《The Twelve》


 Chapter 1

    The chirping sound of crickets could be heard throughout the woods. However, it was interrupted by footsteps crumbling the leaves on the soft and muddy soil.


    "Damn it! Where is that brat?" One of the soldiers cursed.


    "Split up and find him! I want him dead." The captain of the soldiers commanded.


    A young boy was hiding in the woods with a haggard face and his legs was like noodles. His appearance gave an impression of a beggar on the verge of death. The moment he heard the footsteps and voices are coming towards his direction, he trembles furiously.


    "I have to run away." A single thought sent him into action.


    He had no choice if he wanted to survive in this terrible situation. He forced himself to stand from his leaning position against the tree and started running. He sprinted with all his might as the energy drains from his body. He desperately gasps for air like he was drowning in a bottomless pit of water. Blood and sweat could be seen trickling down from his head. luckily, he did not encounter any wild beasts as he was running or else he would be dead.


    As he was running, he felt heavy like he was being squashed into the ground and his sight started to turn blurry. He spotted a blurry hut through the corner of his eyes. It took him a split second to decide that he was going to hide there. When he reached the hut, rain starts pouring down from the sky. He entered and saw no signs of people living in the hut. He sighs in relief as he collapsed on the ground.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    He recalled the events that occur to him today, his family members were killed before his eyes. Blood was spilled on the ground and the head of his family members rolled on the ground with their eyes wide open containing the unwillingness to perish. He saw mages wearing their cloaks and waving their wands to cast spells on the house. The flames spread throughout the house like wildfire. It illuminated the dark sky like it was burning as smoke arise from wild flames.


    Loud screams were heard repeatedly in the house. He was trembling in fear with his mouth gaping upon witnessing this sight. It was chaotic and only one sentence could accurately describe this scene from his mind. It was hell. He was just a naive ten- year- old kid, living a comfortable life with his family. Soldiers charged through the doors, slaughtering everyone including the children with their longsword.


    "Run! Live!" His father shouted at him.


    His mother embraced him and whispered.


    "Don''t die, Ray. Run and live. You must continue living."


    Tears welled up in his eyes as he recalled that scene. He drowned in a sea of grief as he cried his lungs out. Fate was cruel to him, bringing despair that one rarely experience in their life. The despair that brings you to the extreme depth of the darkness where no light could be seen. Thunder was rampaging, and droplets of water pitter-pattered on the roof. Howling from the wolves resounded throughout the woods.


    "I want to die, I cannot live anymore. I have nothing left." Ray told himself.


    He was suffocating as the world around him turns dark and dull.However, he heard a creek sound from the entrance and he was flabbergasted upon seeing the man. The man was drenched from head to toe and his red hair was eye-catching. He wore a jacket with a symbol which represent that he came from his family. Ray wiped the tears away from his eyes.


    "Who is he? I have never seen him in my family before. Is he really from my family?" Doubts began popping up from his mind.

 Chapter 2

    Although the man was wearing a jacket with his family''s symbol, Ray could not help but be cautious of him. He gave off a "DANGEROUS" aura. Currently, he was not clear-headed and could not think of a way out. He quickly grabbed an old rusty dagger from a nearby oak table and got himself ready to fend for himself.


    He would rather die than dying in the hands of a soldier who was part of the massacre of his family. Ray gave an impression of a wild animal being forced into a corner and baring his fangs at the butcher.


    "Relax Ray, you may not know me, but I know you." The man hoarse voice sounded out.


    "I''ve been watching over you since the moment you were born. I watched you grow from a little toddler to who you are now." The man continued as Ray was still skeptical of him." My name is Jake Wilson, the protector of your family. I was instructed to protect you from life-threatening situations."


    "Is he lying?" Ray was still doubtful of this man named "Jake Wilson".


    "I''ve evidence of being the protector of your family." Jake showed his protector badge which no one in his family knew except him and his father.


    "Why...why was my family killed?"The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Your family was accused of betraying the royal family of the Magnus Kingdom. Thus, the royal family gave out an order to execute your family."


    "Nonsense! My family pledge loyalty to the king. How are they labelled as traitors?"


    "Yes, your family was loyal to the king, but he betrayed your family." Jake answered with a face devoid of emotions.


    Ray was taken back from this answer, but he had to believe this fact. He was fuming furious of this betrayal as he clenched his fists to the point that his nails pierce his skin. He wanted nothing more than to take revenge for his family. However, he realized that his enemies are too strong like a huge shark that could eat him if he provokes it.


