《Let's Define Evil》


 Lets Define Evil - What we know

    Characters:


    Xiv Aenios ¨C Your friendly neighbourhood psychopath who also happens to be your protagonist. He was born to two of the most prominent families in the country. While seemingly cold and grumpy on the outside, he holds a deep secret. He has an insatiable lust for evil and committing acts of evil gives him a high he can¡¯t get elsewhere.


    Race: Human


    Likes: Books, Blood, Sunlight, Screams for Mercy


    Dislikes: Human Interaction, Social Situations, Luce, Losing, Pain, The Sun, Night, People Bossing Him Around


    Hobbies: Reading, Torture


    List of unique traits and abilities:


    Pure Evil ¨C Xiv Aenios is inexplicably evil. A trait never before seen in a light elementalist. He uses this to his advantage to get around sticky situations.


    Summon: Angel ¨C Xiv has the ability to call three angels. Death, Justice and Purity. Summoning them does take a substantial amount of mana.


    Spell: Bind ¨C Xiv¡¯s most powerful ability. Bind is a godlike spell that allows him to permanently enslave any being. There are rules to the ability though. One, the creature must be weaker than the user unless they give their consent. Two, the creature cannot be dead.


    Pacifist Soul ¨C Xiv has a rare disability that doesn¡¯t allow him to use offensive spells. Xiv compensates for this by using summoning skills, like the angel or the chains. Paired with Xiv¡¯s strong support skills, he becomes an unstoppable force. Xiv is extremely vulnerable alone though.


    ---


    Luce Airtreader ¨C Luce is Xiv¡¯s personal guard and the closest thing to his friend. He was found in the middle of the forest as a child by some of the Aenios servants. They took him in and raised him. When they realized his amazing combat skills, they trained him and introduced him to Xiv, the person he would guard for the rest of his life. Luce grew attached to Xiv despite his behavior.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Race: Elven


    Likes: Food, Girls, Bugging Xiv, Fate


    Dislikes: Fighting, Blood, War, Elves, Discrimination


    Hobbies: Picking up women


    List of unique traits and abilities:


    Stunted Future: Luce was born without the ability to cast magic. His soul was empty and even the elements rejected him. While this did have some negative effects on his mental state, it was better when Xiv entered the picture. Because his soul is empty, Xiv¡¯s buffing spells worked twice as well as Luce, providing him some solace for this rare mutation.


    ---


    Helia Rose ¨C Xiv¡¯s fianc¨¦e. Their marriage was decided at a young age because of Xiv¡¯s strange behavior. They weren¡¯t told about the arrangement though. Despite this, Helia is simply infatuated with Xiv and would follow him around as children. Now that she¡¯s grown up, she still follows him around, just, more as friends.


    Race: Human


    Likes: Xiv, Games, Flowers, Fire, The Sun, Friends


    Dislikes: Studying, Being Alone, The Dark, Evil


    Hobbies: Gardening exotic plants


    List of unique traits and abilities:


    N/A


    ---


    Grener one-eye ¨C Once a proud bandit captain, reduced to the term ¡°Slave 1¡±. Grener was a part of the biggest bandit gang in the capital before Xiv came along and destroyed his entire life. Things had finally started looking up for him, central had trusted him with an important mission, the plan was to be executed in a year and the profits would have left the bandits in control of the kingdom. It¡¯s too late for that. Now, his only worries are if Xiv remembers to allow him to eat.


    Race: Human


    Likes: Food, Water


    Dislikes: Xiv, Pain, the Other Bandits, Breathing


    Hobbies: Staying Alive


    List of unique traits and abilities:


    N/A


    ---


    Lord Aenios ¨C Coming Soon (Character Development Underway)


    ---


    Lady Aenios ¨C Coming Soon (Character Development Underway)


    Locations:


    The Aenios Estate ¨C A recently built fortress that doubles as a home. It can defend against attacks for thirty years before food runs out. It also has nice d¨¦cor.


    Dirtin ¨C A small village in the Aenios¡¯s land. Once prosperous, it used to be a major trade capital. Then the war struck and Dirtin was hit hard. The name was changed because of the state the village was in afterwards. Xiv rebuilt it though and things are looking better for the town. Xiv is considering changing the name.


    Bandit Cave ¨C A secret bandit hideout that only Xiv and his guards know about. It¡¯s operated by Xiv¡¯s slaves and has become his base of operations for his personal gains and thrills.

 Chapter One - The Beginning

    It was an auspicious day. The suns were at their highest and the clouds had parted. The sunlight was so bright and calming. That was the day, Xiv was born.


    Born into the Aenios family, he was given adoration, care, wealth and power. His mother was the heir of a powerful mage clan that had defended the kingdom for many years, while his father was the son of a famous general and the owner of many marketplaces and businesses.


    As he grew up, his parents noticed something strange about him compared to the other children.


    He was quiet and antisocial. When invited to play, he would decline, he''d much rather read a book instead. He had spent a lot of time in the library which had grown dusty after the many years it wasn''t used. His parents were worried he was spending too much time alone, so they proposed an offer to the neighboring noble family, Rose.


    The Rose family was a much older family who had been around since the time the kingdom was born. Because of this, they had much more wealth and land. Xiv''s parents knew that the Rose family had a daughter around Aenios''s age and they decided to unite the families through their marriage.


    Because of this, the families became closer and would often visit each other, letting the Rose''s daughter, Helia play with Xiv. Xiv hated the new company while Helia absolutely loved it. Helia was attached to Xiv and would follow him around whenever she went to their house. They basically grew up together.


    Fortunately for Xiv, it wasn''t everyday Helia came over to play. When he was alone, he could relax again. His parents, recognizing his love for books, hired a tutor. Something Xiv responded positively to. The tutor, a man named Rale, was also happy to find a noble child who was actually willing to learn.


    The years flew by and it wasn''t long before Xiv inherited his mother''s natural talent for magic. At only the age of ten he was able to control his element, Light. Light being regarded as one of the most powerful and most respected elements you could have. Xiv''s family was ecstatic at the news. Xiv''s reaction?


    "Oh."


    Rale added a new curriculum to Xiv''s agenda. Magic. Xiv was a natural. He quickly learned the basics in an instant and continued on the more intermediate course with ease at the age of twelve. His counterpart, Helia, was still struggling to fully harness her own powers at twelve, but that was still considered an amazing feat.


    It was like this that the years flew by once more. Rale barely had anything left to teach. It wasn''t long before the Aenios family had received a letter. A letter from the new royal academy of magic. An invitation letter.


    The old academy had been established since the creation of the kingdom but was destroyed in the plethora wars. Construction started to rebuild it right away, but it wasn''t until sixty years later until they finally finished it.


    Xiv''s parents were speechless. He had multiple acomplishments under his belt already, but this one was probably his greatest. The royal academy only accepted the students with the potential to become archmages. After all, all the teachers were archmages. Xiv''s mother was especially excited.


    They accepted the invitation without Xiv''s consent. The school year would start in three months, until then, they would have time to prepare.


    They informed Xiv about the letter during one of Helia''s visits. Xiv''s reaction?


    ---


    Xiv: "Ok."


    Father: "Ok? Only ok? Do you know how amazing this opportunity is for you?"


    Father was looking angry. It seems that he expected another response from me.


    Mother: "Now, now. This was always how Xiv has been."


    Mother was looking calm. Father looked at her surprised.


    Father: "You''re the one who was the most excited! After all, yo-"


    Mother cut him off there.


    Mother: "Let''s go now. We need to let them absorb that information."


    They left, silently talking to each other. I couldn''t hear them from here. Thank goodness. Now to return to-


    Helia: "YOU''RE GOING TO THE ROYAL ACADEMY?!"


    Ah, them. I forgot SHE was here.


    Helia started to pace around the room, obviously upset and deep in thought.


    Helia: "That''s not fair! I want to go with you!"


    It was then I realized the benefits of going to the school. The school provides dormitories as it resides in the middle of the kingdom. I would be able to gather some very, very important alone time.


    Xiv: "You''ll need an invitation to get in and I don''t think my parents will give you mine."


    Helia looked at me and started pouting. I hate her sometimes. She''s the biggest obstacle in my plans.


    Helia: "That''s right... an invitation! Is Rale here?"


    When she asked that question, I looked up at her.


    Xiv: "Probably somewhere in the library."


    She squealed and ran off.


    Xiv: "Sigh..."


    I thought she''d never leave.


    I closed my book and got up. It''s time.


    I heard rumors form the servants that a rather large bandit gang had established a foothold here in my lands. That was unforgiveable.


    I walked around the castle. Various pots filled with exotic flora lined the halls. Paintings of beautiful landscapes and my ancestors right above them. Maids dusted the furniture and watered the plants every day. This was routine. I continued down the hallways, out of the door, beside the perimeter, passing the training grounds and entering the garrison.


    As I entered, all the men in the garrison lined up, scrambling out of their beds.


    Xiv: "I need five or seven guards to come with me. I''m going to investigate the rumors of bandits in the area. I can''t promise you won''t die. Of course, you will be paid, and if not you, your families."


    The guards remained silent before all of them took a step forward.


    This just makes picking a party harder.


    Guard: "Sir, I think we all have to agree, that we''d all like to go. Extra pay or not. We can''t leave the young master without adequate protection."


    Xiv: "I said I needed only five or seven and even that''s generous. With all of you, it''ll look like were going slay a beast. The thieves will easily notice us and remain in hiding."


    They remained silent.


    Xiv: "I have my magic. If something goes wrong, I can easily escape. It''s not my life you should be worried about. Its yours. You do know what bandits do to their prisoners right?"


    Slowly, the guards started to back off one by one until only five were left. Perfect.


    Xiv: "Come along then. Don''t regret this decision."


    Luce: "I won''t."


    The smallest of the guards bounced beside me. Luce, my annoying personal guard. He''s quick witted and has a sharp tongue.


    I groaned.


    Luce: "Aw, did you miss me?"


    Xiv: "We''ll head into town, walking. Leave your armor, find some commoners clothes and wear them. We leave soon. I''ll be waiting outside."


    I leave the garrison and Luce behind. I requested another guard many times, my parents never gave into my demands.


