《Fallen Devil》


 Chapter 1

    "I''ve finally reached the top floor" Heat looks around casually as his feet leave the staircase and touches the black marble floor.


    It''s been many years since Heat opened the gates to the tower''s first floor. At long last, he''s made it to the last floor.


    "Screeeeeeech!!" With the deafening sound of metal scraping against metal exploding forth, the ground begins to expand as the final floor''s guardian rises up from the ground.


    Heat looks up and sees the gargantuan golem that is beginning to take form from boulders and unknown metals. The final floor''s guardian being a thousand times bigger than Heat, has its entire body marked with glowing ancient runes.


    "This is the 1000th floor''s guardian?" Heat lets out a bittersweet sigh as he realized that his journey up the tower is finally coming to a close.


    "RAWFAGGWGDSGNX" A mix of impossible sounds come rumbling out of the golem''s mouth as it sends out an intimidation roar at Heat.


    "Begone!" With a slow wave of his sword, Heat sends out a sword wave that rushes toward the golem. In a split second, before the golem even had a chance to attack, it was already split in two.


    After the sword wave passed through it, the glow of the runes marking the golem fades and the two halves come crashing down.


    A few minutes passed, the surrounding became deathly silent as there was no sound or movement. Heat furrowed his eyebrows in suspicion, every time a floor''s guardian was killed its body would disintegrate and the treasure it was guarding would appear. Yet now, the golem''s body was clearly still there.


    "It can''t be. It''s still alive?" With curiosity compelling Heat, he walks toward the heap of rocks and metals.


    As Heat approaches the pile of broken golem pieces, he reaches toward a piece of metal to examine it. Right when Heat''s finger touches the piece of the golem, the runes on every piece shine and exude an aura of power.


    Heat reacts immediately and rushes to retreat, in a split second he''s already leaped away the distance of a few hundred meters.


    The space around the golem warps into a vortex that sucks in all the pieces of the golem and condenses into one tiny white ball of light floating in the air.


    "YOU HAVE DONE WELL TO HAVE REACHED THE FINAL FLOOR! EVEN THOUGH YOU WERE NEVER SELECTED TO CLIMB THE TOWER, IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS YOUR SIN SHALL BE PARDONED!"


    This booming voice came from the white ball of light and in the moment after the voice finished its words, Heat''s vision disappeared. Everything turned white and Heat lost consciousness.


    -------


    "What happened?" Heat''s head was aching as he sat up and looked around. He was on top of an old bed inside a bamboo shack that contained nothing but a couple of stools.


    Just as he was about to get up, the cloth on the doorway shifted and a sturdy young boy around the age of 16, came in holding a bowl of porridge.


    "Grandpa, he woke up!" Screamed the young boy as he put down the bowl of porridge and rushed out of the shack. A moment later, an old man came into the shack with the young boy.


    The old man had many wrinkles on his face; he seemed frail yet full of life at the same time. The skin on his hands was loose but healthy.


    "See grandpa, he''s awake!" Leading in the old man, the boy spoke with excitement. "Now I can stop playing nurse right?"This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Settle down Min" The old man was patting the shoulder of the young boy as he moved his focus on to Heat.


    "How are you feeling young man?"


    Heat stared straight into the old man''s eyes as confusion was written on his face. Heat had no idea what was going on, a feeling of absolute ignorance embodied Heat.


    "Who are you? Where am I?"


    Without waiting for the old man to answer, the young boy said "You''re in our firewood shack; you''ve been laying there for 2 weeks sleeping. My grandpa found you unconscious at the river bank"


    With a smile, the old man interrupted the young boy "My name is Fang Lest, this is my grandson Min Lest. What is your name young man?"


    "I don''t know" answered Heat. "I don''t remember much of anything prior to waking up. I can''t recall where I am, or who I am"


    With a troubled look on his face, Fang Lest whispered: "That''s troubling if you don''t remember anything how will you return home?"


    "Maybe he can stay with us until he remembers grandpa. Big brother can help me hunt for food in the forest" Min Lest persuaded his grandpa as he looked at Heat.


    "Since you''ve got no memories and nowhere else to go for the time being, would you like to stay with us?"


    Heat looked around, he truly had nowhere to go and no clue what to do. Since the two in front of him were kind enough to save his life and offer him an invitation to stay, he chose to accept.


    "Yes, I would like to stay"


    "Great! We can go hunting tomorrow, but what should we call him if he doesn''t even remember his name grandpa?"


    "Since you will be joining our family, let''s call you Quanye. Quanye Lest" Fang Lest picked up the bowl of porridge and handed it to Heat. "Eat. I know you probably have a lot of questions for me but we can discuss more after you gather your strength"


    Throughout the evening, Heat discussed with Fang Lest about anything he could think of and Fang Lest imparted what knowledge he thought would be important to know. They live in Grey Grass Village that has about 100 families scattered at the base of Spike Mountain. Most families survive by farming, foraging, fishing, or hunting.


    Every day Fang Lest would tend to his rice field that barely spans half an acre, it was while going to get water from the river that Fang Lest found Heat. Min Lest would go into Spike Mountain every day to forage and hunt, thus maintaining a sturdy build even with only 16 years of age.


    Most areas that are not occupied by humans have the danger of containing Demonic Beasts. Demonic beasts range from class 1-9 and are much stronger than normal wild animals since they contain Beast Cores. Spike Mountain is a mountain range containing dense forestry and rarely would a class 1 Demonic Beast be spotted.


    As dawn broke, Heat heard the voice of Min Lest as he came rushing into his shack.


    "Let''s go, big brother! We need to head out early so that we can spot any animals that come out foraging for food. Hopefully, we can catch a few hares so that we can get some meat"


    Heat got up and quickly was dragged out of his shack by Min Lest. As they made their way toward the forest, the flowing sound of water quickly came into Heat''s ears as a river wider than 10 meters came into view.


    Heat approached a nearby water bank that had slow flowing, almost still water and looked at his own reflection. Appearing to be around 18 years of age, he was a dashing young man with finger length ink-black hair and crystal clear brown eyes.


    "This is where grandpa found you a couple weeks ago big brother. You looked like you got washed up on to this water bank"


    Trying to remember, Heat silently stared at his own reflection in the water.


    "Let''s go, big brother, there''s almost no fish here. We should go into the forest and see if we can find some edible plants or animals" With a gluttonous smile Min Lest ran further as he gestured for Heat to follow.


    Their hike into Spike Mountain was quick and efficient as Heat followed behind Min Lest who seemed familiar with the forest paths.


    "By the way big brother, when we found you all you had were some tattered pants and a ring on your hand. I changed your clothes into my old clothes but I was not able to remove that ring. I didn''t want to use too much force as to not hurt you but what is that ring and why does it stick to your finger?"


    Heat looked at his hands and indeed, just as Min Lest said; there was a thin black ring on his left index finger. It felt so natural wearing it that Heat did not even notice it yesterday. Rather than feeling like he was wearing an accessory, it felt more like an extension of his body.


    "I don''t know, I don''t remember how I got this ring or who gave it to me"


    As Heat replied, he tried to take off the ring and it came off easily.


    "Wow, you''re able to take it off? Can you give it to me to have a closer look?" With big eyes, Min Lest came closer and extended his hands towards Heat.


    Before Min Lest could come close enough to touch the ring, Heat put it back on to his finger.


    "I''m not sure why, but it feels more comfortable wearing it" Extending his left arm toward Min Lest, he showed him the ring while wearing it on his finger.


    "It feels smooth and mystical big brother" Min Lest rubbed the ring and tried to take it off Heat''s finger. "How come only you''re able to take it off? When I try to, it seems to stick on to you"


    "I don''t know" Heat shook his head as he looked confused.


    Putting the mysterious ring in the back of his mind, Heat ventured deeper into the forest with Min Lest.

 Chapter 2

    Min Lest came to a stop and pointed to the area ahead of them.


    "This is a territory with lots of wild hares. There are typically only hares here but sometimes, I might encounter a wild boar. If we do encounter a boar we should run away since they are quite aggressive"


    "Since this is your first time hunting and you''ve already recovered, I will teach you what to do and then you should try it yourself"


    Heat nodded his head but felt that something felt odd. For some reason, he thought back to his conversation with Fang Lest yesterday as he described his family.


    Fang Lest had a son who married at the age of 20 with a neighboring girl when she turned 18. His daughter-in-law birthed Min Lest a year after their marriage. They lived a peaceful life with Fang Lest farming and his son hunting.


    A couple of years ago when Min Lest was 14, Fang Lest''s son came rushing home one day in an excited mood. He told Fang Lest how he went deep into Spike mountain and found an Earth Knight''s legacy hidden in a cave.


    Fang Lest didn''t know what an Earth Knight was but because his son would sometimes go out to trade with other villages, his son seemed to know. Even though his son didn''t describe what an Earth Knight was to Fang Lest, he was able to guess that it must have been important given how excited his son was.


    The next day, however, Fang Lest''s son disappeared. After a week, Fang Lest''s daughter-in-law seemed to know about some secret that she didn''t share with Fang Lest and rushed into Spike Mountain to find Fang Lest''s son.


    Min Lest, filled with worry for his mother, went into Spike Mountain to search for his mother and missing father. Two days later, he came back with neither.


    "To find a wild hare or its home, we should first search for some hare tracks or traces of hare activity"


    Min Lest was patiently showing Heat how to find wild hares and after a few hours, they locked on to some traces of wild hares leading to a hare burrow.


    "Since wild hares are clever, they will flee immediately if they sense danger. They are also much faster than normal people so it would be almost impossible for us to catch them. The best way would be to set up a trap and lead the hare to the trap as we chase"


    Min Lest showed Heat precisely how to set up a snare trap with some rope that he brought by setting up some traps in a few directions that surround the hare burrow. Min Lest then showed Heat that as long as the hare came out of its burrow, no matter which direction it ran to it would eventually lead to a trap.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "Now we quickly create a small fire from some twigs to smoke the hare out of its burrow"


    In less than an hour, a hare was caught in one of the snare traps that Min Lest set up.


    "Now you try big brother. I''ll watch you and help you if you need any help. Let''s first go a bit deeper into the forest and see if we can find any more hares"


    With Min Lest leading the way, Heat followed deeper into the forest. Very soon Heat found some traces of wild hare activity.


    "The tracks seem to lead back toward the way we came from but in a slightly different direction" Looking at the ground, Heat deduced that a wild hare must be close.


    "No, those look like fox tracks, foxes are too cunning and we won''t be able to catch them. Let''s go deeper into the forest and see if we can find some other traces of wild hares" Quickly shifting the focus toward the inner parts of the forest, Min Lest moved forward gesturing for Heat to follow.


    Heat was diligently following Min Lest as he went deeper and deeper into the forest. As Min Lest suddenly changed direction, Heat wanted to inquire on why they weren''t finding any wild hare traces when suddenly, he heard the sound of twigs snapping.


    "ROOOOAR" as soon as the red colored lion appeared, it roared loudly at Heat.


    "Oh no! This is a Flame Tailed Lion, it''s a class 2 Demonic Beast! RUN!" Shouted Min Lest as he quickly ran to the left.


    As soon as Heat realized they were in danger and heard Min Lest shout "RUN!" Heat turned around and ran.


    The Flame Tailed Lion ignored Min Lest even though he was closer and chose to only chase after Heat.


    Feeling the danger of the Demonic Beast approaching, Heat knew that he would not be able to outrun the Flame Tailed Lion and quickly surveyed his surroundings. The Flame Tailed Lion would reach him within 5 seconds and with nothing but a rope on hand, Heat figured that there would be no way to survive.


    Since he was going to die no matter what happens, Heat thought to at least stall and maybe injure the Flame Tailed Lion so that Min Lest might have a chance of escaping.


    Steeling his resolve, Heat charged at the incoming Demonic Beast holding out a rope with both hands in front of him. The Flame Tailed Lion opened its jaws to roar as it closed the distance and swiped forward with its paw instantly cutting past the rope attempting to cut Heat in half.


    The moment the Flame Tailed Lion''s claws touched Heat''s shoulders, he instinctively moved backward and managed to prevent being sliced in half. The impact of the Flame Tailed Lion''s paw still caused Heat to fly backward and crash into a tree causing the tree to break.


    As Heat rolled on to the ground, he noticed how he had a bleeding wound from the Lion''s claws extending diagonally from his right shoulder down to his left ribs.


    The sense of danger ignited Heat''s survival instincts as he felt his wound bleeding.


    Without waiting for Heat to get up, the Flame Tailed Lion immediately rushed to finish Heat off. As it leaped forward to pounce, Heat knew he had to do something, anything, or he would be dead in the next moment.


    Without a moment of hesitation, Heat rolled underneath the airborne Flame Tailed Lion when it jumped and punched the Flame Tailed Lion from underneath it.


    The moment Heat''s punch came in to contact with the Flame Tailed Lion, a hole was blasted through its body as Heat''s fist pierced right through.


    Heat was stunned. What happened? The threatening class 2 Demonic Beast was killed just like that?


    Removing his arm full of blood from the Flame Tailed Lion''s dead body, Heat shuddered as he realized that this isn''t the first time he''s killed. The feeling of taking another living being''s life felt extremely familiar, as natural as breathing.

 Chapter 3

    "What happened?!" Min Lest came rushing out from some bushes as he saw the dead Flame Tailed Lion with a bloody hole in its body and Heat covered in blood.


    "You''re wounded? Don''t move, I''ll apply some healing herbs on to your wounds"


    Min Lest took out some leaves and plants from a pouch that he carries around his waist and moved toward Heat.


    As he finished applying the medicine to Heat''s chest Min Lest asked "What exactly happened, big brother? Did you kill the Flame Tailed Lion?"


    "I did, I don''t exactly know what happened but when I felt like my life was on the line I punched the Demonic Beast and it died. UGH"


    As Heat was speaking he suddenly felt a sharp piercing pain from his back. Heat then saw Min Lest pull out a bloody dagger from his back as Min Lest retreated a few meters away.


    "I truly did not expect you to be able to kill my Flame Tailed Lion. Your storage ring must contain some good treasures then if you''re powerful enough to kill my tamed beast with a single strike"


    "Why?" Heat muttered as he tried to stand up but discovered that it was incredibly difficult to move his body.


    "There''s no point trying to move, the medicine I applied to your wounds are Ice Mint Leaves and the Scorching Ivy Roots. The flame and ice properties will clash inside your body and corrode your muscles. Just quickly die for me so that I can take your storage ring. Don''t worry; I''ll bury your body"


    Min Lest smirked as he looked at Heat who''s laying on the ground spitting out blood.


    "You know, you''re the third person I''ve killed in my life. The first was my father, the second, my mother. After you''re dead and I take your items I''ll leave this resourceless village since my tamed beast is already dead there''s no longer any reason for me to remain here.


    Min Lest began speaking his mind as he used his dagger to dig out a red spherical stone from the Flame Tailed Lion''s head.


    "Grandpa is the only one left who might know what Spike Mountain contains. I guess he''ll have to be the fourth person I kill before I leave"


    As Min Lest placed the red spherical stone into his pouch, he walked toward Heat. Min Lest sat next to the body of Heat and looked into the forest with eyes of longing.


    "The path to the top requires you to step on everyone else, as reluctant as I am; it''s time for grandpa to die as well so that I may become stronger"


    Min Lest held Heat''s left arm as he sighed. Min Lest tried to remove Heat''s ring but it was still stuck on.


    Immediately coming to a realization, Min Lest let go of Heat''s arm and tried to move away, but he was a fraction of a second too late.


    With a quick turn of his seemingly lifeless body, Heat grabbed on to Min Lest''s throat with his right arm. Standing up and holding Min Lest''s throat, Heat began strangling Min Lest with one arm.


    "URGH. You persistent cockroach!" Min Lest gargled as he used his dagger to stab on to Heat''s left torso.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Feeling the pain from the dagger, Heat''s left hand held on to Min Lest''s arm that held the dagger while Heat''s right hand released Min Lest''s throat.


    With a downward swing, Heat used his right elbow to break Min Lest''s arm. Taking the dagger from Min Lest''s broken arm, Heat stabbed Min Lest''s body 3 consecutive times in his stomach so that he would slowly bleed to death.


    Heat then retreated a few meters away as he muttered in a low pain filled whisper "Why?"


    "Haha. Perhaps this is retribution!" Min Lest shouted hysterically as blood oozed from his wounds and his mouth.


    "I should have known that the Ice Mint Leaves and the Scorching Ivy Roots would not affect you if you''re powerful enough to easily kill a class 2 Demonic Beast"


    "Why did you try to kill me? Why did you kill your parents? Why are you trying to kill Fang Lest?" Heat uttered through his pain.


    "Why? What a stupid question. Do you know what my father found 2 years ago? It was the legacy of Mo Hung Di. He was an Earth Knight that passed on a low tier Earth skill to his inheritor. The Blood Corruption Fog"


    "I don''t understand" Heat whispered as he was unable to comprehend what Min Lest was saying.


    "Of course you don''t, you don''t know anything at all. To practice this skill, it requires you to devour the heart of your kin related to you by blood. As for attacking you, it was simply out of greed. Your ring is a storage ring that contains its own dimensional space to store items. Mo Hung Di left some information regarding storage rings and it''s said that only the wealthy or powerful would have them"


    Heat looked down at the ring on his finger "So this is a storage ring, how do I use it?"


    "I will tell you the location of Mo Hung Di''s inheritance. In there is all the information you need on storage rings but before I do that I need you to do something for me. Grandpa has always treated me well my entire life and you have no kin related to you by blood which means you won''t be able to practice the Blood Corruption Fog, so please bring my body and Mo Hung Di''s inheritance to grandpa"


    With his final breath, Min Lest pulled out a map drawn on a brown piece of paper that detailed some landmark locations in Spike Mountain and the location of Mo Hung Di''s inheritance.


    Not knowing what to do while feeling the immense pain from his wounds, Heat searched through Min Lest''s dead body to see if he could find anything that could help him.