    "Ray, I will give you two choices. One, you would resolve yourself to live and take revenge. If you choose this choice, I can help you. Two, you would give up on revenge and continue living in fear of getting caught. What will you choose?" Jake observed and was expected to wait patiently for his decision.


    "I will choose the first choice." Ray did not hesitate to make his decision and his eyes revealed a glint of determination. He was prepared to devote his entire body. No, his entire life in avenging his family.


    "Well then, follow me." Jake pushed the door opened and the light gleam through the opening. Ray walked out of the house and what he saw was the tall gigantic trees as if it could reach the clouds. The branches and leaves covered the sky, leaving only a few gaps where sunlight could pass through. He could feel the warm of the sunlight as it passes through the gap diagonally above him. The forest was pulsating with life as flora and fauna occupied the woods. The morning dew dripped from the edges of the leaves. He felt that he had opened a door in his life like it had a meaning.

 Chapter 3

    We continued walking the path covered with a mixture of fallen leaves and branches out of the forest. Somehow, I felt a sense of security from Jake as he leads me through this path. It was quite amusing as I was terrified of him when we met a while ago. I am still clueless on where we are heading but it would probably be a safer place than the forest. This forest is called the ''beast''s den" and is known to be one the four dangerous areas near the Magnus Kingdom.


    The reason for the forest to be called the "Beast''s den" is that there are rumors that a high-grade beast lived deep in the forest. When I heard the rumors near the Pub, I was skeptical of it. However, I heard of reports of adventurers who ventured into the depths of the forest have mysteriously disappeared. Chills went down my spine as I heard the reports.


    As we walked down the path, Jake started a conversation on what we are going to do now. To summarize what he said, the ranks of a mage goes on an ascending order from grade F, E, D, C, B, A, S to the highest rank of a mage, grade SS. This reflects the ability of the mage from performing the lowest tier magic, tier 1 magic, to the highest tier magic, tier 8 magic. Jake will be training me the way of the swordsman as it is what he specializes. There is a separate ranking system for a swordsman and it is way simpler than the mage. The ranks of a swordsman go from the lowest rank, grade 1, to the highest rank, grade 8. A grade 8 swordsman is someone who can be the pinnacle of the world.


    However, there is no grade 8 swordsman that has appeared in the last thousand years. This is similarly applied to the highest-grade mage. It is extremely rare to see a grade S mage or a grade 7 swordsman. The reason for high grade mage and swordsman being rare are because of the scarce high-grade techniques.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    We finally arrived at our destination which is a cave in the depths of the forest. Wait, a cave? In the depths of the forest...is this the cave of that high-grade beast?! I thought we are walking towards the exit of the forest, since when we are in depths of the forest. I started to sweat profusely as I stare at the empty cave filled with darkness.


    Is this guy INSANE?!Are you looking to die so badly?


    I turn my eyes to see the expression on his face. He was brimming with confidence as he stares into the cave. At that very moment, a loud roar came from behind us.


    Is this the end of us?


    We sprinted away from the beast to gain some distance from it. The high-grade beast was a scarlet bear which can be identified with their spiky red fur. The scarlet bear bares his sharp fangs towards us as he charged.


    A bright light shined, and the scarlet bear was cut into half. I was dumbfounded as I saw the nicely cut bear and blood began to leak from the guts. I looked at the red-haired man that stood beside the bear. A grade 5 beast was cut into half, my mind was blown from this.


    What grade is he at?


    "I''m a grade 6 swordsman." He said as if he read my mind.


    "This is where we are staying to train you."

 Chapter 4

    3 months later...


    I hid myself in the bushes, waiting for my prey to come. I waited patiently as time passes by like the river stream, continuously flowing. The rustling of the bushes sounded out and a huge white tiger walk out from the bushes. It had a majestic white coat of fur which glitter brightly and a pointy black tail like a scorpion stinger. The tiger is 3 meters in length, giving it an intimidating aura to weak adventurers. This is a grade 3 beast, Glitter tiger. My appearance looked like a wild tiger that is eyeing on its prey, deciding which way to attack from. Bloodlust emits from my body as I stare at the Glitter tiger. This is my dinner and I must hunt it down before the time limit.


    Adrenaline flow throughout my body and I leap out from bushes to strike its weakness, the belly. The tiger became furious as It roared at me and leap towards me as well. With its long sharp claws, the tiger injured me with a streak red line across my torso. Blood flows out from my body as I kneeled with one leg and took a glance at my injury. The action earlier sent shivers down my spine, If I did not back off at the very last second, I would have received an extremely sever injury. It seems the tiger is aware of its weakness.


