ã€ŠA Struggle Through the Deadlyã€‹


 Introduction

    Chapter 1

    Introduction

    A long, long time ago¡­

    Or actually ¨C never (because it didn¡¯t happen)

    There existed a planet called¡­

    Er...eth...ther...Earth. Oh, that¡¯s what it¡¯s called!

    But no, this isn¡¯t the Earth we all know and hate...ugh I mean love.

    This Earth had four islands.

    Huge islands. Well, you could call them continents.

    The huge isla...I mean continent we are going to be focusing on today is the one far, far west. Quite far away from the other ones, it¡¯s really lonely.

    Besides from its geographical position, everything on this continent seems normal(Otherworldly normal).

    The name of this continent is Ventergia and it is split into two kingdoms. Today¡¯s story is focused on the most western one¨C Languinia.

    This kingdom seems to have some islands off the mainland.

    One of them is the island of Meryland which is evenly split between civilization and jungle. Jungle which looks quite similar to the Amazon rainforest.

    On the left side lies the city of Meryland, it is a booming city and it is where our main character is.

    Sitting on a bench just off the road. Under a big tree, overlooking the bypassers.

    A man with lush green hair, an eyepatch , sharpening his sword ¨C ready for battle¡­

    Who is not our main character. He is just some side character you may have to remember.

    Going further down the stone street¡­

    A beast like man bearing his fangs. He has a scar, likely from a battle.

    Who is still not our main character.

    But going even further down the street we see a bar, in which our hero lies.

    Since he¡¯s never been to this bar he¡¯s getting strange looks from regulars.

    I mean I would also give him strange looks if I was there.

    With his brown hair, which oddly enough resembles that dirty mop the janitor at your school uses to clean up the dirtiest of rooms.

    His torn leather jacket and dirty blue pants, who have seen better days ¨C no wonder he is just calling for attention.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    He is also drunk beyond the line where he can form sentences, and when asking for a beer, he just mumbles:

    ''''I woldaaa loiik sum of th beeeeeer bleas''''

    I still have no idea why the bartender even gives him any more beers but I hope this is the last one.

    "Hey boy I think you¡¯ve had enough! What is your name anyways and why are you so dirty, look at yourself!"

    Said the bartender in an angered manner

    ''''Errrghh my naaame iiis Nick niiiice tooo meaaat you kkiinnnd sir! AnD tO why I¡¯m so dirty it isss a long story. Ask that giiiirl over there!''''

    ''''Hey madam what happened to this man and what do you have to do with it?''''

    ''''Hello, my name is Emily. This man was rushing fast for somewhere and he hit me, I thought he was attacking me so I used a blast spell on him which is my bad. He got blasted down the hill and he got all dirty. And after he woke up¡­''''

    ''''Wait you knocked him unconscious! Guys she¡¯s dangerous GET HER OUT OF HERE!''''

    Said a man who was sitting at the table in front of Emily with a few other guys.

    His overly fast deduction seemed to have led him to a rushed conclusion. To clear up the misunderstanding Emily responded with:

    ''''No, no you are mistaken I was just defending myself from potential danger.''''

    This man didn¡¯t look like the way he sounded. He was buff with a knife on his belt, didn¡¯t look so cautious, but for some reason he kept his distance.

    He was sitting on a table with a few other buff guys, which seemed to nod in agreement to his statement.

    While they were arguing our still drunk main character was falling asleep, but the bartender didn¡¯t quite like him drooling all over the table so he woke him up. As Nick heard the argument going on and on with no end in sight he shouted without thinking:

    ''''HEY BUUUF GUUYS OVER THERE WHY ARE YOU FIIIIGHTING WITH A GIRL. LET HER TELL YOU WHAT HAPPENED!''''

    ''''AGH you little!''''

    Said one of the guys looking like he was about to strangle him.

    Their statements were backed up by who-knows what little amount of brainpower they could muster in their non-sober state.

    While they were about to jump at him the bartender broke the fight up, not from sympathy to Nick but from sympathy to his precious furniture which he liked to treasure like it was his son.

    The girl was sitting on her chair with shock on her face and it just looked like she has seen a ghost. About her anyway.

    She was a slim girl about an age of 18 (same as Nick) with her gorgeous silvery-blue hair she looked like the girl of your dreams. Excluding her expression at the moment which is just driving looks away from her.

    ''''Ahem, attention, please! After this man woke up he looked really sad and depressed, he had the expression of a scarecrow. He then came to here and I am following him to make sure he doesn¡¯t bleed out or anything.''''

    ''''Oho, looks like a certain someone fell in love with this ball of sweat.''''

    Remarked one of the guys. He was holding himself from laughing. It was like he had heard the best joke of all time.

    Mentioning this Nick really was kind of sweaty, actually really sweaty. Reminds me of that time I tried to work out. Anyway saying these words Emily seemed to have no reaction, neither blushing nor laughing. She kept a straight face which looked like a sphinx.

    With an endless stare going on in the bar the bartender decided to stare at Nick for no other reason than...

    ''''Hey fella! Are you going to pay for you beers or what!?''''

    ''''Yeee yee suuure myy dude lemme just get my wallet.''''

    Mumbled Nick who was still drunk beyond belief.

    Nick shoved his hand in his jacket, where his pocket would be but instead of a pocket with his wallet, all he found was a hole, a teared up place on his jacked which I mentioned earlier.

    A cold sweat dropped down from his already sweaty forehead.

    The bartender actually seemed like he was really good friends with the buff guys. And watching as Nick was desperately looking for his wallet he and the buff guys changed their expression to something resembling a child whose lollipop was stolen.

    ''''Sooowy dood but I caaan¡¯t fiiind my walleeeet all the money I haaad was in thire so it seems like imm broke .''''

    Without saying a word the bartender along with the buff guys all jumped at Nick who didn¡¯t know what was happening and within a second his main character plot shield kicked in when Emily casted a blast spell getting everyone on their knees and making the roof fly.

    ''''AHA I TOLD YOU SHE IS DANGEROUS, COME ON GUYS LETS GET ER!''''

    One of the guys shouted that like it was a battle roar...

 An Endurance Fight

    Chapter 2

    An Endurance Fight

    Whilst the buff guys were numbering three, having the bartender with them makes it a strong four.

    This didn¡¯t seem like much of strategic advantage to Emily as she was alone.

    Well then there¡¯s Nick, but he isn''t much of a fighter, and he¡¯s out cold so there goes his chance of fighting.

    Seeing the situation Emily casted an earth bending spell.

    The spell split the ground in two up until when it reached the beast like man mentioned in chapter one who was still there and has been standing in a weird victory pose resembling the Statue of Liberty. Although immediately seeing the ground tearing up in front of him he stopped the spell and went looking for the source.

    Turns out blowing a house up grabs people¡¯s attention, mainly the island¡¯s guards. They were a few men with iron armor and swords.

    They defend the islands from potential attackers and serve to keep peace among the island¡¯s population. But they mainly bring income to the bars as they are always drunk.

    Drunk or not they still started walking towards the epicenter of the blast.

    Back at the bar, which doesn¡¯t exist now, the situation isn''t looking so good. Emily managed to trap two of the guys in the ground but she still has to fight two more.

    The wasteland left after that explosion was enough to warrant anyone passing by away from it.

    The bartender rushed to distract Emily by throwing punches at her, which she dodged but in the proces of dodging she forgot that there was one more guy.

    That guy rushed for Nick, trying to stab him. However he tripped and only managed to cut a part of his groin.

    That unsurprisingly woke him up. As he woke up and saw the situataion they were in, he mumbled:

    ¡®¡®Why are you doing this?¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®You and your friend over there wouldn¡¯t pay your beers and we¡¯ve also got something for Emily. ¡®¡®

    Said the bartender looking at Emily with a greedy look on his face.

    ¡®¡®What is going on? ¡®¡®

    Said Emily.

    ¡®¡®Someone placed a nice big bounty on your head and we plan to take it, hehe! Now we''ve got more than one reason to attack you, which is just about fine by me. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Wait wh-¡®¡®

    As Emily was about to finish her sentence a beast-like man entered the broken bar.

    Everyone looked in his direction hearing his loud footsteps.

    Upon drawing near he had heard their reasoning.

    With a really deep voice he said:

    ¡®¡®Oh I see what is going on here heh. Might I join you in the battle.¡®¡®

    On whose side he didn¡¯t mention but it was kind of obvious he was going for the bounty.

    The beast man wasn¡¯t wearing a shirt but it¡¯s no surprise because he was covered in fur. Kind of like that couch in the lobby of a nice hotel. However, he had blue shorts on.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Giving the girl a sharp look he launched towards her with a speed comparable to that of a bullet.

    As he was about to hit her a loud scream stopped him mid-air, so his predatory instincts told him to turn around:

    "Hey you over there, sto~p what you are do~ing!"

    That were two guards who have come to investigate. They were drunk as much as Nick was in the bar.

    On their belts, they had a mana potion. A potion which basically boosts the drinker¡¯s magic power, making him able to cast more and better spells, theirs though wasn¡¯t in the best of condition and probably was not safe to drink.

    ¡®¡®Why should I? ¡®¡®

    Responded the beast.

    One of the guards got scared and immediately grabbed the mana potion and gulped most of it down. His face started turning green. Immediately you would get the picture of him turning into a Hulk monster, but no, the potion was just bad so he started vomiting.

    Afraid the guards will call for backup the beast man dashed and cut both of their heads off. The predatory nature of the beast was showing.

    Blood flew all around like a gross shower. Their now lifeless bodies dropped down on the ground making a puddle of blood.

    While Mr. Beast man was distracted with bearing his fangs Emily casted a spell healing Nick.

    In fear that the beast wasn''t going to cooperate, the four guys escaped, running for their lives.

    But there is a problem with this lineup. Emily had a secret. Her magic was powerful only at daytime and the sun was setting. At night she still had magic, but not nearly powerful enough to hold a fight.

    Nick fully aware of the situation and now fully healed snuck out and started running really fast down the crowded streets of Meryland, calling for help with no answer until he slipped and fell.

    The man with...uh I mean The man with lush green hair and a sword showed up and Nick told him what is happening, his description wasn¡¯t very¡­ descriptive:

    ¡®¡®Beast *inhale* man *exhale*attacking*inhale* girl*exhale*¡®¡®

    The green haired man rushed to the crippled remains of the bar and saw the beast with his bloody hands, immediately after that he fired straight at him aiming to cut his neck, but to his surprise, the beast dodged.

    ''''Ah I see you¡¯ve come to help the girl eh, how heroic! But tough luck on you boy , cuz I ain¡¯t going easy on you.''''

    ¡®¡®I don¡¯t want you to! ¡®¡®

    They started dodging each other with immense speed until beast man landed a hit, bringing the other man''s sword down on the ground.

    As he dashed to grab it he was met with a hit to the face from the beast sending him and one of his teeth flying upwards.

    That tooth unsurprisingly hit Nick who was on the ground trying to breathe from exhaustion. Man what an unlucky guy.

    The green haired guy had a jacket which also fell on Nicks head. It had his name on it.

    The name is Rhine, like the river.

    As Rhine was getting more and more altitude he was getting chased by the beast.

    Emily entered the battle with no care for the setting Sun. She was ready to help Rhine.

    She fired a magic beam straight at the beast, and not expecting it he got sent flying through a building which didn¡¯t seem to really hurt him.

    He was like that chair you hit from anger because you tripped and hurt your toe, the chair wouldn¡¯t break and you would still end up hurting your arm.

    This was the case for Emily, she fired a beam with all her power, not hurting the beast but exhausting her magic power.

    Thankfully she found that potion that the guard didn¡¯t finish because he was vomiting. She quickly gulped it down and regained some power to catch Rhine.

    Whilst the beast going literally through the building didn¡¯t seem to do any physical damage, unlike that chair- he has a brain, so now he is dazed and probably will be for a short while.

    With Rhine back up he dashed for his sword and then for the beast, though he missed his neck again, he managed to cut open his chest.

    The sun has set.

    With the sun set now Emily is almost powerless but it seems like that isn''t the case for the beast who seemed to have become more powerful, even so he had no chance for survival against an opponent having an open chest, so he dashed in the air with final words:

    ¡®¡®I will return someday you¡¯ll see.¡®¡®

    He dashed so fast you wouldn¡¯t be able to see him go.

    Emily just now noticed that the other guys were gone.

    She didn''t like that so she said to Rhine, who didn''t know much about the situation except what Nick told him, which well... wasn''t much.

    ¡®¡®Where are those guys, I have unfinished business with them! ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®I don¡¯t know who you are speaking of lady. What is your name anyway? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Name is Emily, thanks for saving us misteeerrr?? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®It¡¯s Rhine, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. And also, your friend is over there, he is the one who called for help. ¡®¡®

    Pointing to Nick, Rhine seemed to imply that he wanted her to see him.

    Poor Nick was lying on the ground with a tooth and a jacket on his head.

    Emily rushed to him wanting to ask him a question:

    ¡®¡®Nick, where were you rushing to when you hit me? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Oh that, oh God I have forgotten. I was going to miss my boat for the Forbidden island. Now it¡¯s gone. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Wait the Forbidden isl-¡®¡®

    As she was about to finish her sentence a guard popped up out of an alleyway claiming he saw all that happened:

    ¡®¡®I saw what you kids did, you will now be held responsible! ¡®¡®

    Without having a chance to ask him one more question and to say goodbye to Rhine Emily had to go along with Nick to talk to the guard¡­

 Chapter 3 part 1-The Forbidden Island

    The guard took Nick and Emily to an unfamiliar location, a street close to the jungle half of the island.

    There were a few benches surrounded by trees. It actually looked really cozy.

    The guard sat down and asked for their names. Emily just answered with a short answer, telling him only her first name, while Nick seemed to be debating something.

    ¡®¡®My name is Nick Sole, son of Frederica Sole. ¡®¡®

    This wouldn¡¯t seem much of a surprise to a regular person not familiar with the Soles.

    The Soles are a famous noble family, which is popular among people for owning the whole Meryland archipelago, except one island.

    The Meryland archipelago consists of 7 inhabited and 10 uninhabited islands, with Meryland being the biggest and most populated of them.

    With Nick resembling a homeless person it would be hard to believe he was a noble man, so in reply to Nick¡¯s statement the guard just chuckled and said:

    ¡®¡®HAHA, you? Son of Frederica Sole? No way, HAHA! ¡®¡®

    It was hard to believe that he was a son of Frederica Sole. Or even at least half that.

    Nick was born from Frederica¡¯s first marriage. His parents divorced and he was left with his father. He chose to keep his mother¡¯s last name and when asked, say he was the son of Frederica - his mother. He wasn¡¯t very fond of his father as he wasn¡¯t treating him the best, in fact, he wasn¡¯t treating him like his child. When he turned 18 he escaped from his father¡¯s home and tried to go to his mother. Leading us to the start of chapter 1, when he was rushing for the boat to the Forbidden island.

    The forbidden island-

    As I said the Meryland archipelago consists of 7 inhabited and 10 uninhabited islands. All of them except one are owned by Frederica Sole, thus the Languinian kingdom. The last island, however, is a territory of the eastern kingdom. Its name is Ventergia. The continent is named after the kingdom as result of the Ventergian Empire. An empire that owned the entirety of the continent.

    A civil war broke out between the Democrats- Languinia, and the monarchists- Ventergia. The Eastern half of the continent was ceded to Languinia, but the forbidden island is a different story. It hosts the last emperor of Ventergia, who is 112 years old. No Languinians are allowed on the island, except none other than the Soles family, who have roots leading to Ventergia. The last emperor named Emperor Denswal the great has a secret. He is the most powerful and is thought to be the first magic user ever, as magic is quite new to this world. He is the last reminisce of the Ventergian empire¡­The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Back to regular storyline...

    Emily was shocked while the guard was still laughing. I would probably also laugh, Nick¡¯s appearance was nothing short of a homeless person¡¯s one.

    ¡®¡®While I may not look like it I AM son from Frederica Sole¡¯s first marriage, and I can prove it to you. ¡®¡®

    Nick didn¡¯t seem worried about the guard not believing him. He slowly reached out under the shirt he was wearing under his torn jacket and pulled out a necklace with a gorgeous jewel on it. It looked like a girl¡¯s dream. The necklace itself seemed really well-made, something a noble man would have, but that by itself isn''t enough of justifying he was a Sole. But on the back of the necklace, there was the name Sole beautifully embedded into the jewelry.

