ã€ŠAntagonist Rewindã€‹


 Prologue: The Galaxy beyond the rift.

    *Sorry this is such an info dump. If you want to skip to chapter 1, it doesn''t really screw with the story, but its always nice to have some context*

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    Prologue/Background.

    In spiral galaxy a few light years from what we call home, lies a solar system made of only three planet and two suns. The suns are a twin in size and shape, the only difference is one burns in a shade of orange red and the other in a shade of violet blue. The twin suns are called Alpha-Z18 and Beta-Z18. People just shorten it to AZ18 and BZ18.

    Many that pass through the rift to the other side assume that they have just traveled a far distance. Little did they know, having messed with the power that is light speed travel, a second universe was created as man pass through it. Everything was nearly the same, but a few changes in the way the big bang happened forced several laws of physics to be messed up.

    Some explorers upon entering the galaxy stated this.

    [Explorer]: It felt kind of strange, like I was finally able to breath. It¡¯s kind of like that feeling when you are swimming long distances when you suddenly stop and just float there to catch your breath.

    As the first pioneers set forth and entered the new galaxy, the wonders that they saw were forever embedded in their memories.

    The first planet orbits in a peanut shaped orbit around the two suns. This planet is called Magnus. It is a planet of heat and cold. The side that faces the twin suns faces blistering heats causing the surface to liquefy. As the planet¡¯s rotation is slow, the other side of the planet faces freezing temperatures so cold that the liquefied surface instantly flash freezes into a solid crust upon entering the darker side of the planet. This cycle repeats causing currents of liquefied metals to form this magnificent planet. Due to the extreme conditions on the planet, it is currently uninhabitable.

    The second planet was actually partially destroyed. Due to a collision of another planet of a smaller size in the same orbit, half of the planet is blown off and is now just debris floating around. The planet has become a croissant shaped planet. Although half the planet was obliterated, the other half remains intact. Due to the calamity that was the collision, the areas near the epicenter of contact was burnt into nothing but molten lava and ash. On the exact opposite side of the collision however, lies a large continent of greenery. It is currently uninhabited by lifeforms that are bigger than a few cells sized. Most of the area are just plants and bacteria. Most of the former residents of the planet died out with the collision. The second planet was called Theos. After the incident, it is now known as Crecentia.

    If one were to look at the second planet from the third planet, it would look like a red blue then green banana with red on the inside follow by blue then green at the peak of the parabola. The second planet lies at the very start of the green belt of the solar system. This allowed the intact area to be able to host life.

    The third planet was perfectly in the middle of the green belt. Like the other planets it took follows a peanut shaped orbit around the twin suns. If one was to view the third planet from the second planet, one could see that the planet was split perfectly in half by two colors. This is due to the twin suns having different effects on the planet itself. One side was green and blue. This side was a lush forest covering the entire half of the planet with eight great lakes dotting it.

    The other side was deep blue and with eight islands of green dotting the huge ocean. But this wasn¡¯t just a normal ocean, this was an ocean of molten minerals. The area around the islands are protected from the molten liquid due to large cliffs that surround the islands like a mote. If one were to compare the size of those island to an object we were familiar with, each island¡¯s size would rival Earth. This planet was huge.

    This planet was called Noxiac but some just call it Noxia. It was the only planet in the solar system with any mons at all. With a whooping seven moons, each of the moon had a name. Although they were habitable, due to the harsh environment on each of the moon, they were named after the sins.

    Pride, the largest moon, was a moon made of a reflecting metal that causes it to glitter in the sky.

    Greed, the oval shaped moon, was a moon made of precious metals. Mining operations were to be expected when thinking about exploring Greed.

    Lust, the moon of soft metal. The surface of the moon consist of soft and highly reactive metal. Its reactivity causes various fires and explosions as one could compare to the way of love being passionate and wild. Only certain dots of cold unreactive iron were habitable on the moon.

    Sloth, the moon of ice. This moon¡¯s temperature throughout the day was below the freezing point of the liquid covering its surface. Only if one were to drill into the moon would one find a suitable temperature for survival.

    Wrath, a planet of fire and brimstone. Vent blowing out extremely hot air dotted the planet. Sometimes even a flare of fire shoots out too. To a blacksmith, this would be the perfect moon to start a business as the heat from the vents can melt most metals. Around the vents are cooler areas just suitable enough for survival although the heat may have detrimental effects over long time of exposure.

    Jealousy, a moon of silent. This was the only uninhabitable moon as it did not have an atmosphere like the other moons. Its surface is made out of a fine dust of metals and one can see various crater caused by space debris. This moon was very similar to Earth¡¯s moon.

    Lastly we have Gluttony, the moon of abundance. The entire planet was covered in a prairie like grass field. No trees could be seen but on one side of the planet, a large crater about one eighth the size of the moon leading into a dark abyss could be found. From afar, it looks to be a large gaping mouth.

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.Several years ago, a wormhole was opened up between our galaxy and theirs.

    This allowed pioneers to explore the three planets. Those who went to the first planet perished quickly and were never heard from again.

    Those who ventured to the second planet, were not as lucky as well. All of them died due to the collision incident. But although the records say that all of them died, a handful of survives left and went to the third planet with the third group of pioneers.

    Those who went to the third planet prospered. Over a millennia have passed and the planet was at its prime. They have even set up trade routes through the wormhole to their old galaxy. But to exploit the rich supply of minerals and metals, laborers were required. Due to the hard conditions, most of the laborers were convicts. People who no longer have a future. So to harvest the seven moons of their riches, Rigs have been set up on each of the moons. They were a prison of metal and pipes, to use prison labor to mine the riches.

    Meanwhile the people living on the planet of Noxiac itself enjoy a life of luxury. They mainly inhabit the large islands surrounded by the metal sea due to the vicious wildlife found on the other side of the planet. Thus eight countries appeared. Seven of the countries manage a moon each while the last one was the capital of the planet, and also the main trading port between Noxiac and our galaxy.

    The country of Crotina manages the moon Pride. Greed was managed by the country of Beauxi. Lust was managed by the country of Aphrodia. Sloth was manage by Gatalus. Wrath was managed by the country of Hytis. Jealousy by Juilas and lastly Gluttony by Aponus. The central island, the hub of all trade throughout the planet, was called Luxia.

    With all the wealth Noxia have accumulated, the other half of the planet was never explored.

    One may ask why with mankind''s powerful technologies why they haven¡¯t sent drones and satellites to take images of the other half.

    Well they tried to. But any electronic that left the habited half of the planet were immediately shut down as if an electromagnetic pulse slammed into them.

    Many attempts have resulted in constant failures and the money it cost to continue trying was starting to worry the governments. Realizing that using technology to uncover this ancient world was perhaps not the best of ideas, they started sending expedition groups. They were filled with people who were eager to make riches exploring the Wild.

    But many who went realized their electronics stopped working.

    Researchers have found a certain energy that interferes with electronics that seemed harmless to humans. But the energy contains the potential to carry electrons. This means it could be used as an alternative way of power.

    With such discoveries, the entire world was going to change....until calamity struck.

    A long time have passed since the first pioneer set foot on Noxia. An even longer time had pass since humanity firmed left their mark on half the planet. A certain group of individuals who would rather not affect the current status quo, silenced the researchers who discovered the energy.

    They instead kept the secrets to themselves. The only others who knew about it, were martial artists and the exotic mysteries of magic, spells, and rituals and those who master them.

    To some, this energy was known as Qi. To others, perhaps Mana, or Spirit. Many clans argue over the correct definition, but they can agree on one thing. The common folk should never learn about it.

    But now the group of individuals led their government and wanted to once again exploit the riches of the wild.

    Due to the greedy nature of governments, they have created a game out of it in order to entice adventurers and soldiers, mercenary and bandits, all sort of rift raft to explore the riches of the other half of Noxia.

    Not only that, they have made the other half of the planet into a Massive Multiplayer Reality Game. Each person entering the other half of a planet has to pay a fee in order to start but you would receive your gaming device, an arm bangle that shows holographic images to support your game. You also receive a shot of nanobots so that when you level yourself, the corresponding stat increases can actually improve your body. That itself attracted millions of people from all over the galaxies to participate.

    Everything was in order, but for some reason, like the other electronics, even the nanobots stopped working. Leaving, only the warriors and mages of old to conquer the Wild.

    One company stands above those who have failed.

    [Man with red shirt]: The opening event will happen soon. Everything is prepared for next month¡¯s reveal.

    [Man with blue shirt]: Very good James, let this even mark the start of a new era. The era of the game of Noxia.

    [James]: Yes sir, Mr. Grimly, as president of the company that made this possible, you will become a figure remembered through history.

    [Grimly]: No James, I do not want to be just another spot on the long curtain of history. No¡­I will be a God.

    [James]: This¡­Yes sir, we shall make it happen.

    {Grimly}: Good good¡­ How are our production on the moons?

    [James]: They are keeping up with schedule barely. Due to the harsh environment, laborers die far too easily.

    [Grimly]: They are just disposable Riggers, those filthy animals on those Rigs should be glad we can turn a profit from their worthless lives. Go, tell them to double their efforts in time for the opening event.

    [James]: ¡­Yes sir.

 Chapter 1: Rigs of Metal and Rust.

    Ch 1: Rig of metal and rust.

    Over the large hole on the moon of Gluttony, lies a large metal structure that¡¯s being held there by a series of large steel cables. The structure was called a Rig. It was made out of mostly iron and serves the purpose of mining the rare minerals at the bottom of the abyss. The rarest mineral found at the bottom of the abyss was Glutonium. A metal specific to the moon of Gluttony, named after the moon itself. It was found to be a rather ravenous metal with the highest conductibility of electrons, making it the best material in the galaxy to be used as electric cables.

    The inhabitants of the Rigs were all in rags. They all looked like beggars. Only the official staff of the Rig wore a blue uniform. Every morning, the staff would lead the laborers to the middle of the Rig where a large elevator lies. They are brought down to the bottom of the abyss at high speeds. It still takes an hour and a half just to get to the bottom though. The elevator was large enough to fit at most three hundred people with mining equipment. There is a large conveyor belt bringing up the crushed rocks up to the Rig for shipping. The raw crushed rocks are shipped to Wrath for further purification.

    People are brought to the Rig from all over the galaxy. They were the convicts, regardless of how severe their crimes had been. The things people have committed range from shoplifting to mass murder and even treason.

    Even with the sheer number of convicts being brought to the Rig every month, there still isn¡¯t enough workers. So some people are even born on the Rigs. They were called Riggers. They have no rights at all since they were the offspring of people who no longer have rights too. Many of these Riggers were immediately put to work around the age of eight. Most die before they hit adulthood. They were mostly quick disposable laborers for the company Metallurgy INC.

    Today, marks the second year that Crule started working. He turned ten last month. His face covered in dirt and dust, his body thin and malnourished. He looked like he was on the brink of death. His hair was short, wild, and was as dark as night itself. His eyes were a shade of hazel, but were bloodshot due to the work conditions.

    [Woman with hair in a bun]: Hey Crule, did you eat breakfast today?

    [Crule]: No I didn¡¯t, Ms. Burnst. It all taste like dirt.

    [Burnst]: You¡¯re a growing boy, you gotta eat even if it¡¯s bad. Your body needs the nutrients and with all the work we gotta do, you need to be on a full stomach.

    [Crule]: But¡­Ok¡­ I will start eating breakfast more often.

    [Burnst]: Good lad, now run along now, tomorrow you and I are on mining duty.

    The large amount of residents of the Rig only have to mine four times a week and rotates on the bi-daily schedule. They work two days, rest two days. But even during the ¡°rest¡± days they still had to perform their daily duties like packaging rocks to be shipped or cleaning the equipment. It was constantly busy and people had very little rest.

    Ms. Burnst was a middle aged woman who came to the Rig five years ago. She was convicted of tax evasion, although it was all just misplaced paperwork by the government, but they don¡¯t care. They needed more laborers for the Rigs anyways.

    ________

    Tomorrow morning marks the start of another two days of continuous mining. Crule work up in the morning and downed the dust stew they called breakfast. He took one of the vitamin pills and caught up with Ms. Burnst on the way to the elevator.

    [Burnst]: Didja sleep well lad?

    [Crule]: Yes Ms. Burnst.

    Crule¡¯s parents died when he was five and Ms. Burnst have been taking care of him ever since. Their death was caused by an accident with mining equipment going haywire. They were immediately killed but manage to push Crule away.

    [Blue Uniformed Employee]: Line up you Riggers, single file line onto the elevator.

    The people one by one entered the elevator and got into their seats. Due to the sheer speed of the elevator, seatbelts were necessary in order to prevent immediate injury.

    _______

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.The hour and half ride down to the bottom of the abyss was as scary to Crule as always. The walls were pitch black and the only lights were the occasional flood lights they attach to the wall by the team that went down the abyss in the first place. Those lights were also managed by the Riggers on rest days. The temperature drops steadily until halfway down the abyss when the temperature starts to rise again. Lower they went, one can see caves with rivers of molten metal flowing through them. This lit up the cave in an incandescent orange glow. The abyss is constantly getting deeper and wide due to the mining.

    If one were to see a long time exposure of Gluttony, it would seem as if the mouth was slowly opening bigger and bigger.

    There¡¯s only one type of creature found on the moon when the pioneers first set foot on it. It was a large slugs and snails around a meter tell and two meters long. They were mainly found on the grassy prairie area of Gluttony but a shelled variant can be found at the bottom of the abyss. They generally ignore the miners and are often scared away by the mining equipment.

    _______

    When they reached the bottom, each Rigger went and got their equipment. Some carried electric jackhammers, some shovels, some pick axes. Some privileged Riggers who gained the favor of the staff even get to use heavy machinery like bulldozers and excavators.

    Crule got his shovel and helmet with a lamp on it and hurried and follow his group. People mined in groups for both safety and entertainment. Talking and gossip was allowed during working as long as you do not stop working.

    [Crule]: Ms. Burnst, please tell me what your old home planet was like?

    Since Crule was born on Gluttony, he never saw anywhere else and can only rely on the stories of others to get a glimpse into other places.

    [Burnst]: Boy, my planet was called Earth. It has a long history of several tens of thousands of years of mankind. From ancient civilizations to modern times, mankind¡¯s creativity sparked many creations.

    [Crule]: What does your planet look like?

    [Burnst]: From space, it¡¯s a wonderful ball of blue and green, brown and white. Full of life and wonders. We humans have covered all over the world, created huge cities of metal and concrete. Nearly everything was automated and life was great. Best of all, we have solved world hunger so no one went hungry in decades.

    [Crule]: *with a sparkle in his eyes* Wow! No hunger at all?

    [Burnst]: You couldn¡¯t even be hungry if you wanted to. With the development of easy to access food, you can even buy a full course meal from a vending machine.

    [Crule]: What is a vending machine?

    [Burnst]: It¡¯s this wonderful machine that spits out whatever you want when you put in money.

    [Crule]: What is money?

    [Burnst]: Lad, I¡¯m sure I have told you what money was before.

    [Crule]: Oh, those simple paper strips and plastic cards?

    [Burnst]: *sighs* Yes boy, those ¡°simple¡± paper strips and plastic cards.

    [Crule]: I hope one day I can have money.

    [Burnst]: *with pity in her eyes* Boy, I¡¯m sure one day you will.

    With burning inspiration, Crule worked up the enthusiasm to work hard, so that one day, he too may have this ¡°money¡±.

    _______

    Twelve insane labor intensive hours later, it was time for the first break period. The days on Gluttony lasts 18 hours. They get a six hour period to sleep and rest after the first period.

    Crule was completely tired out after twelve hours. His enthusiasm still haven¡¯t died down but his body can¡¯t work for so long on enthusiasm alone. Sleep hit him hard and fast like a rock to the forehead. Tomorrow, will be a new day of stories. Even in his dreams, Crule imagine the wonderful metal box called a vending machine that just spits out food when you put in paper.

 Chapter 2: Stranded.

    Ch 2: Stranded

    After six hours, the horn was sounded to wake everyone up. Time to take your daily vitamin pill and bowl of gruel and get back to work.

    The groups of people slowly dragging their feet could be seen separated into two groups. The new arrivals are still hopeful and have muscle on their body to work. The ones who have been here a while are decrepit and boney. The lack of protein really affected their body mass as most barely have enough strength to lift the pick axe and so some just have electric drills taped to their hands for digging.

    Finding Glutonium is easier said than done. It usually appear in large pockets dotting the moon. One would have to slowly chip away at the harder black colored stone in order to find the deposit. One can see exposed Glutonium all along the walls of the hole on the way down. These are to be extracted at a later date by drones. Expanding the hole vertically may have a bad effect on the moon as well as the rig hanging from the sides of the hole. The rig might fall if they mine too vertically.

    [Crule]: Ms. Burnst, where are we digging today?

    [Burnst]: Should be the south west sector.

    [Crule]: I heard there seems to be a lot of snails gathered there yesterday.

    [Burnst]: Yes¡­those snails are scavengers. Without them, this place would smell like rotting flesh and excrements right now.

    Due to the large amount of accidents and lack of safety precautions, injury and death happens quite often. Bodies were left there if it was too maimed but if they were intact, some were brought closer to the elevator and buried there. The ones left where they died were eaten by the snails. It seems it has become a stable in their diet and since Metallurgy Inc. manages around 80% of crime and prisons in the galaxy means they have a near endless supply of workers.

    ______

    To get to the south west sector where they were mining today, they actually have to travel there by vehicle. The hole is just too large to traverse there and back by feet in a day and the cave becomes too dark to maneuver during night. Crule¡¯s group of twenty miners got on the large metal vehicle resembling a dune buggy. It was made out of cheap iron and steel for durability but not for comfort. The ride there usually is so bumpy, few people get bruised along the way.

    But they were mostly use to it by now. Bruising was the least of their problems as during dangerous moments when the snails are in the way, people may break their bones during the sudden breaking.

    Due to the lack of visibility, even with the powerful lights around the vehicle, at most they could only see two hundred meters around them. This makes traveling quite dangerous but most of the snails tend to avoid loud things.

    [Crule]: Things seems to be more quiet than usual.

    [Burnst]: The buggy seems to be slowing down.

    [Crule]: I wonder why¡­

    When the vehicle had come to a complete stop, the people in the back of the buggy could feel a huge bump.

    [Burnst]: Feels like we ran into something.

    [Crule]: I hope it¡¯s not one of those snails.

    Suddenly, the people in the back could hear gun fire and screaming coming from ahead.

    [Burnst]: What is happening out there?!

    [Crule]: Ms. Burnst, I¡¯m scared.

    [Burnst]: Don¡¯t worry child, we all are here together.

    Then everything was quiet. Too quiet. All the gun fire stopped and no one made a sound. The leader of the group Simon opened up the door to check outside. But there was nothing there. The people normally guarding the vehicle and the driver were gone. There were no traces of blood nor were there corpses. It was as if they were spirited away.

    [Simon]: It seems there¡¯s nothing here, but all the guards disappeared.

    Simon Wu was a former ranger. He accidentally stumbled upon an illegal poaching accident and was blamed for it. He was sent to the Rig after trial. He was a tall man, standing at six feet two. Due to his outdoors lifestyle, he was well built and had a long beard.

    [Burnst]: This is very strange. The main problem is how we report this. If they access this poorly we may be executed as they suspect us of killing and disposing of the guards. As there are no evidence of a fight here, we lack proof that it wasn¡¯t us.

    [Simon]: ¡­True. Those assholes assume we are just livestock so they will immediately put the blame on us to avoid unnecessary troubles. This means we got two options here.

    [Burnst]: Right¡­but both options are dangerous.

    [Simon]: indeed. We can either spread out and find traces of where the guards went and what happened or attempt to escape.

    [Burnst]: You mean jail break, which I remind you is nigh impossible.

    [Simon]: I know a way, although it¡¯s incredibly dangerous.

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    [Burnst]: Well looking around isn¡¯t very safe too. For all you know, whatever and whoever did this to the guards is still out there.

    [Simon]: Either way, we are not safe. Do we still have weapons in the trunk?

    [Burnst]: The guards had the key, we are locked out from it.

    [Simon]: Damn¡­Do we have a lock smith here?

    [Random Man]: I use to be a lock smith.

    A calm looking man with glasses spoke up. He looks like he was only suited for an office job and was in no way physically fit enough for ore mining.

    [Simon]: Ah, you must be Karl.

    [Karl]: Do any of you have a thing malleable metal rod of sorts, a paper clip or hairclip.

    [Burnst]: I always keep a hairclip on me, otherwise it¡¯s far too difficult to work with my hair constantly getting in my eye.

    She handed the hairclip to Karl. He turned around to face the trunk of the vehicle, put his ear against the hood, slide the hairclip in slowly and listened for the clinking sound.

    *Kaclick*

    [Karl]: It¡¯s opened, everyone who knows how to use firearms grab one, those who don¡¯t get one of the shovels or pickaxes, having some protection is better than none.

    [Simon]: Line up people, don¡¯t fight for weapons, we need teamwork to get through this.

    The thirty some people each grabbed a weapon. The trunk only had a dozen rifles though. Normally it was for the guards to prevent prison breaks and violence.

    [Burnst]: Here Crule, take this shovel.

    She hands Crule a small shovel for children. Although small, it was made from a strong material that can slice through the tough rocks of the abyss without much trouble. Due to vibrational technology, all of the shovels used by the prisoner was made to easily cut through tough rocks.

    [Crule]: Mrs. Burnst, will we be all right?

    Burnst looked at Crule with kindness in her eyes.

    [Burnst]: Yes child, we will be all right.

    ______

    Everyone walked in a circle with the women and children on in inside. The only thing illuminating the place was the dim glow of the various exposed ore of Glutonium and the slight orange cracks of lava seen dotting the walls. Not wanting to waste the battery on their flashlight yet, they advanced ahead. They were slowly walking toward the edge of the abyss.

    [Simon]: I once heard from an old friend that there are several cave systems along the edge of the abyss that leads outwards. This might be our only hope in getting out of this place alive.

    [Karl]: The question is, is it just a myth or do they actually exist.

    [Simon]: It should, on the way here I saw some small cave entrances dotting the moon. Just hopefully we can get through to the surface with no casualty.

    [Burnst]: Our food supply will only last a week at best.

    [Simon]: I know, this is a war against time to get out.

    [Karl]: What are we going to do after we get out though? ¡­Not like we can get away from the moon without a proper space ship.

    [Simon]: We will just hijack one, there¡¯s like several hundred prison transport ships passing every day, they won¡¯t take notice of one single different one.

    Although there may not be able other people beside their group within the nearest kilometer, they still whispered, fearing that loud noises may attract the attention of what or whoever took away the guards.

    Crule was shivering. The temperature was fluctuating far too often. Since the pockets of molten metal kept the area surrounding it warm, the areas without it was freezing cold due to the depth of the abyss. Not a single ray of sunshine shines this far down the hole so the only source of heat they get are the molten pockets of metal, their own clothing, and the people around them.

    Seeing how badly Crule was shivering, Burnst called to him to come over.

    [Burnst]: Come here child, no need to be shy.

    She gave Crule a piggyback as to give him warmth and to levitate the fatigue he had from walking for so long.

    [Burnst]: This journey really is taxing on this child.

    As the youngest person in the group, Crule was also the smallest and the most susceptible to the cold.

    Feeling the warmth of Ms. Burnst¡¯s back, Crule had a flashback to a vague memory of when he was younger. He was being carried on the back by a familiar woman. She looked very tired but also very proud.

    [Crule]: Mother¡­

    Crule muttered in as he doses off.

 Chapter 3: Morning Ambush.

    Chapter 3: Morning Ambush.

    The group realized they have traveled quite a distance and that night was approaching. It would be very dangerous to stay in the cold areas of the abyss during night as temperatures drop far below freezing. If there were any moisture in those area, they would have immediately froze, whether it be dew or mist.

    The best hope they had for surviving the night would be to find a pocket of molten metal that doesn¡¯t seem dangerous, but this is very difficult as most of them are very spontaneous and random.

    Somehow they manage to find an area where it was warm and stable enough to set up camp for the night. Most transport vehicle carries camping gear incase accidents happen and they have to stay the night outside of the main camp.

    [Simon]: Everyone, let¡¯s set up camp here. There¡¯s no use trying to get further during the night.

    [Karl]: Right, they probably haven¡¯t sent out a rescue party as it has only one night. Most likely they just assume we had an accident and have to camp out.

    Simon reassures everyone, knowing that tensions are high and added with the fatigue may cause panic in some people. Having an organized group is of top priority when they are in the wild. Having conduct search and rescue missions himself, he understands the process. He was a natural born leader.

    Simon took a blue package out of his backpack and started to set up a tent. It was large enough for four people to lie on the floor without feeling cramp. On the top was also a small light source so one can see inside the tent.

    [Simon]: Karl, Burnst, after your done setting up, come see me.

    He beckons to the two.

    With Crule still sleeping on Ms. Burnst back, Karl helped her set up her tent which was about the same size as the one Simon had. Although it took a bit of effort, at least it came with an instruction manual. Burnst spread out a sleeping bag and carefully place Crule in it. She zipped up the tent and headed over to help Karl with his tent. Afterwards, they both walked into Simon¡¯s tent.

    [Simon]: I called you two here because out of everyone, you two seemed the calmest.

    [Burnst]: Well, back in the day, I used to be a girl scout.

    [Simon]: Hahaha. Good good, the more experience we have, the better the chances of our survival.

    [Karl]: What should we do about our current situation?¡­

    [Simon]: What we need to do is to confirm our plans. We have a limited amount of time to escape and we barely know where we are.

    [Burnst]: We are walking towards the walls of the abyss. Assuming the distance we traveled today was about the limit of how much a group can walk in a day, we are only about half way.

    [Karl]: So basically we have another full day of walking before we reach the walls.

    [Simon]: *sighs* Sadly we have limits in the time we have to escape. After three nights, they will have assumed our camping supply has run out and send out a rescue team. If they found the site of the vehicle with no people there and an empty trunk¡­Well, they would be searching for us and the borders will be heavily guarded.

    [Karl]: That is if they don¡¯t assume we are already dead.

    [Simon]: Well, I took precaution and had the back end of our group brush away our footsteps as we walked. This way they shouldn¡¯t know which direction we went.

    [Burnst]: That should buy us some time.

    [Simon]: What I¡¯m more worried about is what happened to those guards¡­

    [Burnst]: I too am worried about something that can take out so many armed guards and can also take on heavy fire from weapons.

    [Simon]: We also didn¡¯t see any traces of blood and also none of the footsteps within the area shows the guards were carried away on foot. The only footprints where of where the guard got out of the vehicle and stood.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    [Karl]: No use worrying about it so much, we need to get some sleep or else another full day of walking may cause our minds and body to crash.

    [Simon]: True¡­we can¡¯t really send people out to look for whatever or whoever took the guards. Let¡¯s just hope it doesn¡¯t consider us the main course after an appetizer of guards¡­

    ______

    The next morning, Crule woke up to a loud sound. The snoring was extremely loud as it echoes through the tents and seem to have come from Karl. One can only wonder how someone so small can make such a loud noise.

    Covering his ears, Crule crept out of the tent as to not wake Ms. Burnst who was asleep next to him. Thanks to the nearby molten metal river, the area wasn¡¯t as cold even in the morning although it was a bit chilly.

    Crule tried to remember the face of the woman he saw when he was falling asleep yesterday, but it has been far too long. Trying to remember something that happened six years ago when he was four was difficult as it was sixty percent of his life.

    One would say not being able to remember your parents face was a sad, sad thing now days but to Crule who lived on the Rig his entire life, he had no idea how unfortunate he was.

    But he was not sad. He had people close to him who loved him, and he knows it. He was happy to have Ms. Burnst.

    But happiness never lasts. Fate was a cruel mistress and torments the innocent.

    ______

    Suddenly, Crule heard some strange sounds. It was the sound of wind, but not what you would normally hear in the abyss. It was more of a buzzing noise.

    Then, with his limited visibility in the darkness, Crule saw them.

    Large black creatures with wings. Either eyes glowing yellow in the darkness, quickly approaching the camp. Their wings beating so fast it was hard to see their true shape. It was only a blur of silvery flashes are it reflects the light emitted by nearby crystals.

    Not knowing what to do, Crule had to wake up the person who knew what to do in such situations.

    Crule quickly ran to Simon¡¯s tent trying to wake him up.

    [Crule]: Mr. Simon, something is coming, and it doesn¡¯t look friendly.

    Having been on alert, Simon slept lightly and was prepared to move at a moment¡¯s notice. He quickly opened his eyes and jumped out of the sleeping bag. He reached for his gun and ran outside. Upon seeing the dark shadows approaching so close he knew that they were not prepared to fight back.

    [Simon]: Shit, just when we are least prepared. Crule, go wake everyone up, tell them we are under attack, maybe we will survive this ambush.

    Crule nodded and quickly ran around the tents shouting.

    [Crule]: *yelling* EVERYONE WAKE UP! WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!

    People quickly run out of their tent with their guns, but it was far too late. The swarm descended upon the helpless camp. Their numbers were too many, far outnumbering the prisoners. The screams of people and screeching could be heard everywhere. Panic and fear ran amok around the camp. The creatures were picking up the people and biting them. Those bitten went limp and couldn¡¯t move or speak.

    Crule looked on with fear at the people being were carried off. He didn¡¯t even have time to react when a shadow swooped down and picked him up. He looked up and saw the creature closed up. It was a large insect looking bat. Then he felt a sharp pain on his shoulder and he couldn¡¯t move anymore. No sound escaped from his mouth as he was carried off too.

 Chapter 4: Desperate situation.

    Chapter 4: Desperate situation.

    Unable to move or speak, Crule was carried off by the insectoid. The swarm flew for what seem like an eternity. With his mobility and voice constricted, Crule could only panic in his mind. He wanted to cry but his body won¡¯t listen to him. The toxin was just far too strong for him to resist.

    After what seems like a few days, Crule got tired of panicking. He began pondering what his captors were. They have never seen anything like it. Several years on the Rig and working in the abyss and never once were such creatures mentioned. Just what are they and where did they come from?

    The toxin seemed incredibly strong as several days later, the effects doesn¡¯t seem to diminish at the slightest. Crule could still fall asleep even though his body was paralyzed. When he woke up, he saw a large structure. It was a large rock protrusion sticking out of the side of the abyss at an angle. It looked like a perfect cone. Looking around, he realize there were several of these cones dotting the walls. From a distance, these cones looked like the normal jagged-ness of the walls of the abyss but close up, each of the cone were the size of large buildings. Upright, each of them were dozens of floors tall and could house hundreds of people.

    The insectoid brought his group inside of the cone and placed them in a room dimly light by some sort of green goo.

    Looking around, Crule realized several of their group members were missing. He could only assume they were used as a snack by the insects on the way back.

    A sudden feeling of despair washed over him when he heard a cracking sound. He still couldn¡¯t move his body so he couldn¡¯t see what it was, but the sound was very familiar. He heard it before when one of the riggers broke his leg in an accident. It was the sound of bone breaking. But since their voice was sealed, there was no scream.

    A drop of the green goo dropped from the ceiling on to Crule¡¯s shoulder. He realized he could suddenly move his arm again. Dragging himself around, he saw the source of the sound and vomited.

    A large beige larva about the size of a horse was biting the head of a person. Crule couldn¡¯t really recognize the person anymore since their head was almost completely eaten. Looking around, he realize the room only houses one larva. Knowing that he must escape, he dragged his paralyzed body with his only mobile arm to the green goo dripping down the wall opposite of the larva.

    He stuck his hand in the green goo but quickly pulled it back. His hands were slightly red from being exposed to the goo. But since the goo was his only hope of survival, he stuck his hand back in and started to smear the goo all over himself. Being able to move again, he looked around for Ms. Burnst and Simon.

    He spotted them near the larva. At least they were alive and in good shape. Realizing he didn¡¯t have much time, he got on all fours and slowly crawled towards them after shoving some of the goo in his pockets.

    As he approached them, the larva seemed to have finish eating his first prey was moved on to the second. Once again the sound of crunching and cracking could be heard. Crule quicken his pace and reached the two. He put his hands in his pocket and took out some goo and smeared it over them. Being able to move again, they realize it was not the time for touching reunion, they had to rescue everyone and get away.

    Whilst avoid the detection of the larva, they only manage to rescue eight people out of the twelve that was brought there. Four of them were devoured by the larva. Sneaking outside the room they could finally talk but no one could say a thing. What happened to them was just too disturbing, too frightening, and too sad to talk about.

    Simon took charge and tried to cheer up the group.

    [Simon]: At least we are alive, we must survive as to not disgrace their death. We should try to find the others. Assuming they are in the same situation we were just in, they will need our help.

    The rest of the group could only nod and follow along. It was a bit too traumatic for some of them and the only thing keeping them sane was a goal.

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    Quietly wandering the corridors, the group stumbled upon the insectoids a few times. Strangely, the insects ignore them completely. Simon thinks it may be due to the goo covering them, the insects were being registering them as one of their own.

    Suddenly they heard a scream. It sounds like it came from a human so they quickly rushed to the room. Inside they found four people still paralyzed with a fifth already being eaten. It seems some of the goo dripped from the ceiling onto his throat allowing him to scream in pain and horror.

    It soon ended as the larva took a large chunk out of his head. While it was preoccupied eating his current victim, Simon and the group went and rescued the other four. They were even more traumatized than Simon¡¯s group. Originally there were twelve people in the group that was brought in but eight of them were slowly eaten one by one in front of the others. Unable to face with such trauma, the four survivors were all hollowed shells. No longer having any motivation to live, they were a burden to the group. Simon tried to cheer them up.

    [Simon]: Look you guys, snap out of it. You¡¯re alive. Accept it. Don¡¯t be such a useless bastard and get yourself up. Live on for those who died.

    The four still seemed to be in despair but at least they recovered a bit and could move.

    ______

    Several hours later, the group couldn¡¯t find any more rooms with survivors. Since they had to get out themselves, they chose to accept the rest have all been eaten or killed along the way. A dozen survivors from the original group of almost thirty. The situation seemed grim.

    [Simon]: Our main goal now is to find the exit.

    Simon said to the group to change their goal and to give them motivation.

    [Burnst]: What were those things?

    [Simon]: I¡¯m not sure, but I heard long ago when pioneers first landed on this moon, it was filled with flowering herbs. They were extremely large hovering at over twelve feet tall. Scientists have found the herb to have restorative properties and could be used to rapidly regenerate lost blood. Thanks to this discovery, the need for blood transfusion decreased significantly. But these flowering herbs were deemed too important to leave on the moon. They were all harvested and brought back to Noxia to be farmed. What they didn¡¯t realize was that an alien insectoid creature were using the flowers as a food source and were also helping pollenating them. The insects were deemed extinct a few years ago when the last wild one died. It seems what we are seeing now is an evolved species of the original insect species.

    [Burnst]: So you¡¯re saying in order to survive the depleting food resource, they have turned their attention to the second most abundant nutrition source on the moon, us the prisoners?

    [Simon]: It seems that way. I¡¯m not sure as to why we have not heard about these before. Perhaps they were in hibernation until our recent drilling operations awoken them. Either way, thanks to the goo, they seem to think we are one of them and won¡¯t attack us immediately. We have to quickly find the exit out of this hive before the effects wear off. Since we are relatively safe for now, let¡¯s split into groups of two and spread out to find the exit.

    [Burnst]: Come on Crule, you¡¯re with me.

    Burnst beckon Crule to come over. She offer him a piggyback ride again. Remembering the comfortable feeling, Crule does not refuse.

    [Simon]: Ok, let¡¯s meet back up here in three hours and report our findings. Don¡¯t try to leave by yourself, it¡¯s far too dangerous for two people to make it out alive. If you find the exit, just come back here and wait till we regroup and exit together.

    Knowing they probably have zero chance of survival out in the abyss without Simon, everyone else agreed and split up into their groups.

    [Simon]: See you guys in three hours.

    Everyone split up with hopes of finding the exit.

 Chapter 5: Within arms reach.

    Chapter 5: Within arms reach.

    While exploring the cone shaped hive, insights on the insectoids life style was uncovered. For one thing, the hive had various branching corridor system with a room every forty feet. The rooms can range from housing larva to storages. The storages seem to hold things that the larva couldn¡¯t digest from their meal. This usually include things made of metal like weaponry and armor.

    Strangely enough, the hollowed out shells of the snail-like creatures that live above ground were also found. It seems the insectoid¡¯s diet also consist of the snails but there were no traces of the slugs from the abyss.

    Not skipping this chance, groups that have found a storage room restock on their supplies. Soon most people were armed to the teeth.

    Having finally found things they could protect themselves with, their resolve to find the exit rose.

    The green goo lighting up the corridor and rooms were secreted by the insectoids. It seems to be a binding agent that holds the hive together. It also serves as a way to identify their kin. Due to living in the abyss since birth, the creature doesn¡¯t have any visual sensory organs. They depend on pores on their body detecting the smells secreted by other insectoids. They have a keen sense of smell, being able to detect and receive a message from their kin from over a hundred kilometer away.

    Near the tip of the cone, a large opening exposing the hive to the outside. It was where the insects enter and leave. It seemed like the only exit but no human can leave from it since the cone hovered hundreds of meter above the ground. Perhaps with a parachute one might be able to survive, that is if they don¡¯t hit any of the other cones on the way down.

    [Burnst]: No way can we escape this way, it¡¯s far too dangerous.

    She looked over the edge at the bottom. Such an extreme height would give people vertigo. People with the fear of heights would have passed out upon looking down. The floor was visible due to the rivers of molten metal flowing through. This explains why the cone wasn¡¯t as cold. The rivers heat up the air and it flows upwards warming the cones. The rapidly rising heated air would create extreme currents.

    Sticking her hand out, Burnst felt the hot flow of air. It was far too strong for any sort of parachuting to get through. Due to the rising air getting rapidly cooled as it flow up and drops, the created a sort of convection flow of air. The circulation of air was probably how the abyss stay fresh and have a constant source of oxygen even though being at such a low depth.

    The flow was extremely strong near the edge of the abyss.

    [Burnst]: Gotta keep moving, the three hour time limit is almost up.

    Other people were not so lucky. Three people accidentally entered the wrong room and was killed either by the larva or falling through broken areas of the hive. Due to lack of repair, some areas of the hive were falling apart as the goo starts to lose its adhesive properties.

    [Rigger with red hair]: S-shit, god dammit why?

    He was immobilized by fear as his partner was ripped in half by the flying insectoids.

    [Rigger with red hair]: I thought the goo was supposed to last longer! It was supposed to protect us. WHY¡­why did this happen?!

    Backed into the wall, he could only scream in terror as the insectoids approached him from all sides.

    [Rigger with red hair]: N-no, don¡¯t come closer, no.no.no.no.no don¡¯t do this, please NOOO¡­

    Four insectoids all lunged on him and began tearing his limbs apart. His scream was muffed as one of the insects attacked his head.

    Behind the pile of insects was a slightly larger insect. Upon closer inspection, it was different from the rest. For starters, it was about twice the size of a normal insect. To a human, this was the size of a car. Upon its head was a horn that looked like it was made of amethyst. This creature was worshiped by the other insects. The four that attacked the red haired man offered the best parts to her, for she was their leader, their Queen.

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    Three hours after they split up, the remainder of the group met up again. In order to retrace their steps, people took some goo and draw lines on the corridor walls to keep track of where they were going. This allowed them to return to the same spot quite easily.

    But this also lead the swarm and the queen towards them, but the group haven¡¯t noticed that yet.

    [Simon]: It seems we are missing a few people. I assume from the screams that we could not save them.

    [Burnst]: So did anyone find an exit? Because the only exit I have seen leading to the outside was far too perilous of a drop to actually be survivable.

    [Simon]: I also couldn¡¯t find any sort of exit.

    [Woman with dark short hair]: I found something that might work.

    Everyone turned to look at her, staring at her with hope in their eyes. This caused her to become shy.

    [Woman with dark short hair]: Uhmmm¡­uh¡­yea. I-I found a thin piece of wall that was right next to the wall of the abyss. I think it might lead to one of those mythical tunnels you mentioned before. I was too weak to do able damage to the wall but I think when we group up, with our mining tools we should be able to dig our way out.

    [Simon]: *Eyes gleaming with hope, a large smile slowly formed on his face as he listened* Well, well, well, it seems we have our way out guys. Let¡¯s give a round of applause for our little miss here. What is your name?

    [Woman with dark short hair]: Uhmm¡­my name is Naomi. I was bought to the rig three years ago due to various problem with my Ex.

    [Simon]: We won¡¯t question about your past here, in this situation we have to trust each other. We all are equals. Now, do we have any mining tools?

    [Man with green shirt]: We found some lying in one of the storage rooms on the way back. We have a few pickaxes and a jack hammer but without a power source the jack hammer won¡¯t work though so we left it there.

    [Man with turquoise shirt]: Yea, we also found some shovels and flash lights. There seems to be a lot of things in the storage rooms.

    [Simon]: Since the insects can¡¯t digest inorganic material, I guess they just store them in the rooms once a larva outgrows it. It seems whenever a new larva is born, a new room is made. This means the longer hives have existed longer.

    [Burnst]: I noticed that too. The rooms close to the wall are mostly empty or are storage rooms. The rooms near the exit of the cone mostly are inhabited by the larva.

    [Simon]: Let¡¯s hurry, those screams could mean the goo is starting to wear off and they are realizing we aren¡¯t one of them.

    Everyone grabbed a pickaxe or shovel and started to walk to the place where Naomi found.

    The swarm was approaching from the tip of the cone while the group was walking away from them.

    Suddenly the buzzing noise started to get louder and louder.

    With a keen sense of hearing, Simon picks up the noise first.

    [Simon]: Guys, get ready. I think a few insects are approaching us.

    From the corner came a dozen insects followed by Queen.

    Everyone could only stare in fear as the sheer number of insects darted toward them.

    [Simon]: Shit, we were so close¡­

 Chapter 6: Devastation and chance.

    Chapter 6: Devastation and chance.

    Being outnumbered two to one, the survivors wouldn¡¯t last long. Due to the lack of food, water, and rest, the survivor isn¡¯t in any decent shape to be fighting. But non-the-less while facing death, you either fight or flight. Knowing they could not win in a fight, they chose to run.

    [Simon]: Everyone one run! We have to try to break though that wall before we all are killed.

    Simon bellowed out the order and everyone immediately ran. The people who were at the end of the group were already snatched up and ripped apart by the swarm. Their screams were further motivation for the others to run fast.

    [Simon]: Go Go GO, we have to make it.

    They reached the wall and people lunged at it with the pick-axe hoping to break it. They franticly swing at the wall while yelling.

    It seems like the insects are now taking their time in disposing of the group. The steel pick-axes were of little effect against their sturdy exoskeleton. Their carapace has been forged by evolution to survive in the hellhole of the abyss and is strong enough to survive falling debris that falls off the edge of the abyss due to the mining. Two of their six appendages have evolved into sickle like structure allowing for ripping, tearing, and slicing. They were strong enough to slice into the tough rocky walls of the abyss to dig tunnels.

    Perhaps they were the creators of those mythical tunnels that lead to the surface. The original insects from the surface evolved and tunneled down to the abyss to survive. There seems to be quite a few variations of the insects upon closer inspection. The insects that carried the group over contained thinner and stronger jaw in order to inject and paralyze their prey. They also have wings to help them transport things far distances in order to expand their hunting range.

    Although there were multiple Cone hives, they were actually one entire colony. With one Queen to rule them all, they each had their jobs. There were special insects that infect the slug creatures in the abyss in order to scout out food. Since the humans ignore the slugs, they were a good hiding place to scout.

    Once they have found their prey, the scout sends a signal to the hunters. The winged hunters will swoop down when the humans least suspects it and paralyze them. They are then carried away to the hive. Once at the hive, the prey was placed at the entrance of the cone. The hive insects carries them to the rooms with the larva. Some were brought directly to the Queen as offerings.

    The ones in the hive are more spider like. Although they still only have six legs and cannot be classified as an arachnid, their body structure are similar. They are strong enough to carry several people at a time. They were also incredibly tough since they serve as the Queen¡¯s guards as well. Although they lack a natural predator, nature seems to deem them unnecessary and constantly barrages them with trials. That¡¯s why although they were at the top of their food chain, they did not multiply endlessly.

    Although they live at the edge of the abyss, constant debris fall from the top as the abyss expands. Rocks as large as buildings crush their nest and kill all its inhabitants. That¡¯s why they spread out their hives in multiple cones. Sometimes, rivers of molten metal changes their flow and somehow hit their hive. But thanks to the green goo being an adhesive as well as a fire retardant, their hive was relatively safe. Being able to evolve and adapt to the environment, they have become the top predator, and to these predator there was a Queen.

    The queen was a hybrid of both types of insect as she can fly as well. Compare to other insect queens who are mostly just large egg sacks as seen in termites and ants, she was actually combat ready as well. Her arsenal of weaponry includes her paralyzing poisonous fangs and sharp sickles. With her wings, her mobility and evasiveness would be a nightmare for even the best of marksmen.

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    Facing against their sickles that can even slice through rock, the group had no chance. Their tools were broken immediately. Having only three people left their hope was slim. Only Simon Burnst and Crule remain.

    [Simon]: Shit, we still haven¡¯t broken through.

    [Burnst]: This seems like the end.

    [Simon]: GOD DAMMIT!

    With an enraged swing, Simon manage to bust open a small hole in the wall. Sadly it was not large enough for an adult to get through.

    Simon looked at the hole and realize what he must do.

    [Simon]: Crule, you must get away. Live on for us all.

    Ms. Burnst realizing what Simon was thinking was astonished but realize this was the only way.

    [Burnst]: It might be difficult for you to escape, but know this. You cannot rely on adults forever child. Sometimes there are things only you can do. Having hope, always move on with the determination to live.

    [Simon]: Go kid, survive.

    They shoved Crule into the hole and turned back to face the insects.

    [Crule]: Noooo! Don¡¯t go, I can¡¯t do this, I can¡¯t.

    Simon proudly said while facing the insects.

    [Simon]: Kid, it¡¯s time to grow up. Live, survive, enjoy life at its fullest.

    Burnst said with a gentle voice while facing the insects.

    [Burnst]: Remember, that somewhere in the universe, there will always be someone who loves you, who cares about you. Know that love is the most powerful force in the world. It bypasses even the limits of death. Live on, survive, find love and cherish it.

    [Simon]: Crule, look away and don¡¯t turn back.

    [Burnst]: Face the future child, and look upon the horizon with hope, that the next day will be better.

    Crule did as he was told. He couldn¡¯t stop crying no matter how hard he tried to hold it in. He crawled further into the tunnel until it was large enough to stand up and walk. He then started running.

    [Simon]: I hope the kid survives.

    [Burnst]: I do too, I do too.

    They stood side by side as the insects pounced on them.

    With strong resolve, they didn¡¯t utter a single scream in the face of death.

    They were even smiling.

    To grin at the face of death, one must have no regrets or have accepted them.

    The father figure whom Crule could trust.

    The mother figure whom Crule could love.

    They died on that day, with their back to the hole. But they knew, Crule had a future ahead of them. Their only regret is not being able to see it themselves.

 Chapter 7: Tunnels and Dreams.

    Chapter 7: Tunnels and Dreams.

    Crule kept running. He did as he was told, never looking back, he just ran. The tunnel twisted and turned sometimes going down sometimes going up. Soon Crule came to a fork in the road. He couldn¡¯t choose so he took his shovel and let it fall. The path it fell toward he would go.

    The shovel fell to the right so he ran right. The tunnel started to get thinner and thinner, soon Crule couldn¡¯t run anymore and can only crawl.

    By then, he was tired. Too tired. He lost count of time but it seemed like hours and hours of running. Trauma and fatigue took his consciousness and he passed out asleep.

    What he didn¡¯t know was how intelligent the insects were. They knew their prey couldn¡¯t have escape far, so they took their time to enjoy their harvest before pursuing.

    ______

    In Crule¡¯s dream he was in the fetal position in a dark room. He was crying.

    [Crule]: Was it my fault? Why did this happen¡­

    Suddenly a feminine voice seem to come from beside him.

    ¡°Crule, Crule, my master, wake up.¡±

    The voice seem to beckon Crule in his dreams.

    Crule looked up and saw a ball of light.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will soon be there. Stay alive until then my master.¡±

    The voice seem to enthusiastically proclaim. The ball of light flew away. It then squeezed out of the black sphere Crule was in. Crule could hear another voice coming from the other side. It was deep and prideful. It was faint so Crule couldn¡¯t hear it clearly.

    ¡°Did you find it?¡±

    ¡°Yes master, I found you.¡±

    ¡°Take this, give it to him when time comes.¡±

    ¡°This will be our last chance.¡±

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s prevent this from happening in the first place.¡±

    ¡°I love you.¡±

    ¡°Me too.¡±

    The Black sphere repaired itself and Crule could no longer hear the voice.

    Fatigue took him in his dream and he slept the remaining time without dreams.

    ______

    When Crule woke up, he was lying in the thin tunnel with only the glow of some deposit of metal lighting up the place.

    No one else could be seen around him. He wonder who the voices were.

    Recovering his strength a little thanks to sleeping, he got back up and crawled on forward. The tunnel once again seem to get wider. This time, the tunnel was purely sloping upwards. It seems like he made the correct choice at the fork.

    Honestly for having lost so many parental figures, Crule had matured. He knew he could not wallow in self-pity or self-blame. He live was entrusted upon him by the ones who loved him and he can¡¯t waste it.

    Remembering the final words of Simon and Burnst, he started running again.

    ______

    The light exited from the black sphere and appeared in the form of a girl around twenty years old.

    [Man in the black overcoat]: Did you find it?

    [Woman in white]: Yes master, I found you.

    Reaching into his pocket the man took out a small sphere about an inch in diameter. He put it up to his head and a green light shined from the sphere. The sphere slowly changed color and soon looked like a purified gem.

    [Man in black overcoat]: Take this, give it to him when time comes.

    [Woman in white]: So this is our last chance?

    [Man in black overcoat]: Yes this is.

    He turned around and looked at his foe.

    The man and the woman was actually standing in the empty void of space without any protective suits. In front of them was a grotesque creature of pure death. The size of probably a planet, it was the shape of a large maggot with thousands of eyes, nose, and mouth all over it. They were all twitching uncontrollably. The creature opened what seem to be a mouth and light started to gather.

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    [Man in black overcoat]: Let¡¯s prevent this disaster from happening in the first place.

    The woman looked at the enemy then back at her master. Tears slowly fall from her eyes.

    [Man in black overcoat]: Don¡¯t cry, this will all be over soon.

    [Woman in white]: I love you.

    The man looked back at the woman with warm in his eyes.

    [Man in black overcoat]: Me too.

    He hands the gem and a dagger to the girl and faced the abomination.

    The girl turned around and used the dagger to slice the empty void of space. A small crack appeared and she stuck bother her hands in it and pry it open.

    She jumped in and the crack quickly closed up.

    [Man in black overcoat]: Time to end this, you annoying asshole.

    The disgusting creature fired a condensed beam of light from his mouth as the man flew at it. A pale grey aura surrounded the man right before he collided with the beam.

    Then the silence of space returned. The empty space of void filled with light.

    Then there was nothing.

    ______

    The woman pin pointed the place she went to last and flew over there.

    It seems moving a small bit in the place she was took a lot of effort.

    Soon she found a mirror in the void, in the small mirror that show the reflection of Crule¡¯s face in complete terror. She dived toward the mirror and used the dagger to stab it. A hole opened up and she entered it.

    ______

    Crule kept running through the tunnels endlessly. He started to grow increasingly hungry and with nothing to eat, he started to worry.

    As Crule ran further up the tunnel, the temperature started to get warmer.

    In the corner of his eyes he saw something. It was a grey mushroom, but it wasn¡¯t just a normal mushroom. The mushroom was the size of a grown adult. Underneath it grew various colors of other mushrooms.

    Crule was so hungry at that point he wondered if he should attempt to eat it or not.

    While he was pondering whether to eat the mushrooms or not, the insects who were far faster than Crule had almost caught up to him.

    Crule was distracted from his thoughts about the mushroom that he didn¡¯t notice the foreign scratching sounds coming from behind him.

    When he finally noticed the sound it was nearly too late.

    He turned around and saw death in the face. The insects were only five meters away from him and were coming in fast.

    Crule¡¯s expression turned into despair.

    Then out of nowhere, a hole opened up.

    From it came a woman in white.

    But something was wrong.

    Everything from the waist down was missing from the woman. It seemed as if she was cleaved in half by a cleaver.

    [Woman in white]: Shit, I wasn¡¯t fast enough¡­

    The sudden appearance of the woman and the approaching insects was such a confusing scene.

    Hearing the scratching sound, the woman looked up at the insects.

    [Woman in white]: Ah, just some Glutos bugs, and here I thought it was the Queen.

    With a wave of her hand the insects stopped. Then cracks started to form on their exoskeleton/carapace. Then green fluid started to leak out from them in large amounts. The fluid slowly gathered in a ball above them.

    [Woman in white]: Let¡¯s just bleed them dry and remove the annoyance for now, I don¡¯t have much time left.

    Crule starved in confusion at the scene.

    Just what is happening right now¡­?

 Chapter 8: Memories.

    Chapter 8: Memories.

    The insects were drained of all their blood and collapsed. All that remained was their exoskeleton. The green ball of blood was about a meter in diameter now. The woman in white snapped her finger and the green ball started rotating.

    [Woman in white]: Die you disgusting bugs.

    She fired the ball of blood through the tunnel and it destroyed everything in its path. Upon closer inspection, the ball of blood even carved into the tunnel walls.

    [Woman in white]: Now, you must be Crule right?

    Crule though he was delusional. To get out of a life and death situation in such a way, he could not believe it.

    [Woman in white]: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m real. This isn¡¯t a dream, you aren¡¯t dead yet.

    [Crule]: W-who are you?

    [Woman in white]: My name is Ming, you will know me soon enough.

    [Crule]: What happened to you?

    The woman was still missing everything below the waist. It was obviously a fatal wound but yet it did not bleed.

    [Ming]: I have the power to control blood. Currently I¡¯m buying myself some time by stopping the blood flow below my waist.

    [Crule]: I there anyway I can help?

    Crule didn¡¯t know what to do. He didn¡¯t want someone to die in front of him again. In the past few days he had seem far too much death.

    [Ming]: It¡¯s too late for me. But you, take this.

    She hands the green gem to Crule.

    [Ming]: Eat it, and you will know everything.

    Crule was hesitant. Any normal person would not swallow a strange gem a stranger that came out of nowhere just handed you. But the situation was not normal. Reluctantly Crule swallowed the gem.

    Time stopped.

    But actually Crule¡¯s mind moved so fast, the process of time seem to slow nearly to a complete stop. One second feels like ten minutes. Then he remembered. His name was Crule Hei An. Born between a prisoners from Earth. One from China, one from America his parents, Hei An Wu and Charlotte Hei. He was born on the Rig, lived on the Rig, nearly died on the Rig.

    He one day face a disaster where all his loved ones died. He survives and finds a demon sealed within the moon. He makes a deal and gains the power to survive.

    He leaves the prison and went to Noxia. There he found sanctuary at a local monastery. He meets a girl and saves her with his power. The girl vow to be his pupil after seeing his power.

    The demon who gave him powers told him what was going to happen in the future. He realize that he do not want to see any more innocents die with injustice. He entered the Game for the conquest for the other half of Noxia. But the enemy was too favored by everyone. His devil tongue manage to fool even the best of heroes, to make them believe they were justice.

    Crule was deemed the enemy. He became public enemy number one. Persecuted and hunted down, he fought his way through the game, only to find he was too late.

    The Enemy reached his goal, he released an evil so great that the entire galaxy would be destroyed. Merging with the evil, the enemy was about to destroy the planet. In a last ditch effort, Crule borrowed more power from the demon to stop the abomination. In the end they seemingly wiped each other out and everything around them but somehow the abomination survived. He proceeded to destroy the universe and he deemed it unnecessary.

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    No survivors, billions of people, innocent people dead. The bleak future was one where mankind will face extinction. All because some idiot wanted to become a god.

    After the extinction of mankind, the evil proceeded to systematically remove all life in the universe.

    To it, life was a parasite leeching off the powers of the universe. With all life gone, only he himself will have access to all the power in the universe.

    He could only be stopped if he was destroyed before he reached that stage.

    Thankfully Crule had a back-up plan. He stored a copy of his memories and his former power in a gem in order to pass it all to his younger self. Even if it will create an alternate time line, he knew he who have failed to protect his own universe, cannot let it happen again to another.

    So he send his disciple with his weapon back in time, have one last chance to change the future.

    Crule once again returned to his mind. He know what he must do now. He having experienced it all once, don¡¯t want it to happen again.

    Three minutes have passed since Crule ate the gem. He looked toward Ming with an all too familiar smile.

    [Crule]: Good job, my brightest disciple.

    Her face that was losing color seemed to gleam with her smile.

    [Ming]: Thank you master. But I won¡¯t be bothering you more. I have to go now.

    [Crule]: Rest well my student. Tell the other me I said, ¡°I got this.¡±

    [Ming]: Will do, will do.

    Ming reached into her pocket and took out a red gem. She put it to her forehead and the gem shined.

    [Ming]: Here master, take your weapon back, and take this gem. Give it to me in this universe, so that I can be together with master here too.

    Crule took his all too familiar dagger and the red gem. He pocketed the gem and looked back at Ming. With a gaze far too mature for his face he said,

    [Crule]: Rest well, I will deliver it.

    Ming smiled.

    [Ming]: I can always count on master¡­

    She closed her eyes and took her last breath.

    [Crule]: Let me give you a proper burial here on the moon of Gluttony.

    He took his shovel and slowly started digging under the mushroom. The glowing mushroom this size could only be one thing. The Cryogenia Biporus, the eternity mushroom. It was said to be used to preserve corpses of celebrities in the old days back when they believe in the future, technology would be able to revive them from the dead.

    Crule could have done it with the magic he received from his other self but doing it manually shows respect.

    One scoop at a time, he carefully dug the hole. He placed Ming in the hole and said a prayer. He buried the body under the mushroom and with his dagger, he carved a tomb.

    -Here lies×°ÔÂÃ÷ (Zhuang Yue Ming) Beloved student, sorcerer, and wife. May she rest in peace with her beloved.-

    After a moment of silence, Crule left the shovel there and put his dagger in his belt.

    [Crule]: Now then, you pesky Glutos bugs. It¡¯s time for my revenge. Then, Grimly, you¡¯re next.

 Chapter 9: Massacre.

    Chapter 9: Massacre.

    Doing a few stretches and a few quick slashed of his dagger, Crule tested his current strength.

    [Crule]: It seems due to my age, I can only use 10% of my power without causing harm to my body and growth.

    Focusing his power to the dagger, he cut the wall of the tunnel. It sliced through the rock as if it was made of cream cheese.

    [Crule]: 10% should be enough for now. I have to train body so I can access more of my power.

    Having lost the connection to the demon from the previous world, Crule can access all the demon¡¯s power without its constraints.

    The way Crule danced with his dagger could only described as beautiful. The dagger was made out of a pale silver metal that doesn¡¯t reflect light no matter how the light shines on it. From it leaked a pale aura which leaves a trail whenever it sliced the air.

    Being an expert dagger user, Crule know the limits of his weapon of choice. He had to be fast, to be nimble, and to have the most extreme of reaction speed.

    Thankfully his speed and power allows him to finish most of his enemy off without realizing.

    Crule specialized in sneak attacks.

    [Crule]: Without the demon to monitor my powers, I can freely condense in my limbs to choose my speed and power even though my body is still that of a child.

    The power Crule control surges through his body. This power was a sort of magical energy.

    It haven¡¯t been discovered yet but in the near future, researchers revealed the fact that the atmosphere of Noxia and its moon contains a special energy. The residents of Noxia and its moons have been constantly absorbing the raw energy. Infants and children especially absorb the energy quite faster than adults. The energy permeated their blood streams and lymphatic system. This allows it to circulate through their body, making it stronger. Research have shown that a man born and lived on Noxia would have several times the strength of a man born earth. The longer the exposure, the more strength it increases.

    Imagine if you will, within each person lies a container. At birth, the container was like molten glass, very malleable and will retain a larger shape the more you blow into it. Factors that were in play, were the size of the molten glass before the blowing process and the much blowing was done. The size of the molten glass before the blowing process was the person¡¯s innate potential.

    The blowing of the glass into the container is how much raw energy the person absorb during that time. This means people were born on Noxia have a larger container, depending how high their innate potential was.

    The container size varied a lot in people, some where the size of a cup, some where the size of a barrel. There haven¡¯t been a limit on how large the container can become. General class fighters in the military have containers the size of an Olympic swimming pool. Very very few people have such large innate potential so the number of Generals on Noxia only reached seven.

    Adults can still expand the container but it requires much effort. As time moves on, the container becomes more and more solid.

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    The energy in its raw form seem to help build vitality and boosts life span. Slowly, the average age of death rose higher and higher over the years to the point where the oldest living man was over two hundred years old.

    The energy had the power to protect muscles and bones from the extreme strain during boosted movements and actions. This allow people to do extreme forms of acrobatics and strength. Some people were even able to bear hug a tree, forty centimeter in diameter, in half.

    Due to the frightfulness of this power, very few would try to invade Noxia. Most of the military consist of people who were naturally born on Noxia or the moons since they have the most exposure to the energy.

    Once the game started, the scientists reveal that the raw energy can condense into a single attribute suitable to the person.

    Crule¡¯s raw energy condensed into something special, something only he have.

    Most of the time, the energy exist in the body in its raw state. Once a person can accurately control this raw energy within them, they can manipulate it into an attribute. They then can either release this energy out of their body in a form of an object, or absorb the attributed energy into their body to strengthen it and change it.

    The evolution of mankind seemed infinite with the energy.

    ______

    After warming up and getting use to his powers again, Crule pumped energy into his legs and started running. He became a blur as he dashed through the tunnels toward the hive.

    Finding the hive was easier than he thought as streams of insects filled the tunnel trying to find him. He could follow it back to the hive.

    [Crule]: Some good warmup before I destroy that hive.

    As he dashed through the tunnel, he seem to touch each insect along the way with his dagger.

    The insect that have been touched by the dagger all froze then as small hole appeared on their body where the dagger touched. It seemed to be a small black hole as the entirety of the insect was sucked into the hole. It seemed as if they imploded. Their flesh and even their exoskeleton broken into dust and absorbed by the hole. Then the hole disappeared.

    [Crule]: Such rare organic material, I can let this go to waste.

    After storing a small bit of carapace in his pocket, he moved on.

    The insects along the tunnel were the arachnid like insectoids.

    Massacring all the way, Crule reached the hole where he crawled out of. The hole have been expanded by the insects to allow the swarms to pass through.

    He looked at the two spot of blood on the floor. His emotion wavered and his anger intensified.

    [Crule]: You assholes are all dead!

    He yelled into the hive.

    With anger in his eyes, he dove in.

 Chapter 10: Queen and demon.

    Chapter 10: Queen and demon.

    The Queen lied in her nest. Surrounding her were pieces of unknown flesh and metal pieces and tools. Only the indigestible things were left. She only have to lay her eggs once a month so she was not in danger for most of the time since she was vulnerable during egg laying. Hive security is at maximum during that time of month.

    The eggs that were laid were the size of a football, significantly smaller than their larval form. The egg matures and the larva breaks out. Once out, they will do nothing but eat until they reach sufficient mass. The larva Crule saw the other day was near the necessary mass to metamorphosis. They would become dormant and their outer layer becomes a hard cocoon. After a certain period of time, the insect would emerge from the cocoon fully ready to serve the queen.

    Suddenly, the wall of her chamber collapse. It was cut by something extremely sharp since the walls of the Queen¡¯s chamber were the strongest in the entire hive.

    Standing where the wall use to be was a boy. He was the prey that they lost a while ago. But now the aura coming from the prey no longer was normal.

    The Queen never thought she would feel such an aura. Being at the top of their food chain, they never felt fear as they never had any predator. But the boy in front of them made them feel fear, like a feeling of a rabbit under the gaze of a wolf.

    The Queen panicked and order her guards to kill the boy.

    ______

    Crule sliced open the wall leading to the queen¡¯s chamber. Anger in his eyes, he needs his revenge.

    [Crule]: Sending small-fries against me isn¡¯t going to work.

    He expanded his aura. Any insect that seem to touch the aura disappeared.

    [Crule]: You won¡¯t be able to even touch me.

    He slowly walked toward the queen whilst tossing his dagger playfully like a circus performer.

    The smirk on his face could be described by most as evil.

    Crule fits the image of an insane serial killer. That was one of the other reason why after he was labeled as public enemy number one, no one argued about it.

    Seeing such a cruel smile on a child¡¯s face, the Queen felt a surreal chill down its metaphorical spine. She doesn¡¯t really have a spine but she still felt it, as if it was engrained in her by the boy¡¯s aura.

    [Crule]: I should completely erase you, but you do make a good gift for whom I¡¯m going to go visit next. So all I will do is erase your entire race except you.

    The queen feeling the aura expand did not think that the boy was kidding. She could only submit to the stronger being.

    Crule reached his hand out and focused his energy in his hands. A small black ball appeared in his hand and it slowly floated toward the queen.

    It seemed as if an illusion but the ball sucked up the queen like a liquid. The black ball turned green and fell to the ground. Crule walked over and picked it up and placed it in his pocket.

    [Crule]: Now then, for the rest of you pests.

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    Using the full extent of 10% his maximum output, Crule condensed his energy in his aura.

    From a distance, the entire wall was suddenly encased in a large black sphere.

    As the sphere shrink, the wall was cleaved smoothly into the shape of a half circle. It seems as if the sphere carved the entire wall. Every single cone hive on the wall was gone.

    Crule stood at the tunnel looking out toward the darkness of the abyss. He seemed quite tired as if he went a night without sleep.

    [Crule]: That took far more energy than needed, but now my revenge is complete.

    He looked at the hole he created. He took a large stone and carved it into a tombstone.

    ¡°Here lies the people who sacrificed their life, so the future can come, so that tomorrow can be a better day.¡±

    He took a moment of silence as her remember all the good times he had with Ms. Burnst and Simon. The members of the group who took care of him. The comradery shared between them. They were his family.

    [Crule]: I won¡¯t let any of my friends die, as long as I am still breathing, no one else shall suffer the fear and despair we felt that day.

    He stuck the tombstone at the entrance of the tunnel and turned around and started running to his next goal.

    ______

    [Crule]: She should be still sealed here. I need recover my power.

    Running through the tunnels, Crule started to run downwards. Instead of running upwards toward the surface, he went downwards deeper into the abyss.

    Soon he was even further down than the current mining level.

    The temperature got hotter and hotter but yet Crule was no longer affected by it. The aura around his was slightly more faint that before but it still protected him quite well.

    After running for several hours, Crule reached a room at the end of the tunnel. The room was a large spherical shaped. Chains littered the walls and ceiling. The walls glowed from the endlessly flowing molten metal and it seemed as if the molten liquid will burst out of the wall and overflow the room at any minute. The floor seemed man-made. It was far too smooth for it to be created by nature. Upon closer inspection, a large circle with symbols are inscribed on the floor. At the center of the circle lies a black object.

    The object was a black cross held up by the chains.

    On it, was a girl that has been crucified.

    [Girl on the cross]: You, who are you. How did you get here?

    Crule smirked when he saw the girl.

    The girl seeing Crule¡¯s face shuttered. She never saw anyone with such an evil face.

    [Girl on the cross]: You, you are no normal child.

    Crule walked up to the girl and looked up at her.

    [Crule]: We meet again, Black Rider of the End.

    The girl on the cross shivered.

 Chapter 11: An old friend.

    Chapter 11: An old friend.

    [Girl on the cross]: How do you know who I am? The only ones who know who I am in my current form are the assholes who sealed me here.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s just say we have met before.

    The girl was very suspicious.

    [Girl on the cross]: I think I would have remember someone who looked so evil and you do not have the aura of those annoying heroes who sealed me.

    [Crule]: Ahahaha, don¡¯t think too much about it, here I¡¯ll show you.

    Crule held out his hands and a small black ball appeared.

    Due to using his power so much, he was low on energy and have to recover.

    [Girl on the cross]: This¡­How?

    [Crule]: Never mind that, I want to make a deal.

    [Girl on the cross]: A deal huh? You sure do know how to deal with demons.

    [Crule]: Yes, yes, let¡¯s make this official. I have something to use as a contract.

    He took out the green ball and showed the girl.

    [Girl on the cross]: Oh¡­what a strong life force. You¡¯re willing to sacrifice such a thing to form an official contract? Interesting.

    The girl opened her mouth and Crule walked up and threw the green ball into it.

    [Girl on the cross]: Hmm quite delicious. Having been starving for soooo long it¡¯s nice to finally eat something so good quality.

    [Crule]: Now then, the contract.

    [Girl on the cross]: Ah yes, I was lost in the flavor.

    In front of Crule a large parchment of paper appeared. It seemed ancient and worn down but the aura that leaked from it was no joke. Any normal person who saw it would deemed it a cursed item.

    After reading it carefully, Crule took his dagger, recalled the aura on it and nicked his thumb allowing blood to flow. He pressed his thumb on the parchment and it disappeared in smoke and ashes.

    [Crule]: You seem to know what I came here for too.

    [Girl on the cross]: Of course, it took a while but the ¡°other¡± me informed me of your arrival. It¡¯s not easy being a fourth dimensional splitting into pieces and trapped in the third dimension. Honestly for a second there, you actually manage to scare me.

    [Crule]: Now, Famina, give me what we agreed one.

    [Famina]: I know, I know, hold your horses. Wow so impatient, you would have think that time travel would allow you to gain a little patience.

    [Crule]: As whimsical a demon as ever I see.

    [Famina]: Yea, well the same thing as last time. I will give you power and you set me free.

    [Crule]: Sure, sure.

    The girl began chanting.

    [Famina]: ¡°From the seven seals four were open. Representing the black seal I present thee with power from it. May the insatiable hunger forever thrive. Accept the power that is Famine.¡±

    A black mist appeared from nowhere and spread through the room. Then, like a vacuum, it was all sucked into Crule. He checked his strength again.

    [Crule]: Good, I¡¯m fully recovered. I can effectly access 20% of my full power now.

    [Famina]: Now that you have the power of a horseman from two universes, your full power is rivaled only by the gods.

    [Crule]: Not even the gods will stop me.

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    [Famina]: Ha, boy, you seem to get bolder as time pass.

    [Crule]: I¡¯m going to leave now.

    [Famina]: No! Wait, let¡¯s chat a bit. I haven¡¯t had any decent contact for a millennium.

    [Crule]: Fine, what do you want to talk about?

    [Famina]: Your journey. The ¡°other¡± me inside of you can¡¯t tell me any details as it may harm the delicate fabric of time. But you can.

    [Crule]: I guess I could. What would you like to know?

    [Famina]: How are the others?

    [Crule]: You mean the other three horsemen sealed elsewhere? They are fine. The pale rider even got free by himself.

    [Famine]: Sounds just like him¡­

    [Crule]: The red rider is being sealed in the most secure location known to man.

    [Famine]: Ha, no wonder they can keep him sealed too.

    [Crule]: The white rider is doing her job as usual, keeping out of the human¡¯s path.

    [Famine]: She is always diligent¡­Anyways, what happened in the previous world?

    [Crule]: We lost. Apparently opening four seals out of seven wasn¡¯t enough to stop the apocalypse.

    [Famine]: So we failed huh?

    She started to look more and more depressed. Crule tried to cheer her up.

    [Crule]: Look on the bright side, we got another chance, and this time we are stronger.

    [Famine]: I hope you can help the others too.

    [Crule]: I hope that damn god of yours release the other three seals before we are doomed forever.

    [Famine]: He doesn¡¯t want to interfere further.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t try to justify his actions, I gave up on him a long time ago.

    Famina remained silent. The awkward silence was broken by the rumbling of Crule¡¯s stomach.

    [Famina]: Pfff, looks like I am not the only being of hunger in this room. Your stomach may have an appetite larger than mine.

    [Crule]: Shut up!...

    He was clearly trying to cover up his blushing face.

    [Famine]: You¡¯re so cute when you were a child. Sucks about you evil looking face though.

    [Crule]: I can¡¯t help it.

    Originally, the twelve year old Crule didn¡¯t have an evil face. But after the events that happened in the previous world, he could no longer make the same innocent face again.

    They continue talking about Crule¡¯s old adventures for an hour.

    [Crule]: I really need to go now, maybe find something to eat on the way out.

    [Famina]: Ok, have a safe trip. Remember to comeback for me when the seal is broken.

    Crule just waved his hand without turning back.

    [Crule]: Got it.

    Crule would not forget to come back for her. She was like a sister to him. Back in the previous world, when he was afraid after being chased by the bugs to this chamber, she saved him and kept him company while he recovered.

    [Crule]: I will unseal you soon.

    Full of energy again, Crule ran up the tunnels at blazing speeds.

 Chapter 12: Escape.

    Chapter 12: Escape.

    Not everything on the Rig was full of dust and rust. There was one room that was always clean. This was the room of Warden Brandon.

    [Brandon]: So how many guards are we missing this time?

    [Guard]: A total of six.

    Brandon rubbed his temples trying to levitate the migraine he got. He slammed his palm on the desk. The guard was startled.

    [Brandon]: %!@#$.How are we losing so many god damn guards?! We are guarding god damn unarmed prisoners who have been worked to the point of collapsing. They should not be able to overpower the guard who are fully armed no matter how outnumbered they were.

    [Guard]: Uhmm¡­Sir, the report show that there was no struggle and the prisoner were gone too.

    Brandon looked up at the guard with rage in his eyes.

    [Brandon]: Get out¡­.

    The guard quickly sprinted out of the room.

    Brandon sat back down on his chair rubbing his temples again.

    [Brandon]: I can¡¯t keep losing guards, the higher ups isn¡¯t going to like this and they aren¡¯t going to keep providing more guards.

    Brandon stood up and walked to the window.

    [Brandon]: *sigh* This god forsaken place will be the death of me¡­

    ______

    With his energy rejuvenated, Crule only took two hours to run all the way up to the surface through the tunnels.

    On the way up, he pass by one of the slug creatures.

    [Crule]: You will have to do.

    He knew the slugs were not poisonous and were somewhat edible.

    Not the most delicious of food but he needed the energy.

    He took his dagger and sliced a piece off the slug. He found a nearby river of molten metal and roasted the slice.

    The slice dried up fast and started cooking. It became like jerky eventually.

    Crule took a bite out of it.

    [Crule]: As disgusting as ever, but it¡¯s better than running on no fuel. Makes me wonder how I survived off of these for so long in the past.

    ______

    On the surface, Crule emerged from a small meter wide hole in the ground. He turned around and saw the huge expanse of the abyss before him. He looked up and saw the suns again.

    [Crule]: Nearly four days without sunlight, never thought it would be so refreshing.

    The two suns glare in the sky. The temperature and weather was nice.

    [Crule]: Now, I need to find a transport ship.

    He dashed toward one of the giant steel wires holding the Rig in place.

    Crule ran on top of it towards the Rig. Even the swaying from the wind didn¡¯t seem to be able to throw him off.

    Soon he will arrive at the Rig.

    [Crule]: Maybe I will leave a little surprise for them.

    He smirked as he continue running.

    ______

    Brandon was reviewing the monthly reports. He job wasn¡¯t only just being a warden, he also manage the mining operations.

    [Brandon]:*grumble* Hmm, doubling our production really is increasing our yield¡­but the prisoners are falling left and right. Good thing they are sending more our way today, or our production would suffer¡­

    He knew if their production wasn¡¯t up to standard, he would be the one who gets blamed. This just further added to his headache.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

    [Brandon]: Who is it?

    [Guard]: S-sir, we got a p-problem.

    [Brandon]: *Sigh* When do we NOT have problems¡­Come in.

    The door opened up and there stood the guard.

    Then suddenly a dagger protruded from his abdomen.

    [Guard]: GUWAHHH, but you said you would spare me¡­

    He fell forward into a puddle of his blood.

    [Crule]: I lied.

    Brandon couldn¡¯t understand what just happened.

    In front of him stood a child who looked around ten but his eyes¡­Staring into it one can feel despair and fear at the sheer evil emitting from them.

    [Brandon]: W-who are you?

    [Crule]: Hello Mr. Vinsion. I have a proposition for you.

    [Brandon]: W-what? Do you know who I am?!

    [Crule]: Of course, Warden Brandon Vinsion. Age forty two, father of two daughters. Family living on Noxia in luxury while you labor here on Gluttony. Your favorite food are donuts. Did I miss anything?

    [Brandon]: H-how?...

    The corner of Crule¡¯s smile rose.

    [Crule]: I have my ways, Mr. Vinsion. Now then, about that deal¡­You give me a ship, and I will let you live.

    Crule expanded his aura to fill the entire room.

    Brandon, feeling the insatiable evil in the aura fell on his knees and nearly wet himself.

    [Brandon]: T-take it, p-please don¡¯t kill m-me!

    [Crule]: Now that wasn¡¯t so hard was it?

    Brandon reached into his pocket and threw the keys to his ship to the boy in front of him. Crule caught it midair and pocketed it.

    [Crule]: Now then, you die.

    Brandon¡¯s eye widen.

    [Brandon]: But you said you wouldn¡¯t kill me!?

    [Crule]: I lied.

    His aura condenses and it engulfs Brandon.

    Brandon forgot everything that just happened. All he felt was hungry, he want to eat food, and he NEEDS to eat.

    So hungry, so very very hungry.

    [Brandon]: I can¡¯t take this anymore.

    He started eating the coat on his body, but he still wasn¡¯t satisfied. He kept eating and eating, his shirt, his pants, his socks, and eventually his underwear.

    [Brandon]: Not enough¡­.More, I need more!!

    He started to eat his hands, his arms, ravenously eating everything.

    Soon all that remained was a pile of blood and flesh.

    [Crule]: Now then, with that pest gone, the Rig can be run by the prisoner.

    He walked out the door and walked to the shipping dock.

    In front of him was a spaceship. It was quite luxurious. Its chrome black paint job matched its yellow streaks like a bumble-bee.

    [Crule]: What a nice ship. I¡¯m going to keep it.

    The hood opened up and Crule hopped in. The engine started and he flew off towards Noxia.

    [Crule]: Get ready Grimly, here I come. You better be ready to die.

 Arc 1 Epilogue.

    Arc 1 Epilogue.

    Every year, a representative of the prisoner was elected. It used to be Simon but he disappeared during his last mining trip so his Co-leader Lewis took over.

    Every month, the representative have to meet with the warden to make a progress report. Of course the representative can make demands and hope the warden accepts it. Demands may include things like slightly better food, or a holiday.

    But Warden Brandon was a cruel task master. Nearly all of the prisoner¡¯s demands were rejected immediately.

    Today was the day Lewis was supposed to go meet with Warden Brandon.

    *knock knock knock*

    [Lewis]: Mr. Brandon, Lewis here, I am the representative of the prisoners. I have come to report on the monthly progress.

    He entered after there was no reply. He immediately gagged and vomited.

    On the floor was a rotting pile of flesh. The blood have dried into a dark crimson showing how long the corpse have been here.

    On the pile of flesh was Warden Brandon¡¯s badge.

    [Lewis]: This¡­

    He quickly ran outside for some fresh air only to vomit again.

    [Lewis]: Just what happened in there¡­?

    He held his breath and went back in to look for clues.

    On the table was a letter.

    ¡°Dear Lewis,

    When you get this letter, it should be time for the monthly report. I am here to say you no longer have to do that. As you can see from the pile beside this table, Warden Brandon is no more. I suggest you take this chance to organize the prisoner to take over the Rig. The government is completely ignoring this Rig as long as supplies of Glutonium shows up every month, they don¡¯t care who manages it. If you guys can take over, you can fool the government by sending those ores to them but you can still yet manage all of it yourself. You can use the guard¡¯s supplies for the prisoners.

    I hope you do not waste this chance. It may the only hope you guys have to having a better standard of life. Many people were born on this Rig and consider it a home. You might even be able to illegally sell some of the Glutonium to make a profit to help the place.

    This is no longer a prison¡­ That is if you choose for it to not be one. Take it into your own hands. The late Simon would be proud if you did.

    Go Lewis, become the leader.

    Sincerely,

    The Avenger, Crule

    ______

    Lewis could not believe the content of the letter.

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    [Lewis]: This¡­

    He suddenly realize that the letter mention the ¡°late¡± Simon.

    He started crying.

    [Lewis]: Why¡­Simon. You were our leader, why¡­

    He stood there silently crying to himself.

    Minutes later he looked up with renewed resolution in his eyes.

    [Lewis]: This place¡­This shit hole will no longer by a prison to us. No¡­This place is our home.

    He went and gather all the remaining prisoners. But he first went back in the office and took the badge.

    Facing the masses, Lewis stood upon the pedestal.

    [Lewis]: Friends, hear me now. *holds up the badge* The wicked Warden is dead. Let us revolt, claim this place for ourselves. This place will no longer be a prison but our home, and we will defend our home!

    The people were silent.

    [Lewis]: I am sorry to say, that our leader Simon has died. But he left us a dream, that this place will not be a place of solitude and confinement, but rather a place of warmth and love. LETS US PUSH THOSE WHO GOES AGAINST US INTO THE DEPTS OF HELL THAT WE HAVE SUFFERED! Let us once again, feel the freedom that is life. WHO¡¯S WITH ME!

    A little girl stood up. She looked up to Simon.

    [Little girl]: I will.

    Then an elderly man stood up. Simon helped him when he was sick after the guards abused him.

    [Elderly Man]: I will.

    One by one the prisoners stood up. Each saying, ¡°I Will.¡±

    Lewis, with ambition in his eyes, punched his fists into the air.

    [Lewis]: Let¡¯s do this! For Simon, for freedom, for a place we can call home!

    *WHOO-AHH*

    [Lewis]: Let our picks and drills pierce the heavens!