    The tiger voraciously leaps towards me once more to catch me off guard. I staggered while trying to evade his move.


    Damn it, it hurts like hell.


    I was used to receiving injuries from my training but this injury, however, hurts in a whole new level. I suspected there were poison in its claws making it a fearsome opponent. I execute one of my sword skills, a grade 1 skill, empowered strike. This skill stores energy in the sword which is then released when I thrust the sword against the beast to cause a huge impact.


    Bang!


    I pulled out my bloody sword as blood trickled down from the wound. The tiger died breathing its last breath. I sigh in relief that this beast did not have any tricks left. In my previous encounter, some beasts were very tricky, just when you thought they are about to die when they unexpectedly use their last strength they had left as their final struggles to pull you down with them before death. I bandaged myself, but the stinging pain was unbearable to take as I lie staight on the ground. I breathe heavily with sweat trickling down my forehead. I gaze at the sky, lamenting on my fate. The sun was about to set so I slowly stood up from the ground.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    I carried the tiger over my shoulder and dragged my feet towards the cave. My appearance looked like a caveman as I was limping over, and I saw the familiar red-haired man looking at me with a smirk.


    "Good job in completing the task within the time limit." He mocks me while attending the sparking fire.


    I swear, this bastard did not inform me of the tiger''s poisonous claws.


    I was extremely pissed off as I looked at him grudgingly. I was desperately breathing with a pale face due to the poison but it was soon cured from the antidote Jake gave me.However, his next sentence throwed me off.


    "You are going to attend the Mage academy as a student in the Magnus Kingdom as part of your training."


    "I have a grudge against the royal family and they have warrant an arrest order against me. Why would you send me there?"


    "You need strength, don''t you? You have aptitude for magic when your family tested you."


    "So, how am I going to attend the Mage academy as a student? You can''t expect me to walk right into my death."


    "You are going to go in with a disguise which I used in my days travelling. Currently, this is the season when the academy accepts students. You will learn magic during the day and learn swordsmanship at night. This will give you an opportunity to enhance your strength if you want to eradicate the royal family."


    You used a disguise while travelling? It must be from harassing someone''s wife since you have been so relax to the point of talking about which woman body type you prefer. You damn pervert.


    "Hey, don''t give me that look. Whatever you are thinking of, I did not do any of it. I was chased from pursuers and contract killers" Jake spotted my disgusted expression.


    A few hours later...


    The current season is spring when a myriad of colorful flowers starts to blossom under the sunlight.The breeze brushed against my face as I gaze at the Kingdom''s walls. I strengthen my determination as i clenched my fists while walking towards the gates.

 Chapter 5

    I walked leisurely towards the gates where the soldiers are checking for identifications. I am currently disguised as Charles Walter, a noble child from the town of Asger. A town which was situated at the north of the Beast''s den forest. I wore a formal blue attire which matches the background of a noble child. Although I am walking leisurely, I felt tense inside as I thought of getting caught if I made a mistake when they check my background.


    "Next!" One of the soldiers called out.


    I hope this goes well.


    I stride across the distance separating me and the guard with a proud expression. I handed my identification papers which Jake made it with precise accuracy of writing my details.


    "Charles Walter, a noble child from the town of Asger. Please pay the entrance fee to enter the Kingdom." The soldier who checked my information, spoke with respect.


    I paid with 25 silver coins to the soldier with confidence. However, deep in my mind, I was trying to keep my cool in handling my identification papers to the soldier. Perhaps, it is the fear of getting caught before avenging my family. The currency in this Kingdom is the same with the other ruling countries. 1 gold coin is equal to 100 silver coins and 1 silver coin equal to 100 copper coins. Although the exchange rate for this seems cheap, jobs offers income ranging from a low income of 60 bronze coins to a high income of 30 silver coins per month. Although, it can be different for other ruling countries as many are specialize on different aspects like ores and agriculture.


    I stroll through the market area and reminiscence the time I spent with my parents in this area. I saw familiar faces of shop owners and staffs as I glimpse through the shops at the side of the path. The sound of chattering and kids playing was an enjoying experience even when I sink into the darkness of despair. It brightens the mood with the brightly color banners hanging across the street, together with the variety of products that street vendors are selling. Shouting of offers from the street vendors gives off a vibrant atmosphere. I wished I could walk on this well-kept gravel path with my parents. However, it is a wish that could never be fulfilled.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    As I approached the academy, I am still amaze of the towering white buildings with tinted windows in front of me. There is a total of 8 white circular buildings floating around the main sky-scraping rectangular white building with ledges circulating around the structure. It certainly holds its reputation of being magically beautiful among the citizens.


