《Lord of Monster》 Chapter 1 Why my body is so hurt...What happens... "Don''t relax your guard! We almost defeat Overlord Zenorth!" That man why he''s pointing his finger at me and why he calling me Zenorth? Who is that... "Dammit, he''s going to cast another magic! Clair cut his arm now!" Huh? I can''t feel my hand¡­ what happened...where''s my hand... "Good! Medea bind him now!" "By the power of ice lord - Frozen land!" Why I can''t move...my leg is frozen?....No...that monster¡­.who is that¡­.is that me?! No that impossible! It can''t be right! Why I look like this!? "Good, he''s panicking! Take this Zenorth!" Why I become a monster...no wait where''s my sword...Ashen where are you! "Roan get back! He still alive! He''s calling back up!" No wait stop what are you-- "No, I will finish this! Take this Explosion Strike!" ---- So his name is Roan...why he attacking me¡­ Because you''re Overlord Zenorth. Who is that? The lord of chaos who once fought with the goddess light and darkness before finally sealed in this world. But why that man call me that I am a human¡­ Yes,...you''re a human...once before you set foot on the forbidden land. Forbidden land...the land where forbidden god sleep forever....why I enter such a place... Don''t you remember? What''s you wish for? Wish? Who am I? And who are you? It''s so sad, in the last moment you finally defeat Zenorth lost yourself in the process, but don''t worry even you forget the deal has been made and you already fulfill your contract. Did I defeat Zenorth? Deal? Contract? What are you talking about¡­. It won''t be too long before Zenorth last fire gave up your brethren shall be free and you''ll be reborn again as a human, there''s no need to worry. Hey¡­.wait¡­please explain it to me... Good night O little one¡­. ----- I don''t remember anything afterward, that voice not even tell me who is she, but just like she said, I was reborn again as a human child, in a small remote village on the north part of the continent as a child of the farmer. "Hey, Gene how long you going to daydreaming! We need to carry this vegetable to Central city!" "Ah wait for me aunt Lucas." That woman is, my mother sister, she has been with me as far as I remember, she used to be a veteran mercenary but I hear after her husband died, she retires earlier and live with us and works as village guard. "Are you still angry that you''re not accepted into Reingard? Didn''t I told you not to worry about that! And today I''m going to introduce you to Roselia guild master." "Not really, but thank you aunt Lucas." Ah right now I remember, I take the entrance test at Reingard 3 weeks ago and failed even before show up my ability. "Alright let''s go, We can''t waste any more time, hey Runa I''ll borrow you kid again today ok." "Ok but please keep him safe Lucas!" "No worries, hell as if somebody could defeat him Runa! you know that right- hey why''d you pinch me!" And that woman is my mother, unlike my Aunt, my mother is a farmer, but from my aunt story, my mother are used to be some nobles in small country, but because of war, that country now is lost and my mother lost all his nobility but somehow she doesn''t even care about nobility in the first place. "Aunt Lucas let''s go we don''t have much time." "Alright Gene let''s go." ---- It''s doesn''t takes so much time from our village to Garrion City which located exactly south from here, a big town where a mercenary or pedler usually stay before making trip dangerous region. Now I''m just standing outside feeding the horse some wheat while waiting my aunt submitting her report. "Gene why you so quiet? Did you feel something wrong?" "Not really, it just feel to peaceful, I almost lost myself to it." "Hahaha what are you talking about? You talk as if you''re a battle hardened warrior who just return to his home. Anyway Roselia Guild Master Russel want to meet you." "Where to?" "To his office of course, he says want to talk with you." ---- "Is this his office? Why the door is so big." "I don''t know ask the architect, anyway you enter this room alone, I''ll wait outside good luck Gene." "Alright thanks aunt." ---- "So, you''re Gene Ashte? Son of former noble Runa Ashte?" "Yeah that''s right." "Lucas says he want you to apply to works here as carriage rider right?" "Yes that''s right." "Well I don''t have a problem with that, but¡­you see¡­" "Is there something wrong?" "She says that you''re Downer right?" Ah right Downer, the nick that given to those who unable harness mana from this world...in other words are failure or defect, and the chance to be defect are 0.19%.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "Yes that''s right, I can''t use any magic." "You see, our line of work are dangerous, at least you need possess a small resistance against magic or curse." "Well I could handle simple delivery for short distance." This man I hate it, He''s right though, but I need a work...I guess I hold it just a little bit. "Still that would be a problem, If you''re not a downer I could let you in that easily." So he reject me huh, at least he should taste if he underestimate something so much without even giving it a chance. "Well why not try it on me then, you will know what will happen." "Cursing you? Well, I never back down from a challenge you know, a kid like you should teached so you know your-" "Russel stop! Don''t cast anything on him I promise to his mother to return him unharmed." Ah why''d you enter.... "Don''t worry Lucas, I''m just kidding alright, but I can''t accept him, not only he''s a downer he also doesn''t know his limit, I don''t know what happen with you recommending a kid like him here guess your skill has been dulled." Alright that''s it I can''t stand him anymore! "Gene stop it!" "Ouch why you pinch me!" "But he can join us in tomorrow expedition to make him realize how dangerous is our line of work at least that will become good experience for him." "Hahaha thanks sorry for taking your time I''ll take my leave now. ---- "Aunt why would you do that?" "I told you isn''t?! Don''t use your soulbound weapon, it''s too dreadful! You could kill him on the spot!" "What? There''s no need to worry, as long as he not cast something dangerous on me he won''t die." "Sigh...you''re showing that twisted expression again and you think I would believe you? Who you''re trying to fool anyway." "Uh...nothing?" "Anyway you can show your ability in tomorrow expedition along with some Reingard newbie trainer and senior." "Will be that makes any differences?" "Well if you did good maybe they will reconsider." "Alright then I''m hardly wait for that." "Please hide that twisted expression of yours, it''s really creepy you know, let''s just go home from now." ---- "Gene why you keep rolling on the wagon?" "This place is spacious after you taking off the goods, I can lie down all the time, is this a truly a peaceful life!" "Sigh sometimes I can''t understand what are you thinking." "Aunt Lucas stop the carriage!" "What? Why?" "There''s a demon beast near us hurry hides your presence!" "A demon beast?! Why would appear here!" "I don''t know, probably it''s a captured beast that got free." "How''d you able to say that?" "Oh, because from what I sense there''s many human corpse, I say serve them right." "Wha-is there survivor?" "Just one or two survivor demi-human, they won''t survive any much longer though the beast already notice them." "How could you be so heartless!" "Wa-Aunt Lucas where are we going!?" "We have to save them!" ---- "Sister I guess this is our end, I''m sorry. I though by releasing the beast he could help us escape." "It''s ok Mirie, you should escape now before the beast notice us." "No! I don''t want to leave you behind again!" "Stop crying Mirie, I won''t survive much longer with the wound like that, at least one of us need to survive." "Sister what was that sound? somebody approaching here!" "A reinforcement?! Mirie quick you need to escape before they find you." "Heya! Take this you vile demon!" "Aunt Lucas what the hell are you doing! You just crash our wagon into a Minotaur! And look even our horse are already escaping!" "Sister they don''t look like some royal reinforcement¡­" "Forget the small detail Gene! Look we arrive just in nick of time before the beast eat them!" "As if! Hey are you ok?" "...." "Ok I take that as yes, but not with your friend though, Aunt Lucas there''s only two survivor, one lightly wound, the other are¡­.well maybe just few step away from death door." "Hey! Don''t talk like that to my