    Unfortunately, all Heat found was the red spherical stone that Min Lest dug out from the Flame Tailed Lion''s head as well as some unknown plants in Min Lest''s pouch.


    Ripping up Min Let''s clothing, Heat used the ripped up rags to create some makeshift bandages to patch up his wounds.


    Feeling tired, Heat walked to a nearby tree and sat down. Under its shade, Heat fell asleep as he leaned on the tree completely ignoring the possible dangers of the forest. After going through this grueling battle and betrayal, Heat was physically and mentally exhausted.


    When Heat awoke, he didn''t know how much time had passed but the sun was beginning to set. He knew that it would take a couple of hours to reach the village so he moved toward Min Lest''s dead body with the intention of dragging him back to Fang Lest.


    As Heat got closer to Min Lest, he also got closer to the dead Flame Tailed Lion. He was able to feel this faint indescribable aura coming from the Flame Tailed Lion''s dead body.


    This was probably the reason why nothing came to disturb Heat''s rest. The aura of a class 2 Demonic Beast was able to scare off any wild animals or any class 1 Demonic Beasts in Spike Mountain.


    Without thinking too much, Heat dragged Min Lest''s body back through the forest. It was surprisingly easy as all of Heat''s wounds no longer felt painful. Heat didn''t take notice though because all of his focus was on moving through the forest as fast as he could before any other danger appears.


    "Min Lest wanted me to help deliver his body to Fang Lest, I will oblige since Fang Lest did save me. However, if any danger that threatens me comes along, I''ll abandon Min Lest and leave his body as a distraction so I can escape" Heat thought to himself while he swiftly moved through the forest dragging Min Lest''s dead body.


    By the time Heat was just about to reach the village, the only light left out were from the moon and stars. When Heat got to the village, what he saw left him speechless.


    The metallic scent of blood filled the air. There were body parts littered everywhere, not one living person was in sight. The entire village was in ruins.

 Chapter 4

    Heat walked from house to house finding not even one building intact. When he finally got to Fang Lest''s home, there was only half the house standing. The top half seemed to have been blown away.


    The surroundings were eerie but Heat still decided to go inside Fang Lest''s home as he needed to find out what happened.


    Inside, Heat saw Fang Lest''s dead body missing his arms and legs. It appears to be the work of humans because the cuts are smooth, if his body was mauled apart by wild beasts it would look more ragged.


    "What should I do now?" Confused and slightly saddened by the sight of Fang Lest, Heat felt lost.


    With no one left alive to explain what happened to the village and fatigue assaulting his body, Heat decided to go back to his half standing bamboo shack to rest for the night.


    When morning came, Heat noticed that all the wounds he had seemed to have magically healed fully leaving no scar. Heat found a shovel in Fang Lest''s home and buried Fang Lest as well as Min Lest in the rice field.


    Standing in front of their graves, Heat took out the map that Min Lest gave him and departed from the village toward Mo Hung Di''s inheritance.


    Following the directed path on the map, Heat reached Mo Hung Di''s inheritance in a few hours. The inheritance is located in a cave, halfway up the mountain, and is hidden by vines that naturally camouflage the entrance.


    Heat pushed the vines aside and entered while carefully placing the vines back. The first thing Heat saw was a stone door that was closed. Etched into the stone door were the words "Mo Hung Di"


    Heat pushed the stone doors open easily; they did not offer much resistance. Behind the stone doors was a small room that was about 4x4x4 meters.


    In the middle of the room were a stone table and a stone stool. On the table were three ancient looking books made of brown paper.


    Heat picked up the middle one and saw that the cover was labeled "Blood Corruption Fog - Low tier Earth skill"


    "This must be what Min Lest was talking about" Heat muttered as he sighed.


    The other two books were labeled "Man, Sword, Beast" and "Herya Empire." Heat took a seat on the stone stool and began reading all three books.


    The "Herya Empire" book detailed information regarding the Zinnoth continent that Heat is in.


    The Zinnoth continent is divided into four empires. Heat''s currently in the Herya Empire that''s located in the eastern region of Zinnoth. Further east of the Herya Empire is the Endless Forest that humans have not fully explored yet due to the heavy population of powerful Demonic Beasts located inside.


    The Herya Empire is further divided into ten territories. Each territory is governed by a Duke and must pay an annual tax to the King of Herya. The life one lives in the empire is dictated by their status. The lives of peasants are worth as much as grass and offending nobility almost always results in death. Nobility is granted by either the king or inherited from parent to legitimate child.


    The "Man, Sword, Beast" book contained information regarding the unique human power known as "energy," the different ranks that humans can achieve, human skills, energy equipment, and Demonic Beasts.


    All humans are able to regenerate, absorb, and expend energy. By increasing a person''s energy capacity, humans are able to break through to different power realms. Once a person breaks past the human realm and is able to control their energy, they are commonly referred to as "energized humans".


    The different energized human ranks are Mortal Warrior < Earth Knight< Saint Monarch. The Mortal Warrior realm is further classified into different levels from 1-9. Once a person reaches Earth Knight, the different levels are then classified into tiers, Low < Mid < High < Top.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Even though all humans are able to regenerate, absorb, and expend energy, the difference between normal humans and level 1 of Mortal Warrior is about 100x the energy capacity. Thus, most people are just ordinary people since they are unable to afford the resources needed to raise their energy capacity to Mortal Warrior level 1.


    The higher your rank, the more energy you are able to store and use. The difference between an entire realm is about 100x the energy capacity. An Earth Knight would have about 100x more energy than a Mortal warrior and would, therefore, be about 100x stronger.


    Energy can be used to fuel different skills. Skills are divided into Mortal < Earth < Saint levels with further tiers of Low < Mid < High. There are Top tier skills as well but they are extremely rare and have only appeared in the legends of the ancients. Since more powerful skills require more energy to use, a skill''s level is usually only used by its correspondent realm or above.


    In other words, usually, an Earth Knight can use a Mortal skill or an Earth skill but a Mortal Warrior cannot use an Earth skill.


    Energy equipment are powerful weapons that are fueled by energy. Their ranks are the same as skills being Mortal < Earth < Saint further split into Low < Mid < High < Top tier. Just like skills, energy equipment usually requires the correspondent human realm to be refined.


    Storage rings are a type of energy equipment. They require the use of energy to activate, but once dormant they don''t require any fuel. Their purpose is to provide a different dimensional space to store non-living things. Storage rings can instantly store any non-living thing as long as it is smaller than the space within the storage ring. Higher ranked storage rings contain more space for storage.


    "Min Lest said that this is a storage ring" Heat looked at his left hand as he rubbed the black ring on his index finger.


    Once a storage ring is refined by an owner, it can only be removed if the owner wills it or if the owner is dead.


    "So that''s why Min Lest tried to kill me" Heat contemplated as he finally understood why Min Lest attacked him. "But why didn''t he just kill me while I was unconscious and instead help me recover first before trying to attack me?"


    Maybe it was because Min Lest did not want to arouse suspicion by killing Heat in the village, maybe Min Lest did not realize Heat''s storage ring until after he woke up. Regardless of what the reason, Min Lest was dead and Heat would never find out.


    Putting his focus back on "Man, Sword, Beast" Heat read the final parts of the book.


    Demonic Beasts roam throughout the continent. The most powerful beasts are rumored to be densely packed in the areas outside of the four empires. The Frozen Tundra of the north, the Endless Forest of the east, the Lost Ruins of the south, and the Demonic Sea of the west.


    Demonic Beasts are also ranked based on their power with Mortal < Earth < Saint. Just like human realms, the Mortal realm Demonic Beasts are further divided into classes ranked 1-9. Past the Mortal realm, Demonic Beasts are then divided into Low < Mid < High < Top tiers.


    Demonic Beasts, just like humans, use energy for power. Once a Demonic Beast dies there is a 10% chance that there will be a Demonic Beast core condensed inside their brain. These beast cores contain all the Demonic Beast''s energy and can be absorbed to further the energy capacity of a person.


    Picking up the final book, Heat read "Blood Corruption Fog - Low tier Earth skill." It was a Low tier Earth skill that enables the user to control their blood into a misty fog that spreads towards the target. Once inside, if a Demonic Beast breathes, they would be invaded by the user''s poisonous blood and become their servant.


    It''s a powerful skill that enables the user to control Demonic Beasts as long as the user is stronger than the target. The only problem is that the requirements to practice the skill are to have a Low tier Earth Knight''s energy capacity and a water affinity energy core.


    This skill has two special conditions though; if the user were to devour the heart of another person related to them by blood they are able to minimize the energy usage of the skill down to the energy capacity of a level 1 Mortal Warrior. That means that even a level 1 Mortal Warrior can use the skill as long as they have a water affinity energy core and devour the heart of their kin.


    The other special condition is that the more hearts of their kin that the user devours, the stronger their control will become.


    "This must be why Min Lest killed his parents and even wanted to kill Fang Lest" Heat was impressed by the usage of this skill and even with the requirements, Heat didn''t seem disturbed. "It''s too bad I don''t know anyone related to me by blood"


    As Heat finished reading the last book, his eyelids drooped. "I''ll look into my storage ring tomorrow when I learn how to control energy," Heat thought as he closed his eyes and laid down on the hard stone floor. Thinking of all that''s happened since he woke up in Fang Lest''s shack, he thought about what he should do next with his only contacts in this world being


    The next day Heat woke up to the rumbling of his stomach. It''s been almost two full days since he last ate.


    Heat took the "Blood Corruption Fog - Low tier Earth skill" and the "Man, Sword, Beast" books with him while leaving the "Herya Empire" on the stone table because keeping three books under his shirt felt uncomfortable.


    Exiting the cave, Heat thought of whether he should hunt for food in the forest or find food elsewhere. Ultimately Heat endured his hunger and decided that it would be best to leave this area since the village''s destruction was too odd.

 Chapter 5

    Heat made his way down from Spike Mountain and back to the destroyed Grey Grass Village. From the village, Heat took one of the paths leading out of the village that looked somewhat like a road since it appeared to have been walked upon by many people.


    After walking for half a day, Heat''s stomach began rumbling again. "It''s been a couple of days since I''ve last eaten anything, I must find some food now or I won''t have the strength to keep moving"


    With hunger in mind, Heat began searching around for anything that might be edible. All around there was nothing but grass and hills; the road he was walking on was not even a real road. It was just dirt that seemed to be paved by the trampling of human activity.


    Luckily before Heat needed to search any further, he saw a wagon in the distance. The wagon appeared to be resting near some trees.


    Approaching the wagon Heat noticed one man sitting near the tree relaxing in the shade, two ladies sitting near the edge of the wagon enjoying the fresh air as they conversed, and a horse tied to the wagon. As Heat walked towards them, one of the young ladies takes notice of Heat.


    "Uncle, there''s someone coming" The girl that looked around 16 years of age spoke to the man.


    As the man sitting by the tree looked toward Heat, he exclaimed, "Hello there young man!"


    The man had the impression of being in his mid-40s. He had a square face with a sharp jawline, thick eyebrows, and a heroic demeanor.


    As Heat walked up to him he began to speak "I''m lost and looking for the nearest city. Do you perhaps know the way there?"


    Smiling the man said "Of course, we were just on our way to Rock Edge city. My name is Jef Frey."


    "Quanye Lest" Heat replied.


    "That''s my wife, Mien and my niece Mey. Rock Edge city is close by, only about 1-2 hours walk. You look a bit tired, would you like to ride with us to Rock Edge city on our wagon? We have more than enough space."


    "Thank you, I do need a ride to Rock Edge city. I''m a bit tired from my journey and"


    Before Heat could finish speaking, his stomach began rumbling loudly. With a face full of embarrassment, Heat continued speaking.


    "I ran out of food. Is it possible for you to provide anything for me to eat too?" Upon saying that, Heat realized that he had nothing to compensate the Frey family for their help. "I''m sorry, I have nothing on me to compensate you right now" Heat saw the young girl called Mey giggling at his stomach outburst and felt even more embarrassed.


    "Oh don''t worry, a little bit of bread and helping you since it''s on our way anyway isn''t much difficulty," Jef Frey said as he smiled warmly at Heat.


    "Take a seat and rest, we''ll stop here for another half an hour before we resume our journey. Mien give our new friend Quanye some bread."


    Mien Frey, a middle-aged average-looking lady, gracefully went into the wagon and shuffled some boxes around. A moment later she appeared and stepped down from the wagon to hand Heat two pieces of bread.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Here you go Mr. Lest. I baked this bread myself a yesterday."


    Smiling Heat took the bread and munched on it slowly. It was aromatic with a fresh taste that filled Heat with vigor immediately upon entering his stomach. "Thank you"


    "So why are you heading to Rock Edge city Quanye?" Jef Frey spoke to open up a dialogue.


    "I need to find a place live, my village was destroyed so I am heading to Rock Edge city to find a place to stay," Heat said solemnly.


    "Your village was destroyed? It wasn''t due to Marquess Bryant''s order was it?" Jef Frey had a worried expression as he stared at Heat.


    "Marquess Bryant? I don''t know who that is. I returned to my village from hunting in the woods yesterday to find it decimated" Heat shook his head.


    "Marquess Bryant controls Rock Edge city and reports only to the Duke that governs our Xin territory. A week ago he sent out his troops of Mortal Warriors to search for the Azure Lantern flower for his daughter. The Azure Lantern flower is said to have very dense water elemental energy that is able to greatly help a person with water elemental energy advance 2-3 Mortal Warrior levels" Jef Frey began looking into the distance as he narrated.


    "Marquess Bryant''s troops are becoming ruthless as they bully peasants for information on where the rumor of the Azure Lantern flower appearing originated from. No one is even sure that there is an Azure Lantern flower in the Xin territory, it was just a rumor that began spreading a few weeks ago"


    Heat looked at Jef Frey and shook his head "I don''t know if my village was destroyed for the Azure Lantern flower or not since there was no one alive to tell me what happened when I returned. I am simply heading to Rock Edge city to find a place to stay since I have nowhere else to go and there is no one else who is alive in this world that I am familiar with."


    The young lady named Mey interjected, "Aww that is terrible, to lose your family abruptly must be very sad for you" Mey stared at Heat with wide eyes full of sympathy.


    Standing up, Jef Frey gestured for Heat to board the wagon with the two ladies. "Let''s start moving while the sun is still out"


    Rather than sitting in the wagon with the two ladies, Heat chose to sit in the front compartment with Jef Frey as they departed. Heat figured it would be more comfortable for the two ladies to not have to entertain a stranger they just met on their journey to Rock Edge city.


    As the horse pulled their wagon and Jef Frey steered, he asked Heat some questions to pass the time. "So what are you planning on doing once you get to Rock Edge city?"


    "I''m not sure yet, there is nothing that I know how to do other than hunting wild hares. My body is pretty strong, perhaps I''ll do some labor work if I can find some" Heat replied with thoughtful eyes.


    "Labor work is not suited for you. I''m a retired mercenary, all I do now is travel around with my family looking to trade goods in different cities. Before I retired though, I was in the Mercenary Guild and was a D Rank mercenary. Even though I''m only a level 3 Mortal Warrior, I can sense the faint energy radiations from your body and I know you''re definitely not a normal person. It would be a waste of your time to do labor work for just a couple of copper coins a day" Jef Frey said as he shook his head.


    "You should join the Mercenary Guild if you want enough money to find a place to stay in Rock Edge city. If you don''t know anyone there, the living expense would be too much for you if you were to just do manual labor work."


    Heat stared at Jef Frey with a blank face as he spoke, "What is the Mercenary Guild?"


    "You don''t know?" Jef Frey was shocked as he stared back at Heat. Jef Frey couldn''t understand how anyone wouldn''t know about the Mercenary Guild since they were such a major organization in the Herya Empire.


    "I''ve been living in Grey Grass Village my entire life, my grandpa never told me much about the rest of the world." Heat said in a serious tone.


    "I see, well the Mercenary Guild has branches in every city of the Herya Empire. It''s one of the most influential and strongest organizations in the empire. All members are provided access to their vast network of information and can easily gain money for accomplishing the jobs that are posted in the guild. Most jobs are dangerous which is why most mercenaries that join would be very strong" Jef Frey was reminiscing his time spent in the guild as he explained to Heat.


    "Money? What is the currency system in Herya Empire? I''ve never had to use money in my village"


    Jef Frey looked at Heat like he was an anomaly. Who doesn''t know what copper coins are? Jef Frey began wondering if his mercenary skills have rusted over the years, how could such a country bumpkin be a Mortal Warrior without even knowing what the money of Zinnoth is.

 Chapter 6

    "Copper coins are the most basic currency in for everyone in Zinnoth continent regardless of which empire you go to. 100 copper coins equal 1 silver coin, 100 silver coin equal 1 gold coin. For my family of three, 1 silver coin could usually feed us for a month." Jef Frey explained.


    "I see, and the Mercenary Guild is an easy way for strong people to earn money. How can I join the Mercenary Guild?" Heat was considering his options once he arrives in the city. He is all alone and must support himself, it would be best to earn as much money as he could.


    Since Heat woke up a couple of days ago, there was nothing he could remember. The only practical skill he''s been taught was how to hunt for wild hares. Even that skill he''s not very proficient in yet.


    The Mercenary Guild seems like a good choice to earn money since he does seem pretty strong. He thought back to how his body easily healed his wounds and how he killed that class 2 Demonic Beast.


    Jef Frey shook his head. "To join the Mercenary Guild, all you have to do is pass their D Rank test and pay 1 silver" Jef Frey explained to Heat how to join even though he knew that Heat would not be able to pay the initial joining fee. Heat didn''t even know what the currency of Zinnoth was, how could he possibly have any silvers to pay?


    As Jef Frey finished saying that, Rock Edge city finally appeared in the distance behind the hill in front of them.


    As the wagon approached Rock Edge city, Heat spotted that there was a small line up at the gate.


    "To enter the city, every person must pay 5 copper coins. I know you don''t have any copper so I''ll pay your fee for you Quanye" Jef Frey took out 5 copper coins and handed it to Heat.