    I guess this operation would be the best place to get rid of him.


    I go to the servants¡¯ quarters. The steward inside handed me some dirt ridden clothes form the village. I''ve been planning this for some time now, and it must be done in secrecy. My parents would never let me do this, and this operation is determential to my plans.


    I walked back to my room, taking the longer route that avoids my father''s study. I wore the despicable clothes and ran back to the servants¡¯ quarters.


    These clothes... are strangely loose.


    Using the service door, I exited the castle and walked to the front. Luce and the other guards were already there waiting for me.


    Luce: "Took you long enough. We''ve been waiting here for some time now. Some of the servants stated to toss us coins." He started snickering.


    I ignore him and walk down the road, they start following me.


    Xiv: "We split up into teams of two. Luce is with me, the rest of you form up."


    Luce: "You do like me! When''s the wedding?"


    I glare at him, anger apparent in my eyes. "Another word and I''ll send you to Helios personally."


    He put his hands up and chuckled nervously, but he didn''t say anything else.


    Xiv: "Good."


    I turn around and continue to the village.


    Xiv: "Look around the town and ask around about the bandits. Be inconspicuous and careful with your words. If the bandits catch wind that someone¡¯s looking for them... they won''t be too happy."


    Xiv: "Return to the entrance of the village when you get some important information. Return immediately if you see someone with a snake coiled around a dagger tattoo. That''s the symbol the bandit''s carry."


    The guards saluted. "Sir!''


    Right before entering the village, we split up into our teams.


    Me and Luce entered through the main gate. The other two teams from the side.


    Luce: "Well, where do we start?"


    The village was quite big but in poor condition. They still haven''t recovered from the various civil wars. The houses were either dirty or broken, the roads all earth and the marketplace was in poor condition. The people needed water, but the nearest source was deep in the forest where plenty of beasts roamed.


    Although, there was always one shop that was booming with business.


    Xiv: "We''ll go to the bar."


    Luce laughed. "I think we¡¯re a little young to be drinking."


    Xiv: "I''m asking questions. You''ll be doing the drinking."


    Luce winced. ¡°Oh boy..."


    I put on my cowl.


    We headed to the bar. It was a rather big building compared to the rest of them and had some level of sanitation. We entered through the front doors. No one seemed to mind or notice us enter. They were too busy drinking their sorrows away.


    We walked to a table in the corner that seemed to be unclaimed. Strange.


    I started to scan the area for anyone who might look like a bandit. Unfortunately, everyone here looked like a they lived in filth.


    Luce: "Hey boss..."


    Xiv: "What?"


    Luce pointed to the entrance. There, some extra burly looking men walked in and the bar went silent.


    One of them walked up. "Ok bartender. We''ll need your best pints and ale. Make it on the house. We''re working so hard to keep these monsters out of the village."


    The bartender solemnly nodded and went into the back.


    The men walked into the center of the bar, harassing the customers on their way.


    It was then I noticed the snake and dagger tattoo, sitting on the bandit¡¯s hand in plain view.


    Luce: "Xiv..."


    Xiv: "I see it too. I don''t know why they''re just showing it off, but it makes our job easier. We''ll just watch for a while."


    The bandits laughed and chuckled throughout their stay. When the waitress brought the drinks did things start to go sour.


    Bandit 1: "Oh, so they do have women in this fine establishment."


    The other men started to chuckle.


    The waitress tried to leave but the men surrounded her. The rest of the bargoers simply watched.


    Bandit 1: "Stay a while. These drinks would be much better with some fine company." He outstretched his hand, about to grab her when...


    Stranger: "Stop! Leave her alone!"This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    The bandits turned around. A young man carrying a rather oversized sword approached them.


    Bandit 1: "And who¡®ere you? You her boyfriend?"


    He drew his sword and didn''t say a word. Both the bandits and I noticed. His arms were shaking.


    They left the girl alone and surrounded him.


    Bandit 1: "You must be real strong, being able to hold that massive sword and all."


    The other bandits chuckled. Why don''t they say anything?


    Young Man: "Just leave us alone!¡±


    Bandit 1: "Tough words. Can you back them up?¡±


    The bandits pulled out daggers and other weapons from various locations on their body. I guess even buff men weild daggers.


    Luce: "Xiv..."


    Xiv: "Don''t interfere. This is getting interesting."


    The bandits ''escorted'' him outside the establishment. We continued watching from the windows.


    People saw the weapons and the obvious fight that was going to break out but ignored it. A stream of people emerged on either side of the combatants.


    Bandit 1: "You ready for this kid? Its such a good day! I''d hate to ruin it with some blood."


    Luce: "Xiv!"


    Xiv: "I know."


    I raise my hand and point it at the boy. Palm outstretched a gentle golden light emerges, unbeknownst to anyone but me and Luce.


    Suddenly from outside, the young man started to emit a golden light. His radiance blinded the bandits.


    Bandit 1: "Wha-"


    Taking the opportunity, the young man swung his sword hitting the bandit with its broad side. The bandit went flying and was immediately knocked out.


    Now, a crowd was gathering. Not only because someone was actually beating the bandits back, but because of the golden light that surrounded him.


    The second bandit tried to avenge his friend, running straight at him with his dagger, but the dagger simply bounced off.


    The other bandits started to run after seeing this but were quickly disposed of by the Young Man. One by one he knocked them unconscious.


    When the last one fell, the whole village cheered.


    The young man panting and exhausted reentered the bar and the waitress from before carried him off to the back. He received cheers all the way there.


    Luce turned to me. "Are you okay?"


    I chuckled. "I didn''t do anything. I just stimulated some of his inner strength, that''s all."


    Luce: "So that power? The shield?"


    Xiv: "Inconsequential."


    Luce laughed.


    Luce: "You try and act heartless but you really do care, don''t you?"


    Oh, Luce... you couldn''t be farther from the truth.


    I stood up and started to leave the bar. Luce followed me. We stood on the outside and watched as the constable and his assistants dragged the unconscious bandits away.


    Xiv: "I think its time to visit the station."


    We followed them back to the jail.


    ---


    Inside a dark, damp, smelly cave somewhere.


    A rather small man in leather armor ran inside the cave. He ran past wooden construct towers and shacks built into and around the walls of the cave. The place looked like a little bandit town. He opened a door at the end of the chamber, leading to a man-made stone room with various piles of gold and treasures lying around. At the end of this room was a man sitting on a makeshift throne.


    He had an eyepatch over one eye. Dirty black hair and red eyes. A dagger sat by his left side and a consort by his right.


    Bandit Scout: "Boss! Someone form the village took out one of our squads, alone!"


    The man was still playing around with the girl.


    Bandit Scout: "He was glowing light Boss! I think it was some kind of magic!"


    It was then the Bandit stopped and looked at the scout.


    Bandit Leader: "Really now? I didn''t think that little town was good for anything but pillaging. To think they still had hidden talent like that."


    Bandit Scout: "What do we do? If that guy really was a mage, he''ll be big trouble in the future. I mean, it looked like his first time using magic. I don''t even think he knew he was using it."


    The eyepatch man scratched his chin.


    Bandit Leader: "Well, might as well give him a little scare. We can''t let him run around after all. Would decrease morale. Besides, were here for something better than robbing a town."


    Bandit Scout: "And what about the guys in jail Boss?"


    Without hesitation, the eyepatch man said - "Kill them."


    The scout grinned. "Got it boss!"


    The scout ran back into the cave.


    Consort: "You''re not one for loyalty, are you?"


    Bandit Leader: "Here''s the thing about us bandits. We''ll fight as long as it¡¯s good for us. We''ll backstab anyone. They''ll just squeal as soon as the constable gives them a little proding. But enough of that. Come back here, I''m not done with you yet."


    ---


    Back at the village.


    Xiv and Luce had met up with the other guards and they went together into the jail.


    There a lone man sat at a desk completing paper work.


    Xiv: "Constable?"


    The man looked up. He had grey hair and a scruffy beard.


    Constable: "That''d be me."


    Xiv: "We need to talk to your new prisoners. It''s a matter of upmost importance."


    The constable looked at me confused.


    Xiv: "These are disguses constable, now where are the prisoners?"


    Constable: "Who are you again?"


    I lifted my cowl, revealing my platinum hair and my golden eyes. The constable immidietaly stood up.


    Constable: "Aenios... sorry sir. I was just making sure."


    I sighed. "It''s fine, just lead us to the prisoners. It won''t be long before someone comes around to kill them so get some guards ready."


    The constable, still confused tossed me the keys and ran off. I can assume he went to get some guards.


    I handed Luce the keys and we entered the Jail.


    It was a dark and dirty place. Not even street urchins would want to live in here.


    We walked to the very back where the bandits were being kept.


    I illuminated the place with my magic.


    Bandit 1: "That light... I knew that kid couldn''t have beat us alone."


    Xiv: "Yes, but I can. I need information. Information I''m willing to trade for your safety."


    Bandit 1: "Sure. I don''t really care about those scumbags. They''d doublecross me the second they got the chance."


    Excellent.


    Xiv: "Firstly, where''s your hideout. I heard you established a foothold somewhere around here."


    Bandit 1: "Boss picked this shitty cave to live in. It sits on the mountian side somewhere in the forest."


    Xiv: "The forest? You better not be lying to me..."


    The light in my hands grew brighter.


    Bandit 1: "I''m not, I''m not! Really. The boss had us dig a tunnel on the outskirts of the forest right beside the mountian. It leads straight to the cave. That way we don''t have to deal with the monsters!"


    Strange. How did the boss know about the cave? I''ll press further on that later.


    Xiv: "Fine. Second question. What are you bandits doing here. Other than harassing the town?"


    Bandit 1: "We don''t know. All we know is that the boss and the bosses back at home base have something big being planned. We''re here to make sure nothing goes wrong."


    Troubling news.


    Xiv: "Last question do you kn-"


    I was cut off by the sound of the front door being kicked in.


    Bandit Assasin: "Hey guys! I''m back! Remember how you said I couldn''t join you? Well now I don''t need to!"


    I whisper to my guards. "Hide in the open jail cells. Attack him when I say so."


    I close my lights and hide in the jail cells with a random guard. I put my hood up. It''s a good thing we''re wearing these disguises.


