ã€ŠApocalypse Rebirthã€‹


 Chapter 1

    ¡°So, it actually is possible. To go back to the start.¡±

    Standing before a glowing purple crystal that stood thirty feet tall and wide enough for a dozen people to wrap around it, an enormous man that stood eight feet tall watched the crystal glow in a divine light. Not an inch of fat could be seen on his figure that remained unclothed from the waist up. Instead, black wording and characters looking like hieroglyphics marked his sculpted figure like tattoos. The mix of black and engraved wording that was criss-crossed with thousands of scars and wounds marred the dark-skinned tone of his Middle-Eastern origin.

    ¡°Of course it is Omar,¡± spoke a caramel skinned woman to his immediate right. ¡°Whereas you lack faith in the magic bestowed to us, I embrace it. With the magic, comes a knowledge. Knowledge, such as the Crystal of Rebirth¡¯s ability.¡±

    The woman, donned in a mystical blue robe that flittered in and out of existence, leaned against a metal staff that flashed in a myriad of colors. Beneath the hood that covered her face, it was possible to see dreadlocks that flashed and shone in varying shades of a rainbow¡¯s color.

    ¡°We never doubted your wisdom Jasmine. Still, to find it now as we stand before death¡¯s door is a cruel fate.¡± Behind Omar and Jasmine, a man in elegant silk clothes that are layered to form an ascetic attire of a noble, a blonde-haired man with a blonde goatee watches the proceedings with sad eyes. ¡°Over 29 years. 29 years of struggle in this hellish land. For what? To stand as the last living remnants of humanity.¡±

    As he speaks, both Omar and Jasmine turn to regard their fellow ¡®Hero¡¯. Both their eyes darken as brooding looks of immense and unimaginable pain flashes through their hooded gazes as memories of a lifetime¡¯s worth of war, blood, and death flittered past. Jasmine, ever the more controlled in her actions, separated herself from the misery and addressed the man.

    ¡°Come Reginald, now is not the time.¡±

    As if to accompany her words, a screech of some unknown entity resounds through the sky as the very air in the open spaced room shakes and vibrates. With a heavy sigh of acceptance, Reginald turns to look through the open air room that they stood in. Atop the Eternity Tower, on the 211th story of the tower, Reginald turned his figure to witness a being of immense size appear in the distance. Through the fog, it appeared with an outpouring of flames that spewed from its maw. Bat-like wings carried the Arch-Dragon forward as it closed the distance. It was only the first however, as soon after dozens more flew through the fog.

    ¡°The Arch-Dragons have come, accompanied by their Masters.¡±

    Omar, turning to watch the dragons, spoke with none of the mirth and humor that he was known for. ¡°So, the last our kind has fallen. We are all that remains.¡±

    ¡°Yes. But their sacrifice and death¡¯s have come with our salvation. The chance to alter the fate bestowed upon our race. The ability to go back in time. To the start of this all.¡±

    As Jasmine speaks once more, all three individuals turn to disregard the dragons that could trample over their life. Known as the ¡°Heroes of Humanity¡± they stood at the pinnacle of human strength in this new and hellish world, but even still, they were but bugs to the creatures before them.

    With nonchalance at the impending doom, the three turn to face the glowing purple crystal that is only shining greater and greater as seconds pass. As the glow increases to a near heavenly level of radiant light, two more figures who stand apart from the three are illuminated.

    One, dressed head to toe in grey and black linen clothes that hide any features. In fact, besides the drab attire, the only noticeable feature of the small, 5¡¯ 6 and lean framed man are his silver eyes that radiate with a powerful glow.

    Apart from him, stands a fifth and final person. Donned in a knight¡¯s armour of immaculate design, a tanned white man in his low 30s stands detached and tired. By far the youngest of all present, the man¡¯s eyes devoid of any emotion show a suffering that the other four in the room would be hard-pressed to duplicate.

    All five flitter their gazes at each as they ready themselves. The time had come.

    ¡°So,¡± Jasmine began with a Texas drawl that ruined the elegance of her normal eloquent speech, ¡°it appears that the legends of The Fallen are true. The Crystal of Rebirth can transport one person back to their first contact with their arrival into the Abyss. Now the question becomes, who goes?¡±

    Without missing a beat, Omar rumbles his acceptance of the task. ¡°Of course it has to be the strongest of us all. As this is the case, it must be me!¡±

    To his left, Reginald rolls his eyes before striking a glare at Omar. ¡°Strength of body is merely one aspect of power. Jasmine with her endless magic or myself with my leadership and auxiliary attributes could beat you. Besides, you are not the strongest of us.¡±

    Reginald leaves his words unfinished as he directs his attention to the two men across from him. Both the knighted man and the heavily clothed figure remain motionless and silent.

    ¡°I agree with Reginald,¡± Jasmine announces while regarding Omar with a stinging glare that the giant of a man merely smiles at in return. ¡°Of us five, you Omar, are the weakest. Your strength of physical attributes cannot be denied, but this comes at the generosity of Zero for gifting you precious runes and endless materials of incalculable wealth for your creations. As for Reginald and myself, although we are both ¡®Rulers¡¯, and Reginald can even be qualified as being the first and only ¡®Emperor¡¯ of humanity, we are not suitable choices. 29 years of fighting, and we¡¯ve only reached this far.¡±Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    Jasmine shakes her head in shame as Reginald himself bows his head at acceptance of his inadequacies. With a sigh, Jasmine, the brains of the ¡°Heroes of Humanity¡± raises her head before looking towards the two quiet members of their group.

    ¡°It will be between you two, Zero,¡± Jasmine says while nodding to the knighted figure, ¡°and Reaper,¡± she finishes with a smirk to the heavily wrapped figure whose eyes are the only feature to be seen. ¡°While the three of us were among the first waves, with Reginald even being in the very first one, you two both entered years after us. Reaper, in the 12th Year, and Zero in the 15th Year. You too started far behind us, and incalculable numbers of other people, and yet here you stand. As one of the five strongest of humanity.¡±

    At her words, Zero and Reaper both turn to regard the other. Eyes flash to watch and measure the other''s reaction. Still, years of fighting hordes of monsters and an incalculable number of near-death experiences rendered the other well aware of his adversaries thoughts.

    With a sigh, the knighted figure known as Zero let his exhausted eyes droop as sleep crept ever closer to overwhelming him. However, before he could speak, a raspy voice that emitted from the black and grey draped Reaper interrupted him.

    ¡°Zero will go. The decision is final.¡±

    Hoarse and raspy, the voice that rang with a slight muffle, contained a will of unyielding power that brokered now resistance from the others.

    ¡°Reaper, I -¡±

    ¡°The decision,¡± Reaper halted Zero¡¯s words with the biting steel of his own before continuing, ¡°is final Zero. You started the furthest behind. With the hardest, yet most rewarding Affinity. Furthermore,¡± Reaper continues and forestalls Zero¡¯s argument with a raised hand. ¡°among us all, you have far more unfinished business and mistakes of the past to correct,¡±

    As Reaper¡¯s words settled in the humming air that grew only in intensity as the dragons closed at a meteoric speed, the three other members besides Zero all nodded their heads in agreement.

    In truth, either Zero or Reaper would be acceptable choices to send back. Both had an Affinity that made them unstoppable. However, while Reaper enjoyed a progression that was brutal yet of a princely guidance by Abyss standards, Zero¡¯s ascension to ¡®Hero¡¯ status was anything but.

    ¡°Do I really need to? Please, can¡¯t I just rest for once. Peace is so close. Peace, and the chance to once more see my family and friends.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Reaper rebuked Zero with a harsh bark. To the sides, Omar, Jasmine, and Reginald all waited in silence. They knew Reaper was the only one to truly talk to Zero in this moment. ¡°No, you cannot rest. You deserve it the most. Still, you will not have it.¡±

    Silence gripped the air as all four Heroe stared at Zero. Eyes flickering toward each other spoke in untold words. Whether he accepted or not, they would force him against the Crystal of Rebirth and send him back.

    In turn, Zero flickered his eyes toward the four ¡®Heroes of Humanity¡¯ before him. Afterall, they were all he had left in this world. Everything else was taken. By force of strength. By his lack of strength and power. By his stupidity. By his lack of foresight. By abuse of his kindness.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to, but I will if that is what I must.¡± With a tired sigh that shuddered Zero¡¯s body in an anguish of emotional pain, he raised his weathered and armoured face to bear witness to the memories of his friends.

    WIth a nod of approval, all four gathered around Zero as they directed him to raise his hands toward the Crystal of Rebirth. While Zero put both hands on the burning hot crystal, the four Heroes put their hands on his shoulders and back. Mana, as endless and as powerful as the ocean, poured from their bodies and into him. In turn, he directed the mana toward the Crystal of Rebirth to start the activation process. With death impeding in the form of the Arch-Dragons and their God-like powerful masters, the four poured mana forth recklessly as they sought to accelerate the Crystal of Rebirth¡¯s activation. As they did so, all imparted words of final wisdom to Zero.

    ¡°I know it is your nature to act solo, but no longer are you solely fighting for yourself. You stand now for all of humanity. Do not shun others, nor strike them to oblivion. Lead them. I do not ask for your to be like Reginald, but just a leader of humanity.¡± Jasmine, ever the Ruler, gave her advice with a gentle squeeze to Zero¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°You know your nature now,¡± Omar began gruffly. ¡°Do not make those same stupid mistakes you did in the past. Use your Affinity, and with it, ruin those who impede mankind. Kill the ¡°Mad King¡± and the ¡°Dark Legion¡±. Crush those abominations on the third zone. I do not ask for you to save everyone as Jasmine does, but rather only to save the strong. Kill those traitors of humanity, and let all have an equal opportunity to rise high.¡±

    ¡°Enough of your ¡®only the worthy shall rise¡¯ crap Omar.¡± Speaking after Omar, Reginald shot Omar a glare of similar nature to Jasmine¡¯s own, before addressing Zero. ¡°I have much to say to your, as is my nature,¡± Reginald mentions with a self-deprecating smile. ¡°But all that I could say has been said in the past. Recall my words, my wisdom, and my actions in times of need. I hope they may serve you better than has befit me.¡±

    As Reginald finished, a silence hung in the air. Seconds stretched in awkwardness as all three members opened their closed and concentrated eyes to stare with hard glares at Reaper. With a visible huff and a roll of his eyes in the first display of emotion, Reaper grunts and cleared his throat before speaking in the same rough voice as always. ¡°You know what to do. So do it. Avenge your past self. Avenge all of humanity. You will become the sinner for our salvation. Embrace it.¡±

    Vague and short, Reaper spoke the truest words of all the gathered Heroes.

    As all four finished, they erupted with a surge of Mana. Funneling all they could into Zero and through him into the Crystal of Rebirth.

    ¡°Farewell.... My friends.¡±

    With final words, Zero spoke simply, before a flash of purple light exploded around the Crystal of Rebirth. As it died and the crystal dimmed to a near pitch black, the four remaining Heroes watched the empty space before them that sizzled with wisps of smoke.

    ¡°And so he departs for another life.¡±

    ¡°Aye¡±, Omar agreed with Reginald. ¡°May he be strong enough to change the world.¡±

    The words, so outlandish, cause a smile to split Omar¡¯s face as he laughs loudly and obnoxiously. The remaining three do nothing to stop him. Instead, smiles creep on their faces as they watch the Arch-Dragons descend. On their backs, the beings of their death stand tall in the bone-forged armour of their race. With a wave of their humanoid hands, the dragons unleash their breath, and all is burned to oblivion.

 Chapter 2

    As the flash of light that blinded Zero subsided, he found himself in a glade of lush green grass and vibrant flowers that swayed with the sea-breeze wind. Around him, dozens of people looked about with startled gazes.

    Almost immediately cries of shout and panic flooded the tree enclosed glade that contained 100 people.

    ¡°Where the hell is this?¡±

    ¡°Oi, mate! What happened to the train?¡±

    ¡°Bloody hell, what is going on? Where¡¯s Melbourne? Where¡¯s the train?¡±

    Around Zero, 99 individuals sporting Australian accents all began talking rapidly at once as they fought to be heard over the others. As their voices rang out, memories of a lifetime long lost began returning to Zero.

    He was 19 when he was transported to the Abyss. Still a kid really, as evident from his boy-next-door appearance and youthful face that portrayed him as 16 or 17 rather than going on 20. He was still naive when he was transported here, traveling the train from Melbourne to Sydney. He went from taking the tube to school, to suddenly being transported to this lush forest in a group of 100 individuals. He didn¡¯t know it at the time, but that would be the start of his, and humanity¡¯s, nightmarish new life. They had disappeared from Earth, only to enter the Abyss.

    It was almost reassuring when he was transported from Earth. The disappearances of people on Earth had been going on for a long time, 15 years in total, but still no one knew what was going on. Crises around the world followed by military rule being instated allowed for some semblance of control and normality. If anything, the disappearances helped the world. Nations came together to form pacts and alliances, clustering together in tight-knit communities. Shortages of food around the world and lack of cohesion were eliminated, as people banded together for humanity¡¯s safety. It was cruel then, to leave a world of love and care, only to come to this one.

    As brooding thoughts entered Zero¡¯s head, a new existence flashed to life above the heads of the gathered. At only a foot tall, a fairy with butterfly wings and pale purple skin appeared with a high-pitched childish giggle.

    Instantly, Zero¡¯s mood darkened as venomous thoughts entered his mind. With fists clenched, he barely restrained himself as he so desperately wished he still had the strength of his past body in order to tear the devilish creature before him to shreds.

    ¡°Welcome friends! Oh how good it is to see newcomers! Really, it was quite a bore the past few Tutorials. Everyone died off so quickly. Hopefully you¡¯ll be more entertaining to watch die.¡±

    Zero grit his teeth as murderous visions of his past deeds of killing the fairy¡¯s kin in the 2nd and 4th Zone worked to sate some of his anger. While he stayed silent though, the gathered people reacted starkly different. Many screamed and backed away at the fantasy-like creature. A handful of others barged forward however, yelling at the creature and slurring insults. Among them, one man¡¯s deep baritone voice shouted out above all the others.

    ¡°Oi, piss off c-nt!¡±

    At the man¡¯s words, jeers of agreement came from the rowdy teenages and young adults in the crowd. These jeers did not last long.

    With a sneer that marred its face, the fairy bared vicious white fangs at the man before reaching its hand out and making a grasping motion. In response, the heavily tattooed man that swore at the fairy was lifted in the air as he began frantically clawing at something invisible around his throat.

    Zero merely watched with stoic ease at the proceedings, the same proceedings of his past life. As for the others, screams of alarm and shock erupted.

    ¡°Now, as I was saying before being so rudely interrupted,¡± the fairy spoke over the ruckus while tempering its vicious facial expression. ¡°You have all been transported here to the first level of the Abyss, known fondly by your previously summoned humans as Origin, or the Origin Zone. This is your new home, and most definitely your deathbed. But, where you die, whether here in Origin or in other zones, shall be determined by the choices you make.¡±

    Giggling at a joke only the fairy itself knew, it continued while still using its power to lift up and strangle the man.

    ¡°But, please, please, please,¡± the fairy squealed while smiling brightly at the gathered group, ¡°don¡¯t think myself or this situation unfair. Of course, you¡¯d be right. It is unfair, but so is life. However, your journey in the Abyss is based on true free-will and independence. No laws exist here, no social norms rule over you, no basis for right or wrong. You make your rules. Whether you have power or not though...¡±

    The fairy shrugged while glancing at everyone present to make sure they understood the gist of her words. Of course they wouldn¡¯t however. The reality of their situation they are in hasn¡¯t sunk it, nor will it for some time. Only one person understood, and he stood ready in the back of the summoned 100 people.

    ¡°Well, words are always harder to get across than actions. So, as that is the case, let me give you all a demonstration.¡±

    As the fairy¡¯s words rang in the clearing, Zero began walking forward. Lithe, with a minimal amount of muscle from years of cross-country running, he forcefully moved through the sparse crowd with what little ability he had. Around him, others threw insults or looks of reproach his way, but he remained focused on the fairy. The fairy that opened its fanged mouth to bare a hideous and ruthless smile that stretched its face much too wide. Then, just as Zero broke through the crowd to appear before the fairy, it tightened its balled hand. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Blood rained from the sky as the man who remained hoisted in the air this entire time fell to the ground. Headless, and spurting a fountain of blood.

    ¡°Mother, Mary, and Joseph!¡±

    ¡°Oh dear Lord!¡±

    Cries for the Lord and screams of fear mixed with sounds of people vomiting. Around the dead man¡¯s body, the 99 gathered people retreated in a flurry of motion. As they stepped back, Zero stepped forward.

