t you?¡± She finally managed to ask him.

    ¡°Who?¡± He asked her, as his thoughts had been fully redirected from questioning the vision towards her call of suspicion.

    ¡°Nick Ohmsford.¡± She said his full name that sent chills into his spine. A name that he will never forget.

    ¡°Yes, indeed I am,¡± Nightingale replied, at last, facing her with his courage. Prepared for the anger she might have in store for him.

    To his surprise, he saw her standing stunned, with tears trickling down her cheeks.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, hasn¡¯t it, Alice?¡± He finally said with the brightest smile he had given in years for their fated reunion under the crescent moon.

    Alicia was left stuttering as she was still slowly accepting his words. Wiping her tears away, she ran towards him, still unable to hold back her tears. She clung onto the front of his shirt and continued sobbing in tears.

    ¡°N-Niiiccck.¡± She called out his name as she started digging her head into his chest. ¡°I misshed you sho mwuch.¡± She tried to say in her tears.

    Nightingale was left surprised as she clung onto him, pulling his shirt as she cried. It reminded him of the time when he was crying in her place, but now their roles were switched as he hugged her back. He closed his eyes, listening to her cry. He rubbed the back of her head, giving her the comfort she needed.

    ¡°I missed you too.¡± He replied with a cooing voice in her ear, as she clung onto him tighter than ever. They were both seen hugging each other by the lake as none of them had shown signs of letting go.

    "W-why did you leave?" She said in her tears.

    "Did you know not how much pain I felt watching you throw away your life?"

    "Why . . . why did you leave?"

    "I''m sorry, but can''t help myself from saving a life." He answered at last.

    "And that is what I hate about you." She lied as she continued crying.

    A couple of minutes later, Alicia pushed herself away from clinging too much onto him. She held onto his arms as she stared into his face giving him a smile.

    ¡°You look different.¡± She stated.

    Nightingale was overwhelmed by her dazzling smile. Her tears were glittering as they trickled off her cheeks and her face was shining beautifully in the moonlight.

    ¡°Yes, yes I do.¡± He returned with a smile of his own.

    "More handsome I hope." He sneered.

    "Nope, not all." She shot him down with a straight face.

    ¡°I knew it wouldn¡¯t be long before someone discovered my identity, but I never expected that you would.¡± He said as he let go of her arms and sat back down onto the grass.

    She sat down next to him as she gave him a pouting face.

    ¡°Of course, I would be able to find you out. We had been close friends, long before we met them.¡± She said, staring into his face that was gazing into the horizon.

    Nightingale felt a familiar warm feeling building within him as a smile drew on his face.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since then.¡± He agreed as he started reminiscing about the time when they were together.

    ¡°So tell me, what happened? How are you still alive?¡± Alicia asked him, tugging his sleeve to grab his attention.

    ¡°It¡¯s complicated. But let¡¯s just say, I was given a second chance for a whole new life of adventure.¡± He replied with a thrill in his voice.

    Alicia¡¯s face flushed red as she remembered telling him about her purpose in joining in their journey.

    ¡°Um, would you mind if you forget about all that I had said previously about you in the plane.¡± She pleaded, her face filled with embarrassment.

    He gave a mocking smile, and a small chuckle before replying, ¡°Of course¡ª I wouldn¡¯t. I¡¯d never forget those sweet words you said about me, and oh! Such a heartwarming promise you made¡ª¡±

    "¡ª I''m sorry." He apologised with both his hands clapped in the air as soon as she gave him a sharp glare of her anger.

    He had always been weak to her scoldings when he was young, always being lectured and scolded by her for getting into fights. She was like a big sister to him.

    ¡°So what about the others? Shouldn¡¯t we let them know of your return?¡± She asked.

    ¡°No.¡± Nightingale shook his head in disagreement.

    ¡°There are things that are best left forgotten, and I am one of ¡®em. Our real adventure begins tomorrow, and I wouldn¡¯t want to start any needless drama.¡± He said, staring back into the lake.

    He felt her head resting on his shoulder with her arms about him.

    ¡°Alicia?¡± He asked in question as he turned his head to look.

    ¡°Hush now, just let me savour this moment.¡± She hushed him with a reply, as she buried her in his back. He wasn''t able to turn around, but he instinctively knew that she was crying.

    He turned his gaze back towards the lake and stared into this beautiful moment, this memory he would never forget.

 Vol 1. Chapter 8 - Following the Path

    Sunlight spilt through the half-opened window as morning had long since come by. The group had finished eating their breakfast, as they had eggs and toast.

    It was already nearing the time for their departure as Nightingale and the others had begun packing their belongings.

    Nightingale was downstairs, sipping his tea at a table as he waited for the boys who he shared rooms with finished packing. He was the last among the boys to start packing the bags as he wanted more privacy, sorting out his equipment.

    When he saw the boys and the girls walking down the steps, he quickly gulped down the last remains of his tea, finishing it.

    He went past them without giving a glance and went straight upstairs towards his room.

    The room was empty all except for his belongings that were left untouched. He lifted his bag up from the floor and set it on his bed. He pulled his long coat off from the drawer and dusted it before donning it again.

    He went ahead and started organising his things. He pulled out the equipment that he asked his colleague to retrieve, two handguns and gadgets that he used during his work for the organization.

    He inspected his handguns, making sure that it was loaded before storing it away within his coat.

    He pulled out a couple of magic stones from his bag, stuffing it in his pockets along with his other gadgets.

    Nightingale was unsure of what dangers they might encounter. And it was best for him to be prepared for any hostilities.

    He zipped his bag as he had finished sorting out his stuff before pulling it over around his shoulder and proceeded back downstairs to rejoin the rest.

    Heading downstairs, he saw that the others were waiting for him outside of the inn. He waved goodbye to the innkeeper as he rushed towards the door.

    ¡°Have a safe trip, lad!¡± The innkeeper waved back at him with a cheerful smile as Nightingale smiled back and continued out through the door.

    Stepping out, he felt the fresh air and the breeze wind blowing onto his skin. He looked around and saw his crew ready as they all came to gather around him, waiting for their leader''s orders.

    ¡°So where to now?¡± Shuen asked.

    ¡°We head out, back towards where we came from. And head deeper into the forest.¡± Nightingale replied to her as he went past them, heading west, back towards the forest.

    "You think we might find something there?" She asked again.

    "We''d definitely find something there," Nightingale assured her as he began following the path back to the forest.

    ¡°Well it¡¯s a start, I guess.¡± Pee Aun shrugged, with Darren nodding in agreement as they went on to join the others who were following behind Nightingale.

    Their journey continues on, as they went past the dungeon they came from and followed the path that led deep into the forest.

    They were amazed and in awe as the trees around them were over centuries old as their branches twisted through the air, forming a thick canopy. Light barely penetrated through this dense net of branches, hindering their vision significantly.

    They heard tweeting and chirping of birds all around as the forest was filled with life. There haven''t encountered any wild boars or docile animals. As they continued hoping to not encounter any in their way.

    It felt almost as if an hour had passed since they had been following Nightingale who seemed to know his way through the forest. But Nightingale was a stranger to this forest as he was following his gut. But it was more than his gut as he was being drawn onto the path.

    "Are we there yet," Telvinder asked with a breathy and tired voice.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "We''ll get there when we get there." Pee Aun replied, irritatedly.

    Nightingale looked over his shoulder and saw their faint faces as they were worn out and tired from their trekking through the forest.

    "Hang in there," He thought as he continued on deeper into the forest, hoping to reach the forest''s end sooner.

    Fifteen minutes went by as sunlight finally began dawning on their path ahead.

    They had finally found their way out of the forest as they stepped out, welcomed by the bright sun and together saw a small, lake, with a large waterfall from above that surrounded a portion of the lake in the shape of an arc.

    The water was clear and pristine, uncontaminated by mankind, yet with no signs of marine life. The ripples from the falling water continuously interacted with each other, forming a pleasing atmosphere. The very air felt rich and invigorating, like an immortal spring.

    ¡°This place is beautiful.¡± Alicia gasped with the rest as they were astonished by the sight of a paradise.

    They ran ahead closer towards the lake, excited by the calm atmosphere. They checked out the lake, amazed by its purity. The girls began dipping their hands in the waters, exclaiming softly.

    ¡°It¡¯s cold!¡± Darren commented as he slowly stepped into the water.

    Telvinder and Pee Aun, on the other hand, were dragged along by their curiosity. They had apparently reached a unanimous agreement as they went by the banks of the lake, heading towards the waterfall.

    ¡°It''s too beautiful to be true. How can such a place be hidden away from mankind? It wasn¡¯t on the map the last I checked.¡± Shuen stated in concern.

    ¡°Actually, even the forest wasn¡¯t on the map.¡± She added in realisation as the others too were baffled.

    ¡°That explains it all then,¡± Nightingale said.

    ¡°Explains what exactly?¡± Shuen asked, turning to face him.

    ¡°Everything. The disappearance of the lost isle; Avalon,"

    "And this paradise." He said as he closed his eyes to feel the air.

    "I could feel the essence of magic still lingering in this paradise. Magic that might have been used to keep visitors away. I was sceptical at first, but now I realised that the magic called to me. Asking for me to come home."

    "To come home?" Shuen asked, confused as the others were.

    "The magic I possess." He informed them.

    "Like all things have an origin, and magic first originated from Avalon."

    "And it seems that we''re on the right track," Nightingale stated before hearing a familiar voice calling out for them from afar.

    ¡°Guys! Over here, we found something.¡± It was Telvinder who had called out for them from afar, his voice was filled with excitement as Pee Aun stood next to him, both waving for them to come over.

    Following their trail, they headed towards the sides of the waterfall where they stood. Upon their arrival, both Telvinder and Pee Aun immediately pointed towards the back of the waterfall where a large cavern was behind, high above from the ground.

    ¡°Good job, you two. Now let¡¯s go and take a closer look.¡± Nightingale said, praising them for their efforts.

    Nightingale circled around to behind the waterfall, revealing a grassy cliff. Although not too high, it would still be a challenge.

    ¡°We might be able to pull it off. There are small holes for us to grab on.¡± Darren stated from his observation of the cliff.

    Shuen shrugged as she replied, ¡°Well, we have to climb up anyways. It¡¯s not too bad.¡± Since no one could disagree, they all accepted it.

    Using the grass and tiny shrubs as handholds, they began shinnying up the cliff side. Slowly but surely, they headed towards the waterfall, where they began climbing towards the cavern. Thankfully, the waters were not too fast as it only hindered them a bit.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± Nightingale warned. ¡°The rocks and grass here are slippery, so don¡¯t be too hasty.¡± With him leading the group, they slowly headed up towards the cavern.

    Nightingale was the first to reach the top, entering the large and open cavern. There was a large double stone door built into the walls of the cavern just ahead of him. The door had an archaic air to it, exuding a domineering aura.

    There were torches beside the door, its light revealed carvings of ancient Welsh on the door. The torches had already been lit, seemingly with magic as the cold breeze from the waterfall had not erased it.

    ¡°Well, would you look at that! Looks like we finally found something.¡± Pee Aun exclaimed with excitement as he and the others finished their climb, joining Nightingale as he stared at the door.

    ¡°This must be an entrance that leads underground towards Avalon,¡± Nightingale said, at last, his voice slightly raised with joy.

    The others were already celebrating as Pee Aun and Telvinder were hugging each by their shoulder.

    ¡°We did it!¡± They exclaimed together, showing their strong bond as brothers as if their fight previously during the day never happened.

    Nightingale did not join them but instead took a step closer towards the large stone door. He placed his hand on it, checking if it was another illusion. But to his surprise, it was not. He tried pushing the door with both hands but it did not budge.

    ¡°Well looks your celebration was a bit too early, we still have to find a way to get in. And firstly, by opening this door.¡± Nightingale said as he took a step away from the door.

    ¡°Well just do your thing, like how you always do.¡± Pee Aun suggested, making Nightingale''s face into a frown.

    ¡°Well let¡¯s see if this works.¡± Nightingale went back to lay his palm on the door as he took a deep breath, channelling the touch of his magic through his veins.

    ¡°Open.¡± He ordered the door with a loud, stiff and solemn voice that echoed within the cavern they were in.

    Nothing happened as the large stone doors remained closed, as his order having absolutely no effect on it. Nightingale had a dumb look drawn on his face as he had already known such a thing would not work. But even then, he decided to give it a try.

    ¡°Doors not opening!¡± Pee Aun informed Nightingale who he thought to be frozen still but instead was too embarrassed to see their expressions.

    ¡°I know!¡± He scowled angrily.

    ¡°I think you got the words wrong. How about saying it in Elvish.¡± Telvinder suggested trying his best in being helpful.

    ¡°I swear, if I hear another pop culture reference from you, I''m throwing you back down the waterfall,¡± Nightingale growled at him before facing back at the large stone doors. His eyes stared at the carvings on the door.

    ¡°The King¡¯s Path. The pathway to Avalon, the gateway to home.¡± Nightingale said as he read the texts carved on the door.

    ¡°Well, very helpful,¡± Nightingale said, letting out a sigh as he slowly sat down on the ground, thinking of a way to open the door.

    The others did so too as they decided for a break, resting their bags and backs on the ground. Some of them fell into thought as the others began conversing about the lake that they had found.

    After several minutes of waiting for an answer, an idea had sprung into Nightingale''s mind. It was a ridiculous idea, but he had to try.

    He went up to grab one of the torches from the door. Taking a step back away, he gathered all the air and blew straight into the torch in its direction.

    The others were surprised by Nightingale''s sudden action as they quickly stood up, grabbing their bags and headed towards him.

    ¡°Will that even work?¡± Pee Aun asked. To his immense surprise, only the texts carved on the door were blazing in flames whereas the door remained untouched.

    They felt the ground shaking as the large double doors slowly swung inwards. It was pitch black inside before the torches started lighting up, almost as if in reaction to the door opening.

    It revealed a corridor that leads deeper into the ground. Polished stone covered the pathway, like that of a castle. However, it still exuded an aura of ancientness. Bright flames blazed in the golden torches as they lit up all the way in.

    ¡°Well then, looks like I found a way in,¡± Nightingales said as they all stood amazed by the pathway beyond the door.

 Vol 1. Chapter 9 - The Path of Kings

    The path that Nightingale and his companions journeyed into stretched forwards to an inestimable distance, filled with lights from lanterns hanging above.

    Ceramic lined the corridor walls, with red drapes hanging on the sides. Paintings and statues of knights from ages past stood on either side, exuding a noble and righteous aura.

    Nightingale felt strange to notice that the area they were in was cleaner than he had expected. The pathway was probably more than a dozen centuries old but it did not show any signs of decay or dust.

    ¡°How did they keep this place hidden and yet so clean? It doesn¡¯t make any sense,¡± asked Shuen, looking around with her eyes filled with amazement. Evidently, she too felt surprised by the condition of the corridor that they were travelling through.

    ¡°You have to acknowledge that from this very point in our journey. There will be things that science and logic would never be able to explain.¡± Nightingale replied to her question, his finger in the air.

    Continuing along the pathway, it continued to lead deeper underground and it would seem that the path¡¯s end was far from their sight. They passed their time by occasionally giving glances over at the paintings, between each statue.

    The paintings showed the ages during the medieval era, but what surprised them were the creatures inside. Most or all of them were nothing but myths and legends, only to be found in fairy tales. Dragons, giants, gryphons and others could be seen coming into existence within the paintings as they continued journeying ahead.

    ¡°These paintings are amazing! It''s like an art gallery!¡± Telvinder gasped as his eyes were widened and drawn towards the paintings¡¯ magnificent art and colours.

    ¡°Beautifully drawn dragons!"

    "And the realism in it too!¡± He added as the others stopped to join him by the painting.

    Nightingale gave a brief moment to stare into the eyes of the dragon in the painting. His spine shivering as he quickly looked away and stated his opinion.

    ¡°Maybe too real,¡± Nightingale said with his cool and chilling voice as his mind began to wander deep into thought. Shrugging himself out from the thought, he continued down the path followed by the rest.

    ¡°But dragons though!¡± Telvinder exclaimed with his face filled with glittering and excitement.

    ¡°Dragons, yeah! But even if they were real, they¡¯re the last creatures on my list of wanting to meet.¡± Nightingale replied.

    ¡°Why not have a glance at the statues. If you had been paying attention, each statue seems to represent a knight of a different house.¡± Nightingale stated as he pointed out towards one of the statues on his right.

    ¡°See that knight¡¯s crest and how it differs from the others¡¯. It seems that this corridor is a memorial for them.¡± He stated.

    ¡°So there¡¯s a chance that we¡¯d see King Arthur¡¯s memorial here?¡± Telvinder asked.