    The bandit assasin opened the jail cell door and entered the jail.


    Bandit Assasin: "We could of had so much fun together." A torch illuminated the room revealing a man with a somewhat short stature. He had a dagger in one hand that dripped with a green liquid. Poison.


    Bandit 1: "Nah, you''re way too scrawny. All the ladies would simply laugh at us."


    Bandit Assasin: "Why you little-"


    Xiv: "Now!"


    The guards burst from the jail cells and restrained the assain, bringing him to the ground and removing the dagger from his hands.


    Bandit Assasin: "What the?"


    I get up and walk in front of him.


    Bandit Assasin: "What''s this? A little kid? Go home boy."


    I kick his face. Knocking out a tooth and causing his nose to bleed.


    Bandit Assasin: "GUH"


    Xiv: "You''re not in a position to talk. Check him for more weapons. When you''re done that, toss him in with his friends. I think they have a few words to say."


    The bandits grinned. "Man, if only you were our boss."


    That may be a possibility in the future...


    I left two guards to deal with the assasin. They''re proffesional. They can deal with that measly bandit.


    For now, we need to get into that hideout. I''ve got a meeting with a certain somebody.


    I walked back outside the station only to find half the village in flames.


    Luce: "What happened here?"


    Xiv: "Great." I point at the three other guards. "You three. Help defend the village. Me and Luce will go to the bandit hideout. We''ll be fine. Worry about the village."


    Without complaints, they run off. We head towards the forest border.


    Luce: "Xiv I don''t think this mission is safe. It''s not like that bismuth bear. That was a single enemy. This is an organization. Didn''t you say this mission was solely reconasiance?"


    Xiv: "Doesn''t matter Luce. Can you just follow orders?" I grew annoyed. Luce noticed and stopped talking.


    We quickly made our way to the forest-mountian border.


    Luce and I start searching for the entrance. It was then I noticed that mark placed the trunk of a tree. I approached it. The tree was surrounded by thick foliage.


    What a extremely ineffective way of hiding something.


    Luce walke beside me.


    Xiv: "Clear it."


    He started tossing around the leaves before the tunnel mentioned by the Bandit was exposed.


    Xiv: "I''m going to bend the light around us. No one should know we''re here unless we make a sound. You ready?"


    Luce: "I guess."


    Light radiated from my hands until I couldn''t see my hands anymore. Then, we made our descent.


    ---


    It was dark and musty but the trip wasn''t long. Soon we could see the exit.


    We climbed out of the tunnel and back out in the forest. It was suffocating in there. Especially with Luce.


    Directly in front of us lay the cave. It''s mouth wide and agape. Someone had made the entrance wider. But for what?


    We walked in. I knew Luce was beside me because I could see the footprints he made in the dirt. Oh, so sutble hints to remind each other that the other was there.


    We walked into the cave and were greeted by two tall wooden towers. I was amazed at the contruction work and how quickly they built these defenses. It couldn''t have been more than a few days, right?


    Thankfully there was no wall. Only bandits in and beside the towers. They all held some type of ranged weapon. It seems they are well prepared to defend this place.


    What was past the towers was what truly shocked me.


    A bandit town. Houses were built in and around the walls of the cave with extreme efficieny of space. No mere bandits could be able to this alone. They had someone helping them.


    But that wasn''t my priority right now. I could figure out the secrets behind this place later.


    At the end of the cavern, I could see our obvious target. A door with a sign hanging on it that read ''Boss''.


    I whisper. "Luce."


    I felt a tapping on my shoulder. He was there.


    Bandits walked around us in all directions carrying supplies and weapons. They really were preparing for something, and someone powerful was backing them.


    We walked to the end of the cavern and waited beside the door. We waited for a long time before someone finally opened the door. We followed them in before they could close the door.


    Inside the room lay piles of treasure and gold. That can''t be right. Where did they get all this loot from? The village doesn''t have anything like that!


    Bandit Scout: "Boss! The men we sent to scare the village were defeated. The assasin hasn''t come back either."


    I looked at the very end of the room. There, sitting on a makeshift throne was a man wearing an eyepatch and what seemed to be imperial armor coloured black and brown. By his side was what was an obvious consort. His hand wrapped around her waist and her thigh over his leg.


    The ''boss'' chuckled.


    Bandit Leader: "Seems like someone''s helping out the village don''t you think?"


    Bandit Scout: "What do yo-"


    Bandit Leader: "Leave." He looked towards the consort. "You too sweetie."


    She slowly got of his legs. As she walked past he slapped her ass seductively. Ugh, what a vulgar display.


    They exited and the door shut behind us.


    Bandit Leader: "Now then." He got of his throne and walked over to the door, locking it."


    Bandit Leader: "Mind introducing yourself?"


    I sighed. The light once again hit my face, revealing me and Luce to the outside world.


    Bandit Leader: "My nose is pretty sharp y''know."


    Xiv: "I''m sure."


    Bandit Leader: "Mind telling me why you''re here?"


    Xiv: "Luce?"


    Luce: "Yup?"


    Luce drew his sword.


    Xiv: "Tell him why we''re here."


    Luce: "With pleasure."


    He leaped at the bandit leader.


    The bandit leader drew two daggers from his belt. He quickly raised his hands, right in time to intercept Luce''s attack.


    Luce bounced backwards and took another stance.


    Bandit Leader: "And they call us bandits underhanded."


    Xiv: "Underhanded? No. You mean first to attack."


    I outstretched my hand and a golden light envoloped Luce.


    The bandit leade flinched when he saw this.


    Luce dashed forward again, sword pointed directly at the bandit leader.


    The bandit leader tumbled to the side to avoid the attack, but with some inhuman reaction, Luce swung the sword that way as well, slashing the Bandit Leaders arm.


    Bandit Leader: "ARGH... hehe. Seems like you''ve both got some tricks up your sleeves."


    The bandit leader looked straight at me and tossed his daggers. Luce intercepted. The light around him deflecting the daggers.


    Bandit Leader: "I get it now. You''re the one who''s been messing up our plans, aren''t you?"


    Xiv: "Perhaps. But that shouldn''t be your concern right now."


    Luce walks up to the Bandit Leader with full confidence. The Bandit Leader draws his sword. The blade was made out of a blood-red crystal.


    That''s not good.


    Xiv: "Luce. Be careful. That thing absorbs magic and makes him stronger."


    Luce nodded and stopped approaching the Bandit Leader.


    Bandit Leader: "You''re well-versed. I think it may be even beneficial to keep you alive."


    I laughed. "That is, if you can even beat us."


    The bandit leader took the initiative this time and dashed at Luce, catching him off guard and knocking his sword out of his hands. He then knocked him out and tossed his unconscious body into a pile of gold. Ouch.


    Bandit Leader: "But I can. I''ve been able to this entire time!"


    Finally.


    Xiv: "Finally..."


    Bandit Leader: "Excuse me?"


    Xiv: "You lose, friend."


    I raise my hands towards the ceiling.


    Xiv: "Come guardian of light, heed my call and smite the evil before me!"


    A bright light enveloped the room and from the light emerged a 7ft tall woman. Wings spouted from her back and a sword clasped in her hand. Her eyes blindfolded and her mere presence a sign of light. Stragely though, she had a thick, white scarf wrapped around her neck.


    The bandit leader stood baffled. "Is that... a fucking angel?"


    She pointed her sword at the bandit leader and blast of pure white energy covered him. He screamed in agony. Even his sword shattered. That amount of magical energy was enough to destroy anything.


    When the ray of light ceased. What was left was a barely alive, pitiful bandit.


    I walked up to him, healing him.


    Bandit Leader: "What... are you.... doing?"


    Xiv: "Healing you."


    Bandit Leader: "...Why..."


    I smiled. No. I grinned. A grin that stretched across my entire face. The bandit leader''s eyes went wide.


    Xiv: "Hehehe.... HAHAHAHAH"


    The bandit leader started to crawl away but I dragged him back.


    Xiv: "Justice... again."


    Justice once again raised her sword at the bandit leader.


    Bandit Leader: "Wai-"


    Once again he was covered in holy light. His screams even louder than the first time.


    I walked up to him and placed my hand around his neck.


    A blinding light, brighter than ever before emerged from my hands. His eyes rolled up into his head.


    A high-pitch screeching noise could be heard until I finally removed my hand. What remained was a glowing list of runes wrapped around his neck.


    I healed him once again, making him conscious again.


    Bandit Leader: "wWhHyy...."


    I started to laugh but I stifled it. That was enough for today. "It''s difficult being a goody-two shoes all the time. Sometimes I need to blow off a little steam. I just decided to use you today. Shame I can''t kill you. I need you for my plans."


    He looked at me. I bent back down and started to heal him.


    Bandit Leader: "No... more... please...."


    He started to crawl away again.


    Xiv: "STOP MOVING YOU INSUFFERABLE RAT."


    The runes around his neck started to glow and he stopped moving.


    Bandit Leader: "Wha-"


    Xiv: "Surprised? I''ll give it to you in short form. You''re mine now. The light around your neck? It''s proof your mine. A collar... FOR A DLITHY DOG."


    I kick him brutally, denting his armor. He coughs up blood. It''s probably going to bruise.


    Xiv: "I assume this gold is all yours?"


    He slowly nodded.


    Xiv: "Well its mine now."


    He looked like he wanted to say something but he couldn''t


    I bent back down and started healing him. His wounds started to close and he looked better... except his mental state is probably in shambles. I''ll deal with him later. For now, I need to earn the loyalty of his men and I know just how.


    I turn him invisible.


    Xiv: "Stay still. Oh, and, never attack me, unless I say so."


    I''m sure he nodded.


    Next, I drew a circle around him in the dirt. I''ll use this for later.


    I turned my angel and nodded. She disappeared into a flurry of light. I think she would spook my new friends if I kept her around. Besides. I didn¡¯t need her to defend myself. Not here at least.


    Finally, I opened the doors. The consort, the scout and several other bandits were sitting outside.


    Bandit Scout: "Who the fuck are you?"


    Xiv: "You''re all men. Just like your boss." I start to talk.


    Bandit Scout: "Hey punk, I said who the fu-"


    I kicked his face inward. I''ve gotta say, my kicks really are brutal. It also grabbed the bandit''s attention.


