ã€ŠTailed Beastã€‹ Prolouge Prologue

What use is strength if you outlive everyone you ever cared about? I mentally repeat the question for what has to be the millionth time. If there is an answer to this question, I haven''t figured it out in the past million years when I first asked myself. Is there even a correct answer? A sigh escapes my lips, surprising myself with how ancient and tired it sounds. The only thing keeping me company in this desolate world are my memories from my younger days, happier days. My mothers smile, my fathers laugh and my sister''s compassion. My many wives throughout the years. I still remember how guilty i felt when I first met my second wife, Ash, like I was cheating on my first even though she had long passed. Maybe I was, but that loneliness, it was suffocating. I chuckle thinking about my past self. He thought he knew what loneliness was because he had no one to warm his bed. Oh what I would give just to see even a rodent, just something so I''m not alone. There use to be a few others like me, max level that is. Four of us in total, brothers for eternity. Or so I thought, but even they slowly fell to the never ending flow of time. My last brother, Simon, passing countless years ago. So I assume anyway, the only body I saw was Simon¡¯s, the others just disappeared. I can''t figure why they passed before me though, I was the eldest.

Status Screen
Name:	Ares	Level:	999
Gender:	Male	Race:	Human
Stats Screen
Strength:	9999	Wisdom:	9999
Agility:	9999	Intelligence:	9999
Vitality:	9999	Charisma:	9999
Dexterity:	9999	Luck	9999

No matter how many times I study my status screen I never find the answer. Guess some questions just don''t have answers¡ I''ve seen it all in my life, civilisations came and went like the flicker of a candle in my eyes. That is until they stopped coming. The planet is dying, inhospitable to all life, even vegetation. Humans succumbed like every other species. I''m the last of any life on this planet. Trust me, I''ve spent countless years searching. So I sit on this barren land and ask myself for the 1¡¯000¡¯001 time, what use is strength if you outlive everyone? ¡°Well hello there¡± Launching myself 100¡¯s of feet away, I quickly turn around to see the owner of that voice. However, upon turning around I don¡¯t see anyone within thousands of miles. Maybe all this time by myself has finally caused me to go crazy. Maybe, I¡¯ve been crazy this whole time without realising it¡ ¡°Woah, didn¡¯t mean to scare you there buddy¡± I turn around immediately, this time opting not to retreat. Standing a few feet away from me is a short man, no taller than 5¡¯5. His hair is shaggy and looks as if it hasn¡¯t been cut in centuries, though who am I to talk. A scruffy beard to go along with his head of hair. His clothes are baggy, almost as if he dressed to suit his overall shaggy appearance. My mind is racing with thoughts and questions. Part of me just wants to laugh in joy at meeting another person in who knows how long, however, logical part is warning me. He snuck up on me not once but twice, within a few feet as well. Even those brothers of mine couldn¡¯t hope to get within a mile of me without my realisation. ¡°Oh not very talkative are you, well that¡¯s alright. Well the name¡¯s Judah, no need to introduce yourself Ares, already know all I need to know about you.¡± The scruffy man, I mean Judah, scratched at his beard while introducing himself. What, he knows me? He¡¯s been watching me and I haven¡¯t been able to notice¡ how¡¯s that even possible unless he somehow beat the max level. That¡¯s not possible though, my brothers and I spent countless years researching and experimenting but couldn¡¯t beat it. ¡°Who are you and why have you been watching me?¡± I asked nonchalantly. As surprising as all this is, seeing as he isn¡¯t hostile, I don¡¯t seem to overly care too much. After living millions of years it takes more than this to truly get me worked up. ¡°Well you already know how I am, I just told you.¡± He chuckled to himself. ¡°But that¡¯s not what you¡¯re asking are you. I guess the best way to put it is that I¡¯m God.¡± He paused, as if waiting for me to act amazed or refute him. However, I truly don¡¯t care.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Oh right, well guess that explains why you¡¯re able to sneak up on me. So why have you been watching me?¡± It might look from the outside that I¡¯m bored of this conversation, but it does feel good to talk to someone¡ or something, not to sure on that point. ¡°Oh you¡¯re taking this easier than the other three. I¡¯d be lying if I said I¡¯m not a little disapp¡± ¡°Wait. Other three? What other three?¡± My voice a little more rushed than normal. ¡°Oh come on Ares, don¡¯t tell me you forgot them, your brothers.¡± ¡°You spoke to them? Are they still alive?¡± ¡°Well yes and no. They have long since shed their human bodies and ascended into godhood, in fact that brings me to why I¡¯m here today. Would you like to follow their footsteps and reunite with them?¡± ¡°Wait, so they¡¯re gods now? And you want me to join them?¡± My mind is starting to reel from all these sudden revelations. ¡°Correct!¡± ¡°Why?¡± Guess even after millions of years I¡¯ll never lose my sceptical nature. ¡°Well I guess I should explain the situation then. As I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve realised, this world is dying and is soon to be dead. Once the planet is dead, the cycle of reincarnation will no longer exist, and thus countless souls would be wiped from existence. Well someone way higher up than myself has decided we can¡¯t have this, so it¡¯s my duty as the planet manager to shift all the souls into another reincarnation cycle in a different world.¡± He paused to what I assume is to process the information lest he has to repeat. ¡°It¡¯s quite an easy and routine job, unless there are people like you. Capable of surviving through the destruction of a planet. This is where things get irksome, because of how strong your soul is. It¡¯s no easy task for me to transfer a soul of your calibre, and I can¡¯t just leave you in case the big boss finds out I left a soul behind. So we opt to recruit you into our ranks, thus making my job easier and creating more man power. Makes sense?¡± So there are other worlds out there, I wonder what they¡¯re like. I guess if I do become a god I¡¯ll be able to travel and see countless worlds. However, gods obviously live indefinitely¡ can I bear another million years? Guess I¡¯ll ask some questions before making any rash decisions. ¡°So there are other worlds, and I assume if I become a god, I¡¯ll have to manage my own planet?¡± ¡°Well yes, part of the job.¡± I can tell Judah is getting impatient¡ why would a god care for time? ¡°Also what took you so long to ask me?¡± ¡°Yeah well you can blame umm¡ Simon, that¡¯s it. Yeah you can blame Simon. The other two were happy to become gods but that annoyance, wanted to reincarnate, kept saying how he no longer wished to live for eternity.¡± Clearly Judah is holding a grudge against Simon. ¡°That doesn¡¯t explain why you took so long to get to me though?¡± I push the question again. ¡°I told you, it takes a lot of effort for me to transfer your souls into other reincarnation cycles. After I had to rest for a short period of time to recover my energy.¡± He yet again scratches his beard, I wonder if he has flees. ¡°Now are you ready to become a god? It takes a few thousand years, so the sooner we start, the sooner we¡¯re done.¡± ¡°Why are you eager?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask him, it doesn¡¯t make sense for a god to be so rushed. ¡°Why am I so eager? Because if it wasn¡¯t for you four lads, especially that Simon, I¡¯d be long done with my job here. Even I get bored with no one else to watch but you. Now are you ready?¡± He pushed the question yet again. I guess it¡¯s what I¡¯ve chased all these years, the pinnacle of strength. However, now that it¡¯s placed in front of me, I can¡¯t help but hesitate. If all these years by myself taught me anything, it was that there is only loneliness at the top. I guess my decision¡¯s been made. ¡°I don¡¯t like the look of your eyes.¡± Judah stated with a clear frown on his face. ¡°Sorry, but I no longer desire strength or everlasting life. I¡¯d like to be reincarnated.¡± I do feel bad for him I guess, but it¡¯s job. ¡°Arghh out of the four of you, I thought for sure you¡¯d be the done deal. I remember watching you in your starting days, so bloodthirsty. Constantly struggling to reach higher realms in your strength. Slaughtering all who stood in your way.¡± Yeah, I guess I was a little hot headed in my youth. ¡°Time moves on, people change. Sorry but my mind is made, please reincarnate me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like I have a choice.¡± Judah mumbles. I guess even gods have their struggles. ... ¡°So what now?¡± I ask after some time has passed without any sign of movement from Judah. ¡°Now I kill you, take your soul and begin this pain in the ass of a journey.¡± I see a flicker in his eyes. ¡°Okay¡ so when are we doing this?¡± I try podding him on. ¡°It¡¯s already done, look down.¡± Now that¡¯s not something you see every day, laying below me is my corpse, eyes still open. ¡°Alright, no time to waste, off we go.¡± Judah waves his hand at me, and I feel an invisible force carrying me behind Judah. ¡°So where am I going to reincarnate?¡± I ask partly out of curiosity and partly to fill the silence. ¡°I don¡¯t have any control of that. All I¡¯m doing is pushing you outside of the current reincarnation cycle you¡¯re in, then another cycle will drag you in. Be warned though, it will hurt. When you¡¯re dragged into a new cycle, it will tear away the old cycles mark and place its own on yours.¡± He pauses in the thought. ¡°Think of it this way. Those status boxes that show your level and stats are actually apart of this current cycle you¡¯re in. The new cycle will thus burn it off your soul.¡± So only our world has status boxes. How strange, it really is a completely different world. ¡°Well it¡¯s time we say goodbye. I¡¯m going to put your soul in an unconscious state, as your soul wouldn¡¯t be able to handle crossing over awake.¡± Judah suddenly said. Well this is it. ¡°Thanks Judah.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡±

First Simon and now Ares, those fools really have made me work. Just because I''m a god doesn''t mean tearing open a reincarnation cycle is easy. Look at me, struggling to catch my breath, weakness flowing through my body. It''s a horrible feeling, reminds me of before I ascended, pitifully weak. Well looking on the bright side, at least the hard part¡¯s over. Now I just have to confirm his soul is picked up by another cycle. What''s another year or two of waiting.