    ¡°Oh? Looks like one of you in this group is interesting. Well, come forward! Come forward little flesh-bag. Let me give you a reward.¡± The fairy, ever enthusiastic, returned to its normal state of peppy attitude as it zipped through the air with its wings before landing atop the corpse¡¯s back.

    ¡°Listen up cattle!¡± The fairy shouted while looking over all the horrified individuals with a gaze of innocence. ¡°In this world, many choices are yours to make. But to follow through with your ideas and choices, requires power. In the Abyss, power is gained through Runes.¡± As the fairy spoke, it made a lifting motion with its hand and a pentagon appeared floating in the air as it rose from the corpse. ¡°This is a Rune,¡± the fairy continued on in its high pitched voice, ¡°and Runes can be gained through killing creatures and your fellow humans alike. Runes come in different varieties, from Strength, to Agility, to Intelligence, to Regeneration, and much more. They drop partly by luck and chance, but mainly based off the dead creature¡¯s main characteristic. If you fight and kill a creature with high Agility, you will most likely get an Agility Rune.¡±

    Having explained, the creature looked around with anticipation, but paused when it noticed no one in the crowd had understood what it said. Tapping its finger to its chin, the fairy¡¯s brow scrunched together in thought. Then, as if a light bulb had clicked to life above its head, the fairy¡¯s confused expression melted away to be replaced with a jubilant smile and shining eyes.

    ¡°Think of this like a game. But instead of leveling up and gaining points you use to make your character stronger, you instead gain Runes that do the same. Additionally though, items of use and power can also be acquired in a similar fashion as one gains a Rune. Place a hand on the dead creature, and an item may spawn. Still, it is far easier to simply kill your fellow cattle-kin and take their items, but that¡¯s just my opinion. So!¡± the fairy shook its head and erased its sulking expression before continuing its lecture. ¡°Only Runes and items drop from things you kill,¡± the fairy paused while flickering its eyes over the crowd, ¡°and Skills. But, that¡¯s another story for-¡±

    ¡°OI! What the actual fuck is going on? THIS ISN¡±T A GAME!¡±

    ¡°I just wanna go home! I just wanna...¡±

    ¡°Ma dude, I ain''t seen nothing like dis.¡±

    ¡°Brah, shits cray.¡±

    Before the fairy can speak again, a gaggle of people interrupt in furious voices. Among them, four threw insults and slurs at the fairy as tension and fear took over. The fairy''s normally immaculate smile faltered as it heard the words. As for Zero, a hooded look of patience at the inevitable to come darkened his normally mocha brown eyes.

    ¡°I. Said. SILENCE!¡±

    With the shout of the Devil himself, the fairy¡¯s beautiful appearance wrapped as tendrils of purple substance materialized from her abdomen to wrap around the four individuals in the crowd who cussed at her. With the ease of snapping a twig, the pencil thin tendrils of purplish substance cleaved through the midsection of all four aggressors..

    The sound of a wet and sloppy material pooling and splashing on the grass echoed while the stench of intestines and blood assaulted everyone¡¯s noses.

    ¡°Seeing as you do not care for my words, I think it best to just begin then. We shall see how many are left at the end. Maybe then, you will pay greater attention to my beautiful self¡¯s words.¡± Having reverted back to her normal appearance of a lovely and energetic fairy from any child¡¯s fantasy, the fairy huffed in a childish anger. With a wave of her hand, Runes from all five corpses floated out of their bodies before being whisked away in front of the fairy. Eyes of mischief danced around the remaining 95 humans before landing on Zero. There, placid eyes of a deep brown that blended in so well with his black pupil stared back at the fairy in relaxed ease. Surprise lit up the fairy¡¯s face as she watched this youthful flesh-bag in front of her remain stoic and calm, even as five members of his race were brutally and flimsily executed.

    ¡°For you, young fleshy. May you use the Runes well, as I would hate to lose someone as interesting as you in the beginning.¡±

    With a snap of its fingers, the five Runes zipped across the air before impeding themselves in Zero¡¯s figure. Immediately, a surge of hidden power bloomed within his body.

    ¡°Now my little insects,¡± the fairy soared high in the air as it squealed maddeningly in glee. ¡°You will begin your first challenge. To win, you merely need to kill all your enemies I summon. But, since this may be too hard and I don¡¯t you all to die, I¡¯ll stop the challenge when fifteen of your kin die. Whether that is from the enemies or from yourselves...¡±

    The fairy shrugged nonchalantly while smiling its cheshire cat smile as it left the sentence unfinished.

    ¡°But do enjoy! This is after all, the start of your journey.¡±

    With a snap of her fingers, a barrier of purplish light exploded from the fairy''s body in the sky before encapsulating the open glade like a dome. Within the dome stood the remaining 95 humans. With a flash of light however, new figures were materialized across from them and trapped in the dome as wel..

    On the other side of the dome, standing no higher than 4 feet, appeared brown and pale green toned humanoid creatures that all wielded crude yet deadly weapons

    As cries of panic filled the air behind him, Zero reached down to grab two short swords that the fairy materialized before each of the humans. Uncalloused hands wrap firmly around the worn leather grip of the two swords that lay discarded. It was an eerie feeling for Zero. His body wasn''t used to the weight of the sword, the feelings of slight strain on his muscles. Yet his mind... his soul... both knew it was right.

    And for the first time in 6 years, a smile crept onto Zero¡¯s face as he looked ahead at the charging Goblins that sought to peel skin from body.

    Oh, how he longed for the chance to come back and torment the creatures that ruined him. How he so wished to feel their blood beneath his hands.

    Oh, what a joyous day it would be.

 Chapter 3

    As the Goblins gathered and charged across the clearing, the surrounding humans around Zero panicked and rushed away. Their cries of panic were mixed in with fists pounding fruitlessly on the descended barrier that had trapped everyone in this space.

    Seeing the scene of their prey frightened only spurred the Goblins on faster as howls of frenzy and lust ripped through their miniature frames and into the near static filled air. Yet even as the Goblins charged like rabid dogs forward, Zero remained calm. Nary a flicker of emotion graced his features as he spoke words only he could hear.

    ¡°Status Screen¡±

    As soon as the words left his mouth, a series of organized words and information became displayed before his vision. As if a hologram of sorts, grey boxes of text display information that would become the guiding tool of his progression.

    <hr>

    Name: Cooper Hayes

    Runes [ Affinity for -----]

    Strength: 10.02

    Stamina: 15.1

    Agility: 10.03

    Perception: 10.01

    <hr>

    Zero¡¯s hazel brown eyes swept over the screen. His face, ever stoic and unmoving remained stuck in the perpetual scowl that had donned his visage the last couple of years. Underneath it however, thoughts and emotions ran wild.

    Of all the ¡®Heroes of Humanity¡¯ Zero was never one for spotlight or attention and was in fact the least likely to be seen or even communicated with. This resulted in a certain image as being an idiotic yet genius fighter to emerge around him. The fact of the matter though was far from that.

    As his eyes took in the information, Zero began calculating what could be done. While his strength was quite poor, especially considering that most males have around 12 strength, his Stamina made up for it at being 4 points higher than the norm. Even more promising however, were the new stats that he unlocked.

    All new entrants into the Abyss started off with the two basic stats of Stamina and Strength. To unlock any other stat however, required collecting a Rune in that category which would unlock the prowess that the unlocked stat offered. Agility for example allowed for higher reaction time, quicker movements with limbs, and even a minor increase in speed. In contrast, Perception allowed for an individual to develop a 6th sense of sorts that allowed them to sense threats or even opportunities, as well as see quickly moving objects or people much slower and easier. Each of these unlocked stats started at 10, and unlocking them granted a more tangible feel to the effects they offered.

    Effects that Zero was more than happy to use.

    Turning his gaze away from the screen and dismissing it with a word, Zero raised his youthful face and watched with glee as the Goblins stumbled over their own tiny legs as they approached in a hysterical and near comedic dash. Yellow fangs showed over their pale green skin as the nearing 50 Goblins all howled at their meal to come. Facing their smiles, the trace of a wolfish grin surfaced on Zero¡¯s face as he began moving forward.

    Behind him, cries of panic filled the air as the majority of those who were transported pounded like trapped animals on the barrier. Casting his gaze backwards, a look of reproach flickered in Zero¡¯s eyes as he saw men and women attack each other in fear. Only a few of the group, a little more than a dozen, had grasped weapons and stood panicked yet together in the face of the charging horde. Their hands trembled as their faces warped harshly from the chilling fear that paralyzed them.

    Zero merely snorted at the scene, before turning once more towards the Goblins. He would show them strength.

    With a kick of his legs, he launched himself forward in a darting sprint. Cries and shouts at his actions erupted behind him, but he paid them no heed. Instead, he allowed his swords to dip low and slice into the grass and dirt as he moved forward.

    Wind, crisp with the scent of fresh pine leaves, were gulped greedily by Zero as he allowed his muscles to push him. It was almost freeing to once more push himself as much as possible. To feel the strain of his legs as he drove them harder and faster. Closer and closer to the creatures that first haunted him when he entered the Abyss.

    As he raced towards the band of Goblins, one of their kin leading the group bared its fangs as it screamed at his form. The horrid little screams sent chills down his spine as the hair on his arms stood up. Yet in the face of the challenge, all that could be seen from Zero was the growing smile that reeked of sin

    It was the last thing the Goblin ever saw.

    Before the creature could react, Zero immediately increased his speed to the utmost at the last possible sentence. The twin short swords sliced through the air as if guided by an unknown hand and cleaved into the Goblin. One piercing strike to its chest accompanied by a cleaving cut to its neck ended its life, ripped away any resistance or ability the Goblin had. It¡¯s short, choked cry on its own blood was the last action the Goblin took before more swords were removed and then drilled into the creature¡¯s heart. In but an instant, the light in the creature¡¯s eyes dimed and is slumped dead to the ground.

    Zero, watching above it like a God towards an ant, struggled to maintain control. Yet as the blood pooled beneath him, a burning desire took to flame inside him.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    This...this is what he yearned for. The ability to crush those who would crush him. It is what drove him for years. The desire to crush that which stands in his way. Whatever the future may hold, he would address as he came to it. For now though...for now he would let the monster inside out.

    With a flurry of movement, Zero loosened his weapons and reached down to place his palm on the creature¡¯s shoulder. For a moment, nothing happened. But then, a Rune just like the one previously acquired, materialized above his hand. Dyed crimson and with a pale luster, the Rune shrunk rapidly in size before as small as a piece of lead from a pencil.

    Eyeing the Rune that he knew to be Strength, Zero willed the unused Rune that was resting and floating around his wrist to merge with himself. In turn, the Rune sunk into his skin as noticeable but very slight increase in power poured into his body. Ecstasy flooded him. It had been too long since he felt such an increase in power. It was like a high from Molly and other drugs. Afterall, this high is what the system used to drive people to fight. To attack when they wanted to talk. Everyone needed their fix, their hit, of the most powerful drug in the new world. Power.

    Hazel eyes with gold specks shone as if stars in the sky as Zero faced the horde of monsters. Their faces warped in rage at seeing one of their kin so brutality and viciously killed only served to the fire of desire in Zero into a raging storm. Their calls annoyed him. Their existence irked him. So he would end them.

    Darting toward once more, Zero closed the remaining gap of 20 feet between him and the horde of Goblins before he was in their midst.

    There was no finesse in his ability. No remarkable skill in swordsmanship or elegance in his footwork and defense. This was not his way. No...no... There was only killing of the truest means. Every strike was efficient and made with the minimum effort needed. Years of honing his body and power allowed him to understand exactly how to strike, where to strike, and with how much power.

    Around him, bodies of Goblins feel with limbs missing and vitals pierced. Blood soaked the earth and made the ground slick with the death as Zero continued to advance into their midst. Yet even as the tenth body fell dead to the ground, Zero too did not remain unharmed. Lacerations and cuts covered his arms and legs as the frenzied midgets literally threw themselves forward at him. However even as blows rained down and his body shook from the pain and being stabbed by serrated weapons, Zero darted forward with his sinful smile.

    Of all the ¡®Heroes of Humanity¡¯ Zero would be known as the most feared. His name would be whispered on trembling lips as if he were a ghost. Tales of his deeds, horrific stories of blood, violence, and pain, would be passed down by men and women from each Zone of his actions. They would speak of much. From his power, to his Abilities, to even his features. But most of all, they spoke of his brutality. Brutality towards his enemy, but also towards himself.

    For no other man would allowed to be struck for the chance to deliver their own blow.

    As blood pumped into his head, Zero snarled and roared like a beast at the creatures around him. If one were to look at him now, they wouldn¡¯t know who the monster was. The little green midgets that had terrified looks in their eyes, or the man coated in blood and wound that lost himself on the high of battle.

    Powered by the new Runes that flooded his being and pushed his broken body forward, Zero weaved through the Goblins with his swords flashing non-stop. A cleaving parrel strike from both swords fully decapitated one Goblin, but only served to leave his defenseless as a new Goblin stepped forward to strike. The crude and serrated spearhead ripped towards the center of of chest. However instead of dodging the blow as any sane individual would do, Zero fought against the survival instincts that his brain screamed at him, and instead lowered his body at the last moment. Driving low and forward, his shoulder took the spearhead fully as a burning anguish like broken glass digging into skin flared to life. Yet just as the Goblin¡¯s face split into a childish glee at seeing his strike land, Zero rapidly turned his body and brought both swords to bear in a tight yet speedy spiral.

    The Goblin never saw the retaliatory strike until it caved in section of its head and effectively killed creature. Before its body even hit the ground, Zero had moved on. Dodging one strike to attack two more backpedaling Goblins. Ripping his sword cleaning through a Goblin¡¯s chest and using the creature as a shield against two more of its kin who squealed in panic at the undying demon of a man before them. Even as the dual blades of Zero carved into them, their pale green mouths remained opened in a horrified squeal that died upon their lips as they too died upon the crimson ground. Their bodies were joined by three more of their butchered kin.

    As the bodies lay unmoving on the ground, three remaining figures moved around their prone bodies. Two Goblins, skittish and frightened as the weapons in their hands visibly shook. Opposite them stalked Zero. His eyes, aglow with a thirst for violence, stared at the petrified Goblins. His tongue, darting out to lick his cracked and chapped lips, tasted the iron taint of blood that marred his once tanned and unblemished face. Instead of revulsion though at having tasted blood of what could very well be from a Goblin, he felt only power and excitement. This...this is what he longed for.

    Years of fighting, or struggling and barely holding on by his fingers as he struggled to climb insurmountable odds time and time again. It had sharpened him, like a sword with its edge honed to the utmost extreme. Yet just as the struggle and adversity made it stronger, it also dulled him. Sharpen a sword too much, and its edge cracks when struck. The same was true for himself when he was fighting in the final Zone of the Abyss. But now, back to the start...

    A smile split his face as he pictured the possibilities. There was much to be done, to possibly save humanity. It was a burden that only he could bear. And like Atlas who bore the weight of the world, he too would bare the weight of the Abyss and humanity¡¯s survival in it. But...that was for another time. With a shack of his head, Zero cleared his mind of the loose and wildly exhaustive thoughts. For now, all that mattered was feeling alive. Feeling the rush of newfound power. Feeling the Goblin fall beneath his strength.

    Eyes focusing on the two remaining Goblins once more, he strood toward them. There was no urgency, no tactic, in his stride. It was simply the walk of a predator towards its wounded prey. And like any predator, Zero did not play with his prey. A trio of strikes, to the head, neck, and heart, granted both Goblins a quick yet certain death.

    Finally, as the last Goblins fell dead to the ground, the silence that hung heavy in the air reached Zero. Over the sounds of battle, of steel on skin, Zero was unable to feel the electric energy in the air. A near palpable sense of fear and anxiety that flooded from behind him. Catching his breath, Zero felt the burning stares of people on his back. Gritting his teeth and bearing the searing pain of wounds that would make any other man pass out, he turned and saw a sight that had become the norm for his past self. gazes full of reproach, shock, and disbelief. It was almost reassuring in a sense, to know that he was just as much as a freak now then as he was before.

    Watching with sobering thoughts as he freed himself from the ecstasy of the Runes and their power, Zero gazed back. Swords dyed with Goblin¡¯s blood, and the corpses of a handful of Goblins and Humans mixed together were all that he saw.

    Unfortunately for both Zero and the rest of the survivors, their respite from the violence was broken by the arrival of a purplish flash of light that revealed the smiling fairy from before.

 Chapter4

    ¡°Well, well, well...¡± the fairy began in her high-pitched voice, ¡°You cattle did well. Very well!¡±

    Zero watched with eyes hungry in desire to butcher the hellish creature. Memories of its insidious means and twisted humor sent his teeth grinding, but he remained where he was. One eye focused on what the Fairy had to say next, and another on his busy hands that worked to wrap bandages tight on his wounds.