    ______

    And on that day, the moon of gluttony became a planet for riggers, for free men and women. A place that no longer that can be called a prison, but rather a country, a home, a place where loved ones reside.

    Few people left to visit their families that they haven¡¯t seen in so long but most returned. They have made friends, and they didn¡¯t want to leave them. Some even brought along their family. The Rig was no longer dust and rust but rather a shining beacon of hope for all those have lost it.

    End of Arc 1, kind of tired so I''m going to post the next arc tomorrow.

    If you notice any errors, please point them to me...I''m currently proofreader-less...

 Chapter 13: Beginnings of a mentor and friend.

    Chapter 13: Beginnings of a mentor and friend.

    Simon had an Uncle on Noxia. He worked at a church.

    Charles Wu, Simon¡¯s uncle raised a man who would become Crule¡¯s teacher and best of friends.

    ______

    My father figure once said, ¡°Love is eternal, thus love is worth dying for.¡± I didn¡¯t truly believe this until now. Staring outside of the vat through the small window I looked beside me. In the pod next to me was a woman in her early twenties. Her fair complexion, her flowing dark hair, I loved it all. I didn¡¯t want to lose her.

    [Scientist]: Are you ready Mr. Wu?

    The man in the lab coat outside calmly said. Turning my attention from the pod beside me to the man in front of me, I said with firm conviction,

    [Shin]: I am.

    The scientist smiled with a dark hidden agenda beneath its charming glow.

    [Scientist]: Good, rest in peace then, Mr. Wu.

    This was something I wasn¡¯t looking forward to, but I had to do everything I could to be with my beloved. The scientist walked to the control panel and placed his hand on the lever.

    He pulled down the lever and I felt the energy that was coursing through my body leave me and enter the pod next to me.

    ______

    I was left outside an orphanage in a basket. My first memory was of the beautiful starry sky as I stare outside of my basket. I was but the tender age of sixteen months. The man who took me in had a very caring smile.

    [Clergyman]: Poor kid¡­being left here. Don¡¯t worry we will take good care of you.

    On top of the blanket was a note. ¨CSorry for troubling you but I am in a very bad situation and could not look after my son. I am sure I will not be on Noxia for much longer, please take care of my boy. His name is Shin, please on my behalf, as my last wish while I am alive. ¨C

    All the adults around me thought I was an antisocial quiet child. All I can say was I was a very logical child. I think more than I act. At the orphanage only one man thought differently. His name was Charles. Charles Wu was a man of religion, a priest from the olden days. He was a veteran of the Galactic war, and fought on the side of the pioneers. The galaxy divided into two opposing sides back then, the pioneers and the origins. They were fighting over the resources discovered on the new planet and moons.

    ______

    At the age of seven, Charles decided to take me on a journey. He noticed two things about me at an early age¡­I desired power and I liked to be alone. Having these two traits will one day be the ruin of me and he knew it. To fix this problem we set out on foot into the barren wilderness near the border of the wilderness half of Noxia. I learned how to fight, how to survive, and how to protect. I learned that there is a certain type of energy flowing through the world and that my body eagerly absorbs them. Charles taught me how to harness the power to strengthen my body. These things will follow me for the rest of my life, his teachings have become my rule of which I live my life through. Traveling with him had been the best five years of my childhood.

    But happiness never last forever. With Charles being a veteran of the intergalactic war, he knew secrets that may warrant his death if they were to fall into the wrong hands. Being as cautious as the government can be, they decided to assassinate him. That god dam Metallurgy INC. pretty much controls the entire planet. What Charles carried with him to the grave, was what the president was planning to do with the Games that was starting soon. The day Charles died I was with him. As he lie there with a gunshot wound to his heart, he knew his time was short. He said to me two things.

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    [Charles]: Love is eternal, thus love is worth dying for.

    The second thing I didn¡¯t hear due to the explosion. I somehow survived it but had my arm scorched. This left a bad scar but not bad enough to harm the use of my arm. That day on I took on the last name of Wu to honor my father. Till the end I only manage to call him dad right before he died.

    From that day onwards I wanted revenge. I was completely consumed by darkness. I trusted no one, and became more antisocial than ever.

    If not for my beloved Kate, I would not have escaped from the endless cycle of revenge.

    I met her one day at the age of 15 while I was sitting in the park staring at the lake, brooding. She walked over and asked,

    [Kate]: Why are you so sad?

    She was a thirteen year old kid back then. I had no idea that my hatred would be devoured by the love I had for her.

    I looked up at her and was surprised. Her beauty was beyond words.

    [Shin]: Miss, may I ask who are you?

    [Kate]: My name is Kate, nice to meet you!

    She said with a smile.

    [Shin]: Hello Kate, sorry but you wouldn¡¯t understand why I am sad.

    [Kate]: Oh but I do, you reminded me of when my mother died, lost in the world with nothing but hatred, asking who and why.

    She replied with a sigh.

    [Kate]: Here, take this.

    She hands me a piece of candy.

    [Kate]: Sweets always cheered me up.

    She said and walked away in a skip.

    I sat there pondering, staring at the hard candy she handed me. I unwrapped it and put it in my mouth.

    [Shin]: Hmm, lemon flavored.

    The next day we met up at the same place and chatted. This went on and on for half a year until we got together.

    [Kate]: Food is a universal language!

    She told me when I asked her about the candy.

    Two years later I got to know her parents. Her mother died when she was young. Apparently she use to work for the government yet Kate didn¡¯t know what her job was exactly. Her father was a policeman.

    Meeting her dad for the first time was scary. I was an orphan living by myself at the age of 18. With no one really to call a parental guardian I was a lone wolf in the world. I worked part time at a local restaurant. After a long staring contest, her dad finally smiles and says,

    [Kate¡¯s dad]: You better take care of her, OK? You know what would happen if you don¡¯t¡­

    He took a quick glance at the shotgun mounted on the wall. I gulped and was breaking out in sweats. Although I knew I could win in a fight, I didn¡¯t want to hurt her father.

 Chapter 14: Tragedy and Hope.

    Chapter 14: Tragedy and Hope.

    Things happened and two years later Kate got into college and I followed her to the city. I was in culinary school and she was studying law. After she graduated, she joined the police force following in her dad¡¯s footsteps. I too opened a restaurant of my own called -Imperial Wu-. We got married a year later, had a small wedding service with a few people attending, nothing big. A year later I learned something from a letter I received. It was from a friend of my dad. On it explained the reason as to why my father was killed and that I should watch out for government organizations. My dad died so the president¡¯s evil plans couldn¡¯t be leaked.

    His evil plan of becoming a God by unsealing an ancient force.

    Through his ambitions he created the Game. The technological advance where all invented by his ingenious band of scientists and programmers.

    This technology eventually became the bases of which the first game depend on. When the game was announced, a large rift was opened up between Mars and the asteroid belt. All major countries pooled in and sent in their best people to participate in the games on the other side of the worm hole.

    Originally the wormhole first opened up years ago. Pioneers set out to discover what was on the other side.

    They discovered a new galaxy with two Suns and three planets. Upon further investigation, two of the planets were habitable by humans.

    Twenty years later, the first Ark was sent through the wormhole. It contained two hundred thousand pioneers to settle on the two new planets. Splitting in half, one hundred thousand people landed on the first planet. The other half went further to the next planet.

    But calamity happened again after fifty years. The planet was nearly fully destroyed by another celestial body. All of the pioneers died immediately. The surviving 100 thousand on the second planet could only watch in horror.

    Two hundred years have passed and the remaining planet prospered. It has become the most economically powerful planet and was far more lucrative than business on Earth.

    I knew I had to stop the president¡¯s plans somehow. But one fateful day I got a call from the hospital. My wife had been injured during a gunfight when trying to stop a fight between rival gangs. I felt as though my heart stopped as I raced to the hospital.

    Little did I know, the shot was not from the gun of one of the gang members but rather an attempt on Kate¡¯s life. The government knew they had to cut all ties around me and to control me. For they assumed my father pass onto me information that may be of national importance they had forgotten from long ago. I was too valuable to kill, but my wife wasn¡¯t.

    ______

    In a lone hospital room lies a woman of around 25 of age. One can see a large amount of electrical devices around her and one can assume its keeping her alive. Out the room was a fatigued looking man and a doctor with a sullen look on his face.

    [Doctor]: I''m sorry Mr. Wu, I wish I could have done more but I am only a doctor, not a god¡­

    Shin sat down slowly in a chair in the corridor. You can see the doomed expression on his face slowly spread as he realizes what the doctor meant. Slowly he broke out into tears and silently sobbed to himself as the doctor walked away.

    Twenty minutes later the tired man, Shin was sitting there, all out of tears and in a hopeless slump, just sitting in that chair. Out of the corner of his eyes he can see a man, well more of a boy instead of a man, in a sharp grey suit standing in front of him.

    [Man in grey suit]: I understand you have a problem Mr. Wu. I may be able to help you with that.

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    [Shin]: Unless you can perform miracles, get out of my face. I am NOT in the mood for any bullshit about god or anything right now.

    He doesn''t look up but still stare at the reflection of the boy on the clear hospital floor.

    [Man in grey suit]: I am not a miracle worker or some sort of wizard, but I do have a way to allow you to continue living with your wife.

    Suddenly the color seem to return to Shin¡¯s tired looking face.

    [Shin]: Go on¡­

    [Man in grey suit]: I am here as a representative of project Antagonist and I would like to ask if you would like to apply to a certain ¡®medical¡¯ study we will be performing.

    [Shin]: What company are you working for?

    [Man in grey suit]: You would not believe it if I told you so I''ll just say a government organization, let¡¯s say a branch of Metallurgy INC.

    The boy in the suit explained with great pride. He talks slowly as with great confidence but one can detect his inner mischief.

    Shin knew where this was going. The letter he received earlier already warned him about the government but he was surprised that Metallurgy would approach him directly.

    [Shin]: Fine, let me hear this proposal of yours.

    Shin finally looks up at the boy. He was well built, not quite a body builder but perhaps a gymnast. He looks to be around 19 or so and the suit seem to fit him like a glove. His hair was thick with gel and he worn an untrustworthy smirk on his face once Shin finally looked up. To him he looks like a young traveling salesman trying to sell him a suitcase full of wool socks or something.

    [Man in grey suit]: We can allow your wife to fully recover.

    If this was before Shin looks at him like the boy was insane. But after learning about the secrets his father died to protect, he knew this was true.

    [Man in grey suit]: Ah, sorry Mr. Wu I was a bit unclear, allow me to explain this in layman terms.

    We have discovered a sort of ¡°energy¡± that permeates the atmosphere of Noxia. It strengthen people¡¯s bodies and can also be used as a sort of support either as a weapon or skill.

    [Shin]: How?

    Shin asked with a doubtful face again, trying to act inconspicuous since he already knew about this energy.

    [Shin]:*I must not get the government to be suspicious of me* he thought.

    [Man in grey suit]: We just need to allow more energy to flow through her body and allow the regenerative properties to take its course.

    Shin looks at him again with doubt as so the boy doesn¡¯t suspect him. The boy¡¯s face is just too untrustworthy.

    [Shin]: What''s the catch?

    [Man in grey suit]: Ah, now we are getting somewhere. The only catch is we require testers for the project we are about to perform, project Antagonist. It''s a simple game really.

    [Shin]: This seems too promising to be true.

    [Man in grey suit]: Ah but I have a contract and a pamphlet for you and your wife, please look it over and when you have make a decision, call me. My number is on the pamphlet.

    [Shin]: Fine, I will look it over.

    [Man in grey suit]: Very well then, I will definitely be seeing you later¡­

    The boy walks away with a skip in his step.

 Chapter 15: Participant and gifts.

    Chapter 15: Participant and gifts.

    Shin stares at the pamphlet in his hands and then slowly entered the hospital room.

    In the bed lies his wife, Kate. She had taken shots to several major internal organs when a drug bust went wrong and is now in a coma surviving only on life support. She was a cop and was everything to him. He would gladly die if it would save her.

    [Shin]: Kate¡­I will definitely save you, even if I have to fight an entire country¡­Even if I have to work with that god forsaken company.

    He looks at her with a strong face, then opens the pamphlet. To beat someone, one must first know about your enemy. One of his dad¡¯s teachings.

    -Antagonist Online, the death defying game! Beta tester wanted¡­¡±

    Welcome to the pamphlet, you have been selected as a candidate for beta testing Antagonist online. Upon accessing the game, one can use mythical and fantastic powers of myth and lore. Want to control fire, water, earth, or air? Want to be able to bend the very nature against its will? Entering this game will allow you to fully unlock your hidden potential. Shin read the first page of the pamphlet stunned. If what it said was true, he and Kate can both get stronger. In full hopefulness he continues reading but at the same time wary of why the government wanted him to do this.

    The pamphlet ends there with a few well done screen shots and a date and number.

    ¡°Beta tester meeting on the 3rd! Mandatory to all who joined the program.¡±

    That was in 4 days. Shin takes a look at his wife and steeled his resolve.

    [Shin]: Kate, my dear, I will save you no matter what¡­

    Shin Wu looked out the window. The government will pay for this. For killing his father, for harming his wife, he was out for blood. But those who rush due to anger will lose in the end, another teaching from his father.

    ______

    On the way back, Shin was attacked by a man in a suit. He had the feeling of a bodyguard for a government official. Shin with his training easily manage to avoid the initial attack. As a chef, he always kept his trusty filleting knife with him (Chefs don¡¯t do this normally). Trained by his father Wu in the art of fighting, Shin trained in how to use a knife after he recovered from the explosion with the intent on revenge. He knew that the man in the suit was actually trying to kill him, persuasion was not going to work so Shin skillfully as if he was dancing cut the man¡¯s tendons in his arm and legs as they clashed. The man in the suit just fell to his knees as he could no longer stand, his arms limp at his sides. Shin just slowly walked away from him while juggling his knife in one hand. The man in the suit whispered something to the mic on his suit.

    [Man in a suit]: He passed sir, with flying colors too.

    The man smiled, looking at Shin slowly walking into the night.

    4 Days later, Shin arrived at the designated location. It was a tall commercial building with a large sign reading `Institute of Medical Research`. He walked in and was greeted by the receptionist at the door.

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    [Receptionist]: You must be Mr. Wu, please follow me to the meeting room.

    Shin followed the reception and entered a meeting room. Inside were 11 people. From the looks of it there were people from all over the world with all kinds of work background. The only common thing shared between them, was all of them seemed like they could fight. They all stared at Shin as he walked in, evaluating his strength. Many of them simply scoffed and went back to chatting among themselves.

    Shin took one of the seats and sat down. 5 minutes later, the boy that Shin met at the hospital walked in.

    [Man in grey suit]: Ladies and gentleman, calm down please. This informative meeting shall start now.

    He said with his trademarked grin.

    [Man in grey suit]: Now that I have your attention, let me say a few things before we start. Some of you may have noticed, but there is only twelve people here. This is because we only needed twelve skilled people to test this game out. The others whom we have asked didn¡¯t make it so your twelve are the selected few.

    After the attack, Shin guessed the man in the suit was just a test.

    [Man in grey suit]: Now you might be wondering why we would test you guys if you¡¯re only going to be beta testers for a game. Well let me explain, this game allows you to gain certain bonuses based on your actual physical and mental abilities due to these Nano-bots we inject into participants. We have to be sure this doesn¡¯t fall into the wrong hands. They allows them to be able to fully control the energy within their bodies and access their power. Also as qualifying beta testers, we present to you a small present.

    The boy pressed his tablet and a monitor appears in front of the room. On it was a box of what looked like liquid mercury.

    [Man in grey suit]: This, is living metal. Since inside the game, everyone will start out with only a small dagger, all the weapons you used will be made by yourselves. We will not allow people to bring weapons from the outside. As beta testers, this living metal which is made of the seven metals of the moons, will be a gift from the gods to say the less. You are allowed to use this metal to create a weapon of your choosing and use it for the rest of the time you will be playing with no expiration date. You can either shape it yourselves or have of our designers to make it for you base on your whims.

    The boy pressed his tablet again and a man walked in. He had a strange reddish hair color and wore a black punk outfit.

    [Man in grey suit]: This is our chief designer, Jones.

    [Jones]: Nice to meet y¡¯all.

    Jones said with a grin.

    [Jones]: Well then, shall we head to the workshop?

    He led us next door into a room.

    [Jones]: Now let me demonstrate what energy manipulation can really do.

 Chapter 16: Energy Manipulation and Attribute.

    Chapter 16: Energy Manipulation and Attribute.

    As we enter the room, we noticed the room was well protected. The walls seemed strongly reinforced and the furniture were all made of the strongest metals.

    [Jones]: Come now y¡¯all, gather round that there table.

    After everyone has settled down and found a spot to sit, we looked at the table in the middle of the room. On it was a beaker of a shimmering liquid metal.

    [Jones]: Now y¡¯all should be able to feel them energy thingies flowing through yer body like its yer very own blood. Pump that shit into the metal like yer trying to give it CPR.

    Jones stuck his fist into the beaker of metal. I could feel the energy condense on his fist. Looking around I realize I wasn¡¯t the only person who noticed this.

    [Jones]: Now, let¡¯s make something simple.

    He griped his hand and pulled it out of the metal. A metal rod slowly formed as his hand left the beaker.

    [Jones]: Now see here is yer normal metal rod, but it¡¯s as tough as a heifer made of diamonds. Here test it.

    He handed the rod to a large man with rippling muscles.

    [Jones]: You seem kinda skeptical about it, here try to bend it.

    [Muscular man]: Hmph. My name is Brunic, you better remember that.

    [Jones]: *with a smile* Yes, yes, Mr. Brunic, shall we make a wager? If ye can bend that there stick, I¡¯ll pay you a thousand gold.

    Brunic¡¯s eyes lit up. A thousand gold was no small number. It was enough to purchase a car in today¡¯s economy.

    [Brunic]: You got yourself a deal, funny man.

    He took the stick in his hands and with great force tried to bend it. I could see the energy coursing through his arms were slightly more concentrated than the rest of his body. It seems his control over it isn¡¯t as good as that man Jones.

    Brunic¡¯s face started to turn red as he struggles to bend the stick. His pride wouldn¡¯t allow a puny stick to beat the muscles he was so proud of.

    [Brunic]: ARRRGGGG.

    Finally the metal seem to tremble a tiny bit.

    [Jones]: *whistles* Dang man, yer really manage to make that thing bend, although it was minuscule.

    [Brunic]: *panting* You¡¯re god damn right.

    [Jones]: Well, a deals a deal, here.

    He tosses a small stack to Brunic. He caught it and put it in his pocket.

    [Jones]: Well, as you can see, the metal is quite strong. It took ol¡¯ Brunic here quite a large amount of energy to bend it.

    He picked up the stick and it somehow turned limp like a noodle.

    [Jones]: Now, if you actually knew how to control energy to the point where you can do this, the number of weapons you can make are endless.

    Brunic stared at Jones with anger. His pride was hurt and he wasn¡¯t going to let it slide.

    [Brunic]: Why you little¡­

    He was going to teach Jones a lesson. His fist was already raised and was on the way to hit him.

    [Jones]: Now, now, big guy. Don¡¯t get yer panties in a bunch.

    The limp noodle of metal suddenly shot forth and curled around Brunic¡¯s arms and solidified.

    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.[Brunic]: W-what is this, get it off me!

    The hardened metal locked itself onto Brunic¡¯s arms and he couldn¡¯t move it. It seems to be tightening.

    [Jones]: Now, are you going to calm down? Or do I have to cut off your arm to keep you calm.

    Brunic stared at fear at the metal on his arm. If it suddenly became sharp as a sword and slices his arm, he would seriously lose it.

    [Brunic]: F-fine, just get it off me.

    [Jones]: *smirks* Good good, now let¡¯s get on to the second part of the demonstration.

    Jones put his fist into a second beaker. This one consist of a clear fluid.

    [Jones]: The living metal is called Pridonium from the moon of Pride. This is why it¡¯s so shiny. This metal here, is Lusten from the moon of Lust. It reacts depending on the energy inputted into it. It has various different reaction base on the attribute of your energy.

    The beaker of clear fluid started to spin. It slowly turned turquoise starting from where Jones hand was. Soon it was a swirling turquoise vortex.

    [Jones]: You see here, this reaction shows that my attribute is a mix of water and wind. The spinning means I specialize in vortexes. So things like whirlpools and hurricanes are my specialty and I do better in them.

    So that¡¯s why the metal rod coiled around Brunic¡¯s arms so easily.

    Everyone¡¯s eye shined with interest. Learning their attributes can mean they can finally train in the most suitable environment.

    [Jones]: Now, let¡¯s get each of you tested. Who wanna go first?

    The first to step up was Brunic. After the humiliation he suffered earlier, his pride wouldn¡¯t allow him to brood on it.

    [Jones]: Ah good ol¡¯ Brunic, put yer fist in that there beaker and let¡¯s see yer attribute.

    On the table were twelve remaining beakers.

    Brunic grumbled and put his fist in one of the beakers.

    The reaction was explosive. The liquid first caught fire where Brunic¡¯s fist touched and it shot straight out of the beaker. The fire spread quickly and engulfed the entire beaker.

    But Brunic act like he didn¡¯t feel a thing.

    [Jones]: Don¡¯t worry people, the person¡¯s attribute wouldn¡¯t hurt them. But we should probably step back in case that thing expodinates.

    Everyone took a step back.

    The beaker melted leaving only the clear liquid burning.

    [Jones]: Oh-hoho, so ol¡¯ Brunic here is fire attribute specializing in shots and corrosion. Nice nice.

    Brunic seemed proud as he raised his fist out of the beaker.

    [Brunic]: It¡¯s a given, I am Brunic the strong.

    [Jones]: Yes yes, all of you here are strong, or else you wouldn¡¯t have pass the test. Now then, who¡¯s up next?

    A short haired woman in a leather jacket stepped up.

    [Woman in leather jacket]: I¡¯m next. Names Juliet.

    [Jones]: Ah, pretty lass, let¡¯s see what yer attribute is.

    The woman walked up and put her fist in the beaker.

    The reaction was something no one expected.

 Chapter 17: Taboo Attribute.

    Chapter 17: Taboo Attribute.

    Sparks. The beaker started to produce electrical sparks where the woman stuck her hand. The electricity starts to arc more and more and the chains appeared more and more often. Soon the beaker was a constant vat of electricity visible to the naked eye. Then it started to spin. It spun so far it became nothing but a blur of blue sparks.

    Suddenly the metal chairs in the room started to shift. The slowly moved toward the beaker.

    [Jones]: Ok, ok, stop. Before this place starts to get messy.

    Jones rubbed his hair and said with a sigh.

    [Jones]: Well, you little miss really are a freak. Very VERY few people have lightning attribute, but you, not only do you specialize in lightning attribute you also specialize in chaining and magnetics. Quite rare indeed.

    I inspect her closer and realize her earrings were actually small batteries. I guess it helps replenish the energy she has. Somehow she learned about her attribute by herself¡­Truly a genius.

    [Jones]: *whistles* After that display of power, let¡¯s see who is willing to follow that up.

    Another woman who looked similar to Juliet walked up. She was also wearing a leather jacket but it had a different emblem on it. The jacket Juliet wore had a thunderbolt on it. This one had hammer.

    [Woman in hammer jacket]: Eh, I guess I¡¯ll go next. Mah name is Claire.

    She went to another free beaker and put her hand in. Immediately the beaker shattered. But the constant inside have already became solid and dark brown. It was in the shape of the beaker but was slightly bigger which was why the beaker shattered.

    From the dark brown solid on her hand, a pulse seem to beat through the metal.

    [Jones]: Interesting. Your attribute is earth and you specializes in tremors. A very good attribute and specialization for demolition.

    [Claire]: Not as flashy but just as powerful I hope.

    [Jones]: Indeed it¡¯s not as rare and flash as the little lass over there but it¡¯s still powerful when trained correctly.

    Claire smiled and walked back to the group. She stuck her tongue out at Juliet. Juliet looked away and sighed. It seems they knew each other.

    Without Jones having to ask who wants to step up next, a man walked up. He was very quiet. Everyone¡¯s attention fixed on him once he stuck his fist in one of the beakers.

    A blinding light shined from the beaker. No one can keep their eyes open in the sheer power of the light. Only those who had sunglasses could see what was happening in the beaker. Electricity. Inside the beaker was also electricity but this one was blindingly white.

    All fatigue Shin felt from staying the night at the hospital disappeared. It seems the light had a healing property. Jones seemed to have noticed too.

    [Jones]: This¡­I can¡¯t even describe in words what I just saw.

    The man walked back and stood with the group. He still remained silent. Upon closer inspection, he seemed to have a small book and cross in his pocket. Perhaps he was a clergyman.

    [Jones]: Man, I¡¯m still recovering from the shock. Anyways, that man there is lightning and light attribute, a dual attribute. Extremely rare but what¡¯s more rare is that he specialize in healing.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    The man still remained silent but not everyone looked at him with admiration. Even Juliet and Brunic who were seemed extremely proud even looked with admiration.

    [Jones]: In this beta, you may be the most useful candidate. Now then, whose next?

    A shy girl raised her hand.

    [Jones]: This aint a classroom little miss, you can just step up and say yer name.

    The girl looked like she was in high school. She skipped up and put her hand in the beaker.

    From the beaker, vines sprouted. Flowers and grass, herbs and shrubs. Every single seed brought in from the group on their clothes filled the room and sprouted. It became like a green house. The tenacity of the plants were extremely strong as it manage to take root in metal room.

    The girl took her hand out of the beaker and made a V with her fingers!

    [Girl]: Yes! It worked!

    [Jones]: Little girl, your attribute is¡­plants it seems. Having a non-elemental attribute is rarely seen. Jesus Christ all of your attributes are rare. This entire group must be a freak show. Anyways it seems you specialize in tenacity.

    [Girl]: Woohoo!

    She skipped back to the group and awaited the next person.

    [Jones]: 5 down 7 to go. Who¡¯s up next?

    A very skinny man wearing a t-shirt and jeans stepped up. He had the look of a NEET. His unshaved face made him look almost like a homeless bum if not for how clean his shirt and pants was.

    [Skinny man]: Yo man, I¡¯m up. Names Steve.

    He took one of his hands out of his pocket and put it in one of the beaker.

    [Skinny man]: Whoa this shit is cold to the touch.

    Frost appeared on the beaker. The room temperature dropped significantly. People started to shiver as the temperature kept dropping. Soon frost started to appear on the walls of the room.

    [Jones]: Ok ok, s-stop, b-before we all f-freeze to death.

    Steve took his hand out and the temperature returned to normal.

    [Jones]: S-so our man Steve here is ice attribute. It seems he specialize in blast chill since the temperature dropped so quickly.

    We had to wait a while for the temperature to drop back to normal. We took this time to chat among ourselves. Few of us went to congratulate the ones who already had their attributes determined.

    After a short break they resumed.

    Shin decided it was his turn and he walked up. He stuck his hand into the beaker.

    [Jones]: This¡­!@#%$ WHAT IS THIS?!

    From the beaker a pale mist flowed. All the plants that still inhabited the room that touched the mist immediately wilted and disintegrated. The room went dead. The atmosphere was that of a cemetery.

    [Jones]: WHO ARE YOU?! WHAT ARE YOU?!...

    [Shin]: ¡­.

    Shin gave Jones a sharp glare.

    [Jones]: *erk* A-anyways, this man here¡­his attribute is¡­Death.

    Everyone was silent.

 Chapter 18: Deal and Clothes.

    Chapter 18: Deal and Clothes.

    Jones put his finger to this ear piece and whispered. Moments later, the man in the grey suit entered the room.

    [Man in the grey suit]: Mr. Wu, come with me, it¡¯s time to finish our side of the bargain.

    Shin knew it was time to save Kate but he was still cautious that the man came after he have shown his power.

    Shin looked at everyone, turned around, and left in silence.

    Everyone started gossiping as soon as Shin left the room.

    [Claire]: Hey Jules, who was that guy?

    [Juliet]: Not sure, haven¡¯t heard of his in the professional field.

    [Claire]: Oh-ho ho, a mystery man eh?

    [Juliet]: He seems more of an assassin type.

    [Claire]: Really? His might be nicer than his cold attitude shows.

    [Juliet]: Hmm? How did you see that?

    [Claire]: Just intuition!

    The girls chat among themselves.

    [Brunic]: I want to fight that man. My muscles are itching for a good fight.

    [Jones]: You probably wouldn¡¯t last three seconds.

    [Brunic]: I wasn¡¯t talking to you asshole.

    [Jones]: *smirks* Friendly aren¡¯t we?

    Jones whispers to himself,

    [Jones]: That man¡­how did Fei Luo get a man like that to come¡­?

    ______

    Shin followed the man in the grey suit to another room.

    They entered a small room in the med bay. On the bed was Kate with a lot of machines hooked up and beeping.

    It pained Shin¡¯s heart when he saw her. He thought to himself why couldn¡¯t it have been him instead.

    [Man in grey suit]: Ah, Mr. Wu, I have never gotten to properly introduce myself. My name is Fei Luo Can. I work for Metallurgy INC. as part of the HR department. Anyways let¡¯s get the terms straight.

    [Shin]: Go on¡­

    [Fei Luo]: We get your wife to recover, and you participate in the beta under our company¡¯s banner.

    [Shin]: Isn¡¯t this entire game planned by your company?

    [Fei Luo]: Although it may be planned by us, it¡¯s funded by various other wealthy people and companies who want to advertise.

    [Shin]: So you want me to be a walking billboard.

    [Fei Luo]: In that sense yes.

    Shin though for a while. Considering his display of power, this demand is kind of unexpected.

    [Shin]: Fine, now save Kate.

    [Fei Luo]: *smiles* Yes yes, let¡¯s get her patched up.

    He pressed the buzzer next to the hospital bed and a team of medics came in.

    [Fei Luo]: Take her to the energy rejuvenation chamber.

    They pushed the hospital bed to a room lined with pods.

    [Fei Luo]: Let me explain the process now, we can transfer energy from an external source to your wife and allow it to boost her healing.

    [Shin]: What will the energy source be¡­?

    [Fei Luo]: *smirks* Why, you of course.

    Shin looked at Fei like he was kidding. Knowing his own attribute, it was not safe to transfer the energy to his already weakened wife.

    [Fei Luo]: Don¡¯t worry, this process is perfectly harmless, even with your attribute.

    [Shin]: ¡­ Fine

    The medics carefully put Kate into one of the pods and attached various wires to her.

    Shin walked up and entered the pod next to her.

    A scientist entered the room and started to direct the medics.

    [Fei Luo]: This machine requires a specialist to use it. This man here was the inventor of the machine Dr. Viktor Sadoski.

    [Viktor]: Are you ready Mr. Wu?

    The man in the lab coat outside calmly said. Turning my attention from the pod beside me to the man in front of me, I said with firm conviction,

    [Shin]: I am.

    The scientist smiled with a dark hidden agenda beneath its charming glow.

    [Viktor]: Good, rest in peace then, Mr. Wu.

    This was something I wasn¡¯t looking forward to, but I had to do everything I could to do to save Kate. The scientist walked to the control panel and placed his hand on the lever.

    He pulled down the lever and I felt the energy that was coursing through my body leave me and enter the pod next to me.

    ______

    Crule landed his ship in the forest bordering the island country of Aponis.

    [Crule]: This is where teacher should be¡­

    The first thing on Crule¡¯s agenda is to recruit his former team and warn them about the impending dangers. He also plans to train them to allow them to be strong enough to face the tragedy that was about to happen.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    [Crule]: Teacher also mention his only regret was not being able to save his wife¡­Maybe this time I can help.

    Crule walked casually into the country.

    [Crule]: I look too foreign and suspicious, I need a new outfit to blend in.

    In the green gem that Crule swallowed was the ability to access a large special spatial storage he had from his previous life. Inside was a fortune that could make a billionaire faint. He never had the chance to enjoy his fortune due to constantly being on the run.

    [Crule]: I might finally be able to enjoy the luxury of the rich. Although this campaign might take a lot of money. Oh well, money isn¡¯t important.

    He walked into a nearby clothing store. It seems they sell custom designed clothing for all ages. They were a high class franchise that make elaborate suits and dressed for nobles.

    He walked into the store.

    At the counter was a girl.

    The store Crule entered was well known for their lifetime clothing sets. The clothes grow along with the person. They were extremely expensive as the company still produces high profits even when people don''t need to replace their clothes often.

    [Crule]: I would like a half dozen designed outfit. One for formals, two for casual, and three for outdoors.

    The girl looked down at Crule who was only twelve years old.

    [Girl at counter]: Kid, this isn¡¯t a place to play, get lost.

    Crule only smiled with patience. He couldn¡¯t blame the girl, he indeed look like a kid from the streets.

    [Crule]: Guess you don¡¯t want my money then.

    He pulled out of nowhere a large sack of gold coins and shook it.

    The girl at the counter¡¯s eyes widen. She thought to herself, this kid must be some eccentric noble¡¯s run away kid. Better treat him well and perhaps the noble might owe me a favor¡­He got money anyway¡­

    Her logic crumbled and she took Crule¡¯s demands.

    She took Crule¡¯s measurements and began to work. The suits were made of fabric from exotic plants found on Noxia and its moons. They were very sturdy and resistant to slashes and cuts. Although they don¡¯t offer protection against blunt force trauma, it was still an outfit that was difficult to destroy. Some variation are even fire resistant.

    Crule looked at the woman who was about the use the blue fabric to make a hiking outfit.

    [Crule]: Wait. Use this.

    He took out a piece of leather. It was thin and black yet had a scaly texture.

    The girl¡¯s eyes and mouth both opened widely.

    [Girl at counter]: This¡­Is this what I think it is?

    [Crule]: Yes, yes, its black dragon skin, now hurry up, I don¡¯t have much time.

    The girl thought the noble behind this kid must be either extremely rich or very VERY powerful to be able to get ahold of such a large intact piece of black dragon skin.

    The black dragon were a species of reptiles found native to Noxia¡¯s moon Pride. They live off the shining metal and its defensive properties permeated into their scaly skin. They were the toughest animal known to man, being able to fully resist a tank piercing missile. Killing one would require an entire battalion.

    The girl stared at the extremely rare leather and began working carefully. From it she made the three outdoors outfits.

    The formal wear was a black suit and dress pants. It includes leather shoes and a tie. It was fitted for the size of a child but when Crule grow, it will still fit him like a glove. The two casual outfits were a polo shirt with jeans and a t-shirt with khakis. Both were made from rich materials and allowed the user to feel extremely comfortable wearing them.

    Last the three outdoors outfits. The first consisted of a thin mesh inner t-shirt and a vest of black dragon leather. The pants were a black colored jeans. It was the normal one for every occasion.

    The second set was a thicker cotton shirt and thick cotton filled polyester long pants. It was for winter weather and colder places.

    Lastly was a set of clothing that was pure black. It consisted of a black t-shirt. Crule chose the design on it. A picture of a black hooded skeleton riding a flaming rotting horse was embedded on the front. The girl didn¡¯t question Crule¡¯s taste as to not offend the noble. The pants were a strong leather jeans made from the black dragon skin. Lastly, was a large overcoat, also made from black dragon skin.

    Changing into the first outdoors outfit, Crule looked at the mirror.

    [Crule]: Feels good to have my clothes back¡­

    In his previous life, he received the clothes as a birthday present from his teacher at a much later age than he was now.

    He threw the bag of coins at the girl. She started counting it with greed in her eyes.

    [Crule]: Keep the change.

    He walked out the door and headed to the city.

    The girl stared with amazement as the amount of gold in the bag could pay for three times the amount of clothes the boy had bought.

    [Girl at counter]: Who was that kid¡­?

    She could only wonder in amazement.

 Chapter 19: Rescue.

    Chapter 19: Rescue.

    Crule heard from stories about his teacher¡¯s past that he used to be a chef and his wife use to be a police woman. He wandered the city trying to track down the restaurant. Then he found it. The red illuminated sign saying ¡°Imperial Wu¡± hanged in front of the place. The sign on the door said it was closed.

    [Crule]: He must be out¡­let¡¯s look for information at the police station.

    He walked to the police station.

    He walked to the counter where a police man was working. He needed to find out where his teacher¡¯s wife went.

    [Policeman]: Hey kid, what are you doing here?

    Crule made up a believable story.

    [Crule]: I came to get my dad, he got drunk again and got in a brawl.

    [Policeman]: Oh, poor kid, having such a father¡­Who was the cop who called you to pick him up?

    [Crule]: I think her name was Kate Wu?

    The policeman suddenly stopped typing. He looked down at Crule.

    [Policeman]: That¡¯s impossible.

    [Crule]: Why? What happened?

    [Policeman]: She was injured recently in a gunfight and is under intensive care.

    [Crule]: Oh, I¡¯m sorry to hear that¡­How¡¯s her husband doing?

    [Policeman]: Wait how do you know about her husband?

    [Crule]: My family use to frequent his restaurant.

    [Policeman]: Oh, well he recently got a deal from Metallurgy INC. I heard they are funding Kate¡¯s hospital bill and hired Shin to do something for them. Actually I think the meeting was today.

    [Crule]: Oh¡­thanks Mr. Policeman. Here¡¯s the bail money for my dad.

    Crule hands over two silver coins to the policeman.

    [Policeman]: What a polite kid.

    He turned around to put the money in the cashier and turned back with paperwork for Crule to fill.

    [Policeman]: Here kid, fill out this paper work and everything will be done¡­.Wait where did he go?

    By the time the policeman turned around Crule was already gone.

    [Policeman]: Huh weird kid.

    ______

    [Crule]: I don¡¯t have much time. I didn¡¯t realize the deadline was so damn close. Today was supposed to be the day teacher lost his wife. God dammit I must hurry.

    He put on his black overcoat and started to move through the shadows of the city alleys. It was a lot faster than he can run in public without being conspicuous.

    Soon he arrived at the entrance to the tall tower of Metallurgy INC.

    He took a mask out from his spatial storage and put it on. It was a pure white mask with only two eye holes.

    He casually walked in.

    ______

    [Woman working in security]: Sir, we have an intruder.

    The woman at the monitor said to the tall man in the middle. The leader of security of Metallurgy INC. Hanuman.

    [Hanuman]: Do we have a visual.

    [Woman working in security]: Yes, the height seemed to be of a child but he is masked and is wearing a larger black trench coat.

    [Hanuman]: So it¡¯s just a child, go send one of the receptionist to meet with him, maybe he wandered in by accident.

    [Woman working in security]: Yes Sir.

    She picked up the phone and talked to the receptionist at the front desk.

    The receptionist got up and walked toward Crule.

    [Receptionist]: Hey little kid, are you lost?

    Crule stayed silent and continued slowly walking.

    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.[Receptionist]: Hello? Little kid? Where are your parents?

    Crule still didn¡¯t stop. The receptionist soon lost her patience. She tried to grab Crule¡¯s arm to stop him but as soon as her hand got close, it vanished.

    [Receptionist]: W-what, ARHHHHHHHH MY HAND, MY HAND WHERE IS MY HAND.

    The pain was excruciating. It was as if her hand was forcefully ripped from her arm. The stump where her hand use to be started to bleed profusely.

    [Crule]: Be quiet, your annoying.

    He lifted his arm up and a ball appeared around the receptionist. When the ball faded nothing remained. Even the floor had a small hole from the ball.

    ______

    [Woman at security]: T-this¡­Sir, we have a p-problem.

    [Hanuman]: I know, I saw that too¡­such power and brutality. It seems we are indeed being invaded¡­let¡¯s try not lose any more people, just send the beta candidates. I heard they were a strong lot.

    [Woman at security]: Y-yes Sir.

    ______

    Jones put his hand up to his ear bud. It seemed the testing of attributes resumed shortly after Shin left.

    [Jones]: Ok guys, we have a short little mission for you. You can fully show off your powers then. It seems we have an intruder.

    [Brunic]: FINALLY something to warm up my muscles on!

    [Juliet]: Do they know who it is?

    [Jones]: No, but they can confirm the intruder is very powerful.

    [Claire]: More powerful than us? I think not.

    [Jones]: Ahaha, let¡¯s go then.

    The group followed Jones out of the room toward the intruder.

    ______

    [Crule]: I can faintly sense teacher¡¯s aura. It seems he is using his energy at the moment. I need to hurry before it¡¯s too late.

    Turning around the corner, Crule saw a group of twelve people.

    [Crule]: This¡­How is it that all twelve Generals of Metallurgy here at the same time¡­wait a minute¡­A meeting with teacher involved? Ah¡­I understand now.

    Crule stopped running. He looked at the group and started laughing maniacally.

    [Crule]: AHahahaha, GREAT, this is great. Such a wonderful opportunity have appeared before me. I can get rid of twelve future annoyance today as well as rescue teacher¡­or better yet I can recruit them.

    He faced the group.

    [Crule]: You people are no match for me. Join me and leave this god forsaken company. I will pay each of you a fortune.

    The group didn¡¯t budge.

    [Brunic]: *scoffs* Really? The ¡°strong¡± intruder is this kid here?

    [Juliet]: Don¡¯t let your guard down, his aura is frightening.

    The all got into an offensive stance ready to attack.

    Crule only looked at them and smiled.

    [Crule]: So I guess that¡¯s your decision. *sigh* Come at me then!

    A metal door started to close behind Crule and behind the group.

    [Crule]: Trying to seal my exits huh? Pathetic.

    [Brunic]: Arrogant little brat, let Brunic here teach you a lesson!

    He turned around to the others.

    [Brunic]: Let Brunic show his power and teach his kid a lesson.

    Crule got into a fighting stance as well and surrounded his aura around him.

    [Crule]: Come at me the Volcanic Brawler Brunic.

 Chapter 20: Power.

    Chapter 20: Power.

    Brunic stepped up with his arms crossed.

    [Brunic]: I¡¯m feeling kind today kid, I¡¯ll give you one hit first.

    He spread his rich explosive aura over his body.

    [Brunic]: Come at me boy!

    Crule thought to himself.

    [Crule]: This is a good chance to get some physical practice. This body of mine still lacks the proper training to gain my original power back. Good thing it isn¡¯t weak due to the years of mining. My muscles are at least developing. Let¡¯s play with him a bit.

    Crule put away his dagger and readied his fist.

    [Brunic]: Not going to use your little knife on me? Not a wise choice boy, you aren¡¯t going to be able to scratch my hard glistening muscles!

    The group behind him cringed a little when he said that. They backed away slowly.

    Crule just laughed.

    [Crule]: Hahaha¡­you¡¯re creeping out your team there. Fine, I will show you one of my punches.

    Then he disappeared. Brunic couldn¡¯t see where he went.

    [Brunic]: Where did the boy go?

    [Jones]: Look out! He¡¯s above you.

    Brunic looked up only to see a fist descend upon him. His face slowly faced in as the punch sink into him¡­then he bounced. Yes, a man that large actually bounced upwards. Apparently the rebound from being punch down actually made his body spring back up.

    He landed face down on the floor in a pool of blood from his nose and mouth.

    [Crule]: Hmmph. Can¡¯t even last a single punch. What a pathetic loser.

    Brunic slowly got back up.

    [Brunic]: *cough* That¡­ What just happened?

    He spat out some blood and broken teeth. Putting his hand to his mouth he realized he was bleeding.

    [Brunic]: Ahaha, good punch kid.

    He then fell forward and lost consciousness.

    Everyone was stunned. The kid manage to defeat the muscle head Brunic with a single punch. Brunic was even strengthened by his specialized aura.

    [Crule]: Hmm, seems I really am a bit rusty. He still manage to get back up even if it¡¯s for a few seconds.

    Everyone in the group was now fully alert of the intruder.

    [Claire]: Let¡¯s team up Jules.

    [Juliet]: Got it¡­

    They each got on one side of Crule.

    [Claire]: Eat this!

    [Juliet]: Haaa-yahhh!

    Claire punched with an earthen colored aura around her fist while Juliet punched with a fist fizzling with electrical sparks.

    [Crule]: Hmph, Far too weak.

    He caught both the fist and circulated his aura over theirs. The aura was immediately devoured, negating the strength of the punch.

    Crule held on both of the girl¡¯s fist and started gripping tighter and tighter until they were on their knees.

    [Claire]: H-how is this kid so damn strong¡­

    [Juliet]: It hurts, it hurts, stop it god dammit!

    [Crule]: Fine, I¡¯ll let go.

    He circulated his energy to his arms and legs and threw the two at the wall.

    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.They slammed against it. They both spat out blood.

    [Claire]: Dammit I think I might have broken something.

    [Juliet]: Shit¡­I knew he was trouble¡­.

    They slowly slide down the wall and also lost consciousness.

    Crule looked to the group and beckons them with his hand.

    [Crule]: Which one of you is next?

    They were all silent and were still recovering from the shock.

    Crule thought to himself.

    [Crule]: Hmph. These guys haven¡¯t even trained in their attribute yet. They could only barely achieve the likeness of the attribute they possess. Either way this is good warm up.

    None of them said anything for a while.

    [Crule]: Fine, if none of you will come up then all of you come at me at once.

    They still didn¡¯t move. They knew they couldn¡¯t run either since the area was sealed off.

    [Jones]: *to the group* Our only chance here is if we all fight him together.

    [Steve]: Damn this is troublesome.

    They still haven¡¯t moved yet.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s start then.

    He vanished again. Everywhere they look they can¡¯t find him.

    Suddenly he appeared in the middle of the group.

    With his palms, he left multiple after images as he hit each and every person in the group before they could react.

    It seemed as if everyone suddenly was hit by a circular force and flew out in all directions.

    Each of them spat out some blood after landing. They were all alive but injured to the point where none of them could get up.

    [Jones]: *cough* How¡­ I couldn¡¯t even see him.

    [Steve]: H-he¡¯s too fast¡­Far too fast for a normal human perception.

    [Shy Girl]: I barely saw him. I had to focus a large amount of energy to my eyes though just to pick up hints of movement¡­I think I saw nine blows.

    [Crule]: 18, I hit each of you two times. At least those three over there had the guts to face me head on. *he points at the unconscious Brunic, Juliet and Claire.* It¡¯s just the rest of guys are far too slow. Not even worth my time.

    He turned around toward the wall opposite from the side he came from. Crule once again took out his dagger and infuse it with his energy.

    With three quick slashes he cut open a triangular hole in the tough metal and jumped through it, continue on his rescue mission.

    [Jones]: How¡­those walls are supposed to be made from reinforced metal from the metals of Wrath. Not even a tank piercing missile can penetrate yet¡­but this kid¡­he just goes and cut it with a dagger like it was made of butter.

    [Steve]: *cough* Shit, the kid went easy on us. If he wanted to all of us would be dead by now¡­

    ______

    Hanuman was staring at the screen in awe.

    He knew just how strong each of those candidates were. They all had potential to be General class fighters in the military yet they were beaten so easily by one kid.

    [Hanuman]: Call the president and warn him. I¡¯m going to stop this kid personally.

    He cracked his knuckles and walked out the door.

 Chapter 21: Battle between True General ranks.

    Chapter 21: Battle between True General ranks.

    Crule pin pointed Shin¡¯s aura.

    [Crule]: He actually is quite easy to find. What is making him use so much energy?

    He quickened his pace dashing through the halls. No one else was there to stop him.

    ______

    [Shin]: Something feels wrong.

    He felt the energy drain from him at a rapid pace. It wasn¡¯t fast enough to fully drain him completely but it was still frightening. If it were anyone else who came today they would have passed out by now due to energy exhaustion.

    [Shin]: I should have felt Kate¡¯s aura recover by now, but I can¡¯t sense anything in this pod. What is actually happening out there?

    The scientist Viktor just stared at the monitor.

    [Viktor]: This energy is far richer than what I have collected from other samples. This would make a good energy core.

    They were actually pumping the energy they absorbed from Shin into a container with a clear jewel in it. The more energy that enter the jewel the more grey it comes. It started to emit the same color as Shin¡¯s aura.

    Actually none of the energy were going to Kate. She was off the machines that were keeping her alive so she was in a critical state right now. But Shin didn¡¯t know any of this as he cannot move or see her.

    Shin still foolishly believed he was saving Kate. His was blinded by it and cannot see the scheme behind everything.

    [Shin]: I will save you Kate!

    ______

    Crule finally arrived at the door where his teacher¡¯s aura was leaking from. The pod wasn¡¯t able to absorb 100% of the energy emitted by Shin and some leaked out. It wasn¡¯t enough to be detected by the scientists inside but to a person with profound energy detection like Crule, it was easy.

    Cutting open the door Crule dashed in. He saw his teacher and a woman in pods. The energy Shin emitted was actually leading elsewhere and not to the pod where the woman was.

    [Crule]: Shit, I hope I¡¯m not too late.

    He lunged at the pod and destroyed it.

    [Shin]: You! Who are you, what have you done?!

    [Crule]: Open your eyes Shin, they aren¡¯t saving Kate, they are just taking your energy!

    Shin looked at pod with Kate and realize none of the energy he left off just now were there. Not a single trace.

    He looked up and saw a container with a crystal in it with an aura similar to his own.

    [Shin]: You¡­*he looked at Viktor* You¡­Just what where you doing.

    His anger made his aura envelope his body and expand.

    [Viktor]: You were a fool. If only that brat didn¡¯t destroy the pod, we could have created an energy core. It could have been used to create a super soldier.

    [Shin]: What about Kate then huh?

    [Viktor]: A bait to lure you here. Your energy was quite pure indeed.

    [Shin]: You¡­

    His rage couldn¡¯t be kept any longer.

    [Crule]: Shin wait.

    Shin turned around and looked at Crule.

    [Shin]: Who are you and how do you know my name?

    [Crule]: I will explain later, but first let me say I¡¯m on your side. I can stop Kate from dying right now but I don¡¯t have the power to heal her. Will you let me save her for the moment?

    [Shin]: This¡­Ok fine, save her.

    [Crule]: Got it.

    Crule controlled his aura to create a small pocket dimension that was sterile and safe. He picked up Kate from the pod and placed her in. She was wrapped in a black cocoon.

    [Crule]: She should be in stasis as long as I maintain the spatial pocket opened.

    [Shin]: Good, now let me deal with this asshole.

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.He stares at Viktor.

    [Viktor]: Don¡¯t think you can defeat me here. Isn¡¯t that right, Hanuman?

    A tall man suddenly appeared at the door way.

    [Hanuman]: I can¡¯t seem to hide from you Viktor.

    He slowly walked into the room with his hands behind his back.

    [Hanuman]: You must be the intruder, I congratulate you for beating all the twelve other candidates.

    Shin looked at Crule.

    [Shin]: This kid beat all twelve?

    [Hanuman]: Yes, this kid¡¯s aura is actually several levels above yours.

    Crule looked at Hanuman in disgust.

    [Crule]: Shit, it¡¯s actually Grimly head of security Hanuman¡­I¡¯m not sure if my current power level is enough to get us out of here.

    With only access to twenty percent of his former maximum power, Crule couldn¡¯t go all out without causing irreversible damage to himself.

    [Shin]: You, take Kate away from here. I¡¯ll hold back this large ape.

    On Hanuman¡¯s forehead appeared a vein.

    [Hanuman]: Who are you calling an ape¡­?

    He said calmly but yet a wave of aura swept the room. Shin actually was brought to his knees and was pushed back a few steps.

    [Shin]: Shit, what is this power.

    [Crule]: This is the true general class powerhouse of the military. There only exist half a dozen in the entire galaxy¡­You are no match for him.

    [Shin]: Shit¡­

    Crule just sighed.

    [Crule]: Here, you take care of Kate.

    He handed the black cocoon to Shin.

    [Crule]: I have more chance of winning anyways. You stay safe.

    [Shin]: I can¡¯t leave you alone with such a maniac.

    [Crule]: I will be fine, you¡¯re my teacher. It¡¯s the least I can do.

    [Shin]: I don¡¯t understand.

    [Crule]: You will later.

    [Hanuman]: Are you done? My fist are quite itching here. I haven¡¯t had a good fight in a while.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s have a clean fight.

    They both wrapped their body in their aura. The room seemed to quiver at the sheer might of the two aura colliding.

    Viktor stared at Crule.

    [Viktor]: This power¡­What is this power?! It¡¯s even stronger than the president I dare say¡­

    Shin just stared at the boy protecting him and his wife.

    [Shin]: Win kid, you can do it.

    Suddenly, the two fighters disappeared.

    They appeared in the center of the room as they both launched a punch to test the other¡¯s power.

    As their fists collide, a large shockwave of energy exploded from the epicenter of their fists. All the machines in the room were immediately destroyed and the pods shattered.

    They were both knocked back equally.

    [Hanuman]: AHHAHHA, It has been FAR too long since I had someone who could take on one of my fist and still be equally knocked back. You, kid, give me a good fight so I can enjoy this more!

    [Crule]: You battle hungry monster! *he began laughing* Good, I need more of a warm up.

    [Hanuman]: The same could be said about you, who else would smile in the face of death like that. Ahahaha.

    Shin just stared at the two.

    He was protecting himself with his aura but was still knocked back a good distance. Good thing the cocoon protecting Kate was a lot stronger than anything in the room.

    [Shin]: This¡­This is a fight between true general classes¡­What monsters¡­

 Chapter 22: Victory or defeat.

    Chapter 22: Victory or defeat.

    Crule and Hanuman kept clashing fists. No one seem to have the upper hand. Shockwave after shockwave blasted the room. The room was completely destroyed and was slowly being shaped into a sphere. Somehow Viktor was able to withstand the shockwaves although he doesn¡¯t seem to have an aura around him.

    Shin was protected by his own aura and Kate was protected by the cocoon.

    He was uttered shocked. He doesn¡¯t know what to think of it anymore. All the training he did over the years was immediately overshadowed by the two in front of him. All of his original arrogance immediately disappeared.

    [Shin]: So there was such a tier above me¡­I was far too na?ve to think I was strong¡­

    [Crule]: This has gone on long enough Hanuman.

    [Hanuman]: I could say the same to you. But I admire you to be able to evenly match me for so long. Let¡¯s end this.

    Hanuman reached into his pocket and took out a small metal case. It was about the size of a water bottle. To such a large person such as Hanuman, it seemed tiny. He opened the case and inside was a jewel. It glowed with a green aura.

    [Hanuman]: I commend you for forcing me to use this energy core. You don¡¯t know how hard it is to get one of these.

    Shin looked at the jewel and realize it was the same type as the one that was absorbing his energy earlier.

    [Shin]: So that¡¯s what it¡¯s used for¡­

    [Crule]: Good, so you¡¯re going all out. Guess I will too.

    He took out his dagger and wrapped the blade in his aura. Hanuman swallowed the jewel and his aura suddenly expanded to triple its original size.

    [Hanuman]: Ahaha, have a taste of my power now.

    [Crule]: I should start using my attribute. No use holding back now, time is of the essence.

    Crule threw his dagger toward Hanuman.

    [Hanuman]: Useless!

    He swatted at the dagger but as soon as he realize the power behind it he quickly dodged.

    [Hanuman]: This¡­what is this power.

    The dagger penetrated the wall behind him and a large black ball emerged from the dagger and swallowed everything within a two meter radius.

    [Hanuman]: That was far too close. If I had tried to take that dagger head on I would have immediately died¡­

    [Crule]: Hmph so you¡¯re not as dumb as you look.

    [Hanuman]: Boy, tell me your name. Someone with this much power shouldn¡¯t be left unknown.

    [Crule]: You will know eventually.

    Crule¡¯s dagger flew back to him almost immediately. To the naked eye it seemed as if it teleported.

    [Crule]: Teacher, take Kate and get back.

    Shin nodded and grabbed the cocoon and ran out of the room.

    [Crule]: Hanuman, let¡¯s see you take this.

    [Hanuman]: Bring it on boy.

    Crule stabbed his dagger into the ground and focused his aura on it. The energy dispersed into the dagger through the group and the entire floor of the room became a dark void.

    [Crule]: I summon thee, your master of hunger commands you, consume the ones who stand before me. Activate!

    Crule chanted the spell as he use his energy to draw a formation on the floor.

    [Hanuman]: This¡­How is it that you know ancient spells¡­

    [Crule]: You don¡¯t need to know, now die!

    Black tentacles appeared from the void and wrapped around Hanuman¡¯s arms and legs faster than he can react.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    [Hanuman]: Shit, you¡¯re going to pay for this!

    [Crule]: Finish him.

    The tentacles slowly draw him into the void as he sank into it like quicksand.

    [Hanuman]: Dammit, dammit, dammit!

    He struggled as hard as he could. Pumping all his energy into his limbs trying to pull free from the tentacles. But they were as tenacious as he was.

    [Hanuman]: I didn¡¯t think I would have to use my trump card.

    He quickly realize he couldn¡¯t escape with brute force alone.

    [Hanuman]: Power of Gaia, assist me in achieving freedom from the energy before me. Activate!

    Vines appeared from Hanuman¡¯s body and started to pry the tentacles away from his limbs.

    [Crule]: So you¡¯re at the level where you can use ancient spells too¡­Formidable indeed.

    Slowly the two spells cancel each other out as the plant and void consume each other. What remained was the destroyed room and the two combatants.

    Crule only looked slightly tired while Hanuman was pale with fatigue.

    [Hanuman]: You, kid, sure are one hell of an opponent.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s end this shenanigan. I know you don¡¯t really work for Grimly.

    [Hanuman]: This¡­Who are you and how did you know?

    [Crule]: I have my sources. But lets me tell you this. What you are currently doing is not enough to stop him.

    [Hanuman]: How do you know about that?!

    [Crule]: Just shut up and listen. The Antagonist games are going to succeed. You either have to act soon or watch his plan will come to fruition.

    [Hanuman]: Shit¡­What can I do?

    [Crule]: Listen to me, do what you were doing before. It should be fine. The success rate will drop when I interfere. You only have to find a way to avoid me.

    [Hanuman]: *Stares* HAHAHA, boy you are incredibly interesting. Fine, if that¡¯s what you want me to do, then I will do it. The loser accepts the winner¡¯s demands.

    [Crule]: Good, I hope you keep your word.

    He put his dagger away, took the jewel from the machine and left chasing Shin.

    Hanuman finally collapsed on his knees.

    [Hanuman]: Shit, that kid was beyond a monster. Ahaha, looks like things are going to get interesting soon.

    ______

    Crule quickly caught up to Shin.

    [Shin]: You¡­you manage to beat him?

    [Crule]: Yes, he shouldn¡¯t be bothering us for a while. We have to escape this place and find a secure location to save your wife, teacher.

    [Shin]: What is with this teacher thing¡­?

    [Crule]: I will tell you when we are not in enemy territory.

    They quickly sprinted out the build. It seemed no one pursued them.

    [Crule]: Looks like Hanuman actually kept his word.

    [Shin]: Where to now? My restaurant?

    [Crule]: Your restaurant would be the first place they look for. I have my ship out beyond the border, it should be safe enough there. We both are strong enough to take care of the monsters that appear there.

    [Shin]: Fine, let¡¯s go.

    They took the dark alleys and quickly traveled through the city towards the border.

 Chapter 23: The Past or Future.

    Chapter 23: The Past or Future.

    The ship Crule took from Warden Brandon had a med bay. It wasn¡¯t anything fancy but it had a bed and first aid tools. Crule pressed the button on the key and the door opened. They quickly went in and closed the door. Shin carefully placed the cocoon on the bed.

    [Crule]: Let me take a look at her condition.

    He placed his hand on the cocoon and scan it with his energy without his attribute attached.

    [Crule]: This doesn¡¯t seem good¡­

    [Shin]: Shit, give it to me straight, can you save her?

    [Crule]: *shaking his head* My attribute doesn¡¯t have capability to repair this kind of damage, but it doesn¡¯t mean she is un-save-able. We just need to find the right person.

    [Shin]: Do you know anyone who can?

    [Crule]: ¡­I don¡¯t know.

    [Shin]: What do you mean you don¡¯t know?

    [Crule]: I know a guy who can help¡­but I do not know where he is or if he can yet.

    [Shin]: *panicking* What do you mean YET?!

    [Crule]: Let me explain¡­

    Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

    [Crule]: Shit, did they find us?

    Crule went to the cockpit and looked at the monitor. There was a single man standing at the door of the ship staring at the camera.

    [Crule]: Shin, you know this guy?

    Shin went over and looked at the monitor.

    [Shin]: That¡­he was a candidate of the Antagonist Games. He was with me at the tests.

    [Crule]: This aura¡­

    Crule opened the door.

    [Shin]: What are you doing?! Isn¡¯t he an enemy?

    [Crule]: Not exactly.

    ______

    The man who walked in was a silent tall man. He was the clergyman Shin saw at the meeting.

    [Crule]: I assume the white rider sent you.

    [Clergyman]: No, but I assumed I though talk to you.

    [Crule]: *sigh* So you must be Chun Qin.

    [Chun Qin]: So you know of me.

    [Crule]: Sort of. Where is the white rider right now?

    [Chun Qin]: In hiding.

    [Crule]: Looking at your aura I assume she took you under her wing?

    [Chun Qin]: I owe my life to her. Being her disciple is my honor.

    [Crule]: Well since you¡¯re here you might as well listen to my story too. We are going to need your help. Shin come here I will tell you guys my story.

    ______

    [Crule]: I was born on a prison rig on the moon of Gluttony. At the age of twelve, my group got into an accident and were taken by hostile insects. We were almost all wiped out, only I remained. Being chased by the bugs further and further down, I found a person. She offered me a deal. She would save me and in return I would free her. Due to the situation, I accepted the deal. In order to free her, she lend me a portion of her power. I escaped the prison and came to Noxia.

    On Noxia I wandered a while before I found a place to call home. I worked a few years at a local restaurant. That restaurant was yours Shin. There you taught me many things including how to fight and to control the power I was given. But I noticed how you were always depressed, as if you have lost all hope. Somehow in me you saw a child you never had. Then I learned about your wife. As the year pass by, your depression turned into anger. You wanted revenge on your wife¡¯s killers.

    We participated in the Antagonist Games in order to get close to your wife¡¯s murderer. There we learned the actual purpose of the Games. We tried to stop that asshole Grimly but we were far too late by then. He succeeded and seemed to disappear for a few years.

    We kept looking for him everywhere but he couldn¡¯t be found anywhere. Few years passed and I met the woman I loved. We were together for only a short time as Grimly returned as a monster beyond all our imagination. I manage to free the person who helped me all those years ago and she bestow upon me all her powers. The rest of the riders also passed on their full powers to their successor. Together we faced the monster Grimly. But we have failed again. We waited too long and his power far surpasses the power of the four horsemen.

    So as a last ditch effort, the Sage of Time gave me one last chance. He allowed one person to go back in time, to warn everyone.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.I had to finish the fight between Grimly and us in the original world, so I send the one I loved with the concentration of my memories and power. She came back in time to the twelve year old me and I received my memories and a large portion of my power.

    Sadly she couldn¡¯t stay with us as time travel always have its consequences and she passed away after giving me her own crystal. So now that I know what¡¯s going to happen, I came to gather all my friends once again so we can stop this apocalypse before it got to the point of no return.

    This is why I call you teacher, Shin.

    [Shin]: This¡­this is a lot to take in.

    [Crule]: At the very least we were able to prevent Kate¡¯s death. So, so far we are doing alright.

    [Chun Qin]: I see¡­I believe you since a disciple of a rider wouldn¡¯t lie to another.

    [Shin]: A rider? What is that?

    [Crule]: If I remember, the pale rider escaped from his seal years ago. I think he took in a disciple and that person is your father Charles Wu. After Charles died, he made a deal with the pale rider to make you his new disciple. This explains why you have his power.

    [Shin]: But I have never met the rider.

    [Crule]: Which is why your power is far below me and Chun Qin. You only inherit a small portion of the portion that Charles got from the rider. Only receiving a percentage of a percentage, naturally it¡¯s not as strong as our aura which is more pure.

    [Shin]: Buts it¡¯s still stronger than everyone else.

    [Crule]: You think you can compare the power of an ancient personification of bane with that of normal people?

    [Shin]: I see¡­So I have to meet this pale rider to get stronger.

    [Crule]: Yes, to protect Kate, you need to get stronger. But first, Chun Qin, since you inherit the power of the white rider, do you think you can heal Kate?

    [Chun Qin]: For telling me such a story and warning me about the future, I will gladly help.

    He walked over the cocoon and placed his hand on it. He infused his attribute with the energy released and the black cocoon seemed to turn white from the light.

    [Chun Qin]: This is quite difficult, she is really close to death.

    [Shin]: Can you save her?

    [Chun Qin]: I cannot guarantee I can fully recover her but I can say I can get her out of the critical zone.

    [Shin]: That¡¯s good enough, as long as she¡¯s still alive.

    The cocoon kept on giving off light. Twenty minutes later, Chun Qin was covered in sweat and seemed incredibly fatigued. He lift his hand up and sighed.

    [Chun Qin]: I have done all I can.

    [Shin]: Thank you, thank you so much.

    [Chun Qin]: Anything for a fellow disciple of a rider.

    [Crule]: She¡¯s awake.

    Crule opened the cocoon and Kate lifted her head out of it.

    [Kate]: What happened, where am I? Shin, Shin where are you?

    [Shin]: Kate! I¡¯m here, I¡¯m here.

    [Kate]: Shin, what happened, where am I, who are these people?

    [Shin]: These people saved you honey.

    [Kate]: Oh¡­I remember, I got shot¡­

    [Shin]: It¡¯s ok now honey, you¡¯re safe.

    Shin hugged her and was crying. Kate patted his back.

    [Kate]: There, there, I¡¯m here now.

    Crule and Chun Qin left them to themselves and walked out of the med bay.

    [Chun Qin]: He is an emotional man. I¡¯m amazed he kept his emotions even after accepting the pale rider¡¯s powers.

    [Crule]: Teacher is a strong man. I respect him no matter how he is currently.

    [Chun Qin]: So what are you going to do now?

    [Crule]: I¡¯m going to wait till those two settle down and go find my loved one.

    [Chun Qin]: Ahaha, so you¡¯re a man of emotion as well.

    [Crule]: Maybe I am¡­maybe I am.

    Crule stare off at a distance. He remember Ming¡¯s face before she died.

    [Crule]: I¡¯m coming Ming, wait for me.

 Chapter 24: Shin and Kate.

    Chapter 24: Shin and Kate.

    The couple sat at the window of the ship.

    Kate was resting on Shin¡¯s shoulder.

    [Kate]: What should we do now honey?

    [Shin]: I don¡¯t know¡­

    [Kate]: That kid was cute.

    [Shin]: You mean Crule? I don¡¯t think we can call him a kid¡­

    [Kate]: Yea, he is cute, but his eyes show he has seen some horrible things in his life.

    [Shin]: Yea¡­we couldn¡¯t imagine the emotional scars he bear.

    [Kate]: You know what I want to do?

    [Shin]: What?

    [Kate]: I wanna adopt him.

    [Shin]: ¡­

    [Kate]: You don¡¯t want to?

    [Shin]: No, no it¡¯s not that. It¡¯s just¡­his mental age is a bit old to be¡­you know, adoptable.

    [Kate]: But he doesn¡¯t have any parents, why don¡¯t we be his parents? Everyone needs a little emotional support.

    [Shin]: ¡­Fine you know I can¡¯t say no to you.

    [Kate]: Teehee, It¡¯s my special power!

    [Shin]: Sure, the power of love I guess.

    They snuggled closer as night falls.

    ______

    The dawn breaks as they spent the night in the ship. Early in the morning, all was calm. The wind was blowing, the monsters were chirping, and the twin suns rise from the horizon. They took watch in shifts over the night. No one pursued them.

    Shin took the last watch and was up already. He went outside and did his morning routine. It was not the time to get rusty. The calm over the years made him rusty. Realizing the peaceful life they had before was over, he needed to get stronger to protect his loved ones.

    Crule woke up a little later. His body was still that of a child so he needed more rest. He took the first watch and slept the rest of the time so he was feeling ok. He looked out the window at Shin training.

    [Crule]: Teacher is just as diligent as I remembered. He seemed a lot more cheerful and enthusiastic than the old world. It seems saving Kate was worth it.

    The fight with Hanuman actually was barely within the range that Crule¡¯s body can take. Any more energy output and he risk permanent damage. With the help of Chun Qin, most external wounds were immediately taken care of so all bruising was gone. Even some scars he had from his days as a miner disappeared.

    [Crule]: Teacher is still training in martial arts¡­

    Shin was only using his fist, feet, and knees to attack.

    [Crule]: He needs something a little more in order to stop Grimly¡­

    Crule thought hard about it then suddenly remembered something.

    [Crule]: Right¡­I had that one weapon from before. Good thing my spatial storage survived the time jump.

    He walked outside to where Shin was currently doing shadow boxing.

    [Crule]: Hey teach, take this.

    He threw a spear at Shin.

    Shin caught it and immediately realized his body felt several times lighter.

    [Shin]: This¡­what is this?

    [Crule]: What you¡¯re holding there, is the spear of Trishula, the trident of Shiva.

    [Shin]: What? Can such mythological weapon actually exist?

    [Crule]: The creator was a fan of Hindu mythology¡­don¡¯t worry, his power was at the level of a rider, and all of his weapons are nearly as powerful as myths describes it.

    [Shin]: Is that where you got your dagger?

    [Crule]: This? *he took out his dagger* Yea, this is Taming Sari, also one of his masterpieces.

    [Shin]: What kind of man would bring mythological weapons to life¡­?

    [Crule]: Well he is eccentric¡­We will meet him one day.

    [Shin]: Thanks for the spear.

    [Crule]: Mastering it won¡¯t be easy.

    [Shin]: No weapon is easy.

    [Crule]: Well if you want to know the basics, I got a book right here.

    Crule took out a worn book. The title on it said, Ten Thousand Raindrop Spear edition.

    Shin took the book and started reading it.

    [Shin]: This¡­where did you get a martial arts manual like this?

    [Crule]: Things I pick up in my travels and given to me by friends. This style of martial skill should suit you. When you get strong enough to use ancient spells, this martial skill should also assist you in coming up with your own magic. But for now, keep it, learn it, make it yours.

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.[Shin]: Ahaha, you sure are a box of surprises and treasures.

    [Crule]: I just want you to be able to protect yourself. The enemy we face is stupidly powerful.

    [Shin]: Then I will make sure I¡¯ll become more powerful than he is.

    They both smiled. It was as if they had been friends for years. Bonds that lasted only a day blossomed into a friendship for years.

    [Crule]: Oh right, here¡¯s something for your wife.

    Crule threw a gun at Shin.

    [Shin]: Is this also a mythical weapon? Let me guess, a gun used by Al Capone or something?

    [Crule]: No¡­just a standard issued Colt M1911 pistol.

    [Shin]: *stare* Where did you get this?

    [Crule]: Just snatched it when I was visiting the police station. They won¡¯t notice it¡¯s gone.

    [Shin]: *shocked* God dammit kid¡­You can go do shit like that.

    ______

    Kate woke up a little later.

    She walked outside and saw Shin train with the spear. His proficiency with it was extremely good.

    [Kate]: Where did you get this thing?

    [Shin]: Crule gave it to me.

    [Kate]: He did now, did he?

    [Shin]: He also told me to give you this.

    He hands the handgun to Kate.

    [Kate]: Where did a kid get a gun?! Isn¡¯t it far too dangerous?

    [Shin]: You know him¡­logic can¡¯t really be used on him anymore.

    Kate quickly checks the gun and magazine.

    [Kate]: Looks like a standard issue¡­Wait, is this my gun?!

    [Shin]: Eh?

    [Kate]: I thought they left my things at the office!

    [Shin]: This¡­

    [Kate]: I can get some practice with it today. Haven¡¯t used it in a while, being bedridden and all that.

    She took aim at a falling leaf and with excellent marksmanship shot the leaf perfectly in the center mid fall.

    [Kate]: Hmm, kinda rusty but I still got it.

    [Shin]: No one can compare to the Scarlet Sniper.

    [Kate]: *embarrassed* Hey don¡¯t call me that, it¡¯s just a silly nickname the guys at the department gave me¡­

    [Shin]: Ahahaha, fits you like a thumb though.

    [Kate]: You meanie!

    They both laughed and talked for a while longer then headed back to the ship.

    [Kate]: Did you tell Crule about our plans from last night?

    [Shin]: Not yet, I kind of got too excited from the spear and the martial arts manual.

    [Kate]: Eh lets tell him now then.

    ______

    They found Crule at the cockpit half asleep staring at his dagger.

    [Shin]: Hey Crule, we got something to tell you.

    [Crule]: Hmm?

    He put his dagger away and turned around.

    [Kate]: We have decided.

    [Shin]: Well, her decision¡­I just agreed.

    [Kate]: Whatever, anyways we are going to adopt you, if that¡¯s ok.

    [Crule]: ¡­What?

    [Shin]: I know¡­I tried to convince her otherwise but¡­

    [Crule]: No, no, no, I would be honored to be your son. You treated me as one back in the old world, so why not here as well.

    [Kate]: See, he agreed.

    [Shin]: This¡­was far too unexpected.

    [Kate]: Teehee, Shin¡¯s a daddy now, and I¡¯m mommy.

    [Crule]: *sarcastically* Daddy, Mommy, I¡¯m hungry!

    [Shin]: Shit, now you¡¯re just messing with me¡­

    They all laughed as the twin suns reached the peak of the sky.

    Being able to enjoy a respite along their journey of despair, they laughed whenever they could.

    ______

    [Chun Qin]: Be quiet out there! I¡¯m still sleeping!

    They stared at the haggard Chun Qin and couldn¡¯t help but laugh more.

    [Chun Qin]: You god damn morning people¡­

 Arc 2 Epilogue.

    Arc 2 Epilogue.

    [Secretary]: Mr. President, I have the files on the participants.

    [Grimly]: Good, leave it on the table. Thanks Brenda.

    [Brenda]: No problem Mr. President.

    Grimly was looked out his window. He was at the headquarters of where the Game will be managed. It was a large floating fortress of a ship. It monitors and manages the Antagonist Games. They were sort of the Game masters ensuring no one breaks the rules.

    [Grimly]: These candidates will surely be nurtured into general class militants, but will they survive the training? Heh.

    He walked over to his table and looked through the files.

    ______

    *Normal Average Human Value*

    -Physical: 100

    -Energy Amount: 200

    -Intelligence: 100

    -^Charisma: XXX

    -Vitality: 100

    -Energy Control: 100

    -Agility: 100

    ^Charisma varies too much per person and situation to average.

    *Values are rounded up*

    Name: Brunic Varkov

    Attribute: Fire

    Specialty: Shots and Corrosion

    Physical:

    240

    Energy Amount:

    1000

    Intelligence:

    90

    Charisma:

    30

    Vitality:

    200

    Energy Control:

    150

    Agility:

    200

    Name: Juliet Willow

    Attribute: Electricity

    Specialty: Magnetism and Chaining

    Physical:

    190

    Energy Amount:

    1600

    Intelligence:

    130

    Charisma:

    20

    Vitality:

    150

    Energy Control:

    210

    Agility:

    270

    Name: Claire Smith

    Attribute: Earth

    Specialty: Tremors and Vibrations

    Physical:

    230

    Energy Amount:

    1200

    Intelligence:

    120

    Charisma:

    35

    Vitality:

    180

    Energy Control:

    200

    Agility:

    260

    Name: Chun Qin Wei

    Attribute: Light, Lightning

    Specialty: Healing

    Physical:

    240

    Energy Amount:

    3000

    Intelligence:

    150

    Charisma:

    20

    Vitality:

    190

    Energy Control:

    310

    Agility:

    210

    Name: Jaqueline Rosia

    Attribute: None (Plant)

    Specialty: Vitality and Tenacity

    Physical:

    80

    Energy Amount:

    1900

    Intelligence:

    140

    Charisma:

    10

    Vitality:

    90

    Energy Control:

    220

    Agility:

    100

    Name: Steve Rodrigues

    Attribute: Ice

    Specialty: Blast Chill

    Physical:

    100

    Energy Amount:

    2100

    Intelligence:

    140

    Charisma:

    20

    Vitality:

    100

    Energy Control:

    160

    Agility:

    100

    Grimly stared at the stats of the participants.

    [Grimly]: This...

    He looked at Shin¡¯s half complete profile.

    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.Name: Shin Wu

    Attribute: Death

    Specialty: Corrosion and Vitality

    Physical:

    300

    Energy Amount:

    2900

    Intelligence:

    N/A

    Charisma:

    N/A

    Vitality:

    N/A

    Energy Control:

    310

    Agility:

    N/A

    [Grimly]: His attribute¡­

    He pushed the button on his desk.

    [Grimly]: Brenda, is Mr. Shin Wu still at the facility?

    [Brenda]: No sir, apparently Fei Luo and Viktor tried to trick him and pissed him off. I think recruiting him is impossible now.

    [Grimly]: That god dam Fei Luo¡­His ambition will be the death of him.

    Grimly continue to look at the files. Near the end were two files updating the stats of Jones and Hanuman.

    [Grimly]: At least those two are coming along nicely.

    Name: Jones Jameson

    Attribute: Wind and Water

    Specialty: Vortex

    Physical:

    300

    Energy Amount:

    5000

    Intelligence:

    150

    Charisma:

    100

    Vitality:

    320

    Energy Control:

    460

    Agility:

    400

    [Grimly]: It¡¯s only been three months and Jones already manage to nearly double his stats. He will be the leader of these candidates when time comes¡­My twelve generals will help me complete my plan.

    Grimly read on and saw Hanuman¡¯s file.

    [Grimly]: Shit, that man is still a monster¡­He¡¯s almost as strong as I am now¡­It seems I can¡¯t slack off anymore.

    Name: Hanuman Chalisa

    Attribute: None (Plant) and None (Energy)

    Specialty: Plant control and Body enhancement

    Physical:

    1000

    Energy Amount:

    23000

    Intelligence:

    160

    Charisma:

    120

    Vitality:

    700

    Energy Control:

    22000

    Agility:

    600

    Grimly pressed the button again.

    [Grimly]: Brenda, schedule a meeting with Hanuman.

    [Brenda]: Yes, Mr. President.

    [Grimly]: Love ya.

    [Brenda]: Oh, Mr. President, Mr. James is here to see you.

    [Grimly]: Ah that must be our files, let him in.

    James walked into the room with a manila folder in his hands.

    [James]: Sir, I got our files from our last test.

    [Grimly]: Good, good, bring it here, I want to see how much stronger I¡¯ve gotten.

    James hand the folder to Grimly: He opened the file and looked the file and a grin appeared on his face.

    [Grimly]: Ahahaha, soon I will be strong enough to start my plans. James you seem to have gotten stronger as well, I¡¯m going to schedule and spar with Hanuman. Do you want to join?

    [Jame]: That angry gorilla of a man? If you say so Mr. President.

    [Grimly]: Ahaha, good, good, let¡¯s prepare for it.

    Grimly threw the file on his desk and walked out the door with James following behind him.

    ______

    Name: James Swern

    Attribute: Shadow

    Specialty: Manipulation

    Physical:

    1200

    Energy Amount:

    25000

    Intelligence:

    200

    Charisma:

    100

    Vitality:

    600

    Energy Control:

    25000

    Agility:

    800

    Name: Grimly Metallurgy

    Attribute: Earth (Metal)

    Attribute: Manipulation and Generation.

    Physical:

    1500

    Energy Amount:

    30000

    Intelligence:

    210

    Charisma:

    200

    Vitality:

    800

    Energy Control:

    29000

    Agility:

    800

    Their stats can only exist in the planet of Noxia, a planet of discovery, magic, and secrets.

 Chapter 25: Beauxi.

    Chapter 25: Beauxi.

    Crule, Shin, Kate, and Chun Qin spent the next few days recovering from the fights and to train. Shin took the chance to spar with Chun Qin several times. At first, Chun Qin¡¯s defense was far too powerful for Shin to do anything but after a few days they were on par. Shin¡¯s use of the spear improved to the point where he can finally damage Chun Qin. Shin can almost go all out since Chun Qin can recover almost all flesh wounds with his energy aura.

    Being able to fight at full strength for several days allowed Shin to regain his former might that he had while traveling with Charles. His power increased by age but his resourcefulness declined over the year. One can explain this as his energy tank kept increasing but the faucet that allow the tank to empty remained the same size.

    If this was left for too long, suddenly using his power again may cause energy pressure to cause damage to his own body.

    This is the same kind of problem with Crule. His energy tank was enormous but the faucet he had was small due to his young age. The more the body trains and allow more and more energy to flow, the faucet grow in size.

    Crule¡¯s training was to constantly release his aura over his body at capacity slowly increasing the amount he can release every day. His knowledge of skills and magic were already exceptional and he also have the necessary amount of energy needed to be strong enough for now, the only problem is the amount of energy he can properly use with his body currently.

    While Shin was training in skill and increasing the amount of energy he can control, Chun Qin learning various way he can defend himself. His aura doesn¡¯t really allow much attacking skills or magic but he can strengthen his body to the extremes.

    Kate doesn¡¯t seem to be exceptional in energy usage. She only have enough to boost her durability, strength, and speed which is common among police who graduated from the academy. The police academy discovered the use of the energy long ago. They just didn¡¯t research it in advance. They only know how the energy can boost physical prowess. So she just practiced her marksmanship.

    Crule was observing their training over the days.

    [Crule]: The rate of expansion is far too slow. At this rate we won¡¯t be able to make it for the opening.

    Crule gathered everyone the next day.

    [Crule]: From what I have seen over the past few days, we are training at a far too slow of a pace to be able to make it in time for opening day. So I suggest we go to Beauxi.

    [Shin]: Why Beauxi?

    [Chun Qin]: That town is a den of greed, gambling, and various nefarious black markets.

    [Crule]: Well, there¡¯s two things we need to do there. First of all, that¡¯s where the Sage of time currently resides.

    [Chun Qin]: What?! The Sage of Time has been a nomad for centuries. He never stays in a place for too long.

    [Crule]: That¡¯s the thing, the thing we require is what¡¯s keeping him at Beauxi.

    [Shin]: So why do we need to see this Sage of Time?

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.[Crule]: To give us more time.

    [Chun Qin]: Ah I see¡­so there¡¯s that method. How will you get the eccentric Sage of Time to help us then?