    Xiv: "You all work just as hard as him, but he reaps the rewards, doesn''t he?"


    I hear a few murmurs from the crowd.


    Xiv: "From this day forth, I''m your new boss and I''m much kinder than your old one. As an act of gratitude, I''ll permit you to enter the room behind me and take as much treasure as you want."


    The bandits¡¯ eyes widened and they jumped up excitedly.


    Xiv: "HOWEVER." They stopped moving. "There is a circle in that room. It has no treasure in it. In fact, its empty. Don''t walk inside, and we''ll be just fine. Got it?"


    Some of the bandits muttered.


    Bandit: "Who''s stopping us from killing you and taking the gold? Why should we call some random kid our boss?"


    Bandit: "What happened to our old boss? Sure, he was hoarded all the gold but at least he wasn''t some snot-nosed brat!"


    I sighed.


    Xiv: "Let''s discuss this after you collect the gold. Things may get... messy."


    One of the bandits stood up.


    Cocky Bandit: "You know, I''ve had enough of you. You come out of nowhere and start bossing us around. I might as we-"


    I outstretch my hand. Golden chains emerge from thin air and wrap around his neck and slowly bring him towards me.


    Xiv: "I had fun with your ''boss'' but I didn''t get to kill him. I''ll just kill you instead."


    His eyes started to widen as the chains closed around his throat. The other bandits couldn''t do anything but watch.


    Xiv: "Bye-bye!"


    I moved his body right above the other bandits right before his head exploded from the pressure, raining blood all over his comrades. His head landed in front of them and me.


    The chains disappeared and I dropped the body. It landed on the consort who started screaming in absolute terror.


    The other bandits simply looked at me.


    Xiv: "Anyone else?" A grin emerged on my face.


    No one responded.


    Xiv: "I was feeling generous before, but now I don''t really feel like giving you that gold. You soured my mood."


    The bandits still didn''t speak a single word.


    I started to smile, then I started to laugh. I started to laugh uncontrollably.


    It was for a few good minutes before I finally stopped. The bandits still watching me with fear in their eyes.


    I look at them. "You can move you know?"


    They shake themselves out of it and I decided to ask them one more question.


    Xiv Aenios: ¡°So, who am I?¡±


    END OF CHAPTER 1

 Chapter Two - First Defeat

    I returned to the village with Luce in tow. I told the bandits not to attack the village anymore.


    I felt like I forgot something¡­ the bandit leader? Oops. Too late now though.


    Seriously though. Luce is heavy and I''m not one for muscle work. Carrying him back was hard.


    When we got to the village, the guards seemed to have cleared out he bandits. I asked them to summon a carriage. I was exhausted.


    The ride back home was tiring but I was feeling really good today. I had advanced my plans some and got to release some of that pent up bloodlust.


    I keep remembering back to that time with the bandits. When I blew his head off and when they all looked at me in subject horror. Good times.


    Luce: "Woah... my head."


    Luce woke up. Usually he''d be outside the carriage, but today, I was feeling generous.


    Luce: "This place is pretty nice. You get to ride in here everyday?"


    Xiv: "How''s your head."


    Luce: "Fine I guess. What happened in the end?"


    Xiv: "I took care of the bandits. Nothing special."


    Luce: "Of course. You are the prodigy child."


    I stare out the window. Prodigy child huh?


    Luce: "We''re almost back. Oh, did I forget to tell you that I told your mother?"


    I glare at him. Fear, anger and worry in my eyes. "YOU DID WHAT?!"


    Suddenly from the sky a storm started to brew. Oh god no.


    A massive thunderbolt struck the ground beside the carriage, completely obliterating the poor plants and animals that were there.


    From the castle I could hear a voice booming like thunder.


    Mother: "XIV AENIOS. YOU WILL COME TO THE TRAINING GROUNDS IMMIDIETALY AFTER YOU RETURN."


    Her voice echoed throughout the entire area. I bet people from the village could hear her.


    I stare at Luce. "Why."


    Why have you condemned me to death?


    Luce laughed. "Revenge for dragging me through you crazy escapades."


    I toss him out of the carriage where he happily continues to mock and tease me from the windows.


    The guards outside start laughing as well.


    Miserable peasants. I''ll have you skinned for this.


    I exit the carriage and walk straight to the training room. The doors are already open and I can see the decimated magic dolls. The sand was scorched and almost as hard as rock.


    There standing in the middle of the carnage was my mother. The heir of the strongest magic clan in the kingdom.


    Mother: "Hello Xiv."


    I enter the room without saying anything.


    Mother: "I heard you went on a little trip down to the village. Mind telling me why?"


    How much did Luce tell her?!?


    Xiv: "I went to investigate some rumors..."


    Mother: "What type of rumors?"


    Here it comes.


    Xiv: "Rumors of bandits... appearing... in this area..."


    Mother: "I see. So you took it upon yourself to... what? Spy on them?"


    Xiv: "That was the plan."


    Mother: "I heard from the guards that you got involved with a fight, and that half the village burned down as a result."


    Xiv: "That wasn''t my fau-"


    She raised her hands at a dummy and shot another lighting bolt, making it implode.


    Mother: "Your fault? YOUR FAULT? IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK THIS IS ABOUT?"


    What? I''m not in trouble for the village burning down?


    Xiv: "If not that then what?"


    Anger started to build up in her face and she blew up another dummy before storming out of the room. (Get it?)


    Then father walked in.


    Xiv: "Hello father."


    Father: "Xiv. You have to know that she worries about you."


    Xiv: "Ok?"


    Father: "She''s not very good with her words. She grew up in a place where magic portrayed your feelings. Xiv, you''re our only child. She worries for you."


    Was that all this was about?


    Xiv: "So, this was only about that? I don''t understand. I''m going back to the library."


    Father stopped me at the doorway though.


    Father: "Not just yet. You''ve still got the village to worry about. I heard what had happened. You helped that young man. The bandits then sent a party to scare the village because of it. If you had just left him alone, he would have just been beaten up. No, instead you helped him. Therefore, I''m placing the costs of repair on you."


    WAIT


    Xiv: "WHAT? YOU CAN''T DO THAT!"


    Father: "I can and I did."


    Xiv: "WHA...grrr. Fine."


    This might actually work out in my favor.


    Father: "Your going to be working on repairing that poor village all day today. If I don''t see any progress, I''ll start to have to funnel funds from your personal stash."


    I storm out of the room like mother. Sometimes father can be awfully cruel.


    I walk back to Luce who was talking and laughing with someone else.


    I turn the corner only to find Helia and Luce giggling together. When they see me they start bursting out in laughter.


    I growl which only makes them laugh more.


    Xiv: "Luce, we''re going!"


    Luce: "Sure boss! Just don''t forget to tell your mother, haha."


    I glare at him, giving my most intimidating look but with Helia here it doesn''t work.


    Helia: "You''re still giving the evil eye to people? You''re such a child."


    I start to walk away, Helia and Luce laughing all the way.


    This is going to be a long day.


    ---


    We arrived at the village. Helia had stayed behind at home to talk to Rale about something. Not that I care.


    Luce stayed with me though.


    Luce: "So Xiv, where do we go first?"


    I look around the village. It really was in shambles.


    Xiv: "We start with the mayor. We need his permission and his men to start rebuilding this place."


    Luce: "Got it boss."


    Wait. Boss? Was he awake? No, that''s impossible.


    Xiv: "Don''t call me that, it scares me."


    Luce: "I know... boss."


    I hate him.


    We walked down the main road, observing the wreckage.


    It was horrible. The buildings were in ruins and the ones that werent completely collapsed. The few stores and shops around were gone, and some of the farmland had been affected too. Right before the icing no less. In the middle of the town, I could see a crowd gathering and a short somewhat plump man on a podium.


    Luce: "Found him."


    We head toward the gathering.


    Mayor: "Our town has suffered a great crisis. The bandits have been driven away but they still plague us with their actions. We must not falter here. Our humble village has suffered worse. I need every able bodied man and woman to come to the front. Even the children wil help in the reconstrction of our town."


    The men and women started shuffling around arranging themselves. I took this opportunity to talk to the mayor.


    I walked to the side of the podium and beckoned him over.


    Mayor: "Hello Xiv. I''m sorry to welcome you to our town when its in such disrepair."


    Xiv: "It''s fine. I''m actually here to help rebuild it."


    Mayor: "Are you now? That would be marvelous! So, how much are you willing to spend?"


    Xiv: "I mean''t more... physical. I''ve got a plan for the village. Ever since I was little, I hated how dirty this place looked."


    Mayor: "Eh?"


    Xiv: "But the town burning down only works in my favour this time. I will completely reconstruct the town and make it better than before!"


    Mayor: "That''d be amazing, but how are you going to do it?"


    Xiv: "I need a list of the resources you have. I''ll also need to take command of the working men and women."


    The mayor looked at me, doubt clear in his eyes.


    Xiv: "If it doesn''t work, I''ll fund the reconstruction."


    He hands me a list of damages and resources.


    Mayor: "Come up here, the towns all yours!"


    I walked up on the podium. I could hear whispers from the crowd below me.


    Xiv: "Just telling you, I''ll pay anyone who''s working for me."


    That brought the attention of the entire town directly towards me.


    Xiv: "Firstly, I need all magic users to stand directly in front of the podium."


    The crowd stood still.


    Xiv: "Next, I need all of the remaining wood brought here, to the center and quickly!"


    The crowd just stared for a bit before some men and women started to run off.


    Xiv: "I need the children to salvage whatever they can find from the wreckage."


    The children and teens were sent off to help.


    Child: "What does salvage mean?"


    Xiv: "Those with poor physical consitution should help with the food. Prepare cheap and quickly made food for the workers and yourselves."


    The crowd was gone now, the only people remaining had a magical aura around them.


    Xiv: "I assume you are mages correct?"


    Some of them nodded. The rest didn''t care.


    Xiv: "This will be a long day"


    ---


    Xiv transformed the mob of dsitraught villagers into an organized force that he used to maximize efficieny.