    "Much appreciated Jef Frey, once I make some money I''ll return the coins back to you. How can I find you in the city?" Heat inquired about any contact information from Jef Frey.


    He decided in his heart that once he''s able to make some money, he would repay Jef Frey for his help. Heat doesn''t exactly know why, but the feeling of not repaying what you owe makes him uncomfortable.


    "It''s alright, 5 copper coins is nothing much. I won''t be staying in Rock Edge city for long. We''ll be leaving after a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, we''ll be staying at Waterstone inn. If you have time you should come visit us" Jef Frey took out a silver coin and pushed it into Heat''s hands.


    "You''ll need this silver coin if you wish to join the Mercenary Guild. Even though we''ve just met, you remind me of myself when I was younger and hot-blooded thinking I can make a fortune by rising through the mercenary ranks" Jef Frey smiled as he looked at Heat.


    "Just remember not to take any job you don''t have full confidence in being able to accomplish. Your life is more important than some coins"


    Heat smiled back as he accepted the silver coin. He knew that without some help; forget about the Mercenary Guild, he wouldn''t even be able to enter the city.


    Once they passed the city gate and entered the city, Heat left the Frey family as Jef Frey pointed Heat toward the direction of the Mercenary Guild branch located in Rock Edge city.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Rock Edge city was a medium sized city with a couple hundred thousand people bustling about. The outer city buildings were made of wood and bamboo, this area was where the peasants resided. The inner city buildings were made of stone and wood, this was where the more expensive shops and nobles were located.


    Without any place to stay or any money other than his 1 silver coin, Heat immediately went to find the Mercenary Guild located in the inner parts of the city.


    The Mercenary Guild branch in Rock Edge city was a large building made almost entirely of stone. With three floors, it had a big sign of a shield and a sword piercing through it.


    When Heat entered the Mercenary Guild the first thing he noticed was the number of people inside. There was no one there at all besides a muscular man with a scar on his left eye behind the counter at the far left of the lobby.


    "I am looking to join the Mercenary Guild" Heat approached the counter and spoke to the only person there hoping he might be able to help.


    The man grunted as he looked at Heat. Heat was a young man about 175cm tall with a skinny build. The man behind the counter immediately had a bad impression of Heat not because of his lack of muscles, but because of his energy aura.


    Regardless of what rank you are, once you''ve reached Mortal Warrior level 1, you''ll always have an aura of energy radiating from you due to your energy core''s massive generation of energy.


    If your body keeps generating energy and you can only contain so much, some of it will always leak out creating an energy aura that other energized humans who are more sensitive to energy, would easily feel. The stronger you are the more energy you produce and thus the larger your energy aura will be.


    Heat''s body radiated energy as well but the energy aura around Heat''s body was very faint. The man behind the counter was an experienced worker at the Mercenary Guild. He''s seen many powerful people so he was able to discern that with the energy aura Heat was emitting, at most Heat was only a level 1 Mortal Warrior.


    "Name. Rank. Fee." The muscular man grunted out three words as if they were already too valuable for someone of Heat''s caliber.


    Before they parted ways in the city, Jef Frey gave one final piece of advice to Heat. Most people who join the Mercenary guild would do so only after reaching level 2 Mortal Warrior.


    The D Rank mercenary test changes every year for every branch. Sometimes the test would be easy and a level 2 Mortal Warrior could pass but other times, if the test was hard, even a level 3 Mortal Warrior might die in the test.


    Heat didn''t know what Mortal Warrior level he was; he didn''t even know how to feel his energy levels yet. All he knew was that Jef Frey said that Heat couldn''t be a normal person and must be in the Mortal Warrior realm given his faint energy aura.


    Heat needed to join the Mercenary Guild straightaway though because he had no money on him. If he used the 1 silver coin he was given for food and shelter, he would not be able to join the guild later.


    "Quanye Lest, D Rank test" Heat replied as he handed his 1 silver coin to the man.


    The man wrote down what Heat said as he took the 1 silver coin. "The next D Rank test will be in seven days at noon. Meet here and present your test token"


    The man handed Heat a small copper token that had a shield and a sword piercing through the shield on it. "You can go over to Pebble inn across the street and present that token, you''ll be given free stay until the test date as a temporary member of the Mercenary Guild."


    Taking the token Heat went to Pebble inn. Upon entering Heat showed his token to a cute looking young girl at the counter. "Hello, I am Ru Yin; this is your room key. Your room is on the third floor, room 304. If you need anything else you can come down and speak to me."


    Taking the room key, Heat headed to his room. Once Heat got up the staircase to the third floor, he saw a cold looking black haired girl walking toward him. She looked around 20 and wore a mini skirt that clearly revealed the daggers strapped to her thigh, but what made Heat take notice was that he felt a familiar feeling from her.


    The girl didn''t bother looking at Heat as she walked right past him and went down the staircase. Ignoring the odd feeling, Heat proceeded to go into his room.

 Chapter 7

    Once inside his room, Heat closed the door and sat on his bed. Taking out the "Man, Sword, Beast" book, Heat began reading the last part of the book.


    This part of the book contained information on how to control energy. Heat was too tired yesterday to bother reading this part of the book since it required him to experiment with energy control.


    Energy is the power source for all life. Ordinary living beings such as normal humans, plants, and animals have very little energy in them that circulate throughout their entire body.


    Every human that condenses their own energy core will be able to control their energy.


    Once a person absorbs enough energy to break into the Mortal Warrior realm, they will be able to condense and form their own energy core within themselves. This energy core acts as a storage and generator for human energy.


    The only way for living beings to absorb energy is by refining an energized object''s energy. When an ordinary being dies, their energy will dissipate quickly. When an energized being dies, their energy dissipates in unique ways.


    Energized plants would retain their energy as long as they are kept in good condition. Energized humans would usually have their energy cores leave their bodies as their souls carry it away.


    Demonic Beasts have their energy completely fused into every fiber of their body so it would be impossible to absorb their energy directly, however; there is a 10% chance of their energy condensing into a beast core in their brain.


    There are also energy stones that contain massive amounts of energy inside them and can be refined, but they are very, very rare.


    If a person is able to refine an energized object they will be able to absorb that energy into their body. Absorbing energy will either refill your lost energy if you''ve used up a lot or increase your energy capacity.


    Energy also has affinity according to the elements that have their own strengths and weaknesses: Water > Fire > Wind > Earth > Wood > Water. Having elemental advantage would boost your strength by a whole tier, or 3 Mortal Warrior levels, against an opponent with an elemental disadvantage.


    "So that''s why Min Lest was able to control the Flame Tailed Lion even while it was a class 2 Demonic Beast. Min Lest''s skill was water while the beast was fire" Heat came to an understanding as he read.


    Min Lest was most likely only a level 1 Mortal Warrior given how he didn''t seem that strong and yet he was still able to control the level 2 Demonic Beast. This was due to the elemental advantage he held over the beast.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Energy cores also have an elemental affinity and most skills that have elemental affinity would usually require the correct energy core element to be able to use the skill.


    Outside of the normal elements, very talented people are able to evolve their energy core''s affinity into the hidden elements: Water to Ice, Fire to Lightning, Wind to Void, Earth to Metal, and Wood to Life.


    The hidden elements have no advantage or disadvantage facing any other element but contained inside them are the keys to use hidden skills. Hidden skills are unique skills that almost always have a massive impact on battles.


    "Jef Frey said that he was able to feel my energy aura which must mean that I am at least level 1 Mortal Warrior and according to this book, that means that I must have already condensed an energy core" Heat deduced based on what he already knew that he must already have an energy core but just did not know it.


    Trying to feel his energy core, Heat closed his eyes and concentrated.


    Nothing. An hour of concentration and all Heat was able to feel was his own breathing.


    Frustrated, Heat decided to try to absorb energy from the beast core that Min Lest dug out of the brain of the Flame Tailed Lion.


    Holding the tiny red sphere in his hands, Heat closed his eyes and tried to feel the energy from the beast core.


    Heat felt a cool sensation that seemed to have seeped into his hand from the beast core. That cool sensation went from his hand up his arm and straight into his brain.


    With all of his focus on the destination of the cool sensation, Heat finally was able to notice it. Within him was a black spherical core that emitted a powerful dominance.


    Once Heat noticed his energy core and attempted to manipulate it, his mind was struck with immense pain as memories came flooding into his mind.


    ----------


    Heat was an orphan, with no parents. The furthest back he could remember was when he was 8 years old being taken care of as a child by his older sister, Lilim.


    She was two years older than him and he didn''t know if she was his biological sister but they were both without parents so they only relied on each other. Lilim had pink hair and was a little bit shorter than Heat even though she was older. She was extremely caring and would always give Heat food first before she ate herself.


    Heat and Lilim always roamed around as she would always try to find food for them to survive. Sometimes they would sleep under shelter if they could find shelter, other times they would sleep under trees in the freezing cold.


    They spent most of their time in small villages which were mostly safe. Food was hard to find and one day, they haven''t eaten anything in days so Lilim decided to bring him into a forest to see if they could find something edible.


    They searched for the whole day to finally find wild berries that looked edible. Lilim helped feed him some when she spotted some red eyes looking at them within a bush. She got scared and tried to protect Heat by standing in front of him.


    Lilim whispered with a shaky voice "Go back to the village Heat, I''ll gather more berries for you"


    Heat couldn''t see her face, but he could see her whole body shivering and before he could speak, a grey-furred wolf came out from the bushes.


    Lilim tried to walk back a few steps pushing on to Heat. Heat was too young to understand fear, he was not sure what was going on but he could feel that Lilim was uneasy.


    As the wolf pounced forward, Lilim turned around and pushed Heat away. He could see the tears in her eyes as she screamed.


    Lilim''s blood splattered all over Heat''s face as he watched the grey-furred wolf rip Lilim''s body apart.


    Heat''s mind went blank, his whole body froze. He could only mutter one word as his mind snapped.


    "Lilim!!"

 Chapter 8

    "AAAAAAGH!" Heat screamed. In that moment all he wanted was to be able to have saved Lilim. If he could turn back time, he''d rather have switched places with her. As he screamed, everything faded away.


    "Welcome to God''s Ranking"


    This calming voice woke Heat up. As he looked around he was surprised. The grey-furred wolf has disappeared. The forest has disappeared. Heat was inside a giant hall with ancient stone pillars all around him.


    "LILIM!" Heat shouted. The hall was so big that his shout echoed back to him. There appeared to be no one here.


    "You may rest here until you are ready. Once you ascend to the first floor, all paths of retreat will disappear."


    Heat didn''t know who was speaking but it seemed to be coming directly from inside his mind. "What are you talking about!?" Heat shouted into the air even though he had no one to direct his shout at, he still hoped that he would get a reply.


    "All who desires power strongly enough will be selected to climb God''s Ranking"


    Not knowing what that meant, Heat cried as the memories of his sister lingered in his mind.


    ----------


    Tears began to roll down Heat''s cheek as the memories stopped. Although he still couldn''t remember what happened afterward, the memories of Lilim were vividly heart wrenching.


    The beast core that Heat was holding is no longer in his hands and in its place is some grey sand. This didn''t matter to Heat though as he is no longer in the mood to continue learning about his energy core. He curled up in his bed and wept until he fell asleep.


    Two days passed and Heat would not move, he couldn''t even notice his own hunger. Heat would just stay in bed all day thinking of Lilim. He felt empty inside, like a part of him was missing.


    Another two days passed. Heat knew that he had to get up even if he didn''t want to. The D Rank mercenary test would commence in three days and he must prepare now if he wished to pass.


    With grief filled eyes Heat sat up. Perhaps it was due to his grief, or perhaps it was due to his stomach lacking sustenance, but Heat felt like a hollow shell. Dragging his body down, Heat went to the reception of Pebble inn. There, he saw Ru Yin behind the counter with a bright smile interacting with another guest of the inn.


    "Is there any way to get some food if I don''t have any money?"


    Ru Yin turned as Heat spoke to her and her eyes went wide when she looked at Heat.


    Heat had red puffy eyes and sunken cheeks. His dry, hoarse voice and slightly trembling body made Heat look like he might fall over if the wind blew slightly too hard.


    "Ye-Yes. All temporary members of the Mercenary Guild can enjoy free meals at the Rambling restaurant next door."


    When Heat heard Ru Yin say that he could get free meals, Heat saw Ru Yin in a different light. She was absolutely glowing in his eyes. The many days of starvation have left Heat''s body slightly trembling from the lack of food. Heat cursed the muscular man that he spoke to at the Mercenary Guild for not mentioning such an important piece of information.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Upon entering Rambling restaurant, Heat immediately sat down on a table and made his order; two plates of fried dumplings, three bowls of rice, one bowl of ginger chicken soup, three plates of boiled spinach, and two plates of barbecue pork. Disregarding the stares of the customers at the table beside him, Heat stuffed all the food into his mouth as soon as it arrived on his table.


    In the middle of his feast, a mocking grunt was loudly verbalized. "I can''t believe they just let any pig come in and eat with people, this restaurant is a pretty low class to allow animals to eat inside"


    A pale scholarly young man was talking to his companion, a lady with an oval face and charmingly seductive eyes. The young man was dressed in a fine silky blue robe that produced an aristocratic elegance. Behind him stood a tall bald man that had a thick saber hanging on his waist.


    As Heat looked at the young man the young man also looked straight at Heat with a condescending smirk. Ignoring the young man''s taunt, Heat turned his focus back on to his table and continued shoveling food down his throat.


    "Humph! Looking at a pig gobbling food ruins my mood. Jac Ob! Throw that swine out so that my appetite may return"


    The bald man immediately moved to grab Heat by the arm to throw him out. Before the bald man could even touch Heat, Heat intercepted his grab by seizing the bald man''s extended wrist. Heat wasn''t in the mood to fight. All he wanted to do was eat and regain his strength. The thought of losing Lilim was the only thing he could think about and that gave Heat a very somber vibe.


    Without letting go of the bald man''s wrist, Heat just kept eating with his free hand. Cold sweat was beginning to form on the bald man''s back. It felt like his arm is trapped under a mountain; he couldn''t budge at all under Heat''s grip.


    Jac Ob has been working for the Nard family for over a decade. He''s fought against ruthless bandits, Demonic Beasts, and against many other energized humans. Starting out as just a hired thug, he luckily caught the eye of Viscount Leo Nard and was hired as one of his mansion guards. Working his way up through the years, Jac Ob managed to save Viscount Leo Nard''s only son and heir, young house master Ren Nard.


    Being promoted to be young master Ren Nard''s personal guard was the highest position Jac Ob has ever achieved. With it came many resources that allowed Jac Ob to break into level 3 Mortal Warrior. Jac Ob would be willing to throw his life down for the young master because, in his eyes, everything he has was given to him by the Nard family.


    So when Heat grasped Jac Ob''s wrist and wouldn''t let go, it caused Jac Ob to feel an immense amount of shame. If the personal guard of young master Ren Nard is unable to even remove some random miscreant that has no table etiquette, he might as well commit suicide.


    The atmosphere instantly changed when Jac Ob took out his saber with his free arm. Jac Ob''s saber was an energy equipment! Once it was removed from its scabbard and injected with Jac Ob''s energy, it suddenly discharged an almost tangible pressure.


    For a nobleman like Ren Nard to order his guard to kill a peasant, there would be no repercussions. As long as a peasant somehow offended a noble, even for the most ridiculous of reasons, a noble is justified in killing the peasant.


    The whole restaurant became silent, the saber''s presence made the air feel so thick that some ordinary customers of the restaurant couldn''t help but hold their breaths.


    Seeing that Heat was unfazed, Jac Ob didn''t hesitate. He swung his saber for Heat''s arm that gripped his wrist. Jac Ob only wanted to remove one of Heat''s arms since his young master did not specifically say to kill him. As the saber descended, Heat was oblivious to the surroundings. He never even bothered looking up from his food.


    When Jac Ob''s saber was about to cut Heat''s arm off, he put on a smug smile "Stupid kid, that''ll teach you to learn your place!" Jac Ob thought as he was waiting for Heat''s blood to spray.


    To Jac Ob''s disbelief, when his saber did finally reach Heat''s arm, it only cut the cloth of Heat''s shirt sleeve. The entire momentum of his swing neutralized. Jac Ob''s mind was in chaos, he didn''t know what was going on.


    A regular saber would have easily cut a normal person''s arm off given Jac Ob''s strength. This was an energized saber though, it''s powerful enough to cut through stone! Yet when faced with Heat''s arm, it couldn''t penetrate his skin.


    Refusing to believe his eyes, Jac Ob swung his saber again with the same intention to cut Heat''s arm. To the other customers spectating it looked like Jac Ob was purposely putting on a show with Heat by only pretending to swing his saber but stopping right before it cuts into Heat''s arm.


    Quickly coming to a realization, Jac Ob''s eyes widened in astonishment. It wasn''t that he wasn''t trying to cut Heat''s arm, it was that he couldn''t.

 Chapter 9

    "What''s going on Jac Ob?!" Ren Nard saw the entire thing as he became quickly alarmed. It clearly looked like Jac Ob is unable to do anything to Heat while Heat was not even paying attention to Jac Ob.


    At this point, Heat finally took noticed and turned his head to look at Jac Ob whose wrist he was still holding on to. Seeing the thick saber on top of his forearm, Heat quickly came to the realization that he''s in danger. With wide eyes and a face of surprise, Heat didn''t understand what was going on.


    "Why is there a blade on my arm!?" It was only a few seconds from when Heat grabbed Jac Ob''s arm until Heat finally noticed the saber on his own arm. During that time all that was in Heat''s mind was the loss of his sister Lilim and to eat some more food to feel less hollow.


    Heat thought that as long as he could prevent the bald man from grabbing him, he would be able to finish his meal and leave. The apparent danger completely snapped Heat out of his daze and woke him up.


    Even though Heat read about how peasant''s lives are worthless in the eyes of a nobleman, he has never experienced how ridiculous it truly was and how easily nobleman could be triggered to kill peasants.