22344 years later. Arghh why the fuck is this taken so long?! All the nearby reincarnation cycles are too weak to claim his soul, but over 20000 years and still nothing! When this bastard finally reincarnates I''m gonna kill him just out of spite.

46782 years later. Finally! Another cycle is claiming that pain in the ass. He''s that gods issue now hahaha Wait, what? His soul is actually fighting the cycle. How''s this possible? Look at the size of that cycle, it should be immensely powerful! What!? His soul entered the cycle without erasing his last cycles mark. How intriguing. He will no longer be under the supression of the cycle either. His potential is limitless now! It''s entirely possible I''ll be seeing him again... but the next time he''d be the one in power! Well it''s not like I actually care, I''m officially starting my vacation!

Congratulations! You have just been born

Status Screen
Name:	???	Level:	1
Gender:	Male	Race:	[1] Tailed Fox
Stats Screen
Strength:	3	Wisdom:	1
Agility:	5	Intelligence:	1
Vitality:	2	Charisma:	2
Dexterity:	1	Luck	3

Chapter 1 Chapter 1

¡°ARES!¡± I hear my sister¡¯s shout ringing throughout the house. Knowing exactly what she¡¯s mad about, I decide to do the only thing I know is safe when my sister is mad. ¡°MUM!¡± Remembering mum was outside hanging the laundry, I make a dash for the back door. ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t you little shit!¡± Damn it I shouldn¡¯t have yelled, I gave my position away. This is going to be a close one! Turning around the corner I can see the back door, I can see safety. However I see a flicker of a shadow, which I assume is my sister who is just about to turn the corner as well. Putting all my power into my legs, I give it my all, my life depends on it. I¡¯m only a few metres away now but I can hear my sister right behind me, and frankly I¡¯m to scared to check. 5 metres. 4 metres. 3 metres. 2 metres. Hahahahaha I¡¯m going to make it! Yet again, I¡¯ll get away with it! Suddenly a hand clasped around my tail, pulling me off my feet causing my face to smack the floor. Letting out a pained cry, I quickly tried crawling for the door only a metre in front. However I couldn¡¯t shake the hand which had me by the tail. ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you!¡± Such evils words being delivered by an angelic voice, truly terrifying. Rolling over onto my back with a struggle, as my sister still hasn¡¯t released my tail. I can usually tell how mad my sister is by her expression; hopefully it¡¯s not too bad. Looking up too see my sister, taller than most of the boys her age, a head and half taller than me. Her blazing red hair hanging below her soldiers, the red hair being the trait of our clan. Everyone tells me how beautiful my sister is, but I honestly don¡¯t see it. She is looking more like mum as she grows, which is weird because mum is beautiful but she is ugh. Maybe I¡¯m a little biased, but her life goal is to bully me so why should I compliment her. She¡¯s 15! 3 years older than me, yet has no shame in using her power over me. I¡¯d say if I was her age I¡¯d at least be able to fight back but I know it¡¯s not true. Watching the three tails standing up right behind her, reflecting her anger; then looking at my single tail. A one tailed fox would never be able contend with a three tail, as much as it annoys me, it¡¯s just the way of the world. Finally, looking at her face to see judge her anger, I see her fangs bearing through the part of her pink lips. Hey blue eyes staring daggers into my soul. Well, she¡¯s mad. Guess it¡¯s been fun world, maybe the next life will be better. Closing my eyes, I lay there waiting for inevitable. ¡°Come on, go easy on him.¡± A deep voice comes from behind where I lay. Feeling my sisters death grip on my tail let go, I get up and turn around. ¡°Cassius!¡± My sister completely forgets my existence and run off to my older brother Cassius. Filled with joy as I stare at my older brother of 7 years, making him 19. If there was phase to describe him, it would be lady killer. The girls of the clan have always swooned him, always gossiping about him from a distance. His blazing long red hair pinned up, looking more like a scholar than the fearsome warrior he is. His features more in line with mums than fathers, expect height. His only a foot shorter than father at 6¡¯3 a two and half feet taller than me. The most impressive thing about my brother though is his four tails, the only natural born four tail since father. ¡°Brother!¡± I shouted while I ran over to him. It¡¯s been months since I¡¯ve seen him. He constantly leaves for periods of time with father ever since he was 18, serving under father in the imperial forces. ¡°Hahahaha Lynn look how beautiful you are! More and more like mum every time I come home.¡± Cass picks Lynn up and twirls her in a hug. Lynn has such a childish smile on her face as she giggles to my brothers praise. It''s creepy seeing her like this. Cass puts her down and walks over to me and puts his hand on my shoulder. He used to pick me up in hugs as well when I was younger, but that stopped ever since he was enlisted into father''s unit. Warriors don''t hug other men. ¡°Woah, look how tall you are now! Won''t be long before you''re taller than me!¡± He still talks to me like a child, but it does feel good to hear. ¡°Just you wait Cass, I''ll be looking down on you and father! Hahaha¡± I might be doomed to be the weakest, but surely I can at least be the tallest. Can''t I have just that? ¡°You wish brat¡± Lynn chides in with a snark reply. Glaring at her, I go to retort but Cass goes first. ¡°Come on Ares¡ You''re not still holding a grudge against dad?¡± Frowning as he asks me. ¡°You wouldn''t understand Cass, you''re father''s golden child and Lynn¡¯s his little princess. You know I''m the disappointment in his eyes.¡± Being the first single tailed born in our lineage, not quite the most praiseworthy of achievements. ¡°Well you are a disappointment.¡± Lynn not missing her chance to have a dig. ¡°Hush Lynn.¡± Cass reprimanded her, and she actually fell silent. I need to learn that skill. Cass turns back to me. ¡°Ares you know that isn¡¯t true. He just doesn¡¯t know anything else besides being in the forces, he just struggles to find common ground with you.¡±As much as I idolise Cass, it is annoying how defensive he¡¯s over father. ¡°Well if he actually tried maybe he¡¯d find it.¡± I know I¡¯m not the smartest in the village, but it¡¯s easy to see father¡¯s opinion on me. ¡°Ares you¡¯re still young, soon you¡¯ll realise everything he does is for you and the clan.¡± ¡°Where is papa?¡± Lynn interrupts, always excited to see father.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Your father had to go see grandpa first. Cass my baby, how I¡¯ve missed you.¡± Mum suddenly walked through the door, and embraced Cass in a hug. ¡°Mum! You¡¯re even prettier then when I left.¡± He truly is a master of using flowery words. It¡¯s true though, mum is the most beautiful woman I know. Only a few inches shorter than Cass himself. Many traits similar to Lynn¡¯s, or well rather many of Lynn¡¯s traits are similar to mums. Long legs, slim and curvy with beautiful long red hair hanging halfway down her back. Her eyes as blue as the ocean, or so I imagine, never actually seen it. Even the fur of her three tails looks so silky and smooth. Mum truly is the best. ¡°Oh I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll get use to you going away. Has your father been feeding you right?¡± Mum does this everything he comes home, always worrying. ¡°Haha nothing¡¯s changed from the last time you asked mum.¡± Cass answer while brushing mums hand off his cheek. At least mum doesn¡¯t discriminate when it comes to babying us. ¡°I worry is all. Now where is that father of yours?¡± ¡°He should be here an¡¡± ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Argh, looking over I see father stride down the hall into the room we¡¯re all currently in. He still looks the same, short cropped red hair with a neatly trimmed red beard to go along with it. Tallest in the family, standing at 6¡¯4 he towers over the family. His arms thick with muscle, his chest so dense that you can see his pecs protruding through his loose shirt. His skin darkly tanned from being out in the sun too long. His eyes as a light grey, striking in comparison to his red hair. His shoulders sit back, chest sticking out and chin held high. Exactly what one would expect from an Imperial officer. Father¡¯s the greatest talent within a 100 years, being naturally four tailed. He has already grown his fifth and has high chances for a sixth, which no one else but grandpa the clan chief, currently has. Also fathering 3 is already a great benefit to the clan, as it¡¯s already joyful enough if a couple can birth two kids. His career is filled with achievements and honours, especially fathering a son who might be even more talented than himself, Cass obviously. Truly the only shame to his name is fathering an incompetent son, me. Everyone remarks how similar I look to father, I¡¯m sure that just gets on his nerves even more. He probably would rather Cass to resemble him more than his disappointment. ¡°Honey!¡± Mum runs over and jumps into fathers arms as is she isn¡¯t a day over 20. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you so much my beautiful wife.¡± Father leans down and plants a kiss on mum¡¯s rosy lips. I look away because the whole ordeal weirds me out. ¡°Papa!¡± Lynn also rushes forward and jumps into his embrace, already starting to suck up. ¡°Hahaha how¡¯s my princess?¡± Father lets out a laugh he reserves purely for Lynn, almost becoming a different person than his usual uptight self. ¡°Happy! I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re back papa!¡± Lynn releases her hold and says with an innocent grin on her face, but I know behind the grin she is sucking up. She knows she can get away with anything when father is home. Father¡¯s eyes than dart towards me, meeting my eyes. His smile turning into a slight frown, I quickly look down hoping he just skips by me. ¡°Are you not going to greet me, Ares?¡± Father¡¯s deep voice sounds in my ears. Damn, I knew he would have to say something. I walk in front of father, a metre in between us. Not looking up as I¡¯d rather not make eye contact lest he finds something to complain about. ¡°Welcome home, sir.¡± I diligently say, not giving away any emotion in my voice. ¡°Have you been training?¡± He immediately asks. Should have known he¡¯d ask, he needs to remind me why how much of a letdown I am. ¡°Yes sir. One hour in the morning and two hours in the afternoon a day.¡± I respond, awaiting the criticism. ¡°You haven¡¯t put any muscle on. Are you sure you¡¯re working harder enough?¡± There it is, his way of subtly telling me I¡¯m not up to standard. ¡°Yes, there¡¯s been heaps of improvement in my stats scr¡¡± Knowing the mistake I just made, I shut my mouth and hopes he ignores it. ¡°You¡¯re still on about this status screen of yours? You¡¯re 10 years old now, stop acting the part of a child and grow up. I expect nothing but the best from you. You hear me Ares?¡± Why does no one believe me about the status screens? Looking up to meet his eyes for the first time in the conversation, I argue. ¡°It¡¯s true! I do have a status screen!¡± I sound like a brat even to myself. ¡°Enough! I don¡¯t want to hear anything of the sort from you again. Ok?¡± His voice growing loud and stern. I look up at him in defiance, how I wish I could just prove it. ¡°Ok!?¡± He repeats, growing angry. ¡°Yes sir.¡± I mumble before running outside. I keep on running until I reach the edge of the village, the forest. Not allowed any further due to the dangers of the forest, I sit down and try and calm my anger. Who does he think he is! Telling me what he knows nothing of! Argh!! I slam my first into the bark of nearby tree, taking off a fair chunk of bark with it. I¡¯m not crazy, I do have a status screen. I open it to reaffirm my sanity.