    At first he used them to collect resources and stack them in the middle of the town. The strongest were to cut down trees and mine stone, a building material very new to them. The rest were to deliver them to the center.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Xiv then checked the number of housing units damaged. The report the mayor had given him was accurate and provided lots of information. Information Xiv needed.


    The destroyed houses were to be rebuilt. Until then, those that lost their homes would have to sleep in the bar or the mayor''s house which he didn''t take too kindly to.


    The reconstruction of the houses was quick. The amount of men and women working made sure of it. The wood frames where put up, then stone foundations were laid out. The walled the rest off and the house was done. The longest part of he construction was the material collection.


    Now with the houses rebuilt and everyone had a home. Xiv tore down the old houses and rebuilt them the next day. The old mud/wood houses gone, replaced with much more elegant housing.


    The houses were lined up neatly and orderly as to save space for his other projects.


    Next was the commercial center. Xiv had a big plan for this. He built many buildings, with many rooms. This gave adequate area for bigger businesses to come in and invest in the town while still allowing the original stores to move shop. Some wandering salesmen decided to use the new buildings as their new locations for shops.


    The blacksmith was working, the farmers were working, the craftsmen were working the beggars were working. Everyone was being paid and progress was growing. The village was becoming bigger and better. You could call it a town now.


    He demolished all the old buildings, replacing them with new ones. He established wells for easier water access and he updated the old law enforment system. It had simply been the constable and two assistants. If he wanted his town to grow, he would need more security. He installed a training regime for those without jobs to become guards. Luce and the other guards were to lead them. It wasn''t long before he had an actual force.


    While they didn''t have anything to defend for now, Xiv sent them into the forest to hunt and kill monsters so they wouldn''t be useless.


    Next Xiv worked on the decoration. A resident nature mage helped him with this prospect. Trees were grown throughout the village and vines crawled on their surface.


    Everything was going good. He had restarted the community and replaced the crisis with a boon.


    Two months had passed though, right before he was finally done his last project.


    ---


    I stood on the podium where and observed hmy work. That ruined town from before is gone.


    Xiv: "The residential area and the commercial area are complete. The farmers have more land so they are happy and we''ve established a proper trade route with the neighbouring town. Only one thing left to do now."


    I walked down the podium and to the new guards¡¯ barracks.


    I entered. The interior was a little droll, but it was organized and proper. I could hear grunts and yelling from inside the training hall.


    It seems the guards were undergoing training again. I watched as Luce was sparring against another trainee, obviously playing around with him.


    The trainee however, was extremely serious and trying to learn the best he could. I entered the room. The trainee looked familiar actually, there was this glow about him. I can''t quite put my finger on it.


    Xiv: "Luce, if you''re not training, get over here."


    The fight stopped and everyone turned towards me. Luce hesitantly left the training grounds and walked by my side. Another one of the trainees took Luce''s place.


    We exited the training hall.


    Luce: "What''cha need boss?"


    Xiv: "How many times have I asked you to stop calling me that?"


    Luce: "Twice, then you gave up."


    Xiv: "I need you to watch over the town while I go visit someone."


    Luce: "Changing the topic, are we? Also, What? You, of all people, are visiting someone? That''s hilarious."


    Xiv: "I''m dead serious Luce."


    Luce looked at me.


    Luce: "Fine, but there''s not much to ''look after'' anyway. This place runs itself now. You don''t need to coddle it."


    I exit the barracks.


    Luce: "Introduce me to your new friend next time!"


    I slam the door behind me.


    I start walking to the forest border. Beside the mountain, the tree remains with that same mark etched in on it.


    I brush away the foliage and enter that very same tunnel.


    I emerge from undeground, two men stand by the cave entrance. Spears in their hands, collars of light on their necks.


    I walk into the cave.


    The shambles that I first met this place in is no more. Now, proper towers took the old one''s place and a wood wall stood between them.


    Bandit: "Open the gate!"


    Two wooden doors open and I enter through them. Inside, bandits scramble to salute me. Something I taught them after many, many lessons.


    The little bandit town is no more. I had them work day and night, mining out actual rooms inside the stone, collecting wood from the forest and creating massive complexes of housing.


    I walk to the end of the cavern and enter. The piles of treasure have dwindled to a few gold coins scattered across the room. They were replaced with bloodstains and scorch marks. In the middle of the room, Slave 1 sat, in the circle, waiting for me.


    Xiv: "Hello Slave #1. How many left?"


    He opens his mouth. He was thin to the bone. I can''t remember the last time I fed him.


    Slave 1: "Just one more. A newcomer, he''s young and rebellious."


    Xiv: "Wonderful, send him here. Also, you many eat. You look thin. That also means you can leave the circle."


    His eyes were almost dead but a little bit of light sparked when I said that.


    Slave 1: "Yes master."


    Xiv: "Oh, and prepare your men to attack. I''ve your first mission is coming, isn''t that exciting?"


    Slave 1: "Yes master."


    He hobbled off out of the room. Bruises covering his skin. His fellow bandits must have taken their anger out on him. The great bandit leader, reduced to this pitiful state. It makes me feel.... good.


    I wait for only a few moments before through the door comes a young man being restrained by some of the older bandits.


    Young Man: "LET ME GO. GET OFF OF ME YOU FUCKS. YOU DID THIS TO YOURSELF, I''M NOT LETTING HIM DO THAT TO ME."


    Xiv: "Let him go and close the door behind us."


    The bandits nodded and closed the door.


    The young man rushed to the door and tried to open it, banging on it and screaming for help.


    As I walked closer and released there was no escape, he drew his dagger.


    Young Man: "Stay back you fucking freak. I heard the screams. Those horrible screams."


    Xiv: "I doubt that petty kitchen knife will do much. Why do you think my blood isn''t on the floor?"


    He looked panicked and tried to run, but I grabbed his leg and he fell face first onto his own dagger.


    That''s gotta hurt.


    Xiv: "Well, there''s no fixing that. I''ll get someone to clean up the mess later."


    I turned his body around to see his injuries. The dagger''s blade dug straight into him, only the hilt was visible. He must have been in agonizing pain. At least none of his blood got on me.


    I exited the room. Slave 1 and the rest of the bandits stood there waiting for me, armed with weapons and looking very bloodthirsty.


    Xiv: "Hello my servants. I''ve got a task for you, something you may like."


    They patiently listened to me.


    Xiv: "Apart from the Aenios and Rose noble families, there is a third much larger noble family in our little area. The Kar''s. I don''t like them very much. I want you to go out, pick a small village in their lands and pillage it to your heart''s content! Of course, you keep any gold you get!"


    The bandits liked that idea.


    Xiv: "You can leave whenever. Let Slave 1 lead this operation. You are to listen to his commands and execute them without error. Oh, and if your captured, you are to kill yourself."


    The bandits seemed troubled.


    Bandit: "You want us to follow the slave? But boss..."


    Xiv: "He''s the most strategically capable out of all of you. If there was someone better, I would have picked them and since I''m not apart of this operation, you are I need to pick someone from you."


    They seemed distressed by my words but didn''t complain. Slave 1 however was grinning.


    Xiv: "I''ll leave for now. When I return I expect to see your pockets full and the Kar''s crying. Is that understood?"


    They bandits saluted. Is it even right to call them bandits anymore?


    I smiled, proud of my work with these men. I truly managed to reform them.


    Xiv: "Oh, and one more thing. Where is that consort? I haven''t binded her yet."


    The bandits started to laugh and pointed to a corner in the cave.


    I walked over to the corner. Half hidden behind she cowered, her eyes blank her mouth agape and her clothes in ruin. She had marks all over her skin and she was obviously suffering from some type of disease. Without the bandit leader to protect her, I guess all the bandits took a ride.


    Disgusting. I haven''t completely reformed these ingrates after all.


    I walked back over.


    Bandit: "Did... did you want to use her?"


    Xiv: "Who said that?"


    Bandit: "I did boss."


    The collar of light was glowing. Seems like he tried to disobey my order.


    Xiv: "Do I look like I would mate with a filthy whore like that?"


    The bandit shook his head quickly.


    Xiv: "I don''t want to even touch her. That also means I won¡¯t be able to bind her. Make sure she never leaves this place. If she escapes and reveals our operations it won''t end well for you."


    The bandits chuckled.


    Bandit: "She won''t be leaving anytime soon.¡±


    Xiv: ¡°Good. I¡¯ll be leaving then.¡±


    I start to exit and the bandits continue their daily procedures.


    My spell doesn¡¯t strip away their ability to think, it only forces them to serve me for eternity.


    It also means I have to be careful with my words. If I give them an order that isn¡¯t specific enough, they can use that to their advantage.


    I haven¡¯t had any problems with that yet, but it may appear in the future.


    I exit the cave and take the long route back to the town. The sun is setting. I best be getting back.


    I walk to the barracks and try and find Luce.


    To my surprise, it seemed that no one was inside. Confused I searched the entire building.


    Where could they have gone?


    ???: ¡°Ah, Xiv!¡±


    I heard a familiar voice from behind me. I turn around and I see Helia. Her eyes had circles under them and she looked very worried.


    Helia: ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you everywhere, you¡¯ve gotta come with me!¡±


    Xiv: ¡°Why? Has something happened?¡±


    She nodded her head frantically.


    Helia: ¡°The town was attacked by a vicious monster! It¡¯s dragged off some of the villagers into the forest. Luce and the other guards went off to rescue them. I heard the news from my servants and rushed over here to warn you!¡±


    I look at her with a blank stare. This is a pain.


    Xiv: ¡°Let¡¯s go then.¡±


    I start walking out of the building.


    Helia: ¡°They¡¯re to the south of the town!¡±


    Helia started running and in order to catch up with her, I reluctantly start running too. As we pass the town, I see major damages the monster had caused to the housing around the area.


    I felt anger build up inside me. That monster destroyed part of the town, part of MY town. The place I built with my own two hands, pooling most of my money and time into.


    It was going to suffer.


    I started to run quicker.


    Xiv: ¡°Where are they?¡±


    Helia: ¡°They entered the forest, from there, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    We ran all the way to the forest border. I noticed traces of a battle, broken spears and blades, dented armor and a few dead bodies, some of them simple villagers. Strangely, there was no hints of the monster, only a fallen scale that could have belonged to anything.