sister!" "It''s alright Mirie he''s right." "Oh so both of you can talk." "Stranger...It''s maybe odd to ask, but can you take her escape from here." "Gene switch with me, I''ll give emergency first aid to her!" "Figures, alright I''ll play a little bit -Ashen Blade- come to me." "Hey are you alright?" "Yeah she''s alright Aunt Lucas, almost good as dead if that what you ask!" "Ugh Gene, stop talking and just fight that monster! I just wanna ask her feeling." "Oh alright then, don''t mind me! I''m just playing with the minotaur here!" "Please hold it a little, I can''t use high tier healing spell so it''s probably sting a little." "Yeah a little sting from giant hornet in a berserk state!" "I told you to shut up Gene!" "Guh! It''s hurt!" "Please sister just hold a little!" "It''s almost done, your wound almost close!" "Hey is your- is he will be ok? I mean fighting with rusted weapon like that?" "Yeah don''t worry, I know it''s kinda rusted but it''s still do the job perfectly, so no worry as if something like that could kill him." "But that''s a Demon beast!" "Yeah I know, Hey what''s take you so long? I''m done here." "Ah ok, it''s time to go home then, O Ash of my enemy, Heed my call, I summon thee from the depth of the abyss, come forth and serve me! Wraith King." "Wha¡­." "See told you." "B-b-but to finish is in a single slash! And what was that giant skeletal shadow just now?!" "Just forget about it, you probably won''t understand what he do anyway." --- "So...how we go home?" "Huh? Of course using the wagon why you ask Gene?" "Well because somebody just crash the wagon and let the horse escape, so yeah, that both option are dead, and we''re practically dead too if we return with literally nothing." "You''re right! How come I didn''t think any of that?!" "Um...you could use their horse if you want." "Wha?! There''s a horse?! Where?" "It''s on their camp, little north from here." "Ok then it''s time to salvage the junk." "Uh wait!...What about us?" "Sigh, I don''t know, maybe you could come with us for few days or something, but it''s up to you¡­.Why you looking at me like that?" "Gene....speak something good?! Oh no is the minotaur poisoning you in some way?! Are you sick?! Gene!? Speak to me! Gene is it really Gene!" "You''re gonna really make me sick if you shake me that hard urp!" "Ew....disgusting¡­" "And whose fault is that! Anyway let''s go there''s nothing left here." "You say there''s nothing left and yet...you carry that load that bag of gold coin." "Ehe it''s better than let it rot here and it''s really odd why would slave trade could have this amount of riches." "You''re right it''s really odd, but better you drop all of it, it could become a problem if they think you stole it." "You''re right...but really, leaving all of it like this are really-" "Drop it." "Ok...so should we carry her sister to the wagon or just tied it with rope and pull it?" "Gene...we''re helping them not torturing them...please just use your head a little." "I''m kidding alright, geez why you people are so tense!" "Uh...I''m sorry but what should I call both of you, my name is marie and my sister is Sera." "Oh I''m Gene and that''s my aunt Lucas btw she''s almost thir-" "Don''t dare you speak my age Gene! I can hear you loud and clear!" "Um it''s kinda late but, thank you for saving me and my sister!" "If you want to say thanks say it to that idiot over there, he''s the one who notice the beast anyway hold on tight I''m going to raise the speed!" ---- "Sir the camp we''re already scout the camp area the demon beast that duke order are dead." "What''s the cause?" "From what we found, it was killed by single slash from giant sword, judging from the wound the opponent are likely from cyclops. "Then what about the slave?" "It seem they captured by the raider, I found trace somebody dragging a wounded person." "Alright secure the loot first and continue find a clue for their whereabouts!" "Sir!" "So how''s the condition Duke Noir?" "This is bad, first the beast is dead, and those slave are missing or the worst case is dead." "They''re just a slave why not find the replacement?" "I really hope I could do that, alright call the troops we need to go back and make a report!" Chapter 2 "Did I really could eat this?" "Yeah, of course, you can, how''d you intend to do with it besides eating it?" "Gene please stop it that''s not what they ask." "Nonono, I''m sure that what they ask, from what I see they never eat rice inside a bamboo in the first place, here let me show you, first you chop the top and eat it with this spoon." I''m just glad that we could return unharmed after meeting something like that, judging from the loot it must belong to certain nobles, but for ordering a demon beast like minotaur he must really have powerful influence and more importantly who are these two, I want to ask them directly but¡­.argh! "Please be quiet, there''s an injured person here." "I''m sorry mom." "So how''s your wound Sera?" "Thanks for your hospitality madam Runa, my condition is slowly recovering but looks like it still needs few days before completely healed." "I see takes as much as time you need to rest then." "N-no I''m already troubling you there''s no way I-" "Really? Then can I take that offer mom?!" "Rejected!" "Why!?" "Sis are you alright?" "I''m alright Marie just need more few days to recover." "Madam Runa thank you for letting us stay here even though that we''re from a beast tribe." "Aw c''mon don''t be like that, I believe all living being is should be equal or at least if they are not a scum like a certain someone." "Thanks mom, I really glad for you to praise me so well!" "Anyway who are you two? How come you stranded here? Isn''t the beastman territory are far from here?" "Gene! That''s really impolite to ask such a question!" "But I really want to know why they''re captured by slave trader!" "Looks like I miss something again! Is it Gene make a scene again?! No worries I''ll take him away along with his problematic attitude!" "H-hey! Aunt Lucas let me go!" "Gene, we''re invited to go for the expedition remember?" "Expedition? Oh, right I forgot we''re gonna explore salvage rift that recently found!" "W-w-wait! Did you say salvage rift?!" "Uh yeah, did you know something about it Marie?" "N-no but I hear the slave trader says something about his boss going to use a band of minotaur to do something about the rift." "Gene, are you thinking what I''m thinking?" "If you mean I''m thinking a duck that singing with bass monkey yeah maybe we''re thinking the same thing." "Ok...I take that as yes, Marie how many minotaurs that his boss order?" "I don''t know, but from what I heard, he already makes the 3rd delivery." "Uh oh this is bad, we need to make a report fast! Marie can you give a testimony to-" "Stop it Aunt Lucas, it''s useless." "Wha-useless?! How come you say that?" "First, they''re from kobold tribe, that alone makes them are unable to believe it thinking that beastman is going to take that rift for themselves. Second, they''re a slave, who''s gonna believe words from a slave? Third, they do not look like a normal slave at all, the way they spoke are clearly have much more manner, I believe that they''re from some nobles or something who captured on purpose. Bringing them out will clearly like asking hey! Evil nobles! I found your slave and I''m the one who kills your precious minotaur! Sigh...again what with that look? What''s wrong with all of you?" "I''m amazed that you somehow talk about logic and it makes sense! Gene are you sick!? Did your mother poisoning your food or did you sleep in the wrong position!?" "I said I''m fine! What''s wrong with that anyway! I just speak what I have on my mind!" "So what''d you suggest?" "Easy, join the expedition the guild master is inviting us anyway." "So we basically walk into their trap?" "Why not? It''s better than stuck here thinking what should we do right? Besides I''m interested in what''s inside the rift anyway. " "Well then, let''s not waste any more time." "Uh, can I join?" "What? Can you repeat again? It seems I hear something wrong." "Gene why you keep teasing her?" "I''m not teasing her, why would she want to join!? Didn''t I say that somebody maybe could recognize her?!" "I-I think that wouldn''t be a problem, my sister and I are rarely seen by people." "I see so both of you are a sheltered princess waiting for a knight in shining armor?"If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "Uh, what?" "Nevermind so at least tell me the reason why