    The design of this necklace was quite popular. It is a well-known fact that if the name Sole on the back was shining it is in the hands of its rightful owner, and it did in fact shine. It did that because it was interlocked with Nick''s distinct magic power justifying that he truly was a Sole.

    The guard probably had an expression of a surprised potato, but I wouldn¡¯t know because armor was covering every part of his body except his eyes and feet.

    ¡®¡®Oh my, so you are actually a Sole I see. Well boy, you and your friend should come with me to the Town Hall. I¡¯m sure they will provide you with proper clothing and a shower to wash that dirty mop of yours, excuse my language your honor. ¡®¡®

    Wow, nice way of remarking things that guard had.

    Anyway, the guard took them to the Town Hall.

    It was a big marble building in the middle of the town. Its walls were decorated with paintings of what seems to be Frederica herself.

    She was a woman in her mid-thirties. She had beautiful red hair, and with her nice posture and pretty face, it¡¯s no wonder she was an interest of a lot of men.

    Inside the building, there was a fountain with two symmetric benches and four trees around it.

    Looking to your left and right you would see a lot of dazzlingly decorated rooms.

    It truly was a noble building.

    In one of the rooms was the island representative. He represented the island in front of Frederica.

    When the guard brought the dirty Nick to the island representative, who was an overweight middle aged aristocratic man, he seemed disgusted.

    The room he was in was really nice. With more paintings of Frederica on its walls and a cozy desk and chair in it, it was a really neat room.

    ¡®¡®Your Majesty Mr.Glegmore, may I ask for your attention? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Why have you brought this disgusting trash over here? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Mr. Glegmore, he may not look like it but he is actually a Sole. Come on boy show him your necklace! ¡®¡®

    As Nick showed Gleg his necklace, he was becoming more nervous to where this is headed.

    ¡®¡®Oh God, boy do you happen to be Ms. Frederica¡¯s first born child? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Yes sir. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Why are you in this condition fella? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®I escaped from my dad and now I¡¯m broke sir. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Oh no, guard call for the maids to clean him and get him new clothes! Boy, you and your friend, or whoever she is should go with him. ¡®¡®

    With a¡® ¡®Thanks for your kindness! ¡®¡®he just left the room.

    As our heroes left the room Gleg evilly mumbled:

    ¡®¡®Heh this boy might just be the thing I was searching for¡­¡®¡®

 Chapter 3 Part (2/2) -A strange interaction

    Chapter 3 Part (2/2)

    A strange interaction

    Nick and Emily were escorted to the maids, who were 4 in total.

    They had the typical maid outfit, not much to be said about that.

    They were in a room, similar to Glegmore¡¯s, but a lot bigger.

    ¡®¡®Who is this you are bringing to us. ¡®¡®

    Said one of the maids.

    ¡®¡®This right here is Frederica¡¯s first born child. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Oh, no wonder. With her elegant slim figure, she really does resemble Frederica. ¡®¡®

    Emily slightly blushed, Nick, on the other hand, didn¡¯t seem so pleased. I would also think he was talking about Emily as her presence stood out.

    ¡®¡®No you are mistaken, HE is Frederica¡¯s first born child. ¡®¡®

    The guard said that pointing to the dirty Nick.

    The maid¡¯s reaction was nothing short of what the guard¡¯s was when he heard that.

    ¡®¡®HAH, he? Son of Frederica the great? No way haha. ¡®¡®

    Using the same method Nick showed them his precious necklace.

    And yet again, another person was shocked by Nick¡¯s heritage.

    ¡®¡®So you are her son. What happened to you child? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®A lot of things happened, but basically summarizing it-

    I ran away from my father and got in a fight. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®And who is this girl? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®I am Emily, he bumped into me and I accidentally casted an explosion spell on him, now I¡¯m following him, protecting him is my way of repaying him for the damage. ¡®¡®

    Emily still in shock from the fact that she had assaulted a Sole, tried to bare it in and talk.

    ¡®¡®Oh, so you can talk! ¡®¡®

    Said Nick. For the past couple of hours, the only thing she had said was her name when the guard asked for it. I guess she was still in shock from assaulting a noble. Nick didn''t seem to think high of himself, it is disputable if he should or should not but all things aside he was a noble man.

    ¡®¡®Well now that it¡¯s set let us clean you and give you proper attire, the guests are coming soon. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Wait what guests? ¡®¡®

    Said Nick not knowing what is going on.

    ¡®¡®Ms. Frederica is throwing a party. She should be here any minute. ¡®¡®

    Finally, Nick had some luck. He will be able to meet his mother for the first time in years.

    The party was going to be on the second floor of the building.

    The maids quickly took Nick to a bath where he finally cleaned himself.

    The bathroom was really premium. The tub was coated with diamonds. After he took a bath, he and Emily were escorted to a dressing room.

    They gave Nick a nice black suit, and Emily a beautiful blue dress. It was a long fancy dress.

    If you didn¡¯t know them they would look like a happy couple to you since Emily was following him everywhere he went.

    After all that they went to the second floor.

    It was one huge room decorated with fancy tables to the left and right and what seemed to be room for dancing in the middle.

    Nick was told to sit on a table with Emily and wait for the guests and Frederica to arrive.

    Shortly after they sat down Glegmore appeared...If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡®¡®Ah hello boy! Now that you are all clean you finally look like a true Sole. And look at your outfit it¡¯s just elegant. Your friend is also looking pretty good hehe. ¡®¡®

    After that little remark, he again made his way downstairs.

    While they were waiting, Emily started up a conversation with nothing other than the topic that was getting on Nick¡¯s nerves.

    ¡®¡®So you are a Sole huh? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Yes isn''t it obvious already¡­¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Okay I''m sorry. So for how long haven¡¯t you seen your mother? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®For about 10 years or so. I was little so I don¡¯t remember much of it. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Do you think she still remembers you? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®I think she does, no, I hope she does. ¡®¡®

    That were the last things they said to each other, immediately emerging into silence after that. The tables that the room was filled with were really well-crafted, made from black wood that seemed freshly cut.

    Sometime later one of the maids came to their table looking worried.

    ¡®¡®Excuse me, sir, it seems like Ms. Frederica is sick and won¡¯t be able to come to the party. Apologies from her behalf. The party is still going to happen so seat yourself. ¡®¡®

    While the maid was saying this Nick¡¯s expression quickly changed to depression. The maid felt that she couldn¡¯t do anything to help so she just left. Emily also felt the same so she didn¡¯t say a thing.

    Right now it is Nick who should consult with his desires of meeting his mother.

    ¡®¡® I- I ¨C It¡¯s o~kay, I know I¡¯ll get a chance to meet her. ¡®¡®

    Deep inside he felt disappointed, but I guess it is a party so he should be happy, so he hid his emotions and got down to waiting for guests.

    It is twelve o¡¯clock, night time, and the guests finally started arriving.

    All of them were wearing fancy outfits. The huge room, looking like it could fit an unlimited amount of people soon got filled up.

    This reminded Nick of another time when his mom was throwing a party. It was a huge party with lots of people. Nick was really young at the time so he didn''t remember much, but what he remembered was that his mom told him that when he grows up she''ll throw a party just for him and make it the biggest party in the whole world. Nick was flattered by his mom''s motherly care and sweet promises, he really loved her.

    Back at the ongoing party, everyone was having a blast.

    There were a lot of different events, from shooting to wine taste testing. And of course, our main character chose the alcoholic one. Unfortunately, he didn¡¯t know he had to spit out the wine after he tasted it so yet again he got drunk.

    Going to one of the maids he said:

    ¡®¡®Yes hello the~r misis~ sex~y, where cn I find the exit to get some freeesh a~ir? ¡®¡®

    The maid pointed him to the exit.

    It seemed though that he wasn¡¯t the only one going out for fresh air. As a slim lady with cat ears followed behind him. And as they went out she asked him straightly:

    ¡®¡®Hey, there are rumors you are a son of Frederica and have a fancy necklace? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Oh a neko, I like that. And ye~s I do have a necklace and I am a So~le. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Mind if you let me see it pretty please. ¡®¡®

    Emily was watching their exchange. And as the cat girl made her statement she went closer to them just in case something happens.

    With a "Yeah sure no wo~ries¡¯¡¯ Nick gave her his necklace.

    ¡®¡®Ohhh it¡¯s so nice and shiny. ¡®¡®

    She said that looking at it with a greedy face.

    Just before he was about to get his necklace back the cat girl started running away with it.

    ¡®¡®Heh now it¡¯s mine.¡®¡®

    Nick couldn¡¯t seem to realize what was going on but Emily, fortunately ¨C did.

    She had no power so she could only run after her.

    She rushed down and out of the building.

    Emily¡¯s only hope was one of the maids who had gone out to meet up with the cat girl and catch her.

    They were running on the stone streets with old style buildings to their sides. With minimal light emitted from the moon, it was hard to see, for Emily we are talking. The other girl was a cat so she could see clearly see at night.

    Anyways.

    The cat girl wasn¡¯t in the same condition as Emily, so she fired herself up in the air. This, however, was in favor of Emily as she shouted ¡¯¡¯Thief¡¯¡¯ when the other girl was in the air. This thankfully got the maid¡¯s attention.

    She dashed in the air, not expecting it the cat girl got caught off guard and the maid pushed her to the ground, not gently but more of like making stones fly up pushing to the ground.( one of the small stones, of course, hit Nick, he¡¯s alright though )

    The purple haired maid saw Nick¡¯s necklace which she recognized and rushed to get it, but to her surprise, the cat had put up a force field not letting the maid in.

    Emily has brought Nick, who is kind of drunk and got hit with a stone in the head, to the scene.

    ¡®¡®Give it back NOW! ¡®¡®

    Threatened the maid.

    ¡®¡®Yes but on one condition. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Whaaat is i~t?¡®¡®

    Said the drunk Nick

    ¡®¡®Be my friend! ¡®¡®

    Hearing this terrible excuse for a condition all others couldn¡¯t help but get confused.

    ¡®¡®Ye~h sure I love fri~ends. ¡®¡®

    Said Nick with a ''''friendly'''' face.

    ¡®¡®If that¡¯s what it takes okay. ¡®¡®

    Emily said that nodding in acceptance.

    This all seemed quite strange not knowing the girl was just lonely and searching for attention.

    About her: She was a girl with red hair and furry cat ears, she was wearing a fancy pink skirt and pink boots. She also had a pink top.

    Nick, Emily, and the maid agreed not to report her to the guards since that would lead to a lot of trouble and will be very bothersome for both sides.

    The neko gave the necklace back and was escorted to the Town Hall, where an orchestra has just come and is playing a romantic song.

    ¡®¡®Heyyy you said you are my friend. Want to dance friend?¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Sure. Come~he~re! ¡®¡®

    Nick started holding her hand as they got on the dance floor. It wasn''t clear what he was thinking or what his emotions were at the time.

    Emily seemed displeased with this occurrence. Or to put it simply ¨C it seemed like she was jealous, so she went to them and said as they were dancing:

    ¡®¡®Hey Nick, remember that thing about the Forbidden isl-¡®¡®

    Nick¡¯s consciousness kicked in fast as he interrupted her sentence, stopped dancing and took Emily around a corner.

    ¡®¡®Yes, what are we going to do about that? My boaat is goone and I can¡¯t goo. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Yes should we ask Glegmore where the nearest boat to it is? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Ye~s we should.¡®¡®

    With no regard to the cat girl, he took off with Emily. Took off as in walking drunk with her to Glegmore¡¯s office.

    Once they were there Emily asked him the question.

    ¡®¡®Ah the nearest boat should be from the city of Franstrole. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Wait, Franstrole? ¡®¡®

    That name seemed similar to Nick, it actually brought memories to him. Memories of¡­

 A Dangerous Trip

    Chapter 4

    A Dangerous Trip

    Franstrole, Franstrole.

    This city brought back to Nick memories of a vacation he went to with his parents when he was little. His family used to take vacations like this every so often. They were looking around the city which had beautiful infrastructure.

    This was where Frederica taught Nick how to swim.

    It all seemed fair enough- go to Franstrole and take a boat to the Forbidden island until you realize that Franstrole is in Ventergia.

    It is a quite large city located on the Lestian peninsula. The Lestian peninsula(or Lestia as it is called for short) is a big peninsula which had a past filled with war. It was the first place the people coming from the other continents discovered.

    Ventergia is to some extend like the Americas in our world.

    It was really late so Nick and Emily thought they might as well go to sleep.

    They were provided with a room with two beds.

    While they were going down the stairs they were met with a known face- the cat girl.

    ¡®¡®Now that we are friends I might as well give you my name. I am Thora, nice to meet you! What are your names? ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Itsaaa Nick. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®And I am Emily. Good night. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Night night.¡®¡®

    Thora¡®s face resembled an angry potato, but surprisingly, she let them go.

    There wasn¡®t much to talk about the room they were in, it was pretty plain and simple guest room prepared for them by the maids.

    Whilst Nick fell asleep like a baby, a thought was bothering Emily. A thought about Nick¡¯s origin. She still fell asleep though.

    It was morning. Everyone was waking up except the maids who looked like they were up all night.

    And our heroes, along with Thora went to Glegmore asking for a map.

    ¡®¡®Ohh a map. I wouldn¡¯t have that. The best I can give you is a crude drawing of mine.¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®It is fine. We will take it. ¡®¡®

    He gave them a really really crudely drawn map with little to no locations in it.

    ¡®¡®You first need to head to Locu, then ask for directions.¡®¡®

    I can give you some money, you¡¯re on your own after that.

    He was unusually friendly today. Giving them some directions and money Glegmore sent them off.

    Or so they thought.

    When out of nowhere he shot a beam straight at our Nick, just to be met by a shield from one of the maids.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡®¡® I see what you are doing there pal. It¡¯s my job to protect the Sole family and I will do that at every cost. And you are supposed to represent us, what a jerk. GUARDS ARREST HIM! ¡®¡®

    Said the maid.

    A few guards were standing by in the building, and when met with such a straightforward command they could not resist. Then there is also the fact that Nick has a higher social standing and should come as a priority to the guards.They went and arrested the restrained by magic Glegmore.

    ¡®¡®Oh I will get you, you¡¯ll see.¡®¡®

    Said Glegmore angrily. Our heroes seem to be making a lot of enemies, by the time they reach the Forbidden island everyone on Earth will hate them.

    ¡®¡® Go on your majesty. But first, return those clothes and let me get you more casual ones. ¡®¡®

    Said the maid with noticeable respect towards Nick.

    She got him a red shirt and blue pants while Emily changed in her previous black clothing.

    They then started heading off to the port where the ship heading to Locu is.

    It was a relatively small wooden ship.

    Besides our main characters, there were around 10 more people who were going on the ship.

    The ship has sailed.

    Thora, Nick, and Emily sat down on a table that was on the deck of the ship.

    ¡®¡®So, tell me more about youresleves. By yourselves I mean Nick. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Ook. I am Nick Sole, son of Frederica Sole. I ran from my father¡®s home because he wasn¡®t treating me like I was his son. I desided to take a ship to The Forbidden island but i was met by an explosion spell from this lady here. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Oh no I didn¡¯t mean it. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Okay so what happened that led you to the Town Hall. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Well we kind of had to fight a man that looked like a beast from a folk story. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Oh no, no, no. This is probably Strole the head hunter. He is REALLY dangerous. I¡¯ve had to fight him before and I barely got out. I had to call guards otherwise I probably would¡¯ve died. ¡®¡®

    There wasn¡¯t much scenery as it was ocean all around. They are already far off from Meryland, but they aren¡¯t near Locu ether.

    ¡®¡®Mentioning this, that guy really was tough. We had luck Rhine was there to save us. ¡®¡®

    Said Nick.

    ¡®¡®Yes we were, but the more important question now is where are we heading to after we arrive at Locu. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®Guess we¡¯ll ask for directions, it will also be hard for you two to cross the border as it is heavily guarded. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡® We¡¯ll figure it out. ¡®¡®

    Said Thora ending the topic.

