ã€ŠChild of Fateã€‹


 The legend begin

    The Alstancia Continent has a dark history. A story which told from a long time ago from generation to generation. Legend of disaster that befalls the humanity and how its end. Naturally, this story thought by the younger generation as a story to scare them and they ended to ignore and gradually forget it in time. A classic legend of how the darkness will devour all the light. Even where the Holy Shrine keeps warning them about the incoming danger, about the resurrection of the Queen of Darkness, they thought it as a nonsense of the religion.

    However, the Head Shrine was not feeling discouraged. As she was a devote of the High God, as a mere human she knows that even her job as the Head Shrine, she cannot expect the High God to always save the world. She worked hard without decreasing her faith. She believes the day of resurrection would come and increase the training of the believer for the day of darkness. Her high devotion finally earns her the power of the light and she finally saw a premonition. About the forgotten story, ¡®each 600 years, the Queen of Darkness will be resurrected''. 10 year later, the story comes true and almost half of population of humanity was killed and the darkness slowly devours everything. The animal turned into an aggressive monster with a huge body and strong power to break a tree. Every plant was withering and slowly dying. The soil turned black and losing its ability, the water becomes poisoned and the air was full of dark miasma which dangerous for a normal human.

    When the humanity slowly losing hopes, Cassandra, as the current Head Shrine on that time and as the leader of the Resistance, the only force to oppose the darkness, told them her second premonition. ¡®When the Darkness slowly spread, even the smallest the Light will not disappear as the Hero should come.''

    ¡®Bright and Warm. The brightest of the Light. He/She will lead the light to overthrow any darkness and they will shelter any people under their guidance. With high Charisma and high endurance, every people who fight under them will have the power to turn the tides. However, when they show their anger, everything would be turned into ashes. The power to banish the Darkness around them. The Child of the Sun.''

    ¡®Pure and Gentle, The light that sooth the pain and calms the heart. The Light that would heal and purify any injury by the darkness. A worldly beauty rivaling the beauty of the Queen of Darkness. Her Pure heart can block any darkness and push them away or protect her beloved. The chosen one of the Holy Shrine and a child who earn the High God expectation. The Child of the Moon.''

    They are called the ¡®Child of Fate¡¯, who will seal all the Darkness and bring back the Light to the world.

    They will take the hard journey to the castle of darkness with the goal to seal the Queen of Darkness. However, their price for this goal is not cheap. Lives. They must sacrifice their own lives to seal the Queen of Darkness. They who has been bonded on their adventure must sacrifice their lives to make sure the humanity was safe.

    However, there is one that the humanity has forgotten. They who fight alongside the Child of Fate, Lending them their power to ensure their safety. The power that was called the power of the cursed and was ridiculed and hated by the Humanity because of its relation with the darkness.

    And this is the story of him, he who now bear the Power of the Curse, he who hide from the light but still need them to exist and far from the Darkness but can co-exist with them. ¡®The Child of the Star.''

    - ***** -

    [Day 12 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 11.00]

    Cheers, there is loud cheers all around the place. No matter child''s or adults, all of them show their happiness and excitement. They gathered inside the round plaza and keep increasing in number. The soldiers stationed nearby trying hard to contain the mass of people with a troubled face but, on their heart, they also show a complete excitement, but their duty makes them shut their feeling to jump in joy.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    This atmosphere is clearly showed that something good will happen, but when someone shifts their attention a little they will have a complex expression. Because beyond the sturdy wall that towered all the house, which is now is full of the armed soldier, lay a dying land.

    The ground turned pitch black and there even cracks can be seen with a red glow that sent shivers to everyone who dares to take a peek. The vegetation was also dying as it loses the fresh green color and now also turned into black. A scene which looks contrast with the happiness inside the fortified town.

    The soldiers around the wall were watching the outside with clear eyes without even blinking their eyes as if trying to make sure everything was seen with their own eyes. Their serious expression would surely scare children away in tears, and the hands which hold the spear handle is tight as if ready to use it anytime.

    -Whoosh

    A sudden burst of wind suddenly blows near the closed iron gate which alarmed the standing soldier nearby.

    "Oi, why did you leave your position!"

    A loud and strict voice suddenly can be heard as a lone soldier suddenly jumped in surprise before turned around and saluted.

    "Sir! I heard a suspicious sound and only try to check it!"

    The soldier face turned stiff because he suddenly being yelled but he replied without a problem. He keeps his salute position before a man in armor stand in front of him.

    "Are you sure? Which sound did you hear?" The man stroked his beard and approaching the iron gate.

    "Y-yes, I think there is a sound of wind passed by."

    "The wind? Right now is the sun currently resting right on top of our head. I doubt that the wretched Wraith dare to come out."

    When the man hears the soldier testimony and falls into deep thought as he examines the iron gate, but he didn''t find any change but he keeps his eyes for a minute. They already experienced fighting the force of darkness, all of them were the cunning monster that always takes pride of back stabbing so a small amount of change in surrounding can be a clue. But the man shakes his head after he sure that nothing is wrong.

    "Keep your work, I need to go meet the Head Shrine now."

    "Sir yes sir!"

    The man turned back and slowly moving away leaving the soldier which after seeing the back of the man, he sighed in relief before moving back to his previous position.

    However, without the soldier noticed his shadow suddenly trembled a little and when he walked near the wall, a piece of his shadow ¡®jumped'' and merged with the wall shadow.

    ****

    Alan was one soldier of the ¡®Resistance'' which fighting the force of darkness for far of the history, he remembers the day when he started fighting with his comrade. The story which he scoffed and make fun of suddenly becomes true and a despair slowly appeared when one of them appear in front of him. A monster which contaminated by the Darkness, his pet, a family of a dog with huge body suddenly turned hostile and attacked him. In front of him, its killed his family and attacked the villagers. Forcing him to kill the one he thought as a family member, his fear and despair turned into hatred and he joined the army to kill the darkness.

    Enough with the sad story, Alan currently in good mood. At first, he was stationed on the wall to be a guard. If it was the normal guard duty he will not mind it even if he has to stand in a day!

    But, wasn''t today was ¡®that'' day? Every child of the Alstancia continent, of course, was told the legend of the Resurrection of the Queen of Darkness, but is the legend only tell them about the scary part of the story? Of course not!

    Feeling excited Alan currently was assigned to help the soldiers on the plaza and he can finally see them with his own eyes!

    "Ah~ The Child of Fate. I wonder how they will be? I remember the Legend that the Child of the Moon is a beautiful girl. Hehehe."

    Alan was laughing like a fool, however, Alan didn''t leave his awareness as he was trained with strict rules so he suddenly noticed something suspicious.

    "Hey, you! Don''t move and slowly turn around!"

    When he talked with himself suddenly a figure in black robes suddenly walking past him, noticing the strange aura on that person, Alan shouted while gripping his sword handles.

    The robed man stopped but, he didn''t turn his body as Alan ordered. ¡®Something is strange.'' Thought this Alan slowly approaches while he unsheathed his sword. However, suddenly the man turned around and make his robe flapping and make Alan dumbfounded. Alan blinked before running forward while showed a confusion on his face.

    ¡®He disappeared!'' Alan frowned before checking the previous location of the mysterious man but with his experience, he didn''t find anything wrong.

    "Maybe am tired."

    Alan shrugged and decide to tell his superior later as he now being late to come to the assigned place. He hurriedly moves his feet and ended into a full sprint. However, suddenly a shadow of person can be seen in the alley near the building Alan was standing a moment ago, the man pushed his hood with his hand downward and slowly walked into deep of the alley. The man face was hidden by the hood of his robes but the smile on the man face was clearly showed.

 Part 1

    [Day 11 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 11.30]

    "Child of Fate! Child of Fate! Child of Fate!"

    A shout like that can be heard outside the main Holy Shrine of this Frontier Towns, the people outside clearly show their excitement and if there are no soldiers who standing in front of the front door, they will rush inside and kiss the rumored Child of Fate. However, inside the Holy Shrine, the surrounding was calm and quiet because the sacred ritual was started.

    Kneeling in the center of the Shrine wide hall was two figures, a man with blond hair with a shining chest plate armor and a girl wearing some sort of priestess clothes. In front of them was an old man with round glasses. He warmly smiled as if a grandfather seeing his cute grandchild comes to play. Surrounding three of them was a people dressed in white and people with high-grade material. They were the priests and the nobles in control of this frontier town.

    Not minding the stares given from the surrounding, The old man keeps his smile before started to approach the two who still kneeling on the ground.

    "Bring it here." When the old man says that with heavy voice but calm, one of the priests moved forward while presented a short golden wand.

    "Here it is, Head Shrine." The Priest makes sure the Head Shrine take it before he slowly backing away to not disturb the sacred ritual.

    The Head Shrine hold the golden wand with his right hand before he pulled a small book from his long sleeve. He just swings his palm upward a little before letting the light that pouring from a small circle of the ceiling hit the book, then a miraculous thing happened. The book suddenly opened by itself and keep flipping the pages like trying to find the right page before slowly stopped. The Head Shrine observed the blank page of the book before a line of text appeared.

    He turns his golden wand to point the blond man and read the sacred text.

    "The Brightest of the Light, lead the people and protect the weak. As the person of Light, people will gather around and follow your command. Strong mind and body, a power to challenge the might of Darkness. Your anger should be a divine punishment and carried the might of Courage. Shine through the Darkness and lead us toward Destiny! The Child of the Sun!"

    When the Head Shrine finished his reading, he pointed the golden wand upward and the bright light suddenly started gathering and floating above the head of the blond man.

    The Head Shrine ignored the sound of amazed surrounding before turned into the priestess girl and performing the same thing, as the book flipping the page itself before stopped and show another sacred text.

    "The Gentle Light that Sooth the Heart, protecting the injured and save the lives. As the person of Light, people will praise your power and follow your word. A Strong mind and good heart, power to reject the might of Darkness. Your will should be a shield and carried the might of Temperance. Shine through the Darkness and lead us toward Destiny! The Child of the Moon!"

    Like the previous action, another light suddenly gathering and floating above the girl''s head. Now two ball of light floating on top of two people like waiting for them to take it.

    "Now, please raise your head one by one and take the Medal of Fate, O'' Child of Fate."

    Hearing the Head Shrine, the man with blond hair slowly raise his head. His handsome face makes the priestess around to gasp in surprise. His blue pupils observed the ball of light and stretched his hand to take the golden light. The ball of light like an obedient creature moved slowly and when it floating straight above the man hand, it condensed and materialized into a Golden Medal with a pattern like a sun in the middle with small text circling the side of the medal. Because of its small text, no one knows what it means.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    Before long the girl started to raise her head which then makes the surrounding people stare in awe. Her face that shines by the blue light really look beautiful, her white skin looked bright and smooth. With small lips, she looked charming, and her long black hair that reached her hips also shine with the light. When the blue light floating above her hand, it condensed and materialized into Silver Medal with a pattern like a crescent moon that also with a small text circling.

    When the surrounding now stands in the bright atmosphere, the Head Shrine didn''t show a content expression like there is something missing, but he continued the Sacred Ritual.

    "Sir Roland Barnes, by the blessing of the High God now you are chosen to be the Child of the Sun. With this Sun Medal you have officially become the Child of Fate and with it, the High God will grant you the power you need for this mission."

    "Yes, Head Shrines." The man that called Roland gripped his medal and bowed to the Head Shrine.

    "You are really lucky, this is the first time that the wielder of Sun Medal was actually was someone other than Light attribute person... Sir Roland, now with the power of your Elemental Knight, show us your true power and let the world see the first history of your deed."

    "Yes!"

    The Head Shrine nodded and turn to the beautiful girl and started his speech.

    "Miss Shirley Camilla Burnet, by the blessing of the High God and by my training you are chosen to be the Child of the Moon. With this Moon Medal you have officially become the Child of Fate and with it, the High God also grant you the power you need to save the life in this mission."

    "Yes, Head Shrines." The girl that called Shirley deeply bowed her head with respect.

    "It sure is as expected, but as a father, it''s hard for me to force you, but we need your power to seal the Darkness before it comes to devour the world..." The Head Shrine say while showing a troubled smile.

    "It''s all right, esteemed father. I will not disappoint you and finish this mission like the way you teach me." The girl smiled brightly at her father worry.