Status Screen
Name:	Ares	Level:	1
Gender:	Male	Race:	[1] Tailed Fox
Stats Screen
Strength:	19	Wisdom:	13
Agility:	23	Intelligence:	20
Vitality:	21	Charisma:	12
Dexterity:	22	Luck	15

I do have a status screen!

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Why does no one believe me? Everyone still treats me like a child telling stories, but how am I supposed to prove it? Should I just forget about the screen? Why can I see it, but not others? So many questions fill my head but no answers accompany them. Like it is weird that I can see the screen, everyone else has no clue what I¡¯m talking about. I¡¯ve tried explaining it to mum, she doesn¡¯t believe me either. She just smiles at me, thinking to let me indulge in my fantasy. Well looking at it from their prospective, it must sound a little crazy. I mean, even I don¡¯t really understand it myself. All I know is that it had always been around from my earliest of memories. A little transparent box that¡¯s unnoticeable unless I focus on it, which thus brings up the screen.

Status Screen
Name:	Ares	Level:	1
Gender:	Male	Race:	[1] Tailed Fox
Stats Screen
Strength:	19	Wisdom:	13
Agility:	23	Intelligence:	20
Endurance:	21	Charisma:	12
Dexterity:	22	Luck	15

I¡¯m pretty I know what most these stats are. At first they were all really low, around 8 or 9. However, performing certain actions would prompt a screen to pop up in front of me, stating that a stat has been increased. Strength was easy to figure out; I mean it was pretty obvious when I could lift heavier objects every time it went up. I deduced that agility affected my speed and ability to make quick manoeuvres. Intelligence seems to correlate with how smart I am, it should be much higher I reckon. Luck I assume just has to do with, well how lucky I am. However, it¡¯s hard to prove or disprove this theory, guess time will tell on that one. Wisdom had me stuck on for a long time, because I always kind of figured wisdom was how smart you were as well. So I asked mum on the difference. Well she went on about a bunch of random stories, but I think I got the gist of it. Being intelligent is to know a lot of information, being wise is knowing what to do with that information. I think that is. Maybe once those stats go up I¡¯ll know a bit better. Then there is endurance, this seems to be my energy. Sometimes after a training session in the fields I¡¯ll get a +1 endurance notification. That just leaves dexterity and charisma left. Now I think dexterity has to do with using my hands¡ I seemed to get a few points in the stat when I was learning how to write. Finally charisma, I have no clue what this is. Like I understand charisma is being able to use attractiveness or charm to compel people. However, I don¡¯t understand how that works. How do I even improve that? Pushing that issue to the back of my mind, I open up my skills page.

Skills

<> Beginner lvl 3 (98.6%) <> Beginner lvl 2 (46.4%) <> Beginner lvl 4 (52.3%)

These were a lot easier to understand. The more I practised the said skill, the higher the level. The higher the level, the better I am at that skill. It seems skills are only created once I reach the minimum standard though, like my archery skill was created when I could first hit the target from 10m away.

Status Screen
Name:	Ares	Level:	1
Gender:	Male	Race:	[1] Tailed Fox
Stats Screen
Strength:	19	Wisdom:	13
Agility:	23	Intelligence:	20The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Endurance:	21	Charisma:	12
Dexterity:	22	Luck	15

There¡¯s really not much to it, like one section tells me what my name is and my gender! Thanks, I was wondering what they were. Then there¡¯s the race section, constantly reminding me that I¡¯m failure with only 1 tail. This box would get along well father I reckon. Lastly there the level section, but I have no clue what this is in regards to. It says I¡¯m level 1 so I guess that means it can improve like my stats, but how? And what does it achieve? Stupid screen needs to come with a manual; it took me ages just to figure out those stats. ¡°Are you sulking again?¡± ¡°I ain¡¯t crying you dimwit!¡± I retort, knowing who the voice belongs to without seeing him. I turn around to look at my best friend who is walking up to me with a grin, Lilly following behind him. I still don¡¯t understand how we¡¯re the same age, he¡¯s already comparable in height and build to some 16 year olds. His body already beginning to show his developing muscles from under his shirt, the two bows hung over his shoulder alongside quivers, completing the image of the son of a warrior. His red hair cropped shortly on the sides and the top grown into a long braided ponytail hanging down his back. Hiss also a 3 tail, the lucky bastard. Going along with his manly looks, than it won¡¯t be long before he¡¯s surrounded by girls. Glancing at Lilly who is holding her brothers shirt and following obediently behind him, I can¡¯t help but smile. I like Lilly, she¡¯s what I imagine having a little sister is like. With her timid personality, it just makes you want to hug and protect her. She has delicate facial features and soft pale skin, which works well with her red hair that trails down her back. Noticing my stare, Lilly averts my gaze by looking down, her pale cheeks tinged red. I know she has a bit of a crush on me, I find it adorable, and handy since she listens to what I say. Normally I¡¯d be happy if a girl had a crush on me but she¡¯s 10, and a little sister in my mind. So she¡¯s way too young for me, I like a girl who¡¯s at least 18 years old. Man, if only older girls would act this way around me. That¡¯d be the life. ¡°I might be dim-witted but at least I don¡¯t look like a girl.¡± ¡°Yeah well are you ready to have ass beaten by a girl then!¡± We¡¯re locked in a staring contest, until we both slowly start to grin before breaking out into laughter. ¡°So your old man is home huh?¡± Roman asks, wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes. ¡°Yeah¡± ¡°Do you know how long?¡± ¡°Nope, I didn¡¯t stick around long enough to ask.¡± ¡°You know dad says that whenever your old man gets drunk he¡¯ll always talk about how much he worries about you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re too na?ve for this world Roman, always trying to see the best in people. Father and I just don¡¯t get along, probably never will. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡± There¡¯s a slight tone of annoyance in my voice, but it¡¯s frustrating when everyone sticks up for father. ¡°Maybe, maybe not. Let¡¯s forget about that though, I¡¯ve got a good way to get your mind off it.¡± He suddenly changes the subject. I grow weary but intrigued at the same time, because his ideas always get us into trouble. Well mine do to, but that¡¯s not the point. ¡°Go on then.¡± I prod him on. ¡°The other day dad took me out hunting, it¡¯s a great way to take your mind off things. Plus, we get to compete in our archery skills.¡± Roman slings a bow and quiver off, holding them out for me to take. ¡°Are you serious?! I haven¡¯t even been hunting before!¡± I snatch the bow and quiver out his hand, slinging them onto my back. ¡°Man, I hope we don¡¯t get caught though. I won¡¯t be able to sit down for a week cause of the beating I¡¯ll cop.¡± ¡°Umm I-I don¡¯t think this is a good idea.¡± Lilly¡¯s little voice sounds out, reminding me she¡¯s been there the whole time. ¡°Come on Lilly, we¡¯ll be careful. I promise I¡¯ll protect you and your brother, is that all right?¡± I ask her softly with a wink at the joke of protecting her brother. Lilly¡¯s little face scrunches up as she struggles with an inner battle. ¡°Okay¡ If you think everything will be alright, then it will be.¡± I can see in her eyes that she 100% believes that. Ugh what¡¯s the pain in my heart, I feel like a villain. But if I don¡¯t convince her, she may tell someone, then we¡¯d be screwed. ¡°Good girl!¡± I rub her head to which she looks down to hide her blush. Man younger sisters are definitely better, so cute and obedient. Older sisters on the other hand, I think of Lynn and shudder at the thought. ¡°Well let¡¯s go.¡± To which Roman just shakes his head at me for manipulating his little sister, but doesn¡¯t say anything. Roman and I walking into the forest side by side, Lilly just behind us, nervously looking around. This will be the first time I ever leave the village, how exciting!