    Multiple rows of people are queuing at the entrance of the academy. From what I observe, they are of the same age or older than me from their childish faces. Well, you can''t judge people appearances as they can be older than you. There are gigantic crystals ahead of every row which I assume to be evaluating our aptitude for magic or the types of magic. Those who tested for their aptitude for magic, did not cause a change of color on the crystal seems to be rejected.


    Magic are divided into 3 different categories, the first category are the 4 main elements which are fire, earth, water and wind. The second category are the variant elements which are lightning, sound, light and dark. The third category are the unknown elements which are space and time. It is rare to find someone with aptitude to use the unknown elements, thus naming it the unknown elements since there is insufficient information about it.


    Finally, it is my turn to test my aptitude for magic as I lay my hand on the crystal. The crystal starts to turn bright red like the color of a cherry tomato.


    "Charles Walter, an aptitude of 85 out of 100 for fire magic, you are qualified to attend the Mage academy as a student. You may collect your student package at the office behind me." The staff monotone voice announced the result of my test.


    However, an unexpected scene occurs, the crystal starts to turn yellow. Gasps were coming from the crowd as they gaze upon this sight.


    "Charles Walter, an aptitude of 90 out of 100 for lightning magic, you are qualified to be a dual elemental magic student." The expression on the staff was utter surprise.


    The crowd goes wild from this outcome as it is the first time a dual elemental magic student appeared in the last century. I was stunned from this outcome as well. I stood rooted to the ground, gaping at the crystal in front of me. This is also good news to me since I will have another power to fight against the royal family.


    "Hmn, Charles Walter, a dual elemental magic student." A shadowy figure disappeared into the dark as he walked away from the window.

 Chapter 6

    I entered the office to receive my package, but I was disturbed from the ruckus of the crowd. The cheering from the crowd really bothers me. What was going on? My question was quickly answered from the announcement.


    "Both Evan and Alice, have an aptitude of 99 over 100 for Fire and Water magic respectively." The announcement further hypes the crowd into an uproar.


    You got to be kidding me...what is this aptitude? Are they monsters? This day has been giving me too many surprises.


    Ring!


    The bell attached on the door rang as two individuals walked in. Both have similar characteristics like same eye color and hair. Even their faces look similar, are they sibling? My train of thoughts was interrupted when one of them spoke.


    "Greeting, I am Evan. Nice to meet you." Evan spoke politely like a gentleman.


    "Nice to meet you too, I am Charles Walter." I returned his greeting.


    He extends his hand out to shake hands with me. I did the same as we shook hands. However, the expression on his face look unsettling and disgusting with his grin. I am starting to get goosebumps as we shook hands longer. Is this guy a pervert? Wait, I do not swing that way. He has been giving a weird stare for a while now, agitating me even further. I withdraw my hand swiftly while giving a disgusted look at him. But, his expression changed into total delight as if he is in paradise.


    "Hello, I am Alice. Don''t mind my younger twin brother, he is a masochist." The elder sister greeted with a smile and explain about her brother.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Twins? I did not expect to meet twins, what another surprise. The elder sister is a real beauty though, with her silky black hair and fine nose. Her big Neptune-blue eyes sparkle like a star, befitting of her small and delicate face. She had a decanter shaped waist and her complexion had an impeccable, glowing hue. Her pencil-thin eyebrows eased down gently to her black, beetle¡¯s-leg eyelashes. Her cherry lips opened in attempt to continue the conversation but what Evan said next stunned me.


    "Sis, could you tie me up and abuse me again later?" Evan requested with doggy eyes pleading to its owner.


    Did I mishear that? I could have sworn I heard "again" in his request. Does she do this often? I was in disbelief when I heard it and was hoping It was not true. How could such a beautiful lady be such a person. What she said next broke my image of her.


    "Of course, ugly shit. I will whip you 50 times later for requesting this from me" She said it in an imposing manner like she is the queen.


    Nooooooo


    I screamed in my head at this turn of event. It turns out that she is a sadist. I was amaze from this masochist and sadist sibling combo, out of all people, I met them. They are even talented in magic, how did it get wasted on this combination? There are way too many surprises today, I just want to get out of here. What surprises me the most was that beautiful sister being a sadist. I pitied on her future husband or boyfriend if she ever gets one. I trotted quickly out of the office after collecting my package as they engage in a conversation with each other.