    The Head Shrine sighed while muttering, ¡®There is still a missing piece in this ritual... Can we have it now, I wonder.'' Before he turned his attention to the Child of Fate. No matter what, he must finish this ritual and let them prepare their necessary item and tools for their journey to the Darkness Castle before it is too late. The Humanity lives already depended on their shoulder, and seeing the gaze from the every man that currently cannot remove their sight to his daughter, he frowned seeing the incoming problem for their journey ahead.

    "All right, with this, I will give-" However before the Head Priest finished his word, numerous something like thick black string gathered from the surrounding before a figure of a man appeared while his faces concealed by the hood. Seeing the strange aura of the man, the nobles around unsheathed their sword with a clear caution.

    "I have come and greeting to you, father." The mysterious man bowed with a good manner and when he stand up his hood pushed upward and now his face can be seen by everyone.

    He has a dark brown hair and looked like a man in his twenty the same as Roland who is now was the Child of the Sun who gripping the handle of his sword while covering Shirley from his back. When the surrounding glaring the man with hostility, only two people who show a surprised expression instead.

    "Y-You are..." Shirley who being shielded by Roland now staring at the man while covering her mouth, a tear slowly gathered on the corner of her golden eyes. But this eyes isn''t the eyes that looked on despair which puzzled Roland. ¡®Who is this man?'' thought him.

    The Head Shrine keep his calm and raised his hand to tell them that everything is fine. And turned to face the man.

    "It sure has been a long time, Harold. But what is your business here? And, that power too... How do I sense a trace a Darkness but different?." The Head Shrine expression turned serious while he glared at the man that was called Harold. But the man in question only shrugged before started walking forward which make Roland to be alerted.

    Ignoring Roland who prepared his stance like ready to slash him anytime, Harold keeps his walking pace and approaching the Head Shrine. When Harold stand beside Roland who covering Shirley, He kneeled in front of the Head Shrine.

    "I have come to accomplish my destiny," When Harold¡¯s saying that, all people who watching him almost unable to believe their ears? ¡®What Destiny? This is the sacred ritual of the Child of Fate!''. The confusion turned into anger when they thought that the mysterious man called Harold want to disturb the ritual. But before the armed man walks to restrain him, a shocking thing rendering their movement as they watching it with their eyes wide open in disbelieve.

    The book on the Head Shrine hand fluttering their page, when it settled, another sacred text started to appear.

    "I will continue the ritual, both of you back to your position." The voice of Head Shrine wakes up everyone present. Seeing that they were being called, Roland and Shirley kneeled back without questioning.

    However, the nobles around don''t seem to cooperate as they are yelling. ¡®What the meaning of this!?'' ¡®The sacred ritual were never like this!'' and before the commotion becomes tenser, the Head Shrine shouted.

    "Silence! You are disturbing the ritual! This is the Will of the High God! If you keep your childish behavior I cannot help you if the Divine Punishment will strike this place!"

    Hearing that his surrounding calmed down, the Head Shrine shifted his attention to the sacred text and start to reading it.

 Part 2

    Hearing that his surrounding calmed down, the Head Shrine shifted his attention to the sacred text and start to reading it.

    "A Light that shone on the Dark, guiding the lost one with the small amount of light. Even when your light is the weakest from the other light, you have the courage to stand with the darkness. Guardian of Light and the Messenger of Darkness, The Child of the Star..."

    Head Shrine who reading the sacred text making a sour expression each time he read the next sentence, then when he finished the text a dark light gathering to form a ball like before. However, the dark light is different from the ominous darkness as it still has some light in it. When the light turned into a ball, it gives a mysterious feeling.

    The ball was colored black but transparent, then numerous small light can be seen filling with a distance between them. Shirley, who watching it the closer was charmed as if she watching the night sky full of stars.

    When it materialized into a medal, Harold picks it and observed it on his hand. A Medal with purple color with five lines that making a star picture.

    "The Star Medal..." Harold murmured.

    "So it seems." When the Head Shrine says that, Harold shifted his eyes to see him. Then the Head Shrine continued.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "Harold-"

    "Blake. My name is Harold Blake." Harold, cutting Head Shrine word before bowing his head.

    "*Cough*. Harold Blake by the blessing of the High God and your destiny, you are chosen to be the Child of the Star. With this Star Medal you have officially become the Child of Fate and with it, you have to make sure to use your power for justice."

    "Yes." Harold bowed once again, and turn his head to left and meet with Shirley''s eyes. He gives her a wink.

    Shirley feels her face turned red and she looked down in reflex, avoiding eye contact. The Head Shrine closed the book and raised it.

    "With this, the last piece of this Ritual has been fulfilled. Now, Child of Fate close your eyes and listen to your heart inner voice. What is your destiny and tell us your oath."

    When the Roland, Shirley, and Harold hear it, they closed their eyes and concentrating. All the sound outside slowly disappeared from their ear and they continued. Deep within their heart, on their deep consciousness, they can hear a small voice calling. The voice getting louder and before long they speak at the same time.

    "I will save the world from the despair of the darkness without fail."

    "I will stand with the Sun holder to help him save the world."

    "I will protect the Moon holder to let her finish her goals."

    However, the three of them didn''t say the same oath like the legend said, make the people around goes in loud commotion as also the three of them staring at each other in surprise, except the Head Shrine who smiled.

    "O'' Child of Fate, stand! Now as you already told your oath, you must prepare for your hard journey to save the world."

    The Ritual now ended as the Head Shrine raise his Golden Wand, and with it, the light that shone from the ceiling started to disappear.

    "Head S-"

    "Wait a minute, Head Shrine! What is the meaning of this! Who is that man? And how can he suddenly become one of the Child of Fate!"

    Suddenly a voice of man can be heard as he cutting the word of the armored man who going to speak with the Head Shrine. The man clothes were colored red and gold, he walked from the nobles side and walking with an angry expression.

 Part 3

    Suddenly a voice of man can be heard as he cutting the word of the armored man who going to speak with the Head Shrine. The man clothes were colored red and gold, he walked from the nobles side and walking with an angry expression.

    The man looked like he is in his twenty, and he was the youngest nobles present. He keeps walking but not toward the Head Shrine, but approaching Shirley beside Harold. His eyes turned red as a strange emotion filled within. Before long, a person stands in front of him and blocking his way.

    "You¡­" He gritted his teeth as he glared at the figure in front of him.

    "Where are you going? Didn''t you want to ask to the Head Shrine? Why are you approaching Shirley, you make her scared." Harold didn''t falter as he also giving the man a glare.

    The man was provoked and unsheathed his sword, but his hand was seized by the armored man.

    "Thank you, Sir Marcus. As expected of the First Commander of the Knight squadron." The Head Shrine thanked the bearded man as he locked the young man who keeps glaring at Harold.

    "Let me go. I don''t approve this ritual! I already hold myself when that magic boy become the Sun holder, but who is this man! He was no one!"

    "Calm yourself, Sir. Edgar. You are the first son of Goldwalker family, please behave yourself inside the Holy Shrine Chapel." Marcus trying to calm the angry young man, but it seems it bore nothing as Edgar was kept struggling to break free.

    Seeing Edgar who cannot move, Harold makes a smile and approaching him slowly.

    "No one you say? What about you, huh? Look closely you fool, the High God already choose me and not you. Your eyes was filled with dirty things, your chance is zero~"

    Harold makes his face close to Edgar and speaks with a teasing voice which makes Edgar more enraged as the glare at Harold intensified. Somehow Marcus who holding Edgar with one hand at first was forced to hold him with two hands as a sweat covered his back.

    "S-Sir Harold, please don''t provoke him too much¡­"

    "Sorry, sorry," Harold says apologize but his expression didn''t show any sincerity which troubled Marcus even more.

    "Edgar, stop your embarrassing act, now!" Then a thundering voice sounded and make Edgar shrink in fear, when Marcus sure that Edgar calmed down, he release his grip.

    Then a man with gray hair stepped up and bowed toward the Head Shrine.

    "Forgive my rude son, he is currently in a bad mood as the previous agreement was refused. Please give him some consideration as this is his first time joining this ritual." The man speaks while sometimes glanced at Shirley behind Harold before he shifts his eyes toward Edgar.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    "I understand. But, you must know that I still keep my choice of refusal. And you must know the rule of Holy Shrine, right." The Head Shrine nodded his head with an expressionless face.

    "Y-Yes, I will sure to give my foolish son a punishment. But, like my son said, we the Noble Faction don''t believe to this man."

    When the man said this as he pointed toward Harold, the nobles also voiced their disapproval. The Head Shrine sighed.

    "That''s true, but this was the will of the High God. You must know, in the legend, the Child of Fate was originally was three person." When the Head Shrine said this, the man wants to say something but he was silenced by the hand of Head Shrine.

    "Are you trying to say, ¡®So, why the previous Child of Fate only going with two people?''. It''s because the Child of the Star was a person with extraordinary power. The power of Shadow."

    The Head Shrine said this while he glanced at Harold, but when his word ended of the ¡®Shadow'' part, the people present glaring at him with hostility. ¡®Shadow you say does it also the power of Darkness!'' ¡®He is a cursed child!'' ¡®That child is fallen!'' the people, especially Noble faction was keeping their mouth loose and cursed Harold. While the Head Shrine troubled as he holds his head, meanwhile Harold just folded his hand as he suddenly becomes interested in some part of the wall, ignoring the yelling nobles.

    "So, Head Shrine means that we will use the darkness power to fight against the darkness? Like how we extinguish the fire with fire?" Edgar father who fall in deep thought suddenly murmured this, which make the Head Shrine nod in agreement.

    "You can say it that way. The power of Shadow is dangerous if a normal human tries to learn that power, there is history when a human turned into a demon as his power consumed his soul and mind. That''s why the Child of the Star was rare, but it was actually one of the Child of Fate."

    When Head Shrine said this, the Noble Faction was holding their breath as they remember the story of the past. When a human turned into Demon and make a rich Kingdom to ruin, in a day. But why now? Why the Child of the Star was only born after one thousand years!

    "If that is so, it cannot be helped. But, I still cannot accept him. His power was in any way was the power the darkness! He can be a doom for this mission!" Edgar father still keeps his disapproval as he glared at Harold. The man who was only wearing a black robe on top of leather armor, a red scarf covering his lower mouth, a long sword was strapped to his waist. His overall get up was like shouting, a Rouge! A criminal who only thinking of killing and stealing. Who will abandon anything to have what he desired.

    Harold who is looking at the wall then turned to face Edgar father and said.

    "A Month."

    "What?"

    "In one month, we will finish this mission."

    This declaration of Harold makes the surrounding going noisy again. One month to finish the mission to seal the Queen of Darkness? What is this absurd proposal? This man was too arrogant, is he doesn''t know the powerful force of darkness that become the terror of Humanity for a thousand of years?

    "Are you crazy?"

    "Nope, you are doubting my power right? Then, this is what I say. We will finish this and return alive. I will show you my strength. It''s simple right?" Harold smirked at the Edgar father as he folded his hands. His confident shocked Edgar father as he lost his word.

    "Alright, let stop this useless chat. It doesn''t matter be it a month or a week. The people already waiting outside to see the Child of Fate." Head Shrine, who feeling his presence became thinner, clapped his hand as he gives back the Golden Wand to the priest who comes to receive it.

    "B-But, Head Shrine. What will we said to the people if they see a person they never saw become the third of the Child of Fate?" Marcus suddenly says his worry as Roland, Shirley, and Harold walking to the front door.

    "Ah, don''t worry I already think about it."

 Part 4

    [Day 11 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 13.30]

    "Child of Fate! Child of Fate! Child of Fate!"

    The shout like this was filled the wide plaza in front of the Holy Shrine, the building that having a higher stage as two stairs can be seen on the left and right side as the only way to enter the Holy Shrine which is now being guarded by the soldiers with a rectangular shield. With this three figure can be seen at the edge of the platform as they watching over the sea of head below.

    The Head Shrine who standing near was the one who started the speech.

    "O'' people of Alstancia, you don''t need to feel fear anymore as the light was now descended upon us! As the Legend, when the Queen of Darkness resurrected we will have the power to make her stay to her slumber. Now, the Child of Fate already stands before us!"

    ~Cheers!

    After the Head Shrine speaking, the crowd now can see the figures they seen as heroes and they cheered so loud that it was a wonder if their throat will hurt.

    Then when the crowd calmed down, a young man with blond hair stepped forward a little.