We¡¯ve been walking through the forest for what has to be a quarter of an hour, and honestly the excitement of leaving has worn off. Aside from the birds in the trees and a small tree snake, there hasn¡¯t been any animals, let alone any beasts. Well I guess it hasn¡¯t been a complete waste of time, I¡¯ve had a lot of fun watching Lilly jump at any sudden sounds or movement. ¡°Maybe we should just head back?¡± I suggested to Roman, who¡¯s been leading the way. ¡°Shh¡± He motions to in front of him. Crouching low and slowly moving over to where Roman is. I peer through the bushes and I can see two rabbits. Well really oversized vicious looking rabbits. Nearly a metre long with thick fangs protruding from their lips. They could easily take down a person if they weren¡¯t paying attention. ¡°I thought we¡¯d be hunting something less¡ that.¡± I whisper to Roman, in fear that I make these creatures aware of our presence. ¡°They¡¯re cartalope, or just cartas¡¯ for short. It¡¯s what dad took me hunting for. They¡¯re a pest of the forest, eating anything and everything. Anyway, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re scared.¡± He smirks as he says that last part. Damnit, I know he is baiting me but I can¡¯t help it. ¡°I ain¡¯t scared, 10 coppers I hit one then.¡± Nothing like a good gamble to win back my pride. ¡°You¡¯re on. Try and aim for their neck if you can.¡± Since when did this bastard think he can advise me, but that does sound valid. Fuck now his going to get smug because I followed what he said. ¡°I know that. You just try and make sure you hit it.¡± ¡°U-Umm maybe we should just go back? Please.¡± Lilly¡¯s voice sounds out timidly from right behind us. Oh yeah, I guess she would be scared. I mean even I¡¯m a little nervous looking at these creatures. ¡°Lilly, just stay back and be quiet. They just look tougher than they actually are, Ares and I can handle them.¡± Roman ordered his sister, and she nods her little head and steps back. Although I can see she¡¯s shaking. ¡°Do you trust us Lilly?¡± I ask her. ¡°Yes.¡± She nods her tiny head. ¡°Then watch your brother and I kick some cartas¡¯ butt.¡± I give her the thumbs up. This should hopefully ease up some of her fear. ¡°Okay!¡± She responds with an expression to serious for her childish face. ¡°You know you have to stop babying her or she won¡¯t ever grow up.¡± Roman suddenly pitches in with his opinion. ¡°Yeah, yeah whatever. Let¡¯s just do this.¡± It¡¯s not like I could leave her shaking in fear, I¡¯m not heartless. ¡°Okay, follow me.¡± This guy and ordering me around¡ I still follow though, crouched and staying low, the both of us edging our way closer for a better shot. We¡¯re within 15 metres of the beasts, I can hear the deep growling sound reverberating within the distance. Sudden nervousness floods though me, as I see their teeth and size close up. Roman holds his fist in the air, signal to stop. We communicate through our eyes, it¡¯s time to do this. I slowly slide the bow off from my shoulder, being careful to not make a sound. I hold the bow in my left hand and slowly draw an arrow from the quiver on my back, and knock it on the bow. I tell myself that this is no different from practise, the only difference is I¡¯m shooting at live beasts that could tear my throat open instantly if given the chance. The nervousness increases from that thought. Think puppies, think miss Jones and her bountiful¡ Wait don¡¯t get distracted. I look over to Roman, he looks back at me. He signals on three to release. Three, o god please don¡¯t let me miss. Two, I have to calm down. One, I take a deep breath, inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through my nostrils as I¡¯ve been taught. Release. All I hear is the twang of my bow, and the arrow which sails through the air and smashes one of the beast in the neck. The beasts collapses, however shortly after getting back up and letting out a roar of pure rage. Damnit, the shot was too weak. I look over to see the other beast laying in a pool of blood, a massive hole through its chest where an arrow passed through. Damnit, I have the better aim with a bow but Roman definitely has the advantage with power. The difference between a one tail and a three tail showing yet again reminding me of my inferiority. My beast still raging in anger, looks in my direction and makes eye contact. The blood rushes from my face, the stare of the beast which could be my death sending chills down my body. The beast lets out another fierce roar as it charges at me, even with a deadly wound to its neck it¡¯s speed is still breathtakingly fast. I look over to Roman who is staring me in the eyes, silently telling me that I have to finish myself. He¡¯s a good friend, he knows if he saved me now feel even more inferior. I¡¯ll finish this, prove that even if I¡¯ve only got one tail I can still be strong. I calm myself and pull another arrow from my quiver, and knock it. The beast only 10 metres away, I fight every instinct I have to just release the arrow. I¡¯ve only got one chance, I need to make sure I pull it off. I steady my breath and count down the metres. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 metres. Two metres. I release the arrow and fling myself to the side, out of the trajectory of the beast¡¯s path. Quickly turning around, in case I missed and the beast is ready to pounce on me. I see the beasts laying still on the ground listlessly, an arrow in between its jaws protruding from its skull.

Congratulations! You have leveled up!

Archery has progressed to Beginner lvl 4

Wisdom has increased by +1

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Shit, that was a pretty intense day. After the success in our first hunt, we were so pumped with adrenaline that we continued hunting all day. The first few kills were pretty intense, but by the end of the day our teamwork was perfected and were hunting groups of four of those cartas¡¯. Even little Lilly was starting to shake off her fear and come to the front and watch us. We decided to call it a day when we noticed the sun was going down. Although we were pretty confident in our abilities, it¡¯s no secret that the forest is over 10x more dangerous during the night. The more dangerous beasts are all nocturnal, that¡¯s why I went along with the hunt in the first place. I might be reckless, but I wouldn¡¯t willingly do something I knew would get me killed. After we finally found our way back to the village, the other two headed home immediately, knowing if they were any later they¡¯d get in trouble. I looked up at the sky and also decided I was in no better position, quickly rushing home. Man am I exhausted though, that was harder than training in the fields. It wasn¡¯t just physically demanding, but even mentally I¡¯m exhausted. Walking up to the house, I can hear fathers voice as he praises Lynn. Ugh I just remembered why I was even out hunting in the first place. Roman was right though, it really did take my mind off things. Today actually turned out to be a lot of fun, I reckon I¡¯ll go out a lot more. Anyway, Roman is still up on me by 6 kills. Damn show off. Deciding to go through the back door so I can sneak to the bathroom, I¡¯m pretty filthy at the moment and I¡¯m sure mum will ask questions. Slipping through the backdoor, staying light on my toes, I sneak into the bathroom. Made it. Stripping out of my torn clothes, I jump into the hot bath. Yeah, this is the life. Nothing like a nice warm bath after a day of hard work. Finished up cleaning myself, I get out of the bath and dry myself off. Now I¡¯ll just get dressed, grab some food and head to bed. Wait. Shit! I was too busy trying to sneak in that I forgot to get a clean pair of clothes. Looking down at my dirty, sweaty torn up clothes laying on the floor, I contemplate. If I put them back on then I¡¯ll have to just have to bath again, I¡¯m going to risk it. Slowly sliding the wooden door open, I peak my head out looking both way down the halls. Safe. Using my hands to cover myself, I make a dash for my bedroom. ¡°Care to explain yourself?¡± Father¡¯s deep voice sounds out from behind me, scaring the shit out of me. How¡¯d he get behind me, I even double checked. ¡°Well I forgot my clothes when I bathed, and I thought I¡¯d be able to sneak into my room without anyone realising.¡± ¡°I care not for your antics Ares. Sneaking in at this time, and with the smell of blood on you. Explain?¡± ¡°Can I get dressed first?¡± It¡¯s awkward talking to my father with only my hand covering my junk. ¡°Explain, now.¡± He¡¯s really going to make me do this, huh. ¡°Umm well, I caught up with Roman today and we ugh ¡ thought we¡¯d shoot some birds. Guess that¡¯s where the smell came from.¡± Wow, I need to work on my ability to think on the spot. That was just terrible. Shifting awkwardly under father¡¯s gaze, waiting for him to call me out on my lie and unleash. ¡°Go get dressed. Make sure you have a big meal and get enough sleep tonight. Tomorrow I¡¯ll be testing your progress.¡± Dismissing me with a glance, father turns around and heads back down the corridor. Ugh, great. He does this every time he comes home, only to ever tell my I¡¯m not working hard enough. ¡°How¡¯d he even know I was here anyway.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but say out loud. ¡°Hahahaha even Lynn could sense when you entered the house. Dad would of knew where you were the second you were within 100 feet. Also doesn¡¯t look like you got much to cover there hahaha.¡± Cass suddenly says, appearing randomly just like father. Looking down I realise I¡¯ve been naked in the hallway this whole time. Argh shooting Cass a glare, I sprint past him into my room. ¡°It¡¯s cold, alright!¡± I slam my door, quickly getting dressed, not risking being caught naked again. Losing my appetite, I jump straight into bed, exhausted from everything today. I lay in bed, thinking about my first hunt. It was definitely the most intense, but that feeling when my planned worked, Such an addictive feeling. Reliving that moment in my head, the moment when the beast was only a few metres in front. That rush was invigorating. Actually thinking about it I got a few notifications from that, a few level ups as well. I got a few more of those during the day as well, but with all the rush of my first time hunting I completely forgot to see what those levels did.