    ¡°Hehehe... Usually your Humans die before the Goblins do. This time though,¡± she swept her gaze over the ground of littered corpses, ¡°only 12 of you Humans died while the 50 Goblins were...butchered,¡± she said the word in a slow drawl of near sexual arousal. ¡°But, I guess we all know who to thank for that outcome.¡±

    In unison, the Fairy and the surrounding people turned to watch Zero. In the people¡¯s eyes, looks of fear and terror were evidently visible. The Fairy though, only had a perverse smile on her barbie-doll like face.

    ¡°33 Kills. What an interesting fleshy. I knew you were special. I just knew it.¡± The Fairy zipped through the air and spun around Zero as if he was the center of attention. ¡°But you really have outdone yourself. It was such a magical experience to watch you slaughter those hideous Goblins.¡±

    The Fairy made a disgusted face before she rolled her eyes and waved her hand ¡®shoo-ing¡¯ motion.

    ¡°The little vermin are so idiotic and horny. I can never get them to do anything beyond attack you new arrivals. But, they had their use this time around. Letting me watch as you decapitated them. Seeing your blood run down your squishy body as pain flared across your face. Oh...¡± a shiver rippled through the Fairy as she finally paused in her flying and floated just before Zero.

    At her antics, Zero bit down the bile that rose in his throat. He hated her. Of all the races he encountered, the Fairy¡¯s were some of the worst. They were tricksters, freaks, and psychopaths. Spectators of the Abyss that got off on watching others struggle and die in despair.

    Zero hated them with a passion. But, he knew they were a necessity. More than spectators, they were also Guides for the Abyss. Beings with freakish abilities that granted power to those in the Abyss, as it was intended. Of all the Guides though, Fairies were the most loose in regulating the Abyss¡¯s rules. They always added a little twist or pushed an element into play at their whims. Most of the time is was damaging, but sometimes...

    ¡°As is ordained, for having the greatest contribution for your first Trial, I am to grant you something of worth that will help you. However, seeing as you killed so many of the little green pests and gave me a good show...¡± Zero watched as the Fiary paused and a charming smile graced her features. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll let you see.¡±

    Before Zero, the Fairy waved her hands that glowed in a purple light, and a medallion appeared before him. As large as a hand and covered in pristine gold, the medallion shined with an alluring beauty that caused Zero to immediately have an attraction to it. Used to a Skills attraction though, Zero locked his will down firmly and the manipulative attractive quality of the medallion vanished.

    ¡°Listen up all you flesh-bags. This here,¡± she yelled while gesturing to the medallion, ¡°is a Skill. Like Runes, Skills drop from creatures you kill, human or otherwise. They are very noticeable to spot, and even cause you to feel attracted and possessive of it. The same is true for others around you though, so be careful when you find a Skill. But,¡± the fairy continued after adding a sentence of warning as an afterthought, ¡°what you should know are that Skills are true power. Runes can always be gained and increased, but Skills are the true determinant of a creatures strength. A powerful skill, or one that has been ranked up, is what truly matters in the Abyss.¡±

    Done with her explanation, the Fairy waved her hand and the medallion sunk to chest level. Reaching out, Zero grasped the medallion in his fingers and immediately as flood of information appeared in his head. The information explained what the Skill was, what it could do, how powerful it was, and more. It also had information on how to accept the Skill if Zero wanted to. Normally, people wouldn¡¯t even think twice about gaining a Skill, but Zero was a special case. He had to pick and choose what was best to accept as a Skill.

    Seeing what the Skill was however, his pearly white teeth appeared through the hardened blood on his face as he involuntary gave a brief smile. Eyes flashing to look upon the Fairy that watched him inquisitively, Zero couldn¡¯t help but thank the creature before him in his head.

    With a flash, the medallion disappeared as Zero accepted the gift. As soon as he did, information about the Skill and all its properties and details became immediately available to Zero. It was like information that he always knew but just never paid attention to.

    No longer paying attention to the Fairy whose grin grew even wider at his acceptance of her gift, Zero spoke once more in his cold and slightly immature voice. ¡°Status Screen.¡±

    <hr>

    Name: Cooper Hayes

    Runes [ Affinity for ----- ]

    Strength: 10.7 *

    Stamina: 15.54 *

    Agility: 10.23 *

    Intelligence: 10.00 *

    Wisdom: 10.00 *

    Perception: 10.01

    Skills [ 0% Growth Rate ] [ 1 / 13 Skills ] [ Affinity for Fusion ]This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Fire¡¯s Edge *

    <hr>

    As Zero¡¯s eyes swept over his Status Screen, he took in the gains from the battle. Having received 1.32 Runes in total from his 33 kills, .68 went to Strength, .44 went to Stamina, and .2 went to Agility. Even more important though, was the unlocking of Intelligence and Wisdom, due to him gaining the skill Fire¡¯s Edge. Intelligence acted as magical power, with higher Intelligence acting to boost Skills to display more of their ability and power. Wisdom acted as Mana. The more Wisdom a person had, the more Mana they would have to use to power spells and the greater the regeneration of that Mana would be.

    With only 10 Intelligence and Wisdom, Fire¡¯s Edge would be of limited use for the time being. Still, its power would grant Zero an even greater edge in the coming days.

    <hr>

    Fire¡¯s Edge

    Rank 1: 0.00%

    Imbue your weapon with a searing heat and an edge that releases burning flames.

    <hr>

    Out of all the information on the Status Screen, Zero¡¯s eyes kept drifting to the most noticeable features. [ Affinity for ----- ] next to his Runes showcased the hidden talent that he had. It would be an impressive, and vital attribute for him. Especially considering the fact that his fighting style was based on solely around that feature. However, the truly eye-catching part was where the Skills were listed.

    Even as his eyes traced the words for the millionth time of his life, Zero couldn¡¯t help but release a disparaging smile. Every human had the ability to grow. This included both Runes and Skills. But God makes no man so great without flaws, and for Zero this rule was painfully clear. Unlike the rest of humanity, he could not rank up his Skills. He had zero ability to improve his Skills with practice and usage. A failure to improve Skills to become fiercer and more powerful than could be attained otherwise.

    It is of course the reason why he was nicknamed Zero when he entered the 2nd Zone. It is the reason he was discarded and tossed aside like a piece of garbage. It was the reason he was so weak for so long. The reason why those he cherished died and his future was crushed.

    Yet, his misery didn¡¯t end there. For while the rest of humanity had around 100 Skill Slots, Zero only had 13. 13 Skill Slots that would be all the possible Skills he could use for his life. Once acquired, they could never be forgotten.

    Zero¡¯s smile only grew wider as he saw those two features. It was a smile of chagrin frustration. He was blinded by those two features in the past, destroyed by their limitations that they placed on him. But, just as God and Fate deal bad hands, so too does Balance reign supreme. Because for Zero, while he couldn¡¯t grow his skills, he could do something much greater.

    He could combine Skills of similar abilities and powers into one another. Fusing them, and transforming the two into something greater.

    This ability...this is the reason why he could stand tall amongst other Heroes. Heroes, who years before he arrived, fought for strength and carved their path in blood.

    The thought brought a grim smile to his face, as he would -

    ¡°Oh hello little flesh-bag. Little flesh-bag?¡±

    Zero, snapped away from his immersion of the future and the possibilities of his new life, twisted his head to watch the Fairy that floated upside down before him. Her head, tilted to a near 90 degree angle, remained fixated on him as he addressed the Fairy with a cold, unnerving stare.

    ¡°Oh good! You are still alive. And here I thought I would have to incernate your body if you didn¡¯t respond.¡±

    Zero watched as she flashed him a very canine smile before she zipped through the air on her wings and rose to address the gathered group of people.

    ¡°So, as I was saying, the first Trial has ended. Congratulations to you flesh-bags!¡± The Fairy, clapped her hands excitedly, and shot off purple sparks of foreign power that glowed in the dying light of the afternoon. ¡°But do not fret my little toys, there will still be plenty of opportunity for you to grow or die in the coming days. So, please, please, please! Keep me entertained. It is so boring being trapped to this little section of the Abyss for the remainder of my eternal life. There is nothing to do besides watch new little flesh-bags like yourself kill or be killed.¡±

    With a deep sigh of sorrow, the Fairy deflated almost as it spoke. ¡°Still, I and my kin will be watching, so do impress us. For now, enjoy your time. Relax, eat, sleep, fuck, fight, kill; whatever your puny little hearts desire. Just remember, in three days time at sunrise, the next leg of your journey will begin. So until then...too-da-lu!¡±

    With a flash of purple light, the Fairy was gone, but everything else remained. Zero, situated in a pile of dead Goblin¡¯s rose steadily to his feet. His Stamina, helping to act as a minor boost to speed up the healing process of his body, had stopped the outpouring of blood to a large degree. Still in immense pain however, Zero bit back the scream that wanted to rip itself out of his throat. With steady but slow steps, Zero walked through the muck and the mire. It was sluggish work, only worsened by the tears of pain that pooled involuntarily in his eyes. They served only to distract him from his torn and blood spattered running shoes that slide across the blood slick grass.

    Just as he crossed through the bodies and across the indent that the Fairy¡¯s barrier left on the ground, a feminine voice called out sharply for him.

    ¡°Cooper! Cooper, hey!¡±

    Zero¡¯s steps faltered at the mention of his past lifes name. Mentally combating whether to address the person or not, he remained still. The pause gave the speaker the time she needed to make Zero¡¯s decision for him.

    ¡°Cooper, what...what the fuck!¡± As the high-pitched and almost frantic words echoed out just next to Zero¡¯s ear, a tan hand which was highlighted by a deep burgundy nail-polish latched onto his shoulder. Tracing his eyes over the hand, Zero watched the immaculately manicured fingers dig into his bloody clothes without hesitation, before he traced the hand towards the owner.

    There, standing smaller than his towering 6¡¯1 frame, was a small and relatively attractive young woman. Her thin frame was draped in high-end athletic apparel that left little of her body to the imagination, while the rest of her figure was accessorised with other expensive tastes like golden bracelets and huge glittering earrings that drew one''s attention.

    With nary a pause on her figure, Zero instead turned his implacid gaze to her face. There, he saw her vibrant red lipsticked lips become nibbled on by her pale yellow-ish teeth in a fit of nervousness. The rest of the woman¡¯s heavily make-up covered was taunt as well, with the woman¡¯s green eyes displaying at look of fear. Whether at him or at the dead bodies around them he couldn¡¯t tell. He didn¡¯t care however. Instead, it was the crowd that gathered around the young woman, about half the total remaining survivors, which shuffled hesitantly side to side that caught his attention.

    ¡°Cooper Hayes!¡± Screaming now to grab his attention, the young woman stared up at him with bloodshot eyes that only worsened as the first signs of tears became evident. ¡°W-wh-what is going on? Who....how did you do this?¡±

    A sigh of frustration escaped from Zero¡¯s tightly pressed lips as he found himself under the scrutiny of people. People, he know realized, that knew him from his past life.

    As he switched his gaze between the young woman, the crowd behind her, and the dead Goblins, only one thought entered his mind.

    Fuck...how can I lie my way through this...

 Chapter 5

    ¡°Ummm,¡± Zero¡¯s voice came out rough, forcing him to clear his throat. This bought him much needed time to figure out a way to explain the situation. ¡°Who is Cooper Hayes?¡±

    Sadly, the best he could come up with on the spur of the moment was...lackluster to say the least.

    Across from him, the young woman¡¯s fearful expression transformed to one of a blank stare as she processed Zero¡¯s words. ¡°W-what? Cooper. What do you mean? You¡¯re Cooper T. Hayes. Your mom is Meredith Hayes. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    In the face of the woman¡¯s questioning, Zero¡¯s stoic visage twisted to show a small frown as he shrugged off the girl¡¯s hand and stepped back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t know that name.¡±

    ¡°Cooper! Stop fucking around!¡± Screaming now, the young woman was almost hysterical as she stepped forward and pushed against Zero¡¯s chest in a shove. ¡°It¡¯s me, Rose! Your ex, your friend. We were just in the tube together!¡±

    Seeing the young woman named Rose¡¯s insistence, a feeling of helplessness arose in Zero. Show him an enemy to kill or a task to accomplish, and he would face the devil himself to finish it. But ask him to interact with people, and he was like a tiny boat in a raging ocean storm. Helpless.

    Still, he believed he was in too deep with his lie, so he remained steadfast.

    ¡°Miss, I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m not...Cooper?¡± He finished the sentence with a easily noticeable questioning tone. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t know who you are, or where I am.¡±

    ¡°What...How is this possible? You...You...¡±

    ¡°Rose,¡± from behind the woman a nasally voice spoke in a haughty tone. ¡°Leave the freak alone Rose. Look at him. He¡¯s...not normal.¡±

    With a calculative and near predatory gaze, Zero turned his attention to the man that spoke. Only a few years older then himself and the woman across from him, the newcomer had a weasley face and shifty eyes that refused to meet Zero¡¯s own.

    Immediately, Zero had a desire to punch the punk in his face. Years of bloodshed teaches people lessons, and Zero¡¯s struggles were far worse than others. The lessons he learned in turn, were much greater. One of those lessons, was never attract the ire of a man ready and willing to kill. However even as the thought entered his mind, it seemed that the same thought popped into Weasel¡¯s head as well, because his darting eyes froze in terror as he took in the blood covering Zero and the ease at which he held himself despite the wounds.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but your friend is right. I¡¯m not who you think I am. You probably just got the wrong person anyway.¡±

    ¡°W-what.. But...¡±

    Zero, ignoring the young woman¡¯s stuttering, backed away while keeping a close eye on all those around him. Closest to him were the fifty or so gathered individuals, most of whom stood perfectly fine if not shaken mentally. In their midst however, were the warriors. Seven individuals, five men and two women, whose torn clothes and bloody weapons that rested in their hands spoke of their actions. Zero noted all of their faces before sweeping his gaze further back.

    Separated by a sizable gap, roamed two different groups that each looked to be around ten to fifteen people strong. One of the packs contained only men, young and old, whose dirty and layered clothes coupled with their unkempt hair marked them as homeless. The weapons that they gripped in their hands with vice-like firmness however, spoke of their danger. Shuffling between the pack of people near Zero and the homeless, was the smallest group of six women and four men that were tourists as marked by their travel gear and clothing.

    All together, they accounted for the 83 surviving members.

    As Zero worked his way over their figures, he tried to recall in his memory if any of them were noticeable or standouts. The search was a struggle though, and futile. While he was sure there were some details that stuck out the first time around when he entered the Abyss, after so many years, he could only recall one piece of information.

    By the time he left the 1st Zone known as Origin, he had been the sole survivor of his 100-man group.

    Walking away from the group, Zero remained steadfast and focused on what to do next. He had to clear of the forest and reach the hill that would eventually be where he would make his defense. Nothing else mattered, especially with the sun setting already. It wouldn¡¯t be long before the night descended, and with it the creature¡¯s.

    Turning away, Zero made it only a few steps before a voice behind him called out.

    ¡°Wait! Young man, wait. Where are you going?¡±

    The voice, filled with uncertainty, caused Zero to pause as he wondered if he should even answer. But, why should he? He had already saved a number of them by defeating the majority of the Goblins. If they were truly worried, they could just follow him. Thus, ignoring the plea from behind him, he merely half-heartedly waved his hand as he continued on his approach.

    ¡°Hey! Bitch-boi! You finna get hit? Stop walking and open your trap. Where ya think you going?¡±

    As Zero heard the voice accompanied by the rapid shuffle of feet pounding on dirt, he stopped and allowed his fingers to trace against the handles of the dual blades that hung snuggly against his belt. His fingers tapped against the handles in a odd and rapid repetition, as was his habit when faced with a possible confrontation.

    Turning slowly with total ease at the situation, he saw a gang of nine young men and four women, of whom Rose and the Weasel were apart of, stand just out of swords reach. Behind them, the large group and two smaller groups of people all watched in nervous and fearful anticipation.

    ¡°Ya Coop,¡± a short, muscular man that looked to be 20ish who rocked a mullet spoke while sizing up Zero with a measured look, ¡°that¡¯s right. I¡¯m talking to you. Don¡¯t think you be steppin away wit-out us.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Around the short man, the others in the group nodded and watched while postering for confidence. In Zero¡¯s eyes though, it was pathetic. The fools thought they were tough. Thought they were the shit. Tch...

    Smirking at their antics, Zero remained calm and let the smirk sit easily on his face. It was patronizing smile, one that Zero showed with a hint of mockery.