    "My name is Roland Barnes, I, in my hand was the Sun Medal, the sole proof of my identity as the Child of the Sun. With this, I will lend my power to save the world."

    Roland said this as he showed his Sun Medal to the crowds when the light shone on the medal, it gives a warm feeling as it shining in gold. Then he stepped back. His word was short but the impact was spectacular. Then following Roland, a girl with long black hair stepped up imitating Roland.

    "My name is Shirley Camilla Burnet, like a Sir Roland, I was one of the Child of Fate. This is the Moon Medal, the proof of me become the Child of the Moon. I-I will also help to save the world..."Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    Shirley who gripped her staff/mace introducing herself as she shows the Moon Medal that gives a calm feeling as it shines in the blue light, her voice gradually become low as she started trembled a little. The gaze of the crowds was looked normal, but Harold who standing beside Shirley narrowed his eyes. With a willpower, Shirley finished her speech and she stepped backward.

    However, she makes a blunder and her step becomes broken as she started to fall backward. Expecting impact, she closed her eyes but suddenly she felt that her arm grabbed by someone and she ended in an unknown embrace. Opening her eyes, she saw Harold face and she started to understand her position. With one hand, Harold supported her body and the other hand was holding her left hand which holding her long mace.

    She remembered that she was in front of the public and her face turned red. Harold seeing the cute expression of Shirley moves his face closer and whispered to her. Shirley who at first about to push Harold was surprised and her trembled body started to calm down.

    Then Harold released his hug after make sure Shirley calmed down and stepped forward. When he did that, he noticed that Roland stared at him before turned at the smiling Shirley.

    He shrugged before then facing the crowds as he also observing the confused people. With his enhanced ear, he can hear ¡®Who is this man?'' ¡®Why he stand beside the Child of Fate?'' ¡®Why does it look like he was close to the Child of the Moon?'' ¡®Bastard, how dare he touch our Shirley!''. There are various expressions, from confused, to jealous. Harold displeased expression turned into an evil smile as they hear the complaint of the crowd. But when he heard ¡®our Shirley.'' His eyebrows twitched.

    ¡®That old man¡­ Why do I need to be standing here? Can he said that I was bodyguard or mercenary instead?'' Harold thought like this but then sighed as he never knows what is that old man thinking. But it seems following his word was not that bad. ¡®The world''s need to know your existence. Especially when your oath was to protect Shirley, you have to tell the world about you.''

    At first, Harold was troubled seeing the smiling Head Shrine as he ignoring the armored man who was called Marcus. But after standing in this place, he knows that this is the right thing. To make the world know about his existence and to be close enough with the Child of Fate.

    "Listen, you people," Harold said this with confident as he pulled out his medal.

    "This is the proof that I was also one of the Child of Fate! I was the holder of the Child of the Star!" Like agreeing with him, the Star Medal giving a bright light not likes a dark light when it was still in the Holy Shrine. This unexpected situation silenced the crowds and also Roland and Shirley who was the one seeing the real form of the medal.

    With this sentence, Harold stepped back and stand beside the Shirley with his medal still shining. Like accepting the call of the Star Medal, the Sun and Moon Medal also started to shine and giving the area a brilliant light as it spread to the surrounding. When it reach the wall, the patrolling soldiers on top of the wall was bathed with light were feeling their stamina recover and beyond the wall on the land that still within the area of the light was also started to recovering its vitality as the green vegetation started to sprout.

    This miracle was the one told the crowds that the Child of Fate has finally come.

 Part 5

    [Day 11 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 16.00]

    "Am tired..." with a bang, a young man with black robe throw his body on the bed and relaxed his tired body.

    Giggling seeing the man, a girl pulled a chair as she put her mace beside her chair.

    "You never change, don''t you Harold? You know you dislike attention right?" still giggling, Shirley stare at Harold softened.

    Hiding his eyes with his arm, Harold''s face turned into a scowl.

    "Heh, something like this is nothing! You''re the one who trembled on the stage, Rey!" Harold then rolled his body and speaks as he lay sideway with his hand supporting his head above the ear area while smirked.

    "!!" seems that Harold word hitting right on the mark, Shirley turn her head away with a ¡®Hmmph!''.

    Seeing this atmosphere, a third voice suddenly can be heard nearby.

    "Both of you sure is close." A voice that sounded plain and expressionless. Roland leans his shoulder near the door as he stared at Harold and Shirley.

    Harold changed his position to sitting position and he folded his hand.

    "Of course, we are childhood friends after all."

    "Hoh." The word of Harold picked Roland interest but he didn''t say anything. He turned to Shirley and asks her.

    "By the way, Miss Shirley, why did you suddenly trembling when you saw the crowds? Isn''t it strange that a priestess of the Holy Shrine shrink in fear when faced with people? Don''t you have a job that requires you to meet with people?"

    Hearing it, Harold and Shirley was at loss at Roland question. Harold then glared at him while gritting his teeth and Shirley who lowered her head make Roland become confused.

    "Are you going to mock her? Don''t the stupid you know some consideration?" Harold throws some insult while glaring Roland but only to make him more confused. ¡®Ah, this man is hopeless.'' Though Harold.

    "Sir Harold, I know your word is bit harsh. But please speak with normal speech, you will scare people if keep saying like that."

    Now Harold was really at loss to speak, this is the first time someone says that his word was harsh right in front of him! When he hear giggle at the side, he sighed.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    "Rey w-" "Wait, let me said it, Harold." Cutting Harold word, Shirley placed her hand on her chest and take a deep breath before turned to Roland.

    "Sir Roland, am sorry for my shame attitude when we are on the stage. It was actually... my weakness... It¡¯s my blunder this time."

    Shirley bowed at Roland, but Roland waves his hand as if telling not to mind it.

    "So, a weakness is it?"

    "Yes, as you can see, my hair was black right?"

    Speaking of which, Roland now was watching the beautiful long hair of Shirley and showed a puzzled expression. ¡®What of it?'' His expression makes Shirley want to laugh as she expects him to mock her or curse at her but his expression is showed a complete confusion. Even Harold who glaring at Roland with an expressionless expression was narrowed his eyes as if want to know Roland¡¯s true intention.

    "Sir Roland, this black hair was called a curse by the people. I was a cursed child."

    Shirley body trembled as if she remembered something scary and her teeth was biting her lower lips. Seeing Roland silence, Shirley stopped Harold who wants to rush to her side with her hand and continued.

    "I who was a child back then was confused when my family always spoiled my sister and never gives me any love. But when the kid on my villages started to bully me I started to know that because of my black hair, They said my hair is the same as the Queen of Darkness. I was hated by everyone."

    The atmosphere turned gloomy but Shirley keeps continued her story.

    "Then, one day I meet a stupid kid who was a self-proclaimed hero. He was a weak kid back then, and I was the one who can stop his cry and reckless action. And that is the first time I know how to feel having friends. I started to forget my scary day as I play with him each day."

    Shirley smile when she remembering her past was dazzling and charming, if a normal man seeing this expression they will surely fall in love with her. But Harold was gripping his hand as he looked down with his expression hidden and Roland who closed his eyes while keeping silence.

    "However, my peaceful days were broken when my family told me to go to serve the Holy Shrine. I who always obedient at home suddenly shouted and refused at them which make them scared as I never do something like that. But I was scared. If I go, I will never meet that self-proclaimed hero. I scared that he will hurt himself. So in one night, I keep trying to refuse them."

    "But I can''t change my family mind, the day before, the priest of Holy Shrine come to pick me. Without able to said my goodbye, I departed from my village. The day of my service of Holy Shrine was good at the beginning, but the stare of the priest and priestess on the Shrine was scary. They who was smiling and speaking at me at the front were actually sneering behind me. And I know it by myself¡­"

    Without Shirley noticing, her body trembled even more and she hugged her body.

    "H-However, E-esteemed Father received me when the situation turned worse! He teaches me self-defense and knowledge of the world. And I trained myself to be a Child of the Moon, and the High God grants my wish."

    This time, Shirley smiled and stared at Roland. When their eyes meet, Roland feels a strange emotion when he hears ¡®situation turned worse'' and before he stepped forward, a shadow of person moved first.

    "It''s fine Rey, you are alright! You don''t need to force yourself if you need anything I will gladly help you. No, I will absolutely come to help you."

    "Thank you..." Seeing the confidence on Harold''s eyes, Shirley smiled and gives her thanks. She closed her eyes to calm her heart and without her notice, Harold was staring at Roland with a smile on his face, which made Roland eyebrows twitching.

    "Sorry to make all of you waiting, it was a hassle to finish the procedure to report to the King. There is also the proposal regarding the journey and- Ah, what with this situation?"

    Suddenly a cheerful voice broke the mixed atmosphere in the room as the Head Shrine coming with his arm stretched as his smile cramped seeing the three inside was mysteriously quiet. He looked around in confusion as the other didn''t seem to have any mood to give him any answer.

 Part 6

    [Day 11 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 16.32]

    "Alright, now with this we can start the briefing of this mission." After a few minute, four of people inside the room can have a conversation, the Head Shrine started with a cough.

    "The Child of Fate can only show their power if they can bond their power into one. Now for a starter, let us know each other with a detailed introduction." The Head Shrine smiled and let the three people tell their introduction. Surprisingly, Shirley was the one to tell first.

    "Let me first, as you are known my name is Shirley Camilla Burnet. Please call me by Shirley only. My middle name was given by esteemed father when I started to learn about him. As I was trained in the Holy Shrine, I specialized on light magic and barrier magic. My weapon is long mace because the head was smaller than the assault mace I can also use it as a staff. I like cooking and always helped the Shrine cook for breakfast and dinner. I really like the imported candy that being called chocolate. This year I was turned 20 years old. Because of my strict training, I-I d-don''t have a B-boyfriend."

    ¡®Too detailed!'' Three man''s present was shocked as they stared at the red face Shirley who looked down in embarrassment. Harold then showed a smile as he started to think something. The Head Shrine beside his daughter showed a wry smile. And Roland who having a stiff expression raised his hand and asked.

    "Erm, mis- *Cough* Shirley, so you are 20 years old? I thought that you are younger as you are smaller¡­" This bomb makes the surrounding turned cold. Shirley who looked down due to embarrassment now having her face cramped. She slowly raises her face and smiled so brilliant that it would blind a normal person, but her aura turned cold.

    Sensing something went wrong, Roland bowed his head. "A-Apologize. T-then let me introduce myself. My name is Roland Barnes of Barnes family. I was the fifth son of our family because I would not receive any from our household. I decided to train far from my family. Now I was one of the three Elemental Knights."

    Roland said that as he saluted. His right hand hitting his left chest and bowed. The expression of the other people was various. The Head Shrine nodded his head, as he already knows about that. Shirley gaze turned warm as she hears that Roland was working hard alone and a sense of comrade filled her heart and Harold was impressed as the Elemental Knight was chosen to be Child of Fate.

    "I now have a control over four basic elements. Fire, water, wind and earth. My specialty was weapon enchantment and I know few advanced magic attack of each element. I trained with a one-handed long sword. I like beef stew the most. This year I turned 19 years old."

    Roland said this as he bowed once again. This time the expression of three people changed again. The Head Shrine was impressed as an Elemental Knight, mastering until advanced magic was amazing. Shirley now smiled as she thought about something in good mood. And Harold smirked.

    After the introduction of Roland, they shifted their attention toward Harold. Which is now was drenched in sweat as he suddenly becomes the center of attention. Seeing the uncomfortable stare from Shirley that shouting her honest expression, Harold coughed.

    "*Cough* Now, it''s my turn. My name is Harold Blake. My last name was a name given by my master as I reach the last training of my mastery. I specialized in shadow magic and now bear the title of Shadow Master. I can do body strengthening, restraining and also attacking. My long sword also cannot be taken light off. I like to eat the grilled meat of my hunting. I was 22 this year."This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Now the expression can be seen at the three people. The Head Shrine showed complex expression as he hears the ¡®Shadow Master'' part. Shirley was showing a sad expression when she hears that Harold changed his family name. And Roland was troubled to hear the ''22 year'' part.

    Sensing something went wrong, Harold smile cramped but before long the Head Shrine speaking first.

    "Good, we already know some background of each person in the group. Then let us start to begin the second issue. The necessary equipment for the adventure, unfortunately, Noble''s faction already told the King that the Child of Fate would finish the mission on a month. This absurd mission was actually was approved by the King!"