Status Screen
Name:	Ares	Level:	6
Gender:	Male	Race:	[1] Tailed Fox
Stats Screen
+Strength:	19	+Wisdom:	14
+Agility:The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.	23	+Intelligence:	20
+Endurance:	21	+Charisma:	12
+Dexterity:	22	+Luck:	15

You have 30 unused stat points!

Hmm so my level is indeed 6, which means it must improve from killing things I guess. Kind of morbid really. Huh? 30 stat unused stat points and there¡¯s plus signs beside all my stats... I wonder¡ Testing out my theory, I try focusing on the plus sign besides intelligence.

Status Screen
Name:	Ares	Level:	6
Gender:	Male	Race:	[1] Tailed Fox
Stats Screen
+Strength:	19	+Wisdom:	14
+Agility:	23	+Intelligence:	21
+Endurance:	21	+Charisma:	12
+Dexterity:	22	+Luck:	15

Holy shit! It worked! I have 30, well 29 stat I can use on anything I want. That¡¯s nearly over a 5^th of my total stats! But wait. Damn it, why¡¯d I spend it on intelligence! Clearly a man has to be strong, not smart. Not wasting a second, I spend all 29 of my new stat points into strength. 48 strength, huh I don¡¯t really feel different though. I flex my bicep and poke it, hmm doesn¡¯t look any bigger either. I dunno, maybe it takes a while before it works. Guess I¡¯ll go to sleep and think about it tomorrow.

¡°Wake up brat!¡± Jumping awake from the sudden noise, I look around in panic until realisation hits my face when I see Lynn standing in my room. ¡°Who said you could come into my room!¡± Half mad because I¡¯m still tired and the other half because she let herself into my room. ¡°Trust me, I wouldn¡¯t be in here if I didn¡¯t have to. Papa told me to wake you up because he says it¡¯s time to train.¡± Fuck, the sun¡¯s barely out. Why can¡¯t it wait until at least after lunch, ideally never. ¡°Well I don¡¯t care, get out!¡± ¡°Or what? It¡¯s not like I was planning to stay anyway.¡± Lynn turns around and leaves. God she¡¯s annoying, always getting on my nerves. I get dressed while imaging myself being stronger than my sister, showing her who¡¯s boss for once. Ahh I can only dream¡ I know the difference with having one tail and three tails is just too different. Smashing down breakfast, I head out to the training fields where Lynn and father should already be. I know if I¡¯m late then I¡¯ll be doing extra training all day, so I rush my pace. I near the training fields, wide green plains in the middle of the village where the clan trains the young recruits. Technically everyone starts out as recruit, and we all have to train until we¡¯re 18. At 18 we either recruited into the imperial forces or we¡¯re deemed to stay in the clan and do odd jobs. We¡¯re a military clan dating back to the earliest era of the empire, our ancestor the most famous field marshal in the empires history. The 8 tailed fox, Kana the war goddess. There have only been a three 7 tails in our long history, but the clans never had an 8 tail since the ancestor. These training fields is where everyone starts off, from as young as 6. Then after a year, everyone will be split into three class depending on their skill; beginner, advanced and elite. Or more commonly known as one tail, two tails and three tails. Some really skilful two tails can be jumped up into the elite class, or one tails into the advanced class, but these are really rare occasions. The barrier between the number of tails you have is pretty much unbreakable, two tails can¡¯t hope to compete with three tails. It is possible to grow tails throughout our long life span, but each time the difficulty increases 10 fold. Most only grow an additional tail, rare cases some can grow two and the very off chance you might be able to grow three. So that¡¯s why our talent for a warrior is assumed from birth, because the difference between being born with one and being born with 4 is the difference between the sky and the earth. Even if I somehow were to fight all odds and grow three tails, that¡¯d leave me at four tails. I¡¯d no longer be at the bottom of the chain, in fact I could join the imperial forces as an elite. However, it¡¯d be a waste for me to grow three as my starting point is too low. If Cass were to be able grow three, that¡¯d make him a seven tail, which hasn¡¯t been around in the past millennia. If the clan was able to produce a seven tail, we¡¯d be able to rise even higher in prominence and finally stop hiding in the shadows. So that¡¯s the difference between my talent and my brothers, I¡¯m not even comparable with him. If I can¡¯t even be promoted to the advanced class in three years¡¯ time, when I¡¯m 15, I¡¯ll lose my chance at ever being a warrior. I¡¯d be forced into picking up a trade such as blacksmithing or healing, which are honourable jobs, but the clan truly respects warriors. ¡°Ares, are you going to stand around all day or are you going to over here like I asked?¡± His voice sounding as if he was right beside me, but I can clearly see him at least 100 feet away. Holding back a smart ass response, knowing that¡¯d would just get me extra training I respond, ¡°Coming Sir¡±. I quickly rush over to where Father and Lynn are on the field, running around a few others training. ¡°Hmph what took you so long?¡± Damnit, I know she¡¯s trying to me into trouble. ¡°None of your business.¡± I retort with a glare. ¡°When you make papa wait it is you brat!¡± Shit, she didn¡¯t hold back. I wonder what it¡¯ll be this time, 100 push ups or 10 laps of the fields. ¡°Quiet. Both of you. Ares, if you ever want to become a real warrior then you need to take timings seriously. 1 lap of the village after we¡¯re done here.¡± What the fuck, the distance going around the village is over 30km¡¯s. ¡°That¡¯s not fair!¡± Ugh, shouldn¡¯t have said that. ¡°200 push ups before the lap. You must also learn to not speak back to your superiors, another quality that is essential to being a warrior.¡± I bite my tongue and shoot a glare at Lynn, why must she take so much enjoyment in my misfortune. ¡°Now it¡¯s been three months since I¡¯ve last been back, show me what you¡¯ve learned in this time. Princess, spar with Ares.¡± Great. This just gives Lynn a legitimate reason to beat me, a reason for father to be lecture me. How many times have we done this? It¡¯s always the same result, father telling me I need to stop slacking off and train if I want to become a warrior. It¡¯d be a blackspot to his name if one his children doesn¡¯t even make the cut to be a warrior. ¡°Okayyy papa. Since I¡¯m such a kind older sister, I¡¯ll let you have one free hit.¡± Man why can¡¯t father at least make me spar with someone a little closer to my level? I mean she does this every time and every time it¡¯s like hitting a brick wall. She just smirks as if she doesn¡¯t feel a thing before ultimately beating the shit out of me while father watches. Lynn walks a few metres in front of me and puts her hands behind of her back, mocking me with her eyes. Fuck she annoys me. Might as well get this over with so, prolonging it¡¯s just going to make it worse. Drawing in a deep breath, I put all my power into my legs as I launch into a charge at my sister. The wind rushes past my face, if I wasn¡¯t so focused on the punch I was about to unleash, I¡¯d realise I was going faster than usual. My sister¡¯s eyebrows furrow as she watches me charge towards her, as if surprised by my sudden acceleration. I pull my arm right back and swing it into my sisters gut, awaiting the pain of my fist smashing against brick. However, I feel my sisters gut under my fist but unlike usual where my fist comes to a sudden stop, it is actually continuing forward. A pained groan escapes my sisters lips as she¡¯s forced to take a step back. Wait what, I actually forced her to take a step back? Since when have I gotten so strong? Unless¡ Last night, those stat points. Don¡¯t tell me they actually worked? Wait, then this means I can actually hurt her. Maybe I won¡¯t lose, maybe I can actually win this!