    As they were talking an old woman with a cane came to their table and said:

    ¡®¡®Hey kids, do you happen to have a map of the area around Locu. ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®No sorry, we don¡¯t . ¡®¡®

    ¡®¡®That¡¯s okay I will just ask that man over there. ¡®¡®

    The old lady started heading down the stairs to the first floor of the ship.Before stepping on the first stair she threw her cane and let out a small, freaky laugh. It seemed strange, there was something off about this lady.

    Curious as to what''s going on Nick started following her.

    Going down the stairs he saw the captain of the ship resting. He greeted him and continued on following the lady.

    He also saw a prison cell with Glegmore in it it was probably there to transport him to Locu and then to the capital.

    The lady went to a dark corner of the room that suddenly lit up.

    It looked like a strange occurrence nonetheless.

    Her eyes started shining. It was truly horrifying. As they were about to approach her to see what is happening she said with a voice of an otherworldly creature.

    OlD LaDy:

    ¡®¡®YoU KiD ShOuLdN¡¯t hAvE CoMe hErE¡®¡®

    They watched as the seemingly harmless old lady turned into a monster, thirsty for blood. It quickly jumped up, wrecking the floors.

    Nick was starting to freak out, without knowing what to do he froze in one place and shouted:

    ''''The lady is a monster''''

    Nick back at it again with his descriptions.

    Strange as it may seem the girls understood what he meant by that.

    ¡®¡®Now it¡¯s our time to get the bounty. ¡®¡®

    Said the monster.

    When it wrecked the floor Thora and Emily had come to Nick''s aid.

    Thora had put up a shield protecting them from the monster that was trying to hit them. They all watched as the beast man appeared out of nowhere. He must¡®ve passed as one of the passengers.

    With the beast man and a scary monster to fight, the situation seemed unescapable.

    Emily supported Thora¡¯s shield but other than shielding themselves there was nothing more they could do.

    The beast and the monster where both attacking the weakening shield, with the beast firing himself everywhere he was wrecking the boat.

    ¡®¡®I told you I would come back for revenge. ¡®¡®

    Is what the beast said looking for an answer or a cry for help, both of which he didn¡¯t get¡­

 A Stressful Situation

    Chapter 5

    A Stressful Situation

    It wasn¡¯t looking very good for our friends.

    The ship was wrecked with Thora and Emily holding up to their last drops of mana.

    As their shield was weakening there was a need for a solution, and it needed to be fast.

    There needed to be some weakness that these creatures had. They, however, did their best hiding it.

    The monster was still grinding the shield while the beast was flying himself into it.

    ¡®¡®I will get you¡­ ¡®¡®

    "You¡¯ll be dead before you know it"

    Making these threats they continued on with their business.

    Nick was watching hopelessly, as he didn¡¯t yet know what magic and how much magic power he had.

    Thora carelessly launched a blast at the monster, angering it even more, as it went out of its way and started chasing some man which it ate.

    Whilst it was distracted, our heroes took control.

    Nick distracted the beast while Thora and Emily hit him.

    Immediately upon making contact with the surrounding water, the beast¡¯s hair stood up and he launched himself up into the air.

    Nick caught that.

    ¡®¡®Guys the beast''s weakness is water! ¡®¡®

    He shouted that pointing the obvious fact out.

    The problem now isn''t knowing he was weakened by water.

    The problem was getting there in the first place.

    He was a really strong fighter, it¡¯d be hard to get him even in his weak spot.

    Thora and Emily were busy with Strole, that was the monster¡¯s time to strike.

    He jumped at Nick and missed by only a hair¡¯s distance.

    Nick whose adrenalin was kicking in is now running in the wrecked ship until he stumbled upon Glegmore. By stumbled I mean he ran straight into his cell.

    ¡®¡®Kid if you want to live, promise me you¡¯ll make the police get me out of prison when we get to Locu! ¡®¡®If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡®¡®Okay just save me! ¡®¡®

    Glegmore immediately made a hole in the thin wall of the DIY prison cell he was in and made his way to the monster.

    ¡®¡®Just know, I am not going easy on yo-¡®¡®

    He was cut off (literally) with a cut on the face by the monster which managed to land a hit on him.

    This monster was unique- It was a black monster with glowing eyes. Upon hitting it would turn into a jelly-like substance and back to normal. It can only be damaged by magic attacks.It was like the jelly you would eat on a strange cake or the one you would play with as a kid.

    Glegmore, angry with that sudden attack shot fire at the monster, setting it on fire.

    It quickly jumped into the water to extinguish itself, but while it was underwater Glegmore froze the top of the water aiming to drown the monster.

    Meanwhile.

    Thora and Emily were on their last drops of power.

    Their only hope was a bit extraordinary, but it was the only idea they could think of.

    Emily jumped in the water, pulling the cat along with her forcefully because she was afraid of water. Both of them took deep breaths and went underwater while Glegmore was freezing it on the other side of the ship.

    The monster searching for escape went around the ship and was met with a surprise ¨C our girls.

    It quickly reached out to grab them both as it was getting hungry. It can only maintain this form if it eats.

    To its surprise, its belly lit up as the light pierced it and the man that was eaten before now emerged.

    This time he had an outfit, resembling a cultist.

    All of the other people who were hiding in fear (including the captain) changed into these powerful cultist-like beings.

    Grabbing the monster and ripping all of its mana away from it- turning it back into an old lady and handcuffing it.

    And as for Strole.

    He was surrounded by water- his one and only weakness.

    It is unclear why he would take up such a risky assault anyway. Now he is paying the price for it.

    They grabbed him as well and shot him down to the bottom of the ocean. He didn¡¯t die but in his attempt to get up and kill the cultist lookalike he got his head cut off.

    They all said in one voice:

    ¡®¡® We are the international magic and crime police. We have an eye on you Nick Sole- be careful of what you do. As for Glegmore. ¡®¡®

    They took Glegmore away, repaired the ship and left the captain there to drive it.

    ¡®¡®You are all forbidden to talk about or mention this occurrence to anyone. Goodbye. ¡®¡®

    It was quite an unusual occurrence. The International police were known for such strange interruptions, though this time it was for the better.

    The ship has sailed yet again.

    ¡®¡®Wow. That was so close. ¡®¡®

    Said Thora, wiping sweat off her face.

    ¡®¡®Indeed. We had luck with the international police. ¡®¡®

    Responded Emily.

    ¡®¡®I could go for a nap now, I¡¯m reaaaally tired. ¡®¡®

    That was Nick, who was just as tired from all the running.

    ¡®¡®There is quite a bit more distance to Locu. We should all probably rest.¡®¡®

    ¡®¡® Ahhh my shoulder hurts. ¡®¡®

    Immediately after saying that blood started sipping from his shoulder.

    ¡®¡®NICK! WHAT IS IT? ARE YOU OKAY? ¡®¡®

    Emily said this with hope she would get an answer but instead, Nick fell down to his knees, probably from sudden blood loss.

    ¡®¡®Oh no NICK! I can¡¯t heal him, I don¡¯t have enough magic power. ¡®¡®

    Thora was hoping she could fix this but I guess it just wasn''t Nick''s day.

    ¡®¡®I also don¡¯t. We need to get him to a medic FAST. ¡®¡®

    After saying that she was greeted with the face of the captain.

    ¡®¡®I can¡¯t heal him. The ship can¡¯t go any faster either. Sorry, but I can¡¯t help ya. ¡®¡®

    The best they could do was bandage his wound, which was still bleeding fast. And with the captain showing literally no care for the boy, our heroes are in a dangerous situation with Nick¡¯s life at stake.

    So the monster really did get him.

    Another problem is they didn¡¯t know Locu at all so finding a healer would be quite difficult.

    What is going on in Nick¡¯s mind this very second is a mess with a soon needed result.

 At The Wrong Place, At The Wrong Time Part (1/2)

    Chapter 6

    At The Wrong Place, At The Wrong Time Part (1/2)

    Although from outside it seemed like he was fully unconscious, on the inside he had a thought process going on.

    ¡®¡®Am I ever going to meet my mother again? ¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®What will happen to me? ¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®What lead me to here?¡¯¡¯

    The sudden blood loss may have affected his ability to recall events, now all he is doing is struggling and struggling to get out of this state.

    The water around the ship was calm, the weather was sunny, though it didn¡¯t seem like it would stay this way for much longer.

    Thora and Emily laid Nick on the bed, as it was the best they could do for now.

    Both of them are powerless and from now on they can only rely on faith.

    After they laid him down they went back to the table they were sitting on before this mess happened.

    The police restored everything to normal, even the table.

    Emily went to check on the unconscious Nick in hopes he would have recovered a bit.

    The blood that was spewing from his shoulder has stopped.

    Seeing this Emily let out a gasp and went to report it to Thora, who was more than happy to hear that.

    Nick¡¯s mind was starting to clear up, though he still couldn¡¯t remember what led him here.

    His heart was beating really fast, almost looked like his chest would explode. He was sweating all over and no one could do anything about this terrible condition.

    Thora went to see for herself if Nick was getting better.

    To her surprise, his condition was only worsening.

    He displayed most symptoms of high core temperature but there was something off.

    The bandage that was white is now black.

    Thora saw that and called over Emily.

    ¡®¡®What is happening to him?¡¯¡¯¡¯Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡®¡®Could it be that the monster placed a curse on him before dying?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®If that is the case his condition is going to worsen until¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Until he dies.¡¯¡¯

    Thora ended Emily¡¯s sentence even though it was obvious.

    Both of them stood still and silent. The room had one bed and got little sunlight, but the sunlight that entered gave it a special and somewhat beautiful feel in these dark times.

    After a little while of shock, they started moving closer to Nick to check if they were dreaming. Dreaming they weren¡¯t.

    Feeling that they had no idea of Nick¡¯s mind and his state at the moment, feeling they were useless and there was no point in them staying in the room they went for the door.

    Immediately after touching the handle both of their hearts skipped a beat, they stopped breathing, their minds became dark as both of them unwillingly turned around only to see Nick open his eyes, which were now shining in the way that the monster¡¯s were.

    He stood up with a huge smile on his face and a terrifying look in his eyes.

    With a crack to his neck and knuckles, he let out a sigh and started mumbling something. It looked like he was summoning the Devil if I have to be honest.

    ¡®¡®Lev¨¢ntate, aparece, renace¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Machen Sie eine Krise¡®¡®

    When suddenly, after mumbling all these strange things he started speaking in the voice of the monster:

    ¡®¡®This body is really nice, oh so powerful I can feel it¡¯¡¯

    He unwrapped his bandage and placed it on the bed.

    After that, he got closer to Emily, who looked like all her life was sucked out of her.

    ¡®¡®Who are you?You are special, aren¡¯t you? I can feel power emerging from you, I can see what blood flows in your vanes.¡¯¡¯

    After saying these strange things he went out of the room and left our girls there.

    Immediately after he left the room, a cannonball landed a hit on the ship and it started shaking.

    The girls got out of the trance and went searching for Nick and looking for the cause of the blast.

    After they went out of the room they saw two pirate ships to their sides and Nick on the floor.

    They watched as the black fluid escaped through his mouth and launched at one of the ships.

    Pirates attacking a civilian ship wasn''t that rare but wasn''t common either. An attack like this would''ve had to be planned a few days in advance.

    Maybe Glegmore had something to do with it. It may have been his backup plan if something went wrong like it did. With the monster and the beast ruining his plans he probably wouldn''t have been appeased.

    These ships resembled the pirate ships you would see in movies but a little bit bigger.

    Four guys jumped to the now wrecked ship. They restrained our heroes, tied them up and took them to the bigger ship which seemingly was the captain ship.

    The captain of our ship teleported to somewhere with an ¡®¡®I¡¯m out¡¯¡¯.

    Nick¡¯s shoulder was now fine but the situation they were in wasn¡¯t fine.

    They were tied to a poll on the ship. Their mouths were shut with rope as well.

    A man with a captain pirate hat came to our heroes.

    His eyes were closed.

    Not for long though, as he opened his now glowing eyes and smiled.

    Seems like the monster got him.

    ¡®¡®Ha ha ha. Look who we¡¯ve got here again. Pirates, reverse the ship and head to Locu! I have business to do there.¡¯¡¯

    I guess the fact that he was going for Locu was good, other than that there wasn¡¯t any way the situation could get worse.

    The monster was probably planning something like this all along. It probably slipped out of its grandma cover right before the international police took off with it.

    ¡®¡®You kids will suffer and pay the price for messing with me. For it is I, servant of master Denswal- Eridanus!¡¯¡¯

    After saying this he emerged into the typical villain laugh.

    Our heroes now have to face off an even greater challenge, one that might require more strength than they actually have¡­

 At The Wrong Place, At The Wrong Time Part (2/2)

    Chapter 6

    At The Wrong Place, At The Wrong Time Part (2/2)

    As I mentioned, the weather wasn¡®t staying nice for much longer.

    It was almost night time and it looked like a storm was closing in on the pirate ships.

    In fact, it was coming in fast.

    And before they knew it a lightning hit the other pirate ship, probably killing everyone on board.

    Eridanus, however, didn¡¯t really care about that.

    The other pirates on the other hand did. They weren¡¯t the average Hollywood film pirates. They were just a bunch of wussies.

    ¡®¡®What are ya all crying for babies! Shut up and get to work!¡¯¡¯

    Is what Eridanus said.

    The pirates weren¡¯t very fond of the way their ''''captain'''' was treating them today, they all thought there was something off, there was just one missing piece to the equation.

    As another lightning, followed by a third and fourth one struck the water in the distance it became a natural, beautiful and yet somehow terrifying light show.

    Bigger and bigger waves were starting to hit the ship as raindrops started falling on everyone¡¯s heads.

    Unlike an average observer, who would really appreciate the beautiful and terrifying scenery, everyone on the ship didn¡¯t.

    As air got colder, night was coming and the before clean horizon got covered by fog it seemed like a great opportunity for Thora to attack.

    However, she had only regained a tiny bit of her power and even with full strength, she probably wouldn¡¯t be able to beat the whole crew of the ship, who were numbering at about nine(including Eridanus).

    Lightning was getting closer to the ship with each strike, lighting up everyone¡¯s field of vision and almost rupturing their eardrums.

    They thought they were goners.

    The ship was shaking, the sails were teared up from the strong wind that was breezing past everyone¡¯s faces.

    A condition not only experienced by one person but by everyone on board.

    It was like a bad debuff that all the players would have for fighting in a bad zone.

    While Eridanus was distracted with the whole ¡®¡®We¡¯re going to die¡¯¡¯ thing, Thora with her cat teeth, sliced through the rope that was covering her mouth and proceeded to turn the pirates on their self- proclaimed captain by shouting at them with all her strength.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡®¡®Hey pirates! Are you blind? This isn¡¯t your captain! He will kill you after he is done with you. Will you trust him?¡¯¡¯

    This was the last piece of the equation, they were now certain it wasn''t their captain since his reaction to Thora''s words was the typical ''''I''ve been exposed'''' reaction.

    ¡®¡®Is this¡­true? Who are you? What did you do to our captain?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Heh, guess it can¡¯t be helped huh. So you didn¡¯t hear my evil introduction? Say, idiots, do you want your precious lives?¡¯¡¯

    All pirates, except the one that was asking the question, were shivering from coldness and fear.

    ¡®¡®My life is worthless, however, that isn¡¯t the same for our captain. We are willing to do anything to get him back, except obey your orders, understand?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Heh, tough words for a whiny kid. You¡¯ll pay for disobeying orders.¡¯¡¯

    He said that calmly but he was preparing an attack. The pirate was preparing a defensive movement, knowing that Eridanus would strike first.

    Striking first and making it fast is a technique to overwhelm an inferior opponent.

    His comrades weren¡¯t willing to help him in any way. Traitors.

    Everything became black. You could only see a fraction of light through the thick, vast fog that was covering that part of the ocean.

    You would also get that occasional drop of rain on your head.

    Occasional it was, now it is raining fast.

    Eridanus was about to launch at the pirate when¡­

    Pressure suddenly escalated, ears started screaming, the ship shook hard.

    A beam of light shattered the thick fog, tearing it in half, blasting light into everyone¡¯s eyes. Time looked frozen as a shockwave brought everyone to the ground.