    Without a sudden notice, Nightingale stopped in his tracks, taking a deep breath before facing him with an answer.

    ¡°No, not here. But we might in Avalon.¡± He replied before continuing on their path.

    Twenty minutes had gone by before they finally saw the path¡¯s end. Exiting the corridor, they found themselves led into a large hallway. Amazed by the sight of three great statues of knights stationed on each side in between pillars in a height of 30 feet.

    Stopping for a brief moment to look above, there were large and old looking chandeliers sprouting from above. Lights sparkling and glittering, as if the ceiling was filled with stars. On their right were large tinted glass windows that had an overview of the area outside.

    The others rushed towards the windows and their expressions were shocked and amazed. Curious, Nightingale too went ahead to join them.

    His eyes widened with surprise as he saw them hanging above a large ravine with a river of gushing water.

    ¡°What the heck is this place?¡± Pee Aun asked as his eyes stared out through the window in wonder.

    ¡°A stronghold within a ravine,¡± Nightingale answered.

    Moving away from the windows, something glittered in the corner of Nightingale''s eyes as he immediately turned to look, it disappeared, and in its place was one of the tall statue''s head. He brushed it away, thinking that it was nothing and noticed that the others had already started ahead. Heading towards the hallway¡¯s end, where a tall archway was in place leading into the next area.

    Through the tall archway, the path ahead was split into three different sections. Two of the paths were a stairway circling down leading below, while the remainder was a path leading straight ahead that continues on into a path filled with torches.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a look below,¡± Nightingale suggested as the others nodded in agreement and followed him down the steps.

    Stepping down from the end of the steps, they found themselves entering into a dark room. Immediately as they took a step foot in, fire from torches immediately lit up upon their arrival and brightened their surroundings.

    The fire from the torches welcomed them with its heat and as the air turned warm. The torches too had brightened up the once dark room and revealed a small tomb with coffins and statues were seen about.

    It was not just an ordinary tomb, Nightingale thought, as the coffins were gold plated with crests that identified them as royalty.

    ¡°A tomb of kings,¡± Nightingale whispered to himself as he took a step deeper into the tomb.

    Looking around he saw that the coffins within the tomb were arranged in order by their given statues that resemble the deceased.

    "With each generation passing by," He thought as the arrangement of the coffins. But what attracted Nightingale''s attention were the four statues that stood in the spotlight; in the centre of the tomb.

    The members of his crew had already gone to view the coffins about, exploring a bit more of the tomb as Nightingale too decided to have a look at the statues that stood in the spotlight.

    Taking a step closer, he saw that the first of the four statues was an Elf with a young masculine face and long hair which most would easily mistake him for a woman. The Elf wore scale plated armour with both hands wielding a sword by his chest. The sword had an Elvish design as it was slick and were similar to those in fantasy movies.

    ¡°Prince El?nnor Thirindril of The High Elves,¡± Nightingale whispered to himself as he read the statue¡¯s plate which to his surprise was written in Old English.

    He took the chance to look into the other three statues. Circling around the statue of the High Elven Prince, Nightingale saw that the second statue was a Dwarf with a stunning mighty beard, holding his great axe up from the ground. ¡°Prince Gr?thil Shatterstone of The Dwarves.¡± The nameplate read as Nightingale circled around towards the next.

    ¡°Prince Cedric Reimond of The Race of Men,¡± Nightingale spoke in a soft tone as he stared deeply into the statue¡¯s face as he felt a familiar vibe. The Prince of Men too wielded a sword that seems to resemble of greatswords from tales and legends as Nightingale''s fingers gently touched its blade.

    Circling around to the final statue. He saw that it was a Demi-human, a race that only existed in fantasy books. A being with a humanoid form and animal features. It was no longer a fantasy as he had just learned of their existence as seeing a statue of one standing before him.

    Examining carefully of the demi-human''s features, he noticed that the Demi-human had a pair of wolf-like ears, a fluffy tail and claws indicated that he was a wolf with broad shoulders and sharp wolfish eyes. The statue of the Demi-human wielded no weapon but his claws were sharp and terrifying.

    ¡°Ranael Silvermoon of The Silver Wolves.¡± Nightingale read the plate as he took a step back for a full view of the statue of Ranael. The statue felt alive, giving a shiver up his spine as he stared into the beastkin''s formidable face.

    ¡°Guy¡¯s come over here, quick!¡± Alicia beckoned everyone to come over and join her. The others quickly left the coffins that they were viewing to group up back with Alicia.

    Peeking over to the side of Ranael¡¯s statue, to Nightingale''s surprise, he saw everyone gathered around Prince El?nnor¡¯s memorial. Heading to join them, Nightingale saw Alicia crouching down towards a plate that he had missed, placed just below Prince El?nnor¡¯s memorial.

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    ¡°Look at what it says,¡± Alicia said as her fingers slowly traced the words as she read quietly of the words written on the plate.

    The others around her were shocked to notice that the texts she was reading were in a language foreign to them.

    ¡°Alicia, you can read those letters?¡± Shuen asked her as she was amazed and surprised. Turning around to face Shuen, Alicia gave her a smile, ¡°Yeah I can. It¡¯s Old English, it¡¯s part of my History lecture.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you guys have it in your studies too?¡± Alicia asked them as they exchanged glances among one another before returning her an answer.

    ¡°Well, we didn¡¯t take history major like you did.¡± One of them replied her with a shrug.

    "Then listen carefully," Alicia said as she looked back at texts and started reading it all out.

    "Herein lies, the four representatives of each race,

    El?nnor Thirindril, eldest prince of the High Elves,

    Gr?thil Shatterstone, third prince of the Dwarves,

    Cedric Reimond, seventh prince of the races of Men,

    Ranael Silvermoon, a warrior of the Silver Wolves tribe."

    "These four were deemed as heroes as their unification founded the expedition to traverse the unknown land, they called Gaia¡ª"

    "What''s Gaia?" Pee Aun asked.

    "A name that the greek used to call our planet, Earth," Nightingale answered as he appeared from behind them.

    "They started out wanting to connect their world with another, to build a kingdom, and expand their home. With the help of a great mage and the dwarves'' expertise in magic-science, they built a gateway that opened and linked to Gaia. Thus led their foundation, a city was built on an island that was soon to be named as Avalon." She stopped.

    "But their quest in building a new home was filled with many treacherous encounters and thus their lives were cut short into an end. Yet their legacy would live on as others would soon carry on the linking of worlds."

    "Herein lies, the heroes and the founders of Avalon." Alicia finished as she stood up and slowly regained her breath.

    ¡°Elves, Dwarves and Demi-humans, they exist!¡± Telvinder gasped with the others as they slowly examined the statues and noticed the Elven ears and the Silver Wolf¡¯s furry tail and ears.

    ¡°Look at his tail!¡± Shuen exclaimed with her eyes sparkling as she grabbed hold of the Silver Wolf¡¯s tail.

    ¡°It looks so fluffy! Oh, I want to grab hold of one so badly now.¡± She added.

    ¡°Well, you should probably refrain yourself from doing so to the real thing. They definitely wouldn''t like it.¡± Pee Aun chuckled.

    He walked over towards Nightingale giving him a large pat on his shoulder.

    ¡°So what now, boss? Shouldn¡¯t we get going?¡± Pee Aun asked Nightingale as the others were still fixed in their amazement in seeing the statues of races found only in fantasies.

    ¡°Yeah, we should.¡± He answered before turning to face the rest.

    "Alright, let''s get going."

    ¡°Look, you ruined our fun,¡± Telvinder growled as he gave a hard jab into Pee Aun''s back.

    "Gah!" Pee Aun jumped as he felt a ticklish sting on his back.

    "Cut it out!" He yelled at Telvinder who started chuckling mad.

    ¡°Shhh.¡± Nightingale silenced them with his finger, breaking them before they started fighting.

    ¡°Did you guys heard that?¡± He asked as the others stayed silent and tried listening to the sound that Nightingale had heard.

    ¡°Heard what?¡± Pee Aun asked with a bewildered expression.

    "Huh. I swore I heard something." Nightingale shrugged as the others were left in confusion.

    "Let''s go back up." He said and began heading back towards the stairs.

    After reaching back upstairs, they noticed that Nightingale had left to return back into the large hallway. His behaviour was strange and they ended up deciding to use the chance to rest in wait for his return.

    "What was that all about?" Pee Aun asked.

    "No idea," Darren answered.

    "Maybe he heard something that we didn''t and left to investigate," He suggested.

    Darren''s suggestion was on point as Nightingale had gone to investigate the strange eerie feeling he was having as if something was amiss.

    He stood staring into the large hallway, his eyes scanning area. Fortunately, nothing was amiss. He felt relieved, letting out a small sigh. But he felt strange as he swore he had heard something moving.

    He turned away from the hallway, thinking that it was all in his imagination and decided to rejoin the rest.

    But the sudden sound of rocks rumbling from above sent his heart pounding. In a sudden breath, he realised that he was not mistaken, as he slowly turned around to look up and saw that he had overlooked something important; that the giant statues of knights had come to life.

    Nightingale''s crew saw him running towards them with a face filled with emotions. Emotions that they never thought that he would have, a face filled with fear.

    "You''ve been acting really strange." Pee Aun informed him.

    "Not now!" Nightingale yelled at him.

    "Run! Run!" He ordered them, in a voice filled with desperation.

    They did as they were told as they began running in the top of their lungs. Those in the front were able to catch on as they realised what Nightingale was desperately running away from. But Pee Aun was left confused as he turned around and saw great tall statues of knights were in chase.

    "Oh, Jesus almighty." He exclaimed before joining the rest.

    The three giant statues were following and were not far behind them as each of their stomping steps, sent a tremor in the ground.

    It seemed that due to their large size their speed was limited, but the corridor was large enough for the giant statues to fit through as it bad news for them.

    ¡°Oh, they had to make the corridors big enough for them to fit!¡± Pee Aun cried as he saw the statues fitting through.

    ¡°I know right!¡± Darren agreed as he had managed to catch up towards the front with his fast sprinting legs.

    ¡°Haha, Telvin! You peed in your pants yet?¡± Pee Aun shouted at Telvinder who was running by his side.

    Astonishingly Pee Aun was laughing as he ran. His fears had already left him as the feeling of adrenaline and blood rushing through his head had filled him with excitement.

    ¡°This is thrilling!¡± He added.

    ¡°It''s not all fun and games if we die, asshole!¡± Telvinder roared.

    His face had already gone red as he had been sprinting faster than he would normally be able to. He was frightened to death, but the sight of the corridor¡¯s end filled his eyes with tears of joy and hope.

    Nightingale who was running behind them too spotted the corridor''s end. He noticed that it led out towards the open, as there were no walls but only a bridge leading ahead.

    It was a wooden bridge built out in the open area to allow people to cross to the other side of the ravine. It¡¯s structure and the material seemed rather weak and not too fragile but it would break if the giant statues tried crossing over.

    He quickly estimated the bridge¡¯s length to reach the other side and understood that it would take too long for them to cross over before the giant statues caught up.

    ¡°Keep going, I''ll try to buy you guys sometime!¡± Nightingale ordered them to continue as he tossed his bag over at Darren who was closest to him.

    Nightingale stopped in his tracks as he turned around to face the upcoming threat. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a magic stone.

    Without a glance, he knew that he had taken the one he needed out. He went on a defensive stance, spreading his legs open. Both his hands stretched out, holding the magic stone in the direction of the giant statues.

    He closed his eyes and began chanting the spell to activate the magic stone. He listened to the sound of the statues footsteps as it grew closer and waited for the right moment strike.

    As soon as he heard the loud stomp that was only 10 metres away, he opened his eyes and saw that the statues were in range.

    The magic stone began to glow bright red, as the markings carved on the stone began forming a projected image of a magic circle.

    "Fireball!" Nightingale roared at last.

    The magic stone''s colours died away as it shot a massive fireball straight into their direction.

    The fireball exploded and sent a blast that knocked Nightingale off his feet.

    A fire had begun spreading all around. The attack was successful as it had blown away one of the giant statues and created a large hole that bordered him away from the remaining two giant statues.

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Darren and Pee Aun cheered as they saw Nightingale''s attack was successful.

    The large hole would buy them enough time to make their escape as it seemed impossible for the statues to find a way across.

    Nightingale''s crew had reached the bridge and already began making their way across. It was a long drop as they looked below, as there were streams of strong gushing water.

    A smirk of success grew on Nightingale''s face as he turned away from statues and began sprinting towards the bridge. The feeling of proudness grew into him until another tremor was sent into the ground again.

    It sent a shiver down in his spine, as he turned to look over his shoulder. His eyes widened in shock as he saw that the behaviours of the statues had changed.

    The second giant statue extended its leg back, taking a stance, ready for a sprint.

    ¡°Oh no!¡± He screamed in his heart as he had a bad feeling of what was to come.

    He began sprinting with all his might. hoping to make it across the bridge in time.

    The statue kicked its foot into the ground as it started its sprint towards the large hole on the corridor''s floor. Shockingly its speed had increased by an unfair amount as it attempted to leap across the hole.

    The statue was successful in leaping over, but it did not stop in its tracks as it continued sprinting, heading towards Nightingale''s direction.

    He felt a surge of blood rushing into him. In his adrenaline, he pulled out the handguns he had kept out from his coat.

    Peeking over his shoulder, he saw the giant statue with its steadfast speed drawing closer and closer towards him. Clenching his teeth hard and he had made his resolve, he turned half his body around and slowed down his sprint.

    He began unloading bullets at the statue. Unfortunately, it was to no avail as bullets only scratched the statue''s surface and it did not even falter in its sprint.

    A gleam of red light shined on the helmet¡¯s forehead as he had remembered seeing it previously. His eyes were drawn towards it and at that moment a thought of realisation sprung into him, ¡°A magic stone!¡±

    Putting himself at risk, Nightingale bravely lowered his pace even more so that he would be able to get a clean shot of the statue¡¯s magic stone.

    It was all in his speculation that the magic stone was powering the statue. He had nothing to support his conclusion but the statue would soon be on top of him as he only had but a moment¡¯s breath to make a decision.

    The moment came as the giant statue was nearing towards him, but its head did not face him but continued facing its real target in the far front.

    Nightingale realised the cold truth as the giant statue¡¯s aim wasn¡¯t him, but it was aiming for the bridge where his crew were still crossing over.

    He felt the adrenaline rushed through his body. Twirling both of his firearms, he leapt towards the front before turning his whole body around to face the giant statue¡¯s head.

    He pulled the trigger a dozen of times, shooting a stream of bullets towards the magic stone.

    Death was upon him as the giant statue¡¯s hand drew around to swipe him away from the path it was running through.

    ¡°Hit, HIT!¡± He screamed within his heart as he shot the last remaining bullet in his handguns'' magazine.

    The bullet had made its way towards the magic stone, blowing it into pieces. The magic detonated and sent a concussive shockwave that catapulted Nightingale flying far into the direction of the bridge.

    The giant statue immediately went lifeless is it started crashing into the ground sending a massive tremor.

    The tremor reached all across towards the bridge as Darren and Pee Aun stopped to look behind. They saw Nightingale flying into the air and came crashing onto the hard ground. Nightingale groaned in pain as he landed on his back, but was thankful to still be alive from his lucky attempt.

    ¡°Nightingale! You alright?¡± The two shouted out for him with concerned looks.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me, just get to the other side!¡± Nightingale shouted out an order to them as they hesitated, wanting to help. But at last, they followed his order and continued ahead towards the other side.

    Strangely, the tremor had not stop after the crash until a sudden realisation came to him. ¡°The third!¡±

    Turning his head back to face the lifeless body of the giant statue. He saw the third speeding towards him in a sprint faster than the second.

    Nightingale immediately pushed himself up from the ground and began sprinting towards the bridge. He saw his firearms had been blown away from him during the concussion. He made an attempt to retrieve it, grabbing hold of the sides as he continued sprinting ahead.

    Peeking over his shoulder, he saw the third giant statue drawing nearer. Nightingale had made his resolve to try an attempt to take down the final statue.

    In his haste, he threw the empty magazines aside and loaded his firearms with new clips.

    As soon as he finished, he did the same as before, spinning his body around, pulling the trigger and shot a stream of bullets at the statue.

    This time it didn''t work as the giant statue had become smarter, shielding its magic stone from the bullets with its arm.

    It made Nightingale realise that from each statue he had taken down, the magic it that powered it became stronger, increasing its speed and intelligence.

    Nightingale knew it was hopeless in trying to stop it as he immediately turned his body around and sprinted for the bridge. His hands reached towards his coat, keeping his handguns back inside but a larger tremor was sent across the ground, sending Nightingale into the air again.