    ¡°Oi, bitch. You betta not-¡±

    ¡°First.¡± Zero¡¯s sharp and even words interrupted Mullet¡¯s as he laid bare his ire on Mullet and his crew while holding up his index finger. ¡°My name is not Coop, or Cooper, or anything else. It is Zero. Say it, or don¡¯t say anything. Second,¡± he raised his middle finger, ¡°I am walking out of this death pit. I don¡¯t know what is happening, but I am not staying here, in this open forest, to find out. Third,¡± a third finger joined the other two as he proceeded speaking and continued to address the entire gathered crowd. ¡°You are all free to join me or to go your own way. I do not care. But, it would be wise to grab a weapon before you make your choice. And fourth,¡± he spoke in a chilling tone while leveling his gaze at the 13 young men and women before him that now backed off under his scrutiny. ¡°Threaten me again, and I will gut you as easily as I did those creatures.¡±

    As he saw his message get delivered and fear build in people eyes, Zero nodded to himself in satisfaction before resuming his walk. Silence reigned behind him, bringing with it satisfaction that he wouldn¡¯t have to deal with them as long as he inspired fear. This wasn¡¯t what Jasmine would want, or even Reginald, but they weren¡¯t here. Hell, even Omar and Reaper would have taken a different approach and probably killed the lot of them. In fact, Omar even did that to as to gain their Runes. But, he wasn¡¯t them. He would walk his path. What that path was though, even he didn¡¯t know.

    But, Zero thought with a firm resolve for the future, it would not be like the past. He had been weak, forced to clutch at those more powerful than him for saving. They used him then, and tossed him aside. Now, he would gain his own power. As for who he would save along the way, that would be up for another day to decide. Besides, he thought with a slight morbid humor, the lot of the people behind him wouldn¡¯t see past Origin anyway. Dead, before they even clear their ¡®origin story¡¯.

    Laughing at his own joke, Zero proceeded onward. Behind him, whispers and arguments built as people became lost in what to do. It didn¡¯t take long though for Zero¡¯s form to drift further away, before people decided to follow the man that had ripped through the creatures with a terrifying ease. After all, they had no clue where to go, but they¡¯d rather go with the man that could protect them, versus roaming around without a plan. Of course, the idea of camping around a bunch of dead Goblins in the middle of a forest opening also didn¡¯t sit well with most of them.

    Thus, lead by one of the Heroes of Humanity, the group trekked forward in the dying light of the day that had yet to be finished.

    In a long, winding line, the survivors trailed after Zero as he walked with purpose. It wasn¡¯t until over an hour passed, and the sun had only become a sliver of light that illuminated his steps, did Zero clear the overgrowth of the forest and see his destination before him.

    Around 500 feet in front of him, towered a rocky cliff that hung imposing in the fading orange and yellow light of the day. Like a curtain closing against the like, the last vestige of warmth and safety that the glow of the sun permitted fell against the rocky cliff that jutted out from a small hill. Cliffs surged from the ground to the sky, piecing high and steep as its grey facade acted as the guiding beacon for Zero and the other survivors. With his destination in sight, Zero¡¯s speed decreased as he approached with an even stride. In eyes, hooded by strands of hair that swayed before his eyes, took in the surrounding open terrain of endless fields of lush grass and plant life. Fields, that roamed far beyond his vision, were only blocked by the immense cliff-face.

    As he walked closer, Zero took in more and more of his surroundings. Noticing the food that would be edible, the resources that he and the others would need to construct some safe zone, and the stream of water that cut across the landscape just East of area he would defend.

    By the time he reached the small hill and turned to overlook the vast landscape, he was quite pleased with his decision. On his first occasion through the Abyss¡¯s 1st Zone, Origin, he didn¡¯t know such a place existed and never even reached it. Only after talking with other survivors, especially those members of The Corps, did he understand such a bastion of safety existed. However, there was more than just safety that brought him here.

    ¡°It will be a pain to climb,¡± he mumbled under his breath as he craned his neck to look at the peak of the cliff.

    ¡°Oi, da hell is this? You telling me-¡±

    From Zero¡¯s side, Mullet threw a pebble at the cliff¡¯s wall as he spoke snarky words. With a sharp and taunting look from Zero though, Mullet boy stopped. As he saw the fear creep into his eyes, Zero smiled at Mullet, wishing he would finish the sentence. Instead though, Zero watched as the young man coughed violently before continuing in a more reserved manner.

    ¡°I meant, that this is what we is supposed to sleep under? It don¡¯t make no sense brotha...er, I mean Z-zero. The forest probably had plenty of food and stuff, plus we could¡¯ve slept in the trees or made huts. Instead, we out here in the fucking cold, wit nothin but ourselves.¡±

    Behind him, others nodded in agreement. Watching it, Zero had to suppress the smirk that threatened to break his ¡®dont-mess-with-me¡¯ face and attitude. His first time through Origin, he too had the same thought and in fact he and the 75 survivors of his first Trail did in fact do that. Even now, over a dozen years later, that scene of nightmarish horrors and terror still chilled his bones. The Goblins were the first test, but the second test, the true test, came at night.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. So go on back to the forest and stay there.¡±

    ¡°Cooper, please, he -¡± Rose, stepping forward to stand next to Mullet let the frustration in her voice threw as she spoke in a lecturing tone. Before she could finish however, a hand from Weasel rested on her shoulder as he pulled her close to his body.

    Zero watched with growing irritation at their lack of urgency, but remained steady. While he wouldn¡¯t need them, especially considering what his true goals were for the coming three days, they would be of help. Besides, he thought with a clear resolution, he wouldn¡¯t throw people to the wolves. He couldn¡¯t help everyone, but he would help enable those who were willing to save themselves and those they cared about.

    ¡°I mean, Zero,¡± Rose¡¯s voice attracted Zero¡¯s attention. The loud whispers of their group had subsided and Rose spoke once more with fake, honeyed words of sweetness. ¡°Is there a reason for coming here?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. You followed me. What was your reason?¡±

    As Zero¡¯s words spread loud enough for all to hear, curses of irritation and anger surged through many in the crowd. Zero remained calm though, awaiting an answer to his question that he thought was well reasoned.

    With her chest heaving up and down, Zero watched as Rose fought to control herself but failed before she threw her hands up and turned around. Yet before another member of Mullet¡¯s gang could voice their frustration, a new and very light voice asked from behind them.

    ¡°Please sir, can you tell us?¡± The voice, carried forward by the rapidly cooling wind of the plains, was followed by mid-twenties woman with a noticeable American accent. The same accent, Zero noted in remiscience, that Jasmine had. ¡°We are thankful for your protection, and for God¡¯s hand in guiding you to us. But can you tell us why we are here?¡±

    A dozen different answers popped into Zero¡¯s mind as each vyed to be spoken. Instead of being rude or cynical though, he was honest. ¡°Because, you would¡¯ve died in the forest. Out here, with the cliff to our backs, you have a fighting chance. Now come. Prepare and rest. The night will be long.¡±

    Dismissing the woman and the rest of the crowd, Zero trotted back towards the forest. He had work to do before the Moon rose to its peak.

 Chapter 6

    In the inky dark expanse of the night that shined with a glimmer of stardust and dying suns, a pyre of fire burned like a firefly with its flickering, tiny strength. Heat, burning hard and fast in its throes of an inevitable death, splashed against Zero¡¯s face as he concentrated on the makeshift wooden spear before him. Sitting alone on a log he chopped down previously in the day, Zero worked the short sword he had up and down the shaft of the spear. Smooth, even strokes stripped the spear of its bark before it whittled down the spearhead down to a fine, and deadly point. Looking at the spear in satisfaction, Zero nodded as he dropped it atop the pile of seven other spears.

    Finished with his task, he reached down to grab at a yellow-orange tinted fruit that other members of the group gathered after ensuring it was edible. With a quiet bite, the flavor of green-apple candy exploded in his mouth. Wiping away the juice from his lips, Zero turned his attention to the surrounding area.

    Away from the rest of the survivors on his own log, Zero watched as the men and women who were transported with him here all sat around the pyre he ignited with his skill, Fire¡¯s Edge. Closest to his left, were the normal working individuals and the tourist group. Sweeping his eyes over their figures, a pang of guilt swept through Zero as he listened to their haunting cries and endless sniffling. Even after a hard day¡¯s labor, many of them couldn¡¯t sleep. The fear of what was to come tonight, the tragedy of the day up til now, and the uncertainty of their life, left many lost.

    Zero sighed as he watched them. They wouldn¡¯t last long if this continued. He couldn¡¯t blame them, but it didn¡¯t matter. They would soon learn what it takes to survive. Whether they stepped up to that challenge or didn''t...

    Shrugging away the pointless thoughts, Zero¡¯s eyes continued onward to the second group, which was composed of only the homeless. Unlike the main group, the thirteen homeless men all carried themselves vigilantly as they stood on the outskirts of the fire with their backs to the cliffs. In their hands, swords and makeshift spears and clubs were constantly clenched and gripped.

    A slight smile appeared on Zero¡¯s face. He expected nothing less from such hardened individuals. He too had learned that a man is never the same when society turns it back on them. You must become stronger, or you will waste away. He was glad to see that at least some people would join him. As he took in their forms, some of the men must have felt his gaze because they turned to regard him. Their eyes locked, before the few homeless fighters nodded in respect to him. It was all the communication he needed.

    However, the satisfaction of having some fighters with him tonight was quickly diminished as Zero turned and took in the final group. The ¡®delinquents¡¯ as he began thinking of them, had grown now to include a few more young men and women that seemed to appreciate their boisterousness. Zero only narrowed his eyes as he watched them gorge on fruits and play around with their swords and shittily crafted spears. He ignored them. The fools would see what their actions bought them once the time comes.

    Turning back to work on the next spear, Zero winced as the wounds on his body ached for relief. He ignored his body¡¯s cries though. The moon was drawing to its peak high above, bringing with it their new tormentors.

    ¡°Pardon me, Zero?¡± A voice to his left, belonging to the same American girl from before, whispered to him in curiosity. ¡°May I join you?¡±

    A huff of breath, none too quiet, burst from Zero as he felt a headache coming onto him. A desire to run away, or climb the rock cliff, or fend off the young woman with one of his spears entered his mind. Before he could capitalize on one of the ideas though, the young woman strided confidently across the grass to sit next to Zero on his log.

    Zero, concerned by her proximity to him, gave the young women a queer look as he scooted over more to the side to create a gap. No, concerned may be the wrong word. More like...disturbed. Humans are fickle, deadly animals that can have 1000 and 1 motivations or desires. And the young woman, with her pale and freckled skin that contrasted with the dark grey tank-top and black jeans, left him with no idea on what she wanted. Her eyes, amber like her close-cut fiery red hair that framed her face, stared at him in fascination. It was like he was being studied, watched, and analyzed. He would¡¯ve preferred fear or reverence than the look of pure glee and curiosity she carried.

    With an easy smile, the young woman scooted closer to Zero as she spoke to him with a slight sense of mirth in her voice. ¡°I never had the pleasure of introducing myself to you, sir. My name is Abigail Diamond. How do you do?¡±

    Zero scooted further away, giving her a sidelong glance as he focused on the spear in his hands. Unless it was important or necessary, he would rather not discuss basic and fruitless subjects and waste his breath with needless words.

    ¡°Well, that is quite alright if you don¡¯t reply. I do hope you can accept my gratitude though.¡± Abigail, with the voice of a southern damsel, lost a portion of her smile as she spoke softer than before. ¡°I...I don¡¯t know what to say. Whatever happened back there, well... We were lucky the Lord Almighty delivered you to our protection.¡±

    With a snort of derision, Zero turned his attention from the spear to Abigail. He watched as her demeanor shifted and she leaned back under his scrutiny. ¡°The Lord didn¡¯t send me. The Lord Almighty doesn¡¯t exist.¡±

    ¡°Why...how could you say such a thing? He is with us, everywhere and in everyone. And you...¡± she leaned forward, ¡°you are his chosen warrior.¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°No...¡± Zero sighed while lifting his head now to see the Moon as it settled into position directly overhead of him at its zenith. ¡°I am just a man saving himself. No God sent me here. No God, as you talk of him, could do such a thing.¡±

    ¡°Oh, and why is that?¡±

    Standing from the log and cleaning off all the wood shavings on his pants and shirt, Zero grabbed the nine spears. Looking up, he noticed that everyone in the camp was watching his moves. No one was crying. No one was joking. Their eyes pierced him, in search of what he would do. Ignoring them for now, Zero walked towards the makeshift defense. Just as he passed Abigail though, he spoke just loud enough for everyone near him to hear. ¡°What God would send me here, send us all here, only to get butchered by the creatures coming for us. Right. Now.¡±

    His words rang behind him as he continued forward. However, they served the purpose he was looking for. The rapid sound of movements and people talking in voices that were far from the whispers they thought they were speaking in picked up in pitch around the fire. Shouts for control and people calling for order filled the air along with the embers of the pyre that floated into the sky. Yet Zero ignored it.

    Instead, he focused on what was before him. Walking clear of the rowdy group, he approached the makeshift defense of spikes that were driven into the ground and pointed upwards with sharp points tapering from the rest of the forearm width log. The spikes, forming a semi-circle around their camp, were procured and shaped from his efforts of using Fire¡¯s Edge, to cut down trees and chop them to proper size. Testing their edge, Zero nodded in satisfaction as he stood just the spikes in anticipation of what was to come.

    His peaceful silence was broken however within mere moments. Behind Zero, the sound of short swords tapping against each other and the scuttle of dozens of feet told him that he would not fight alone. The heavy breathing of the new arrivals behind Zero told him of their nervousness. A nervousness, he recalled, he was all too familiar from his past life.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. Don¡¯t be afraid. Work together, and everything will be alright.¡±

    Zero spoke in his distant yet still underdeveloped voice that made it hard for anyone to truly take him seriously. The words though, carried with them a complete seriousness that sent the fighters behind him into a displicined stance. The terse silence, as comforting as it was to Zero, was broken though after a minute passed with no enemy to be seen.

    ¡°W-what are you....I mean, what are we looking for?¡±

    ¡°Is there anything out there, or did you just get a little scared of the-¡±

    Ignoring the first question, Zero sent a sharp glare to Mullet who spoke up once more in the bitchy little tone that irked Zero. The answer to both of the questions came soon enough though. Just moments after the older woman that was still in her prime asked Zero what they were looking for, growls echoed out horribly from the forest. Low, throaty, and with a dangerous tone that immediately sent Zero¡¯s and the rest of the people¡¯s minds in a panic at a possible predator coming. Like a crescendoing orchestra, the roars of foreign danger built higher and higher as they came closer. Goosebumps, of excitement more than fear, appeared on his arms. Anticipation of the fight to come, of the power he would gain, forced him to take a step. Even as he did, those around him moved backwards.

    Then the rapid shuffling of people moving backwards in fright was followed as soon as the foreign demons darted out of the forest. Zero watched with ears roaring with blood as the Nightstalkers, as he and others who lived past Origin called them, pounced forward. Muted long grey hair flowed behind the dozens of Nightstalkers as they raced across the plains and towards the fire that illuminated their food source.

    ¡°This is why you wouldn¡¯t have survived in the trees.¡± Zero¡¯s voice, eerily filled with a yearning, brought the survivors back to the present. ¡°These animals can climb the trunks as easily as they run across the ground. Separated, without any defenses, you would¡¯ve been mauled by multiple Nightstalkers before dying alone.¡±

    A silence followed Zero¡¯s words, but yet again, it wasn¡¯t long before someone coughed for his attention. Zero, hearing the intake of breath that would be followed by words, turned to see Weasel staring at Zero with a calculating gaze and an open mouth. His words, hesitant yet without a lick of fear, asked the question on everyone¡¯s mind. ¡°How... How did you know that? About those...things.¡±

    Stuck between their hard pressed looks, Zero couldn¡¯t help but swear to himself quietly. He couldn¡¯t tell them the truth, that he was reborn and given a second chance. Among all things, it was the expressed consensus of all the scientists and powerful mage-types in the various Legions of The Corps that speaking about events of the future, or about his knowledge of events, would lead to catastrophic problems. One danger was that more information about the Abyss and anything about it would speed up the process of entering the Final Zone. Additionally, who knew who was watching over them right now. While it would be unlikely he would be killed, solely because of the fact that the Guides would be highly entertained with his presence and ability to disrupt the Abyss, one never knew what would happen. Besides, if he talked about knowing the future and being right about it, he would be a slave to those in power. So, with little alternatives in mind, Zero said the only thing he could think of.

    ¡°The Almighty Lord and Savior, our Father in Heaven, speaks to me. He told me of the demons that would come tonight.¡±

    Blank faced, Zero delivered his lie with the ease of an innocent man. What he saw staring back at him though, were queer looks and knotted eyes that looked at each other for confirmation on what they just heard. Among them all, none were most confused then Abigail who stared at Zero in slack-jawed amazement.