    Looking at Heat''s face, Jac Ob thought that Heat was angry and felt his back being drenched in cold sweat. It dawned on him that the reason why he is unable to budge from Heat''s grip and why he is unable to harm Heat is because Heat is undoubtedly a power master.


    Even though Heat''s energy aura is so faint it could barely be considered level 1 Mortal Warrior, Jac Ob has heard of powerful Saint Monarchs that are able to conceal their auras.


    Understanding this, Jac Ob quickly dropped his saber and got down on his knees. "Forgive me lord, this one has no eyes to not be able to see your grace. Please do not take any offense; my young house master is Ren Nard, son of Viscount Leo Nard. We''ll no longer disturb your meal if you could let this lowly one go."


    Heat opened his mouth but didn''t know what to say. In less than a second, Heat went from the fear of Jac Ob''s saber to the surprise of the safety of his arm, to the shock of seeing Jac Ob begging him.


    Without waiting for the situation to change, Heat quickly released Jac Ob''s arm. Before Jac Ob could even express his feelings of gratitude, Ren Nard intervened. "What are you doing Jac Ob?! I am ordering you to kill this bastard!" Ren Nard shouted as he pointed straight at Heat.


    As the only son of Viscount Leo Nard, Ren Nard has always felt superior to the common people with his status of nobility. Any chance he could get he would bully the peasants just for fun. Today after many weeks of pestering, he was finally able to get Chi Mels to agree to have lunch with him but before he could even impress her, he was humiliated by this peasant eating beside him.


    Without waiting for Heat to react, Jac Ob stood up, turned around, and slapped Ren Nard away. "Eww" Shrieked a lady from a nearby table as she ran away. Jac Ob''s slap was so hard that it caused some of Ren Nard''s teeth to fly out of his mouth and into the food of nearby tables.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Anyone with half a brain would be able to tell that Jac Ob was obviously inferior to the peasant that he looked down on. Jac Ob knew that Ren Nard was too frustrated to think clearly and if he continued offending this mysterious youth that had powers beyond what he could imagine, Ren Nard would surely be killed.


    Even though Ren Nard''s father was a Viscount, the Marquess of Rock Edge city would definitely overlook this incident if it was a Saintly Monarch that killed Ren Nard. Earthly Knights were already uncommon in the Herya Empire and anyone who is an Earthly Knight would be considered an expert.


    Saintly Monarchs are on an entirely different level, forget about a Viscounts son, for a Saintly Monarch to kill a Viscount or even an Earl, not even the King of Herya Empire could say anything if the victim offended the Saintly Monarch first.


    Thus, even though it seemed like Jac Ob betrayed Ren Nard by slapping him to appease Heat, he actually didn''t have the intention of betraying Ren Nard but rather Jac Ob had the intention of saving him.


    Jac Ob knew that if he held back in this slap, it would not seem genuine and risk angering Heat even further so he used all the force he could muster in that one slap. It served to make his intentions sincere and also knock Ren Nard unconscious so that he would not be able to keep saying provoking things to Heat.


    Even though Jac Ob has been a thug and a guard his whole life, he was quite clever. He was able to think clearly and immediately come up with the best course of action given what he knew of the situation and just as he wanted it to be, Ren Nard fainted from his slap.


    Bowing to Heat and speaking with his head lowered, Jac Ob humbly pleaded. "Please Lord, forgive my young house master."


    Heat was put in a very awkward position. He didn''t really know what to say or even what exactly transpired.


    During the silence, every second felt like a year to Jac Ob, he was not sure if Heat would kill Ren Nard and himself or if they could be allowed to live.


    After 10 seconds passed, just as Heat was about to speak, Jac Ob took the initiative. "If lord could forgive us and accept this small gift as compensation for our offense" With his head still lowered, Jac Ob took out a small pouch from his shirt pocket and handed it to Heat.


    Looking at the Jac Ob''s extended hands offering the small pouch, Heat figured that it would be best not to speak and just accept his tribute so that they could leave.


    With a nod of his head, Heat took the pouch and placed it into his shirt pocket. "Lord is magnanimous!" Jac Ob sternly said in gratitude. Jac Ob then picked up Ren Nard and left the restaurant.


    As Heat saw Jac Ob leave carrying Ren Nard, Heat stood up to go back to his room and explore his mysterious energy core.


    Before he could walk out of the restaurant, the lady that was sitting at the same table as Ren Nard blocked his path. Extending her hand she held a blue token that had a flower resembling a tulip etched on one side.


    "My name is Chi Mels, if sire has the time you should come visit my Mels family mansion because my father will be hosting a social gathering for all the nobles of Rock Edge tomorrow night."


    Chi Mels was wearing a loose fitting light green dress with purple lace on the hem that highlighted her smooth creamy legs. Her gorgeous body figure combined with a charming smile and seductive eyes made her invitation extremely alluring when spoken with her enchanting voice.


    Heat didn''t regard her attractiveness for more than two seconds while listening to her invitation. "I''m sorry but I''m quite busy so I won''t be able to attend." Without taking her token Heat walked passed her and left the restaurant.

 Chapter 10

    When Heat got back to his room, he took out the pouch that Jac Ob gave him and looked inside. With a quick count, he found 10 gold coins inside. Heat was surprised and felt rich, from having no money to instantly gaining 10 gold coins!


    Though thinking about it, this amount must be pocket change to nobles. He decided to not think about it and further inspect his energy core instead. Sitting on his bed with closed eyes, Heat concentrated on what he felt last time. After a moment, Heat was able to clearly feel his black energy core rotating in his mind.


    It produced a heavy pressure. Heat attempted to control his energy core by having it release some energy and circulate it within his own body. Heat was able to feel the flow of energy from his head go down to his toes and back. With some confidence, Heat directed the energy flow toward his ring.


    Instantly Heat''s mind was able to feel a vast space and he was able to sense every inch of this space clearly. It encompassed an area of 1000x1000x1000 meters. Saying the space was huge is an understatement.


    As big as it was, it was mostly empty space. In fact, there were only 4 items inside. A giant cube-shaped white rock that took up a quarter of the entire space, a black sword that resembled a katana without a guard, a glass sphere that was as big as a fist, and what looked like a really long ruler.


    With a closer inspection, Heat noticed that the giant white cubed rock was actually made up of many tiny white cubed rocks that were about 1x1x1 inch. These tiny white cubes were all stacked upon each other to form the giant white cube. Unsure of what the giant white cube and the glass sphere were for, Heat focused on the black sword and the ruler.


    The black sword was about 1 meter in length with a very slight curve in its blade body. It was emitting a purple aura that was so dense it looked like fog. The ruler was just a straight piece of matte-red unknown metal. It was about half an inch thick and 1 meter long. With black cloth wrapped around one end, it resembled a sword without an edge.


    "I have no idea what this giant white cube is or what this glass sphere is...The sword looks strong but I''m not sure if I can control it" Without any information and having only fragmented memories, Heat didn''t want to risk wielding something that looked as powerful as the black sword.


    With a thought, the red ruler appeared in his hands. "Energy equipment requires the user''s energy to fuel its power" With that thought, Heat injected the energy from his energy core into the red ruler.


    The power from an energy equipment should be instantly activated once the user has refined it and infuses energy into it. When Jac Ob took out his saber and used his energy, the saber was able to direct the energy into its edge, making it sharper and emit an aura of energy.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Ten minutes have passed since Heat has put his energy into the red ruler and it has shown no change. "It must be because I have not refined this yet" Heat consoled himself as he attempted to refine the ruler.


    "To refine an energy equipment, one must fuse their energy with the equipment making it their own." Knowing the method, Heat tried to fuse his energy with the red ruler. No matter how much he tried though, Heat was unable to refine this red ruler into his personal energy equipment. Every time Heat fed his energy into the red ruler, his energy would vaporize.


    Heat was frustrated after trying to refine the red ruler all day only to have the same effect of his energy being extinguished every time. Heat put the red ruler back into his storage ring as he sighed "I can use it as a whacking stick at least"


    There was one conclusion that Heat refused to think of. It was that the red ruler was in fact, not an energy equipment but just a metal ruler with a piece of cloth wrapped around one end.


    Without thinking any further, Heat went to bed without dinner. He didn''t want to encounter any dramatic events like what he faced earlier today. Even with the great gift of 10 gold, Heat would rather spend his days in peace until he recovers all of his memories.


    The next morning, Heat had a quick breakfast at Rambling restaurant next door and quickly rushed to Waterstone inn. Now that he had some money he wanted to repay the Frey family for their kindness. Without their help, Heat would probably still be lost looking for a nearby city.


    Waterstone inn looked just like Pebble inn, almost exactly the same. The only noticeable difference was the sign. Once inside, Heat walked up to the reception and asked the man there which room Jef Frey was staying in.


    After being directed to the Frey family''s room, Heat knocked on the door and waited. "Who is it?" The door opened as a sweet voice sounded out from within. Mey Frey answered the door with a pleasant smile "Oh hello Quanye, what are you doing here?"


    "I''m looking for your uncle, is he in?" Heat had a positive opinion on Mey. Even though he hasn''t spoken to her much, her demeanor showed that she was a delightfully friendly young lady.


    "Ah yes come in, I''ll find uncle for you" Mey went into another room to find Jef Frey. Meanwhile, Heat made himself comfortable as he took a seat on a chair next to a table.


    "Quanye! It''s good to see you again." Jef Frey was not sure why Heat was here to visit him so soon since he should be focused on the Mercenary Guild test and figured that Heat must have run into some trouble and needed more money.


    Contrary to what he thought, Heat took out five gold coins and handed it over to Jef Frey. "I was able to gain some money recently so I wanted to come repay you for all the help you previously provided me"


    "No no, Quanye you don''t need to repay me. You should keep these 5 gold because you will need it to support yourself"


    Jef Frey pushed the coins to Heat thinking that Heat must have somehow luckily earned 5 gold coins and that this was Heat''s entire fortune. There was no way he could accept it.


    "Don''t worry, I can take care of myself, please accept it or I would feel uncomfortable for not repaying your kindness when I''m able. I also have some questions for you that I hope you can help me with since you''re a level 3 Mortal Warrior" Heat replied pushing the 5 gold back to Jef Frey.


    "Well then alright, what are you looking to know?"


    Jef Frey was truly happy that the lost wanderer he met less than a week ago who lost everyone close to him was able to support himself well. Jef Frey saw a lot of himself when he was younger in Heat so he genuinely hoped for Heat to succeed in being a mercenary.

 Chapter 11

    There were a lot of things that Heat wanted to know but he knew that for most of the questions he had, Jef Frey would not be able to answer. "How do I know what my level Mortal Warrior I currently am?"


    This was a question that has been in the back of Heat''s mind for a while. The "Man, Sword, Beast" book that contained all the information on energy and energized humans that Heat knows actually does not tell him how one is to tell when they have reached a higher level. Of course, it is easy to tell once a person breaks into level 1 Mortal Warrior since their energy core would form, but what about after this?


    "You don''t know?" Jef Frey was once again stunned. It seemed to him like Heat was completely oblivious to the world. First Heat didn''t know the currency of Zinnoth, then he was clueless to what the Mercenary Guild was, and now he actually does not know how energized humans recognize their own power level. Jef Frey began to think that Heat doesn''t even know what energy truly is and somehow accidentally broke into level 1 Mortal Warrior.


    "Who taught you how to condense your energy core?" Without answering Heat''s question, Jef Frey needed to ask his own questions. It was too strange to be a level 1 Mortal Warrior but seemingly have no knowledge of anything.


    Normally, ordinary people are guided to become energized humans by other energized humans that teach them in a master-student relationship. A person would need monstrous talent to be able to condense their own energy core without any guidance.


    "My teacher was my grandpa. He taught me how to condense my energy core but was killed when my village was destroyed before he taught me anything more. Even though I don''t think I am level 2 Mortal Warrior yet, I''d like to know more regarding this." Heat didn''t really want to lie to Jef Frey since Heat considered Jef Frey as his indirect savior, Heat''s opinion of Jef Frey was similar to his opinion of Fang Lest.


    However, Heat knew that some things would be better left unknown since explaining it would waste time, effort, and might cause misunderstandings.


    "I see, well as you should already know, condensing your energy core indicates that you are a level 1 Mortal Warrior" Jef Frey nodded sympathetically as he recalled that Heat lost his village with no hint of why less than a week ago.


    "You can tell that you''ve reached level 2 Mortal Warrior when your energy core gains an energy ring around it. Every level you manage to break past will add another energy ring. Once your energy core accumulates 8 rings it means that you are at level 9 Mortal Warrior."


    "I see" Heat nodded and appeared calm on the surface but was deeply confused in his mind.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Jef Frey''s explanation gave him new information that did answer his question but also raised more questions. His energy core has no energy rings which means that he should be at level 1 Mortal Warrior, but then how was he able to easily kill a class 2 Demonic Beast: the Flame Tailed Lion?


    Before hearing Jef Frey''s explanation, even though he knew it was unlikely, Heat still felt that he should be stronger than level 1 Mortal Warrior since he had a storage ring. In the "Man, Sword, Beast" book, it said that only the wealthy or powerful would be able to possess storage rings.


    Heat was not rich since there was no money in his storage ring which must mean that he was powerful but just could not remember. However, now that he''s heard Jef Frey''s explanation, it''s clear that he''s a level 1 Mortal Warrior, but then why does he have a storage ring?


    Unfortunately, even if Heat wanted to know the answer to those questions he could not ask Jef Frey for the answer. So instead Heat tried to see if he could get any more information on energized human realms since he truly knew too little. "What about Earth Knights? How would you know once you''ve reached that realm?"


    Shaking his head, Jef Frey answered. "I''m not certain myself since I''ve never made it past level 3 Mortal Warrior. I''ve heard from other mercenaries that once you reach Earth Knight all of your energy rings around your energy core would condense into a flat energy disc that spins with your energy core at its center"


    "Hmm, alright. Where will you be going after you leave Rock Edge city?" Heat didn''t really have any other questions that he thought Jef Frey would be able to help him with.


    "I''m not sure yet, we always head out and see where the roads take us since we go from place to place trading goods, anywhere with people would be the next destination!"


    Heat was a little envious of Jef Frey. To have a loving family that takes care of you and to be carefree in your travels, such a relaxing but fun life.


    . . . .


    "When will my son wake up doctor?" A fat man shaped like a ball with a mustache and a thick head of long brown hair that extends down to his shoulders spoke to a frail old man. The old man was examining Ren Nard that slept on a luxurious bed unconscious.


    "He''ll be fine, there are no major injuries. He''ll wake up soon, feed him the parcel of herbs and have him rest for a couple of days" With that the old man stood up and bowed to the fat man before taking his leave out of the room.


    "House master, should I notify the Marquess that a Saintly Monarch is in the city?" Jac Ob, standing in a corner of the room stepped forward.


    "No. If it is as you described, the Marquess would have already heard from his daughter. Prepare the gifts, we''ll go probe around at his gathering tonight." The fat man replied as he began to leave the room.


    "Oh and Jac Ob, good job slapping Ren Nard. If a situation like this presents itself again, always think about the entire Nard family''s survival first. This waste of a son, our family wouldn''t know how we died if he actually offends a Saintly Monarch"


    "What about the D Rank Mercenary Guild test in two days house master? Should I inform them that the young master is not well and will be participating in the test next month?" Jac Ob looked slightly worried when he asked this.


    "No. Even if Ren Nard cannot get close to the Mels'' daughter, he should be able to form a friendship with the Van''s son. Having the Earl''s support would greatly benefit our family" The fat man said while stroking his mustache.


    . . . .

 Chapter 12

    After asking all of the questions he had for Jef Frey, Heat went back to Pebble inn to prepare for the upcoming D Rank test. One question he did want to ask but chose not to was how to figure out what element affinity your energy core has. Asking that would have Jef Frey question Heat on how he was able to form an energy core without knowing his own elemental affinity.


    Since Heat''s energy core is just a black sphere rotating out a gloomy aura. It gave him no hints on what element, if any, his energy core has an affinity with. He wanted to use his 5 gold coins and the next two days to prepare for the D Rank test, however, what can Heat do to prepare without knowing what element his energy core is? If he bought a water element energy equipment and his elemental affinity is actually fire, he would be giving away his money to drop a rock on his own foot.


    Heat was truly in a predicament though, the major difference between an energized human and a regular human is not just the ability to control energy. Controlling energy does nothing without a skill or an energy equipment. If Heat can''t use a skill and has no energy equipment, he would be no different than a regular human trying to take the D Rank test.


    Heatdidn''t want to participate in the D Rank test without knowing what his elemental affinity was. There are some rare people with no elemental affinity, just like how there are some skills and energy equipment with no element but to they tend to have very little combat potential; storage rings for example.


    Left with no other choice, Heat decided to attend the social gathering that Chi Mels invited him to yesterday. Sitting in his room doing nothing won''t help him but meeting new people might give him new knowledge.


    As Heat got down to the first floor of Pebble inn he saw the vibrant Ru Yin behind the counter reading a book with a bored expression. "Excuse me, do you know where the Mels family mansion is?" Heat asked with an inquisitive smile.


    He could not help but feel happy when he saw Ru Yin. Since she told him about the free meals for temporary members of the Mercenary Guild while he was starving, Ru Yin has been a goddess in his mind.


    Looking up from her book, Ru Yin furrows her eyebrows as she stares at Heat. Ru Yin didn''t understand why Heat would be looking for the Mels family mansion, the Mels family was widely known as the most powerful family in Rock Edge city since the head of the family, Marquess Bryant Mels governs Rock Edge. With Heat''s demeanor and clothing, it did not seem like he was a nobleman.


    Nonetheless, since Heat was a customer of Pebble inn and Ru Yin knew better than to ask, she took out a piece of paper and wrote down the directions to get there by foot. "It should take you about 30 minutes if you walk there slowly" Ru Yin expressed lazily as she went back to reading her book after handing Heat the directions.


    "Thank you!" Grinning, Heat left Pebble in and wandered the streets of Rock Edge city for a while since it was still the afternoon and Chi Mels mentioned that the gathering would be in the evening.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    After some time, Heat found the energy equipment store in Rock Edge city. It was a medium-sized stone building with the picture of a dagger on the sign.


