《God of the Apocalyptic World》 1 - Assimilating the Mutated Green Snake In a ruined laboratory a girl and boy were searching through the debris. ¡°Zoe, look!¡± A boy of 16 said pointing to the metal debris nearby. A girl with brown skin and black hair which reached her hip, stared at the location her brother was pointing at. She grasped. ¡®A leg? There was someone under there!¡¯ Zoe quickly approached it. The naked leg was covered with purple bruises and red gashes. It was small in size and had a tender look to it. It couldn¡¯t belong to a person older than 15. ¡°Should we dig the kid out?¡± The boy with short brown hair and green eyes asked. ¡°I doubt the kid is alive. It had been days since the explosion.¡± ¡°We should at least give the kid a proper burial.¡± They began to remove the metal debris. Upon completion, they noticed the leg belonged to a boy who looked about 14 to 15-year-old. He was wearing a black garb with a black mask that covered his entire face with the exception of his eyes and mouth. They gave each other a sad look and shook their head. ¡®Dying at such a young age¡­¡¯ they thought. ¡®What a pity.¡¯ ¡°Who the hell stole my blanket?¡± a voice awakened them from their musing. They stared surprisingly at the owner of the voice. ¡°You¡¯re alive?¡± the boy with brown hair and green eyes asked with eyes wide opened. ¡°Of course. I¡¯m alive,¡± The mysterious boy in black responded. ¡°And don¡¯t change the subject. There are more rubbish laying around here. Why take mine?¡± The brother and sister exchanged a glance with each other. Finally understanding what the boy meant by blanket. ¡°We thought the metal pieces were suffocating you.¡± Zoe said with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re alive.¡± The mysterious boy gave the boy and girl a long scrutinizing look before finally saying. ¡°Whatever. Let me sleep in peace.¡± He was about to lie down again when the boy with brown hair said. ¡°Wait, don¡¯t sleep here. At least go home and sleep. It¡¯s not good to sleep here. Who knows what kind of monster is lurking around here.¡± ¡°This is my home,¡± the mysterious boy replied. ¡°What?!¡± the brother and sister said in surprise. ¡°This is your home?¡± Zoe asked making sure she wasn¡¯t hearing incorrectly. ¡°Yes. But I usually sleep in a tube. But as you can see,¡± the boy said as he pointed to the broken pieces of glasses nearby. ¡°It¡¯s broken.¡± The boy and girl exchanged a glance. So he was experimented on. They gave the boy an empathized look. ¡°Come with us then,¡± the boy with brown hair said as he grasped the mysterious boy hand. ¡°Our home is a lot better than here.¡± ¡°First you stole my blanket now you want to take away my napping hours?¡± The mysterious boy said a bit annoyed. ¡°Our house has a nice comfy bed,¡± Zoe said with a smile. ¡°You can sleep there as long as you want. There is even toys and good food.¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s really fun there,¡± the boy with brown hair said. ¡®Fun?¡¯ The mysterious boy thought. He understood what the word meant but he had never experienced it before. After musing about it for a while, the boy replied, ¡°Well fine. But if you lie to me. Don¡¯t blame me for being cruel.¡± The girl and boy didn¡¯t know whether they should laugh or cry. They were doing this out of good will and this boy was acting like he was doing them a favor. They agreed he must have suffered a lot here and didn¡¯t know better. ¡°I¡¯m Alan and this is my sister Zoe,¡± Alan said. ¡°What is your name?¡± ¡°They called me Regis.¡± --- Walking on the hot desert sand with the sun burning down on him, Regis asked, ¡°What is that thing?¡± Pointing to the rifle hanging on Alan back.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°This?¡± Alan said as pulled the rifle over his shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s an AK-47 or that was what my father called it.¡± ¡°It is a toy?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s used to kill¡± Alan said his face contorted a bit. ¡°I se-Achoo!¡± ¡°Are you okay?¡± Zoe asked. ¡°You have been sneezing ever since we came out of the laboratory.¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s natural,¡± Regis replied. ¡°I have been sick my entire life.¡± ¡°Entire life¡­ that long?¡± Zoe mumbled to herself then looked at how Regis was dragging his left leg. ¡®Even his leg¡­¡¯ she thought. She moved her sight away and focus on his mask. She didn¡¯t want to think what lied underneath the mask Regis was wearing. ¡®Did those scientists do this to him?¡¯ ¡°Do you know what sickness you have?¡± Alan asked. ¡°Don¡¯t know,¡± Regis said. ¡°Why don¡¯t you check?¡± Alan replied. ¡°Check? How do I check?¡± ¡°Why just bring up your screen, dummy,¡± Zoe said with a tender expression. She thought that this boy really didn¡¯t know anything. ¡°Screen?¡± Regis said tilting his head to the side. "Close your eyes," Zoe said, "and visualize yourself seeing a blue screen. Keep focusing on that image until it becomes clearer. When you are sure you could see it clearly. Open your eyes." Regis closed his eyes and focused on creating a blue screen. When the image was clear he felt his mind connected to something... In shock, he opened his eyes. "Ah it works," Regis gasped. A blue screen appeared in front of him. Except being the empty blue screen he imagined. This screen was filled with words. A voice spoke in his head. "Personal experiences, developments and information will now be represented through the screen." Regis'' head instinctively moved left and right as he searched for the owner of the voice. Zoe laughed then said, "You heard the voice right?" Regis nodded. "That is normal," Zoe replied. "That is what happened when you first create the screen. Everyone goes through it." "I see..." Regis said. "Do you know whose voice it is?" "No one knows for sure," Zoe said. "We just accept it." Regis tilted his head. Shouldn''t they try to find out? "Now don''t mind the little details," Zoe said. "What does the status say about your sickness?" He set aside all the questions about the screen for now. Instead. He focus on reading the content in the screen.
Regis Lvl: 1??Class: None
Str: 120 Con: 98 Int: 138
Dex: 110 Agi: 123 Luck: 212
Skills
Imperfect Spiritual Eyes: Able to see ghosts, souls and other astral beings.
Imperfect Assimilation: 1. Assimilate a soul leaving it in a loose state... 2. Absorb the soul completely destroying it in the process...
Status
Cripple: reduced Agi and Dex by 50%
Dimwitted: reduced Int by 50%
Poison: reduced Con by 50%
Weak: reduced Str by 50%
Disfigured: reduced charm by 100%
-Growth: decreasedattribute point gains per level
Sick: applied viral infection and weakened immune system
Sealed: Innate traits, abilities, skills, etc., are sealed or weakened
Cursed: negative status cannot be cured or removed.