    He immediately landed into a roll and continued himself in a sprint but one of his handguns had been lost as it had slipped from his grip during the roll. He turned around and saw the handgun not far behind him.

    The giant statue had managed to leap over the lifeless statue¡¯s body and was the cause of the large tremor. It continued into a sprint and headed straight for the bridge.

    Nightingale made a decision to abandon it as he continued to make for his escape. He saw that the rest of his crew had made it safely across and it was his turn to cross.

    With only looking ahead, he sprinted with all his might as he rushed across the bridge. The bridge was swaying hard as he ran across, but he did not care for caution as there was no time to waste.

    Looking over his shoulder, his eyes widened with shock as he saw the statue finally reaching the bridge. The statue did not stop its sprint as it continued with its speed and attempted to cross the bridge with him.

    The statue''s large and heavy foot tore a hole into the bridge as the front ropes and bindings of the bridge had torn apart and the bridge started to fall. The statue had fallen through the bridge and down into the ravine.

    Nightingale was only halfway across as the adrenaline surged through his blood, as he began sprinting with his life on the line.

    He saw their faces shouting at him, screaming for him to run. But his hearing had gone deaf from the adrenaline and the bridge had lost its momentum.

    He leapt towards the end before the whole bridge had fallen off into the ravine. His life flashed before him as he had missed the ledge.

    Nightingale was saved as his hand was immediately caught hold as Darren had managed to caught hold of him.

    Looking up, he saw Darren¡¯s smiling face as him and the others slowly pulled Nightingale back up. And their final member had successfully made it across.

    Nightingale rested his hands on his knees as he had slowly regained his breath. He was out of breath as he had been sprinting without stops.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not do that again.¡± He said, at last, with a soft tiring voice giving them a smile.

    The others were looking at him with a newfound respect. They saw him as a different person now, after seeing what he had accomplished. Not as a friend or a member of their expedition, but as their leader.

 Vol 1. Chapter 10 - Avalon

    Half a day had passed since their journey in search of Avalon. Their encounter against the giant statues was only a couple of hours ago. And had left a toll on Nightingale and his companions as they were left exhausted and starving.

    They decided to take a short rest. Lying down on the cold hard floor, the crew regretted not bringing a mat with them so they had to bear the hard floor. They then pulled out their packed lunches out from their bags and began gobbling down their food hoping to satisfy their hunger.

    Shortly after the break, they once again continued to follow the path that was set before them as it led them deeper into the stronghold. There were many passages that branched out towards their left and right, presumably led to different sections of the stronghold.

    They were curious, wondering about what they would find through those passages. However, they continued on, following their own given path as Nightingale led their way.

    It was a pity for not being able to explore more of the unknown parts of the stronghold, discovering what riches and history that lies deep within. But they cannot afford to be sidetracked as they were close to reaching Avalon.

    As Nightingale led the way, he remained cautious, watching out for traps and ambushes that might be in store for them. But the path seemed clear and they had not encountered any danger ever since the giant statues.

    He wasn''t surprised to notice that his crew was rather quieter than usual without their chatter and cheers.

    Despite Pee Aun''s annoying comments, he started to miss their usual cheery and carefree selves. He was afraid to look into their eyes, having a hunch that they might have been traumatised by the incident before or he might end up being wrong as they were restless and tired of their journey.

    Either way, it was his fault for their current state. He felt needed to take responsibility and to find a way to cure their trauma. Looking back at his companions, he was relieved to see the heavy fatigue on their faces. It seems that one short rest was probably not going to be enough for them to regain their strength and energy.

    "Something wrong?" Alicia asked in concern as she noticed his troubled face.

    Nightingale shook his head before assuring her, "Nothing really."

    "Just hold on for a bit more longer¡ª I hope," Nightingale whispering under his breath, averting his eyes away from her back to the path.

    Alas, an opening was seen not far ahead as he saw bright light passing through. They had finally reached the path''s end as the others began running ahead and past Nightingale. A smile was drawn on his face as he watched them go, bright and cheerful as ever.

    As the moment Nightingale followed them through the exit, the blinding light forced him into covering his eyes.

    Slowly adjusting to the brightness as he had been underground for hours, he saw the orange rays of the sun as it set down from beyond the horizon. A sea laid in view below the sunset, reflecting the mesmerizing lights as it filled the ocean with its colours.

    Looking around, he saw the passage that they came from was small but not too hidden from sight. I had the appearance of an old ruined building, with vines branching down from above.

    He too found himself standing in the sand, as he saw the shore standing right before him. The others had run ahead, enjoying the beach breeze.

    ¡°Avalon,¡± Nightingale whispered its name in a soft cooing voice.

    He felt proud and satisfied as one of their prime objectives had been fulfilled.

    "We''re finally here." He said to himself as broke away from his view and started ahead to join the others.

    He noticed the grass field that the others had laid their backs on and ahead was a large canopy of trees that seemed much older than the ones they saw before.

    ¡°Let''s set up a camp here,¡± Nightingale proposed as he joined them in the grass field.

    ¡°Split into groups, gather stones, branches and whatever materials we need for a fire. While the others help set out the tents.¡±

    It took a moment for them to before following out Nightingale''s orders as their fatigued were still present from all the hours of walking and trekking. But Nightingale understood their tiredness and was kind enough to allow them for a break.

    He understood that they and he were different, as his newfound inhumane body possess more stamina and strength than what any human would have. But he still could not forget the feeling of tiredness and fatigue before his new form.

    After their rest, they went ahead and started carrying out their share in jobs. The girls were in charge of setting out the sleeping bags, while the boys were given a slightly harder task as Pee Aun and Telvinder was tasked to gather stones and branches for a fire.

    Nightingale in the other hand lent a helping hand in setting up a tent with Darren. They were in luck as one of them had brought a tent kit and they decided that the girls would be sleeping inside the tent while the boys would sleep outside.

    It would be cold for the boys, but their sleeping bags and the fire would keep them warm.

    Half an hour had passed as their campsite was nearly finished as they only needed to start a fire. The two boys who were tasked in gathering had returned with a loaded bunch of twigs, branches and stones. They sorted it out together and arranged it slightly away from the tent.

    Placing the stones in a ring to act as a border to stop the fire from spreading towards the grass and filled the inner ring with branches and twigs as fuel. There were spare branches and twigs left but it was left aside for them to use if the fire starts to die out.

    The only remaining thing they needed was the fire as Nightingale had pulled out a lighter from one of his pockets. He grabbed one of the branches from the ring and lighted it before tossing it back from where he took.

    The campfire blazed in a roar as the flames were warm and were flickering with the breeze from the sea. The feeling of joy and happiness filled their faces as they were relieved to have finished setting up the campsite.

    Night had already fallen as the sky was clear of clouds and filled with stars and the moon bathing them with its light. But it wasn''t just an ordinary night sky, as the radiant light shone in the horizon like an aurora giving the out-worldy feeling that this island had in store.

    Nightingale and his crew had gathered around the campfire as they sat eating their dinner. It was not much as they only had brought bread, chips and some other snacks with them. It was the only food that they would be able to satisfy their hunger with. But lady luck was on their side as Nightingale had pulled out packed food that he had brought along with him as it was given to him by the kindness from the innkeeper.

    Everyone was delighted to see that they would be able to satisfy their hunger with food that was more filling than bread and snacks. They began eating their dinner, as the two boys; Pee Aun and Telvinder were devouring it like barbarians.

    Nightingale was the only one among them who had not started eating as he did not feel the need to satisfy his hunger. He sat with them near the fire, inspecting his ammunition and reloading the only remaining firearm that he had left.

    He had used two of his magic stones, and it had seemed that he had lost the rest as they might fell off his pockets during his past encounter against the giant statues.

    There was only but a clip left for his handgun which had already been loaded inside. If there were any more threats on the island, they would have to avoid it as it would seem that he would not be able to offer them protection once his final clip runs out.

    ¡°It looks like you¡¯re preparing for a fight.¡± Pee Aun muttered with his mouth still stuffed to the brim with food.

    ¡°Always have to be prepared for the worst, who knows what we''d find here,¡± Nightingale replied with a small smile as he holstered his firearm back into his coat.

    ¡°Was pretty amazing what you did back there against the statues!" Telvinder commended.

    "Where did you learn those moves? It was like something out from a blockbuster film!¡± Telvinder gasped in amazement.

    ¡°It won''t be a secret now if I told you, now would it?¡± Nightingale stated him with a small cunning smile.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Wow, keeping secrets from us, eh?¡± Pee Aun shot at him with his voice loud and clear, a brow raised towards the person in question.

    Nightingale let out a small laugh as he gave him his reply, "Everyone has their own secrets to keep, like one of you with the number of times you''ve peed on your bed.¡±

    "Oh no that''s just him." Pee Aun denied and pointed towards Telvinder and began chuckling and choking on his food.

    ¡°We should all have a toast, for our success in reaching Avalon,¡± Alicia suggested, livening up the mood as the others nodded in agreement.

    ¡°To our prevailing strength and our arrival in Avalon,¡± Alicia said as she raised her drink. The others did too as they grabbed their drinks from their bags and raised it high and close to the others.

    ¡°Cheers!¡± They all said together, as they all clashed bottles and cups and drank altogether in a toast.

    After their toast, they continued eating their meals as some of them had started a conversation. They cheered and laughed with smiles on their faces as Nightingale looked away as he laid his back against the ground, mesmerized by the night sky.

    Telvinder was the first to finish his dinner but his face was instead filled with discontent.

    ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m still hungry . . .¡± He groaned as he was still not satisfied with his meal.

    ¡°You know what? I¡¯m gonna order some food from my phone. You guys want pizza?¡±

    It was such a surprise to hear such jokes were being told by him but the others started doubting and believed that Telvinder was actually serious.

    ¡°Telv, you do know that we¡¯re on an island that isn¡¯t even supposed to exist on the map. So how are they gonna reach from the mainland, and deliver food to us?" Pee Aun stated, looking puzzled.

    "Heck, I doubt we can even get a line here, dumbass.¡± Pee Aun growled and proceeded to press his hand onto his own face as he felt frustrated over Telvinder''s stupidity.

    ¡°Oh yeah, my bad.¡± Telvinder apologised in a slow and soft voice after realising what he had said.

    ¡°Oh my god, I don¡¯t think can tolerate any more of his stupidity.¡± Pee Aun mumbled to himself quietly enough so that the others were not able to hear.

    ¡°Wait, we got no line?¡± Telvinder shrieked in fear as he immediately pulled out his phone and saw the empty bars near the corner of its screen.

    ¡°My mom¡¯s gonna kill me, I haven¡¯t called her since we left.¡± Telvinder shivered in fear, scared to hear any scolding from his mother for when he returns.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re gonna get grounded, young man! First, she''s gonna take away your games, then your porn.¡± Pee Aun jeered at Telvinder as he slapped his leg while laughing uncontrollably. The others too giggled in their place as Telvinder gave Pee Aun a deadly serious look.

    ¡°And had you ever told your parents how much of an arse you are?¡± Telvinder spat his words as he stood his ground against Pee Aun.

    ¡°Oh yes, I did. And guess what? They love me for who I am. Oh-hohohoho!¡± Pee Aun snorted into an evil laugh.

    Telvinder snapped and felt an urge to attack Pee Aun as he immediately went to try and claw his face.

    ¡°Oh, not the face! My beautiful face!¡± Pee Aun cried in agony as he covered himself from Telvinder¡¯s attacks while laughing uncontrollably.

    The others could no longer control their laughter as they were laughing off their seats. They decided to leave those two alone and stayed on the sidelines watching them as they settle their small fight.

    They knew it was not a serious fight as the two boys had known each other longer than any other as their bond of friendship can¡¯t easily be broken.

    A smile was drawn on Nightingale''s face as he had been listening to their arguments. His eyes closed as he continued listening and began to slowly fall asleep.

    It was far past midnight as Nightingale had been startled awake. His eyes blinked open and as he pushed himself up, a blanket slid down from his chest and onto his lap. He had not remembered having a blanket over himself as he realised that one of them had placed one over him. He smiled at the thought of it.

    As he got up from the ground, he began doing stretches, as he stretched his arms and back as it made him feel a whole lot better.

    Looking around, he saw that the boys had fallen asleep in their sleeping bags. The fire too had been extinguished. Probably before they settled themselves to sleep, he thought.

    He did not feel drowsy and was unable to sleep longer as such thoughts of discovering things within Avalon lingered within his mind. He decided that he would head into the forest to scout out for paths they needed to tread.

    As Nightingale traversed the forest, he followed a trail of cobblestone that seemed to once have been a path. The trail led him deeper into the forest as it becomes more and more visible.

    The trail ended and to Nightingale''s surprise, a small old cathedral laid in view before him. The cathedral¡¯s walls were entangled with vines and it seemed that it was swallowed by vegetation. The tinted glasses were still there yet some parts of it were broken by the branches of trees that sprouted from within.

    He felt a sudden urge of wanting to go through as something was calling out for him in the direction of the cathedral. Without more than a thought, Nightingale accepted its invitation as mustered his courage and took a step into the cathedral.

    Within the cathedral, there were grass and flowers growing near the sides. Trees had sprouted from the cobblestone floor as it grew tall and supported the cathedral¡¯s roof with its large branches.

    He heard droplets of water falling from above as small puddles were formed in the missing chunks of the cathedral''s flooring. Looking above, there was a large hole in the roof as droplets of water were falling through.

    He continued on, following the call as it led him deeper within the cathedral as there was a twin flight of stairs that circled around leading up.

    To his surprise, the stairs were still holding together and had not shown any signs of falling apart.

    His journey continued on as he was led towards the far end of the cathedral where an exit appeared not far from him. He felt unusual that he was led into the deeper parts of the cathedral but instead, to whats outside.

    Taking a step out from the cathedral, bright light welcomed his eyes blinding his sight, but only for a moment as his eyes slowly adjusted and saw the area of his surroundings.

    He stood outside, standing on the walkway as he had entered a large garden. The garden¡¯s flowers were no more as weeds and grass were overgrown on the sides of the walkway and to his surprise a sword laid in view.

    The sword was sheathed within a stone as it bathed the light from the moon. Nightingale felt the calling of magic stronger than ever, as he realised that the sword had called for him.

    He took a step away from the cathedral and slowly progressed onwards towards the sword. As he drew nearer, he felt the layers of magic thickens as it brushed his skin, giving him a warm feeling of nostalgia.

    The sword in stone laid in view before him. Its blade was rustless yet its hilt, covered in dirt and dust.

    He stared at the sword and felt as if it invited him to pull it out.

    The sword in stone was familiar to him as he knew the great legends of Caliburn, the Sword in Stone. But what laid before him was not Caliburn but something far greater.

    Nightingale brushed the dust from the sword¡¯s hilt and saw its gold-tinted crest. And with his touch, he felt its magic surging through his fingertips.

    ¡°Excalibur,¡± he said its name in the silence of the night.

    His whole hand gripped around the sword¡¯s hilt, closing his eyes as he felt more of its magic passing through him.

    He heard voices in his mind, whispering and pressing him to pull the sword out from the stone.

    He felt as he was being controlled as his hand tightened about the sword''s hilt and tempted to free it from its stone. He felt the sword¡¯s blade sliding within the stone as it slowly rose from the stone.

    But Nightingale had made a resolve and decided against it as he pushed the sword back into the stone. It took a moment for him before he was able to free his grasp from the sword''s hilt and began taking a step away from it.

    ¡°Why did you stop?¡± A sudden feminine voice questioned him from afar.

    It did not send Nightingale into a surprise as he kept his cool and showed no signs of weakness.

    ¡°You''re mistaken, I was denied by the sword,¡± Nightingale lied as he turned to face her.

    He saw a beautiful face of a young maiden standing not far before him. Her long striking white hair tied into a ponytail as it glowed under the moonlight as it shined upon her. Surprisingly she was much taller than he was, expected of a human from another world.

    The light revealed her outfit as she was wearing a brownish cloak covering over her nightgown. A silver sword shined brightly under the moonlight as it was sheathed at her waist. Her hand rested on the sword¡¯s hilt as a precaution.

    ¡°That is only something a fool would believe, even after seeing the sword slipped free." She stated as she drew her sword out and pointed it in his direction.

    "Do not lie, stranger." She warned him.

    "I''ve heard prophecies that foretold of a day that the sword would return to its former glory by the hands of its bearer."

    ¡°And you believe in such tales?¡± Nightingale asked with a smirk.

    ¡°Yes, and I have reasons back up my belief. Who are you, stranger? State your name.¡± The white-haired maiden ordered for his name without showing any strains in hostility as she kept her sword firm and pointing at him.

    "Nightingale¡ª"

    "Your real name." She cut him short with a sharp glare that sent a shiver down Nightingale''s spine.