    [Crule]: I have something he needs as well as a hold on something close to him.

    [Shin]: You sound even more evil than usual¡­

    [Crule]: I was considered the Demon King by some people back then¡­

    [Shin]: Ahahaha, I can see that. You certainly have the look for it.

    [Crule]: Anyways, let¡¯s head out to Beauxi as soon as possible. Finish anything you need to do here, perhaps put someone in charge of your restaurant while you are gone. We set out tomorrow.

    [Shin]: So soon?

    [Crule]: The Sage of Time waits for no man¡­

    ______

    Shin returned to the city with Kate early in the morning the next day. He asked a close friend of his to take over his restaurant while he was gone.

    They went shopping afterwards and bought some supply for the journey. Even with a ship, flying from one continent to another still takes a considerable amount of time. At least the ship is safe from the ocean of molten metals that separates the island continents. While they are over the ocean, it¡¯s impossible to find much food since nothing really lives in the ocean of metal other than various flying monster that migrates seasonally but those monsters are usually far too large for a ship their size to contain.

    The more dangerous ones are the Gaian Garudas. They were the first flying species discovered on Noxia as they were the most abundant. They were also incredibly large and were carnivorous. They migrate once every five years across the livable side of Noxia. During migration times, all air travel is shut down. Their full migration takes about half a year.

    Normally they would not choose this time to travel but time is of the essence.

    [Crule]: Our main problem is time, but traveling during Gaian Garuda migration seasons also serves as a sort of cloak for people pursuing us. They won¡¯t dare to follow us while the dangers of Gaian Garuda is lurking around the corner.

    [Shin]: How will we travel through then?

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t think my dagger Taming Sari is just a simply dagger. It has cloaking magic imbue in it allowing me to temporarily make something invisible. It also masks the sound and aura, achieving an undetectable state.

    [Shin]: I see¡­

    [Crule]: Also I haven¡¯t had a Gaian Garuda steak in a while¡­

    [Shin]: What¡­just what am I hearing?!

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t knock it till you try it, it¡¯s probably the most delicious poultry I ever had.

    [Shin]: But how do you take down something so large in a flock?

    [Crule]: Well if we come across one, I will show you.

    They filled the ship¡¯s storage with supplies and set off.

    [Crule]: Beauxi, here we come.

 Chapter 26: Gaian Garuda Steak.

    Chapter 26: Gaian Garuda Steak.

    The set off in the cover of night. With the advancement in propulsion technology, the ship can travel at Mach speeds without causing much sound. The inside of the ship was balanced via gyroscopic technology. The front of the ship in front was the cockpit. A large reinforced glass window covered the front allowing for a wide view of everything in front. Various flight information and environment info was displayed on the glass as it doubles as a screen. Leading out of the cockpit was a hallway leading to the back of the ship where the storage was. The hallway had several doors leading to various rooms. This includes a med bay, a kitchen, living quarters, and an empty room for various purposes.

    At the very least it was more comfortable than sitting in a commercial airliner. One would have think a millennia of airline travel would somehow improve the conditions but apparently not. People were packed like sardines on the ship while first place enjoy a slightly more spacious seating arrangement.

    [Crule]: This journey will take us about a week. You can use the empty room for light training, try not to destroy my ship¡­

    [Shin]: Ahaha I won¡¯t.

    [Crule]: That means don¡¯t use the spear indoors¡­

    [Shin]: Aww¡­

    [Crule]: Sometimes I think I am the adult in these situations¡­

    [Kate]: Sometimes I think you¡¯re right.

    [Shin]: Hey¡­

    The first few days were peaceful. What they did most of the day were training and chatting. Crule knew far more interesting thing than anyone else.

    [Shin]: So¡­am I still alive when you send your friend back?

    [Crule]: No¡­you died trying to stop Grimly at the last moment.

    [Shin]: So I died huh¡­

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry about it so much, this time will be much better.

    [Shin]: But still¡­not being there for the end must have sucked.

    [Crule]: Considering the situation we were in, you were lucky to die early¡­

    [Shin]: Is that so...

    They grew bored by the third day.

    [Kate]: Uhg, I hate long distance travel. All we see is endless sky¡­

    [Crule]: We are half way there.

    [Chun Qin]: At times I forget that Beauxi is half way across the world from Aponus.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s better than flying the opposite way, this ship would not survive the journey across the Savage Wilds.

    [Chun Qin]: I don¡¯t think anyone has ever traverse the skies across the Savage Wilds¡­

    Suddenly the alarm started to sound. Normally the ship is on auto pilot but when it sense an entity within its radar, it will send out a warning to everyone on the ship.

    [Crule]: I wonder what it is.

    They went to the cockpit.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s get a visual on the entity.

    He pressed the button which focused on the far off dot.

    [Chun Qin]: That¡¯s¡­

    Shin and Kate entered the cockpit then.

    [Shin]: What was that alarm?

    [Kate]: I was taking a nap¡­

    [Crule]: Look for yourself.

    He turned around and let everyone see the image on the monitor.

    A large turkey-like bird with a wing span that seemed nearly impossible for its body. It was about double the size of the ship. Its feathers was varying shades of brown and yellow. Its head was snake like and was armed with a sharp beak. Upon closer look, the talons on the bird looked strong enough to shred metal apart easily.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s a Gaian Garuda.

    [Chun Qin]: This is weird¡­

    [Crule]: Yes¡­it¡¯s quite strange indeed.

    [Shin]: What? What¡¯s weird?

    [Crule]: Normally Gaian Garuda during migration season travel in flocks of around thirty. Finding a lone Garuda like this can mean only one thing¡­

    [Chun Qin]: Yes¡­An Invida Rahk. They prey on Gaian Garudas during migration season. But such a predator was very VERY rare. Ecologists presume with the population of Gaian Garuda, there should be only a dozen Invida Rahk on the entire planet.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.[Crule]: I would seem this is a lone survivor of an Invida Rahk attack. But this is our lucky chance. We can catch it.

    [Chun Qin]: How? Even if it¡¯s by itself, it¡¯s larger than us. We don¡¯t really stand a chance against it even if we attack from the top of the ship.

    [Crule]: Watch and learn. Mrs. Kate, please ready the grill.

    [Kate]: Eh why do I have to cook? Shin is the chef here¡­Crule is such a sexist.

    [Crule]: Oh¡­I¡¯m sorry¡­I keep forgetting teach was a chef. He stopped cooking after you died back in my world.

    [Kate]: Oh¡­

    [Shin]: Enough, let¡¯s cook together honey.

    [Kate]: Ok, let¡¯s go.

    [Crule]: Anyways, Chun, bring the ship closer to it.

    [Chun Qin]: Eh? Fine.

    Crule went to the back of the ship where there¡¯s a ladder leading to the top of the ship. It was for when the ship is submerged in water. It kind of looks like the entrance to a submarine. He climbed the ladder and reached the hatch.

    Crule released his aura with his attribute. This created a strong suction force under his feet.

    He opened the hatch and felt the gale force wind. At the speed they were flying, the wind was strong enough to rip his upper body off his lower body if he went out unprotected but with his aura, he withstood the force easily.

    He started walking on top of the ship like it was a stroll in the park. Crule reached the front of the ship as it got closer to the Gaian Garuda.

    [Crule]: I can already taste that delicious steak, today was such a lucky day.

    Crule took out his dagger. He turned off the cloaking that he applied to the ship. The Gaian Garuda suddenly sensing them turned around. Upon seeing the size of their ship, it grew confident and tried to attack.

    Crule released his aura and the attacking Gaian Garuda was momentarily stunned with fear. He took this chance to gather a ball of his energy at the palm and shot it toward the avian beast.

    The ball traveled through the Gaian Garuda like a molten ball of iron through a block of wax. It stopped midway as Crule didn¡¯t want to destroy too much edible meat.

    Reaching into his spatial pocket, he took out a jar. He coating the jar in his energy and a strong vacuum force sucked the corpse of the Gaian Garuda in. The sheer size somehow manage to fit in the jar due to spatial manipulation from Crule¡¯s energy.

    [Crule]: This will last us quite a bit of time. Good thing it was only a child. If it was an adult Gaian Garuda or even worst, an aged Gaian Garuda, we would be in trouble. I currently do not have enough power to take one of those head on in their territory¡­

    Crule put the jar under his arms and casually walked back to the hatch. He climbed down the ladder after he closed the hatch and release the aura around his body.

    [Crule]: Got it, let¡¯s cook.

    [Chun Qin]: I can¡¯t even believe what I just saw¡­Normally a single Gaian Garuda would take a small armada of half a dozen war ships in order to take it out using conventional anti air missiles¡­Yet you did it with only a single blow.

    [Crule]: What can I say, I specialize in offence.

    [Chen Qin]: Following you will always bring interesting things it seems¡­This is going to be fun.

    They entered the kitchen and noticed the sheer number of cooking utensil and spices lining the table.

    [Shin]: I made sure to pack my extra cooking set in case we ever get any rare ingredient, I didn¡¯t think we would find one so early.

    [Crule]: Here, I¡¯ll let out a small piece.

    Crule opened the jar a small bit and a meter length of Gaian Garuda wind was let out. He quickly shut the jar again and the wing was cut off the rest of the body.

    [Shin]: This¡­this is a lot of meat.

    [Crule]: I let out extra so we can try all kind of foods, apparently its meat can be used not only as a steak, but in soups, meat buns, and various types of dishes.

    [Shin]: Ahaha, seeing such a good ingredient in such large amount, I can feel the intense urge to cook it. Wait a bit you guys, Kate and I will cook this thing to perfect.

    [Crule]: *with the eagerness of a child* I can¡¯t wait!

    [Kate]: Ohoho, so Crule had that side of him as well.

    [Chun Qin]: Food can turn anyone into a child¡­

 Chapter 27: Banquet.

    Chapter 27: Banquet.

    Shin started to de-bone the wing piece. It was easy since the bones were exceptionally large. He didn¡¯t throw them away, but instead reserve it for later to make a stock. The bone still had some meat on it but that would just add to the soup later.

    The skin he mostly removed as it was too tough to eat. The layer underneath was soft enough and rich in fat. But it was a bit too fat and would make one feel bloated after eating so much. He trimmed some of it off and reserved that as well in case he ever needed it.

    He took his sharpest knife and tried to slice into the muscle.

    [Shin]: God dam, it¡¯s so strong. My knife can barely slice through the first layer.

    The meat was considered a bit too tough so he decided to marinate it in some fresh pineapple and papaya juice. It didn¡¯t need to marinate for too long. Two hours later it was soft enough to prepare.

    Kate went out to tell the others it¡¯s going to be a while since the meat need to be tenderized and marinated.

    Due to the fruit juices, the Garuda meat had a sweet and jaw smell to it now. Shin dried the meat on paper towels and started to slice. He quartered the meat making four separate dishes. The first he cut steak sized fillet of Garuda meat and he put them in a bowl with some soy sauce, salt, pepper, and various spices like cayenne and dried fennel seeds. He mixed it thoroughly making sure he got every nook and cranny. He got out his cast iron skillet and placed it on the fire at the highest temperature. The high temperature was required just to cook a meat like this. Even though he sliced enough steak portions for everyone, there were quite a lot remaining in the quarter reserved for making steak so he add them to a zip lock bag with marinate to sit in the fridge overnight.

    Shin generously oiled the skillet with olive oil as to not stick. He set the heat to medium as to not burn the oil then added diced onions and garlic and a dash of cumin and a stick of butter. He stirred the mix until the onions started to turn translucent. He then placed one fillet of steak on the skillet. The sweet sound of sizzling and the rich aroma of roasted spices started to fill the air.

    Since Gaian Garuda meat is considered white meat, it had to look thoroughly. About seven to eight minutes on each side with a lid over the skillet to allow steam cooking brought out a finely golden pan fried steak of Gaian Garuda. Shin garnished the plate and placed the steak of it and added a dab of minced garlic on the side.

    One serving of Gaian Garuda Steak is done. He continued making steak after steak and soon, four servings of nine ounce Gaian Garuda Steak was done.

    Shin and Kate brought the plated dish to the dining room.

    [Crule]: The anticipation is killing, the smell coming from the kitchen was far too good¡­

    [Chun Qin]: I don¡¯t eat much meat, but this¡­I can¡¯t wait to try it.

    Everyone was eager to finally dig in.

    They all seated on the table and was ready to eat.

    [Shin]: Let¡¯s have a toast.

    There was wine and juice on the table. The adults drank wine while Crule preferred juice since his body cannot take alcohol at his age.

    [Kate]: To Crule and Chun Qin, for saving me.

    [Shin]: To Crule, for giving us this opportunity.

    [Chun Qin]: To Crule.

    Everyone downed their drinks and started to slice their steak with their knives and forks.

    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.They each took a bite and immediately stopped.

    [Crule]: Sooooo good, I haven¡¯t had it in so long, teacher¡¯s cooking was always good even if he stopped for a while in the old world.

    [Shin]: I surprise even myself. This meat really is top quality.

    [Kate]: Wah, I might get addicted to this.

    [Chun Qin]: Praise the lord, may heaven have mercy on my soul. This is by far the best thing I have ever eaten.

    After saying all that, their knives and forks didn¡¯t stop moving until each of their steaks were finished.

    [Crule]: Good thing we got quite a bit of Gaian Garuda meat left.

    [Shin]: I haven¡¯t even used a quarter of the meter sized piece you gave me¡­

    [Crule]: Oh¡­

    [Shin]: Anyways, you guys take a break. Rest a while and get some training done, me and Kate are going to clean up and prepare to make dinner.

    [Crule]: Ok.

    Shin went and cleaned the skillet and utensil. The remaining meat were either marinating or placed in the freezer.

    [Kate]: What are you going to make for dinner?

    [Shin]: You feel like eating anything?

    [Kate]: Hmmm, since we had so much meat for lunch, why not a soup and a salad?

    [Shin]: Oh, that¡¯s true. But I think Crule would want more of the Garuda meat so I¡¯ll add it in both.

    [Kate]: Eh, wouldn¡¯t that be too oily?

    [Shin]: Oh you will see.

    Shin took out a large pot. He went to his spice rack and took out various spices including black and white peppercorn. He even put in some Si Chuan peppercorn. He got a cloth rag and placed a small amount of each on it and tied it up making a cloth ball of spice. He placed it in the pot, added water and boiled it. He then placed the bones of the Garuda in the pot and added in some diced spring onions, chives, garlic, carrots, and some diced winter melon. He also added in minced mint leaf and half a lemon. He let the stock simmer for a few hours while he went to train with Crule and Chun Qin. Kate was left to look over the pot as so it doesn¡¯t cause any problems.

    About an hour half later, Shin returned to check on the soup. It was almost done as the remaining meat was falling off the bone already. He took the bone out and tossed it.

    He let the stew cool a bit on low heat. He then went to prepare the easier dish.

    For the salad, Shin just mixed some collard greens, halved eggs, diced onions and cherry tomatoes. He took another remainder of the Garuda meat and after rubbing it with salt and pepper, place it on a slightly oiled skillet. He let it brown on both side until it was thoroughly cook. Shin then took his knife and diced the meat into strips and added it to the salad. He prepared a vinaigrette and added it to the side. The consumer can add the amount they desire.

    The soup was hearty yet not too oily since over the hour half boiling period, Kate skimmed the fat off the top of the stew several times.

    It was spicy lemon mint Garuda stew with mixed Garuda salad.

    Let¡¯s just say dinner was just as delicious as lunch was.

    Their journey continued toward Beauxi but now it was filled with delicious food.

 Chapter 28. Borders, Customs, and Passport.

    Chapter 28. Borders, Customs, and Passport.

    The wonderful country of Beauxi, a country that never sleeps. Every hour of the day, the country stays awake hustling and bustling even through the wee hours of the night. It was a country that manages the moon of Greed. The currency there was oval, the same shape as their patron moon. The rare metals from mining operations in Greed help feed the countries lavishing features.

    But to ever light side there is darkness. Even if half of the country were incredibly wealthy, the other half live in poverty off the edges of the country. The country was separated in rings. Those in the center were the most privilege of the privilege. They were so rich that they could purchase an entire planet if they wanted to. By the time one reaches the fourth ring, it was considered the upper middle class. They could live perfectly wealthy live styles, just not as insanely eccentric as the center three rings.

    The fourth ring was also the barrier ring to say. There was a large wall erected at the edge of the fourth wall blocking the inner four rings to the outer four rings. The rings on the outside range from ghettos to rural villages who could only barely get by with the crops they grow. It was unruly and slavery was almost necessary for some families to survive. The government even encourage slavery. It was a lucrative business opportunity and was very well regulated. As to not piss off ¡°certain¡± groups of people, the slaves cannot be kidnapped people, only people who were legally sold via a contract. Without the contract, illegal slaves are still considered citizens instead of property and thus had the right for the police to take immediate action. But the amount of money it cost to pay for the police was far too much for the outer four rings.

    Money makes the world goes round in Beauxi. The irony in the country¡¯s name was seen as the incredibly beautiful center is surrounded by the desolation they choose to ignore.

    At the very edge of the country at the eight ring was an even larger wall. Due to the ravine between the edge of the continent and the molten ocean of metal, various platforms for landing dotted it allowing ships to park and land. To actually enter the country requires one to pass through the border and customs. Most bring their ship along but some come via public transportation.

    [Kate]: We have finally landed!

    [Shin]: God, an entire week in a ship. I hope I won¡¯t have to do that again any time soon.

    [Crule]: We have to pass the border and customs now.

    They specifically landed on the platform made for people who wanted to bring their ship through customs. It was placed on a large conveyor belt and slowly brought to the wall. All ships that pass through might be inspected.

    [Crule]: I have a fake passport for you. We cannot be discovered here or Metallurgy would be able to track us.

    [Shin]: Where can someone who looks like a twelve year old child, get an illegal passport?!

    [Crule]: Magic of money.

    Before they left Aponus, Crule had found a certain company to make fake passports.

    [Crule]: And money talks in Beauxi, how do you think even with the border security so high, the mafia still manage to smuggle goods in. They only had to grease the correct palms.

    [Chun Qin]: *sigh* As corrupt a country as ever¡­

    [Crule]: Anyways we are coming up to the window. Shin, you speak to the guy. Having a child be the leader would raise suspicion.

    They stood next to their ship as they were brought to a kiosk.

    [Man at kiosk]: Business or Pleasure?

    The man said in a monotone voice. Having seen hundreds of people a day at his dead end job, he grew tired of it. The work benefits he received were barely enough to keep him working there.

    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    [Shin]: Pleasure.

    [Man at kiosk]: From where did you come from?

    [Shin]: Aponus. My family is coming here for vacation. My wife and I with my son and brother came to enjoy the casinos.

    [Man at kiosk]: Mhm, passports please.

    Shin handed over the passports that Crule gave him.

    The man at the kiosk opened the passport to look inside and found a card. It was a storage card from the Bank of Beauxi. The color indicates how much money it held. It was a golden card which holds a minimum of a hundred thousand Ovals, the currency of Beauxi.

    The man¡¯s eyes widen and his attitude suddenly improved greatly.

    [Man at kiosk]: Enjoy you stay good sir! WELCOME! To our wonderful country!

    The man was almost beaming with excitement.

    Shin just stared at the man with disgust after the conveyor belt started moving again.

    [Shin]: *grumbles* Man money really affects everyone in this place.

    [Crule]: Now that we pass the borders, it¡¯s now to pass the customs.

    Their ship had to be inspected.

    Good thing that the ship use to belong to Warden Brandon. Its quality was quite high. Custom inspectors normally inspect more casually for the rich and stringently for the poor.

    A group of four blue uniformed men walked up to the ship.

    [Man in blue uniform]: Customs inspection, do you have anything to declare?

    They spoke with an intimidating tone.

    [Shin]: Nothing here.

    [Man in blue uniform]: Then we shall proceed with inspection.

    The men boarded the ship and inspected the place. It looked like a normal high class personal ship. One of the man opened the fridge to inspect its contents.

    Upon seeing the Garuda meat the man was surprised.

    [Man in blue uniform]: Sweet hell, these people are rich. Not even people from the third ring can afford this much Garuda meat¡­

    After seeing it, the men inspected more casually.

    Ten minutes later they exited the ship.

    [Man in blue uniform]: We found nothing, you¡¯re free to pass good sir.

    Their attitude were suddenly very respectful.

    Crule chuckled a little but it was ignored by the men since he was just a child.

    [Crule]: Now that wasn¡¯t so hard was it?

    They boarded the ship as it reached the end of the conveyor belt. Crule started up the ship and flew out the dock at the opposite side of the wall they entered.

    In front of them was a HUGE floating neon sign.

    ¡°Welcome, to beautiful Beauxi, where anything can be found. Fun, Pleasure, and Treasures.¡±

    [Crule]: Now, let¡¯s head to the sixth ring.

    [Shin]: Why are we going to the rural area?

    [Crule]: There¡¯s someone there I need to pick up.

    [Kate]: Is it someone special?

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s just say¡­I couldn¡¯t live without her.

 Chapter 29: The Girl.

    Chapter 29: The Girl.

    [Man with top hat]: Fifty Ovals.

    [Woman in rags]: Eighty Ovals.

    [Man with top hat]: Sixty Ovals, my final offer.

    [Woman in rags]: Fine.

    The man in the top hat clapped his hands and two large men came through the door.

    [Man with top hat]: Get the girl, make sure to not damage the goods.

    The man took a leather pouch out of his coat pocket and tossed it to the woman in rags.

    [Man with top hat]: Sixty Ovals, exact. Count it if you want.

    The woman quickly poured the contents of the bag on the table and counted them.

    Seeing that there was exactly sixty, the woman showed a defeated smile and put the ovals back in the pouch.

    The two men came returned with a little girl between them.

    [Man with top hat]: Take her to the ship.

    The two men led the little girl outside. She obediently follows. The girl turned around just before she left.

    [Girl]: Don¡¯t worry mom, I will be okay.

    The woman in rags was on the verge of tears. But she could do nothing about it.

    [Man with top hat]: What a good kid, don¡¯t worry, she will be bought by someone rich, the rich don¡¯t treat there slaves that bad.

    The woman had some of her worries relieved that at the very least her daughter¡¯s life might be a bit better off than it currently is.

    The man with the top hat tipped his hat, took his cane and walked out the door.

    [Woman in rags]: Stay safe my daughter¡­

    ______

    The girl was placed in the ship with other slaves. They all had a defeated look on their face. The ship took off as they headed closer toward the center. From the eighth ring, they were heading toward the sixth ring.

    The man with the top hat opened the door and walked in with his two henchmen behind him.

    [Man with top hat]: Understand now that for now you are between the border of being citizens and property. After someone purchases you and the contract is signed, you will be labeled as property. Don¡¯t worry, most buyers are nice¡­ I do pray that you do not get any of the more ¡°eccentric¡± of buyers who had ¡°certain¡± hobbies that are frowned upon by society.

    The people in the room shivered as they thought about it.

    [Man with top hat]: Now then, all of you line up. It¡¯s time to receive your slave collar.

    The slave collar was both a price tag as well as a security measure. It included a GPS tracker in it as well as an EKG to have a detailed health report on the person wearing it. The report will determine a large portion of the price. The other factors affecting the price would be the slave¡¯s personality and skills.

    The girl stood in line obediently and received her collar. It was a black piece of leather with machinery imbedded in it. There was a monitor on the side that display her health information.

    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.She sat back down on the wooden bench lining the walls of the room. At the very least they didn¡¯t have to stand the entire trip. Apparently this slave merchant was one of the better ones. Stories of horrible merchants and slave living conditions scared her greatly at first.

    ______

    They soon arrived at the sixth ring and landed at a large stone building. Compare to everything else around it, it was considered fancy. Most of the sixth ring looked like a ghetto style city made of concrete and wood. The streets were narrow with a lot of peddlers displaying their goods on wooden tables and carpets on the floor. It had the feeling of a grand bazaar from ancient times. This place is the City of Bastila, the market of the outer ring. People from all over the outer four rings come to sell their goods and to purchase things they need. Even some people from the inner rings come out looking for hidden treasures as some interesting things could be found. This place was the main place where the money from the rich flow down to the poor.

    The stone building was three story tall and was about the size of a super market. It was about the same of a medium sized warehouse.

    The slaves exited the ship after it landed and was brought in a line towards the holding cells.

    On the way there, they were given necessary things to survive until they were purchased. A uniform, soap and towel, with a tooth brush, tooth paste, and a cup was given to them. The uniform were mostly prison uniform that no longer were used. They were purchased in bulk to be used to cloth the slaves.

    The slaves were given some free time, most of them went straight to take a shower since few consider it a luxury compare to their past lives. Cleaned and wearing freshly washed uniforms, they went to the cells. It was a large room with multiple bunk beds for where the slaves slept.

    The slaves had a work schedule since having people just laze around instead of doing work was not profitable. Some were taught various trades like tailoring and metal works. This both produces goods the slave merchant can sell as well as improving the price of the slaves. The slaves also gain a skill that they can use to eventually free themselves.

    ______

    After a week working at the place, the girl learned how to cook from the head cook. She help with the meals the slaves eat every day and some even praised her for her cooking.

    The girl was happy yet homesick. She hoped that her mother was doing well.

    The man with the top hat walked in to the kitchen one day.

    [Man with top hat]: # 4921, someone wishes to purchase you. It¡¯s time to go.

    The girl¡¯s heart skipped a beat when she heard it. All she could do is obediently follow. On the way to the office, she prayed with all her might someone nice would buy her.

    As she entered the office she saw her new master.

    [Crule]: You must be Ming, I am here to get you today.

    It was a twelve year old boy wearing a black coat.

 Chapter 30: Slave.

    Chapter 30: Slave.

    The boy looked at the girl with a familial feeling. The girl couldn¡¯t sense any ulterior motive from the boy.

    [Man in top hat]: So Young Master Wu, is she to your liking?

    Since Crule was now adopted by Shin and Kate, he changed his last name.

    [Crule]: I¡¯ll take her.

    [Man in top hat]: Good, good, now about the negotiation of price¡­

    [Crule]: No need.

    Crule toss a card toward the man in the top hat. The man caught it and stared at it with his eyes widening as large as sauce pans.

    [Man in top hat]: This¡­

    He held the shimmering diamond card in his land like the most valuable treasure in the universe.

    [Crule]: In it should be a million Ovals. That should be enough. I will take her now.

    [Man in top hat]: Y-yes sir.

    The man in top hat manage to gain a million Ovals from sixty. This amount of money was more than what he made in a life time. Most slaves were sold for around one hundred to a thousand depending on their EKG readings and skills.

    Crule walked up to the girl and placed his hand on the collar. The collar suddenly vanished and the girl could finally feel the wind on her neck again.

    [Man in top hat]: S-sir what about the contract?

    [Crule]: No need, she won¡¯t run.

    Crule held the girls hands.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s go Ming.

    The girl was embarrassed but at the same time confused as to how the boy knew her name. The slave merchant always have called her by a number.

    They walked to the luxurious ship parked in front of the stone building. The girl look one last look behind her at the place she stayed for a week.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t keep looking back, move forward with anticipation of better things to come.

    The girl nodded and never looked back again.

    ______

    The girl was still very nervous sitting at the cockpit of the ship as it took off.

    [Crule]: Let me introduce you to ever.

    The girl nodded, sitting nervously on the couch as everyone came in.

    [Shin]: Yo Crule, is this the girl we came to pick up?

    [Crule]: Yea teach, she¡¯s the one.

    [Kate]: She¡¯s adorable!!

    Due to the girl¡¯s young age, Kate couldn¡¯t help but shower her with motherly love.

    [Chun Qin]: Hmm.

    The girl cowered at the intimidating Chun Qin.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t mind him, he¡¯s just as shy as you are.

    [Chun Qin]: N-no I¡¯m not!

    Everyone laughed. The girl enjoyed the cheerful atmosphere.

    [Crule]: Anyways that guy over there is Shin Wu.

    Shin waved his hand.

    [Shin]: Hi.

    [Crule]: Standing next to him is his wife Kate.

    [Kate]: Hello!

    [Crule]: And that large menacing man there is Chun Qin.

    [Chun Qin]: H-how do you do.

    The girl quietly bows.

    [Crule]: So why don¡¯t you introduce yourself.

    [Girl]: M-my name is Ming. How do you do.

    [Crule]: *sigh* Still so shy I see.

    [Ming]: M-master, what are your orders?

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.[Crule]: Hmm¡­for one thing, since I didn¡¯t sign the contract, you are still a citizen of Beauxi so you don¡¯t have to call me master.

    [Ming]: But master bought me. You spent so much money¡­

    [Crule]: I didn¡¯t buy you yourself, I bought your freedom.

    [Ming]: B-but¡­

    [Crule]: *sigh* You know what, I was thinking of doing this later, but this would take far too long and my patience isn¡¯t that good.

    Crule reached into his spatial pocket and took out the red gem.

    [Crule]: Here, swallow this.

    The girl reluctantly took the gem.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry its safe.

    She put the gem in her mouth and swallowed.

    Like a breeze of refreshing wind, she felt her memory return. All the things she experienced in her past life up to her death. Her memories returned. But most importantly, her feelings.

    Ming looked at Crule. A tear appeared at the corner of her eye.

    [Ming]: MASTER!

    She jumped on Crule and started crying.

    [Ming]: I-I m-missed you so m-much.

    [Crule]: There, there Ming.

    Crule pet her head trying to comfort her.

    [Crule]: I assume you remember everything now?

    [Ming]: Mhm, so we finally got our second chance?

    [Crule]: Yes, we finally do. How¡¯s your power?

    [Ming]: I received 100% of it since the old me was dying, she didn¡¯t leave an ounce behind like you did. Since you still had to face the abomination, you only gave half your power to the past you.

    [Crule]: Since I made a second contract with Famina, I now have 150% of my original strength.

    [Ming]: Teehee, so master is a lot stronger now!

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t try to use too much of your power. Your body currently cannot take the full force of your energy.

    [Ming]: I know, from the looks of it I could only use ten percent.

    [Crule]: So about the same when I started¡­We need to do some serious training.

    [Shin]: Will you guys stop leaving us in the dark?!

    Crule and Ming suddenly noticed everyone was around them staring in confusion. The shy girl suddenly changed her personality after she swallowed the gem.

    [Crule]: Ah, I forgot. Let me do the reintroduction. This is my wife from the previous world, Ming.

    [Ming]: Nice to see everyone again!

    [Shin]: So she¡¯s like you, a time traveler?

    [Crule]: Actually I am not, only my memory and power came back in time. Ming herself is the actual time traveler although it cost her her life.

    [Shin]: ¡­I¡¯m sorry.

    [Ming]: It¡¯s ok, it didn¡¯t hurt. At least I¡¯m still alive here.

    [Crule]: Now then, everyone is here, we need to go see the Sage of Time now.

    [Ming]: Ehhh, we have to go see that old pervert?

    [Crule]: It¡¯s the only way we can get strong enough in time for the grand opening.

    [Ming]: Eh, fine.

    [Chun Qin]: O-old pervert?

    [Ming]: The guy is sickening.

    [Chun Qin]: You just called the Sage of Time, an old pervert.

    [Ming]: You will see when we meet him¡­

    [Shin]: Chun Qin, you can¡¯t believe in their common sense¡­ they are time travelers, common sense no longer applies to them.

    [Ming]: Teehee.

 Chapter 31: Casino Del Furito.

    Chapter 31: Casino Del Furito.

    The Casino Del Furito was the third largest casino/hotel in the third ring. Every day millions of people pass through its doors to lose their money to the casino. At the roulette table was a large crowd gathering.

    In the middle stood an old man. Standing upright with his black suit and tie, black dress pants and black dress shoes, if one didn¡¯t see his face, one would assume he was only forty years old. On his face was a well-trimmed beard. He was wearing an old set of glasses that hang from his nose with a small golden chain connecting the two handles to each other behind his head.

    Beside him was a large mountain of chips. It was enough money to seriously put a dent in the Casino¡¯s earnings. The dealer was breaking out in cold sweats. The old man put his hand to his chin, rubbed it a little, closed his eyes and called out his choice.

    [Old Man]: twenty thousand on 18 red.

    [Dealer]: Are you sure sir?

    [Old Man]: I am dead serious.

    Half of the entire pile of chips was put in the middle of the table. The dealer spun the roulette wheel and everyone held their breath.

    The ball lands on 6 black.

    The dealer was relieved, wiped his sweat with a handkerchief.

    [Dealer]: I¡¯m sorry sir, you lost.

    The old man wasn¡¯t even phased about losing half his earnings.

    [Old Man]: 6 of black huh?

    The old man took out a pocket watch from his suit pocket. The small amount of his aura was injected in it. Everything froze.

    ______

    The dealer was breaking out in cold swears. The old man put his hand to his chin, rubbed it a little, closed his eyes and called out his choice.

    [Old Man]: Forty thousand on 6 black.

    The dealer felt like he just had a d¨¦j¨¤ vu moment.

    [Dealer]: A-are you sure sir?

    [Old Man]: I am dead serious.

    The entire mountain of chips were put in the middle of the table. The dealer spun the roulette wheel and everyone held their breath.

    The ball lands on 6 black.

    The dealer lost all the blood in his face.

    [Dealer]: W-we have a winner.

    The crowd watching broke out in cheers.

    [Dealer]: W-would you like to continue sir?

    The dealer had to ask due to company policies.

    [Old Man]: No thanks, I am done here.

    The old man took out a bag and put all the chips in it. He left and walked over to the exchange counter.

    The crowd just stared at him.

    [Random Man]: That old dude was amazing.

    [Random Girl]: I know, I was here the entire time.

    [Random Man]: I heard he started with only one chip.

    [Random Girl]: A ten oval chip to be exact. A few hours later he amassed that huge amount. Not even a single wrong guess.

    [Random Man]: He must be cheating!

    [Random Girl]: Psh, how do you even cheat in roulette?

    [Random Man]: I don¡¯t know!

    [Random Girl]: *sigh* The free show is over, guess I¡¯ll go play some slots before calling it a night.

    ______

    At the counter, the old man put the bag on the counter.

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    [Old Man]: I would like to cash out please.

    The girl at the counter stare at the bag.

    [Girl]: T-this will take a while, please wait.

    She took the coins and put it in a coin counter. Since the chips were all difference size depending on the amount they were worth, sorting them was easy. It also counted the amount each had.

    [Girl]: That¡¯s, one hundred eighty thousand chips¡­That brings you to a total of three million Ovals¡­

    The girl hands three diamond cards to the old man. He pockets it and walked away.

    [Girl]: *sigh* I wonder if I could win that much money¡­

    ______

    The old man walked to the shopping district of Casino Del Furito. He caught his eye on a hat store. He walks in and went to the counter. An old milliner was sitting behind it, currently working on one of his hats.

    [Old Man]: Dear hatter, I would like to purchase a made to fit black top hat.

    The old milliner looks up and smiles.

    [Old Milliner]: Yes Sir, let me get your measurements please.

    He took out a measuring tape and wrapped it around the old man¡¯s head. With today¡¯s technology, all one needs is the measurement and a hat could be made almost immediately. People still make it by hand for some people who enjoy hand-made quality. The charm of it enticed some eccentric rich people. But this old man wasn¡¯t needing a man made one. All he needs is one for looks.

    The old milliner inputted the measurements into a machine that looked like a microwave. Five minutes later, it dinged and a fresh hat came out.

    [Old Milliner]: Here you go sir, freshly printed hat of choice choosing.

    [Old Man]: Thank you.

    He took out a bag of ovals and hand it to the old man.

    [Old Man]: Keep the change.

    He walked out the hat store and headed next door. Next door was a place that conveniently sell canes.

    He walked in and found the perfect cane. It was made out of the shiny metal that was harvested from Pride. A Pridonium alloy that shined even brighter than usual but loses its living metal properties. The stick part shined with a powerful glare. The top of the cane was a diamond hourglass.

    [Old Man]: Fits me like a glove.

    He then headed to the bar. He ordered a glass of vodka and started drinking.

    About an hour later, a group of people entered the bar. The old man was alert since they were releasing their aura in a way that normal people won¡¯t detect it but people who had a certain amount of power will.

    He looked behind him and a twelve year old boy with an eleven year old girl approached him.

    [Crule]: You must be the Sage of Time.

    [Ming]: You old pervert haven¡¯t changed no matter what time we¡¯re in¡­

    The old man stare at the kid before him.

    [Old Man]: H-how do you know who I am?

    [Crule]: I have my ways.

    [Ming]: And you always have that gaudy hat and cane¡­

    The old man stared at them. He barely bought these today but he already decided he was going to use them for a while¡­

    [Old Man]: What did you come here for?

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s just say I have a proposition for you¡­

    The old man could only sigh.

 Chapter 32: Sage of Time.

    Chapter 32: Sage of Time.

    [Old Man]: What thing could a kid like you possibly have that I would be interested in?

    [Crule]: This.

    From his spatial pocket Crule took out a small wooden box. He hands the box to the old man.

    The old man opened the box expecting some ordinary treasure or something worthless to him.

    [Old Man]: This¡­How?

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s just say I know your taste.

    [Old Man]: The quality¡­exquisite! I must have it!*cough cough*

    He tried to regain his composure.

    [Old Man]: I mean, what is your proposition?

    [Crule]: I wish to hire you for two tasks. In return, I will give that to you plus one more thing.

    [Old Man]: Ohoho, you have more?

    [Crule]: Indeed. It¡¯s even better quality than the one in your hand right now.

    The old man grinned widely showing his white well maintained teeth.

    [Old Man]: Kid, you know how to get this old man on his good side! Come, let¡¯s go to my home. We will discuss it further there.

    Crule turned around to everyone.

    [Crule]: Come, let¡¯s go.

    [Ming]: Eh, do we have to go?

    [Crule]: We kind of need his power right now¡­

    [Ming]: Hmph. Fine.

    [Shin]: This old man is the Sage of Time?

    [Chun Qin]: He certain gives off the gentlemanly vibe¡­

    [Kate]: Yea he seems kind of nice, I was expecting some sort of crazed hermit.

    [Crule]: *sigh* You guys and your expectations¡­

    ______

    The group followed the old man to a parking lot.

    [Shin]: This¡­why are we at a ship parking lot?

    [Old Man]: This is where I live.

    [Chun Qin]: You live in a parking lot?

    [Old Man]: No you fool! What do you expect a nomadic sage to live in?! Of course it¡¯s a ship you numbskulls!

    [Kate]: Ohhh, which one is yours?

    [Old Man]: This one.

    The old man stopped in front of a bizarre ship.

    [Crule]: Ahaha, your ship looks as glorious as I remembered it.

    [Ming]: Eh, I still think it looks stupid.

    The ship¡­was a giant log of wood just sitting there in the middle of the parking lot.

    [Old Man]: Hey, it¡¯s carved straight out of Yggdrasil! This puppy is immortal and requires almost zero repairs.

    [Chun Qin]: Yggdrasil¡­it exists?!

    [Old Man]: Use to.

    [Shin]: Eh¡­what happened to it now?

    [Old Man]: Eh, left it on earth, probably been cut down to make way for apartment buildings or something by now.

    Everyone felt a cold breeze pass by¡­

    [Kate]: So you¡¯re saying¡­you carved your ship¡­out of an ancient mythological tree. A space traveling ship...Out. Of. Wood.

    [Old Man]: With magic and technology of course!

    [Chun Qin]: I-I don¡¯t know what to say.

    [Shin]: ¡­I think it¡¯s better if we say nothing¡­

    [Old Man]: Come in, come in, welcome to my humble abode.

    The old man knocked on the large log sitting in the parking lot and somehow a door opened up.

    The inside was extremely contradicting to what it looks like on the outside. Everyone was neat and clean. The walls were made of a laminated kind of wood and the floor was carpeted by a sort of velvet fur. The furniture were made of a black mahogany wood.

    [Shin]: This¡­so fancy. It actually suit your get up.

    [Old Man]: Of course! First appearance is everything.

    The old man took the wooden box that Crule gave him and opened it.

    [Shin]: W-what is that?!

    [Old Man]: Oh this? I do say it¡¯s a fine specimen. Haven¡¯t seen one made this week in centuries. Then again they did stop making them.

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    From the box¡­was a figurine.

    [Crule]: The Sage of Time here was from a place on earth called Japan. He¡¯s been alive for far too long but yet kept his old hobby of figurine collecting¡­He calls himself an ¡°Otaku¡± though I am not sure what that term means.

    [Sage of Time]: Hey hey, it¡¯s not just a hobby, it¡¯s my way of life!

    [Ming]: Ugh creepy pervert.

    [Sage of Time]: I am not a pervert!

    [Ming]: I¡¯ve seen the way you look at some of those ¡°dolls¡±, sends shivers down my spine.

    [Sage of Time]: T-that¡¯s not true!

    [Crule]: No use hiding it old man, you¡¯re a pervert true and true.

    [Sage of Time]: God dammit you kids are annoying. Whatever, go wait in the living room. I will join you shortly.

    Everyone walked out but stood outside the door peaking in.

    [Sage of Time]: Don¡¯t worry my precious, soon we will have some alone time¡­

    The creepy old man started stroking the figurine¡¯s synthetic hair.

    [Old Man]: All alone¡­Ahahhahaaaa¡­

    The maniacal cackling send shivers down everyone¡¯s spine.

    [Ming]: I told you he¡¯s a pervert.

    [Chun Qin]: Nooo, bring back my image of the Sage of Time¡­I don¡¯t want some perverted freak.

    [Shin]: *pats Chun Qin shoulder* Too late now bud, better find a new idol.

    Chun Qin collapses on the floor.

    [Crule]: Anyways, let¡¯s head to the living room before he gets suspicious.

    ______

    The Sage came back a few minutes later.

    [Sage of Time]: Ehem, anyways let¡¯s get to the proposition. What are the two tasks you want me to do?

    [Crule]: First things first, we would like for you to create a pocket dimension.

    [Sage of Time]: Hmm. I can assume what you want to do with that, fine I will make a pocket dimension. This may take a while to do though.

    [Crule]: How long?

    [Sage of Time]: A week.

    [Crule]: Good enough.

    [Sage of Time]: Now, what¡¯s the second task?

    [Crule]: I want you to take Kate here as a disciple.

    [Kate&Shin]: What?!

    [Shin]: I didn¡¯t hear about this?!

    [Kate]: Yea! I got no skills in energy manipulation like you guys!

    [Sage of Time]: Hmm¡­Let me check her abilities first. If it¡¯s sufficient enough for me to train her, then I will. If not then you will have to make another proposition.

    [Crule]: Fine.

    [Shin]: But Crule¡­

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry teach, from what I have sensed from her from time to time, she should be suitable.

    [Shin]: ¡­Fine.

    [Sage of Time]: You, girl, give me your hand.

    Kate reluctantly stuck her hand out. The Sage took the pocket watch from his jacket and places it in her hand.

    He channeled his energy into the pocket watch and everything froze again¡­Except for Kate.

    [Sage of Time]: This¡­I can¡¯t believe it.

    [Kate]: Hmm? What did you do? Why is everyone so still?

    [Sage of Time]: So there¡¯s finally someone else¡­after all these years¡­

    Time started moving again.

    [Crule]: I think you find it to your satisfaction?

    [Sage of Time]: Boy, you bring me treasures left and right! This woman here can easily be my successor and equal! All she needs is the right push in the correct direction!

    [Shin]: What? How? Metallurgy tested her when she was in the hospital.

    [Crule]: I should let you know that some attributes cannot be detected by the primitive method Metallurgy uses. That¡¯s why there¡¯s so many ¡°None¡± attributes.

    [Shin]: What?

    [Sage of Time]: What he¡¯s trying to say, is that your wife has a unique attribute. She can be a Time Witch.

    [Kate]: *Points to herself* Me?!

 Chapter 33: Training.

    Chapter 33: Training.

    [Sage of Time]: Yes, you. Having a time attribute is extremely rare. A thousand years and you¡¯re the only other one I found.

    [Crule]: The Sage here was actually a pioneer, he¡¯s been searching since the beginning of it all.

    [Kate]: So what do I have to do?

    [Sage of Time]: Nothing. Time attribute gets more powerful with time. For now, there¡¯s nothing you can do but wait.

    [Kate]: Eh¡­when will I get to use it?

    [Sage of Time]: You should start to have some control over time in let¡¯s say¡­five years.

    [Kate]: FIVE YEARS?!

    [Sage of Time]: Quite a bit faster than I did. Maybe because your exposure to the energies was from an infant.

    [Crule]: Anyways, let¡¯s start now.

    [Sage of Time]: Fine, how do you want the dimensions?

    [Crule]: For Shin and Chun Qin here I would like a 1:1. I myself want a 1:3.

    [Sage of Time]: 1:1 I can do. 1:3 is¡­a bit hard. I would have to do them on separate days.

    [Crule]: Fine, let¡¯s do the 1:1 today.

    [Shin]: What are you talking about?

    [Crule]: For you two, the Sage of Time will create a dimension where a single day time becomes a year. This gives you exactly one year to train.

    [Sage of Time]: At best I can only maintain this magic for a day regardless of how the ratio changes.

    [Shin]: But why only one year?

    [Crule]: Because that¡¯s all you guys need. I will teach each of you a training method. You will train in it for a year.

    [Chun Qin]: Sounds interesting.

    [Kate]: What about me?

    [Crule]: You will go with teacher.

    Crule took out an old scroll and hands it to Chun Qin.

    [Crule]: Since I already gave teach a martial arts book, you take this one.

    [Chun Qin]: ¡°Metal Veins Body¡±? Interesting.

    [Crule]: It teaches a skill that strengthen your body. Since you specialize in defense, this will be quite useful for you.

    [Shin]: I guess I will train in the Ten Thousand Raindrop Spear.

    [Crule]: Take this as well.

    He hands them a book titled ¡°Sonata of agility¡±.

    [Crule]: This book will teach you some basics of how to improve your ability to move and dodge. Master this first.

    Shin look through the book quickly.

    [Shin]: So this is how you are able to move so fast¡­

    [Crule]: That¡¯s partially true.

    [Sage of Time]: Are you guys done?

    [Crule]: Yes, open the dimension please.

    The Sage of time took out his pocket watch. He started pouring his energy and aura into it. Soon the entire wood log started to tremor. Then out of nowhere a tear in space appeared. Looking into it was like staring into the depths of space.

    [Sage of Time]: Done, I will maintain this portal for exactly 24 hours. I suggest you come out on time.

    [Crule]: Teach, Kate, and Chun Qin go in. I wish you luck in training. Hopefully you will have master the two books in a year¡¯s time.

    The three reluctantly walked into the portal.

    [Shin]: This¡­

    In front of them was a beautiful sight. A large mountain with a waterfall leading into a crystal clear lake in the middle. Trees and shrubs grow abundant with fruit and a single sun shine in the sky.

    [Chun Qin]: Where are we?

    [Crule]: *from a distance* You¡¯re in a pocket dimension, now start your training. Time is tight.

    [Shin]: Then let¡¯s get this started.

    He took out his spear and tested his skill.

    [Shin]: Ten Thousand Raindrops!

    The spear in his hands turned into a blur and reappeared later. The distant waterfall was immediately poked with thousands of holes.

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    [Shin]: Hmm, I still aren¡¯t able to use all ten thousand thrusts¡­

    [Chun Qin]: You sure have improved¡­To think only half a month ago, it was your first time holding a spear.

    [Shin]: Its, this book. It seems to impart knowledge into me as I read it more and more.

    [Chun Qin]: Hm¡­let me try mine.

    Chun Qin took a look at the first chapter of the book.

    [Chun Qin]: Fist of Steel!

    He punched a nearly rock. With a loud thundering sound, the rock was punctured by his fist.

    [Chun Qin]: Crap, my arms stuck in the rock¡­a little help guys?

    [Shin]: *stares* To pierce into the rock without shattering it¡­That¡¯s some pin point precision power.

    So thus their one year training began.

    ______

    [Crule]: Now then, since they are gone, ask the questions you want.

    [Sage of Time]: So you knew.

    [Crule]: I know you read my timeline when I handed you the box.

    [Sage of Time]: Ohoho, crafty aren¡¯t you. Fine. My question is, is what I saw really going to come true?

    [Crule]: Yes.

    [Sage of Time]: *sigh* Looks like I might have to come out of retirement. Being nomadic is fun and such but when shit like this is going to ruin it¡­I better help put a stop to it.

    [Crule]: Your help will be greatly appreciated.

    [Sage of Time]: What I never got to see is what happened to me in your world?

    [Crule]: You were assassinated by Grimly.

    [Sage of Time]: Ohoho, that child grew up quite evil didn¡¯t he.

    [Crule]: No, not evil. Just far too ambitious.

    [Sage of Time]: I use to be that ambitious once. When I first discovered my power.

    [Crule]: I¡¯m sure you just used it to look at the women¡¯s locker room on the pioneer vessel.

    [Sage of Time]: *cough* God no, I only like figurines. Real things don¡¯t really suit me.

    [Crule]: ¡­I know the feeling of out-living loved ones.

    [Sage of Time]: True¡­real people come and go, but figurines start forever as long as you maintain them.

    [Crule]: Your weird hobby aside, do you have any other question?

    [Sage of Time]: Ah yes, how¡¯s Famina?

    [Crule]: Still chained to that cross on Gluttony.

    [Sage of Time]: That poor girl. I knew her since she was a pioneer like me.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s funny how you pioneers who survived the explosion on Crecentia are all so powerful.

    [Sage of Time]: It use to be Theos you know. But yea after the explosion only seven of us survive¡­We gained the powers we have now and are practically immortal. But you know immortality gets boring at times¡­

    [Crule]: The others just take in disciples.

    [Sage of Time]: My power works very differently from theirs since time attribute is hard to find.

    [Crule]: Hmm.

    [Sage of Time]: Over the years, only the five out of the original seven of us are still around¡­

    [Crule]: That¡¯s not true. Six of you are alive.

    [Sage of Time]: Eh?

    [Crule]: Fate is really dead but Chaos is alive.

    [Sage of Time]: H-how?! We made sure he was dead.

    [Crule]: What do you think Grimly is doing?

    [Sage of Time]: No¡­He can¡¯t be. I told him years ago when he was just an ambitious child to never NEVER go for it.

    [Crule]: I¡¯m appalled you even told him.

    [Sage of Time]: He had potential¡­I couldn¡¯t deny him.

    [Crule]: Well, we better stop him then. Because Chaos isn¡¯t just satisfied with destroying the world now.

    [Sage of Time]: That bastard¡­He caused the explosion on Theos and now he wants more?

    [Crule]: A lot more.

 Chapter 34: Result of Training.

    Chapter 34: Result of Training.

    Crule and the Sage of Time kept on chatting outside. Every hour they chatted was about fifteen days in the pocket dimension.

    ______

    [Shin]: It¡¯s been two months. I can feel I almost got the last chapter of the ten thousand raindrop spear memorized.

    The Ten Thousand Raindrop spear style consist of four major skills.

    [Shin]: Let¡¯s practice the first three. Ten Thousand Raindrops, Drizzle!

    Shin threw his spear into the sky imbued with his aura. The spear split in the sky into many glowing illusionary spears as it fall upon the target area. Although they look illusionary, the damage was real.

    After the skill, the ground was all but destroyed by the thousands of spears. The spear reappeared in Shin¡¯s hands.

    [Shin]: Next! Ten Thousand Raindrops, Downpour!

    Shin jumped up in the air. He brought the spear closer to his body as he descended upon a target rock. A faint grey aura surrounded him as he meteor onto the rock. Everything around where he landed was obliterated. The rock had turned into dust and was dispersed into the air.

    [Shin]: *cough* I should watch myself when I used that one. Good thing is, it¡¯s a good initiating attack which brings me into attacking range against the enemy. Now, next one. Ten Thousand Raindrops, Maelstrom!

    Shin swept his spear slicing all the trees around him down.

    [Shin]: This attack would be good against a large group. Although its damage isn¡¯t as high, it¡¯s good for controlling the situation.

    Shin opened the book again and stared at the last chapter.

    [Shin]: I just can¡¯t seem to master this last one¡­

    The chapter was titled, ¡°Ten Thousand Raindrops, Tlaloc¡¯s embrace.¡±

    [Shin]: If I remember correctly, Tlaloc was an Aztec sovereign god of rain. Hmm¡­

    Shin looked at the spear in his hands. He was getting more and more familiar with it as if it was a part of his body now. Trishula the spear of Shiva was an overwhelming weapon of destruction.

    [Shin]: *sigh* I will get it eventually.

    He walked back to the camp they set up. The vicinity around Shin was already destroyed but after he walked away, the scenery repairs itself.

    [Shin]: How are you coming along Chun Qin?

    [Chun Qin]: So far so good.

    [Shin]: Oh? Give us a demonstration.

    [Kate]: Yea, I wanna see it.

    [Chun Qin]: Fine, lets this Chun Qin show you his power.

    He walked over to the waterfall where large rocks dotted the lake underneath.

    [Chun Qin]: I only manage to master the first three chapters¡­Fist of Steel!

    He punched the rock and it was punctured without a sound. It looked like he just shoved his fist into a bowl of foam, no resistance at all. He then quickly pulled his fist out before he arm get stuck again. It was all one swift motion like a boxer¡¯s jab.

    [Chun Qin]: Barrage of Iron!

    Chun Qin lower his fists and brought it closer to his waist. This was an attack that exposes one¡¯s own weakness but attacks the enemy all out.

    [Chun Qin]: Raaaaaahahahahaha.

    Chun Qin threw out a fury of jabs and completely destroyed the boulder in front of him. It was full of holes until the point where its structural integrity can no longer hold itself together. He then faced the waterfall itself.

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    [Chun Qin]: Titanium Ashura!

    Chun Qin¡¯s aura seem to grow every times its size and balled into his fists. With a single punch he completely destroy and blocked the waterfall from flowing. He walked back to the group looking tired.

    [Chun Qin]: The first two are ok but the last one really takes a lot of energy from me.

    [Shin]: You still manage to completely destroy the entire lake.

    [Kate]: *claps* Wow so strong.

    [Chun Qin]: *embarrassed* It was nothing.

    [Shin]: Now let¡¯s eat some lunch and get back to training!

    [Kate]: I found some nice edible fruit in the forest.

    [Shin]: I still have some of the Garuda meat stored on me.

    Crule gave Shin the remainder of the Garuda meat on him before they entered.

    [Kate]: So let¡¯s grill them!

    [Shin]: Good idea, Chun Qin light a fire for us.

    [Chun Qin]: Hey, my fist aren¡¯t your personal flint¡­

    Using a small amount of his aura, the tips of Chun Qin¡¯s hand turned into a black rocklike metal. He snapped and sparks flew everywhere landing on the pile of dry forestry they gathered earlier.

    [Shin]: Right right, here l¡¯ll get us a grill.

    He took his spear and sliced a thin board of rock from a nearby boulder.

    He placed it over the fire with two rocks on the sides hold it up.

    [Shin]: Let¡¯s eat.

    ______

    [Crule]: Man, I can sell teach¡¯s cooking from all the way here in another dimension.

    [Sage of Time]: Well, the door is still opened¡­

    [Crule]: I kind of want to go in and get a piece¡­

    [Sage of Time]: I suggest you don¡¯t. Three people in a single dimension already is the capacity. Anymore and the spatial integrity may collapses and you all will be devoured by the event horizon.

    [Crule]: I know, I know.

    [Sage of Time]: It¡¯s been almost two hours though. It¡¯s the dead of night for us.

    [Crule]: Eh, I¡¯ll go make some food for us.

    [Sage of Time]: Sounds good, the kitchen is the third door to the right down that hallway.

    [Crule]: Gotcha.

    Crule walked down the hallway and into the kitchen. The kitchen was well designed with an island in the middle. It was fully equipped with a kitchen range with four burners and an oven. There was a microwave, a toaster oven, even a Forge Doorman grill. (Pun intended)

    [Crule]: Now let¡¯s see what he has in the fridge.

    He opened the exceedingly large fridge door that was twice his height.

    [Crule]: Wow, he sure do have some rare stuff in here. Abyss Apples, Herculean Boar Sausages, even some half-finished Gaian Garuda Schnitzel. Wait a minute, is that what I think it is.

    Crule took out a large egg.

    [Crule]: How did he even manage to get an Invida Rahk egg? Ah well, I can stir fry something.

    Crule raided the Sage of Time¡¯s fridge and made them a meal.

 Chapter 35: A full year.

    Chapter 35: A full year.

    In the middle of the lake stood a man with a huge beard. In his hand was a glowing spear. He seemed to walking on top of the water. That man was Shin almost after a year of training.

    [Shin]: This Sonata of Agility is amazing. It allows me to constantly glide on top of the water. My speed is now significantly faster.

    After mastering the Ten Thousand Raindrops spear edition, Shin started to work on the Sonata of agility. It took him a full seven months to understand the first movement. The style of practice for this speed based tome was very different from Ten Thousand Raindrops which requires you to get insight into the skill and practices by using it. For the first movement of Sonata of Agility, one must¡­dance.

    To improve one¡¯s speed, one must know the footwork. One must know how to perfectly control their center of gravity. What better way to practice footwork and balance than dancing?

    The tome explains the moves of a dance for the first movement. Upon adding his aura to help speed up his footwork as well as maintaining his perfect balance, Shin could almost move faster than normal eyes can see. Afterimages were seen all over the lake as Shin practiced the first movement.

    [Shin]: If the first movement can give me such speed, I wonder what the other four do.

    But their time is almost up. During the last month, a large clock appeared in the sky indicating the last 30 days.

    [Shin]: We only have three days left. A full year huh¡­

    Shin walked back to the camp. They created a slightly more permanent residence with large stone slabs Shin sliced from the boulders.

    As he got back he saw Chun Qin still training the Metal Veins Body. He has nearly mastered the last skill.

    [Chun Qin]: Vajra Shadow!

    His body seem to glisten as it shone like diamonds. The lightning attribute of his aura was greatly amplified as his body can now conduct electricity a lot better without harming himself.

    [Chun Qin]: Thor¡¯s Wrath!

    Condensing the electricity with his diamond fists he swings it down like a hammer onto the ground.

    *BOOOOOOM*

    About a half kilometer radius around Chun Qin was immediately destroyed and the dirt was brought into the air. It created a large cloud of dust, dirt, and plant life.

    [Shin]: Not bad. Was that the last skill?

    [Chun Qin]: *panting* Yes, the energy requirement for these skills are all quite high.

    [Shin]: I don¡¯t think any normal human can take a single touch from you.

    [Chun Qin]: I can at least control my power.

    Shin walked back to camp with Chun Qin. When he got backed he was astonished.

    [Shin]: This¡­How?

    Kate was also practicing the Sonata of Agility. But upon closer inspection she was far more profound at it than Shin was.

    [Kate]: This is fun.

    Her dancing was very fluent and was a beautiful sight to behold.

    [Kate]: Let¡¯s try the second movement.

    [Shin]: This¡­

    It seems whilst Chun Qin and Shin were training on their respective martial arts book, Kate solely worked on the Sonata of Agility since she has nothing else to do.

    As the second movement started, Kate¡¯s speed doubled and Shin could barely follow her with his eyes. She would only be visible ever so often and appeared as if she was teleporting.

    [Kate]: One, two, three, one, two, three.

    She was counting the tempo as she got faster and faster. Soon not even Shin can keep up. She disappeared completely only leaving the sound of wind behind.

    [Shin]: This¡­is amazing!

    Kate stopped when she saw the two return.

    [Kate]: Ah, your back.

    [Shin]: It seems you really excel at the Sonata of Agility.

    [Kate]: Its quite fun.

    [Chun Qin]: Lets rest for these last three days. Enjoy the scenery, constant training without rest would only cause harm to one¡¯s body.

    [Shin]: So let¡¯s have a feast!

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    He brought out the remainder of the Garuda meat.

    [Chun Qin]: I can¡¯t wait to finally be able to eat something other Garuda meat¡­

    [Kate]: It¡¯s delicious and Shin¡¯s cooking is great but having the same dam thing for a year¡­ people can only handle so much.

    [Shin]: Then let¡¯s make this a celebration of finally being able to eat something else after a year!

    They cheered as they cooked the last chunk of Garuda Meat.

    ______

    [Crule]: It¡¯s almost time.

    The Sage of Time was looking pale. Considering he haven¡¯t slept in nearly 40 hours since he had to maintain the dimension for 24 hours plus the time he was awake.

    [Sage of Time]: I swear after this I¡¯m going to pass out of two days¡­

    [Crule]: We can do mine next week then, when we both have more time to prepare.

    The Sage of Time looked relieved.

    [Sage of Time]: At least you don¡¯t make me do this twice in a row¡­

    Ming finally returned.

    [Ming]: I got the things you asked for master.

    [Crule]: Good, our preparation for the auction house is ready.

    [Sage of Time]: Auction house? There¡¯s something you need from there?

    [Crule]: Quite a few bit of things. Hopefully I can get a majority of it.

    ______

    The dimension started to quiver.

    [Shin]: It¡¯s time to leave, let¡¯s go.

    They walked out the door appeared out of nowhere during the last hour.

    [Crule]: Welcome back, so how did it go?

    [Shin]: Great, let us do a demonstration.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s take it outside.

    They all walked outside as the Sage of Time went and passed out on his bed.

    [Shin]: Now then, the full Ten Thousand Raindrops!

    Taking his spear, he performed the first three skills fluidly in one motion. He threw the spear as it turned into ten thousand illusions. He held back since if he used it at his full power, the parking lot would be obliterated. The illusion collided with the ground and as the spear lands, Shin appeared next to it with a sweep. The reason why Shin can suddenly appear next to it was because of the Tlaloc¡¯s embrace. Shin can literally become one with his spear and travel along with it. He started with drizzle as illusionary spears appear, then with downpour as Shin become one with his spear with Tlaloc¡¯s embrace after he threw it. As he landed in the middle of the spear rain, he used maelstrom.

    [Crule]: Not bad. You manage to master all of it.

    [Shin]: Ha, not even a sweat.

    [Chun Qin]: My turn.

    He body became like diamonds with electrical sparks emitting from him. Vajra, then followed by a Thor¡¯s hammer energy condensed into his fist. With Titanium Ashura, the Thor¡¯s hammer aura on his fist grew four time its original size. Barrage of Iron followed as extremely large Thor¡¯s hammer imbued fists rained down upon the illusionary enemy. He Chun Qin had used his full power, he could have destroyed a galactic class dreadnought.

    [Crule]: Now not only are you incredibly durable, you also have a powerful offense now.

    [Kate]: Oh oh, let me try.

    Kate disappeared as she immediately entered the second movement of the Sonata of Agility.

    [Crule]: This¡­I didn¡¯t expect you to be able to get so far in the Sonata of Agility.

    [Kate]: It¡¯s very tiring to maintain it though.

    [Crule]: At the very least, you can escape and protect yourself now. Now, go and take a long deserved rest on our ship. I brought it over to this parking lot while u were training.

    [Shin]: Finally, it really dawns on you how dependent on technology we are¡­A flushing toilet, good god, how I missed thee.

    They headed back to the ship.

    [Crule]: Now, Ming, let¡¯s go to the Auction house.

 Chapter 36: Auction.

    Chapter 36: Auction.

    The Beauxi Grand Auction House was located in the second ring. It hosts the largest auction in the known universe. They cover half of the entire ring with varying different auctions for all price range. This was the only area that even the poor from the outer rings can be in without being kicked out by police.

    The half donut shaped auction house was split into six sections. The first two section were normal small auction rooms meant for a small handful of people. A few hundred auction rooms lined a long hallway. Each room had different themes and sold a huge variety of things. Adventurers who dare risk going to the Wilds brought back spoils of war to be sold here. Small things and lower ranked beasts where brought to these first two sections. The auction house actually classifies the beast and their classification became the official one being used in the frontier. Most H and G class beasts were sold here. Things like beast for food and beast for hide and horn where sent here via airship from the frontier. The first two section, one can find small prey like rodent type beasts and evolved version of domestic farm animals. These small prey could be hunted by two to five skilled hunters in a team. Highest ranked G class beast may take up to a dozen people to take down.

    ______

    The next two section where the middle class auctions. The rooms were circular arenas with the object being sold in the middle with a single track leading from the back storage room to it. Chairs and tables surround the middle in a sort of dinner theatre fashion. The auctions that start here were quite luxurious compare to the first two sections. Food could be ordered and brought to your table whilst you attend the auction. Most auctions can last from two to four hours depending on the selection of that day.

    The spoilers being sold here were rare artifacts discovered from the ruins of settlers from the Wild. They also sell military grade weaponry and rare medicines. But what most people come for where the rank D, E, and F rank beast being sold there. These beast can require up to an entire battalion to take down.

    Rank F beasts were the size of vehicles and would require special weaponry to take down. Most have incredibly tough hides so armor piercing rounds were a must.

    Rank E beasts were either the same size as F rank beast or slightly bigger. The main problem with hunting them is they have started to absorb enough of the mystical energy of the planet to be able to use them. At this rank, it would take a small army with armored tanks to take out just one. This was also the rank where special martial artists or ¡°Warriors and Mages¡± started to show their use.

    The energy surrounding the world is pretty much unnoticed by the wide public but to special practitioners and those who follow under the life of martial arts and the occult learn about the energy far sooner. They kept it a secret from the public and kept enhancing their own strength. They stood out a lot when the adventuring era started when the Wild was opened to the public.

    Rank D beast were a danger to border cities. They are usually pack leaders and require the air force to assault them to even be able to leave a dent. Normal foot soldiers would just be fodder in front of them. Of course they were still within the range of possibility for the Warriors and Mages. It may take two to five skilled warrior or mages to take down a D rank beast.

    The raw materials from such ranked beasts were as rare as precious jewels. But they were not as rare as some of the metals collected from the wild. These metals were essential as they can create weapons capably of farming even B ranked beasts. They were as rare as some metals found on the moons.

    ______

    The last two sections of the auction were the most lavishing of them all. The rooms were like amphitheaters capable of holding a lot of people but instead of having stone steps leading upwards, each layer was a full sized room equipped to satisfy even the most eccentric needs. Personal kitchens and chefs were provided if needed. This amphitheater contains twenty layers thus twenty rooms. Each layer could be rented by a single family or person. The closer the layer, the more expensive it was.

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    This was the place they sell rare metals that appear maybe only one in a billion ores. They were so rare that some were not seen for nearly a decade in between. They also sold rare potions that have miraculous effects made from the exotic plants of the Wild. But what enticed people more were the Rank C, B and A beasts. These beasts were considered natural disasters.

    A single C rank beast can destroy an entire army of ten thousand. Some even contained enough energy to be able to use magic. They were the size of large buildings and to people they were colossuses.

    A B ranked beast was a class 5 natural disaster. They could destroy an entire state if they were to rampage through it. In comparison, a B ranked beast could equal a category five hurricane or a 9.0 earthquake. Some could even survive a nuclear explosion.

    A ranked beasts were mythical. There¡¯s so few of them that they were considered the king of the Wilds. A single rank A beast could destroy the entire of Beauxi if not properly contained. Even then, very few things or people could contain them. On the entire planet, perhaps only a few experts could be able to do so, so few one can count the number on their fingers.

    Each of them were well known, and the person who was most well-known, was the president of Metallurgy INC. Mr. Grimly. He manage to subdue the A rank beast Chaos Metal Condensed Dragon. The beast was so huge that they could only bring in the head to Beauxi to sell since the body was far too big to fit in the second ring. The whole body itself was almost the size of Beauxi. How he done it, only the handful of people he brought with him knew. Mr. James and Hanuman were of the few who seen it.

    In the auction house, to be able to even have a glimpse of an A rank beast could be a life achievement for even the richest of people. To purchase them could cost the entire fortune of an entire clan. The sheer amount of money circulating Beauxi in the form of Ovals were astonishing.

    [Crule]: We arrived.

    Crule only brought along Ming and the person she prepared.

    It was a puppet. One of Ming¡¯s specialty was to be able to control a puppet of flesh and blood. Of course she had to raid the morgue at the local police station to find a suitable doll but with her current skills, it was far too easy.

    The puppet was the recently deceased Mr. Ferthun. He was a somewhat wealthy entrepreneur who made a small fortune selling potions. He died of a heart attack at the age of seventy two which was quite young considering how long people have been exposed to the energy of the planet. He did not seem to be decaying at all and acted like a normal person. Ming¡¯s ability to control a puppet improved greatly over the years in the old world.

    Crule and Ming were dressed in a very formal attire. Crule was wearing his Black suit and tie while Ming was wearing her pearlescent white dress with her black sash.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s head to the lower area first.

    They headed toward the first two sections of the auction.

    [Crule]: We need the necessary things for this three year training¡­both Ming and I.

 Arc 3 Epilogue.

    Arc 3 Epilogue.

    Ten years ago in the Wild, there stood a mustachioed man with a beaming complexion. That man¡¯s name is Crowly Grimly Metallurgy.

    [Grimly]: James! Get out here and enjoy the lovely morning air.

    [James]: Sir, its four in the morning. I still require some rest.

    [Grimly]: Ha! Rest is for the weak! You had four hours of sleepy anyways.

    James could only sigh as he got out of the ship as well.

    [Grimly]: Where is Bravo team?

    [James]: They are a few kilometers away. Hanuman is with them.

    [Grimly]: Tell them to come here immediately, the beast is stirring.

    Off in the distance, a large crystalline snake like creature coiled around a large mountain. If one looks closely, one can see it move.

    This was the A rank beast known as the Chaos Metal Condensed Dragon. The beast is an evolved form of its species. Normally Metal Condensing dragons were smaller, only a few meter in size, but this one was several kilometer long. When the species is born, it slithers onto the floor of the Wild. It builds up minerals as it moves along the floor and slowly condensed it into its body, creating a harder and harder layer. Upon reaching a certain size, the creature goes through metamorphosis and emerges from its mineral casing as a larger version of its original self. And thus its journey begins again as it slithers through more terrains as its body size grows bigger and bigger.

    Soon, the creature begins testing the density of metals it absorbs along the way and starts being more specific about the type of minerals it picks off the ground. Once it becomes big enough, they can begin boring into the ground to look for more metals. They were treasure sources for adventurers as different Metal Condensing dragons prefer different metals. Some prefer rare metals while some enjoy jewels. One may even find a pure gold Metal Condensing Dragon.

    The Chaos Metal Condensing Dragon have far outlived its brethren and became a King of the Wild. The metal of choice, was an extremely rare metal known as Chrasium. It was a metal formally found on Theos before it exploded. Meteor chunks of Chrasium fell onto Noxia after the explosion. The metal no longer exists on Crecentia so any amount of it found was worth a fortune. This Chaos Metal Condensing Dragon was probably the largest concentration of the metal in the galaxy.

    [Grimly]: We are going to need a large amount of Chrasium for the weapon we are developing.

    [James]: I have heard good things about it from our scientists.

    [Grimly]: Indeed, apparently a meter chunk of it could power the weapon for a century, and with that kind of weapon, our company would finally become a monopoly. No one will be able to compete. But it has another use as well.

    [James]: What is it sir?

    [Grimly]: This metal is the only substance strong enough to hold a demigod.

    [James]: ¡­I see.

    [Grimly]: We must either capture or kill this dragon no matter the cost.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.______

    Half an hour later, half a dozen carrier air ships lands near the camp sight.

    A huge man walked out from one. He was dressing in a classics military general¡¯s uniform. Badges and pins adorn his olive green shirt.

    [Grimly]: Ah, Hanuman, you finally arrived.

    [Hanuman]: I wouldn¡¯t miss this fight no matter what.

    [Grimly]: Indeed, this will be the hardest fight we have ever been in. Did you bring what I asked for?

    [Hanuman]: Yes, the trump card has been prepared.

    [Grimly]: Honestly I hope I don¡¯t have to use it since there¡¯s so little of it remaining, but against a foe like this¡­I can¡¯t hold back.

    [James]: To reduce any unnecessary casualty I suggest sending a small team.

    [Grimly]: Ahaha, good idea, let us three go.

    [James]: J-just us three?! Sir, I think you might be underestimating the beast. It¡¯s an A rank beast¡­it manage to completely destroy a galactic sized carrier¡­

    [Grimly]: More the reason for just us three to go.

    [Hanuman]: Ha! I like your way of thinking. Let¡¯s go.

    The two sprinted toward the mountain with a reluctant James following close behind.

    On that day, Grimly was forced to use his trump card to be able to come back alive¡­

    ______

    After aggravating the beast, Grimly and Hanuman both attacked it with their strongest martial skill. Seeing how the incredibly tough metal hide of the dragon completely nullified their physical attacks leaving only behind a light abrasion, they used their strongest ancient spell. Even then, Hanuman was hit by the dragon¡¯s tail and was knocked away several hundred kilometers away. He barely survived by the skin of his teeth and he was immediately out of the battle. James tried to bind the beast but to no avail. Having exhausted all his energy trying to chain the beast, he too collapsed.

    Seeing his support having been so easily taken care of, Grimly used his trump card. From the air ship carrier, came a several hundred meter long metal needle. It was made of an alloy combined of all seven rare metal from the moons. It was the strongest alloy currently known by man. It was called Sintonium alloy. Channeling all his remaining energy into his attribute aura, Grimly picked up the giant metal needle as it floated above his palm. The needle was the size of a tall building. It took nearly all of Grimly¡¯s energy to throw the needle at the dragon.

    The dragon being still partially bonded by James¡¯ remaining energy could not dodge the needle as it directly pierced behind its head, beheading it. It was dead. Grimly having spent all his energy also lost consciousness. The remaining soldiers cleaned up the place but the giant metal needle was forever embedded into the mountain as a reminder of the fight. It remained as the grave for the Chaos Metal Condensing Dragon, the only one of its kind ever to reach the King ranks.

 Chapter 37: Membership.

    Chapter 37: Membership.

    [Man running Auction]: Welcome people, to the Tier 6 and 5 auction, today we have a wonderful selection of goods. Please hold your applause for later as we bring out our first item.

    Two large muscular assistants wheel out a cage. Inside of it was a huge beast that was barely alive. But even close to death, the look in its eyes shows its will to live. The savageness behind its eyes as it looked at the auction attendee sent a cold shiver down everyone spine. It looked like a wild boar. The only difference was the mane on its back was silver and it was the size of a car.

    [Man running Auction]: This here is a Silver Mane Boar. It¡¯s a rank G creature known for its delicious meat and strong tusks. It¡¯s a mutated species of the common farm pig but due to living in the Wild for so long, it had become incomparably strong. This beast took a team of fourteen to capture alive. The Gerald Mercenary Corporation would like a decent price for their troubles. The starting bid is ten ovals! Since we have so many items today, we have set some auto win prices that the seller wishes to receive for their good. The auto win for this creature is a hundred oval!

    [Man in coat]: Twenty ovals!

    [Woman in yellow blouse]: Thirty ovals!

    [Crule]: One hundred ovals.

    [Auction man]: We have an auto win!

    The man brought the cage back and hands Crule a ticket.

    [Auction man]: After the show, bring the ticket to the storage room and complete the transaction there.

    [Crule]: One down.

    Every single beast at G rank, Crule auto win them. Soon he had several hundred tickets.

    [Auction man]: Now, our selection of wild game have ended, let¡¯s move on to the others.

    Crule took this chance to leave to the storage room. You can leave at any time during the auction. He went over to the storage room counter and placed the several hundred tickets down.

    The receptionist stare at the sheer number in amazement.

    [Receptionist]: T-that would be a grand total of one million ovals.

    Crule took out another one of the diamonds cards and place it on the counter.

    [Receptionist]: T-thank you for your purchase. Would you like us to bring the goods to your ship?

    [Crule]: No need, take me to the storage, I¡¯ll pick it up myself.

    [Receptionist]: O-oh ok.

    Crule went and stored all of the cages with a huge variety of beasts into his spatial storage. Suddenly the entire storage was quiet. Not even a howl or scratches could be heard. The receptionist was amazed.

    [Receptionist]: H-how?

    [Crule]: I¡¯ll be leaving now, good bye.

    Crule headed toward the middle layer of the auction house. There, Ming and Ferthun was waiting.

    [Ming]: Got everything?

    [Crule]: It¡¯s decent enough for starts.

    [Ming]: Mhm, let¡¯s move on to the rank D beasts.

    They moved on to the slightly more luxurious middle area.

    Using Ferthun as a middle man, Crule bought more D ranked beasts. If he was by himself, a child spending this much money on high ranking wild beasts would raise suspicion.

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.Crule did the same here and pocketed all the D rank beasts he bought.

    [Crule]: Just two more, let¡¯s go Ming.

    Heading to the most inner area of the auction house, they arrived at the amphitheater.

    [Ferthun]: Room for three.

    [Woman]: Excuse me sir, do you have a membership card? That would be a hundred million ovals for the temporary membership card.

    [Crule]: Hm¡­It seems our puppet isn¡¯t well known enough¡­I shouldn¡¯t waste too much money¡­Oh well.

    [Woman]: You can also receive a temporary membership if you provide something to be sold during the auction.

    [Crule]: I see, I would like to sell this.

    Crule reached into his spatial pocket and took out a horn.

    [Woman]: This¡­we would have to get a proper appraisal first. Please wait a money.

    A few minutes later, the woman returned with a stern looking man with reading glasses.

    [Man]: Now, let¡¯s see what we have here¡­

    The man took the horn and inspected it. He weighed it and inspected it close with a magnify glass.

    A glint appeared in his eyes but disappeared immediately. The appraiser smirked and turned around to face them.

    [Man]: I see, I see¡­It seems what we have here¡­Is a simple Rank C beast horn.

    Crule¡¯s eyes filled with disgust. He let off a bit of his aura. The sheer power of it made the man shiver.

    [Crule]: I do not like to be scammed, Mr. Appraiser¡­

    The man gulped. Cold sweat rained down his face. Even though he knew he had the protecting of the auction, the aura in front of his was like that of a beast. The sheer hunger and instinct sent shivers down his spine. It was like being in the presence of a pack of starved tigers. One could see the immense hunger in their eyes and feel the devouring atmosphere. Everyone around Crule could feel it, even the receptionist woman.

    [Man]: I-I seem to have made a m-mistake, I didn¡¯t notice this golden spiral running along the horn, Mrs. Smith, go get the chairwoman. We have something to show her. Tell her it¡¯s a code black.

    The woman snapped out of her fear and quickly ran to the chairwoman. Anything to get away from the aura.

    ______

    Mrs. Ylvun, the current chairwoman of the most profitable auction in the entire galaxy. She inherited her role from her predecessor. Having been an apprentice for quite a while, she was familiar with the trade. Competing with all the other apprentices, she came out at top in this cut throat business world. Due to her experiences she is both cunning and wise. Very few things could make her lose her composure, but today things happened that she could never have expected.

    [Ylvun]: A rank?! Am I hearing this correctly?

    [Woman]: Yes, Chairwoman, the appraiser said a piece of an A rank beast has shown up.

    The last time an A rank beast showed up at the auction, her predecessor made a fortune. It was enough money to completely make the entire country of Beauxi under their discreet control.

    To have another chance at making that much profit, even Ylvun¡¯s steel composure started to waver.

    [Ylvun]: Take me there immediately.

 Chapter 38: Favorable trade.

    Chapter 38: Favorable trade.

    Inside of a luxuriously decorated meeting room was the very calm and slightly annoyed Crule, the seemingly innocent Ming, the ever so anxious Ylvun, and the unmoving corpse of Ferthun on the floor.

    [Ylvun]: I should have expected something weird was going on when the dead Ferthun showed up.

    [Crule]: I want you to know the truth, this is a transaction of truth, and I do not like to be scammed¡­

    Ylvun gulped at the aura Crule produced. She thought what kind of monster lie beneath the guise of this twelve year old child and the eleven year old child next to him.

    After she invited them to the room, Crule told her to make everyone else leave. Not wanting to lose the possible sale of an A rank beast part, she did as she was told.

    As soon as only they remained in the room, Ferthun dropped to the floor like a puppet with cut strings. Ylvun was surprised and went to check on him. Upon checking his pulse, she realized he was dead. The cold feeling on him shows that he has been dead for quite some time, but he was just moving just fine a few minutes ago.

    [Ming]: Opps, dropped the puppet.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s OK Ming, we have to show the cards in our hands if we want a trustworthy transaction.

    Ylvun could only assume the little girl was the one controlling the corpse. Crule suddenly releasing his aura a little again, made Ylvun feel fear.

    [Crule]: Now then, Mrs. Ylvun, I would like to make a deal.

    [Ylvun]: D-deal?

    [Crule]: As you can tell, money is something that doesn¡¯t interesting me anymore. What I want is a trade for the horn.

    [Ylvun]: Can you tell me, what are you?

    [Crule]: I¡¯m just a Mage, you do not need to know more.

    Ylvun understood that warriors and mages were a mysterious group of people who mythical powers. They supply a majority of the top tier goods for the auction so she is quite familiar with what kind of power one has.

    [Ylvun]: Well, let me say you are the strongest mage I have seen so far.

    [Crule]: Flattery gets you nowhere, Mrs. Ylvun.

    [Ylvun]: S-sorry, now then what you offer?

    [Crule]: I would like to trade this Crystalline Bicorn horn for four live C rank beast and two live B ranked beast.

    To Ylvun this was a great trade. The sheer difference between a B and A rank beast already means that one single piece of an A rank beast can be sold for a dozen B ranked ones. The head that Grimly brought could have been sold for over a hundred B ranked beast due to its sheer size.

    [Ylvun]: Is there anything else you need?

    [Crule]: Yes, one more thing. I want two recommendations to the Shining Radiance Academy.

    [Ylvun]: This¡­can be done.

    The Shining Radiance Academy is a sort of hidden school for kids of the rich and royal to train to be warriors and mages. The wealthy and powerful know just how much power warriors and mages held so when an academy started that guarantees power upon graduation was incredibly tempting. But to get in was the hard part. One must either be already in the martial arts world, aka getting a recommendation from a powerful warrior or mage, or be of royalty. Of course there are some exceptions for example if a company like Metallurgy INC who controls a majority of the planet or the Beauxi Auction house, which also holds much political power, were to write a recommendation. The problem is there is a limit of how many recommendations they can give. The auction can only send two people per year.