He subconsciously understood the first table used precise numbers to represent his ability. He didnt know how he knew it. He just did. ''Very strange,'' He thought. Moving his eyes to the next table. He gasped. It listed his skills and what it did with complete accuracy! Upon finishing it, he moved to the last and final table. His body shook. "What is this...?" he whispered. ¡°How is it?¡± Zoe asked. ¡°Very bad,¡± Regis said with a frown on his face as he continued to read. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Zoe, Regis stop!¡± Alan abruptly yelled out. He pulled his rifle out and stood in front of them. He was aiming at something a few feet away from them. ¡°A mutated green snake?¡± Zoe cried out. "And level 16 at that!" ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Zoe whispered to Regis. Her voice was shaking. ¡°Just stand behind me.¡± She moved to cover Regis. Bang! Bang! Alan moved his rifle wildly trying to trace the path the snake was heading to. ¡°Shoot!¡± Alan yelled. ¡°It burrowed underground!¡± Alan and Zoe¡¯s eyes moved frantically around trying to look for the snake. ¡®Dammit,¡¯ Alan thought. ¡®If only I aimed a bit more to the left. Now that it¡¯s hidden in the sand. It could strike from anywhere.¡¯ A thought crossed Alan¡¯s mind as he instinctively fired a few shots beneath his feet. ¡°DAMN!¡± Alan shouted. ¡°Zoe, Regis look around you. If you see any movement in the sand. Move away quickly!¡± Alan and Zoe twisted and turned their body frantically looking for the snake. ¡°Are you looking for this?¡± Regis said. Alan and Zoe both turned to look at Regis. They both fumbled back onto their butt. Regis was holding the mutated green snaked by its neck! ¡°Regis quickly! Throw it away before it bites you!¡± Alan and Zoe screamed out. ¡°Why are you two so afraid?¡± Regis asked as he twisted the Snake¡¯s head. ¡°See. It¡¯s dead.¡± The snake ceased its movement. To Regis¡¯ surprise a white mist of something congregated above the snake head. It formed a balloon like image. The white balloon suddenly began to float away. Regis quickly grasped it.
Acquires Snake Soul!
Assimilation activating. Absorbing snake soul. ¡°Yuck,¡± Regis said as he felt something slimy going into him.
Do you want to change your class to ¡°Mutated Green Snake¡±? Skills: Poison fang, Burrow, Constrict
Or
Do you want to complete the absorption and destroy the soul completely? Will yield 2 points for Agi.
''So this is what the voice meant what it said experiences will be represented by a screen.'' Regis thought. 2 - Awful Growth Rate Completing absorption. Under the effect of cripple, Agility increased by 1. ¡®Such a weak monster could condense a soul?¡¯ Regis looked at the dead snake in amazement. ¡°Regis!¡± Zoe and Alan rushed up to him. They stared at him in astonishment. Was it even possible for a level 1 human to do this? ¡°How were you able to catch it?¡± Alan asked. ¡°It was just squirming about behind me so I just reached down and grasped it. That is all.¡± ¡®That is all?¡¯ They thought in amazement. ¡°It¡¯s very weak. I¡¯m sure you guys could do the same,¡± Regis continued. Was the snake really weak like Regis said? He was only level 1 yet he was able to catch and kill a level 16 snake. It had to be luck they assumed. ¡°Wait!¡± Zoe and Alan screamed in shock as Regis was about to toss the corpse away. Regis tilted his head to the side. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Why are you throwing away such precious nourishment?¡± Zoe asked in complete shock. ¡°You want to eat this thing?¡± Regis said as swung the corpse in front of them. ¡°Of course we want to eat it. Don¡¯t you know eating the flesh of monsters can make you stronger? ¡°It does?¡± Regis asked. Back then those people always told him he wasn¡¯t allow to eat. Was that a lie? ¡°Should we be eating here?¡± Regis asked seeing Alan and Zoe sitting down and taking out materials. ¡°Won¡¯t there be more monsters?¡± ¡°The fresher it is, the more we can get out of it.¡± Alan replied with his eyes on the snake carcass. ¡°Not to mention, we were simple unlucky. My sister and I had been traveling about here for quite a while. Usually, it¡¯s relatively safe here. Of course, there were times we did encounter monsters but they usually were pretty weak. But most of the times it¡¯s just wild animals. This is the first time we encounter such a high level monster, but I doubt there is more.¡±Stolen novel; please report. Using some of the scrapes they collected, they started a small fire. Zoe and Alan mouths were watering the entire time. They kept on mumbling to each other how tasty a level 16 snake meat would be. ¡°Here,¡± Zoe said smiling as she handed Regis a chunk of snake meat. You killed it so you should get the largest piece. He thanked Zoe and took the meat. Upon seeing the short piece of meat in her hand. He compared it with his and Alan¡¯s. Hers was two times shorter than her brother and four times shorter than his. He tore up his piece in half and pushed it into Zoe¡¯s mouth. ¡°I don¡¯t like snake meat,¡± Regis said giving Zoe no time to counter. Zoe gave him a strange look before eating it. The aroma of the barbequed meat smelled better than anything Regis had smelled before. Seeing how Zoe and Alan ate the meat cheerfully, Regis threw away his reluctance and chowed down on it. Level up! +2 attribute points Level up! +2 attribute points Level up! +2 attribute points Level up! +2 attribute points Regis eyes widened in surprise. ¡°So you have gained four levels,¡± Zoe said smiling. Zoe who used to be level 5 was now 7 and Alan who used to be level 9 was now level 10. ¡°How many attribute points did you gain each level?¡± Alan abruptly asked. Regis opened his mouth slightly about to say two. But a thought crossed his mind making him stop. Instead, he asked, ¡°How many did you gain?¡± ¡°¡­Only 5,¡± Alan said, uncomfortably. ¡°Zoe and I, both have mediocre growth rate.¡± ¡°Mediocre growth rate?¡± Regis asked, confused. That was three more than him. ¡°Yeah,¡± Alan replied with a difficult look. ¡°That is the lowest growth rate a human can get. You were stuck in the lab so you probably don¡¯t know this. Growth rate are separated into mediocre, average, great and hero. A person with a mediocre growth rate gets 5 attribute points each level. While a person with an average growth rate gets 7. And a person with a great growth rate gets 10. Then lastly, people with hero growth rate gets 15. You know¡­ Most human are born with average growth rate. Then there are about 10-15% of people that are born with great growth rate. And above them, there are a few chosen people destined for great things. Just like their growth rate name, they are the heroes and the shining stars of this generation. They are the ones that will vanquish the monsters and bring us back to the promised time." Alan said with an awry smile. He stopped for a bit and then breathed in before continuing in a bitter tone, ¡°Then there are us who are below everyone else. We are the forgotten. The abandoned. The despised. The unlucky fools. The laughing stock of the human race. That is why we live out here in this wasteland.¡± ¡°Why are we talking about this?¡± Zoe said, stopping Alan from saying any more. For a long time, neither Zoe nor Alan spoke another word. Only the sound of the wind blowing the desert sand could be heard. 3 - A Human Soul ¡°Just a bit further,¡± Zoe said as she looked at Regis, ¡°then we¡¯ll reach the village.¡± Regis nodded his head absentmindedly. His attention was on the status screen in front of him. Thinking back to what Alan said, the lowest growth rate for a human was 5 points per level yet his was only 2. He remembered the status he had read before. He was sure that the ¨CGrowth was the culprit but he wasn¡¯t sure how much it decreased his gains per level by. And who inflicted these status on him anyway? Did he offend someone or was it an act of pure malice? Did they do it to him? If it was them, he wouldn¡¯t be surprise. But did they even have the power to inflict such curses? Well whatever the case was, there was no point in thinking about it. They were all dead now. Still staring at his screen, he saw the 8 attribute points he hadn¡¯t distribute. He checked what each attribute did.
Strength: every 50 points increases Physical Damage rank by 1
Intelligence: every 50 points increases Mana rank by 1
Constitution: every 50 points increases Defense rank by 1
Agility: every 50 points increases Speed rank by 1
Dexterity: every 50 points increases Control/Accuracy rank by 1
Luck: every 50 points increases Critical Rate rank by 1
¡°How strong is physical damage rank 1,¡± Regis abruptly asked. Zoe and Alan stared at Regis before exchanging a look wondering what was this all about. ¡°It¡¯s better if you see it for yourself.¡± Alan said as he handed Regis his rifle.