Chapter 4 Chapter 4 While my sister is still taken by surprise, I quickly launch another fist into her kidney, trying to deal as much damage as possible. However, this time she only lets out a little groan but holds her ground. Why was it different this time, I put in just as much power in that strike. I make eye contact with my sisters, I can see the fire burning underneath. Oh shit. I immediately retreat, jumping backwards by a few metres. I look up to see my sister no longer in front of me. Shit, how¡¯d I lose sight of her? Turning around with just enough time to see my sisters fist aimed towards my face. I go to dodge, but my body can¡¯t move fast enough. Her small white fist which you¡¯d think belonged to an innocent weak girl, sent me flying several metres back. Tumbling over a few times before I finally steady myself. Shaking off the dizziness while bent over on my knees, I try to catch a breath to no avail. I catch a glimpse of my sister¡¯s foot coming from the side and connecting with my ribs sending my flying and tumbling again. I finally stop rolling, to no effort of my own. I¡¯m laying on my back, pain coursing through my body. My face is aching and my ribs are burning, shit this sucks. I wheeze for breath, hoping my sister will just end it here. Of course I¡¯m not that lucky. My sister stands over my lying body, pulling her arm back, aiming towards my head. This is going to suck. I close my eyes, mainly out of fear. ¡°Enough.¡± My father suddenly commands. I open my eyes to see my father holding Lynn¡¯s arm which was in mid swing to collide with my face. Relief floods over me, but not enough to counter the pain throughout my body. I wipe the blood that leaked from my mouth with my sleeve. I slowly stand up, struggling just to do that. Fuck she really done me over this time. ¡°Lynn, this is a learning experience for you as well. No matter how weak the opponent is, don¡¯t let your guard down.¡± Gee thanks, at least I count as an opponent though I guess. ¡°Also you need to control your anger.¡± Father lectured Lynn. Lynn pouted as she stared at the ground, looking nothing more than a child being scolded by a parent. Father finishing up with his lecture, he turns to look at me. I try to stop myself from swaying and stand up straight, lest his lectures me on how my posture isn¡¯t up to par either. ¡°Good. You¡¯ve actually surprised me with the level your strength.¡± Wait, what?! Is that a compliment, from father? His only ever berated me. ¡°However, your lacking in your speed. You can¡¯t just train your strength. All the power in the world won¡¯t matter if you can¡¯t hit the opponent. Also you¡¯re too timid in your attacks. You shouldn¡¯t have retreated when you did, but pushed your attack. You gave your sister a chance to recover, and that cost you.¡± Oh thank god, if he didn¡¯t say something negative I would have started suspecting something was up. I guess he is right though, I couldn¡¯t even track Lynn¡¯s movements. If I had been able to contend with her in speed, I might not of won, but I definitely wouldn¡¯t have been defeated the way I was. ¡°Yes sir. I¡¯ll work on my speed, so that next time I¡¯ll beat Lynn.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but throw in the last part as I directed a smug smile her way. ¡°Don¡¯t get big head. If I took you seriously, you wouldn¡¯t last 10 seconds!¡± It¡¯s not like I believed I¡¯d beat her anytime soon, but I can¡¯t pass up on the chance of annoying her. ¡°Ares stop provoking your sister, and Lynn, try and act like the elder sibling.¡± Father shuts us both down. Hah! At least Lynn got in trouble as well, things are starting to finally look up hahaha! ¡°Now it¡¯s time to go home.¡± I follow behind father as we head home, a smug smile plastered across my face. ¡°Ares, are you forgetting something?¡± Father stops, turns and asks me. ¡°Umm thank you for the advice today¡?¡± Yeah this isn¡¯t going to work. ¡°Carry out your punishment. Don¡¯t think I won¡¯t know if you skip it either.¡± Shit, that¡¯s what I get for thinking things were starting to look up. It¡¯s my sisters turn to flash me a smug look as she follows dutifully behind father. What a suck up. I get down on my knees and start performing the push ups, complaining under my breath. Still, these are so easy now. I¡¯d usually be dead by the time I hit 80, but I¡¯m already at 60 and barely feel it.

Status Screen
Name:	Ares	Level:	6
Gender:	Male	Race:	[1] Tailed Fox
Stats Screen
Strength:	48	Wisdom:	14
Agility:	23	Intelligence:	21
Endurance:	21	Charisma:	12
Dexterity:	22	Luck:	15

So these stats really do matter. Let¡¯s see, I can gain additional points on certain stats by working on it. However, it usually takes a long time to get even a single point. On the other hand, when I level up I get 5 stat points which I can use on anything I want. Obviously levelling up is the more effective method for quick progress. Thinking about it though, when I killed that first cartalope, I had gotten two levels. However, the next kill only got me 1 level and level up after that took two of those beasts to kill. It seems the higher my level the harder it gets to improve, than is that the same for my stats? Will Strength increase slower than my wisdom because of the gap between the two? Completing the push ups, I wipe the sweat off my face with my shirt before starting my lap of the village. I continue to think for answers to those questions as I run around the village. It looks like I¡¯ll need to experiment to get the answers to these questions.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. I collapse onto the ground, my legs too weak to continue carrying my weight any longer. I take deep breathes and wince as the movement irritates my now bruised ribs.

Endurance has increased by +2

I close my eyes as I enjoy the quiet, I feel like I haven¡¯t taken a moment to relax for a week. I drift off to sleep.Haah at least I got something out of it. Also taking note that the increase of my stats occurred after I finished running, and not during. I don¡¯t really understand why that is, but it¡¯s good to know. I¡¯m another step closer to understanding this weird power that only I have.

What the fuck! I awake with a start, bewildered as to why I¡¯m soaking wet. ¡°Hahahaha you were starting to smell the fields up so I thought I¡¯d give you a bath.¡± Roman is standing over me, laughing with a now empty bucket in his hands. ¡°You bastard!¡± I pull his feet from under him, toppling him over onto his head. Not giving him a second of breathing time, I jump on top of him and begin wrestling him. How is he so strong? Even with my 48 strength, I¡¯m stuck in a struggle with him. ¡°Hahaha! Since when did your girl arms get so strong?¡± He distracts with the insult as he wraps his leg around mine, and uses his body weight to flip me off him. His now sitting on top of me as I struggle to get out from under him. ¡°Surrender?¡± He asks as he starts to form a ball of spit from his mouth, hanging right over my face. ¡°Argh! Never!¡± My pride will never allow me to submit to this muscle for brained idiot. ¡°Okayyyy, well you give me no choice.¡± The bastard allows the spit to drop from his mouth, and land right on my forehead. ¡°Yuck!¡± I wipe the spit off as I get up. Roman no longer pinning me down, happy with his work. ¡°Guess that¡¯s what 34-0 now?¡± Roman asks me with a smirk. ¡°34-1.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t count that win. You kneed be in me in the balls.¡± ¡°I should get bonus points for having the accuracy of hitting such a small target.¡± We both break into laughter after that comment. ¡°So where¡¯s Lilly? It¡¯s rare to see her not by your side.¡± I ask out of curiosity. ¡°Yeah I told her I was going to fields to practise, so she decided to hang at home. She only ever follows if she thinks you¡¯ll be there. Can you believe that? My own little sister prefers you over me, what an injustice.¡± ¡°Yeah well can you blame her, I mean look at me and look at you. Who¡¯d choose you?¡± I respond with a smirk. ¡°The Kaylak twins.¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know what they see in you.¡± Yeah I¡¯m jealous, so what. I mean his got twins on the go, that¡¯s literally every mans dream. ¡°More than they see in you obviously.¡± ¡°Ha-ha, good one. What are you doing here anyway?¡± I change the subject, no longer bearing to talk about those twins. ¡°Well I told Lilly, I was going to practise. But then I saw your lazy ass sleeping in the fields, so I couldn¡¯t not play a prank haha.¡± ¡°I¡¯m the lazy ass? I bet you were just looking for a reason to avoid training.¡± I know this guy, he always slacks off on his training. Always in trouble because he¡¯s so talented in fighting but always avoiding practise. ¡°Hahaha you caught me. What about you though, why are you sleeping out here?¡± ¡°Arghh never mind that.¡± Thinking about it, this should be the perfect time to go out and gain some levels. ¡°Hey what do you say we go out hunting again?¡± ¡°Hah I knew you¡¯d get hooked. How much fun is it? Well I¡¯m keen.¡± Knew he¡¯d be happy to come. This should be a good chance to get some levels, especially without having to worry about Lilly. Last time we chose to avoid large groups of cartalope in case one of them went for Lilly. ¡°Well did you want to go get the bows and arrows, I¡¯ll go fill the bottles and we¡¯ll meet at the same place as last time?¡± ¡°Sounds good to me, see you in 15.¡± Roman says before, running off home to collect the bows. Better go fill up those bottles.

The arrow tears through the cartalopes neck, killing it instantly.

Congrulations! You have leveled up!

Dexterity has increased by +1

That marks the 17^th since the last level up, I knew it¡¯d get harder the higher my level was but still. A few more level ups and it¡¯ll take over 100 of these beasts just to get one level.

Status Screen
Name:	Ares	Level:	11
Gender:	Male	Race:	[1] Tailed Fox
Stats Screen
+Strength:	48	+Wisdom:	14
+Agility:	25	+Intelligence:	21
+Endurance:	24	+Charisma:	12
+Dexterity:	26	+Luck:	15

You currently have 25 unused stat points

At least today has been bountiful, with 25 unused stat points, that should be a large increase to in strength. There is also the fact that I got a new skill today.