    Ylvun seeing the sheer power that Crule had and could guess just how powerful Ming was as well, would gladly recommend them to the academy. It would not only boost their connections with the academy but also advertise the power of the Auction house. Both situation were a plus for Ylvun adding on to the bonus of getting an A ranked beast piece.

    [Ylvun]: We would gladly take the deal.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    [Crule]: I knew you cannot resist.

    Crule hands the horn over to Ylvun. Being able to hold such a powerful item in her hand, Ylvun could feel the majestic aura emitting by the horn. This was indeed an A rank beast piece. It by far out shadows a B rank beast. It¡¯s the aura of royalty that emits from A rank beast parts.

    [Ylvun]: I will have my people bring you the C and B rank beast immediately. Would you like to stay to see the auctioning of the Horn?

    [Crule]: I got time, so why not.

    [Ylvun]: We will reserve the VIP room for you.

    [Crule]: I¡¯ll be waiting.

    As they were about to leave, the corpse of Ferthun suddenly came back to life.

    [Ming]: Don¡¯t want to cause confusion here!

    Ylvun was startled by it. Perhaps if Ferthun had been dead for a week longer, he would look like a walking zombie.

    [Ylvun]: Y-yes it would be awkward for people to find a corpse in our meeting room.

    They walked out of the room and Ylvun left to prepare the auction. She had to make a lineup of good items to sell leading to the climax of the Horn. She also had to send invites to famous names in order to promote the item. This was the second time an A rank beast piece will be sold in the Beauxi Auction. Many people would like to see it.

    Crule and Ming left to collect their beasts. They arrived at the grand storage of the auction. It was built to survive even a nuclear explosion. Considering the beasts that were locked up inside, it was the bare minimum.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s see the C rank beasts first.

    In the four cages were four C ranked beasts.

    The first one was a strange beast that resembled a lizard of sorts. It was walking on two hind legs and its shining silvery scale covered its entire body. On its head was a tuft of green fur that looked like grass. One can assume it was use to blend in with the forestry in the Wild while hunting. This beast was the Turf Lizard. Its rank C due to its difficult to catch due to its stealthy nature.

    The second beast was a sort of eel like fish. It must have come from one of the seven large lakes in the Wild. It was a strange hue of blue and yellow. This eel seem to be secreting a black fluid from its pores. It¡¯s keeping the creature moist even in the cage. It seems it was amphibious. Upon testing, the black fluid were also highly flammable. This beast was the Tar Eel. It¡¯s dangerous due to the environment it lives in and its ability to burn things while in the water.

    The third and fourth beast looked about the same with only a few features different. Both were avian beasts. The third beast looked like a two headed turkey. It had a snaked like tail and stone like feathers. If someone from earth saw it, they would think it was a real life basilisk. The fourth beast was also a turkey but it only had one head. It had a huge peacock plumage on its hind end and had several cylinders of feathers hanging from it.

    The third beast was called the Twin Basilisk. It¡¯s dangerous due to its method of turning its prey to stone to consume the fleshing insides. The fourth beast was the Dynamite Turkey. The cylinders on its hind plumage would explode with steel sharp feathers upon blunt force trauma when detached from its tail.

    [Crule]: All decent C rank beasts. The people who could this must be quite well traveled. There¡¯s beast from almost all four corners of the wild.

    Crule store all four into his spatial storage and moved on to the two B ranked beasts.

    Instead of being stored in cages, these two were stored in reinforced steel blast rooms. The only way to view them was through the incredibly thick reinforced glass.

    [Crule]: This...looks like we hit the jackpot.

    The two beasts looked up at Crule. Fear immediately exploded in their eyes as they ran to hide in a corner.

 Chapter 39: Grand Event.

    Chapter 39: Grand Event.

    The first B ranked beast looked like a large insect. It resembled the bugs found on the moon of Gluttony. It seems like they were the Noxian descendants of the original bug species and thrived in the galaxy. It was twice as large as the Queen Insectoid from the moon. Its carapace are a shimmering black opal-like color. The small spots of multi colored reflected the light that shine upon it.

    This beast was the Grand Opal Beetle. Its B rank was due to its rarity and its difficulty to catch. Since they consume large amounts of opal to incorporate in its exoskeleton, they reside deep in the Wild near veins of rare minerals. But due to the areas of rare minerals also belonging to the territory of A ranked beasts, to delve into one to find it was considered suicide. To get a Grand Opal Beetle could be considered a bonus when a group of top experts hunt A ranked beasts.

    This particular one was actually caught by Grimly years ago. It was never sold due to its rarity, but to get a piece of A ranked beast, Ylvun would gladly give it up.

    The second B ranked beast was a grotesque sight to behold. It was a large mass of gelatinous substance. This creature was known as the Abaddon Slime. They normally live in small colonies and are the size of pumpkins. They consume organic debris that falls onto the Wild¡¯s forest floors, whether it was plant or animal matter, they eat it either way. Their color changes base on what kind of organic matter they consume though. Those that eat more plant matter slowly become green and chloroplasts start to build its in system, eventually allowing the slime to photosynthesis. The ones that eat mostly animal matter become grey and develop a stronger acid within its body to combat some animals.

    But every once in a while when they feel threatened, they combine to form an Abaddon Slime King. The Slime itself it only considered a D ranked beast since their acidic content could melt even the metal of guns and vehicles. The congregated King Abaddon Slime was indeed a B ranked beast.

    Both of these monsters were mainly passive but due to its rarity, they were Ranked B.

    [Crule]: Good, good. Having highly combatable beast would be difficult for the training.

    He pocketed the two creatures and went to the waiting room.

    [Woman]: Mr. Ferthun, you VIP room has been prepared, please follow me.

    They walked to the amphitheater and got to the layer closest to the center.

    It was quite fancy. It was a large room with one wall being made of pure glass. It faced the center of the amphitheater with a large couch on the opposite wall. In the middle was a crystalline tea table with a full tea set. The walls were well decorated with paintings of ancient lore and powerful mythical beasts. A glorious chandelier hang from the ceiling and light reached all corners of the room.

    [Woman]: Please take this key, you are free to leave whenever, the auction will start tonight.

    [Crule]: It seems we got a few hours to go¡­Ming, let¡¯s go shopping.

    [Ming]: Ohh, I want some new clothes. Most of my clothes are too big for me now since my old self didn¡¯t think of needing children¡¯s clothes¡­

    [Crule]: Oh¡­sorry I didn¡¯t notice.

    [Ming]: No problem! Let¡¯s go now.

    They went around the auction looking for nice clothes. They got an explorer outfit for Ming for combat and a few casual clothes. Since they bought them from the auction, they were made from powerful beast leather and fur and were very durable.

    Crule admire the cheerful Ming as she tries on more clothes. Finally having some peace and taking a break like this was relaxing. Soon night time came.

    ______

    Quite a number of luxurious airships arrived at the parking lot of the Auction house. Employees greeted the famous people who arrived and led them to the amphitheater entrance. Few people who recognize each other started mingling. Some people brought their entire family since this event was perhaps one in a life time.

    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Quite a few famous people arrived.

    [Man]: Wow is that the CEO and owner of the Eternity Cloths? The company that makes clothes that lasts a life time.

    [Woman]: And that person over there was the president of Gatalus, the country that owns the moon Sloth. He doesn¡¯t attend events that often. The thing being sold today could bring him out of his office.

    [Other Man]: Isn¡¯t that the owner of Galaxi Delivery, the most prominent of galactic shipping companies. They originated from all the delivery companies from earth forming a monopoly¡­

    Soon a pure black ship arrived. From the vehicle, three men walked out. They looked incredibly tired, but were extremely well dressed.

    [Grimly]: The sparring gone on longer than I thought.

    [James]: That¡¯s because Sir got too into it.

    [Hanuman]: Ahaha, I just want to get stronger, and fighting Grimly here is great for me to test new skills.

    [Grimly]: You surprised me a few times. It seems your power are far stronger than what the stat report mentions.

    [Hanuman]: Well, numbers doesn¡¯t represent the battle prowess and skill one truly have. When the numbers are about the same, it¡¯s all about skill then.

    [Grimly]: Anyways, I am interesting to see what A ranked beast piece is being sold today. Considering the difficulty we had getting the Metal Condensing Dragon¡¯s head, this beast must also be incredibly strong. I want to see the person or the group that manage to take it down.

    [Hanuman]: I too am interested. Perhaps I may be able to ask for a spar.

    [James]: But we just finished a session¡­

    [Hanuman]: A true man always is ready for a brawl.

    [James]: ¡­

    They were lead to the amphitheater.

    The windows of the rooms in the amphitheater were one way only thus hiding the identity of the purchaser as so to avoid any assassination attempts to steal the items bought. The only time one could see the people entering was at the entrance.

    By then Crule and Ming had already returned and entered their room. They had no idea that Grimly and company had also come.

    Once everyone had entered the amphitheater, the lights dimmed and the music started. The event was more of a show, slowly leading to the actual auction. This was why one could bring their personal chefs and was considered more of a dinner theater.

    A grand ballet was performed by a famous ballet troupe. Their graceful and beautiful choreography Wow-ed the entire audience regardless of social standing. Some things humans just can¡¯t help but admire, regardless of how they were doing.

    Crule, Ming, and Ferthun ordered a high class meal from the auction staff. They were served a full course meal beginning with appetizers.

    [Crule]: The food at the auction always taste great.

    [Ming]: I can¡¯t remember the last time I had food this good.

    [Crule]: Oh right, you haven¡¯t had teach¡¯s cooking yet. Once we finish here, let¡¯s ask teach to make us a meal. I¡¯m sure you will remember just how good it was.

    [Ming]: Ohhh I can¡¯t wait.

    After the show, the auction started.

    [Ylvun]: Ladies and gentlemen, it¡¯s time for our main event. Let¡¯s start the auction with the first item on our list.

    Everyone was at the edge of their seat in anticipation. Items sold at the Grand auction were always incredible.

 Chapter 40: Buying time.

    Chapter 40: Buying time.

    The first few items were rare arts drawn, sculpted or crafted by famous artists. They were sold quite fast since only a few people were interested in them. The art aficionado got their needs satisfied. The new few items were rare and ancient artifacts discovered throughout the galaxy. Some history buffs and collectors of the sorts where happy.

    Following that were new inventions that haven¡¯t hit the general market yet. These were sold to the rich not only for profit to make more but also for free advertising. This list even included new models of air ships and galactic vehicles.

    The next items on the agenda were rank C and B beasts. The tension in the air started to rise and one could feel the power behind each beast brought out. In total, they brought out a dozen C ranked and half a dozen B ranked.

    Crule already had what he needed so he didn¡¯t even bat an eyelash at those beasts.

    Finally after two hours into the auction, the main event. The auction of the A rank beast piece began.

    The jewel-like horn was brought out placed on top of a silk pillow. Everyone in the audience can feel its majestic aura emitting from the piece.

    [Grimly]: They weren¡¯t kidding. This really is a piece of an A ranked beast.

    [Ylvun]: Ladies and Gentlemen, this piece here is the horn of the A ranked beast Crystalline Bicorn. In the entire planet, only three of these creatures exist, and they have been alive since the very forming of the planet itself. They watched over the planet as kings for billions of years. To see such a horn in front of you is a once in a life time chance. Now we shall start the bid at one hundred million Ovals.

    Crule just smirked and laugh at the fake description Ylvun gave. Most of it were true, but the three remaining Crystalline Bicorns were actually the offspring of a more powerful beast that still remains on the planet to this day. But she could have never guessed an existence more powerful than A rank beasts actually slumber within the planet¡¯s farthest reaches. If an A rank beast were the kings and queens of the Wild, these S ranked beasts were the Gods among kings.

    At this moment, with the seals still holding strong on the riders, these S rank beast slumbers as there isn¡¯t enough energy in the atmosphere to sustain them. Perhaps after some seals are broken, will these Gods finally show their presence to man.

    The price quickly skyrocketed. Soon even the wealthiest of people started to back out as major companies started to tap into their humongous income.

    Billions upon billions of Ovals were named left and right until eventually the highest bid was finally settled. The losing companies could only back away in defeat as the galaxy¡¯s largest company has purchased the horn.

    [James]: Sir, by spending this much, we might have to hold back the opening event¡­

    [Grimly]: No worries, holding it back won¡¯t cause any problems. It actually gives us an excess to present to the others and gives us more time to train our generals.

    And thus the Crystalline Bicorn horn lands in the hands of Metallurgy INC. at the astronomical price of twenty billion Ovals. This was almost an entire decades of earning of the auction house, received in a single day.

    [Hanuman]: I still wish to see the people who manage to provide such an item to the auction.

    [Grimly]: Perhaps we may be able to when we go pick up the horn.

    ______

    With the auction event ending, the last moment of the event took place not at the amphitheater but at a ball room. More food and drinks were served as well as music and dance as the closing of the event was a party. Those who won things drink with pride, those who lost eat with remorse. In the end, all were satisfied to have seen the horn.

    People who didn¡¯t wish to stick around could immediately leave as the party was not mandatory.

    Grimly, James, and Hanuman left early towards the storage to pick up their item. Coincidentally Crule and Ming were leaving the party at the same time.

    [Crule]: That¡¯s¡­I see. So that¡¯s who bought it. Hmm¡­

    [Ming]: Why can¡¯t we just take him down now and get it over with?

    Her bloodthirst rose and one can see the sadistic anger in her crimson eyes.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.[Crule]: Calm down Ming, there¡¯s too many witnesses. Not only that I have a feeling we might not be able to take all three of them at once with our current power.

    [Ming]: But¡­Fine.

    [Crule]: However, this does present us a good opportunity to buy some time. This Grimly doesn¡¯t know who we are yet. We can use that in our favor.

    [Ming]: Eh, but I hate him so much¡­

    [Crule]: Eventually, we will eventually kill him. Ming, step back for a bit, I will do this myself.

    Crule slowly walked up to the three. Eventually they both stopped in front of the storage.

    The receptionist first handled Grimly¡¯s order. The horn placed inside of a nigh indestructible strong box with a key card for opening it, was handed to Grimly. He opened it to check the content and felt the overwhelming aura emitting from the horn. It was even stronger than the aura the Chaos Metal Condensing Dragon emitted.

    He smiled and placed the horn back into the box and handed it to James.

    As they were going to walk away, they heard the receptionist talking.

    [Receptionist]: Ah, Mr. Crule, the horn sold successfully. Ylvun would like to invite you for dinner. She has the recommendations ready.

    Grimly turned around expected to see the person and group who took down the formidable beast, but unexpectedly, it was a child.

    [Grimly]: Kid, how did you get the horn.

    [Crule]: None of your business.

    [Grimly]: Haha, a feisty one.

    Grimly let out a bit of his aura to intimidate the kid.

    [Grimly]: Now tell me, how you got the horn. Did you steal it from someone?

    Crule not even a bit intimidated decided to let out some of his own aura. Grimly was immediately knocked back a few steps at the sudden burst of aura collision.

    He stared at the kid in awe.

    [Grimy]: How is this possible¡­to be this powerful this young¡­

    [Crule]: Mr. Grimly, I do not like to be toyed with.

    [Grimly]: Hm, you know me?

    [Crule]: Who doesn¡¯t know the owner of Metallurgy INC.?

    [Grimly]: This will be the last time I ask, how did you get the horn?

    [Crule]: Trade secret, but I do have a proposition for you.

    Crule pretended to take something out of his coat pocket. It was a second horn. It looked 100% identical to the horn Grimly just bought.

    [Crule]: This is the second horn of the Crystalline Bicorn.

    [Grimly]: This¡­

    [Crule]: I will give this to you if you accept one suggestion from me.

    [Grimly]: Fine, I¡¯ll head you out.

    [Crule]: I want you to delay the opening ceremony for the event for a year.

    [Grimly]: This¡­fine, I originally plan to delay it by a month, but a year is fine if we can get this horn too. May I ask why?

    [Crule]: I wish to finish school before joining the game, and I do not like having everyone having a year head start of me.

    [Grimly]: Ahaha, you do well to participate when time comes, I look forward to it.

    Crule handed the horn to Grimly. The aura emitting from it was not a joke. It seems it really is the second horn of the bicorn.

    [Crule]: Good, I¡¯ll be leaving now, see you in a year or so.

    [Grimly]: See you in a year.

    ______

    [James]: Sir, was that the wisest choice to not question the kid further?

    [Grimly]: Sensing his aura, I doubt I would have the authority to. It was far more pure than mine¡­

    [Hanuman]: *to himself* That kid got even stronger than the last time we fought¡­

    [James]: How is that possible? A kid like that¡­

    [Grimly]: I guess geniuses can come in all sorts¡­

 Chapter 41: Recommendations.

    Chapter 41: Recommendations.

    Crule and Ming entered President Ylvun¡¯s office.

    On her desk were two envelopes sealed with an official auction house seal.

    [Ylvun]: I would like to thank you again for allowing the auction house to sell such an item.

    [Crule]: No need. If I need things sold, I will contact you first.

    [Ylvun]: *smiles* Anyways, these two envelopes are the recommendation you asked for. They are sealed with the official seal so as long as you don¡¯t open it, the academy will recognize it and accept you into their examinations.

    [Crule]: Good, now I understand you have a question you want to ask me?

    He took the envelopes and store it under his coat in his spatial storage.

    Ylvun was at the edge of her seat with a huge amount of questions.

    [Crule]: I¡¯ll answer three question since you committed on your side of the bargain.

    Ylvun wracked her brain on what three questions to ask. She just had far too many.

    [Ylvun]: Ok, my first question is, who are you really?

    [Crule]: A hero, next question.

    [Ylvun]: That was very vague¡­

    [Crule]: You asked a vague question, thus I answered in such a manner.

    [Ylvun]: Hmm¡­How did you get the horn?

    [Crule]: I killed the beast and took it.

    [Ylvun]: You? A Kid twelve years old took down an A ranked beast?

    [Crule]: It wasn¡¯t so hard, at least at the time it was by itself and not with its siblings.

    [Ylvun]: Hmm¡­last question then. What are your plans?

    [Crule]: ¡­ *sarcastically* World Domination.

    [Ylvun]: I¡¯m being serious here.

    [Crule]: Fine, to kill a greater evil.

    [Ylvun]: Who?

    [Crule]: That was three questions.

    [Ylvun]: Damn¡­Fine then.

    [Crule]: Anything else? We are in a hurry.

    [Ylvun]: Can we get some way to contact you?

    [Crule]: No, I will contact you guys if I have something I want to sell.

    [Ylvun]: ¡­Thank you for your patronage then.

    [Crule]: We will be leaving.

    Crule and Ming left and office.

    [Ylvun]: I can¡¯t tell whether what I saw was a hero or a demon¡­

    She leaned back in her chair and sigh.

    ______

    [Ming]: So are we going back to the Sage?

    [Crule]: Not quite yet, we should prepare for our three years training with more supplies. Mainly camping gear and wilderness survival equipment.

    [Ming]: Don¡¯t you already have all that?

    [Crule]: Some things needs replacing¡­

    [Ming]: Fine, whatever master say, we shall do. *smirks*

    [Crule]: *blushes* Stop teasing me¡­

    [Ming]: Eh, I¡¯m your slave anyways.

    [Crule]: Never.

    They left for the local shopping area in the third ring for their goods.

    ______

    The next morning.

    *knock knock knock*

    [Sage of Time]: Hold your horses, I¡¯m coming.

    He opened the door to see the two kids there.

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.[Crule]: Have you prepared old man?

    [Ming]: Morning, old pervert.

    [Sage of Time]: I am not a pervert! *ahem* Anyways, yea I prepared the spell. Since I actually prepared this time, I don¡¯t have to maintain the door manually the entire time. I only have to supply my aura to it.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s set to three years right?

    [Sage of Time]: Yea yea, one day lengthened to three years, just like you wanted.

    [Ming]: You really outdid yourself this time, old pervert.

    [Sage of Time]: Eh, I give up¡­

    They entered the living room and in the middle was a metal door. Originally when Shin and the others went to their training pocket dimension, it was just a hole in reality. Now that he had more time to prepare, the door allows a more stable connection.

    [Crule]: See you in a day old man.

    [Ming]: Don¡¯t miss us too soon!

    [Sage of Time]: Yea, yea, it¡¯s a day for me but three years for you two. By the time you¡¯re done you will be fifteen. I might not recognize the cute kid in you anymore.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry, I have my methods.

    They opened the metal door and walked in. It shut with a loud slam behind them.

    ______

    In front of them was the training area prepared for them. It was similar to Shin¡¯s as there¡¯s a lake in the center with forestry surrounding them. They were placed next to the lake in a clearing.

    [Crule]: Now then, let¡¯s set up camp.

    He took out a small box that he purchased yesterday and pressed the button on it. Immediately, fans inflated the tent to full size, which was about the size of an RV.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s dig out a fire pit for cooking.

    He snapped his fingers and his aura consumed a hole in the ground. He lined it with nearby rocks and placed dried tinder in it.

    [Ming]: Looks nice. Let me do the fire.

    She snapped her finger and a small blaze appeared on her index finger. She flicked it into the pit and it was set ablaze.

    [Crule]: Now then, our training method is quite different from Shin¡¯s. His body is a lot stronger from the years of tempering so all he needs are skills. Us however, we are the opposite. We have all the skill, spells, and martial arts we need. But our current body cannot take the strain.

    In a figurative sense, if Crule tried to use more than 20% of his full power, it was like trying to cram an Olympic sized swimming pool through a bendy straw. The sheer pressure would eventually destroy the straw. Same thing with Ming.

    [Crule]: Since my abilities are that of the black rider, my aura and body can be strengthen by consuming stronger and stronger enemies.

    [Ming]: Since my ability are that of the red rider, mine requires tempering in the blood of my enemies.

    [Crule]: Yep, this is why I purchased so many beasts. We will get to fight them, eat them, and then you can bathe in their blood to strengthen your body.

    [Ming]: Yes sir!

    [Crule]: While we are not killing beasts, we need to form the seven sealed gates within our body. This will allow optimal energy release.

    Imagine if you will, the full energy potential Crule has was like a huge lake. If he wanted to empty the lake into the ocean, aka the outside world, he would require a river. The gates he will established help not only regulate the flow, but also fortify the river and so they don¡¯t overflow.

    [Crule]: Now, let¡¯s get started.

 Chapter 42: Three years.

    Chapter 42: Three years.

    [Crule]: First up, let¡¯s kill this pig.

    He took out the cage with the G ranked Silver Mane boar.

    [Crule]: Ming, as a challenge to strengthen our physical self, lets fight the beasts before C rank with physical combat only. No spells.

    [Ming]: Yes sir!

    They found an area away from their camp suitable for combat. Crule let the boar out and it started rampaging, ramming into trees left and right.

    [Crule]: Come at me!

    Crule and Ming strengthen their body with their energy and began fighting.

    ______

    Five months passed in the blink of an eye. Crule and Ming have fought hundreds of low ranked beasts with only fisticuffs. Even if some of the beasts with iron tough hides, If Crule and Ming were to manipulate their aura to form a blade on their hands and feet, they could still slice through the hide. Crule, having the power of hunger, consume things as it slices, so it can cut almost everything. Ming¡¯s melee offensive power isn¡¯t as good, but she can manipulate the blood from the enemy to form blades on her hands. A strong beast would have strong blood, so her combat potential against beasts doesn¡¯t decline as the beast¡¯s rank increased.

    They also used the beasts they have killed as a food source. A majority of the beasts Crule bought were edible beasts, but there were some beasts made of inedible matter. Beasts made of metal or slimes and phantasmal creatures could not be eaten. But having such a large amount of food greatly strengthen Crule¡¯s body. Slowly, his body became less and less of a normal human. Now even without his aura strengthening his body, normal knives can no longer penetrate his skin.

    The same could be said about Ming. She bathed in the blood of numerous beasts. It not only improved her body, the blood also left her skin shining with a shimmering gloss.

    [Crule]: Now we need to get use to our strengthen bodies. We will take this time to build the seven gates.

    Crule¡¯s first gate, Appetizers, require nearly half a year to finish. He started creating it after he left the moon but didn¡¯t focus on it until now. The condense energy into a permanent physical thing within the body require not only strength, but knowledges and insights into how.

    His first gate will allow him to create a larger ball of hunger aura. It was the skill he used on the Gaian Garuda.

    Ming¡¯s first gate, Skirmish, also took just as long. Her method is to use blood to tattoo seals over all of her blood vessels. With the sheer number of blood vessels within the human body, she took quite a while to make the base.

    With the first gate, she could create large walls of blood for defense.

    Their food supply will easily last three years with the amount of meat they gotten. The only remaining beasts were the four C rank and two B ranks.

    And so the gate creation kept on going.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.______

    The next two gates were slightly easier. But with the three year time limit, Crule and Ming could only establish at most four gates.

    Crule¡¯s second, third, and fourth gates were, Hors D¡¯Oeuvres (which is a secondary appetizer), Soup, Fish, and Entr¨¦e. The remaining three of Meat, Main dish, and Dessert will take a lot longer to create.

    Crule¡¯s second gate allowed him to instill an insatiable hunger within the enemy to the point where they consume themselves. It was the stronger version of the skill he used on the Warden. His Third and Fourth gate allow him to focus his aura into a beam weapon. The third allow solidification of his aura into a beam of light. The fourth allow him to control the length of the beam so it becomes a sword instead of fading out as it travels farther like a beam of light.

    With the four gates established, Crule would now use his Famine Blades if his dagger Taming Sari isn¡¯t enough. They were far stronger than the dagger but the energy it required means Crule could only maintain it for a couple minutes.

    Ming¡¯s second, third, and fourth gates were, Combat, Fire fight, Guerilla, and Onslaught. Her remaining three gates of Barrage, Tactical, and Nuclear are still far out of reach.

    Her second gate allowed her to control her own blood with pin point accuracy. It was even to the point where she can accelerate her blood flow to the maximum that her strengthened blood vessels could take. This allow her to perform extreme acts of physical power without any signs of fatigue or strain on her body.

    The third gate allow her to control other¡¯s blood to the point of being able to erupt normal humans at command. The fourth gate improves it to where she can make a person¡¯s blood turn into spears as it penetrate the person from the inside. Her skill she named Crimson Cactus turns the person into a bloody pin cushion.

    Two months from the end of the three year training period, they stopped focusing on gate creation.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s time to fight the rest of the creatures.

    They split the four C rank beasts among themselves. Two each. Crule took down his VERY easily. Testing the new power of his Famine Blades, he quickly diced the beast into a pile of flesh and bones. Ming also took hers easily as well as the two beasts both burst into a spikey crystal of blood. They never even stood a chance.

    [Crule]: Ahaha, so I finally got 40% of my power back.

    [Ming]: Aww, I only manage to get 30% back.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s ok, once we find the red rider of this universe, you can receive the powers of this universe as well. It should bring you up to where I am.

    [Crule]: Now, let¡¯s enjoy some delicious Basilisk and Turkey.

    That night they had the best food they had in a while. Even if the meat was only grilled with some spices, it was still far more delicious than the lower rank beasts.

 Chapter 43: B rank combat.

    Chapter 43: B rank combat.

    The following day, they began fighting the B ranked beast. As to make it more difficult on themselves, Crule took the Grand Opal Beetle, since his Taming Sari dagger isn¡¯t strong enough to penetrate the powerful exoskeleton of the insect. Ming took the Abaddon Slime King since it does not contain blood, she would have to fight it with her own blood.

    The battle between Crule and the beetle was first. Crule coating his body in his aura, brought out his Famine blades. The style he chose this time were two short swords, quite different from the dagger he usually uses. The dagger¡¯s length would be too short to cause any serious damage to the beetle. Letting the beetle out of its storage, it stood there staring at Crule. Sensing danger, it wrapped itself in its aura as well.

    B rank beasts have absorbed enough of the energy in the world to start using auras. This is why the jump between C and B is so huge. The same could be said about B and A rank though since once a beast hits A rank, it can use skills as well.

    The beetle, after strengthening its shell, started to run at Crule, trying to ram him. Crule quickly dodged to the left in a side step and tried to cut the beetle from the side as it ran past him. As the tip of the famine blades made contact with the beetle¡¯s aura shell, sparks of electricity like energy rained down from the point of contact. The blades barely manage to penetrate about an inch into its shell.

    [Crule]: This is going to be slightly more difficult than I thought.

    Creating some distance from the beetle, Crule backed up to a good distance. As the beetle turned around, it saw Crule gathering energy into a ball in his palm. The ball of energy was black and emitted an aura that just screams hunger. Crule started rotating the ball in his palm faster and faster. This will improve the accuracy of the shot as the ball rotates to blinding speeds. The beetle, not wanting to take the hit head on, retreated into its shell and its aura condensed in front of it.

    Crule shot the ball directly at the beetle. As it hit the condensed aura shield, it started to eat away at it like a hot iron ball being dropped into a block of ice. The rotation of the ball allow it to travel further and further in until it finally stopped rotating. It couldn¡¯t get past the concentrated aura shield with its current power and rotation.

    [Crule]: Damn, not quite enough.

    Crule realizes he cannot let the beetle prepare its defenses like that. Although the beetle lacks offensive prowess, its defense is still the top in the B rank category. This fight would eventually end in a stalemate if it kept going on the way it is.

    [Crule]: I will have to start chipping away at its aura shield.

    Crule extended his index fingers on both hands and bent his thumb in an L shape. Condensing at the tip of his finger, was a small ball of his aura. It was similar to the large scale one he shot earlier but this one rotated even faster due to its smaller size. He disappeared as he focused his aura on his legs more to speed his movement up. Using his own personal agility martial arts, he disappeared and reappeared directly besides the beetle.

    It didn¡¯t have time to turn around to see Crule with its eyes, but it could feel the menacing aura coming from one side, so the beetle moved a majority of its defensive aura to that side. But almost immediately, the aura disappeared and reappeared again on the other side.

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    [Crule]: Too slow, eat this.

    From his index finger, Crule shot a barrage of his hunger balls. It collided with the weakened side of the beetle and directly penetrated its aura shell. As it hit the beetle¡¯s exoskeleton, it generated a sort of sound that was similar to when a dentist drill hits teeth. Several of the balls manage to lead small holes in the beetle, but due to the smaller size of the balls, it couldn¡¯t do enough major harm to fully take down the beast.

    The beetle realizing it has been damaged quite badly, quickly retreated out of the range of Crule¡¯s onslaught.

    [Crule]: You¡¯re going nowhere.

    Crule used his agility martial skill again as he once again evaporated into the air and reappeared on the damaged side of the beetle.

    [Crule]: Die for me.

    Crule once again formed his famine blades but this time, he created a huge bastard sword. He quickly rammed it into the side of the beetle as it easily penetrated the shell that was dotted with holes.

    [Crule]: Rahhhhhh!

    He slashed the blade as the eviscerated the beetle. Having half its body sliced in half, it quickly lost the light of life in its eyes. It collapsed on the floor with a thud, creating a small cloud of dust.

    [Crule]: *fatigued* That took quite a bit of my energy.

    [Ming]: You OK master?

    [Crule]: Yea, a few minutes of rest and I will be back to top shape. That was good experience though. If I ever see an enemy with that strong of a defense, I would know what to do.

    From the start of the fight to the end, it only lasted a few minutes. But due to the speed and concentration required, it felt far longer for Crule.

    [Crule]: Sadly, this beetle isn¡¯t edible, but its shell can make some fine equipment. Although damaged, maybe I¡¯ll give it to teach and see what he wants to make with it.

    He was about to pocket the corpse when he suddenly remembered something.

    [Crule]: Ah right, Ming, drain its blood please. It should help you quite a lot.

    [Ming]: Mhm.

    Ming closed her eyes as she placed her hand on the corpse. It seemed to shiver a little as all its blood drained from its corpse. As she removed her hand, a fine line of greenish blood left the beetle. It started to swirl and slowly wrap itself into a tight ball on her palm. The reason why its blood is green is due to its hemoglobin being having a copper centric structure instead of iron like human¡¯s blood.

    Ming brought the ball closer as she placed both her hands on each side, sat down, and started to refine the blood. As of right now, it has far too much impurity for her to use directly.

    Crule waited for Ming to finish before taking out the Abaddon Slime.

    [Crule]: Are you ready?

    Ming opened her eyes after the green sphere of blood eventually evaporated from her hands and was seemingly absorbed by her pores. Her eyes showed a powerful glint and she smiled.

    [Ming]: Yes master, bring it on!

 Chapter 44: Power of Red Rider.

    Chapter 44: Power of Red Rider.

    The Abaddon Slime King was let out of the storage. Upon finding itself in a foreign environment, it was on high alert. Slime¡¯s natural instant was to consume all food it finds. They do not have a natural enemy in nature but they do tend to avoid A rank beasts. Therefore they will attack all enemies except those with a majestic aura. The king slime was made to combat any beast a small group of slimes couldn¡¯t.

    Realizing that there¡¯s no A rank beast present, it let its guard down a bit. Ming walked toward it with her aura wrapped around her body. The slime noticed her and classified her as food. It immediately lashed out with an arm of slime. It shot from its main body like a spear.

    [Ming]: Ugh, I hate slimes.

    She waved her hand and a wall of blood appeared out of thin air. The arm struck the shield with a loud thud. The shield held as the slime dispersed at the point of contact.

    [Ming]: Hmm, I think I have a strategy that might work.

    As the arm of slime retreated back into the slime, it carried a bit of the blood from the shield with it.

    [Ming]: Since it lacks blood, let give it some.

    The shield in front of Ming slowly warped as its shining surface became bumpy and agitated. Then suddenly, a rain of blood exploded from the shield toward the slime.

    Sensing that it was an attack, the slime hardened its surface as the rain barraged it. Soon the slime was almost entirely covered in blood.

    [Ming]: This almost used up my entire reservoir¡­

    She has been saving blood from hundreds of large beasts. But the sheer size of the Abaddon King Slime require almost all of it just to coat in blood.

    [Ming]: Now, let¡¯s see how you handle being squeezed.

    With both of her hands, she clapped as a symbol appeared between her hands. As the symbol appeared, the blood on the slime turned from a liquid running down the slime, into a solid shell covering the entirety of the slime.

    Ming wrap her hands around the symbol like a ball and started squeezing. The shell surrounding the slime started to contract.

    A sharp shrill could be heard as the slime was slowly being squeezed. Without a single hole for the slime to escape from, the slime was being slowly pressured tighter and tighter.

    [Ming]: This is harder than I thought.

    Sweat could be seen dripped from her forehead as the ball slowly contract smaller and smaller. Soon it started fluctuating as the pressure inside of the ball become increasingly greater.

    [Ming]: Its, core should be within range now.

    Ming suddenly gripped her hand into a fist and the shell stopped shrinking. Suddenly an extremely sharp scream could be heard coming from within it.

    [Ming]: I think I got it.

    As the shell of blood started to turn to dust, it revealed the inside was completely covered in spikes. One of the spike have penetrated a bluish sphere straight through the center. Its core was the fusion of all the slime cores of entire group. With it destroyed, the slime could no longer hold its body together.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    The reason why the slime couldn¡¯t properly use its ability to escape from the thin solid shell, was because of the blood that went inside of it earlier with the arm. The small amount of blood was constantly assaulting its core, forcing the slime to focus all it¡¯s defensed on the inside, trying to remove the foreign liquid. But it was too late. By the time it finally removed the blood, the shell turned into an iron maiden prison as spikes exploded from the inside, penetrating its core.

    [Crule]: That was faster than I thought it would take. It seems you have gotten better.

    [Ming]: *panting* I had some insights on new ways to use my power.

    [Crule]: You must be tired, come let¡¯s get some food.

    [Ming]: Man, my reservoir of blood is almost dry¡­

    [Crule]: We can replenish it after we leave.

    [Ming]: Thanks Master!

    [Crule]: Stop calling me that already!

    Crule picked up the broken core and placed it in his storage. They walked back to their camp and had a nice rest.

    ______

    One day away from the three year deadline, Crule and Ming were still focusing on creating their gates.

    [Crule]: So close to finishing the fifth gate.

    Back in the old world, Crule was twenty seven when he started on his fifth gate. Already having insight on all seven of the gate, it took far shorter time to create them. Once the fifth gate is created, Crule could be considered a force that could destroy a country.

    Every person who have found their attribute, and reached the pinnacle of understanding their attribute, could start creating gates. Every expert know about the gates, but they do not know how to form them. The method varies greatly from person to person so there is no one fixed method. The number of gates one has created, could be considered their top life¡¯s achievement.

    In the hidden world of Warriors and Mages, these gates represent a title. Those who have opened one gate could be considered an expert, an Elite. Two gates allow one to receive the title of Expert. Three gates were rare and thus called Virtuoso. Four gates were monsters of their own rights and were give the title Monarch. Fifth gates were terrors that were mainly seen in myths. They were called Ancients.

    Six gate was unheard of as no one has currently reached it. They would be given the title of Deus.

    And lastly seventh gate. They were called archetype because they have become the symbol of their attribute, having fully mastered it.

    This was the ranking system used by the current Warriors and Mages. But what they don¡¯t realize, was in Crule¡¯s future, there were powers far exceeding the seventh gate. They just don¡¯t have a name for it yet.

    As of now, Crule¡¯s full title would be Monarch Crule Wu. Ming¡¯s would be Monarch Zhuang Yue Ming. These were official titles if they were to register with the Warriors¡¯ and Mages¡¯ guild that manages all of the professionals on the planet.

    Back in his future, Crule and Ming had other titles.

    Crule Wu, the Onyx Demon Devourer.

    Zhuang Yue Ming, the Crimson Blood Valkyrie.

 Chapter 45: Seals.

    Chapter 45: Seals.

    Twenty four hours later, the Sage of Time was drinking a cup of tea. He was reading an extremely aged book. Upon closer inspection, the label said ¡°Sho_nen J__p¡± with some words already rubbed off due to the passage of time.

    [Sage of Time]: Should be about the time they finished up.

    He closed the paperback book and placed it back onto his well-organized bookshelf. He pressed the button after closing the cabinet door and the contents of the shelf froze over. It was a technique used to store ancient documents.

    The metal door in his living room was still glowing incandescently throughout the night. Now that its morning, the rays of light from the twin suns shined through the cracks in the curtains.

    He stood in front of the metal door with his cup of tea in his hand. He went to take a sip when the door started to open.

    From it walked out two teenagers. Although they have aged three years, they are still easily recognizable. Crule grew taller and his hair grew slightly longer. He no longer looked like a weak twelve year old boy, but a well-built teen. An aura of confidence beamed from his face as he walked out.

    Ming grew as well, she was almost taller than Crule. From eleven years old to fourteen, she had a bit of a growth spurt in all the right places. From an adorable little girl, she¡¯s now a force to be reckoned with as the sight of her would capture men and women alike. No one can resist doing a double take when walking pass her.

    The Sage took there mid sip, just staring.

    [Crule]: Old man¡­

    [Ming]: Will you just take a sip already? You look so stupid right now.

    Realizing how he must look to them, he quickly placed his cup of tea back on the table.

    [Sage of Time]: *ahem* It seems that your training was a success?

    [Crule]: Quite so. Thanks for your help.

    [Sage of Time]: Anything I can do to help with the oncoming disaster. Will you show me a demonstration?

    [Crule]: Ok, Ming, lets emit our full auras.

    [Sage of Time]: Wait a minute!

    But it was too late.

    Both Crule and Ming let off the maximum level of aura they could emit currently without causing harm to their body. The entire wooden vessel quaked and rocked. The cup of tea on the table fell onto the floor spilling its contents everywhere.

    [Sage of Time]: God dammit, I said wait. Don¡¯t destroy my house you idiots.

    [Crule]: *smirk* You asked for a demonstration.

    [Ming]: Yea! You got what you wanted.

    [Sage of Time]: *sigh* You kids these days¡­That aside, it looks like you are indeed significantly stronger than before. If anyone other than me were standing within the vicinity they would probably have lost consciousness. Normal humans may even die upon contact.

    The effects of auras on normal people could be seen when Crule killed Warden Brandon. It was extremely effective and would cause fear in all onlookers.

    [Sage of Time]: So what are your plans now?

    The Sage poured himself a new cup of tea and was about to take a sip.

    [Crule]: We will go break the first seal.

    *crash*

    He dropped the cup in his hand.

    [Sage of Time]: ARE YOU MAD?! DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW LONG IT TOOK TO MAKE THOSE! THE SACRIFICES WE HAD TO TAKE?!

    [Crule]: Calm down old man, we are only going to break it a little bit. We are not going to unleash the full seal, only the part they added on these few years.

    The Sage stared at Crule like he was mad.

    [Sage of Time]: You¡¯ve got some nerve¡­Fine, go do what you have to. But if you break the entire seal, I am going to have to stop you.

    [Crule]: I know you got the power to stop me, but not kill me, don¡¯t worry I won¡¯t make stupid mistakes like I did before.

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.[Sage of Time]: So which seal are you going to break first?

    [Crule]: The one at the Academy.

    [Sage of Time]: Ah, I see. It is the least guarded of the seals... and I even know the headmaster quite well. His ancestors use to play poker with me on weekends. I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t mind you tinkering with the seal. Heck he doesn¡¯t even know about it¡­His parents kept the secret with them and took it to the grave.

    [Crule]: I know, this is why I chose it as the first one.

    [Sage of Time]: You do realize what breaking the first seal means right?

    [Crule]: The monsters of the Wild will get stronger, I know. Lives will be in danger closer to the borders.

    [Sage of Time]: By breaking that seal, you will release a large portion of primordial energy that was sealed by us back when we first found this planet. Honestly if the energy wasn¡¯t sealed, the monsters would have been far too powerful for humans to combat and thus it would be impossible to inhabit Noxia¡­

    [Crule]: I know, but we need that energy. The seal has already been altered by Grimly and now serves a far more sinister purpose.

    [Sage of Time]: I see¡­Maybe I¡¯ll go check on another seal while you guys are breaking the first one.

    [Crule]: That would be much appreciated.

    [Sage of Time]: *sigh* Kids these days just giving more work for these old bones¡­

    [Crule]: That¡¯s the way of progress. Anyways we are leaving now.

    [Sage of Time]: Don¡¯t want to stay for some tea?

    [Crule]: No thanks, we got plans.

    [Sage of Time]: Fine, more for me then. See you freaks later then.

    [Crule]: Bye old man.

    [Ming]: See ya, old pervert.

    [Sage of Time]: *spits out tea again* I AM NOT A PERVERT!

    ______

    Inside of the ship, Shin, Chun Qin, and Kate were waiting. They enjoyed their day off with shopping and things. Now it was the morning after and Crule should be returning soon.

    [Shin]: What is taking them so long¡­?

    [Kate]: You sound like a worried father.

    [Shin]: Well, technically I am now.

    [Kate]: Oh right, I forget sometimes, since Crule acts so mature at times.

    [Chun Qin]: They arrived.

    Looking at the monitor, two people arrived.

    [Shin]: Hmm, they look older, but you can¡¯t forget an evil looking face like that kid¡¯s.

    [Crule]: So, did you guys enjoy your day off?

    [Kate]: It was fun. We did some shopping and stuff.

    [Crule]: Sounds nice.

    [Shin]: So Crule, what¡¯s the plan now?

    [Crule]: Ming and I are going to school.

    [Shin & Kate]: What?

    [Crule]: Yes, we are going to school. Don¡¯t worry about it. We will be done in about a year.

    [Shin]: So the kid finally wants to learn¡­

    [Kate]: Going to school this late¡­I hope you don¡¯t get bullied.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry, it isn¡¯t a normal school.

    [Chun Qin]: I see, what I want to know is, what we should do during the year.

    [Crule]: I have three tasks I want you guys to complete in three years. It¡¯s ok if you don¡¯t finish them all but it would help greatly if they were done.

    [Shin]: Oh ho ho, the kid wants to give us jobs now eh?

    [Kate]: Sounds interesting!

    [Shin]: What a minute, don¡¯t agree so fast!

    [Chun Qin]: I¡¯m in. Tasks that you assign usually are quite fun.

    [Crule]: Right¡­Here are your tasks¡­

 Chapter 46: Tasks and Parting.

    Chapter 46: Tasks and Parting.

    [Crule]: First task, I want you guys to take the ship to the moon Wrath. There is someone there I want you guys to persuade and pick up.

    [Shin]: Who?

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s just say she¡¯s a blacksmith of the gods¡­

    [Shin]: How will we persuade such a person¡­?

    [Crule]: *sigh* Just show her your spear¡­and take this.

    Crule took the shell fragments of the beetle and the broken king slime core out.

    [Crule]: Use these as bribes. They are both B ranked beast materials. She won¡¯t be able to resist.

    [Kate]: Who is this person?

    [Crule]: You will know soon enough. Her name is Brigit Smith. Quite ironic of a name but she loves it.

    [Chun Qin]: What¡¯s the second task?

    [Crule]: Find the red rider.

    [Chun Qin]: That¡¯s¡­quite impossible. The red rider has been sealed by Metallurgy for years.

    [Crule]: He will show up in public soon. Three months from now, he will show up at Wrath as well.

    [Chun Qin]: How? I though he was secured at an unknown location to anyone but Grimly.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s just say, something will happen in which his power is required. Anyways, once you see him, give him this.

    From his pocket, Crule took out a small box.

    [Chun Qin]: What is it?

    He opens up the box and inside was a small wooden puppet.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s just call it a temporary vassal for the guy. It¡¯s made out of some incredibly strong magical wood so it could withstand his power.

    [Chun Qin]: I see¡­I will do this then. Shin and Kate can go persuade the blacksmith.

    [Crule]: Anyways, the third task is for you all.

    [Shin]: What is it?

    [Crule]: Get stronger.

    They all stared at him.

    [Shin]: *sigh* We got a year, of course we will get stronger by then!

    [Crule]: I want you guys to at the very least reach third gate.

    [Shin]: That¡¯s¡­I¡¯ve heard about gates from my father once¡­he said they were only for the strongest of martial arts practitioners. How do we make them?

    [Crule]: Find out how yourself. If you need hints, go talk to you teachers.

    [Chun Qin]: I see¡­so far I have only established one gate¡­

    [Shin]: What? You have established a gate already?! Why didn¡¯t we know about this?

    [Chun Qin]: This gate was the one that gave me enough power to heal your wife¡­I shouldn¡¯t have to tell you, another successor of a rider, about it.

    [Shin]: Oh¡­

    [Crule]: Now now, you guys¡­Anyways these are my three task for you guys while Ming and I are at school. Got it?

    [Kate]: Mhm, we will try our best!

    [Shin]: Got it boss.

    [Chun Qin]: This is going to be interesting. Not every day you get to see the red rider.

    ______

    The following day, they were getting ready to depart. Crule went and rented a temporary ship to take to the Shining Radiance Academy. Shin, Kate, and Chun Qin took Crule¡¯s ship to head to Wrath. It was going to take a week to arrive there.

    They said their goodbyes and wished each other luck. Then they set off.

    [Crule]: If I remember, the academy should be on the continent of Luxia, the center of the entire planet of Noxia.

    [Ming]: This is going to be interesting.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s see if we can recognize any of those brats from the last generation.

    [Ming]: Yea, there¡¯s a friend I want to see.

    [Crule]: Right...

    Crule set the ship on full speed toward Luxia. They passed the borders of Beauxi easily since leaving was far easier than entering.

    The journey took three and a half days. They arrived in the afternoon.

    [Crule]: Lets land over there.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.Crule landed the ship back at the Luxia branch of the rental shop. He paid the second half and got his deposit back.

    [Ming]: Where was the Shining Radiance Academy again?

    [Crule]: It¡¯s that huge white building near the center.

    [Ming]: Wait, that isn¡¯t the capital hall?

    [Crule]: No, the capital hall is actually along the coast since it¡¯s safer there. The entire center of the island was left to the academy.

    [Ming]: Oh¡­Honestly I have never been to it before.

    [Crule]: I know, I haven¡¯t either. I only heard about it from people during our travels back in the old world.

    [Ming]: Yea¡­I wonder how she¡¯s doing.

    [Crule]: I¡¯m sure your friend is fine. Let¡¯s go.

    They walked toward the shining white building.

    They soon arrived at a huge gate. It was made of pure white marble and resembled the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. A large white metal gate was closed and two armored men were standing guard.

    [Guard]: State your business.

    [Crule]: I¡¯m here to enter the academy.

    He took out the sealed envelope.

    [Guard]: This¡­Please wait a moment.

    One of the guard went to the small booth beside the gates. He picked up the phone and called the office.

    He quickly returned later.

    [Guard]: Please wait, a person will come to escort you in soon.

    Soon a man in a wizard like robe came running toward the gate from the inside.

    [Wizard Man]: I¡¯m h-here, I¡¯m here.

    [Guard]: Ah, professor Ghestle, please catch your breath.

    [Ghestle]: Where is the guy?

    [Guard]: Other there.

    Crule and Ming were just standing there admiring the marble white arc.

    Ghestle walked toward them.

    [Ghestle]: May I see the envelope?

    Crule hands the envelope to the man.

    [Ghestle]: This¡­this is indeed the real thing. Come you two, follow me.

    They entered the gate as the guards just stared at them.

    [Guard]: So the auction finally sent us a representative huh?

    [Guard2]: Looks like it¡­Poor kid is in for a shock.

    ______

    The long gravel pathway after the gate leads up to a sort of speed train.

    [Ghestle]: To get to the main office by foot would take until night so the train system was installed to help with transportation. Of course this doesn¡¯t stop some warrior students from walking to class as training though¡­

    The entered the train and took a seat. The interior was quite clean and it was painted with a white glossy aluminum like paint. There was a monitor in front of the train showing the lines and stops. Currently, they were at the Front Gate. Six stops later, was the main office.

    Exiting the train, they headed toward a white building that resembles a mausoleum.

    [Crule]: Quite the bleak atmosphere.

    [Ghestle]: Normally it¡¯s to scare the students. I mean most of them are warriors and mages in training and have far more power than normal humans. We have to instill our authority over them as a school in order to maintain order.

    [Ming]: Sounds like a lot of work¡­

    [Ghestle]: You don¡¯t know the half of it¡­

    They entered the building and reached a large double door made of mahogany wood. Ghestle knocked the door twice and a voice came from the other side.

    [Voice]: Come in.

    As they entered the office, a man in a stylish purple suit was sitting on a large chair behind a large black wood desk.

    [Man]: Welcome, to my Shining Radiance Academy.

    The man smiled broadly at Crule and Ming. His smile was incredibly creepy.

    [Man]: My name, is Grisly.

 Chapter 47: Test.

    Chapter 47: Test.

    The man sitting behind the desk looked extremely familiar.

    [Crule]: Grimly¡­

    [Grisly]: Ah, no, that¡¯s my younger brother.

    [Crule]: That¡¯s¡­.

    [Grisly]: Yea, people tend to confuse us. Apparently he looks like me but I just don¡¯t see the resemblance¡­

    [Ghestle]: Kid, you¡¯re being rude to the headmaster!

    [Grisly]: No matter, representatives of the Beauxi Auction are rare enough. Ever since the beginning of this academy, Beauxi Auction has never sent a recommendee¡­until now that is. How did you convince that miserly witch Ylvun?

    [Crule]: I made her an offer she couldn¡¯t refuse. Anyways, about our acceptance¡­

    [Grisly]: Oh right, tomorrow.

    [Crule]: What?

    [Grisly]: Just because you were recommended doesn¡¯t mean you get in scot free. Tomorrow we have an entrance exam for all possible candidates. If you pass two of the three tests, we will take you.

    [Crule]: This¡­Fine. But I have a deal I want to make with you.

    [Ghestle]: This kid¡­

    [Grisly]: Leave it Ghestle.

    Ghestle looks down in regret.

    [Grisly]: Go on, what¡¯s your terms.

    [Crule]: After we pass the tests, if I can defeat a teacher, I wish for you to allow us to advance to professor status.

    [Grisly]: This¡­you? Beat a teacher? Ahahaha, interesting¡­Fine, if you manage to beat professor Ghestle here, you will allowed to teach here.

    Ghestle looked at Crule with superiority.

    [Grisly]: Let me warn you, Professor Ghestle here is a Third gate Virtuoso.

    To any normal martial practitioner, a virtuoso at Ghestle¡¯s age of mid-twenties was already considered a genius.

    [Crule]: *smiles* Sure thing. Now if you excuse us, we will be leaving now. See you tomorrow.

    Crule and Ming walked out of the office.

    [Grisly]: Looks like the Beauxi Auction brought along someone interesting¡­

    [Ghestle]: I will teach that kid a lesson tomorrow about disrespecting his elders.

    [Grisly]: Don¡¯t end up killing him now.

    [Ghestle]: Don¡¯t worry, but you can¡¯t expect when I might accidentally hit with a heavy hand. Hehehe.

    ______

    Crule and Ming returned the following day. There was now a small group of people gathered at the gate, give or take around thirty people. All of them are the younger generations of current martial arts clans and magic guilds.

    Ghestle walked up to the group.

    [Ghestle]: Participants, welcome to the Shining Radiance Academy. I will now take you to the test room.

    He brought the group to the train and they stopped at a large sports field. There was an incredibly strong barrier surrounding the field. Multiple magic symbols were lining the place placing multiple layers upon layers to the barrier. Some may even call it a formation.

    [Ghestle]: Now then, let me introduce you to the examiner¡­Me.

    [Woman]: And me.

    A woman wearing a silver armor with a sheathed sword to her side, walked out from behind a tree. Many of the students were surprised that they couldn¡¯t sense her presence. Many concluded she must be a powerful warrior.

    [Ghestle]: My name is Ghestle, and I will manage the Mage exam.

    [Woman]: My name is Yukino, and I manage the warrior exam.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    [Ghestle]: Now for this test, you must pass one of our exam in order to move on to the second part. Now please line up in front of the exam you wish to take.

    The participants all lined up in their preferred line.

    Ghestle pressed a button on the remote in his pocket and a large slab of metal rose out of the ground. Yukino did the same and a large slab of metal rose out of her area too.

    [Ghestle]: Your exam, is to damage the slab in any way possible, using magic in my exam, or using martial skills in Yukino¡¯s.

    [Yukino]: I will allow you to use your weapon of choice from this rack over here.

    She pressed another button and a large weapons rack rose from the ground too. On it were varying sizes of swords and spears, staffs and axes, even bows and scythes.

    The first participant in Yukino¡¯s lane walked up to the slab. He used a sort of martial skill similar to Chun Qin¡¯s Iron Fist and punched the slab. Everyone could feel the force behind the blow, but it didn¡¯t leave a single indent. There was only a layer of dust in the same of a fist on the slab.

    [Yukino]: Failed, next.

    The next person to walk up was from Ghestle¡¯s lane. He placed his hands together and mumbled some words. A ball of fire appeared between his hands and he shot it toward the slab. It made a deafening boom and a small layer of the slab was melted off. It was extremely miniscule compare to the entire slab but damage was damage.

    [Ghestle]: Pass, barely¡­Next.

    The candidate smiled and went to line up in a separate area for winners.

    One by one the candidates attempt to damage the slab of metal. From twenty out of the thirty, only two have passed so far. One mage, one warrior. Soon it was Ming¡¯s turn, and behind her was Crule.

    [Ming]: *Yawns* I hate waiting in line.

    She walked to Ghestle¡¯s lane and smirked at him.

    [Ming]: Watch this.

    She put her hand out and infused her aura in it. From the tip of her fingers, a steady stream of blood came out of her reservoir. It slowly formed a ball. She shot it forward and the ball consumed the slab leaving a layer of blood all over it.

    [Ming]: Melt!

    She snapped her hand and the metal slab started to slowly dissolve then rapid decay. In a matter of two seconds, the entire slab which barely took any damage from the twenty some participant before her, dissolved like a sugar cube in hot tea.

    [Ghestle]: This¡­Pass with flying colors. Holy¡­that is some destructive power. It seems Beauxi has some reason to recommend you two¡­

    Yukino was also staring wide eyed at the puddle of metal and blood that remained on the floor. Every single participant was shocked. They know just how tough the metal slab was since most of them couldn¡¯t even leave a dent. But this girl just immediately destroyed it.

    [Ming]: That was fun.

    Ming smiled at Ghestle and skipped to the back of the line for Yukino.

    [Ghestle]: You¡­you want to take the warrior exam too?

    [Ming]: Why not?

    [Ghestle]: This¡­fine I will allow it.

    They all want to see the physical prowess from the girl who just performed such a powerful act of magic.

    [Crule]: Good job Ming.

    Crule gave her a thumbs up.

    Ghestle pressed another button and a second slab of metal appeared exactly similar to the first one.

    [Ghestle]: I didn¡¯t think I would have to use the spare one¡­

    Crule walked up to the slab.

    [Crule]: My turn.

 Chapter 48: Demonstration of Power.

    Chapter 48: Demonstration of Power.

    Crule decided to be a little flashy with demonstrating his power.

    He gathered his aura on both his palms and slammed the ground. On both side of the newly brought out metal slab, jaws made of gelatinous shadows rose out of the ground. The jaws closed upon the metal slab with a deafening boom.

    As the jaws made of shadow slowly fade away into the air as small black particles of paper, the metal slab was gone. The only thing that remained was the base of it still inside the ground.

    [Ghestle]: This¡­

    He was starting to regret wanting to teach Crule a lesson. That move just now was not only sinister but also incredibly powerful. The shockwave from the jaws closing far exceed what a second gate Expert could perform. Ghestle was fearing that this kid could be as powerful as he was. This would make the upcoming fight difficult.

    [Yukino]: My, my, it seems we have some extremely outstanding Mage candidate this year.

    [Crule]: Of course.

    He gave a Ming a thumbs up and walked to the back of the line of the warriors group.

    [Yukino]: What? You too?

    [Crule]: No one said I couldn¡¯t.

    [Yukino]: Hmm¡­Ghestle we got anymore spare metal slabs?

    [Ghestle]: We ran out of slabs of that tier 1 material¡­we only have the tier 2 ones and up.

    [Yukino]: Interesting, bring it out. Let¡¯s see what these kids could do to a tier 2 metal slab.

    Ghestle pressed another button and another metal slab pops out. This one was a different color and one could feel the tenacity emitting from it. Everyone else already gave up as the tier 2 came out. No one could damage the tier 1 yet now a tougher slab came out?

    Only Ming and Crule remained in the line.

    [Yukino]: Go ahead, wow us.

    Ming went to the weapon rack and took out a poleaxe. She measured the weight and made a few slashes to feel the center of gravity.

    [Ming]: This is good quality.

    She walked up to the slab with the poleaxe. She empowered her body with her aura and excited her blood and also activated her vein tattoos. What she will show will be the peak of her current physical power. From her body emitted a red mist and her red eyes glare at the slab.

    [Ming]: Crimson Severe!

    She yelled out the name of a martial skill as she seemingly teleported above the slab. She slammed down with the poleaxe with all of her strength. As the weapon hit the slab, a deafening metal ringing sounded. A red wave of energy shot out from the weapon and the slab. Then silence as Ming lands back on the ground.

    It seemed like nothing happened.

    [Ghestle]: Too bad, at least you can be a powerful Mage.

    [Yukino]: No wait. This¡­How is this possible.

    Ming snapped her finger and both her weapon and the slab disintegrated into dust.

    [Ming]: Looks like the slab and the weapon are about the same quality.

    [Yukino]: Such power, GREAT! I wish to take you as my personal disciple.

    [Ming]: Eh don¡¯t wanna.

    Yukino just stared at Ming with disbelief.

    Ghestle went over and whispered something into Yukino¡¯s ears.

    {Yukino]: Ah I see¡­I understand the terms now. How about this. You fight me and your friend there fight Ghestle.

    Ghestle sighed with relief. Having to fight both of them by himself was starting to seem like a death wish. Now he only have to deal with one.

    [Crule]: Hey, I haven¡¯t had my chance yet.

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.[Ghestle]: Oh right¡­

    [Crule]: How about this, bring out your highest tier slab and I will see if I can break it.

    [Ghestle]: Fine, let¡¯s see if you can break this.

    He pressed another button and a large clear metal slab came up from the ground.

    [Yukino]: That¡¯s¡­tier 6 slabs are meant for graduates to test their strength.

    [Crule]: No problem.

    Crule took out his dagger.

    [Crule]: I brought my own weapon.

    He knew that none of the weapons on the rack could withstand the power needed to damage the slab after watching Ming use her poleaxe.

    Crule decided to try something new. He infused his dagger with his famine blades. It started to glow radiantly. Crule also seemed like he teleported as he appeared in front of the clear slab. He casually stab his dagger into the metal, and it sinks in like water through paper. He leaves his dagger in and turns around to look at Ghestle.

    [Ghestle]: H-how? Even I could only leave a small scratch, yet you manage to stab your entire dagger into it like it was nothing.

    [Yukino]: I don¡¯t know what to say.

    They were both shocked.

    Crule looked toward Ming and nodded. She nods back.

    [Crule]: Break.

    Crule snapped his fingers, and the dagger seemingly teleported from the slab back into his hands. The metal slab had an inch hole in the center where the dagger penetrated. Upon closer inspection, the glow that the dagger use to have was now transferred to the hole in the slab.

    Suddenly, the sound of shattering glass could be heard. Cracks started to form around the hole as the tier 6 metal slab cracked and fell into the floor like a shattered window.

    The two professor stared at the anomaly in disbelief. It was something they could never fathom.

    Ghestle was deeply regretting his upcoming fight now.

    [Ghestle]: A-anyways, now for the next test. Everyone else who have failed will be escorted from the premise, please try again another time.

    Yukino and Ghestle brought the four who have passed to the next part. They got back onto the train and traveled to a large arena like building. In the center was a large glass ball being suspended by metal chains. At the bottom was a podium with a smaller glass ball connecting to the large one.

    [Ghestle]: This is the energy gauging sphere. It will gauge your maximum energy capacity. Since you have passed the first test, you have officially been registered as a student. This test will tell which class you will attend. From S to D class you will not get to choose but rather this sphere will tell us which.

    They walked up to the podium. The first one to try was the fire mage who succeeded first. He placed both his hands on the glass sphere and could feel it probe its energy capacity. The ball glowed faintly a in the center a small red liquid sphere slowly filed the glass. It stopped at around a meter in diameter and the liquid drops to the bottom of the glass. It flowed into the smaller glass and condenses. A letter then displayed on the screen on the podium.

    [Ghestle]: B ranked not bad. You will be attending B class.

    The next one to attempt was the other warrior who passed. He placed his hand on the sphere and the large glass sphere started to glow again. This time a turquoise liquid started swirling in the sphere. It expanded slightly bigger than the previous person and then it dropped too. On the monitor, a letter displayed.

    [Yukino]: A ranked, barely. But A class is A class. Congrats.

    Next up was Ming.

 Chapter 49: Shatter!

    Chapter 49: Shatter!

    She casually walked up to the glass sphere with her hands behind her back. She looked up at the giant sphere above. It was easily a hundred meter in diameter. The metal chains holding it in place where two meters thick and looked near unbreakable. She stared at it with a certain look in her eyes.

    [Yukino]: Amazing isn¡¯t it?

    [Ming]: Hmm? Not really. I think it might be too small.

    [Yukino]: What? This sphere can hold powers twice as much as what we teachers can output¡­its maximum capacity was calibrated by Headmaster Grisly himself! Grisly is a Monarch, nearing the level of Ancients. The sheer capacity of his energy was beyond what is humanly possible. He has the largest energy capacity known to man. Even his younger brother Grimly, who defeated a Chaos Metal Condensing Dragon, has a smaller energy capacity than he does.

    [Ming]: Oh wow Grisly is so powerful.

    She said with a mocking tone.

    [Yukino]: You¡­.

    Ming slowly removed one of her black gloves and placed it in her belt. She concentrated her aura as to be released slowly, then she placed her hand on the glass sphere.

    Slowly but steadily, a crimson red liquid started to flow and swirl in the middle. When it reached about a meter half in size, it stopped growing.

    [Yukino]: Hmph, you aren¡¯t so amazing that you can mock our headmaster like that. Foolish child. Arrogance will be your downfall.

    Ming only smiled at her and removed her second glove, and released her control on her aura.

    Suddenly the entire room was filled with a crimson radiance. The entire hundred meter glass sphere violently flowed with the crimson liquid, filled completely to the brim.

    [Yukino]: What the ****, this is not possible!

    Ghestle seemed to have lost all the blood in his face. If these two children are just as strong as the headmaster, he was done for. Let alone his reputation, he would be glad to have kept his life after the match.

    The liquid slowly condensed and after a full half an hour, flowed into the smaller glass ball. Letters appeared on the monitor as well.

    [Yukino]: SSS¡­.This¡­triple ¡®S¡¯¡­.how, what, I¡­

    [Ghestle]: How is this possible¡­all graduates have at minimum S rank and teachers have SS rank. These only a few people who have ever registered SSS rank in the world, enough to count on your hands. Just how did you two¡­What are you?!

    [Ming]: Oh well. I thought I could break it, but it looked bigger than I thought.

    She casually put her gloves back on while the two professors were ranting none stop at her. She completely ignored them and walked back to where Crule was standing and hugged his arm.

    Crule pet her head slowly.

    [Crule]: Good job.

    He waited for the teachers to regain their composure before he walked up to the sphere. The two watched in anticipation at what this person will show.

    Crule put his hand on the glass sphere casually and a black liquid started to create a vortex in the sphere. Suddenly, as if a dam have bursted, the sphere filled with black liquid immediately. The vortex in the middle started to spin faster and faster.

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    Crule then put his other hand on the glass as well. The liquid started to spin faster and faster. The chains holding the sphere in place started to rattle, the glass ball started to shake and quiver. Soon a crack appeared on the sphere. It spread faster and faster as liquid started to leak from it. The illusional liquid hit the floor and vanish immediately. Then, with an earth shattering crash, the top half of the sphere collapsed into itself. The black liquid vortex swirled downwards like a toilet. It slowly gathered into the smaller sphere. With half of it spilled out, the smaller glass sphere could handle the pressure. An error message appeared on the monitor.

    [Crule]: Oh, sorry for your sphere, I will pay for the repair costs.

    He said nonchalantly. He walked away and stood next to Ming waiting for the teachers to wake up from their shock.

    [Grisly]: Well, this is far out of my expectation.

    Grisly walked into the arena clapping.

    [Grisly]: Seems like you have the power to be teachers, heck your even strong than I am. I ask you, why would someone as strong as you, come to my school?

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s say I want to teach the masses. Arrogant rich kids needs to be taught that the world does not revolve around them.

    He made up a believable lie and said it with a serious face.

    [Grisly]: Ahaha, so you want to be an educator? Fine. I will cancel the requirement of fighting Ghestle. Poor guy probably wet his robes thinking about the fight. I will spare him the pain.

    [Crule]: Good, less trouble for me.

    He smiled at Ghestle. Ghestle shivered as the evil looking face looked right at him.

    [Ghestle]: G-get away from me, you monster!

    [Grisly]: Woah there, calm down professor Ghestle. No need to be calling people monster here. The universe is huge and unfathomable. No matter what, there will always be someone stronger than us out there, hidden, reclusive, always lurking in the shadows until one day they show their radiance. This is what my Shining Radiance Academy does. It brings out these unfathomable experts and nurture them in the environment they require.

    [Crule]: Want me to reimburse for the glass sphere?

    [Grisly]: No need, that thing is old and out of date. We was going to replace it within the next few years anyways.

    [Crule]: Good. The rating system on that thing is far too vague.

    [Grisly]: Haha, as your first job as an educator, why not make a new one for us?

    [Crule]: Gladly.

    Crule smirked and his evil atmosphere also made him look like he was planning to take over the world.

    [Grisly]: Ahaha, you have one evil looking face kid.

    [Crule]: I get that a lot, can¡¯t help it. Born with it.

    [Grisly]: Mhm, like how I was born with such an ambitious brother, can¡¯t help it.

    Crule looked at Grisly with a suspicious glare. Why did he mention his brother?

    [Grisly]: Anyways, let¡¯s leave for today. The two of you go take the third test. Mr. Wu and Ms. Zhuang here come with me.

    They walked out of the arena, leaving two stunned students and two shocked teachers.

 Arc 4 Epilogue.

    Arc 4 Epilogue.

    Shin, Kate, and Chun Qin walked out of their ship. The moon of Wrath, the weather was constantly scorching hot and the skies remain a constant hue of grey and black. Billowing clouds of fumes emitted from volcanic vents all over the surface hover menacingly over the city of Smiths. Hundreds of thousands of ¡°Tinks¡± from hammers could be heard in the background as if it has become nature¡¯s white noise. Dozens of blacksmiths line the main street. Hundreds of merchants and peddlers move back and forth between the shops moving metal and products. They cover almost all metal mending on the planet. All cast iron skillets used for cooking, all metal fences, and even bronze statues, all come out of the blacksmithing central city of Smiths on Wrath.

    They walked down the road, window shopping and browsing various interesting metal wares. Shin restock on some metal grilling tools and Chun Qin got some metal boxes for storage. Soon they came to the middle of the town. In the middle of the town was a large billboard. On it was poster for all sorts of metal orders. They were ranked on difficulty and blacksmiths could browse the board looking for commission. Shin spotted a poster on the very edge of the board. It was a ragged poster titled ¡°Brigid¡¯s Brilliant Battle Wears.¡± It had crudely drawn pictures of various weapons. There was an address at the bottom of the poster. It looked quite crude and was completely ignored as background color for the billboard.

    [Shin]: This¡­couldn¡¯t possibly be it¡­could it?

    [Kate]: Doesn¡¯t hurt to try.

    They went to address and found a small wooden door between two larger black smiths. It was at the end of a stairways leading down into a basement. On the door was a nicely carved metal door sign saying ¡°Brigid¡¯s Smiths¡±. On the door was a post-it note saying, ¡°Out to lunch.¡±

    [Chun Qin]: Looks like we just missed them.

    [Shin]: Speaking of lunch, we haven¡¯t had any yet.

    [Kate]: I saw a nice restaurant over there. Let¡¯s go get a seat and a cold drink to relieve this god awful heat.

    [Chun Qin]: Good idea. This priest robe is getting heavier and heavier by the minute¡­

    They backtracked to a local diner named, ¡°Hot Skillet Bar and Grill.¡±

    They got a table and the tree of them sat down. They ordered food and drinks and happily started having lunch. Suddenly they heard shouting.

    [Girl]: I, the great Brigid Smith, Demands ice cream!

    A girl was pounding on a table behind them while screaming at the waiter for ice cream. The bearded man next to her covered his face in shame.

    [Waiter]: W-what flavor would you like?

    [Girl]: Vanilla!

    [Waiter]: O-ok dear customer. We will bring you an order of ice cream soon.

    [Girl]: Make it fast!

    The girl sat back down all grumpy after her tantrum. The bearded man try to console her.

    [Shin]: Did you hear that?

    [Kate]: This seems like far too much of a coincidence¡­

    [Chun Qin]: True, but one says there is no such thing as coincidence¡­only fate.

    Chun Qin walked over to the table.

    [Chun Qin]: Excuse me, are you Brigid Smith?

    The girl looked at Chun Qin like she just saw a large bear.

    [Bearded Man]: Why do you ask?

    [Chun Qin]: I would like to recruit her.

    [Girl]: I don¡¯t like priests, they look too weird.

    [Bearded Man]: No deal.

    Chun Qin could only walk away in regret.

    [Shin]: Ahaha, you got told off by a little girl. Let me go try.

    Shin walked up to the table.

    [Shin]: Little miss, sorry about my friend there. He wasn¡¯t trying to be weird.

    Chun Qin gave Shin a menacing glare.

    [Girl]: Your weird too, I don¡¯t like you.

    The bearded man stood up and blocked Shin.

    [Bearded Man]: Leave us alone.

    Shin walked away in regret as well.

    [Chun Qin]: Not so easily is it?

    [Kate]: You two don¡¯t know how to deal with a child¡­

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.Kate took the beetle shell part and walked to the table.

    [Kate]: Can you make something out of this?

    She showed the girl the shell.

    [Girl]: This¡­cooool it¡¯s so shiny. I want it!

    [Kate]: Help us with something and I will give it all to you.

    [Girl]: Sure thing sister!

    The ice cream arrived and the girl ate it faster than anyone could see.

    [Shin]: God my head hurt just watching her eat so much ice cream so fast.

    [Chun Qin]: How does she not have brain freeze¡­.

    [Girl]: I¡¯m done. Let¡¯s go!

    The girl jumped up and ran out the door.

    The bearded man slammed money on the table and ran after the girl.

    [Kate]: I-I guess we follow her?

    [Shin]: I guess¡­

    They paid for their lunch and ran after her.

    Back at the door down the stairs, the girl and the bearded man waited.

    [Girl]: Slow, too slow!

    She opened the door and entered. Shin, Kate, Chun Qin, and the bearded man followed in after.

    Although the outside looked plain and ordinary, the inside was probably the most exquisite of smiths on the entire street. Everything was maintained perfectly clean and various powerful weapons emitting murderous auras line the walls.

    The girl stood on top of the table.

    [Girl]: Now to introduce myself. My name is Brigid Smith, daughter of Smith Smith.

    [Shin]: Smith Smith? Really? What kind of naming sense is that¡­?

    [Chun Qin]: Little girl, will you help us?

    [Girl]: I aint a little girl! I¡¯m in my mid-twenties!

    They all stared at her wide eyed.

    [Shin]: B-but you look¡­like a twelve year old girl¡­

    [Brigid]: It¡¯s good to look young but I am tired of being treated like a child due to my looks¡­

    [Kate]: I¡­I think I should be feeling jealous. We are almost the same age¡­

    [Brigid]: Anyways, what do you want me to do?

    [Kate]: Would you please join us on an adventure?

    [Brigid]: Make me.

    ¡­

    Kate slowly took out both the entire beetle shell and the broken slime king core.

    [Kate]: Take these.

    [Brigid]: Yeay, good materials to make stuff.

    [Kate]: There¡¯s more where that come from. If you join us for the Antagonist Online game, we will get more than just B rank beast pieces.

    The girl¡¯s eyes shined with anticipation.

    [Brigid]: But¡­

    She looked toward the bearded man. He sighed and put his hand on her shoulder.

    [Bearded Man]: It¡¯s ok. It¡¯s time for you to enjoy a journey of your own, like I did long ago. Perhaps you may learn new skills and create mythical things. You already learned everything I could teach. Take the Smith name, and make it known as a legend.

    [Brigid]: Yes sir!

    She turned toward the group.

    [Brigid]: I¡¯ll join you, but first I want to make something out of these two items.

    [Kate]: Take your time, we got a year until the event starts.

    [Brigid]: OK, one year is more than enough time to prepare for the adventures ahead.

    She pumped her fist up in anticipation.

    [Shin]: This¡­was far easier than I thought¡­

    [Chun Qin]: I think Crule might be joking when he said this was supposed to be a challenge¡­

    [Shin]: I feel sorry for you, having to get the red rider.

    [Chun Qin]: Hey hey, you can¡¯t push it all to myself¡­

    [Kate]: Good luck Chun Qin!

    [Chun Qin]: Not you too¡­

    [Brigid]: Hey you guys, don¡¯t leave me out!

 Chapter 50: Professor Crule.

    Chapter 50: Professor Crule.

    In a large lecture hall that could hold at least two hundred people, was a small group of students chatting among themselves. This was class A. The elite class of the Shining Radiance Academy. Their numbers only reach up to thirty, but to find geniuses of their caliber was a lot harder than one thinks. Each one of them had an air of arrogance around them. Their age range from twelve to sixteen since there is so few of them to split into different age groups.

    They wore the school uniform, which was the same for every student except for the cress on their chest pocket. It was labeled with a golden ¡°A¡± symbol. The B class has a silver ¡°B¡± on theirs and C have a bronze ¡°C¡±.

    Most people from the A class are from famous clans of warriors and mages. Some give themselves special classes like Dragoon or Onmyouji, or even Death Knights. The sheer variety of skills makes this class the most diverse of them all. Each person was completely different from one another in terms of skill.

    Suddenly the door opened and the students quiet down. They look toward the two people that walked in. One of them they recognize, the other they didn¡¯t.

    The first who walked in was headmaster Grisly. Every student in the room admire him for his elegance and power. The second person who walked in was a boy around fifteen years old. They students wondered if they were getting a new addition to their class this late in the semester. Normally those who passed the entrance exams would have to wait till the start of the next semester to start.

    What caught everyone¡¯s attention, was the boy was not wearing a school uniform. He was wearing a blue polo-shirt and a white lab coat. He was wearing some fake glasses and it somehow makes his glare look even more evil.

    [Grisly]: Hello ¡®A¡¯ Class.

    [Class]: Morning Headmaster Grisly.

    [Grisly]: I would like to introduce a new addition to your class. This here is Professor Crule. He will be your energy control teacher.

    The students was shocked. This kid that was just as young as a majority of them, was a professor.

    One girl raised her hand.

    [Grisly]: Yes, Ms. Lawks, what is your question?

    [Lawks]: How old is he?

    [Grisly]: Why don¡¯t you ask him yourself?

    Grisly walked back and Crule took the podium.

    [Crule]: Now, I will be taking questions.

    [Lawks]: How old are you sir?

    [Crule]: Fifteen.

    The students whispered among themselves. The girl sat down in shock. Another student raised his hand.

    [Student 1]: Where did you come from?

    [Crule]: The moon Greed.

    The students was shocked. They knew most people from Greed where either criminals or hardened prison guards.

    [Crule]: Next.

    [Student 2]: Were you a prison guard or criminal?

    [Crule]: Wouldn¡¯t you like to know.

    Crule smirked and glared at the kid. The kid sank down in fear as the evil face stared at him. He would constantly wake up at night fearing the sight of the evil within. The kid next to him pat his back to cheer him up. He then raised his hand as well.

    [Crule]: You there, with the blue hair. What¡¯s your name?

    [Blue Haired boy]: Donovan Thune Sir.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.[Crule]: What is your question?

    [Thune]: What is your current rank?

    [Crule]: Ancients.

    The students once again whispers among themselves in surprised.

    The girl from earlier slammed the table.

    [Lawks]: This can¡¯t be possible! The ancient rank is but a myth, no one has reached it yet!

    [Grisly]: *ahem* I actually reached it recently Ms. Lawks. So it¡¯s no longer a myth.

    [Lawks]: Ah¡­But headmaster Grisly reaching it was expected. But this¡­kid¡­reaching ancient rank, the same as headmaster? I don¡¯t believe it.

    [Grisly]: *rubs his beard* Ahahaha, looks like they won¡¯t believe you Professor Wu. May haps a demonstration is in order. Oh, and please hold back. I don¡¯t want to be sued over unnecessary injuries now.

    [Crule]: Gladly.

    Crule left off a diluted version of his aura. It engulfed the whole room in a smoke of ethereal mist. All the students was instantly stunned. Those who were standing up fell on their knees immediately. Ms. Lawks who was standing up was now clutching her stomach while lying on the table.

    [Lawks]: This¡­too¡­.strong¡­stomach¡­hurts.

    All of the students was immediately feeling such hunger like they haven¡¯t eaten in weeks. Most are trained to survive a while without food but it still means hunger pains. Being suddenly assaulted with such pains brought even the most prepared students to their knees dry heaving.

    [Grisly]: *sweating* Now, now, let¡¯s stop this now, I think they got it.

    [Crule]: Fine.

    Crule retracted his aura and the room once again regained its former calm. The students got up after the pain subsided but most of them are now hungry¡­and it wasn¡¯t even lunch time yet.

    [Grisly]: I think after that demonstration everyone is kind of peckish. Professor Crule, I was told you prepared something in case of this.

    [Crule]: *smirks* I Did.

    Apparently the best way to gain the trust of kids was with food, and Crule knew that very well. He took out a couple bags of cookies and threw them at the class. The class opened up the bag and was shocked once again.

    [Student 1]: Hey, isn¡¯t this Beauxi Bakery Brand cookies? I heard they only serve the richest people.

    [Student 2]: Wahh, I never thought I would one day get to try such cookies.

    Most of the students were deeply moved.

    [Grisly]: Ah, cookies.

    [Crule]: I got some for you too.

    Crule handed Grisly a bag.

    [Grisly]: Thanks. Even I was affected by your aura there and got a bit hungry.

    [Crule]: Doubt it. You kept up a strong defense, you didn¡¯t even get the hunger pains.

    [Grisly]: Ah, but it doesn¡¯t mean I am not a bit¡­peckish.

    [Crule]: I¡¯m sure you just want the cookies¡­Cheapskate¡­

    [Grisly]: Hey, I got an academy to run and my brother won¡¯t give me any funds.

    [Crule]: Yea, yea I got it.

    The students¡¯ trust was thus bought with cookies.

 Chapter 51: Cruel Crule.

    Chapter 51: Cruel Crule.

    [Grisly]: Now then, I will be taking my leave. I got other things to attend to.

    Everyone waits in anticipation. As soon as Grisly leaves, Crule was bombarded with even more question from everyone at once.

    [Crule]: Calm down.

    He left off a small fan of his aura to quiet the students¡­And they got hungry again.

    [Crule]: Now then. I assume everyone is around the time they are making their first gate. I assume you know you attributes?

    [Class]: Yes sir.

    They were obedient, since they were already hungry and fear what would happen if another wave of starvation overtakes them.

    [Crule]: Who here feels like they are close to making one?

    Only three students raised their hand.

    [Crule]: Hmm, less than I thought. Let¡¯s see¡­let¡¯s do hallucination training.

    The students froze in their seats. They all have heard rumors about hallucination training. It was the most effective way to get from none to three gates. The only problem is¡­most lose their mind along the way and become insane.

    [Student 1]: B-but professor, isn¡¯t hallucination training highly dangerous?

    [Crule]: Only if you have a weak mind. Therefore we shall forge it before the training. In one month¡¯s time, we will perform it. So in one month, I hope you will forge your mental stability to the best you can.

    The students once again stare fearfully at Crule. The way he said it with his evil glare sent shivers down their spine as their face lost some blood.