AK-47 Physical Damage: 1.5 Projectile Speed: 2.5
¡°Have you reached rank 1 for Physical damage?¡± Alan asked, eyeing Regis suspiciously. It could only be possible for a level 4 hero to have enough attribute points to reach rank 1 this early. A feeling of envy overcame Alan. Seeing the look in Alan eyes made Regis think of those people¡¯s eyes. He remembered how they had said he was different than other people. That even if he was to escape, no one would accept a monster like him. ¡®If I tell Zoe and Alan about my power would they see me as a monster too? Would they look at me with the same eyes?¡¯ ¡°No, my growth rate is the same as yours. I just wanted to know,¡± Regis lied. Zoe stared at Regis. She felt something wasn¡¯t right. Would the scientists experiment on just anyone? -- The sun was setting when they reached a small village. In it, there were six small huts made out of clay each with a straw roof. They were built in a circle formation with a campfire in the middle. The village itself was surrounded with many small wooden fences. Alan excused himself just before they entered the village. Zoe gave Alan a knowing look and took Regis to the village entrance. A big chubby boy of about 15 was guarding the entrance with a frown on his face. He was wearing a metal pan on his head and holding a wooden spear. Seeing Zoe, the chubby boy frown turned into a bright smile. ¡°Ah, Zoe!¡± the chubby boy said, cheerfully. ¡°Everyone Zoe is back!¡± He rushed to her, helping her with the bag of materials she was carrying. ¡°Thank you Carlos,¡± Zoe said with a brilliant smile. Suddenly, a group of four all between the age of 13-16 came rushing out. ¡°Zoe, welcome back!¡± they shouted. ¡°Where is Alan?¡± a small boy asked. Knowing this would take a while, Regis tugged Zoe¡¯s arm. ¡°Where is the bed?¡± Regis asked. ¡°You want to sleep already?¡± Zoe asked in surprise. ¡°I did say this was my napping time,¡± Regis explained. He had been on the verge of falling asleep a couple of times during their trip to here. ¡°Everyone, this is Regis,¡± Zoe said, ¡°He will be staying with us from now on. He is extremely tired so let me take him back first. Then we¡¯ll do a welcome party later. In the bag are food and materials we collected. Split it among you five. Alan will be arriving soon to fill you on the details.¡±The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. The group of kids nodded their head then gave Regis a quick glance. They didn¡¯t seem all that surprised. It was like they were used to Zoe bring back strangers. She quickly led Regis to a small straw hut to the left of the entrance. Upon entering, Regis dropped himself on the nearby bed and quickly fell asleep. ¡®This kid,¡¯ Zoe thought with a smile. She went up to check on him. He was in a deep sleep. She wondered how exhausted he must have been. Looking at the mask on his face, she thought how uncomfortable it must be to sleep with it on. Her hands hesitantly closed in on Regis¡¯ mask. She didn¡¯t know if she should remove it or not. Suddenly, loud screaming could be heard outside. Zoe quickly left the hut. Outside, Alan, who was beaten until he was red and blue, was lying on the ground surrounded by a group of men in military uniform. There were fifteen of them in all and they ranged from level 7-12. With the highest level being a man with a curly mustache and a military beret. Except for him who wasn¡¯t carry anything, the other soldiers were holding a spear in their hands. ¡°Leave Alan alone!¡± Some of the kids were crying out. ¡°Where did you hide the rifle?¡± the man with the curly mustache asked. ¡°Lieutenant, I really don¡¯t have any rifle.¡± Alan said, in a strained voice. He was fuming on the inside. How did they know about the rifle? He had gone through great lengths to hide it from them. Who betrayed him? ¡°None of us even own a rifle. Yet you have one. Where did you steal it from?¡± one of the soldier asked. Alan remained mute. He concluded he wouldn¡¯t be able to trick them. ¡°Still not talking eh?¡± The lieutenant said with a smiled. ¡°Then we will ask that sister of yours. But before we do. We will do this¡­ and that¡­ to your sister.¡± The man leaned down next to Alan to make sure he could hear every single words. Alan groaned then spouted out, ¡°You bastards¡­¡± The rifle was a memento his dad left behind for him. It was the only thing left that these bastard hadn¡¯t confiscated from him. Did he have to give it up too? ¡°Looks like we really have to talk with your sister,¡± The lieutenant said with a sad sigh as if he really didn¡¯t want to do so. ¡°STOP!¡± Alan yelled out. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you. I¡¯ll tell you all the damn detail! Just don¡¯t touch her.¡± Tears gushed out of Alan¡¯s eyes. He cursed that he was weak. He cursed that he wasn¡¯t strong enough to fight back. Why was he born to live like this? ¡°Hurry up then. I don¡¯t have all day.¡± ¡°I hid it just outside the village,¡± Alan said. He gave the lieutenant the specific details on how to find it. ¡°See. Is not so hard isn¡¯t it?¡± the lieutenant said as he stood up. He stared at the group of youngsters then pointed at Alan while saying, ¡°This is what happens when you defy me. Each of you remember this. You are just slaves. If you act out, you will suffer the same fate as him.¡± The children rushed to Alan. ¡°Wait,¡± the man said. ¡°I didn¡¯t say I was finished.¡± All the children face turned white. The soldiers continued to beat Alan with the spear bottom. A dark silhouette flew pass the crowd of children and into the crowd of soldiers. ¡°Don¡¯t Regis!¡± Zoe shouted out. Before they knew it, a small boy with a black mask and garb was lying down next to Alan. Everyone stared at the boy in shock. ¡°Isn¡¯t he the kid, Zoe brought back?¡± the chubby boy with the pan on his head said, stunned. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you around. Are you another kid this brat brought back with him?¡± The lieutenant asked. ¡°Get out of here before we beat you too,¡± one of the soldier said. Ignoring them, Regis looked at Alan¡¯s face and said. ¡°You look horrible.¡± Alan peeked through his swollen eye lids. ¡°Regis?¡± he asked in a weak shaky voice. ¡°This game doesn¡¯t look very fun. Let¡¯s go play something else,¡± Regis said. Before Alan could utter a response, a spear struck down hitting where Regis used to be. ¡°Do you know what you are doing?¡± Regis asked his voice turned cold. ¡°What do you think, idiot. Just because you¡¯re a kid do you think we won¡¯t do anything to you?¡± a soldier asked. ¡°We are going to dismember you and feed you to the dogs,¡± another one said. ¡°What about you all?¡± Regis said looking around him. ¡°Are you all going to feed me to the dogs?¡± They laughed and said, ¡°Are you afraid now boy? We will make sure not a bone of yours is wasted.¡± ¡°Good. Then you forfeit your lives.¡± A black shadow passed by them followed by a brush of wind. ¡°The boy disappeared?!¡± ¡°AHHhhhrg...¡± Everyone turned to the source of the sound. A soldier fell down dead. His neck was completely crushed. ¡°What? How?!¡± the lieutenant said. His body turning cold seeing his dead comrade¡¯s tongue sticking out abnormally. ¡°Lieutenant He-lp,¡± another soldier cried out before dropping down dead with a spear through his heart. ¡°Who!? Who did this?!¡± the lieutenant once again cried out in shock. He turned his head frantically looking for the killer. He spotted Regis as he was about to twist another soldier¡¯s neck. ¡°You!¡± the lieutenant shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t do it you bastard!¡± Another soldier fell down dead. ¡°DAMN!¡± The lieutenant shot out a fireball from his hand and the remaining soldiers quickly followed stabbing their spear at Regis. A brush of wind blew pass them. The fireball and spears all missed their mark, hitting the ground instead. Spurt! The soldiers felt some kind of liquid splashed on their face. ¡°AHH! Randal! His head is missing!¡± A chill ran down everyone¡¯s spine. How could a boy who was only level 5 be so fast and strong? ¡°RUNN!¡± a soldier erupted causing everyone to scramble and ran. ¡°You fool! Its onl¡ª ,¡° the lieutenant said but stopped abruptly because he felt a brush of windon his back. Before the lieutenant could turn, he felt a hand gripping his neck. ¡°Do you know who I am?!¡± the lieutenant asked. ¡°A dead man.¡± Regis twisted the man''s head. White mist congregated above the lieutenant head. Regis had a shock look on his face. This was the first time he had seen a soul materialized from a human. He snatched it.