would you want to enter salvage rift? That place is unstable you know didn''t you say before you know nothing about it?" "I...I¡­.I." "It''s alright Marie, they help us at least we can tell them." "I want to find a gateway to forbidden land!" "Bfuuh! What?! Forbidden land?! Are you kidding me right?!" "Uh...Genewhy you overreacting?" "What?! My reaction is normal, how you keep calm after hearing that!" "What''s wrong with that, that''s pretty much how we adventurer seeks in the first place, a place where unlimited treasure and glory." "Wait, who told that BS story?" "BS? People who found the gate and return from forbidden land always carry a rare treasure, gold, a magic weapon or soulbound weapon that grant special power." Forbidden land? Isn''t that place where the ancient god sealed why that place become like a hidden room with priceless treasure? "Ok so after you found it what are you trying to find?" "Gene stop pressuring her and we''re already late, let''s hit the road first!" "But I-" "No buts! Let''s go, you too Marie." "Yes!" "Wait, are we really bring her too?!" ----- "Gene stops that annoyed expression, it''s really disturbing." "Grrr, why would I not get annoyed, we''re basically walking into their trap, and the target comes with their own wish." "I''m sorry¡­" "Hahaha, relax Marie, he always like that don''t mind him and if something goes wrong, well we just need force our way out!" "Only an idiot would think that, if they see our face that''s will be our doom, for nobles looking for a certain individual are easy." "Hahaha, no worries did you forget who''s your aunt is? I know a certain individual who could take that matter and I''ll make sure they will regret their choice hehe¡­" "Please stop saying something shady." "Urgh, anyway use this hat cover your ears, I''d rather avoid any trouble if its possible." "Oh~ how thoughtful of you." "Stop teasing me, we can''t let her discovered." "Well, you''re right though anyway we arrive look Russel already make his speech before we dive in." ---- "-we''re going to enter salvage rift that recently opened, and from what our intel scout there''s a rare item inside but guarded by giant serpent be careful do not approach it if you found it first." Giant serpent? Is that really dangerous? Is it a leviathan? "Hey, Russel we''re here!" "Oh, Lucas looks like you''re really bringing your stupid niece." "Don''t talk like that we''re just like him when we''re a rookie too." "Can I ask, if the scout already found it then why not retrace and ambush it?" "Pftt, this is why rookie is likely to be killed first." Well, this is my first time to enter Salvage Rift thank you. "Listen up rookie, salvage rift dungeon are constantly changed by the moment you enter, so even we''re using same entrance we''ll always arrive in a different place." "So..how''d we get out if the place always changing?" "What? Hey Lucas! Are you not teaching him anything aren''t you? I remember I let him join the expedition but why not teach him a little? Isn''t he''s you precious nephew?" "Oh, I kinda forget about that sorry Russell hahaha." "Sigh, we''ll get a whitestone the moment we enter, when you break that stone, you''ll instantly got teleported out and you only get one chance, if somebody stole it from you, then consider yourself as dead meat." "Can''t we buy it somewhere?" "No, that stone disappears at the moment you leave, so stealing it from other is useless, but there''s some leader who asks his party to handover all of the whitestone." "Why would he do that?" "As an insurance so when your party found a treasure they not suddenly escape with the treasure." "But what if the leader escapes with all of those?" ".....Well just like I said before, consider yourself as dead meat." "So much for safety¡­." "That''s why don''t just casually party with people you don''t know, there''s even somebody who use that to commit murder as we know rift are not entirely safe so we expect some casualty in return." "Alright-alright I get the point, don''t party with a stranger you''ve just meet." "Plus who''s is this cutie?" "Just a stranger that we meet on the road." "Sigh Didn''t I just tell you don''t party with a stranger? Well, that''s your choice rookie take care of your nephew Lucas, later." Tell that to my Aunt! "And before I forget, there''s a rumor about a monster that using that whitestone to escape the rift so if you meet strong enemy just escape don''t challenge it." "Relax Russel he''s with me remember?!" "That''s exactly why I''m worried about him, anyway good luck." "Hahaha, Gene you''re making an annoyed expression again." "Grrr, you''re the one who singlehandedly let ''this'' stranger join, but why I get the blame?" "I''m sorry about that, I''ll give you a candy alright so don''t get mad." "Why you always treat me like a child¡­.Nevermind we better go now, the other seems already enter, we should too." ---- So this is the rift? It''s really like a labyrinth, eh something on my pocket? Oh, so this is the whitestone? So I can escape anytime I want huh, pretty neat. "Wow, it''s been awhile since I enter this type rift." "Huh?? So Salvage rift is not the only labyrinth?" "Of course not, they''re unique each their own, from my experience there''s a forest, canyon, tundra, desert even a deep sea floor but yeah the labyrinth type is most common you''ve probably found, huh why you suddenly grab me so tight Marie." "T-t-there''s a horde of hostile coming here!" "Oh is that so?" "Well that''s to be expected we''re inside the rift the enemy here are more hostile than we found on the outside." "How come both of you are so calm about it?! And "W-w-what with that spear?!" "Oh, right it seems Marie didn''t know about aunt Lucas, but she has another nickname you know, Blazing Lucas, and this area is her forte." "B-but to use a spear in this narrow area?!" "What? You don''t swing spear! You throw at it! And before I throw it are you positive that they''re an enemy?" "I''m sure! It''s a goblin rider! And some other creature!" "Then turn them to ash Agni!" Whoa, no matter how many times I see it, it is a really dangerous weapon to turn anything who comes in its path into a cinder is really fearsome. "How''s that?!" "The-the enemy is gone!? B-but why you throw it! Isn''t you need to retri-" "What you''re talking about? The spear is still here." "Wha-whaa h-how?!" "That''s her special soulbound weapon, no matter how far you throw it, the spear will return the user." "Well stop talking I sense more in the back, well leave it to me, Ashen blade comes fly pierce thro your ene- unfortunate creature, Thousand lances!" "How your sword can multiply!?!" "Huh? Taking one by one is taking too much time but is Salvage Rift monster always spawn this many?" "Not really, judging from the enemy count looks like we send near rift center." "Uh isn''t that dangerous? He says there''s serpent monster lurking." "What''s your worry about there''s no way we meet something like that so soon right!?...Right¡­? Why both of you become petrified?!..There''s no way that serpent is behind my back right?...H-hey say something!" "Gene don''t move...and don''t make any sudden movement¡­" "Marie on my mark...are you ready¡­.1...2¡­3! Charge!" Chapter 3. "Whoah, we''re so lucky to able find rainbow sheep in our first dive! Hahaha, and it was really worth is seeing Gene expression!" "Grrr, of course, I was scared! I thought that was the serpent! You could tell me beforehand!" "If we tell you then the rainbow sheep definitely already escape hahaha!" "But is it really worth it?" "Of course it was, rainbow sheep wool is highly sought by nobles and adventurer because of high resistant to almost all element. Plus it''s really soft and fluffy that''s why it''s also become a trend among the nobles." "So how much it worth?" "About 200 gold coin." "Bfuuh!? That much?!" With that much money I can even live in leisure for a month! "Hahaha! Even the meat is quiet delicacy, I''ll ask Runa to cook it for us when we got home." "Now that''s what I want to hear!" Um! Can I ask why you use your spear as throwing weapon?" "Well once I activate Agni ability anything will be scorched by its heat, including me and that''s why I didn''t use it when we meet first, I would burn entire forest to the ground if I use it but if it''s inside the rift then I don''t need to worry about the environment hahaha." "There''s no need to be surprised, didn''t I tell you she''s really strong if I could make a comparison she would be a par with the strongest knight in the