    He saw the menacing killing intent from her. He knew better that she wasn''t an opponent that he would easily be able to defeat and understood that he should come clean to avoid a confrontation.

    "Nick Pendragon." He said at last with a sharp and clear voice.

    The white-haired maiden''s face was filled in shock as her feet twitched taking a step back. She looked apologetic as she hastily sheathing her sword.

    "My king." She said with a firm voice as she knelt down, saluting him as a knight would to a king.

    "No, I''m not a king. And I don''t see myself worthy in being called as one." Nightingale denied and saw the maiden rising to face him.

    "But we¡ªNo, I, have waited for this very moment for your return. For a Pendragon to claim the sword that was sheathed for more than a thousand years." She said as her voice had gone desperate.

    "I''m sorry, but I don''t think I''m ready for such responsibility."

    "What makes you say that?" She asked with concern.

    "There are feelings inside of me that makes me question of who I am and who I want to be. And I wish to discover it myself, not to be chained by the responsibilities that sword has in store for me." He declared.

    "Then I shall wait for you to be ready to accept it. You don''t have to be a king now, but accept Excalibur''s help. And mine, in accompanying you in your quest."

    "Let me serve under you as your knight." She pleaded as her face turned grave with her fist clenched at her chest.

    Nightingale saw her expression in making the request, she was desperate. But he felt guilty for the reply he was about to give.

    "I¡¯m sorry, but I can''t," Nightingale returned with a deny.

    "What is your name?" He asked her.

    "Jyne Emryne, descendant of the great knight; Sir Bedivere.¡± She answered politely, holding her emotions in.

    "Sir Bedivere." He whispered her ancestor''s name.

    "Fate is cruel." He thought.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jyne Emryne. But I¡¯m not Arthur, or ready to succeed his throne.¡±

    ¡°Being a king is not something I can easily accept.¡± He denied once again.

    ¡°Then I apologise for the selfish request and my rudeness.¡± She apologised with a soft voice, bowing her head down.

    ¡°No, forgive me, for not meeting your expectations.¡± He replied with a smile.

    ¡°It''s time I bid farewell when the night is still young. Best wishes, Jyne Emryne, that if our path crosses once again; we would still remain as friends rather than foes.¡± He said as he began walking past her, heading back towards the cathedral.

    The white-haired maiden lifted her head, quickly turning around as she watched him go.

    ¡°Thank you, Nick Pendragon. Do tread lightly in your path for I will remain in wait for your return.¡±

    ¡°The name¡¯s Nightingale.¡± He corrected her before disappearing away from view, returning back into the cathedral.

    The white-haired maiden clenched both her fists, as tears began dripping down the sides of her face. She had held her emotions strong in face of her king. But it seems to have overflown.

    ¡°But even so, you would forever remain a Pendragon in my eyes.¡± She whispered to herself with a look filled with new found determination.

 Vol 1. Chapter 11 - The End of The Beginning

    The night had come into passing as the dawn of a new day rose in Avalon''s sky. Nightingale was the first to witness its bright and brilliant colours that filled the ocean with its radiance.

    Ever since last night when he encountered the sword, Excalibur. He was not able to get a wink of sleep as lingering thoughts of regret still crowded his mind. But he had already made his resolve; to deny his heritage.

    He began waking up his crew, informing them that it was time for them to move out, to journey deeper into Avalon.

    They began their day, packing up their bags and taking down the tent. They then proceeded to have their breakfast. It wasn''t grand as only leftover bread was all they had to eat.

    After their breakfast ended, they began their journey with Nightingale leading the way. He followed his trail back, leading them towards the old cathedral as he remembered seeing a passage that led underground in between the twin flight of stairs.

    It wasn''t long as it took only took them less than 5 minutes to reach the cathedral. His crew were awing to its view, as the cathedral was magnificent and beautiful with the sun''s light shining through the colours of the old tinted glass.

    Inside the cathedral, they were surprised to see that it was home for the wildlife. There were deer, and birds chirping all about as the young adventurers carefully tread their paths, without alarming the wildlife.

    The crew were surprised as Nightingale had suddenly stopped in his tracks, as he stood to face the flight of stairs. It was only so that he could reach for his flashlight as he reached it out from his pockets and continued ahead.

    Pulling out his flashlight in preparation, he waited for the others to catch up to him before leading them into the passage ahead down the stairs that led underground.

    The passage they went through, was filled with cobwebs. There were cracks all over the walls as it showed its old age. It was a surprise to see it still holding up, as it looked like it would collapse at any given moment.

    It had been more than fifteen minutes as the passage continued leading them deeper underground. Nightingale felt the air thinning with each step he took. It would be dangerous for them to stay lag behind as he began increasing his pace.

    Alas, the air became thick again as the passage came to an end. He saw a faint light, and as he exited through, his eyes widened as he saw the large cavern he stood in.

    The cavern was massive, expanding to miles as a forest and a ruined city was hidden within it. It was like a dome with a massive opening from above as light shone through, filling the cavern with light. The gateway too was in view, as it was placed after the city.

    Nightingale noticed that the others had joined him in the view, with mouths gasping at the cavern''s sight. He began walking down the steps as there was a stairway that led them down into the forest.

    It took them a while to trek through the forest. Reaching the ruined city, the saw large buildings with architects similar to the cathedral above ground.

    The buildings were covered with large vines with trees sprouting from within. It had seemed as nature had claimed the city as its own. The cobblestone roads were covered in dirt and grass as parts of the road had been cut off.

    The banners hanging from the flagposts were tattered and had almost withered away.

    This city had been abandoned for more than a thousand years since its civilization had left to return to its old world.

    Nightingale and his crew journeyed deeper through the city, as they were headed for the gateway. His crew were looking all about, examining each building as they saw libraries, taverns and houses nearly crumbled away.

    Nightingale came to a halt, as he stood staring into the dried fountain that laid before. It wasn''t the fountain that he was staring at. His crew gathered around him and saw a memorial.

    "<u>ARTHUR PENDRAGON</u>"

    The name was carved on the stone as Nightingale froze staring into its name.

    "I finally found you, father." He said in a small whisper.

    They spent there longer than they expected as they paid their respects to the funeral of a great king.

    There were no tears for Nightingale to shed as Arthur Pendragon was not his biological father, but only a father he inherited by blood in his reincarnation.

    He forced himself to look away and started back on his path, as the others followed him from behind. There was no exchange in words, as his crew remained silent in their journey.

    Along the path they took, there were old statues of knights, lined on the sides of the road. The others still remembered their encounter of statues, as they stared, watching the statues with wary.

    "Oh please don''t come alive." Pee Aun begged.

    "I''m so sick of statues right now."

    "Yeah, man. So do I." Darren agreed.

    Half an hour later, they finally reached the edge of the city as the large gateway as in view, not more than a hundred metres away. The gateway was 50 metres tall, with vines were dangling from above.

    The path that led them towards the gateway was clear, free from the forest. It wasn''t long before the reached the gateway, as Nightingale had already begun wondering how they would bring the gateway to life.

    As they neared the gateway, a large formation of rocks bordered the path''s sides from the forest. They were almost there, the end of the start of their journey was near.

    Nightingale and his crew were filled with excitement as they hurried over towards gateway. Smiles were drawn on their faces as they went up the steps and drew nearer.

    Nightingale who was in the vanguard went to a halt with his hand holding the others back. He felt wary of their situation as a silhouette slowly emerged from the darkness.

    "I''ve been expecting you." A familiar masculine voice spoke, as it sent Nightingale into a shock.

    The others were confused about the situation as they remained silent behind Nightingale.

    "Who are you?" Nightingale asked as he went into a defensive stance, his free hand ready to reach for his firearm.

    A man emerged from out of the darkness as he wore a large coat, with his head covered by his hood. He revealed his face as he slowly pulled his hood, with a grin that grew on his face.

    "I am you, Nick." He answered with a loud and clear voice, that sent echoes into the cavern.

    Nightingale''s eyes widened into a shock as he saw a mirror of himself. The stranger had his face. Judging by his features he was an older version of Nightingale. His face was ageless, but he was taller with broad shoulders.

    "What do you mean by Nick?" Pee Aun asked, his faced filled with confusion.

    "Oh yes, of course, you''d be clueless." The man who had claimed to be Nightingale spoke.

    "Even in my time, you never did find out, of my identity, of our secret."

    "That he¡ª" He pointed at Nightingale.

    "¡ªwas your old beloved friend, Nick Ohmsford."

    He told them the truth as they were in a shock and immediately believed that Nightingale was their old friend who had long been dead.

    "That''s impossible." Arielle cried.

    "He diedsavingme!"

    "Of course, he did. But me being here is already enough to prove his identity and his existence." His olderself stated.

    "What is your goal, for spewing out my secret?" Nightingale roared at him.

    "Not much, really." He answered.

    "I came here for a different reason, Nick."

    "It is to set you on a different path," His olderself statedas he pulled out a sword that appeared from the void.

    "And for that path¡ª requires you all dead." He announced.

    For a moment, Nightingale''s caught by his fear as his olderself emitteda large killing aura as he finished his words. In his defence, he immediately reached for his firearm and began firing at him.

    The bullets were sliced into pieces by his older self''s sword with inhumane speed as he stood untouched with a large grin that mocked Nightingale of his efforts.

    "Run!" Nightingale screamed at his crew, but they were locked in their feet by their overwhelming fears.

    "GO!" He screamed again as he pushed Darren who were closest to him towards the rest.

    Nightingale immediately turned to face back his opponent, but he had swiftly teleported in front of his face. Sending his fist into Nightingale''s chest.

    The others had managed to regain their feet as they hastily ran for their escape.

    Nightingale groaned in pain, as the blow was strongest he had been hit by before. But he did not back down as he used all his strength to regain his footing and went for a counter attack.

    But his olderself wastoo quick for him as he caught hold of Nightingales fist. He began twisting the fist he caught hold of, as Nightingale fell onto his knees moaning in pain.

    Using his strength, his olderself threwNightingale towards the side, crashing onto the ground. He saw that his younger self''s friends were trying to escape as he started to give chase.

    "Please don''t struggle. You''d only make your death more painful." He pleaded.

    In a flash, he disappeared away from Nightingale and reappeared behind his closest prey, Darren and sent his long sword striking into his back.

    Blood dripped along the side''s of the blade as he pulled the sword out from Darren''s chest and he fell, lifelessly onto the ground.

    The others had seen what had befallen upon their friend as they screamed in their fears, tripping onto the ground as they tried crawling their way for an escape.

    Nightingale forced himself back up as he began charging heroicly towards the man who had killed his friend. He had his hands clenched into a fist as he sent a blow that successfully made its way into his older self''s face.

    His olderself wasknocked slightly by the blow filling his face only with rage. The blow had done nothing but to piss him off more as he turned his attention towards Nightingale.

    "You call that a punch?" He exclaimed as a creepy smile grew on his face.

    "I''ll show you a punch!" He roared as his hand clenched into a fist, and was sent straight into Nightingale''s face in a speed he could not defend himself against.

    The blow was strong enough to send Nightingale off his feet as he flew straight into the rock''s wall. His spine broke upon impact as he screamed in pain and fell unconscious, with his body hung in the rock.

    His olderself turnedhis attention back to his fleeing preys as he continued his slaughter. His face showed no expression, only that his eyes were filled with killing intent.

    It was only minutes later as Nightingale slowly regained his consciousness. His eyes widened into a shock as he saw his crew, his friends'' lifeless, bloodied bodies lying dead before him.

    Tears began dripping down his face uncontrollably as he saw his older self, the murderer approaching his final prey, Alicia.

    "Stop!" Nightingale cried.

    "STOP!" He screamed and begged with all his might as he tried pushing himself back onto his feet. Ignoring the pain and his injuries, he wanted to try to save his last surviving friend.

    "I''m sorry¡ª" His olderself apologisedas he tightened his grip on his long sword.

    "¡ªbut it has to be this way, Nick." He replied as he threw his sword like a spear that cut straight through the air and pierced Nightingale''s shoulder as it pinned him back against the wall.

    Blood splatted out from his shoulder, as Nightingale cried in agony. He saw his olderself continuingahead as he went closer towards Alicia.

    "It''s alright. You won''t die from that. It takes a whole lot more for us angels to die." He assured him.

    But Nightingale was desperate as he both his hands gripped onto the long sword''s blade as he tried pulling it out from his shoulder. His hands had cuts that went deep by the blade, with blood spewing all about.

    He ignored the pain as he continued, crying for him to stop his madness.

    The older Nightingale stood staring into Alicia''s face and was surprised to see she had abandoned all hopes of running away. He pulled out a sword as he went on to face her.

    "I''m sorry, Alice." He said.

    "It''s alright, Nick. I can understand that you''re forced to." Alicia replied with a faint smile, and her eyes wet.

    "Because those, aren''t the eyes of a murderer."

    He froze as he heard her words and realised that tears were dripping down the sides of his face. He had tried so hard in holding his emotions, but it had seemed that he had shown her his true face.

    "I''m sorry." He gritted his teeth as he wiped his tears away before slashing down onto Alicia.

    Nightingale saw Alicia''s body drop onto the ground as her life had left her body. He screamed with all his rage, that echoed into the cavern.

    "I WILL KILL YOU!" He screamed in his fury as he pushed his chest forwards with his shoulder digging deeper towards the sword''s hilt. His efforts were in vain as he had no strength left in pushing the sword''s blade out from the rock.

    "Why? WHY?!" He screamed again.

    "WHY DID YOU KILL MY FRIENDS? YOU HEARTLESS MONSTER!" He roared.

    "THEY WERE MY FRIENDS TOO!" His olderself roaredback at him with rage and began walking towards Nightingale.

    "Even after they betrayed me, and brought me pain¡ª" He paused, gritting his teeth as he stared into his pathetic younger self.

    "¡ªbut I could not forget the memories I had with them in school."

    "I too loved them!" He roared at Nightingale''s face.

    "But if I have to kill them to change the future, our future!"

    "I will." He declared.

    "Fuck you!" Nightingale spat at his face.

    He wiped the saliva off from his face before sending his fist up into Nightingale''s chest.

    Nightingale did not groan in pain as rage and anger had muffled over his pain. His arms trying to reach out for his future self''s neck, but the sword that pierced his shoulder kept him at bay.

    "How does it feel to be powerless?" He mocked Nightingale.

    "To watch your friends die away while being powerless to save them."

    Hearing those words made Nightingale scream in rage as he knew he best the feeling of being hopeless. He wanted power, a power enough for him to exact his revenge.

    "Yes, that''s it." The man jeered as he noticed Nightingale''s newfound bloodthirst.

    "You see, we''re like day and night. You a mortal, while me a god." He boasted with his arms opened wide, and a smirk on his face.

    "I have plans for you, Nick."

    "And I need you, to kill me."

    "A grand scheme!" He exclaimed.

    "I will change the path that you will take, I will turn you into a better man than I was. A man, who won''t make the same mistakes as I did."

    "I''ve betrayed my sister''s trust. Leading her towards her death. I can''t bring her back now, but what I can do is to ensure that you won''t fall in the same fate."

    "But it requires me in being the villain."

    "So please, do kill me. Cause if not¡ª" He said as he stared into Nightingale''s bloodthirsty eyes who had remained listening quietly.

    "¡ªI will kill everyone you will and would love." He stated in a cold voice that sent chills down Nightingale''s spine.

    "I''m doing this not just for my sister, but for you, Nick. And this path won''t be as painful as the paths that I havewentthrough."

    "Take him away." His future-self ordered as the gateway came to life. And what stepped through were two large demons that had the appearance of a monster.

    They did not speak but only grunted as they did as they were told, pulling the sword out from Nightingale''s shoulder. He groaned in pain, but the demons ignored his scream as they dragged his body back through the gateway.

    "I swear on my soul, I will turn him into a man you would be proud of, sister." He whispered to himself as he followed them through.

 Vol 2. Prologue

    In the Northern region of M¨¦gia; a world that exists beyond the doors of Avalon exists a continent far from the light''s reach, Daemonia. Filled with ash smoke and dark clouds created from erupted and live volcanos, the continent had rarely seen light, creating a home for creatures born from the darkness, the demonic race.

    They were the rulers of the land, a race which values power and strength above all. They may seem primitive as a race, but they are as civilized as the other races of M¨¦gia.

    Their country is ruled under a hierarchy, the strong ruling the weak, where the female demons are the dominant of their race. Their value on intelligence is as much as on strength, putting them apart from the males. Their physique is no larger than the males, as the male demons have a monster-like appearance; some may even reach to the size of 12 feet tall.

    Unlike the male demons, the females retain a humanoid form measure by their power. Those who are on the top would have an appearance comparable to a human''s, while the weak would have their demon-like features more flushed out; horns, scales and even wings.