    Helia stopped and covered her mouth with her hands. I didn¡¯t think she was good with gore.


    Xiv: ¡°Stay here if you can¡¯t go on. It won¡¯t take long to deal with that thing.¡±


    I continued into the forest, leaving Helia behind.


    I haven¡¯t entered the forest before, no one really dared to explore this place. The monsters that lived here are vicious and too much of a pain to deal with.


    I followed the signs of battle, they lead deeper and deeper into the forest. The number of bodies kept increasing as well as the appearance of scorch marks. Soon, I could see smoke from above the tree tops.


    Then, from a distance, I could hear


    Luce: ¡°To the side, hit its side! Keep the other ones distracted!¡±


    Luce was commanding. Other ones? Wasn¡¯t it only one monster?


    I rushed into the clearing and found Luce and the town guards battling a huge red lizard that was spewing fire, several men in armor riding smaller lizards and the villagers behind them.


    Our side had the numbers, but they were clearly winning.


    I rushed up and channeling my magic, called the chains of light. They wrapped around the legs of the strange lizards, tripping them and holding them in one place. The chains pulled causing the lizards to fall over. They were now incapacitated.


    The guards rushed up beside the smaller lizards and restrained the men riding them, the others carefully avoided the maw of the bigger one and retrieved the villagers, bringing them to safety.


    Luce turned around and a wave of relief washed over his face.


    Luce: ¡°Hey boss. Took your time didn¡¯t you.¡±


    Xiv: ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Luce: ¡°So that big thing dragged some villagers away. We followed them and these guys showed up riding its babies or something. So we fought them for a bit before you came.¡±


    I looked at the surrounding area. We had probably lost half our guard and some of the town members had fallen too, while none of their side had died. I know the guards are under-trained but this amount of men should be enough to take care of them.


    Luce saw me examining the wreckage.


    Luce: ¡°We tried our hardest, but that guy was almost definitely a mage.¡±


    Xiv: ¡°What guy?¡±


    From above I could hear an explosion and a man dropped won from the sky, making a crater where he landed, between me and the giant lizard. Flames curled around him. I could sense the use of magic in the air.


    Great. A pompous magician.


    He looked around and saw his allies restrained and his lizards chained. A frown formed on his face before he turned his attention to me.


    ???: ¡°You¡¯re new. What¡¯s a kid doing here?¡±


    I was about to speak before Luce cut in.


    Luce: ¡°He¡¯s our boss dumbass. Can¡¯t you see your men lost when he came?¡±


    The man just looked at Luce and started to laugh.


    Pablo: ¡°So you¡¯re the famous light mage? The world really is strange. I¡¯m Pablo, leader of these guys back here. Look, I don¡¯t want much trouble. I just need some of your townsfolk so I can keep my mistress happy.¡±


    I step forward.


    Xiv: ¡°That¡¯s not an option I can accept. If some villagers are kidnapped and taken away, the popularity of the town I built will falter. Leading it the economic situation it was in before.¡±


    Pablo: ¡°That sucks kid. I can¡¯t back down here either.¡± He started to scratch his chin. ¡°I know you probably don¡¯t want a fight. I can break these chains in an instant and our men can start fighting again. That doesn¡¯t sound too good to me. I don¡¯t want any loses, I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t need any more either. Let¡¯s come to a deal.¡±


    It feels like he¡¯s luring me into a trap. I¡¯ll have to carefully examine his words.


    Pablo: ¡°Choose a champion from your side. I¡¯ll choose one from mine. It¡¯ll be a fight to the death. If you win, you can keep your people, if I win, I get to take them. It¡¯s the most peaceful way of dealing with this. Sound good?¡±


    As much as I would hate to admit, his offer does sound good.


    Xiv: ¡°Deal.¡±


    The soldiers and villagers looked at me when I agreed to his part, even Luce.


    Xiv: ¡°One condition though. I want your side to pick their champion first.¡±


    Pablo started to scratch his chin again. It¡¯s getting annoying now.


    Pablo: ¡°I accept your terms. I also nominate myself as the champion!¡±


    Pablo then raised his hands and a circle of fire emerged around him. A small opening lay in front of our side.


    Xiv: ¡°What? You nominated yourself?¡±


    Pablo: ¡°I never said I couldn¡¯t. Sorry kid, but we made the rules together and we both agreed on them.¡±


    I cursed under my breath. I need to think about this carefully. He¡¯s a mage. Magic holds dominion over any physical fighter unless they had some type of specific advantage, like the bandit leader and his bloodstone.


    This Pablo character looks experienced in fighting as well.


    There¡¯s only one person who could take him on here.


    Xiv: ¡°Then I nominate myself as well. Prepare yourself.¡±


    I enter the ring of fire.


    Luce: ¡°Wait! Boss! You can¡¯t do that! Let me go instead!¡±


    Pablo started to grin and as I entered the ring of fire closed behind me.


    Pablo: ¡°You¡¯re pretty brave for a kid. You do know that this is a fight to the death, right? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll let you have the first move.¡±


    He stood there waiting for me. He¡¯s really testing me isn¡¯t he.


    Normally, I would summon Justice and the fight would be over, but only one human soul knows about her existence and I gave him a specific order to never reveal any information about me and I don¡¯t want to summon her here and in front of all these people watching. I would lose my trump card.


    I¡¯ll have to fight him without her. The problem with that is that I don¡¯t have any offensive spells¡­


    Pablo: ¡°Uh¡­ I did say you co0uld have the first move, and I am a man of my word, but don¡¯t think you can just wait forever. Eventually, that magic holding my lizards back will break and my men will attack.¡±


    Xiv: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this will be over soon.¡±


    I raise my hands and call upon a massive amount of mana. My hands start to glow a bright light, everyone in the area averted their eyes.


    Pablo: ¡°What the-¡°


    From the light, thousands of chains emerged covering the entire area. They crossed every which way, restraining everyone around me.


    Pablo started to choke, the chains were crushing his body.


    When I thought I had won, a felt a huge surge of mana leave the area around me.


    Xiv: ¡°Oh no.¡±


    I ducked down, right before a massive explosion incinerated me. I don¡¯t think the back of my shirt is there anymore. The chains around Pablo had disappeared, leaving him free and gasping for air.


    I got back up, a searing pain running across my back. Have I ever been hit before?


    I felt my anger build up again.


    Pablo, too, looked angry.


    Pablo: ¡°That was a nasty trick kid. You¡¯re going to pay.¡±


    Fire started to appear in his hands. This wasn¡¯t good. The sun had already set and my powers were suffering because of it.


    Pablo tossed a fireball at me, I was barely able to dodge it.


    He started walking closer.


    This wasn¡¯t good, if this keeps up I¡¯ll have to summon her.


    Another fireball, this time right in front of me. Fire spread around me once again. I was trapped in a small space.


    Pablo walked up to me, a massive fireball building in his hands.


    Luce: ¡°You¡­ you cheated! It¡¯s night! That¡¯s not fair for Xiv!¡±


    Pablo completely ignored Luce and continued walking up to me, until I could feel the fire from his hands on my skin.


    Pablo: ¡°I was going to keep you alive but you really pissed me off. Any last words kid?¡±


    Damnit! I raise my hand in order to summon Justice before a rather familiar thunderbolt struck the lizard behind Pablo, turning it into ash.


    Pablo turned around. ¡°What? Who?¡±


    From the skies I saw a moving ball of electricity slam down in the circle, right in front of Pablo.


    Lighting curled around her form and bolts sparked around her eyes. The smaller lizards and the other animals in the area started to run away, my chains kept them in place though. Even the guards backed off.


    Mother: ¡°YOU.¡±


    Mother started to emit massive surges of magical power, even I could feel it.


    Pablo took one look at mother and blasted off into the sky, using jets of flame to propel him forward.


    Mother could easily catch up with him but stayed behind.


    From the forest, some guards from back home emerged and started escorting the villagers and prisoners alike.


    Father, riding a horse emerged behind them.


    The flame circle extinguished and mother started to stare right at me.


    Mother: ¡°That¡¯s the last straw. I¡¯ve had enough of you and your silly adventures. You are going to be locked in your room until you start attending the royal academy where there you are to go to your classes and then be locked in your room once more!¡±


    Oh, great now I¡¯ve-


    I feel down face first on the dirt floor. Has dirt always been this comfy?


    Mother rushed up beside me, as did Luce.


    Luce: ¡°Hey Xiv??¡±


    It seems that I used too much magical energy, paired with that massive explosion¡­ I think I¡¯m going to take a nap.


    I closed my eyes.


    Luce: ¡°Xiv!? Hey?! Wake up!¡±


    My world started to go black before I went unconscious, due to exhaustion.


    END OF CHAPTER 2

 Chapter Three - The Royal Academy of Magic.

    One long month passed with me stuck in my room. It¡¯s not like it mattered to me, I still had access to my books. I was really only annoyed at the fact that I technically lost. Even though he ran away, I was the on who fell unconscious. In normal situations, that would mean death.


    *Knock, Knock*


    A few knocks on my door tore my attention away from my book.


    Xiv: ¡°Enter.¡±


    The door opened and Helia walked in. A wide grin on her face. There goes my peace and quiet.


    Helia: ¡°Do you know what tomorrow is?¡±


    She looked excited.


    Xiv: ¡°The next day?¡±


    Helia: ¡°No silly, it¡¯s the start of the new semester at the royal academy!¡±


    Xiv: ¡°So?¡±


    Helia looked distraught.


    Helia: ¡°It also means you get to get out of here and stretch your legs!¡±


    Xiv: ¡°I see.¡±


    I continued reading my book. Helia jumped on my bed.


    Xiv: ¡°Can you please get off?¡±


    Helia: ¡°Do you know what else?!¡±


    Xiv: *Sigh* ¡°What?¡±


    She started to smile again. ¡°I got in too!¡±


    I continued to read my book. ¡°Congratulations.¡±


    She sat down beside me. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you excited as I am? We get to go to the same school and the best school there is!¡±


    I looked at her, her face was a little too close.