    I got to meet up with Jake at a tavern in the evening, so I head to east of the academy. As I stroll towards my meeting point, I overheard an interesting conversation.


    " I heard the king''s son is going to attend in the Mage academy and he is talented as well. He has an aptitude of 100 for Dark and Fire magic. What a talented prince." The passerby said with enthusiasm.


    "Yeah and he is 11-years-old. He deserves the title of prodigy, what a remarkable kid." Another passerby agreed.


    Well, another surprising news again. Too bad, I will become much stronger than him. Titles are just empty throne without strength. The sun starts to set again as I was reaching the tavern. I met up with Jake at Windshrine tavern and brought a room for the night. We began discussing plans for tomorrow. It is going to be a busy day tomorrow as I will start my life as a student.

 Chapter 7

    The darkness engulfs my mind as I fall into deep slumber, a white space appeared before me. I glance through my surrounding and all I could see was the foggy white empty space. I looked around again to confirm whether my eyes are playing tricks on me. This time, a huge wooden door appeared behind me, with its medieval appearance and mold growing at the corners of the door. Why is there a door here? Is this a dream? Why am I here?  My thoughts travelled in my mind as I observe the door in front of me.


    I walked towards it feeling attracted to it. I want to know what is behind that door. I was in a trance as I felt like a magnet pulling me. Standing before the door, I was contemplating whether I should open the door. However, curiosity got the better of me and decided to open the door. I lay my hands on the door, it felt rough to the skin as I used all the energy I had in my body to push. The door did not bulge one bit at all as if it is a boulder.


    ¡°You cannot open the door, my friend.¡± I heard voice behind me.


    I turned around and saw a figure. The figure is completely white with no face, hair or any human characteristic. It looked like a humanoid, but I got feeling it is not human. Surprising, I was not afraid of it despite not resembling a human. It¡¯s voice, however, was unknown to me whether it is male or female.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± I asked curiously.


    ¡°I am called by many names, some called me God, some called me Savior, some called me a devil, you can call me however you want.¡±


    ¡°Is this a dream?¡±


    ¡°No, this is not a dream. It is the dimension I created to meet you. I am actually the one who created this world you lived in and control it.¡±


    ¡°Why was my family killed?! This is unfair, they did not do anything wrong, why did you assign this fate to me?¡± I was shocked when I heard what the figure said and retaliate back at him.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°I did not assign this fate to you, it was the 12 Evil Gods that assign this fate to you. ¡°


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one who control this world? Why the 12 Evil Gods assign this fate to me?¡±


    ¡°No, I no longer control this world. Long time ago, I created this world for living beings to live as I want to discover how the living beings live their lives. When humans created their Kingdoms and empires, wars began to rage on, greed and despair was shown in their struggles. I saw the dark side of humanity, it was saddening to see this happening, but I continue to not interfere with their warfare. However, things started to change, it was a change that I did not expect. The 12 Evil Gods were born from the dark side of humanity and began manipulating rulers governing their land. They created more violence and despair which spurs hatred among the people whom lost their loved ones. All of this became the dark energy that feeds the 12 Evil Gods causing them to grow stronger. I tried to interfere, but it was too late as the 12 Evil Gods became too strong and overpowered me. I flee away from them and created a power that could slay the 12 Evil Gods. However, the 12 Evil Gods found out and the power was destroyed into 12 fragments, each having part of my soul. The 12 Evil Gods sealed me as I used most of my strength to create the power. The 12 fragments are then spread throughout the world to lay its roots in the ground, but you manage to find it and be acknowledged as the owner. The 12 Evil Gods found out about it and assign this fate on you to prevent any hope of slaying them.¡±


    I am currently in utter shocked at this moment as I did not expect my fate to be this deep. I felt like my mind has gone blank from hearing this wild story. I could not believe it, but I had to since what the figure said was true. I found a light in the ground and felt like it was calling out to me. I did not expect this light would be the cause of my fate. However, I could not accept what the 12 Evil Gods did. I do not want others to experience what I had gone too. The pain and suffering of losing my family was heavy for me to bear.


    ¡°Ray, you are the chosen one who is destined to walk this path. Find the 12 fragments and slay the 12 Evil Gods.¡± The figure declared to me.


    At this point, I decided to accept my fate and move on from my revenge. I want to help others and prevent sufferings from falling upon this world. I WILL SLAY THE 12 EVIL GODS. Suddenly, the space around me started to twist and turn. A light shine upon me as I open my eyes. Ah, it is morning, the day when I will start my journey to find 12 fragments.