    The demon race is governed under a council of twelve Demon Generals, who are handpicked for their accomplishments, by the absolute ruler of the continent, the Demon Queen, Lilith. Who like all else lusts for power.

    But even with such obsession, she yet remains fearful and recognised for her wisdom and cunning ways. Her decision has accomplished a great of many things during the years of her rule over the continent. Keeping the Demon race striving with life, and surviving through countless wars that had erupted several times in the past hundreds of years.

    It was a trait that many would have assumed special in her royal blood, being passed down through generations had made her the most cunning in the royal ancestry.

    In the city of Ixerath, held a council where the twelve Demon Generals had gathered about for a conference in the presence of their queen.

    The city was massive and filled with technology. The demons may have been viewed as a primitive race, but the ruling under a hierarchy of intelligent demons had brought their civilisation into a prosperous state. Their technologies may not be as advanced as back on Earth, but they were as advanced as the other races in M¨¦gia.

    The city was filled with lights, not candles nor torches, but with lights powered by energy. Ixerath wasn''t just an ordinary city, but it was the heart of Daemonia. The city was built closest to the largest live volcano in the region, where the demons had discovered a method in extracting the energy from the volcano to power their city and to use as an aid in their engineering, science and daily lives.

    A gateway was present in Ixerath, similar to its counterpart in Avalon, yet holds a smaller size in height, only measuring up to 30 metres tall. Even to the demons, the structure and its engineering were foreign, as records of its construction had been lost over the past dozen centuries through wars.

    Even till now, the gateway had remained unfunctional and had been left as a historical remnant of the Demon race of the past.

    Just like the other parts of the Northern region, there were no trees and grass in the city, as the sky was filled with only smoke as not even light could penetrate through. But even under the darkness, the city was bright not just from their lights, but the magma from the volcano gave a brightness, surrounding in the colour of red.

    The council''s gathering was held in the queen''s castle which was built up high, overlooking the city from the volcano. There the Demon Queen, Lilith, sat on her large throne overlooking the council, in a relaxed position.

    The Queen, Lilith had jet black hair with a mix of red stripes lining down from her head. Her appearance was almost human as many would''ve mistaken her for one if not for her large horns and her razor-sharp wings. She was a beauty with a face of a woman in her early twenties, but her age remained unknown, as she the superior of her race, have a life spanning up to several hundreds of years, yet still retaining their youth. It was a given trait that all strong demons like her possess.

    Her skin had a light colour of brown that would''ve resembled a tan. She wore a queenly dress. The dress was simple yet elegant with the colour of black. The skirt flaring out from her hips and stretched up to her knee.

    Her fingers tapped in a rhythm, as she saw a reflection of herself shining on the smooth table.

    The hall was decorated with lights as chandeliers sprouted and dangled from above. The walls were decorated with maroon drapes and a large long table made of smooth stone was placed in the middle, where the twelve Demon Generals were seated.

    Large maroon drapes dangled from the cobblestone walls, where above had statues of gargoyles decorated at the ceiling. It gave out a horrifying terror as the gargoyles seemed to be clawing their way in. Even for statues, their expressions were too real as their faces screamed out of fear and desperation that even from a look would cause such discomfort in a person.

    Queen Lilith looked around to see that all her subordinates were still present, arguing over for a solution for their current crisis.

    The twelve Demon Generals were seated accordingly to their ranks. The closest to the Queen were ones who had worked as the Queen''s subordinates longer than the newer promoted generals.

    They had gained their Queen''s trust, with their reputation widely known through the continent of Daemonia and even the neighbouring countries. They were feared and respected for their fame they found in their strengths and accomplishments. Even amongst the generals, they were feared and highly respected as a title was given to them; The Four Generals of the Infernal Region.

    But in the council, they remained silent as they together had come to an agreement to play the role of an observer. Observing the value and capabilities of each of the newer Demon Generals in their understanding towards their current crisis with a task of finding a solution for it.

    Each of the Demon Generals varies in different appearances, some may have horns, wings, and even other demonic features like scales, claws and hollow eyes.

    "Given the current state of the issue, if we don''t find a solution for it-- our continent would suffer a great loss and might even be led to chaos and into extinction." The seventh Demon General, Xen, informed the council.

    The Demon race was facing a crisis in overpopulation. Their population had tripled over the past years. With the demons having a long lifespan spanning up to three times of a human¡¯s age, it is more severe to them than to the race of Men.

    The growth a demon was rapid, at the age of 15, one would consider to be a fully grown adult. They were in a haste in need to solve the issue before their continent would start suffering a large loss under the shortage of food.

    "And what would you propose of what we should do? It would''ve been much more favourable if you had an answer to support your observation." The sixth Demon General, Alathea taunted Xen in a foul tone, giving her a dark look of dissatisfaction in her eyes.

    The Two Demon Generals had been at an odds against each other even before the time of their service as generals.

    "Wasn''t that your duty to keep watch over our region, Alathea? You of all should''ve noticed the rapid growth in our population before it even reached a dire state as it had now." She replied, provoking Alathea with her words. She sneered back at her as she saw Alathea''s face went foul with anger.

    ¡°You wretch! How would I have expected it to worsen?¡± Alathea lost herself into a rage as she banged her hands on the table out of anger as she rose from her seat.

    ¡°By using that thick headed brain of yours, of course,¡± Xen added with her sneer still intact, and herself remained in her seat.

    "Enough!" One of the Demon Generals roared from her seat.

    ¡°You''re in the presence of the Queen! Speak at your turn and only if you must! Abide by the rules or I''ll throw both of you out myself.¡± She roared once again, as her voice echoed through the hall.

    The council looked her way and saw that it was the third Demon General, Azaeth who had risen from her seat and took action against the two general''s behaviour before the Queen.

    The two demon generals, Alathea and Xen were shocked and frightened by Azaeth''s rage, deciding it was best that they remained quiet as General Azaeth slowly returned to her seat, allowing the council to continue.

    ¡°What if we have a purge. A purge to annihilate most of our population. We could rid of those who live in the slums, with the men too.¡± The twelve Demon General, Saryn, cautiously shared her idea, but the rest of the council seemed to not be in favour of her suggestion.

    ¡°That wouldn''t do. Using our power to turn against our own cause a revolt, we may out power them, but they outnumber us. Even if we do succeed, we''d suffer a great loss in our own strength.¡± General Azaeth shook in disagreement to Saryn''s idea.

    ¡°Then we send them to war. Let them fight the other races for the land, it would help in expanding our territory, and to worse, we''d only suffer a loss in numbers.¡± Demon General, Saryn added as she was not too quick in giving up on her idea.

    ¡°Starting a war would break the peace treaty that our Queen had fought hard for,¡± Azaeth informed Saryn with a small sigh.

    ¡°Of course, we would suffer a loss in resources but the outcome of doing nothing would be worse. Going through with this idea would minimize our losses. And it''d even give her Majesty the chance in finding a strong hero as her bride.¡±

    ¡°She''s been waiting for so long with no successor in line. It fills me with worry if the royal bloodline would be preserved.¡± Saryn added and at last, it had seemed to have changed the favour of the other Demon Generals.

    ¡°Now it does seem a promising idea, but let us leave it as it is for her Majesty to decide our course of action," Azaeth concluded, as it filled Saryn with happiness as one of the four infamous generals had taken into her idea.

    "What say you, your excellence?" Azaeth asked the Demon Queen as the council then turned to face Queen Lilith for her reply. But it had seemed that their Queen had dozed off during their discussion.

    It was a surprise to see as none of the Demon Generals had noticed her falling asleep as she had been sleeping so soundly, even after Azaeth''s loud rage.

    ¡°Ehem.¡± The Demon General closest to her cleared her throat as she tried to wake up her up from her sleep.

    Queen Lilith immediately went wide awake as she had realised the silence in their discussion. Her eyes scanning around to see them waiting for a word from her.

    ¡°Oh... yes? Where were we?¡± She asked so casually, pretending as if she was not at fault and hadn¡¯t fallen asleep during the council but it was pointless as the council members were already aware of her absence in their discussion.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°We had a discussion in finding a solution to solve the crisis we have in overpopulation. And Saryn here gave a wild idea of starting a war with the other races. It''d help minimize our numbers, by sending the weak demons on the frontlines.¡± Azaeth explained.

    It wasn¡¯t the first time that Demon Queen Lilith had fallen asleep in midst of their council. She had done so more than a dozen times as she always ends up falling asleep whenever an uninteresting topic pops up and it seemed that she had done so again.

    Unlike the Demon Queens before, the Lilith was more carefree. She normally does get too involved into discussions which would bore her as she was only energetic and would only partake in activities she deems fun.

    ¡°At worse, we''d only suffer a defeat in loss of numbers and resources. At best we''d be able to secure more land, expanding our territory.¡± Azaeth continued.

    ¡°And to a fact that it''d be a chance for a hero to be born in the fires of this war, one who would match your calibre and worthy as your bride,¡± Azaeth finished.

    ¡°I would say all yes to everything but the matter of my bride.¡± Queen Lilith declared, she agreed in the idea for the solution of their crisis but the topic of her having a bride had given her discomfort.

    ¡°I''d prefer to be able to choose one for myself, a man to my liking, with qualities that match my preferences, but it is rather embarrassing to continue with such topic.¡± She said as she began covering her blush.

    The Demon Generals had faces filled with concern as it had seemed that it was still hopeless for their Queen to search for a bride but Azaeth decided to answer their Queen¡¯s statement.

    ¡°I''d normally question in your taste in men, but without a successor in line, anyone who you choose, I would quietly accept.¡± She said as the others reluctantly agreed.

    ¡°But for a war to start, we must all come into an agreement with a vote.¡± Queen Lilith declared as she had risen from her seat to face them.

    ¡°Those who are in favour of a war, raise your hands. And to those who are against; speak now so that we would listen to your reasons.¡± She announced, giving a chance for those who were to question the idea a chance to speak. But none did as all the Demon Generals had agreed with their arms raised in vote.

    "Then it has been decided, a war shall begin. But first, we must discuss the strategy and the current state of the army before our invasion begins." Queen Lilith declared returning to back onto her throne.

    They began their planning for a strategy as the Demon Queen gave designated tasks for each of the twelve Demon Generals. There were those who would be in charge of the command of the demon armies. The army was split into different divisions, and each of them was in charge of it. There were three groups of each division, the leading army that would invade the other regions would be the largest division with six generals in charge. Followed by the other two divisions; who were tasked with scouting and safekeeping to protect their continent.

    The scouting division would be sent out to invade the other continents first as spies, gathering more intel of the current state of each continent''s forces before deciding for an appropriate strategy that the offensive division would partake.

    Even if their main goal was to dwindle their population, it would still be a shame for them if they were to lose purposely, resulting in a total defeat. They still have their pride as a demon race as they would go all out in their war, to flex and to boast of the strength.

    A sound of a humming was heard outside the doors to the hall. It attracted the demon council''s attention as it was a rather unexpected time and a place to have a visitor, as there were royal guards stationed on the other side of the doors to the hall and outside the castle.

    But it would seem that an intruder had managed to breach through security as loud steps were heard, drawing closer and closer towards the large double doors.

    The large double doors gave a soft cranking noise as it sprung open. A human man entered through, revealing himself towards the council. He was tall with broad shoulders and wore a large furry, black coat. His face was white and clean, giving off a dashing look from a man.

    A large creepy smile on his face and most would assume that he was unaware of the danger he was in.

    He stood proud and tall, with a smile that would creep people out given to the danger that he was in. But his confidence was high and his eyes were bold to stare deep into the demon council''s silent observation before they went on alert as a human had made its way into the heart of the demon''s home.

    The man ignored them as he slowly continued on to approach them, heading closer towards the table before halting into a stop, facing the Demon Queen as he gave her a low bow.

    "My apologies for the intrusion, your highness." He apologised politely as he waited for the Queen to give him permission to speak.

    "You may speak, human." The Demon Queen Lilith said with a menacing voice that sent chills within the hall, but the man seemed unaffected as he raised his head to face them with a smile.

    "I understand that I am in no place to be asking for favours, but I have an offer that I would like to make. And it would be wonderful if you would be so kind as to lend me your ears." He asked with his smile still intact.

    "And what is it that you would ask for?" Queen Lilith asked, granting him the opportunity to speak his mind. She was rather curious to hear the man''s request, but it would seem that the other Demon Generals were in disapproval as they like the majority of the demon race, aren''t too fond of humans who do not know their place.

    ¡°I have a proposition, the command of your army, for the world''s domination.¡± The man said at last with his request.

    ¡°Explain yourself,¡± She demanded of him as she like the others were confused by his words.

    ¡°Of course,¡± he said as he understood that he hasn¡¯t explained much of his offer towards them.

    ¡°By granting the command of your army to me, I will assure you victory over the lands.¡± He explained as Queen Lilith understood that she had not misinterpreted it wrong.

    "Making such a bold offer, don''t you understand that you are in no position in asking of such things from us, human?" Dreneva, one of the Demon Generals closest to him snapped as she could no more tolerate the man''s cocky attitude.

    "Of course, I do. I stated it before didn''t I?" He replied politely, his smile yet still intact even when he was being denounced. But it had seemed that his words had done no better but to rile up Dreneva into a rage.

    "I had enough of your attitude! Don''t you understand that you''re talking to a superior?" Her eyes glared into him with anger and disgust as a human was speaking boldly back against her.

    ¡°No, it is you who do not understand.¡± He replied calmly yet it seemed from others'' eyes that he was provoking Dreneva. And it had seemed that she had taken into his bait.

    ¡°This Filth!" She screamed out of irritation.

    "I will teach you manners in how you should address us with respect!" Dreneva roared in anger. The other Demon Generals tried to stop her but she ignored them as her fuse already blown. Going for her weapon; a large battleaxe, she stood tall against him, ready to strike their intruder.

    "And you would resort to violence," the man said with a sigh his smile finally died away. Slowly closing his eyes as it seemed that he had accepted her attack, but he didn''t back down as his eyes sprung open once again, revealing the monstrous killing intent from it.

    Dreneva who was once so quick to attack him was struck by his killing intent, as she for a moment had lost her footing, stuttering back and falling into her seat.

    She like the others were wildly confused. Giving a look back at him, she saw that nothing had changed, only but the look in his eyes. The ominous look in his eyes that were filled with a killing intent that she had never faced before.

    Her instincts warned her all over, as she felt her hands shaking, her feet trembling. Her instincts informed her that if she had attacked him then, he would''ve killed her with only but a moment''s breath.

    Her emotions were jumbled but ended up feeling her with fear, as she surrendered herself. Frightened as she was, her expressions stayed true as it was seen all over her face.

    "W-what are you?" She asked cautiously, fearful of the man''s wrath.

    ¡°A god.¡± He finally answered with a large mocking smile returned on his face.

    The other Demon Generals were on high alert, but Queen Lilith had her brow furrowed as she like Dreneva saw the change in the man''s aura. She decided that it would remain best to allow the man to continue with his words, as it would have seemed that his killing intent had placed her in such a discomforting position. The other Demon Generals looked towards their Queen and saw that she wasn''t taking a stand against him, and decided to follow suit.

    "It seems that I should''ve introduced myself first." He said with a small sigh, releasing his mistake as he scratched his lower cheek.

    "Very well then." He said at last, once against standing tall and straight, ready to introduce himself, like a student in a classroom.

    "I used to go by the name Nick Ohmsford, a man who once had achieved the impossible. And I can definitely assure you that I am no human. I despise them as very much as I despise you demons." He declared, pondering his words.

    "So I would very much appreciate it that I am not compared to such lowly beings." A shown of disgust filled his face as he imagined his words being true.

    "Then what are you truly?" Amongst the all of the silent Demon Generals, only Queen Lilith was bold enough to ask. For she still reigns power as there exists a big gap in power between her and her subordinates.

    "An Angel," He answered with his arms opening wide. The Demon Generals were filled with disbelief as they could not accept him being an Angel from the heavens as he does not have any similarities in appearance to them.

    "No, no. Not the type of Angel that you would all have in mind. I am not an Angel who descended from the heavens, but I am one who came from a distant far future." He corrected them as he could tell from the look of their eyes.

    "I was known as many things then. A hero, an emperor, and even as a god." He boasted with his undying smile.

    "But it would seem that fate is cruel, returning me to a time where my younger, foolish self-exists." He mumbled to himself out loud. His voice had gone cold with his smile gone.

    "It may be a dozen millennium ago, but I am still able to recall every one of you. Truth be told, I''ve fought and won against you generals. It may have been a tough battle then, bloody and bruisey. But it wouldn''t be now, for you see. I have grown a lot from the time we fought, you may not even land a scratch on me."