    Heat went into the shop to look at the defensive energy equipment. Even if he didn''t know his own element yet, he still wanted to prepare while he had the time.


    Looking around the shop Heat saw a variety of different types of equipment from swords, to spears, to daggers, to poles. Heat furrowed his eyebrows because even though there were a lot of different weapons, Heat could not see any type of defensive equipment.


    "Can I help you find anything, sir?" A tall and slender man spoke up at the perfect time. Heat was just about to find an employee of the store to inquire about what he was looking for but the employee took the initiative to speak up first.


    "I''m want to look for energy equipment that could defend. Does this store have anything of that nature?" Heat asked as he was hoping they would be able to help provide him with a defensive energy equipment in the future.


    "Yes we do, it''s on the second floor. Please follow me" The slender man led Heat up a staircase as and showed Heat to a shelf of different types of equipment.


    Heat''s eyes lit up as he saw all the different types of defensive equipment and started inquiring about their capabilities.


    "These are all Low tier Mortal defensive energy equipment. They will all provide protection against physical attacks decently" The slender man patiently explained as he gestured at the different types of equipment. "If sir is looking for protection against more powerful attacks, we also have one Mid tier Mortal defensive equipment but that armor is a bit expensive."


    The slender man led Heat to a thin piece of chain in the shape of a vest. "This silver chainmail is a Mid tier Mortal defensive equipment that can easily block physical attacks at the mid level Mortal realm aimed at the torso of the user, it was forged from the white silver ore and threaded with a class 5 Demonic Beast''s tendons. We''re currently offering this majestic piece of equipment at only 100 gold."


    Heat gasped at the ridiculous price. 1 silver would be able to feed a family of three people for a month, how much could 100 gold feed them for? Even if Heat did have that much money, he would still be reluctant to buy it. "That''s too expensive for me, what can I get for 5 gold?" Heat hesitated slightly before he asking.


    Although Heat''s entire fortune only amounts to 5 gold coins, he wouldn''t skimp on protection if it could save his life in the upcoming D Rank test. Once he becomes a Mercenary Guild member, he would be able to earn the money back.


    The slender man immediately frowned upon hearing that Heat wished to purchase a defensive energy equipment for 5 gold. The cheapest defensive energy equipment in the store costs at least 20 gold, even bargaining they would not be able to lower the price below 15 gold yet this peasant actually wishes to purchase it for 5 gold. The man was beginning to wonder if Heat might have mistaken this for a regular weapons shop and not an energy equipment shop.


    "Sir, the all defensive equipment costs more than normal weapons of the same level since they are able to save the user''s life if used correctly. There would be no ene-" Before he could finish his sentence, the slender man came to an abrupt halt. "Actually, there is one defensive type energy equipment that our store could sell you for 5 gold, but I must warn you, it is badly damaged. If you''d like to see I could bring it out for you."


    "Yes, allow me to have a look" Heat replied without hesitation. Even if it is a damaged equipment, as long as it could have some use then Heat would not hesitate to buy it. He knew that with these large price tags on all the equipment, he would be unable to afford any defensive equipment. Thus, he would accept anything that could be used since it might end up saving him in the D Rank test.

 Chapter 13

    After a brief moment, the slender man came out with a green bangle in his hands. "This is a Low tier Mortal equipment. It''s a defensive bracelet that would allow the user to surround themselves with a sphere of air that repels any incoming projectiles. It''s already badly damaged though and will only last one more use"


    Although this was a wind energy equipment and Heat didn''t know which element his energy core is yet, he still thought that it would be better than having nothing. Now that he''s seen the huge price tag on energy equipment, even if he finds out what element he has an affinity with in the future, he still wouldn''t be able to afford anything.


    So without hesitating, Heat immediately bought the damaged bracelet with 5 gold. Putting the bangle on his wrist, Heat left the shop and walked toward the Mels family mansion while the sun began to set.


    On the way there Heat noticed that there were many carriages moving in the same direction he was going. When Heat arrived, he understood why. Saying the Mels family mansion was big would not do it justice. There were more than ten carriages lined up in front of its gates waiting to pass through. "It seems like only nobles are invited to this gathering"


    Making his way to the gate, Heat saw four armored men holding spears standing guard.


    "Invitation." One of the men grunted when he saw Heat approach. Everyone who attended these types of gatherings was a nobleman and all nobles dressed in a refined manner. Heat had a ragged grey shirt and long tattered brown pants, if you were to pick out any random peasant in the outer city, you would find that they were dressed better than Heat was.


    Everyone invited would be given an invitation but since Heat rejected Chi Mels'' token yesterday, he was empty handed. "Chi Mels invited me to this social gathering, but I was never given an invitation" Heat replied.


    The armored man held up his hand indicating that Heat could not pass "No invitation, no entry"


    Heat was helpless, this is truly a case of ''you reap what you sow'' since he was offered an invitation yesterday but rejected.


    There was no way to turn back time though so Heat walked away into a nearby alleyway.


    Once in the alley, Heat circled around and walked to the back wall of the Mels family mansion. The wall was about 4 meters high made of stone with pointy metal tips at the top.


    Just as Heat was wondering how he would be able to scale this wall, a little bit in the distant, he saw someone else doing exactly what he wanted to do.


    A chubby young man was trying to climb the wall with a ladder! Surprisingly, he did not look like a peasant. With dark brown hair and crisp beige robe he looked like a nobleman, but why would he need to sneak in?Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Hello friend, would you like some help?" Heat politely spoke as he approached the chubby young man. It looked like the chubby man was fumbling with the ladder as he tried to set it up in a way that allows him to climb without risk of the ladder falling.


    "Ahh!" Heat''s sudden appearance scared the chubby man as he jumped back dropping the ladder. "Who are you?!"


    With a mischevious smile Heat extended picked up the ladder. "Just a friend who''s looking to help you, I''ll hold the ladder for you to scale the wall and in return, you just need to let me borrow your ladder after you''re done climbing"


    The chubby man looked nervous and unsure of what to do. This would be expected since he''s clearly here to do something sneaky. To have been caught red-handed and have the person who caught you offer assistance in committing your crime? That would confuse anyone.


    "A-Alright, my name is Cho Mun of the Mun family, if you are able to help me climb this wall I will reward you well" Cho Mun declared with his head held high. Seeing how Heat is dressed, Cho Mun figured that Heat must be a peasant that wants money, explaining why he would offer assistance to Cho Mun who is clearly up to no good.


    Without explaining himself, Heat propped up the ladder. "After you Cho Mun."


    Cho Mun climbed up the ladder just fine but once he got to the top he realized the problem. How was he going to get down?


    "You, what''s your name?" Cho Mun asked softly as he knew that the only way for him to get down without having to jump down and hurt his legs would be to have Heat come up as well so that they could pull up the ladder and extend it back down the other side.


    "Quanye Lest" Heat began climbing after he said that as he understood what Cho Mun was thinking of.


    On the top of the wall, they both had to be careful as the metal spikes gave them just enough room to put their feet between the spikes but one slip up and they might end up having to defecate blood for a week.


    Once they both got down safely on the other side, Heat laid the ladder flat on the ground so that it would be harder to spot unless someone was close by.


    "My father is Viscount Jerd Mun, if you keep this a secret you can come work for my family after today," Cho Mun said to Heat as he worried that Heat might spread the matter of him sneaking over the wall. "Wait - Why did you also want to sneak over the wall Quanye?" Cho Mun finally connected the dots and found something amiss. If Heat was a peasant, what would he be sneaking over the wall for?


    Cho Mun as trying to sneak over the wall since his father was not allowing him to come to this gathering and took away his invitation. Logically, this place should only allow nobleman in, why is a peasant looking to be here...Unless he was up to no good! Cho Mun was beginning to worry that Heat was here to do something dangerously bad.


    "W-What exactly are you here to do?" Cho Mun asked shakily.


    "Oh it''s nothing really, I was invited to this gathering but lost my invitation and the guard would not let me in without one so I had to sneak in," Heat said casually as if it was an absolutely normal course of action.


    Without waiting for Cho Mun to respond, Heat briskly walked away leaving the garden they were in. Cho Mun was left behind standing there contemplating.


    "So he''s in the same situation as me?... But wait how would a peasant get an invitation?" Cho Mun was still wondering if he was lied to or if he was just overthinking things when he noticed that he was alone in the garden.


    "Damn!" Cho Mun quickly fled the garden area that still had the ladder there since he didn''t want to seem suspicious.

 Chapter 14

    All around there were beautiful decor and fragrant flowers. Heat sped through the walkway as he tried to find a way into the mansion without being noticed.


    While rushing past an open window he heard soft music being played from inside. Looking around he saw no one outside so he popped his head through the window and noticed that there was nobody in the hall.


    Quietly climbing in, he checked once more to be sure that he was not seen sneaking in. The hallway Heat was in was void of people but full of artworks. From the porcelain flower vases to the exquisite paintings, everything looked expensive.


    Without wasting a breath, Heat walked around as he tried to make his way through the mansion. Just as he turned a corner he bumped into someone.


    Crash!


    "Ahh!"


    A maid exclaimed as she dropped the jade dragon she was holding.


    "Oh no master Mels'' gift!" With wide eyes of terror, the maid held both her hands on to her mouth as she teared up.


    Adjusting his gaze from being startled, Heat looked at the shattered jade dragon pieces that lay on the ground.


    He felt quite embarrassed from causing this accident and scratched his head as he pondered about what he should do to calm the maid down.


    She looked about 18 years of age with long, dark purple hair. The mixture of her big moist eyes, soft pink lips, and creamy smooth, light peach skin made her have an enticing allure that could make men go insane.


    The more Heat stared at her the more attracted he became. Heat quickly shook his head to clear his thoughts as he knew that he must do something soon or else this could cause him trouble since he snuck into the mansion.


    "Shh"


    Heat quickly moved forward and held his left hand against her mouth to prevent her from screaming or crying so that no one else could be alerted.


    "I''ll take care of this, don''t worry about it" Heat whispered as he used his right hand to wrap around her back, this way she would not be able to step back and scream.


    Heat leaned his head close to hers and breathed softly into her ear "I''m going to let go of you now, please don''t scream, just give me a moment to think."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Heat did consider for a brief moment if he should kill her. Ever since he killed Min Lest, the idea of killing people to solve problems seemed to feel like a natural course of action to Heat. Even though the idea did flash through his mind, he truly didn''t wish to kill her though.


    The maid had a natural charm that would make people wish to possess and protect her rather than harm her. However, Heat was put in a difficult spot. Since he snuck into the mansion, it could be considered as trespassing. This is a minor problem since he was invited here before by Chi Mels so at most he would just get into a little bit of trouble and maybe thrown out of the mansion by the guards.


    The major problem is he just broke what appears to be a very expensive jade dragon decoration. Who knows how much it costs? With Heat being broke, there would be no way he could compensate for it.


    Removing his hand from her mouth, Heat stared intensely into her eyes. He didn''t want to remove his right arm wrapped around her waist yet just in case he needed to silence her.


    The maid was in a daze, her watery eyes looked straight into Heat''s eyes as her face quickly turned bright pink, she didn''t know if she should make any sound.


    Her entire life was spent within the Mels mansion. Her mother was a servant of the Mels family and naturally, she was as well. She grew up taking care of the young mistress Chi Mels and has never interacting much with the opposite sex. The only males she has come into contact with were some other servants and the head of the Mels family Marquess Bryant Mels. Since the other servants were always busy and the Marquess would rarely ever speak to her, she''s pretty much never had any contact with men.


    Being held so intimately by Heat and having his handsome face staring straight at her at such a close distance caused her mind to blank, the soft violin music in the background set such a romantic mood that she completely forgot about the broken jade dragon.


    Every second of their silence felt like a year to her.


    Meanwhile, Heat was contemplating what he should do; if he killed her, he would not be able to attend the social gathering and might even have to flee the city since killing a noble''s servant would be offending a noble.


    However, if he didn''t kill her; she would alert the Mels family about how he broke their jade dragon which would also cause him to offend a noble meaning that he would not be able to attend the gathering and would most likely have to flee the city. Both choices have pretty much the same result that screws Heat over!


    "Damn it! If I''m going to offend a noble no matter what I do, I might as well get a head start and flee the city before they chase after me." Heat thought to himself.


    Just as Heat was about to run, he recalled the situation with Jac Ob. If killing a peasant was as casual as taking a walk for nobles, what would happen to the maid once the Mels family finds out their jade dragon was destroyed? With Heat gone, they would definitely vent their anger at the maid!


    It looks like she''s in the same boat with Heat, no matter what he chooses to do to survive, she would die! There''s only one way for both of them to live.


    "Leave the city with me." Heat whispered decisively.


    At that moment Heat knew that there would be two outcomes; either she agrees and they flee together, or she disagrees and he would have to leave her to fend for herself.


    "How-! - I - I can''t."

 Chapter 15

    When she heard that Heat wanted her to leave the city with him, she had mixed feelings. Many different thoughts rushed through her head as she was jolted awake from her daze.


    Clearly, Heat is not a nobleman given his attire. Without even considering why or how he was here in a noble''s mansion, she realized that he would not be able to appease the master of the house after destroying the jade dragon given his status. Thus, it makes sense for him to want to escape from the city.


    But why did he want her to run away with him? Could he have fallen in love with her at first sight?


    When she thought of that her heartbeat inexplicably faster. It was just for a fraction of a second, but she could imagine him carrying her away.


    However, she immediately became aware of the fact that they''ve never met each other before, they don''t even know each other''s names. How could he expect her to drop everything in her life of stability and run away with someone she''s never met before into a life of unknown?!


    When she thought of that she got a bit angry. What a hooligan, first he bumps into her causing the jade dragon to break, then he stated that he would "take care of it," and now he shamelessly proposes for them run away from the responsibility!


    Just as she was about to shout at him, she then thought of something else. What if he didn''t want her to run away with her because he was being stupidly hot-headed. What if he asked her to run away with him because he was worried about her?


    It would make sense for him to wish to flee since he would surely be killed if he stayed, but if he did flee - wouldn''t that mean that she was the only one left who could take the blame for the destruction of the jade dragon?


    As the thought dawned on her, her anger subsided. When has anyone cared so much about her?You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    She never had a father growing up, he was killed when she was a child because he offended an Earl. Her mother was always distant, busy with chores and as a result, spent very little time with her. The only other person who''s cared about her would be her mistress Chi Mels.


    However, she understood well that even though Miss Mels does treat her better than the other servants, she was still just a servant that Miss Mels could abandon at any point. Just like how Marquess Bryant Mels never spoke up for her father who was the Mels family servant when her father offended an Earl.


    All of these thoughts happened in a heartbeat and before she could say anything else, Heat''s arm has already left her body as he turned around to leave.


    Once Heat heard her say that she would not leave, he understood her choice. Even though he did not wish for her to die, it did not mean that he was willing to sacrifice himself to save her.


    As Heat prepared to leave, the maid reached out and grabbed Heat''s hand.


    "Wait."


    With furrowed eyebrows, Heat turned around to see what she wanted.


    "M-Mistress Mels dotes upon me well, she wouldn''t punish me harshly for breaking this gift. I-I''ll say that I accidentally dropped it...I''m sure master Mels wouldn''t be too angry if the mistress pleaded for me. You don''t have to leave the city..." She said with her head lowered. The truth was that even she was not very confident in what she was saying. Unsure why herself, she just said that because she didn''t want Heat to leave.


    Heat could feel her hand that''s holding on to his, slightly trembling. His heart felt like it was being clutched, how could he not understand that she was suggesting to take the fall for this accident for him.


    Even though he didn''t entirely know why she would do such a thing, he did know that she was clearly trying to save him. How could he possibly let her take the blame for an accident where he was mostly at fault. She was doing her job but he was rushing around sneakily, this caused them to bump into each other.


    "What is your name?" Heat knew that regardless of what happens, he would definitely regret it if he just left her to fend for herself. If he must offend a noble, then so be it!


    "Alice...Alice Ciel"


    "Alice... That''s a lovely name. My name is Qua-" Heat was about to tell her that his name was Quanye Lest but then he remembered Lilim.


    In his memories, Lilim called him by the name "Heat." Even though he didn''t quite know if that was his real name, it felt more familiar than the "Quanye" that Fang Lest gave him.


    "Heat. Heat Lest. Come, let''s go find your mistress Mels."

 Chapter 16

    Heat led Alice briskly through the hallways. "Which way?"


    "Mistress Mels should be at the social gathering in the main lobby right now. It''s just straight ahead." Alice was nervous, Heat was holding her hand firmly and it was causing her heart to skip a beat.


    But before she could even think about the intimacy, she was concerned about what would happen if a peasant dressed in rags were to crash the Mel family''s social gathering. The punishment would not be light.


    "Maybe you should stay here, I can go speak to the mistress alone. It might not be a good idea for you to barge into the lobby when there are many nobles present..." Alice could not help but feel worried for Heat.


    "It''s fine, Chi Mels invited me here yesterday."


    That greatly shocked Alice. No wonder he''s wandering the halls of the mansion, so he was invited here to the social gathering.


    Even though she now knew that Heat was here on her mistress'' invitation, it still baffled her when she looked at the way Heat was dressed. Even most peasants were dressed in better clothing than the rags that Heat wore.


    When they reached the main lobby, Heat could hear the soft music being much more audible. There were finely dressed men all around wearing an assortment of formal attire. The women were all wearing different length dresses with a multitude of varying colors.


    Scanning the room, Heat searched for Chi Mels so that they wouldn''t be caught in an awkward position if anyone were to suspect right to be at this grand event.


    Heat spotted Chi Mels chatting with a group of people. She was easy to find since she was the only person in a bright pink dress.


    Before Heat could even reach Chi Mels, two men came to purposely block his way.


    "Guards, take this peasant away before he sullies Sir Ry An''s mood!" Spoke one of them with disgust written on his face. His loud volume attracted the attention of many other nobles in the lobby.