Acquire Human Soul
Do you want to change your class to ¡°Fire Mage¡±? Skill: Fireball Passive: Fire Affinity -1 Physical Damage, +1 Mana
Or
+4 Int
------ Tables for this chapter.
Regis lvl: 5 AP: 8 (AP = Unallocated Attribute Points)??Class: None
Phys Dmg: 2.4 Defense: 1.9 Mana: 2.7
Control/Acc: 2.2 Speed: 2.4 Crit: 4.2
Str:120 Con: 98 Int: 138
Dex: 110 Agi: 124 Luck: 212
4 - A Deep Kiss
Changing Class to Fire Mage Rarity : Uncommon With your current stats, changing to this class won''t offer a substantial boost to them. Do you still want to change to this class?
Regis didn¡¯t care. It was his first time getting a human soul. He wanted to know if a human soul would have any adverse side effects. He felt the lieutenant subconscious still resided in the soul as it tried to resist getting assimilated. But the lieutenant¡¯s will was weak and before Regis knew it. The soul had settled down letting itself be taken in. Instantly, Regis felt his strength being sapped out from his body. Then a strong surge of energy flowed into his body. While his mind, was filled with the Lieutenant knowledge of fire and the spell fireball.
Fire Ball Proficiency Level: Novice magical damage .3 Fire Affinity 10% -1 Physical Damage, +1 Mana
Class change completed. ''That is it?'' he thought. He couldn¡¯t believe it. Was it a lot easier to subdue a human soul? Or was the owner too weak? He didn¡¯t want to remember the time he had forcefully assimilated a monster soul. Compared to it, this assimilated was only a few seconds long and there wasn¡¯t any pain! He raised his hand toward the fleeing soldiers.
Due to your high Int, Fireball changes toTrue Fireball Proficiency Level: True Magic Damage 1.5
A ball of flame flew out of his hand and shoot toward the running soldiers. Compared to the lieutenant fireball Regis'' true fireball was four times bigger. ¡°AHHHH!¡± A group of soldiers was engulfed in flame. "Magic?" the remaining soldiers roared out while gawking at the boy in black. "Does this mean the boy has a class?" On top of his crazy physical powess, he was a caster as well? How was this fair? Just what kind of monster was he?The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Regis moved his hand to the next group of soldiers. ¡°AHHHHHH!¡± He continued to shoot out more fireballs wiping out the remaining soldiers. With no soldiers remaining, Regis turned back to check on Alan¡¯s wound. But before he could, Regis noticed the stares from Zoe and the children. Seeing the look in their eyes, Regis grimaced. It was happening just like he thought it would. ¡°We need to bandage and take care of Alan wounds,¡± Regis called out. His words awakened them and they all rushed to Alan. They quickly brought Alan into the hut. --- They quickly bandaged and took care of Alan¡¯s wound. Meanwhile Regis was standing at the corner watching. After finishing, Zoe ushered them out of the door. Leaving only herself, Regis and the now asleep Alan. Zoe was currently sitting at Alan bedside, staring deeply at his face. After a long silence, Zoe said, ¡°There were so many of them. I was so scared.¡± Her voice didn¡¯t contain that lively cheerfulness she had a while ago.¡°I''m worthless aren''t I?¡± Regis tilted his head to the side. He couldn''t understand what Zoe meant. Zoe continued, ¡°I stood there and watched as my brother was beaten...¡± ¡°I didnt do anything. I didnt even try to help him. I was so afraid. Afraid that if I had shown myself. They would beat me too or worse they might--¡± She gritted her teeth. ¡°I hate myself¡­ For not having the courage to even help my brother. How can I call myself a sister? How can I look at my dead parent¡¯s faces?¡± She went quiet for a moment before continuing. ¡°You know what is funny?¡± she said with a smile that looked more like a frown. ¡°I''m the older sister. Yet he is always the one who protects me.¡± Her face grimaced. ¡°I should be the one protecting him!¡± She went quiet again before saying, ¡°I''m seventeen already. Close to being eighteen yet I''m still the same weak frightened me. And I''ll still be the same weak frightened me when I''m nineteen, twenty, thirty!¡± ¡°I hate this. I hate myself so much.¡± Crystal tears streamed down her face. ¡°Why I''m I so useless...?¡± After recollecting herself she continued, ¡°He is just barely sixteen. He should be having fun at his age. Yet because of his useless sister. He is forced to mature. Take up responsibilities. And now he is like. And is all my fault.¡± Zoe covered her face and forcefully suppressed her sobbing. But Regis still could hear soft whimpers. What is he supposed to do in a situation like this? He had never been in a situation like this before. He had always been alone. He never had anyone he cared so much for that he would cry for them wholeheartedly. To have someone to care so much for him that they would shed tears. He wondered how it would feel like to have someone shed tears for him. He looked toward Zoe who was still sobbing in her hands. ¡®If she wanted strength. Strength to protect her brother and herself. Then maybe¡­¡¯ Regis eyebrows furrowed.