kingdom, so you''ll see more crazy things if you with her." "Gene, if I''m an at that level then you should be at Walking disaster." "Wha-wha!? Is Gene are stronger than you?!" "Far stronger than me, he''s the true monster here! Don''t you remember he could defeat minotaur with a single slash?" "Yeah as if anyone would believe a downer can become a walking disaster, don''t believe her she just toying with you." "T-toying!? Huh? Is Gene a Downer? So that''s mean he can''t use any magic?!" "Yep, I can''t." "B-b-but what was that monster from before!? Isn''t that summoning magic?! And that sword?!" "Nope, that''s just something from my collection it still requires something to call them out though." "So it''s a summoning magic right?" "Let''s just keep it that way if it''s easier to swallow." "Gene stop, let''s hide for a second, look at that." Lucas points her finger to Minotaur corpse that laying right beside the corridor. "Isn''t that a minotaur? Wait isn''t that?!" Gene notice a slave collar that attached to minotaur neck. "What do you think Gene?" "looks like there are some nobles that playing a dirty hand here." "So what are we gonna do?" "I don''t know why you keep asking me? You''re the only veteran in our party." "I know, I just want to hear your opinion." "I vote to escape, we already have rainbow wool anyway, it should be enough for all of us." "Eh....We''re not hunting the serpent?" "Aunt Lucas if you want to do it please do it alone, I don''t wanna do something that dangerous, eh since when my whitestone become a Blackstone ?" "A Blackstone...Gene looks like you can''t escape before defeating the serpent." "Huh? What''d you mean?" "You''ve been marked by the rift as one of the potentials." "Potential what?" "As potential keeper of the treasure inside this rift." "Ah I see, What?! A potential?! That''s mean there''s more than one Blackstone?!" "I''m afraid so, and only who can defeat the serpent who will turn into goldstone and the other will revert to white one." "So what''s so special about Goldstone?" "If you break the Goldstone, instead teleport you to the outside anyone around you will send to the hidden vault within the rift." "Hidden? You mean-?!" "That''s right a priceless treasure that buried in this rift!" "I see then let just let the other finish the monster, I don''t really care about the vault." "....." "What?!" "Then don''t pretend that you excited about that! Sigh but since you can''t escape there''s no way I can leave you alone Runa will angry if I do that, Marie you can escape first if you....M-Marie is that...Blackstone to in your hand? Wait does that mean...mine too?!" "Oh wow, congrats you''re also selected wow, so three of us are stuck in this rift until we or somebody defeat the serpent, so much for dependable." "W-what should we do?!" "Sit here waiting for other adventurer defeating it." "Hell no! Let''s go to the serpent''s lair!" "I don''t want it!" "Then are you really that heartless leaving your weak Aunt fighting alone against the Serpent?" "As if that would be true!" "Less talking more walking!" Gene forcefully dragged by Lucas. --- After half hour walking into a straight corridor, they stopped at the intersection. "Uh oh, a split road...I wonder which way we should choose?" "I suggest we do a coin toss! Left if tail and right if head!" "Marie, can you sense what''s ahead of us?" "Hey don''t ignore me!" "Um, looks like a dead end on both side but there''s something strange on the left pathway." "Can you figure what is it?" "It seems like a portal." "Aha a crack?" "What is that again?" "A door that will you transfer into different location within the rift, there''s plenty inside the labyrinth type let''s g-" *Clack*Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. "Eh? Did I just step on...." Gene suddenly froze after hearing a strange noise. "Gene...RUN! Marie hold on tight!" Lucas quickly carries Marie and dash toward the crack. "Hey wait for me!" Suddenly the whole trap is activated, a spear fall down from the ceiling, the corridor starting to get narrowed the pitfall trap opened revealing a disgusting monster at the bottom "What the!? The whole area is crumbling?! "Oh shi- you just press the reset button this whole area gonna do some changing we better hurry or we''ll flatten!" "What kind of idiot that put a trap like this!?" "A someone who doesn''t like a raider like us that''s for sure! Just little more! Marie you go first!" "Eek?!" With all of her strength, Lucas throws Marie into the crack followed with her dashing and lastly Gene right before the whole area disappear. ----- "Ugh...my head." Looks like we survive...now, where are we...it feels this area are really spacious...wait where''s the other?! Don''t tell me?!" "Haaaa..." "Ssh, quiet!" Lucas quickly stops Gene before screaming. "Huh? So there you are." "Gene, do not make any sudden movement and move slowly here." Lucas talk softly far behind the pillar "What another rainbow-" *sssrr* "Uh...is that snake rattle? Please tell me that I just misheard it." "Worse Gene, way much worse than that, slowly turn your head and don''t scream." When Gene turns around a monster with minotaur body and with snake lower body is silently staring at him while tightly grab his giant ax." Phey it''s just a chimera...wait, a chimera?! "Gene come here and move slowly!" Gene slowly moves away from the chimera and finally arrive safely behind the pillar where Lucas hiding and Marie still fainted. "Haaaa I never know death is so close! Dammit, Russel says there''s only a Serpent, not a freaking huge chimera!" "That''s probably the serpent that we seek Gene look over there, there''s a pile of minotaur bone." "But to able to evolve...how many minotaurs that this creature eat...so where are we?" "It seems we''re inside the serpent''s lair." "Wha- Then we need to escape from here quickly!" "I''m afraid we can''t do that this room act as a trap, I can''t find any exit out from here." "You''re kidding, right? Then our only option is beating this creature?!" "Looks like it but still why he still not attacking us? When I wake up that chimera also only keep staring at me as if he''s curious." "Hmm, maybe that chimera is friendly?" "I''won''t bet on that." "Let me try it." "Gene are you serious?!" Gene slowly approach the chimera once again. "Uh hello?" Gene wave his hand then the chimera suddenly moved. "Wha-Who is that? Where are you?" Gene confused when he hears unknown voice keep saying Zenorth. "I''m in front of you." "What?! You can talk?! Wait who''s Zenorth?" Gene surprise that he hear chimera voice. "To able hear my voice, you''re undoubtedly are Overlord Zenorth." "Zenorth? I think you got the wrong guy my name is Gene ." "Hahahaha it''s useless to hide your identity, the legend about a sword that kills our god-kin the Sword of Ash." "Gene what happen?! Why you suddenly talking by yourself?" Lucas rush quickly as she see the chimera began to move "The chimera is talking don''t you hear it?" "Talking? Are you really sure? All I hear is growling." "What did you seek in my graveyard Overlord?" "Graveyard?" "That''s right there''s no way out from here, this place is our prison created by a magus, and I''m condemned to rot here for eternity." "Is there really no way out from here?" "Not for me, you are capable to escape by using something called Whitestone." "Can''t you use that?" "No, when I try to touch the stone it disappears." "But I heard that there''s monster are using the stone to escape." "That rule doesn''t apply to me, this place is my prison." "So the Guardian is not allowed to escape?" "The only way for me to escape is by death and the three of you seems to possess the Blackstone." "So you know?" "You''re a grim reaper that sends me to my death like many others." "So it''s true that in order for us to leave this dungeon are to kill you if you already know that why are you not attacking any of us?" "What''s the difference, there''s no way I could defeat you, even if you fainted, it was already my loss, but to be killed by the overlord himself I can accept that." "You''re really already given up on living?" "I don''t even remember how long I''ve been here, every possible way that I tried are failed and now you come to send me to my death what choice do I have." "Say if you get out what will you do? Will you seek revenge?" "If I could get out? That''s not possible and to who I would seek revenge? The magus who put me here probably long dead to who I should transfer my hatred? I would rather choose to search my