    "Now, now. Shouldn''t we inquire about what he''s even doing here?" The other one said with an evil grin.


    "That''s Earl Iy and Earl Kyger''s sons" Alice timidly whispered while hiding behind Heat.


    Alice was familiar with the two men, they were Ry An and Al Van, both with fathers that have the status of an Earl. She''s heard many rumors that they were close friends that loved to cause trouble.


    Ry An was a sadistic bully. He loves to show his power torturing peasants if they even so much as glance at him. He''s infamous throughout the city for having an innocent farmer dismembered for an incident that had nothing to do with the farmer.


    The event was never brought up publicly but was always discussed in gossip. While Ry An was eating dinner with a girl he fancied, he choked on a piece of steak due to not properly chewing it while he spoke. This caused him to embarrass himself in front of his date as he disgustingly tried to dislodge the food stuck in his throat.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Enraged, Ry An had the chef hanged, the butcher burned alive and the farmer, who raised the cow, dismembered by having each of his limbs tied to a horse. When each horse that was tied to his limbs ran in four different directions, it gruesomely pulled the farmer apart.


    Al Van, on the other hand, was not as dangerous but he was a widely known pervert. Abusing his nobility he would often harass and coerce peasant girls. If they wouldn''t get in bed with him, he would have their families pressured to the brink of extinction until they agreed.


    Alice announced who they were, hoping that Heat would not provoke them. She truly didn''t think that anyone would be able to get out of their evil grasps if they were not a noble themselves.


    Everyone watching thought that Heat would beg for their forgiveness when facing the huge pressure from their status difference but contrary to their belief, Heat completely ignored them as he walked past leading Alice toward Chi Mels.


    Of course, the moment Al Van spoke, even Chi Mels turned around to see why a ruckus was being caused in her mansion. To her surprise, she recognized the young man dressed in rags.


    Witnessing the course of events, Chi Mels stepped forward. "This is a guest of my party that I''ve invited, is there a problem with that?"


    If Heat was just anyone, Chi Mels would not bother stepping forward. Why should she bother helping someone else if it doesn''t benefit her in any way? However, this was the mysterious master that she met in the restaurant.


    She experienced close up exactly how powerful he was, he was able to casually block everything Jac Ob, a level 3 Mortal Warrior, was able to throw at him. Jac Ob even used an energy equipment and yet, he was still able to win barehanded.


    Even though Chi Mels was only a level 1 Mortal Warrior, she has seen many level 6 and level 7 Mortal Warriors, none of them would be able to even dare think about doing what Heat did. Thus she was sure that he must be an Earth Knight, if not, at least a level 9 Mortal Warrior.


    With such a powerful expert present, how could she not befriend him? Having an Earth Knight as a friend gave the Mels family more influence and gave herself more support.


    "Well?" Chi Mels said sternly, clearly stating that she would take Heat''s side if a confrontation were to arise.


    "No Miss Mels, I have some business to take care of, I''ll take my leave first. We''ll meet again during the D Rank test." Ry An bowed and took his leave with Al Van quickly following behind.


    Withdrawing her stern expression and putting on a warm smile, Chi Mels turned around and wanted to greet Heat but saw that he was holding the hand of her personal maid Alice. This caused some slight confusion in her heart but she didn''t show it on her face.


    "Good evening, how may Chi address you, sire?"


    "Quanye Lest. I''m here without an invitation and accidentally broke a jade dragon that Alice said was Marquess Mel''s gift? I''d like to apologize and hope that it was nothing of importance." Heat was initially nervous about breaking the jade dragon but after seeing how Chi Mels was treating him, he knew that she clearly wanted to befriend him.


    With that in mind, he figured that the worst case scenario would be that he would have to compensate for the damage. Even though he couldn''t pay immediately since he has no money, he could give them an IOU. So without hesitation, he took the entire blame for the accident.


    When Alice heard what Heat said, she squeezed Heat''s hand tightly. How could she not tell that Heat was clearly trying to take all the blame? Even though it was an accident, she was also partly to blame for dropping the jade dragon.


    "Oh it''s quite alright, that was probably just something that one of the guests gifted my father. It''s nothing of much importance. Come, you should meet my father Sir Lest."


    Even though Chi Mels was still wondering why Heat was holding Alice''s hand, she knew it would be better not to ask. She''s often heard that powerful experts were usually eccentric; perhaps he took a fancy to her maid, perhaps he prefers to wear rags rather than more elegant clothing. The things she should know, he would speak of, the things she shouldn''t know, it would be better not to ask.

 Chapter 17

    Guiding Heat and Alice through the lobby, Chi Mels quickly arrived in front of a tall, stern man.


    "This is my father, Marquess Bryant Mels." Marquess Bryant Mels was a tall man that had an air of authority. With his expressionless face, he looked disciplined and demanding.


    "Father, this is sir Quanye Lest. Sir Lest is a powerful expert that I met coincidentally at Rambling restaurant yesterday." Speaking politely, Chi Mels stood between the two men as she introduced them to each other.


    "Ahem. My daughter has told me of the occurrence at Rambling restaurant yesterday. Rest assured sir Lest, the Nard family will be held responsible for disturbing your meal without reason and will be giving you a proper explanation. Meanwhile, let us enjoy the party for now!"


    Every city inside a territory would be controlled by a Marquess. Being the Marquess of Rock Edge city, how could Bryant Mels not understand from his daughter''s descriptions that Heat was clearly an Earth Knight or stronger.


    The amount of Earth Knights in each territory of the Herya Empire does not exceed one hundred. They''re existences with more influence than a Marquess and only just below a Duke, each of their names is famous throughout the empire.


    With less than a thousand Earth Knights within the empire, almost each and every single one would be conscripted into the Royal Guard of the Herya Empire answering only to the King.


    Now that his daughter has brought forth an unknown Earth Knight, how could Marquess Bryant not be excited? Once he heard that there was a fight between Heat and the son of Viscount Leo Nard, he immediately made it clear to Viscount Leo Nard that he must attend this social gathering with his son.


    Even though his daughter mentioned that Heat rejected her invitation, Marquess Bryant is quite wise and has seen much of the cunningness within politics. He knew that even though Heat initially rejected the invitation to the party, he might still show up. Thus Marquess Bryant wanted to be thoroughly prepared for anything that might happen.


    If Heat didn''t show up, with Viscount Leo Nard there, Marquess Bryant could use that opportunity to speak to the Viscount regarding how to sincerely apologize to Heat.


    It would be even better if Heat did show up because then, Marquess Bryant could throw Viscount Leo Nard''s son under the bus and gain Heat''s support. If Marquess Bryant helps Heat deal with Ren Nard, Heat would owe him a favor.


    So now, when Heat actually appeared at the social gathering, Marquess Bryant was excited. He didn''t show it on his face but he was giddy at the fact that everything was working out perfectly for him.


    "Thank you for your warm hospitality Marquess Bryant Mels. I''m here to personally apologize for breaking the jade dragon in which you were gifted. It was truly an accident that was due to my lack of focus. If there''s any way for me to compensate you I would be more than willing." Heat cut straight to the point since he did not want anything to happen to Alice later on.


    Seeing how the Marquess was very friendly, Heat was not too worried about this matter but still felt the need to make it clear so that Alice would be completely free of blame.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "Jade dragon?" With one raised eyebrow, Marquess Bryant looked at his daughter hoping that she would clue him in on what Heat was talking about.


    "Oh, I think sir Lest is speaking of a gift that some other nobleman must''ve brought for you, father." Chi Mels knew that her father was usually not concerned with such trivial matters.


    With a mansion full of beautiful artworks and statues, how could a small jade dragon figure possibly amount to much?


    "It was a gift that Viscount Jerd Mun brought for this party, housemaster." Alice chimed in. Since she was responsible for bringing the gift to Marquess Bryant Mels'' study, she would naturally be more knowledgeable on the subject.


    "Ah, well no harm was done. A jade dragon figure is but a trivial decoration." Marquess Bryant truly did not feel much heartache for losing the figure.


    Although it was probably worth a good sum of money, it would not amount to how much befriending an Earth Knight would be.


    "Sir Lest, you must try this Spring Glacier Wine that I''ve recently received from a merchant that traveling through our Herya Empire. He obtained this rare wine from the northern parts of the Azern Empire."


    Feeling that no trouble would befall Alice regarding the matter of the jade dragon, Heat finally relaxed as he let go of Alice''s hand.


    "Marquess Bryant Mels, I''m not too well versed in the subject of wine so forgive me for being a layman. I am however curious regarding your order. I heard that you''re looking for the Azure Lantern flower?" Heat asked as he received a glass of wine.


    Seeing how friendly the Marquess is, Heat was beginning to doubt what he heard from Jef Frey regarding the tyranny of the Marquess'' soldiers as they carried out Marquess Bryant''s order for retrieving the Azure Lantern flower.


    "Ah yes, my daughter Chi has broken through to level 1 Mortal Warrior, this is why I am searching for the Azure Lantern flower. You see, Chi has a water energy core, which is why the Azure Lantern flower would help her break through to level 3 or 4." Looking at Chi Mels lovingly he continued.


    "Her mother died giving birth to my daughter, I wish for no harm to befall Chi. That''s why I ordered my army to go around inquiring about the Azure Lantern flower''s appearance. My troops have been unsuccessful so I even gave out a notice to all the nobles that whoever is able to find it for me would receive Chi''s hand in marriage. Unfortunately it''s been almost a month and still, no one has found it." Marquess Bryant sighed as he shook his head in disappointment.


    "I''ve heard that some of the villages nearby have been put in distress due to this matter, even going so far as being completely destroyed with no survivors. Would you perhaps know of this?" Heat could not resist asking.


    Heat thought that the Marquess was only being friendly due to him being acquainted with his daughter, but he still wanted to know exactly who it was that destroyed Grey Grass Village.


    Even though Min Lest tried to take his life, Fang Lest saved his life. If he was strong enough in the future, he would definitely avenge Fang Lest.


    "Is that true sir Lest? I have not heard of such a thing. My troops have been mostly searching the forests and questioning people who return from the forests." Marquess Bryant shook his head as he furrowed his eyebrows.


    Clearly, Heat was unhappy with what his order caused. However it truly wasn''t his fault, he just put out the notice that he wished for the flower to be found and given to him. What the other nobles did outside of the city was not really within his control.


    With a slightly helpless look, Marquess Bryant asked "Which villages have suffered damages sir Lest? I will get to the bottom of this and find the culprits. Although it isn''t a crime for a noble to kill peasants, it''s still an unspoken rule that no one should massacre peasants if they were not offended in any way."


    Heat had an appreciation for the Marquess for his help in this matter. "Thank you Marquess Bryant Mels, I''ll leave this matter to you then. The only village that I know of which was destroyed recently is Grey Grass Village."


    Right at this moment, a server standing at the large door of the lobby announced in a firm voice "Viscount Leo Nard and young master Ren Nard have arrived."

 Chapter 18

    When Viscount Leo Nard walked in, his first course of action was to scan the room looking for familiar faces. Once he saw Marquess Bryant Mels, he walked over with his son following behind.


    "Marquess Bryant Mels, I''ve brought you a gift! What is it that required my attendance at this party?"


    Viscount Leo Nard was polite but shrewd, he was almost certain that the Marquess'' request must be related to his son since Marquess Bryant also stated that his son must come. Luckily, his son woke up in the afternoon shortly after the doctor left.


    Without waiting for Marquess Bryant to reply, Viscount Leo Nard immediately noticed Heat with his distinct clothing.


    "This is?" Viscount Leo asked with one eyebrow raised.


    Viscount Leo knew that Marquess Bryant probably wished to discuss what his son did yesterday. Thus, he didn''t wish to converse with Marquess Bryant in front of a stranger.


    Even though Heat looked like a peasant, Viscount Leo knew that if Heat was conversing with Marquess Bryant at the Marquess'' party, Heat must be someone of importance. This is why even though Viscount Leo Nard thought that Heat looked odd, he still tried to be polite.


    What Viscount Leo Nard didn''t expect though, was that the peasant in front of him and the unknown expert that his son offended were both the same person!


    Viscount Leo Nard was oblivious, but Ren Nard realized the moment his eyes landed on Heat. How could he ever forget about Heat!


    After he woke up, his father gave him a couple good slaps out of frustration, it was after being beaten senselessly by his own father that Ren Nan understood what sort of trouble he''s brought upon his family.


    "This is my friend sir Quanye Lest." Marquess Bryant said, subtly implying that Heat was closer than just an acquaintance.


    "In fact, the reason why I wanted you to appear with your son is due to my good friend sir Lest. It''s come to my attention that your son Ren Nard was being overbearingly rude to sir Lest yesterday and even attempted to attack him."


    Before Marquess Bryant Mels could continue any further, Ren Nan stepped forward immediately dropping to his knees.


    He didn''t care about his pride or how this would publicly humiliate him. If his apology didn''t seem sincere, a calamity could befall his family.


    "I''m sorry for disrupting your meal and attacking you yesterday sir Lest. I''m a blind fool who was out of his mind! Please forgive me, I promise that it will never happen again."


    Ren Nan spoke loud enough for most of the nobles in the lobby to hear. His behavior started attracting the gazes of many people there.


    Viscount Leo Nard had a shocked expression, he was genuinely surprised for a brief moment. However, absorbing the words that his son said, he was able to quickly figure out what was happening.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Marquess Bryant Mels gave a very slight nod thinking to himself. "At least he''s sharp enough to know how to save his life."


    Meanwhile, as everyone involved was contemplating their own interpretations of what''s happening, Heat was very confused.


    "Why is he apologizing? I thought all nobles were overbearing?" Heat thought to himself. Of course, Heat could recognize Ren Nan since it was only yesterday that Ren Nan had his personal guard Jac Ob almost slice off Heat''s arm!


    "When did I get so influential that even nobles must beg for my forgiveness? Is there something here that I am missing?" Heat was contemplating with furrowed eyebrows as he was unsure of why everyone seemed to be afraid of offending him. How could he possibly guess that everyone thought of him as a mysterious powerful expert?


    While Heat was thinking, Ren Nan was sweating. "He hasn''t said anything for a few seconds, is he so angry that he won''t forgive me and wants my life as compensation?!" Ren Nan was truly scared as he waited for Heat to speak without daring to lift his head.


    "Sir Lest, to show our sincerity, please accept this storage ring as a gift." Viscount Leo Nard sensed the difficult position his son was in and stepped forward hoping to appease Heat. He figured that given Heat''s rags for clothes, such an expensive gift should help.


    Seeing that Viscount Leo Nard was willing to apologize as well, Marquess Bryant Mels gave Chi Mels a glance. Chi Mels understood immediately and softly tried to mediate the situation.


    "A storage ring is worth at least a few hundred gold coins sir Lest, they are quite rare and this shows that they are genuinely feeling sorry for having offended you. Please don''t hold what happened yesterday in your Heart sir Lest."


    Chi Mels stepped forward and took the blue storage ring from Viscount Leo Nard and handed it to Heat.


    Heat wasn''t an idiot, he was able to clearly sense that everyone was behaving reservedly and weren''t willing to offend him. The only question Heat wasn''t able to answer was why they were treating him with such respect.


    But, with all eyes on him, Heat knew he needed to do something. Thus, he threw his confusion into the back of his mind and decided that it would be best to ask Chi Mels later when there were not so many people listening to their conversation.


    Understanding that Ren Nard was still waiting for his reply, Heat took the blue storage ring from Chi Mels'' hand and spoke with dignity. "What''s happened before is in the past, let''s forget about it."


    Hearing that Heat has forgiven him, Ren Nard got up with excitement in his smile. "Thank you sir Lest!"


    Even Viscount Leo Nard bowed as he thanked Heat for his magnanimous behavior. Although his heart ached from having to give away his storage ring which cost him 700 gold coins to purchase, it was still better than having an Earth Knight stir up trouble with his Nard family.


    "Since we are all on friendly terms, let''s discuss the upcoming Mercenary Guild D Rank test. My daughter Chi and Viscount Leo Nards son Ren will both be attending the test in a couple of days. Even though they are both only level 1 Mortal Warriors, we''ve already arranged for them to have a level 4 Mortal Warrior to protect them during the test. If sir Lest is not busy, I would be much more assured if sir Lest could protect my daughter Chi as well during the test." Marquess Bryant then took out a bag of coins. "This is 200 gold coins, for your troubles."


    Looking at the bag of coins, Heat put up his hand indicating that he didn''t want to accept it. "Actually Marquess Bryant Mels, I will be attending the D Rank test as well. So there is no need to worry, if I am able to I will assist your daughter Chi Mels during the test."


    With a hearty light laugh, Marquess Bryant Mels shoved the bag of coins into Heat''s hands. "Aha, sir Lest, how could I get you to help me out without compensating you. Even if you were coincidentally taking the test as well, it would still only be fair to pay you for your troubles." Marquess Bryant Mels was a bit curious on why someone as powerful as Heat would not directly take the A Rank test meant for Earth Knights but he knew he shouldn''t pry.


    Seeing that Heat accepted his payment, Marquess Bryant Mels held up his glass. "Let''s enjoy the wine!"

 Chapter 19

    "Please excuse me, Marquess, but I need to speak to Chi Mels alone." Heat said. "There are some important matters that I must discuss with her."


    "Of course, the D Rank test is in two days, you should discuss how to coordinate when the time comes. I have some news though sir Lest, my informants told me that the test this time will be very hard. Its danger level is recommended for level 3 Mortal Warrior or stronger and requires you to form a team of two people." Marquess Bryant Mels took a sip of wine as he explained.


    "Ah, I will keep that in mind. Please excuse me." Heat walked away from the group with Chi Mels and Alice following. "Is there somewhere we can speak in private here Chi Mels?"


    "Yes, this way." Chi Mels led them through the lobby, up some large stairs, and toward a set of large doors. "Wait outside Alice, I''ll speak to sir Lest alone."


    Heat looked at Alice and nodded slightly before following Chi Mels inside. All around there were shelves of books and in the middle of the room stood a wide wooden desk with some chairs surrounding it.