Penalty for removing uncommon rarity class -7 Int, -7 Str, -7 Dex, -7 Luc, -7 Con, -7 Agi
Regis eyes opened wide. ¡®What a crazy penalty!¡¯ he thought. ¡®Should he try? Would it even work anyway?¡¯ Staring blankly, at Zoe desolated figure. He thought he could give it a try. Fire mage class removed. Penalty applied. Loose soul released. Regis forced the loose soul out through his mouth. Warning! Loose soul will disperse itself if contacted with outside world. ''What?'' Regis thought, alarmed. He didn¡¯t know that would happen. He quickly closed his mouth. But it was too late. He could feel the loose soul slowly scattering in his mouth. Regis rushed to Zoe. He pulled her face up and brought it to his. Zoe''s redden eyes which still had traces of tears opened wide in surprise. Without a pause in movement, Regis pressed his lips against hers. Zoe¡¯s body trembled. She could feel the warm and softness of his lip. What was he doing? Was he trying to take advantage of her? She felt something wet forced open her mouth. Her eyes flickered with rage. She tried to slap him away, but her hands were quickly intercepted. And instead Regis pinned Zoe to the wall. Zoe in a fit of rage, bit down on Regis¡¯ tongue. Regis let out a small groan but he quickly reconnected their mouths. His blood dripped down the left side of Zoe¡¯s mouth. Unexpectedly, a moment later Regis retracted his tongue and moved away. ¡°How is it?¡± Regis asked. Zoe currently breathing heavily stared at Regis with a fierce expression. After forcing a kiss on her, he brazenly dared to ask her how was it?! Was this the true him? ¡°Did you receive the fire mage class?¡± Regis continued. ¡°What?¡± Zoe exclaimed, surprised. Suddenly a screen popped in front of her. Class changes to Fire mage. Growth rate changes from mediocre to average. Spell: True Fireball Passive: Fire Affinity -1 Physical damage, +1 Mana ¡°Mediocre to average¡­?¡± Zoe mumbled in disbelief. 5 - Envoy of ? Zoestared at him with open mouth. How she wanted to ask but her attention quickly went to her screen. Her growth rate changed to average and now she had a class? Was she dreaming? How was this possible? She closed and opened the screen multiple times. Each time, her eyes became mistier. "True fireball," she whispered. Flame converged at her hand. She felt her body trembled and energy suck out condensed into a ball of flame. She felt weak and before she knew it, she dropped to her knee. Regis grabbed her and supported her. She stared up at him with eyes sparked with amazement and wonder. It worked. The spell actually worked. She really had a class now. She had what most people would be salivating to have. Something that people would murder without blinking just to have a taste of its power. She knew that unlocking classes was a great mystery. The majority didn¡¯t know how and the people that did, kept quiet about it.So anyone who had a class, no matter the rarity, was deemed just as important as a person with a Great growth rate. And she had that... In less than a day, her life had changed and her future was bright. Suddenly, lights sparkled around Regis and Zoe, shocking them both. Bond established. Regis could hear a voice echoed in his ears. Decreasing all stats by 30 points. ¡®What?¡¯ Regis thought. ¡®Is he hearing thing?¡¯ Suddenly, Regis felt his body trembled as his power seemed to be suck out of him. He groaned and fell to the ground. Zoe seeing Regis miserable state, exclaimed, ¡°Regis, what is wrong?¡± Before she could ask or do anything else, a surge of white energy from Regis went into her. She felt the energy reinforcing every fiber of her being, making her feel stronger, lighter and tougher. Received Regis¡¯ Blessing. A black emblem formed on the back of her hand. ¡°An Emblem?¡± She gasped. ¡°Regis, you are an Envoy?¡± Suddenly, everything made sense. Now she understands why Regis was so strong at just level 5. He had the blessing of one of the Eidolons. Regis body had finally stopped trembling now. He didn¡¯t understand what Zoe was talking about, but there was a more pressing matter he needed to see. He quickly opened his screen. His face paled. Just like the voice had said all his stats had decreased. No wonder his entire body felt weaker. He wondered what triggered this. Regis froze. There was a new screen that wasn''t there before.
Regis, Envoy of!????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????~????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????*???????????????????????????????????????????_????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????,????????????????????????????????????.????????????????????????????/?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????>?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Guardians (1/2)
Name: Zoe(Average) DOA: ALIVE
Level: 7 Bond: Acquaintance
Class: Fire Mage (Uncommon) +1 Mana, -1 Phys Dmg AP = 14
Str 0 (+30) Con 15 (+30) Int 0 (+30)
Dex 10 (+30) Agi 10 (+30) Luc 0 (+30)
Skills
True Fireball: 1.5 Magic Damage
Passive
Regis'' Blessing: +30 to all attributes
Fire Affinity: 10%
Envoy? Guardian? Bond? Blessing? Regis didn¡¯t know what they entail. And are those +30 attribute points his? The attribute points weren¡¯t anything he couldn¡¯t regain. Before, it would probably took him around a year time to gain those attribute points. But now it would be more difficult. He wouldn¡¯t have the luxury of their help. But that wasn¡¯t the most pressing issue. How was he able to see Zoe stats and skills? Her growth rate is average? Didn¡¯t she said it was mediocre? ¡°Zoe do you know why I can see your attributes and skills in my screen?¡± Regis asked. ¡°You can see my attributes and skills?¡± Zoe asked in amazement. ¡®Is it because I¡¯m his guardian now?¡¯ Regis nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not really sure,¡± Zoe said. ¡°I''m not too clear on what a guardian does.¡± ¡°Guardian?¡± Regis asked. It was the same word used in his screen ¡°Yes,¡± Zoe said with her eyebrows slightly raised. ¡°Didn¡¯t you choose me to become your guardian in order to share the blessing?¡± She thought back to how Regis handled the snake and then the troops. He was an enigma. She knew he was special but she couldn''t comprehend how he was able to give her a class and make her a guardian. It must be part of the Eidolon¡¯s blessing. ¡°Did I?¡± Regis asked not knowing what trigger it. All he did was give her a loose soul. Zoe nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how the process goes but I know that people with Eidolons¡¯ blessing can share blessing with other people. The people they share the blessing with are called guardians¡± ¡°Eidolons?¡± Regis asked. ¡°Who are they?¡± ¡°They are divine spirits that reside in temples and sanctuaries spread throughout the land. ¡°Then Eidolons aren¡¯t humans?¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Zoe nodded. ¡°Are they monsters then?¡± ¡°I''m not sure. But they don¡¯t attack or feast on humans. Not much is known about the Eidolons except that they give blessing to the people they feel are worthy. The blessing comes in many different forms. But for you, the reason why you are so strong, must be because their blessing gave you some of their power,¡± Zoe assumed. ¡°In any case, receiving their blessing make you their envoy. Though I''m not sure what an envoy is supposed to do.¡± ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Regis said having a hard time understanding everything. ¡°My strength comes from a blessing of an Eidolon?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Zoe thought how else would she get this emblem? Zoe brought her hand up. There was a black sword surrounded by wings imprinted on the back of her hand. ¡°This emblem means you shared your blessing with me. And you can see it in your screen too right? That I¡¯m listed as your guardian?¡± Regis felt a headache. He didn¡¯t remember getting bless by any spirit. He got his current strength through his own effort. He lost count of how many souls he had to absorb, how many days he had to suffer in agony to get this strong. But¡­ if anything was given to him, it should be his eyes and his assimilation. But then again, they weren¡¯t given to him, rather they were¡­ Regis shook his head. Was Zoe wrong then? But it was just like she said his screen did list her as his guardian. He even had the envoy title next to his name. Maybe he did receive an Eidolon blessing in the past? Did he just forget? ¡°What Eidolon did you receive your blessing from?¡± Zoe said interrupting Regis train of thoughts. ¡°I don''t know,¡± Regis said. ¡°I can''t read it.