    Watching their expressions and ensuing silence, Zero mentally patted himself on the back at seeing how effective his little white lie was. Turning away from them, he focused back at the approaching Nightstalkers. Having closed half the distance, it was easier to make out their four foot high frames that elicited danger from their sabertooth like canines and immense claws that dug up the earth with each stride.

    ¡°Two things,¡± Zero spoke once more to those around him as he grabbed for his spears. ¡°First, if you can, save any Stamina runes. Don¡¯t integrate into your body, but rather let them remain floating around your wrist. If you do, I will trade other runes, such as Agility or Strength for them after the fight. And second,¡± he said while tossing seven of the nine spears out into the open and on the other side of the spikes. ¡°Stay on this side of the spikes, or you will die.¡±

    With those words, Zero strood forward in between the dense spikes. In his hands, two of his makeshift spears that tapped and rattled against the two short swords attached to his belt. He had some killing to do, and revenge to inflict on these sorry little mutts.

 Chapter 7

    Hugo ( homeless man ) POV

    Hugo fought back another Nightstalker, pushing it back against one of the spikes. Trapped, the beast tried to lung at him but a spear from behind Hugo darted past his shoulder and into the body of the Nightstalker. Pinned to the ground, Hugo made quick work of it with his sword. With a grunt of effort, he ripped free the sword in tired effort. As blood spurted from the Nightstalker to litter his already dirtied peacott, he turned to nod in thanks at young Martin, one of the younger boys of their wandering ¡®family¡¯. Martin in turn stepped forward, filling Hugo¡¯s spot in the defense and allowing him a quick breather. One well needed and deserved.

    ¡°Ya! Take that bitch! Come get some!¡±

    To his right though, rough and boisterous shouting from the group of young men and woman from the city could be heard. It didn¡¯t take long for his eyes to spot the individual making the ruckus. Near the spikes and surrounded by a cadre of his followers, the stocky midget that commanded the group of good for nothing punks slicked the head off a Nightstalker. Hugo watched in disgust as euphoria lit up the boy¡¯s face as he kicked the body to the side with a roar that shook his mullet up and down.

    Shaking his head, Hugo turned his attention away from the boy. Truly, he did hate such pompous and upper class kids that took advantage of others, especially his fellow homeless brethren. But he had to admit, albeit with a hint of resentfulness, the boy and his crew did know how to fight and kill. It was needed, especially considering that only thirty-four of their number were fighting. Well, he revised his thoughts, thirty-five if he included the man out in the field.

    Directing his eyes across the dark of night, Hugo followed the trail of burning grass to track the man known as Zero. Streaks of burning fire criss-crossed across the land. Their flames, illuminating the bodies of tens of dead Nightstalkers, scarred the land. At the head of the flames though, more than halfway towards the forest, streaked a billowing sword of crimson. It acted as a light beacon for Hugo, allowing him to watch the man that had saved them.

    ¡°RELIEF!¡±

    A shout ahead of Hugo pulled his focus back. Before him, young Martin and another of their gang, Desmond, struggled to hold off four Nightstalkes that had launched themselves through the dense spikes and into the frey. Hugo¡¯s heart spiked in his chest as his breath hitched. The boys, not even men really, thrusted with their spears in a poor attempt to hold off the Nightstalkers.

    Springing into action, Hugo left behind his own spear, loosing his sword from his belt in smooth movement. Heavy steps from his rather bulky and out of shape form indented the dirt as he charged forward while releasing a roar cry to grab the Nightstalkers attention. It succeeded in grabbing one of the roving Nightstalkers, which leapt forward, claws out and fangs exposed. Instead of dodging the strike though, Hugo allowed the beast¡¯s natural weapons dig into his flesh. In a heap, they fell to the ground with Hugo twisting his body at the last second to land atop the foul abomination. Claws, two inches long and serrated into deadly edges, latched onto his shoulders and arms. Snarling in pain, anger, and desire, Hugo reached out with his free hand, punching the Nightstalker in its head three times before finally getting a grip on the things throat. Using his strength and body weight, Hugo throttled the creature into the ground as his blood slick hands grasped his sword as best he could. Ears ringing and heart pumping, the din of battle around Hugo fueled him further than a normal man would go. Adrenaline, and the bloodlust that thrummed in his chest, powered his short sword into the creature¡¯s jaw. Arms pumping, he stabbed four more time into its skull before the beast finally stopped moving and succumbed to death.

    Panting, heavy and with chest heaving, Hugo shoved his hand on the Nightstalkers head. Acting as part support to stand up, and as a means to materialize the Rune around his wrist, Hugo stood with newly rejuvenated power coming from the Strength Rune that poured into his being. Hot and alive like electricity, his body hummed as a wisp of raging energy shot through him from head to toe. It was....nearly arousing, Hugo decided with a sick disgust.

    The euphoria however, was short lived.

    ¡°He-lll-pp.....¡±. As the clashing of battle returned, with men and women swearing and screaming as their blades piercing into the howling Nightstalkers that had begun piling up, a familiar voice mumbled ever so slightly beneath the clamour of combat. Hugo, eyes like pin needles, felt the blood drain from his face as he saw the face of young Martin. The boy, only have just reached his 18th birthday, reached out a mauled and flayed hand towards Hugo. Hugo watched as despair crept to clutch his heart, as the boy¡¯s mouth moved but no words came out. The tears that streamed down his face and mixed with the blood gushing from his throat was all that Hugo needed to see to understand his pain. It was the last thing Hugo saw too. Fur, smokey grew and impossibly long filled Hugo¡¯s vision. Then, the boy he cherished as one of his own sons disappeared into the maw of a Nightstalker

    It was there, in that moment, that a part of Hugo died.

    A roar, guttural and feral, tore itself from Hugo¡¯s throat as he launched himself forward. Hands, weaponless and acting as claws, ripped into the creature¡¯s long and grey wispy fur. Riding the beast as it bucked like a horse, Hugo savagely trapped its maw shut while ruthlessly beating at its throat. In a tumble, the duo of man and monster went down. Through the struggle though, Hugo remained behind the beast and now wrapped his two meaty and somewhat flabby arms around the creature. Strength, from the Runes, from his love of the dead child he fostered, and from his rage at what forsaken God could put them in this hell, coursed through his arms as he tightened his grip on the neck of the beast. Tighter and tighter he gripped, gnashing his teeth together as he allowed his infernal scream to build and rage inside the cage that was his throat. Like that, together in the dirt and blood of another world, Hugo choked the life out of the Nightstalker until its whimpering cries died. Just as young Martin died.

    Long after the creature was killed though, Hugo remained attached to it. Unrelenting as he sought to squeeze everything he could out of this infernal creature. Sobbing chokes, filled with pleas of pain and misery, rang around him as others of the group pushed forward to drive back the now frenzied Nightstalkers. With his chest shuddering and his breath unable to calm down, Hugo pushed the disgusting creature off of his body with shaking hands that wouldn¡¯t stop trembling. As he did so though, a gold coin, the size of his palm appeared atop the grass where the Nightstalker laid.

    Even through his tear stained eyes, Hugo saw the medallion as clear as day. He reached for it, hungering for what it would grant it. Yearning for the ability to sow vengeance into these pests. The medallion had no pull over him with its innate ability to attract. Hugo went to it willing, greedily even, with only one thought on his mind.

    Kill...

    <hr>

    Zero POV

    Across the scrum and melee that was occurring in the defended area of the campsite, a flame darted across the soul-consuming expanse of darkness. Flames, small but with a noticeable heat, illuminated the area around its source as it lashed out. Sometimes calm and still, hovering with a deadliness in the wake of death, and sometimes with a frenzied intensity of action that created a storm of strikes.

    Zero, wielding the iron sword short that burned with the power of his skill, Fire¡¯s Edge, looked around him warringly. His mind was blank, given into the moment and the instincts of battle, honed from more than a decade of life and death battles. Brown eyes that blended into the black of his pupil¡¯s gleaned intensively as he licked the sides of his lips. Watching the three Nightstalkers that roved around him and snarled in intimidation, his smile only grew bigger as his fingers tapped on the sword handle with greater speed. The rhymm grew, building with it his desire to launch himself forward. Still, he knew he had to wait. Even after the battle he¡¯s been through already, he knew he could take the three on with little threat. He would¡¯ve preferred to. But...Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    With a quick look over the prowling Nightstalkers, Zero¡¯s eyes looked toward his true prey with the appraising eyes of appreciation that a seasoned fighter had for a respected opponent. Bigger than the Nightstalkers by nearly two times their size, the darkness before Zero shifted and moved as if alive. Through the pitch black darkness, Zero watched his true target with a weariness. He knew it wouldn''t attack while he kept busy with its kin, but one could never be too careful. Luckily, the Alpha of the pack was a predator through and through. It would wait. Biding its time with its predatory prowl as it awaited the outcome of the fight before it.

    Seeing its intentions, Zero flashed a grin of sin and mischief. Already the thought of tearing into the beast and claiming his prize of Runes filled him with a fire. But...

    Tearing his gaze away from the darkness and towards the enraged Nightstalkers, Zero knew that he too shouldn¡¯t play with his prey. With eyes tracking the roving Nightstalkers, Zero¡¯s grin grew sharper and sharper as his fingers tapped against his sole remaining weapon in a rapid pace. Like a signal of the impending battle, the Nightstalkers snarled and growled in a poor attempt of intimidation. Zero only snorted as the smile grew even wider and his eyes flickered across their three forms with an almost anticipatory excitement. Faster his fingers tapped, building the rhythm to a new height. With a thought, more of his Mana that rested in his upper chest shot towards his left hand which gripped the sword and brought the flames to nearly double their previous size. The Mana, warm and vibrant with life, emptied from him. He couldn¡¯t continue to burn his Mana like this. Hell, he thought remorselessly, he couldn¡¯t even continue fighting for much longer. Already the ache of his overstrained muscles sent his body quivering from consuming his Stamina much too quickly. Even his Health was draining from him, courtesy from the dozens of nicks, scratches, bites, and rending claw strikes to his lithe figure that seemed much too weak to bear the damage.

    However, even now as he hunched over weak, wounded, and pushed to his limit, Zero let the feral smile bloom on his face as his eyes hungrily looked towards his prey. This moment, and all the ones like it and all the ones to come, were when he was truly alive. It was as blood poured out and his strength weaned that he rose. The weak sought comfort. The strong sought challenge. But champions, the few and far between that rose like Gods...they sought destruction of themselves. Only when you are crumbled and breaking, having hit rock bottom and then shoved another eight feet down, can truly you become forged stronger than before.

    With breathing pitching faster, Zero¡¯s fingers tapped in erratic movement of non-stop energy that crescendoed against the echoes that filled the air. Faster and faster, the sounds combined in a harsh symphony, bringing with it the rising presence of Zero¡¯s desire. Bated breath rose and fell in rapid movement with his chest as the dregs of his Stamina and Mana fueled him. Finally, his tapping reached the utmost speed as his fingers blurred into one another as the rhythm to tapping blurred into one harmonious sound of heinous forewarning.

    Before him, the Nightstalkers howled as their long and wispy fur that resembled drifting trails of smoke stood up. To Zero¡¯s left, the Nightstalker in the corner of his vision bared its teeth as its snout twisted in a sign of aggression.

    It was exactly what Zero was waiting for.

    With speed surpassing a human¡¯s natural limits, Zero¡¯s fingers ceased their tapping to grasp tightly against his weapon¡¯s handle. Five darting steps brought his figure gliding across the grass as if he wasn¡¯t bound by the weight of gravity. As he approached, the Nightstalker¡¯s eyes widened in an almost human-like expression of surprise. Before it could react however, Zero¡¯s sword as already darted forward and pierced through its open maw to ram itself into the creature¡¯s skull. Life, filled with pain and anguish, flooded the Nightstalker¡¯s eyes before the touch of life in them died and flames from the sword poured through to burn the Nightstalker to a crisp.

    It took only a second or two for the entire scene to play out. It took another two seconds for the remaining two Nightstalkers to realize what had occurred. Only by the fifth second of elapsed time, did the remaining Nightstalker duo howl in retribution and pounced forward as their thick muscles tensed and released in use. As they closed, Zero spun in anticipation of their move. The blur of his sword sliced through the night with deadly life, bearing its searing heat against their fur before flames danced from the sword¡¯s blade to skirt through the air and ignite on their bodies.

    In a tumble, all three went down into the muck and the mire. Before their bodies hit the ground though, the fight was already decided. The flames, ignited from Mana, burned bright across the Nightstalkers back as Zero clawed and stabbed with his swords from beneath them. Their wails racked against Zero¡¯s ears as painful throbs from their screams and claws elicited agony throughout his worn figure. Snarling in anger and pain that he refused to release, Zero pumped his arm violently as the blade sunk into both Nightstalkers while the flames roasted them from within. Blood, spilling profusely from their numerous wounds, bathed Zero as he finally finished one of the Nightstalkers off and struggled to his feet.

    Hard pressed to catch his breath, Zero used his sword as a cane to assist him. Crazed eyes flickered to the dead Nightstalker, before landing on the other one that lay on its side on the grass. Scorched black, the smell of burnt fur and flesh reached Zero¡¯s nostrils as he shakinly stepped forward. As he approached, the Nightstalker whimpered and moaned as its claws pawed at the ground in an effort to pull itself to the creature that prowled in the dark. Zero watched as it scrambled pathetically in the grass. His eyes, a dark brown that neared black, remained placid as nary a flicker of emotion appeared in his heart. He didn¡¯t enjoy this. Killing a weak animal. Hearing it whimper in pain as death and what accompanied it draped over its life with a finality of extinction. He knew what that felt like.

    But this was his path. This was life in the Abyss. So, as Zero reached the Nightstalker that sought what little air it could use to fill its cut and damaged lungs, he dropped to one knee and placed his bloodied hand on its body. With slow, smooth strokes, Zero¡¯s fingers sunk into what little fur was left as he placed the sword against the back of the Nightstalker¡¯s head.

    ¡°Shhhh. Shhhh....¡±

    His words, soft and understanding, were lost in the howling winds of the plains that whipped cold air across his cut and bleeding face. As if entranced, the Nightstalker stopped its whimpering. Head resting and with eyelids drooping over its fierce yellow eyes, the creature shuddered as the last remaining vestiges of struggle died.

    ¡°Shhhh..... Shhhhh....¡±

    Then the blade, positioned between the head and the spine, darted forward to separate the two and end the creature¡¯s life.

    Like that, kneeling next to the Nightstalker corpse, Zero remained. Seconds ticked by as bitterness flooded his mouth with its bad taste. He wasn¡¯t sad, or emotional about what he did. It was necessary. Either he would¡¯ve died, or the Nightstalker would¡¯ve. There was no other option. Not here in this moment, or in the future. This was the Abyss. While there would always be options and paths one could take, it would always come down to this at the end. Either you die, or your opponent does. Only through this, is it possible rise.

    As moments pass in silence, with only the sound of Zero¡¯s heavy panting mixed with the sound of grass being crushed beneath something heavy, Zero¡¯s heart stilled. Raising his head, the blurred brown and black eyes that melded into each other stared into the darkness around Zero as he watched the creature of the dark approach.

    Standing six feet tall and fourteen feet long, the onyx fur of the Elite Nightstalker draped from its immense frame like a cloak. Fur, matted and dirty, covered its deadly orange eyes that focused on Zero as it prowled forward leisurely. Through the flames of his spell though, Zero was able to make out the creature before him. It was a warrior, through and through. Silver scars and patchy hair that was matted in blood and mud gave the regal looking Elite Nightstalker a very savage look. It is to be expected however, considering its position. It is a true fighter, a leader of a pack. Its kin do not follow those that are weak. Only the strong may lead the strong.

    Zero eyed the creature, feeling the burning sensation of desire rise. Rekindled in the face of a challenge, the fire that burned hot in Zero reached a new scorching level. The flames of desire and hunger ignited in his eyes, setting them aglow as he stared back at the Elite Nightstalker. On his face, a crooked smile of bloody teeth appeared.

    Finished catching his breath and retrieving the Runes from the three Nightstalkers, Zero¡¯s fingers began tapping on his sword once more as he moved in tandem with the Elite Nightstalker.

    ¡°Well?¡± he says in a mock derision that sent his smile wide, ¡°you gonna make a move? Or, should I?¡±

    The flash of fur and the charge of the Elite Nightstalker towards him was all the answer he needed.

 Chapter 8

    Ethan (Weasel) POV

    <hr>

    Ethan sat atop the log as he stared at his bloody hands. Dried from the morning sun that just barely peaked out from the endless plains, they cracked and peeled under his scrutiny. His hands trembled and shook against each other as he tried to peel off the blood. His fingers picked at it, scrubbing it with an intensity that would leave his hands rubbed raw. He didn¡¯t care though. He just didn¡¯t want the blood on his hands. A sight for anyone to see that depicted the actions he committed in the night.