    Xiv: ¡°I don¡¯t see what¡¯s exciting. Its just another place with books and tutors, with the extra addition of stress, responsibility, forced expectations and tons of other students going through the same thing.¡±


    Helia: ¡°Well¡­ when you put it like that it doesn¡¯t sound to fun but it can be! We can make new friends!¡±


    Xiv: ¡°I don¡¯t have friends.¡±


    Helia: ¡°You have me, and Luce!¡±


    Xiv: ¡°Luce is my guard, you¡¯re just an important guest who comes over way too often.¡±


    Helia looked really sad as I said that.


    Helia: *Sigh* ¡°Why are you always like this? People need to rely on each other, but you always push others away.¡±


    Xiv: ¡°It¡¯s because I don¡¯t need others. I need workers.¡±


    Helia: ¡°You¡¯re especially sour today aren¡¯t you.¡±


    Was I? Maybe being cooped up in here did have an effect.


    Xiv: ¡°Maybe, but my point still stands.¡±


    *Knock, Knock*


    Another knock on the door brought our attention to the doorway. Rale was standing there.


    Xiv: ¡°Rale. I don¡¯t recall you ever coming to my chambers before. Come in.¡±


    Helia: ¡°You invite him in but not me?¡±


    Xiv: ¡°He¡¯s not as annoying.¡±


    Rale entered. He was a tall man with a thick leather overcoat. He had brown hair and brown eyes. He wore, thick worn-out glasses and always carried a book around with him. He was always serious, something I liked about him.


    Rale: ¡°Xiv, I need to discuss something with you. You too Helia. It¡¯s perfect that you two are together.¡±


    Interesting, he wants to talk?


    Xiv: ¡°What is it?¡±


    Rale: ¡°The school you¡¯re going to. The academy. I know you¡¯re a prodigy Xiv but that place isn¡¯t to be taken lightly.¡±


    Xiv: ¡°You mean the work will be harder? That¡¯s fine, I needed a good mental exercise.¡±


    Rale: ¡°No Xiv. Studying is only one half of the School. The other half is application, whether it be in combat with other students, or real-life exercises against real-life monsters. Your performance in that school determines the outcome of your social life. I¡¯m just warning you. I taught there once. It was a cruel place with no forgiveness.¡±


    Rale looked extra serious this time. I also learned something new.


    Xiv: ¡°You taught there?¡±


    Rale: ¡°Yes but it wasn¡¯t for very long. I disagreed with how they taught the students and left the academy.¡±


    That¡¯s an interesting piece of information.


    Xiv: ¡°I¡¯ll take your advice into consideration Rale. I need to experience the school first hand to fully understand your warnings. Don¡¯t worry though. If you truly taught there then I should have the written half of the school down. I¡¯ll see what¡¯s so scary about the other half.¡±


    Rale nodded and started to exit.


    Rale: ¡°Just make sure you aren¡¯t kicked out. That¡¯s the worst possible situation.¡±


    He left closing the door behind him.


    He looked truly concerned.


    I turned to Helia who was muttering something under her breathe. Looks like she took his words to heart.


    Xiv: ¡°It¡¯s about time you leave as well Helia. We have a long day tomorrow and the sun is setting, I¡¯d like to get as much rest as I can before the day ends.¡±


    Helia nodded not saying a word. She was really spooked.


    She got up and left.


    I got up and closed the door before returning to my bed. Drowsiness overtook my body. The sun had fallen and I was feeling weak.


    I jumped in my bed and closed my eyes. Rale¡¯s warnings¡­ only furthered my curiosity. What does this place have in store for me?


    ---


    Morning came and left swiftly, now I was sitting inside my carriage, heading towards the capital. Helia didn¡¯t join me surprisingly. I suppose even she has her own reputation.


    It was silent in the carriage, just how I liked it. Luce and some other guards were riding on the outside, thankfully. It gave me time to read my book, relax and enjoy the scenery, or think about the school.


    School had always compared unfavorably to tutoring. A bunch of students enter a classroom to be taught the same, predetermined curriculum whereas tutoring consisted of only one teacher and student allowing the student to slow down, or in my case, speed up the curriculum.  Really school was for those who couldn¡¯t afford a tutor.


    What Rale said though, and the praise the academy receives, I feel it comes more from the application part of the school. Something I¡¯ve never seen nor heard of.


    It interested me. How could a faulty education system receive this much attention and glory?


    I contemplated these things while staring out the window. Our kingdom was full of nature, almost every area was forested, and almost every forest infested with monsters. Before the plethora wars, human settlers had carved these paths and villages through the forest and pushed back the monsters trying to reclaim their land.


    The trees were nothing special themselves. Rough, brown trunks with leafy, green leaves. Their only redeeming factor was the fact that they held home to so many different creatures despite the forest only consisting of that one type of tree.


    Soon, the carriage stopped, it seemed we reached the border.


    There was some discussion outside before the carriage started to move again. Doesn¡¯t seem I have to confirm my presence/nobility here. The less work the better.


    The surroundings drastically changed as we continued towards the capital. The thick forests turned into farmland and houses. The first houses I saw were shabby but as we continued, the state of the houses improved as well.


    I¡¯ve only been to the capital once or twice so these sights and roads are new to me. I stuck my head out the window, only to see the massive forty ft. wall we were approaching.


    It was unlike any fortress I had seen before. Even from here I could see the hundreds of guards patrolling the walls. Directly surrounding it was the slums of the capital, they were in even worse shapes than the first farming houses.


    We approached the front gate. It was a giant metal door with gold trimmings and the royal insignia etched into the front. Two guards stood by either side, one of them approached, spear at the ready.


    Luce got off his horse and started to talk to the guard. ¡°I am Luce from the Aenios family and I am currently escorting Xiv Aenios to his destination into the capital.¡±


    The guard nodded and peered behind Luce, spotting me. ¡°The noble, Xiv Aenios, requests access to the capital!¡±


    The large doors opened and the carriage continued to move again.


    This was glorious fortress.


    We entered the capital city, the heart of the human kingdom. Houses and shops lined the roads, none of them in a state of disrepair like those outside. The roads themselves were a smooth stone, unlike the more common cobblestone roads. This wasn¡¯t my destination though.


    My destination was in the very center of the city, right above us.


    Floating in the skies, was probably the most impressive detail of them all, something I had noticed from afar.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The royal school of magic. It truly stood out form the meager buildings that lay before it. The walls were pure marble and gold, as were the towers, which stretched the building even farther into the sky.


    Instead of casting a shadow, it seemed to glow brightly. Like a small star right above the city.


    I could see the guards looking in awe at the school. Really, it was more of a castle than a school.


    The driver continued towards the middle, where the entrance to the school was. All I could see was a small tower that pointed towards the school. I assumed they had some wind magician or magical beast to carry us up to the school.


    As we got closer, I could start to see more carriages and even commoners around my age walking towards the tower. It was the destination given to us in the letter. They must be my peers. Interesting, they accept any student, as long as they have powerful magic.


    Schools don¡¯t usually do that because commoners upset the nobles. I guess even the nobles don¡¯t have a say when it comes to the royal academy.


    The buildings started to thin down as we got closer to the middle. They were replaced by a circular building that surrounded the tower. I immediately noticed the energy the building emitted and concluded that this was the famous temple.


    The temple payed homage to each of the nine gods, despite one of them being despised by most of the population.


    At this point our carriage was halted by some guards, behind them was a man covered in thick robes that displayed a flurry of colours. He was smiling and had an aura of calm around him.


    Priest: ¡°As to keep the respect, we kindly ask that the carriage and horses be halted here, there are stables to the right if you wish to use them. Also, please keep your voice down, we wish to keep the serenity and peacefulness around the temple for as long as we can.¡±


    Luce opened the door to my carriage.


    Luce: ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the carriage and horses, you should continue on without us.¡±


    I exited and Luce handed me the invitation letter, probably as proof of my entrance into the royal academy.


    I walked past the guards, they bowed. The priest however, did not. As I would expect, wealth and land constantly compete with religion for power. Priests are sometimes considered even farther above nobles.


    I entered the temple. I could feel the energy I felt before rush into me. I was invigorated. The walls of the temple were covered in murals depicting the gods and their endeavours around the world.


    Statues were scattered around the temple in a seemingly random order.


    I could see worshipers line the halls, men, women, children, the elderly and the noble folk alike. As I was looking around, my attention was drawn away by a girl, kneeling before one of the statues. She had long green hair and a gentle smile on her face.


    I don¡¯t know why but I was entranced by her. There wasn¡¯t much about her. She wasn¡¯t that pretty and she wore commoner¡¯s clothes. I couldn¡¯t even sense magic around her, I wonder why¡­


    ???: ¡°Hey!¡±


    A shout from inside the centre of the temple dragged my attention away from her. When I had looked back, she was already gone. Damn.


    I looked to the source of the voice and saw a huge crowd of people around my age. All of them emitting powerful magic, they surrounded a large grassy filed with the tower, now much bigger up close and personal, in the middle.


    I seem to have found the rest of the students.


    I continued to the middle where I heard another shout.


    ???: ¡°Hey! You! Get back here!¡±


    It was obviously not directed at me, but it seems like someone had pissed off someone bad.


    It was only a few seconds later before a boy with yellow hair and absolutely flamboyant clothes, burst out of the crowd, thunder wrapped around him. His eyes were furrowed and he was scanning the area around him.


    Yellow: ¡°You little punk¡­ I¡¯m going to-¡°


    He was cut off as a bubble wrapped around him and lifted him up and out of the temple. He was obviously shocked and also quite possibly embarrassed as the rest of the students started to laugh at him.


    He tried to shout and break the bubble, but I could neither hear nor see him doing anything. It was like he was stuck.


    Serves him right for making a scene in the temple.


    ???: ¡°Hello students.¡±


    A mysterious voice coming from the centre, caused the rest of us to look back.


    From inside the tower was a woman, wearing glasses and deep blue clothes, her hands were glowing a brilliant blue. I could feel powerful¡­ dangerous magic coming from her.


    ???: ¡°I am one of the instructors to your new school, right now, I¡¯m here to send you to the school and also remove any troublemakers.¡±


    She walked out onto the grassy field, and looked towards the tower, which started to pulse with energy.


    Instructor: ¡°Years ago, our school was destroyed due to our war with the other races.¡±


    The tower started to glow even more.