    "What is it that you wished to speak about sir Lest?" Chi Mels felt slightly excited because she thought that Heat wanted to team up with her for the D Rank test. It would be much better to have him as a teammate than a level 4 Mortal Warrior that her father prepared.


    "Well if we are to assist each other during the test, it would be best to understand each other''s powers to prepare. More specifically I am wondering what element your energy core is. Since your father is looking for the Azure Lantern flower, I assume you have water affinity?" Heat inquired carefully. What Heat really wanted to know was how to find out one''s own element since Heat did not know what element he had.


    "Yes, I recently broke into level 1 Mortal Warrior and took the neutral crystal test. It shone brightly blue indicating that I have water affinity. Unfortunately, even though most strong noble families have their own skills that were passed down from their ancestors, almost all the energized humans in my Mels family were of the earth element. Thus our family skill is of the earth element and I am unable to utilize it." Chi Mels spoke with a trace of disappointment in her voice.


    Neutral crystal test! When Heat heard that, he knew that this "neutral crystal test" must be the method to figure out his own energy core''s element.


    "Err, I''m actually not from the Herya Empire and traveled here only recently. What is this neutral crystal test you speak of?" Heat inquired hoping that his lie wouldn''t have any holes that could be exposed.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Since Chi Mels didn''t know anything about Heat, he figured that he would be able to feign ignorance of this subject by saying that he''s only arrived in Herya Empire recently. Ironically, the "lie" he told is not entirely untrue since he really did recently arrive in the Herya Empire!


    "Oh, well the neutral crystal test is a crystal with no elemental affinity. It shines a different color when you put your energy into, it indicating what elemental affinity you have, before it turns to dust. Blue for water, red for fire, yellow for wind, brown for earth, and green for wood." Chi Mels explained in a matter-of-fact manner.


    It seemed weird to her that someone wouldn''t know about the neutral crystal test since as far as she knew, every energized human would use this once they broke into level 1 Mortal Warrior to test for their element.


    Of course, it''s a big world and Chi Mels knew that there might be other methods as well. Since Heat seemed so powerful and mysterious, perhaps he came from far away and never heard of the neutral crystal test.


    "Where can I get this neutral crystal? I wish to take a closer look at one." Heat was really excited now, so this neutral crystal test really will tell him what element he has. Once he finds out, it would make taking the D Rank test much easier.


    "You can usually buy them from alchemy stores. They only cost 1-2 gold but my father should have some in the mansion since we would carry out the neutral crystal test for our troops if any of the normal humans break into level 1 Mortal Warrior. I''ll have Alice get you some before you leave."


    "Then I will have to trouble you. Also, your father said that the D Rank test would be extra difficult this time, do you know anything about it?" With the mystery of his energy core''s element about to be resolved, Heat wanted to know more about how to prepare for the test now while he had the chance to ask Chi Mels.


    "Not really, even my father as the Marquess of Rock Edge city only gets limited information. All we know is that everyone will be required to team up in pairs and that we will be going far away to grave-dig in an ancient catacomb. The passing requirement and more specific details are still unknown to us." Chi Mels started fiddling with her fingers looking nervous. She wanted to ask if Heat wanted to team up with her for this test but didn''t know how to say it.


    "I see, well then I will be taking my leave to prepare for the upcoming test. I will meet you during the test so that our two different teams can coordinate with each other and assist each other if possible."


    Even though Marquess Bryant Mels paid Heat a large amount of money, Heat thought that the Marquess only wanted him to help Chi Mels during the test rather than actually team up with her. In Heat''s mind, a level 4 Mortal Warrior would be a much stronger teammate for Chi Mels than himself.


    "Ah...Okay, I''ll see you in two days then sir Lest. I''ll have Alice bring you some neutral crystals and see you out." Chi Mels said with some hesitation. If Heat did not want to be her teammate then all she could do was just accept his assistance during the test. She knew that it was not her place to insist.

 Chapter 20

    While Heat and Chi Mels were still discussing. Alice was wondering what they were doing inside. "Late into the evening, a man and a woman inside a room alone for so long..." Her thoughts began to wander and she noticed that she felt a trace of anger.


    Before Alice could think of why she would feel angry, the doors opened. Out walked Heat with Chi Mels following closely behind.


    "Alice, go ask my father for where he keeps his neutral crystals and fetch a couple for sir Lest." Chi Mels instructed as she walked out.


    "Yes Mistress Mels." Alice replied with her head lowered and sped away quickly.


    "Please enjoy the party while you wait for Alice sir Lest." Chi Mels slightly bowed and left to mingle with the other nobles back in the lobby.


    Heat didn''t wait for long before Alice came back. In her hands held two grey crystals, about 1 inch long each.


    "Here are the neutral crystals that Mistress Mels requested for you to receive sir Lest." Alice said as she politely handed them to Heat.


    "You can just call me Heat, no need for the formalities." Heat took the crystals and placed them into his black storage ring.


    "Yes, sir Heat." With a slight smile, Alice got closer and whispered into Heat''s ear. "Thank you for ''taking care'' of the jade dragon incident." She pecked Heat''s cheek with a soft kiss and scurried away hastily while a red hue extending from her cheeks all the way down her neck.


    Before Heat could react, Alice was already out of sight. Rubbing his right cheek that still had a slight trace of saliva, Heat couldn''t help himself from grinning.


    . . . .


    When Heat finally got back to Pebble inn, he was exhausted.


    "I''ve gained 200 gold coins, a blue storage ring, and two neutral crystals. Going to that social gathering sure gave me a lot." Heat whispered to himself as he looked at the items on his bed.


    He then took off his damaged bracelet and traced over the cracks with his thumb. "This is a wind type defensive energy equipment that can only be used once... If I use the neutral crystals and my energy core is not of the wind element, then I would have wasted 5 gold coins." Heat sighed as he shook his head.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Who knew that he would receive 200 gold coins from Marquess Bryant Mels just for showing up to his party. If he knew that earlier, he wouldn''t have bothered taking his chances with this damaged bracelet!


    "Oh well, what''s done is done. Let''s just hope that I am of the wind affinity."


    Heat took one neutral crystal in his hand as he closed his eyes and directed the energy from his energy core into the neutral crystal.


    Opening his eyes in anticipation, Heat looked at the neutral crystal in his hands to find... Nothing!


    There was no light or change in color, the crystal looked the exact same as before. If Heat didn''t know better, he would''ve thought that this was just a grey rock!


    "What''s goin-" Interrupting Heat''s thoughts, the neutral crystal in his hand began to dissolve into dust.


    "What? Chi Mels said that a neutral crystal would shine a color indicating the elemental affinity and then turn into dust, why did it turn into dust without shining any color?!"


    Even while confused, Heat already had a possibility in his mind. It was that perhaps he was a part of the very rare group of people with no elemental affinity.


    But even though Heat knew that it was very likely to be the case given what just happened, he refused to believe it. People with no elemental affinity have next to no combat potential!


    "No! That crystal must have been defective!"


    Taking the other neutral crystal, Heat repeated the procedure this time with his eyes wide open the entire time.


    Unfortunately, the result was the same. No shine, no color, just dissolving into dust after a brief moment with no other changes to the neutral crystal.


    "No wonder the red ruler in my black storage ring had no changes when I put in my energy, it probably has its own elemental energy requirement." With a bitter expression, Heat had to accept the fact that his energy core must have no elemental affinity.


    "With no rings or discs around my energy core, that means I''m a level 1 Mortal Warrior. A level 1 Mortal Warrior that''s unable to use any energy equipment or skill that has an elemental requirement is about as good as a regular human" Heat sighed.


    Heat knew that this means he must forfeit the upcoming Mercenary Guild D Rank test. He only wanted to take it to earn a living in the city, now that he knows it''ll be very difficult this year and he has no combat potential, he might as well find a job doing something else.


    Heat didn''t want to forfeit the test if he could help it because already took Marquess Bryant Mels'' money and promised that he would help Chi Mels during the test.


    "Ahh, what a headache!"


    Trying to take his mind off his bad situation, Heat picked up the blue storage ring that Viscount Leo Nard gave him. Inserting his energy, Heat was able to sense the space inside the ring. It was about the size of a 3x3x3 meter cube.


    "What the heck! Why is it so small?!"


    Heat''s black storage ring had the space of about 1000x1000x1000 meter cube and yet this blue storage ring doesn''t even have 1% of that space!


    "Didn''t Chi Mels say that this was supposed to be worth a few hundred gold coins? Did she mean a few hundred copper coins?!" With an exasperated expression, Heat began to wonder if he was just given some garbage that Viscount Leo Nard picked up off the street.


    Ignoring the trash storage ring, Heat went to sleep. He decided that even though he had next to no combat potential, he would still go to the alchemy store that Chi Mels spoke of and see if they had anything else that could test his elemental affinity.


    Heat has no idea what alchemy is, so taking a look tomorrow would give him more knowledge on the subject and might even help him get a job now that passing the D Rank test should be impossible.

 Chapter 21

    When Heat woke up, the first thing he thought of was the gloomy situation he was in.


    He had a lot of good things like the Blood Corruption Fog skill book, the black storage ring, the powerful looking sword, and perhaps most practical, 200 gold coins.


    Unfortunately, he can''t use anything but his storage ring and the 200 gold coins.


    He might even have to return the gold coins to Marquess Bryant Mels if he forfeits the D Rank test. What a headache.


    Ignoring his depressing thoughts, Heat dragged himself out of bed and down the stairs. He immediately noticed a cheerful Ru Yin sitting behind the counter.


    "Good morning!" Ru Yin enthusiastically greeted Heat.


    "Morning. Do you know where the alchemy shop is in Rock Edge city?" Heat asked hoping that Ru Yin might know. If she didn''t he would have to wander around trying to find it.


    "Yes, I do know! Let me write down the directions for you."


    . . . .


    Before going to the alchemy shop, Heat stopped by briefly inside a clothing shop so that he could buy some clothes more pleasant than the rags that he currently wore.


    Heat stepped out of the clothing shop in a black long-sleeved tunic, crisp black pants with a deep purple cloth belt wrapped multiple times around his waist, and laced black boots. The whole attire left Heat with 197 gold coins, 3 gold coins for clothing could be considered quite expensive.


    When Heat arrived at the alchemy shop, he took a moment to admire its breathtaking exterior. It was a three-story building with walls made from white marble. On the signboard is written "Alchemy Association Branch Shop" with big black letters.


    Upon entering, Heat asked a male attendant behind the counter, "Do you have any neutral crystals for sale?"


    "Of course, our shop is the only one that sells neutral crystals in Rock Edge city. What type are you looking for? Low-grade Mid-grade or High-grade neutral crystals?"


    "There are grades?" Heat was surprised, Chi Mels didn''t tell him about this yesterday.


    "Yes, Low-grade neutral crystals only have the ability to detect your elemental affinity with 90% accuracy and can only detect one element. Mid-grade neutral crystals can detect your elemental affinity with 100% accuracy and can detect if you have multiple affinities. High-grade neutral crystals do everything a Mid-grade crystal does and can show you if you''ve evolved a hidden element." The attendant explained patiently.


    "Of course, there is also a price difference. Low-grade neutral crystals cost 2 gold each, Mid-grade neutral crystals cost 5 gold each. High-grade neutral crystals cost 15 gold each."


    Heat was amazed, High-grade crystals cost about as much as a Low tier Mortal energy equipment!


    With some unhappiness, Heat bought a High-grade neutral crystal.


    Even if there was just a sliver of a chance that he has an elemental affinity, the cost would definitely be worth it to be certain.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Is there any other way of finding out what your elemental affinity is other than using neutral crystals?" Heat asked as he paid the attendant 15 gold coins for the High-grade neutral crystal.


    "Not that I am aware of, I''ve been working here for ten years and I''ve never heard of any other method."


    "Ah okay, can you tell me more about this alchemy shop? What is alchemy?" Heat inquired with curiosity after putting away the High-grade neutral crystal.


    "You don''t know?" The attendant had a doubtful expression on his face, it was rare for someone to not know about alchemy in Zinnoth continent.


    Seeing the attendants hesitation, Heat took out another gold coin as he passed it to the attendant. "Please explain. I''m a traveler who just came to the Herya Empire and I have very little knowledge regarding this."


    The shop attendant was pretty sure that all of Zinnoth would be familiar with what alchemy is but once he saw the gold coin he no longer bothered with the authenticity of Heat''s explanation.


    "This alchemy shop is just a branch shop of the Alchemy Association. The Alchemy Association is really a big school that houses and teaches alchemists as well as potential alchemists. It''s located in the very center of Zinnoth between all four empires, the Alchemy Association''s territory belongs solely to the association and is not a part of any empire. The influence of the Alchemy Association is almost as much as that of an entire empire."


    "The Alchemy Association teaches alchemists... What''s an alchemist?" Heat asked with further curiosity, this was the first time that he''s heard of the profession.


    The attendant coughed and looked away, pretending that he did not hear Heat''s question.


    How could Heat not understand what he wanted? Heat was slightly angered, to think that this man would be such scoundrel after accepting his money.


    However, Heat wanted to know, so he took out another gold coin and handed it over to the attendant.


    "Alchemists are very rare and powerful energized humans. They are able to use elemental crystals in combination with their energy and different energized plants to concoct energy potions. These potions are as powerful as skills. Since skills are rare and usually require the correct elemental affinity to be used, potions are much more favored because even if a potion can only be used once, anyone can use them even normal humans!"


    The attendant then looked around nervously before continuing in a lower volume.


    "Alchemists are also said to be able to inscribe powerful area of effect traps called ''alchemy circles''. It''s rumored that the Alchemy Association is so strong because their entire territory is surrounded by alchemy circles. Anyone who trespasses will be subjected to the different illusions and death traps that the circles contain."


    Returning to his normal demeanor, the attendant coughed a few times before speaking again."But of course, that''s just a rumor. Alchemists are very secretive and the only thing that most people know about them is their ability to create potions. Every empire values alchemists highly and their potions are usually sold for a very high amount of money."


    Hearing that being an alchemist would give him a lot of money, Heat''s eyes glimmered. "How does one become an alchemist?"


    "If everyone knew, every energized human would go and become an alchemist. I did hear before that there is a special way for experienced alchemists to tell if someone has any talent in alchemy. How to actually start on the road to becoming an alchemist though, I have no clue," the attendant shook his head.


    "Then does this shop sell any of the energy potions that an alchemist has made?" Heat asked since he was primarily here to see if he could strengthen himself so that he may take part in the D Rank test.


    "Of course we do! Our potions make us more money than the neutral crystals that we sell." After taking Heat''s gold coins, the attendant began treating Heat more like a private friend than a normal customer.


    "Since we are a branch shop of the Alchemist Association, we get a shipment of energy potions given to us every month. It just so happens that the most recent shipment arrived a week ago. Take a look." The attendant gestured Heat to browse through a thick book he took out from under the counter.


    Inside the thick book was an index of the different potions that the shop sold. There was a description under the name, the description gave a summary of the effects of the potion and how much it costs.


    When Heat read the first potion he was shocked. "Lesser Healing potion. Heals most minor wounds. Drink to heal immediately. 15 gold coins."


    "That''s one of our most popular potions, that''s why it''s on the first page! There are very little skills that can heal and almost all of them require the hidden element Life to be used. Thus, other than medicinal herbs, the healing potion is the only thing that can effectively heal you when you''re wounded in a battle. Healing potions are essential to any energized human." The attendant explained, noticing Heat''s surprise.

 Chapter 22

    Taking his time to browse through the whole book, Heat ended up buying 3 Lesser Healing potions, 2 Ice Wall potions, 2 Corrosive Bile potions, and 1 Petrification potion. Altogether, everything left Heat with 45 gold coins.


    The Ice Wall potion creates a 10-meters wide, 4-meters high, and 1-meter thick ice wall after being thrown on the ground. The Corrosive Bile potion explodes on impact and dissolves anything that the liquid touches. The Petrification potion turns the target into stone if thrown at a target. All the potions were kept inside a small glass test tube sealed with a cork.


    Returning to his room in Pebble inn, Heat took out the High-grade neutral crystal.


    With some worry, Heat began to slowly infuse his energy into the neutral crystal.


    Slowly, Heat saw a faint deep black emerge from the center of the grey crystal. The black shine spread and created a deep black glow on the neutral crystal.


    Before Heat could take a closer inspection, the neutral crystal cracked in many parts and fell apart in Heat''s hand. The tiny pieces of crystal quickly dissolved into dust.


    "That''s... Weird..." Heat muttered.


    Before Heat left the alchemy shop, he asked the attendant how he could tell if the High-grade neutral crystal were to indicate multiple elements or hidden elements.


    The attendant said that for multiple elements, the crystal''s shine would divide itself into separate colors indicating more than one elemental affinity.


    For hidden elements, the crystal would first shine in the basic element''s color, then crack into many pieces before dissolving into dust indicating that the basic element evolved into a hidden element.


    Heat''s neutral crystal test just cracked into multiple pieces before dissolving, indicating a hidden element according to the attendant at the shop, but it glowed a deep black color. Water is blue, fire is red, wind is yellow, earth is brown, and wood is green, so what does black mean?


    Since he didn''t know, there would be no point thinking about it. Heat decided he would go back tomorrow morning and ask the attendant at the alchemy shop regarding the neutral crystal shining black.


    The Mercenary Guild D Rank test was tomorrow in the afternoon, Heat has decided to attend the test. With his potions, he might have a chance at passing.


    The worst case scenario would be that he has to retreat and fail the test, it would be better to fail than lose his life.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    . . . .


    Before the sun rose the next day, Heat had already left Pebble inn. He is currently standing in front of the alchemy store waiting for it to open.


    "Oh young man, you''re back." The attendant from yesterday walked over.


    "Yes, I am looking to ask you about the High-grade neutral crystal that I bought yesterday. It shone a deep black glow, before cracking and turning to dust. What does that mean?" Heat asked without reserve.


    "Black? I''ve never heard of that before. I''m sorry but I have no idea. Would you like to buy anything, I''m about to open the store." The attendant said while unlocking the store''s doors.