    [Lawks]: But teacher, how will we strengthen our mental stability?

    [Crule]: Easy. I am sure most of you understand the logic behind energy as most of you were probably taught by your parents from a very young age. This is why I will not teach your theory. Instead, when you come to my class. You must be ready to endure mental torture of half an hour a day. Long if you wish to stay longer.

    Some students were glad class was shorten to only half an hour at minimum but some dread the tone of which Crule said, ¡°Mental torture.¡±

    From the group, only three students seemed confident. Coincidentally they were from the three strongest clans currently on the planet. They were the Lawks clan, the Thune clan, and the Draleric clan.

    Every other student was sent in a panic.

    [Crule]: Anyways, let¡¯s start immediately.

    [Class]: W-what?!

    Crule left off his aura again. This time it was diluted to the point of being non-lethal. Then he did the unthinkable. He set up a barrier with his aura, took out a charcoal grill¡­and just started cooking¡­In the middle of class.

    The smell of delicious grilled meat filled the room. Since all the students were heavily under the influence of the starvation aura, most of them were watering from their mouth. One student couldn¡¯t take it anymore and attacked the barrier¡­only to be instead knocked unconscious from the rebound.

    [Crule]: Now then, let¡¯s see how long you can resist the temptation.

    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.Cooking delicious food in front of starving students¡­how cruel can one person get¡­?

    ______

    Soon it was time for lunch. The students who were not unconscious all used the maximum amount of aura they could on their legs and sprinted to the cafeteria. It looked like half the class suddenly just vanished as soon as the bell rang.

    A ravenous pack almost immediately appeared in the cafeteria. They were all fighting to get to the counter to grab a tray. Under such hunger, even the most elegant of children become beasts and just grab whatever they could get their hands on and eat. Even the three top clans were not excluded from this savage feast. But it seemed the cafeteria prepared for it. Apparently they had a separate line just for the A class. The other classes stared in both astonishment and fear at the starving pack of students.

    [Student 1]: Oh god, finally the hunger is over.

    [Thune]: That was far more difficult than the mental training we do in my clan¡­

    [Lawks]: Same here. Half of the students didn¡¯t even make it and are probably still unconscious back at the classroom¡­poor guys didn¡¯t even get to sate their hunger.

    [Student 2]: Just thinking how we have to do that every day for a month¡­thank god Professor Crule only made the minimum half an hour¡­I wonder think I could last a moment longer.

    The students chatted among themselves for lunch break. Most were relieved Crule was only their morning teacher and the afternoon was physical training.

    Grisly and Crule were outside the cafeteria looked in. Grisly was nibbling on a slice of sandwich while Crule was drinking a cup of tea.

    [Grisly]: Wow¡­this training technique is brutal but it seems extremely effective.

    [Crule]: Indeed. My aura doesn¡¯t only make their physical hunger explode but also the hunger of their body toward the energy flowing in the atmosphere. I set the half an hour limit because the energy in the oxygen and surrounding in the classroom probably won¡¯t last longer than that. It would require the rest of the day to replenish to a normal amount.

    [Grisly]: This¡­that explain why a majority of the students seem to be quite a bit stronger after a good meal.

    [Crule]: Yea, their body more readily accept energy from their food after this.

    This training was how Crule and Ming trained for years and years back in the old world to improve their energy capacity.

    [Crule]: Anyways, my training isn¡¯t as hard as Ming¡¯s anyways.

    [Grisly]: W-what? They won¡¯t be excessively injured right?

    [Ming]: Eh don¡¯t worry Headmaster.

    Ming walked out of nowhere also with a cup of tea in her hand.

    [Grisly]: *inwardly thought to himself* Shit, I didn¡¯t even sense her coming here. Have I gotten rusty or are these two just far too abnormal.

    The poor students of ¡®A¡¯ class. In the morning they get the Onyx Demon Devourer and in the afternoon, they get the Crimson Blood Valkyrie.

    What cruel fate awaits them for physical training¡­?

 Chapter 52: Maniacal Ming.

    Chapter 52: Maniacal Ming.

    The group of 30 or so students stood in their physical training class uniforms. The ¡®A¡¯ class waits under the blistering sun as Grisly walks up to them again. The students who woke up from losing consciousness during the morning had their meal and joined the ones who ravenously ate theirs.

    Grisly stood in front of the group and waves his hands.

    [Grisly]: Sit down everyone.

    They group sat down on the rubbery pavement.

    [Grisly]: I would like to introduce you to another new teacher.

    From the shadows behind Grisly, Ming walked out. The students were shocked they couldn¡¯t sense her presence or see her behind Grisly the entire time.

    [Grisly]: Well, that was one interesting entrance. Anyways, this here is Professor Ming. She will be your physical fitness and martial arts instructor.

    The students were less shocked about her age after their class with Crule. But they still couldn¡¯t help but feel a little fear about what¡¯s to come.

    [Ming]: Hello class.

    She said with a smile. But the smile made the class sweat in fear. It was the same evil looking smile as Crule.

    [Lawks]: P-professor Ming, do you have some relationship with professor Crule?

    [Ming]: He¡¯s my fianc¨¦.

    The students were not surprised. Birds of a feather attracts each other¡­but this only consolidate their fear even more.

    [Grisly]: Now, I shall be going. Got things to do, papers to sign, you get the idea. Good luck students.

    The students wanted Grisly to stay, just so they could have someone who¡¯s normal around.

    [Ming]: Now then class. My training is very simple. I assume most of you understand theory and have extensively researched your own personal martial arts. Those who do not probably have already selected a special martial arts from the library when they joined. Am I right?

    The class nods.

    [Ming]: Then my job is made easier. What you all lack now is actual fighting experience and how to properly apply the things you have learned¡­so let¡¯s play a game.

    The way she said it made the students want to run away.

    Ming pushes a button and the formally flat running track and field turned into a bowl. The sides rose up and made an oval wall surrounding the field. The middle had a line drawn and several two meter tall metal slabs rose out of the ground. Apparently even several trees too rose out of the ground.

    [Ming]: The game we shall be playing, and will be playing every day for a month, is the game of ¡°War¡±.

    The students gulped at the menacing way she said War.

    [Ming]: Now then, split into four teams.

    The group split into four teams of eight. Ming took out a dozen colorful marbles and threw three to each group.

    [Ming]: The goal of the game, is to steal at least five marbles. Teams who have lost their marbles will be disqualified. You are allowed to use any martial skill that is not lethal.

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    The class wiped their sweat as they assumed this game wasn¡¯t so hard. It was just a classical game of capture the flag.

    [Ming]: Now here¡¯s the twist.

    The class once again gulped.

    [Ming]: I will be covering the field in a sort of miasma. Good luck out there.

    The groups went to set up a base camp on the field. It didn¡¯t matter where they start, they just need to take two marbles.

    [Ming]: Now then.

    Ming released a crimson mist into the field. It not only hinders vision but those who were in it felt a sort of fear and paranoia. It was the fog of war.

    Panic and fear spread throughout the group. All sort of leadership collapsed. Those students who manage to not succumb to the fear and chaos that is war, tried to take charge and calm the others, but it was to of no avail.

    Thirty minutes later, none of their groups had organized enough to start assaulting the other groups.

    Meanwhile, Ming just sat on top of the walls laughing at the panic of the students.

    The students who heard it slowly went madder as the maniacal laugh filled the air as they look around trying to spot the source.

    They started to claw at the walls and trees, trying to get to a safe spot. Most went into fetal position on the ground and just clutch their head in fear.

    [Ming]: Looks like they are not ready at all¡­

    In the panic of a large scale battle, this sort of miasma was considered weak. If they could not get use to the blood lust and killing intent, they are not ready to be warriors or mages since battles against strong beasts are like war.

    [Ming]: Hmm, let¡¯s tone it down a bit.

    The miasma turned from crimson to a hot pink color. More students started to regain their composure and grouped up. Some started to form small task forces to take the marbles of the other still panicking groups.

    Soon, certain elite groups manage to take five marbles and already got her permission to leave the field. Those who left, looked like a soldiers who just got out of a heavy crossfire. Fatigued, both physically and mentally, the students just sat on the walls looking down at the horror they just participated in.

    [Ming]: What you see before you, is the chaos that is war. One must understand to keep composure in such atmospheres if you want to be able to take on beasts of higher rank. Considering that I had to ease it up a little, you guys are not ready at all. If you were to join a wild hunt, you would only hinder your team.

    The students who have already won looked down dejected.

    [Ming]: Don¡¯t worry, in a month¡¯s time, you would easily be able to take on this. Then I can maybe increase the difficulty.

    The students looked in fear as Ming laughed maniacally as she thought about increasing the difficulty.

    [Students]: What have we gotten ourselves into¡­?

    On that afternoon, ¡®A¡¯ class lost their marbles over marbles.

 Chapter 53: Rumors.

    Chapter 53: Rumors.

    The C and B class were currently having lunch. The atmosphere was cheerful and chatter was all about.

    [B class Student1]: Did you see the A class recently?

    [B class Student2]: Apparently they got two new professors and they are extremely harsh.

    [B class Student1]: Yikes, lucky it wasn¡¯t us huh¡­

    [B class Student2]: Honestly I haven¡¯t even seen the two new professors.

    Another student got his food and sat at the table.

    [B class Student3]: I heard one of them was the devil incarnate. Tall, dark, and evil looking.

    [B class Student2]: Really? I think I would have noticed if such a character walked pass us.

    [B class Student3]: That¡¯s not all, they say the other professor was as cold as an ice witch and if you stare directly into her eyes, your soul would freeze over.

    [B class Student1]: T-that¡¯s not true¡­is it?

    [B class Student2]: Call me a skeptic but I¡¯m pretty sure those are just baseless rumors.

    [B class Student3]: Hey, you never know until you see them! But by then it might be already too late. Ahahaha.

    [B class Student 1]: Dammit stop scaring me!

    The students happily gossip among themselves. Little did they know, the two demons they were gossiping about was sitting right behind them, enjoying a nice cup of tea and some pastries.

    [Crule]: Those are some pretty wild rumors.

    [Ming]: Eh, what can you do? Kids have the wildest imagination.

    [Crule]: Coming from you, it¡¯s kind of ironic.

    [Ming]: Please, we both look like children.

    [Crule]: Can¡¯t argue with that.

    They went on enjoying their break. Suddenly the door slammed open.

    [Crule]: Looks like the class is done. Took them longer than I thought.

    The decrepit and mentally fatigued A class slouched in slowly through the door. It looked like a horde of zombies shuffling closer and closer to the cafeteria food bar.

    [Ming]: Looks like you went easy on them today.

    [Crule]: Eh, nonsense.

    The rest of the students stared in terror at the state of A class. No one spoke a word as the entire cafeteria was silence. The A class got their food and sat down on the table. Then out of nowhere, they started eating even more ravenously than on the first day. The fatigue that they showed earlier was all gone as they tackle the mountain of food like a snowplow into frosty the snowman.

    The other students kept staring at them, but they didn¡¯t mind. The entire A class was far too hungry to care about appearances anymore.

    Soon the second group of A class came straggling in. They were slightly better and less fatigued but they seemed more depressed. This group were the ones who lost consciousness and had be to woken up after.

    They awkwardly went and got their food and sat down. They didn¡¯t eat quite as ravenously as the previous group but they still ate as if they haven¡¯t eaten anything for days.

    [Ming]: It seems you have some prodigies in your class.

    Ming pointed at the last group of people, the four students who walked in slowly clearly showed signs of fatigue and hunger, but they were able to keep their composure. These four people could be considered the elite of the class as they were able to withstand the whole process and still be able to control themselves and wake up the ones who were unconscious. They must have great will power to control their hunger.

    But as soon as they get their hands on food¡­it was like watching a teddy bear thrown into a wood chipper. Food scraps flying everywhere, barely 60% of it manage to go down their throat, but they were just too hungry to care. Apparently, they could only hold on for so long.

    [Crule]: This is always funny to watch.

    [Ming]: Well, they better be ready for my lesson afterwards.

    The rest of the classes stared at the three groups of A class in awe. Then looked at the two seemingly unnoticeable couple on the other table. They were not wearing school uniform yet looked the same age as them. They only assumed they were part of A class as well.

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    [Crule]: Well, time for me to get going.

    [Ming]: Working on the seal?

    [Crule]: Yea, this is going to take longer than I anticipated.

    [Ming]: So how are you approaching this one?

    [Crule]: I¡¯m creating an erosion formation to slowly consume the seal. This may take a long time though. But once the seal breaks, the entire world will know, and I need my alibi by then.

    [Ming]: Hm¡­ the erosion formation works automatically right?

    [Crule]: Right, all I need to do is to set it up. It is also untraceable back to us.

    [Ming]: Then we just have to be somewhere else when it happens.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry I got a plan for that too.

    Crule waved a sealed envelope and placed it back in his pocket.

    [Ming]: I see, that will work, and we will also get some training done ourselves.

    [Crule]: Yea, we need to form our seventh gate within the year.

    [Ming]: Better work hard then.

    Crule walked away to the train system and rode it to the central forest area of the academy. Normally it¡¯s sealed off only until special occasions, but teachers have access whenever.

    Crule walked into the forest and felt the energy around him growing denser as he approached the center.

    In the middle, was a statue made out of some strange metal that Crule had never seen before. Beneath it was a magic array cut from limestone and grass.

    Crule put his hand on the statue and felt its awe inspiring power. This statue was something that all graduates of the academy gets to touch. Most receives great insights in their studies upon doing so and thus concluding their academic path.

    But to Crule, who had achieve far more than everyone else, it taught him nothing.

    [Crule]: This seal should be only the magic array on the ground¡­This statue must be the secondary layer that Metallurgy INC. added.

    Seals don¡¯t normally give people insight into their powers. The statue must serve another purpose. The only one Crule could think of, was a siphon. The statue must be siphoning the incredibly great power the seal was holding back.

    [Crule]: If left alone, this statue would eventually break a large enough hole in the seal for the energy to burst open. This is far too dangerous to keep here.

    Crule tried various ways to remove it, but it was well protected. This is why he had to set up an erosion formation on the statue.

    Placing sixty six clear plastic formation patches, that Crule made himself, on the statue, he linking them all together with a fine line of energy. This energy that he linked was using the strongest famine attribute he could muster. Just getting close to it would make any normal person lose control and eaten all around them, or themselves even.

    The patches glowed a green hue as Crule chanted the spell.

    [Crule]: The ties of mortal hunger, link together and dissolve thy enemy. Erode those standing between thy paths and consume all that¡¯s held within.

    The patches flashed red and the fine lines of energy grew thicker and darker. Soon the entire statue was a black ball of intense famine energy and red glowing patches.

    [Crule]: I should cast an illusion spell.

    Having finished making the erosion formation, Crule had to make sure no one discovers it before it finishes its job.

    He spread a thin dome of energy and created an illusion of the statue on the surface. Most people would not notice it until they touch the statue themselves.

    [Crule]: This should do it.

    Fatigued and once again hungry, Crule walked back to the cafeteria.

    On the way back, he placed the envelope in the headmaster¡¯s mailbox.

 Chapter 54: Hallucinations.

    Chapter 54: Hallucinations.

    [Narrator]: After a month, the A class have all become mindless zombies. They lost all sense of self and have become pure soldiers of war. Not a trace of humanity remains in them as they only live to kill and consume. Every one of them a ghoul of their former self. A soulless stare emits from their eyes and drool out the side of their mouth as they shuffle down the corridors.

    A student walks up and smacks the narrator who was a B class student.

    [Lawks]: Stop spreading stupid rumors about us!

    It¡¯s been a month since Crule started teaching A class. They have made significant progress. When they started, not a single student can afford to lose concentration, using all of their focus on withstanding the powerful aura. After the first week, about half the class stop losing consciousness and could endure the thirty minutes.

    By the second week, the entire class stop losing consciousness and some students could even start dividing their focus on other things. Noticing this, Crule actually started teaching the class on their upcoming illusion training.

    The third week was nothing short of a miracle as the entire class could now withstand the aura and focus on Crule¡¯s lecture. A few were still completely fatigued by the end, but some could almost ignore the aura completely.

    [Crule]: Now the hallucination training, you will fight an effigy of your attribute in a dream. If you should lose¡­well, let¡¯s just say having memory loss would be the least of your worries.

    The students listened carefully about various methods they could use to combat their own attribute.

    [Crule]: If you¡¯re lucky, this technique may allow you to form up to two gates. At the very least, it guarantees one gate. All of you who pass would become Elites or Experts.

    The students were very eager. Those who have established a second gate at their age could be considered a genius. Of course this doesn¡¯t count the insanity that is Crule and Ming.

    [Crule]: Understanding what each and every one of your attributes¡¯ weakness is a must. Not only does it help you during your hallucination training but also allows you to come up to counters against it in case you ever find yourself in such a situation.

    The students nods.

    [Crule]: Now then, for the last week, let¡¯s double the aura intensity as one last heavy training.

    The students looked melancholy upon hearing that. Crule doubled the density of the aura and some students could no longer focus on his lectures and once again have to divert their entire focus on withstanding the aura.

    [Crule]: Ahaha, good luck in a week.

    ______

    On the day of the scheduled hallucination training. The students were all tense as they wait in the classroom for the person to come. They had to find a virtuoso in the illusion attribute in order to do this training. Crule was waiting in the front with his eyes closed. He sense that the erosion formation has already eaten twenty percent of the statue.

    Grisly suddenly entered the room.

    [Grisly]: Now then, let¡¯s start the hallucination training.

    [Crule]: Ah¡­I see now. Headmaster Grisly¡¯s attribute is illusion.

    [Grisly]: Ha-ha, it sure is.

    [Crule]: Now then students, get ready.

    Grisly started to emit a pink mist into the classroom. Slowly, the students fell asleep one by one.

    Crule wasn¡¯t affected by it one bit thought.

    [Grisly]: My job here is done, let¡¯s hope they wake up soon.

    He turned around to face Crule.

    [Grisly]: Oh right, about your proposition from the letter¡­I will see what I can do. Expect an answer by next week.

    [Crule]: Good good, these students needs a change of scenery.

    The students all looked like they were having nightmares. Their auras were wavering over them.

    Thirty minutes have passed, no one has woke up yet. One hour, two hours, three hours, and by the fourth hour, people started waking up. Ms. Lawks woke up first.

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    [Lawks]: That was¡­incredibly difficult. If not for the mental and physical training I would have become a vegetable by now¡­

    She was sweating profusely and looked like she had a high fever. Her attribute was earth. A health yellow glow now emitted from her aura.

    [Lawks]: This¡­I understand now.

    She immediately closed her eyes and opened them only a few minutes later.

    [Lawks]: I-I did it. I established the first and second gate in one go!

    During her fight, she had to fight a Golem Titan. It was a large earthen beast made of dirt and stone and plant life. It moved slowly but had incredibly powerful vitality. She had to fight the beast for days upon days in her head, but in reality it has only been a few hours. She had so many breakthroughs just to survive. Fighting one¡¯s own element with the same element was already difficult. One would have to come up with better techniques and skills to use to conquer what they currently know.

    She stood up in excitement but collapsed back onto her table in fatigue.

    [Crule]: Looks like they are going to need to sleep a while to recover.

    The other students one by one woke up, made their gates, and collapsed as well.

    [Crule]: Eh, looks like I should bring them to the infirmary.

    Crule took a wheel barrel and just started piling the collapsed students on their and wheeled them out the door.

    All the other students were looking at it in shock and awe.

    [C class Student1]: What happened to the A class?

    [C class Student2]: They look like they have turned into zombies¡­so pale and lifeless.

    The pile of students in the wheel barrel didn¡¯t even move a tiny bit as Crule wheeled them into the infirmary. The nurse on standby there just stared at the pile and sighed.

    [Nurse]: Looks like they have been through a lot.

    [Crule]: The usual, do we have enough space for the whole class?

    [Nurse]: Don¡¯t worry, we are equipped to house half the school here.

    Lines upon lines of white linen clothed beds was revealed as the nurse opened the door.

    Crule and the Nurse took a student and plopped them on a bed one by one, then Crule went back to the class room to get more students. Several trips of lifeless looking A class students in a wheel barrel sprouted the most insane of rumors.

    Ming walked over to the infirmary.

    [Ming]: How did they do?

    [Crule]: Not bad. At least all of them succeeded.

    [Ming]: Looks like our training paid off.

    [Crule]: It was just an experiment to see if we can repeat what we did on other people.

    [Ming]: Yea¡­I remember my first hallucination training. It was literally hell on earth.

    [Crule]: You took a full three days for yours. But afterwards, you made significant progress on the gates.

    [Ming]: Yea, good thing we did them before in the old world. I don¡¯t think my current self can handle another hallucination training.

    [Crule]: No kidding, we did them back when we were adults and well trained.

    [Ming]: I think it¡¯s because our attributes are too brutal compare to these kids.

    [Crule]: Mhm, but one or two kids here also have difficult attributes.

    [Ming]: Which one?

    [Crule]: That kid Lawks thinks her attribute is earth, but it¡¯s really Gaian with specialization in automatons. She would become a great doll maker in the future.

    [Ming]: Eh, I hate combat dolls¡­I really don¡¯t want to remember them.

    [Crule]: Who knows, those annoying dolls may work for us this time around.

    [Ming]: God, I hope so.

    They look at the field of white beds, covered in passed out students.

    [Crule]: Looks like the usual war zone.

 Chapter 55: The elite three.

    Chapter 55: The elite three.

    Going back a few hours in the past.

    Lawks entered her dream world. The scenery that was in front of her was a large hill. A dozen or spruce trees dotted the hill and bushes of berries and vines of thorns covered the ground.

    [Lawks]: So beautiful.

    She walked forward looking at the sunshine that covered the dainty hill of greenery. But as soon as she passed the border, the sky changed. A sinister moon replaced the warm double suns and night fell instantly. The hill shook violently and Lawks lost her balance.

    [Lawks]: This¡­

    The hill contorted and slowly a large giant covered in greenery rose from the ground.

    [Lawks]: So this is my attribute beast¡­

    The large golem lifted its two large fists and smashed it toward her general direction.

    [Lawks]: Shit.

    She quickly got up and started running circles around the golem trying to find a weak spot. Avoiding the debris that flew toward her as the golem shatter the ground, flinging dirt and stone up toward her, she found a small blue gem-like core on the top area of the golem.

    [Lawks]: That should be the spot.

    She condensed her aura and made a pillar of stone, propelling her forward toward the top of the golem.

    Sensing danger, the golem lifted its arms to cover its head.

    [Lawks]: Crap.

    To avoid the arms, she immediately disintegrate the stone pillar she was on and fell down.

    The landing made her entire body shake with pain.

    [Lawks]: Nothing broken so far, but that was damn painful¡­

    She had to find another method to approach the beast¡­and thus she ran circles around it for days upon days avoiding the arms, trying to get to the blue gem.

    [Lawks]: My stamina will not last any longer¡­

    She was well trained from a month of war games so she kept her calm the entire time but she was starting to feel like her body was made of lead, heavy and immobile.

    [Lawks]: Wait¡­that golem is a manifestation of my own attribute. Couldn¡¯t I make one of those myself?

    She used almost all her remaining energy and created a similarly large golem. The two titans crashed into each other and dirt and rocks pelted from the sky. Lawks got behind her golem and was generally protected. She started to climb her own golem.

    [Lawks]: This is all or nothing.

    She condensed her aura on her hands and it started to harden into a stone like substance. She formed a pillar straight out of her golem¡¯s head and sky rocketed onto the enemy golem. She jammed her fist into the blue core and a blinding light shined from it. The light beamed upon her and she seemed to gain endless insight into her powers.

    [Lawks]: This¡­I understand now.

    As she stood on top the collapsed golem, with her golem behind her, she looked up at the sinister moon in triumph. Then she woke up.

    ______

    Donovan Thunes walked into his dream world. In front of him was a world of metal. A giant steel box with rivets lining the walls stood in front of him upon a hill.

    [Thunes]: So this is my dream world¡­

    He admires the shining hue of the polished steel of the box. But since it was the only thing upon this hill other than him, he could only assume it was his enemy.

    Thunes placed his hands on the steel box and the world started shaking violently. The box in front of him melts onto the ground into a puddle of shining steel.

    He quickly retreated away from the puddle. A sharp scythe shot out of the puddle as it struck the position he was just in. The puddle slowly rose up.

    [Thunes]: This¡­it¡¯s a metal slime.

    The slime faced Thunes and various metal tendrils shot from underneath it into the ground.

    [Thunes]: Shit.

    He quickly jumped as needles pop out of the ground, nearly impaling him.

    [Thunes]: How should I do this¡­?

    He constantly jumped around avoiding the spikes that pop out of the ground.

    [Thunes]: I can¡¯t possibly keep this up.

    He quickly spread his aura over his feet as the metal soles under his shoes started to melt into a puddle. It became an elastic metal and Thunes started to bounce around, still avoiding the spikes popping out from the ground.

    [Thunes]: Oh crap.

    The metal slime started to vibrate and thousands upon thousands of small metal needles shot out from it.

    Thunes quickly liquefied the metal he keeps as part of his jacket and formed a liquid shield in front of him. The needles lost its momentum upon passing through the liquid metal and harmlessly bounced off Thune¡¯s thick jacket.

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    [Thunes]: This is far harder than I thought it would be.

    Having to use his aura so quickly in split second reactions, he was quite tired since he couldn¡¯t regulate the amount of energy he used each time. He wasn¡¯t efficient enough without any gates.

    [Thunes]: What can do to kill this bastard¡­?

    The metal slime stopped shooting needles after seeing how it¡¯s ineffective. It then formed four scythes and rushed toward Thunes.

    [Thunes]: Close combat huh?

    The spikes from the ground have stopped too. He took all the metal he had on his body at the time and created a sort of whip. He nimbly dodge the four scythe arms the slime slashed at him. Using the whip, he constantly damage the slime, only for it to quickly reform its body afterwards.

    The combat continued for a long time. He lost all sense of time during this fight, but Thunes could feel that his fatigue was starting to get to the dangerous zone.

    [Thunes]: I have to finish this¡­buy how?

    Suddenly, an idea appeared in his head.

    [Thunes]: Right, there is that method.

    He quickly turned the liquid metal whip he had into a cylinder. He had a rod of metal rotate at the fastest speed he could spin it. It started to vibrate. The slime started to attract to the rod in the middle.

    [Thunes]: Magnetism. I completely forgot the slime could be made out of the same metal as the ones I can control.

    The slime, having its liquid metal body forcefully ripped from its core, lost all ability to fight. Thunes took his metal and made a quick whip and destroyed the core.

    [Thunes]: Finished.

    The liquid metal rotated around Thunes like metal snakes as he looked up at the sky toward the twin suns. Then he woke up.

    ______

    George Shepard was just your average A class student. He was pretty unnoticeable but as soon as Crule and Ming¡¯s training started. He excelled at it and quickly rose to one of the top of his class.

    He looked around at his dream world. A white desert of white sand. The twin sun roared above creating mirages in the scene in front of him. A large worm popped out of the sand. Its thousand rows of teeth sent shivers down Shepard¡¯s spine.

    [Shepard]: Really¡­A sand worm? Isn¡¯t this a tad bit clich¨¦?

    As he said that, the worm suddenly transformed into a scorpion.

    [Shepard]: Wait a minute, isn¡¯t this even more clich¨¦ than the worm?

    The beast once again transformed¡­into a large ball. It started sprouting tentacles of sand and a large eye appeared in the middle.

    [Shepard]: Now that¡¯s better.

    Shepard noticed the sand tentacles started to shoot toward him. The tip of the tentacle detach from its origin and shot toward him. Several hundred meter sized balls of sand rained down upon him. He quickly surged his aura into his arms and slashed around the air in front of him. A large wall of sand sprouted from his side and blocked the oncoming barrage, but it couldn¡¯t hold long. Shepard quickly dashed away from the point of impact.

    [Shepard]: Its giant eye looks like a weak spot, but currently it¡¯s far too protected by its sand tentacles¡­If I tried to create one myself to get to it, the tentacles would destroy it before it finish forming.

    Dodging barrage upon barrage of sand bullets, Shepard had to come up with a plan of attack. Only dodging will not pass this trial, and the constant heat from the two suns is sapping his stamina fast.

    [Shepard]: How will I do this¡­?

    He looked toward his watch for the time, but it had stopped upon entering his dream world.

    [Shepard]: Wait a minute, this might work.

    He rapidly gathered almost all his remaining aura and condensed a shield. He compressed the shield, applied more and more pressure until it started to heat up to extreme temperature.

    [Shepard]: A sand spear would travel too slow, and would not do enough damage upon impact, but what about a glass spear.

    From the shield, layers of layers of sand fell to the ground as a large glass spear emerged from it.

    [Shepard]: Last ditch effort!

    He threw the spear with all his might at the sand evil eye. It pierced the eye right in the center and with a loud shriek, it collapses into a large dune of sand.

    Shepard crawled up on the dune of sand where his glass spear was still intact and sticking out of the ground.

    He leaned on it and looked up toward the blazing twin suns. Then he woke up as well.

 Chapter 56: Excursion.

    Chapter 56: Excursion.

    The students woke up a day later and started to gather at the cafeteria, describing each one of their hallucination training results and what their dream world looked like.

    Crule walked up to them and quickly accessed all their progress.

    [Crule]: Lawks, Thunes, and Shepard come up.

    The three students left their respective group of friends and walked up to the front.

    [Crule]: You three are the elite of your class. Out of thirty two students, you three are the only ones who achieved second gate and can be called Experts.

    The three looked proudly at Crule.

    [Crule]: Now then, I want you three to divide up the class into three groups.

    [Lawks]: What for sir?

    [Crule]: We are going on a field trip.

    [Thunes]: A field trip? We aren¡¯t the kind of kids who would enjoy seeing a farm or a milking factory¡­

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry, our fieldtrip will be to the Wild.

    [Shepard]: W-wait, isn¡¯t that highly dangerous?

    [Crule]: It¡¯s OK, I got headmaster Grisly¡¯s confirmation. We will leave tomorrow. So I want you guys to split the class into three groups.

    The three reluctantly gathered their friends and students and split the class into three groups. Lawks had eleven, Thunes had eleven, and Shepard had ten.

    [Crule]: Now I want you guys to pack a survival pack for camping out in the Wild. Remember we would be facing ranked beasts so try not to bring things that are too heavy and cumbersome.

    Having completed their hallucination training, the entire class was at the minimal of one gate. This allowed them to face beasts up to D rank if they fight in groups of five or so. They can even contest with C ranked if the group of ten work together.

    The students went back to their dorm and started to pack.

    [Crule]: I should prepare as well.

    This trip wasn¡¯t only for the students as it was an excuse for Crule to leave the campus and set up an alibi as well as reaching the sixth gate.

    He walked to Ming¡¯s room.

    [Crule]: Got your things ready?

    [Ming]: Yep, packed everything we need for a nice barbeque.

    [Crule]: We aren¡¯t only going for food¡­

    [Ming]: I know, I know, but I haven¡¯t had any delicious ranked beast blood and meat in a while.

    [Crule]: *sigh* You¡¯re right. I can feel my aura getting a strong craving for it.

    [Ming]: We have lived on monster meat for far too long. Domesticated animal meat no longer satisfy our cravings.

    [Crule]: The way you say it make us sound like monsters.

    [Ming]: But aren¡¯t we monster anyways?

    [Crule]: True¡­I highly doubt we can still be classified as human.

    There was then an awkward silence.

    [Ming]: S-so how¡¯s the eroding going?

    [Crule]: It¡¯s half-finished. It should finish the day we return from the field trip.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.[Ming]: Then we can just cultivate the students normally until the end of the year right?

    [Crule]: I see you have taken an interest in the kids.

    [Ming]: Of course, it¡¯s not every day you get to torture people legally.

    [Crule]: *sigh* I¡¯m not going to bother asking what you do to them.

    The two went on and finish packing all they need. Crule went to the statue one more time to reinsure the integrity of his erosion formation.

    ______

    The next morning, a ship arrived in the court yard where the entire A class was waiting with their bags. One by one, the students threw their travel backpacks and sleeping bags into the ship¡¯s storage room and walked through the wall toward the cockpit. In the cockpit was half a hundred chairs facing the giant reinforced glass window in front. Everyone had a nice view and a comfortable chair. One can tell the amount of resource the school can afford to spend on a simple field trip. The ship was a high class passenger ship. Every student got comfortable in their seats and started chatting among their friends. Crule and Ming were the last to enter the ship.

    Crule was wearing a black leather jacket with dark grey cargo pants and a white t-shirt. He didn¡¯t look the part of a teacher at all. Ming was wearing almost the same thing except with a beige leather jacket and khakis pants. They went up to the front of the ship.

    [Crule]: Settle down class.

    [Ming]: Professor Crule and I will now set the ground rules for this field trip.

    [Crule]: Rule #1, do not, and I repeat, DO NOT, wander away from our group by yourself. Always have at minimal two other people with you at all times.

    [Ming]: Rules #2, if you see any ranked beast, DO NOT engage until you have permission from us. If we are not present, then just condense your aura, we will sense your and find you ASAP.

    [Crule]: Rule #3, try not to eat everything you find without our conformation.

    [Ming]: Rules #4; do not steal anything found by your fellow students. Rare artifacts and cultivation treasures are abundant in the wild, don¡¯t fight among yourselves for it.

    [Crule]: That¡¯s it for the rules, follow them, and we will have a fun field trip.

    The students nod their head obediently. Having seen the horror of what the two professors could do, none of them would dare break the rules, fearing their own sanity.

    [Crule]: Good, let¡¯s go.

    The pilot of the ship started the ship and they blasted off toward the border country of Juilas. The area bordering Juilas was considered the safest area of the Wild. Instead of a dense jungle or hellish terrain, most of the borders of Juilas were prairies and fields. They would be able see any enemies coming from miles away. The forests after the fields aren¡¯t as dense and mainly low ranked beast habit it.

    The trip there would take three days but thankfully the ship was equipped with a shower and kitchen. The only problem was that the students had to sleep at their chairs. Good thing was the chair can lean back to get into a comfortable position. It was like the first place seat of an air plane.

    Few days later, they landed at the border of Juilas and the Wild.

    [Crule]: Time for some Wilderness fun.

 Chapter 57: The start of the field trip.

    Chapter 57: The start of the field trip.

    The students took their luggage and exited the ship. Some carried camping sized backpacks with their sleeping bags rolled on top, while some carried roller suitcases made for all terrain. Only Crule and Ming looked like they carried nothing since all their needs are stored in Crule¡¯s spatial storage.

    The spatial storage is a pocket dimension that Crule took over ten years to create by slowly consuming space in a pocket dimension attached to his soul. He had to carefully erode it to its current size while reinforcing it with his energy in order to maintain stability. Things inside of the spatial storage do not age, so rotting is of no trouble. Old books can also be kept in its original condition it was received.

    The students looked eagerly at the prairie before them and the flattened gravel road leading to the tranquil looking forest off in the distance.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s look around.

    Crule went to a vendor by the gate connecting Juilas and the Wild. It was a tall stone and metal wall with a large tunnel in the middle that¡¯s well guarded. Street vendors line the tunnel. With the roof of the tunnel being nearly a hundred meters tall, large shops could even set up in the tunnel. They had restaurants, general stores, and even apothecaries. The tunnel looked like a decent sized old western town.

    [Crule]: Everyone, remember to pair up. We will meet at the end of the tunnel in an hour.

    The students eagerly paired up and went to browse the store. Some students already bought some of the delicious street food and are nibbling on them as they walk.

    Crule and Ming went to a nearby store. The store was labeled, ¡°Williams Wagons.¡±

    It was a store that sold old fashion looking gypsy wagons that doesn¡¯t require a mount to run. The sizes ranged from a small six person plus driver wagon to a full sized bus style wagon that holds up to fifty.

    [Crule]: Hmm¡­this will be interesting.

    Crule went and purchased a medium sized wagon. The wheels were incredibly large and the room in the wagon was actually a sphere placed upon a gyro for stability. The wagon itself runs on two different type of fuel source. It runs on electricity or wood. The electricity was in the form of a battery pack made out of a Glutonium. It had the capacity to store enough electricity for the wagon to run non-stop for two weeks.

    In emergencies when the electricity does run out, it has a spare steam engine that runs on any sort of burnable fuel. It¡¯s highly inefficient but it¡¯s a last ditch effort to get the wagon to a charging station anyways.

    The wagon was made of a strong light metal alloy and had a polyurethane rain cover on top. The inside could hold at most fifteen people. The front of the wagon had spots for two drivers. The wagon does automatically follow the key holder and doesn¡¯t require a driver unless it¡¯s a get-away situation.

    The salesman hands Crule and Ming each a copy of the key. Crule paid him and left with the wagon. Crule and Ming then found a quaint caf¨¦ near the end of the tunnel to wait for the students.

    [Ming]: If we can find one more B ranked beast, we might be able to get the sixth gate without trouble.

    [Crule]: That¡¯s a huge if¡­

    [Ming]: Oh, I didn¡¯t both to ask earlier since I was admiring the thing, but why did you buy a wagon?

    [Crule]: We are going to tire the students to the point of breaking.

    [Ming]: Don¡¯t I do that every day anyways?

    [Crule]: Yea, but we will have no rest stops until night falls, so we will have the students fight for a spot in the wagon to rest.

    [Ming]: So you¡¯re going to turn the three groups against each other?

    [Crule]: Everyone needs a healthy rivalry to push them beyond their limits.

    [Ming]: Hahaha, that¡¯s true.

    Crule took a sip of his coffee and Ming took a sip of her iced tea.

    The blazing twin suns are blocked by the darkness of the tunnel but blue incandescent lamps dimly glow above them, handing like a chandelier from the top of the tunnel.

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    The students came back after buying a bunch of souvenirs and food stuff. They looked satisfied and ready for the journey ahead of them. Little did they know, the torture they will soon face might be their hardest moment yet.

    The students finally all returned and they set off past the last check point. The guards let them pass as soon as they saw the Shining Radiance Academy emblem on their jackets.

    The blistering twin suns shined down upon the group. The soothing wind blew across the prairie with no obstructions. A cool breeze with warm sunlight made it the perfect day for hiking.

    They students stayed near the wagon with Crule and Ming sitting on it. For now, most of the beasts that attacked the group were enraged domestic animals that escaped into the wild and evolved. Boars, cows, and even giant chickens was defeated by the groups of students. The three groups covered the wagon, one in front, and one on each side.

    The beast that were defeated were placed in the wagon. Most students didn¡¯t bring large amount of food stuff since they knew the wild had plenty of edible plants and beasts.

    Hours upon hours of walking through the prairie, but the forest on the horizon doesn¡¯t look any closer.

    [Lawks]: Just how far is the forest¡­?

    She asked Crule.

    [Crule]: We will get there tomorrow morning at the speed we are going.

    [Lawks]: Tomorrow¡­ so it¡¯s several hundred kilometers?!

    [Ming]: Yep, it¡¯s not that bad.

    The students upon hearing that their destination was several hours of walking, started to feel imaginary fatigue already.

    Since everyone have heightened physical prowess and can use their aura to speed up, the group was already moving at around forty kilometers an hour if they all started running. The students walked for hours upon hours. The blazing suns seemed more and more brutal. The occasional cool wind was like a blessing from the gods each time it blows though.

    Several hours later, and a few dozen bottles of water later, the sun finally started setting.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s set up camp while we still have some light.

    The students finally sighed with relief and collapsed on the ground. Most of them took off their shoes and started rubbing their feet.

    They took out the tent equipment and started setting up their tents. With the easily constructed tents, the students finished making a ring of tents around the wagon in half an hour. They left a small circle open and dug a pit. Some students went around and found some decently sized rocked and made a ring around the pit.

    Some other students went and found some dried prairie grass and dumped them into the pit. One of the student who had fire attribute set the fire pit ablaze. The night had some and without the warm sunlight, the cold breeze made the night quite chilly. The warmth from the blazing camp fire made the students huddle around it.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s cook.

    Crule took out some of the beasts they killed today and skillfully prepares the meat for roasting. The innards were cleanly removed and the edible parts were sliced and rubbed with seasoning of choice. He skewers a few piece of metal on a thin metal rod he bought at a general store in the tunnel. He placed a HUGE pile of them onto a large wooden table he took out of the wagon.

    [Crule]: Come get it.

    The students ravenously grabbed at the skewers of meat and placed it over the fire. They stare with incredibly hungry eyes and drools at the corner of their mouth as the rich aroma of cooked meats and roasted spice fill the air.

    Some students started crying upon biting into the savory chunks of meat on the skewers.

    [Ming]: Always remember, to enjoy food while you can¡­

    Everyone enjoyed a hearty meal of roasted kebabs.

 Chapter 58: Race hype.

    Chapter 58: Race hype.

    Crule woke up the next morning and was greeted by the crisp morning air. The temperature was quite low and he could see his breath, but after covering his body with a thin layer of energy, he warmed up quite nicely. He took out a nice warm blanket and gently place it over Ming who was sleeping in the wagon as well.

    The defense he put up last night worked well as no monsters attacked them through the night, so most of the students could get a good night¡¯s rest. He took a walk and found a nearby river. The water seemed clean enough so Crule washed his fast with the freezing cold water to wake himself up. He did his morning exercises and returned back to camp with another wild boar he caught during his ¡°exercise¡±.

    Eating meat again in the morning seemed like a bad idea, but it didn¡¯t stop him from using it. He took out a large pot from his storage and filled it with the fresh stream water. Crule then placed it over the fire pit and boiled the water. He placed in some rice like wheat and some diced vegetables he found in the vicinity that he knew was edible. Afterwards, he added the diced boar meat and allow it to simmer for an hour. Tasting for salt and pepper, he added the necessary amount. The hot stew in the morning should keep the students ready for another long days hike.

    The delicious smell of congee in the morning woke the students up as they crawled up from their sleeping bags. Quite a few of them were cold and sneezing. Guess they are not use to living in tents yet.

    Crule kept an eye on the pot while the awoken students did their morning routine. Most of them went to the nearby river to brush their teeth and wash their face. The frigid water woke them up fast. Quite a few of them were shivering as a gentle breeze blew by.

    They huddled together near the large pot of congee and waited.

    [Crule]: You guys should really learn how to cook yourselves¡­But that¡¯s for a later day I guess.

    The students each got a hearty bowl of boar congee with cilantro on top. They enjoyed the warm meal after a cold night.

    By then almost all the students have woken up by the commotion caused by breakfast. Some students who had wilderness training were already packing their things and moving about to warm themselves. They didn¡¯t have enough control over their energy to provide homeostasis of their environment yet.

    Ming finally woke up later. Rubbing her eyes, she walked over and got a bowl of congee as well.

    [Crule]: Morning.

    [Ming]: Morning. So you made congee?

    [Crule]: Felt a warm breakfast would get the kids going.

    [Ming]: Taste great.

    [Crule]: Thanks.

    Ming snuggled close to Crule as he tend the pot. She placed her head on his shoulder and continue sipping on the hot congee.

    The students looked jealously at the two sitting by the fire.

    [Student 1]: Always knew those two were a couple.

    [Student 2]: Ah, I¡¯m at a tender age where I must find love! Where is my knight in shining armor?

    [Student 1]: You¡¯re over exaggerating¡­and shining armor would attract the attention of monsters here in the wild.

    [Student 1]: You know what I mean.

    The students were already gossiping and chatting in the morning. The lively atmosphere filled the camp and by late afternoon, they had already finished packing without paying much attention.

    The large pot was cleaned of its congee quite easily by the bottomless pits of a stomach the students have. Crule took it to the river and cleaned it. Some fishes ate pieces that were cleaned off from the large pot.

    [Crule]: Hmm¡­ too bad there¡¯s not enough fish to feed everyone.

    He stored the pot again and went back to camp. Everyone had their backpacks ready to go and lined up in their groups. Ming was waiting for him on the wagon, commanding everyone to line up.

    Crule walked up to the front of the group.

    [Crule]: Today our goal is to reach the forest. As a little game today, whichever group reaches the forest first, shall be given a break the day after from hiking.

    After experiencing the endless hike yesterday, the student¡¯s eyes burned with inspiration and competitive spirit as they all gripped their backpacks tighter.

    [Crule]: Ready, set, go.

    The students dashed off. The wagon quickly followed behind with Ming and Crule riding on it.

    [Ming]: Looks like they improved their speed quite a bit.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s see how their stamina will last them.

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    The groups ran at full speed. Any onlookers would only see a large blur rush by followed by a very fast wagon following behind. After an hour, no one seemed to be slowing down.

    [Crule]: Looks like you really trained their stamina quite high.

    [Ming]: You know my methods.

    [Crule]: Hmm.

    Around midday, the group started to slow down. Signs of fatigue emitted from the group like a dense miasma. People were starting to run out of water.

    [Crule]: Ok, let¡¯s take a break for lunch.

    The students gladly collapsed on the side of the gravel road under a single large tree. The river from earlier that morning was still flowing alongside the gravel road. Most students directly stuck their head in the river to take large gulps of water and to refill their canteens.

    After running for the entire morning, most of them forgot why they were running in the first place. The competitive spirit died down somewhere near the last dozen kilometers as the fatigue piled up.

    [Ming]: We should award them with a banquet of a lunch.

    [Crule]: We will have to see what we find first.

    They still had some of the leftover boar, cow, and chicken that came to attack them on the first leg of the trip, but having that much meat isn¡¯t good for you. Growing kids needs all of the essential vitamins and minerals.

    Crule stood watch this time while Ming went foraging for ingredients.

    She found some larger fish in an ox bow lake that formed beside the river. There were also some larger mushrooms growing beside the sparse trees that spawned across the prairie. They had plenty of spices so that was not a problem. She went back to the camp after finding some wild tomato like fruits.

    [Crule]: Looks like we are having pasta then.

    Crule took out the large pot again and filled it with water. He boiled a large amount of dried noodles from the general store at the tunnel. He added a dash of salt and drained the water after the noodles were cooked. He minced the fish after deboning them and diced the mushrooms and tomato. Crule refilled the pot with water and set it boiling again. He placed in some diced onions and garlic with some fresh herbs and spices. He added in the mushrooms and tomato and the stew turned a rich hue of red.

    Crule then left the pot lid open and allow the water to evaporate a little, allowing the soup to condense into more of a paste. He took a second pot and boiled some water with the wild chickens they got. Using the chicken stock, he mixed the sauce and noodles and added some grated cheese and cilantro.

    Meanwhile, the students stare in wonder as Crule cooked.

    [Thunes]: He really is the jack of all trades¡­

    [Lawks]: Our professor seems to be able to do everything¡­at such a young age too. I wonder who taught him that¡­

    Crule took the chicken meat that was boiled and pulled it from the bone, He added the stripped chicken meat to the pasta and finished it up with some pepper.

    [Crule]: Lunch everyone. Its fish and chicken pasta.

    The students who were eagerly waiting went with their bowls and got a serving.

    [Student 1]: I think I will be spoiled by how good the food is during this field trip¡­

    [Student 2]: No kidding, it¡¯s far better than the cafeteria food.

    [Lawks]: Maybe because for the past month we have been doing nothing but shoving food in our mouths without properly enjoying it¡­

    The students once again shuddered at the memories of those days and carefully enjoy their meal.

    [Ming]: Nothing like trauma to make one enjoy the simple things huh?

    [Crule]: Right.

    ______

    After lunch was cleaned up, they resumed on their race. By the time the sun was setting, they have actually reached the edge of the forest ahead of schedule.

    The first student to set foot in the forest, was actually Lawks.

    [Lawks]: I-I f-finally w-won.

    She was completely out of breath as the rest of her group joins in and just keeled over on the grassy forest floor.

    [Crule]: The winner is Ms. Lawks group. Congrats, tomorrow, you guys get to sit in the wagon.

    The students look bright eyed at the wagon behind Crule.

    The others stared jealously at the winning group, but gave up as they were too tired to keep thinking about it.

 Chapter 59: Forest Combat.

    Chapter 59: Forest Combat.

    Dinner was as usual delicious beyond belief. The students lie on the forest floor staring up at the stars after dinner. The blazing camp fire kept them warm and the sound of running water from the nearby stream created a sort of white noise with the crackling of the fire.

    Crule was sitting on top of the wagon, thinning out his aura, inspecting the forest.

    [Crule]: Doesn¡¯t seem to be any dangerous beasts here.

    [Ming]: We might be able to reach our final destination by tomorrow.

    The place where they were going to set up a more permanent camp, and camp for a week, will be a series of caves in the forest. Crule¡¯s aura spread out, looking for any beast that was strong enough to send an echo. It acted like a sonar. There were not reactions though.

    He once again checked on the progress of the erosion formation and afterwards set up the night defenses.

    ______

    The following morning, the same thing happened. Crule made breakfast, everyone ate with great appreciation, and they set off after packing up.

    [Crule]: Today will be the last leg of our hike. We will be reaching the final camp site soon.

    The students cheered inwards that the torture was soon to be over.

    [Ming]: But as training, I am going to lure in some beasts during our trip today. The job of the two groups who are running today, is to fight them.

    The group that was riding the wagon sighed with relief.

    [Crule]: Hey, you guys taking it easy today. I still expect you to be meditating. I want you guys to make breakthroughs this field trip.

    The students nodded.

    Once again, they headed on their journey. Since the forest was densely populated by trees, they had to maneuver past a few of them thus making the hike far longer and harder than the previous days. The good thing was they would not get lost as the cave system was actually on the side of an easily visible mountain that shot out from the middle of the forest. The river was running down side it and all they had to do was follow it.

    With Ming luring in beasts, the students had their hands full all the time. Most of them were E and D ranked beasts that would take around five to six students to take down. The group could separate into four smaller groups to cover all sides of the wagon as they traveled. By midday, piles upon piles of meat from beasts layered on top of the wagon.

    [Crule]: I can¡¯t tell whether they are doing so well because they want to train¡­or have delicious food to eat tonight¡­

    The glare in the students¡¯ eyes as they stare down the beasts was that of a hungry bear after hibernation.

    Steadily, they actually reached the cave system by the start of the afternoon.

    [Crule]: Ok, we got plenty time to set up camp. Remember, this time make a more permanent camp. We will be staying here for a week.

    The caves were not only a great place to be one with nature, but it also acts like a sort of dungeon. It was left by a tribe of Hippo Ants that was wiped out by adventurers a while back. The tunnels now inhabits various beasts ranging from G to C rank. None of which can takedown the entire group of students. A C rank beast however, will take all of the students together to take out, so each group leader was given a whistle for when they do find a C ranked beast.

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    Crule went around the camp site and made a makeshift fence using wooden stakes and his aura woven into a string. Most beasts would be repelled by the terror in the aura but those that were brave, would be sliced by the string as if they wear eating into it.

    The students pitched their tents again and made a larger fire pit. They also made a clear path leading to the nearby river. About a hundred meter behind them, was the entrance to the cave system.

    The sound of running water and dripping could be heard from the cave. One could sense that it was teeming with wild life.

    Ming returned to the wagon after a while.

    [Ming]: I did an initial search, nothing too dangerous that we can¡¯t handle, but a tribe of wolf spiders seemed to have moved into a deeper area of the cave.

    [Crule]: Hmm¡­most wolf spiders are around C rank so the students will not be able to handle it if they were ambushed. Looks like we have to do a little cleaning.

    They discussed their battle plans and then made dinner. The students were oblivious to the dangers in the cave and most of them look forward to being finally able to fight at their own pace.

    That night they had a party with a huge pile of roasted meat and kebabs. Nearly everything defeated today was eaten. The students couldn¡¯t feel it but the constant meal of strong beasts strengthened their bodies even more. They were too busy enjoying the great taste.

    [Ming]: Looks like Shin¡¯s chef training really paid off huh?

    [Crule]: You can¡¯t expect me to follow around a chef of a teacher for years and not pick up on some cooking techniques.

    [Ming]: That¡¯s true¡­but I don¡¯t remember you did much cooking before.

    [Crule]: That¡¯s because there was never the occasion where we could calmly make food.

    [Ming]: Oh right¡­months of peace actually made me grow forgetful of those high tension years after the Antagonist games.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s try not having that happen this time. The world could use some more peace.

    In the previous world, the seals all broke, releasing the horrors it has been keeping locked away for thousands of years. A terror so horrible, it could cause planetary detonation at a wave of its abomination of a hand.

    Thinking back about it, Crule renewed his conviction to not have it happen again. The tragedy was too great. Too many people have died. Humanity nearly got wiped out.

    [Ming]: Try not to think about it too much. It gets depressing if we do.

    [Crule]: Yea, I guess you¡¯re right.

    That night after all the students were asleep, Crule and Ming went down into the caves to ¡°deal¡± with the wolf spider infestation.

 Chapter 60: Attack Strategy.

    Chapter 60: Attack Strategy.

    Avoiding most of the lower ranked beast, leaving them for the students to deal with during the upcoming training sessions, Crule and Ming silently dashed to the center of the cave systems where the wolf spider pack have taken nest. Taking many zigs and zags through the dimly lit tunnels that were only illuminated by certain bioluminescence plant life and rare metals, they reached the center quite fast. At the entrance, was around half a dozen wolf spiders guarding the entrance. They were diligently keeping watch. Piles of corpses could be seen around them as various beast have tried to trespass onto their territory.

    The wolf spiders looked like wolves, but had six appendages and a large abdomen. Its body was segmented into two sections while the front section was that of a wolf¡¯s head, the behind was that of a spider but covered in the same colored wolf fur. The wolf spider¡¯s four eyes are quite adjusted to the darkness and they seemed to glow at a shining yellow. They looked diligently around their surrounding and every once in a while, it lifted its nose into the air to smell for prey.

    Judging by the size, Crule concluded these wolf spider sentries were around C rank. Obviously having to fight so many of them would spell death for the students. This was something that must be purged of before the training can start. Crule signaled for Ming to take three, she nodded and they started the operation. Under the cover of darkness and concealing their presence with their aura, Crule climbed the walls, trying to the drop on the half dozen wolf spiders and Ming waited on standby behind a stalagmite.

    Crule didn¡¯t want the wolf spiders to send out their howls to alert the rest of the pack so he instead chose to kill three instantly. Crule signaled Ming and she gathered a ball of blood in her hand and silently let it drip onto the floor. The blood slowly flowed toward the wolf spiders. Due to the pile of corpses having a strong smell of blood, Ming¡¯s assault had gone unnoticed.

    Crule flew down from the wall as three whips made out of his famine aura lashed out faster than the wolf spiders could see. The whips hit the three wolf spider dead center between their forehead, and a long strip of their flesh and bone was immediately devoured by the whip, leaving the skull halfway slashed in half. At the same time, Ming¡¯s blood on the floor rose up from under the wolf spider¡¯s head and impaled their brain from under their chins.

    Without being able to let out a whimper, the six wolf spider sentries died.

    Crule and Ming kept silent the entire time as they do not want the wolf spider pack to panic, escape, and attack the sleeping students outside.

    The wolf spider corpses had decent value so Crule quickly stored them in his spatial storage. This was so also done to stop the scent of the wolf spider corpses to alert the pack. Upon death, the wolf spider actually detonate their silk sack within their body. The fluid without being mixed with the hardener that the wolf spider produces as it secrete the silk, doesn¡¯t not become spider silk but rather stay in its liquid form. Also without the chemical reaction it normally goes through, upon contact with the outside atmosphere, a chemical reaction occurs that produces a sort of smell that acts like pheromones to alert nearby wolf spiders.

    The wolf spiders have manage to thrive due to this mechanic, being always able to have a majority of the pack escape from predators.

    Having previously encountered a pack of wolf spiders, Crule knew about the chemical reaction that take place in the wolf spiders¡¯ corpses.

    ______

    They slowly crept into the den of the wolf spider pack. Looking inside, Crule saw nearly a hundred wolf spiders. He was astonished at the sheer amount. Normal sized wolf spider pack range from thirty to forty. Having nearly three times as much means that instead of a pack leader alpha male, the wolf spider must have a queen within its mix.

    A Queen wolf spider was FAR stronger than a normal wolf spider. If left to cultivate, the wolf spider queen absorbs enough energy to become A ranked beasts. This would be difficult to face the Queen plus her entire pack. Crule and Ming realized they should change their approach.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.They left the den and went back up the tunnel to an area without beasts and they could talk freely.

    [Crule]: This is more troublesome than I thought.

    [Ming]: When I came down here earlier, I only saw around two dozen wolf spiders.

    [Crule]: By the looks of it, those were only the ones left behind to protect the nest while the others went out to hunt. With a queen wolf spider leading the charge, no wonder we only saw half a dozen beasts wandering the tunnels.

    [Ming]: Yea, looks like most of them were eaten.

    Wolf spiders consume their prey more like a wolf than a spider. Normally a spider would wrap its prey in a cocoon. The wolf spider directly eat the meat and with their strong jaws, they would even grind bone. Their silk was used for maneuvering the tunnels and forests they usually live in.

    [Crule]: The question is how we deal with all of them.

    [Ming]: I think one of us should hold the queen down while the other quickly dispose of her pack.

    [Crule]: That would work great if the pack was only around twenty to thirty. With their sheer number, just one person alone isn¡¯t enough to ensure none of the pack escapes to the outside.

    [Ming]: Hmmm¡­.

    They both began pondering. Moment later, Ming seemed to have come up with an idea.

    [Ming]: Let¡¯s seal the tunnels.

    [Crule]: That should work, but we don¡¯t have anything to seal the tunnel with.

    [Ming]: I can make blood walls but I won¡¯t have enough blood to cover all the tunnels¡­

    [Crule]: So we have a plan but no way to execute it¡­

    They went back to thinking.

    [Ming]: This would be so much easier if we still had the dream incense.

    [Crule]: Yea, but we used our last one a while ago.

    Back in the old world, Crule had to use a dream incense to put a large pack of A ranked beasts to sleep in order to escape. The incense was a rare item received from the Antagonist games. Having it right now would greatly help.

    [Ming]: Instead of just standing here and thinking, let¡¯s look around, maybe we will come up with an idea.

    [Crule]: Fine.

    They started walking around the tunnel, looking for something that might work. Ming had already mapped out the place earlier today so they wouldn¡¯t get lost. Upon reaching the fifth gate, she could sense the blood of beasts base on their location within a hundred kilometers. Since the cave was so full of beasts at the time, she easily mapped out the intricate cave systems.

    They soon found an underground stream that the river seem to flow into from above.

    [Crule]: This might work.

    Flooding the lower tunnels can seal the wolf spiders, and with Crule and Ming¡¯s current ability to control their aura, they could hold their breath under water for about an hour, which is enough time to swim from the bottom of the tunnel to the entrance.

    [Crule]: Ming, use your blood walls to redirect the streams to the various tunnels leading to the den.

    Thankfully the inner den only had four entranced. Three at floor level and one on the ceiling.

    Ming nodded and used her blood walls to redirect the underground stream.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s do this.

    They ran down toward the den while the water slowly filled up the tunnels.

 Chapter 61: Bad Timing.

    Chapter 61: Bad Timing.

    With the tunnels filling up with water, the den which was the lowest point in the cave system started to fill up with water rapidly as water poured in slowly from all four entrances. The wolf spiders started to panic as they awoke to their hive being water logged but they couldn¡¯t escape as the water pressure built up by the tunnels traveling downwards to fast won¡¯t allow them to escape.

    From one of the tunnels flowing with water, Crule and Ming were washed out. They had used their aura to protect themselves as they were carried along with the stream, avoiding most stalagmites and stalactites still unbroken by the rushing water.

    They looked at the pack of wolf spiders seriously.

    [Crule]: Go.

    Ming was in charge of the wolf spiderlings while Crule took on the Queen.

    The Queen wolf spider was around four times larger than the normal wolf spider. Considering normal wolf spiders were the size of large dogs, this beast was easily the size of a car. It had the same body structure, two body parts, the head and abdomen, and eight legs branching out. A main difference is there is a certain pattern of different colored fur on its hind abdomen.

    Ming dashed around on top of the water flowing filling the room. Under her feet were thin discs made of blood. It allowed her to move on top of the water as the surface area her weight was distributed over was less than the surface tension. She turned her storage of blood into four lances and were accurately impaling the wolf spiders in their vitals.

    Using the blood from the corpses, she constantly refilled her blood supplied, but due to all the water, some of the blood got mixed with it and the room soon turned into a light shade of crimson. With the dim lights shining from the ceiling of the den from the shiny rocks and moss, the room was soon an eerie red color.

    While Ming was busy tackling the challenge of keeping one hundred wolf spiders busy, Crule had to take out the Queen.

    The Queen had some intelligence so it immediately assumed Crule and Ming were the cause of the incident. If her pack were to survive, they need to be disposed of.

    Feeling the numerous numbers of her pack had already been decimated by Ming, the Wolf spider queen was enraged and shot toward her.

    Crule blocked its path and with strengthened legs, he covered the sole of his boots with a thick layer of aura and kicked the Queen.

    It left a large indent the same shape as his shoes on the queen¡¯s hard carapace.

    With the damage she was dealt, she winced in pain and looked at Crule with enraged eyes. Realizing she won¡¯t be able to stop the massacre until the one in front of her was disposed of, she focused all her attention on Crule.

    With its incredible speed being hindered by the knee high levels of water, the Queen was forced to change her legs. Like cats have retractable claws, the Wolf Spider queen¡¯s eight legs had hair expand out of it. The hair trapped pockets of air, allowing the wolf spider to gently glide on top the water. Normally this technique was used when their pack migrated pass large bodies of water.

    Crule took out his dagger and stared at the Queen, waiting for her to make a move first.

    Due to its speed increasing, Crule had to be wary. Before he dealt with the B ranked beetle easily because it had only defended. The B ranked beast before him had high offense. Although he has gotten stronger, he still cannot be careless around it.

    The queen dashed toward Crule with two of her legs extended in front of her like lances. The speed was ridiculously fast. Crule barely dodged by rolling to the side. He couldn¡¯t supply the energy fast enough to his legs to allow his normal high speed movement, so he could only dodge by rolling. This however, mend he sank a little into the water since the only part of him that allowed him to float no top the water was the thin layer of aura under his shoes.

    Realizing his normal speed was also greatly hindered by his wet clothes, he took off his jacket and placed it in his storage. Being only in his vest now, Crule got back up and stared at the wolf spider queen. It was trying to regain its balance after her first attack. It seemed it had no experience fighting on the water. It normally only travel across it, never performing combat.

    Crule took this chance and dashed toward her with his dagger coated in his aura. He sliced at the wolf spider queen¡¯s legs, trying to cripple its movement before it got use to water top combat.

    The dagger sank into the hard spider legs but wasn¡¯t able to completely sever it.

    [Crule]: Shit, the water is hindering my aura.

    Since the dagger was wet, the aura couldn¡¯t properly form a sharp edge on the dagger.

    Crule realized this and quickly made his famine blades on his other hand and jammed it into another spider leg. It was severed cleanly and the wolf spider queen shrieked. It tried to retaliate but since Crule was behind her, the wolf head couldn¡¯t bite him. Crule quickly backed off as the queen turned around with its powerful jaws.

    [Crule]: I don¡¯t really want to face the teeth head on¡­

    The main reason why Crule was using close combat against the queen although his ranged attack could destroy her completely, was that the integrity of the cave was already slightly compromised by the water. The he had used his ranged attacks, the cave might collapse completely. Crule and Ming might survive it, but the students who were sleeping above wont fare so well.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Expanding his famine blades, Crule made a long spear. Having some distance between the Queen was the best. They rushed toward each other, clashing over and over again. With one leg incapacitated, the queen was about the same speed as the already wet Crule. But with the superior range of his spear compare to the legs and teeth of the queen, Crule was slowly winning the fight. Long gashes covered the body of the wolf spider queen and it was bleeding profusely, but the look in its eyes were still strong and enraged.

    Ming was almost finished wiping out the one hundred other wolf spiders. At the same time, the water had already filled the den half way up. Realizing if he waited any longer, the den might be completely flooded, Crule expanded his spear into more of a scythe. He needs to sever the wolf spider queen¡¯s head in order to fully kill the beast with such a strong vitality.

    Just as they were about the clash, the unthinkable happened.

    Across the entire world, a powerful shockwave of energy pulsated through the world. This powerful shockwave, made Crule lost concentration for a moment.

    [Crule]: Shit, the seal has been finally been broken, but the timing¡­

    With the burst of energy filling the entire world, the Wolf spider queen in front of Crule suddenly had an incredible increase in speed.

    The density of energy in the world was doubled, so a majority of beasts on the world suddenly gained a significant power boost.

    The same way oxygen concentration affects the size of animals on earth, the density of energy affects the power of beasts on Noxia.

    Humans, being not a native resident of Noxia, had a slower reaction to the increase in density. They will get far stronger than the beasts, but it required time.

    This time, was something Crule did not currently have. Facing a powered up Wolf Spider queen that suddenly rose infinitely close to A rank, Crule lost the exchange in a grand manner. The wolf spider bit into his arm holding the spear, completely severing it.

    [Crule]: Argggg, Shit¡­

    Crule tried to avoid it, but the wolf spider still manage to bite off his hand. The stump was bleeding profusely and the bones would be seen.

    [Ming]: Crule!

    Finishing the last wolf spider, Ming rushed to Crule¡¯s side.

    [Crule]: Stop the bleeding, I¡¯m alright.

    Ming quickly stopped the blood that was gushing out of Crule¡¯s wrist. She looked in despair at the missing hand.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m still alive. What I wonder is, the erosion formation should still have taken three days to open the seal. Why did it suddenly break now?

    [Ming]: D-don¡¯t think about that, we have to get you out of here and get you first aid.

    [Crule]: We have to finish off this Wolf Spider Queen first.

    Ming stared at the wolf spider queen in hatred.

    [Ming]: Let me finish her off.

    Having gathered a significant amount of blood from the corpses of a hundred wolf spiders, Ming was fully charged. She dumped all of the blood into the room at the same time. A large sphere of blood immediately mixed with the water in the room, turning it into a deep crimson.

    [Ming]: Die.

    Ming made a pillar with blood with her and Crule on it. The spider, was not so lucky. In the center of the bloody water filled room, a vortex started to swirl faster and faster. The spider was quickly swallowed up by the vortex, bringing her deep into the center.

    [Ming]: Even if you have powered up, you won¡¯t survive this.

    Ming, enraged, slammed both her hands down on the pillar and all of the blood in the water condensed into a single spot. The wolf spider queen was immediately crushed by the pressure. Its carapace burst open and all of its bones shattered. Its brain couldn¡¯t take the pressure and pretty much imploded.

    [Ming]: That¡¯s what you get.

    [Crule]: We have to get out of here, now.

    The water was near the top of the room before, but after Ming extracted all the blood from it, it fell back down to around half.

    [Ming]: Let me help you.

    Crule put his arms over Ming¡¯s shoulder and she supported him out of the cave. Along the wave, she destroyed the blood walls that was redirecting the stream. Over time, the den would drain of water as the earth absorbs it.

    [Crule]: For such a careless incident, I manage to lose a hand¡­If the old me were to see me now, he would die from embarrassment.

    [Ming]: Hush, the old you had your full power. Right now you have only slightly more than half of that.

    [Crule]: True.

    With the bleeding stopped early, Crule didn¡¯t lose much of his stamina, but the fight with the queen was still tiring.

    [Crule]: I¡¯m going to take a nap, wake me up when were out.

    [Ming]: Got it.

    Ming carried Crule and they walked out of the cave.

    She stared at the place where Crule¡¯s hand use to be.

    [Ming]: I hate spiders¡­

    She mumbled to herself.

 Arc 5 Epilogue.

    Arc 5 Epilogue.

    Grisly walked cheerfully under the evening moon. He took a stroll out to the central garden today. Whistling while he walked, he soon reached the middle where the statue was.

    [Grisly]: Hmm?

    Something seemed odd about the statue.

    Normally at night¡­the lights around it should be on. But for some reason, it stayed dark.

    He approached the statue. Inspecting it, he found nothing out of the ordinary. Then he suddenly placed his hands on it.

    At that moment, everything was revealed.

    [Grisly]: W-what¡­this¡­.

    In front of him, the statue was already reduced to only the bottom parts. Over eighty percent the statue had disappeared and on top of it, a thick black slime was pulsating.

    Grisly poked the slime and several dozen mouths full of teeth opened on the slime and tried to bite his finger.

    Quickly retracting it, he stared at the slime in awe. He could sense that the slime had a very familiar aura.

    [Grisly]: So that¡¯s what the kid was doing¡­

    Grisly looked at the nearly broken statue and a creepy smile formed on his face.

    [Grisly]: My, my, brother. Looks like this time you have made an enemy far too powerful for you to escape from.

    Grisly laughed maniacally as the slime continued to erode the statue.

    [Grisly]: Let me speed this up a little.

    Most of the time, Grisly¡¯s aura that he showed in public was his illusion attribute. But little did everyone know, he actually had two attributes.

    [Grisly]: Let¡¯s agitate the little bugger.

    He condensed a ball of yellow energy and brought it close to the slime. The slime reacted quickly and its dozens of mouth quickly bit into the yellow ball.

    Suddenly, the slime expanded ten times its original size. The erosion was sped up far beyond its original speed.

    Normally this change would have been noticed by Crule, but currently he was busy fighting the wolf spider queen.

    The statue eroded far quicker and it looked like in the next ten minutes, it was going to disappear completely.

    [Grisly]: Let¡¯s see how that bastard of a brother will do against the kid. Ahahaha.

    Hatred appeared in Grisly¡¯s eyes as he mentioned Grimly.

    ______

    [Grimly]: Achhooo.

    [James]: Sir, are you alright? Do you require cold medication?

    [Grimly]: No, no, probably just dust¡­

    Grimly looked out of his office window. The moonlight was shining brightly on this night.

    He whispered to himself.

    [Grimly]: Why do I suddenly feel this chill¡­

    Suddenly, a powerful shockwave encompassed the world

    Feeling the shockwave, Grimly stared in astonishment.

    [Grimly]: This¡­How?

    [James]: Sir, was that one of the seals?

    [Grimly]: Judging by its strength, it should be the fake seal we put at my brother¡¯s place. How did he find out?

    [James]: Sir, isn¡¯t that fake seal created by the legendary red rider?

    [Grimly]: Yes, we had to force him to do it, but it should be strong enough as so that those below the sixth gate would not notice its actual purpose.

    [James]: We also didn¡¯t tell your brother about the original seal that lies on his campus.

    [Grimly]: Exactly. I gave him the academy fully built as a present. He shouldn¡¯t have any say during its construction. Just how did the fake seal break then?

    [James]: This¡­is bad.

    [Grimly]: Yes it is. Originally, the Antagonist games were supposed to open with weaker beasts the players could kill quite easily. With the fake seal breaking, the lowest level of the beast would double. By the looks of it, even the easiest of beasts would now require a team of players.

    [James]: Indeed.

    [Grimly]: Shit¡­

    Grimly rubbed his temples.

    [Grimly]: No matter, we just have to get our people to be stronger. How goes the training of the generals?

    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.[James]: So far so good, they could now properly spar with Hanuman, although it¡¯s eight against one.

    [Grimly]: Hmm. With the fake seal breaking, perhaps their training speed would skyrocket. I guess this could be a good thing.

    Grimly regained his composure and walked back to his desk.

    [Grimly]: Let¡¯s delay the grand opening for another month. Considering that the energy in the atmosphere has now doubled, we can assume participants would be stronger by then as well.

    [James]: Yes sir.

    James walked out the door to deal with the delay.

    Grimly turned around after sitting in his rotating chair. He looked up at the seven moons hovering over the sky.

    [Grimly]: Damn you Grisly¡­

    ______

    [Grisly]: Achooo. *sniff*

    [Ghestle]: Are you alright headmaster?

    [Grisly]: Yes, yes, I felt like someone was talking behind my back again.

    [Ghestle]: Who would dare?!

    [Grisly]: Nothing nothing. So how goes the report?

    [Ghestle]: After headmaster released the seal, the energy density in the atmosphere doubled. We can assume that our students, as well as every person in the world. Would now train much faster.

    [Grisly]: Hmm, then we better not slack off and get left behind now.

    [Ghestle]: Y-yes sir.

    ______

    Crule and Ming returned to the camp. By the next morning, every student was greatly surprised. It seemed they all felt a bit stronger than the day before, and some even gained insights into their attributes. A few people even manage to establish their second gate.

    Crule gathered up the students after breakfast. Students where gossiping at why Crule had one of his hands in his pocket the entire time.

    [Crule]: There has been a change of plans. We are heading back to the academy immediately.

    The students panicked.

    [Lawks]: Why sir?

    [Thunes]: Yes, why? Isn¡¯t this field trip meant for training?

    [Crule]: All of you quiet.

    The complaining of the students stopped.

    [Crule]: As all of you can feel, the energy in the atmosphere has increased greatly. Many of you probably already have gained insights into your powers. But you should realize, with the energy being so rich now, even the beasts would become more powerful. Without being able to fully understand your new found powers, the strengthened beasts would tear you guys apart.

    [Ming]: This is why we are leaving.

    [Lawks]: This¡­I understand.

    The students nodded in agreement.

    [Shepard]: And just when I thought we would be having fun all week¡­

    The students were dejected but at the same time scared of the hungry growls coming from the distance deeper inside the forest.

    Crule whisper to Ming.

    [Crule]: After we return, I¡¯m going to ask Grisly for a temporary leave.

    [Ming]: Where are we going?

    [Crule]: To see teacher of course. They probably already found Brigid.

    [Ming]: Ah, she might be able to make a replacement for your missing hand.

    [Crule]: Exactly. Knowing her personality, we just have to acquire some rare materials first. And I just so happen to have the perfect material.

    [Ming]: You don¡¯t mean ¡°that¡±?

    [Crule]: Yes, ¡°that¡±.

    [Ming]: God¡­I really don¡¯t want to remember our struggle fighting ¡°that¡±.

    [Crule]: Yea¡­we even lost the old Shin to that monster. But we still manage to take revenge.

    [Ming]: Using ¡°that¡± as a replacement¡­Looks like you actually wanted to lose your hand.

    [Crule]: *smirks* Nonsense.

    [Ming]: Hmph, take care of yourself better next time! I don¡¯t want you to go dying on me again.

    [Crule]: Yes, yes, I got it.

    He pet Ming¡¯s head gently. She soon calmed down.

 Chapter 62: Return.

    Chapter 62: Return.

    The field trip ended abruptly and they rushed back to the tunnel. Along the way, the students were faced with powered up version of the boars and chickens and other evolved beasts. They were greatly struggling against them and require the entire class to act upon one beast at a time.

    Ming may have stopped the bleeding, but Crule¡¯s wound still required first aid. She disinfected it and wrapper it in bandages. Crule rested in the wagon so Ming was the only one keeping the students in check as the horde of beasts attack them on the way back.

    Four days later, they finally made it back. The students looked like a platoon of injured soldiers that just barely survived a week long fire fight. Some students were unconscious, covered in bandages, and lying on stretchers in the wagon.

    The bystanders stared in wonder at the rag tag group that limped their way back into the tunnel.

    [Lawks]: So tired¡­But it was quite satisfying.

    Standing next to her was a two foot tall golem made of cobblestone. After reaching third gate, she had enough control over her energy to form simple golems that could simply tasks like moving heavy things or acting as a shield.

    The entire Lawks clan were what people call ¡°doll makers.¡± Having several thousand years of history, they started out making dolls during the Sengoku era in japan. Having survived into the post-cold war era, they evolved into a clan that made life size androids that perform simple tasks.

    Upon surviving to the rift era, a major branch of the Lawks clan joined the pioneers that settled on Noxia. Using the new found metals and energy, they have developed some of the most powerful combat androids and golems. One can see their work in all shipment yards and most aristocrat have at least one Lawks Android by them at all times to prevent assassinations.

    Since most of them look so realistic, one would simply mistake them for real humans. Elders of the Lawks clan can imbed titanic portions of energy into an android and allow them to use martial skills and spells. These advanced androids where the strongest war potential as they do not tire and injuries doesn¡¯t hinder them. The only problem was their energy cells do require charging but they can also absorb energy from nature like humans can. It was just slower so they could only stay in combat continuously for so long before they have to wait to refill their energy.

    As the second child of the Lawks clan, Camille Lawks didn¡¯t have the pressure of leading the prestigious clan. That job was left to her older brother. Most people just call her by her last name in the academy as she was the only one of the Lawks clan there. She also hated people calling her by her first name. Her golems were not at the point of becoming life like yet, but she looks forward to the day she can make her own combat android.

    ______

    Donovan Thunes was the third little master of the Thunes clan. The Thunes clan specialized in metal dealings. They were a clan that control a liquid metal that could immediately form into powerful weapons and armors. They were an elite knight¡¯s clan that survived since the monarchy of Britain. They would serve the queen until their dying breath, but as the British monarchy moved on, they had to find a new master. They followed master after master until today, they have become a noble clan themselves. The Thunes clan¡¯s knights were called Mercury Knights due to the liquid nature of their metal coatings.

    Upon reaching ten, members of the clan that were found to have exceptional talent, were tested. They would find the highest affinity with a certain metal, and that metal would be the metal they received. On that day, they familiarize themselves with the metal fully. Over time, the metal slowly recognizes its master. Upon reaching a certain point, the metal could be called forth from summoning circles. These metals were normally stored in twenty meter sized vats the Thunes clan kept under their main branch. Each vat was labeled by the name of the knight. No two knights use the same metal.

    Donovan¡¯s metal was the shining magnetic alloy found on one of the moons. He currently doesn¡¯t have enough power to call forth it from the vat so therefore he keeps a supply of it on him at all time, whether it¡¯s the sole of his shoes, the bucket on his belt, or the metal plate he keeps in his pocket, they were all made out of the magnetic alloy called Sirenium. It was a metal that beckon other metal like a siren and the magnetic power it holds was not small. They were several times more powerful than neodymium magnets once activated.

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Now that he was third gate, he could finally summon metal from his vat, although the amount was still limited.

    ______

    George Shepard was a common child. He was a part of no clan and represented the common people in A class. He got in with talent alone. In the entirety of A class, there was only eight clans. The other twenty four were all children of nobles who wanted their kid to get some training. George represented to top of these twenty four. The others looked up to him as he bridges the gap between the highly prestigious and at times arrogant clans to the nobles and common folks.

    He learned he had talent when one day his childhood friend was attacked by a low ranked beast. He beat it after feeling a sort of power welling up within him. A bypassing warrior saw the kid had potential and took him on as a disciple. But George quickly far surpassed the low ranked warrior. With nothing left to teach him, the warrior sent George to try for the Shining Radiance Academy. Being able to get in with talent alone, and on scholarship, he quickly rose in ranks through the classes until he ended up in A class.

    With his third gate established, he finally have enough control over his sand to form pure glass and with certain other metals in his sand, he could even form mirrors now.

    What he control over was silicon. As long as the sand contains silicon, he could control it.

    ______

    With the constant life and death battles during the last four days, some people have made major breakthroughs. Lawks, Thune, and Shepard all established their third gate. They can no longer be considered beginners in the world of warriors and mages, finally becoming virtuosos. But due to the sudden explosion in power the beasts have, the ranking system that the Beauxi auction uses can no longer apply. A ranking system won¡¯t be in place until after the Antagonist games have started.

    The students now both respect and fear Crule and Ming. But with them, they felt secure. Like everything will be fine. Even if they were the same age, they felt Crule and Ming would settle all problems. In the future, they would be of use for Crule.

    They finally got back to the academy and the students dispersed back to their dorms or homes.

    Crule and Ming went to see Grisly. Upon entered the office and seeing the silly grin on his face, Crule understood what happened.

    [Crule]: So it was you¡­

    [Grisly]: I see you have been injured. So how was it?

    [Crule]: I will not be stopped.

    [Grisly]: And I won¡¯t stop you.

    [Crule]: Why? Isn¡¯t Grimly your brother?

    [Grisly]: Half-brother. But I no longer consider him family after what he¡¯s done. I¡¯m glad someone finally will do what I couldn¡¯t do myself due to a promise.

    [Crule]: I see¡­ Will you support me then?

    [Grisly]: As a way to satisfy my revenge? Definitely.

    [Crule]: Then I require a temporary leave.

    [Grisly]: Go for it. The academy doesn¡¯t tie down their professors. Most professors are out in the world doing their own research. That¡¯s why only Ghestle and Yukino are here on campus. Every year, two professors return and replace them. Having you two here was just a bonus.

    [Crule]: I see¡­Then we shall be going then.

    [Grisly]: You sure you don¡¯t need some help with that injury of yours?

    Grisly stared at the bandaged nub where Crule¡¯s hand use to be.

    [Crule]: I got my own plans.

    [Grisly]: I see¡­good luck then.

    He waved them good bye and they set off.

    ______

    After they left, Grisly whispered to himself in a melancholy tone.

    [Grisly]: Mother¡­I didn¡¯t want to do this, but brother had gone too far¡­I will have my revenge. He had no right to kill you¡­

    He looked out his window up at the moons that were still slightly visible during the day time.

    [Grisly]: Soon¡­.

 Chapter 63: Whatéˆ¥æªš in the box?!

    Chapter 63: What¡¯s in the box?!

    Shin and Kate was enjoying their time on Wrath. The moon¡¯s temperature was scorching but, but as winter approached, even the hellish surface of the moon cooled down.

    This was good for merchants, travelers, and tourists, but for blacksmith this was a bummer. The cooling of the temperature means they have less heat to work out impurities in richer minerals. During this down period, they only work with lesser quality metals like the ones found on earth. They do a lot of steel and iron works during this time.

    They enjoyed a quiet two months before an incident occurred. A giant fluctuation in energy density from Noxia that could even be felt on all the moons.

    Shin and Kate could only guess it was Crule¡¯s doing.

    [Shin]: That crazy kid is messing with the world¡¯s balance¡­and yet for some reason I aint surprised.

    [Kate]: Yes¡­it¡¯s kind of¡­expected?

    [Shin]: Whatever, lets enjoy our break while we can.

    The couple went back and enjoyed their leisure.