    Lightning had hit the ship but it didn¡¯t do any damage to it.

    More precisely, it had hit Nick. Or even more precisely-his necklace.

    It started glowing, emitting light, comparable to that of the sun.

    Nick felt power, the amount, and likes of which he had never felt before. His hands started trembling as he tore the rope that was holding them, along with the one that was keeping his mouth shut.

    The necklace started to darken, though it was still shining brightly.

    Everyone was looking at Nick, not being able to say anything.

    He stood up and said something which otherwise coming out of his mouth wouldn¡¯t sound frightening. It now was like a hit to the face.

    Although he said it so calm, it felt like the battle roar of an army.

    ¡®¡®Hey you, go away before I have to take action!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Haha! Why would I run away from you, powerless scum?¡¯¡¯

    Without any warning whatsoever Nick froze Eridanus¡¯s legs and face and pierced him with an ice crystal.

    Eridanus, however, broke free.

    ¡®¡®Do you think that is enough to stop me? ME THE GREAT ERIDA-A-ah¡¯¡¯

    Before finishing his villain second-hand introduction Nick pierced him with three more shards to his stomach which started bleeding like crazy.

    Right after that he dashed straight to him and kicked him in the face which knocked him down.

    ¡®¡®There isn¡¯t place in this world for the likes of you.¡¯¡¯

    The black fluid started spewing from the captain¡¯s mouth which Nick now froze.

    The pirates didn¡¯t seem happy about their captain being pierced by ice.

    ¡®¡®Why did you have to do that to our captain? I¡¯ll kill you!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Don¡¯t resist.¡¯¡¯

    Saying that calmly, Nick froze every pirate that was on the ship.

    After that, he went to untie Emily and Thora who were watching in astonishment.

    A huge wave hit the ship, almost breaking it.

    Mentioning breaking¡­

    Nick went to the frozen black fluid and broke it.

    Steam started appearing as the clouds went away, along with the hard wind that was pressuring everyone¡¯s faces.

    ¡®¡®Nick how did you-¡¯¡¯

    Before getting to ask him a question, Nick dropped down unconscious yet again.

    This time it was from exhaustion.

    He got a flashback of a discussion with his mother that he had forgotten...

 Sweet Forgotten Memories

    Chapter 7

    Sweet Forgotten Memories

    ¡®¡®Mom, hey mom! Look at what I built!¡¯¡¯

    That was the voice of an innocent child, the voice of young Nick.

    ¡®¡®What is it? Oh, a sand castle! Good job Nick, it is really good!¡¯¡¯

    And that was the voice of a caring mother-Frederica.

    They were on the beach at dawn. The sky was clear and the ocean was calm. Little waves would hit the beach adding to the atmosphere.

    The sky was the typical dawn sky, filled with a beautiful plethora of colors, from red to blue.

    Nick was building a sand castle while his mother was resting on the sand.

    It was a chill moment of a happy family.

    ¡®¡®Hey Nick, it¡¯s getting dark. We should come home. There is also something I have to give you.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Oooh, what is it? What is it? What is it?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Come with me and you¡¯ll see.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I¡¯m coming!¡¯¡¯

    Nick left his castle and went to his mom.

    She started holding his hand as they were going past the almost empty stone streets.

    They were quite similar to the streets of Meryland. With old-style buildings one after another to their sides and the occasional bench that was placed for people to rest.

    There also were a lot of trees, providing shadow for extra rest and a calmer, more relaxed mind of the people walking on these streets.

    They walked on the streets up until reaching a small stone path which was going into the forest. It was a long path so to kill some time Nick started asking his mother questions about the thing she was going to give him.

    He was nothing short of the typical, curious child.

    ¡®¡®Mom is it some sort of present?¡¯¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®You could call it that. Your mommy also has one of them. My mom gave it to me when I was about your age.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Let me see it, mommy!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®You¡¯ll see when we get home.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Aw, but I can¡¯t wait.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Just have some patience!¡¯¡¯

    Frederica was wearing a bikini and Nick was wearing swimming shorts.

    Both of them were smiling and looked really happy.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    Young Nick was 6 at the at the time and his mother was in her mid-twenties.

    Looking back at these memories Nick just misses his mom even more.

    They reached their destination.

    In the middle of the forest, there was a big building, not quite a mansion but still big enough to potentially fit 5 families.

    This was the Sole vacation home in Franstrole.

    Since Franstrole was the nearest city with continuous boats to and from the Forbidden island it was the perfect destination to build a vacation home.

    Going inside they were greeted with two maids.

    The building had marble floor and ceiling and finely-cut stone walls.

    Every time Nick entered it he couldn¡¯t help but watch in amazement. It was something he couldn¡¯t get used to.

    Frederica took Nick to change his attire and afterward went to do so herself.

    Nick changed into brown shorts and a white shirt and Frederica changed into her normal everyday fancy red dress in which she is depicted in most portraits.

    They went to Nick¡¯s room which was on the second floor.

    The room itself was pretty neat. It had a nice wooden bed and desk and a chair to go along with the desk.

    It also had a window facing the vast forest that was surrounding the vacation home.

    If the weather was clear, from this window you could see mountains that were far, far away.

    Nick would usually look at them every time he had the chance to.

    Today he did and indeed he looked through the window along with his mother.

    ¡®¡®It is beautiful isn¡¯t it sweetie?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Mom, will we hike these mountains some day when I grow up?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®If we get the chance to we certainly will but for now, we¡¯ll just have to look at them and drown in their astonishing beauty. Oh, and I got sidetracked again.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Ohh is it the present?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Yes it is.¡¯¡¯

    Frederica went to one of the maids and told her something.

    The maid immediately rushed to get something.

    After a couple of minutes, she came back and gave it to Frederica who in turn entered Nick¡¯s room.

    ¡®¡®Nick.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Yes mommy.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I¡¯ll do my best to always be by your side and protect and treasure you. After all, you¡¯re my one and only son. But if for any reason I am not by your side I want you to have this.¡¯¡¯

    She opened her hand and inside it was the necklace.

    She put it on Nick and it started shining along with Nick¡¯s eyes.

    ¡®¡®Wooow it is so pretty¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®If you are in a bad situation and you need people¡¯s help-show them this necklace. It also has a special power.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®What is it?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I can¡¯t tell you right now, but when you are older I¡¯ll make sure to do so.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Why can¡¯t you do it now?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I have a contract with the person whose family has been making these necklaces for generations.¡¯¡¯

    These necklaces are famous for their unique design, but what a lot of people don¡¯t know is that they hold a secret power.

    ¡®¡®So Nick. In a dire situation, I may not be physically by your side, but I¡¯ll always be there in the form of this necklace. Mommy wants you to be safe and sound!¡¯¡¯

    After saying that Frederica petted Nick¡¯s head and went for the door¡¯s handle when she was stopped by Nick¡¯s voice of appreciation:

    ¡®¡®Mom, thank you so much! I will always wear this necklace and if you are not with me I¡¯ll look at it so I can remember you!¡¯¡¯

    Frederica was so proud of her son for saying things like that even though he was little. Without saying anything she put on a smile and exited the room.

    Nick sat on the bed and reached out under his shirt.

    A light blinded his eyes and once he opened them again he found himself on a bed somewhere.

    ¡®¡®Ah my head hurts¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I wonder if he¡¯ll wake up soon.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I hope he does!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I¡¯ll go check on him¡¯¡¯

    Nick heard the girls talk about him. They sounded worried. While he was consolidating his thoughts Emily entered the room expecting to see him unconscious but to her surprise, he was sitting on the bed fully conscious.

    ¡®¡®Oh Nick thank goodness, you¡¯re awake! Are you okay? What happened?¡¯¡¯

    Nick is still bearing the thought about his mother but as of right now he needs to calm Thora and Emily down.

    ¡®¡®Yeah I¡¯m alright. Don¡¯t worry! But where are we exactly?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®We were saved. They had sent a rescue team after that huge storm and they found our ship. We are now at a recovery home in Locu. By the way, are you hungry? You must be after all that fighting.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Yes I am, just a bit.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Okay come with me¡¯¡¯

    Emily had told the rescuers that there was a Sole on board and when they reached Locu a special part of the rescue home was provided for them along with a special dining room.

    Entering the dining room they were met with none other than Thora and to Nick¡¯s surprise that maid that saved him from Glegmore¡­

 The Cult of the Rising

    Chapter 8

    The Cult of the Rising

    Met with the face of a woman who saved him and a woman which Nick had no chance to talk to thank.

    She was a young beautiful woman with somewhat short purple hair. With her distinguishable, stable but still womanly posture she really did capture looks.

    Nick now has a chance to thank her and that is exactly the first thing he does after meeting her.

    ¡®¡®Are you okay Nick? We heard the ship didn¡¯t make it in time and started worrying about you.¡¯¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Yeah I¡¯m alright, you don¡¯t have to worry about me. More importantly-I want to thank you for saving me if you didn¡¯t save me that day I would¡¯ve been a goner!¡¯¡¯

    Nick sincerely bowed as a token of appreciation. It really did look like he meant it from the bottom of his heart. To which the maid responded with a slight blush (which she covered up) and:

    ¡®¡®You don¡¯t have to. I¡¯m just doing my job. Thank you anyway. Since Glegmore is now arrested, I was put as a temporary Meryland island representative.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®That¡¯s really good! I¡¯m glad! What will you do after that is done?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I¡¯ll probably be at the town hall. I might consider taking a vacation or even meeting up with you guys. But don¡¯t get your hopes up ,huhu!

    ¡®¡®Enough rambling you two! Let¡¯s go eat!¡¯¡¯

    Thora called them over to the big wooden table, which was specially prepared for them. On it there were a lot of different meals, freshly cooked by top grade cooks. They really did go all out for Nick.

    From salads to roasted chicken with ten types of sauces. To spicy beans and beef steaks. There also were all sorts of expensive wine.

    It was a wonderful arrangement of many types of cuisines. Everything on that table looked absolutely delicious. I¡¯d like to have a bite, please!

    They sat down on the table and with a cheers they started eating. Nick this time avoided alcohol.

    ¡®¡®I think I am speaking from everybody by saying-this is delicious!¡¯¡¯

    This was a remark by Thora who seemed to be really enjoying herself.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    ¡®¡®I¡¯m glad!¡¯¡¯

    One of the chefs overheard that and entered to thank her for that ¡®¡®compliment¡¯¡¯.

    While no one seemed to mention it, Nick didn¡¯t know for how long he had been unconscious. And so he asked:

    ¡®¡®Maybe shouldn¡¯t bring this up right now, but for how long was I out?¡¯¡¯

    The maid heard his nervous voice and proceeded to calm him down.

    ¡®¡®Don¡¯t worry, you were out just for the night.¡¯¡¯

    After that little interruption the continued eating.

    Some time passed and they have finished their meal. They went out, thanked the chefs, asked for a map and waved them goodbye.

    Now they finally have a map, a map which still doesn¡¯t make everything obvious. It was a very detailed map of the area around Locu. There were some symbols no one knew about.

    ¡®¡®Lines and squiggles, some dots and whatnot. I really can¡¯t understand this map.¡¯¡¯

    Nick was trying to decipher the code of this map, which he couldn¡¯t do.

    In the meantime. They have to say goodbye to the maid, but first Nick wants to know her name.

    ¡®¡®Before we say goodbye, might I ask for your name?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Oh right, I haven¡¯t told you yet. I am Rie, nice to meet you!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Though we will have to say goodbye.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Goodbye Nick, Thora, Emily. I hope we meet again someday!¡¯¡¯

    They all send her off in one voice:

    ¡®¡®Have a safe trip!¡¯¡¯

    Nick watched as the breeze calmly blew her short hair as she continued walking slowly.

    And with that we are back to just out heroes.

    ¡®¡®Now, where do we go and what do we do?¡¯¡¯

    Nick straight up asked this question everybody was avoiding. But the time has come when they need to navigate through the vast lands of the Ventergian continent.

    ¡®¡®I¡¯m not sure but judging by this huge red arrow that is pointing that way I might have caught where we should go. He also wrote some more navigation on the back. There is an arrow from Locu pointing to Resville. So we probably should go down this road.¡¯¡¯

    Emily and her navigation skills.

    Locu had Victorian style infrastructure with a bit taller, more spread out buildings. It still didn¡¯t seem like much of an improvement over Meryland.

    Streets weren¡¯t crowded but you would see a lot of people just taking strolls, enjoying the scenery as most of them were tourists.

    Anyways.

    They went down the road up until they reached a sign with ¡®¡®Resville¡¯¡¯. It was pointing to a small dirt road leading into the forest, which was also labeled on the map. So they went for it.

    ¡®¡®Are you all sure it is a good idea to take this road?¡¯¡¯

    Asked Emily and very rightly so. She got a reply by the still confused Nick.

    ¡®¡®It IS labeled on the map and the map IS the one and only navigation we have, so¡­¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I still don¡¯t trust this road but whatever.¡¯¡¯

    So they went for it. Everything was normal. Birds were singing and trees blocked the strong light the sun emitted.

    Whilst they were walking Nick was binding his thoughts together and trying to make sense of this mess. He was doing that until¡­

    His mind darkened as everyone¡¯s vision became blurry.

    They were just about to reach the end of the dirt road when two guys in red cultist hoodies popped up in front of them.

    No one said anything but Thora and Emily quietly prepared for battle.

    ¡®¡®We are the cult of the Rising. You all have caught our attention as a distinct group of people. We will take you to our master, he has a few things to say to you. . If you do wish to resist we will have to take action and hunt you down until we get you.''''

    They said that in perfect synchronization, it was horrifying.

    Wind started rushing in as everyone¡¯s breaths shortened. The decision has to be made and it has to be now.

    Do they resist, bite and fight or do they see what the cultists have to offer¡­

 Fall in the Trap

    Fall in the Trap

    ¡®¡®So, what will it be? Might we help you with the decision? ¡¯¡¯

    As they were saying that around 10 more people emerged from the forest, all in red cultist uniforms.

    Our heroes still haven¡¯t recovered from the last battle so it would be no use fighting against superior numbers. And Nick still doesn¡¯t really know how his necklace works. Looks like they had fallen into a trap.

    Surrounded and outnumbered.

    ¡®¡®Wait a second! What will you do to us if we give in?¡¯¡¯

    That was Nick who was really considering giving in. In response to his bald statement Thora whispered to him:

    ¡®¡®Idiot, do you think they won¡¯t do anything to us if we give in? We¡¯ll have to find another way out.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®We will give one more minute to make a decision, after that we will have to take action.¡¯¡¯

    Time was counting down as the decision became clearer and clearer.

    Desperate times call for desperate measures, they needed a plan and it had to be soon.

    In last glimmer of hope, Nick brought out the map.

    ¡®¡®Time is ticking.¡¯¡¯

    Suddenly, Nick regained hope, there was a police station nearby. It was just two streets off from where they were.

    Assuming they could get to it in time, they would be saved.

    Now the question was how were they going to get there?

    Elementary Watson. Thora would launch Emily towards the station.

    Nick Sole¡¯s arrival in town has brought a lot of attention towards him, so if Emily told them he was fighting cultists they would probably help him immediately.

    Or at least that was the plan.

    Nick whispered it to them and made it look like they were arguing about the decision.

    ¡®¡®Time¡¯s up.¡¯¡¯Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    The cultists launched towards them. All of their attacks were dodged but it wasn¡¯t looking like the battle was in favor of the defenders.

    A big explosion followed up. Fire in all colors was getting launched. Green, red, yellow, blue etc. It became a tornado of fire. A beautiful scene. Emerging from the heat were Emily, Thora, and Nick. They had no time for the plan they had thought up. It was fight or flight.

    The forest was burning, trees were falling, animals were running.

    Smoke was in everyone¡¯s eyes as the only light they saw was fire, burning with passion.

    Lightning struck as more cultists emerged from the forest. More and more fire.

    The ground was shaking, nearby buildings were collapsing, burning, getting struck by lightning. The sky was turning black as the clock was ticking. It was like a huge furnace.

    Our heroes had put up a shield and were running from the attacks of all the cultists, but it was about time that they would start to burn alive.

    The ground bellow them was collapsing as the fire spread from building to building.

    Was this the true power of mages?

    Beams were being shot in order to get rid of the smoke.