    Head Shrine sighed as he holds his headache, Shirley beside him was comforting his as she gently stroke her father back. Roland fall too deep thought as this mission would trouble them, as forced journey is dangerous. However, Harold showed the expression as if the world already in his hand.

    Sighing, Head Shrine stared at Harold who keeping his composed expression.

    "So, this was your proposal, right? What will you do and what is your need on this mission? Thanks to this absurd mission of a month deadline the King will gladly give you all the preparation needed. But the King cannot move all his soldiers to help you, even when different race already cooperate with us. The national defense was their primary role, after all."

    Smiling, Harold shakes his head after hearing the Head Shrine.

    "We don''t need any people except us on this mission. They will only a hindrance. The three of us would be the best."

    "Hooh¡­" The Head Shrine pushed his glasses as an interest growing in his heart. Harold smiled and continued his proposal.

    "All I need is, please give us the dimensional bag each. For me, fill it with throwing weapon like a knife, dagger, needle, etc. and also potions, please. For Shirley, fill it with fresh ration, much more the better and the cook utensils. For that Roly, fill it with any type of shields. Ah, prioritize the buckler. And big leathers and long rope for each of us."

    "That is?" Hearing Harold, the Head Shrine was dumbfounded as he placed his finger to his ear to clean it, he thought that his ear may be betraying him.

    But, broke his expectation, Harold nodded his head. "That is."

    Roland was at loss, he ignores Harold that changing his name as he pleases but Roland expression turned serious as he standing up from his seat.

    "Wait a second, sir Harold. What do you mean by us only taking that much of¡­ Preparation? I know about the throwing weapon and fresh ration, but why we need so many shields?"

    "Tsk, you are too young for this, Little Roly~ The shields will help me- No, it would help us reach our goals in the scheduled time. Believe me." Harold closed one of his eyes as he smiled under his scarf, hiding his expression from Roland who staring at him. But no matter what he thought, Roland cannot see through black robed man thinking and he cannot help but sit again.

    "*Cough* The Dimensional Bag was actually one of the treasured items, but well, the King would still lend it anyway. But are you sure about that preparation? If you really think so, we can gather it from the various races for this in no time."

    The Head Shrine nodded his head after seeing the confirmation from Harold, he turned toward the other two, Shirley and Roland opinion regarding this setup.

    "I never have any experience on any expedition, but I believe on Harold decision." Shirley smiled as she agreed with Harold.

    "I thought that this is bit wrong, I request two small bags and some of the gold. I would like to prepare something that I thought would be necessary."

    Roland shakes his head but he didn''t disagree much, but he still wants some item that he thinks is needed.

    "All right! I will give the gold to you later. Now then, we should continue for the crucial issue. The road to the Dark Castle, we are currently in this place."

    The Head Shrine said this as he spread a big map of Alstancia Continent, a continent that divided into two sectors, white and darker. Then he pointed toward an icon of the fort in the middle of the map. Then he slid his finger to the farthest west of the map. The black castle.

    "If by your word, the three of you, of course, will be faster when moving as a team. But the road will be hard." The Head Shrine finger traced back to the previous fort icon while slid his finger in an arc from the fort in the middle of the map to the south area then to the west or from middle to north then to the west. The road on each side looked harsh, like a lake with skull or mountain that pierced the sky. There are numerous dangers that blocking their way. And they must accomplish it.

    In one month.

 Part 7

    "The three of you will need a fast mount to reach your goal. But the Silver Mane and Pegasus cannot accomplish such a feat without suffering the dangerous miasma. I know it, it impossible." The Head Shrine shakes his head in defeat.

    But Harold only raised his eyebrows and pointed his finger on the fort icon.

    "No, we didn''t need to go that far. We move this way." Harold finger slid his finger on the map with a straight line and ended to the black castle. Surprising three of them, who has followed Harold''s finger.

    The Head Shrine twitched while blowing a deep sigh.

    "Look here, O'' my child, Harold¡­ This is the Chasm of Dead! How can you past here when any avian creature would dead even when they flying high on top of this place!" He snapped and yelled at Harold as he tapping at the middle of the Fort and the Black castle, an unshaped hole that giving a red smoke.

    This place was the dangerous area that will kill everything. Like the abyss, it will make the one who dares to take a peek goes to the hell. The miasma on this hole was so potent that it still affecting a bird who flying high in the sky. Make it fall and be devoured by this hole. Griffin or Pegasus would reject to fly in this area. How do they go to the other side of the hole? Jumping?

    When Shirley and Roland hear the Head Shrine worried shout did their face turned pale, so that is why the Head Shrine suggested the two roads and ignoring the ¡®easy'' way to move straight.

    "Calm down calm down. I know about that, but this is the fastest route to reach the dark castle."

    ¡®Then-'' Before the Head Shrine can open his mouth to Harold word, Harold already speaking his plan.

    "Look closely. If we move this way, we would only have to overcome 3 dangers to reach the goals. First is this." Harold pointed at the icon beside the forts, it was an icon of 5 house, like a village.

    "This is the only village and was used as a signal post, which is also a place for the explorer and soldiers to check the surrounding. It was the crucial place used to notify us when the attack from the Darkness started. But until now there is no messenger come to report. We have to check it and make sure this location is safe. Then¡­" When Harold said this, the expression of understanding can be seen from the three of people. They also know that this village was filled with veteran soldiers and excellent explorer that scouting the area. And Harold is true as there is no message from that village.

    They paled thinking something bad must be happening to this village. Then they hear the word of Harold as he slid again his finger on the map.

    "This is the next thing for us to check. The previous Forest of Moon Treant was showing some abnormality. I received a report that the dead tree was turned into Hollow Treant and under control of something. If this continued, it would gather an army and attack this fort."

    Harold''s voice trembled when he explaining this place on the map, a black tree icon. This time the pale face of people turned white as their eyes also opened wide. Moon Treant was a tree that gained intelligent after the Mother Tree given them the Moon mana, They are famous from the legend of their ability to walking on the ground by uprooting and their thick bark is stronger that the iron. Actually, they are a gentle race that liked peace than war, but after the Queen of Darkness madness thousand years ago this race was annihilated and as the Mother tree withered, this race turned into a dead tree.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    Hollow Treant was the monster that copied after the normal Treant and naturally was weaker than the real. However as weak as it is, even then their power was terrible for Humanity. So, if by any chance the ancestor of the Treant, the Moon Treant turned into Hollow Treant, this threat will be a real danger.

    "And the next is this Chasm of Dead." Harold finger then pointed at the place that they speak as a hell gate.

    "The report I last received was, the thick miasma in this place started to thinning. So this is the right time to check it, and by the chance, we should also go to the other side of this Chasm. We would become the first to pass this Hell Gate." Harold finished speaking plan and leaning his back to the chair rest and folded his hands.

    Hearing the planned way that Harold suggested, the three people, The Head Shrine, Shirley, and Roland fell in deep thought while keeping their eyes on the map. Harold suggestion sure rings some bell on their mind and it was shorter than the previous two roads that the Head Shrine suggested. But why does it still something missing with this road that looked straight and shorter?

    The long road but easy to pass, or the short road, the road with high risk but the result can be seen to help the Humanity.

    Their mind only thought about the pros and cons of the three roads they must take. However, they never ask about the ¡®report I receive'' part that Harold was said.

    The Head Shrine is in dilemma, the road Harold suggested sure is short and if by luck nothing goes wrong, they can arrive really fast. But he sure that nothing in this world can be done smoothly, especially the Queen of Darkness, for a thousand of years she was defeated and sealed. He believes that she will also grow stronger and she will plan ahead of time to make sure the Child of Fate will fail. He afraid he would lose his precious girl that he already thought as his own daughter.

    He is afraid if the Queen of Darkness only giving this to lure them and trap them for eternity because of her hatred and deep grudge of Humanity.

    "Right. How about our mean of transportation? Silver Mane, Pegasus or Griffin?"

    However, like not knowing the Head Shrine distress, Roland asked Harold about the transportation of this journey.

    Roland meaning about the transport was to the road of the middle. The population already knew that the Child of Fate already promised to seal the Queen of Darkness in a month, thanks to the certain person confidence. So he must finish it like the promised, so the middle road was the best.

    For the mount, he has one that he proud of. One of the races of Silver Mane, the strongest horse with a silver hair. Their leg was stronger than a normal horse and their loyalty is top notch.

    As he thought that he cannot mount the Pegasus or the Griffin he hopes Harold would choose the Silver Mane, But Harold faces irritated Roland as his smile is filled with scheme and tricks.

    "We don''t need any mount. They also a hindrance. You better prepare your beloved mount to wait for you at home to serve you as a mount to show your dignity later!"

    With that, Harold laughed like a villain and make the three people to smiled wryly seeing him like that. Especially Shirley, as she was the one knowing Harold the most, she knew that Harold who was weak always make an advanced plan to defeat the bully that once tries to pick a fight with her. So she believes at the crying boy that she remembers now was grown up into a splendid man.

    "Doesn''t need a mount? So what will we do?" Roland was not like Shirley, he wants a complete understanding and to know his plan before decided.

    "I will tell you later, You don''t need to bring one. Just shoulder your bag and meet me at the gate tomorrow morning. We need to prepare our need and say your goodbye to your friends and the one you love."

    However, Harold shrugged his shoulder and didn''t answer Roland question. He glanced at Shirley when he said ¡®told your goodbye'' which she answer with a nod.

    Seeing like the briefing ended as Harold was the one to make a suggestion and taking the lead of the conversation, a feeling of lonely filled the Head Shrine heart as he sighed. He turns his head to see beyond the window of the second floor of this room that is the guest room on the Holy Shrine, the previous orange sky now turned dark as the star filled the sky as if the sky was theirs. How does the situation be the same as this room?

    "Alright then, I will prepare the item that you are needed. And Roland, please go to my room after this. All of you please rest and use this room as your own room. I need to write another report to the Majesty the King."

    "Ah! Is that true!? Does Shirley also sleeping with us here?" Suddenly Harold excited voice can be heard after the Head Shrine speaks his word.

    "Follow me, Shirley. I will guide you to your room. Rest your body." But of course, Harold was ignored as the Head Shrine already grabbed Shirley arm as he drags her away.

 Part 8

    [Day 12 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 00.00]

    On the middle of the night, when the blue moon reign supreme in the dark sky and guarded by the blinking star, a shadow slipped past on the crack of the wooden window. The shadow dropped to the floor and then a shape of man can be seen materialized, it closed eyes opened and a pair of red eyes can be seen observing the dark room before landed on the figure of a person who wearing a white clothes sitting in the corner of the room.

    ¡°So you has arrived¡­¡± The man in white clothes said as he leaned forward while supported by his both hands on his chin. His hidden face illuminated by the moonlight and the familiar small glasses shined with the light. It was the Head Shrine

    ¡°Ha ha ha¡­ Your intuition is sharp as always.¡± The man with red eyes walked and pulled a chair and sitting opposite of the Head Shrine and smirked.

    The Head Shrine sighed and stared at the man in front of him.

    ¡°So, what is the reason you meet me in the middle of the night, Harold?¡±

    Harold who was called only shrugged his shoulder before folded his hand and stared at the Head Shrine with narrowed eyes.

    ¡°The Sacred Ritual. I want to know the real sacred text of me. I know that I didn¡¯t hear about the two sacred texts before me, but I know that you¡¯re hiding the truth regarding the sacred text of the Child of the Star.¡±

    Hearing Harold cold word the Head Shrine stared at him in silence but in his mind, he was troubled but seeing the serious expression of Harold. His hesitation disappeared and he raised his both hand in surrender.

    ¡°Fine. But, I can only say this in advance. The sacred text that I read is true, but I only read the important part. And, for your safety, I cannot give you the real text. So I will give you advice of my understanding. You have to make sure your heart is clean! you have the power that originally was part of the darkness. I afraid that you may lose control over your dark emotion.¡±

    Harold stays staring at the Head Shrine, and his red eyes glowed for a little. The figure of Head Shrine in his eyes changed. His body slowly giving out a thin yellow aura then changed into white, pure white.

    Harold as the Shadow Master already mastered the power that he learns from his teacher. And one of it was the Aura Sight. This allows him to see through any intellect creature as their body will giving out different aura depend on their emotion. If they are trying to think something bad, their body would give out thick black aura. So he can see through any lie.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    But do the Head Shrine skipped some of his sacred text? Is it really alright? What he read is sacred text which given by the High God right? Harold seems troubled but he shrugged.