¡± All he could see was weird symbols. Zoe wondered why Regis needed to read the name. Didn¡¯t the Eidolon give Regis its name before blessing him? Unless¡­ he was trying to hide it. She stopped thinking about it and looked at her screen. Regis¡¯ blessing, plus 30 points for every attribute¡­ that was just absurd. She suddenly had six times the attribute points she had before. Was the blessing for all guardians like this? ¡°What about you? Can you see my screen?¡± Regis asked abruptly. ¡°No,¡± Zoe said shaking her head. With everything happening so suddenly, Zoe realized there was something she needed to say. ¡°Thank you,¡± Zoe said, realizing. ¡°Thank you for sharing your blessing with me.¡± He wanted to say he didn¡¯t choose to share it with her. But he held back his words. There was no point in saying that now. But if he had a choice, he wouldn¡¯t have given up his attribute points. He had suffered so much for them. He didn¡¯t understand how this could happen. At this point, he wasn''t sure of anything. He could only nod his head in response and go along with what she said. ¡°When you helped save my brother, Zoe said staring appreciatively at Regis, ¡°I didn¡¯t even have the time to thank you and now you even gift me this... I don''t know how I can make it up to you.¡± Suddenly, a group of children barged in. We found who told the soldiers about Alan¡¯s rifle. The group of children pulled along the fat boy with the pan on his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Zoe,¡± Carlos said. ¡°I accidentally let it slipped and the soldiers overheard me. Believe me. I never meant for Alan to get hurt or let them know. Really, honestly, I didn¡¯t know they would act in such a way.¡± Zoe felt shock at first. Thinking that she herself had forgotten to question why the soldiers would know about Alan¡¯s rifle when they had hid it so well. To think the perpetrator was Carlos, a person who Alan and she had helped made her livid. But looking at the despaired sobbing face of Carlos, the pain and anger of seeing Alan beaten, subsided. Knowing Carlos¡¯ personality, Zoe understood the boy wasn¡¯t the type to backstab people. She patted the boy on the head. The boy¡¯s tears burst out even more. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± The other children stood their silently staring at Carlos with mix emotions. ¡°I know. You aren¡¯t the type to do that,¡± Zoe said then turned to the children. ¡°What happen to the soldier bodies?¡± ¡°We dug a hole and buried them,¡± they said with eyes that seemed a bit listless. Seeing their faces, Zoe felt pain. She quickly asked, ¡°Why did the soldiers come for?¡± ¡°They wanted to collect the harvest for this month. Like always. But when we asked why they weren¡¯t leaving. The soldiers said we needed to send a few people back with them for another scouting task. But since you weren¡¯t here. They said they would wait for you. We thought it was weird that they would wait. But it turned out they were aiming for Alan¡¯s rifle.¡± Zoe nodded her head. ¡°Did they say what kind of scouting it is?¡± ¡°We¡¯re not sure,¡± the children responded. ¡°How long had they been here?¡± Zoe asked. ¡°For three days.¡± Zoe frowned. That meant she was supposed to follow them back three days ago. Would the Alliance blow up the village for them being late? Then again, if the Alliance learned about what happened today then their small village would be destroyed without a second thought. But, they wouldn¡¯t be able to predict that a village full of children would have the strength to kill nine soldiers. As long as¡­ She broke her train of thoughts and said, ¡°You mustn¡¯t tell anyone of what happened here today.¡± The children all look at Zoe then at Regis. They gave Regis a deep look before saying. ¡°We won¡¯t!¡± As Zoe went outside to get something, the childrenturned their attention toRegis. Suddenly, one of them ran up to him and said, ¡°Thank you!¡± Regis gave the boy who looked the same age as him a confused look. ¡°It was shocking,¡± the boy said, ¡°to see how you easily killed them all. We couldn¡¯t believe how strong you were. They weren¡¯t just any ordinary grownups and yet you managed to make it look so easy. At that time, we didn¡¯t havethe chance to say it, but thank you¡± ¡®They weren¡¯t afraid of him?¡¯ Regis thought. Then again, it made sense. He did help them and they were still in the dark about himself. He wondered if they would still look at him with the same reverence if he revealed everything about himself. ¡°That is right,¡± a girl said. ¡°My parents were killed by them and You helped me avenge them.¡± The children continued showing Regis their appreciation and asking him how they could become strong like him. ¡°Zoe what are you doing with that old motorcycle?¡± one of the children asked noticing Zoe was back pulling along an old rusty motorcycle. Regis eyes brightened looking at the mechanical bike at Zoe side. ¡°I¡¯m going to head to the rendezvous,¡± Zoe said with a serious look. ¡°But you just got back,¡± the children exclaimed. ¡°Yes, but we were supposed to meet them three days ago.¡± Zoe said. ¡°Don¡¯t you remember what happened when Robert¡¯s village didn¡¯t heed their order? They sent a tank in the middle of the night to blow the entire village up.¡± The children looked at Zoe with mixed emotions. ¡°It will be fine,¡± Zoe said. ¡°It¡¯s just another scouting mission. I¡¯m sure, I¡¯ll be just checking out a ruined city. I¡¯ll be back before you know it.¡± Carlos who had been quiet this entire time said, ¡°But they said we needed to send a few able bodies. You can¡¯t go alone.¡± ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s us come with you.¡± ¡°No!¡± Zoe said vehemently. ¡°I need you to take care of Alan for me. I have means to skirt that requirement.¡± ¡°At least take me with you,¡± Carlos said with a guilty expression, ¡°I made Alan like this I should help out.¡± ¡°No,¡± Zoe said. ¡°We need you to defend the village. You are the strongest one here beside Alan.¡± Zoe touched the boy head. ¡°I know what you¡¯re feeling,¡± Zoe said. ¡°But you mustn¡¯t dwell in it.¡± After comforting Carlos, Zoe moved her eyes through the crowd of children looking for the boy in black. Her eyes widened. Where didRegis go? ¡°When are we leaving?¡± A voice coming from Zoe backside jolted her. ¡°Regis!¡± Zoe said in shock as she turned to see Regis on the rusty motorcycle backseat. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you see? I¡¯m coming with you.¡± ¡°But you have already done enough for me. You don¡¯t need to do any more for me-¡° ¡°I¡¯m not doing this for you,¡± Regis replied. ¡°There are things I want to know and see. That is why I want to come along.¡± Seeing that she wasn¡¯t able to convince him, she nodded her head. In her heart, she felt quite relief but she knew she shouldn¡¯t rely on him. She clenched her fist. The children bid Zoe and Regis farewell and watched as they drove off into the distance. It had been a while now since they left the village. Regis looked toward the bright moon which lighted up the dark cool desert night while feeling the wind brushing at his face. Riding on a motorcycle felt even more amazing than he had imagined. All those years, living under them while being imprisoned in the white room¡­He really was free now wasn¡¯t he? Today, felt like a dream for him. Seeing the desert sand, clear blue sky and blazing hot sun¡­ sights that he had only seen through the monitor screen. Today, he was able to experience them firsthand. The only commonplace incident was killing those soldiers. Otherwise, everything else had been a new experience for him. He should have done this sooner. He wanted to see how different the world was compared to the world shown in the 2018 magazines. It should be around 100 years since the magazines were made. The world should be entirely different. But still he wanted to see the world that he had only known in pictures. In that white room, it was his only solace. Before he knew it, he had drifted into deep sleep embracing Zoe¡¯s back. ---------- Regis current stats Lvl 5
Phys Dmg: 2.02 Defense: 1.58 Mana: 2.38
Control/Acc: 1.82 Speed: 2.1 Crit: 3.5
Str: 101 Con: 79 Int 119
Dex: 91 Agi: 105 Luc: 175
Zoe lvl 7
Phys Dmg: 0.0 Defense: 0.9 Mana: 1.6
Control/Acc: 0.8 Speed: 0.8 Crit: 0.6