    "Not that you would believe." He sighed.

    ¡°But General Dreneva here would gladly take on the role to convince you.¡± He gave a glance at Dreneva as he gave a kind smile at her, but she knew that he was mocking her with her overwhelming defeat.

    "You are all in no place in going against my offer, if push comes to hand, I will regretfully kill all of you to seize command." He threatened them with his words.

    A few of the Demon Generals seemed provoked by his words, filled with irritation and wanted to attack him, but for the Queen to remain silent and for them to act disobediently before her would be unfavourable to them. Knowing it best, they kept their cool and let the Queen handle the situation.

    ¡°So please, do give some thought in regard to my proposal,¡± He pleaded nicely and politely, lowering his head.

    ¡°I''m not here to kill you, I''m here to offer aid.¡± He assured them, raising his head to face them.

    "Why would an Angel who you claim to be, offer us such help?" Queen Lilith asked him with a genuine curiosity. There were holes in the information he had given her, as she wishes to understand why such a being would appear before them offering his aid.

    "In what way would, having the command of my army and rewarding us with the world''s dominion be favourable to you?" She asked again, bringing up questions that she require answers to.

    "Indeed, handing the world''s control to you would be unfavourable to me, but fear not, for I will stay true with my words and hand the world to you if given the victory."

    "But I can understand that it would be hard to believe words from a stranger. But that is all I have to back up with my words."

    "Aren''t you all having a crisis of your own too?" He said with his brow raised in question.

    The Demon Generals were surprised to see him bring about their crisis as they realised that he had mentioned that he had was from the future.

    ¡°Just the command of the army?¡± The Queen asked.

    ¡°Just the command of the army.¡± He pleading her with a smile.

    It took only a brief moment for Queen Lilith to make her decision, as she had decided and entrusted the control towards. ¡°Then very well. I shall make adjustments and place you in command of our army''s offensive division.¡± She answered.

    ¡°But your excellence, for a being like him to take command of our army would bring shame to our kind¡ª¡± Azaeth tried to stop her.

    ¡°Silence!¡± The Demon Queen roared with a thundering voice as it echoed through the hall and out through the corridor.

    The Demon Generals and even self-proclaimed Angel felt the fierce rage in her words as it sent a chill down their spines.

    ¡°As expected of her.¡± He thought, feeling nostalgia as he remembered her being his strongest opponent in his past.

    "My decision has been made, and my words are absolute. Have you forgotten that we demons would always acknowledge and show respect to those with immense strength? No matter the race. And here is one, who is much more worthy than I to go on a conquest of the world." She announced, without feeling regret as her words were only filled with the truth.

    ¡°I''m sorry, your Highness¡ª¡± Azaeth began to apologise as it was the first time for her to see Queen Lilith unleash her anger upon her. She was afraid of her wrath and was quick to apologise.

    ¡°Save it for later.¡± The Queen cut her short once again before turning her attention back towards the Angel who was waiting for his turn to speak.

    ¡°Then everything seems to be in order. Thank you then, your excellence.¡± He said giving her a bow as he seemed to be quick to return.

    ¡°But I must know, what is your objective in all of this? There must be a reason for you to return here.¡± The Queen asked him just before he was about to leave.

    ¡°To change the course of my path.¡± He announced.

    There was no need for him to remain as he had already succeeded in his own task to gain the control of the demon army. Happy with the outcome that avoided needless bloodshed, he started off back towards where he once came from.

    Just before heading out of the hall he stopped in his feet as he had just remembered something to ask of them.

    "Ah yes, there''s a favour I''d have to ask for. In a week or so, there would be a boy that I''d bring along back here. I want him to be kept in captivity, with the utmost care. And as soon as a week went by, he is to be released back through the gateway."

    "The gateway? You got it to function?" The Queen was surprised to hear along with the others.

    "Yes, I have my ways. And also, with a warning. If I ever see him harmed."

    "I wouldn''t mind, repeating history, with your deaths on toll." He smiled back at them, before turning away and headed out through the corridor.

    "Such a foul, unpleasant look in his eyes. It reeks of pain and grief." Queen Lilith said in disgust as she watched him walked out of sight. The other Demon Generals had begun murmuring to one another, bickering in regards of their intruder, while Lilith turned her attention back towards her third Demon General, Azaeth.

    "And Azaeth, I indeed had given him the command of the army. But it was the best favourable outcome for us. Let him and the races of M¨¦gia battle it out. He''s not someone we would hope to go against alone." She informed Azaeth and the rest.

    "Forgive me, for speaking out of turn, your excellence," Azaeth begged her for forgiveness as she had realised her wrongs.

    ¡°No matter, what is done has been done.¡± The Queen assured her with a warm smile.

    "What of the Queen''s Guards who were stationed outside? How could they possibly allow an intruder in without our consent?" Xen asked, looking irritated as the royal guards who she was in charge of had neglected their duty.

    The Demon Generals came to the same sudden realisation as they realised that the royal guards had been absent. It was strange as the royal guards were soldiers who would fight till the ends of the earth for their Queen, and for them to have ignored their duty was uncharacteristic.

    They stood up together, for a better view over through beyond the doors, searching for the signs of the stationed guards. Their eyes were all widened into shock at what they saw were the bodies that once belong to the Queen''s Guards, all bloodied and lifeless.

    There were scrapes and markings on the ground around their bodies as if they were attacked by a battalion of spearmen.

    "What an interesting yet fearsome individual." Queen Lilith said with an astonished look as she seated back onto her throne once more.

    "Forgive me, for having a say in this, but it would be absurd if there''s a thought of you having a monster such as him as a candidate as your bride," Xen quickly responded on top of Queen Lilith''s statement, as she was concerned and afraid for her Queen.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Queen Lilith shook her head in regards to Xen''s concern.

    "But I''m rather more interested in the boy he spoke of." She announced as her crimson red coloured eyes were shining bright with an idea. The Demon Generals stared at her in confusion as they slowly started beginning to understand the Queen''s intentions.

 Vol 2. Chapter 1 - Liliths Visit

    The dust gave an eerie, uncomfortable feeling as it brushed against Nick Ohmsford''s skin, waking him up from his slumber. His head felt heavy, and his body weak.

    Slowly rising from the cold and dusty cobblestone floor. He heard the clinking noises of chains ringing into his ears. He sat himself up, falling back into a resting position on the floor.

    He noticed that he was shirtless and his wounds had healed over time, even as they ran deep, they were all healed, leaving neither marks nor scars.

    It was a new discovery for him, as he had never known that he his regeneration exceeded to this amount; for he had never received any injuries that ran as deep as these before.

    "The perks of being an angel." The thought ran cold in his mind. He did not feel thankful or anything of such in regards to being one. As him having the responsibilities of an angel had led him to this fate.

    Yet another day had passed, nearing up to a week. Finding himself yet again still locked away inside a cellar.

    The cellar was dimly lit, with cracks all around the walls, as if the place were to fall apart. It had seemed as the cellar had not been used for such a long period of time, with the place filled with dust. But there were neither spiders nor webs about, as he was the only living being present.

    The cellar too had no windows as it hid him from the sun. Even if the cellar did, there won''t be any rays of sunlight shining through, but Nick was clueless about it.

    The only light that was present; was light from the emitting lamp that hanged outside his cellar. It was not much as it only gave light to only some parts of the cellar, but the edges and corners remained in darkness, leaving Nick, hiding in the shadows.

    His whereabouts were unknown, but he could only come up with a wild guess from his previous observations of prison guards, who came and left bringing him lunch and dinner every day.

    Like all humans from his world, their eyes were naturally be drawn to the unnatural appearance of the prison guards; their large two horns. His eyes slowly moved down and saw that their humanoid faces still remained. They were females of a demon race.

    It backed up in his wild guess as he concluded that he was being kept locked in the world that he and his companions had been in search for.

    The irony of such thought ran through his mind; of how much he and his friends had wanted to discover this world, but only for him to be locked away here in a cellar. And his companions. . . were gone.

    He was in shackles, as he felt the weight on his wrists, being bounded by chains, like a monster. His meals were rather grand for a prisoner such as him. It was as if he was a pig being fed for slaughter.

    He was about to question why, but then immediately realised that his future self must have asked them for it.

    The thought irked painfully in his mind as he screamed out of rage, "I don''t need any sympathy from you!"

    His blood boiled from the slightest thought of his future self. He could picture the man''s face clearly as it was yesterday when his friends were murdered by him; cold and emotionless. Without a single shed of tear, as if his future self felt nothing from taking his old friends'' lives.

    It filled him with disgust and rage as the thirst for vengeance returned back to him, filling him with a burning desire to see his future self''s neck snapped by his own hands.

    His chains were being pulled from the wall as he aimed for escape, but his strength wasn''t as it was before, as he had grown weak. His muscles had softened and nearly deteriorated.

    Being unable to free himself from the chains, he did not stop but continued pulling and began screaming at the top of his lungs. But his scream was not out of desperation for escape, but out of rage; a twisted rage that filled his mind with only the desire for revenge. He was able to go on for hours and hours until his consciousness slowly fades away from the strain.

    The sound of Nick''s scream was heard and echoed throughout the prison cells and into the prison guards'' room.

    The two demons who were on guard duty heard his scream as frustration plastered over their already exasperated faces.

    "And he''s going at it again. The usual!" Orsha, one of the two guards on duty said to her friend, Isir, with a voice filled with irritation whilst letting out a loud and tired sigh.

    "Ugh, that brat just doesn''t know when to give up." She added in frustration.

    "But he does have quite an undying spirit," Isir added in acknowledgement as she saw Orsha rubbing her own chin, thinking of her next words.

    "Yeah, he does have one, but it''d be nice if he''d go a day without screaming!" Orsha screamed back towards the prison cell''s direction but it seemed as she was not heard as his scream continued on.

    "Ugh, like who pissed him off this much? Why is he even kept here imprisoned?" Orsha questioned with her forehead on the table.

    "Wouldn''t the humans be pissed if they find out that we''re keeping one of their own here as hostage?" She added, her face rising up to show concern plastering all over it.

    "Well that''s only for the higher-ups to worry about," Isir answered her being composed like her usual self.

    ¡°How are you not affected by this?" Orsha asked with a confused look.

    "You''d get used to it." She answered with a smile, as she sipped her tea.

    "Uh-huh," Orsha responded with one brow raised as she watched Isir placed her cup back onto its saucer.

    "But I did recall hearing rumours," Isir said at last as she began searching through her thoughts.

    "Rumours? Like what?" Orsha asked with a genuine sense of curiosity.

    "Rumours like this human here is special in some way," Isir replied as she had finally recalled.

    "Haaa?!" Orsha exclaimed in disbelief.

    "How is he special? The only thing he does is scream and scream day after day." Orsha stated with an agitated look, her arms folded at her chest.

    "I''m not too sure about it, but he''s under the Queen''s jurisdiction," Isir said backing up her answer as it led Orsha into more questions.

    "The Queen?" Orsha asked, confirming if she didn''t have heard it wrong.

    "Yes, our Queen Lilith." Isir nodded.

    "And it seems that the plot runs deeper."

    "How so?" Orsha asked, leaning closer to hear.

    "Well, this wasn''t made public, so I only heard it from one of my friends who had been working in the higher-ups as the Queen''s guards. So do keep your voice low and it a secret," Isir said as she waited for Orsha to agree, answering her with a nod.

    "Five days ago, a human came from the gateway bringing along this boy with him." Isir continued.

    "Gateway? You mean the historical monument?" Orsha asked, her eyes filled with surprise.

    "Yes, it seems as that human managed to get the gateway to function. And it seemed that the two of them were related in some way."

    "Five days ago. . Wait! That was the day before¡ª"

    "Yes, the day before the declaration of war against the other continents," Isir said, finishing Orsha''s words for her.

    "It seems that they''re all connected in a way, but I am clueless as of why." Isir shook her head disappointed by her own lack of intelligence.

    "But that makes this boy here, a very important human to the Queen, if she had him kept locked in here, healthily," Orsha gasped with her sudden realisation.

    "Indeed," Isir said in reply.

    "You telling me that just makes me want to go in there to find out more about him," Orsha said her face stirred with excitement.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Isir was quick to warn her, partner. Concerned if she would actually attempt in doing so.

    "Yeah, yeah. I know." Orsha assured her, freeing Isir from her concerns. She let out a soft sigh before continuing with her words.

    "I''d be sentenced to imprisonment or worse if I ever touched the Queen''s property."

    "Must be nice being the queen, to be able to bend the rules and keep a human for herself." Orsha sighed once again as she sunk back into her seat.

    "Well, she is our Queen." Isir began, "And we as her people are obliged to follow her."

    "Yeah, yeah," Orsha replied with an annoyed voice as she nonchalantly sticking both feet on the table, with her chair swaying backwards.

    Night in the city of Ixerath was the same as any other would. When the hour reached midnight, the city''s lights would be out with most of the citizens would be asleep. It was rather dark outside, with only but streetlights emitting the path walks for pedestrians.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    It was during that time when Queen Lilith was wide awake, sneaking out from her study room, heading out into the lower districts. She brought a cloak with her, covering her head and face as she began rushing down through the streets.

    There wasn''t anything special to her attire, as she wore plain clothes and pants, comfortable enough for her to freely move in.

    Like all the other districts, there were guards patrolling on the streets keeping the city safe, and citizens free from suspicious intruders. Lilith was rather suspicious herself, as she was hiding her identity beneath her hood.

    She waited for the patrol guards to pass by, not wanting to start any conflict with them.

    Lilith''s aim at this hour was to visit the prison cells. She had been waiting patiently for the past five days since the arrival of the captive that the future Nick had brought along with him. She had been busy then, with all the work she had, arrangements needing to be signed, orders needing to be approved. She had been unable to visit him.

    She had grown impatient then, finally resorting to her sneaking away from her study room. The thrill of sneaking away at night to meet someone of the opposite gender filled her with great excitement. She was rebellious.

    Even is she was the Queen, there were many procedures she had to follow before she was able to meet him. But living up to her personality; she would always go against those procedures.

    In most nights, she had been kept wide awake, flustering on what conversations she would hold with him, leaving her unable to sleep.

    She finally arrived in the lower district where the prison block was located in. But there were still passersby about as she hid within the shadows, waiting patiently before proceeding towards the prison block''s door.

    Pushing the door open, she stepped in and closed the door behind her. But as soon as she did, she was welcomed with hostility as the two prison guards who were on duty was alarmed by her intrusion, with their weapons at ready.

    "State your name and business!" One of the guards demanded of her, the guard''s weapon pointing in eye''s height at Lilith.

    The guards were clueless of Lilith''s identity for she had worn a hood, hiding her identity from them. But it was no longer needed as she revealed herself by pulling back her hood.

    Her long striking black hair with the mix of red stripes fell on her back, with her beautiful light brown face finally revealed to the prison guards as they immediately realised of who she was.

    Sheathing their weapons, they immediately kneeled down on their knees before her. The fear was palpable by just the looks on their faces.

    "Forgive us, for showing you hostility, your Majesty." One of the prison guards spoke in apology for them both, seeking for the Queen''s forgiveness.

    "Rise, for you are forgiven, as you are not to blame for carrying out your duty," Lilith replied, gracing them with her forgiveness.

    The fear in their looks had been lifted away as they risen to face the Queen.

    "What are your names, my sisters?" Lilith asked of them.

    "My name is Isir, and my partner here is Orsha," Isir answered her, politely with a bow as Orsha panicked and followed suit.

    Lilith''s reddish eyes examined their flustered looks that were plastered all over their faces. The two prison guards were not prepared in spirit, as like all others, they too dreamed of being able to meet the Queen, but never imagined of being able to see her this close in person.

    "Forgive me for asking, but what brings your Highness here?" asked Orsha, her face brimming with curiosity.

    "There is a human imprisoned here, and I wish to give him a visit," Lilith answered, her voice almost filled with grace.

    "Oh! The boy." Orsha exclaimed as she hurriedly went to grab the keys for the prison cell.

    A genuine sense of curiosity and protectiveness filled inside Lilith as she wanted to know the reasoning of why Orsha referred to the human so casually to call him as a boy. But she held herself back and threw away the feeling as she decided to think of it being nothing much.

    "This way, your Highness," Orsha said as she had found the keys, beckoning her to follow as she unlocked the door that leads to his cellar.

    "He doesn''t talk much, all he ever does was screaming in the top of his lungs throughout the day," Orsha notified Lilith as they were close and nearing towards his cellar.

    "Does he now? Was he in pain?" Lilith asked concern plastered over her face.

    "No, there were no physical injuries. His wounds from before had all been healed away without treatment, it''s amazing how it never left a scar or two." Orsha said in acknowledgement.