    Back to the case, the Head Shrine body giving out a thin yellow aura that meaning that he was feeling worried and the white aura meaning that he doesn¡¯t lie. Harold closed his eyes while trying to feel his feeling. Indeed, the disturbance within his body that he suppressed from when he finished the training with his master slowly appear and disappear.

    ¡°I needed to make my heart clean¡­ I see¡­¡±

    ¡°Listen, Harold. A human is a creature with full desire, you must not let this emotion taking control your mind! And this is about Shi-¡° Before the Head Shrine finished, the figure of Harold already melded into shadow and disappeared, leaving the Head Shrine who now gazed at the moon beyond the window.

    ****

    [Day 12 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 10.00]

    ¡°Dang it, am late!¡± A figure of the person wearing a black robe can be seen running through the road that crowded with people. His footwork is trained as he evaded the people on right and left side with ease, the bag on his hip bounced each time he slid and running past a narrow path.

    A purple medal on his neck also bounced off the robe sometimes, but the man didn¡¯t have any time for this and he keep moving his feet forward toward his destination.

    Not long, he can see two figures standing beside the iron gates that currently closed. He saw that the man with blond hair currently folded his hand with an expressionless face and beside him was a girl that smiled wryly at the man. Before long the one who noticed the black robed man was surprisingly the girl.

    ¡°Ah, Harold! You finally come!¡±

    ¡°S-Sorry, I got oversleep¡­¡± Harold who slowed down his feet smiled wryly as he apologized toward his two companions.

    ¡°Sigh, It cannot be helped then¡­¡± Shirley shrugged her shoulder before timidly staring at the man beside her, noticing something, Harold asked her.

    ¡°What happen to him?¡±

    ¡°Erm¡­ Sleeping?¡±

    ¡°What!?¡±

    Seeing Roland who standing with folded hand while his eyes wide open like glaring at the scenery is not moving an inch even after Harold arrival, Shirley troubled to answer him.

    ¡°You¡­ Do you know the important of time?¡±

    Suddenly Roland cold voice can be heard as he slowly turned his head to Harold on his side without changing his body posture. This sudden change surprised Harold a little, but he keep

    the composed expression and smiled at him instead.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that I am too busy with preparation last night and ended sleeping late and oversleep. Ha ha ha...¡±

    While laughing, Harold told some excuse. He, of course, dislike people lie, but who says that he cannot lie?

    Roland only raised one of his eyebrows while keep staring at Harold, before he turned around and faced the gate. He walked toward the one soldier that looking like guarding the component to open the gate. Taking the chance that Roland walking away, Shirley trotted toward Harold.

    ¡°Your lie is still easy to read as always, Harold¡­ Do you know that we already tired waiting for you? Who is the one that telling the cool thing about waiting on the gate in the morning? You self-proclaimed hero!¡±

    ¡°You¡­ Hey!¡±

    Shirley started teasing Harold as she stuck out her tongue at him, seeing it Harold feeling irritated and want to knock her head a little but she rushed out while giggling in a pleasant voice.

    Giving out a smile, Harold chased over Shirley and meet with Roland who finished the procedure to pass the gate. As they arrive, the thick and heavy gate slowly raised as the road opened toward them.

    ¡°Then, Harold. Where is our transportation?¡±

    Roland turned his body toward Harold and asked this question as he didn¡¯t see any creatures or vehicles that they could use in this mission.

    Noticing this Shirley also looked around before she tilted her head in confusion. Harold in other hand shakes his head and asked a question instead.

    ¡°How is your preparation? Do your each bag filled with the promised items?¡± Seeing the nod of approval from both of them, Harold smiled and walked toward the gate that now opened wide and said. ¡°Just follow me for a second.¡±

 Part 9

    [Day 12 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 12.00]

    ¡°Aha ha ha~¡±

    A sound of laughter can be heard as the figure of a person floating on the air. Her hands spread wide as her face was full of smile which can charm any man who saw her. As she floating in the sky, her hair flapping behind her and her lower robe revealed short tight that hugged her white thigh below the flapping blue skirt. But the girl didn¡¯t seem to mind it as she looked over to the scenery that passed below her with shining eyes.

    However, suddenly the rule of gravitation was doing its job as the girl body suddenly pulled down to the ground with fast speed. But, seeing the deadly scene before her, when the earth distance grows closer in a minute she didn¡¯t even show any fear.

    Then before she hit the ground, like a cat, she positioning her leg straight below her. Suddenly a dark thread gathered below her feet and like an elastic trampoline. When she bend her leg a little, with the push of her leg, her body would pushed up again and floating through the sky.

    For the third person perspective, they can see a person flying through the sky as if being thrown out by a catapult with fast speed, then their body suddenly started falling toward the ground. Seeing this, everyone would panic and rush to see the body but they only noticed that the body suddenly jumped to the sky before zoomed out like an arrow.

    ¡°Aha ha... It is fun~¡±

    She shouted her joy as she swung her hand overhead and now her golden eyes glowed like a kid found a new toy.

    ¡°B-be careful, Shirley!¡±

    ¡°Aha ha.. Rey, having so much fun...¡±

    Behind her, there are two mans who also like her, doing jumping and floating through the sky. However unlike her, Roland''s face was pale as he trying hard to control his body because he was wearing armor, so he was the first to fall to the ground with the fastest speed. Harold in another hand was enjoying the smile of Shirley.Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°H-Harold, is this... the only way we must do?¡± Roland, between his concentration of controlling his floating body, asked Harold who was the only familiar with this situation.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Harold who makes a posture of lay sideway while supporting his head with his left hand asked Roland instead.

    ¡°I-I mean, is this the only mean of our transportation?¡± Roland slowly getting used with the floating and now can speak without a problem.

    ¡°Yeah, this is the fastest and we can move without risking our mount dying on the road. When we are floating, we can see surrounding and can escape if we are attacked. This is the only convenience way of traveling.¡± Harold says as he changed his position to sitting position with his leg folded with his hand on his chin like thinking something. Roland shakes his pale face as he doesn''t believe the man in front of him calmly landed to the ground then changed his posture as he like when floating.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s maybe true... With this speed, we can reach the Signal Village in three days.¡± When Roland think about the big picture of this he sighed in relief. Currently, the three of them already floating for 2 hours and their distance from the Fortified town is going farther.

    Roland shifted from his thought to glance at the man beside him, the man wearing black robe which pouring out a mysterious aura. He then thought about the road that Harold suggested and unconsciously speaking his mind.

    ¡°Can we reach the village in time?¡± Roland thought about the condition of the Scouting Village, that village which always sends the report about the surrounding condition suddenly stopped sending a report and make the higher ups feels uneasy. Even with their fast movement now, the normally a week transportation would only end in four or three days depending on the situation.

    ¡°Am not sure...¡± Then when Roland fell in deep thought, Harold''s voice reaches his ear and he stared at him. Harold with bitter expression continued, ¡°Even with my power as Shadow Master, this is my limit to use Shadow Steps. We can only move for another 1 hour before we need to rest.¡±

    Roland smiled wryly as Harold who said ¡°We¡± and not him whose needed rest and say, ¡°It¡¯s no problem. With our current speed, we already surpassed what the Pegasus can do.¡±

    ¡°Yahoo~¡± Hearing the voice of Shirley somehow going farther, both of men turned their face and paled.

    ¡°Yeaay~¡± Shirley do a summersault then followed with an acrobat which she doing with ease, but from the perspective of both men, she is doing something dangerous and rushed at her with full speed.

    ¡°W-wait, what is going on? I-I can do this by my own!¡± Shirley struggled to break free as suddenly both of her arms was seized by Harold and Roland who suddenly appear on her each side.

    ¡°Are you stupid! You¡¯re doing something dangerous!¡± Harold shouted as she gripped the slender hand of Shirley''s arm, even when she wear the priestess clothes which having long sleeve, her soft skin can be felt by Harold. He glared at the pouting Shirley which still didn¡¯t know any sense of danger.

    ¡°S-Shirley, you almost hurt yourself!¡± Roland also shouted as he also tightened his grip to Shirley right hand. They ignoring Shirley protest ¡®B-but I can¡¯t move~¡¯ or ¡®Let me go~¡± as they continued their journey.

 Part 10

    [Day 12 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 13.30]

    ¡°...¡± On the side of the road, a girl can be seen folded her hand as she looking far to the horizon. However, the atmosphere surrounding her is gloomy as she ignoring the two not far from her.

    ¡°S-Shirley, what are you pouting for?¡±

    ¡°Sigh, let her alone... She is currently in child mode...¡± Harold shakes his head as keep preparing the tent using a wooden nearby, but sometimes he takes a glance on Shirley then continued. Roland who troubled beside Harold jumped in surprise as suddenly Shirley shouted ¡°Am not a child!¡± noticed that she losing control, she closed her mouth with her hands before turned away with a red face.

    After finishing the wooden ¡®tent¡¯ Harold pleasantly smiled seeing his work in front of him.

    ¡°Erm, Harold¡­ what is ¡®that¡¯? Did you said you want to build a tent to us?¡±

    Shirley timidly pointed at the ¡®thing(tent)¡¯ in front of Harold and asked while showed a troubled smile. Roland that standing nearby didn¡¯t say any word as he stared with a troubled expression.

    ¡°What do you mean? That will be your place to rest of course.¡± Harold raised his eyebrows at Shirley question and pointed the wooden tent with his thumb over his shoulder. Shirley smile twitched and turned toward Roland with blank eyes like asking for an explanation, unfortunately, Roland turned away and avoiding eye contact.

    ¡°Hey hey, are you doubting this? It may appear like this but this tent is stronger you know? Thanks to this, I manage to survive until now.¡± Harold frowned seeing Shirley and Roland didn¡¯t have a good impression on his work.

    The wooden ¡®tent¡¯ that Harold and Roland build is built between two small trees about 2 meters with one long branch tied as horizontal support on chest height. Then placed more branch that leaning to the horizontal support in the backside as a beam. After that crisscross vine on the beams and cover the framework with big leathers. Then in front of it was two rows of stacked log which covering the front. This was the Field-Expedition Lean-to and Fire reflector that Harold build.

    ¡°W-well, it can be true but¡­¡± Shirley feeling bad seeing Harold expression but there is uncomfortable feeling in her heart. It¡¯s true that the wooden tent looked stronger but, on what the tent inside her mind or the story she heard to the thing that Harold build is looked different so she feeling hesitated for a while. It looked more like a shelter.

    ¡°Here, take this.¡± Roland pulled out a sleeping bag from his dimensional bag and gives it to her. Shirley stared at the sleeping bag on Roland''s hand and blinked and her expression turned bright.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± She smiled and take the sleeping bag and trotted to the ¡®tent(shelter)¡¯ that Harold builds with a cheerful expression.

    Harold seeing Shirley rushed past him happily while holding the sleeping bag frowned and approached Roland. He planned to call Roland but he stopped few meter away from him as he narrowed his eyes.

    Roland who at first feeling troubled when the tent wasn¡¯t created with good bedding as he stared at the hard ground below the strong wooden shelter. He thought that Harold maybe forgetting about it, but when he sure that Harold doesn¡¯t have any intention to fix it, Roland''s face turned blue.

    Does he think Shirley, who raised with good bedding would agree to sleep on the ground? Ah, it¡¯s true, right? Seeing hesitant face on Shirley''s face, make Roland sighed before he searching something in his bag. With a troubled smile, Roland gives Shirley his sleeping bag.

    But what he didn¡¯t expect was, Shirley smile that so bright make his heart waver. Actually, Roland was already familiar with lady smile when he was a noble back then. But the smile of Shirley was so pure than anyone in his mind. Even when he see her smile when he meets her at the Holy Shrine, he can feel his heart beating. And now seeing it right in front of him suddenly make his face become hot.

    Roland shakes his head as he clenched his heart place over his armor then noticed a strange stare from Harold.

    ¡°What is it, Harold?¡±

    Harold didn¡¯t answer as he still staring at Roland with narrowing eyes.

    ¡°Nothing. I only want to say that we need to talk about something.¡±

    ¡°Something? What is?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s meet with Rey''s first.¡±

    Harold shrugged from Roland question and turned to move toward Shirley. When he hear a footstep, Harold only glanced over his shoulder and with his eye shining he saw unexpected aura appear on Roland body.