Skills

<> Beginner lvl 5 (8.2%) <> Beginner lvl 2 (49.4%) <> Beginner lvl 4 (52.3%) <> Beginner lvl 1 (33.4%)

Earlier on today as I was sneaking up onto some prey, a blue box alerted to me that I unlocked the skill Sneak. So this further proves my theory that skills will only be unlocked after a basic level of mastery has been achieved. Because I was sneaking up on prey yesterday but had never unlocked the skill, but I did today. So what was different? So I concluded my theory must be correct. I¡¯m also starting to question how these skills actually work. I spent all day yesterday and a part of yesterday hunting just to achieve the basic standard of mastery in sneak. However, since gaining the skill I have gone up 33.4% in only what is a few hours. So does this mean that I improve faster if I have the skill for it? Or is there another answer which I haven¡¯t thought of? Man I really need a manual for this. On another note, my archery has reached beginner level 5, however I don¡¯t quite understand what these skills do. I mean it¡¯s handy to have a visual way of ascertaining my current level, but I feel as if there should be more to it. If my theory that I improve faster with the skill than without is correct, than these skills are really valuable. I can¡¯t help but think there¡¯s more to the skills than that though, but what? Yet another question. I¡¯ve also noticed my archery improves way faster while I¡¯m out hunting, rather than when I train. I mean I¡¯ve been training archery for a year now and only got to level 3 nearly level 4, but two days hunting and I¡¯ve increased it by a little more than 100%. There¡¯s especially rapid growth in the skill when things get particularly dangerous, like the situation draws out hidden potential¡ or so I guess. Most of everything I know about these screens are just theories. ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me how you got so strong suddenly.¡± Roman suddenly asks the same question for the 100^th time, as he kneels over the now dead cartalope and removes his arrow from its flesh. ¡°For the last time, it¡¯s because I increased my stats.¡± ¡°Fine, fine¡ Keep your secrets than.¡± Why ask if you¡¯re going to ignore me. ¡°Don¡¯t ask if you¡¯re not going to listen.¡± Looking up at the sky, I see the sun¡¯s starting to go down. Honestly I kind of want to keep going, I mean seeing these level ups is really addictive. Each one symbolising an increase of strength on which I might finally be able to beat that idiot of sister of mine. We should be fine anyway, just Roman and I alone are enough to take on a group of 10 cartas¡¯. We¡¯re still heading back, but unlike last time where we rushed back, we¡¯re taking it a little easy. ¡°This forest isn¡¯t even that dangerous is it? I don¡¯t know why all the adults carry on about it.¡± Alright maybe I am getting a little arrogant, but I feel as if I could kill these cartas¡¯ in my sleep. ¡°That¡¯s what I said to dad, but he gave me slap to the back of the head and told me I¡¯m an idiot. He says that these cartas¡¯ are just pests of the forest, reckons they¡¯re just food for the real beasts. I told dad that the real beasts would die by my hand all the same hahaha¡± Wow, and here I was thinking I was arrogant. ¡°You kno-¡° I quickly cut off what I was going to say as Roman gave the sign for silence. He motions forward and I look to where he motioned to see a single cartalope. Man and here I was getting excited for a hunt. One cartalope is barely considered a hunt for us. ¡°I bet you can¡¯t hit its eye.¡± Roman whispers to me quietly, always keen to turn everything into a competition. Well I guess I also love a competition myself. ¡°Watch and learn rookie.¡± I whisper back as I hold my bow and draw my arrow. I¡¯ve noticed my aim has gotten better as dexterity has risen, so with only 10m distance between the target and I, it should be an easy hit. I steady my breath, I ascertain my aim is right, I release. The arrow flies through the air, I track it with my eyes. The arrow flying straight for its head, perfect aim. That is until I watch the arrow disappear along with the cartalope. I furrow my brows in search for where it scattered to, partly curious to how it escaped and what just happened. I feel roman tap me on the shoulder, I turn to look over at him and see his eyes aren¡¯t fixed on me. His expression dead serious, his eyes not moving from where they¡¯re locked to. I look in the direction to where his looking, and that¡¯s where I see it. A large jet black cat, what has to be 4 maybe 5 metres long and 1 metre tall. It¡¯s over 20 metres from where the cartalope was but I see from hanging from its jaws, the dead cartalope. This beast has scars all over its body, showing its fierceness. I can see the arrow I fired sticking out of its hind leg blood oozing from the wound. It¡¯s staring straight at us, knowing that we¡¯re the ones who just assaulted it. The beasts yellow eyes completely ignoring Roman standing beside me, its gaze fixated soley on me. Fuck. Chapter 5 Chapter 5

Neither Roman nor I dare to break the silence, scared to even breathe to loud. Only minutes ago we were both belittling the dangers of the forest, thinking we no longer had anything to fear. How wrong was I. Fear is all that fills my body as my eyes are still locked onto this black beast. I realise now that cartas¡¯ are nothing more than simple rabbits of the forest, their true purpose to be hunted by the real beasts that lurk the forest. The beasts still staring us down, well staring me down, Roman being completely ignored. Something tells me that this beast wouldn¡¯t even give us a second glance if it wasn¡¯t enraged by my arrow sticking out of its hind leg. The beasts release the dead carta¡¯s neck from its jaws, the carta lying flat on the ground, blood pooling around its body. I can see the gaping holes on the carta¡¯s, all that runs through my head is what will happen to my body if it¡¯s trapped between that beast¡¯s jaws. The beast takes a step towards us, lowers its body, ready to pounce at a moments notice. A deep rumble comes from the beast¡¯s chests, the sound alone sending chills down my spine. What were we thinking coming alone into the forest? The adults obviously knew better, shit this has costed me. I see movement from the corner of my eye from Roman, I quickly glance to see what the movement was, not wanting to take my eyes off the beast for longer the necessary. Roman is slowly drawing the short sword from his hip, trying not to make sound. Fuck, why didn¡¯t I bring my sword? Wait, would a sword even help me against this beast? I can¡¯t even best Roman with a sword, but my archery on the other hand. I glance at the arrow protruding from the beasts rear leg, blood dripping down its wound. Judging by the beast¡¯s stance, it seems as If it can put too much weight on that leg. That should vastly limit its movability and speed. Thinking about this, we don¡¯t need to kill it, just escape it. If I can hit one of its other legs, it shouldn¡¯t be able to keep chase with us. I look over at Roman, who¡¯s staring right back at me. I can tell by his eyes that he¡¯s thinking the exact same thing as me. I¡¯ll hit the beasts other rear leg and then we¡¯ll run, Roman covering from the rear as he¡¯s the only one with a sword. Oh god, this is the stupidest thing we¡¯ve ever done. I slowly draw an arrow from the quiver on my back and knock it on my bow, keeping it aimed down as to not alert the beast. However, the beast seems to understand exactly what¡¯s going on as the rumbling from its chest has escalated to a deep growl with its fangs bared. Holy fuck those are some sharp teeth is all I can think right now. Argh concentrate! I can¡¯t afford to miss this shot. Following my usual routine of taking a deep breath and calming myself, I slowly lift my bow up to aim. The second my bow even moved in the slightest, the beast let out a ferocious roar as it dashes straight for me. ¡°Now!¡± Roman shouts beside me. Shit! Shit! Shit! I pull my bow up and take aim, however I can¡¯t get a clear shot. This beast¡¯s freakishly fast, I¡¯m struggling to track its movements with my eyes let alone my aim. ¡°Fire already!¡± Romans panicked voice sounds out, rushing me to fire. The beast only a dozen away now. Fuck it, I release the arrow which heads directly for the beast¡¯s leg. However, at last second the beast suddenly jumps out of the way of the arrow, which ricochets off the ground. I missed. The beast just mere metres away from me. Turn and run god damn it, I have to turn and run! My mind screams at my body, but fear holds my body from movement. The beast jumps at me, claws out and fangs dripping with saliva. The beast knows it made its kill, as do I. My mind strangely calm as I watch my impeding death fly towards me. The beast¡¯s fangs lining up directly to clutch my throat, going for the swift kill. Well shit, hopefully Roman can at least escape as the beast feeds on my body. A sudden impact against my side sends my tumbling out of the beast¡¯s way, to which I hear Romans shout telling me to run. I look up to see the beast landing where I was with a bloody gash running across its back, and Roman holding his now bloody sword. ¡°Run! I¡¯ll hold it off!¡± Roman shouts at me as he swiftly rolls to the side, dodging the beasts claw by a hair. I know this is the part where I¡¯m supposed to run and sacrifice myself for Roman, and be the hero. However, that¡¯s not how the real world is. Every single fibre in my body is telling me to run, my instincts screaming at me to leave already. My mind is telling me that I have to at least try and help Roman even if it means death, but my body is telling to escape with my life. The end result is I stand there uselessly, neither running nor helping. Maybe father is right in his judgement. When things get down to it, I¡¯m failure. No matter how many tails I have will change this, I¡¯m useless. All I can do is stand here and watch my friend slowly get killed by this beast which I angered in the first place. I watch as Roman slashes a deep cut into the beast¡¯s side, sending blood gushing out. I then watch as the beasts claws rips across his left arm, which he now can¡¯t hold up. He continues to dodge and weave, swinging the sword with his right arm. Even now he hasn¡¯t given up, he continues to fight even as his injuries continue to grow worse. Suddenly the beasts paw smashes Roman across the body, sending him flying into a nearby tree head first. His not moving, he lies there listlessly as the injured beasts moves to finish the kill. The beast has already labelled me a non-threat, and knows the human laying in front of it is the dangerous one. Fuck! I have to do something! Anything! I look around for my bow, I can at least draw its attention away and try and lure it away from him. I see my bow a metre away, splintered in half from when Roman pushed me out of the way. Shit! The beast and Roman are over 10m away but the beast is already nearing Romans body. Fuck it! I draw an arrow from my quiver and hold it like a dagger. I charge towards the beast, letting out a roar just in hopes that it ignores Roman and charges me instead. The beast see¡¯s the arrow in my hand and ignores me, realising it can kill me anytime it wants after it finishes Roman off. If only I was faster! Wait, faster? That¡¯s it! I put all my unused stat points into agility as I continue to charge the beast.