    "If anything it would be mentally." She added.

    Orsha went into a stop as she nodded her head towards the cellar she faced, where a boy in the cover of shadows was resting with his back against the wall.

    "I wish to be left alone with him," Lilith demanded, not as a request but as an order.

    "Do you need the keys for his cell?" Orsha asked, wanting to offer any help she was able to give to her Queen.

    "No need," Lilith denied her.

    "As you wish, your Majesty," Orsha responded with a bow before she started off back towards the prison guard''s room. She closed the door behind her, leaving Lilith alone with the human, away from ears'' reach.

    Lilith took her time, examining the human''s build and appearance, he seemed rather young. His face was not covered under the cover of the shadows as it was hard to see.

    His hair was black and messy, filled with dust. His body was thin and out of shape. He seemed different from the man she had given the command of her army to. But she was definitely sure, that they were the same person.

    She only managed to catch a glimpse of his face, his eyes were half opened, gleaming in the dark, as it seemed as he was daydreaming as he stared into the wall behind her.

    Squinting her eyes, she took a step closer to look and saw that his eyes were filled with coldness, almost devoid of life. As if a man was stripped away his will to live.

    What a pity she had thought, as it seemed as the boy was in no condition for her to converse with.

    Letting out a sigh of disappointment she began walking back, away from the cellar.

    It was then when her foot had caught in between the cracks in the floor, forcing her to lose her balance and fell down. Grabbing onto the cellar''s bars, she managed to stop her fall, but a loud noise was made from it.

    "What do you want?" A rough voice said from within the cellar.

    It seems that the noise she made had wakened up the boy from his sleep, but his voice seemed almost hollow.

    "I just wanted to have a talk with you," Lilith answered, her face filled with surprise.

    The boy slowly rose up from the ground and started towards out from the shadows, revealing his striking yet dirty face. His cold eyes stared at Lilith for a brief moment before his mouth opened to speak.

    "Ooh.." He exclaimed almost mockingly, his piercing eyes were locked onto hers.

    "Sorry, but we don''t accept visitors at this hour." He replied as if he was a prison guard on duty, shooing away visitors after hours.

    Lilith was slightly agitated by his words as she saw him turning his back on her as he started off walking back into the shadows. She clenched her fist, as she was still not finished with him.

    "Wait!" She said.

    He stopped in his tracks with his head turned over his shoulder to face her. His brows furrowed in annoyance as he wanted to return to his sleep.

    "My name''s Lilith," She introduced herself.

    "Humans are rare to come by in this part of the country, and seeing you here, I decided that I wanted to learn more about you." She explained, her face gleaming with hopes for the boy to accept her invitation.

    The boy took a moment before he decided his answer. He let out a sigh, knowing that it was pointless to try to avoid her, as she was arrogant enough to not leave him alone; thus he decided that he follow her wishes.

    He walked back closer towards the cellar''s bars away from the shadows, falling back into a resting position on the cold floor.

    "You can call me Nick." He introduced himself to her, but Lilith already knew of his name but she had already decided that it would be best if she kept it a secret along with her status in position and their connection.

    "Have a seat," He invited her, his head nodded towards the wooden chair that was conveniently placed behind her.

    Lilith turned around to look in his direction and was surprised to see that a chair was present, grabbing the chair, she sat down, closer towards him.

    "Now, before I can give answers to any of your questions, I have some of my own that I wish to first clarify about." He said as he waited for her agreement.

    "Ask away," Lilith said, allowing him to continue.

    "Where am I?" Nick asked a simple and expected question.

    "You''re in the prison block located in the lower districts of Ixerath. A city built within the heart of the Northern regions of M¨¦gia, Daemonia; the Demons'' continent." She answered him, without leaving out any information.

    It had seemed that Nick''s wild guess was not off the mark, as he really was in the world that his expedition was in search for.

    "Why am I being kept here?" He asked again with another question.

    "That I do not know," She answered truthfully, as even she the Demon Queen does not know why Nick''s future self wanted him to be kept here imprisoned.

    He let out a sigh filled with his disappointment, on tops of even knowing that she wouldn''t know the reasoning for his imprisonment.

    "Very well, so what do you want to know about me?" He asked, his questions were all not answered but it seemed to him that Lilith wasn''t the person who would have answers for them.

    "Your age, your hobbies, everything." She answered.

    "Age of nineteen, and I love sleeping." He said with a loud yawn.

    "Nineteen years? But you look rather young to be at that age." She stated in her surprise as she examined him once again.

    Nick saw the surprise and disbelief plastered on Lilith''s face, as a small grin grew on his face.

    "Well, it is to be expected. I''m nineteen in heart, but physical appearance is seventeen." He explained as if he was a maiden in heart.

    "But even if you were seventeen, you seem to be rather younger than most humans here." She continued with her disbelief.

    "I thought you said, humans rarely come by here?" Nick asked with his eyes frowned as Lilith still did not believe his words.

    "I heard of them from stories and books." It was half a lie, as she had lived long enough to fight countless wars against humans.

    "The difference in the environments might come into effect of our growth. I''m no Highlander." He informed her.

    "From the world, I am from, my size would be considered as a fully grown adult, well with a little bit of more muscles." He said as he examined his one present features that had begun deteriorating away.

    "From your world?" She asked as Nick had brought up something that peaked her curiosity.

    "Just as humans are not from this country, I am not from this world." He said as he relaxed his head back, with his eyes closed as he began to recall his world.

    "But you should tell me about yourself too," He added before she was able to ask more questions.

    Lilith had just realised that she hasn''t talked much about herself, as she had been curious in wanting to know more about him. It was rude she realised for him to only talk about himself.

    "For me, I''m at the age of two hundred and seventy-eight years old." She said with her hand touching her chest.

    "Two hundred and seventy.. years.. huh," Nick mumbled to himself, his eyes staring away before he began questioning her once more.

    "And what is that in human years?"

    "It''s rather hard to explain but, we demons are gifted with the long span in age. But it differs from one to another, some are able to live up to a thousand years or more. But in the majority, it would round off to seven hundred or so."

    "Hmm, and at what age do you come off as an adult?" He asked, his hand brushing his chin.

    "One would be considered as an adult at the age of fifteen years." She answered.

    "Huh, quite young compared to a human''s coming off age," Nick added.

    "At what age do humans from your world come off age at?" Lilith asked.

    "Depends on the country, but universally it would be eighteen." He answered, with a slightly saddened face.

    "It''s a shame, I wasn''t able to reach that age." He said to himself.

    "We demons have an extraordinary speed in growth. But our growth stop as soon as we reach adulthood, we do not grow old like humans do." She explained.

    "So you demons, have it nice huh. Being able to keep your beauty," Nick said, letting out a sigh.

    "Now if you don''t mind me asking, what are your three sizes?" He joked with his hand covering his grin from view.

    "My three sizes?" Lilith asked in confusion before her face slowly flustered in embarrassment as she realised what he meant.

    "It''s just a joke!" He said before bursting into laughter.

    It was rather a surprise to Nick as he managed to see the cute expression Lilith ask as he had teased her.

    "Even demons can make those expressions too, huh." He thought quietly, still laughing uncontrollably.

    It seemed that Lilith was the type of girl easily to be teased by him as she had begun to pout.

    "It''s quite late now for a young lady like you to be here, you should return back to your home while the night is still young," Nick said as he calmed himself down from laughing, letting out yet another yawn.

    Lilith who had been lost in the track of time, came to a sudden realisation that she must make haste in returning to her study room before the guards are notified of her disappearance. Or worst, her strict head maid finding out.

    She was rather fearful of the head maid as she would never let her escape from her punishment.

    "Very well then," Lilith said as she rose from the wooden chair.

    "It''s been a pleasant night being able to have a talk with you. I look forward to our next meeting." She said, leaving Nick baffled by her statement.

    "You''re coming again?" He asked, with an almost annoyed voice.

    "Yes, but of course. I still have a lot I wish to learn more about you." She stated.

    "What is your goal really?" He asked cautiously, with his eyes frowned."

    "Just to befriend you, that is all." She said with a warm and friendly smile. It was half the truth, as she was indeed wanting to befriend him, but she wanted to improve more of her relationship with him.

    "Have a pleasant night," She nodded with a smile, before parting ways as she headed out towards the door.

    Nick watched her go, with mixed emotions. He was rather irritated to have visitors disturbing him as he had wanted to be left alone to his grief.

    "Well at least, I have something to look forward to now." He said with a smile, as he felt her smile''s warmth reaching him, freeing him from his worries.

    As Lilith entered through the door that leads back into the prison guard''s room, she closed the door behind her and was welcomed back by the two guards on duty.

    "Were you able to get a word out from him, your Highness?" Orsha asked as she was quick, wanting to know of their Queen''s attempt.

    "More than a word, but it seems that he is still quite rather distant before being able to fully open himself to me." She said as she held back her saddened expression.

    "I have a favour that I''d like to ask of you two before I return," She announced as Isir and Orsha were surprised of her request.

    "Whatever you may ask of us, your Majesty," Isir said with a bow, as Orsha followed in suit.

    "Keep my visit here a secret, it''d be troublesome if word gets out of me visiting, I already have enough troubles with the current state of crisis," Lilith ordered them.

    "We shall keep this a secret to our graves," Isir spoke in favour of her and her partner.

    "Very well then, I shall return here again, so be prepared for my return," Lilith said as she started off towards the door that leads back out into the streets.

    She stopped just before the door, as she pulled her hood back on to hide her identity. She turned her head over her shoulder as still had more to say to the two.

    "Isir and Orsha," She said their names.

    "You both have done a great service to the Queen. I shall remember your names as valuable assets for the times to come." Lilith said in a voice filled with grace before stepping through the door and out into the dark street.

    The two prison guards were swayed by her words, as they had almost fallen to the point of being stunned.

 Vol 2. Chapter 2 - Lies and Deceits

    A week had come to pass ever since Lilith''s first visit. She had grown more attached towards Nick, as each passing day her likings towards him only grew more and more so.

    Her visits were rather often, as she had wanted to learn more about him, returning whenever the opportunity arises to visit Nick''s cellar late at night

    Their conversations were of each others'' as they began learning one another''s lives.

    Once again, night had fallen in Ixerath as Lilith had escaped her castle to visit Nick in his cellar. She was sitting on the usual wooden chair, wearing a cloak that covered her nightdress.

    She was listening to him as he was telling more of himself; tales from his past.

    "There was this.. one time when I was much younger, around the age of eight or so." Nick began, as he was in midst of recalling the memory of his young self.

    "I was innocent then, filled with only the desire for thrill and adventure. So my parents sent me off to a boot camp, under a company that my father was working under." He scratches his chin for a moment as he continued with his tale.

    "It''s a pretty long story for many things had happened then, but unexpectedly my presence there had changed the better of most people. I ended up winning an award; for being one to change most hearts, for saving a one''s life from danger, and for pushing friends to conquer their fears." He finished as a small smile grew on his face as he was able to recall such a pleasant memory.

    "Haha, what is that?" Lilith began with a laugh, as Nick tried hiding his embarrassment.

    "Eight¡ªeight years old, and you had already become a hero at such a young age!" She teased him.

    She wasn''t mocking him but instead was not able to contain herself as she was caught off guard in hearing of such tales.

    "I would love to see a lil Nick." She said to herself in her thoughts.

    "Yeah, I did." He answered her, as he continued reminiscing his past.

    "Back then, I only had dreams of wanting to go on an adventure, to travel to worlds such as this with my friends as companions." He stopped for a moment, letting out a soft sigh.

    "But realistically, I just went off wanting to be an astronaut." He continued with his words.

    "An astronaut?" Lilith asked as she had never heard of such a word before.

    "It''s somewhat of an adventurer, who journeys above the clouds and towards the stars ahead." He explained as Lilith was left in awe.

    "You''re able to travel above the clouds in your world?" She asked with her eyes sparkling with interest.

    "No not me, but we had the technology to do so. Like reaching the moon." He told her.

    "The moon? Wow! That''s amazing!" She exclaimed excitedly.

    "I''ve always wanted to see the stars and the moon, but being able to travel there is another thing itself!" Lilith continued.

    "What do you mean by that?" Nick asked, as her words had peaked his curiosity.

    "Well, if you haven''t known, the skies in Daemonia is often only covered by smoke. So it''s a very rare opportunity for us to be able to see a star or moon up from the sky." She said with her excitement had slowly died away, but her face did not show any sadness as she had already been used to her lifestyle.

    "Well, I am sorry to hear that," Nick began to apologise as Lilith was quick to stop him.

    "Don''t be, let''s continue where you left off; about your younger self." She said as she was still interested in wanting to hear more.

    "Well, I was such a fool back then," Nick said regretfully.

    "But even so, I never did expect my adventures coming into reality. That your world would exist beyond the reaches of my gateway." Nick added.

    "Oh, regarding about the gateway, have you of any idea on how it came to work?" She began to ask, wanting to see if she was able to put the gateway in Ixerath to any use.

    "Ours had been inactive for more than a thousand years, and it seems that the historical records with anything in regards to it seemed to be missing."

    "Honestly, I wish I do, but I too am in search for the same answers," Nick said with a short sigh as he knew little about the gateway, to begin with.

    "Do you miss your home?" Lilith asked out of the sudden, as she tried bringing up another topic.

    "Yeah.. maybe a little." It took a while before Nick''s reply as he began feeling nostalgic, recalling of his home.

    "What was it like, back there on your world?" She pressed on with her questions, intrigued to learn more about his world.

    "Probably the same as any other world would." He said as he began thinking of words to describe his world.

    "Blue skies, mountains soaring high, oceans as far as the horizon. And cities; the size of a country." He answered her question.

    "Now when I think back about it, it wasn''t so bad back there,"

    "Oh!" He exclaimed as he had just remembered the difference in their worlds.

    "But what would set a big of a difference in our worlds would be that in my world, there are only but a single race that rules the land; humans. Our science and technology too had advanced throughout the coming years."

    "Like wagons and carts here. We rarely have those back at home, and they''re replaced with vehicles; big and small powered by engines. There weren''t any needs for horses anymore. Ah, and we have flying contraptions too."

    "Flying contraptions?" Lilith asked as it had peaked her interest.

    "We have those here too." She noted.

    "Oh? You do?" Nick exclaimed to his surprise in learning that this world''s technology being quite advanced, and not too far behind from his world''s.

    "Yeah, airships; their engines powered by a complex machinery built with a combination of magic and our world''s science."

    "Mmm. But ours are different. We call them aeroplanes instead; big, flying contraptions, built in an ideal shape of a bird. It soars through the sky, at a speed faster than any other. It''d only take a couple of hours to travel to another country while crossing the ocean." He explained and saw that Lilith was keen to hear more.

    "It''s a nice world. Peaceful, filled with smiles and joys as the people lived without fear." He said with a faint smile.

    "But sadly, that is only but the surface. A mask; they wear to hide from the truth. And the truth is, that even with a world that has but a single race, we are still unable to achieve peace. Wars are raged on, for territory, resources, control and for religion." He went on as his smile had died away, into a coldness that filled the air around him.

    "But even then, I would still miss home. For it was the place I was born in." He said at last, after a brief moment of pause, as he was still able to find warmth in missing his world.

    "It''s not that easy for a bird to leave its nest." He added, with a smile directed at Lilith as she had been silently listening to his story.

    "What of your family and friends back at home?" Lilith asked.

    "I can''t say for sure on their behalf, but for me, I do miss them, yes. But it might only be a one-sided feeling. My family definitely would want to see me again, they surely would''ve missed me." He answered.

    "I want to see them.. to see my mother''s face once again. But that wouldn''t be possible." Nick continued as sadness began to grow on his face.

    Lilith was curious to know of what he had meant by that, but Nick was quick as he immediately went on and continued with their conversation.

    "Enough about me, I want to hear more of your family." He stated as he was the only one sharing about himself.

    "It''s quite a story," Lilith said as she hesitating to continue.

    "I wouldn''t mind listening, go on." Nick pressed on.

    "My mother was a great person. She was deeply respected by the majority of the people in this country. She was diligent, beautiful and elegant. All the qualities that I don''t have." She said with regret.

    "Huh, I''d say otherwise." He said, sharing his opinions as he disagreed on her negativity towards herself.

    "I admire my mother by a lot, growing up wanting to be just like her." She continued, pretending as if she had not heard Nick''s opinion.

    "Trying to follow in her footsteps, I accomplished a great many of things. Some would deem my accomplishments better than my mother''s, but it only felt as if I was still living in her shadows." She said with sadness plastered on her face.

    "You must have been really close with your mother," Nick said, breaking the brief moment of silence that had filled the air in midst of their conversation.