    Everyone in town was terrified as an earthquake struck. It felt like the whole world was collapsing as the ocean started flooding the coast. Thankfully people were being evacuated and police were sent.

    Even a part of the army was sent to immediately kill the threat.

    The cultists were feeling their time was coming to an end.

    Into the smoke and fire the army marched.

    Beams struck the ground as more cultists appeared.

    Just to what extent did they want Nick.

    One fifth of the city was in ruins.

    It was like a battlefield of a world war.

    A scream enchanted the fields:

    ¡®¡®CHARGE!¡¯¡¯

    Thora abandoned the shield and charged the cultists leaving Emily to flee with Nick.

    ¡®¡®SURROUND!¡¯¡¯

    Another scream from the commander.

    The army and police had launched their offensive. From what they knew it just looked like the cult of the Rising had attacked the city, they didn¡¯t know they were after Nick.

    The army had started firing magic at the cultists.

    Explosions struck the fields that once were green as the army advanced. It was an onslaught.

    Crack of the lightning splitting the ground as thunder was pounding everyone¡¯s ears.

    More and more cultists appeared, sieging the city.

    Ash was filling the air as it was becoming a full on war.

    The cultists that had once surrounded Nick, Emily and Thora were long gone.

    Looks like the offensive was successful.

    Emily brought Nick to a base of the army where they were both treated by medics.

    Thora was still in battle. The ship that Rie was in was still in far sight.

    Everything was happening so fast you wouldn¡¯t be able to see or understand anything.

    The base was protected by a really strong shield so the cultists couldn¡¯t enter. It looks like that their objective has changed and they are now after the city.

    Mages from all parts of town entered the battle, defending their city.

    If I were to give an estimate of numbers it would be around 2000 cultists and 4000 mages, army and police.

    Though more cultists were coming.

    Buildings were turned into rubble as the sky was flashing.

    A message was sent to the government of Languinia and the army.

    Looks like mages were successfully pushing the cultists out of the city which was now turning into dust.

    Hundreds of people were dying as the offensive continued.

    Beams of light were piercing the sky.

    Half of the city is gone.

    Emily spotted Thora, who was coming to them.

    She went to her and escorted her to the base.

    Now they depend on the soldiers¡­

 The Blue Eyes

    Chapter 10

    The Blue Eyes

    Hot wind blew past everyone¡¯s cold expressions. Wind from the fire, still burning passionately.

    Lying on a field of grass were Nick, Thora, and Emily. They were doing the only thing they could do at this very moment-watch, watch as the endless onslaught continues taking more and more lives of innocents. You could see the fear in everyone¡¯s eyes as they witnessed the astonishing, deadly beauty of the flames and lightning, smoke, and thunder. Soldiers that were once marching with pride are now dying in the flames of their own passion.

    Up behind our heroes was the commander, who came up to them and started speaking in a storytelling voice.

    ¡®¡®This isn¡¯t the first time they¡¯ve attacked this city, you know. This is why a part of the army is always on standby near the city. The first time they attacked I witnessed it firsthand. It was 30 years ago but I remember it like yesterday. I was on vacation with my wife here in Locu. It was a wonderful place, the beaches were of the likes you would see in works of art. We were calm, just relaxing on the beach when lightning struck. Cultists fell from the sky like raindrops, murdering everyone they fell on. Seeing that slaughter I immediately grabbed my wife and started running away with her. People were screaming, people which I ignored for my own safety, running down the crowded streets seemed to be going well for us until¡­¡¯¡¯

    He grabbed onto his head as if he was experiencing immense pain. He crouched as if he was getting stabbed in the stomach.

    ¡®¡®A-are you okay? Do you need medical attention?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®No I¡¯m fine Nick, it¡¯s just¡­ recalling it pains me, but I¡¯ll have to give you the info. It was going well until a massive object impacted a house in front of us. That massive object was an alien-like creature, three times bigger than an average human. It had silver skin and huge blue eyes. I watched as it stood up and turned around, I was on the ground from the impact along with my wife, it started laughing and said with a distorted voice ¡®¡®Where is the jewel of power?¡¯¡¯ I told it I had no idea, but it didn¡¯t seem to believe me. ¡®¡®Do you think I am a fool? Maybe this will convince you to talk.¡¯¡¯. He grabbed my wife and¡­ and ate her in front of me.¡¯¡¯

    The commander was trying to hold his tears, hold his pain.

    ¡®¡®I couldn¡¯t talk, I was weak, I couldn¡¯t do anything but it let me go. It let me run away. Why? Why didn¡¯t it kill me just then and there?¡¯¡¯Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Witnessing his mental breakdown Emily felt like she couldn¡¯t just sit there and watch so she started calming him down.

    ¡®¡®Don¡¯t push yourself now, you¡¯ve told us enough.¡¯¡¯

    What seemed to be an officer came to them.

    ¡®¡®He saw the leader of the cult of the Rising. We call him the Blue Eyes. His name casts fear in every soldier. He is an alien-like creature with alien-like powers. We suspect he may come to this attack and if that happens you will be evacuated immediately, we cannot risk any lives.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®What about the soldiers?¡¯¡¯

    Asked Nick from curiosity only to get a harsh answer from the officer.

    ¡®¡®They have signed up for the army knowing they might die. It is a risk they took. A lot of them may be able to escape, but most of them will inevitably die. But this is theoretically talking. The Blue Eyes might not come at all. If he does do not, I repeat, do NOT try to fight him. For now, we seem to be pushing the cultists out of the city.¡¯¡¯

    Faced with the raw truth our heroes couldn¡¯t help but let out a sigh.

    ¡®¡®Commander, let¡¯s take you to a bed to relax.¡¯¡¯

    Said the officer only to be met by:

    ¡®¡®I¡¯ll kill them all. I¡¯ll slaughter every last one of them¡¯¡¯

    The commander disregarded anything and everything and launched towards the front. Had he gone out of his mind?

    ¡®¡®Commander!¡¯¡¯

    He was followed by the officer.

    An explosion followed soon after. Looks like they are on the battlefield.

    ¡®¡®Hey, do you think they¡¯ll be able to push them back?¡¯¡¯

    A question from Emily answered by Nick.

    ¡®¡®I think they will, but judging by what has happened so far the cost will be high.¡¯¡¯

    And it indeed will be. A thousand people have already died.

    Smoke was covering half of the city and anything in it was barely visible. Only magic could be seen through these thick layers of darkness. Nick spotted an opening in the smoke from which they saw the commander murdering cultists like he was crazy. With a huge smile on his face, it was truly horrific.

    As their hoodies fell you could see they were actual humans. The reason they joined remains and will probably remain unclear. In fact, anything about the cult of the Rising is unclear.

    Suddenly, a victory scream enchanted the fields. Looks like a large part of the cultists have retreated. Though it seemed strange. Why would they retreat? Maybe reinforcements will come later. Maybe another full-blown attack.

    However, it seemed like the commander and officer were coming back.

    A strange chill ran down the spines of the soldiers, a victory long awaited. Most of them trembling at the site of the destroyed city, a plethora of mixed emotions and feelings.

    They fired into the air, happily returning with victory when¡­

    The sky lit up as a mysterious figure launched at the commander with the speed of light. Bringing him to the ground and on impact flattening everything in a radius of about half a kilometer.

    Large rocks, houses were sent flying in the air as if they were little stones. The shockwave knocked everyone on the ground as the sound almost ruptured eardrums. Even more smoke has arisen. Now covering the whole city. A black figure could be seen through it.

    It let out a distorted, otherworldly laugh.

    Nick regained consciousness and could make out a color. A color he was told to be wary of, a color of life, a color of death. One color to define a whole personality.

    The color blue¡­

 Escape

    Chapter 11

    Escape

    ¡®¡®Move on! We have to run away.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®But what about the commander?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®He is dead, and if you don¡¯t want to be next we should go while we have the chance to.¡¯¡¯

    That were an officer and Nick who have just stood up and are recovering from the blast.

    ¡®¡®It pains me just thinking about what that creature would do to us if we were to stay so get up and go, EXECUTE PLAN B!¡¯¡¯

    The escape plan seemed fairly organized. A tunnel was dug just as a backup. A tunnel which they will now take. It was hidden in the grass close to where our heroes were lying and it presumably led to Resville-the nearest village which was about a kilometer away from Locu. It was a grand tunnel indeed, though it is probably older than Nick himself.

    The whole city was covered by smoke and ashes, a circumstance perfect for escaping.

    The base was populated by about 100 soldiers, most of which took torches and went down the cold, dark tunnel. Others were debating the option of going to fight the monster, but seeing as it leveled half of the city in an instant they probably wouldn¡¯t put up much of a fight, so they went along with the plan.

    Nick and his friends were of course first priority so they went in first.

    It was a really dark tunnel only lit up by the dim light of the torch Nick was holding. It had a strange eerie feel to it as inside you would hear loud footsteps along with their echo.

    They were walking as fast as they could, trying not to extinguish the torch. They still aren¡¯t far in as dim light from the outside could be seen behind them and things that were outside could be heard.

    Behind them were soldiers, scared as much as Nick.

    At the very back, still waiting to get in were the best fighters, soldiers who had experience and were overall tough physically and mentally.

    Numbering four there weren¡¯t many of them.

    You could see the hatred in their eyes, hatred for that monster that once took the lives of thousands and today will do the same.

    Everyone went quiet as they were lining up their thoughts when a loud stomp hit their ears.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    All the smoke around the creature cleared up and it could be clearly seen.

    An otherworldly creature, three times the size of an average human. It had strangely shaped head and huge blue eyes. A vicious smile and huge tentacles running from its back. It used these to catch people and slam them into the ground. Though with its huge size it wasn¡¯t quite mobile it made up for it with its strength.

    It quickly turned around and launched a sharp gaze at the base and jumped towards it.

    ¡®¡®RUN, IT IS COMING!¡¯¡¯

    The veterans alerted everyone in the tunnels.

    They started panicking and running for their lives.

    Only the veterans remained.

    They launched themselves towards the monster.

    Two of them were caught by its tentacles and squished to death and the other two sliced its neck. It completely healed in less than a second.

    After that, it jumped up to one of the two veterans who was in the air and ate half of him.

    His body exploded, blood spilled everywhere. The sound of his bones cracking completely disabled his comrade. He fell to the ground with an empty look on his face.

    The creature saw that but surprisingly it just bypassed him.

    It broke the tough barrier with one hit from its hand and looked around, only to see that no one was there.

    The soldiers and our heroes were 500 meters into the tunnel and were running fast. Most of their torches either ran out or where extinguished, but they didn¡¯t have the time to light them up.

    The tunnel was wide as much as a stretch of a hand. Though many people were running in it, it still was cold.

    The monster was angry that it couldn¡¯t complete its goal so it jumped to where cultists and soldiers were fighting and launched a huge dark beam which flattened everyone and everything in its path. Most of the soldiers were now dead along with most of the town¡¯s people. Those that remained were caught and kidnapped.

    After five minutes or so the escapees reached Resville and immediately alerted everyone in town to pack up and start heading out to the biggest city in close distance. Its name was Grasvel and it was a city 30 kilometers from here. Located deep in the Lagven mountains it was a hard spot to hit.

    The government was alerted and 10 divisions were sent to Locu.

    Everyone in the village (around 300 people) started evacuating alongside the soldiers and our heroes.

    ¡®¡®That monster¡­do you think it is after me?¡¯¡¯

    That was Nick, who was confused as to what was going on. He got a reply from the officer that told them to evacuate.

    ¡®¡®Most likely so. We don¡¯t know if they¡¯ll continue chasing us but if they do we¡¯ll make sure to be secure. However, they¡¯ll most likely flee the city. This time the attack was much bigger and they were much more numerous. We weren¡¯t prepared for a full-scale attack. And from the likes of it, cultists were in the city all along. They might have a secret communication network that we still haven¡¯t revealed. Ventergia is also facing the same problem. The cult¡¯s objective stands unclear but their numbers seem to be growing.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Do attacks or assassinations from them happen often?¡¯¡¯

    Asked Emily, wanting to get as much information as possible.

    ¡®¡®No. They don¡¯t. They seem to be very selective with their targets and a lot of planning seems to go into their attacks. Encounters with them are rare and encounter with their leader are even rarer.¡¯¡¯

    Today is a dark day for Languinia. No one managed to escape Locu after the attack started. Most of those who tried died, the others were kidnapped.

    Who knows what led the cult of the Rising to do such atrocities¡­

 Policeéˆ¥æªš Charge

    Chapter 12

    Police¡¯s Charge

    A few hours have passed.

    Night has just fallen. The light from the rising moon enchanted everyone¡¯s faces as they went through the forest. They should probably set up a temporary camp for the night but the risk of a cultist attack is too large and no more risks can be taken. They have nearly walked 6 kilometers, although not much distance they do have the weight on their soul. The weight of not being able to help, the weight straining their shoulders, making them heavier than a whale.

    Their expressions are colder than an iceberg, their eyes are lifeless.

    That creature¡­what could it be searching for? What is its goal?

    Many questions in their heads, all of them without answers. If only there was a spark of hope they could cling onto, right now there is none of that.

    All that was in Locu has been lost. The town has been turned into dust.

    Nick¡¯s mind right now is a mess. Wondering if he should break the endless silence or remain silent. He chose the first one.

    ¡®¡®Emily, Thora, are you okay? Are you hurt?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®We are fine.¡¯¡¯ They said, despite that the aura that they gave off was far from fine.

    ¡®¡®So what do we do now?¡¯¡¯

    The officer overheard their conversation and joined in.

    ¡®¡®We will first need to get to Grasvel. When we arrive they should probably give you rooms to stay in. As for us, the soldiers, we will probably be sent to guard the city alongside the reinforcements that are coming. What happened in Locu cannot be justified, so many civilians lost their lives just because of our unpreparedness. We also lost commander and chief of 3<sup>rd</sup> army-Lei Resd. It is a dark day for Languinia.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Truly. I hope this does not repeat or next time one of us could be the victim.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Though I still have to find out how my necklace works if I want to interfere.¡¯¡¯

    10 hours have passed without any occurrence. Refugees have arrived at Grasvel at the start of the day. The warm light from the sun their faces, calm wind blew past them. Wind that took away all the worries with it.

    Grasvel was a big city surrounded by mountains. There were only a few ways in.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    Going in they were met by a battalion that greeted them with a warm welcome. Officials were sent to settle everyone in camps and houses.

    Some people were sent off to report what has happened.

    The situation wasn¡¯t taken lightly.

    A lot of the local police force was there to ensure that there was no panic in the crowds that were spewing into the city.

    Nick and his friends were escorted to the police department and they were only told that ¡®¡®The chief wants to see them¡¯¡¯.

    Who might this chief be? One way to find out!

    The police department was a building, about three stories high, that hosted all of the city¡¯s police force.

    Walking down the crowded streets of the big city one may encounter many strange faces. From normal humans to all out fanged monsters.

    Most of the buildings to their side looked similar to the ones in Maryland, with the exception of few brick buildings that stood out with the architectural bizzarity put into building them.

    Most of them were surrounded by big lawns or gardens, hosting many strange plants unfamiliar to Nick, they were quite the attraction.

    They were about 2-5 stories tall, housing the elite of the city, they really are just asking for attention.

    Our heroes were escorted by 4 policemen. They walked for about 5 minutes until reaching the police department.

    It was a building masterpiece.

    Build from bricks and painted blue, it was designed to keep thieves off. Protected by strong iron fences in the most vulnerable places with guards scattered all around.

    The best detectives gather there to discuss strange or unthinkable cases.

    Enough about the building.

    Going in they were greeted with a lot of policemen that were working hard, or hardly working. It wasn¡¯t exactly clear.

    Some of them were lying around some of them weren¡¯t.

    Sofas and tables were scattered all around.

    The second floor was roughly the same.

    But going on the third floor you are met with more policemen, this time on guard.

    Those scrambled eggs down there were probably your average donut eating cops (with a few exceptions of course), but this. This is the real deal.

    In front, there was a door and our heroes were politely told to get their asses in there.

    Entering the room through the unnecessarily creaking door they were faced with a desk and a fancy rotating chair that was rotated towards the wall.