    Shirley currently sitting on the sleeping bag from Roland while happily stacking a branch to make a fireplace inside the shelter. But because right now is noon, of course, she didn¡¯t light it. She didn¡¯t have any experience but she sure her work is decent, she smiled while poking it with a small branch on her hand before she noticed two people approached.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°Ah, welcome back. Do you need something?¡± Noticed the serious aura from Harold, Shirley dropped her branch and sitting in straight posture on the sleeping bag.

    Harold who watching Shirley sitting comfortably above the soft sleeping bag, blinking before sitting on the ground and he felt the hard ground on his butt.

    ¡°*Cough*, I want to ask something to both of you.¡± Harold coughed before turned to Shirley and Roland. They exchanged a glance before turned to Harold with expression ¡®What is it.¡¯

    ¡°First, I want to know your knowledge about the darkness invasion. No wait, I didn¡¯t care about the legend story. I want to know your own, say everything on your mind.¡±

    Hearing Harold word, Shirley and Roland surprised for a moment before falling on deep thought.

    Not long after, Roland was the first to speak his mind. He folded his arm and his eyes flickering.

    ¡°To tell the truth, I didn¡¯t know anything about this invasion. We were told about the Legend of the mad queen of darkness who will envelop the world with darkness and when we, the Humanity would gather together to fight it. But for whatever reason, the monster of darkness suddenly appeared before the awakening day of the Queen of Darkness this year. Make the leader of each power feel uneasy.¡±

    ¡°Oho, as expected of Roly the great. You tell a story like you read a script.¡± Harold word makes the tense atmosphere turned funny as Shirley was also giggling. Then Shirley like remembering something placed her finger on her chin and say.

    ¡°Yes, like Roland said. I also hear that the ¡®Resistance¡¯ has been fighting with the force of darkness all around the continent. It sure is strange as the monster attacked with more coordinated form like there is a leader among them.¡± Shirley suddenly feels a chill thinking the monster having intelligence.

    ¡°That is true, now even when the Queen of Darkness still sealed the threat of monster keep increasing. The road becomes more dangerous even bandit would leave their hunting ground if they still loved their lives.¡± Roland''s eyes turned fierce as he thinking about something.

    ¡°You are wrong. The Queen of Darkness is already awakened.¡± Harold declaration makes the other surprised. ¡®How can this be? This is not the time of her awakening.¡¯ Many thoughts filled their mind but they turned to Harold to seek for an explanation.

    ¡°You already know that the Queen of Darkness always ended with her being sealed away right? Are you not wondering how she keeps ended being sealed? If it me, I would not let myself to be sealed once again.¡±

    ¡°But Harold, even it was true how you can be so confident about her awakening?¡± Shirley asked the question that Roland also thought of.

    ¡°You know my power right? I will not say something flattering, in a matter of fact. My power, the shadow was actually part of the darkness power. And right now, my power is increasing. This is the clue that the Queen of Darkness manages to broke her seal.¡± Hearing it, Shirley and Roland was dumbfounded. Because their power was given by the High God and it affinity was Light, of course, they cannot sense the Darkness really well. They only know when the surrounding changed.

    Seeing Harold expression turned ugly, Shirley placed her hand on Harold''s shoulder and say.

    ¡°So, is that the reason you want to quickly finish this mission?¡±

    Feeling the hand of Shirley make Harold''s heart calmed down, but he says.

    ¡°You are wrong, I can feel that the Queen of Darkness is still weak but if this continued she would become stronger and be a threat for all of us.¡± Hearing it, Shirley tilted her head ¡®eh, isn¡¯t it the same?¡¯

    Roland who is deep in thought suddenly says. ¡°So, that means that even with her weakened power, she still manages to control the monster really well and if she back in full power, we would be annihilated?¡±

    ¡°That is why, we-¡° Before Harold can finish his word, he already standing while unsheathed his long sword. The black sword giving out a cold aura around it. Shirley and Roland also noticed a dark presence and prepared their weapon. Three of them jumped out of their shelter and noticed that they are surrounded.

    ¡°N-No way! How can the Dark Hound is here!? We are not far from the Signal Village!¡± Shirley shouted as she gripped her long mace.

    ¡°Is it true that the Signal Village in danger¡­ we must make haste.¡± Roland slowly backing away and come near Shirley as his sword enveloped with fire. The three of them standing back to back and increased their vigilance. There are 20 Dark Hound surrounded them.

    The Dark Hound is a demonic beast with the appearance of the overgrown dog, be it a wild dog or normal dog would turn if the dark miasma entered their body. Body with 2 meters tall packed with hard muscle, strong fang and claw that can rip apart the human armor, and a flame enveloped its neck like a lion mane. Its growled while sometimes also breathed a fire. Yes, a fire.

    ¡°Roly, oh the great Roly. I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re fan of the flaming sword. But you cannot hurt Dark Hound with your flame stick, you would only tickle them. Its affinity is Dark and Fire you see~¡± Seeing that they are surrounded, Harold glanced at Roland behind him and smirked.

    Hearing Harold word that somehow translated as ¡®You dumbass, what can you do attacking enemy with their affinity.¡¯ In his ears. Roland silently changed the red fire on his sword into the cold aura of freezing blue. Harold only snorted and turned to Shirley.

    With serious yet nervous expression, Shirley glared at the Dark Hounds nearby while gripping her mace. Not wasting any time, she hit the ground with the end of the mace handle and shouted.

    ¡°Banish the corruption of malice, Lightwave!¡± following Shirley shout, a white shockwave spread to the surrounding with her as the center. When it hit the Dark Hounds, its body suddenly stiffened and started to shake their head as if rejecting something.

    When the wave of light disappeared, two shadows dashed from beside Shirley and rushed at their own target.

    Harold body that enveloped in black is looked like a black bolt rushed at its target. However, when it looked like a bolt about to stuck on the tree, Harold with ease jumped to the next target and he ended like a ricocheting everywhere. However, contrary to its ricochet show, Harold manage to deal a huge amount of damage to 5 Dark Hounds in flash and ended to kill one. Pulling out his long sword from the dead Dark Hound, Harold dashed again.

    Roland in the meantime also showed his power. With his freezing sword he aiming at each Dark Hound legs, with one dash, 6 Dark Hounds fall to the ground with its leg frozen. Turning his body before his dash ended, Roland swings his sword and unleashed a sword wave. The crescent sword wave hit 3 Dark Hound, turn it into ice sculptures.

    When the effect of Lightwave ended, the rest of the Dark Hounds rushed toward Shirley with bloodlust on its eye. They opened their mouth and the sharp fangs shining with the sunset light, make it look more sharp and dangerous.

    Facing the incoming danger of 2-meter tall monster, Shirley smashed the ground with her mace. ¡°Moonlight Barrier!¡±

    A half round light expanded and covered Shirley with a diameter of 5 meters and blocked the Dark Hound mad rush, producing an unpleasant sound as its head collided with the hard barrier. With resolution eyes, Shirley makes an eye contact with one of them. ¡°It¡¯s not ended yet. Moonlight Spike!¡±

    The barrier suddenly trembled before a spike of light pushed out and pierced 8 Dark Hounds who are unable to retreat in time. ¡°Light of forgiveness, cure this dark emotion within. Purification!¡± With her right palm open and hit the barrier, it''s blue light suddenly turned into gold and the Dark Hound who trapped screamed in pain before turned to dust.

    Sighed in relief on his heart, Harold smiled at Shirley ¡®Nice combo! And I won¡¯t lose!¡¯ and increased his speed. Roland who is also staring at Shirley increased his willpower and unleashed a barrage of freezing sword wave.

    As the Sun slowly fell to slumber beyond the horizon, a dog pained wail can be heard for a moment.

 Part 11

    [Day 12 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 21.30]

    Night time, Roland sitting on the tall black rock near the road while looking on the certain direction with worry on his face. Hearing a footstep he turned his face and saw Harold approaching, he wanted to ask but somehow his mouth say ¡°Is Shirley already resting?¡±. Looking on Harold scowling expression, Roland regretted his question.

    ¡°Well, this is the first time she had a real fight. She ended foolishly spend her power too much and exhausted. She is sleeping after I finished my advice.¡± Hearing Harold, Roland only make a troubled smile as the word ¡®Advice¡¯ is actually is off than the actual advice. And it is so long that he ended escaped outside in worry of getting caught of that atmosphere.

    Harold silently observed Roland and sighed. ¡°Do you have an acquaintance in the Signal Village? You looked on edge while staring that direction.¡±

    Roland blinked before he shifted his sight while rubbed his back neck. ¡°No, I don¡¯t have any in there. I just worried that the Signal Village currently in danger and many people would end dying. My feeling is telling me to help them as fast as possible.¡±

    ¡°You worry wart, Signal Village isn¡¯t that easy to fall. There are many experienced veterans and strategic ground for defensive. You would only hurt your stomach thinking something unimportant. You better save your power and go to sleep! It¡¯s my time to take a guard duty. Shoo¡± Harold makes a gesture to shoo him away.

    Roland smile twitched when he hear ¡®something unimportant¡¯ and that rude gesture, he wants to rebuke him but decided against it as he would lose in a debate.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, I shall take a rest then.¡± Jumping down the rock Roland gripped his sword handle on his waist and walked past Harold but his voice suddenly makes him stop.

    ¡°One moment, don¡¯t you dare see Rey''s sleeping face¡­¡±

    Roland body trembled before he turned to face Harold and smiled wryly.

    ****

    [Day 13 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 02.30]

    Shirley rubbed her eyes and slowly rises up her body, not long after sitting from her sleeping position she feels aches on her shoulder, neck, and her back. Silently chanting a healing magic, her body enveloped with light and the uncomfortable feeling lifted from her as fresh feeling now filled her body and mind. She smiled in delight before she paled. The honorable father always scolded her to stop her use healing magic like this. If it used in the night time, she would lose the sleepy feeling and would end breaking the sleep cycle, and he always said that the sore and ache can be good ¡®experience¡¯ in life.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    Shirley jumped and prostrated to the ground, afraid of the honorable father sacred scolding. But noticing something, she lifted her head and saw a stack of woods and remnant of a bonfire that her memories returning back. Sighed in relief, Shirley also noticed a familiar robe falling below her.

    Seeing Harold who curled on the corner and shivered because of cold, Shirley makes a smile. She slowly moved without sound and covered him with the robe while whispering ¡®Thank you for your consideration, Harold. But you needed this now.¡¯

    Stroking Harold front hair, Shirley smile turned gentle. ¡°Now that I wasn¡¯t sleepy anymore what should I do? Oops, Harold would get angry if he wakes up seeing me stroking his hair.¡±

    Holding her laugh Shirley comes out of the shelter while muttering. ¡®Right, where is sir. Roland?¡¯ her wondering eyes suddenly caught a figure of a person sitting on the rock and she approached him.

    Roland who fell in deep thought blowing up a tired sigh. He remembered the word from Harold when they switched place for guard duty.

    ¡®You, can you stop showing me that disgusting expression? Do you want to rush to the Signal Village that much? Look around. It¡¯s already night time, who would stupidly run from distance that long. You would exhaust yourself and end killed before arrived!¡¯

    ¡®I refuse to carry you there as Rey is currently tired. Deal with it and hope they endured before we arrive!¡¯

    Roland knows that Harold word is true, but there is uncomfortable feeling and he ended thinking all night without he noticed. He suddenly remembered the bad memories a few months ago and unconsciously gripped tight his sword handle.

    ¡°Ah?¡± Suddenly without Roland notice, his vision turned dark as a soft sensation touched his face. ¡°Who is it?¡± A voice that so clear and pleasant to the ears appeared behind him. Then with the wind blow, he can smell a sweet fragrant which make his heart racing. Roland grit his teeth and say.

    ¡°S-Shirley, what are you doing?¡± Then his vision cleared up and Roland turned to face Shirley who smiled at him.

    ¡°Hehehe¡­ I was found out~¡± Shirley giggling while covering her mouth with her hand.

    Slightly blushed, Roland rubbed his back neck and said. ¡°Well, of course, it was you. Who else? Harold would never do something like that.¡±

    Hearing Roland¡¯s, now was Shirley turn to be red. ¡°W-well, t-that is true I guess¡­¡±

    Coughed, Roland turned to face Shirley again. ¡°So why did you suddenly wake up in this late of night?¡± To Shirley who makes a troubled smile, Roland continued. ¡°Let me guess, you want to go to the bath- Woah!?¡±

    Roland evaded Shirley punch and he holds her both hand to lock her, but somehow Shirley was going to overpower him.