    As he scrubbed his palms together, furiously working on the task with single minded purpose, a weight shifted on his lap that caused him to pause his work. Rose, still dressed in her all black yoga outfit with matching jewelry, shivered as she involuntarily moved closer to Ethan. Frozen in fear of waking her, Ethan watched as Rose tossed and turned in her sleep. The worst of it though, was her expression of fear and the tears that touched the corner of her eyes. Watching her struggle, Ethan reached out his bloody hand, pausing in hesitation as it hovered over her head, but continued nonetheless. With smooth, gentle strokes through her luscious hair, Ethan traced his fingers lovingly down her face. In response, the look of worry subsided almost immediately as Rose scooted closer to Ethan in her sleep. The response brought a smile to his lip. He always loved her like this, defenseless and open to him. She always tried to portray herself as something else, someone else. But when they were alone, or when she slept, the true Rose revealed itself.

    Watching her, a grin graced Ethan¡¯s weasel-like face as he couldn¡¯t help but admire Rose. It was a suitable name after all, he thought. She truly did have thorns that kept away most everyone else. But towards him....she was the most beautiful woman. No woman here, or anywhere else, could compare to the true Rose. The one he fell for. And supposedly, the one Zero, or whoever he was in the past, did too...

    As the thought of Zero popped into his head for the hundredth time that morning, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but look up towards the cliff. Even now, he couldn¡¯t see the man. Or rather, he revised grimly, the monster. Recalling the performance from last night, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but gawk in awe and terror at Zero as he returned to camp with a trail of tens of dead Nightstalkers behind him. The man...was something else. The level of skill he had. The power he possessed. He made Ethan and everyone else look like disabled teens compared to him. At least that is how he saw it. Others though...

    ¡°...fuck yah! You know I did sweetie. Those little mutts weren¡¯t nothin.¡±

    Across from Ethan, near their group¡¯s small little fire that spread warmth to the eighteen people in the group, stood Xavier. Towering over his 5¡¯5 frame that was packed on with muscle, two young women latched onto his arms as they stared past the mullet and at him with smiles.

    ¡°Those freaks thought they get attack me after I was pounced on by four of them. But I immediately killed two with my sword, attacking like this and that,¡± he snarled and grunted as he reenacted the fight with over-exaggerated punches and kicks and sword swings. ¡°Then as I lost my sword because some fool got in my way, I strangled the other two with my bare hands!¡±

    Ethan watched with darting eyes of intelligence as Xavier reenacted his performance. Around the group of kids his age, no one contradicted the statements. Ethan had an urge to, especially since Xavier only killed two of the Nightstalkers, and that was with his help at holding the others off with his spear. But he didn¡¯t. It wasn¡¯t his place, and doing so would only draw attention away from Xavier and towards him, which was the last thing he wanted. However while Ethan didn¡¯t speak up, another voice with the sound of a southern bell did.

    ¡°Oh wow....you must be sooo...strong?¡± The mockery in her voice dripped like poisoned honey. Sashaying forward with her hips swinging in tune, Ethan¡¯s eyes narrowed as the American girl, Abigail, prowled towards their group with a knowing smile. ¡°Well, Mr. Mullet, I just wanted to thank you for your valiant performance. Truly, we would¡¯ve been sacrificed if not for your brave fighting.¡±

    ¡°My name an¡¯t Mullet! Its Xavier. But,ya! Ya, you¡¯re damn right girlie.¡± Xavier, unable to understand Abigail''s tone, smiled like a fool as he leered at her. ¡°But don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll protect you from now on. And if you ever need someone to comfort you at night, I¡¯d be happy to show you a true man.¡±

    Ethan felt a headache coming on as Xavier¡¯s words were spoken loud enough for the surrounding members of the campsite to hear them. Many though weren¡¯t paying attention. Huddled groups sat with vacant eyes and tear-streaked faces as they stared hollowly at the plains filled with dead bodies of Nightstalkers before them. Many of them sniffled and cried still, the pain of reality settling in after the night of hellish battle. For those that fought though, those with blood on their fingers and figures, a look of haunting was there. Hands clutched weapons even as no enemy appeared. The smallest sound would send them in a fury of frantic movement. Mouth¡¯s moved but no words came out as they relieved the horrors of the night. Few were truly paying attention, but that didn¡¯t mean no one was.

    ¡°Oi,¡± a rumbling sound came from across the campsite pyre as the bear of a man that looked to lead the homeless group stood up. There was no mirth on his face as his eyes, red from a night of crying, drilled into Xavier. ¡°Shut de fuck up. Listen here boy¡± he addressed Xavier who involuntary took a step back. The action frustrated him though, and the idiot pompously moved three steps forward while sticking his chest out in some form of...faux bravado. ¡° You did good. But we all worked to survive. We was just lucky that Zero was here. Now, shut yer trap.¡±

    A deep sigh escaped Ethan as he continued to caress Rose¡¯s face. Hugo, the homeless man that spoke, seemed like a good man. It was evident in the tears that came in intervals and the dead bodies that he prayed over with Abigail. But the man was coarse and rough, and his words wouldn¡¯t sit well with Xavier. And as Ethan darting his eyes towards Xavier, sure enough his temper was kicking in and turning his face the color of his ginger hair.

    ¡°You think you''re hot shit old man! You think any of you are? I could kick Zero¡¯s ass with one hand behind my back. He ain¡¯t got shit on me. You think he¡¯s good. You think he¡¯s better than me? Fuck that! Can he do this?¡±

    As he spoke in growing anger, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but shake his head as Xavier stepped forward and crossed both arms over his chest before shouting in a much too loud voice. ¡°AEGIS!¡±

    The next instant, a flash of golden light appeared over Xavier¡¯s chest. As it subsided, an outline of an ancient armour that glowed gold covered his hands and forearms and appeared to float an inch or two off of Xavier¡¯s skin. Strutting around, the fool had a shit-eating grin that only grew bigger as more and more people took notice of him.

    Watching it, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but mutter to himself at the antics. The idiot was showing off for no reason, antagonizing people they would need to work with. Even worse, he had no idea. It infuriated Ethan to no end. However, as much as he wanted to say something, now wasn¡¯t the time. Xavier played an important role, specifically one that acted as the de facto leader of their group. For now, Ethan would allow him to play king, but in the future...

    ¡°Got anything to say now? Uh? Uh? Ya, I didn¡¯t think so.¡± Speaking too fast for anyone to interrupt, Xavier continued as Abigail, Hugo, and many others watched him with growing ire. Still, many more looked towards him with hope in their eyes. ¡°This is my Skill I got for killing those four Nightstalkers alone. With it, an armour of a king will protect me. Got something to say now?¡±

    Ethan watched Abigail. The girl....no woman, gave Xavier an all knowing smile before she looked toward the rest of their group. Frighteningly enough though, her gaze rested of Ethan for much longer than anyone else. As he saw this, his heart spiked and he immediately began looking in every other direction besides hers.

    Seeing her lack of response, Xavier snorted at her before returning to the group. Once more, the two girls latched themselves onto him. One of them though, spoke in a hushed voice only for their group to hear.

    ¡°You¡¯re so strong Xavier, but...don¡¯t you think we should work with the others? I mean, Zero took on all those creatures by-¡±Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    ¡®Tccchhh. Shut up!¡± The tantrum of a child came from Xavier as he shoved the girl on his arm off of him. ¡°He just got lucky in the beginning. If I knew that those freakin Goblins would give us such power I would¡¯ve killed them all and not just half of them. Besides, he probably picked up some special ability or something which is why he can cheat. He¡¯s just wasting it too!¡±

    Whining, Ethan watched Xavier. He didn¡¯t watch the man¡¯s eyes, but rather what he was doing. It was a habit, one borne from lack of social interaction, but one that served him well in determining what a person was truly thinking about and who they were. And Xavier...was much more insidious than others realized. The clench of his fists, the protruding muscles from snarling his nose and grinding his teeth together, the hint of a malicious smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. The eyes, greedy in search of power after that first taste...

    ¡°You just wait and see! With my new power,¡± he gloated while raising his head high, ¡°I¡¯ll show him who¡¯s boss. Then, we¡¯ll see who is stronger and who is the weak little c*nt.¡±

    Disgusted by his words, Ethan turned away. He couldn¡¯t help but lower Xavier¡¯s position in his mind. Sure, he was powerful and loved to fight. The dozens of school brawls that he had to participate in due to Xavier were perfects example of it. But to match Zero? Ethan looked toward the Elite Nightstalker that was roasting on the makeshift spit over the campsite pyre. That, he thought with stark realization, would be like a mortal challenging a God.

    Turning away from the voices around him, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but worry about the situation they were in. What was to come next? The Fairy said that this was only the First Trail. Which means that more trials are to come. This is only the beginning after all. Over three billion humans have been abducted over the years. What happened to them? The only explanation is that they all came here, but what came after this? Afterall, the Fairy did mention the First Zone, so there must be another Zone, and one that would likely be more dangerous. Which begs the question, why do this? It wasn¡¯t like the Fairy¡¯s wanted to kill us all off. They did mention, Ethan thought darkly, that they didn¡¯t want us to die too soon.

    As thoughts raced through his head, Ethan¡¯s had shook ever so gently as he focused his gaze on Rose. Only with her, could he stop frantically looking around and be at ease. He would never leave her. He would become strong for her. No matter what he had to do. But, he couldn¡¯t help but look at his own Status screen, would it be enough?

    <hr>

    Name: Ethan Shepard

    Runes

    Strength: 13.03 *

    Stamina: 14. 52 *

    Agility: 12.67 *

    Intelligence: 10.00 *

    Wisdom: 10.00 *

    Skills [ 82% Growth Rate ] [ 1 / 83 Skills ] [Affinity for Ruler: Knight ]

    Shadowmeld (rank 1) -

    <hr>

    As Ethan looked over his Status Screen, he couldn¡¯t stop the frown from forming. As a person who thrived on information and using it to his advantage, the Status Screen was like kryptonite to him. None of the Runes and what they did were explained. Neither was the skill growth rate. Most perplexing of all though, was the [ Affinity for Ruler: Knight ]. Ideas, sporadic and far fetched bounced in his mind, but with a sigh he realized he had no idea what any of it meant. Only one person did. That man that could supposed hear God...

    Thinking of Zero, Ethan tilted his head toward the sky. His eyes scanned the cliff, looking for any sign of the man that seemed to understand what was going on. The man that seemed to thrive in this new world. As he looked for him on the towering cliff peak, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but wonder how much further Zero was compared to everyone else?

    Zero¡¯s POV

    <hr>

    Zero, with teeth gritted in concentration and muscles that spasmed violently in overworked exertion, gripped the edge of the cliff with his cut and bleeding hands. Ragged breaths sent his heart thumping to unhealthy levels but even as his body ached, his mind remained ironclad in his discipline. Still, as he concentrated, he couldn¡¯t stop the venomous thoughts from entering his head. Huffing in equal parts pain, exertion, and anger at the members of The Corps who told him of the reward, Zero grunted in one final show of effort as he pulled himself up the final few feet. Atop the cliff, he collapsed in a heap facing down.

    While the feeling of success filled him with satisfaction, he couldn¡¯t help but curse the Legion members who told him of the prize atop the cliff. Afterall, this was the sole reason he even came to this part of the zone. Memories of Decklan ¡®The Tank¡¯, Hawkeye, Cindy Myer, and others flowed through his mind. It was them and their knowledge that brought him here. Afterall, his first time around he never even reached the cliff, let alone would have climbed it. This was something only a portion of humanity could achieve anyway. The problem of course being that the First Trial, consisting of the 100-man groups, took place in a total of twenty-three different regions. This meant that less than a twentieth of humanity ever had the chance of starting in such a zone. Even worse, to even climb the cliff, which no sane person would do after having to deal with Nightstalker raids and their fellow humans, required a minimum of 30 Stamina to complete. This meant that only the best of the best of humanity, members who would eventually enter The Corps and join one of the Legions, could even try this.

    Luckily Zero just so happened to fulfill both requirements, even climbing the cliff face with less than 30 Stamina.

    After taking a breather and soaking in the sun¡¯s illustrious rays of heat, Zero clambered to his feet and moved across the impossibly straight and even cliff peak. Before him, perched on an outcropping of rocks that jutted out, rested a small treasure box that he could easily hold in one hand. Spying it, a long slumbering feeling of happiness burst in Zero as his feet picked up their pace to carry him towards the treasure box. Without any hesitation, he flung open the lid and peered inside. What he saw inside made the resentment directed to those in The Corps subside as thankfulness for their information replaced it.

    Inside the box was exactly what they said would be there. A total of seven runes, all in different designs, which floated next to a pair of black Ninja Tabi boots that had small movements of air around them. Smiling at his prize, Zero immediately integrated the Runes into his being while removing his old shoes and placing these new ones on. Feeling the power of the Runes in him, he pulled up his Status Screen to confirm the changes.

    <hr>

    Name: Cooper Hayes

    Runes [ Affinity for ----- ]

    Strength: 18.22 *

    Stamina: 29.14 *

    Agility: 17.61 *

    Constitution: 11.00 *

    Intelligence: 11.00 *

    Wisdom: 11.00 *

    Willpower: 11.00 *

    -

    Perception: 10.01

    Skills [ 0% Growth Rate ] [ 2 / 13 Skills ] [ Affinity for Fusion ]

    Fire¡¯s Edge (~) - Bestial Reinforcement * (~) -

    Items

    Borus¡¯s Windwalking Boots

    <hr>

    Eyeing the Status Screen, a nod of satisfaction was all the movement Zero made. Of the eight items he acquired, seven of them were Runes that added one full point to each of his Foundational Runes. Called the Foundational Runes due to them being the only ¡®required¡¯ Runes needed, the seven Foundational Runes were also important for another reason. No matter how many other Supplementary Runes one had, in order to move up into the next Zone, four of the seven Foundational Runes needed to be 75% full. What this allowed was for rapid ascension into other Zones, based on a specialization. Whether that be defensive, attacking, scouting, physical, magic, or more. For now though, Zero was satisfied with having all seven Runes. It was exactly what he needed before he entered the Second Trial and began his search.

    The final item, Borus¡¯s Windwalking Boots, could be said to be the cherry on top for Zero. With them on, he walked toward the edge of the cliff, and jumped off. Instead of falling though, he released a trickle of Mana that burst outward from in his chest. Instantly, his fall halted and he floated in mid-air, thousands of feet above the ground. Grinning mischievously to himself, Zero darted forward as if he was running on the ground. It was...exhilarating, he decided.

    For minutes, Zero sprinted through the air, lost in his excitement. It is to be expected of course. With only 13 Skill Slots, Zero never had the opportunity to fly in his past life and items that allowed for flight were either one-time uses, or near impossible to find items like these boots. Still, Zero was never one to get lost in his revery. Happiness had no room in his life. Only duty.

    So, with quick steps, Zero climbed into the sky. Quickly, as to make use of the ability of the boots before his Mana ran dry, Zero reached another two hundred feet in the air. The exact height that allowed him to see over the cliff¡¯s peak and what was beyond it. What he saw, made his stoic, yet amused face warp into one of certainty. Far beyond the eyesight of a normal person, domes of the Fairy¡¯s purplish energy sprouted out to cover areas that were tens of miles wide. In the immediate area next to the dom he was in, Zero saw nine such domes. Beyond them though, the domes continued to spread out much farther than his eyes could see. Hundreds of them.

    ¡°So,¡± he said to the wind, ¡°we really are all in the area. And...¡± he paused as he looked towards small specks of black dots that seemed to scurry across the land in each of their domes, ¡°it is the same as last time.¡±

    Watching what little he could, Zero knew what needed to be done. While he was powerful, the opponents he would face, especially in the Second and Third Trial, would be all but impossible to defeat alone. Humans, he pondered in a dark mood, were the true monsters in the Abyss.

 Chapter 9

    High at its perch, the Sun blazed with scorching heat towards the land below. As it shined, its rays reflected off iron short swords that rang and clang in conflict. Dotted in the green pasture of the endless plains of a new world, a group of people circled around four figures. Three, acting in conjunction, struck fast and hard with their swords against a sole figure who simply stood defenseless. As the trio attacked though, the statuesque figure exploded with movement. For every strike backed by grunts and curses that the trio of men executed, the sole figure merely deflected or dodged with a comical ease. Bobbing and weaving through their formation, the lone man¡¯s sword shot out like a barbed tongue, nicking and scratching each of the three men every time they bad a mistake. Most noteworthy of all though, were the faces that the four men expressed. The trio all struck with ferocious, yet already defeated expressions that left little hope of their victory. In turn, the lone figure merely furrowed his brow as a placid look of muted displeasure could be seen.