brethren and rebuild our tribe again somewhere far from human civilization." "I see, so you won''t take revenge even to me the one you says who kill your god?" "Looks like you''re really don''t remember any of it, but at that times our god Ouroboros are corrupted by Chaos and start devouring us one by one, if you do not appear that time, there will be none of us left, maybe you think that you''re just a murderer but for us you''re our savior." "Wait you say that as if you were there when that happens." "I am, but I was still small at that time." "Remind me how old are you again?" "I don''t remember, not long after our god was killed, humans began raided our lands and few of us are escape and then I was captured by a strange magus, and here I am." "I''m sorry I don''t know what to says." "So what it will be, will you put end of my misery?" Somehow I feel pity, I wonder if there''s a way to....wait...there''s a way! "Hehehe, you know that was little to early to give up? What if I offer you a third option, I could let you out from here." "W-w-what did you just say Gene?! You''re gonna let this beast out?! Have you lost your mind?!" "Are you reallygonna let me out?! Can you really do that!?" "Yes, but you''ll have to become my familiar, If you don''t want it then-" "Serve Overlord Zenorth?! I accept your condition!" "It''s alright I''ll still¡­.Wait, what? You accept it?" "Yes I accept!" "You''re not gonna deny it one bit? If you became my familiar you won''t able to defy me you know." "Yes there''s would no greater honor than serving the overlord!" The chimera howling happily, its tail are dancing almost making the whole room tremble, while Gene still in shock. "Wha- what happened with the Chimera? Why it looks so happy?" "....I didn''t expect that¡­the chimera...accept the condition to become my familiar, it won''t even hear the rest." "Whaaaat?! Even we do that how could we take the chimera escape from here?!" "I have my way, no worries, but stay away for a sec, and protect Marie I''m afraid it would cause a rebound." "You''re gonna do something dangerous again isn''t it¡­." "Not really but oh well." "Just be careful, you only have one life you know." "Actually I have many." "Riiiiight." ----- "So before I start let me ask you something, what are you, from what I heard that you''re a serpent but why you look like that?" "I am a serpent, but I have special abilities that allow me to morph into a creature that I eat and that Magus also want my power that''s why I was captured." "I see then this would make me easier to fool this whole system. Listen, I will separate your soul from your body until the this Blackstone turn into gold then I''ll return to your body again." "I see so it''s like faking my own death?" "Yes, but the problem is you''ll lose all the transformation that you''ve accumulated and probably most of your power." "I''ll become overlord familiar and gained my freedom, I''ll gladly trade everything that I have." "Then I will begin." Ashen blade shatters into million pieces and turns into black snow petal that slowly covered entire chimera body. What''s Gene thinking?! why would he release such monster? I never understand what he thinking, but his choice are rarely goes wrong...what he gonna do make such a promise? Whitestone only can be used by one person- Oh I see so that''s how you do it. Gene still holds tightly the Blackstone on his hand and finally when turning into gold he screams one again. "Release the soul, return to where it belongs, Release!" "Gaaaah!It hurts! What happens to me!" "Just hold a little bit, your body is still decomposing you''ll return to your former self." "G-Gene...what with that pile of meat¡­did you kill that chimera?" "Well practically I kill it though, look my stone already turn into goldstone." "But what are we gonna do, even we could take naga out, won''t the other will attack it?" "Oh don''t worry probably this process will return the chimera body into its original form and when I say original, it''ll shrink into of a tiny little snake that I could easily hide it within my coat." "Ah I see! That''s pretty smart! Wait so that''s was your plan?!" "Of course, "Puaaah! I''m freee! Master! I''m still alive!" A little girl appear from Chimera dead body, she has a silver hair and petite build that look really fragile. "Small¡­.snake...snake¡­..right snake¡­" "Uh, Gene you say a snake, right? A little snake, so why a girl that coming out from there." What just happen?! Did I mess up in the process?! "Is there something wrong?" Chapter 4. ".....Wait why''d you become a human?!" "When we become someone familiar we took our master race as a secondary form or do you wish I''m using my former form." "No-no it''s fine you look like that! A-anyway here wears this!" "Understood." ----- "So how''d we bring her out? She''s bigger than you anticipated." "No worries I already think the other solution, by using this of course." "I see the Goldstone! You can enter vault room end exit with your party! Guess your brain are not totally useless." "Hehehe I know I''m smart, but there''s no need to praise me that much." "Gene...your nose will become longer than your weiner if you keep doing that." "H-Hey! Don''t say a strange thing!" "Uhm..is it morning already?" "Ah Looks like Marie just wake up nice timing, we''re about to escape." "Escape? But isn''t our is..." "Oh somebody already taken care of that, look my stone already turn white right?" "Does that mean you already kill the serpent?!" "Uh...killing is kinda strong words but yeah you could say that." "Thank gods...I thought I was gonna be serpent dinner¡­" "Dinner? There''s no way I could be satisfied by eating such a small creature, you''re probably are only considered as a snack." "What¡­snack? Uhm¡­Gene¡­Who is she?" "Uh...she''s-" "I''m a serpent." "A servant? You''re also a slave?" "Uh...Marie, I think it''s not appropriate to say something like that." "Eh?! I''m sorry! My name is Marie nice to meet- Gene are you ok?!" "It''s okay, I just feel little tired." "Master there''s somebody just arrive here!" "Uh oh hide!" --- "Yesss! Finally, I''ve arrived at the serpent''s lair! Hahahaha!" From the corner young noble appear followed by knight and band of mercenary. "Young master please don''t move too fast, we are in the dangerous area." "That''s the reason I hire a band of a mercenary right? To protect me!" "Yes, but-." "Besides I have you here Hervey and I also already spent a fortune for you new magic sword I hope you do not disappoint me." "I¡­.Understood." "That''s more like it hahaha! Anyway, what happens with the army of a minotaur that my father send? Why I don''t see it anywhere." "There''s a possibility the Minotaur already defeated by some adventurer and already devoured by the rift." "Nonsense! That minotaur is taken from dark continent, a newbie adventurers are surely cannot able to defea- Ouch! What is it, Hervey? Why you suddenly stop moving!?" "Somebody already arrived before us." "Huh?! What''d you mean?" "Look over there, a giant corpse." "Move! No....way...I''ve already lost my slave before and now this?! Who''s gonna be responsible for this!" "Well, Gene looks like that''s the noble we looking for." "Who is he?" "That''s Vorsham youngest son Carel, I heard that his father really spoiled him." "Uh oh then this is bad if he realize it was us we definitely gonna have a really big trouble we better get away from-" "It''s probably them." "Hey! You there! Where''s the serpent!" "Dammit! That knight notice us!" "Uh...what serpent?" "Don''t lie! This is serpent''s lair!" "Gene quiet, let me handle this." "There''s no serpent here, that''s a chimera corpse." "A chimera? In serpent''s lair?! You think you can fool me!?" "You can check that corpse for yourself if you don''t believe me, beside what you wanna to do with the serpent?" "Why should I tell you about that? Hey Hervey, check that corpse and you, tell your mercenary to surround them, don''t let them escape." Just as I expected we can''t escape, they already quickly surrounded us...but why they grinning like-...Oh...pervert... "Fufufufu, you commoner probably can''t understand but what I want is to make that serpent become my familiar! Because only a great noble like myself are capable taming the rift guardian." "Uh...Aunt Lucas, what is this guy talking about?" "Gene...why your brain always only have half of everything¡­" "Hey!" "Listen, a chance making a normal rift monster become your familiar are really low and the difference between a normal monster and rift guardian like heaven and hell it''s practically impossible to do." "Eh!? But that serpent?!" "That''s why I was shocked when you successfully taming the serpent, usually people are using a monster from our world which is more easy to tame." "What the hell you two whispering about! You think that impossible!? Well, look at this grimoire!" "Young master I think it''s not wise to show them something like that." "Silence! I can do what I want! Anyway, how is it?" "That is really a chimera corpse young master, but what I don''t understand is why this Chimera has a minotaur and snake body part." "Beat''s me, maybe it''s a crossbreed between naga and minotaur." "I doubt that could happen, but looking at this chimera it should be stronger than the serpent, did this chimera force the serpent out from its own lair? Uh...young mas¡­.ter?" Carel keeps staring with a dirty look at Marie and serpent without even trying to hide it. "I see...that''s too bad, right Hervey?" "Huh? Y-yes?" "But Hervey there''s no way I could come back empty handed right? And after they know my little secret there''s no way I can let them alive." You show it by yourself isn''t?!Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. "But be grateful because that I, have a really generous heart I''ll let all of you become my slave and only kill that boy over there." "Aunt Lucas can''t we just defeat him?" "We can, but there''s no way we could get away that easily if something happens to him." "Then what should we do?" "Stall him I''m gonna thin-" "I''m not interested serving anyone other than my master." Serpent quickly answers it. "Now that''s what I want to- What did you just say!?" "Not interest, go look at another place." "Y¡­.you bitch how dare you reject me!?" "Whoa, Gene he really takes after you." "Hervey, kill them!" "Understood, I''m sorry I''m not fond killing a weakling but young master order are absolute." Hervey releases a fire slash and hit Lucas directly quickly filled the area with smoke and intense heat. Wait he say weak?! Uh oh, this is bad. ------ "*Cough* *Cough* what did just happen? We save? Wait, G-Gene why are you shaking?" "M-Marie this is bad that idiot says the forbidden word." "Forbidden?" "Oh~ I am weak you say?" Lucas cracking her fist after drawing her spear. "Gene why your aunt expression suddenly become scary." "She hates when somebody underestimates her." "That spear...impossible! Why you can be here?!" "Oh so you know about my spear, I presume that all of you are stronger than me right? Because I won''t hold back." "That spear!?...the Blazing Lucas is here?!" "I don''t wanna die!" "I didn''t sign for this!" "Forgive me!" "Hey what''s wrong with you guys?! Hervey who is she?!" "Blazing Lucas, the most notorious adventurer who always burn her target to a cinder. I heard that she retired long ago and disappear." "What? Wait y-you mean Lucas is a woman? I-I thought she was a ma- Ek!? H-hot!" "A man? You really know how to get my nerve huh." "Young master get down!" Hervey quickly parries Lucas small fireballs. "Oh~so you can sense that? Looks like you''re not just some knight with a good sword." "Y-you! How dare you attacking me! Do you know who I am?!" "Oh~ I know alright, but...we''re inside a rift, nobody knows what happen inside, maybe suddenly a strong monster appears and wipe you out." "Y-you¡­" Carel realizes that she no longer afraid of his threat. "See! She snapped." "Uh...Gene didn''t she says that if she using Agni it also burn her?" "She lies." "Eh¡­?" "Master! We should get away from here!" Serpent suddenly pulls Gene sleeve shivering. "What- Oh right, we should use this chance to- huh my stone not glowing?" "Why!? Why it won''t break!? What happens to my stone?! You! Give me your stone! Why it''s also become gray?!" Terrified by Lucas Carel quickly slam his whitestone to escape. "Mine too?! What''s happen?!" "Aunt Lucas, what is actually happen here?" "This feeling...Rift Reaper¡­" Lucas turns into full alert. "Rift Reaper?" "The legend says it''s a wraith created from a deceased monster." "A legend? So it''s true or not!? A-anyway what should we do?" "We need to get away from it since the rift reaper has an ability to disable any teleportation magic." "Gyaa! What is that!" "Heeelp!" "Save m-!" A giant black snake appear from the ground and start devouring some of the mercenaries in instant and quickly bounded by a strange chain, "Hahaha, so this is the serpent?! Listen here you vile monster! I shall make you my familiar!" Carel arrogantly approaches it and while chanting with from a grimoire that keeps releasing another chain. "That idiot...they didn''t even know what is in front of them he can''t do nothing even with that grimoire." "Aunt Lucas, what is that?" "It''s a grimoire of obedience, it''s very useful to forcefully tame some creature but it won''t work against a monster with a strong will." "But is that creature even have a-" The bind suddenly broke when the grimoire disappears and the snake quickly charges forward. Luckily enough, right before Carel is about to be eaten Hervey block its attack and rescue him. "Young master are you alright?!" "Wha...what the hell is this?! This grimoire...It''s must be a fake! Hervey kill this ungrateful monster! I don''t want it anymore!" It''s not like you can do that anymore. "Understood! Men stand on your feet! We have a new order, slay this monster!" "Ooooh!" The mercenary morale raises again and now focused all their intention to kill it. ---- But still is there really two rift guardian in this place? That snake somehow rather weaker, even with just a band of mercenary they can push it back. "Aunt Lucas, is that really the rift reaper? Hervey and the gang are winning is it really that strong?" "Yes, the rift reaper always took form rift guardian...and this rift guardian is a serpent." "Just a little more! We''re gonna win this!" "Yeaaah!" The morale is high and the black snake keeps weakened with each Hervey strike until finally, Hervey deliver a finishing blow that cut its head. "See, he won." "Gene, that''s not the end...Reaper can keep reviving no matter how much you kill it and always return stronger than before." "Hahaha take that you weak creature this is what you get for baring your fangs at me, hahaha!" Carel quickly stomping the dead snake body as if he''s the one who kills it. "Young master stay back! We''re not-" "Wha-" Before the Carel able to react his body already torn to piece by constriction. "On your guard! This thing is not dead yet it''s not a serpent it''s a hydra!" The snakehead grows again with along with the new head, this time the hydra able to spit fire and spit poison. Those who hit by fire burn to a crisp and the one who hit by poison are melt into a puddle. "See this what I told you! We need to get away from here!" "But how!? Isn''t this room a trap room?!" "Find some crack! There''s must be some here! Marie can you sense it?!" "Wait a sec." "Eat this vile creature! Brave slash!" Hervey releases another wave attack that successfully cut one of its head but quickly regrows again along with the new head. "Retreat!" Seeing that horror the mercenary fled from battle but quickly blocked by zombies. "Gyaa! What the hell is this creature! Captain help me! Nooooo!" This time the 3rd head cast resurrection magic that calling the dead as a zombie and start killing them one by one until finally only Hervey who survive. "I found a crack right over there!" "Gods! Why the crack must appear near the hydra!" "Less talk more action Gene! We need to go!" "As if I''ll let you do that!" Overhearing our conversation Hervey quickly change his course and run toward us with hydra and before escaping Hervey swung his sword again making a making the whole area covered with smoke. "That guy is really underhanded!" By the time I realize it Hervey already disappeared and were also separated, I''m with Serpent and Lucas with Marie. "Gene! Jump to any crack you find, we''ve met outside! Good luck." "What!? How could you!" Aunt Lucas quickly carries Marie and jump disappear leaving us with the hydra. ---- "Uhh...what do we do now..." "Master, if you wish it I can become a diversion for you." "Huh, why I would need that?" "Don''t you want to escape from here?" "Same question I ask you, Don''t you want to escape?" "I...I want but that''s impossible." "Hmm I see....that magus is the reaper right?" "Wha-how did master find out?" "Of course I know, you keep Shivering since that hydra appear there''s no way you could forget the smell