    Chun Qin on the other hand, was working his ass off. Every day he wakes up, patrols the moon trying to find traces of the red rider, only to come back every night empty handed. However, a week after the energy boom, he finally got lucky.

    A large reinforced shipping container from Metallurgy INC. landed on Wrath one day. Chun Qin was naturally suspicious of Metallurgy. From the container, they wheeled out a large three meter by three meter box made of incredibly dense looking metal. There were all sorts of restrictions on it ranging from biometric hand scanner, eye scanner, and even energy signature scan. They also had all sorts of magical restrictions. Kekkai made with various charms and magic formations, even a barrier shikigami. Whatever was in the box must either be incredibly valuable, or very dangerous.

    Chun Qin can only assume whatever inside must be the thing he was looking for and if it¡¯s not, it¡¯s better to hinder Metallurgy in any way possible.

    The box was brought to a warehouse facility that Metallurgy had control over. The people with a clipboard who received it was mumbling something. Chun Qin enhanced his hearing with his aura and could pick up what the man was saying.

    [Storage Worker]: I wonder what the president was thinking, bringing a prisoner here to have it do work¡­

    Chun Qin assumed this was his chance. There were only two people around the container at this moment. If he attacked now, he would still have a chance, but if it got into the storage warehouse, with its anti-soldier defense system, it was nigh impossible for him to get in by himself.

    He reinforced his arms and rushed in.

    [Deliverer]: Who are y-?

    His sentence was cut short as Chun Qin dashed forth with blinding speed using the agility martial skill and slammed his fast down on the person¡¯s head. It caved in like an old watermelon and he died instantly.

    [Storage Worker]: Shit. I didn¡¯t expect this.

    Chun Qin was about to attack the storage working but noticed something was wrong. After he killed the deliverer, the worker didn¡¯t even blink, he wasn¡¯t even shocked.

    [Storage Worker]: No wonder they made me come receive this package¡­I didn¡¯t know it was going to attract flies.

    The worker threw his clipboard aside and a powerful aura exploded forth from his body.

    [Chun Qin]: You¡­

    [Storage Worker]: Feel the wrath of Gemus, the ¡°self-proclaimed¡± right hand man of Hanuman!

    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.The storage worker¡¯s body suddenly exploded with strength and all the muscles on his body swelled. He rushed forward and punched Chun Qin.

    [Chun Qin]: So it¡¯s a fight you want huh?

    Chun Qin dashed forth and punched as well with his fist that could split mountains.

    As the two fist collided, all the dust on the ground immediately was picked up by the sheer force of the impact. At the same time, the sound of two incredibly strong objects smashing into each other was hear, then immediately in the dust clouds, two shadows were dashing back and forth constantly colliding into each other. Each time they pass, the loud sound vibrated in the air.

    *boom, boom, BOOM, boom*

    The two shadows have reached a stalemate in the middle and just started to throw out a huge barrage of punches. The sheer speed caused the shadow to look like octopuses with an incredible amount of arms.

    With the speed of their punches, the wind created by it blew away the dust cloud.

    From it emerged the uninjured Chun Qin, and Gemus who was now bleeding a little at the side of his mouth.

    [Gemus]: *cough* Lucky punch.

    [Chun Qin]: Purely skill.

    [Gemus]: Then let see if you¡¯re skilled enough to take this.

    Gemus suddenly changed his stance. Before he was moving like a boxer, jumping up and down lightly, having a slight spring in his step. Now he stood still and lowered his center of gravity. It looked like he was a skilled martial artist who had a little control over his energy to strengthen his body¡¯s strength, speed, and endurance.

    [Chun Qin]: Hmph, you seem to be the same kind of warrior I use to be.

    [Gemus]: Taste my fist!

    Gemus had one fist at the side of his waist close to his body, his other fist was raised up next to his head. Instead of just punching randomly, he was resorting now to technique.

    [Chun Qin]: I will how you how a warrior acts.

    His aura covered his whole body now instead of just his arm. With the boost in his legs, his agility skyrocketed and it seemed like he vanished, leaving only a blur and a trail of dust behind him.

    [Gemus]: Shit.

    Gemus could see where Chun Qin went but his body can¡¯t react fast enough to dodge so he could only block.

    [Chun Qin]: Die.

    A pale white aura covers his fist and made them look like balls of white fire. As the fist smashes into Gemus¡¯s side, even with his arm blocking some of the blow, his body contorted due to the sheer pin point pressure of the punch.

    As if suddenly exiting slow-mo, Gemus¡¯s body rag dolled and flew across the ground bouncing a few times before slamming into a shipping container off in the distance. Every time he bounced on the ground, he left a small puddle of blood.

    [Chun Qin]: *pant pant pant* L-looks like he¡¯s dead.

    Knowing his opponent was just as powerful and maybe even stronger than he was, Chun Qin couldn¡¯t spare any effort. Using his remaining strength, he wheeled the box back to his room at a remote inn and fell asleep.

    Inside of the box, a mumbling could be heard, but Chun Qin was fast asleep.

    [Person in the box]: That aura¡­so that kid is that bitch¡¯s disciple huh? Looks like I might owe her one.

    The person waited patiently for Chun Qin to wake up.

 Chapter 64: War of the past.

    Chapter 64: War of the past.

    Chun Qin work up a few hours later feeling refreshed. The fight yesterday was still fresh in his head and he had insights into new and interesting ways to use his aura. Without him realizing, his subconscious was forming gates each time he gained such insights. If one were to inspect Chun Qin now, they would realize he had already established four gates. He himself still thought he only had one still.

    He heard a voice come from the box.

    [Person in the box]: So you¡¯re finally awake disciple of the white rider.

    [Chun Qin]: So you know who I am¡­this could only mean you must be the person I am looking for. The red rider.

    [Red Rider]: At your service, my name is Maximus. May I ask why are you looking for me?

    [Chun Qin]: A friend of mine asked me to find you.

    [Maximus]: Wait a moment.

    Memories from the previous world flooded into him. He let out a small chuckle.

    [Maximus]: Hehehe, I see. Looks like things are going to get fun from now on. Now where is this person Crule?

    [Chun Qin]: This¡­I do not know, but he said he will be here soon.

    [Maximus]: Hmm, so how¡¯s the white rider doing?

    [Chun Qin]: She¡¯s fine.

    [Maximus]: I guess she doesn¡¯t want people to know more.

    [Chun Qin]: She¡¯s quiet as usual.

    [Maximus]: I¡¯m surprised you somehow became her disciple.

    [Chun Qin]: It¡¯s a long story.

    [Maximus]: Eh we got time, tell me about it.

    [Chun Qin]: Fine, it started a few years ago¡­

    ______

    The second galactic battalion arrived swiftly to the combat site. A new aggressive species of aliens decided to invade the earth¡¯s solar system. Our job was to intercept them around Jupiter.

    Our armada set up a large blockade of ships and Larks Super Androids. Upon the horizon of darkness, a thick line of purple slowly approached us. The enemy, full of arrogance, sent their entire army to combat us. Even with their full army, we only required ten galactic battalion to equal them.

    Human population exploded after the Rift era when the new habitable galaxy was discovered. But with relativity, going back and forth between the two galaxy results in time leaps. It was big enough of a time leap to deter some people from traveling, but the Larks Super Androids can withstand it.

    With these androids, and our anti-personnel space weaponry, we were not afraid. The enemy approached close and everyone was excited.

    I was just a lieutenant at the time. Following the orders of my superior, my hundred men team disembark on the Lawks Super Androids. These androids were the dream of many young boys as they resemble the super robots of anime and manga.

    But I knew they were weapons of destruction. I wasn¡¯t as delusional as the young boys in my team. Since the age one could join the galactic army starts at eighteen, there were quite a few eager boys wanting to pilot a Super Android of their own.

    The enemy sent forth their first wave of attack. These seashell shaped ships fired out drill like smaller ships about the size of a commercial airliner. They numbered in the millions.

    As we were deployed from the main ship, our super androids rocketed toward them.

    The clash was inevitable. Our power was overwhelming. Each super android could destroy hundreds of those drill ships. With the sheer number of weaponry under our disposable, and our large size. The ships were no match.

    Every Lawks Super android had three method of combat. The first was the standard issue super android sized laser rifle. It had limited number of shots as it requires a large amount of the android¡¯s internal battery to be devoted to it.

    After the rifle ammo ran out, form the side of the android¡¯s legs can deploy two different type of melee weaponry. The first was a standard issue super android size military rapier. It was made from imported metal from the new galaxy and boasted the strongest durability mankind has ever seen.

    The last and final weapon, was when the android was either damaged beyond repair, or was required to do the most amount of damage, is the nuclear core detonation. This move ejects the pilot in a small capsule and the androids automatically detonates its nuclear power core after sensing the pilot was a certain distance away.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    But against these drill ships we only needed our rifles.

    The battle lasted long. The endless ships constantly assaulted us but with our firepower we dealt with them with ease. But we realize something was wrong. No matter how much we destroy, the drill ships were not lessening.

    Then we heard something shocking from command central.

    It seemed the enemy had sent out a galactic armada destroy sized ship and it had an extremely large weapon in front of it. Energy scanners show it was primed and ready to fire.

    We had no defense against it. The laser fired from the enemy ship and wiped out nearly my entire battalion. I survived, but was knocked far away from the explosions. Losing consciousness, I drifted in my android. Somehow I ended up landing on Noxia. I asked around but it seemed due to time leaps, the war had ended fifty years ago. We won but at a great cost.

    I myself was angry. I haven¡¯t aged a single day, but all my friends and family have gone by fifty years. They probably all presumed I had died. Knowing I couldn¡¯t go back now to disrupt their peace, I decided to live on Noxia under a new name. That¡¯s when I met the white rider.

    She the only doctor in a rural village I happen to settle in. She was kind to all and the village loved her.

    She has come to understand my emotional pains too. Time was a cruel thing. It takes away all who we loved and erodes all living things. But she said it was also the cure for many things as well.

    Helping me get over my post war trauma, she did her best.

    But one day a powerful beast escaped from the nearby wild and attacked the village. Many were killed until she finally revealed her power and disintegrated the beast.

    The townsfolk now hated her for now doing so earlier. But I understood she couldn¡¯t have. They shunned their savior and drove her out. I followed. Soon, she took me on as a disciple as she viewed me like a lost brother. Seems her own past was brutal as well.

    I was in my early twenties during the war, by the time I left with her, I was thirty.

    Looking back now, I kept thinking to myself how I could have helped her more. We went back a year later to the village that shunned her only to find it had been destroyed by another rampaging beast. You would have thought she found it good to have her revenge satisfied, but she only kneeled on the ground and wept for those who perished.

    I couldn¡¯t let go of my revenge so easily¡­So I left her, and continued my training. And that¡¯s when I met Shin, Kate, and Crule.

    ______

    [Chun Qin]: And that¡¯s what happened until now.

    [Maximus]: I see, I remember feeling the tension of war from back then. I had no idea you were one of the soldiers.

    [Chun Qin]: I can¡¯t get my revenge on the aliens who killed my comrades but I found ways to accept it.

    [Maximus]: As the rider of war, I could only say you have my condolences.

    [Chun Qin]: It¡¯s a thing of the past¡­Anyways, time sure have passed.

    [Maximus]: Indeed¡­if only I could find a way to get out of this box.

    [Chun Qin]: It¡¯s far beyond my current capabilities to free you. I think only Crule would have such bizarre methods of removing so many seals.

    [Maximus]: This Crule, I heard from Famina and my past self. It seems his missions greatly coincide with ours. Although what I¡¯m more interested in, is this disciple my past self decided to take on.

    [Chun Qin]: Ah, you mean Ming? I assume she will be here with Crule soon.

    [Maximus]: What do you say that?

    [Chun Qin]: Because they just sent me a text¡­although I don¡¯t know how he got my phone number¡­

    ______

    [Ming]: How did you know Chun Qin¡¯s phone number?

    [Crule]: Lucky guess.

    He smirked and put down the phone of the small ship. It blasted forth toward Wrath at blinding speeds. He will arrive there soon.

 Chapter 65: War incarnate.

    Chapter 65: War incarnate.

    Crule and Ming walked up to Chun Qin¡¯s room. They knocked the door and Chun Qin welcomed them in.

    [Chun Qin]: Long time no see.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s only been a couple months¡­

    He noticed the large sealed box. The aura emitting from it was very familiar.

    [Crule]: Looks like you performed your task well.

    [Chun Qin]: Well, it wasn¡¯t easy.

    [Maximus]: Let me out of this god damn contraption already!

    [Crule]: Ahaha, ok ok, calm down Maxi.

    [Maximus]: And don¡¯t call me that!

    [Ming]: But Maxi is a cute name.

    [Maximus]: You¡­.that aura¡­I see. So you¡¯re the one.

    [Ming]: Yup teacher. Ming here at your service.

    [Maximus]: Ohoho, it¡¯s been so long since someone last called me teacher.

    [Ming]: That¡¯s because you¡¯re too stubborn to take in anyone.

    [Maximus]: That reminds me, the other me didn¡¯t tell me how you became my disciple.

    [Ming]: It¡¯s a long story¡­

    [Maximus]: Oh god, not another one. Let me out first!

    [Crule]: Fine, fine.

    Crule¡¯s overwhelming attribute allows it to consume almost all type of energy as a secondary food source.

    [Crule]: This may take a while.

    He concentrated almost all his currently usable energy and condensed a large shadow hand. The hand gripped the box and tightened. Upon closer inspection, one could see the various spell barriers and other technological locks and seal slowly dissolving in the shadow hand like an Altoid in hot water.

    [Crule]: They really went all out in sealing you.

    [Maximus]: Considering they are holding in the embodiment of war and destruction itself, I¡¯m kind of proud they had to use so many, but also annoying as hell. Anyways, from your aura I assume Famina is doing well?

    [Crule]: Yes, sadly she is still chained to that thing on Gluttony.

    [Maximus]: You still haven¡¯t freed her yet?

    [Crule]: We still need to destroy another seal in order to do that.

    [Maximus]: Ah¡­so that energy fluctuation was the first? I¡¯ve been sleeping for quite a while then.

    [Crule]: We need to prepare for that coming of ¡°that¡± in a few days.

    [Maximus]: Yea, with the first seal broken I assumed ¡°that¡± will show up. This is also why I assumed they brought me over here, to let one demon fight another.

    [Crule]: I¡¯m sure that since they can¡¯t kill you with any conventional method, they hoped you would perish alongside ¡°that¡±.

    [Chun Qin]: Will you stop being so secretive?! What is ¡°that¡±?

    [Maximus]: The guardian of Wrath. The Gigaton Flare Drake.

    [Crule]: We should be glad it¡¯s still only a Drake. If we had to fight it after the second seal breaks, it would have evolved into a full dragon. By then not even the current combined power of Ming, Maxi, and I would be able to kill it. At best we could seal it, but at a great cost.

    [Chun Qin]: That¡¯s¡­why is something so powerful here on wrath?

    [Maximus]: Because it was born here. It was the first creature to be formed from the masses of energy on the moon and over the years it gained incredible powers and intelligence. The other riders and I sealed the beast centuries ago but recently, with all of us busy, no one was able to repair the seal and now with the suddenly burst of energy¡­.

    [Ming]: The drake would be free?

    [Maximus]: Yes¡­

    Suddenly a click was heard and the front lid of the box smashed down onto the inn floor.

    From inside the box a tall man stepped out. His hair was a blazing red color and his thick eyebrows and mustache also radiates a powerful crimson. His eyes shined with the flames of war and his aura was that of a powerful war god.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    [Maximus]: Finally! I can stretch these old bones.

    [Ming]: But master is unaging.

    [Maximus]: You get the idea¡­.

    [Crule]: Now, we have to really prepare for the Gigaton Flare Drake.

    [Maximus]: Don¡¯t worry. I know what to do.

    He started chanting quietly under his breath. Then he placed his hands on top of Ming¡¯s head. A sudden surge power filled her and she seemed even more radiant than ever. The aura she emits now was becoming close to that of the war god.

    [Maximus]: There, I gave you my blessing in this world.

    [Ming]: Yeay, I caught up to Master Crule now!

    [Crule]: Why did you go back to calling me master¡­?

    [Ming]: Opps, I got too excited, force of habit. Sorry Crule.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s ok¡­as long as we aren¡¯t in public.

    [Maximus]: Ohoho, the kid is shy isn¡¯t he?

    [Chun Qin]: You have no idea¡­

    [Crule]: Anyways, Ming and I now have the power to hold back the dragon, but we would still need to kill it.

    [Maximus]: Wait, you haven¡¯t let me finish explaining.

    They all turned and stared at him intently.

    [Maximus]: Ahem, anyways ways. On the way here I sensed ¡°her¡± power. I assume Brigid is here.

    [Crule]: Indeed.

    [Chun Qin]: Oh yea, we found here almost as soon as we got here.

    [Maximus]: Where is she right now?

    [Chun Qin]: Currently she is hanging around her forge.

    [Maximus]: Good good, we will have her make us a weapon.

    [Chun Qin]: Wait, how did you know about the little girl?

    [Maximus]: Little girl? HAHAHHAHAHAHAA, that annoying asshole is still acting as a little girl?

    [Crule]: *cough* I don¡¯t really think we should talk about her age if we want to keep our heads.

    [Maximus]: Right, right, don¡¯t want to piss her off now.

    [Chun Qin]: I feel like I¡¯m missing something important¡­

    [Maximus]: Let¡¯s just say I¡¯ve been friends with her since I was just a wee lad.

    [Chun Qin]: But wait¡­aren¡¯t you unaging?

    [Crule]: Now you understand why we shouldn¡¯t talk about her age¡­

    [Chun Qin]: I¡¯m surrounded by eccentric monsters¡­.

    [Ming]: Cheer up, at least you¡¯re a monster along with us.

    She smiled brightly at Chun Qin, but her eyes were laughing as well.

    [Chun Qin]: *sigh* I guess I am.

    [Crule]: Anyways, we should head out immediately. Chun Qin, show us the way.

    [Chun Qin]: Ok, ok.

    The group left the inn and headed toward the forge. Everyone around them kept staring at the rag tag group. The sheer size and dominating atmosphere emitting from Maximus and Ming made everyone thought they were powerful nobles. Then the evil grin on Crule¡¯s face and the dejected frown on Chun Qin¡¯s face made the group look very eye catching.

    [Chun Qin]: You people just gather too much attention¡­On right, what happened to you hand Crule?

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s just say an occupational hazard.

    [Maximus]: Tis but a flesh wound!

    [Crule]: Either way, I¡¯m going to have Brigid make me a replacement.

    [Chun Qin]: A what now?

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t think for a moment she is only a blacksmith for metals. Why did you think I gave you guys the beetle shell and slime core to her? She also specializes in biological smiting, or what some people call alchemy.

    [Chun Qin]: That little girl is as weird as you two¡­

    It seemed the world was cursed with eccentric powerful little kids¡­

 Chapter 66: Reunion.

    Chapter 66: Reunion.

    Crule and company met up with Shin and Kate along the way.

    [Shin]: Hey, long time no see.

    [Kate]: Several months huh?

    [Shin]: Yea it¡¯s been s- what the¡­ what happened to you hand?

    [Crule]: Accident, don¡¯t worry about it.

    [Shin]: Don¡¯t worry about losing a hand?!

    [Kate]: You need to treat yourself better!

    The two scolded Crule like a couple of parents.

    [Maximus]: Looks like you¡¯re the kid¡¯s parents.

    [Shin]: Who might this tall menacing fellow be?

    [Chun Qin]: The red rider.

    [Shin]: ¡­.Good afternoon Mr. Rider.

    [Maximus]: Hahaha, boy, I sense the pale rider¡¯s power in you. It¡¯s almost a miracle how the disciples of all four riders have met up so easily.

    [Shin]: Sadly I am not a direct disciple¡­

    [Maximus]: Worry not, you will find the old coot eventually.

    [Kate]: Anyways, introductions aside, where are you guys headed?

    [Crule]: I assume you guys found Brigid.

    [Shin]: Yep.

    [Kate]: Adorable little girl isn¡¯t she?

    [Crule]: Hahaha¡­

    Crule laughed weakly at Kate¡¯s comment.

    ______

    They caught up on what each other have been doing for the past few months along the way to the forge.

    [Shin]: So that energy surge was you.

    [Crule]: Yes, it was a bit earlier than I expected due to certain interference, which is why I lost this hand.

    He waved his stump wrist around.

    [Shin]: Uhg, stop doing that, it makes me sick.

    [Kate]: It pains my heart to see it like that¡­

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry. I will ask Brigid to fix it.

    [Shin]: She can do that?

    [Crule]: She is quite capable.

    [Shin]: Wait¡­how do you know?

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s just say she¡¯s more than meets the eyes.

    They reached the door of the forge.

    [Maximus]: She still works in such a crappy place I see¡­

    They knocked on the door.

    [Brigid]: Come in, come in. The door isn¡¯t locked and I¡¯m busy right now so I can¡¯t greet you guys.

    Her voice emitted from a strange crystal on the door.

    [Shin]: Why haven¡¯t we seen that before?

    [Kate]: Maybe we just weren¡¯t paying enough attention.

    [Crule]: She just keeps inventing new and weird things. It¡¯s not strange to see her place change spontaneously.

    They entered and saw the blacksmith nearly completely changed from the last time they was there.

    The interior now looked like a postmodern chemistry lab. The walls was lined with four fume hoods and a cabinet of flask and beakers was beside them. Another cabinet labeled ¡°Chemicals¡± was placed beside a long marble table with several dubious chemicals contained within. Brigid was using tongs to hold a piece of strange looking metal above a powerful flame produced by what looked like a Bunsen burner on steroids.

    [Brigid]: Hey you guys! What¡¯s up? I see you brought more people this time.

    She looked at Maximus and her expression changed.

    [Brigid]: Oh it¡¯s you.

    Her tone went from happy and cheerful to that of annoyance.

    [Maximus]: Long time no see, how you¡¯ve been?

    [Brigid]: You know I still hate you for what you did back then.

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.[Maximus]: I said I¡¯m sorry already. Can¡¯t you put the past behind?

    [Brigid]: Never.

    [Crule]: Ehem¡­

    [Brigid]: Ah sorry, nice to finally meet you.

    Her attitude turned a full 360 as she faced Crule and Ming.

    [Crule]: Hi Brigid. How¡¯s Gerald?

    [Brigid]: He¡¯s fine, currently out buying ingredients though.

    [Shin]: Who¡¯s Gerald?

    [Brigid]: Oh, he¡¯s the old man acting as my dad when you guys visited. I couldn¡¯t trust you yet but after seeing this asshole Maximus and those two kids, I guess I got no choice.

    [Crule]: Gerald has been working for Brigid for a very long time.

    [Brigid]: Of course, I created him.

    [Shin]: W-what?!

    [Brigid]: I get that reaction from most people I tell this to. Gerald is a homunculus I created a long time ago.

    [Kate]: What¡¯s a Humus-cloud?

    [Brigid]: Homunculus. More like an artificial being of sorts.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s not mind the small details and get on with the main point of our visit.

    [Brigid]: Ah right, what did you guys come for today?

    [Crule]: We need a weapon strong enough to take down the Gigaton Flare Drake.

    [Brigid]: Ah? That old bastard is acting up again? Oh right there was that energy surge a few days ago. I could only assume it was you two kids who did that right?

    [Ming]: Well, Crule did most of the work.

    [Brigid]: Right, right, anyways, I will make you guys a weapon, but I need materials. Also who is going to use the weapon?

    [Crule]: I will be.

    [Brigid]: I see¡­I assume it has to do with replacing your lost hand?

    [Crule]: Hahaha, your foresight is almost 20/20.

    Crule reached into his spatial storage and took out a dark box about a cubic foot in size. The box had a small keyhole on the front of it and various glowing marks were etches on the box. Upon closer inspection, one could tell it were seals.

    The aura emitting from the box was powerful. If a normal person were to stand next to it, they would lost consciousness. Even experts and elites would feel pressured. Upon seeing the box, Brigid¡¯s eyes widened to the size of sauce plates.

    [Brigid]: This¡­How did you get it? I want it NOW!

    [Crule]: It¡¯s all yours. As long as you use some of it to make me a hand.

    [Brigid]: *drooling* Yes, yes, whatever you want!

    She jumped up and down in excitement as she took the box.

    [Crule]: Here¡¯s the key.

    He hands her a golden key with similar etchings on it. The head of the key was in the shape of a skull.

    [Brigid]: Ok, ok, let¡¯s do this!

    [Crule]: I assume we should leave you alone to do your task.

    [Brigid]: Yep, yep, just come back in a few days. Or better yet, I will call you when I¡¯m done.

    [Crule]: Ok. Let¡¯s go guys.

    They exited the forge/lab as Brigid excitedly open the box. Inside the box was a charred piece of stone that was pure black. Although burned, it emitted a powerful life force equaling that of Maximus.

    [Brigid]: I didn¡¯t think that kid would get his hand on a piece of Macabre Granite. He would have to pry it off a death golem, and those things are strong enough to destroy smaller planets.

    She caressed the piece of stone carefully and placed it on top of a piece of cloth.

    [Brigid]: Looks like I will have to reevaluate the kid later.

    She began tinker with the stone.

 Chapter 67: The hand of Starvation.

    Chapter 67: The hand of Starvation.

    Within the deep ocean of lava beneath the moon of wrath lies a powerful slumbering beast. Its powerful limbs are shackled with azure blue chain to four hovering crystals. An incredibly powerful looking magic circle glows incandescently underneath the slumbering beast. The chain and crystal can withstand the intense heat the lava due to the magnificent azure glow emitting from it, sure it is a mystic protection spell. The sudden burn of energy recently awoke the beast.

    It stare at the red ocean around it, then the chains on its limbs. It tugged against it with no avail. It sighed as a blue flame escaped its mouth into the lava. It began to lightly blow on one of the shackles. A thin blue line of fire akin to a blue fire welding torch, shot forth from its mouth.

    It thought to itself.

    [Drake]: Soon, I shall be free and my wrath shall be known once again. And I shall get my revenge on the man who sealed me.

    It patiently blew at the shackles as its mighty flame which burned hotter than lava, slowly wore away at the metal cuffs. With the energy boost it got recently, it was only a matter of time before he escapes.

    ______

    Brigid called Crule half a week later.

    [Brigid]: It¡¯s done. Come over, just by yourself please.

    [Crule]: Fine.

    He walked over and entered the door slowly.

    [Brigid]: You finally arrived. Here it is.

    On the pedestal was a gauntlet of black stone.

    It looked like a perfectly normal hand with a black glove on. The only difference is that it looked like the glove was made of stone.

    [Crule]: I see you have really outdone yourself this time.

    [Brigid]: I am proud to say it¡¯s one of my best.

    [Crule]: Correction, one for your best, for now.

    [Brigid]: Hoho, you make me want to join you guys even more now.

    [Crule]: Mhm, take a good at this.

    He took out his dagger, the Taming Sari, and presented it to her.

    Brigid took the dagger carefully and inspected it with great detail.

    [Brigid]: This¡­this is AMAZING! Who made this?

    [Crule]: You did.

    [Brigid]: Really? Wow, I sure did improve over the years. I kind of wish I had fourth dimensional freedom like the riders¡­I would at least know what happened in the previous world. To them, time is a where, not a when¡­

    [Crule]: I doubt we will ever reach the point of the original riders. They are far too enigmatic.

    [Brigid]: *sigh* Anyways, about this artificial hand. Try it on why don¡¯t cha?

    Crule took the hand and place it over the stump wrist. Several thread of electric like energy crawled out of the end of the hand and attaches to the stump. Crule felt a tingling sensation as the glove quickly attaches to the stump like a magnet.

    [Brigid]: Now that it¡¯s connected to you, it can¡¯t be removed by other people anymore. Try moving the fingers by sending energy to it.

    Crule pulsed a thin amount of energy to his hand. He willed it to move and it did, working like a normal hand.

    [Crule]: Works great, knowing you it should have some other function too.

    [Brigid]: Didn¡¯t you ask for a weapon too?

    [Crule]: This hand doubles as a weapon?

    [Brigid]: Not quite. That hand is but a trigger for a gun. The gun itself, I¡¯m still tinkering with it. You want to see a demonstration?

    [Crule]: Ahaha, you know I always do.

    [Brigid]: Great! Come, come, let¡¯s go out back.

    ______

    Outside of her forge/lab, was a yard of around fifty meters. It was quite large and unexpected as a majority of Wrath looked like a desert. The sparse plant life on the planet consist of cactuses and small shrubs. But the yard behind her house, was like a small forest. The well-manicured grass lawn covered the yard like a fine Persian carpet. The trees, although small, were a welcomed sight in such a barren planet. At the end of the yard was a wooden puppet wearing a shirt made out of a sack that use to hold potatoes. It wore a dainty straw hat and someone drew a smiley face on it with permanent marker.

    Entering the yard, was a table right next to the door. On the door was a pitcher of lemonade and several empty glass.

    [Brigid]: Looks like Gerald left us some refreshments. How thoughtful. Lemonade?

    [Crule]: Sure.

    She hands Crule a glass of lemonade.

    Gulping down the refreshing lemonade, Crule felt a feeling of surging energy within.

    [Brigid]: Ah, looks like it was laced with a protection potion. I keep telling him I don¡¯t need it when testing weapons. Damn worry wort.

    [Crule]: I begin to wonder if that man is satisfied only being an apprentice¡­

    He looked down at the lemonade. It was placed with a lot of care and love. It sent a shiver down Crule¡¯s spine when he thought how just drank it without checking what it actually contained.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.[Crule]: I should be more careful¡­

    ______

    [Brigid]: Anyways, now that we are refreshed, BEHOLD! My masterpiece!

    On the table beside the lemonade was a black cannon. It was about half a meter in length and around a foot in diameter.

    [Brigid]: I call it Salvation.

    [Crule]: Why do you call it that?

    [Brigid]: Because of the name I gave that hand of yours.

    [Crule]: Wait, you named the hand too? God¡­knowing your naming sense, it¡¯s probably something exaggerated.

    [Brigid]: Nonsense! I called it the Hands of Starvation.

    [Crule]: ¡­So the Hand of Starvation¡­.is the trigger to the Cannon known as Salvation¡­I suddenly have a headache¡­

    [Brigid]: Hey now, don¡¯t be rude to someone who fixed your hand!

    [Crule]: Fine, fine, let me see how this cannon performs.

    [Brigid]: Word of advice, I¡¯m still working out some ¡°bugs¡± but it should function normally.

    [Crule]: Uh¡­guess I will take your word for it.

    Crule lifted up the jet black cannon. Its sleek design made it look far too high tech for a simple blacksmith to be able to create. A steady stream of blueish energy pulses back and forth from the side of the cannon. Its entire outer shall was made of out sturdy metal to withstand rapid fire. The power at the back end of the cannon was a sort of energy battery that stores even more power than the giant glass sphere the Shining Radiance Academy could, and it was far smaller too, only at the size of a fist.

    He placed his new hand on the cannon and it transformed. A handle shot out from the side of the cannon and Crule put his hand on it. His index finger after coming in contact with the cannon turned into a trigger. He could feel the energy battery sucking in his energy from his body. If he was a normal person, this sort of insane energy vacuum would have killed someone with energy depletion.

    Think of it as the energy constantly applying pressure around someone like the atmosphere, while the energy inside of the person pushes outwards to counter balance it.

    It has the same concept as if one were to go into space without protective gear, the oxygen within them would push outwards the same way it did on the planet which had its atmosphere constantly pushing upon the person. Without anything to stop it, the person would burst, in a crude way of saying it.

    Therefore, if a person were to be drained of all their energy, the pressure of the energy in the atmosphere would compress the person until they are crushed to death.

    If Crule didn¡¯t have his stupidly huge energy supply, he would be feeling a slight pain right now due to the increase in pressure.

    [Crule]: It requires quite a bit of energy.

    [Brigid]: You know it! Glad I knew your energy storage is stupidly large even for a rider.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s try it.

    Crule lifted the cannon and pointed it toward the wooden target dummy.

    [Brigid]: NOOOOO, wait, wait, wait!!!

    [Crule]: What!

    He nearly pulled the trigger when she shouted.

    [Brigid]: Don¡¯t aim it toward the planet, it would destroy us all. Aim for the sky.

    [Crule]: This¡­Fine.

    He lifted the cannon and aimed for the clouds.

    [Crule]: Fire, Cannon of Salvation!

    A stream of Crule¡¯s black energy traveled from the core alongside the energy channels on the side of the cannon and gathered in its chamber. A cylinder of energy condensed slowly in the middle. Pulling the trigger, the cylinder shot out of the cannon with an earth shattering boom. It sounded like a dozen fighter jets suddenly breaking the sound barrier just a meter away from you. The sheer sound could have shattered the very bones in your body if one was not prepared.

    A black beam of energy shot into the sky like the galactic planet destroyer weapon on the Galactic sized destroyers. The traveled as far as the eyes could see and vanished out of sight as it traveled too far for the eyes to see.

    [Crule]: This power¡­hahahaha, this should be more than enough for that lizard bastard.

    [Brigid]: Glad you like it, although I wish I had prepare myself more¡­The bug I¡¯m trying to fix is a limiter that makes the sound lessen a bit as so I don¡¯t have to constantly protect my ear drums each time it fires. But all I can say is wow¡­the cannon didn¡¯t have THAT much power when I used it¡­your energy must be incredibly destructive.

    [Crule]: Ahahahhaha¡­

    [Brigid]: Hey there, are you ok? You¡¯re laughing kind of maniacally there.

    He covered his eyes with his other hand and kept laughing at the sheer power.

    [Brigid]: *whisper to herself* Looks like he¡¯s a bit more power hungry than I thought¡­I kind of regret this now¡­

 Chapter 68: Instant calamity.

    Hey guys! November 8th huh? its my birthday today...Oh well, chapter, chapter, heres the chapter.

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Chapter 68: Instant calamity.

    Standing on the balcony of their hotel room looking across the barren desert, the bold looking man sighed.

    [Maximus]: I can feel that bastard drake¡¯s energy swelling up. Looks like he will pop out in the middle of this town¡­

    [Chun Qin]: So this town is doomed?

    [Maximus]: Looks like it. We can only destroy the drake, not force it to appear elsewhere.

    [Chun Qin]: Shouldn¡¯t we at least evacuate the town¡¯s people?

    [Maximus]: No, their fate was to perish in this disaster then so be it. Those who survive will have a stronger will to live than ever.

    [Chun Qin]: So let nature take its course?

    [Maximus]: Remember this, although we riders are powerful, to the point where we can be considered gods, we still do not temper with the way of nature.

    [Chun Qin]: Then how do you explain Crule? Isn¡¯t time traveling breaking the rules of the universe?

    [Maximus]: You do not understand. Perhaps in our universe it is, but in the universe where he comes from perhaps it isn¡¯t. Time travel isn¡¯t a linear thing. Remember that with each action you decide to take, another universe is created where you took the other action instead.

    [Chun Qin]: That would mean there are nearly infinite amount of universes.

    [Maximus]: Kind of makes you feel small, existential crisis is such a thing¡­

    They looked up at the bountiful stars that shine ever so brightly throughout the night.

    [Maximus]: The desert at night sure is peaceful¡­

    ______

    [Ming]: Hey Crule, that weapon of yours, is it enough to take out the drake?

    [Crule]: I am not sure. In the previous world, we had nothing to do with the drake. The red rider took it down with great effort, nearly losing his life in the process.

    [Ming]: Oh yea¡­he wouldn¡¯t shut up about it when I trained under him. Constantly reminiscing about his greatest battles.

    [Crule]: I could feel it within his aura that the battle took a great deal out of him. When we met him in the old world, he was perhaps only a fourth as strong as he currently is. His injury must be near fatal to be able to cripple him to such extent.

    [Ming]: Now you just making me worried¡­

    Ming hugs Crule from behind.

    [Ming]: Please, don¡¯t put yourself in anymore dangers.

    Crule felt Ming¡¯s tears drip and puddle on his back.

    [Crule]: *sigh* You know I can¡¯t do it.

    [Ming]: Promise me. After seeing you lose your hand again, although I didn¡¯t say much, I still remember the pain of parting with you, knowing that you would die.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going anywhere fast, nor am I seeking death. Its only death seeks me.

    [Ming]: Your avoiding this¡­please just promise me. I-I just don¡¯t know what I would do without you¡­

    [Crule]: Fine, I promise.

    Crule felt the emotion that he lost over the years slowly defrost.

    [Crule]: *whisper to himself* When was the last time I felt another emotion other than anger¡­

    [Ming]: *cheering up* Good, let¡¯s take down that overgrown lizard.

    [Crule]: Haha, I can feel his energy rising. He should be here soon.

    ______

    [Shin]: Crule said the drake will appear tomorrow. He said with the energy surge made monster ranking scale inaccurate so he doesn¡¯t know what it¡¯s classified as.

    [Kate]: This is troublesome¡­Not know the monster we will face. I don¡¯t want to see that kid being in such dangerous situation¡­

    [Shin]: You know we can¡¯t keep him away from this. It¡¯s his fate.

    [Kate]: I know, but still.

    [Shin]: You¡¯re starting to sound more like his mother.

    [Kate]: Well technically we are his parents now.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.[Shin]: Yea, but I feel as if we could never get into the roll. The kid is far too mature for us to get into the feeling¡­

    [Kate]: I didn¡¯t want to think about it at first, but your right¡­What will we do?

    [Shin]: Although we can never feel like his parents, we can still be his emotional support. I am sure you have noticed how he has little emotions.

    [Kate]: I wish I could somehow stop the traumatic event which causes him to become so grim¡­

    [Shin]: We only heard about the things that happened in the previous world through his mouth, and generalized too. We cannot imagine the horrors and tragedy he has seen.

    [Kate]: But¡­.

    [Shin]: Just let it go, perhaps in another universe somewhere out there, we take on the roll perfectly, but this universe of ours is far too perilous.

    [Kate]: *sigh* You¡¯re right¡­

    [Shin]: Now how about you give me a kiss hm?

    [Kate]: Really now? You really don¡¯t know how to read the atmosphere¡­

    [Shin]: Can¡¯t help it, I wasn¡¯t raised in the big city like you.

    [Kate]: Ha-ha, fine.

    She kissed Shin on the cheek.

    [Shin]: Hey, hey I want a real kiss!

    [Kate]: Well that¡¯s all you get for now!

    [Shin]: Nooooo¡­.*sarcastically*

    ______

    The day finally arrived. Everyone gathered next to the giant bulletin board in the center of town.

    [Shin]: So this is it huh?

    [Crule]: Yep, our plan is still, I attack first with the cannon. If it survives, we all attack it at once. The faster we kill the lizard bastard, the less casualties this town suffers.

    [Chun Qin]: I still feel¡­bad¡­about not warning the town folks.

    [Maximus]: Nothing we can do about it. They would just die elsewhere, perhaps even more terrible deaths.

    [Ming]: Keep yourself safe Crule.

    [Kate]: Remember, that we care about you.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry, if the cannon doesn¡¯t kill the dragon, I will back off. The energy it takes is still large enough to make me incapacitated for a good while. I will join you guys after I healed up if the drake is still alive.

    [Shin]: Got it.

    [Crule]: Since Maximus has the most experience fighting such high level beasts, you lead the charge.

    [Maximus]: Ha-ha, a general always charge forth first with his men behind him.

    [Crule]: *mutters* That¡¯s just asking for your death, it¡¯s not even strategically beneficial now days¡­

    ______

    Suddenly, the ground started shaking. The town¡¯s folk were panicking and running about trying to avoid falling debris that fell off the buildings. Some couldn¡¯t move as the shacking made them can¡¯t control their balance.

    *ROOOOOOOARRRR*

    A powerful earth shattering roar boomed from directly under the town center.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s here.

    The group already backed away to a safer location.

    From the ground a red claw slashed its way out into the air. On its wrist was still parts of the shackle, but the chains were now broken. The claw slowly dragged the rest of its body up. The sheer size and heat shocked everyone. Some town folks who did not have energy control passed out from the pressure.

    [Gigaton Flare Drake]: FREEDOM! AHAHAHAHA!!!!!

    [Shin]: Wait he can talk?

    [Crule]: Opps, didn¡¯t I tell you? Beasts above the previous A rank gain enough intelligence to be able to speak.

    The drake sensed a powerful energy signal from behind him. He turned his body quickly to see Crule and the group standing there. Crule was kneeling on the ground with the cannon propped up, aiming at the drake.

    [Gigaton Flare Drake]: YOU DARE!

    [Crule]: Eat this.

    He pulled the trigger and the powerful beam blasted forth.

 Chapter 69: Fighting the Drake.

    Chapter 69: Fighting the Drake.

    An earth shattering boom echoed through the town. All nearby glass shattered as the vibrations ripped them asunder. What no one expected was the blast still not as effective.

    A violet shield of energy formed in front of the drake. The beam constantly smashing into it and bolts of electricity sparks left and right, shooting off from the beam to the ground, scorching all that it touches.

    [Crule]: This is not good.

    The continuous beam is slowly draining him.

    [Crule]: I can¡¯t keep this up for long, I have to at least break that bastard¡¯s shield.

    He had no idea that the drake had such a powerful energy shield that could block such a powerful attack.

    [Crule]: Here goes nothing.

    He places his other hand over the top of the cannon and started channeling raw energy filtered through his attribute directly to the core. The Hand of Starvation actually dilutes the power that enters the core as to not damage it. But seeing how it currently had little effect, he had to risk destroying the core.

    [Crule]: I hate to lose a new toy just as I get it, but this is a dire situation.

    Everyone else was covering their ears and closing their eyes as so the sheer sound and light doesn¡¯t mess with their sense. The sound was loud enough to cause ruptures in one¡¯s ear drums. The light was powerful enough to cause permanent damage to one¡¯s sight. It¡¯s a good thing Crule made temporary sunglasses using the darkness of his aura.

    Having jammed the core full of his raw energy, the beam increased in size and intensity.

    [Gigaton Flare Drake]: RAHHHHHH!!

    The drake shouted as the shield expanded in size as well.

    [Crule]: Take this.

    One final blast, and the beam transformed into a ball as it shot straight into the shield, shattering it.

    Both Crule and the dragon spat out a bit of blood from their mouth.

    [Gigaton Flare Drake]: Good job human, although young, you have manage to damage me.

    [Crule]: Damn arrogant lizard.

    Crule fell on one knee. His chest felt like it was going to burst. It was getting hard to breath and his vision got blurry.

    [Crule]: Shit, I used too much energy.

    The beam fired for nearly five minutes straight before being condensed into a ball.

    Everyone recovered from the shockwave and stared at the carnage. The ground was completely charred black by the constant bolts of electricity. All of the windows in the town was shattered and many people were either unconscious or dead.

    [Maximus]: That is one very powerful weapon, as expected of Brigid¡­but that damn drake¡­ I don¡¯t remember him having a shield¡­Well, shit, we have to attack now before it recovers!

    [Shin]: Got it.

    Shin readied his spear. Chun Qin readied his fist. Maximus took out a large broadsword nearly a meter half in length.

    [Maximus]: Let¡¯s go for a three pronged attack, don¡¯t aim for its tail as it¡¯s still fully functional and is faster than the rest of the dragon. I¡¯ll go for the face, you two attack from the sides.

    [Chun Qin]: Got it.

    They rushed in.

    Ming rushed over to pick up the collapsed Crule.

    [Ming]: You ok?

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m just a little tired, that¡¯s all. Nothing a night¡¯s rest won¡¯t fix.

    [Ming]: Then get some rest, we will finish up here.

    [Crule]: I leave it in your hands.

    Crule hugged Ming and passed out.

    [Ming]: That stupid lizard will pay dearly.

    As if purposefully inciting her anger, her aura density rose several levels. She made a thin platform of blood and carried Crule away from the combat zone.

    She turned to face the drake.

    Maximus was in a stalemate with the dragon, its powerful teeth has clamped on his broadsword, not letting go. Both were wrestling with the sheer force of each other¡¯s power. If the Drake let go first, he would face a sharp slash from Maximus¡¯s sword. He sensed that it was not something he can take head on without escaping with fatal injuries.

    With Maximus holding down the drake¡¯s head. Shin was to the right, fighting the drake¡¯s sharp claws. As if the arm had a mind of its own, the drake support itself on its hind legs alone and both its arms attacked relentlessly. Shin had to constantly dodge and deflect the slashes of the claw. Each time it passed by him, he felt the powerful wind cutting him. Although it didn¡¯t damage him much, the cuts still slowly built up.

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    [Shin]: Shit, I have to get rid of that claw¡¯s speed somehow.

    The claw was currently moving nearly the same speed as Shin while he is using the agility technique. His meant he had to purely focus on it and could not attack other than a few basic stabs.

    [Shin]: Let¡¯s try something new.

    During the months that Shin stayed on Wrath, he manage to establish his first gate. It allowed him to finally access his powerful death aura.

    [Shin]: Taste this, Ten thousand rain drops!

    Instead of imbuing pure energy like he did before, he added his death aura as well resulting in a rain of black energy spears upon the right side of the drake.

    As if stunned by the skill¡¯s killing intent, the claw stopped for a brief moment, which gave Shin enough time to activate the skill to pin point accuracy rain down upon the claw. It shreds the claw like it was a piece of cheese on a cheese grater. The claw was shredded into thin strips of flesh and was sliced clean off from the drake.

    A geyser of blood shot out of its shoulder where its arm use to be.

    [Gigaton Flare Drake]: HNNNNG.

    It couldn¡¯t scream out loud from the pain since if it opened its mouth, Maximus would immediately kill him.

    Sensing an even more powerful anger in the drake¡¯s eyes, Shin didn¡¯t back down but instead hasten his attacks on the drake¡¯s mangled right side.

    ______

    On the left side, Chun Qin was having less luck. He was not as fast as Shin due to his mastery of the agility technique was inferior. His method of attack was also close range compared to Shin¡¯s medium to long range onslaught.

    But with his powerful fists, he can take the drake claw head on instead of dodging. Each time his fist and the claw collides, powerful shockwaves boomed.

    They too were in a stalemate, both were incredibly tough and could not damage each other.

    [Chun Qin]: Let¡¯s try something new as well.

    Just yesterday, Chun Qin realized he actually stablished so many gates unconsciously. With his new found powers, he realized the other half of the white rider¡¯s powers. One side is healing, the other side, was pestilence. A baleful pale white aura emitted from his fists. He once again collided his fist with the drake¡¯s claws.

    But now each time the drake¡¯s claw slams into Chun Qin¡¯s metal-like fists, it became more sickly looking. It was as if it had sunburn, gangrene, and various abrasions and rashes slowly formed on the claw. It soon looked nothing like its former crimson glory, but rather a sickly pink stump of flesh.

    [Chun Qin]: Ha-ha, eat my new Disease Fist! AHAHAHAHAHA

    It seems when Chun Qin uses the pestilence side of his power, his personality changes. Normally he is calm, and had the look of a serene soldier. When he started to change his aura, he became more hot headed like he was before the war, eager to fight, eager to kill, full of arrogance and anger.

    Chun Qin barraged the sickly pink claw until it soon started rotting.

    [Chun Qin]: Take this, Time of death, NOW!

    With both his fist he drives it onto the claw and it explodes in a rain of blood, flesh, and pus.

    Bathed in the filth of the drake, Chun Qin laughed maniacally and kept his onslaught on the left side of the drake.

    [Gigaton Flare Drake]: UHHNNNNG.

    The loss of both its claws, caused it great pain. It was starting to lose large amount of blood and the drake was now sweating. One may wonder how a drake sweats. Well he sweat an orange fluid. It was both heat resistant and once it evaporated, not only cools the drake down, but it produces a noxious fumes similar to that of sulfur dioxide. The smell was incredibly bad. Maximus had the look of disgust overwhelm his face. He nearly puked, but if he did, his grip on his broadsword would weaken.

    [Maximus]: Oh no you don¡¯t.

    Protecting himself from the gas using his aura, Maximus once again powered up.

    [Maximus]: Lets end this, you silly lizard, before you make me vomit all over my shiny sword.

 Chapter 70: Drake Elimination Complete.

    Chapter 70: Drake Elimination Complete.

    The drake has been alive for a very long time. For as long as he could remember, he was the top of the food chain on this orbiting piece of rock and fire. Before these pesky humans arrived, he stood supreme. Strangely enough, he never wondered why he was the only drake on the entire moon. Everything else was just food to him.

    So when the humans came, he thought they were food as well, so he ignored them.

    But as time pass, the humans cleared out the planet of all wildlife. The drake noticed something was wrong, but it was too late.

    With all the naturally occurring wildlife snuffed out by human development, the drake decided to attack humans. It went well the first few times he attacked villages. Their weapons were far too inferior to damage his strong hide.

    But soon he approached a major city. Its defenses was beyond his imagination. The powerful walls stood tall and was overbearing. He couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of power was required to build such walls. He felt fear for the first time.

    He ran away and dug deep underground. But little did he expect, a human still manage to find him. He was dark and menacing. The drake was forcefully subdued by the human. That human made him a pet, gave him power. With this new found power, the drake vowed to follow the human and attack the walled city.

    It was chaos. The walls were completely destroyed and countless hundreds of thousands were dead. The drake ate his fill and burned his way through. The human left after completing his mission and the drake was set free upon the city.

    But soon, another powerful human stood before the drake. He sealed the drake with those annoying azure shackles and sent him deep underground.

    The mystic shackles held the drake there for nearly a thousand years. Over the years, he felt he had become weaker and weaker. The power the menacing human gave him was still there, but his original strength was rapidly depleting. It felt the atmosphere around it become thinner and thinner.

    So he decided to slumber.

    Awoken by the suddenly burst of energy, he felt his breathing got a bit better and decided to break free. The shackles had worn out due to the years and was removed with some effort. Now that he was free, he was going to destroy the humans that bound him there.

    But what is this?

    As soon as he got out, a group of strong humans once again stood in his path. The first human fired a powerful beam of energy at him that could easily left him a large gaping hole if not for the menacing human¡¯s protecting. But the shield his master left him was utterly destroyed by the small human.

    As soon as he thought it was over, the drake was assaulted by three humans on each side. The first human was fast, nearly fast enough to take off his head without him retaliating. He had to somehow destroy his weapon so he used his powerful jaws to bite onto the sword, hoping to crush it, but the sword was incredibly sturdy.

    Having his jaws tied up by the tall human, the other two attacked him from the sides. After great effort, he still lost both his arms. The pain was unbearable and his rage was near his limit.

    Using as much power as he could muster, he broke free from the tall human with the sword, but in the process, he lost several of his teeth. He didn¡¯t mind as they would grow back eventually.

    Facing the three humans, the drake lost two arms. His only remaining form of physical attack was his jaws and his tail. So the drake decided to use magic.

    ______

    [Maximus]: Ha, you manage to break free.

    The energy around the drake suddenly got thinner.

    [Maximus]: Shit, he¡¯s using spells.

    For the energy around to get thinner would mean the spell required a significant amount of energy.

    Small embers of fire condensed around the drake¡¯s mouth. A ball of fire formed in it and grew bigger by the second.

    Chun Qin seeing this as a change, dashed forward and slammed both his fist like a hammer down on the drake¡¯s mouth. The sheer force forcefully slammed the drake¡¯s jaw shut and an explosion boomed in its mouth.

    [Maximus]: Good job!

    Maximus took this chance now that the drake has been temporarily shocked from the explosion to dash forward with his sword. His sword edge glowed a faint red before he slammed it down on the drake with as much power as he could muster.

    With a deafening boom, the drake¡¯s head was knocked nearly a meter into the ground. The shockwave destroyed all the floor tiles within a half mile radius. Dirt and dust flew into the sky and debris rained down.

    The drake started to bleed. The toughest part of his body, his head, was bleeding. He became enraged. On a rampage, his tail became a hurricane of death, destroying all buildings in its path. He roared loudly and another ball of fire shot forth from it. This time, it had less power, but was fired rapidly.

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    The balls of fire engulfed all around it in an inferno of oblivion.

    [Shin]: Shit, we have to end this before the entire town is nothing but ashes.

    [Chun Qin]: But how, we can¡¯t approach him now, his tail is too fast.

    [Maximus]: Then let¡¯s just switch to ranged attacks.

    [Shin]: But you¡¯re using a sword?

    [Maximus]: Hahaha, have you not seen any movies? My sword can fire a wave of energy powerful enough to destroy battleships.

    [Shin]: This¡­

    [Maximus]: Remember this, a spear¡¯s power lies in penetration. A sword¡¯s power, lies in cleaving.

    With a smirk on his face, Maximus gathered his power and slashed with his broadsword. A crescent red wave of energy shot toward the drake. After firing the wave, Maximus collapsed onto his knees.

    [Maximus]: That took a lot more out of my than I thought, man I am getting old and rusty after so many years.

    The wave pass by the drake casually. Then it dissipated.

    Silence.

    The rampaging stopped, the roars stopped, everything stopped.

    The only sound that could be heard was the bellowing of fire, the crashing of debris as it fall from buildings, and the moaning of injured townsfolks.

    The drake stood there with wide opened eyes.

    [Gigaton Flare Drake]: Master¡­.

    With its final breath, it called for its master, but there was no reply. Slowly, a crimson line formed on his neck. A geyser of blood shot forth from it dying the entire town square in crimson.

    Slowly, his head slide off his neck and landed with a thundering boom on the ground. His body went limp and fell forwards also with a boom.

    [Shin]: W-what was that?

    [Maximus]: I call it sword energy. I developed it over the years.

    [Chun Qin]: Sword energy?

    [Maximus]: With my research about energy over the years, I have learned how similar the stuff acts like Qi. Knowing how in books and movies, one can use this Qi to perform magical looking sword techniques, I began developing it. As you can see, it¡¯s powerful but unrefined. It took far too much energy to be efficient at the moment.

    [Shin]: This¡­is amazing. Teach me. Please.

    [Maximus]: Haha, don¡¯t worry eager one, I will teach all of you my techniques before I go.

    [Chun Qin]: Go? Where are you going?

    [Maximus]: After being sealed for so long, I got numerous things to attend to.

    [Chun Qin]: Ah¡­

    Crule and Ming slowly walked to the three. Crule was being supported by Ming¡¯s shoulder. He looked tired but was a bit better than before.

    [Crule]: Good job. I see you was able to use your sword energy.

    [Maximus]: Indeed.

    [Crule]: Word of advice, never use sword energy with your attribute attaches.

    [Maximus]: Hmm? Why is that? Do you perhaps know something from your world I don¡¯t?

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s just say it causes unwanted repercussions.

    [Maximus]: Hahaha, I live for that kind of danger.

    [Crule]: Fine, just use it away from civilization.

    [Maximus]: Don¡¯t worry I will.

    [Ming]: So master, I assume you¡¯re leaving?

    [Maximus]: Yes my brightest pupil.

    [Ming]: I see¡­Stay well.

    [Maximus]: You know I do.

    With a thundering laugh, he walked away.

    [Crule]: The old fool is still as happy go lucky as ever.

    [Ming]: That¡¯s my teacher for ya.

    Everyone laughed heartily as the fierce battle was finally over. It seemed long but had taken less than half an hour.

    The town, well, the town had seen better days. But they can rebuild. Those who survive will take this as a precautionary tale. Perhaps security would increase. But that¡¯s the way humans are. They adapt.

 Chapter 71: What now?

    Chapter 71: What now?

    [Brigid]: My lab!

    She kneeled on the ground after seeing the state her forge/lab had become. It was utterly destroyed. Broken shards of class and exposed electrical wire littered the floor. Her marble counter tops had been reduced to nothing but chunks of rubble.

    [Brigid]: It took so long to get it just right¡­

    She looked dejected.

    [Kate]: Cheer up, maybe some things can be salvages.

    [Brigid]: Your right! Hurry help me find things that aren¡¯t broken yet!

    Kate and Brigid left early to a safer location. They avoided the head on calamity. They returned after Maximus passed by saying its safe now.

    She manage to salvage very little amount of tools and vials of chemicals.

    [Brigid]: I knew I should have taken it with me¡­

    She looked at the small pile of things she had left and sighed.

    [Kate]: Look on the bright side, at least your safe.

    [Brigid]: God I wish I could have punched that lizard bastard for doing this to my lab.

    She was fuming.

    Crule and company walked up to them.

    [Crule]: Looks like your lab has seen better days.

    [Brigid]: Don¡¯t test me.

    [Crule]: OK, ok, now you have more reason to join us.

    [Brigid]: I was going to join you guys anyways!

    [Crule]: Oh¡­you guys manage to convince her? That¡¯s surprising.

    [Ming]: Amazing indeed.

    [Shin]: We aren¡¯t completely useless¡­

    [Chun Qin]: We didn¡¯t do anything though¡­Kate did all the work.

    [Kate]: Wait a minute¡­

    Brigid threw a tantrum and calmed down after a while.

    [Brigid]: So what now?

    [Crule]: Now we go prepare for the grand opening.

    [Brigid]: I see¡­you owe me a lab.

    [Crule]: Sure, sure, how about you get to take over the empty room in my ship? Make it your portable lab.

    [Brigid]: Fine.

    [Shin]: That aside, what do you mean by ¡°prepare¡±? I thought we already prepared.

    [Crule]: There¡¯s still some things that needs to be done. For example, finding the pale rider.

    [Shin]: Ah¡­that¡¯s right.

    [Ming]: We don¡¯t have any clue as to where he is though.

    [Crule]: We can only test our luck¡­Also, with the energy density increasing, you guys should train a lot easier now. It should feel like you suddenly entered into an oxygen rich environment after staying on top a mountain all your life.

    [Shin]: Now that you mention it, I feel a lot stronger when I was fighting the drake.

    [Chun Qin]: Same. It felt as if my energy supply was significantly more than usual.

    [Crule]: That¡¯s due to one of the fake seals breaking.

    [Chun Qin]: Seals?

    [Shin]: Yea, what seals?

    [Crule]: I though explain it to you guys now that we got this far. Brigid come and join us too, I can tell you about it also.

    The gathered up next to a small campfire they made whilst chatting. The dead drake was on the menu for tonight. While they were enjoying a delicious meal, Crule explained the seals.

    [Crule]: The original seven seals were created long ago when the first pioneers set foot on this planet. They found the energy rich and pure. Back then it covered the entire planet and even all of its moons. But it was too rich and at times even noxious. Monsters and beasts on the planet were far too dangerous for human settlement and the environment was not good for long term survival. After the incident on Crecentia, they wanted to ensure the safety of the survivors. Thus they created the seals.

    [Shin]: Who? Who were the ones who made these powerful seals that could limit the bountiful energy on the planet? It¡¯s like reducing the oxygen content of an entire planet.

    [Crule]: I was getting to that part. The original pioneers had seven leaders. Five of which you guys should know. They are the four riders and the Sage of Time.

    [Chun Qin]: The Sage is really THAT old?

    [Crule]: Yes. He has been around long enough to be considered non-human. He¡¯s more of a deity now.

    [Kate]: Wait, who are the other two pioneers then?

    [Crule]: Those two were the most powerful of the original seven. One who took on the mantle of Chaos, and the other took Fate.

    [Shin]: Why haven¡¯t we heard about these two from the riders or the sage?

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    [Crule]: Because it¡¯s a dark past they do not want to talk about. Chaos was too power hungry. He created a fake seal which allowed him to absorb pure energy from the planet. Fate and the other pioneers ganged up to take him down before he got too powerful. The result was the destruction of Crecentia.

    [Chun Qin]: Wait, didn¡¯t Crecentia already get destroyed by the time they made the seven seals?

    [Crule]: No, it didn¡¯t get destroyed, but rather rendered uninhabitable due to a certain disease that spread. Those who manage to contract the disease and survive were these seven pioneers. The rest either died or remain uninfected.

    [Chun Qin]: So that¡¯s why they left that planet?

    [Crule]: Yes. When they left the planet, it was still whole. After their fight with chaos, the planet was demolished to the point where it exists now.

    [Shin]: I¡¯m not a scientist but shouldn¡¯t that planet slowly reform back into a sphere due to gravity?

    [Crule]: Normally it should, but where do you think they sealed Chaos?

    [Shin]: Wait, this can¡¯t be... He¡¯s only sealed and not dead?!

    [Crule]: Yes. The seal manages to stop the time within the nearest vicinity of the planet. The Sage of Time had to borrow the power from all the surviving pioneers to create it.

    [Chun Qin]: This secret is far too great to keep hidden. Why isn¡¯t the governments of Noxia informed of this?

    [Crule]: Because it¡¯s better left unknown. As long as no one tempers with it, it should remained sealed.

    [Shin]: Let me guess, Grimly?

    [Crule]: Yep. Grimly somehow discovered this secret and is trying to release Chaos.

    [Kate]: Why?

    [Crule]: Remember how each of the riders took on disciples? Even the Sage of Time wanted you Kate as his disciple. Chaos wants one too.

    [Shin]: So he¡¯s trying to become Chaos¡¯s disciple?

    [Crule]: Yes, Grimly is as power hungry and mad as Chaos.

    [Brigid]: This is interesting and all that, but what about Fate?

    [Crule]: She¡­perished trying to stop Chaos.

    [Everyone]: ¡­

    A silence swept pass the camp. They have finished their meal by now and were silently thinking about the past.

    [Brigid]: So about these fake seals?

    [Crule]: Ah yes, there is two seals which has fake seals on it which are slowly destroying them. The other five are spread out over the Wild.

    [Shin]: Ah, it all make sense now. So that¡¯s why his company is performing this Antagonist Games?

    [Crule]: Yes, in the pretense of a game, he is going to get other people to do the work for him¡­and they are just going to think it¡¯s an event within the game.

    [Chun Qin]: Those clueless idiots¡­they don¡¯t even know their actions will doom the planet.

    [Crule]: Not only the planet. Chaos will consume even the galaxy if required.

    [Kate]: This¡­So this is why you came back?

    [Crule]: I didn¡¯t reveal the whole truth until now¡­Our mission is far more serious than you think. But we have many ways to stop them. Our main method is to reseal the seals ourselves. This means we have to participate in the Games and reached there before anyone else.

    [Shin]: You make it sound easier said than done¡­

    [Crule]: It isn¡¯t easy.

    [Ming]: Crule and I back in our old world barely managed to do so but it was too late.

    [Crule]: Yea¡­back then Grimly disappeared and we thought it was over.

    [Ming]: Mhm, but a few years of peace later, he returned with that abomination Chaos and proceeded to systematically destroy the planet.

    [Crule]: It was torture watching the world slowly get destroyed and we could do nothing about it.

    [Ming]: Yea¡­

    They both looked sadly at the fire in the middle.

    [Brigid]: Cheer up you two love bird, this time we know before hand and have everyone here to help!

    [Shin]: Yea, we will definitely stop him!

    [Chun Qin]: You have my support.

    [Kate]: Don¡¯t think of taking on this burden by yourself!

    [Crule]: You guys¡­

    They laughed and chatted until the fire died out and they went to sleep back on Crule¡¯s ship.

    ______________________________________________

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 Chapter 72: Accidental Meeting.

    Chapter 72: Accidental Meeting.

    Crule woke up in the morning early. They already prepared everything for the trip back the day before the drake attacked. He went to the cockpit and started the ship. They had to leave before anyone stops them. Some surviving spectator may pester them since they might have saw them take down the drake.

    Crule doesn¡¯t need this publicity right now.

    Just as he was about to leave, he heard a knock on the ship door.

    Who in the world would knock on a ship¡¯s door when it¡¯s about to take off?

    Crule opened the monitor and there was a kid on the screen.

    [Crule]: This¡­I don¡¯t know whether its pure coincidence but our luck is great so far.

    He stopped the engine and opened the door quietly as to not wake everyone up. The suns was barely up and the purple hue dawned upon the horizon.

    [Crule]: I honestly didn¡¯t expect you to come to us. I thought we had to go searching for you.

    [Kid]: Let¡¯s just say I was just in the area. Honestly now, you people should really consider how annoying you make my job before you fight things.

    [Crule]: Ha-ha, I know, I know, reaping isn¡¯t an easy job when there¡¯s several thousands of souls at once.

    [Kid]: So you do understand! SO WHY THE HELL YOU LET IT KILL SO MANY?! With this many poor bastards dead, it would take me MONTHS to get back on track.

    [Crule]: Honestly, it was to lure you.

    [Kid]: You little¡­

    [Crule]: Hahahaha, I see that it worked.

    [Kid]: Humph, fine. What do you want?

    [Crule]: It¡¯s about your disciple.

    [Kid]: Ah that kid? I knew my old disciple gave him half his power but still, it was against my wishes.

    [Crule]: Hey, he isn¡¯t half bad.

    [Kid]: True, true, but several times I wanted to take it back.

    [Crule]: Just let him redeem himself.

    [Kid]: Eh, he did a good enough job handling the drake. I would say he earned his right. To be able to match up to Maximus and the direct disciple of the white rider while having half the power of a normal disciple¡­quite a feat to behold.

    [Crule]: So you were watching¡­

    [Kid]: Well yea, when that many souls were snuffed out in such a short time, of course it catches my attention.

    [Crule]: I see¡­Anyways, let me go wake him up.

    ______

    Shin woke up to knocking on the door.

    [Shin]: Come in, it¡¯s not locked.

    Kate was still sleeping like a log beside him. Shin carefully got up without disturbing her and went to the door. He opened it and saw Crule and a kid standing there.

    [Crule]: Took you long enough.

    [Shin]: Can¡¯t say I¡¯m not tired after such a fight.

    [Crule]: Well, it¡¯s rude to make your master wait so long.

    [Shin]: What are you talking about? Who¡¯s my master?

    [Kid]: I am you little twat.

    [Shin]: Who is this rude kid?

    [Crule]: This, this ¡°kid¡± is the black rider.

    [Kid]: Name¡¯s Morty. Nice to finally talk to you.

    [Shin]: This kid¡­are you sure you¡¯re not playing a practical joke on me?

    [Crule]: I don¡¯t joke.

    He said it in a deadpan serious tone.

    [Shin]: ¡­Right¡­

    [Morty]: Anyways, time to make you my official disciple.

    [Shin]: Wait right now? At least let me put on a shirt!

    [Morty]: Too bad, we gave you enough time.

    The kid lifted his hand and directly slapped it on Shin¡¯s chest.

    [Shin]: Ohmf. Shit that hurts.

    [Morty]: Hold still maggot.

    A black stream of energy slowly crawled up Morty¡¯s arm like a pack of spiders. It crawled from his arm onto Shin¡¯s chest. The spiders then started to bite and borough into his skin.

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    [Shin]: Wait, out, shit, this hurts like !@#$%, God dammit.

    The spiders all dig deep into his skin and dissipated back into energy. Shin¡¯s body eagerly absorb the energy like a dry sponge.

    [Morty]: There, that wasn¡¯t so bad was it?

    [Shin]: That was nightmare inducing¡­I swear I¡¯m going to have nightmares about spiders crawling under my skin now¡­

    [Morty]: Man up you weakling.

    [Shin]: So is there any side effects?

    [Morty]: None at all. Your energy reserves should have improved greatly, about doubled. You should now feel tired less often. One major problem is you may accidentally release a deathly aura which makes people feel melancholy and suicidal, but you can control it quite easily if you aren¡¯t a useless pig.

    [Shin]: That kind of language coming from a kid like you is¡­unsettling.

    [Morty]: Can¡¯t help it. I chose the most "easy to trust" form. Better to reap souls with. People tend to let children approach easier than a skeleton in a black bathrobe.

    [Shin]: That¡¯s true¡­

    [Crule]: I just realized, we have been whispering the whole time, let¡¯s go to the cockpit so we can actually talk like normal.

    [Morty]: Ah, I whisper when I talk most of the time anyways.

    They walked to the cockpit after Shin hastily put on a shirt.

    [Morty]: So anyways, about your job.

    [Shin]: Wait job?

    [Morty]: Yea job, this is a binding contract you know?

    [Shin]: ¡­What do I have to do?

    [Morty]: Nothing for now, but when you die, whenever you die, you get to work for me as a reaper.

    [Shin]: So¡­I become an apprentice reaper?

    [Morty]: Sort of. I mean it makes my job A LOT easier. Can you IMAGINE reaping hundreds of thousands of souls a day by myself?! That¡¯s child abuse!

    [Crule]: I thought you weren¡¯t a kid¡­

    [Morty]: Shut up!

    [Crule]: Just saying¡­

    [Morty]: Anyways, your dad is currently doing the job.

    [Shin]: Wait, my dad is still alive?

    [Morty]: Didn¡¯t you just hear what I said? AFTER YOU DIED! Meaning your dad can¡¯t interact with the mortal realm like I can. He¡¯s kind of a ghost right now.

    [Shin]: ¡­Can I see him? I have so many things to say.

    [Morty]: Tell him after you died too.

    [Crule]: Hey, don¡¯t go dying on me on purpose now¡­

    [Shin]: *sigh* I won¡¯t, but at least it¡¯s reassuring that I got something to do after death. I can talk to him eventually. Better than not having a chance at all.

    [Morty]: That¡¯s the spirit! Anyways I have to get back to work. Due to you guys¡¯ poorly executed hunt of the drake, I have a lot of souls to reap.

    [Shin]: Wait a minute, don¡¯t blame your work on us, if we weren¡¯t here, the whole moon may have faced death by now.

    [Morty]: Shhhhh!

    [Crule]: Aahahaha, he got you there!

    [Morty]: You guys are mean, I¡¯m leaving.

    He suddenly vanished.

    [Shin]: Shit, that¡¯s scary.

    [Crule]: The kid¡¯s an enigma. Considering out of the seven originals, he was the most eccentric. He makes the rest look like tamed old folks.

    [Shin]: No kidding.

    Crule and Shin started the engine again and took off back towards Noxia. Everyone else was still sleeping soundly as if the sandman dropped his entire sack of sand over their eyes.

    Eventually, Shin went back to sleep too.

    Crule set up the auto-pilot and just stared at his onyx black hand.

    He smirked and chuckled in a way that anyone listening would call it an evil laugh.

 Chapter 73: Press conference.

    Chapter 73: Press conference.

    A man with a very clean pressed suit was sweating profusely as he straighten his tie. Facing his mirror in his dressing room, he practices his lines over and over again.

    [Man]: Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the pinnacle of entertainment! The Antagonist games.

    He raised his hand dramatically for more emphasis.

    He put down the stack of paper that was his script. He took a drink of iced water from his glass.

    [Intern]: Mr. Manis, we are live in ten minutes.

    [Manis]: Got it.

    His nervousness got worst. This was the biggest event he is hosting. Messing up now might ruin his career.

    He took another drink of ice water to calm him down.

    [Manis]: Ok, let¡¯s go!

    ______

    Crule and company were huddled around the living room in the ship. There were three couches surrounding a large flat screen. There was a glass tea table in the center with varying glass of drinks ranging from alcohol to juice. The TV was turned on and they were staring at it intently.

    [Kate]: Its start!

    The screen became a countdown timer.

    [Shin]: This would be very exciting if the underlining objective wasn¡¯t destruction of our world.

    [Chun Qin]: You can never trust the media to give the whole truth.

    The countdown ended and Manis was stood on a stage by himself.

    [Manis]: Welcome ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have something very special to show you all.

    A pedestal slowly rose out of the ground. On it was beast that has been chained down.

    [Manis]: This is a beast from the Wild.

    The audience gasps.

    [Manis]: Worry not, he is securely tied up. But this little bugger has something to do about our show today.

    He pressed a button and a video started to play on the screen behind the beast.

    Antagonist Games! Participate today, if you think you can win! Go into the wild and fight beasts in epic mortal combat! Win it all, power, money, praise, everything one may want.

    [Manis]: You all may wonder how normal people can fight against these horrid beasts from the Wild. Well introducing, the new technology from Metallurgy INC. The Nano-burst. Scientists have found a certain energy in the atmosphere of our planet that strengthen our bodies. We age slower and are physically better than our brethren on earth. All this was due to this energy. But many people do not know how to control it! With these Nano-burst, almost anyone can control their energy.

    A small vial of bluish liquid popped up on another pedestal. Manis grabbed it and quickly opened the lid with a satisfying pop.

    [Manis]: Let me show you a demonstration.

    He chugged down the blue liquid. A blue aura emitted from him.

    [Manis]: Wow, just wow, this feels. Powerful.

    He aimed his hand toward the beast. A ball of water formed in front of his hand like magic. Then from the orb, a powerful stream fired out and hit the beast. It penetrated the beast¡¯s head and it died on the pedestal. The pedestal fell back into the ground to avoid showing too much gore.

    The audience were speechless. It was like watching a CGI movie. The power Manis showed was enticing to all who had a mundane life.

    [Manis]: As you can see, even I, who had little to no training, can control the energy. This energy comes in many formed. It all depends on something called attribute. Everyone person has a unique attribute. If one were to join in the Antagonist Games, you will receive an attribute test.

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.The audience cheered loudly.

    [Manis]: Now, the Antagonist Games allow you to hunt the beasts of the Wild. There are many reasons for this game. With so many people, we may finally map the Wilds. Also everything dropped by the beasts, the Beauxi Auction will purchase them. You can make serious money doing this!

    Another pedestal popped out of the ground. On it was a wrist band.

    [Manis]: One may wonder just how strong they have gotten. Well, this wrist band is a sort of character stat menu!

    He took the wrist band and put it on. He pressed the screen on the wrist band and a hologram appeared from it. On it was a small picture of Manis and his stats.

    Everyone stared intensely at the stat that appear on the screen.

    Name: Manis Cartigan.

    Title: N/A

    Attribute: Water

    Specialty: N/A

    Physical: 100

    Energy Amount: 300

    Intelligence: 120

    Charisma: 90

    Vitality: 100

    Energy Control: 30

    Agility: 90

    [Manis]: These Nano-bursts allow an accurate description of one¡¯s stats. 100 Is the average level of an adult male on Noxia. One may ask how these work in the Wild where all electrical appliance have failed. Well these Nano-bursts don¡¯t run on electricity. It runs on glucose. This means you would get more hungry, but with all the beasts you can take down, your menu will greatly increase. You can enjoy those expensive monster meat you can only see on TV!

    Everyone watching the show was now deeply captivated. Ratings are through the roof. This event will be big. So big that the entire planet may participate in it. The TV show went on commercial break.

    Crule looked at the screen and sighed.

    [Crule]: Looks like its really starting¡­I remember how I felt back in the old world when I first saw this commercial. I was very eager to join. How na?ve¡­

    [Ming]: Atleast this time we can participate starting at a higher rank. This means we may get to the seal earlier than anyone else.

    [Crule]: That¡¯s true¡­.

    He turned to face everyone else.

    [Crule]: You see why I wanted you guys to train so much during these past months? Imagine if nearly everyone in the world suddenly gotten their aura and can control energy. We have to fight against them to get to the seal first. We need to be stronger, faster, smarter than all of them.

    [Shin]: This¡­

    [Chun Qin]: I see¡­

    [Brigid]; Wait, do I have to join too?

    [Kate]: Of course! I will be going too.

    [Crule]: Ok, we have to make a name for ourselves. We have to be famous enough so they all who got in our way either bows, or grovels. If we do not, all these people who suddenly got magical power will be full of nothing but arrogance. They will dive headfirst to find the seals like the idiots they are.

    [Ming]: There for, we have to be feared. We will become public enemy number one, demanding fear and respect.

    [Crule]: Are you guys ready?

    [Everyone]: Yes!

    [Crule]: Good, let¡¯s get famous.

 Arc 6 Epilogue.

    Arc 6 Epilogue.

    Brigid was busy redecorating the empty room in the ship. She planned to make it into a mighty forge/lab. Her interest in blacksmithing and alchemy knows no bounds. It took her a few hours but she finally unpacked all the things she retrieved from her destroyed home. After rewiring some wall sockets, she manage to plug in all her permanent machines. Several stainless steel counters where placed on the edge of room and in the center a large work table. Her cabinets of chemicals were once again filled and locked with a strong looking padlock.

    [Brigid]: I¡¯m beginning to like this place.

    She sat down on her special chair and took a sip of her tea that she made after she finished unpacking.

    [Brigid]: Kind of sucks I don¡¯t have my apprentice here but oh well, I already set him free after teaching him all I know about blacksmith. The kid should do well enough¡­though he already in his mid-forties.

    Suddenly there was a knock on her door.

    [Brigid]: Hmm? Didn¡¯t everyone leave today? I was sure they said they couldn¡¯t stand the construction noises. I was sure I saw Ming drag Crule on a date while Kate and Shin went shopping¡­Chun Qin I think went to the orphanage to help¡­So who could it be?

    She opened the door and there stood an old man with a proper suit. He was staring down at his pocket watch as if impatient.

    [Sage of Time]: What took you so long to open the damn door?

    [Brigid]: Oh hey, it¡¯s great grandpa!

    [Sage of Time]: Please, just call me grandpa¡­.adding ¡°great¡± just makes me feel older although I am older than you by a good two hundred years.

    [Brigid]: Please, as the years go on, that gap seem smaller and smaller. So I will call you whatever I want.

    [Sage of Time]: Fine¡­Honestly now, I can see where you got your temper.

    [Brigid]: Hey, if you didn¡¯t ignore mom so much perhaps her temper would have been calmer.

    [Sage of Time]: Oh come on, after your grandpa died, I had to take care of her.

    [Brigid]: Right¡­¡±take care¡± all you did was leave her in front of the TV and went out on your little ¡°excursions¡±.

    [Sage of Time]: Sigh¡­I came to see you, my great grandchild yet how come as soon as we meet you start arguing?

    [Brigid]: Humph.

    [Sage of Time]: *sigh* Fine fine, I brought you a souvenir.

    Brigid¡¯s eyes shined after hearing that.

    [Brigid]: Oh great grandpa, you always bring the best gifts!

    [Sage of Time]: That change of attitude is just like your mother¡­*grumbles*

    He took out a silvery metal ingot.

    [Brigid]: Ooooo, so pure. Where did you find it? It¡¯s not easy to get this purity of Sprutonium. Isn¡¯t it a rare metal that is only found on the moon Jealousy?

    [Sage of Time]: Hey now, if I reveal where I get all my gifts you would be all over the place trying to get more¡­

    [Brigid]: Pleeeeeease.

    She stared at the sage with puppy eyes.

    [Sage of Time]: Ha, as if that would work on me! You are not Moe enough!

    [Brigid]: Please keep that disgusting otaku stuff out of here¡­.

    [Sage of Time]: Oh come on¡­

    [Brigid]: Anyways, thanks for the gift.

    [Sage of Time]: What are you going to make with it?

    [Brigid]: Well this metal has conductive properties equal to that of glutonium. It¡¯s also slightly lighter. But due to its rarity, it¡¯s hard to get enough to make anything meaningful.

    [Sage of Time]: I know of its rarity, why did you think I brought it as a gift?

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.[Brigid]: Ha-ha, great grandpa you spoil me too much!

    [Sage of Time]: *mumbles* At least you appreciate it unlike that mother of yours¡­

    [Brigid]: What is that?

    [Sage of Time]: Nothing nothing, now anyways, how are you these days?

    [Brigid]: Well the usual I guess. You haven¡¯t visited me in nearly two decades.

    [Sage of Time]: I was busy.

    [Brigid]: Yea right, you were busy gambling weren¡¯t you?

    [Sage of Time]: *cough* Enough about that. *mumbles* Why is it everything I said leads to me looking bad¡­

    [Brigid]: I heard that.

    [Sage of Time]: Dammit! Anyways, what do think about those kids?

    [Brigid]: Ming and Crule? Nice bunch of kids. A little weird in the head though.

    [Sage of Time]: ¡°Nice¡± isn¡¯t really the word that can describe them¡­

    [Brigid]: Yea, Ming is cute and I just wanna hug her all day but that Crule¡¯s evil glare whenever I get close keeps me at bay¡­

    [Sage of Time]: Hahaha, that Kid is very protective of his wife.

    [Brigid]: Wait they are married?! They don¡¯t even look fifteen¡­Kids these days.

    [Sage of Time]: Hahaha, you should know their actual age.

    [Brigid]: Should it? I kind of zone out during their long discussions.

    [Sage of Time]: *sigh* Only blacksmith and alchemy can keep your attention long enough.

    [Brigid]: You know it!

    [Sage of Time]: Anyways those two are more like in their early thirties if you count all the years they lived.

    [Brigid]: Eh, so still a young couple.

    [Sage of Time]: Well to us they are young, but to normal people it¡¯s surprising.

    [Brigid]: Eh that explains his always mature and evil looking atmosphere.

    [Sage of Time]: Mhm¡­I feel that kid will be troublesome if someone doesn¡¯t fix his thirst for revenge, but then again I can imagine being in his shoes, I too wouldn¡¯t get over it.

    [Brigid]: Eh, I¡¯m sure if that girl Ming wasn¡¯t such an enabler, Crule would be slightly calmer.

    [Sage of Time]: True¡­but she¡¯s far too loyal. It¡¯s more like she¡¯s his love-struck servant than wife¡­

    [Brigid]: Eh I don¡¯t know how they met, but we need to fix their relationship! It may help improve Crule¡¯s attitude.

    [Sage of Time]: *mumbles* Fixing attitude? Coming from you it¡¯s oxymoronic¡­

    [Brigid]: I heard that gramps!

    [Sage of Time]: Damn you and your sharp ears!

    [Brigid]: I inherited from you, you old coot!

    [Sage of Time]: Argggg!

    The two gossiped about everyone for a while till it became late.

    [Sage of Time]: Well, I have to go now. There¡¯s something I need to do.

    [Brigid]: Stay well then gramps!

    [Sage of Time]: You too! If you feel another energy surge, it would mean my mission was successful.

    [Brigid] As long as it doesn¡¯t result in my lab being destroyed again!

    [Sage of Time]: Hahaha, hopefully!

    He left the same way he came, like a flash.

    [Brigid]: It¡¯s unusual for great grandpa to be in such a hurry, his mission must be important.

    She sighed and went back to tinkering with the ingot of Sprutonium.

 Chapter 74: Closed beta test.

    Chapter 74: Closed beta test.

    Larks sat in seiza in front of her father. He stared at her intently. Her nervousness could easy be seen on her face as well as how hard she is trying to hide it. Suddenly, her father smiled.