    ¡°You dumb! You¡¯re not allowed to say that word to maiden!¡± With ¡®Hmph¡¯ Shirley pouted.

    ¡°I-I apologize¡­ Does it mean you unable to sleep? Ah?¡± Now Roland was being glared by Shirley and he becomes more confused.

    ¡°Good grief, you really lack gentlemanly¡­ You need to learn how to treat women to Harold it seems.¡±

    ¡°Ahaha¡­¡± Roland only answered with a troubled smile but he thinking ¡®Nah, I¡¯ll pass.¡¯ inside his mind. He thought that Shirley only wanted to joke.

    Feeling the tension turned better, Shirley smiled again and asks. ¡°So why are you here?¡±

    ¡®Girl feelings are hard to understand. One time they got angry and then smiled as if nothing happen and reverse¡­¡¯ Of course, it¡¯s only in Roland minds. He in other hand smiled.

 Part 12

    [Day 13 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 04.30]

    ¡°Hoam~¡± Harold opened his mouth wide as he stretched his arm. He slowly rises from the sleeping position and noticed that he was enveloped by his robe and Shirley looked like already waking up as her sleeping bag was placed neatly in the corner.

    Putting on his robe, Harold stands up while dusting his pants and decided to thanks Shirley for covering him when she wakes up. But when he comes outside, Harold stiffened.

    He saw Shirley sitting right beside Roland as they happily chatting about something because their distance is quite far so Harold wasn¡¯t able to hear them. Raising his eyebrows while making scowl, he turned to the shelter and picked up the sleeping bag and the mace.

    Roland''s heart is calmed down every time he hears Shirley pleasant laugh, when she asked about why he was sitting alone here, Roland who at first speaking with troubled expression slowly able to make a joke with her.

    ¡°Oi, Roly catch this.¡±

    ¡°What is- Hmpfh!?¡±

    Hearing voice behind him, Roland turned his head but his face was hit by something and he falls to the ground.

    Slowly getting up, Roland noticed that the thing that thrown to him was his sleeping bag. Turning toward Harold he thanked him as he put it inside his bag.

    ¡°Harold, aren¡¯t you rude? Can you give it normally?¡± Shirley who surprised seeing Roland on the ground turned to glare at Harold.

    ¡°Well, he looked defenseless so I only want to tell him to keep his vigilance, though.¡± Facing with Shirley glare, Harold shrugged his shoulder and continued. ¡°And as we already wake up and ready. It¡¯s time to go.¡± He then stretched his hand to give Shirley her mace.

    Fixing his sword on his waist Roland asked Harold with confusion. ¡°Right now? Do we need breakfast or something?¡±

    ¡°We can take a meal when we arrived. If we go now, I predicted we would arrive the day after tomorrow. Last night of my guard duty, I can saw few Demonic Beast littering around this area. I fear that the Signal Village defense would not hold much longer. Shirley gives me recovery buff, I would increase our speed.¡±

    Hearing Harold word, Shirley and Roland glanced at each other and nodded their head in approval. Holding the mace with one hand, Shirley right palm pointed at Harold and with silence chants, a light enveloped his body.

    ¡°Alright, time to move. Shadow Step!¡± Grasping the power swelling within his body, Harold''s eyes shined.

    With Harold shout as a signal, three shadows shot straight to the sky leaving behind the wooden shelter. Their figure disappeared in flash.

    ****

    [Day 15 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 10.08]

    Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°Pull yourself! We can¡¯t let this village fall!¡±

    A strict voice boomed out between the road which filled with beast corpses, A man wearing some kind of animal fur as an armor swinging his massive axe while glaring at the wave of the beast which pouring out from the hole in the wall and broken gate.

    ¡°Roooaah!!¡± A shout of encouragement was sounded out by everyone nearby, they wearing a different kind of armors and weapons so its doubt that they are the soldiers who usually protecting the city.

    However, an armored knight-like one and a couple of woman between the crowd makes this gathering of this armed man were no way was a group of a bandit.

    With the man holding massive axe as the head, they made a triangle formation to face against the incoming enemies wave. They¡¯ve been fighting the horde for almost three days. And now as the wall was destroyed they¡¯re trying to be a meat wall instead. But, even if they have a resolve to stop the enemy charge, few of them who wearing light armor already drenched their back with sweat.

    ¡°Steven, are you sure it would work?¡± The knight who stands near the axe-holding man asked with a nervous face.

    Steven smiled as he tightened his grip on his axe. ¡°Who know?¡±

    Hearing it, the knight turned his head with a snap with expression asking ¡®What do you mean?¡¯

    ¡°You will see¡­ Natasha, do it!¡± Steven smile only widen when he saw the knight face. When the knight turned his head toward the front, numerous demonic beasts of various type rushing with killing intent. However before they reach 5 meters, a small red cyclone appeared on the dark ground before enlarge in size. It turned into a tornado of flame in few second which then sucked the demonic beasts nearby and burn it to ashes.

    The demonic beast with the small and medium body was thrown by the sucking force of flame tornado without able to react. However, the flame tornado only lasted for a minute before it disappeared into nothingness. The demonic beasts used this chance to advance. However, then a dark spike blossomed on the ground, followed with numerous wind blades, then ice spears rained from above. In each minute so many demonic beasts were killed.

    ¡°Yeeaaahh!!¡± A loud cheer from the human side makes the nervous people increase their willpower.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get carried away! We must protect her!! Albert, bring me your recovery potion!¡± Steven dashed from his position between the cheering human armed forces while yelling as loud as he can toward the knight beside him.

    Albert jumped in a surprise hearing the loud voice beside him, but he started to search his bag while covering his sensitive ear. As the other stared at Steven back, they noticed a falling shadow from the sky and between the smokes of combined magic, demonic beasts with larger body advanced with an angry growl.

    Noticed the connection from Steven word, all of them clenched their own weapon while rushing to meet the enemy head on in the frontal clash.

    ¡°Raaagh!!¡± Swinging his massive axe in full rotation, Steven slices apart nearby demonic beast while also thrown them away. When the clearing formed from his attack, Steven released his grip on his axe and received the falling body with both hands.

    ¡°Urgh, I used too much magic¡­¡± the person on Steven''s arm groaned

    ¡°Haha¡­ You¡¯re stronger than I thought! And your body is too light, Natasha¡± Steven grinned as he gently put down the slender body of the girl.

    Meanwhile, the human forces manage to push forward and reach Steven location, then a knight arrived while taking out a bottle of blue liquid.

    ¡°Sigh, both of you sure is reckless¡­¡± Albert sighed as he surveyed the surrounding in awe.

    The situation currently on their side, as the demonic beast number slowly was reduced.

    Seeing the expression of Albert, Natasha smiled and after drinking the recovery potions says ¡°You know what, Sir ¡®Great Knight Leader¡¯, if you only shocked with only this much-¡°

    *Whack!

    *Splash~

    A sudden sound of something like a club hitting and it''s squashing sound nearby interrupted Natasha word. When she turned her head her expression turned horrified as a piece of ¡®fresh meat¡¯ landed beside her.

    Steven doesn¡¯t need to check the thing as he already glaring to the front, Albert in other hand was stunned and speak with a weak voice filled with astonishment. ¡°The Heavy Crusher¡­¡±

    *Roooaarr!!

    A terrifying shout traveled through the wind like a wave and hit the human forces, make their body stiff. The shout was so loud that the frontline people falling dead because of the shock crushed their brain and blood rushing out from the ears and nose.

    With only one shout, many people fell flat on the ground twitching in agony or dying. Then like not letting them take a breath, another swing turned the surviving person into a paste. The hand which holding the heavy club were black and full of muscle. It stands for 4 meters tall with fang protruded from its mouth. Wearing a nothing but muscle and loincloth, the creatures who looked like Gorilla without fur, the one who was infamous of being The Heavy Crusher, the Demonic Ogre.

 Part 13

    *Roooaarr!!

    A terrifying shout traveled through the wind like a wave and hit the human forces, make their body stiff. The shout was so loud that the frontline people falling dead because of the shock crushed their brain and blood rushing out from the ears and nose.

    With only one shout, many people fell flat on the ground twitching in agony or dying. Then like not letting them take a breath, another swing turned the surviving person into a paste. The hand which holding the heavy club were black and full of muscle. It stands for 4 meters tall with fang protruded from its mouth. Wearing a nothing but muscle and loincloth, the creatures who looked like Gorilla without fur, the Demonic Ogre.

    The people expression who slowly recovered from the shock turned pale, as a fear consumed their heart. One by one, another Demonic ogre appeared. 5 Demonic Ogres from four direction, and started to surround the human forces.

    ¡°Natasha, can you do something? At least open the path for us?¡± Steven who standing nearby Natasha asked her while clenched his grip on his axe.

    However, Natasha shakes her head. ¡°Impossible. I Was an Elemental Knight, not a freaking Sorcerer. I have my limit on my magic control¡­¡±

    ¡°This is the last stand then?¡± Trying to calm his heart, Albert joined in the conversation.

    From the hundred human forces, only 68 who can fight with good condition slowly gathered and made a circle formation. The Demonic Ogres smiled with delight as they slowly approaching as if want to enjoy the fear and despair of their prey.

    They are trapped. Demonic Ogres was infamous of their massive strength and high defense. This creature is also one of the dark creatures told in the legend, as there are none sighted in the last years. So it means that the Queen of Darkness was resurrected!?

    This clearly is a bad news, usually this time they are supposed to light the signal cannon to tell the Resistance force and the Federation Union about this danger. However, because of unknown reason, the signal cannon which proudly stands for a decade suddenly stopped function. This mystery rendered all the inhabitants of the Signal Village with the worry of betrayal, which make a new rule to forbid everyone leaving off the village, for fear the culprits decide to run away. However, now their decision made them pay a great price.

    This is their last stand, all they need to do was to buy time or with luck, to reduce the Demonic Ogre numbers. However, a fear is still fear. Some of the priest people already on their knees to pray the High God for protection and salvation.

    When the Demonic Ogre with bloody club raised its club, the other imitates it and their smile turned so evil. Without wasting time, the Demonic Ogre¡¯s swung their club with a strengthened hand to the small human on their reach.

    *Bang!

    A loud sound of collision makes the ground cracked that even produced dust to the surrounding, as a thick half round barrier protected the gathered human forces. The Demonic Ogre club which naturally was to be hit the ground was bounced and the rebound makes them stunned.

    Between this sudden turn of events, the priest and priestess on the gathering were cheering as they sensed the holy aura on the barrier. Before the other can digest the situation, the scream of the Demonic Ogres pulled their attention.Stolen story; please report.

    Beyond the barrier of light, a numerous human ¡®shadow¡¯ was flying around and slashing the Demonic Ogres. The shadow was looked same in body build, weapon, and attacking pattern as if they are the same person. This shadow also is unstoppable as when the club swing only passed their body as if a wraith attacking them.

    The Legendary Demonic Ogre can¡¯t even do anything as the injury on their body increased. Their expression turned ugly as they tried to swat the annoying fly, only to make their situation turned worse. Not long after, a huge flaming sword floating above demonic ogres and slammed down. With a bang, the huge sword released a shockwave of fire and engulfed them. The spectator can see a glimpse of light aura on the flame which now erased the legendary monster that can only screamed in agony.

    Seeing the Demonic Ogres who are hard to deal suddenly killed easily make the human forces nearby make a complex expression. Especially Albert, as he was a knight of high ranking in the Federation Union there is no report of a person with this much of power. So of course, he was nervous and hopes that this person who helped them were not enemies.

    Slowly, the barrier which surrounded the human forces started shrink which surprised them. With barrier this thick and hard, we would turn into paste! However before they can react, the barrier already passed their body and forced them to close their eyes in fear. One minute, two minutes, they opened their eyes only to discover their injury started to recover. Experienced the live and death situation, they cheered loudly from their heart content.

    Not long after, they heard an unfamiliar voice talking and turned their head at the place of the burned demonic ogres only to saw three persons with different attire. Looking from distance they¡¯re arguing about something as they approaching the human forces location. Two mans and one girl walking in calmed manner side by side, however, the holy aura around their body clearly told their identity.