    "Only for a while, she died when I was still young. I had no siblings, no distant relatives, only that with a head maid being the closest to a family I have left." She continued, before returning him a smile.

    "I didn''t turn out to be like my mother at all. I became more of a troublemaker; causing troubles to the maids here and there. I used to always get an earful from the head maid for breaking rules like sneaking out in the night."Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "I guess you didn''t really change much since you''re still doing it now too." Nick teased her with a grin on his face.

    She began to laugh after hearing his statement, as she wiped a tear off her face, "Haha, I guess so."

    "But I''ve grown smarter to make sure to return before she realises something being amiss." She added with a snicker.

    "I used to always escape my bedchambers late at night, rushing to the garden so I could play in the dark," Lilith said as she reminisced of her childish past.

    "A garden?" He asked with a genuine sense of curiosity.

    "Yes, it was filled with such beautiful exotic flowers, but not the ordinary kind since the soil here would kill most plants and trees. Instead, these flowers are crystallized, and every so often the would shine a wonderful colour, even under the clouded sky." She said, recalling the warmth she felt from seeing their beautiful colours.

    "Wow, you must be one wealthy lady to have such an exotic garden," Nick said in awe, to know the existence of such flowers.

    "Maybe I am, but seeing the faces of the maids as they begin freaking out; realising of my disappearance, had always filled me with laughter." She chuckled, recalling their expressions.

    "I''m sure you have." Nick agreed with a snicker.

    "From the stories you''ve told me, you seem to have grown into a perfectly fine, beautiful lady." He complimented her, hoping to see her blushing but was surprised to see her nodding in agreement.

    "But your mother indeed seem to be a great outstanding figure. What about your father?" He asked as he realised she had not brought up anything about her father.

    "I don''t know much of my father, he died before I was born." She answered him, with a regretful look as she was quite saddened for not being able to have met her father.

    "I''m sorry to hear that," Nick said as it seemed that he had asked something he shouldn''t.

    "But I''ve heard that he was human. It''s one of the reasons why I retain more of a human appearance." She stated as he realised that she did seem different than the other demons he had seen so far.

    "Ah, speaking of which, I haven''t seen any of the men before, do they retain humanoid appearances like you and the others do too?" He asked as he had realised he had only seen the females demons but the males were absent.

    "Them? No. They are far different from what you''re imagining them to be." She said, shaking her head in denial.

    "Like their appearances; they''re more monsters than intellectual beings like us." She explained.

    "They''re weaker than us and hardly able to be controlled under the law. So most of them are kept, in the slums or outside the districts of the city. Their existence is only here as frontline soldiers, for hard labours and such." She said as she smeared them with hatred.

    "So they''re like ruffians," Nick said.

    "Ruffians?" She asked, confused as she had not heard of such a word before.

    "Uncultured people that only cause trouble." He pointed it out.

    "Yes, more likely so." She agreed.

    "The demon race is ruled differently here than the other continents. Our race serves under a hierarchy where the women rule above the men." She said as she began explaining more about the demon race.

    "But the demon race now isn''t as what you would expect of them to be; being ruthless and war hungry. We have achieved somewhat of a respectable standing among the other races." She told him, correcting his views on the demon race.

    "Yes, we may lust for power. But we too have conscious in finding peace. And our peace and freedom was something that our queen; the Demon Queen, had achieved and fought for us." She said proudly, trying not to brag too much of herself.

    "Since you haven''t seen, the city. I''ll tell you more about it. Our city here; Ixerath, is as modern as any other major cities throughout the other continents. With the science and magical research that had been shared with us, our technology too had advanced to such. Maybe not as much as your world would. But we too have machines powered by energy." She went on, telling more about them.

    "Cities filled with lights, machines that help to ease our work." She stated, nodding to the lamp that was placed above her.

    "It seems like your queen had built such a great country," Nick said as he unknowingly complimented her.

    "She must be a remarkable person to turn others'' view on the demon race to be more of a respectable kind.¡± He added.

    "That''s what many had said too." She said letting out a soft sigh.

    "Wouldn''t you agree too? No?" He asked, confused as to why she would denounce on her queen.

    "I''m unsure, really." She answered as she was unsatisfied with her accomplishments as her race was still under crisis.

    "With all the crisis at hand, and the state of the nation in danger. She hasn''t really done enough." She said biting herself with her own words.

    "Well, that is to be expected," Nick said.

    "We can''t do everything." He added as his words had slightly cheered Lilith up.

    "I''ve heard this story from my mother, that before the wars; during the construction of the gateway. The demon race was at the pinnacle of existence. Magic used to run in our blood, but then it was lost and forgotten, leaving only but a few that still have the affinity for it." She continued.

    "And the queen is one of the few. But it seems that as much as she had done, bringing back the lost magic that was once ours seemed almost impossible." She said as her face began looking depressed.

    "No, it was impossible." She corrected herself.

    "Huh, it seems that our history is nearly the same. We too used to have magic in our world. I don''t really know much about the truth behind it, but only that it was brought back to its homeworld; here." Nick said as he was quite surprised to find their history to be in common.

    "That''s probably one of the reasons why I had ended up in here, for digging my nose too far." He added with a sigh.

    "I''d like to hear more about it tomorrow. It''s late now, and I should return back home before the head maid actually notices my absence." Lilith said, ending their conversation as she rose from her seat.

    "Yeah, you should." Nick agreed as it would cause her trouble if she were to get caught sneaking out late. He was worried for her, for if she were to be caught, he would be unable to see her.

    "Have a pleasant night, Nick." She said with a smile.

    "In a cellar like this? I''ll try my best." He joked with a smear as he watched her leave.

    As soon as Lilith had left, closing the door behind her, Nick''s face turned sour, as dark thoughts began filling in his head.

    It had been almost two weeks since his imprisonment, leaving him growing restless and impatient. He wondered if Lilith would be of some use to him; in help of freeing him from these bars.

    Doing so would mean the acts of him tricking her to be used for his advantage. It would leave a bad taste to him, for committing such acts. But he''s running out of cards, and this was the only way for his path of revenge to be open.

    "Well, she did seem to have other ulterior intentions. Her identity is suspicious itself too." He thought.

    "Just you wait, Nick." He said referring to his future self. He gritted his teeth and felt his blood boiling with anger.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wipe that grin off your face, and I will kill you.¡± He swore out of vengeance as he was still unable to forget his anger.

    It had been hard for Nick, keeping up a mask that wore before Lilith. His smiles and laughs were not genuine as it was only hiding his pain and anger.

    But even as he had grown impatient, he knew best that acting hastily would end up biting him; for a single mistake would be a fatal flaw to his plans.

    He wanted to build their relationship slowly until they were close enough for him to ask for favours.

    "It wouldn''t be long now." He told himself as he laid his head down on the cold ground to rest.

    The coming day came as Lilith had once again returned for a visit to Nick''s cellar. She had a few exchanges of words with the prison guards before she had entered to see him.

    "Ever since your Highness had come to visit him, his screams during the day had come to a stop. I''m not sure what your Highness had done, but of course, I won''t be sniffing my nose into it!" Orsha said as she bowed apologetically.

    "But I wanted to relay my thanks for doing so. It''s been more peaceful now ever since." Orsha said as she gave her gratitude to Lilith who had seemed to have unintentionally made the prions guards'' lives merrier.

    But the words that Orsha said had left her to wonder as she was curious and intrigued to know more of his screams.

    "So I was told that your screams had gone into a stop," Lilith said as she had unexpectedly brought it up in midst of their conversation.

    Nick had told her more of himself and the expedition, he launched. He only told her that the expedition was to uncover the lost magic in his world, as it led them to find the lost island from the legends; Avalon.

    He was quite surprised to find out that Lilith too knew of Avalon, given that she was of a demon race as the history would be unknown to her. But the Arthurian legend still remains well known even in this parts of M¨¦gia.

    M¨¦gia, he wondered a lot about the choice in name. He once had endless questions he wanted off from his chest in regards of this world. But his hatred had gotten the better of him, as he had placed everything aside; his mission, his ideals and his responsibility, all for revenge.

    Nick was rather surprised in hearing that question being brought up by Lilith. But he understood that sooner or later, he would have to explain his situation if he was to earn his trust.

    "Why were you in agony?" Lilith asked him with concern plastered on her face. She was curious to know if he was hurt in any way.

    He felt a mix of emotions as she was concerned for him. He was disgusted in a way, as he assumes that she too wore a mask; playing nice to get answers out from him.

    But Nick was wrong to assume so, as her concern and her personality she shared before him remained true. Other than her keeping her real identity a secret, she had not told a single lie. As everything about her past and her family was the truth.

    But then, some parts of Nick felt thankful to be asked, as deep down, inside, he had wanted to get it off his chest.

    "Two years..." He began, as he had made his resolve and decided to tell her everything.

    "Two years ago, a tragedy had befallen upon me; leading me to my death. I won''t go too much into detail about it, but only that after my death; a week or so. I had a dream of an encounter with an angel; a messenger from God." He continued.

    "I was told that a dark presence was drawing close, and would consume the world of old, Megia into war."

    Lilith slowly came into realisation as the war Nick had mentioned was referring to the war that she and her generals had previously planned to start before Nick''s future self had interfered.

    "Maybe that was what he had meant when he said he had previously encountered us in his past life." Lilith thought as she recalled of future Nick''s words.

    "I was then given the chance to return back into the world of the living through reincarnation or resurrection which many would prefer it to be." Nick continued with his story.

    "But it wasn''t simple as I had been given a new form, a new body, as I had ascended from a human into a child of Light; an¡ª"

    "Angel," Lilith said, finishing his sentence for him.

    "Yes, an angel." He repeated once more, his eyes gleaming with curiosity as he felt peculiar in how she had known first.

    "It led me to the expedition I told you of. But I was childish and unrealistic, foolish enough to involve my friends in this quest of mine."

    Lilith was shocked and filled with worry as Nick''s face had turned dark, with his eyes filled with only pain and grief. It had seemed that he had finally shown his true face before her. It wasn''t intentional, but with the slightest thought of his future self had filled him with intense anger.

    "It was all going fine until he came." He continued with a grim voice.

    "Who?" Lilith asked, even already knowing the answer to it. But she asked it nonetheless, as she wanted it confirmed.

    "Nick..." He spat out his name, with his fist clenched tight as he bared the pain tightening in his chest.

    "My future self." He finished his words as Lilith was not wrong.

    "He came to find us in Avalon. Stopping us from reaching the gateway, our milestone that we were so close to reaching."

    "Only for it to come to an end." He said as both hands covered his face as he sunk his head into the ground.

    "He killed them." He said at last, in an almost shrieking voice, that sent chills in Lilith''s spine.

    ¡°Every one of them!¡± He said as he began screaming silently in his heart out of pain.

    Tears began streaming off his face as he slowly rose to face Lilith again. She felt moved to see his face, as it is now filled with pain and tears, but it seemed that his anger had still remained.

    "And once I''m able to escape from here, I will find him! And I will kill him!" He swore once again upon his vengeance, as he had finally shared his true intentions with her.

    Lilith let out a long sigh as she had decided that it was time for her to take action in setting him straight.

    "But how are you to defeat him if you''re in this poor, pitiful state," Lilith said as she rose from her chair, standing him as she looked down on him with her cold, blood coloured eyes.

    "You are weak, and you''d only get yourself killed if you face him again without proper preparations." She said out from experience as her words shot deep and straight into Nick as he knew that it was true.

    He wasn''t ready to face him, for he needs time; time to train himself, to achieve a strength that would be comparable to match his future self''s.

    "I can help you," Lilith said at last. It wasn''t her pity that she had given him, but instead, it was opportunity.

    "What do you mean by that?" Nick asked in confusion, as he began wiping his tears away.

    "I''m sorry that I had been deceiving you of my identity, but I''m not a simple lady from a rich family." She said in apology.

    "It''s alright, I already had my suspicions of you, not just anyone could simply visit the prison cells this late at night, Only if you were; someone very important." He said as he pointed out that he had already known.

    "Indeed, then allow me to introduce myself once again," Lilith said as she stood tall with elegance before him.

    "I am Lilith of House Daemonia; the true queen and ruler of all demons." She said, finally introducing herself to him, as he was surprised by her identity¡¯s reveal. Even as he had suspected of her being someone with a high reputation, he had not expected for her to be the queen herself.

    ¡°Be honoured and blessed, young boy. For I, at last, have decided." She added with her words filled with grace and authority.

    "That my search had finally come to an end. I''ve been waiting for decades to ensure the survival of my bloodline; the true royal blood that rightfully rules this continent."

    "Become mine, boy. And I will grant you your freedom." She said at last, with her hand stretched out towards him as an offer.

    "But why me?" Nick asked, suspicious yet surprised to hear of such an offer being made from the Demon Queen.

    "For I wish to conceive a child. A strong child capable of leading the next generation. But finding the potential candidates were rough as all had not met my tastes. Except for you," She said once again, pointing her finger at him.

    "Your potential to be stronger than your future self; to be the strongest of all that exists in this world, had made me fallen for you. So I had slowly begun wanting to learn more about yourself, leading to my frequent visits." She explained with a sinister gleam on her face, as only but lust filled in her eyes.

    "But I understand, that you would need time to decide. So I will leave it as it is, and return back tomorrow night for your decision." Lilith said as she had finished making her offer, and decided that it was time for her to leave.

    "Wait!" Nick immediately called back to her without hesitation.

    "Hmm?" She said as she turned around to see his face filled with desperation.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it, I will become your property.¡± He said as he gave his answer to her earlier than she had expected him to.

    "I had been stuck in her for way too long. As each day passes it fills me with worry; worrying of what chaos he would bring upon the world. And I can''t sit idly, not after the chance for escape was being offered to me." Nick said as he explained his reasoning for his quick decision.

    "I¡¯m honestly pleased to hear of you accepting my offer,¡± Lilith acknowledged his words with a warm smile.

    ¡°Very well then, I will make arrangements for your release. And we will leave tonight for my bedchambers.¡± She said as she left with a nod for the prison guards'' room.

    The night was long as Nick had been brought to Lilith''s bedchambers. He was surprised to find that Lilith was very energetic and had kept himself to her for hours. It was only until morning when he had finally managed to escape from her clutches.

    Lilith may not have been a succubus, but he nearly would''ve mistaken of her as one as she had in someway sucked most of his energy, leaving him restless and tired after they had finished.

    With little energy Nick had left, he made his way out of her castle. He passed by the demon maids but none of them had tried to stop him, only but to give glances and gossiping behind him.

    There were no guards to stop him from his escape, as Lilith had kept her word in allowing him his freedom. She had informed the Queen''s Guards to allow him out as he managed to walk out unscathed.

    It wasn''t long before he had finally reached the steps of a bridge that leads towards the gateway. The gateway wasn''t far from the castle, as it was only several minutes away by walk, but it took longer as there were guards on patrol in the streets, forcing him to be patient.

    But as soon as he had reached the gateway, as he faced the large, metal arch. He had just realised the greatest and most fatal flaw in his plan to escape; he never did manage to find a way to get the gateway working.

    A mix of sadness and anger that had pent up inside him exploded. He was just so close in escaping, only to be stopped by his own lack of knowledge.

    He felt miserable as he screamed with all his heart out of frustration and desperation to return home. And to his surprise, the gateway unexpectedly came to life as if it had heard his cries.

    It was almost as if he had unconsciously activated it. But Nick did not hesitate to question or wonder why, as he immediately took the opportunity that was given to him to escape.

    But as soon as he took a step forward, he felt his weight pushing him down, as he had been forcing himself with the little energy he had left that was barely keeping him awake.

    "Not now!" He screamed in his heart as he started to slowly drag his body to move towards the gateway''s mouth.

    There were sudden sounds of loud steps far behind him. Nick who had been alerted by it had his heard turned to look.

    He saw that the guards who were on patrol had heard his cry, assuming him to be a suspicious target, they came rushing for him.

    He screamed in his heart once again, forcing himself to move quicker. With every bit of energy and strength he had left; he jumped forwards, entering through the gateway.

    As he passed through the gateway, it was only but seconds before he was shot back out to the other side. Falling hard onto the ground, he had finally returned to his world as the gateway slowly went dead as it always had been before

    He began looking around to find himself in the same place he was previously in, weeks ago; Avalon.

    He tried to force himself up, but he could no longer feel his body move, only but his hand that was outstretched forwards.

    Lady luck was on his side as he saw a figure of a woman in armour came rushing towards him.

    His hand reaching out for help, with little breath he could muster, he was only able to get out a few words to in aid his cry for help, ¡°Help... me.¡±

    The stranger had heard his cry, and as soon as she reached him, she knelt down on one knee before him.

    ¡°Yes, my King.¡± Were the words he last heard before his consciousness had finally given away.