    Instructor: ¡°It took us many years to rebuild it but in our eyes, that was a good thing. We learned new magic, magic that enabled us to lift the earth to the sky.¡±


    A small beam started to form at the very top.


    Instructor: ¡°Magic like¡­ teleportation.¡±


    My eyes went wide. The tower stopped charging and a huge beam fired towards the school. I could feel a tether, similar to my chain between the two. Teleportation¡­ a magic I thought was impossible. I looked up, towards the school. It seems coming here was worth it after all.


    Inside the tower, a magic circle appeared, it glowed a various degree of hues and was as wide as the tower itself.


    The other students were shocked as well. Only a select few individuals weren¡¯t shocked.


    A tall, muscular student, a girl with literal wings sprouting from her back. A boy who disappeared into the crowd, and the instructor herself.


    Instructor: ¡°When you are ready, enter the teleportation circle. Your first and possibly your final test will begin.¡±


    A test? On the first day of school?


    As she said that, students started to scramble inside, trying to be the first one inside the teleportation circle. I was near the edge of the group, even if I rushed, I wouldn¡¯t make it to the centre.


    I walked slowly towards the circle. Watching students touch it and completely disappear. Either this really was a teleportation circle, or someone just committed genocide. I decided to watch and wait instead of entering to early.


    The girl with wings started to move, she commanded an aura of confidence and power which showed as the students started to slow down and eventually stop to let her through.


    It took a few more minutes before the rest of the students went through, leaving only me and the instructor.


    She approached me. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you gone in yet? You¡¯ll be left behind if you don¡¯t go in now. I sense powerful magic coming from you, some of the strongest in years. It doesn¡¯t dismiss the fact that you can still fail.¡±


    I looked toward the circle. ¡°Excuse me, I was lost in my thoughts. Don¡¯t worry though. Whatever your ¡®challenge¡¯ is, I won¡¯t fail.¡±


    With confidence, I walked towards the magic circle, taking a step inside, and immediately blacking out.


    ---


    When I awoke, I was in a thick forest with trees surrounding me. I turned my head around, trying to find anything. It seems like, not only was I in somewhere I didn¡¯t know, I was completely alone as well. I can at least confirm the teleportation circle did work, I just didn¡¯t know if it malfunctioned and sent me here, or this was all part of the test.


    Deciding that standing around wasn¡¯t going to do anything, I started to walk in a random direction, hoping to find a clearing of an exit out of the forest, then I could properly assess my situation.


    As I continued, I felt an ominous feeling, almost like a portent of bad things to come.


    My surroundings grew darker, the magic in the air grew thinner. Something was definitely not right about this place.


    And I was right. In the distance, I could see a few rays of sunshine and a grassy, open field. I walked towards it, maybe I could find some clues as to where I was.


    Entering, the clearing, I noticed obvious tracks of other creatures. There were only two tracks that seemed to be recent through.


    One belong to humans, their path continued to my right. I looked in that direction and I spotted the building called the royal academy of magic.


    I know where they were headed at least. It didn¡¯t answer the question why the academy was here, in the middle of this forest though.


    Examining the other tracks, I noticed they were not human. These tracks had probably belonged to a monster and by the fact that they matched the human¡¯s path, I wouldn¡¯t think its friendly.


    Deciding I had no where to go but to the academy, I started to walk in that direction. It seemed as if someone had cut the trees and plants that grew here. The floor was still covered in green debris.


    It was quiet and dark again, but this time I had a path to follow.


    This, could this be the entrance exam? Is that why the academy was there?


    *SNAP*


    I whipped my head around, there was something else here other than me.


    Behind me lurked a huge figure, glowing red eyes and sinister rows of teeth. Thick, iron-like scales covered its lizard-like body and its tail was lashing around, knocking trees around.


    My eyes went wide. A dragon¡­


    Xiv: ¡°Come guardians of light, death and purity, heed my call and smite the evil before me!¡±


    An intense, gray light enveloped the area as three angels emerged. The first was Justice. She wore white gowns with golden bracers and belts. Her right hand carried a scale, her left carrying her sword. Her golden hair shimmered in the sun.


    The second to emerge was Purity. He wore similar white gowns except with the exception of an iron breastplate and boots on top. He carried a shield with an ancient battle etched into the metal. He had silver hair but a smaller wingspan than Justice.


    The last to arrive was Death. She was clearly different from the other two. She had dark skin and black hair. She wore a dark hood and she had a pair of raven wings. She carried a crooked scythe and she smiled as she emerged.


    They had one thing they all shared in common though. A thick scarf that covered their necks.


    The dragon, noticing the presence of the angels, let out a roar, stood on its hind legs and launched a massive ball of fire at Xiv.


    Almost immediately, Purity jumped in front of Xiv, his shield raised. The fireball collided with the shield with impressive force, but the shield started to absorb the flames.


    Death: ¡°Finally! It¡¯s been so long since I¡¯ve came here last. Justice always gets to have fun, why don¡¯t you call me sometimes?¡±


    Xiv looked up to Death, who was leaning on her scythe. ¡°Because you talk.¡±


    Purity looked back. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve found a minor flame dragon. Those aren¡¯t common.¡±


    Xiv¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. ¡°I know.¡±


    Death: ¡°So, do we get to kill it!?¡±


    Death started to smile enthusiastically.


    Xiv looked at the dragon. The dragon stared back. He could feel its overwhelming amount of magical energy. He wasn¡¯t yet strong enough to bind this creature yet.


    Xiv nodded and Death started to squeal enthusiastically.


    Death: ¡°You finally decide to call us and it¡¯s to kill a dragon! I¡¯m glad you choose me!¡±


    Death started to rush up to the dragon before Purity grabbed her wing, pulling her beside him.


    Purity: ¡°Don¡¯t be hasty. Let me go first. I¡¯m sure Justice doesn¡¯t want to deal the killing blow either. We know you want to.¡±


    Death sighed. ¡°Fine.¡±


    Purity, hoisted his shield up and started to slowly walk towards the dragon.


    Seeing this powerful presence continue to walk closer, the dragon lurched, then stretched his neck out and started to bellow flames.


    Now, a dragon¡¯s flame can burn through most mortal objects, but an angel¡¯s shield isn¡¯t mortal.


    Purity continued to walk forward. While the shield couldn¡¯t absorb all the flames, the flames couldn¡¯t damage the shield. They simply bounced off.


    Justice very closely followed Purity, whereas Death was nowhere to be found.


    Finally the dragon stopped spewing flames. It¡¯s breath exhausted.


    Purity: ¡°Now!¡±


    Purity rushed up to the dragon and shoved his shield into its mouth. Justice quickly followed and cut off its legs.


    The dragon roared in pain.


    Suddenly, Death appeared from behind, swung her scythe and beheaded the dragon.


    It¡¯s eyes rolled over and its body started to quickly deteriorate into magic.


    Xiv approached the dragon¡¯s skeleton. He snapped the very tip of the dragon¡¯s horns.


    Death: ¡°What¡¯er you going to do with that?¡±


    Xiv: ¡°Even after death, a dragon¡¯s bones still have power. The horns are where the energy is stored. You¡¯ve lived thousands of years. You should know this.¡±


    Death: ¡°Eh, I only harvest the souls. I never desecrate the bodies. I wouldn¡¯t be an angel if I did!¡±


    Xiv pocketed the tips and started to walk back to the school.


    Death: ¡°Call us again soon! Oh, and when you do, find us an elder dragon okay?¡±


    Purity and Justice bowed while Death simply waived. Another blinding light emerged, and they were gone as quickly as they came.


    Xiv: ¡°I don¡¯t think even you¡¯d be able to hand an elder dragon.¡±


    ---


    It took Xiv about thirty more minutes before he finally reached the school. A large clearing surrounded it, making it easy to traverse.


    As he walked inside he could see one student walking towards what seemed to be the front of the building. He decided to follow.


    He walked beside the walls of the school before he found a large crowd of students. Much smaller than the crowd inside the temple but it was still a substantial amount.


    They were all facing the instructor from before.


    Instructor: ¡°Hello students!¡±


    He joined the crowd.


    Instructor: ¡°I¡¯m pleased to announce that you have passed your entrance exam!¡±


    It took a few seconds before the students started to laugh and cheer. Some fell onto the floor from exhaustion, others started to cry. The whole crowd though, was happy. Except one person.


    What? It was an exam?


    Instructor: ¡°I¡¯m sure some of you are very confused but your questions must be held onto for tomorrow. Because today, we celebrate!¡±


    The massive doors behind her opened and she walked in. The students quickly following her.


    Xiv, also followed but very sluggishly. His mind was still wrapped around the fact that a minor flame dragon had appeared.


    He was lucky enough to escape unscathed, but that was because he had his angels.


    The entrance hall was much more grand than any kings¡¯. Paintings furniture, plants, armor, even the lighting was impeccable. Xiv, who wrapped in his thoughts ignored all of this.


    The students were lead through an extremely confusing mess of halls and staircases before they reached a huge banquet room.


    Instructor: ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re all hungry! ENJOY!¡±


    The students scattered everywhere, taking up spots and feasting.


    Some students, like the girl with wings, talked to the instructor and simply left the room.


    Xiv, still oblivious, was in autopilot mode an empty seat. He took a small piece of bread, and started to eat.


    ???: ¡°Xiv!¡±


    Finally, after hearing his name, Xiv was removed from his thoughts and his eyes looked at the person who had called his name.


    Helia was running towards him, she quickly sat down beside him with a huge grin on her face.


    Helia: ¡°Xiv, isn¡¯t this place amazing? It¡¯s better than the castles back at home!¡±


    Xiv looked around and realized the grandeur of this place. An intense feeling of jealousy and greed overcame him for a brief moment, before disappearing.


    Helia: ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Xiv: ¡°I¡¯m¡­ confused.¡±


    Helia looked at Xiv suspiciously. Helia had never heard Xiv say that, had something happened?


    Helia: ¡°Xiv?¡±


    Xiv stood up. Then sat back down. His arms were tired, and his magic was depleted. His eyes started to flutter.


    Helia: ¡°Xiv!?¡±


    Xiv fell face first on the table, his world going dark before he finally passed out.