    Quite a stereotypical scene it was. So now it¡¯ll turn around and we¡¯ll see some buff guy launching threats for no reason whatsoever.

    ¡®¡®Uh hello there! I am Nick, I was told you wanted to see me?¡¯¡¯

    The chair started turning dramatically but it stopped halfway through.

    ¡®¡®Ah! Stupid chair!¡¯¡¯

    Sitting on the chair was a little boy with blonde hair and blue eyes, He was dressed in a fancy gray suit. Looked like he was preparing this four years, which judging by his size is no more than half of his life.

    ¡®¡®Screw it! Hello there Nick Sole! I am Hisashi Sard, chief of the Grasvel police force, nice to meet you!¡¯¡¯

    He opened his mouth to make a childish smile.

    ¡®¡®So, what did you take us here for?¡¯¡¯

    He started walking towards them with an ,,I am important¡¯¡¯ walk.

    ¡®¡®I have a very serious manner to discuss! Hey, what are you laughing at!¡¯¡¯

    Thora couldn¡¯t bear to keep her laugh in. Her giggle lightened the somewhat dark mood, bringing joy to everyone except Hisashi who crossed his arms and let out a ¡®¡®Hmph¡¯¡¯.

    ¡®¡®Well then, those will be a hassle to deal with¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Back to my point. I took you here to tell you my orders from high command. Due to your recent activity, Nick Sole, you will be held in Grasvel as a suspect. We will monitor your every activity. You will not be allowed to leave Grasvel until suspicion is lifted from you.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®WHAT?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Furthermore, if we catch you doing anything we might deem suspicious, we are free to arrest you and or your friends over there¡­¡¯¡¯

 Disguise

    Chapter 13

    Disguise

    The devilish smile of that little kid casted a shadow on their gloomy faces. Although he was just doing his job Nick couldn¡¯t help but question his motives.

    ¡®¡®No! This shouldn¡¯t happen. Why would our activity be suspicious?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®When do I start. Blowing a bar up and having a fight with 4 people and a headhunter, going to the Town Hall and having a fight with representative Glegmore, going on a ship and having another fight with the headhunter and a mysterious unidentified figure. And on your even more recent activity, putting it simply, we suspect you of organizing the destruction of the city of Locu. If you need even more evidence I can give you every suspicion I am allowed to mention.¡¯¡¯

    It is true Nick¡¯s recent activity has been very extraordinary-coming out of nowhere and starting a beef everywhere he goes, however, that on itself is not enough to arrest him. Other than that he is a Sole so arresting him would be quite controversial and he will probably end up free anyway. For now, the proposal of arrest may just be a threat to scare off any intentions they think Nick might be willing to proceed with.

    ¡®¡®You will now be escorted to the house you¡¯ll be staying at. Soon after that, we will send officers to monitor you. Just a little tip-be careful of the two gangs roaming the city, if you are attacked make sure to call for help. Good luck!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I¡¯m looking forward to seeing what this brat will think of.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Nick, we should go.¡¯¡¯

    As Nick was fixating his deadly gaze upon the little chief, he was stopped by the soft voice of Emily.

    Going out of the room, again through that creaking door they were sent off with an evil ¡®¡®See you lateeeer, huhu!¡¯¡¯.

    In front of the room, there were four policemen waiting for them.

    ¡®¡®Let us escort you.¡¯¡¯

    Going down the stairs they only saw empty rooms. The hardly working officers were now gone, it seemed¡­unusual. Taking notice of this Nick asked the policemen that were escorting them.

    ¡®¡®Why are all the rooms empty?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I¡¯m sure they¡¯re probably on some emergency mission or something. Nothing could¡¯ve entered this building, it is just too secure.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®This is strange, where could¡¯ve they gone?¡¯¡¯If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡®¡®Hm, what could the emergency be? I wonder. By the way¡­ Hey, police officer are we far away from our destination?¡¯¡¯

    Thora, along with everyone else, was questioning the purpose of this. Her head got worked up so to forget about it she asked this question.

    ¡®¡®Good question. Relatively speaking it¡¯s not so far away, relative to the size of the city of course. I¡¯d say about a kilometer.¡¯¡¯

    As they were walking down the streets Nick¡¯s attention was drifted towards the otherworldly looking plants which were absorbing the super bright light the sun was emitting at the time.

    The stone roads they were walking upon were ever so slightly broken at places.

    Trees casting a shadow from place to place gave everything a calmer look, benches that were scattered around were all almost filled. Not many people went out at this time of day, those that did stayed in the shadows. While it is the brightest time of day it is also a time when the gangs attack.

    Whenever there is a crowded place and it is this time of day the gangs are known to attack, causing chaos.

    However, that seemed to be the only instance that they would coordinate an attack for.

    Groups of 10 or even 20 people didn¡¯t catch their eye.

    The two gangs roaming Grasvel are the Uprising and the Ultimate Control gang. Although the Uprising one is a lot bigger the Ultimate Control still pose a severe threat to the well being of the citizens of Grasvel.

    There is no information about cultists in Grasvel, however one was caught and killed one year ago.

    Our heroes, escorted by the policemen, were walking down the streets when they finally spotted some of those good for nothing cops lying on a bench.

    ¡®¡®Ay you! What are you doing lying around here?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Oh sorry we were just really bored back at the police station, you know how it is.¡¯¡¯

    They stood up and went to greet the officers escorting our fellows.

    They also went to escort them as well.

    Walking a few hundred meters they stood silent.

    The sun was blazing the ground with its deadly beams of light, hot, calm wind was blowing their hair around, brushing Emily¡¯s gorgeous silvery-blue hair on Nick¡¯s face.

    The mood was lightening as they were forgetting the disaster that was Locu.

    No one was around them, they were all alone, or at least that¡¯s what they thought.

    The police officers that they found on the bench took off the blue hats that they were wearing.

    Watching that one couldn¡¯t help but wonder what was going on.

    They threw them away and launched gazes upon the policemen that were set out to escort our heroes.

    Within seconds their throats filled up with blood as they started chocking on it and they dropped dead on the ground. Their eyes turned lifeles. Even more shock to Nick and his friends. What is it this time?

    This is an unusual spell.

    While most magic users can do element bending spells, along with some others like gravity pull and super strength, this spell is a rare case. The power to wield it is given to 1 in fifty thousand or so. They are able to control some of the blood flowing in a person¡¯s vanes. A known few that have this power are the leaders of the Uprising and the Ultimate Control gangs.

    Those are two rivaling gangs, why would they ever team up?

    Emily, Thora, and Nick started shouting for help as they prepared for battle.

    Out of trees, out of bushes and out of nowhere hundreds of gangsters popped out and started heading for our heroes.

    Some of them managed to land some hits, though only tearing their sleeves.

    Thora and Emily put up a shield barrier and started running and calling for help along with Nick.

    Though it is only a matter of time until they are caught¡­

 Powerless

    Chapter 14

    Powerless

    Running desperately down the streets, calling for help of which there is none in sight.

    Most of the spells are taught in school, but blood control was never even mentioned. Though it spreads from mouth to mouth the details of the spell are not known to our heroes.

    The leaders were in the back while gangsters were chasing our heroes.

    The scene of the policemen dropping lifelessly on the ground is still on their minds.

    What could they be searching for so desperately that they team up?

    There is no time to waste now.

    They have their full power and Emily is as strong as ever in this bright sun.

    Maybe this time they might have a chance?

    Their thoughts were interrupted by four fire beams hitting the barrier.

    As they say-the best defense is attack.

    Emily fired a beam of light, blinding everyone and bringing two gangsters down.

    Although two of a hundred is not very much it is still contribution.

    Running for their lives until hitting a dead end with only one little alley to escape.

    ¡®¡®You guys should go, I¡¯ll distract them.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Don¡¯t be stupid!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®There is no time to whine!¡¯¡¯

    Emily tried to stop her, but Thora just jumped back to distract them.

    Using her sharp fangs and claws, cutting them up, spitting fire.

    All was happening so fast, they weren¡¯t able to react and lost track of Emily and Nick.

    It was going well when the leaders came.

    When she saw them she immediately launched herself to the rooftops and started running on them.

    ¡®¡®Kill her!¡¯¡¯

    One of the leaders said with a calm tone.

    ¡®¡®Not so easy!¡¯¡¯

    Only to be met by Emily¡¯s girly voice.

    ¡®¡®And her.¡¯¡¯This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Tens of gangsters topped Emily.

    100 to 1.

    When they all suddenly were stopped in place by a lightning strike.

    Loud marching was closing near.

    ¡®¡®Do you think we will allow that?¡¯¡¯

    It was the officer and the army from Locu and the little chief.

    ¡®¡®Now die!¡¯¡¯

    An explosion followed soon after.

    The army charged in the smoke only to find that no one was there.

    The gangs used the smoke to run away.

    ¡®¡®Find them now!¡¯¡¯

    They had dashed through the alleyway, immobilizing Emily an grabbing her along with them.

    Meanwhile.

    Thora had found Nick at the end of the alley.

    Seeing the explosion Thora became worried for Emily and started running towards the blast, Nick followed after.

    When they met up with the gangs.

    They tried to fend them off, only to be sent flying in the air.

    Thora used that moment to launch back down with ridiculous speeds, casting an explosion spell on impact and making a huge blast.

    She caught Nick and the unconscious Emily mid-air and dashed towards the army, which she saw a few seconds ago.

    Flying fast her hope was crushed in an instant when:

    ¡®¡®Not so fast.¡¯¡¯

    She was immobilized in an instant by a gang leader.

    Dropping down on the ground, along with Emily and Nick, they were caught by the officer.

    ¡®¡®I believe we have unfinished business.¡¯¡¯

    The army had surrounded the area so they cannot escape.

    They are about equal with 100 to 100.

    It will now be a showdown of skill and power, which both sides have.

    The officer placed our heroes on the ground and charged in, along with the rest of the division.

    Explosions, fire, and lightning were shaping the ground.

    The leaders were in the center, surrounded by gangsters.

    From there they brought down, soldier by soldier, half of the division.

    In a few seconds, more than a hundred men and women were already dead.

    The officer and chief were aiming straight for the leaders.

    Fast as bullets they landed hits on both of them, but in the process of doing so they were both injured.

    3<sup>rd</sup> degree burns on their hands, now they couldn¡¯t move them.

    The only valuable option would be to take Nick, Thora and Emily and retreat.

    And so they aimed back to the place where they left them.

    Running through the smoke and fire, walking on corpses they finally reached their destination, only to find that they weren¡¯t there anymore.

    ¡®¡®THEY ARE GONE! FIND THEM NOW.¡¯¡¯

    Shouted the officer while turning around.

    Though when he looked back he realized-there was no one there.

    Only corpses on the ground.

    Seeing this horrifying view his knees crumbled, his jaw was shaking, he fainted. He was¡­powerless.

    Refraining from looking back, the chief took him and flew away.

    He called for medics and firefighters.

    Not long afterward they arrived.

    News spread around town of this incident.

    And only within an hour officials announced that Grasvel citizens should be on lookout as the city is no longer deemed secure.

    The houses that were blown up contained approximately 300 people.

    With no police force law will now have to be enforced by the army guarding the city.

    As more and more men were pulled off the gates the outskirts of the city became less and less secure.

    Expecting an attack from outside, they weren¡¯t prepared for one from within the city.

    Though they knew of the gang¡¯s existence, they didn¡¯t know any numbers or power.

    Even worse, they couldn¡¯t have ever thought of them teaming up since they are such great rivals.

    Panic spread from house to house as everyone was scared to go outside.

    A few hours later Nick wakes up in a dark room.

    Trying to stand up he realized that his legs and arms were chained to the wall.

    Attempting to remember what happened, he looked around.

    To his left and right were Thora and Emily, also chained up.

    He could only see due to some light coming from a little window on top of him.

    He heard loud footsteps approaching, followed up by a loud screech from a door.

    In front of him, he could now make out a figure in the shadow.

    It closed the door and turned around to some sort of table.

    It leaned on it and grabbed some sort of tool and looked at Nick.

    Opening its mouth to make a smile it said in a quiet voice.

    ¡®¡®Oh, so you are awake.¡¯¡¯

 Experimental Grounds

    Chapter 15

    Experimental Grounds

    Coming out of the shadows into the little spark of light that brought hope to this unforgiving room, the figure took color.

    A man with a lab coat, presumably in his thirties, came out. He had a short but thick beard and beat up hands.

    His presence gave off an unusually unsettling, mad scientist vibe.

    In his hand, he was holding a plier-ish looking object.

    In the middle, it had some jewel, blue in color.

    Coming even closer, walking slowly he approached Nick, who still had no idea why he is here.

    The scientist let out a short sigh and continued his chain of thought.

    ¡®¡®Say, Nick, do you know anything about that¡­jewel you have on your neck?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Who are you? Where am I?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®We¡¯ll get to that later but for now, answer my question!¡¯¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I don¡¯t have to tell you.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Oops, that¡¯s enough for me! You know, just from your expression, I can deduce that you have ABSOLUTELY no clue about it. So¡­Nick, I¡¯ll get to my part, but first¡­¡¯¡¯

    Saying this he got even closer, to the point where he could reach him with his hands.

    ¡®¡®Let me take a look at it.¡¯¡¯

    He whispered slowly, reaching out for his necklace. Reaching out for Nick¡¯s cold, comatose body.

    Unable to reach with his hands, Nick resisted with his head, pushing the scientist¡¯s hand when it got close.

    ¡®¡®Ah, I see. This will do the trick.¡¯¡¯

    The scientist pulled out a vaccine and quickly stabbed Nick with it.

    ¡®¡®What is this? I can¡¯t move!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Don¡¯t worry it¡¯s just for safety, well¡­my safety.¡¯¡¯

    Afterwards, he continued his activities and brought out the necklace.

    ¡®¡®Let¡¯s test this bad boy out!¡¯¡¯

    He grasped it with the plier looking object and held it tight. When they both started shining with a super bright blue light.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    The scientist looked more than pleased with this outcome.

    ¡®¡®Ah yes, yes, GLOW, GLOW¡¯¡¯

    However, Nick was in horrible pain but couldn¡¯t even move enough to be able to scream in agony.

    It was getting brighter and brighter until a shockwave sent the scientist flying to the other end of the room.

    The pliers had smoke rising from them like a gun that was just fired.

    The pain Nick had felt just now was no less painful than having his groin cut open.

    Though this time the horrendous pain was spread all throughout his body.

    If he hadn¡¯t been paralyzed this would have been enough to knock him out.

    ¡®¡®Okay than Nick, I¡¯ll answer your questions. Who are you, was it? Well, I am known by many names but you can call me Bob. I¡¯m tryna get friendly with you, Ya know. Next question is¡­what was it again? Ah yes, where are you, right? You are in a cell next to what I call the Experimental Grounds. You¡¯ll see more about it when we get there.¡¯¡¯

    Surprised by his friendly attitude, Nick couldn¡¯t help but question his morals.

    The explanation Nick was given, while bold, was still enough to figure it out.

    ¡®¡®So there is only one possible explanation to this. We probably lost the fight and they got what they want. Experimental Grounds huh, hmm, that doesn¡¯t ring a bell.¡¯¡¯

    The scientist, or should I say¡­Bob shoved his hand in the pocket of his lab coat and brought out a key, which he used to unlock the chains holding Nick against the wall.

    Immediately after he took him and exited the room.

    The next room was dark until he clapped his hands and torches that were on the walls lit up.

    Nick would¡¯ve probably looked surprised if he wasn¡¯t paralyzed.

    The light revealed a display of precious necklaces on display.

    ¡®¡®Ah, how much time have I invested in this research? Now then. The things you are seeing now are prototypes, prototypes of your necklace.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®What does he mean by that?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®For many years have I wanted to make a copy of the jewel of power, but when news spurred up in town about your arrival, only then did I think I was closest to cracking its secrets. I¡¯ve tested prototype after prototype only to get more failures, but you, you are just the thing I was searching for this entire time. With its powers, I¡¯ll be able to rule the world!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®What is he even talking about? What does all this mean?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I don¡¯t suppose you know a lot about her right? I remember it like yesterday¡­I was a scientist at the royal research team of Languinia. She was a young woman, filled with talent and joy. She had both beauty and brains. She was of great help to the declining research capabilities of this nation. She helped us break through a lot of important barriers, she changed the way we think about the world around us. She was truly like a gift from the gods!¡¯¡¯

    He continued walking with Nick on his back.