Poll - Overpowered vs Underpowered vs Everything I have been getting a few comments asking about how the MC power will progress. So I made this poll to try understand what you guys prefer. If there is a great majority in one of the choice, I might sway toward it. And please, if I get anything wrong which I will. Please let me know. I want to see it from your perspective. The way that I see it is Underpowered = the MC loses more than he wins. Heck, he might just lose all the time.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Real life is already shit enough. I don¡¯t want to read a story where the MC gets constantly shit on. (Though there are some stories that are too good to ignore.) Overpowered = no tension, no challenge (I know I¡¯m generalizing it but in a fair fight an OP hero should always win over the villain) OP MC stories are really fun and can be done right. But they are really hard to write well. I think the best way to use OP MC is with comedy. (Ex. One Punch Man) For me, I like reading stories with everything. This means the MC goes through phases of OPness, UPness and just right. Doing so in my opinion makes the story interesting and less predictable. Because I don¡¯t know what to expect. The MC might lose, he might win or it might be a draw. But of course, it has to be logical. This is the direction God of the Apocalyptic World is heading toward, but I might change it according to the majority. But no promises. Ultimately, I write for fun. As for the chapter, it is coming out in the morning or afternoon. I need to finalize something. 6 - Corruption Just outside of a military base, a group of four men and a woman was currently in an argument with a group of military soldiers. ¡°Please stop! This is my wife,¡± a man in a white tank top with a face red with anger said. ¡°I¡¯m just checking to see if your wife has any illegal weapons or items,¡± A bald muscular soldier dressed in green military uniform explained. He was currently rubbing the woman bottom. The woman face was filled with displeasure as she tried to get away but the muscular soldier had a tight grip of her waist. ¡°I haven¡¯t heard of any inspection needed for scouting.¡± The man in white tank top said, trying his best to contain his anger. ¡°Are you questioning me?¡± the bald muscular soldier asked. His voice turned cold and his eyes flared up. ¡°Please disregard my comrade offense,¡± a man with a goatee said as he rushed up to the bald muscular soldier. He quickly slipped a small bag of something into the soldier hand. The bald soldier smiled as he put the bag into his pocket. ¡°At least some of you still have common curtesy. You can learn something from him.¡± The husband raged in silence as he pulled his wife away. Go down and make a right. You will find a green barrack. The bald soldier said. The group quickly departed without saying another word. ¡°Captain, you are not really letting her off right?¡± the soldiers asked the bald man while drooling at the sight of the departing woman round behind. ¡°Of course not you idiots. Give her tent number 21.¡± the captain said. ¡°You don''t mean? The one near...?¡± ¡°Yes how else are we going to visit her?¡± the captain said with a lascivious smile. ¡°We''ll give her the time of her life, tonight.¡± The soldiers gave each other a knowing look as they imagined the scene. ¡°Reporting captain!¡± a soldier ran up to the bald man. The trackers we placed on scouters 16 and 18 stopped at that building floor again. The captain paused to think before saying, ¡°If this keep going on we won''t have any more subhuman to send.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it very strange that we lost signals of them in that underground floor?¡± One soldier asked. ¡°Do you think we should call the rest back,¡± another said. ¡°These are subhumans why should we care if they die out?¡± the captain retorted. ¡°They just need to do their job and find out what is there in that damn underground floor. There has to be something there or else how did twenty of our soldiers just disappear?¡± ¡°Have all the neighboring villages sent their people?¡± the captain continued after a small pause. ¡°No there are two villages that haven''t reported to us yet.¡± A solider responded. ¡°Then send Big Green to their villages,¡± the captain said angrily. ¡°Let''s see if they will continue to ignore their summons.¡± ¡°Shouldn''t we ask the higher up first?¡± A soldier asked warily. ¡°We have over a hundred of these villages. Losing one or two does nothing,¡± the captain said. ¡°Hell, we would be doing the human race a favor. Ridding those trashes from the gene pool.¡± ¡°Another group is arriving!¡± A soldier abruptly said noticing the silhouettes in the distance. Seeing a young girl and a small boy in black walked out of the darkness, the captain said in amusement, ¡°What is this? A cripple and his sister? What are you two doing here?¡± ¡°We''re here to represent our village for the scouting," Zoe said a bit cautious. ¡°What number is your village?¡± the captain asked. ¡°62.¡± Zoe responded. A soldier looked at a piece paper and crossed out number 62. ¡°You¡¯re lucky we thought you weren''t coming. So we were about to send Big Green to your village for a visit.¡± The captain said with a smile. Zoe face turned white. ¡°We¡¯re here now,¡± she quickly added. The captain looked at Zoe then to Regis. Seeing Regis black mask, the soldiers didn¡¯t find anything wrong with it. Wearing a mask was quite common around here. Some wear them for the sandstorms and some wear them because of radiation. ¡°Only you two?¡± The captain asked. ¡°You need to have at least five people.¡± Then taking another look at Regis, the captain continued with a smirk, ¡°And for a cripple like him, he counts for half a person. You will either need to have at least 4 more people or 3 and another cripple.¡± Zoe heartbeat quickened as she replied, ¡°Our village is exempted from that regulation. Because our residents are all children, we can send fewer people.¡± ¡°Is that true?¡± the captain asked the soldier beside him. ¡°I''m not sure captain,¡± the soldier responded, ¡°Old Jenkins might have done something of that sort.¡± ¡°Well it¡¯s too bad old man Jenkins is no longer here,¡± the captain replied. ¡°So we can¡¯t verify that any more. Unless you can summon a few more right now, I''m afraid Big Green will have to give your village a visit.¡± Zoe trembled a bit. Her face became ashen. ¡°W-wait,¡± Zoe said hastily as she put her hand into her pocket and withdrew a small bag, ¡°I have this.¡± Using two hands, she offered the bag in front of him. ¡°I hope this much is enough,¡± Zoe continued. ¡°What do you take me for?¡± the captain said with anger. ¡°A corrupted officer?¡± He brushed the bag off Zoe hand making it fall onto the ground. ¡°Trying to bribe me in front of my fellow soldiers?¡± the captain asked. ¡°Girl, are you stupid who openly bribed like that?¡± a soldier asked in amusement. ¡°At least sneak it in. Is this your first time bribing someone?¡± ¡°I''m sorry...¡± she said, her head lowered in shame. Zoe wanted to do it in a respectful manner but it backfired. Alan had always been the one to deal with this kind of situation. It was only now that she realized how little she knew. She quickly picked up the small bag. This time she covered it with her sleeve before handing it to him. ¡°Ahem.¡± the captain said as he indifferently took the small bag and put it in his pocket. The soldiers on the side snickered at their captain action. ¡°Well I can excuse you for being late.¡± the captain said. ¡°Uh I''m sorry?¡± Zoe said, surprised. ¡°What about our lack of people?¡± ¡°You can''t expect such a small amount to cover four able bodies now wouldn¡¯t you?¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°But you didn¡¯t say anything before about any repercussion for tardiness.¡± Zoe explained a bit heated. ¡°Just because I didn¡¯t say it doesn''t mean the rule isn''t there.¡± The captain replied in a louder tone scaring Zoe. ¡°But this matter is small. If you happen to have a bit more¡­¡± ¡°I don''t have any more right now¡­¡± Zoe said with pleading eyes. ¡°But if you could allow me to go back, I would be able to collect more.¡± Seeing Zoe meek expression made the captain thought, ¡®This girl ain''t too shabby. Her chestnut colored skin really make her hazel eyes stand out.¡¯ Looking down at Zoe¡¯s body the captain noticed that it wasn¡¯t that well developed yet but it isn''t bad. Seeing the man lascivious stare made Zoe extremely uncomfortable. But she didn¡¯t say anything. The captain said with a friendly smile. ¡°How about we discuss this more in detail in the tent over there. We could get to know each other better.¡± ¡°Jesus Captain, you won''t even spare a kid.¡± The soldiers said laughing. Ignoring them, the captain continued, ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don''t want to come. I won''t force you. But rules are rules. I can''t disobey it for someone I don''t know. The higher up would kill me. But if it¡¯s for someone I know¡­ then I won''t mind.¡± The captain tugged at Zoe¡¯s hand pulling her. Zoe face paled and her mind was in chaos. But she still followed him in a weakly manner. The surrounding soldiers rowdily jeered at the captain in a teasing way. ¡°Shut up,¡± Captain said, ¡°We are just going to talk.