    As the farce of battle continued for a little longer than a minute, the expression the lone man made only worsened. It wasn¡¯t until one of the three fighters before him tripped up his own ally that Zero, the lone man, erupted with an explosion of speed that left the three fighters reeling. Their defense lasted for but a moment before they feel defeated to the ground.

    In their defeat, silence and bitter shame touched their features. Surrounding them though, the remaining group of people that were apart of the training merely looked on in understanding. There was nothing to be ashamed of in their defeat. It was a fact that they would¡¯ve told the trio. But, it was not their place.

    ¡°Mediocre,¡± Zero called to the trio of men. His cold voice, seemingly disinterested, broke the silence that surrounded the group as his eyes raked over the three collapsed figures. ¡°Dan, your positioning is always one step behind the others. You need to act in conjunction with them. Miguel, you need to think about what you are doing. Charging in blindly and swinging your sword without a plan will get you killed. And as for you Weasel...er, I mean Ethan, you need to stop thinking. Fighting goes too fast for you to think about what your opponent will do, how to best act in response, and then carry out that action. I move, you move. It is a dance, one with blades and fists, but one that requires you to see and react in a split second.¡±

    As he spoke, his eyes found others in the crowd of fighters that surrounding him. He needed them to know that his words were not only for the three before him. Everyone could benefit from the lessons learned by another. But...to suffer firsthand was truly an eye-opening experience. Especially for those unable to learn without their weaknesses and mediocrity being exposed.

    ¡°Xavier, Reggie, Veronica.¡±

    Returning to the middle of the circle, Zero merely called out the next three opponents. The three, having trained in their pairing for the last day, stepped out as every other trio did. Paced together, weapons already at the ready, as their eyes focused solely on Zero. The only difference between them and the others, was the predatory smile that Xavier displayed as he more so sauntered forward then walked. Already, Zero wanted to wipe the boy¡¯s grin from his face.

    ¡°Begin.¡±

    Not a second after he spoke the word, the trio pounced forward in a rapid assault. Xavier in the lead, with Reggie and Veronica flanking him as they spread out to pincer Zero. Seeing their approach, Zero nodded in appreciation. They weren¡¯t stupid enough to advance without each other or without a true plan. But in the face of true power, of an insurmountable might, plans equated to nothing. Afterall, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. How they responded afterwards was what mattered.

    So, with eyes that hinted at their misfortune, Zero stepped forward. First, he would show them the futility of their ability. Thus, as the trio finally reached striking distance, Zero reacted. Feet twirling and tapping on the grass, he weaved through their sword strikes and slashes. Surrounded and trapped by the three, his body moved to openings that he saw coming a mile away. Eyes, hooded in the dark of his pupils, watched their over exaggerated swings and hasty charges. All the while, his hands remained at his side. Tapping the handle and hilt of his sheathed sword.

    Then, as a minute passed and the fatigue of the disorganized assault set in, Zero¡¯s fingers stopped tapping on the hilt. Immediately, a sense of fright appeared on the trio¡¯s faces as they tried to withdraw. Zero only smirked to himself in his head. There would be no escape from his onslaught. Because now, he would expose their weaknesses.

    With a hum, the short sword slide free and cleaved through the air. The speed at which it moved, the power that it contained, the control that he had in the sword. It was here, through those years of struggle, that his skills came to bare on these innocents that stood like lamb to the slaughter before him. The sword, light and deadly in his hands, danced and twirled in the air. Like a whirlwind, it whipped and crossed through the space between all three of his prey. Drawing blood and curses as the blade cut and nicked and pierced their skin. Each strike, faster than any of them could react, always cut just enough to draw blood before darting away to find a new target. As he assaulted them, playing with them and opening their eyes to true skill, Zero made his final move.

    With a blistering speed backed by Runes of absolute power, Zero cleaved through their defenses with merely a single sword strike. In three slashes, the trio was on the ground and they were served the final lesson. The true distinction between them, and him. The difference, between a warrior, a killer, and them.

    Then, just as soon as the assault started, it ended. The sword, wiped clean of any blood, hissed back into its sheath as Akuma turned his back on the trio and looked to those around him. ¡°Reggie, while your effort was commendable, you rely too much on the Runes and less on true skill. As for you Veronica, the fact that you kept your calm throughout the fight and reacted to support your two partners showed skill. It also showed weakness. You are scared. You have the right to be scared, but it has no right to control you. And, as for you Mullet, I must -¡±

    Before Zero could finish his sentence, a churning of power from behind him erupted forth with Mullet¡¯s frustrated scream. ¡°My name is not Mullet! It is Xavier you freak! Xavier! XAVIER!¡±

    With a roar, guttural and deep in resentment, Zero watched from the corner of his vision as Xavier activated his ability, [Aegis], before springing forward with gold covered hands outstretched. Around him, the surrounding crowd reacted with most trying to step forward to end the dual. Before they could though, Zero struck. Turning on his heel, Zero lowered his center of gravity and sent his body rocketing into a spin. The next instant, a blur of a roundhouse kick connected with Xavier¡¯s chest. As it connected, for a brief moment, the two remained in a deadlock of power. Then, a muffled explosion of air silenced the shocked crowd as Xavier was sent flying ass over end. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Watching with ire as Xavier was surrounded by others in his crew, Zero¡¯s harsh voice spoke to the gasping Xavier. ¡°This...¡± he proclaimed while waving at Xavier, ¡°is why you are weak. This, is why you must train.¡±

    In response, the crowd looked around and everywhere else but Zero¡¯s eyes. The weight of his words pressed down on them, but the anger in his voice sent chills through them. Even Xavier, hacking up his lungs, felt the burden of Zero¡¯s words. He felt the anger in his eyes as Zero leveled his gaze at him. But as Zero did, he waited. It didn¡¯t take long for the Xavier to speak.

    ¡°Why,¡± he said in between fits of coughing that raked his hyperventilating body. ¡°Why are you doing this to us? Why are you torturing us?¡±

    The accusation in Mulle-...Xavier¡¯s voice was pitiful. It was like a child crying at why he was disciplined for pulling someone¡¯s hair.

    ¡°Because it is my duty,¡± Zero hissed loudly in his chilling voice. His eyes, drilled into Xavier¡¯s own before changing to glance at those around him. ¡°Only you can choose what you want. Whether you are willing to struggle to achieve strength, or if you are okay with wallowing in suffering and weakness. I can¡¯t make that choice for you. But,¡± he spoke sharply while tapping his sword handle in an offbeat rhythm, ¡°if you choose strength, than it is my duty to train you. To prepare you. It is why I...why I am here.¡±

    ¡°THIS ISN¡¯T TRAINING! This...this is torture.¡± Xavier¡¯s wide eyes gleamed with a frustration that he was unable to express. It gave Zero some modercrom of satisfaction. Still, glancing at the surrounding fighters that nodded at Xavier¡¯s words, Zero sighed internally before recalling the words Omar, his fellow Hero of Humanity, once told him. The words that sustained him as Omar pushed him in the 6th Zone to become as great as he was.

    ¡°Creation and destruction go hand in hand. To become great, to attain the strength that you want, requires that you kill off your weakness. That you cut away the excess, the fat, the emotions, the hesitancy, the mental barriers. But to fully transform requires more than just removing what you are. It requires that you become what you need, and what others need of you. That you find your strength, find your ability, how far you will go and how much you will suffer. I am not torturing you. I am training you in the way you need to be trained. Tell me, do you think this is a game? Do you think yourself strong? You are nothing. I am nothing.¡±

    The passion of the speech, one that echoed for years in Zero¡¯s mind, impacted the fighters around him.As Zero saw his words bury themselves into their beings, he nodded before finishing off the speech. These though, were his own words. Words that Omar could never find, because he only knew killing and not love.

    ¡°But, let me tell you something.¡± His words brought the heads of those around him back to focus on his own as he spoke in remembrance. ¡°You, standing before me here and now, are already on the path to greatness. You can¡¯t stop now. To tread down this path, this road, requires that you keep moving forward. So keep moving forward. For yourself, for your loved ones, for your ideals. Remember them, your drive that will push you when you can¡¯t push yourself. But for now,,¡± he declared in a lighter tone as the dying sun¡¯s rays gave his tone a honey¡¯d warmth, ¡°rest for the remainder of the day. Tonight is the last day here. Be prepared.¡±

    As Zero¡¯s words ended, many individuals had a new hope in their eyes. The fire that was there previously after a night of triumph, the fire that Zero crushed beneath his skill and power, kindled once more under his words. Still, not all cared. Xavier, and others in his group of misfits, snorted and rolled their eyes before moving back toward the campfire. Zero watched for an instant, eying their forms, but remaining quiet. He couldn¡¯t change a person. He could only equip them with the ability to change themselves.

    Xavier and his crew weren¡¯t the only ones left unsatisfied by his words. While many of the group walked past with words of respect and thanks, a tattooed woman stood with transfixed as she looked at Zero. Seeing Rose, donned in clothes scavenged from the deceased in the group, Zero couldn¡¯t shake the humor in her appearance. Tattoos that covered her arms and stomach gave the petite girl with short hair a badass appearance. Her shaking shoulders and the conflicting emotions in her eyes however spoke of an innocence that wouldn¡¯t last long in this world.

    Yet before he could pivot away from her or think of a reasonable excuse to extract himself from the others, a familiar voice that brought a sense of helpless towards Zero appeared.

    ¡°Zero!¡± A chirpy voice called out behind him. As soon as he heard it, an inner pleading to God at what sin he committed to deserve this treatment surfaced in his mind. God did not answer, but the same chirpy tone of Abigail''s voice did. ¡°Trying to run from me stranger? Come now sweetie. I won¡¯t bite.¡±

    Zero¡¯s face went rigid as the sarcastic purr from Abigail reached his ears while her dainty fingers touched his forearm. With a flinch though, Zero backed away while keeping his eyes trained on Abigail. Head cocked to the side and with dimples from her grin showing, Abigail looked every bit as innocent as an Angel. Instead of lowering his guard, Zero only raised it. If the past days have taught him anything of the girl, it was that she was more than just an innocent teen. She might preach the lord¡¯s work and teachings, but she was every bit a crusader like Joan of Arc.

    ¡°I wanted to thank you,¡± she began while fidgeting with something behind her back. ¡°So, myself and a few others made something for you. It¡¯s just a trinket, but I know you¡¯ll enjoy it. So,¡± she uncovered the item with a feline grin, ¡°here ya go.¡±

    Watching with suspicion, Zero spotted a necklace with four large fangs on it. Fangs, dyed black and red, whose color and size told of where they came from.

    ¡°They¡¯re from the Elite NightStalkers you put down. Think of it as a momento, from our group to you. A reminder, of your actions for us.¡±

    ¡°Uh...ya....¡±

    Trying to find the appropriate words that he could use to turn down the gift and remove himself from the situation. However, as if seeing his thoughts, an all-knowing smile graced Abigail''s cute features.

    ¡°Haha, I don¡¯t think so.¡± Laughing at his pained expression, Zero watched as Abigail almost danced away while humming a simple tune. ¡°Do enjoy the gift and wear it with pride. Oh,¡± she said with a small gasp while throwing a mischievous look over her shoulder, ¡°be sure to slay more of those Elites. It would be so...plain to only have four fangs on the necklace.¡±

    With a twirl of her skirt, she skipped and hopped back to the middle of the campsite under the scrutiny of countless gazes. If she cared about the looks though, it never showed. Instead, as the Sun set and the darkness of the final night fell like a curtain, her enthusiasm seemed to only to give the dreadful atmosphere a mysterious peace.

    Yet as Zero looked up towards the rising moon that crested the plains, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder how much longer peace would last...

 Chapter 10

    Under the warm embrace of the rising sun, Zero¡¯s feet carried him forward. Hues of orange and yellow billowed across the plains as the sun rose to signal a new day. The final day of the First Trial. Yet while the sun¡¯s warmth swept aside the chill of the night that hung like fog on the land, it did little to quench Zero¡¯s own chilly mood and frosty demeanor. Instead, as his hooded eyes of brown and black looked at the procession of people before him, what little satisfaction he had from the night¡¯s hunt disappeared.

    Sitting alone and atop a log, Zero watched solemnly as the surviving members of his 100-Man group all gathered in silence at the back of the campsite. There, at the base of the cliff, the surviving fifty-six members of the group gathered together in somber silence. From his perch, Zero watched the proceedings with critical eyes.

    Six men and women, bodies covered with scraps, cuts, and still mending wounds, carried an amateurly made stretcher. Atop it, a young woman in her thirties rested, hands crossed over her chest with the steel short-sword that the Fairy gave them clasped in her white hands that still had splattered blood on them.

    As the six carriers set the stretcher down and allowed it to set in the shallow grave, the fighters of the ground stepped forward. Forty-nine members in total, fighters who joined the battle throughout the three days of survival, each carried themselves with a confidence that seemed shaken as they made peace with another death. As Zero watched, he couldn¡¯t help but reminisce when he was once the same. Soft, weak, and unaccustomed to the ways of death and battle that had become his very existence in the past. Now, he sat here. Calloused and as an observer. But, even as he wanted to move forward to offer what assistance he could, he knew it wasn¡¯t his part to play. He couldn¡¯t be with them. He couldn¡¯t let them think he was one of them, an equal, a friend. He had to distance himself. He had to be better than them, a protector, a figure of strength in the distance. So he sat where he was, watching.

    After the fighters said what thanks and words they could to the deceased woman, the six carriers came next. Each kneeled, bowing to the dead woman as they spoke longer than those before them. Each in turn ended their words with a kiss to their fingers before touching the woman¡¯s hands. As they reached out and lowered themselves, a necklace dangled out for all to see. A simple strip of leather which looped through a black fang. The same type of fang that Abigail made for Zero for his Elite NightStalker kills. All six wore the necklace. Six fangs in total, one of each of their necklaces. The same number that now rested on Zero¡¯s own. Six fangs. Six Elite Nightstalker kills.

    Then, when all the fighters were done and made their peace, came the next group. Numbering at only seven, the remaining group of non-fighters, those that refused to fight off the NightStalkers in the night or refused to be trained under Zero, came forward. Instead of words though, teary eyes and nods of thanks were all that they shared. It was pathetic, Zero decided. Not their lack of empathy, but their lack of will. Even with the rush of power and euphoria that came with the Runes, even with their backs against the wall and their survival on the line, they refused to fight. Still, it mattered little now. They would soon find out what their decision to not kill and fight would lead them to.

    It wasn¡¯t until they shuffled away, that a final figure came into view. Full figured, the dress Abigail wore curved and latched onto her delicate body as she walked forward with even, calm strides. Each step she took sent her hair crashing like waves, while the Elite NightStalker fang that rested on her chest bounced in tune. As she advanced, with a powerful prowl that carried a measure of power beyond her delicate frame, she called out to those around her. A gentle touch on an arm to one, a knowing and somber smile to another, a mouthed word of ¡®thanks¡¯ to others. She swept through them, bringing peace to the living. And as she reached out, to rest the final Elite NightStalker fang necklace on the deceased, so too did the dead have their peace.

    But....the dead are never appeased.

    Turning his head away from the proceedings that were wrapping up, Zero eye¡¯s wandered through the other graves. Over two dozen wooden crosses made of branches stood strongly before mounds of dirt. Only seventeen died in total on that first battle with the Goblins. Since then though, more than that number died over the course of the First Trial . Most were fighters, individuals who had the resolve to battle and stand with him on the battlefield. It was what made it hard for Zero to accept their deaths. The better they fought, the more NightStalkers they killed, the more that would come the next day. It was cruel, if not fair. The weak stayed weak while the strong grew stronger. It was a consolation then, that while most 100-Man groups would have more numbers, their group would be vastly stronger.

    Sadly, as the sun finally crested from the ground and illuminated the world in a new day¡¯s brillance, a new being popped into existence.

    ¡°Well....well...well...¡±

    The high pitch voice of the Fairy, always in that chirpy voice of sadistic curiosity, rang throughout the campsite as the purple devil appeared with a flash.

    ¡°I must say, you didn¡¯t disappoint me cattle. Especially you,¡± the Fairy screeched while sharing its feral grin, ¡°young Zero. Truly, you are quick the entertainer.¡±

    ¡°Truly,¡± she sighed with a huff of arousal, ¡°the way you handled those filthy mutts. Hehehehe... But, we can discuss that another time. For now, let me congratulate you all!¡± Waving her hands, the Fairy shot out sparks of purple light that popped and sparkled around her hovering form. ¡°Although there are more of you than I would¡¯ve liked, I do have a quota to keep. Luckily you stayed above fifty, or I would¡¯ve had to stop the attacks from the mutts. Still, you all were quite the treat to watch. So much killing. So much dying. Ya¡¯ll were much too sweet to me. I would give you all a treat for your hard work, but that wouldn¡¯t be fair to the others, now would it?¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    Zipping around over everyone¡¯s head, the Fairy smiled and looked down lovingly at the other members of the 100-Man group who backed away from the freak of a creature. Zero only watched with dead eyes as his fingers dug into palms. Continuing without pause though, the Fairy rambled through her speech in her perpetually excited tone.