    Walking into the next room, which was huge.

    An iron bridge running over a forested area, about the size of a few big stadiums.

    ¡®¡®Until one fateful day, when she left the research team. She left for one reason only. The head of the research was looking into crystals of power and immediately upon hearing these news, she resigned. That is when I started getting that she was hiding something from us, something very important. Usually, she¡¯d share all information she had with us, no matter how revolutionary or profitable it was. But this time she hid it. , ,What could be so strange or revolutionary that she would hide it from us?¡¯¡¯ I asked myself. So I dedicated the next few months of my life, just searching for clues in the crystal of power or in old documents when I found it.

    A newspaper article about the Sole¡¯s jewels of power. Their uniqueness, their mysterious design trapped my mind. Next year I left the research team and started my personal work with a goal to find the secrets of this jewel that she held so dear. Now, do you see why I needed you here? You, Nick Sole, will be the final piece to this puzzle I thought I¡¯d never solve¡­¡¯¡¯

 Waking up

    Chapter 16

    Waking up

    A beam of light revealed the rest of the room of this huge facility.

    Though most of the facility was underground there were openings with stairs that went up to the surface which, judging by the amount of light that reached this iron bridge, was not that far up.

    The lush green forested area underneath the bridge was a whole ecosystem on its own.

    All sorts of trees littered around, bushes and even small animals.

    Now that Nick could clearly see onwards his consciousness drifted towards the beautiful scenery that was surrounding him. Even though right now he shouldn¡¯t care about it one bit, he still couldn¡¯t resist the urge to look around with his eyes.

    The paralysis, that isn¡¯t letting him see the whole view, was softening.

    He could now make small movements with his fingers. That wasn¡¯t much contribution but it was enough to know that the effect of the vaccine was fading.

    Aside from his fingers, his previously stiff jaw was softening and with that, he could now move his mouth enough to talk a little bit before he gets tired of fighting the paralyzing effect and has to rest.

    ¡®¡®W-what even is this place? Where are we h-headed to?¡¯¡¯

    The time that he hasn¡¯t talked for wasn¡¯t very long, but to him, it felt like ages.

    With the occasional stutters, he managed to ask this two questions that were bugging him most.

    ¡®¡®So you can talk now? Hm, guess the paralyzing agent wasn¡¯t as strong as I had previously thought. I might have to look into that. Anyway. Funny you ask actually, I was just about to tell you about this beautiful scene here.

    This is a kind of sanctuary, or you could at least call it that. It is the place where I test the prototypes, test their different properties on a number of artificial animals, plants, and elements.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Wait, so everything here isn¡¯t real?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Now you might be wondering why I¡¯m telling you this but since I plan to test your jewel there anyway, might as well tell you what that place is.¡¯¡¯

    They continued on until reaching a wooden door with a rusty handle.

    ¡®¡®Oh, looks like we are almost there!¡¯¡¯

    Opening the door they were greeted with a lovely¡­dark¡­scary corridor.

    Bob clapped his hands, revealing the entirety of the corridor with the spark of tens of torches.Stolen story; please report.

    Spider webs were present all throughout, the floor and walls were cracked.

    The ceiling was unstable, would be no surprise if it fell down on their heads, which it thankfully didn¡¯t.

    Many doors were placed randomly to their left and right, one might never know what was in them.

    And so they continued ahead.

    Mind you, when I say they continued I mean Bob continued carrying Nick on his back to show him around.

    ¡®¡®Man isn¡¯t this place rusty. Haven¡¯t actually paid attention to it but looking at it now, I really need to fix it up someday.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®N-no shit Sher-rlock.¡¯¡¯

    To say that Nick still didn¡¯t know what was going on would be an understatement.

    Even though Bob told him about everything he asked, he still couldn¡¯t wrap his head around what was really going on. Who even was this guy and how did they get from the gangs to him?

    ¡®¡®Most plausible scenario is that he placed a bounty on me to get me to him alive. If it wasn¡¯t that then maybe he bought me, Thora and Emily from them.¡¯¡¯

    After saying this words he came to a realization. All this time he was thinking about himself and what he would do to him, just now realizing he was missing the bigger picture.

    ¡®¡®Wha-at will happen to m-my friends?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®For now, they are just prisoners, but later¡­¡¯¡¯

    He added that last part with the same voice he talked with when testing Nick¡¯s jewel.

    A voice that causes abrupt uncertainty in the people surrounding him, in this instance-Nick.

    ¡®¡®They will be the final test for this project. Let¡¯s say, we will test it on them.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®D-dammit you bastard, y-you will never get away with this.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Now now, I¡¯ve heard that so many times before. It¡¯s kind of clich¨¦, isn¡¯t it? But you see, every time I¡¯ve heard that I got away with what I¡¯ve been doing. Let¡¯s just say, you don¡¯t want to mess with my plans. And also, just in case you try to attack me, know that if you kill me both of your sweet friends will die. Oh, and we are here!¡¯¡¯

    He looked to the right and opened the cleanest door there is in these experimental grounds.

    A surge of light broke the unsettling, chilly vibe of these corridors.

    Beyond that barrier of light was a whole new world.

    A long stone path, leading into the beautiful forest. Up ahead-a little bridge going over a narrow stream.

    The sounds of birds coming from a distance tickled the ears of the listener. Flowers gratified the viewer¡¯s eyesight, filling it with abstract colors.

    Little animals would shake the near bushes, searching for berries.

    A true dream land, a traveler¡¯s miracle.

    Only if it were real¡­

    They took the path and continued onwards.

    ¡®¡®How could such a place be fake?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®You know, her research really did wonders. I mean look at this place, such a real thing generated only by a few magic crystals rearranged at certain angles that no one could¡¯ve thought of!¡¯¡¯

    Few minutes of walking later they reached an open grass field, full of flowers.

    A little down the field were a few targets.

    ¡®¡®We will now test your jewel¡¯s properties¡­¡¯¡¯

    Away from this gorgeous forest, into the prison cell where Thora and Emily were.

    Emily lightly opened her eyes to the darkness of the room.

    Looking around she saw that Nick was missing.

    Before going after him she needed to find a way to unchain herself.

    Since they were underground, she couldn¡¯t really know if it was day or night, thus she didn¡¯t know if she was at full strength.

    There was no time to figure that out, for now, she must find a way to wake up Thora and unchain herself.

    ¡®¡®Thora, pss, Thora! Wake up!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Ughh, where are we?¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I don¡¯t know but let¡¯s find a way to get these chains off us!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Oh I know! I¡¯ll use my cat bite to break my hands free.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Sure go ahead.¡¯¡¯

    Thora opened her mouth wide, revealing sharp teeth, then continued to take a swing at the chains. She bit down hard on them and continued applying pressure until [BAM] they broke.

    She did this with the rest of them and freed herself.

    Afterwards, she used her claws to free Emily.

    ¡®¡®Where even are we?¡¯¡¯

    Asked Thora.

    ¡®¡®I asked the same question. Well, only one way to find out.¡¯¡¯

    And so the opened the screechy door and entered the darkness of the next room¡­

 Your Choice

    Chapter 17

    Your Choice

    ¡®¡®Why is it so dark in here?¡¯¡¯

    Asked Emily.

    ¡®¡®Light is not really a problem for me since I¡¯m a cat. Give me just a moment because something caught my eye.¡¯¡¯

    Looking around the room Thora saw the prototypes that the scientist had shown Nick.

    She could see in the dark, but that didn¡¯t cover the fact that she didn¡¯t know where they were, thus she wasn¡¯t able to connect the prototype to Nick¡¯s jewel.

    They didn¡¯t really look like it as well, Thora should know what the jewel looks like from past experience.

    ¡®¡®Come on! Hurry up! We¡¯ve got to find a way to get to Nick. Who knows what type of torture he is going through.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Okay, okay. Let¡¯s move along! Take my hand!¡¯¡¯

    Emily firmly grasped Thora¡¯s hand.

    Upon getting a hold of her, Thora rushed for the next door in this strange and confusing facility.

    Opening it she revealed the wonders of the ¡®¡®Sanctuary¡¯¡¯.

    Little beams of light broke the unforgiving darkness as color spread around. Such a plethora of unique plant life, almost like something from an alien planet, such immense beauty.

    Comprehending the view would be hard for a reader who can experience something as good as it is described, Thora and Emily¡¯s reactions help enhance the extraordinary nature of the perfect view.

    As they stood there in shock, not a shock of fright but a shock of amazement.

    Even knowing that they should move on, even knowing Nick¡¯s life may be at stake, they could not help but stare at the view.

    A view so unrealistic in fact, that it wasn¡¯t actually real.

    Further down, into the flowery field, we find none other than Nick.

    Bob shoved his hand into his pocket and took out the familiar set of pliers.

    ¡®¡®Now, I don¡¯t suppose you¡¯ll cooperate right off the bat, but I¡¯ve got a few tricks up my sleeve, quite literally.¡¯¡¯Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Placing the pliers on the field he rolled up the sleeves of his lab coat.

    From one of them, he took out what seems to be a switch of some sort. A switch with an antenna with a little crystal attached to it.

    ¡®¡®So I think it is time to show my end of the deal, hehe.¡¯¡¯

    And so he flipped the switch.

    Immediately the crystal lit up and a cage descended from the ceiling.

    Two people were tied up in it.

    They had blindfolds and their mouths were covered.

    One distinct feature you could clearly make out upon seeing them was their ears.

    ¡®¡®You may not know who this couple is so let me clear that up for you.¡¯¡¯

    He slowly laid Nick on the grass and went to the cage which had now descended to ground level. Or I guess underground level.

    He reached his hand into the cage and moved the cloth straining the lady¡¯s mouth. She proceeded to shout:

    ¡®¡®THORA, WHERE ARE YOU?¡¯¡¯

    Immediately after that, he put the cloth back on. Even so, she continued screaming only for her screams to be silenced by the thick layer of cloth.

    ¡®¡®These are your friend Thora¡¯s parents. They kind of came in a five for three deal, a pretty good deal I¡¯d say. And get this, if you do not cooperate they¡¯ll go the way of the dinosaurs.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®Y-you piece of-¡¯¡¯

    On the other end of the spectrum, Thora had heard that scream.

    With a mind full of rage she jumped furiously at her target-Bob.

    Emily tried to stop her from revealing their position but her kind words weren¡¯t enough to silence the pure hate emerging from deep within her eyes.

    And as Nick was about to finish his sentence he was cut off by Thora¡¯s scream of rage.

    She landed a hit on the scientist and sent him flying into a tree when something weird happened.

    Upon hitting the tree, it disappeared into shards.

    Surprised by that, Thora let her guard down for a second, a second which Bob used.

    ¡®¡®It¡¯s time for my second trick.¡¯¡¯

    Suddenly, huge vines emerged from the ground, aiming for Thora.

    She tried to resist by cutting them, only for more to appear. Swiftly dodging she dashed for the scientist yet again. With her sharp claws, she cut his shoulder.

    However, he didn¡¯t seem flustered at all.

    The vines finally reached her and hung her upside down.

    She continued resisting but she couldn¡¯t get out of the strong grip.

    ¡®¡®Haha, you think you can beat me in my own environment, think again! This place is engineered to help me.¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®How could you?¡¯¡¯

    Said Thora in an unusual tone.

    ¡®¡®Very simple actually. Do you think I am dumb enough to bring you here and not prepare myself for your potential attack? It was kind of obvious you were going to try and escape.

    Now, where is your friend?¡¯¡¯

    Emily was tucked tight behind the opened door. She figured it¡¯d be best if she didn¡¯t show herself.

    Curled into a ball of fear, she was more stressed out than when the attack on Locu happened. It¡¯s because right now, the things she holds most dear-her friends were at a really high risk. Right here and now she was the only hope left, the only way out of this godforsaken place.

    ¡®¡®What should I do? What should I do? If I go in there I am just going to get captured and that will be the end of us. Think Emily, think!¡¯¡¯

    ¡®¡®I came alone, Emily was still under anesthesia.¡¯¡¯

    Emily¡¯s eyes lit up to the reasonably smart answer.

    Bob went to the switch and picked it up again and prepared his response.

    ¡®¡®Oh, I did put a higher dose in her bloodstream, hm I figured she wouldn¡¯t be able to wake up soon. Nick, the decision is up to you now. Look how generous of me, giving you options. Anyway, your paralysis will wear out soon, when it does you¡¯ll have to pick between cooperating or fighting me. I¡¯d strongly suggest you cooperate if you don¡¯t want to see your friend and her parents over here dead, but I mean, it¡¯s your choice, isn¡¯t it?¡¯¡¯

    ¡­

 Tricky Situation

    Chapter 18

    Tricky Situation

    ¡°Hmm, I might be able to sneak up on them without him noticing¡±

    Emily, quite stressed, needed to think of a solution to this never ending mess. She is now in quite the tricky situation.

    She looked around, along the long bridge.

    Noticing the door at the end this thought came up to her head.

    And so she slowly but surely started making her way over there.

    At certain points, she was really visible, good thing that Bob was busy with injecting Thora¡¯s parents with paralysis. Never imagined I¡¯d have to say good and paralysis in this sort of context.

    And so she reached the run down wall of depression. Slowly opening it, as to not make any noise she entered the creepy corridor.

    Since Bob activated the torches quite recently, they are still lit up.

    The confusing layout of all these doors baffled Emily.

    ¡°One of these doors has to lead to the top. Only one way to find out which!¡±

    What she was going to do when she gets to the top was uncertain even for her.

    She hurried up and started running, opening all the doors she saw.

    Most of the rooms were empty, some of them were like the prison cell they were chained up in, nothing particularly interesting, but still not something that every house just has.

    Back at the main theatre where Nick and Thora were.

    ¡°I mean, he did say it was my choice but I don¡¯t know how much of a choice I really have right now. On one end, I try and rebel with the power I don¡¯t even know how to activate, which doesn¡¯t really sound appealing to me. On the other end, I let him have it his way and he does something with my necklace, the pain from which may or may not knock me unconscious. Either way, I¡¯m screwed, though for now, I may be able to buy some time-¡±

    ¡°W-what will you do to me if I choose to co-o-operate?¡±

    ¡°You see, I¡¯d like that to be a surprise but if you really want to know I¡¯ll tell ¡®ya.¡¯¡¯

    ¡°Speak up!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do the thing we did in the cell, just this time I¡¯ll take the power for myself. What happens after that, I cannot guarantee. But if it all goes as planned¡­¡¯¡¯

    His slowly spaced out into thought after that line, something which Nick didn¡¯t really like. He was just buying time, but at the same time, he was also trying to get answers out of that mad head.

    ¡°If it goes as planned?¡±Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    ¡°Never mind, we¡¯ll see later.¡±

    ¡°What is it!?¡±

    Keeping track of their conversation, Thora, who was held by the vines interrupted the endless mutter of that scientist.

    ¡°Enough chatting, let¡¯s get to the action. Have you chosen, Nick?¡±

    ¡°I have. I¡¯ll-¡±

    Sometime before he said this, Emily¡¯s search was concluded when she opened a door which leads to a long staircase.

    ¡°I have a feeling this is it.¡±

    She decided to trust her instincts and proceeded to run up the stairs.

    Running, bearing four lives on her shoulders. The staircase was quite long and the steps weren¡¯t all the same height from each other, so you can imagine how hard it was to run up them.

    A minute or so later, when she was about to run out of strength, she reached the top, yet another door.

    That scientist must have some sort of fetish for doors.

    She tried to open it but, tough luck, it was stuck.

    With a wave of her finger and a flick of her leg, she kicked down the door.

    A well-lit room for once.

    The floor and walls were dirt, except for the one in front of her which was solid rock. To the right was a conveniently placed, red button.

    Upon pushing it, she saw the rock moving aside to reveal the outside world.

    To anyone¡¯s surprise, the city was right down from here.

    ¡°This answers the question of where this place is.¡±

    Back in the madman¡¯s jungle, Nick¡¯s sentence was interrupted by Thora. Grinding her teeth, her tone was implying she didn¡¯t want him to answer straight.