    [Larks¡¯ Father]: Good, you have made me proud.

    She couldn¡¯t hold in her emotion and cried. Her father hugged her.

    [Larks¡¯ Father]: There, there, it¡¯s Ok now.

    Due to her position in the family, she couldn¡¯t take over as head but they still had expectations of her. All descendants of the clan normally train in seclusion within the clan¡¯s territory. She was the black sheep, too weak to join them. So her father sent her away to the Shining Radiance Academy, hoping that alternative teachings than their own would help her.

    [Larks¡¯ Father]: You have completely shattered all my expectations. To think that among your generation, you are now the strongest.

    Most kids her age at best had one to two gates established. She had somehow during her time at the academy reached fourth gate. This was unprecedented in her clan¡¯s history. She was the genius among geniuses within her clan.

    [Lawks]: I have to thank Professor Crule for allowing me to achieve such heights.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: I too would like to thank this professor. Perhaps we may be able to recruit him to teach our younger generations.

    Lawks became slightly pale upon hearing that. Remembering her hellish training over the months she shivered a little.

    [Lawks]: I do not thing that is a good idea, Professor Crule is a very free spirit.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Hahaha, receiving such praise from my daughter, how could I not look into it?

    [Lawks]:*cough* What about what I asked earlier?

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Ah yes, I say yes. You will join our main team who will participate in the Antagonist games.

    Lawks¡¯ eyes shined from her tears from earlier.

    [Lawks]: Thank you!

    She hugged her father.

    ______

    Crule looked at the poster at the caf¨¦.

    ¡°Antagonist Games Close beta test! Applicants wanted. There will be a test.¡±

    [Crule]: Looks like it¡¯s time.

    [Ming]: Hey, what are you looking at?

    [Crule]: This poster.

    [Ming]: You¡¯re ignoring me¡­for a poster?

    [Crule]: *cough* I didn¡¯t mean to.

    Ming¡¯s silent rage was fearful.

    They were still on their date.

    Across the room, Kate and Shin sat in disguises.

    [Kate]: I feel bad now for stalking them on their date.

    [Shin]: It was your idea¡­

    [Kate]: Yea, I worry about their relationship. It¡¯s¡­not normal.

    [Shin]: *sigh* You do realize that both of them never had a normal childhood.

    [Kate]: Hey, you didn¡¯t either and you turned out ok.

    [Shin]: Please, I had you with me.

    [Kate]: Oh you.

    They laughed and went back to drinking their coffee and staring at the two.

    [Ming]: Crulllllllle stop ignoring me!

    [Crule]: Hm?

    ______

    At the auditorium in Beauxi, hundreds of thousands of people were lined up. This was the close beta test recruitment. There¡¯s a limited number of spots and lots of powerful people who want to get a week¡¯s head start.

    Crule and company was also waiting. Upon close inspection, many famous clans came too. Everyone had a number and there were a dozen rooms with judges. Judging the candidates one by one takes a while. But only a few stayed in the rooms longer than five seconds. Many were immediately rejected.

    People started to worry as more and more people exit the rooms in defeat. Several hours later and yet not a single person has gotten into the close beta.

    Soon a menacing group of six showed up in a crimson red uniform. It was the Lawks clan. Six them of entered six rooms. With a powerful boom, the six of them exit nearly immediately with a golden piece of paper that emits brilliance.

    [Anonymous 1]: They did it¡­

    [Anonymous 2]: It¡¯s the Lawks clan, of course they could get into the close beta.

    [Anonymous 1]: I¡¯m jealous¡­

    Following the Lawks clan, was the Thune clan.

    [Lawks]: Hey Donovan, I see you made the main team too.

    [Thune]: Same to you! We should thank the professors if we see them.

    [Lawks]: Hahaha, yep.

    The six representatives of the Thune clan went into the rooms too. With a loud crashing sound, they too exited each with a golden parchment in their hand.

    Everyone was shocked. One great clan after another tried to get into the close beta, yet many of them were denied. The Lawks and Thune clan got all six of the members in. This shows their clear superiority.

    A few more failed participants later, George Shepard showed up. He was followed by five other tough looking mercenaries.

    [Shepard]: Let¡¯s go.

    They entered the room and with another explosion, the six of them exited with golden parchment as well.

    [Lawks]: Hahaha, looks like Shepard succeeded as well.

    [Thune]: Well he was at the same level we are at¡­

    [Shepard]: Hey you guys are here too?

    [Lawks]: Considering how big this is why wouldn¡¯t we?

    [Shepard]: Ah that¡¯s true.

    [Thune]: Who are those menacing looking men you came with?

    [Shepard]: It¡¯s the mercenary company that took me in and taught me the art of fighting.

    [Lawks]: Ah¡­They all look quite strong.

    [Shepard]: Right?

    [Thune]: Hmm¡­ Considering the size of this event, you guys thing we might see Professor Crule and Ming here?

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    [Lawks]: Hahaha, maybe.

    Suddenly a deafening explosion came from the six rooms out of the dozen.

    Smoke started seeping out from the door. It opened up and the judge crawled out coughing.

    Crule and company walked out with golden parchments in hand.

    [Lawks]: So they really did come¡­

    [Thune]: Holy crap did they destroy the testing machine?

    [Shepard]: Wow¡­even with my strongest attack I could not even make the tiniest of scratches¡­

    ______

    Just moment earlier¡­

    [Ming]: Looks like it¡¯s our turn.

    [Crule]: Good luck everyone, remember to show all your power.

    [Kate]: Wait even me?

    [Crule]: Hahaha, here use this.

    Crule hands Kate a sword.

    [Crule]: This sword is incredibly sharp. With your mastery in the agility techniques, your speed will allow this sword to become a powerful weapon, even without energy. Just try it!

    [Kate]: Oh, thanks!

    [Brigid]: Why don¡¯t I get free stuff¡­?

    [Crule]: Please, you know how to control energy unlike her.

    [Brigid]: Humph!

    [Crule]: Anyways, good luck.

    They entered the room.

    In front of Crule was a large machine and a desk which sat a judge.

    [Judge]: Welcome. This test is simple. Just destroy the illusion the machine creates. I must warn you, although this is an illusion, it can still hurt you. We got medics on the stand by so don¡¯t worry too much.

    The judge pressed the button and a large shadow appeared from the machine. Crule could feel this shadow was condensed energy. Perhaps it came from an energy core that could store the energy and attribute of someone.

    Crule lightly coated his aura around his fist and punched toward the shadow. A faded beam of black penetrated the shadow¡­then hit the machine. The machine exploded.

    [Judge]: God dammit what is with people constantly destroying our machines?! It¡¯s a good thing we have extras¡­

    Suddenly the broken machine caught on fire and smoke filled the room.

    [Judge]: *cough cough* Get the fire extinguisher!

    They all left the room to grab the fire extinguisher outside.

    Crule exited the room calmly after grabbing the golden parchment on the table.

    He saw that everyone else was finishing too.

    [Crule]: Good, we all got in.

    He looked elsewhere as he saw his students.

    [Crule]: Ha, so those kids are here too. Perhaps I can use them¡­

    He walked toward the students. Ming caught up and joined him. Shin, Kate, Chun Qin, and Brigid was helping put out the fire. It was not good for fire to spread in a closed environment like the auditorium.

    [Crule]: Hello students.

    [Lawks]: Hey professor.

    [Thune]: Funny seeing you here today.

    [Crule]: Hahaha, how can I avoid such a fun event?

    [Shepard]: Fun? More like epic!

    [Crule]: I see you all have made breakthroughs after I left.

    [Lawks]: Yea, most of the class upon getting back manage to break through another level and establish another gate.

    [Thune]: Yea, I can¡¯t believe the three of us are fourth gate now. It use to take someone nearly thirty to forty years to normally reach this high. I mean Headmaster Grisly was already abnormal for reaching fifth gate at his young age.

    [Crule]: Hahaha, then what would that make me?

    [Shepard]: Please professor, you¡¯re a monster.

    [Ming]: Hey, what about me?

    [Lawks]: You¡¯re also a monster¡­

    Lawks¡¯ father saw her talking to another kid and walked over.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Hey, why don¡¯t you introduce to me your friends here?

    [Lawks]: Ah, this here is my friend Donovan Thune.

    [Thune]: It¡¯s an honor to meet the head of the Lawks clan.

    He bows with honor.

    [Lawks]: Hohoho, a boy from the Thune clan. What about this cheerful whipper snapper?

    [Lawks]: This is George Shepard.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Shepard? Never heard of that clan.

    [Shepard]: I am a commoner sir.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Oh, a commoner reaching your strength is indeed worthy of praise.

    Her father can access that their strength are very similar to Lawks¡¯. But the last kid¡­he just can¡¯t access him.

    [Lawks¡¯]: What about this evil looking gentleman here?

    [Lawks]: Uhm dad, this is Professor Crule.

    Her father stared in shock. Due to Crule¡¯s age, he thought he was one of Lawks¡¯ classmates.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Indeed a very mysterious and profound teacher. Being so young yet already a professor. How about you show me a bit of your strength?

    [Crule]: Hahaha, no need.

    [Ming]: Oh, I will do it!

    Ming eagerly accepted.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: And who might this young lady be?

    [Lawks]: *embarrassed* She is Professor Ming.

    Shock once again stunned the old man.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: My god, this generation really are full of geniuses¡­now then Professor Ming, how about a demonstration?

    [Ming]: Ok!

    Ming emitted her aura for everyone around to feel¡­Panic ensues.

 Chapter 75: A generation of demons.

    Chapter 75: A generation of demons.

    Feeling the overwhelming power of the aura, Lawks¡¯ Father actually got on one knee. Being so close to the source of pressure, all the students were already on the floor.

    [Crule]: That¡¯s enough for now.

    [Ming]: Ehhh, but I only used about half.

    [Crule]: Didn¡¯t you realize half the people in the auditorium already fainted. We are trying to go for fame, not infamy.

    [Ming]: Opps, sorry.

    She stuck her tongue out and put one of her hand on her head.

    Lawks¡¯ father slowly got up. His face expressed a mixture of fear, panic, and shock. He was sweating a little and had it seemed the blood drained from his face a little making it slightly paler.

    He looked at Ming with both fear and respect now. Knowing that her power is levels above his, and at such a young age too, he must get on their good side.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Hahaha, good, good. With little monsters like you teaching my daughter I am not surprised she nearly caught up to even me!

    He let out a genuine praise hoping it would improve their view of him.

    Crule smiled. For some reason he felt proud whenever someone call him a monster.  It gives him a boost of confidence about what¡¯s to come. Because only a monster can destroy that demon god.

    Seeing how Crule reacted, Lawks¡¯ father continue to praise him.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Both of you professor even exceeds our elders in our clan, and those old coots has been training for more than a hundred years!

    [Crule]: This is nothing.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Nothing you say? Haha I feel almost embarrassed at my tiny amount of strength.

    [Crule]: Haha.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Anyways, it seems you have caused quite a scene here. Shall we leave to a more calm location?

    He looked around and saw the chaos that Ming had caused.

    [Crule]: Sure. Let me gather my people and we will meet outside.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Oh, you have more with you? Sure, sure, the more the merrier.

    [Crule]: See you later then.

    Crule and Ming walked away.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Lawks, your professors truly are demons with human skin¡­

    [Lawks]: Yea, they are incredibly powerful. Even stronger than Headmaster Grisly.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Hoho, even stronger than that Grimm brother? Those two Grimm brothers are already considered abnormal.

    Shouting and screaming could be heard throughout the room. Many of the weaker people had immediately fainted where they stood. The fire that Crule caused was being fought by those who were still awake but were still fatigued from withstanding Ming¡¯s aura.

    Some people directly lost their mind when faced with such powerful aura. These were the normal people with no training what so ever.

    Lawks¡¯ father left the chaotic room to gather the other people of their clan to head out.

    Lawks look toward Donovan and Shepard.

    [Thune]; I hope my dad doesn¡¯t want to see professor Crule¡¯s power¡­I don¡¯t think I can stand two of those powerful aura back to back in a day¡­

    [Shepard]: No kidding, I could hear my bones creak¡­

    [Lawks]: Yea¡­anyways I will see you guys later then. May we meet at the close beta orientation?

    [Thune]: Right, see ya there.

    [Shepard]: See ya.

    They look around hoping the mass hysteria would not be blamed on them.

    ______

    Crule and Ming was walking toward their group.

    [Crule]: You surprised me back there. Looks like getting the red rider¡¯s power back really improved your aura.

    [Ming]: I know right? I was shocked too when I tested my power.

    [Crule]: With this we should establish the seventh and eighth gate before open beta starts.

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.[Ming]: Mhm, we already have the method since we have done it before.

    [Crule]: Yea¡­now I have 70% of my power back.

    [Ming]: Same.

    They reached their group.

    [Shin]: We should probably leave before we get blamed for all this mayhem.

    [Crule]: I was just going to say we should leave. Come, a student of mine has invited us over.

    [Shin]: Hoho, a student? From the academy I assume.

    [Crule]: Yep. She¡¯s from the Lawks clan.

    [Chun Qin]: What?! The famous Lawks clan?

    [Crule]: Yep.

    [Brigid]: What would we possibly do with the Lawks clan?

    [Ming]: Obviously we are going to borrow some of their fame!

    [Crule]: Also I want them to make us each a super combat android.

    [Chun Qin]: God, this just brings back bad memories¡­

    [Crule]: Hey, don¡¯t you want a custom made super android?

    [Chun Qin]: That does seem tempting¡­back in the day only generals could have their own special androids. They were all incredibly powerful and had the staggering height of a hundred meters.

    [Crule]: They are different from the ones from your younger days. The new super androids can actually fuse with our aura.

    [Chun Qin]: What?! Wouldn¡¯t that make them incredibly powerful killing machines?

    [Crule]: Of course, it¡¯s just they haven¡¯t been created yet.

    [Chun Qin]: Oh¡­more of your future knowledge.

    [Brigid]: I¡¯m greatly interested in this ¡°android¡± you speak of¡­I¡¯m definitely going.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s go then.

    They left the still burning auditorium. Right before they left, Ming snapped her finger and the fire stopped. Looks like her war aura had gotten strong enough to control other aspect other than blood.

    [Crule]: Man, you are getting ahead of me now¡­

    [Ming]: Hahaha, I¡¯m finally ahead of you.

    She hugged him as they walked.

    Lawks¡¯ father and their group was standing outside waiting.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Ohoho, everyone in Professor Ming and Crule¡¯s group looks strong. I welcome you to join my family for dinner at my home.

    [Crule]: I would gladly accept under one exception?

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: What is it?

    He worried about what Crule would demand.

    [Crule]: We get to cook too!

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Oh, that works!

    Wiping the sweat from his forehead he invited Crule on his ship.

    [Crule]: No thanks, we have our own ship. We will just follow you.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Gotcha. Follow us then.

    They got on their respective ship and left. After about an hour of flying, they reached the mountain ranges in Luxia¡¯s western side.

    A large courtyard built in an oriental style lie deep within a valley surrounded by the mountains. A thin layer of fog hover over the courtyard making it hard to see. The luscious green hills and trees made the scenery look like it came straight out of a xianxia novel.

    Crule got a message on the intercom.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Welcome to the Lawks clan headquarters. Very few people get the chance to see this place.

    Upon closer inspection, numerous shimmering androids stood still around the courtyard. They acted as guards. They look like a powerful armada of metal sentry golems. Although they were humanoid, they were still very blocky and crude. It was a far cry from the powerful ultimate androids that existed during Crule¡¯s future.

    [Crule]: Looks like we can mutually benefit greatly this time.

 Chapter 76: Shameless praising.

    Chapter 76: Shameless praising.

    The sage of time gazed at the city sized magic formation from a nearby hill. He was currently on the planet Crecentia.

    [Sage of Time]: Even sealed, you cause the world problems.

    He stared in anger at the center of the magic formation. In the middle was six crosses stabbed into the ground with chains connecting between them. In the middle of it was a shadowy figure wrapped in a cocoon of chains. Six intertwining beams of light shined from the crosses and form a rainbow above the figure.

    This figure was Chaos.

    [Sage of Time]: I will finish you before you take the world with you to hell.

    The sage of time sat down and started gathering energy. He had to release the seals on his power he placed on himself over the years. He had to get ready for the fight ahead of him.

    ______

    Back at the Lawks¡¯ courtyard, Crule and company exited their ship. They admire the large androids up close.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: I see you like our guard androids.

    [Crule]: Indeed they are very nice. Excellent quality metal and articulate attention to detail.

    Lawks¡¯ father face beamed as he was praised.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Hahaha, as a thanks for making my daughter a genius beyond all my possible imagination, we will make an android for you if you like!

    [Crule]: Hahaha, even if you weren¡¯t going to gift me one, I would have bought one anymore.

    Lawks¡¯ Father was once again shocked since the price of one of their android was a small fortune. Even the richest of nobles in Beauxi could at most afford a dozen at the cost of nearly their entire fortune.

    Crule being as young as he looks, being able to buy an android was saying something about his financial power.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Hoho, don¡¯t worry, we will make them free of charge of course. We cannot give my only daughter¡¯s teachers nothing.

    Either way he wanted to build relationships with Crule and Ming.

    [Crule]: Hmm¡­ I know a thing or two about android creation. About the power core, can you use this?

    Crule took out a black colored pearl. It emitted an aura of shadows.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: This¡­such high purity.

    He knew the thing Crule was holding wasn¡¯t any normal monster core. Yes, the android¡¯s power source were cores of powerful beasts from the Wild. It allow the androids to use energy based attack and allow it to perform many of its task with little power expenditure. Since monster cores natural gather energy over time, it was their way of recharging as well.

    [Shin]: God damn, if Crule keep taking things out of that pocket of his, I¡¯m starting to think he¡¯s related to a certain mechanical cat from the future¡­

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Indeed, looking at this incredible monster core, my creative instincts are set to overdrive. Do you have more materials like this? Since we will make one for both you and Professor Ming there.

    Ming walked up to him and placed a red orb in his hand.

    Crule looked at the orb and was astonished. He realized it was the dragon core of the drake they fought. How did Ming get her hands on it?

    [Ming]: You didn¡¯t think that old man Maximus was the one who did the final blow did you?

    She whisper to Crule.

    [Ming]: You should know by now that those who hurt you will face my wrath.

    She put her arms around Crule and grinned. Crule was helpless to her advance¡­he knew he probably shouldn¡¯t resist¡­it was a good thing this crazy girl loved him¡­

    Lawks¡¯ father seeing such an action realized these two were closer than he first imagined. He looked down at the red orb and realized it had an intense power as well. Both should be at the minimum A ranked beasts according to the old Beauxi ranking system.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Good, good. Do you wish to watch our creation method?

    Lawks who was standing quietly beside her father opened her mouth in shock. Her father ALWAYS reminded her never NEVER to show anyone their creation method. It was a clan secret that must stay within the clan. Why would they suddenly show her professors and his friends?

    [Lawks]: Dad what are you doing?!

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Looking at your professor¡¯s knowledge about power cores, he probably already knows about the method. I just don¡¯t know how he got the information¡­did you¡­

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Her father stared at her in a serious way.

    [Lawks]: N-no father I didn¡¯t! I know how important it is for this information to stay within the clan!

    Lawks¡¯ father sensing that his daughter¡¯s words were true reverted his serious face back to one of a smile.

    [Crule]: No need, I know it¡¯s a great secret to your clan and I respect your privacy.

    Lawks¡¯ father smiled this time for real. His respect for Crule went up another level. Most would be incredibly greedy and curious to know the method that has been passed down for thousands of years.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Thank you for your consideration.

    [Crule]: No, thank you for offering such a great secret.

    Crule cup his hands together and bowed. Showing such respect was his way of trying to build a steady relationship.

    Lawks¡¯ Father was beaming now.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Lets head in, no use lingering around the entrance!

    He brought Crule and company into the courtyard.

    After touring around their headquarters, night had fallen and a feast was being prepared. Shin, Kate, and Crule went to the kitchen while Ming, Brigid, and Chun Qin was entertained by Lawks.

    Crule took out a large chunk of Drake meat. Shin and Kate each took a portion and went to make their own dish. Crule too started to cook.

    Shin took a large pot and filled it with water. He took several spices and made an herb bag. He tossed it into the pot and set it to boil. He put the drake meat in and allow it to cook. Normally the meat is a bit tough for eating so he soften it up by slow cooking it. He took several shallots and garlic, minced them and toss them in the pot as well. Shin covered the pot with a lid and allowed it to cook.

    Crule took his drake meat and wash it under cold water. He then tried the steak with paper towels and marinated it using ginger, spring onions, wine, and salt. He also sprinkled some white pepper on it and left it to marinate.

    Kate took the drake meat and minced it. It was very tough but after being minced, it became quite soft. She placed it in a pot and dished a bushel of cilantro and fennel. She mixed the minced drake meat with the diced cilantro and fennel to form a mix. She added salt and pepper with some sesame oil. Kate then got some flour and made a dough. She placed it in a wooden bowl and covered it with a cloth allowing it to rise.

    Shin¡¯s pot had been boiling for a while by now. He opened the lid once every so often during the boiling and skimmed the top. Then he added the vegetables. He diced some celery and radish and toss it in the pot. He added a dash of fish sauce and rice vinegar. He then added in a few cloves of cilantro and placed the lid back on.

    Crule¡¯s drake meat had finish marinating. He prepared a deep pan for frying. Coating the marinated drake meat in tapioca starch, he carefully placed it in the hot frying oil. He took some shrimps, removed the head and removed the shell leaving only the tail. He fried those too with the drake meat. He removed the finished steak with the shrimp and drained them on a paper towel of the excess oil. He proceeded to make a sauce.

    Kate¡¯s dough had risen by now. She took small nobs of the dough and rolled it into a circular sheet. Taking a small spoonful of the drake meat mix, she made dumplings. One by one, artful uncooked dumplings started to fill the wooden chopping board she used. Kate then boiled a pot of water and prepared to cook.

    Shin¡¯s stew was now done as he lowered the flame from medium to low and opened the lid. The rich aroma of the herbs with the drake meat filled the room. He took a large porcelain bowl and scooped the stew into it. He garnished the soup with a few more cloves of cilantro and finished up.

    Crule¡¯s sauce started with saut¨¦ing garlic, spring onions, and ginger. He removed the three and left the oil. He then added tomato ketchup, stirred and added some chicken stock. Then tasted for salt and sugar and added the necessary amount.

    He added in tapioca starch to thicken the mix and once again boiled it. He then added a dash of sesame oil and poured the sauce over the fried drake meat and sprinkled the shrimp on top. He garnished the dish with a blanched green leafy vegetable. The dish was done.

    Kate¡¯s dumplings were placed in the water to cook. As they rose, she quickly took it out and placed them in cool water. It made sure they don¡¯t stick together. She plated and her dish was done with a saucer of soy sauce and vinegar with a hot pepper sauce.

    They brought out the three dish and the feast was ready to begin.

 Chapter 77: Feast of Drakes.

    Chapter 77: Feast of Drakes.

    Nearly a hundred people who currently resides at the Lawks clan headquarters joined for the feast. They were utter amazed at the three dishes Crule, Shin, and Kate prepared. Everyone was complementing them. With so many people, half of the drake meat Crule saved was used, but it was a necessary sacrifice to obtain the favor of the Lawks clan.

    After a hearty meal and festivities full of laughter and cheer, Lawks¡¯ father made a suggestion.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Would Professor Crule and Ming want to try out one of our androids?

    [Crule]: Gladly!

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Then let¡¯s have a friendly spar.

    [Crule]: A good way to help us digest!

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Hahaha, indeed.

    He waves his hand as he brought Crule and company outside. There were two androids around twenty meters tall in the large courtyard. They look exactly the same as the guard androids standing outside.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: These are generic brand androids with the exact same capabilities. It isn¡¯t installed with an energy core so it cannot use energy skills. It¡¯s about the same model as the one we sent to earth a few years back. At the very least they are capable of physical combat and are equipped with a standard issue laser rifle. Due to safety reasons, we will not be using the rifle.

    [Crule]: Deal. So who is up first?

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Of course my daughter will be first up!

    [Crule]: Ahaha, I see. Then Ming can go up first.

    [Ming]: Eh, but I don¡¯t want to move so much right after eating¡­

    [Crule]: Well you don¡¯t want to get fat now!

    [Ming]: I¡¯m not fat!

    She subconsciously looked down at her belly. Slightly panicking, she hurried to the android.

    Lawks walk to the other android and stood behind it. A pod was slowly lowered from the android. Ming and Lawks each entered the pod and placed their hand and feet in the slots. Inside the pod was a very flexible metal skeleton and register even the slightest of movements. This allow full control of the android so that it only require very little training.

    This means the army can send out many soldiers armed with androids to combat with little training.

    The pod lifted back up and entered the back of the android. Tattoos of electricity pulsed through its metal body and both androids came to life.

    Lawks faced Ming with a defensive position. She knew just how skillful Ming was and knew she could only put all her effort in defending.

    Ming however, just stood there in neutral. It looked as if she had many openings but Lawks felt that no matter what, she would be immediately beaten down if she tried to attack.

    Lawks¡¯ father saw the martial expertise of Ming and was shocked once again. To be so skillful at martial arts at such a young age. He begin to wonder if she was one of those aloof immortals that wander the world.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Start whenever you want to.

    Ming suddenly made a move. With a powerful dash, the android already got behind Lawks. Without being able to react, Ming chopped down at the androids limbs. The sound of metal on metal clashed through the skies and both Ming and Lawks¡¯ android¡¯s limb shattered. Since they were made from the same metal, the clash actually destroy both the attacker and defender.

    But it was clear to all that Ming had won. Although her robot was damaged, it was only due to the material was insufficient whereas Lawks lost due to skill.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Marvelous! My daughter has been using androids since a young age yet you manage to do it so easily. Perhaps you had used them before?

    Ming jumped out of the pod before it hit the floor.

    [Ming]: Nope, my first time. But I think Crule used one before.

    Lawks¡¯ father looked toward Crule.

    [Crule]: I¡¯ve used one only once before.

    Lawks now exited her pod and was not disappointed. She respected Ming and her power so it was not shameful to lose to her. In actuality, she wanted Ming to teach her martial arts as well. So far Ming has only taught them how to endure and control their energy in group situations.

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    [Ming]: It was quite fun!

    She ran toward Crule with her hands behind her back. She looked up at Crule with a certain smile.

    Crule knew what she wanted¡­he sighed and patted her head.

    [Crule]: Good job.

    [Ming]: Ahhh, this feels nice.

    Lawks stared at their public display of affection. She cringed a little but was also slightly jealous. She wondered if she could find someone to shower her to affection and praise.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Ahem, I will be next, how about on your team?

    [Crule]: I will go then.

    They waited for the clan¡¯s member to take away the broken androids and replace them with new ones.

    Crule and Lawks¡¯ Father each got into each other¡¯s pod and took their stance. Crule¡¯s android had one hand in front and one hand in back. Lawks¡¯ father¡¯s android lowered its center of gravity with one hand forward in front of him and one by his waist.

    No one tell them when to start. Lawks¡¯ father was carefully observing Crule. He had no openings.

    Ming yawned. It was now dark and the courtyard was being lit up by flood lights hanging on the wall. A gentle breeze blew through and a leaf fell from the nearby tree. As it landed on the ground, both androids vanished.

    Powerful sounds of metal on metal clashing boomed through the courtyard. To the untrained ear, it sounded like a continuous jackhammer. Some unskilled clan members could not follow the fight with their eyes.

    The androids were both high quality and could move at the breakneck speeds that martial cultivators could.

    Fist collided with chop, kick was met with grapple, even a head-butt was used somewhere between the exchange.

    Crule started with a barrage of punches. It looked like he was using both fists to punch continuously without regards to defense but to Lawks¡¯ father, he saw as soon as Crule finished attack with one fist, it returned to his side to protect him. Instead of barrage it was more like an incredibly fast set of jabs. Lawks¡¯ father met the barrage with a palm to absorb the blows.

    He knew that Crule was just testing him. Crule seeing how he manage to blow so well smiled. He picked up his speed. Their spar to experts looked like a beautiful dance under the moonlight. They were exchanging words with their martial arts. The careful way they cancel each other¡¯s blows resulting in none of the metal being damage, but the sound of metal on metal still roared through the night sky.

    Just as fast as it began, they both came to a stop. Crule had placed his hand right under Lawks¡¯ Father¡¯s chin. It was checkmate. Crule manage to lock Lawks¡¯ father in place and was in position to deal a finishing blow. Without the android¡¯s head, its power supply would be cut short and it was cease to function.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: You win.

    Crule just smiled, but of course since he was in the pod, no one could see it.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: You are one of the strongest martial artist I have ever seen. This was without energy too!

    [Crule]: You praise me too high.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: I am speaking the truth!

    They both got out of the pod by jumping. As they walked back to the group, they shock hands. It seems they have reached an agreement.

    [Crule]: I will be expecting your help in the future.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Same.

    Everyone applauded the show.

    Thus ended the feast of drakes and android spars.

    ______

    The Sage of Time opened his eyes.

    [Sage of Time]: So far I have opened half my seals.

    Illusionary stopwatches was floating around him now. His aura was causing distortions in space time. The ground has been charred black by the streaks of electricity sparking off of his body.

    His face was no longer that of an aging old man. He looked like he was back in the 40s. A powerful blue luster shined in his eyes.

    He smiled and closed his eyes again.

 Chapter 78: Class Rankings and Stats?

    Definitely what some people wanted....i assume?

    _____________________________________________________________________

    Chapter 78: Class Rankings and Stats?

    The next morning, The Lawks clan¡¯s close beta team left with Crule¡¯s team to the close beta orientation. On the golden sheet of paper they received was a hidden location where the event will take place.

    Unexpectedly, it was actually the Metallurgy INC. Branch headquarters in Aponis. The last time they were here Shin and Crule caused a major commotion.

    [Crule]: This is¡­unexpected. Shin, we need to get you¡¯re a disguise.

    [Shin]: Yea¡­

    Crule thought about it for a moment then reached into his spatial storage and took out a tanned bronze mask. He threw it to Shin who caught it. It was surprisingly light for being made of metal.

    [Crule]: This should not only ask your face but some of your aura will be filtered through it.

    [Shin]: This¡­I swear you have nearly everything in that pocket of yours¡­

    Shin put on the mask and all of a sudden he felt like a different person.

    [Crule]: Since I have aged quite a bit since I last came here, they cannot expect it¡¯s me. Kate was also delivered here and is only known to one person so we can assume it¡¯s safe.

    [Chun Qin]: What about me¡­

    [Crule]: I¡¯m sure no one remembers you by now.

    [Chun Qin]: ¡­

    [Crule]: Na, I¡¯m kidding. Here.

    Crule took out a wig and toss it to Chun Qin.

    [Chun Qin]: Even your jokes are cruel¡­

    He stared at the wig in his hand and frowned.

    [Chun Qin]: Why does Shin get a cool mask and I get this stupid wig?

    [Crule]: Just put it on¡­

    Chun Qin reluctantly put it on and turned toward the others.

    [Brigid]: Wow¡­instead of a priest, you now look like a hobo!

    [Kate]: Hahahaa. It¡¯s true! You do look like a hobo!

    [Chun Qin]: It¡¯s not funny¡­

    [Ming]: Hey, at least no one can recognize you.

    [Chun Qin]: ¡­Sometimes I wonder why I joined you guys in the first place¡­

    After comforting Chun Qin, they walked to the receptionist. It was a different one that the one who fainted last time due to Crule.

    They were showed to the room where Shin gathered last time.

    It seems they were the last group to arrive.

    A total of eight groups of six gathered in the room. Several of them were easily recognized. There was the Thune clan, the Lawks clan, Crule¡¯s group, and Shepard¡¯s group. The other four were mysterious but Crule recognize one of the groups as the so called ¡°generals¡± of Metallurgy INC. Brunic was staring off into space while Juliet and Claire were talking among themselves. James was also present and was playing with two balls of magnet in his hand. The other two were the lazy looking man Steve and the happy go lucky school girl.

    It seemed none of the other participants survived the training.

    The event started when the door opened and a man walked in. It was none other than Hanuman, the chief of security.

    He looked at the groups of people and smiled. Each and every one of them could spar with him equally and that made his blood boil. Sadly, they do not have the time today to do so but it still meant he had plenty of people to fight.

    [Hanuman]: Welcome, welcome. This will be the Antagonist Games close beta orientation. You lucky forty eight people get to start a week earlier than everyone else. But first! We will have to stablish your user status page and class.

    Everyone knew the game terms as it was stated on the golden pamphlet.

    [Hanuman]: The process is very easy. Just step into this pod and in two minutes, receive your status page. Since those of you here all have a certain level of strength, none of you require the nano-burst implants.

    Two men wheeled in a strange cylindrical pod that looked like a rotating door.

    [Hanuman]: These status pods will be available at every major camp in the Wild and can be used at any time to update your status.

    Another person pushed in a cart with a large number of wrist bands on it.

    Hanuman picked one up and strapped it around his wrist. He pressed a button and a holographic display was shown.

    [Hanuman]: This is the standard issue Antagonist Band. It is not only your status viewer, it also keep track of skills you have and works as your all access pass. This allows you to access the game specific areas that are normally blocked for tourists. Of course all of these special areas are dangerous as they are filled with powerful beasts.

    He took the wristband off and placed it back on the cart.

    Every one of the participants went and picked up a wristband.

    [Hanuman]: Now then, one by one, you guys should enter the pod. Looks like this is going to take a while though.

    It seems Crule¡¯s group who arrived last were the last to get their stats.

    Upon close inspection, it seems each gate represented a gap in levels. Some of the more noteworthy stats were taken.

    Name: Brunic Varkov

    Level: 26

    Title: The Volcanic Brawler

    Attribute: Fire

    Specialty: Shots and corrosion.

    Physical: 400

    Energy Amount: 3000

    Intelligence: 91

    Charisma: 50

    Vitality: 400

    Energy Control: 300

    Agility: 350

    It seems like Brunic has established a second gate. He certainly has improved since he last fought Crule. It seems his defeat inspired him to get stronger.

    ______

    Name: Juliet Willow

    Level: 31

    Title: The Shocking Personality.

    Attribute: Electricity

    Specialty: Magnetism and Chaining.

    Physical: 350

    Energy Amount: 4000

    Intelligence: 130

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.Charisma: 50

    Vitality: 400

    Energy Control: 520

    Agility: 410

    ______

    Name: Claire Smith

    Level: 30

    Title: The Steadfast Titan.

    Attribute: Earth

    Specialty: Tremors and vibrations.

    Physical: 380

    Energy Amount: 3700

    Intelligence: 120

    Charisma: 65

    Vitality: 410

    Energy Control: 430

    Agility: 440

    ______

    Name: Jaqueline Rosia

    Level: 37

    Title: The Innocent Thorn.

    Attribute: None (plant)

    Specialty: Vitality and tenacity.

    Physical: 200

    Energy Amount: 5000

    Intelligence: 140

    Charisma: 15

    Vitality: 200

    Energy Control: 530

    Agility: 330

    ______

    Name: Steve Rodrigues

    Level: 34

    Title: The Cold Sloth.

    Attribute: Ice

    Specialty: Blast chill.

    Physical: 150

    Energy Amount: 4200

    Intelligence: 140

    Charisma: 30

    Vitality: 200

    Energy Control: 300

    Agility: 200

    ______

    All of the generals have improved significantly. It seems almost all of them have established their third gate except for Brunic. To the other martial artists in the room, they were already the strongest so far. But that changed when it was Thune and Shepard¡¯s turn.

    Name: Donovan Thune

    Level: 42

    Title: The Liquid Metal.

    Attribute: Metal

    Specialty: Liquidation and Manipulation.

    Physical: 500

    Energy Amount: 9000

    Intelligence: 120

    Charisma: 100

    Vitality: 600

    Energy Control: 800

    Agility: 700

    When his stat was shown, all the other participants were shocked beyond their core. This kid who looked barely fifteen was FAR stronger than anyone they have ever seen. He was even stronger than a majority of his clan¡¯s men who joined him in this close beta. They were all second to third gate¡­but this kid reached fourth gate. But this shocked as not over yet.

    Name: George Shepard

    Level: 41

    Title: The Desert Mirror.

    Attribute: Earth

    Specialty: Sand and Glass

    Physical: 550

    Energy Amount: 8900

    Intelligence: 110

    Charisma: 90

    Vitality: 800

    Energy Control: 760

    Agility: 720

    Another kid who looked fifteen who was ridiculously strong. He high-fives Thune and everyone somehow thought the two were connected somehow. But apparently today was a day of endless thunderstorms because the shock still hasn¡¯t ended yet!

    Name: Sophia Lawks

    Level: 45

    Title: The Golem Mistress

    Attribute: None (Golemancy)

    Specialty: Control and manipulation.

    Physical: 400

    Energy Amount: 10400

    Intelligence: 140

    Charisma: 140

    Vitality: 720

    Energy Control: 900

    Agility: 600

    Everyone finally learned about her first name¡­BUT STILL! They were shocked at how her level was even higher than the other two! She joined and pats the back of the other two as they stare in jealousy.

    [Thune]: Damn, you got ahead of me¡­

    [Shepard]: And I thought we would all be of the same level¡­

    [Lawks]: Let¡¯s just say I leveled up recently due to a certain spar¡­

    She shivered as she remember her fight last night with Ming. It had allow her to gain insight which probably explains her higher level.

    The person who had his stat done next was Lawks¡¯ father.

    Name: Tym Lawks

    Level: 52

    Title: The Lawks Clan Head.

    Attribute: None (Golemancy+)

    Specialty: Control and Manipulation.

    Physical: 700

    Energy Amount: 15000

    Intelligence: 150

    Charisma: 300

    Vitality: 900

    Energy Control: 1200

    Agility: 1000

    Everyone was shocked once again that such a powerful person had shown up as well. He was famous throughout the world as being the head of the second most prosperous clan in the world. Their androids were used everywhere from everyday activity to combat. Although it was not as wide spread on Noxia as it is on Earth, everyone recognized him.

    [Crule]: Not bad. It seems he is deserving of such a title. He is as powerful as Grisly was before I went to the academy. Definitely one of the strongest known to public.

    Finally, it was Crule¡¯s groups turn.

    It seems like everyone might as well rip their hair out and lie on the floor in shock because what was about to come will forever be embedded into their minds.

 Chapter 79: Fame.

    Chapter 79: Fame.

    [Kate]: Oh, let me go first.

    She stepped into the pod, a light was lit up. As soon as the small light turned green, she stepped out. On the giant monitor in the room and on her wristband, her stats were displayed.

    Name: Kate Wu

    Level: 9

    Title: The Damsel Cop

    Attribute: None (Mythical)

    Specialty: (N/A)

    Physical: 150

    Energy Amount: 800

    Intelligence: 140

    Charisma: 400

    Vitality: 110

    Energy Control: 80

    Agility: 700

    It was the lowest level person in the room. But her sheer agility at her level still made people take a second look. Also the machine not being able to tell her attribute and specialty is rare¡­Hanuman¡¯s eyebrows suddenly rose.

    [Hanuman]: So you¡¯re the same as that old maniac¡­

    He whispered under his breath. Hanuman remember the last time the Sage of Time helped him long ago back when he was but a child. During the developmental phase of the pod, the Sage of Time came to try it to test the pod¡¯s upper limit in evaluating stats. The attribute and specialty seem to be the same error message. Thus it has been labeled as ¡°Mythical¡±.

    Crule looked at Kate. Being level 9 means she can almost establish her first gate. It means she can finally train in her attribute. Looks like they might have to leave her with the sage of time for a day. Of course a day meaning it could be up to a year within that day¡­

    Everyone wondered who would be next in the strangest group of close beta participants.

    [Shin]: Guess it¡¯s my turn.

    He walks into the pod. The stats were shown on the screen.

    Name: Shin Wu

    Level: 41

    Title: The Grim Reapers¡¯ Apprentice

    Attribute: Death (Mythical)

    Specialty: Decay and Drain

    Physical: 900

    Energy Amount: 9000

    Intelligence: 130

    Charisma: 100

    Vitality: 1000

    Energy Control: 800

    Agility: 1100

    With the power he got from the pale rider, Shin finally established his fourth gate and gained a major boost in his strength. Although his level seemed low, his stats were almost comparable to a level fifty. What shocked everyone else was the attribute. Hanuman looked with interest at the masked Shin.

    [Hanuman]: So it¡¯s that man¡­Hahaha, he has gotten strong.

    He whispered to himself. Of course he isn¡¯t going to detain them. He has plans and those plans require a distraction for Grimly so he can perform it. Having this group of people go against Grimly meant a better chance for him to succeed.

    While everyone stared at the mythical tag next to the attribute. Hanuman explained to everyone else.

    [Hanuman]: The mythical tab only applies to those with attribute that is far too profound for the machine to describe, so it tries its best to come up with one. Honestly there¡¯s less than a dozen people on the planet that could make that label appear. Masked gentleman, you are very exceptional.

    The way he said it made Shin realize he recognized him. But he said nothing to Hanuman. He looked at Crule and saw Crule was shaking his head. Looks like he didn¡¯t have to worry about Hanuman knowing.

    While everyone was now on the floor due to the constant surprises and shock, the next person walked up.

    [Chun Qin]: Hmm, I wonder if my stats are better than Shin¡­

    Name: Chun Qin Wei

    Level: 42

    Title: The Soldier Priest Apprentice

    Attribute: Light, Lightning (Mythical)

    Specialty: Healing

    Physical: 1000

    Energy Amount: 12000

    Intelligence: 130

    Charisma: 50

    Vitality: 700

    Energy Control: 1400

    Agility: 1000

    Once again the mythical tab appeared. What shocked people even more was having dual attributes. This was the first person in recorded history with two attributes. Not only that, his stats were almost the same as someone ten levels higher than he was.

    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    [Chun Qin]: Ha! I beat you in stats Shin!

    [Shin]: Rub it in why don¡¯t ya, you had more time to adjust to the full power of a rider¡­I got mine doubled recently so I still haven¡¯t had a chance to really put it to use in training.

    [Chun Qin]: Still, this means I win the bet!

    Shin grumbled and handed Chun Qin an oval.

    [Chun Qin]: Ha, even if it¡¯s only a little bit, winning still feels good.

    He finally got his confidence back.

    But it was immediately shot down by who came next.

    [Brigid]: Hmm, This machine is interesting. I want to try to make one myself later.

    She walked into the machine and a siren started flaring from the machine. She got out quickly and stared at the machine.

    [Brigid]: Hmm? Did I break it?

    Hanuman was staring at it shocked. They had installed a warning when the machine was about to be overloaded. But to overload it required enough energy to be able to destroy one of the moons. But he finally understood with a cold sweat after the stats finally appeared on the screen.

    Some people immediately fainted from shock upon seeing it. Some nearly had a heart attack.

    Name: Brigid Smith

    Level: 99

    Title: The Loli Alchemist

    Attribute: None (Mythical)

    Specialty: Control, Manipulation, Creation, and Decomposition.

    Physical: 2500

    Energy Amount: 400000

    Intelligence: 200

    Charisma: 900

    Vitality: 2000

    Energy Control: 5000

    Agility: 1500

    The only stat on her spread that was low for her level was agility. The other stats were stupidly high. In tests, Metallurgy INC. had tested the amount of energy required to destroy planets and celestial bodies. This information was published and all major clans know about it. An energy amount of 400,000¡­this was enough to completely wipe out one of the moons of Noxia. Of course this would have required her to use all her energy in one go. But her control allowed only 5000 at a time to seep out. Due to not training, her control was low considering the size of her energy supply. This thus limited her destructive power.

    But still, 5000 was enough to lay waste to an entire city with one attack. But her physical power¡­she was over one hundred times stronger than an average human on Noxia. That¡¯s considering Noxians were already quite strong due to absorbing energy since birth. If she wanted to, she could punch a two hundred meter hole in the ground.

    Hanuman stared at the little girl with cold sweats.

    [Hanuman]: Monster¡­No¡­a Goddess.

    Not even the Sage of Time had reached her level of stats. But of course they didn¡¯t know the Sage of Time had put in limiters in his energy as thus it doesn¡¯t cause energy corruption in his nearby vicinity.

    This was the person with the highest stat known to man in the whole world now.

    Sadly the machine doesn¡¯t display one¡¯s age or everyone would be panicking right now. But still, her stats will now spread across the world. Her fame will be immense. The most powerful human in the galaxy so far¡­and she looked like a teenage girl.

    [Brigid]: Eh, it¡¯s lower than I thought.

    [Hanuman]: Eh?

    Everyone stared at the goddess with widen eyes. ¡°Lower than she thought?¡± They could only laugh bitterly at that comment¡­

    Even Shin, Kate, and Chun Qin were thoroughly astonished. They had no idea she was so powerful. They had some idea that her powers were not normal but this¡­this is just far too extreme. They had their mouth open in shock and their eyes were twitching.

    [Crule]: She is still the same as always¡­

    [Ming]: Mhm, she tends to show off huh?

    [Crule]: Only when she gets the chance¡­

    [Ming]: This machine can¡¯t really detect high enough huh?

    [Crule]: Yea, it was calibrated using the old man with his seals on. It should not go over level 99 for now. Her true level is higher than that of course but that damn machine can¡¯t read it.

    [Ming]: Mhm, I hope she makes her own version later. I want to see a more detailed report of her power.

    [Crule]: Haha, right?

    Then it was Ming and Crule¡¯s turn. Of course the shock was lessened by the commotion that Brigid caused but it was still enough to make everyone deeply astonished.

 Chapter 80: Dynamic Duo.

    Fun fact: I actually wrote the first thirty chapters of this story on an airplane. Within a twenty three hour long flights + layover, i had the first few chapters....Honestly i realize this is just an experiment to improve my writing. I use what i learn to write my other story ;D. But before i put all my attention on other stories, this story needs to be finished....and its around 30% done.

    If you got time, try my other story Ari and her pet rock. Its what i work on when im not doing this.

    Give me more evaluation and comments, it helps alot.

    ________________________________________________________________________

    Chapter 80: Dynamic Duo.

    The Sage of Time opened his eyes yet again. He was almost done opening the seals he placed on himself. He looked down at the man sealed in the middle of the giant formation and sighed. The Sage recalled the days when that man was but another innocent soul.

    Back when their little team of seven were happy explorers, joining the pioneers who set forth to a new galaxy. But who know as soon as they enter the wormhole, an entity bestow upon them unknown powers. They cannot see or hear the entity, nor do they know who it is. But this new found power came with a certain change in their personality. Although they had been on adventures together for years, a certain feeling of hostility developed.

    Everyone became distant. Without Hope we probably would have all went our separate ways.

    Memories aside, a burning hatred filled the Sage¡¯s Mind.

    [Sage of Time]: Last time it took all six of us to seal you Chaos. This time while you are weakened, I will finish you off once in for all.

    ______

    Everyone was still staring at Brigid like they just saw a nuclear explosion spread its mushroom cloud right next to them. It was a sight that demanded both fear and respect.

    [Hanuman]: Looks like we have a little monster on our hands today.

    Hanuman¡¯s voice woke everyone up from their state of shock.

    [Hanuman]: I wonder where you have been hiding all these years. Considering your power, you could become the most well-known person on the planet.

    [Brigid]: Too much work being famous. I got things to do, stuff to make. I don¡¯t have time for such a PR nightmare.

    [Hanuman]: Haha, a silent expert. The most mysterious kind.

    Hanuman knew she was far too strong for him to spar but still it lit up his fighting spirit as he wanted to take on someone many levels above him.

    He wanted to see the power that could destroy a country.

    [Brigid]: Anyways, hey you people, if anyone of you tell others about what happen here today¡­

    Her tone turned serious and the sent a certain gaze at everyone in the room. The sudden chill sent shivers down their spines. They quickly shook their heads agreeing that they won¡¯t tell anyone.

    ______

    Finally, it was Ming¡¯s turn. She walked up to the pod but was stopped by Hanuman.

    [Hanuman]: After the last incident, we would like to fix the pod. Sorry for the wait you two¡­

    Hanuman took this chance to use Brigid.

    [Hanuman]: Would Ms. Smith like to help us calibrate the pod?

    [Brigid]: Eh, fine. As long as you give me the blueprints to it.

    [Hanuman]: Hahaha, it¡¯s not a trade secret so sure.

    [Brigid]: Fine, how do I calibrate this thing?

    [Hanuman]: All you need to do is to pump as much energy as you can into this gem.

    Hanuman opened a latch on the pod and took out a large block. It could be said it was a gem¡­but it looked more like a brick made of rare minerals. It was around a meter by sixty centimeter sheet of metal made from a clear see through mineral that resembled a sapphire. He placed the sheet down on a table and it lands with a heavy thud.

    Brigid walked up to it with a glint in her eyes.

    [Brigid]: This mineral is indeed quite rare¡­I want it so bad¡­

    She placed her hand on it and started pumping energy. The block started pulsating with a bright glow. Somehow it was able to withstand the sheer amount of energy that Brigid was inputting.

    Crule knew where Metallurgy had gotten that mineral. It was a rarely found material mined from Gluttony. Looks like the prisoners had manage to break through the crust layer of the moon¡­took them quite a while.

    After the thin crust which was made of mainly glutonium, the thicker layer after it contained all colors of minerals and metals. The only problem is the sheer heat involved when mining them. It required powerful coolant in order to properly mine the area. Not only that, human laborer cannot step within a kilometer of the place since they would immediately die from heat if they did. They had to send in mining drones to mine the riches.

    The block suddenly stopped glowing but for some reason it changed colors from blueish to violet.

    Hanuman seemed very satisfied.

    [Hanuman]: Ok, that¡¯s enough. Thank you.

    Brigid lifted her hands. She didn¡¯t show a single sign of fatigue after releasing such quantities of energy.

    Hanuman took the slab and placed it back into the pod. A radiant violet pulse flowed from the origin of the block across the pod. The lights on it turned on again.

    [Hanuman]: Sorry for the wait, lets continue.

    Ming walked up to the machine again. She stepped into the pod and closed her eyes. Even with her eyes closed, she saw a greenish tint. The light was just that bright. When it turned red, then green again, she walked out.

    The stats were finally displayed on the monitor and her wristband.

    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.______

    Name: Zhuang Yue Ming

    Level: 73

    Title: The Crimson Blood Valkyrie

    Attribute: Conflict (Mythical)

    Specialty: Control, Manipulation, and blood.

    Physical: 2000

    Energy Amount: 999999*

    Intelligence: 190

    Charisma: 200

    Vitality: 3000

    Energy Control: 15000

    Agility: 2000

    ______

    Just when they thought that Ming¡¯s stats would be shadowed by Brigid. After recalibration, her true power was seen. After establishing she got her boost in power from Maximus, she manage to establish the seventh gate with Crule. It seems her energy level was at the maximum the machine can register.

    [Ming]: Eh? It was that high?

    She stared at her energy amount. Suddenly she understood why.

    [Ming]: Ah¡­.the chaotic space¡­

    She must have absorbed some of the primal energies whilst she was traveling back in time. What she thought to be only 70% of her power back, in actuality, Due to her power sky rocketing, she was already stronger than what she had back in the old world. Several time stronger. It just she is currently 70% from what she feels is her max.

    [Ming]: Hahaha, finally.

    Back in the old world, Ming didn¡¯t have enough power to support Crule in his final moments. She thought he sent her back because her help would only hinder the final fight. Little did she know that was not the reason at all. It was all just her assumption.

    Crule sent her back in order to protect her. He just didn¡¯t expect the space to close while she was half out thus ending her life.

    Losing limbs was recoverable, but losing half the entire body was not something one could recover from fully.

    The primordial energy that existed in the event horizon she traveled through allowed her energy amount to grow two fold. So being at 70% means she already has 140% her original strength.

    She was eager to tell Crule the good news but it looks like he already knew. The shock on his face was quickly replaced with a sinister grin.

    [Crule]: How did I not see the change¡­Oh crap, is it because I have been using my own energy as a comparison?

    Crule¡¯s core also went through the chaotic space along with Ming. Perhaps the primordial energy also morphed his energy.

    Crule hugged Ming with a smile and walked into the pod.

    Ming stood there in euphoria.

    [Ming]: It¡¯s so nice to see Crule be more intimate than before.

    Kate and Shin could only imagine if such little displays of affection was being ¡°intimate¡±, how cold Crule must have been in the old world to Ming.

    They had no idea Crule had to sacrifice something in order to make a deal with Famina¡­But this deal was annulled with the death of his older self.

    Watching the smiling Crule enter the pod, they felt pity for Ming for loving such a cold person.

    ______

    Crule look at the inside of the pod. It was lined with velvet and was quite comfortable. Whoever created this wanted more than just a simple machine. The light turned red then green and he stepped out of the pod.

    Finally, Crule¡¯s stats were shown on the monitor.

    ______

    Name: Crule Wu

    Level: 73

    Title: The Onyx Demon Devourer

    Attribute: Hunger (Mythical)

    Specialty: Control, Manipulation, Vortex, and Consumption.

    Physical: 2500

    Energy Amount: 999999*

    Intelligence: 190

    Charisma: 300

    Vitality: 3500

    Energy Control: 20000

    Agility: 2000

    ______

    It seems his hypothesis was correct. The primordial energy did seep into his core when it went with Ming through the event horizon.

    [Crule]: Hahaha, this is great!

    Now knowing he was actually stronger than he was in the past, he finally felt he had a chance at killing Chaos.

    He covered his face and laughed maniacally. His revenge finally had a glimmer of a chance. If he was this powerful at seventh gate, once he fully finish establishing the gate and beyond, he could perhaps be stronger than Chaos who had been absorbing energy for millenniums.

    Before against such odds he felt helpless. But as more and more opportunity threw themselves toward Crule, he knew luck was on his side this time.

    While he and Ming are in their own little world, everyone else was shocked beyond imagination. Several of them couldn¡¯t take it anymore and went brain dead. A few people had to be carried away in stretchers. Hanuman looked in fear at the kid. He had fought him before and barely lost. Now the kid was far too strong and was now so many levels above him. Just when he thought his cultivation speed was great, he met this monster.

    [Hanuman]: Truly a monster¡­

    He just stood there in fear. There wasn¡¯t any trace of respect like when he saw Brigid¡¯s stats. It was just the way he looks and his sinister aura was just too¡­evil.

    [Hanuman]: What to do¡­

    The room was silent other than Crule laughing.

 Chapter 81: Classes.

    Chapter 81: Classes.

    With the conclusion of the status check, the close beta testers went onto the second event of the evening. The class registration.

    [Hanuman]: As you all may know, certain classes might get bonuses and can gather fame. For example, a Blacksmith class will actually allow access to a portable forge. Honestly Classes are more important to those untrained participants who will join in the open beta. It dictates their skill tree unlike everyone here who has already cultivated in a large number of martial skill.

    Hanuman pressed the wristband and the hologram screen appeared again.

    [Hanuman]: In order to get people more interested, we have gathered several thousand martial arts manuals for thousands upon thousands of skills. Choosing a class actually allows you to access the skills like a library. Of course all of these skills will be free of charge depending on the class you will become.

    He put his screen on the monitor and it displayed his Class.

    Under his class name were a list of martial skills he had access to.

    Class: General

    Skills learnt:

    -Tactics

    -Moral Boost

    -Silver Sky Cleave

    -Command unit

    -Android Pilot

    -N/A

    [Hanuman]: For security reasons I have covered most of the skills I have learned.

    Under the general tab were over fifty different skills. Hanuman scrolled through them and randomly selected a skill.

    A screen came up that looked like a web book. It accurately describes the skill and its cultivation methods. It was incredibly detailed and well written.

    [Hanuman]: This skill library took decades to make. I hope you do not squander such opportunities.

    Everyone in the room¡¯s eyes lit up. Many people who did not have the support of large clans had no access to such martial skills. Many of them only used the most basic of combat via brute strength and their aura they control.

    But the accessibility to such a large number of martial skill caught the large clan¡¯s interest. It was a good way to expand their own library.

    [Hanuman]: I see that you all are very eager to get started. Let¡¯s see what class you all are.

    There were many basic classes among the thirty six people remaining. Twelve of the original forty eight had to be taken away on stretchers due to the previous event.

    There were some swordsmen, blade masters, gladiators, berserkers, and even simple mages like water mage or fire mage.

    Quite a few people had generic classes but once it got to the big clans, the unique classes started showing.

    Classes like elemental archers, necromancers, puppet master, and even beast tamers started showing up.

    Donovan turns out to be a Metalmancer. Although a majority of his clan had the same ability, they were all just Metal mages or Metal benders. Only Donovan got the class Metalmancer. The list of skills were significantly better than the others.

    George got the class Sand Sage. It was the only Sage class in the room. It seems what set a Sage apart from an average mage is the sheer amount of control. A Mancer was theoretically different from a Sage. A mancer controls the element like an extension of their own body. They were familiar with it to the point of being one with the element. A Sage was less of a hippy. They abuse the element like a politician abuse social media.

    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Elemental-mancers were the nature loving freaks of the magic world while Sages are the industrial capitalist minded maniacs of magic.

    It hilariously describes those two¡¯s personality perfectly.

    Lawks¡¯ father turned out to be a Golemancer. Who knew he was a liberal?

    [Crule]: It seems we learn something new about everyone every day¡­

    [Ming]: Hmm, I¡¯m kind of worried when it comes to our turn.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry, we should already know our classes.

    [Ming]: Yea but¡­

    Lawks herself got the class Golem Magistra. Her class was unique¡­very unique. What is a Magistra? Apparently someone who had the ability to teach their golem more commands than normal. This could mean her golems could do autonomous tasks far more complicated than anyone else¡­

    [Hanuman]: Kids these days are all freaks of nature¡­

    Shin¡¯s class he chose to hide. Everyone has the authority to not reveal their stats. But people wanted to show off so they all revealed it. But some situation require ones to hide. Shin¡¯s class, was Apprentice Reaper¡­

    Kate¡¯s class was chronomancer but she chose to hide it as well. Everyone was dying to know since they previously revealed such astonishing stats.

    Chun Qin was a battle priest. It had an interesting skill set involving mainly physical combat skills other than energy manipulation skills.

    Brigid¡¯s class she chose to hide as well. Her class was obviously alchemist though. Having access to tools that alchemist can bring along, she can perform her experiments whilst exploring the Wild.

    The main problem with the Wild was how electronic equipment fail upon entering. Having access to tools specially created to use energy as a power source, she was extremely happy. Some material require immediate attention once extracted.

    Ming decided to show her class. Her class was Blood Valkyrie. It was different from mages as Valkyries had access to powerful physical skills as well as magic. In the entire world perhaps she was the only one with this class. People where very interesting in what skills she had access to.

    Crule hid his class but he got¡­Demon Lord. Of all the classes he got demon lord. It¡¯s hilariously poetic. He smiled at his previous title. Back in the old world he was labeled as the demon lord for such a long time and in this world it became his official class.

    His skills are incredibly powerful. It¡¯s funny how this game offers skills even to the demon lord. At least the game did not discriminate good and evil. Everyone finally got their class and were eagerly looking through the skill lists.

    [Hanuman]: Looks like everyone is busy looking through their skills. But it¡¯s time for the last part of this meeting.

    He took out a manila folder.

    [Hanuman]: In a week¡¯s time. We will send all of you into the entrance of the Wild. The game will start immediately once you have landed. The quest board has been updated with things the Beauxi auction requires.

    He flipped through the folder looking at the sheets of paper. It seems everything has been fully prepared.

    [Hanuman]: Ok everyone, you are free to go. Enjoy the week yet get exploring your new found skills.

    Everyone left with eagerness to try the new skills they found. It should help with their survival.

    __________________________________________

    My god am i tired....

 Chapter 82: Regaining Time.

    Chapter 82: Regaining Time.

    The sage of time finally opened his eyes. Finally unlocking the last seal on his power, the gates opened up one after another as if a great flood poured into his body. His strong tempered energy channels brave the powerful energy that had been sealed for years.

    His eyes became a translucent blue and glowed with the intensity of a star. He started to look more like a god. Time started to bend around him and behave in the most peculiar of ways. To him now, time was a destination instead of a when. He looked down at the sealed man in the center of the formation. He man had woken up due to the surge in energy and was now staring at him.

    [Chaos]: Good to see you Gabriel. You haven¡¯t aged in millenniums.

    [Sage of Time]: The same could be said about you.

    [Chaos]: Hahaha, well one of the seals you put on me is time.

    [Sage of Time]: Apparently it¡¯s not strong enough to prevent you from talking.

    [Chaos]: Please, you think time can stop chaos? The entire universe is constantly striving toward chaos. Nothing can remain in a calm status. No matter what, atoms are constantly in motion. The principle of absolute zero only exist as a theory, you think matter can completely come to a stop? No. Even with your powers at best you can slow it down to near infinite levels but never truly stop it.

    [Sage of Time]: Enough. I didn¡¯t come here to talk about science or your philosophy.

    [Chaos]: You think you can kill me? By yourself?! My dear Gabriel, I think you are underestimating me far too much.

    Chaos chuckled a little which made the Sage angrier.

    [Sage of Time]: It¡¯s time you leave the world to the newer generation.

    [Chaos]: Those fools don¡¯t know what¡¯s best for them. They don¡¯t even understand this power God has bestowed upon us.

    [Sage of Time]: You mean your twisted understanding of the power.

    [Chaos]: What makes it twisted is but a personal opinion. I am not evil as there is no such thing as true evil.

    [Sage of Time]: Screw this, I am not stalling any long.

    The sage of time threw both his arms out in front of him. Powerful waves of energy flowed from his surrounding into his embrace.

    [Chaos]: You think something fired from a range can damage me? Hahaha, why don¡¯t you come closer?

    He tempted the sage with taunts.

    The sage of time only focused on the sheer amount of power gathered before him.

    This will be an attack powerful enough to rip space time. Hopefully it will be enough to cause everlasting damage on the fool before him.

    As time bends around the epicenter of the sage¡¯s attack. Chaos although appeared nonchalant was actually devising a plan to survive the blow. His energy was sealed to the point where he could not condense it. It just flows loosely through his body like an ever flowing stream. But this doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t control his primal attribute. The attribute of Chaos.

    Chaos provoked the sage as to buy more time.

    [Chaos]: Why is it every single one of you guys enjoy firing lasers off your body? You stupid Otaku and your fantasies!

    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    The Sage didn¡¯t pay heed to his jaunts. He knew what Chaos was trying to do.

    As the ball of primordial energy expanded, Chaos started to panic. His tone started to get more fearful.

    [Chaos]: Just give it up you weeb! Don¡¯t think for a second that you can kill me when the six of you have failed before!

    Finally the ball of energy has reached critical max. It was starting to cause problems in space time. The sage wanted to kill Chaos but not at the expense of destroying the galaxy.

    [Sage of Time]: Let¡¯s see you survive this.

    The ball traveled slowly toward Chaos. It looked slow but that was due to time behaving strangely around the ball. To anyone looking from far far away, the ball traveled near light speed. Chaos stared at the ball like a deer at an upcoming car.

    He was panicking and screaming. The Sage was satisfied hearing the bastard scream. But unbeknownst to him, right before the ball hit Chaos, a smirk reared its ugly head on his face. The ball hit the spot and a silent explosion roared across the scar ridden planet. As if the planet suddenly had its time once again moving, it began rotating again. The point where Chaos stood was now a several hundred kilometer wide hole. The formation still hovered over the deep hole intact. The sage was not strong enough to destroy something that the six of them created together with the sacrifice of one. All that remained of chaos was a fist sized lump of flesh. It was utterly charred and blood dripped from it. Smoke was also emitting from the lump.

    [Sage of Time]: Try recovering from that you bastard.

    After a long period of time, the Sage had made sure Chaos was no longer a threat. Being reduced to such a state, even if it was a demi god, they would still not be able to recover fully. The Sage thought to himself.

    [Sage of Time]: You will no longer be a threat to this galaxy again. We may finally have peace in our time.

    Little did he know just how wrong he is¡­ The Sage of Time turned around toward his ship. He sat back down and started to redo his seals. His power was still strong enough to cause damage to space time around him. In order to return, he must limit his power once again. But this time, he only sealed half.

    [Sage of Time]: I am going to need my power to train my new apprentice.

    He smiled at the thought of finally having an apprentice.

    The planet Crecentia finally regaining its time, began its rotating and orbiting of the twin suns. The main difference was there was now a huge hole on its surface. It would remain there even as the planet slowly reformed back into a spherical shape.

    The magic formation will always remain intact, through time and space it shall remain.

    A little off in the distance away from the Sage of Time¡¯s sensing range. A small piece of flesh was sent blasting through space. Its trajectory¡­was Noxia.

    One could hear a sinister laughter from the piece of flesh as an eyeball formed on it.

    [Chaos]: You are too foolish into thinking that could kill me. I am Chaos. I am disorder. I will survive even the most devastating of explosions regardless of space or time.

    He laughed maniacally at the Sage of time as the small ball of flesh twisted and turned in space, slowly floating toward Noxia.

 Chapter 83: Beginning Quest.

    Welp, Coiling dragon ended in a graceful manner....I should really continue reading stellar transformations.

    anyways, was listening to some music while writing...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOyO61F8RR0</a>

    as you can tell i play SRW Z3 :3

    ________________________________

    Chapter 83: Beginning Quest.

    A carrier ship brought the close beta participant to the border of the wild. It couldn¡¯t travel any further to do the electromagnetic interference the wild had. At the extremely large wall they landed at, was a well-guarded gate. It was similar to the one Crule and his class went through on their little field trip. But this one had more of a theme. It was a well decorated town. Apparently it acted as sort of a ¡°beginner¡± town for all who just started the game. It was a fully equipped town with a blacksmith, an apothecary, tailors, even a branch of the Beauxi auction.

    As they landed, the thirty six people walked out and went their separate ways. They own group of six left to prepare for their finding their first task.

    Crule turned to his group.

    [Crule]: So our first missions is to gather materials for making our androids that Lawks¡¯ father promised us.

    [Brigid]: Hahaha, you really know how to get my hyped. I will gladly be watching the creation method.

    [Crule]: What we will be hunting will be former Rank B beast, or what the new ranking system label as lvl 50 to 60 monsters.

    [Shin]: So this is the new ranking system?

    [Kate]: I kind of like it. Gives a really definitive measurement of power.

    [Ming]: Not exactly.

    They turned and stared at Ming.

    [Shin]: What do you mean not exactly?

    [Ming]: Crule didn¡¯t explain but we have only opened a single gate out of seven. Since we will be opening the others, the level system will very quickly become outdated.

    [Chun Qin]: What? The beast will get even stronger?

    [Crule]: What she said is right. You should really learn your history.

    [Chun Qin]: Enlighten me, you do realize I was born on earth right?

    [Crule]: Ah, I tend to forget that. Anyways back when the pioneer first set foot on this planet, the energy density was so great that normal people started showing symptoms of energy overload. The beasts were also so powerful no one but the original seven sages stood a chance. Thus the original seven sealed a majority of the energy under the planet¡¯s crust in what they call ley lines. Each time we open a seal, the power stored in the ley lines starts to leak back out into the atmosphere. But by now, humans have adapted enough to combat such powerful forces. So as the energy return, the beast get their power back slowly but we as well get stronger.

    [Chun Qin]: I had no idea this was a thing.

    [Shin]: I didn¡¯t know about it too.

    [Kate]: I do. But man, I sometimes forget Shin didn¡¯t have a proper childhood and Chun Qin isn¡¯t born on Noxia.

    [Crule]: Hey, I also am not born on Noxia.

    [Kate]: Hmm, so that leaves only Brigid, Ming, and I?

    [Brigid]: Nope, I was born on Crecentia.

    Everyone was suddenly silenced by her remark.

    [Crule]: I didn¡¯t think you would so blatantly date yourself¡­now everyone knows just how old you are.

    [Brigid]: Eh, you were going to find out eventually. I mean my stats are something abnormal.

    They were chatting among themselves as they reached the entrance of the Wild.

    As soon as they walked out, their wristband shined a turquoise color and a warning was stated.

    [AI]: You are now leaving the designated safety zone. Monsters can attack you now. Please beware.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.The voice autonomously rang from the wristband.

    [Shin]: So fancy, they even added voices.

    [Brigid]: I kind of want to take one apart to see how it works.

    [Crule]: I could show you later, but for now we need to head deeper into the zone.

    They started walking.

    ______

    The entrance they currently are in was a border of Aponis. They are currently headed toward the nearby mountains. As explorers, any landmark they find first, they get to name. This was a privilege for the close beta testers as they get a week head start.

    Upon entering the mountain ranges off in the distance, Crule¡¯s team decided to name it Mount Tai due to its sheer size.

    Although its high was not overly astonishing, it was a mountain range none the less. It covered nearly twenty percent of the Wild. The mountain ranges from dense forest to frozen tundra. There were many ups and downs as hundreds upon thousands of peaks littered the ground.

    They had barely reached the edge of the mountain range.

    [Crule]: We will be staying here for a week. I think we should spread out and each hunt an lvl 50 to 60 beast we can use a material for our android.

    He smirked and looked at Ming signally something. He faced back toward everyone else.

    [Crule]: Remember to pick carefully and get as much rare things as you want. This will be used for your androids in the future and will be a major boost in our fighting force.

    They made camp near the edge of the mountain in a clearing and marked it on their wristband mini map. As they explore, more of the area will be unlocked. They had to manually map the area. It was a sheer miracle that the wristband worked at all due to the electromagnetic disturbance but good thing it ran on energy instead of electricity.

    They each made a promise to meet up here after a week¡¯s time no matter what. Those who don¡¯t make it back will be assumed to be in danger.

    As they were about to leave, Crule hands each of them an item.

    [Crule]: I made this while I had some free time. It will allow you to capture one beast, and only one beast. It doesn¡¯t matter the size or strength. So this can either save your life when you meet an incredibly stronger beast, or it will be your golden ticket if you meet an extremely rare one.

    Everyone eagerly took the metal cube Crule hand in his hands.

    [Brigid]: You have got to teach me some of your tricks when we get the time.

    She winked at Crule.

    Ming looked at her with disgust.

    [Crule]: Right, right.

    They each left on their own to hunt for monster material to use for their android. This was also a good chance to find rare ores and minerals that lies under the wild¡¯s explored subterranean caves.

    This android will be the second body. Their life line when doing space combat. The only people who could survive in the vacuum of space without any protection are those who has reached the highest level of gates. This allowed them enough control to form a protective barrier to withstand the forces acting on them.

    [Crule]: I wish the Lawks clan wasn¡¯t completely wiped out by Chaos¡¯ first wave. I could have really used a war super robot. Honestly fighting something the size of a celestial body when you yourself is but the size of an average human was not feasible.

    He shuttered as he remembered his futile attempts in the previous world.

    [Crule]: I didn¡¯t get the memory of what happened after my old self split his power into the orb. I wonder if he manage to kill the menace in his time¡­

    Realizing there was no use in dwelling in the past, or future in this case, Crule refocused his attention on the hunt.

    Time to hunt¡­for monsters.

 Chapter 84: Android Parts.

    Chapter 84: Android Parts.

    Shin looked at the list Crule gave him. Kate looked over his shoulder at the paper. Since Kate couldn¡¯t really kill a higher level monster by herself, she went along with Shin.

    The list included various parts of an android that could be changed with monster material. It seems that Lawks¡¯ father gave him the list before they parted.

    The main important part were the synco-nerves. This series of sturdy cables are made from either a very conductive metal, or a conductive monster part. At times it could be replaced with perhaps vines from a Steel Ent, or perhaps the whiskers of a Thunder Karp. These nerves are what gives the pilot control over their android¡¯s large body. If the nerves are top quality, they do not need to be replaced and allow orders to be sent from the pilot to the limbs just as fast as in the brain. This requires a lot of work as the android was significantly larger than people.

    The speed of which normal electrical wiring will be slightly slower thus resulting in delays when the android is given a signal to move by the pilot. So thus the better the synchro-nerves, the more control the pilot is given to make split second movements. This was incredibly important as most android users on the planet were martial artists who can end a duel in mere fractions of a second.

    The sheer amount of nerves needed means they would either have to find an extremely large monster or a horde of them.

    Shin looked at the first item on the list and pondered. Since he had to find his share as well as Kate¡¯s, they are going to require a large horde of monsters.

    It was interesting enough that the wristband had an encyclopedia of monsters that was not complete. It mainly contained beast around the levels that humanity had been hunting over the years and have been selling to the auction house.

    Scrolling through the encyclopedia, Shin spot a monster that had been discovered recently. Its attribute was electricity so it would certainly have materials that could be used as synchro-nerves.

    Kate looked at the beast with wonder.

    [Kate]: It looks like an eel. Does it mean it lives under water?

    [Shin]: Not quite. The name of the beast is sand eel. I think I remember my father catching one of them for dinner back when I was young.

    [Kate]: Oh so it isn¡¯t that tough?

    [Shin]: I don¡¯t know anymore. Since Crule released the seal, monsters have gotten stronger.

    [Kate]: Oh right¡­

    [Shin]: Either way, they come in swarms of ten to twenty in the wild. This beast should yield hopefully enough conductive fibers for us both to use as synchro-nerves.

    [Kate]: Eh, you¡¯re going to do all the work anyways.

    [Shin]: Hmm, anything for my beautiful wife.

    [Kate]: Praise will get you nowhere, hunny buns, but keep going.

    She hugged him from behind and laughed. The cheerful atmosphere seemed like it would never end as they headed toward the nearby dense jungle lying at the border of Mt. Tai. Sand Eels tend to live in sandy places and since beaches are far too difficult to find, quicksand was also another habitat they could be found in.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    They began their search for the first item category on the list. Shin will focus one item at a time.

    ______

    Chun Qin looked at the first item of the list and sighed.

    [Chun Qin]: Synchro-nerves huh? Really brings back memories of the space academy¡­

    Chun Qin remembered the older models of the Lawks android. The ones on earth use glass fiber cables to act as nerves. Even then there was still a slight delay. The pilot had to work around that delay but inputting commands earlier. You would have to be always one step ahead of the opponent just to keep on the same level.

    He could imagine the sheer amount of improvement that using metals or monsters found on Noxia or its moons.

    [Chun Qin]: Things really have changed¡­better get started.

    He put the paper in his priest rode, picked up a newly found walking stick and darted off into the wild. He already knew what his target was going to be. It was a hunch he could not resist following.

    ______

    Brigid looked at the blue prints of the android with enlightenment in her eyes. Crule also gave her a list but she was just going to ignore it anyways. With these blue prints she might as well make her own android at her own pace.

    [Brigid]: That little brat sure has his uses, being able to pry the secret from that old Lawks fellow.

    She snickered and rolled the blueprints up. Putting it into her unnecessarily large travel backpack, she suddenly disappeared from thin air as her speeds caused a sonic boom. A mighty demon was on the hunt. Wild creatures beware.

    ______

    Ming took a quick glance at the list and remembered all the components she needed.

    [Ming]: I should really get started on finding suitable synchro-nerves. I only got a week to get as much parts as I can and I really want to make an android of my choosing.

    She smiled as the image of her ideal android appeared in her head. A humanoid pink monstrosity of epic proportions. Not only that, she hoped with the material she finds, it could transform into a combat mode. She was really thinking ahead for this one.

    Still grinning at the idea of her new android, Ming dashed off into the mountains in search for materials.

    ______

    [Crule]: I assume everyone would be following the list in order¡­Considering the hardest to get are the synchro-nerves, even after a week if they can¡¯t get everything, they at least have the hardest part done.

    He began envisioning his own android. It¡¯s got to be sleek black, his favorite color. All the important parts that he needs could be found within the vicinity of the mountains. He wasn¡¯t blind. In front of him was a treasure trove. A treasure trove known as Mount Tai.

 Chapter 85: Ripping the Nerves.

    Double chapters today, happy thanksgiving everyone in the states!

    ____________________________________________

    Chapter 85: Ripping the Nerves.

    Shin and Kate sat on a branch of a nearby tree. Beneath them was a small pool of sand. It looked like normal sand with a few plant life growing from it. He took a twig and tossed it on the sand. It landed on the sand and the surface rippled like it was liquid. The sudden movement caused nearly half a dozen sand eel to suddenly shoot out from the quicksand toward the position of the twig.

    [Shin]: By the looks of it the eels are blind. But they react on vibration in the quicksand to lock onto their prey¡­

    The wild beasts tend to avoid the area as they know how dangerous the quicksand can be. Those beasts who were unlucky enough to fall in were immediately devoured by the eel. Those who struggle were stung by the eel and rendered paralyze as they slowly sink into the sand.

    The eels were around a meter half long and was a darker shade of brown and green. It blended in well with the area and was hard to spot with the naked eye.

    [Kate]: So how will we approach this?

    [Shin]: Well, looks like we are going to do some fishing.

    He snapped off a particularly thicker stick and tied some vines from the area on the tip of it.

    [Kate]: What should we use as bait?

    Shin opened the box pocket on his belt and took out a small piece of meat. It was leftover meat from their feast. It was attached to a hook shaped bone. It seems during his free time, Shin had been shaving away at a drake bone into a hook. It seemed he was going to use it for fishing eventually.

    Kate and Shin jumped off the tree to the flat ground near the quicksand. It was a patch of ground littered with gravel.

    He made sure the ground did not allow the eel to burrow into. Tossing the line into the quicksand, the eels immediately dove upon it. He felt one of the eel swallow the piece and he yanked the pole hard. The eel flew out of the quicksand like a majestic carp and landed on the gravel twitching. It started to discharge electricity as it flopped around on the ground.

    [Shin]: That was easier than I thought.

    He took his spear and stabbed it into the eel¡¯s head. Suddenly, he realized he probably shouldn¡¯t have done that. A streak of electricity surged up his spear and shocked his hand. With his quick reactions, he quickly released his spear. Thus instead of having the muscles of his hand lock and force him to be continuously shocked, the skin on his hand was charred by the arcs of electricity as his hand leaves it.

    [Shin]: That was close.

    He looked at the eel violently twitch as its head was pinned into the ground. Slowly, it stopped moving and lies limp on the ground. Shin and Kate waited a little longer until the approach it again.

    [Shin]: One down¡­five more to go.

    He took the eel and placed it in his backpack.

    ______

    Ming finally found what she was looking for. In the frozen tundra near the top of Mount Tai, was a large creature similar to a yeti roaming its winter wonderland. It lived a secluded life and considered itself to be the only one of its species. But it was nearly immortal and would not die of old age.

    Few people ever saw him and live to tell the tale. He was never given a name.

    Ming saw the yeti and knew its name.

    [Ming]: FrostBjorn Ape¡­what a good find.

    Its white glistening fur had channels of red flowing through it. It was its vessels. The beast had very strange biology as its body require extreme cold temperature to survive. Thus instead of having its blood vessel close in the middle of its body where its warmer, it¡¯s near the surface as to better release the heat in its body. It¡¯s a miracle the liquid in the beast¡¯s body doesn¡¯t freeze.

    The beast exhaled and a fine mist of white escapes its large mouth. Its powerful jaws were died red by its meals.

    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    The ape owned the frozen tundra. Few creatures would trespass on its territory. It was considered the top of the food chain in the cold wasteland.

    What Ming was after, was its pelt and the blood vessels. The strong freeze resistant blood vessels will allow easier control and maintenance in the cold of space.

    Ming walked up slowly toward the ape. The ape became enraged that something had trespassed on its territory. It started to beat its chest producing powerful vibrations in the air. Any normal person would find the pressure overwhelming.

    Ming fired a probe from the wristband at the beast. It hit it and registered its level and name.

    [Ming]: Level 83, FrostBjorn Ape, you will be my first prey.

    She smiled and released her aura. The ape froze as the aura approached him. He realized it was nearly as powerful as his, but still was weaker. His confidence waivered but its fighting spirit would not allow him to run.

    Ming formed a half moon disk with blood on both hands. Both of the contenders dashed toward each other.

    The ape instinct told it could not face the blades head on. He avoided the slashes with incredible agility and tried to slam its fist into her.

    Ming formed a shield of blood and the fist collided with it. It wavered a little and cracks appeared on the surface.

    Looks like the cold had made her blood attacks frozen and brittle. It became harder to control.

    Ming jumped up and started raining blood icicles upon the ape. The ape lifted both its arms up to block its face. The icicles slammed into its arms and shattered into fine blood dust. Little did the beast know, he had breathed some of it in. Ming smirked and kept on raining blood upon the ape. Slowly the blood accumulated in the beast¡¯s lungs.

    Due to the warmer temperature inside of the ape, the fine blood dust dissolved back into liquid and was easy to control again. Ming focused on the blood inside of the FrostBjorn Ape¡¯s lungs and made it explode into a cactus shape. The spears of blood shooting out of the ball of blood in its lungs eviscerated its inside. The ape coughed up a large amount of blood and fell on its knees.

    The beast was not smart enough to protect itself against this kind of attack. It barely had any experience at fighting things the same strength or stronger than it.

    Its animalistic instinct still kept the ape alive and it attacked Ming in blind fury. It wanted to take her out before it dies. The beast suddenly emitted a blue aura and a large ball of ice gathered in front of its mouth. With its last dying roar, the ape fired a beam of frozen energy toward Ming.

    Ming quickly encase herself in a sphere of blood. The powerful beam hit the sphere and it quickly froze over. The beast slowly collapsed as it died. The blood sphere shattered and Ming came out unscathed. She was extremely tired however. Controlling blood inside of such a powerful enemy require her to dig deep through its energy layers into its body with her own energy. Having to form the shield last moment to protect herself from the beast¡¯s dying attack took even more out of her.

    But finally, the beast was dead and she got usable synchro-nerve material.

    [Ming]: One down.

    She took the beast and placed it in her backpack. Each one of them had a modified backpack that Crule enchanted himself. It had a pocket dimension the size of a football field.

    The crimson blood upon the white snow emphasized the fierce battle that occurred. The majority of it belonged to the ape though so it did not freeze.

    [Ming]: This blood will be useful if I ever need blood to fight in the cold.