¡± The captain felt some force hindering him from pulling the girl. He looked over his shoulder. The boy in black was holding onto the girl¡¯s hand. ¡°Be a good little brother now,¡± The captain said. ¡°And stay outside with those good brothers. Your sister and I we need to have a grownup talk.¡± Ignoring the captain, Regis asked Zoe, ¡°You do understand what he will do to you in there right?¡± ¡°I do¡­¡± Zoe nodded her head a bit listless. ¡°Are you fine with it?¡± Regis asked. ¡°The village and my brother-¡± Zoe said. ¡°I''m not asking about them,¡± Regis said. ¡°I''m asking about you. Are ¡ª you ¡ª fine with this?¡± Zoe bit her lips. Her face contorted and she had a frown thinking about what he would do to her. Her lips seemed to whimper. ¡°That settled it then,¡± Regis said his eyes flared with killing intent. Zoe eyes widened. But before she could say or do anything Regis had disappeared before her. ¡°What¡­?¡± The captain said in surprise as the boy in black appeared in front of him. Abruptly, the boy let out a punch drilling into the captain¡¯s stomach. The captain¡¯s body rose up a few feet and flew backward slamming on the military base fence making a large dent. The captain pulled himself out of the dent fence while holding his stomach. ¡°You bastard¡­¡± the man said as he clutched his stomach. How can a level 5 brat punch be so hard? Regis looked at the captain with amazement. He felt something strange happening when he landed the punch. The captain¡¯s body suddenly hardened itself. It should be a skill, Regis thought. The surrounding atmosphere turned tense and quiet. All the soldiers couldn''t believe what had happened before their eyes. Did a kid just send their commanding officer flying back? ¡°Regis please,¡± Zoe said pulling his sleeve. ¡°You agreed to let me handle everything.¡± ¡°It will be fine,¡± Regis responded. ¡°Dead people can''t talk. I''ll make sure not one of them leave here alive.¡± Zoe¡¯s body shook. It was like the time when he killed the soldiers at the village. He seemed to be only 14 of age yet he was so indifferent to killing. Like it was something he was used to. Regis had been observing the soldiers. Except for the captain who was level 20, the remaining few soldiers were somewhere between the level of 11 to 14. Seeing that they were still in a state of disbelief, Regis quickly rushed at the Captain. Suddenly, a dark bur flashed right in front of Regis blocking his fist and deflecting him backward. Regis eyes widen with shock as he stabilized his footing. A big man with a full grey beard stood in front of the captain. The big man was currently wearing silver gauntlets on his hands, a copper nasal helmet on his head, and black plate armor on his body with a brown cape hanging around his neck. He looked extremely bizarre and out of place with his mismatched armor pieces. Major! The soldiers cried out seeing the appearance of the man. The major stared deeply at Regis. His eyes flashed with a mysterious light. Regis glared back at the major. He couldn''t see the man level. Instead, above the man¡¯s head at the place where his level should be, Regis could only see ¡°Lvl ??¡±. That wasn¡¯t the only strange thing about the man. For some reasons, Regis could feel power emanating from the man armor pieces. The major suddenly said, ¡°We are in the wrong. You don''t need to be on guard.¡± He turned to the captain and said, ¡°What did I tell you about abusing your position?¡± The captain gave the man a confused look. ¡°Quickly give the girl¡¯s money back her to her.¡± the major said. The captain gave the man another confused look but he quickly took out the bag. Standing up with a groan, he approached Zoe, under the watchful eyes of Regis, and gave the bag back to her. He quickly moved away. ¡°Girl. As their superior, I must apologize for their action. As long as I''m here, I''ll make sure this doesn''t happen again.¡± Zoe couldn''t believe what was happening. Everything was happening to fast. She could only stare blankly at the major. The major turned to Regis. ¡°With your strength how about joining us?¡± The soldiers and captain all stare at the major in shock. The major ignored their looks and continued, ¡°Your leg¡­If you join us. We will help heal your leg. You also get to live in the city and will be awarded a high rank. Not to mention, you won''t have to live out here anymore¡± Regis didn¡¯t know what the man was up to. His offer came unexpectedly. Denying it outright wasn''t a good idea. With the major¡¯s appearance and his mysterious strength, fighting him would be extremely bothersome. At the same time, accepting it without knowing the full details and the major¡¯s intention was bad as well. ¡°I need time to think about it,¡± Regis finally said. ¡°If you agree to join us, I can void your scouting mission.¡± The major added. Regis felt even more suspicious. ¡°My answer is still the same.¡± ¡°Fine, think about it,¡± the major said. ¡°Donald, go brief them on the scouting mission.¡± ¡°Yes major!¡± a soldier rushed forward and said. ¡°What is your name boy?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Sig,¡± Regis replied. ¡°I''ll be waiting for your answer Sig.¡± the major replied. ¡°Follow me,¡± the soldier said gesturing Regis and Zoe to follow him. Zoe expressed her gratitude to the major in a hesitant and confused manner before heading off. When Zoe and Regis were a few feet away, the captain asked in displeasure, ¡°Major why¡­?¡± ¡°Even with my equipment on, I had to use my full power to push him back.¡± the major replied. ¡°You''re kidding?¡± the captain said, his face in an awry smile. Seeing the major grave expression, the captain¡¯s face paled. ¡°Then is he a Hero?¡± ¡°How would a Hero have such power at level 5?¡± the major asked. ¡°Then¡­ is he above that¡­?¡± the captain asked not believing the words that were coming out of his mouth. ¡°Yes, He is mostly likely a Rebirth.¡± ¡°Rebirth?!¡± the captain exclaimed, his eyes twitched. It was beyond what he had expected. ¡°Go find out more about him. We need to get him on our side at any cost,¡± the major said. ¡°What if we can¡¯t?¡± ¡°Then there is only one choice.¡± The major stared ominously at Regis¡¯ departing figure. --- Inside a brown colored barrack, the soldier Donald gave Zoe and Regis black armored military vests. Receive Armored Military Vest .9 Defense Donald said looking at Regis, ¡°Usually only soldiers get to wear them. But we stepped out of line before. So as compensation, I want to give you these.¡± Seeing Regis who was currently musing about something, Zoe quickly took the vests and said, ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°You really should agree to join us. You won¡¯t have to worry about food or living expenses.¡± Donald added as he handed Regis and Zoe black metal badges. ¡°And these are tracking badges, which send out a signal showing us where you are.¡± Donald quickly took out a printed map. ¡°This is a digital aerial illustration of the ruined city. We need you to enter this building and report back to us if you find anything out of the ordinary,¡± Donald said as he handed the map to Zoe. ¡°Is that all?¡± Zoe asked. ¡°Yes that is all you need to do.¡± Zoe couldn¡¯t believe how easy it was. Suddenly, Regis asked. ¡°Can we start the mission right now?¡± ¡°It¡¯s passed mid night. Don¡¯t you want to rest first?¡± Donald asked. ¡°No,¡± Regis replied curtly. Donald wasn¡¯t afraid that Regis would run away unless he wanted to risk his village getting destroyed and even if he did where would he go? Donald quickly gave them everything they needed and showed them out the gate. Seeing Regis leaving so quickly, the captain who was still outside the front gate said nothing except nodded his head. Regis became more confused. Why weren¡¯t they stopping him? Before he knew it, Zoe and him were a few miles away from the base. The entire time, Zoe didn¡¯t get a chance to say anything. Regis was still currently in deep thought. There were so much she wanted to say and ask, but couldn¡¯t. Regis abruptly asked, ¡°Do you know if there are more people like the major?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Zoe asked. ¡°I mean as strong as or stronger than the major,¡± Regis replied. ¡°I don¡¯t know how strong the major is but there are many people with higher ranks than him,¡± Zoe replied. ¡°And ranks usually correspond with a person¡¯s strength.¡± Regis frowned under his mask and went quiet. Seeing Regis wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk, Zoe looked ahead. She could see the ruined city a few miles away. Suddenly a voice sounded in their heads. ¡°Leaving safety zone.¡±