    ¡°You can think it over, Nick.¡¯¡¯

    ¡°Someone should really learn to shut up when two people are talking!¡±

    That didn¡¯t go quite well with Bob as he tightened the grip around Thora, to the point where it was starting to choke her.

    ¡°Come on Nick, time¡¯s ticking!¡±

    ¡°OKAY, I¡¯ve decided, so just stop, please!¡±

    ¡°What will it be Nick?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go along with your plan so just let her loose!¡±

    ¡°Good choice.¡±

    Strange as it may be, it seems like Bob somehow has full control over the vines which are emerging from the ground, even going as far as making them carry him to Nick. Assuming this place really was engineered to help him, what could¡¯ve stopped him from making everything around him controllable.

    That¡¯ll come down to how true he is to his words.

    So he made his way to Nick on the vines and took the pliers.

    Approaching Nick he made a creepy smirk and said:

    ¡°All these years and finally I¡¯ll be able to feel the power, the legendary sensation¡±

    ¡°H-hey, while we are at it, mind telling me how these things work and why they hurt so much?¡±

    ¡°Very quick to interrupt my moment of triumph, I see. Well even if I were to explain, you would not understand. But simply, it hurts because I am merging our two magic fields so I can actually get the jewel to work. Now if you would mind shutting your mouth for a second.¡±

    He closed the pliers in on the jewel and squeezed tight.

    Same as last time, a strong light blinded them as sparks of lightning started flying around, hitting anything and everything.

    Nick started screaming from the unbearable, suffocating pain that was piercing every inch of his body. Pain the sort of which hasn¡¯t been experienced by any other individual.

    It was as if he was being burned, frozen, pierced and sliced with a knife all at the same.

    He started unwillingly shedding tears of pain.

    Thora didn¡¯t want to be a witness of such an atrocity so she shut her eyes tight, only to realize that only hearing it was enough to traumatize anyone.

    Bob, however, seemed to be growing happier and happier, maybe his plan was working out.

    In the meantime¡­

    Emily had rushed to the city and found Hisashi and the officer and called them for help, explaining the situation on the way.

    The police seemed to have regained their numbers in the short amount of time that our heroes were gone for.

    At once they hurried towards the experimental grounds, where Bob had gotten what he wanted.

    The light faded out and Bob¡¯s body started trembling, his breath was frozen, as when he exhaled the frostiness of his breath condensed into vapor.

    ¡°That feeling! My body is filled with energy, I feel like I have the power of a thousand suns. I L O V E I T !¡±

    The police, along with Emily and the officer, have made their way down the stairs and are now headed directly for the sanctuary.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to put an end to the madman¡¯s games!¡±

    And with that comment from Hisashi and the others entered the war zone¡­

 When Fire Meets Ice

    Chapter 19

    When Fire Meets Ice

    ¡°I have to somehow stop this or else. Or else everyone will die. The power I got from the necklace on the ship to Locu was enough to make me loose myself, I cannot imagine what will happen with Bob. He said something about merging our two magic fields, is there some way I can use that.¡±

    After that sudden impulse of pain, Nick¡¯s brain has started working overload.

    Meanwhile, Bob¡¯s hands and feet are freezing, while the rest of his body was trembling and shaking from the coldness and power alike.

    The power, more than he could¡¯ve ever imagined.

    ¡°I HAVE IT, I FINALLY HAVE IT! I CAN PROVE TO HER, I CAN PROVE THAT I AM WORTHY! NOT JUST HER, MY MASTER WILL BE SO PROUD!¡±

    ¡°You got your end of the deal, now what about us?¡±

    Thora yet again cut off the madman¡¯s minute of glory.

    ¡°What are you, insane? Do YOU think I¡¯ll just go along with the deal and let you have it YOUR way? DON¡¯T MAKE ME LAUGH!¡±

    ¡°YOU BASTARD! HOW CAN YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT?¡±

    ¡°Very comfortable actually. A new technology I invented makes my bed so squishy and soft, really nice I got to say. Maybe I could go around to selling that to the masses. Why do you always get me sidetracked? UGH! It¡¯s time to finish the job!¡±

    Saying this blue lightning escaped from his body and ice shards pierced the ground around Nick. One of them cut right through his shoulder. But his body was numb, he couldn¡¯t feel anything anymore.

    The crystal clear ice shard became red, blood started spewing from his arm like a fountain. All Nick could do was watch as blood started escaping his body and puddling onto the fake floor.

    What was he feeling? Probably nothing.

    The biggest thing here is confusion. Ever since they started their adventures he has been confused as to what path has lead him to the mess he was always in and what path could¡¯ve he took to prevent it.

    So many feelings he had, yet so little time to express them.

    Help was coming.

    The police along with Emily and the officer had made their way down.

    They have seen the open door that led to the path which Bob took not so long ago.

    Question is, when should they appear?

    ¡°I think it¡¯s best to catch him while he hasn¡¯t sucked all the power out of Nick.¡±

    ¡°Decision approved, move up boys!¡±

    Emily¡¯s statement got approved by Hisashi and they are off.

    Slowly stepping into the jungle they heard Nick and Bob conversing.

    ¡°You sick maniac.¡±

    Nick barely even able to say this mumbled it out like a person on his death bed.

    ¡°Say, say, say, say Ni~ck I¡¯ll let you and your friend live on one condition, get that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not playing by your rules anymore.¡±

    ¡°Is that so¡­¡±

    Saying this he pierced Nick with a shard right through his stomach.

    He took a loud step closer towards the helpless Nick. Before he could proceed even further his movement was halted by something. He mumbled.

    ¡°You thought I wouldn¡¯t see you, huh?¡±

    He turned around with incredible speed and launched hundreds of ice shards towards the police who were approaching ever so slightly.

    In a moment half the men were down on the ground, pierced by ice.

    Hisashi, Emily, and the officer quickly jumped up in the air to get an upper hand.

    Hisashi started launching fireballs, Emily casted explosion magic and the officer dashed to Bob.

    A huge explosion knocked Bob down and broke Thora and Nick free.

    Dust rose up and blocked everyone¡¯s vision. Soon after, the fire started burning all around, almost like it was boiling alive beings.

    Police got closer to Bob and along with the officer and Thora, they charged him. Their speed alone cut up the cloud of dust, like lasers they sliced through the dirt.

    ¡°That¡¯s sure got to kill him!¡±

    That was some police officer, confident in this first attack.

    But when the dust escaped it revealed nothing. They were attacking air. That sure got on Hisashi¡¯s nerves.

    ¡°Dammit, where did he escape?¡±

    At the same time, immersed in the moment, Emily completely forgot about Thora¡¯s parents.

    Thore however, didn¡¯t. All her attention was directed towards the cage which they were in.

    If what he said was true, then nothing will stop him from detonating the charge.

    She went to it and with the speed of sound she cut the bars and got her parents out.

    Emilly rushed for Nick who was half-dead on the ground, she picked him up and ran with him towards the corridor.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be out of here soon enough Nick.¡±

    Nick was too caught up in his own thoughts to respond.

    His innocent face was enough of an answer to Emily, who laid him down and started healing him.

    All these things happening at once confused some of the police officers who started looking around for Bob.

    A sudden sound started thumping everyone¡¯s eardrums. Like a heartbeat that was right in their ear.

    Everyone looked around in confusion.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    A loud voice, like something from a huge speaker, echoed around everything in this facility.

    ¡°I told you this place was engineered by me, for me. I am one with this place and you¡¯ll suffer the consequence of messing with me.¡±

    ¡°MEN, BRACE YOURSELVES, IT¡¯S COMING!¡±

    Hisashi had picked up on this, what was coming, they still didn¡¯t know.

    The ground started shaking like an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.5 on Richter.

    Stalactites started falling from the ceiling of the facility, walls started collapsing. It was almost like the ground was turning upside down.

    Vines with huge thorns emerged from the ground and started heading for everyone. The trees literally came to life. They started moving using their roots as legs and their branches as hands.

    Dark smoke started filling the already apocalyptic room. The fire Hisashi caused was still burning and the trees it was burning on were walking. A mess like something from a folklore fiction.

    About 40 policemen were alive after the ice shards and they are all now getting slaughtered.

    The vines swiftly grabbed them and started piercing them with their thorns. The trees crushed some of the policemen. A tragic scene too bloody to bear.

    Everyone¡¯s vision was blurring out from the continuous shaking of the ground.

    Nick was fully healed, but the collapse of the facility and the puddles of blood didn¡¯t help reinforce his mental state.

    He was starting to fall into despair.

    The dark smoke and the earthquake suddenly stopped.

    Could it be that the place was reaching its limits?

    Everyone was down on the ground, excluding Hishashi.

    He was standing straight and breathing heavily. Sweat was drenching down from his forehead. His brows furrowed as he looked deep into the dark smoke, from which a familiar figure rose.

    The thorns and trees all surrounded it.

    It was Bob, coming out of the darkness.

    His eyes were shining and electricity was flowing through his body.

    He cracked his knuckles and in an instant after that dashed to Hisashi. For a regular viewer, it would look like he teleported, leaving a trail of ice behind him.

    The bottom half of his lab coat was frozen, along with his shoes.

    Dead silence enchanted the facility in that fateful instant.

    Where fire and ice met.

    Standing next to each other for a dead second. A second in which time seemingly froze.

    Vapor was coming from Bob¡¯s cold body, while next to him Hisashi was burning. Fire emerged from deep within him.

    In the next second, for as little as a second. They turned around, truly breaking the sound barrier whilst doing so and in a split second they let out all they had.

    Ice filled the left half of the facility while fire the right.

    The sudden influx of differences in air pressure and temperature created a huge explosion.

    It knocked over the steel bridge and along with the fire continued to almost completely incinerate the long corridors.

    The ice, along with the explosion pierced through the roof and launched parts of the mountain onto the city, revealing the facility to the world.

    A loud [beep] was all that was left in both sides eardrums.

    After that show of force, Hisashi completely collapsed on the ground with an ice shard sticking through his chest.

    While out of the fire, Bob went out with a few scars and burns.

    He quickly regained his cold temperature and extinguished the fire with freezing air.

    After that, he looked around to see if anyone was still alive, to his surprise most were only knocked out.

    While only one stood up.

    A figure emerging from the cold fog.

    It was Nick, who was yet again half-dead. Dead man walking.

    His necklace was flashing in blue. He was barely looking and that was from one eye.

    Bob put on a smile and rose his hands in a ¡°Looking to the heavens¡± pose.

    With that he said.

    ¡°You Nick sure are persistent. Of course, it¡¯s only natural. You are her son after all.¡±

    That final sentence halted Nick¡¯s steps and stopped his breath.

    In his mind, an image of Frederica popped up. His dear, loving mother. Along with that the memory, the memory of her giving him the necklace.

    Now the necklace developed into a solid color.

    ¡°Oh, I see, someone is getting excited. I want full control over that power of yours and in order to do that, I¡¯ll need to kill you. So to make it painless just stop resisting.¡±

    ¡°Power of mine? Wait, THAT¡¯S IT! If he controls this place with his magic field and our two fields are merged, then wouldn¡¯t that mean I can control it as well? I have to try this, so everyone¡¯s efforts don¡¯t go to waste.¡±

    Nick let out a short breath.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take this as acceptance, haha.¡±

    Vines with thorns emerged from the ground below Nick but just when they were about to hit him, they stopped.

    ¡°What are y-¡±

    ¡°I a-m tak-ing contro-ol¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s too bad, because I¡¯ve come prepared.¡±

    He took out yet another switch and quickly flipped it. The vines disappeared.

    ¡°Now for my final trick.¡±

    He charged back his hand like he was about to take a swing, his hand started freezing and vapor was coming out from it.

    In a millisecond he dashed to Nick and hit him with a full swing.

    In that moment happiness arose from deep within him when it was crushed just a second after that.

    Ice crystals that were supposed to pierce right through Nick went around him.

    The voice of his mother echoed out into his head.

    ¡°So Nick. In a dire situation, I may not be physically by your side, but I¡¯ll always be there in the form of this necklace. Mommy wants you to be safe and sound!¡±

    A little smile appeared on Nick¡¯s face in that silent moment.

    The necklace yet again, like the battle towards Locu, blinded both of them with a light as bright as the sun. That sudden flash broke the ice around Nick.

    After that flash, Nick¡¯s eyes lit up in anger, which he directed towards Bob.

    ¡°So it comes down to this, huh?¡±

    Without uttering a single word, Nick dashed to Bob and kicked him up in the air above the city.

    Bob, in return, started firing hundreds of ice crystals at Nick.

    Nick swiftly dodged them mid-air and with a lightning strike brought Bob to the ground.

    He slashed through four buildings and made an explosion.

    Though that didn¡¯t do much to him, it still angered him a lot.

    Grinding his teeth and flying upward, toward Nick he said.

    ¡°You are just making this more difficult. Just give me your power already!¡±

    ¡°You are right, it is MY power. That¡¯s why I won¡¯t give it to you. And that¡¯s why I won¡¯t let you win using it!¡±

    Nick made a looping movement in the air and got behind Bob. From there he launched a big fireball which sent the madman off his course.

    ¡°If I¡¯m going down, I¡¯m taking this godforsaken city with me!¡±

    Said Bob, crashing into a building.

    Luckily, upon seeing the explosion from before the citizens were evacuated to the other half of the city.

    Bob split the ground in two and threw huge rocks with buildings on them at Nick.

    He dodged them and in return dashed again towards the scientist and punched him with a fire punch in the face.

    That knocked him far back.

    Nick thought that he would just give up by now, but in a desperate attempt he dashed towards our hero and kneed his stomach, made a super quick turn and kicked him in the face.

    This brought him again in the air, from where he started throwing fireballs at him.

    Bellow them the city was burning. A lot of buildings were destroyed, turned to ash or missing.

    One of the fireballs knocked him to the side and some object fell from his pocket.

    That object was the so painfully familiar set of pliers.

    Nick directed his attention to them.

    Seeing this Bob tried to sneak a punch at him but instead, Nick just dashed to get them.

    And he did get them.

    Only now did Bob realize what mistake he had made.

    ¡°NO!¡±

    ¡°Ah---¡±

    Nick gripped his jewel with them and pointed the blast towards Bob. This move hurt Nick a lot but it split their magic fields.

    Now Nick has his full power.

    ¡°My, m-m-m-my power.¡±

    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s MY power.¡±

    Bob started falling to the ground where he was met by Nick.

    He forcefully stepped on his head and burned it.

    By this time Emily, the officer, and what¡¯s left of the police were already waking up. Just in time to see the show.

    Nick threw Bob really high up in the air and with an [explosion!] he casted and explosion spell that was like a nuclear blast.

    It knocked all of the surrounding buildings down and sent rocks from the mountain flying in the air. After the flash from the explosion, a horrifyingly recognizable thing happened.

    A big figure flew past with Mach 3 speed. It caught the remains of Bob and disappeared in a second. That figure was the same thing Nick saw in Locu.

    Yes, The Blue Eyes¡­

    Nick exhaled a last cold breath and dropped on his knees.

    The collapsed city around him drove his mind into despair when he suddenly felt warmth to his left.

    Something was holding him, or more specifically-hugging him. It was Emily who had seen the fighting and witnessed Nick¡¯s mixed emotions. These emotions were all cleared up by that warm hug that melted his frozen heart.

    ¡°Don¡¯t stress it anymore, okay?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    After a while, they stood up (Nick barely) and went to the facility, which was now a ruin of its former self.

    Looks like Thora and the officer had taken care of Hisashi and Thora¡¯s parents.

    They all will need some time to heal. After all that fighting everyone can barely move.

    So they went down into the city where heard a sound of a thousand feet drawing near.

    It was a division from a nearby small town which had come to check the safety of Grasvel.

    Along with them, they had a squad of medics which when seeing everyone¡¯s condition rushed to heal them.

    The damage done to the city isn¡¯t that big but it¡¯ll take a while to fix.

    They were all sent to the local hospital where they will rest for the next couple of days.

    ¡°So, in the end, I couldn¡¯t get him.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t stress it, at least my parents and everyone else is alright. Talking about parents¡­ Why don¡¯t you introduce yourselves to them tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Seems fine to me.¡±

    And with that ends another battle, with that ends another struggle.

    A struggle through the deadly...