Status Screen
Name:	Ares	Level:	11
Gender:	Male	Race:	[1] Tailed Fox
Stats Screen
Strength:	48	Wisdom:Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!	14
Agility:	50	Intelligence:	21
Endurance:	24	Charisma:	12
Dexterity:	26	Luck:	15

Suddenly my body speeds up to what feels as if double my previous speed. The beast suddenly turns its head, shocked at my sudden increase in speed. The beast forgets Roman and charges me, apparently the increase in speed is enough to warrant me as a threat now. The beasts massive body is charging directly for me, it¡¯s fangs and claws as sharp as daggers. I tighten my grip around the arrow in my hand asking myself what the fuck was I thinking. However, I can no longer back out, I¡¯m committed. I glance at Roman¡¯s body still listlessly laying there, the sight concretes my resolution. The beast and I only a metre or two away from each, we both jump at the same time. Holding the arrow overhead, I bring it down for in all or nothing strike. I feel the arrow pierce flesh but an unable to confirm where it hit as my body is sent flying into a tree, my chest feeling as if a hammer had just swung into it. I struggle to breathe, but I force myself onto my knees, coughing up blood as I do. The beast has its back to me, but it¡¯s walking, probably shaking off a wound. Fuck. I pull another arrow out from my quiver and hold it, ready for what will be the final clash. The beast still walking with it back towards me, slowly starts to stagger until it collapses on the ground. I see my arrow protruding from the beast¡¯s eye socket, dug so far in, the end is just barely visible.

Congratulations! You have leveled up!

Agility has increased by +1

Wisdom has increased by +2

Luck has increased by +3

I release my death tight grip on my arrow and let it drop to the ground. Pain soared through my body reminding me how much I¡¯d been through. My ribs and head will still aching thanks to my sister, and now my chest is in absolute agony. Forgetting about my injuries, I run towards Roman and kneel over his body. I slap his face a few times and call his name but he¡¯s still unresponsive. I look over his injuries and they¡¯re all quite bloody, his face pale. I¡¯m not a healing expert, in fact I know nothing of it, but I diagnose that he¡¯s bleeding out. ¡°Somebody! Anybody! Help! Please!¡± I scream at the top my lungs, coughing up blood from the strain. Okay, probably not the smartest thing to do, making a whole lot of noise in the forest which is filled with beasts. However, currently I¡¯m not thinking straight, I¡¯m frantic to help Roman. Looking up at the sky, I see the sky is starting to get dark. Soon the forest will be filled with more dangerous beasts than the now dead black cat lying a dozen metres away. Making up my mind, I sling the quiver off my back to make room. Carefully lifting Roman on to my back, cautious as to not rock his head in the case of a head injury. I nearly buckle under his weight, my body already sapped of energy. However, I can¡¯t afford to collapse here. I take the first step and feel a burning sensation around my chest. Fuck that beast did a good one on me. Pushing through the pain, I take step by step, heading the village.

I can see the tree line just a few metres away. It has taken me at least an hour to get here, the sky already dark. I¡¯ve been lucky that I haven¡¯t come across any beasts, but it makes sense as all the beasts tend to stick deeper into the forest. It was shit luck to come across that black beast when we were only a few hundred metres out from the village. My legs barely leave the ground between each step, the only thing keeping me going is knowing that Roman is counting on me. I can hear his laboured breath beside my ear, as a constant reminder to not give up. I can see the village through the trees, finally. I try shouting for help but my voice comes out cracked and distorted. Too weak to be heard from a few metres away, let alone the village. Fuck, guess I¡¯ll just have to keep going. I finally step out from the trees where I hear a little scream. I turn to my left and see Lilly standing there, her eyes filled with tears. Poor girl, she must have realised something was up and waited for us, only to see her brother unconscious on my back. ¡°Lilly. Lilly, listen to me. Everything¡¯s alright. I need you to go get an adult.¡± My voice is so weak, not at all commanding as I intended it to be. I see Lilly still staring at me without blinking, tears still running down her face. ¡°Lilly, your brothers going to be alright, you¡¯ll be playing with him in no time. Right now though, I need you to go get an adult for me. Can you do that?¡± I only ask her because I honestly don¡¯t think I can last any longer. Lilly wipes the tears from her eyes and nods her head resolutely, before running off to the village. I watch her run off, relief flooding over me. I try and gently lay Roman down, before collapsing to the ground myself. Man, who knew the ground could be so comfortable. All the pain from my injuries seems to be fading away as well, this is true comfort. Unable to keep my eyes open any longer, they slowly close. It should be alright if I sleep here, I mean it all in the adults hands now. I slowly drift to sleep.

¡°..ke¡.p.¡± Hmm I think I can hear someone. ¡°¡ay..a..ake.¡± I can hear the voice a little clearer this time, and I think they¡¯re slapping my face. It¡¯s not like I can really feel it, but it¡¯s more of an irritation. Damn it, can¡¯t they just let me sleep, I¡¯m mean I¡¯m so comfortable right now. Whoever it is continues to keep slapping me, forcing me to open my eyes. I can¡¯t really see much, it¡¯s almost like everything is hazy. I can make out that there¡¯s two people standing over me, but one is really small in comparison. ¡°That¡¯s it boy. Keep your eyes open.¡± I can tell the voice comes from the larger figure, because there¡¯s no way such a deep voice could come from such a tiny figure. My sight seems be adjusting and I can start seeing clearly again. The little figure is Lilly, tears streaming down her face as she stares down at me, her hands clutched onto the jacket of the larger man. I recognise the man as Dax, Roman¡¯s old man. He¡¯s my father¡¯s good friend and also an officer for the imperial forces. His large, incredibly so, his arms alone are as wide as my waist. He sports an unruly beard and a short cropped military hair style. He¡¯s still wearing his apron from his job as the villages top blacksmith. I sigh in relief that it¡¯s Dax and not father that Lilly ran to get. Father would already begin lecturing me on how irresponsible it was for me to be out in the forest. Dax on the other hand, he shouldn¡¯t mind if I take a quick nap. I close my eyes again and begin drifting back off to the comfort of sleep. ¡°Don¡¯t fall asleep boy.¡± I¡¯m rudely awaken with a slap the face by Dax¡¯s monstrous hands. I now notice that Roman¡¯s currently hung over Dax¡¯s shoulder, still unconscious. ¡°Lilly, run ahead to Ms Aerie¡¯s home. Tell her to get the table ready, now go!¡± Lilly obediently nods her head, glancing at me through tear filled eyes one last time, before running off. Dax scoops me up in both arms, one supporting my legs and the other my head. Ugh, being princess carried by Roman¡¯s old man, I¡¯m not going to live this down. The fatigue still hasn¡¯t let go of its hold on me, I closed my eyes for what seemed to be a few seconds. However, upon opening them my eyes are immediately blinded by light. ¡°Fuck, what were those boys thinking?!¡± I hear Dax¡¯s voice rumbling through the room that I seem to be in. My vision still not focused enough to see exactly where I am. ¡°Now¡¯s not the time Dax. Any later and the boy wouldn¡¯t have made it.¡± I hear a mature feminine voice respond to Dax. Judging by what she said, it seems that Ramon is alright. ¡°Argh I know, but now it¡¯s up to me to tell Agnar why his boy is currently lying unconscious on your table. You know how he gets.¡± Oh shit, he¡¯s going to tell father. My vision mostly returned to normal, I try and sit up to reason that there¡¯s no need to tell father. However, the second I tried lifting my body, excruciating pain shot through my chest. It took me a few seconds to realise that the shout I can hear ringing in my ears, belongs to me. ¡°How¡¯s he awake?!¡± Dax¡¯s voice sounds out. ¡°His reopened the wound, he¡¯s bleeding out! Damn it, his blood levels are already dangerously low!¡± Frustration lining the feminine voice. However, my brain couldn¡¯t process those words, as my gaze is fixed on my chest. Where there are 5 long gashes running across, three of which are neatly stitched shut. However, two are torn open, where I could see my ribs through. Oh fuck! Shit! I¡¯m going to die! My mind started to reel from the shock, my breathing quickened. My heart feels like it¡¯s beating a 1000 beats a minute, ready to beat out of my chest. My vision fades. ¡°Hold him down, he¡¯s going into shock.¡± Is the last thing I heard.