    ¡°T-The Child of Fate¡­¡± ¡°I-It¡¯s true¡­¡± ¡°The legend is true!¡±

    Then with another cheers, they welcomed the savior who is now appeared in the moment of crisis but somehow it also startle the trio as the wave of human forces rushing at them with a passionate gaze.

    [Day 15 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 14.30]

    Harold sour expression turned worse with his scowling and silent glare. Some of the human forces in the signal village who tried to say their gratefulness and some of priestess and female adventurer who is a bit interested with his previous handsome face were too scared to call him.

    Harold unconsciously unleashed a dark killing intent as he glaring at a certain direction, he is so focused that he didn¡¯t notice the surrounding avoiding him.

    There, at the middle of the village is Shirley who is stirring a huge pot which is full of soup. She was surrounded by man which trying to talk with her every single minute who''s also holding a plate for her cooking. Shirley only smiled and says a little word for their question, but it only fueled the fire on the man eyes. They would not make the action right now, but the small black aura on their body is disgusting on Harold''s eyes.

    Between the stirring the pot, Shirley sometimes glanced at certain direction before turned back to her cooking. There, Harold can see Roland surrounded by the crowd of girls. The Heck! Does he have a job to protect REY! Harold gritted his teeth as a glimpse of black aura appeared on the crowds of girls. He already said to them to STAY as he checks the surrounding, so how did this situation happening! Harold''s eyes turned fierce.

    ¡°Hey boy, can you stop unleashing this deep killing intent? We also on the human side you know? I can see that you are the companion of the Child of Fate, or maybe their guard but calm down okay?¡±

    A girl''s voice appeared behind Harold, but he only glanced over his shoulder. A girl wearing tight leather armor with small armor plate covering her chest, her hair was blazing red with little green on the tip of her hair. She folded her hand and stared at Harold with her violet eyes in the clearly bad mood.

    Harold''s eyes lingered on her for a second before he turned his head which make the girl quite angry. She gritted her teeth to contain her anger and approach him, when she stands beside Harold she says. ¡°So, who is your name? You can call me Natasha, I''m one of the Elemental Knight.¡± Expecting surprised expression of Harold, the latter only snorted which disappointed Natasha.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I know a certain Elemental Knight who is so clumsy using their power. What I can see is people with over confidence, but cannot control their power too well. My impression of them is low.¡±

    ¡°What!?¡± Natasha''s face turned turn red, ¡®what do you mean by clumsy? Overconfidence without full control, you say? You must grateful to meet one of Elemental Knight because they are rare talent!¡¯

    ¡°See that guy, he was also an Elemental Knight. He is powerful and his control over basic element is also marvelous.¡± Harold pointed his finger at Roland who is now troubled because the girls who surrounded him. Seeing him from afar, Natasha can feel a familiar elemental essence on him and her eyes shined. She dashed forward and joined to the crowds. Seeing it, Harold expression turned better. He has a feeling that this girl is troublesome so he throws her to Roland the ¡®dashing knight¡¯.

    ¡°Boy, your mouth is so foul and full of lies!¡± Before Harold feels fully relaxed, a hand grasped his shoulder. He turned his head and saw a big man wearing fur armor with a massive axe on his back, Harold sighed. ¡®Another troublesome guy¡­¡¯

 Part 14

    ¡°Boy, your mouth is so foul and full of lies!¡± Before Harold feels fully relaxed, a hand grasped his shoulder. He turned his head and saw a big man wearing fur armor with a massive axe on his back, Harold sighed. ¡®Another troublesome guy¡­¡¯

    Seeing Harold sigh, Steven roared. ¡°What is your problem, boy! Can you act more than this rude way of talking!¡± his roar can be heard by the surrounding, and they now staring at both of them.

    ¡®Am not even talking yet¡­¡¯ Harold shifted his eyes for this troublesome barbarian and say. ¡°That is the same for you, can you speak calmer? You hurt my eardrums.¡±

    ¡°My name is Steven! Not You! And I know Natasha better than you. She would never fall behind from that blond boy with showy magic!¡±

    ¡®Did you not hear me, you Barbarian!¡¯ Harold now covering his two ears as the Steven''s voice is too loud. Natasha who standing near Roland turned red in embarrassment and Roland pointed himself in confused. Then Steven turned toward Harold with a fierce glare.

    ¡°And why does my enhanced nose can smell a stink smell of darkness on you! Who- No. What the hell are you!?¡±

    This word from Steven takes the attention of the human forces as they now turned their body toward both of them and glared at Harold. It seems that Steven already recognized as a leader and they are not asking any question from his word. So when he suddenly says someone was suspicious, then he must be one to check!

    This turn of events surprised Shirley and Roland as the atmosphere turned serious and looks dangerous. The people was already steeled their heart and ready to hear Harold ¡®excuse¡¯, and it looks like if the Steven say it, they will attack without minding.

    Both of them gulped their saliva, and hope Harold can solve this problem like he always do. Shirley grasped her two hands together like praying, and Roland''s eyes were shining.

    Harold in the meantime observed the crowds and he can see Natasha already has a sword on her hand, ready to move.

    ¡°What, you say? I was a Human. Why do you say? It¡¯s because of my power. My power is Shadow, one of the powers of Darkness.¡±

    This sudden declaration dumbfounded the surrounding. They stared at Harold with a blank expression. Shirley and Roland gasped in surprise that Harold in a bold manner told his power to the surrounding. They were companion, Shirley believes at him is unbroken. And Roland in his heart already has a small feeling of gratefulness at his swift action and planning. But the other people in this Alstancia Continent has a full hatred toward darkness, they lose their land, they lose their loved one, and many people have their dark history and that is why they gathered in this Signal Village for a reason.

    Then, Steven who grasped his axe to combat stance was like a signal, as the people started to pull out their weapons while blood red aura of killing intent poured out as their fierce glare stabbed Harold.

    ****

    [Day 15 Month 6 Year of Crescent Moon: 18.00]

    Roland standing still with blank expression, he staring at the certain location with complicated feeling in his heart. His eyes flickering with certain feeling but then disappeared, What he staring at was Harold and Shirley few meter away from him. Shirley with nervous expression while healing Harold injury as his body glowing. Even from the distance between them, Roland can understand that Shirley started to complain toward Harold. Harold who is trying to ignore her nagging, unfortunately only to make her complaint more intense.

    Roland frowned seeing them but he didn¡¯t have a good reason to disturb them, so he decided to stand still. But what is this uncomfortable feelings?

    ¡°Yo, magic boy! Your expression looked sour!¡±

    A sudden loud voice suddenly appeared beside him, make Roland to jumped sideways in reflex, looking closely it was actually Steven, who showing a wide grin on his face.

    Roland who wanted to speak something, suddenly closed his mouth, Steven smile turned rigid as he noticed Harold and Shirley on the distance.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°You know what? I really don¡¯t understand. Why did you bring along that dangerous man?¡±

    Roland only sighed hearing Steven badmouthing Harold with hatred. Dangerous man? Didn¡¯t you¡¯re the one who hurt him, when the only thing that he do is telling you about his power?

    Roland couldn¡¯t help but to remember of what happening few hour ago. When Harold said his power, Steven who gripped his weapon, swung his axe without hesitation. The upward swing lifted Harold who standing in front of Steven¡¯s, blowing him until Harold back hit the and destroyed one of the house. The other people who already unsheathed their power also rushed to attack. Suddenly a barrier stopped them in track as their head turned toward Shirley who glared at them while trembling.

    The girls group suddenly walking from their group while silently giving Shirley a glare. ¡®What are you doing? Siding with cursed people!?¡¯ their eyes openly giving an anger. And seeing Shirley stepped back a bit make their eyes shining. Before they arrive, Roland stopped them as he standing on their way.

    ¡°Stop it!!¡± A loud shout from Steven stopped all of them as they slowly retracted their weapon before slowly dispersed. Steven ignored his men as he only stared on his hand. ¡®Why did he not evading?¡¯ Steven mind is in turmoil. He clearly swung his axe with his strength, but he never expected that Harold would not evade it. His swing is powerful, but it was so easy to see and if people with clear mind saw it they would ridicule it as they calmly evade the swing. So, Why!?

    Steven really didn¡¯t understand as he watched Harold being treated by Shirley. The Darkness would never get along with the Light. So seeing Harold receiving healing is sure is a sight. Is Harold lying about his power being the darkness? Steven shook his head and turned toward Roland.

    ¡°That man is really easy to lie! You better careful with him.¡± Steven loud voice makes Roland troubled.

    ¡°Alright, but can you please lower your voice? It would be bad if they heard it¡­¡±

    ¡°So what if he heard it! He better opens his ear wide and listens! His mouth is foul and his attitude is worse!¡± Steven roared so loud that the entire village can heard it, there even some who smirked or laughed.

    Steven then turned around and said with rare small voice as if whispering.

    ¡°Listen young man. From your attitude, I¡¯m knows that you are only known him for a little time. But I suggest you to not let your guard down. The power of darkness is not for a human to wield. Even if the one control it were a kind man, we never know if his mind slowly being eaten. I feel sorry for that missy, you better watch him to not make any trouble for her.¡±

    From Roland view, he can see an emotion in Steven eyes that is hard to tell. So Roland swallowed his word as he stare at the back of the man with a sigh. ¡®I know¡­¡± Roland muttered in small voice before heading toward his two companions.

    Shirley currently in a bad mood. She clearly heard the loud voice from Steven who was far from them and scowled. She started to making a complain.

    ¡°What the problem with him? To suddenly badmouthing a person with loud voice right in front of the person. He sure looking barbaric! And what with the people here? To laugh at Harold even when though they never seen or know him? Hmph!¡±

    Harold smiled and poked the cheeks of Shirley who beside him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. You see Rey, you¡¯re too long far from the civilization right? Do you think there would be normal people who want to live in this land infested monster? All the residents here were the victims of the demonic beast. They experienced betrayal and the loss of their loved one. We never know anything about their hardship and pain. So, their hatred and suspicious toward a stranger was justified. And your scowl would ruined your pretty face.¡±

    Shirley grabbed Harold finger and puffed her cheeks as she pinched Harold. Harold silently screamed in agony. Shirley sighed before turned her head as one of her hand gripped her upper arm.

    ¡°However¡­ E-even then, you could at least do something right? With your ability can you at least block or evade that swing? A-are you really need to receive that attack?¡±

    Harold smirked seeing Shirley being worried then leaned his back on the wall.

    ¡°You know what. There is no use to hide this power. It even useless if I tried to says something else. If I retaliate, it would only make the situation worsen and both of you also cannot escape the backlash. Although, the attack was somewhat over my estimation as it was freaking painful. It even broke my chest protector. With this, they would understand and I¡¯ve also decided to let the world know it. The people are afraid of me? Hating me? Fear me? It¡¯s not my problem. My only goal is to protect you.¡±

    Shirley who hears Harold was troubled when he suddenly mixed a joke between his serious explanations. Shirley heart stirred as she heard Harold word and she unconsciously lowering her head. She suddenly felt a big and warm hand stroking her head. Shirley looking up and see Harold smiled as he patting her. Shirley then roared.

    ¡°W-Why are you really like patting someone head!?¡±

    Harold blinked as his hand still froze above Shirley head. ¡®Because I like it¡¯ of course he not say that, rather Harold says ¡°Of course, because your hair is soft and lovely.¡±

    Shirley face suddenly turned red, who know it was from her getting embarrassed or getting angry. She only glared at him.

    ¡°Harold, is it rude to suddenly patting someone head? I don¡¯t know what do you think, but the head is important part of human. Patting head would only make them look like a pet right? It¡¯s totally rude you know. Even my mother never do that, at least she would only pat my shoulder to encourage me.¡± Suddenly a voice appeared behind Shirley and she turned her head.

    ¡°Ah, Roland is it.¡±

    Seeing Roland appeared, Harold scowled at him and folded his hand.

    ¡°That has nothing to do with you. I only do this to Rey because I like her hair.¡±

    ¡®Is it the same?¡¯ Roland coughed before says. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear that from the men who getting blown up by a slow swing.¡±

    Harold eyebrows twitched and said with evil smile. ¡°Hooh, what is this. Doesn¡¯t you seems more braver today~? Where are you getting this courage from, hm?¡±

    Shirley on the corner stared at them with her smile cramped. ¡®Did I fall into something troublesome, again?¡¯