    "Ah, well is there anyone here who might know?" Heat persisted.


    "Sorry, but the store''s manager is currently not in Rock Edge city and won''t be back until next week." The attendant had a helpless expression since he sold Heat the High-grade neutral crystal but truly has no information on what a black glow from the crystal means.


    Since no one at the alchemy shop could help Heat right now, he left and made his way over to the Mercenary Guild.


    He arrived a couple of hours before noon and saw that he was not the only one early.


    Quickly rushing over to Heat''s side was a chubby young man.


    "Quanye! I didn''t expect you to be here." Cho Mun was delighted when he saw Heat. Ever since they snuck over the Mels'' mansion walls together a couple of nights ago, Cho Mun has been looking for Heat to compensate him for his help.


    He took a liking to Heat and thought that he should take him into his family as a paid servant. Unexpectedly, who knew that after Cho Mun sent out a notice to his house servants to find Heat, he would actually bump into Heat at the Mercenary Guild.


    Looking at Heat''s clothing, Cho Mun realized that Heat must not be a peasant and might be a noble that he is unfamiliar with. As for why Heat was wearing rags the other day? Who cares!


    Cho Mun felt that he could trust Heat because they climbed over the Mels'' mansion wall together in secrecy and he never got into trouble for it.


    "You must also be here to take the D Rank test, what power level are you?" Cho Mun inquired as he hoped that Heat would be stronger than the teammate that his father prepared for him.


    Since he is only a level 1 Mortal Warrior, Cho Mun knew that his chances of passing the test alone would be almost non-existent.


    He didn''t even want to take the test but his father told him that being in the Mercenary Guild would help pave the way for his future and that the test this time allowed you to team up with someone else taking the test. Thus, when his father told him that a hired level 3 Mortal Warrior would come to take the test and be his teammate, he signed up without hesitation.


    Even though a level 3 Mortal Warrior would usually be able to pass the D Rank tests, Cho Mun knew that the test''s difficulty varies and if it was very difficult, even a level 3 Mortal Warrior would be in trouble. Hence, even if Heat was at the same strength as the teammate his father prepared, he would rather team up with Heat and tackle the test with someone he trusts so that their retreat would be better coordinated if they run into trouble.


    "I''m a level 1 Mortal Warrior," Heat replied slightly embarrassed. Heat knew that everyone who took the D Rank test would be a level 2 Mortal Warrior at least if they wished to survive.


    There are only some special circumstances like Chi Mels taking the test at level 1 Mortal Warrior if they had someone strong supporting them during the test.


    Cho Mun nodded his head in understanding. He thought that since Heat is a level 1 Mortal Warrior, he must have his own hired teammate that is much stronger to help him pass the test. Even though Cho Mun was a bit disappointed that he would be unable to team up with Heat, he started to feel even closer to Heat because he thought that they were both in the same situation.

 Chapter 23

    After waiting for over an hour, more people began to come into the Mercenary Guild''s lobby area.


    "Hello, sir Lest."


    Turning around, Heat saw Chi Mels with a slightly taller, brown-haired woman.


    Noticing Heat''s gaze, Chi Mels introduced the woman beside her. "This is Fay Mo, my teammate for this test."


    "Yo-You''re Chi Mels?!" Cho Mun exclaimed quietly, he seemed very nervous.


    "Ah, you must be sir Lest''s teammate, how may Chi address you?" Chi Mels asked when she realized that there was actually someone beside Heat.


    "I-I''m Cho Mun, I-I''m not Quanye''s teammate, we''re just friends." Cho Mun was stuttering as he was speaking and Heat noticed.


    With a raised eyebrow, Heat was not sure why Cho Mun suddenly got so nervous. It can''t just be because Chi Mels is quite attractive right?


    "I have something to ask you Chi Mels, I studied the neutral crystals you gave me last time and have been wondering if you know what element the crystal is indicating if it glows black?" Heat ignored Cho Mun''s odd behavior and directly asked Chi Mels what he wanted to know.


    "Black? I''ve never heard of that before. Have do you know anything Fay Mo?" Chi Mels had a curious expression on her face.


    "No, I''ve never heard of that either." Fay Mo furrowed her eyebrows, she was not sure why Heat would be asking about something that''s impossible.


    "Nevermind then, I was just asking to see if it''s possible for the neutral crystal to shine a color outside of the five basic elements." Heat replied casually, he was quite disappointed but he didn''t let it show.


    "If Cho Mun is not your teammate, where is your teammate sir Lest?" Looking around, Chi Mels wondered who it was that could cause Heat to pick them over her.


    Before Heat could reply, a woman in tall leather boots, black mini-shorts, and a tight white, sleeveless vest walked in. She had long blonde hair that extended down to her butt, with cleavage that seemed to want to burst out of her tight top.


    Walking to the reception desk, she turned and faced everyone waiting in the lobby. "Everyone looking to take the D Rank test listen up! I will be your instructor for this test, my name is Jess Ica. You are to pair up forming a team and stand together with your teammate at the city gate. We''ll be going to a catacomb that was discovered within the outskirts of the Endless Forest, it''ll take about a month for us to arrive, everyone must present their Mercenary Guild temporary member token when we depart!" Jess Ica spoke in a loud and firm volume.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "Be warned! The D Rank test this time is many times harder than the tests before. The catacomb that was discovered by the Mercenary Guild is supposed to belong to an ancient low ranking alchemist and should be covered in traps."


    Murmurs began to sound as people began whispering to each other in hushed voices. The tomb of an ancient low ranking alchemist might contain their legacy or information on how to become an alchemist. It was a profession that many people sought after.


    When Heat heard it, his ears perked up. Right after he learns about the alchemist profession, this opportunity coincidentally presents itself.


    Regardless of danger, Heat is determined to take part of the test now. If it gets too dangerous he would retreat, but if it''s possible for him to learn more about alchemists which in return, might help him learn more about neutral crystals and what a black glow on one means, it would be well worth the risk!


    "The Mercenary Guild has already sent two D Rank mercenaries and they have both not returned, presumed dead. If anyone wishes to forfeit the test this time, please hand in your token now and leave. Otherwise, we depart from the city gate in 30 minutes."


    After saying that, Jess Ica walked up a staircase to the second floor and disappeared from sight.


    When everyone heard that official D Rank members of the Mercenary Guild have fallen inside the catacomb, everyone began to worry. Some people went to place their temporary Mercenary Guild member token on the counter and left.


    "We''ll see you at the city gate then, sir Lest." With a slight bow, Chi Mels left with Fay Mo.


    "You''re acquainted with Chi Mels?!" Cho Mun looked at Heat with eyes of respect, "I snuck into the Mels party just to see her! How is it that you know her?!"


    Heat looked at Cho Mun with a raised eyebrow, speechless. It seemed that Cho Mun cared more about his idol than the dangers of this test.


    "Oh nevermind! I need to rush back home and get my father to quickly find a stronger teammate for me." With that, Cho Mun sped away.


    Looking around, Heat noticed that more than half the people that were originally waiting in the lobby have already left. Most of the remaining people were conversing with each other, apparently trying to team up into pairs.


    As more people began to leave in pairs, Heat saw someone he recognized.


    "That girl from Pebble inn..." It was the black haired girl that he saw when he first arrived at Pebble inn. Even though they never spoke, Heat remembered her by the cold yet familiar feeling that her presence gave off.


    She was standing there alone, just like Heat, looking around at the other people in the lobby, with straight black hair that extended below her shoulder blades.


    Dressed in black knee-high, pink laced boots, and a black min-skirt, the first thing one would notice would be the gleaming daggers wrapped around her right thigh where her skin was exposed.


    She also wore a pink, translucent, short sleeved shirt that hung loosely over her tight, black, sleeveless undershirt. It created the impression of pink fog over her alluring body''s curves.


    People were leaving in pairs rapidly and in just a few minutes, Heat and the black haired girl were the only two left.


    Tilting her head to one side, she put on a curious expression with perked lips and inquisitive eyes as she stared at Heat.


    Upon closer inspection, Heat noticed that this girl has a face that could incite wars. Dazzling amber eyes, perky cute nose, small soft pink lips, and skin as smooth as white jade. She was breathtakingly beautiful.


    This left Heat to wonder though, why was she alone?

 Chapter 24

    While there were still a few people pairing up in the lobby before, Heat noticed that no one went up to talk to her and she also didn''t go talk to anyone else.


    It would be reasonable to say that with the physical appearance she has, any man who sees her face would never leave her alone, yet no one wanted to team up with her?


    With a smirk on her face, the girl began to walk toward Heat.


    Sensing that something is odd about this situation, Heat subconsciously took a step back.


    Quickly turning around, Heat began walking to the door so that he could leave. He could find another teammate somehow, anyone but her. Heat''s instincts told him that she was nothing but trouble.


    Before he could even take two steps, a sweet voice called out. "Wait."


    Heat ignored her and increased his speed. Yet somehow, before he could even reach the door, a dark pink blur appeared in front of him.


    "Don''t you need a teammate for this test? I need one too. Let''s team up!" The girl stood there in front of Heat with a wide mischievous smile.


    "No, thank you. I already have a teammate." Heat replied as he stepped to the side so that he may continue past her.


    Again, right as he walked past her, a dark pink blur appeared in front of him. The girl in front of Heat blocking his way again.


    "Don''t lie, I saw you alone the entire time looking around at others. We don''t have a lot of time, if we don''t appear at the city gate as a team then we might be disqualified~!" She chirped in a playful manner.


    It was true though, if Heat doesn''t accept her as a teammate it would be difficult for him to find someone else with the small amount of time left. Not to mention pretty much everyone else already has a teammate.


    As much as Heat didn''t want her as his teammate he had no choice but to accept her. This irritated him because her teasing attitude made Heat feel like he was being uncontrollably dragged into her tempo.


    "Alright, I''ll be your teammate! Let''s go to the city gate then." Heat muttered through his breath as he once again walked past her.


    "Hmmm~hmm" The girl hummed as she followed Heat in a cheerful manner.


    As the had their stroll to the city gate, Heat was on high alert. This girl was simply too strange.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    When there were still people in the Mercenary Guild lobby teaming up, she was cold and apathetic. Not talking to anyone and appeared unapproachable.


    But now, she''s acting like a teenager on a playdate.


    Let''s not forget about her uncanny speed and how she was able to easily block Heat''s path before he could even react. There''s also how no one approached her at all while everyone was forming teams, even with her exceptional beauty.


    "Too dangerous." Heat thought to himself.


    Ever since Heat was betrayed by Min Lest and ultimately had to kill him, there''s been a tiny darkness growing inside Heat''s mind.


    It made him overly cautious and distrustful of other people''s surface appearances. He''d rather be in control of the situation than let another Min Lest plot against him.


    . . . .


    When the arrived at the city gate, Heat saw that there appeared to be more people here than there were in the Mercenary Guild. Logically, there should be less since some people forfeited the test.


    As if she read Heat''s mind, the girl spoke, "It looks like there are more people here than there were at the Mercenary Guild, there must be a lot of cheaters this time~ My name is Hanna Jux, you can just call me Hanna. How should I address you~~teeam~mate!" Hanna said as she got closer to Heat with a grin.


    Taking a step back to create some distance between himself and Hanna, Heat asked, "You can call me Quanye, and what do you mean by cheaters?"


    "Well, if there are fewer people at the Mercenary Guild than there are here, it means that some people never went to the Mercenary Guild and were told to show up here at the city gate by their teammate, but how could they already have a teammate prior to the announcement? They must''ve obtained leaked information about this test before today! Ahaaha~" Hanna laughed casually.


    "Now, if they knew about the fact that they would need to team up before today, don''t you think people would go out and hire strong energized humans to take the test with them so that they could ensure their chances of passing? If that''s not cheating, then what is?"


    When Heat took a second to think about it, he understood that what Hanna said made sense.


    Heat knew from Marquess Bryant Mels that the test would require the participants to team up. If the Marquess was able to obtain that information, perhaps the other nobles would too.


    Thus, if other people already knew about it, then all they needed to do was send one person in their team to come listen to the instructor at the Mercenary Guild while the other person could use the time in the morning for their preparations.


    "Quanye!" Cho Mun shouted from a distance away as he raced over to Heat.


    "Quanye... let''s... assist each other... during the test... This is my teammate... Reygan Yiln." Cho Mun was panting heavily with a face as red as a tomato.


    Looking at how out of breath Cho Mun was from this light exercise Heat was really beginning to wonder if Cho Mun was even an energized human.


    Although being an energized human only requires you to condense an energy core and has no requirements on physical ability; Cho Mun looked like he never ran a day in his life, even normal humans would have stronger physical abilities.


    "Of course... Are you going to be okay?" Heat was actually worried that Cho Mun might collapse and die of a heart attack.


    "Yea. Just. Give me a moment to catch my breath." Cho Mun took a seat on the ground and continued, "As I was saying, we should assist each other during the test! We''re both only level 1 Mortal Warriors, but Reygan Yiln is a level 4 Mort-- Is this your teammate Quanye?!" Cho Mun''s eyes seemed to pop out of his head when he finally took notice of Hanna who was too preoccupied with people watching to care about Cho Mun.

 Chapter 25

    Heat noticed that Cho Mun was practically drooling when he saw Hanna but Hanna seemed oblivious.


    Following the direction of Hanna''s gaze, Heat saw what she was so focused on.


    Jess Ica was already here and standing beside her was a tall man. A very tall man, he could probably be considered a giant with his height.


    Standing at almost 3 meters high, the man was wearing long brown fur pants with his upper body exposed. Muscular bronze skin covered in knife wounds, the man looked extremely heroic with his short black hair.


    "Everyone, listen up!" Jess Ica shouted.


    "This is Mike Chinver, he will also be the instructor for this test. With your teammate, you will board one of the carriages that we''ve prepared. Your driver will follow our carriage for the next month while we make our way over to the edge of Endless Forest."


    Jess Ica gestured to the side and Heat saw that there were about 25 carriages lined up, each with a driver sitting in the front compartment.


    "Shall we Qanye~?" Hanna laughed as she jumped into the nearest carriage.


    "We can talk later Cho Mun." Heat said as he looked at Cho Mun who was still sitting on the ground in a daze.


    Heat walked to the carriage Hanna got into and looked around, there were a lot of people getting into different carriages but Heat could not find Chi Mels anywhere.


    Since he did promise to help assist her during the test, he was hoping that he might be able to speak to her before they arrived. "Oh well," Heat thought as he got into the carriage.


    Inside, there were two small benches on the opposite sides of the small carriage. Seated on one bench was Hanna as she looked out the window.


    Heat took a seat on the other bench and waited for the carriage to depart.


    Hanna was quiet while they moved which was fine for Heat. He didn''t really want to talk much with her at all since Heat was a bit cautious of her.


    A few hours into their journey, Heat looked out the window and saw that they were traveling along a path inside a forest.


    The carriage they were in came to an abrupt halt.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "Everyone, come out of your carriages!" Jess Ica shouted.


    When Heat heard Jess Ica''s voice, he was startled. There was a metallic sound mixed with her voice that made it sound it didn''t come from a human.


    "Hmm~I woandef what thiga is abouat..Whooat do youthinkQanye?" Hanna asked.


    "What?" Heat thought to himself. Why did Hanna sound unusual?


    Before Heat could think about it, Hanna''s body slumped to the side and fell down from.


    "What?!" Heat moved forward quickly to check on Hanna.


    "Are you okay?!" Heat asked as he turned her body over so that he could see her face. What was in place of her originally beautiful face was thick, slow, melting black liquid.


    A million different possibilities began to flood Heat''s mind. He quickly got out of the carriage to assess the situation.


    The moment Heat left the carriage, what he saw all around were bodies on the ground surrounding the carriages.


    Bodies littered all around, Heat turned over one body and found the exact same thing that he saw from Hanna''s body. Black melting liquid spreading from the bodies face.


    "What''s going on???" Heat was extremely confused and began to have some fear. The fear he feels from what he''s currently seeing is greater than anything he''s experienced since he woke up.


    All Heat wanted to do was run away from this place, he didn''t even want to find out what was happening he just wanted to leave.


    Turning around to leave, Heat took a step before falling.


    Everything faded into black as Heat''s vision disappeared.


    ----


    Smack.


    Smack.


    Smack.


    In a rhythm, Heat heard what sounded like a hand slapping a cheek from where he was.


    Opening his eyes, everything appeared blurry.


    Smack.


    Smack.


    Smack.


    "What is this pain?" Heat thought to himself as he tried to focus his sight on the surroundings.


    As his vision became clearer, Heat recognized very quickly where he was.


    "The 1000th floor? Why am I back?" Heat thought to himself as he was trying to figure out what was going on.


    The black marble floor of the tower marked the 1000th floor. Heat was back.


    Smack.


    Smack.


    Smack.


    "Why can''t I move my arms?" Heat thought as he looked at his right arm.


    It was wrapped in multiple black chains that seemed to extend outward into the void. Turning his head Heat saw that his left arm was in the same position.


    "Ughh"


    Heat''s head was pounding as the pain in it felt like it was splitting his head apart.


    Smack.


    Smack.


    Smack.


    Enduring the pain, Heat wanted to find out what was going on. He could tell that his body was not standing upright. It was bent in an odd position where his legs were standing up straight, but his torso was bent at an angle.


    Turning his head around to look behind him, Heat saw the most horrifying sight.


    Smack.


    Smack.


    Smack.


    "Are you finally awake Kanye?" A metallic voice sounded out.


    Looking behind him, Heat saw it. The golem that should have destroyed was perfectly fine.


    The golem''s huge and metallic d*ck was thrusting into Heat''s *sshole in a rhythmic manner.


    It looked like a huge rocky rod that was magically able to fit into Heat.


    "WHAT''S GOING ON?!" Heat screamed as he was extremely confused. His mind began to crumble.


    "Hahahahahaha~Did you actually think that your sin would be forgiven? You''ve already been accepting your punishment for over a week now. This is just the beginning of your eternity of suffering!"