the one who imprison you here. But...there''s no way you could win against him, and now I reduce you to this state." "Then what should I do master? There''s no way I leave this dungeon knowing that he''s still alive all this time!" "Technically he''s not really alive, but what do you want then? Tell me." "I want a revenge! I want it so bad after for everything that he did to me!" "What a nice answer! Then we just need to beat him up!" She finally let out her emotion. "But master, can we really win!?" "Will you choose to give up then?" "...No, I will fight!" "Good answer, you show me your desire so shall I." "Master?" "Knock the door shall be opened, ask then you''ll be given the answer, show me what''s your desire and the Ashen blade will reveal it!" Ashen blade once again radiates with red aura and become a blood-colored sword that continuously dripping a blood from its hilt. Like starring by the death itself, hydra and Serpent froze in fear and with a single swing, the blood turns into a sharp wave that cuts all of the hydra head in an instant. "Master...is that really you?" "Of course it''s me, but It''s not done yet, now do you wish a power to carry your vengeance?" "Yes." "Then take my sword claim it on your own." Gene sticks his sword to the ground and without showing any hesitation serpent grab the Ashen blade with her both arm, the dripping blood quickly covering her arm along with a painful expression before finally let it go. "Master but I can''t pull it out." "It doesn''t matter, Look at your hand." "This is¡­" The blood that covered serpent hand start to crystallize and become a pair of a red gauntlet. "This is what you desire a most, a power to defeat the hydra, a power to defeat your nemesis for now on your name is Revia the!...the...Arrgh, forget it!" By the time they finish talking Hydra head already regrow along with new head making its head become 6. "Now show me your desire." "Understood master!" Levia charging forward start attacking relentlessly, with each strike destroying hydra head not even giving it a chance to retaliate. "What happen why the hydra didn''t regenerate?" After the fight, Hydra suffers heavy wound all over its body but unlike before the hydra didn''t regenerate instead keep degenerating before turn into dust. "Isn''t that what you wish for?" "You mean this is?...Master are you alright?!" Gene suddenly falls to his knees and vomiting blood. Ugh I''m using too much Ashen power...her wish is stronger than I anticipated. "I''m fine...but remember that power didn''t come for free, your soulbound weapon is not like any other, it is created from your hatred and malice you need to control it or you''ll be the one who devoured by it." "Understood master!" "Anyway this stone already returns to its former self it''s time to go, hold on tight." Tightly hugging Revia, Gene throw the stone calling pillar of light before makes both of them disappear. Chapter 5 One by one people are starting appearing in front of the rift and leave with loot they find some of them boast they success but the crowd slowly disperse until only Lucas who still remaining standing in front the portal, waiting for Gene to return. "Aunt Lucas, are you still waiting for him?" "Him? You mean Gene? Of course." "But...will he even able to return?" "He will don''t worry, you better go get some rest, you still look tired." "Uh...but how you can be so sure, you''re not even shown any slightest worries." "Why? Hmm because I know him very well, he wouldn''t be defeated by just something like that." "But isn''t he''s a downer?" "Yup." "Then shouldn''t we need to quickly find him?" "That''s not possible Marie, even were able to, time inside the rift is move different from here, it''s impossible for us to meet, the gap is already too big plus we won''t know when the rift starts to close." "Then!?" "Hmm? Are you worrying about him?" "Worry?! No I¡­.I¡­.I¡­." "Yes I know Marie, you didn''t like him right? In fact, you should hate him by now." "Wha-N-no I¡­" "There''s no need to hide it anymore, he''s not here, it''s ok to say it out of loud because I also think he''s really annoying!" "Well, it is true that...I don''t like him...but I do not really hate him...but I-" Marie become flustered when Lucas guess right about how she feels. "Sorry I''m just teasing you, but it''s alright if you hate him, that''s what he wants anyway." "W-want? He wants me to hate him?! Why?!" "Not really, he just wants everything to hate him." "Uh...what? Why he want something like that?" "Hahaha, there''s a story behind it, so are you really want to know?" "Uh¡­" "Hahaha, I''ll tell you even you don''t want to." "Is that really ok?! I''m just meet you right?" "Of course, it''s not like there''s some dangerous secret behind it anyway." ¡­.. "Uh...you''re not going to start?" "Huh? Oh sorry right! So where do I start first...what? You wanna ask something?" "Is he really a downer?" "Why you keep asking that? " "I know that I can''t feel any mana flow from his body, but how he able to summon that monster when we first met and that weapon he calls when inside the ruin!" "Wait, you can sense mana? Are you from a daemon race?!" "N-no! I...I-" "Nevermind then if you don''t want to say it, I don''t care where you from anyway, but still that explains a lot why somebody hides you so well." ¡­ "Anyway, do you know an item called dimensional pocket?" "Huh? If I''m not wrong it''s a bag that can store everything? Wha- you mean Gene own something like that?!" "Yes, he is." "Realy!? Where''d he get it?!" "Hmm, it''s something that he owns from the very beginning." "Wha-then- wait if he owns something like that how the other still don''t know about it?!" "Well...it''s because that pocket is cursed." "Wait, you say there''s no dangerous secret behind it." "Hmm~ I lie of course." "Wha-" "But I believe you''re not that fool enough to tell others about that." "How you can be so sure about that!?" "You know the legend of Icarus? A man who fly using wings created from wax?" "I know he was burned to death because trying to near the sun." "Yes it''s just like that, It''s not like the others don''t know about it, but everyone who tries to stole it ends up either insane or dead." "Is that really that dangerous?" "You''re welcomed to try if you want." "N-no thanks! So does that mean that pocket is something that could be used by Gene only?" "Nope, even himself must endure the curse." "....What¡­" "You ask me why he''s really annoying that''s the reason, it''s because that pocket...his personality is not like that in the past." "What he''s different in the past? Like?" "He''s really docile and kind, you know I really like him in the past since he''s so cute! He even always ask me to accompany him to the toilet because he''s really afraid of his own shadow!" "Wha-..." "Yeah, that''s him before he touches that pandora box¡­" "You mean...wait so he''s not a downer in the past?" "Nope he''s a downer since the beginning and....because of that his family is always bullying him." "I think I can understand that." "The only one who stands with him is me while the other family always keep bullying him." "Is he¡­" "No he never thought anything about that, nobody telling him that he''s a downer, every day he''s always trained to able keep up with his other sibling, but it was useless, every day the gap becomes bigger and bigger."Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "He''s had rough childhood¡­" "There''s no need to feel bad about that...the one who should feel sorry it should be me...if I''m listening to him that time, none of this will happen." "What did you mean." "You know the reason why he always asks me to accompany him?" "Because he''s afraid his own shadow right?" "Yes, but his shadow is not like a normal shadow¡­.his shadow are always keep talking to him, a sinister voice that always telling him to call their name." "Huh? Why?" "You know the requirement to summon something right? The first thing you need to sacrifice something and the second is the name¡­" ¡­. "The worst part is that voice is not one...but many, I don''t know how many times he tells me every different name every day that I start to think that it was just his fear because of his sibling." "There''s more than one?!" "It''s crazy, right? How come a child like him could hold something dangerous¡­.but that voice gradually disappears." "Disappear? Did something happen?" "The elder decides there''s no more hope for him and he decides to brand him with a mark." "Wha-!? A mark? You mean they brand him like a slave?!" "Yeah, it''s a common thing for a failure, not only he can''t use any magic, his constitution also really weak to become a soldier." "That''s horrible!" Well not for him though, after he received the brand the voice gradually disappear he start to become happy again." "Is it not turn out well in the end?" "Yes, by branding that''s mean you no longer able to disobey anyone who knows the secret word¡­ and sibling is jealous of him who no need to practice...and start to play a prank on him until one day they went too far." "Too far? Like what?" "We''re not from in this country you know, originally we''re live near a mountain where a dragon makes a nest at the top." "Near mountain? A dragon?! Wait you''re from Balard?! You''re dragon knight!?" "Yes, are you shocked now?!" "Of course it''s the country that known as the strongest because they have a dragon! That explains why you using a spear as a weapon¡­" "Hahaha...well you''re partially right but I''m not a dragon knight, I''m run away even before taming my first dragon and become an adventurer instead thus earn a nickname Blazing Lucas." "I can''t believe it...I''m talking with somebody from that famous country..." "Well enough for sidetracked, his siblings are bringing him into the Iron Forest and left him alone." "Is it dangerous?" "Of course it is! If you don''t bring any dragon crest when entering the forest you''ll become a dinner for the dragon." "But why Gene agree to follow them?" "Because¡­.the one who asks Gene to go there are¡­.his most trusted friend...." "Trusted?...No...is his sibling blackmail his friend?!" "Much worse than that...he never considers Gene as his friend...he...and his sibling makes a bet and the losers are must gain Gene trust and Gene also told him the secret words¡­." "What the...how can they do something like that?!" "It just happens and Gene is the victim¡­" "Then what happens next?!" "When he enters the forest...his sibling are already there...they grab him and using the secret words they order him to stay inside the forest for a whole day. The worst part is nobody knows what happen to him until 3 days later. That''s also after we interrogated his sibling and friend." "So you and the other quickly saving Gene?!" "...I wish I was able to do that....the opinion is split into two, and the majority of voice are agreed that Gene is already dead...even Runa agrees with that...at first she even looks relief after hearing that¡­" "What...how¡­" "I...I don''t know about that...Runa never tells why...I was under house arrest when I tried to convince the elder to save him...it was only days later after I was able to escape with Runa help." ---- "I was quickly run toward the forest and when I find him....Gene are standing outside the forest entrance like waiting for someone." "What? If he can get out why he does not return by himself?" "I don''t know...when Gene see me...he quickly run inside the forest again, it was hard for me to follow him, I was even waste a half day just to chase him can''t you believe it!?" "A half!? Isn''t that forest filled with many dragons!?" "Hahaha..it was...until Gene opens the pandora box." "What happens there?" "When Gene stopped, he asked me very strange question¡­he asks me¡­''if you know the truth...what will you do?'' I was confused at first, why did he talk like that, but everything becomes clear when he shows me...the...pile of dragon corpse¡­.and even the brands already disappear." "What...how...?" "He told me...that he calls their name one by one and...helping him to survive... he also told me that he should listen to them a long time ago, they are right and wrong at the same time¡­then he laugh as hard as he could." "Is he become insane?" "I don''t know, but the way he talks is like someone else." ---- "Gene, what happen to you...all of this is...it your doing?" "Kinda...they attack me because I don''t have dragon crest...tried to explain...but they won''t listen then start attacking me...that voice starts to return louder than before...pulling me into a sea of madness." "Madness? What are you talking about?! are you really Gene?" "I am...but maybe not...or maybe yes...I don''t know aunt Lucas... there are so many voices that keep shouting at me...it was only for a moment....but for me, it was like an eternity...that voice...he..hehehe...he...who...yes...I see¡­my name is¡­." "G-Gene?" "Ugh...I''m sorry aunt Lucas...it''s hard to concentrate with all of those voices...but you better go back now¡­" "Back? Won''t you come with me?" "I will...later...business here¡­" "Business?" "Yes...the dragon say they will listen to me if I could defeat them...so I did...but...friends appear they...run...hard to follow...took time to find them one by one." "Wait...defeat...this mass killing...you mean...you¡­" "Yes...just like they wish...friends say will help." "But Gene...are you really need to do all this killing?!" "Aunt Lucas...once my friends are out...none are allowed to escape¡­.none are allowed to live...they told me enemy must...die¡­that is their agreement...I already told you about it every day in the past¡­and you told me don''t listen to them...tried my best¡­.but their voice starts to keeps getting bigger and bigger¡­" "Gene....I¡­" "Shhh...he''s here...the last dragon...coming...need to finish...." ---- "And just like he say, the last dragon descent from the sky, it was really big and powerful, even my legs are frozen stiff after hearing its roar, I feel like I was in front of death itself." "The last dragon?" "Yes the last one, king of the forest, green dragon Dryzan, he is an ancient dragon king who rules that forest, his words are the law, but did you know what I see, Gene just laughing when listening to that roar." "Is he doesn''t feel afraid?" "It was a quiet reverse, Dryzan was the one who feels intimidated when Gene laughing...Dryzan frozen stiff he even unable to move...then when he calls it...the name that I can''t ever forget¡­his name was¡­" "Was what aunt Lucas? I really want to hear that." Before she finishes her story Gene and Revia already standing behind them unnoticed. "Wha- G-Gene you already return?! Wait why you have bruised all over your body?!" "I meet a daemon inside." "Daemon and you survive then that wound is from-" Marie becomes restless when she hears daemon. "Nah, this is because I buried under the rub- wait that''s not important why the hell you feed her another lie?!" "A lie?" "We''re not from Balard, well we are was indeed from mountain region but there''s no dragon, the only thing that keeps coming inside that forest are just slime and goblin" "Whaa?! Why you lie to me?!" "Well, I never say it was the truth. but it was good right? I mean look at the time, we already waste 3 hours." "I can''t believe it¡­.I was thinking that''s really real! Grrr, I''m leaving!" "H-hey! Ah, she''s angry¡­" "Of course she would...you keep lying to her." "But it''s really good story right?" "Yeah yeah, I know you''re good story maker aunt Lucas...Haa...we better get home, I''m tired¡­" "Lie huh...If I can turn that story into a lie I''ll gladly trade anything that I have to make it happen." ----- Reminiscing about her past Lucas remember when she first meets another Gene persona and the ghost child named Lazarus. "You...how could you do this...who are you!? Where''s Gene!?" "Me? I''m nobody....I''m just people from the past...there''s no need to worry, he will wake up eventually...but¡­.I don''t think he will remain the same after entering that place." "What place?" "Who knows, just as him...though I''d doubt he''ll remember any of it, and I trust you can make a good lie for what happened here right¡­" "Lie?! You think I''ll just lie about what happened here?!" "Just like killing, once you do it the rest will be much easier...and probably your sister going to be exiled or be killed for helping you. I suggest you should think a way out like faking your own death and go somewhere far away." "How could you¡­" "Well looks like our time is up¡­Good night...Lazarus, it''s time for us to return¡­" "Whatever you say, big bro! See you later sister I hope we can play together someday." --- "Hey¡­..Hey! Aunt Lucas quit daydreaming we almost arrive!" "What...oh sorry...was I sleeping?" "What happened to you? It''s not like you for feeling guilty for telling a lie are you sick?" "Hahaha...I''m alright Gene?! Who do you think your aunt is!?" "Well if you say so¡­" "It''s just like he say...after the first lie¡­the rest will follow¡­" "I am alright¡­Right...?"