    ¡°Anyway, it was my pleasure to watch you in the First Trial. I do hope you don¡¯t disappoint in the Second Trial. It is only fair that you do well for me, since I¡¯ve done so much for you. So! Who is ready for the next event? While I¡¯m sure the First Trail was a nice appetizer, the Second Trail will surely delight you all. So! Everyone ready? No need to take your weapons or other miscellaneous items. So! Let....us....go...¡±

    As the Fairy finished her speech, her hands bloomed with purple energy that expanded to form a sphere. Moving around the sphere with a concentration that paused her words, the Fairy worked and weaved the sphere of energy with such focus that her tongue stuck out sideways from her tiny mouth. The sight lasts for a moment, before the Fairy smiled in genuine happiness. It was the last thing Zero saw before the sphere of purple energy exploded and consumed the world.

    <hr>

    In a forest far away

    ¡°So my little chickens, are you ready?¡±

    In a land of trees that tower into the sky, stood a gathering of dozens of people. Each of them, carrying a wooden and steel spear, stare at the male Fairy in the sky that looked on with worry at the humans below.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to push you into doing something you don¡¯t want. Well, that¡¯s a lie. I do. But, I can help ease the discomfort if you want? All it will take is a snap of my fingers and I can end your existence and take you away from this land. Any takers?¡±

    Silence was the only answer from the gathered. Eighty-eight in total, the group of men, women, and children stared with hard eyes at the Fairy. Each carried their spear at the ready, keeping their senses open to their surroundings while paying attention to the Fairy¡¯s words. They had learned their lesson already to not let the creature distract them.

    ¡°No. No one will be taking that offer. But, where is this place we are going? This so-called ¡®Second Trail¡¯?¡±

    From the group, a lone woman stepped forward. She carried no weapon, but her tone made it clear to any who heard. She didn¡¯t need one. She wore confidence like a cloak that fit snugly on her voluptuous figure. In her late twenties, the woman was beyond gorgeous. She looked practically divine. Long legs that arched towards an ass that would make men and women stare dumbfounded at in appreciation were wrapped around designer jeans. Her flat and toned stomach showed as the crop top she wore was pushed out by her immense chest that swayed with each step the woman took. Of it all though, it was her face that could captivate. Green eyes of a viper, poisoned dark in their deadliness, watched with a mesmerizing look as her long brunette hair cascaded down her ripped top that showed off her tanned neckline and cleavage.

    Staring at the fairy, the woman merely quipped her lips in a knowing smile of confidence as she sized up the Fairy. Behind her, the rest of the 100-Man group all looked onward with respect, hope, and even awe. As she felt their gazes, the woman¡¯s smile blossomed even more. Even more important, the tangible aura around her, the near electric feeling in the area that covered her body, seemed to spark in life and power.

    ¡°Oh,¡± the Fairy leered in response, ¡°You...will...find...out...¡±

    With a flash of purple light, the group of humans and Fairy disappeared. In their wake, corpses of dead NightStalkers remained.

    <hr>

    In a rundown urban area of broken and damaged buildings

    ¡°Poor, poor, poor little Demarco. All alone, with no friends, with no family. However! Think on the bright side. I¡¯m still here for you.¡±

    Atop a partially destroyed and sunken building, a female Fairy zipped around with a grin so big that her eyes were nearly closed tight. As the Fairy spun around and danced happily in the air, an aged man stared back vacantly. With skin, dark like coffee, the man watched uninterested at the Fairy and its antics. Instead, he continued to make small and sharp cuts into his forearm. The knife in his hands glowed in a pale blue light as it sliced deep into the muscle, forming a mark on his skin. As he finished with the final mark, the 78th one, he moved to wipe the knife on the jacket of the dead man to his left. Grunting in satisfaction once having cleaned the knife, he stood and turned to watch the Fairy.

    Towering tall at 6¡¯3, the man¡¯s uniform, black army fatigues that matched with the grey and black short-sleeved button down shirt, were pristine and immaculate. Seemingly packed with muscle despite his age, the man looked dense rather than big like professional bodybuilders. Veins, from his hands to his bald head, could be seen as muscles expanded and contracted under his strain. The man¡¯s shaggy beard and bushy eyebrows twitched in response at the Fairy¡¯s words, as his blue tinted eyes watched the Fairy with ease. Most noticeable of all though, beyond the aged scars that covered his body, beyond the necklaces and bracelets and rings of animal bones and gems, were the man¡¯s legs. Or the lack thereof. For instead of feet or shoes, a pair of prosthetic legs were all that could be seen. Round and curved, like the ones runners use instead of actual fake legs and feet, bended and swayed as the man seemed to bounce up and down in anticipation.

    As he stood straight and unyielding, the man practically screamed discipline even as his grim lips said nothing. He had no words to say to the Fairy before him. The Fairy only smiled knowingly at the man, content to merely interact with the Human that had entertained him so well.

    ¡°Oh? No nice words for your favorite pal? How harsh.¡±

    Hearing the Fairy¡¯s false sorrow, the man known as Demarco merely grunted in acceptance.

    ¡°Well, no worries. I know you¡¯ll give me a good show. Afterall, you killed so many...of...you...own...¡±

    With a flash of purple, the duo disappeared. As they did so, the bodies of Humans and Goblins alike lay strewn about the street.

 Chapter 11

    Zero, standing suspended in a void of purple, felt weightless for a brief moment. Then, with a snap of a finger, the flood of purple energy disappeared and life appeared once more around him. Life, blooming and bright, encapsulated his vision as Zero was transported to a new location. One, filled with hundreds of people.

    Exhaling quietly, Zero tried to settle the bundle of nerves and energy that was building in him. Once more, he found himself in the Second Trial. The same location where he first found true weakness. Where he found true evil resides not in monsters, but rather in men. Thus, as he turned his head and bore his eyes on the scene around him, a feral smile of aggression was barely suppressed. Instead, all that was seen were his critical eyes that weighed his surroundings.

    Around him, the frantic and startled words from those in his 100-Man group encapsulated his hearing. Yet instead of fright, most discussed in confused words as they looked about them. What they saw, was truly a scene from a fantasy book.

    Over twenty groups of people, most ranging between 50 to 65 individuals in a group, were gathered together in a massive circle. The groups, filled with a variety of people and ages, were all similar in the fact that they all lacked weapons and were extremely confused and scared. In sharp contrast to the scared look and panicked voices, were the smiling Fairies that floated together in the middle of the circle. The Fairies, numbering at 27 in total, smiled and laughed together in joyful bliss and they began pointing out various people or groups with vulture eyes of hunger.

    Most eye catching of all however, was the massive fort behind the Fairies and people. Walls, made of tree trunks thicker than any on Earth, sprouted from the ground to stab into the air at 12 feet tall with their pointed ends. Behind them, plums of smoke splashed against the crystine blue sky as the black smoke rose from buildings that stood tall and proud. Structures, two and three stories high that were composed of ancient wood and rough stone, stood defiantly against the landscape. The fort, cut through the middle by a roughly hewed stone and rocky road, was displayed proudly atop a small hill that was filled with trenches, holes, barricades, and other assortments of defenses.

    Yet even as people pointed and watched in awe of the fantasy-like building, Zero ignored it. Instead, his eyes focused on something much more important. Ignoring the words around him, Zero swept his gaze through the gathered groups before landing on the biggest one. The group, over 80 strong, stood tightly together as they watched and weighed the actions of the people around them. It was in the midst of the tightly connected group, that Zero spotted his target.

    Faith Booker.

    The woman stood proud and tall in the center of her 100-Man group. Her smile, seductive with a smirk of hidden passion, painted itself across her immaculate face. As Zero watched, he couldn¡¯t help but let himself fall for her grace once more. Memories, horrible and deadly, flooded him as he remembered her and their time together in this god-forsaken hell. Yet he was a fool no more. And as he watched as the woman prowled across her group with small touches and smiles of reassurance, he couldn¡¯t help but look at her in a different light. True, the woman was beautiful beyond imagination, but he would not be deceived. The woman was female fatality incarnate. She was the apple of Eden, beautiful and beyond compare, with a poison that would cripple any who came before her.

    She was the Forgotten Queen afterall.

    It was as Zero¡¯s mind was wandering, thinking of their past and her nature, that a piercing gaze landed on him. Smiling, all teeth and a flash of tongue that licked his lips. Zero titled his head to greet his foe. The man, bearing a stain of blood that ran just under his eyes and across the bridge of his nose in a crimson line, watched Zero with fury in eyes as he stood protectively around Faith. It was with the same fury that he drew a line across his neck with his thumb before pointing at Zero and turning to guard the woman who commanded their group. As Zero watched it, he couldn¡¯t suppress the chuckle at the man¡¯s actions.

    Faith, the once dead Forgotten Queen, held a true Ruler¡¯s prowess. Her Shadows, men and women sworn to kill and die for her, were renowned across Eden. Even here, no more than a few days in, and she had already assumed her role with such grandeur, that already nine people had abstained from life, to deal in death for their Queen.

    Still, they were not the only ones to accept such a fate. Nor were they the most dangerous. That, as Zero decided while he turned his gaze to the lone oddity of the entire gathering of people, belonged to the terror of the Trials. The man that slew his 100-Man group the first time around. The man that would claim kingship without a throne. The man that would leave tens of thousands of corpses in his wake, as he stepped toward the path of Divinity.

    The man known as Demarco Roux.

    Tall. Lean. Scarred. Disabled. Deadly. The nightmare of a man stood alone. The only man in his 100-Man group to survive the First Trial. A man that butchered more than half of his people in the First Trial and took their Skills, Runes, and Equipment. The man was a monster in human skin. Yet...

    That was all in the past. Here and now, Zero decided, he would alter fate. Here, in the Second Trial, his legacy would be made, and his first steps to Divinity would be taken. With fire in his eyes that burned molten rage, he vowed to strip Demarco of his stride and cripple the monster of a man. He would track the terror to the end of the Trial, gathering his strength to bury the son of a bitch 6 feet deep. But for now, he would wait. Zero¡¯s anger subsided as the cold rational that was his trademark took hold. Demarco was too strong. Runes and Skills gathered from the entirety of his 100-Man group and wiping clear the monsters of his First Trial. Yet as Zero thought once more of his plan and the actions he would take, a smile traced his lips. Soon, he would gather the necessary Skills and Runes. Soon....Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°Excuse me.... Excuse me? ATTENTION YOU MEAT BAG SACKS OF FILTH!¡± A voice, meek and muted under the yelling of the gathered people, ruptured into a terrifying roar as a wave of frightening energy swept through the crowd. The Fairy, a being of yellow sunshine with a smile that could dim the sun, soothed her attire as she spoke once more under the now petrified silence.

    ¡°Hehehe... sorry about that my precious darlings. But, the next person to speak out of turn will be cooked alive. Afterall, being a Guide is hungry work. For now though,¡± she continued in her flippant way as the other Fairies all laughed and chuckled in anticipation, ¡°let us begin with the Second Trial! Ya! YA! YA!¡±

    The Fairies, shooting off a dazzling display of colorful fireworks, zipped and danced about the air as the yellow Fairy continued in her speech.

    ¡°So! Welcome, welcome my little sows. Congratulations! On making it to the Second Trial. It seems like this will be an interesting one. So many intriguing humans....so little time to be had for slaughter. But what a time it will be! 1000 of you stand before me, formed from a total of 27 groups. Hehehehe... How many will walk away and into the Third Trial?¡±

    ¡°Anywho,¡± the Fairy controlled her giddy excitement as she directed behind her and to the area around her. ¡°Before we leave to witness the massacre, let me sow some seeds of chaos on my own. Behind me, is a fort, one that your own species has built and improved since their initial arrival to the Trials. In it, you will find numerous weapons, armours, food, alcohol, beds, and other means of needs and wants. But....there are also a number of other secrets in the fort. Secrets that myself and the other Guides have left for you to find. Skills. Runes. Equipment.¡±

    As the Fairy spoke in a giddy voice, the surrounding people in the 1000-Man Group all became excited. Already, the gleam of greed filtered in their eyes and through their body language as people began looking at others warringly. As Zero saw it, he couldn''t help but call the lot of people foolish. They were too blind by the chance of salvation and power to see that the Fairies were playing them. Putting them against each other, rather than the true enemy.

    And it was only the beginning. In the First Trial, man stood together. Yet as people progressed into the Second Trial, and even the Third Trial, man would turn against man as they slowly adopted to the Abyss¡¯s rules. By the time those that survived left the Trials and entered the 2nd Zone, mankind would all but abolished as human greed and need throttled the life out of compassion and care.

    ¡°It is wise to acquire these little gifts and use them...however you see fit.¡± The wicked smile of the lead Fairy that was soon shared by the rest of the Fairies spoke of their intention. Most disturbing of all however, were the same smiles that appeared on a handful of people¡¯s faces. One of the people, Zero noted with disgust, was Mullet.

    ¡°Though, what would be the fun is simply letting you stay safe in the fort? So! Know this. While the fort is...relatively safe? The land outside holds the true rewards. It is up to you to find them. Even more entertaining, it is up to you to survive the threats. The First Trial held a single foe, a prey for you to fight and grow against. This time....you are the prey.¡±

    As the Fairy finished her speech, her sadistic smile bloomed on her barbie-doll like visage. Gone was any semblance of friendliness or false care. There was no mask to hide the Fairy¡¯s true nature, nor would she hide it. The creature, the Guide of humanity into the Abyss, was a killer. A spectator to the bloodiest entertainment in the world.

    It sickened Zero to no end. Oh, what he would give to have the power of his old body and ruin the creature. It was as these heinous thoughts entered his mind, that the head Fairy seemed to notice. Turning, she gave him a feral smile before he blew a kiss in his direction. It was her final act before she, and the other Fairies disappeared in a flash of colorful lights.

    As they disappeared, a flash of golden light appeared in the distance. The once calm fort that laid across the horizon appeared to come to life. The grand and gargantuan gate of the fort wall¡¯s creaked and groaned as they slide open fully. The road that stretched out from the gate to the main building appeared to glow in welcoming celebration as the slumbering fort flared to light.

    The sight, foreign yet enchanting, dazzled the crowd as they turned to look at the safety before them. The awe though lasted for only a moment before the 1000-Man group realized their predicament. It was one that Zero had seen before.

    The previous groups had formed a connection, or at least a sense of familiarity with each other. Even in his group, Zero couldn¡¯t help but acknowledge the comradery that was established, partly by him but mainly by the circumstances of survival. Now though, the once established groups had found themselves in a new land, with new people around them. And this time, they were not as naive as they were a three days ago.

    Zero, hanging in the back of his pack, watched the unfolding scenes around him. Most groups shuffled in place, eyeing their neighboring groups. A few though, lead by either a singular leader or by a band of warriors that held the lion¡¯s share of power, seemed to strut forward in a display of confidence. Their eyes, hungry and hardened by blood and power, eyed the lambs and lions in their midst as a ranking of power began to form.

    Watching from his perch, Zero¡¯s straight lined mouth curved show a hint of a smile. It was cute in a sense. The peacocking and parading around. Worthless though. As he turned his head away from the proceedings, Zero¡¯s eyes settled on The Forgotten Queen. Standing in the midst of her Shadows, the woman¡¯s fatale grin matched her viper¡¯s eyes as she scanned the situation with a delicate gaze. Already she was analyzing the field, weighing her options, and deciding enemy from ally.

    Nodding at the proceedings, Zero ignored the rest of the charade. The Forgotten Queen would rise to power by the end of the day, of that he had no mistake. The true worry though, was from the man that would eventually tear away her power. With fire in his eyes, Zero¡¯s anguished eyes locked onto Demarco¡¯s form. Swaying in step to a hum that only he knew, the man seemed all but forgotten among the commotion.

    Save of course for Zero¡¯s own deadly attention.

    The man would have to die. Zero had already decided such a fate for the monster. Yet...he was too weak as it was. To kill the freak of nature would require patience and power. The first would have to be paid in blood from those in the 1000-Man Group. The second though...

    Grinning in anticipation, Zero faded away from his group. His steps, light and even on the ground, attracted no attention from those around him. Using his group as cover, he stalked further away from the now bustling and rowdy crowd that seemed intent on attacking each other. However, just as Zero reached thirty feet away and was beginning to disappear, a voice rang out loudly.

    ¡°Oi! Whad¡¯a think you doing mate! Oi, this sonna bitch trying to get away!¡±

    As Mullet¡¯s obnoxious voice rang out, Zero couldn¡¯t stop the roll of his eyes and the stinging words in his head.

    This mother fucker...