    She stored the blood in her blood tank and went on with her hunt.

    [Ming]: Next on the list, a shell or carapace for the android armor.

 Chapter 86: Evil eye.

    Double chapters today, Happy Thanksgiving!!!(incase you accidentally skip ch85)

    _____________________________________

    Chapter 86: Evil eye.

    Up in the mountains lie a cave system that digs deep into the planet. A certain miasma leaks out from the entrance deterring most creatures. This miasma causes slight irritation to Crule as he stepped in.

    He could feel a powerful energy source near the end of the tunnel. It was also a familiar energy source.

    [Crule]: I recognize this energy¡­

    He silently dashed down the tunnels ignoring all the monsters that haunt the place after they have been corrupted by the miasma.

    Suddenly, Crule stopped running and hide within a small opening in the wall. The source of the energy was about to pass him. There, he saw it. The creature that haunted his dreams back when he was a child in the previous world. It was the stuff of nightmares. A floating ball of flesh covered in nothing but eye balls. It seems to be dispersing the miasma through pores on its disgusting body.

    [Crule]: A Nefarian Legion Eye¡­

    This creature was born from nature but in the most unnatural way. It rises out of large piles of corpses that accumulate in area. The only time there would be such large amount of corpses was due to either natural disaster or infighting between the monster kings of the wild. Thus they are very rare to find.

    One trait they hold that would attract Crule to hunt such a thing he use to fear, was the eye balls floating around it can send messages to its body and back at high speeds. It could send messages nearly instantly through a sort of telepathy that travel through the electrons in the air. It would look like a normal spark of electricity that runs across its body every once in a while.

    This was the perfect item needed for this synchro-nerves. Why bother using pesky wire based monster parts when he could just use the eyeballs placed regularly across the android. It would not only work as great nerves but also give the android a menacing feel.

    [Crule]: I can¡¯t believe my luck to run into such a thing. But what kind of disaster would happen that cause such a monster to be spawned here.

    Crule had to capture the creature alive in order to use its eyes as material. He took one of the small cubes he gave everyone else and tossed it at the Legion Eye without being noticed. A small hole opened up out of nowhere and black tentacles shot out from it. It grabbed the Legion eye in a vice grip and rapidly dragged it into the void. Without a single cry, the eye was encased in the cube in darkness.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s head deeper to see what could be the cause of this.

    With the Legion eye gone, the miasma started to thin but as Crule reached lower and lower, it once again got thicker.

    Feeling the energy coming from the source, Crule could only imagine one thing.

    [Crule]: With this much miasma, one can only conclude that there are more than one legion eyes¡­But the sheer amount of corpses needed to make more than one is astronomical.

    As he got closer, he realized the blood and claw marks on the walls of the cave. Although the cave was quite wide at nearly twenty meters, the fight seem to cover both side and damage the entire cave. From the claw marks, Crule couldn¡¯t tell what exactly made them, but he had a clue of its race.

    [Crule]: Having a member of the Gestalt Cats would explain the legion eyes. Those things kill and eat enough beasts to wide out the entire mountain if not for their extremely low population.

    These cats are incredibly hard to see hence their name Gestalt. They act as shadows and exist but not really. One can only see them as an outline of dust on their body. Everything else was near invisible. Something about their fur having strange reflective properties that refracts light in such a way where it appears invisible.

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    [Crule]: If it is a larger species of Gestalt, I may be able to use it.

    If the Gestalt cat was a lion breed, it would have powerful jaws and claws. It would make powerful weapons. Panther breeds had enhanced stealth properties and Cheetah breeds had power legs leading to increased agility. Either way, they were extremely rare and perhaps only several dozen of them exist in the wild. They were considered kings of the jungle and live in such a way, consuming thousands of beasts a year.

    Strangely enough, these cats normally life far deeper in the wild. Finding one out here near the edge of Mount Tai is very strange.

    This had Crule pondering.

    [Crule]: I wonder what could have caused it to be drive out here.

    He made several hypothesis but could not be exactly sure until he saw the beast. He slowly crept toward the source of the energy with his back along the wall. He made sure to capture any legion eye that pass by as he may need excess in order to fully control his android. Luckily, he himself had the spatial technique required to store such monsters.

    The darkness of the cave was mitigated by the glowing rocks that lined the walls and ceiling. They emit a faint purple light that made the entire cave a hue of purple. The rocks contain slightly reactive minerals that upon touching the atmosphere of the cave, started to react in such a way producing light and heat. The cave got warmer the deeper Crule went. Perhaps the warmth was what drew the cat here.

    At the next turn, the cave lead into a huge chamber. From the stench, Crule could probably guessed what was in it.

    A huge pile of corpses of various beasts lie in the center while bones of already eaten ones lie around the edges. The beast must have been quite busy to gather such a large amount of meat. On top of the pile Crule saw the cat. He grinned when he saw the breed of the beast.

    [Crule]: I can¡¯t believe just how lucky I am today. It¡¯s as if some god with a keyboard is suddenly giving me the luck of millions.

    The cat was a lynx breed. While the other breeds specialized in combat or speed, the lynx was special as it was the jack of all trades. The cat stared at Crule with its reflective eyes. It knew it had found a new toy to play with.

    Judging by the size, Crule assumed it was a maturing Gestalt Lynx nearing its full adult stage. It was still within the range of something he could deal with.

    Crule fired his wristband at the cat and the beam hit it square on. The data slowly revealed itself.

    [Crule]: Hmm, Gestalt Lynx. Lvl 85. This will be a good material to use.

    The cat was huge compared to Crule. Around four meters in length, it towers over the pile of corpses like a god. The beast got up and stretched. It opened its mouth to show rows upon rows of sharp teeth. Its reflective eye reflected the purple light emitting from the sides of the cave. A sharp purple glare stared directly at Crule¡¯s neck like an evil eye wanting to take a bite out of it.

    Crule could literally hear the muscles on the beast¡¯s hind legs tense. It was going to pounce. Crule quickly step up his aura to cover his entire body and summoned his famine blades on both arms. Under the darkness of the cave, Crule melded into the shadows with his aura. The Lynx was still staring at him though.

    As fast as it opened and closed it mouth, the Gestalt Lynx pounced.

 Arc 7 Epilogue:

    Arc 7 Epilogue:

    The ball of flesh entered the atmosphere of Noxia. It was set ablaze upon reentry, but the heat was not enough to destroy the being. It lands in the middle of the wild and created a sizable crater.

    [Chaos]: Hahaha, finally landed on Noxia.

    He had been floating in space for months.

    [Chaos]: I need to find a suitable host as I can do nothing in my current form¡­

    Chaos had to wait for a passing beast. By luck would have it, a wandering Gestalt Lion walked by him. He took the chance and latches himself to the beast. It penetrated his defenses and slowly consumed the beast. The ball of flesh encased the beast like an octopus around a fish. It tried to struggle but to no avail. The lion was completely consumed by the ball of flesh creating a larger ball of flesh. Slowly the ball started to take shape. It became the shape of a lion.

    [Chaos]: Hahaha, this will do for now.

    He could feel the power coursing through him. It seemed he was lucky and this beast was quite powerful.

    [Chaos]: I will need to consume a lot more beasts in order to regain my strength¡­but it looks like it will not be hard with this fine specimen.

    He started to head toward the territory of a rival of the lion. It was a powerful Gestalt lynx. Taking over such a territory will allow him free reign to hunt for prey.

    With a sinister laugh, the lion rapid dash toward its new kingdom.

    ______

    In a rural village near the edge of the wild, there was a tent that seemed out of place. The rest of the village was made from wood and cheap concrete with bricks but this tent was a fashionable purple.

    From the purple tent, a woman wearing a nurse¡¯s outfit stepped out with a cup of coffee. The early morning breeze blows across her blue hair. She took a sip of her cup of coffee.

    Over the horizon, a ship was approaching. This was very out of place as no one really visits the village and those who do are not rich enough to afford such a ship.

    The ship landed and a middle ages man stepped out.

    The woman stared at the man and took another sip of her coffee.

    [Woman]: So how did you do?

    [Sage of Time]: Better than I hoped.

    [Woman]: I don¡¯t think so.

    [Sage of Time]: What do you mean?

    [Woman]: Before you returned, I felt his aura enter the atmosphere.

    [Sage of Time]: How?!

    [Woman]: Looks like you did a poor job of checking.

    The woman seemed angry at the Sage.

    [Sage of Time]: Shit¡­what now?

    [Woman]: We got time. From his aura I could tell he was weakened greatly. It should take a very very long time before he return to his former full strength.

    [Sage of Time]: We have to hunt him down¡­

    [Woman]: Leave it to our disciples.

    [Sage of Time]: But¡­Pestilia¡­we can¡¯t leave it up to them so early¡­ And why do you seem to calm about this?!

    [Pestilia]: I don¡¯t know about you, but my disciple is more than ready. Chun Qin has the training of a former soldier. And according to the letters he has been sending, it seems Famina¡¯s disciple is far more powerful than ours.

    [Sage of Time]: That kid? Crule is very strong¡­but¡­

    [Pestilia]: Did you know while you were gone the kid hit seventh gate?

    [Sage of Time]: What?! Already!?

    [Pestilia]: Shhh, no so loud, you will wake up the neighbors.

    She took another sip of her coffee.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    [Pestilia]: Not only that, it seems Maximus¡¯s disciple is also just as powerful.

    [Sage of Time]: Eh¡­so my disciple is the weakest¡­

    [Pestilia]: Not surprised, you only found her recently.

    [Sage of Time]: I can¡¯t wait to start training her properly¡­

    [Pestilia]: Soon enough, let them come back after playing their games first.

    [Sage of Time]: Can I get a cup of coffee?

    [Pestilia]: Get your own coffee you rich old man.

    [Sage of Time]: Hey, it¡¯s not my fault you run a charity instead of a business.

    [Pestilia]: You really think I can offer my services for money? Fate would be pissed at me if I do so.

    [Sage of Time]: True¡­

    [Pestilia]: How¡¯s your granddaughter by the way?

    [Sage of Time]: She is getting more eccentric by the day¡­I wonder who she get that from.

    [Pestilia]: Considering her parents raised her on anime¡­I aint surprised her imagination and creativity is so¡­unique.

    [Sage of Time]: Wait, so you¡¯re saying this is my fault?!

    [Pestilia]: I said shhhhh! Quiet down already you loud old man.

    [Sage of Time]: ¡­

    The two chatted the morning away. It seemed as if Pestilia¡¯s cup of coffee was never ending as no matter how many sips she took out of the cup, it never seem to end. It¡¯s a mystery that would never be solved¡­

    ______

    Grisly looked around on the classroom. With the open beta of the games coming up, a majority of the students have left on a temporary leave.

    [Grisly]: *sigh* Brother, you little game seem to have stolen the interest of all my students¡­

    He thought for a while and finally came to a conclusion.

    [Grisly]: I know, maybe I will participate in the games as well. Perhaps I will find something interesting to keep me entertained.

    With a sly grin, Grisly walked out of the class room and closed the lights.

    [Students]: Wait!!! Headmaster Grisly! We are still in the room!

    The students who were left fumbled around in the classroom bumping into chairs, tables, and each other.

    ______

    Famina opened her eyes. Being tied to a cross for so many years really takes a number on her. It was just so incredibly boring. She should have asked Crule to send over a TV or something to keep her entertained.

    In front of her were several bugs she manage to catch with her aura. They all doing a stupid dance.

    [Famina]: Dance you fools dance!

    She was forcing the Gluttony bugs to dance for her. With the old queen of the bugs gone, a new one too her place. This one was more liberal at exploring the depths of their home. Some bugs just happen to stumble on Famina¡¯s prison.

    She took the liberty of entertaining herself with the bugs, making them perform sitcoms and dances.

    [Famina]: This is getting boring¡­

    The bugs were immediately consumed by the aura leaving not a single trace.

    [Famina]: *sigh* I wonder if I could ask Crule to send over a playmate to keep me from getting so bored¡­

    She just hanged there on the cross by the chains¡­sighing constantly.

    If the person who sealed her there were to saw her now, he could be saying that ¡°it¡¯s a prison¡­it¡¯s not supposed to be entertaining¡­¡±

    Just another casual day of stuff happening in the world of nonsense that is Noxia and its Moons.

 Chapter 87: Difficult situation.

    Chapter 87: Difficult situation.

    The cat pounced and slammed directly onto Crule¡¯s chest. If he didn¡¯t concentrate his aura to his front side, the slam would have directly penetrated his chest and eviscerated him. Crule was knocked back several meters and skid on the floor a few times before he finally came to a stop.

    He coughed up some blood and felt winded. It checked around and it seemed even with his aura cushioning a majority of the pounce¡¯s force, he still manage to break a rib. Crule smiled and wiped the blood flowing down his chin. This beast will definitely satisfy his need.

    The beast circled Crule with a careful approach. It could feel just how strong his prey¡¯s defense was but it was confident in its victory. It just didn¡¯t want any surprises as it had learned from previous mistakes.

    The cat use to rule a large territory but one day it felt a powerful energy surge. His rival challenged him to another fight for alpha male as they always had. The lynx was confident in its victory but it got careless and was utterly defeated. He was shunned and driven out of his territory and he entered the mountains to lick his wounds.

    Crule and the lynx circled each other. Crule was trying to heal his wound with his energy. They were both cautious of each other¡¯s attacks. Crule realize he can¡¯t use range attacks against this lynx because it is just too fast. It could easy dodge a majority of his bullets and beams.

    Wracking his mind trying to find an easy solution to this fight, Crule figure this was not going to be the easy fight he assumed. He manipulated his aura into a spiked shell to try to deter the lynx from directly pouncing on him.

    The cat¡¯s reflective eye stare directly at him as it circles him. As Crule started to change his aura shield, the cat became agitated as tried to attack him. Another pounce but this time paired with a powerful scratch. Crule barely ducks in time and the wall behind him was left with a deep scar. While Crule was under the cat, he kicked upwards and it hit the cat on the abdomen. It flinched but its strong muscles mitigated the blow. Crule barely manage to put some of his aura into his kick and it dug deeper. The cat was blown upwards. It did a flip and landed back on its paws a few meters away.

    Quickly getting back up, Crule once again stared at the cat. He realize he was still fast enough to dodge the cat as long as it doesn¡¯t have the time to wind up a pounce similar to its first one.

    Suddenly, the cat started to disappear. It was using its innate ability that gave it its name of gestalt. Crule quickly spread his aura across the room. Using it, he could sense where the cat was although he couldn¡¯t see it.

    But it was a little too late. The cat had enough time to wind up a pounce. It lunged at Crule at blinding speeds.

    Crule tried to dodge the attack but it looked like it was not going to be possible with the sheer pouncing speed the lynx had. Knowing the only part on him that could withstand such a powerful claw was his metal hand, he prepared to grab the lynx.

    The cat knew something was wrong and tried to twist its body mid jump to alter its course but Crule still manage to get his hand on one of the lynx¡¯s limbs.

    Crule¡¯s arm muscles tighten as large amounts of energy pulsed through it. With a powerful swing, Crule toss the lynx toward the wall. The lynx slammed into it with a loud crash leaving a sizable hole. It made a sort of a whimper and slowly crawled back up. It seemed to be under shock by the collision.

    Sensing where it is within his aura domain, he quickly rushed to it with spawned a famine blade on his metal hand and slashed it toward the lynx. It was under shock but its instincts still allow it to barely avoid the attack. Crule quickly extended the blade mid attack and it nicked the lynx. It was now bleeding from its side.

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    The lynx glared at Crule menacingly with anger. Crule just laughed at its futile struggle. It seems the blades manage to puncture the lynx¡¯s lung. It was having slight difficulty breathing.

    [Crule]: Consider it revenge for breaking my rib.

    Crule spoke in a low voice. The lynx snarled as if it understood what Crule said. Once again the two circled each other hoping for an opening. Normally the lynx would run away against such opponent but this time its pride forced it to stay. It was not about to lose a second time.

    It became enraged. It pounced and started to blindly attack Crule. It seem to have lost its previous intelligence in fury.

    Crule took this chance to get in some cuts and punctures on the lynx. It slowly became one-sided but suddenly, the lynx changed. It started to emit a powerful aura as its shallow cuts began to heal.

    [Crule]: Shit, it has a vitality attribute.

    The lynx still was attacking in a berserk frenzy but now with its minor wounds healing, it could afford to do so. Meanwhile, Crule was on the losing side as he started to get cuts and scratches left and right. Even if Crule could sense where the beast is, the lack of visual of it still allow perfect dodging to be impossible. Crule¡¯s grin slowly turned into a frown. The situation does not look good. He would either need to flee or to finish this battle fast.

    But how?

    He wracked his brain on thinking of a method he could use to win while constantly dodging the berserk lynx.

    Remembering back to what he put in his spatial storage, he tried to find an item he could use. Then he remembered an item that could help with this situation.

    [Crule]: Why have I not thought of it earlier?

    Crule was now bleeding quite a lot through many small cuts. His breathing is ragged and his entire body was screaming with fatigue. He reached into his spatial storage and took out a gem. This kind of gem was highly reactive. The gem had mysterious properties that could absorb and store energy. But once the energy exceed its storage capacity, it explodes. It acts as sort of a propulsion grenade. The main damage isn¡¯t from shrapnel but rather the shockwave emitting from the explosion.

    He started to store large amounts of energy into the gem. If not for his ungodly large energy capacity, he would have already lose consciousness by now due to energy depletion. The gem emitted a powerful light covering the entire cave room in its brilliance.

    The gem blinded the beast and for a split second, it stopped its berserk onslaught. Crule quickly dashed toward the beast and slammed his metal hand with the gem into the lynx¡¯s mouth. With a muffled explosion, smoke seeped out of the lynx¡¯s mouth and nose. It looked like the shockwave have caused brain trauma and the beast was now completely subdued.

    The shockwave however still manage to hurt Crule and knocked the air out of him. While in great pain, Crule stored the beast into his spatial storage. It puts the beast in stasis so it would not struggle when it recovers. After finally winning that difficult fight, Crule dragged his battered body to a safe area in the cave. He didn¡¯t want one of the legion eyes to attack him in the state he is in right now. Breathing roughly, Crule passes out in a small hole in the side of the cave walls. He fell asleep with a grin on his face.

    Right before he passed out, he thought to himself.

    [Crule]: Two down¡­

 Chapter 88: Endless slaughter.

    Chapter 88: Endless slaughter.

    Several hours later, Crule woke up from his nap. He was still huddled in the crevasse. His clothes were stained by dried blood and dust. Other than that, he felt fine. His wounds have all but healed due to his naturally high recovery rate and the energy he spent have already refilled.

    A wicked grin was slapped on his face as he thought about the prize of his effort. Such a lynx would be able to make decent weaponry to attach to his android. Also the legion eyes would allow seemingly perfect synchro-nerves. What he needs now is armor.

    The androids exoskeleton that covers the skeletal frame and synchro-nerves must be very strong, enough to withstand pressures of deep ocean and space. Of course it would be even better if such armor was slash and cut proof. Although he had some beasts in mind that fits the bill, he would have to find them first.

    He got up and left the cave. Arriving at a nearby stream, Crule took the liberty of cleaning himself up a bit. Sleeping a night in a dust cave was not the most sanitary of ideas.

    While enjoying a relaxing bath, Crule was lost in his thoughts of what was to come.

    Suddenly, a familiar cry echoed through the trees. Crule quickly concluded it was not far off, around thirty or so meters away. He quickly got out of the water and put on a new set of clothes.

    Knowing what the cry meant, he quickly jumped up into the nearest tree and perched upon one of its thicker branches.

    From the dense forestry out walked a small creature. It looked like a cross between a rat and balloon. It stopped by the stream and stuck its long snout into the water to drink. Lifting its head, it made a sharp cry. From the forest, an entire horde of the creature rushed out and joined in on the drinking.

    [Crule]: I cannot believe my luck today. There is an entire horde of Arpeggio Murine right before me.

    This creature was rare as inside of each rat contains a gemstone. It grows alongside the rat storing all sort of mineral deposits slowly becoming tougher and tougher. One could tell the age of the rat by how durable the gemstone is. Once the rat reaches maturity, the gemstone erupts from the skin on its back and stays embedded there, revealed to the world. Collectors would usually want the entire animal with the gemstone as a sort of collector¡¯s piece. The harder the stone, the more valuable the beast is.

    The rats are seldom in hordes. The ones that do travel in such fashions are usually from the same parent thus having the same level of rigidity in their gemstones.

    Depending on how old the pack is, they may be the perfect thing for Crule¡¯s android armor. There is certainly enough of them as they number in the thousands. Each rat gemstone was around a cubic foot in size. The entire body was around a meter in length making an entire horde of them a frightful sight for any inexperienced adventurer. But to Crule, this was a mountain of gold.

    [Crule]: Those who see Mount Tai before them shall be rewarded with unspeakable riches¡­

    A silly grin plastered over his face. The rat was only deadly if they were in a feeding frenzy. Their diamond sharp teeth can cut through steel and could consume an entire ship in mere minutes.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.Crule¡¯s approach was the simplest kind, swallow the entire horde whole.

    Making such a large field of void would require some preparation as Crule closed his eyes and started gathering his energy in his palms. He had to work fast before the horde leaves the river.

    Crule¡¯s aura can work in two different methods. One was rapid consumption as seen in the beams and balls of his aura he fires off. They immediately consume all within its path and require a very concentrated release of his aura. The other method was a slow consumption like the method he used to store things in his spatial storage. It was also the method he used on Hanuman when they first fought. The dark tentacles were characteristic of that method as they slowly drag things into the void. This was a slower method and require more energy but overall it guarantees the capture of its prey.

    Very few could escape from it unless Crule let them. Hanuman was lucky back then because Crule had not even established a gate yet so his control of his aura when they fought was minimal at best.

    Like liquid gelatin, the black aura on Crule¡¯s palms dripped from the tree onto the forest floor. It moved like a snake encircling the entire horde of rats without them noticing it. It had no bloodlust and no animalist instincts so the rats do not pay heed to it. As the liquid darkness made a complete circle around the rats, Crule opened his eyes and smiled.

    With a snap of his fingers, the rat all suddenly turned their head toward the tree he was perching on. They were startled but also enraged that their drink was disrupted, but before they could swarm over the tree, heck...before they even had a chance to move at all, the ground beneath them turned into a liquid black quicksand. The horde of rats struggled to get free but their tiny paws were stuck in the black liquid like an old Band-Aid to a hairy arm.

    No matter how hard they struggle, it would only tear at their limbs. Some even resorted to gnawing their legs off in order to escape but all attempts were futile. From the black quicksand, even darker tendrils sprouted out and wrapped around the rats like a piece of nori on a sushi roll.

    Thousands of screeches fill the air as the horde of rat was slowly devoured by the void and placed in stasis within Crule¡¯s spatial storage. Crule only looked at the scene with the same silly grin plastered across his face. If anyone saw him now, they would think he was a sadist.

    The panicked screech scared away many beasts within the vicinity as it meant that some other beast besides them was in horrible trouble. But it didn¡¯t travel far as the trees, leaves, and shrubbery absorbed the sound waves not allowing it to travel far. Soon everything was quiet once again. Only the sounds of avian beasts chirping and the wind shaking the ever so brittle leaves of the trees could be heard.

    Still perched above the tree, Crule looked at his catch in his storage.

    [Crule]: Perfect.

    Laughing maniacally, he dashed on to find his next prey. Perhaps lady luck would once again bless the one who found Mt. Tai.

 Chapter 89: Luck?

    Chapter 89: Luck?

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s see¡­what¡¯s next?

    Looking down at his own list, Crule checked the materials he had already collected. Synchro-nerves, check. Melee weapon, check. Armor, check.

    So the next item on the list¡­is the skeleton. This was usually made from either a very strong metal or mythical wood. As long as it is able to manipulate and can show extreme durability when under enormous amounts of pressure.

    This will be the framework of which everything else is added on so its material must be top notch.

    An idea was hatched inside Crule¡¯s head when he saw the item on the list. Looks like it¡¯s time to grave rob.

    He headed toward one of the most deadly area of Mt. Tai what in the future will be known as the dragon¡¯s crypt. As long as he doesn¡¯t accidentally meet up with an actual dragon along the way, Crule¡¯s journey should be relatively easy.

    Jumping off the branch he had been perched on, he maneuvered through the dense canopy of trees toward the valley filled with an eerie mist.

    ______

    Two days into their hunt, everyone already had found at least one part of their android.

    Shin and Kate had been hunting eels all day and finally caught enough for two androids. They set off to find the next item, a shell. They chanced upon a pair of Ying Turtles. Their shell shimmer like silver in the sunlight. The two of them should work just fine as armor so Shin took care of that. These two turtles were twenty meters in side and their pentagonal and hexagonal slabs on their shell work perfectly as armor. They were very strong to wear and tear as well as heat resistant. They should work just fine for armor.

    Ming had already killed the FrostBjorn ape and is already headed toward a stronger beast for armor. She needed something strong but not too bulky. Luck would have it, she manage to find just that. A swarm to Tourmaline beetles happen to had taken up residence on a grand oak. The one hundred meter tall tree was covered in these beetles as they suck the succulent sap oozing from its bark.

    These beetles come in shades of green to pink. The color choice was perfect for Ming. Plucking the beetles off the trees like dried glue off her hand, she stored them to be used for armor. The beetles were very docile so it was not a tough task. Their gem-like exoskeleton boasted durability that could withstand the pressures of space. At times they were used to make stained glass windows for galactic ships.

    Brigid is taking her time just browsing the rare things that inhabit the wild. She doesn¡¯t come here often which was why beast materials interests her. Brigid was far too lazy to go get them herself and also she never really enjoyed combat anyways. She would rather invent some crazy weapon to take down her enemies instead of using brute strength. Brains over brawns all the time for her.

    Instead of killing the beasts for their materials, she just mined for ores and harvested trees and gems all willy-nilly without a care in the world. To an untrained eye it seemed like a young teenage girl just skipping through the savage wilderness plucking large pieces off trees and scooping up gems left and right as long as they were shiny. But in actually everything she picked up were beyond rare. A huge mix and match of inorganic material and wood filled her backpack. Happily, she skipped along to continue her ¡°hunt¡±.

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    Chun Qin was struggling around in the wild hunting for things that seem to make sense. He collected quite a number of random beasts hoping that they could be useful. He wasn¡¯t the kind of calculating person for gathering android parts anyways. Chun Qin enjoyed tactics¡­not logistics. His method of collecting was much like Brigid except anything he come across he just tosses into his backpack.

    Weird looking bird? Into the bag. Purple shiny pig? Into the bag. Green looking cat thing? Into the bag.

    He indiscrimately toss everything he found that looks interesting into his backpack. Who knows whether or not he got something useable¡­?

    ______

    Crule arrived at the crypt. An eerie mist was spread before him, limiting his vision to only a meter in front of him. He had to move slowly and quietly. A dying dragon was still a dragon none the less and would still cause a great annoyance to Crule. Considering the drake who was barely a half dragon was so hard to deal with, a full dragon, even a dying one would be very difficult to kill quietly. If it manages to roar, its comrades may swarm Crule instantly devour him.

    Walking on tip toes, he traversed the barren wasteland covered in mist. In order to not get lost, He dripped his aura on the floor leaving a thin line. He could sense the line even if he couldn¡¯t see it.

    Hoping that luck would once again gift him with riches, he wandered around looking for dragon corpses. Their bones would make perfect skeleton material considering¡­ well¡­ it¡¯s a skeleton but anyways¡­

    Crule could feel a slight chill as he approached a certain spot he felt a small burst of energy emit. He nearly walked right into the beast as its dark scaled body suddenly appeared a meter in front of him. It was a black colored dragon and from the feel of it, it had already died. It was just releasing its large reserves of energy back into the atmosphere. Crule couldn¡¯t tell its species due to the mist but he stored it into his spatial storage anyways. A dragon is a dragon, no matter what its bones will be quite strong.

    Continuing his journey, he wandered around for a little longer before he started to walk back. No use traveling further into the crypt as he still values his life. Following his trail back, he was nearly out of the mist when suddenly a roar shook the heavens. It was very close by and Crule could feel melancholy and rage in its tone. He quickly made a dash for it since he has taken a newly dead dragon with flesh still on its bones. Its partner may be mad at who ever took the corpse.

    Cold sweat dripping from his face, Crule finally made it out of the mist. But in front of him was a sight he didn¡¯t want to see. An enormous black dragon similar to the one he found was waiting for him. It was snarling and its man sized teeth protruded from its large jaw.

    [Crule]: Oh shit.

    The dragon attacked.

 Chapter 90: Another near death experience.

    Chapter 90: Another near death experience.

    The black dragon opened its giant mouth revealing its sharp teeth. A ball of energy grew in its mouth and seem to change from a ball of plasma into a gaseous form. This was the dragon¡¯s breath attack.

    Crule spared no time to think and quickly ran. The breath hit where he used to stand and it corroded the ground and plant life on the spot. Not looking back, Crule kept on running. He could hear the dragon¡¯s enraged roar and its powerful limbs propelling it forward. This kind of dragon doesn¡¯t have wings so it¡¯s a land dragon. It¡¯s still quite fast due to its enormous size.

    As of right now, Crule was not prepared to fight a healthy dragon. He may perhaps win against an injured or dying one but a fully functional dragon means trouble. Dragons after the energy burst could be categorized as lvl 90 or up. Drakes perhaps only go up to lvl 70.

    The dragon kept spitting out balls of gas as if it had unlimited energy. Its eyes glowed red and looked like as if it could shoot lasers out of them. It started to try to stomp Crule into the ground. A combination of breaths and stomps kept Crule busy. He could barely dodge the stomps and the breaths was starting to get close to hitting him.

    [Crule]: Shit, this is bad.

    There was no place to hide, no trees can block its wrath, no rock can hold it back, and not even the mist will stop the dragon from its revenge. Its powerful breaths slowly blew away the mist revealing the area around them.

    Crule darted around like a rabbit with its tail on fire. He turned around finally and tried to hinder the dragon by firing some of his own aura. Half a dozen balls of famine energy collided with the dragon breath and dissipated it seems the two were evenly matched. The balls of famine energy could only consume so much things and each breath just happens to meet the capacity.

    The dragon was shocked that its breath was blocked but soon it was even angrier that its prey would suddenly fight back. Its pride as a dragon demands that it kill its prey.

    Crule quickly thought up of a plan to escape. He gathered a ball of aura around two meter in size and dropped it on the ground as he dodged the dragon. The ball landed on the ground with a plop and started to eat away at the ground. Soon a decently sized hole was dug in the ground. It was big enough for Crule to jump in and the dragon could not break in. Every time Crule pass by the area, he dropped another ball into the hole to make it deeper. This is his only way of getting away from this enraged dragon.

    The dragon haven¡¯t noticed Crule¡¯s plans and continued to try to step on him. It stopped firing its breath as its energy started to run thin.

    Several minutes of dodging felt like hours for Crule. His breathing was extremely labored and his chest burns like hell. But finally, the hole seemed deep enough for him to escape. He could feel a cold breeze flow from the hole meaning he may have hit a cave along the way. It would mean he had an escape route.

    But first, he wanted to get his revenge on the dragon for making him work so hard.

    He took out the hand cannon and started gathering energy. The dragon could feel the sheer power the Cannon contained as it slowly charged up.

    Suddenly, Crule stopped and faced the dragon. He was right in front of the hole he dug. With a smirk on his face, he waves bye to the dragon and pulled the trigger on his gun. A powerful beam of energy shot forth and hit the dragon directly. The continuous beam caused the dragon great pain as it roared in agony. Crule swept the laser side to side and created a dust cloud. When the cannon has used up all the stored energy, he jumped backwards and fell into the hole.

    When the dragon opened its eyes, his prey was gone. Its scales were extremely damaged and blood was oozing from a charred spot on its body. The cannon has done its job.

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    The dragon screamed into the sky with rage but no one was there to hear it. Its pride had been hurt and there was no way of recovering it for now. The dragon remembered the face of its enemy and limped away to tend its wounds.

    ______

    Crule fell down the hole and landed in a large underground water reservoir. The cold water hit him like a truck as he landed in it. After a painful coughing fit, Crule slowly swam to the shore. Looking up, he had ended up in a dark underground cave with a lake in the middle. Luckily he landed in the water or the fall would have caused even more damage.

    It was dark but the light coming from the hole Crule made shone some light on the abyss before him. It was a decently sized cave, perhaps able to hold a galactic sized carrier. Crule felt his fatigue finally caught up to him but he can¡¯t just fall asleep in such a cold environment. He looked in his storage for a new set of clothes so he wasn¡¯t wearing something wet.

    He sighed as it seem he was going through his clothes faster than usual. He wore his black overcoat and dragged his tired body to a secure location. A cave like this was bound to have some monsters so he needed to find safety.

    His body felt extremely heavy and even taking a single step was tough. But soon he finally settled himself in.

    [Crule]: These few days were extremely profitable but alas¡­it was full of life threatening situations. I begin to feel I am not fully prepared yet for the wild¡­

    He realized he needed to finish his training. He needed finish establishing all his gates. Only then will he fear nothing in the wild. Only then will he be able to travel where ever he wanted. Nothing will stop him, not even Wyvern, a drake, nor a dragon. Its a good thing Shin and the others only stay near the foot of the mountain with only Crule, Ming, and Brigid traveling higher. Crule could feel safe that the others won''t end up in such situations.

    Shutting his eyes with after a long sigh, Crule went to sleep. Boundless amounts of energy started to gather in him from the atmosphere, quickly replenishing the amount he lost. At least the heavens favor him a bit¡­

    ______

    Ming could hear the roar from miles away. It was something she could not deal with right now but she couldn¡¯t help but worry.

    [Ming]: I hope everyone is alright¡­

    She walked out of her cave on the side of the mountain. The cave provided a much needed relief from the gale force winds constantly hammering the side of Mt. Tai. She had traveled up the mountain for quite a distance and the air was thin. The mountain had reach an area where moisture had difficult forming there. This resulted in a sort of dry cold. The grey rocks of the mountain withstand this blistering cold with its majestic might. The winds that seem like it could cut wood easily battered the side into a sharp slope. Ming was tracking a certain monster¡­and she had finally cornered it in the cave. It was time to finally reap her reward.

    [Ming]: Come here my little precious¡­

    She stared down the cave at the beast huddled against the dead end.

    [Ming]: Mommy won¡¯t hurt you, much.

    She glared at it with hunger in her eyes. The beast could only shiver not from the cold, but from fear.

    ______________________

    I don''t know what to say about adding more romance...i literally have 0 experience in the stuff and most ideas i have involving such are from movies, anime, tv shows, books, other novels i''ve read. Sorry if its kind of flat but what can i say....i havent felt that kind of love yet.

 Chapter 91: Little creature.

    Chapter 91: Little creature.

    No one knows what the little furry creature in the cave resembles. Some say a rabbit, some say a chinchilla. But no matter what people compare it to, they agree on one thing.

    That shit is far too cute to exist.

    People tend to find small round things cute due to mother-nature, the cruel mistress that she is, imprinted in us that round things are cute due to the roundness of human infants.

    One may ask themselves have they ever seen something so cute they just want to bite it. Well this is the case for Ming right now.

    The furry little creature in front of her is so cute she just want to bite it. The poor thing was just shivering uncontrollably trying to hide itself in the corner of the cave. Ming reached out her hand and carefully picked it up.

    The creature was still sensing the hostility coming from Ming and tried to struggle free. Sadly it was far too small to do so and its bites and claws can¡¯t penetrate the layer of aura around Ming that¡¯s keeping her warm.

    [Ming]: I¡¯m going to keep you as a pet.

    The little furry creature could only resign to its fate. It went limp in Ming¡¯s arms as she cheerfully pet it.

    Ming opened her backpack and placed the little thing inside of it. She was going to have to tame it later. It was only by chance she happened upon such a cute pet. Her actual goal on this barren area of the mountains was to find a certain ore.

    This cave that she stumbled upon just happens to have traces of the ore she wanted. One may ask what kind of ore requires such a harsh condition to grow. The powerful winds constantly bash on the side of the mountain creating a weathered layer on top while underneath the riches lie safely.

    The slivers of blueish glow dimly hummed in the cave. It was this blue glow that Ming was looking for. It was an impure vein of cold mithril. Some say that it¡¯s a mythical ore but the discoverer of the thing must have found similar properties to that of lore, thus naming it Mithril.

    [Ming]: I¡¯m going to have to ask Brigid to purify this for me later.

    She took a ball of blood and let it slowly seep into the cracks in the cavern wall. This blood was from the frostbjorn ape as it doesn¡¯t freeze under the extreme temperatures up this high in the mountain.

    She solidified the blood and it forced the cracks within the walls to widen. This makes it easier to extract the chunk of ore. Using water pressure from a precise blast of blood, she carefully cut out the large chunk of mithril.

    [Ming]: This will be more than enough for the android.

    She smiled in anticipation as she stored the large chunk of turquoise ore into her backpack. Inside, she could see the furry little thing taking a nap in stasis.

    Thinking about playing with the furry thing later, she skipped along and started to head down the mountain. No use staying here in this barren wasteland since she had already collected what she needed.

    By the time she reached their original camp, it was already night fall. The fourth day gone and pass in the blink of an eye. It seems she was the only one who finished first.

    Taking out the fluffy creature, she decided to feed and play with it. She gave it a piece of jerky and watched as it nibbled on it with caution.

    [Ming]: What to name you¡­

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    She ponders as the fluffy thing ate.

    ______

    Crule woke up from his nap feeling slightly refreshed. The fight with the dragon was far more serious than the lynx and it took a far greater toll on him. Moving his body slowly, he could feel his broken ribs had repaired a little. Thank goodness energy speeds up bodily healing functions.

    His muscles still ached and every movement causes creaks in his bones. Forcing himself to get up, he walked to the lake and took a sip. After waiting for a while, realizing he didn¡¯t get any adverse effects, Crule stuck his head into the lake and drank deeply.

    The cold refreshing water woke him up fully and refreshed his body. He took off his cloak and jumped in for a bath. The dust had gathered on his body overnight and washing it off felt renewing. Wiping the water off his face he floating on the lake looking up at the doom like ceiling.

    Feeling motivated, he closed his eyes and tried to establish the next gates.

    Seven gates are the mortal realm gates. The following two gates after it belongs to ancient realm.

    Having already established seven gates, Crule has reached the pinnacle of human reach. To go beyond that would require understanding of the universe itself.

    What is his power? How does it work on the atomic level? These are the question one must ask to achieve the eight gate. The ninth gate, one must ask what role their power plays in the larger universe and how much does one affect the universe around them.

    Crule¡¯s power was named name things, Hunger, famine, consumption, and devouring. But what is it? Within this universe, his power seem to contradict the conservation of matter law. One cannot simply destroy matter, they can only convert it. But what does Crule¡¯s power do that makes it look like he was destroying matter? People would say that his aura ¡°eats¡± matter.

    But does it really? Understanding where that missing matter actually goes was an understanding that had always escaped Crule. Even in the previous world he failed to establish the eighth and ninth gate.

    He spread his aura before him and watched closely as the particles of dust falls onto it and disappear. He kept looking, hoping to find something he missed before.

    If only he could slow down time to see his power in slow motion. Focusing intensely on the dust falling on the disk of aura on his hand, he floated calmly on the lake.

    [Crule]: Just what am I missing?

    He stared at the disks for nearly an hour but still nothing came to him.

    He made another ball of his aura on his other hand and brought it close to the disk. He then willed the disk to consume the ball. The ball slowly vanished as it slowly sink into the disk.

    Having feel like this was the correct way, he tried again but with a larger ball.

    [Crule]: God dammit, why aren¡¯t I magically getting insight into my powers¡­?

    Crule finally got out of the water and dried himself with a towel from his storage. He can¡¯t really start a fire in a cave where he doesn¡¯t know whether or not it had proper airflow or not.

    Putting his cloak back on, Crule once again pressed balls of his aura into his aura disks.

    Maybe he will get it, maybe he won¡¯t. Only time will tell.

 Chapter 92: Breakthrough.

    Might be on hiatus for exams n holidays. If there''s radio silence over the next few days, assume zombies have eaten my brain and instead books were crammed in as replacement. Thanks for understanding.

    __________________________________________________________________________

    Chapter 92: Breakthrough.

    An entire day of pressing together balls with disks without any new insights left Crule extremely frustrated. He had never taken a class in physics or had any prior knowledge on the universe and how it works.

    He never had the chance to really get the normal education children had. But in his world, he didn¡¯t need such education. It was a past where he could get by fine with just power alone. There was power and wisdom, but never intelligence. He didn¡¯t need to know how black holes were formed or that humans can store sugar in their bodies via glycogenesis.

    Things like that ever truly bothered him. But now he realize his lack of general science knowledge came back to haunt him. Perhaps if he understood more about the universe from a scientific perspective, breaking through wouldn¡¯t be so hard.

    Actually back in the previous time line, during the time he lived with Shin, he actually did attend a sort of bonus class for people who are too old to attend the simple education system. There he learned the basics like simple arithmetic, social studies which involved the history of their civilization, and simple science like states of matter and forces.

    He basically had primary education down before he stopped. Luckily, his teacher back then gave him some text books to further his education by himself but Crule never bothered with them.

    To this day, they remain untouched in his spatial storage.

    Crule looking deep into his memories trying to find any hints of a break through suddenly remembered those text books.

    The cave was far too dark to read them though, but thankfully Crule carried on him a portable flashlight that ran on energy. Things that ran on electricity never worked properly in the wild and this flashlight was an invention of Brigid.

    He took out a book labeled ¡°The Atoms and you¡± and began reading. It was by far the thickest book he had. The book was made for older people to learn so the information was not spread out evenly for a gradual learning experience. Instead it was packed with as much information as one can take in within each chapter hoping to cram the knowledge into the read¡¯s head.

    Crule read fast hoping to gain insight. He learned about what makes up the universe, the Atoms. He learned what the atoms are made of, the protons electrons and neutrons. He learned about quarks and leptons, and the structure of atoms. It¡¯s like opening the door to a whole new understanding of the universe around him.

    Realizing how much he have read, he put the book back in storage and tried to digest the sheer amount of information he just read.

    How does his power work with the structure of the atoms? Since he cannot destroy the particles nor does it convert to something else, just what is he missing? Nothing puts fun in fundamentals like trying to figure out how it all works.

    He once again began to put balls of aura into disks of aura.

    [Crule]: Just how does this stupid thing work¡­?

    Does his powers truly defy the laws of physics? Does it truly changes the fundamentals of how everything works in the universe? And if it does, how hasn¡¯t it had an extremely detrimental effect on the universe around him?

    Questions swarmed his head but answers remained hidden.

    He had to look further in.

    The book stats that things within an atom are never fixed in place. They exist within a probability area. Perhaps his power involves tempering with that probability? But what would that do? Make the electrons fly away? Just what is this empty space between all the stuff that makes up an atom? The book shows pictures of atoms as spheres since the electrons fly around it to form a kind of sphere anyways.

    One may expect the book to be bad science but the writer isn¡¯t a physicist so why bother? How does Crule¡¯s energy affect the atoms is what it all comes down to.

    To answer that question, Crule had to know what the energy was and how does it behave.

    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.Looking deep into himself at the raw energy stored within his body, he just observed, hoping to find clues.

    The energy behave in strange manners. At times it behaves like waves of light, other times it behaves like water. How does something that behaves like light affect atoms? Are they super charges electron particles that hit the atom and somehow affect its shape? Or does it act like water and comes along like a tidal wave that pushes everything aside?

    Then it hit him. Why can¡¯t it do both?

    His power hit the thing he is affecting like an electron particle thus upsetting its balance. Then it behaves like a tidal wave and sweeps everything aside. But where does it push everything to?

    Perhaps it could be explained with his spatial storage. Does his power actually work in such a way? Does it first knocks everything off balance to make it easier to move aside into his spatial area?

    So many questions. But he had to test it in order for it to truly be considered an insight.

    He opened his spatial storage and kept it open. While keeping an eye on what happens inside of it, he used his aura to consume a part of the cavern wall.

    The inside of his spatial storage flashed a little as it looked like it destabilized and reverted back to stability as quick as it could.

    [Crule]: This¡­

    He didn¡¯t know where the matter has gone, but it certain has gone somewhere. That somewhere seemed like it was connected to his spatial storage.

    Suddenly this insight seemed to clear many things up.

    Who knew just by reading a text book on atoms that he would gain so much.

    Suddenly a ball of light descended upon him. It was like the universe saying, ¡°Yep, that¡¯s totally how it works, good job science man!¡± *sarcasm* Kind of like how someone just gave up trying to explain to an idiot how things work and just left them to accept their claim to be true.

    Because in this world, truth is just what a majority of people believes is right. Since Crule thinks it is right, it¡¯s the law now.

    He realized a little later that there was a lump of energy gathered in his body. It was different from the others as it was very stable. He allowed it to flow through his body and to his amazement, an eight gate was formed from the energy. It was not like his other seven gates as those had to do with courses in a meal. This gate, was called Atomos as if seemingly named by the heavens.

    Crule could feel had he nearly full control of his energy. Before it was like trying to control water using a tube. Now it felt like he could control the water like a part of him.

    He could only imagine what establishing the ninth gate would result in. But to do that, he required more than just an insight.

    Looking down at his wristband, a sudden change was made to his status page.

    It seems he leveled to the mid-eighties.

    [Crule]: I see¡­it¡¯s no wonder Brigid is so interested in science. It seems she realized how to establish the eighth and ninth gate far easier than I did.

    Either way, he didn¡¯t compare himself to the monster loli alchemist anymore. He was still happy he finally had a breakthrough and one that he didn¡¯t achieve in the old time line.

    [Crule]: Hahaha, this is great.

    Feeling stronger than ever before. It seemed he now has 200% of his original power. This was without Famina handing down her final blessing.

    [Crule]: I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m saying this, but I can¡¯t wait till that bastard Chaos show his face to me now.

    With a sinister grin, Crule started find his way out of the cave. It was finally time to leave.

    As if waving goodbye, a stalactite fell from the ceiling and his the lake creating a strong enough ripple to form a wave tide.

    [Crule]: Thanks cave!

    He waved back at the cave as he left through the tunnel he found yesterday. The wind was flowing through it and Crule assumed it lead outside.

    If anyone had saw him now, they would have thought isolation had made him insane.

 This is not a chapter, its a sandwich.

    So if anyone of you guys have been wonder, its finals week for me...

    Thats all i got to say about that.

    Another thing is my profile picture....yes its Ming.

    This is a drawing of Ming i commissioned youtuber Jaltoid to draw a while back. Hopefully you guys can enjoy the nice art too ;D

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    P.S. read my side story if ur bored! i could like criticism and reviews on it too!

 Chapter 93: Meeting up again.

    Had enough time to squeeze out a chapter. Enjoy! (still busy)

    Choose a name for the pet!!!!

    _______________________________

    Chapter 93: Meeting up again.

    A week have passed since everyone split up to hunt for materials. Ming and Brigid arrived first. Brigid was doing who-knows-what with the stuff she found. With a silly grin on her face, she toyed around with various gemstones. Ming didn¡¯t pay attention to her since she was busy training her new pet. The little furry creature now accepts Ming as its provider. She has been taming it with food and it looks like after a few days, it finally started to warm up to her.

    Shin and Kate came back next. They were covered in dried mud, dust, dirt, and looked like they just survived a dive through a tornado. On Shin¡¯s ripped jacket were hints of dried monster blood. It seems they ran out of clean cloths and could only just wing it.

    Ming caressed the furry critter and stared at the two.

    [Ming]: Just what happened to you two?

    Ming and Brigid looked clean even after an entire week of adventuring.

    The two only sighed and collapsed next to the fire.

    [Shin]: Let¡¯s just say we have been tracking an annoying beast for nearly half the week¡­

    [Kate]: God¡­ I want a bath already.

    Kate¡¯s hair was disheveled and she kept blowing her hair out of the ways of her eyes.

    Shin looked like a miner who had finally seen the light of day after nearly a week of mining in the dark. Circles under their eyes showed the lack of sleep they got the past few days and the distinct smell of cut plants emit from their bodies.

    Brigid didn¡¯t pay them any attention since she was still too busy tinkering with her new found toys but Ming had to hold her nose.

    [Ming]: You smell like you took a bath in a pile of fresh cut grass¡­*cough* wow that is strong.

    [Kate]: Don¡¯t remind me¡­my nose had already gotten use to the smell but I just can¡¯t help but remember how bad I smell right now.

    [Ming]: Well, there¡¯s a river nearby. You two should go wash up a little. That smell is just far too strong¡­

    [Shin]: Good idea, let¡¯s go honey.

    Shin and Kate dropped their heavy backpacks and quickly ran toward the river while taking off their clothes caked in dust.

    Ming could hear them screaming ¡°Yahooo¡± followed by two splashed.

    [Ming]: Sometimes I wonder if they should act their age or not¡­

    [Brigid]: Hey, allow them to enjoy their inner childish tendencies while they can.

    [Ming]: Hmm¡­

    [Brigid]: You too. Considering you¡¯re a fourteen year old girl right now, you should act your age.

    [Ming]: But it¡¯s so tiring acting so immature.

    [Brigid]: Tiring huh? Guess there¡¯s just some people¡­

    They could hear the couple laughing and splashing in the river nearby.

    Minutes later, Chun Qin returned from his hunt. He looked like a tired soldier who just went through a tour in Vietnam.

    [Chun Qin]: So how is everyone?

    [Ming]: I see from your satisfied expression that you got something special.

    [Chun Qin]: You know it. This week really reminded me of boot camp¡­god that month of field training¡­

    Chun Qin shivered as he remembered his past.

    [Brigid]: Hey, don¡¯t go all PTSD on us here, go wash up too.

    Chun Qin looked at himself and realized he was covered in dirt and dead dried vegetation.

    [Chun Qin]: Hmm, you¡¯re right. I¡¯ll wait till those two are done.

    [Brigid]: Then sit away from me, you stink!

    [Chun Qin]: You don¡¯t have to be so mean¡­

    [Ming]: She¡¯s right, you do smell horrible.

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    [Chun Qin]: *sigh* No one is on my side¡­

    The two could only look at the dirty soldier with pity.

    ______

    An hour later, Shin and Kate came back from their wash with a cheerful atmosphere. The two looked renewed, as if the entire week of struggle never happened. Chun Qin saw the two and left silently toward the river after giving a nod to Shin.

    [Shin]: So, shall we make dinner before the sun fully sets?

    [Kate]: By the way, did Crule come back when we were gone?

    [Ming]: Not yet. But we might as well welcome him with some hot food. Let¡¯s make dinner.

    Shin lifted his arms showing his bulging arm muscles.

    [Shin]: Leave it to me!

    Kate only giggled, Ming and Brigid only rolled their eyes.

    Ming nonchalantly rummaged through her backpack and pulled out with a loud thud, the corpses of a pig looking beast. It was huge, nearly seven meter in size. This was far more than enough food for the six of them, even with their elevated appetite.

    Shin grinned while looking at the large pig thing. He reached into his backpack and pulled out two sharp looking butcher knives.

    Kate hugged Shin and tied an apron on him. He was blushing but trying not to move. With the two knives in his hands, he approached the pig thing. Like a tappan-yaki chef, he skillfully dissected the pig beast into varying sizes of edible meat. The bone was stored away and the organs were tossed. Who knows what kind of poison the pig-beast¡¯s organs have been bathed in by living on Mt. Tai?

    Obviously the beast had been already drained of blood by Ming. She was ever expanding her supply of blood.

    The remainder of the pig was seasoned with a dry rub then mounted on a long stick and slowly roasted over an open flame. The grease slowly dripped off the delicious meat as Shin further seasoned it with pepper and fennel seeds.

    The smell filled the air and everyone¡¯s stomach was rumbling.

    Chun Qin returned from his wash looking renewed as well. He stared at the roasting pig with drool dripped from the corner of his mouth. He was never a good cook and the past week he had been eating nothing but berries he found and various dried rations.

    Being able to eat food made by a professional chef was something he use to take for granted after living with Shin and Kate on the moon Wrath for such a long time. This week apart made him realize just how lucky he was.

    [Chun Qin]: Smells great! So is Crule back?

    [Ming]: Not yet. But soon I think.

    Ming just had this intuition that Crule will soon be back. Her intuition was rarely wrong.

    Brigid finally stopped tinkering with her toys after the suns set enough to the point where the lighting has gotten bad.

    The suns was now dropping below the horizon. The purple dusk colored the sky with a certain peaceful magenta that made one feel calm.

    The pig after several hours finally was ready to eat.

    As if his stomach was guiding him, Crule returned nearly immediately as the pig was finished cooking.

    [Crule]: Smells great!

    He was clean compared to Shin, Kate and Chun Qin since he spent such a long time in the underground pool.

    Ming could sense something different about Crule. Suddenly she realized what changed. A wide grin revealed slowly on her face.

    [Ming]: I see you finally made that breakthrough.

    [Crule]: Mhm, finally I have passed the level I couldn¡¯t get through back in the old world.

    [Ming]: I have to catch up too now!

    They chatted around about their week of hunt as they enjoyed the roasted pig thing.

    After a long week, everyone came back realizing how much they missed each other¡¯s company. The close beta ended successfully and soon, the gates will be opened to the public. Soon the masses will storm the Wild, taking all they could with their own hands.

 Chapter 94: Open Beta Storm.

    Chapter 94: Open Beta Storm.

    Crule and company left the wild after their week of hunting. With treasures in hand, they headed toward the Lawks¡¯ clan headquarters.

    Meanwhile, the open beta event was starting. Even after the press covers, people were still skeptical. The first batch of open beta players are those who were hyped enough to join without fear.

    Eighty thousand people gathered at the huge gate leading to the wild. A huge festival was taking place with a ribbon tied around the entrance. It will be cut by Grimly when the event officially starts.

    Street vendors were selling their goods and fireworks whistled into the sky. The eighty thousand people were extremely eager and the festival just further increased their euphoria.

    Everyone who came was handed a blue vial. Those who saw the press event knew what this was. It was the Nano-burst drink. With excitement in their eyes, everyone who got it drank it immediately. They could feel their strength increasing already.

    Along with the vial, they were handed their wristband. Many have already checked their stats and were either pleasantly surprised or disappointed at their current stats. But with the festivities, those who were disappointed cheered up and could not wait to get stronger in the future.

    Soon, the main event was about to take place.

    Eighty thousand people gathered at the giant gate waiting for it to happen. Several bands had played their songs and have finished their routine. Suddenly, everything stopped and you could only hear the sound of mumbling from the audience. From the sky a metal disk descended with Grimly stood on top of it.

    Wearing a silver suit and tie while having a grin plastered on his face, he floated toward the gate. Everyone watched in awe at the amazing spectacle. It was just a simple metal disk but it could carry his entire weight and fly.

    The disk stopped about a foot off the ground next to the ribbon. Grimly stepped off and with a wave of his hand, the disk turned into a sphere of metallic liquid. He pulled out a flask from his pocket and the metal liquid poured itself into it. With a rubber stopper, he plugged the flask after all of the liquid was stored in the flask.

    With such a display, everyone was already cheering. This kind of magic was what they came for. What they desired. Greed filled their eyes and pride clouded their judgement. They would do anything to get that power.

    Grimly saw the way everyone looked at his little performance and his grin got bigger.

    [Grimly]: Good to see everyone is so eager to get started.

    He took out another flask, this time with a gold colored liquid. He popped the rubber stopper off and with a twist of his hand, he poured the contents onto the floor. After half of the flask was emptied, he quickly plugged it back up and put it back into his pocket. The liquid was now a puddle on the floor. With a wave of his hand, the golden liquid turned into a large pair of scissors and floated into his hand.

    The crowd ¡°Ooo¡± and ¡°Ahhh¡± at the performance.

    They were eating it all up and are now just puppets dancing in the palm of Grimly¡¯s hands.

    With the scissor, Grimly firmly cut the long ribbon that stretched across the entire gate.

    [Grimly]: I declare the Antagonist games, OPENED!

    He cut the ribbon.

    Like a flash mob, nearly everyone in the crowd of eighty thousand rushed toward the gate. It looked like a black Friday sales mob.

    Grimly quickly got out of the way as to not get trampled on.

    It looked like a colorful tidal wave as it poured into the large gate.

    With their strengthened bodies, no one was actually hurt from the mob mentality but it was still an amazing sight to behold. Imagine if people were not skeptical and the mob was larger than eighty thousand. It would have caused problems¡­

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    Now that the sheep have entered the slaughter house, it was time for Grimly to relax, sit back, and enjoy the carnage.

    [Grimly]: Hahaha, everything is going according to plans. Soon, everyone else will see how profitable the games will be and join as well. The eighty thousand will pave the way for millions. Millions of sheep for the slaughter.

    No one could hear him over the shouts and roars of the mob.

    ______

    Upon entering the gate, the mob finally calmed down and separated. The creatures near the gate were all low leveled beasts. Most were below level twenty which was acceptable for the newly achieved strength of the participants. The weakest participant was at least lvl 6 due to having been born and raised in the energy of the world.

    People were looking at their wristband at their attributes and skills they could use. Many were already trying out their new found powers. Fire, Ice, electricity, rocks, wind, even metal, were flying everywhere as people started to throw them at the beasts.

    Alarmed at the sudden mob, the creatures tried to run, only to get slaughtered by the sheer number of people.

    This went on for hours until practically every creature within a five kilometer radius have either been killed or escaped.

    People finally started to explore the Wild and they tread on.

    Few people have found small towns that the company have established in the Wild for the game. These towns offer shelter during night as well as a place to shop, forge, and do business.

    The towns themselves were small but well protected. Beasts below a certain level threshold could not even get near it. A firm barrier protects these towns and they block beasts up to lvl 70s.

    Due to the territorial nature of monsters over lvl 70, the towns didn¡¯t have to worry about it as long as the town was not built within the territories of such beasts.

    These small pockets of safety was a haven for the open beta participants who were extremely fatigued after an entire day of excitement and hunting. The inns were immediately filled and some adventurers just directly slept on the floor since it was safe to do so in the towns.

    Within these towns were also the adventurer¡¯s guild. Although pretty much every single participant is considered an adventurer, some people were not. These were the usually company representatives, nobles, aristocrats or their guards who happen to need something done or require a certain something.

    The Beauxi auction house and other companies post quests for the participants to do.

    Since many people use to be farmers and people from rural areas trying to make money, the food supply would go down quick and there might be food shortages in the coming future. In order to counter this, quests for hunting meat have the highest priority and are the most accepted quest.

    Hundreds and thousands of tons of Wild beast meat will be shipped from these towns dotting the wild to the seven islands of civilization. This meat will sustain the people who stay behind instead of participating in the games.

    Wilderness beast meat have strange properties and one could survive off of them alone with just water. It was considered a super food almost and its health benefits actually far outweigh the penalties.

    Other companies ask for rare ores, valuable herbs, and many more. Some even ask for pictures of the landscapes of the wild for postcards and other aesthetic purposes.

    Business was booming and riches were made. The true nature of the Games was soon revealed to be a new hope. It was like in ancient times when the Europeans first set foot on the Americas. The dream of making it rich quick and the bountiful treasure that lies across its vast lands.

    This enticed many others to join, even the most skeptical of people could no longer resist the temptation.

    The games was on its way, and it seemed as if nothing could stop it.

 Chapter 95: Brigidéˆ¥æªš ideas.

    Chapter 95: Brigid¡¯s ideas.

    Lawks¡¯ father stared at the pile of monster material gathered before him. His mouth was wide open in shock and he could take his eye off of the sheer amount and rarity of the things in front of him.

    Crule and the others was showing him the things they have gathered to be used on their androids.

    [Crule]: So did the things we bring meet your satisfaction?

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: I don¡¯t know what to say¡­This far exceeds me expectations¡­

    [Crule]: Then I hope you make us a good product.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: I¡­some of these things I don¡¯t even know how to approach. They are just so¡­.unique.

    [Brigid]: I can help if you need it.

    Brigid said with a glint of excitement and curiosity in her eye. Obviously she wants to learn about the Lawks¡¯ family android creation methods.

    Lawks¡¯ father was still shocked and replied without thinking.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: That would be nice.

    Still recovering from amazement, he ordered several people to take the materials to the lab. Brigid followed.

    Crule and the others didn¡¯t though.

    [Crule]: We have other things to do. Give us a call when things are done.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Ok, this may take a while depending if we can figure out how to use the materials and how difficult it will be to forge.

    Crule and everyone except Brigid left on their ship.

    [Shin]: So where are go going now?

    [Crule]: We are going to check out the open beta of course.

    [Kate]: I saw the event on TV when it started yesterday. There were so many people it was blinding.

    [Chun Qin]: That large number of people entering the Wild at one time¡­I hope they don¡¯t destroy the environment with their greed.

    Moments later, their ship landed at one of the many gates leading to the wild. With the seven continents, six had gates leading to the wild with the seventh one being an island.

    The gate was bustling with activity. It was the second day of open beta and many people who heard words from participants who attended day one came to join the games.

    These gates have become towns over the years due to the lucrative business of selling monster material from the wild. They were certainly big enough to hold several million people.

    The large gate loomed over the city and every afternoon, the shadow of the gate engulfs the town in a dark shade. It help cooled the town down significantly so the snow that have layered over the town due to winter does not melt. During winter, it was a perpetual winter wonderland.

    Crule and company wore thicker winter coats and stepped out of their ship. A chilling wind blew through but they didn¡¯t seem to be affected by it. Their auras was blocking out the elements and even helped in traversing the thick carpet of slush-like snow.

    [Kate]: The place is still so lively even with the cold weather.

    [Ming]: All the gates are lively during the games.

    Ming pet the creature hiding in her coat.

    [Kate]: I never had the chance to ask but what is that thing?

    She pointed toward the fluffy thing Ming¡¯s holding.

    [Ming]: I don¡¯t know, but I¡¯m going name it Snuggles.

    [Kate]: Snuggles¡­the name seem to somehow fit perfectly!

    [Shin]: How does it fit perfectly?! It seems far too clich¨¦ of a name for a pet.

    [Chun Qin]: *sigh* Just leave it be. Those two doesn¡¯t look like they are listening.

    Ming and Kate were solely focusing on the fluffy thing hiding in Ming¡¯s coat due to the cold.

    It was so adorable and they couldn¡¯t stop fawning over it.

    Crule didn¡¯t really care if Ming got a pet. What he did care about is if the pet will be able to protect her when he is not there. His silent fears went unheard but his eyes shows concern. His usual evil expression slowly melted into a caring smirk.

    [Shin]: Woah there Crule, why do you look so angry?

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    [Crule]: Huh? I¡¯m not angry.

    Although his face showed a caring smile, to others it just looked like he was pissed off. Poor guy was cursed by the gods to forever look menacing¡­

    But it seems like Shin misunderstood.

    [Shin]: Wait¡­are you jealous of that furry thing?!

    Everyone¡¯s attention was now fixed on Crule.

    [Crule]: W-what?! Hell no! I¡¯m not jealous of that flea bag.

    [Ming]: Oh ho ho, honey is jealous of Mr. Snuggles. Careful he might eat cha!

    The creature seem to realize what Ming was saying and hid deeper in her coat.

    [Kate]: Hahaha, Crule, you jealous the little thing will get Ming¡¯s attention more than you?

    [Crule]: No¡­

    Although he said no, his thoughts betrayed him and it wandered to thoughts about Ming choosing to pet the creature instead of spending time with him.

    Even if he didn¡¯t realize it, he slowly became jealous although he wasn¡¯t in the beginning.

    [Crule]: *mumbles* I¡¯m not jealous¡­

    They laughed and continue to enjoy the things the gate town had to offer.

    ______

    Meanwhile, Brigid was staring at the blue print in front of her.

    Although Lawks¡¯ father realized what he had done moments later, he still couldn¡¯t resist the curious look that the teenage looking Brigid was giving him. He could only sigh and allow her to join in the android creation.

    Brigid sighed after looking at the blue print.

    [Brigid]: Is this the best you guys have?

    [Engineer]: It¡¯s our top model at the moment.

    He said it proudly.

    [Brigid]: *sigh* I was expecting something better¡­There¡¯s so many flaws that could be easily fixed.

    [Engineer]: W-what!? Our androids are not flawed!

    Lawks¡¯ father wasn¡¯t so closed minded as the engineers and his interest perked up.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: So tell us, what these flaws are?

    [Brigid]: Fine, listen to this me amazing deduction and be shocked!

    They all stare intently at her.

    [Brigid]: Flaw number one, the androids you guys have been building are all very tall. Even your smallest model for warfare are ten meter tall. This is impractical due to shipping demands. Trying to move so many large androids in one go is not effective at all. Not only that, the smaller human size models you guys produce doesn¡¯t have nearly the combat ability of the larger ones. There is just far too big of a gap.

    They realized the flaw and some seemed to be mad.

    [Engineer]: Then how would you do it then?!

    [Brigid]: Obviously, have you not thought that these smaller human sized models can be created to something called ¡°mobile suits¡±. Instead of making an entire autonomous robot, make it an armor. It will have far greater firepower with the wearer¡¯s energy supply combined with the android exterior energy supply. Instead of making large bulky things, make smaller compact armor ones.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: I see. Our plans have followed tradition for so long, we had forgot that it originated from Earth, where energy do not exist.

    [Brigid]: Yes, soon with the Antagonist games going on, humans will get far stronger than your current androids. To allow you guys to keep making a decent profit, instead of replacing, go for enhancing. Make something that further boost the power of humans instead of a shell. You should not be making vehicles, you should be making tools, armors to be precise. I know I keep saying armor, BUT YOU GUYS SHOULD MAKE ARMOR STYLE ROBOTS DAMMIT! I want my Gundams¡­

    They were shocked at her passion. It seems her inner otaku is taking over.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: I-I see. So will you help us in making this ¡°mobile suit¡± model?

    With a twinkle in her eyes, Brigid smirked.

    [Brigid]: Of course! This great one shall lend my oh-so-capable hands!

    [Engineer]: I suddenly have a headache¡­

 Chapter 96: Mobile Suit.

    Back from vacation ;D the chapters shall continue!!!

    ____________________________________________________

    Chapter 96: Mobile Suit.

    While Brigid rant about her needs to the engineering crew, Crule and the other looked around the rest of the town before heading out to the immediate area of the Wild.

    The gate towns looked perfectly fine after the first two days of open beta. They were able to handle the explosion of participants no problems at all. It seems like they have been preparing for this for years. The inns were expanded and the restaurants were too. Large buildings were built for various utility for adventuring purposes. Smiths, apothecaries, guild hall, storage places, and many more popped up all over the place.

    The preparations was like the towns was expecting the Olympics. Buildings rose out of nowhere over the last two years as rapid as fast food chains pop up.

    Crule and company exited the gate into the Wild after having satisfied their curiosity on the state of the town.  The Wild outside of the immediate area seemed very different. It seems the roads have been fixed up and light fixtures were installed. Guess having multiply companies fund the project allowed proper road side utilities to be built.

    In the guild hall, there were quests requesting adventurers to escort a build team out into the deeper wilds to build roads. This was a higher level quest but some people have already achieved a decent lvl.

    Crule checked the fauna and beasts around the area to see if the number of people had an impact on it.

    [Crule]: Most of the beast should be between lvl ten and twenty around here.

    [Ming]: Strange, with the sheer number of people joining at the same time I expected the place to be fully cleared out.

    [Shin]: You think they might be cloning the lower level beasts to train the adventurers?

    [Crule]: No, they shouldn¡¯t be. The beasts of the wild are extremely hard to clone. Due to the nature of growth, they have to exist on the planet for a certain time period and absorbed enough energy naturally before they become beasts of the Wild.

    [Shin]: Then what is strange?

    [Ming]: The number of beast hasn¡¯t decreased at all. Not only that, the herbs along the side of the road shows signs of damage from picking yet they still thrive perfectly fine.

    [Kate]: It seems so, artificial.

    Chun Qin, Shin, and Kate looked at Crule and Ming running around inspecting the region. Suddenly Crule took out a magnifying glass and started to inspect a leaf on a certain herb.

    [Crule]: This¡­the energy stored in the leaf is far weaker than normal¡­

    Ming inspected the leaf too.

    [Ming]: It seems the energy doesn¡¯t belong in the leaf. Maybe it was artificially injected?

    [Crule]: It might be. We never took the chance back in the old world to uncover how the number of beasts and herbs never seem to run out.

    [Ming]: You think they finally found a way to clone beasts and herbs from the wild?

    [Crule]: Perhaps. This may be useful information.

    Normally Crule and Ming wouldn¡¯t care about such things. But to achieve a higher level of power, they had to understand how the world worked. Crule has established the 8th gate but he needs to create the 9th. Ming was working on her 8th gate.

    The information about how to clone beasts and herbs full of energy and have established themselves in the wilderness should be great for achieving a higher understanding.

    So Crule and Ming inspected the wild intensively while Chun Qin, Shin, and Kate stare in confusion.

    ______

    A week later, Crule got a call.

    [Crule]: ¡°Yes?¡±

    [Brigid]: ¡°The dark deed you requested has been done.¡±

    [Crule]: ¡°What? What dark deed, what happened?!¡±

    [Brigid]: ¡°Seven days.¡±

    [Crule]: ¡°What?¡±

    [Brigid]: ¡°Seven god damn sleepless nights, but the androids are finally finished.¡±

    [Crule]: ¡°Oh¡±

    Then she hanged up.

    [Ming]: Who was it?

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    [Crule]: A zombie.

    [Ming]: What?

    [Crule]: Anyways, our android are done.

    Everyone looked up from the menu. They were at a restaurant getting lunch at the time. Their eyes were eager to finally see the results of their week long efforts.

    But first! Lunch!

    [Kate]: I¡¯ll get the pastrami sandwich with crisps and some iced tea.

    [Shin]: I¡¯ll take a double cheese burger with a can of soda.

    They nonchalantly resumed their meal which seemed ordinary to others but to this group, who did nothing but eat exquisite beast meat from the wild for so long, this fast food meal was an eye opener.

    [Shin]: Honestly as a chef this really makes me open my eyes after seeing the quality of the food here. Quick cheap and widely available for busy adventurers.

    [Kate]: Don''t tell me you¡¯re going to open up something like this after everything settles down?

    [Shin]: Maybe.

    ______

    Cruel and company was in no hurry. They went back to the Lawks headquarters the morning after. The engineers were still out cold. Brigid was holding a cup of coffee with bag under her eyes.

    [Brigid]: Let¡¯s get this introduction end with so I can finally get some decent sleep. Let''s start with Chun Qin¡¯s first.

    She pressed a button and an armor stand popped up from the ground with a loud thud. On it was a silver armor around two and a half meter tall. It looked like a rugged iron man suit with veins of white running along the side. The outer shell material was made using the silver iron Chun Qin mined up in the wild. It was highly durable and resistant to heat and water.

    The head piece was collected to the rest of the suit with a hinge. It was the shape of a snake with two large fangs protruding down the sides.

    On both of its hands were large gauntlets which looked like it could crush just about anything.

    [Brigid]: You gotta give a name to this armor Chun Qin.

    [Chun Qin]: This¡­it''s beyond what I could ever imagine.

    [Brigid]: Don''t expect me to make something as poor quality as the one see on earth. This is far better. Compact and yet can handle the same load as the twenty meter tall version.

    [Chun Qin]: Amazing¡­ I shall dub thee Chrome Titanos.

    [Brigid]: Eh I question your naming sense but it works. Let me input that name now.

    Brigid took out a crystalish sheet from the armor¡¯s chest. She inputted the name and asked Chun Qin to seal it with a drop of his blood. The crystal became deep crimson on contact with his blood. She put it back into the chest and the armor seem to come to life.

    [Brigid]: I took the liberty to make it voice commanded. Just shout out a command, it can be any command, just include its name.

    [Chun Qin]: Right.

    Chun Qin stepped forth into an open area in the lab and saluted.

    [Chun Qin]: Armor on, Chrome Titanos.

    Chun Qin stood still as the armor seem to scoop him up. First the foot piece, the leg, follow by the two chest pieces, the arms, and lastly the head piece snaps in place. The entire armor forcefully surrounded Chun Qin without hurting him in a mere three seconds.

    [Brigid]: Hmm, the equipment time is slower than what I thought it could be but oh well, it passed. How is it?

    [Chun Qin]: This is amazing! It doesn''t even feel like I''m wearing a heavy armor. It feels more like a thin layer of liquid around me.

    [Brigid]: The materials you brought allowed up to use its own structural integrity to holds its weight up. The synchro-nerves will link up to the helmet piece and you commands will be directly transmitted to the limb sections. There are channels on the armor that store energy emitted from your body so you can use your aura as well.

    [Chun Qin]: Amazing!

    [Brigid]: How''s about a demonstration?

    Chun Qin nodded and readied his fists beside him. The channels of white energy coursed through the armor making the sight a blinding silvery white light.

    [Chun Qin]: Ready!

 Chapter 97: Show of force.

    Comment, rate, n stuff :3

    __________________________________________

    Chapter 97: Show of force.

    The emerald eyes of the armor glittered under the bright white light emitting from the veins. With a jump, Chun Qin flew into the air. A steady stream of white flames emitted from under his greaves keeping him afloat.

    [Brigid]: Looks like the flight mechanics are working just fine.

    Brigid checked a box on her clipboard.

    Chun Qin was flying through the air, doing some maneuvers. Several rings were placed in the lab for demonstration purposes. Chun Qin skillfully flew through them with ease.

    [Brigid]: Flight control mechanism working fine.

    She checked another box.

    A sturdy metal slab popped up in front of Chun Qin. With his fist forward, he slammed right into the slab shattering it. His armor suffered not a single scratch.

    [Chun Qin]: Hahaha, this is great! So easy to control as well.

    [Brigid]: Strength and durability, check.

    Chun Qin slowly floated back down to the ground and landed with one knee on the ground.

    [Chun Qin]: Armor off, Chrome Titanos.

    Armor slowly loosen itself from Chun Qin and flew back onto the armor rack.

    [Chun Qin]: I love it!

    [Brigid]: Good good, it almost met my standards. The armor will be stored in one of Crule storage crystal for easy transportation. To use it just dump the stand on anywhere solid and shout the command to equip.

    The shiny silvery armor was placed into the crystal and handed to Chun Qin.

    [Brigid]: Next up, Shin and Kate''s armor. Since you two are using the same materials, we made twin armors.

    From the rack, two stands with similar armor came out, one onyx grey, the other ash grey. The majority of the armor give a feeling of sleekness. The skin was coating in something leather like and upon close inspection, it was treated eel skin. The onyx grey one was obviously the male version as it was more bulky. The shoulder pieces protrude outwards in a sharp fang like spike.

    Small pulses of electricity run across the arms. Eyes shields were a deep blue color and under the Sparks of electricity seem to stare directly into your soul.

    The ash grey version lack the shoulder spikes but instead had smaller fang blades protecting from the forearms. Similar pulses of electricity run across the arms and legs giving off a dangerous feeling. The greaves were made into a high heel style weaponry as the heels were made into sharpened blades as well. This allow not only another form of attack but also to cling into the hides of beasts. The heels were razor sharp and jagged so it would rend flesh if it were to be stabbed into it. The eye shields were a turquoise blue and seemed just as alive as the other one.

    [Shin]: This is amazing¡­

    [Kate]: And here I thought mine would be just as bulky!

    [Brigid]: Please, I ain''t letting my girlfriend wear something that ugly!

    [Kate]: Hehe, thanks!

    [Brigid]: So about the names¡­

    [Shin]: Let me think¡­

    Shin took a look at the armor. The fang looked like arms sticking out form the shoulders. Its darker grey skin make it look like a dark God.

    [Shin]: Pale Shiva.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.[Crule]: Haha, so it matches your spear¡­

    Brigid seem to like the name. She inputted the name on the crystal from the armor¡¯s chest and asked Shin to drip his blood on it as well.

    She out the newly crimsoned crystal tag back into the armor and it came to life as well.

    [Brigid]: What about you?

    Kate pondered a while before sighing.

    [Kate]: Ash Khali.

    [Brigid]: Hahaha, good choice, great choice! It seems you two know your mythology.

    She did the same to the other armor¡¯s crystal tag and handed it to Kate to drip her blood on it. It became crimson as well before Brigid shoved it back into the armor.

    [Brigid]: Try it out. Shin use your spear as well. Whoever made it seem to already add armor integration as if they expected it¡­?

    Shin and Kate stood forth in the empty area of the lab. Shin with his hand on his spear. Kate with her hands on her sides.

    [Shin]: Rise, Pale Shiva.

    [Kate]: Fall, Ash Khali.

    The two armor reacted, they flew off the armor stand and wrapped themselves around the two, starting with the greaves all the way up to the helmet snapping on with a loud clap. The blueish eyes of the two glimmered in the miniature storm of electricity that sparked ever so often on their armor.

    Shin and Kate kicked up into the sky. The maneuvers that they performed was far more agile than Chun Qin. The metal slab was slashed all by Shin spear that seem to have fused with the armor. The other slab was kicked in half by the sharp blades on the heels of Kate''s greaves.

    Shin¡¯s entire armor can become a spear while Kate¡¯s is a full body weapon which take advantage of her blinding speeds to make rapid slashes.

    [Brigid]: Good good, those two work better together than I thought. With this armor Kate can actually keep up with you guys and your insane aura powers.

    Having finished their performance, Shin and Kate de-armored.

    [Shin]: Fall, Pale Shiva.

    The armor falls off him like an old layer of skin.

    [Kate]: Rise, Ash Khali.

    Opposite of Shin¡¯s armor, Kate¡¯s armor rose up from her like a puff of smoke.

    The two armor then slithered off like snakes of electricity back onto the armor rack. Brigid took the two and placed them into crystals as well. She handed them to Shin and Kate.

    The two accepted it with large grins in their face. They could feel the sheer power the armor gave them. They could probably destroy small celestial bodies if they manage to gather enough power although it would probably cause their death in the process.

    [Brigid]: Glad to see you guys are already enjoying your new toy. Next up is Ming¡¯s turn. This one and Crule¡¯s took the most time to make¡­you two really brought some insane materials.

    Brigid rubbed her temples and took her goggles off and rubber her eyes. Her eyes were blood shot and a thick layer of darkness could be seen under it.

    [Brigid]: I swear, you guys never seem to stop shocking me. I¡¯m beginning to become numb to all the amazement.

    [Ming]: Show me my armor already!

    [Brigid]: Woah there, hold your horses lady. I demand a little respect and patience here!

    After the two had their little fit, Brigid hesitantly pressed the button. The armor rose out of the ground in all its blazing glory.

 Chapter 98: Mingéˆ¥æªš Armor.

    Chapter 98: Ming¡¯s Armor.

    The bright armor was a darker shade of green. It wasn¡¯t quite olive but had a certain pinker hue to it. Areas where the light shone directly on the armor gave off a slightly rainbow hue.

    On the shoulder were two large bundles of white fur that looked like a large scarf. It seems to be made of the fur of the Frostbjorn ape. Channels of red blood flow visibly along the limbs of the armor originating from the tufts of fur on the shoulder and the hip.

    The head piece has small wings on each side sticking along the side. A large bushel of fur create a somewhat long braided hair on top of the helmet. The eye piece was a clear shade of blue. Veins of red blood flow from the blue eye piece to the hair on top. The mouthpiece that can open and close had two large fangs hanging menacingly on each side. It was etched into a permanent grin that looks like its constantly mocking its enemies.

    The chest piece was smooth with veins running alongside under the arm along the sides. In the centerpiece was a glaring red gem. It gave off a sort of mystic feeling and the glow makes one imagine a laser will come flying out of it any moment.

    The leg pieces were sleek and give off the feeling that it could move incredibly fast. The joint parts were well protected and the knee had a half foot long fang like blade protruding from it. It didn¡¯t hinder kneeling but it did give a boost in power in using the knees as a weapon.

    The greaves were similar in design as Kates as it was a sort of high heel. The heels were also fashioned into a serrated blade. It would give extra support when the armor stood on something. It can allow the user to even stand on the ceiling like a spider with its heel dug deep into it. The shoes were a glimmering olive green that looked slightly brighter than the rest of the armor.

    The gauntlet piece looked like a simple dark green silk glove but its durability did not lose out to the rest of the armor. The ends of the finger pieces were sharpened into a fine retractable tip. It could allow the armor user to climb sheer cliffs with ease. It can also be used as a weapon to rending and tearing.

    With all the armor pieces together, it looked like a menacing olive green insect queen covered in a pure white fur that resembles a bee with veins of red running across it.

    [Ming]: I love it!

    Her eyes immediately became stars.

    [Brigid]: Glad you like it. So about the name?

    [Ming]: Hmm¡­I¡¯m going to stick with Blood Valkyrie.

    Brigid nodded and inscribed the green crystal that came out of the chest piece with the name.

    Ming dropped a small bit of her own blood on it and the crystal changed colors. Brigid was interested as Ming¡¯s blood was different from the others as her aura directly affects it, but there doesn¡¯t seem to be a different reaction. Dejected, she put the crystal back into the armor.

    Suddenly, a change happened to the armor. The olive green of the armor suddenly turned into a crimson red. The veins became the olive green instead.

    [Brigid]: This¡­WRITE THIS DOWN!

    The engineers who were shocked suddenly panicked and were jotting things down hurriedly on their clipboards.

    [Brigid]: Little Ming, why not give us a demonstration?

    She was interested in seeing what the color change did to the armor.

    [Ming]: I can¡¯t wait.

    She licked her lips in anticipation like a predator about to sink her teeth into a hefty prey.

    She lifted one of her hands and snapped. Without a single word spoken, the armor shivered and immediately snapped on her.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Brigid stared in shock and amazement.

    [Brigid]: Wow¡­wordless command. That¡¯s new. We didn¡¯t add it when we were making the armor. Just how did her blood affect the coding¡­?

    [Ming]: Crule, honey, I need a suitable target to test this thing out.

    Crule smiled mischievously.

    With a wave of his hand, a large cage appeared out of nowhere from his spatial storage.

    [Crule]: Will this do?

    Inside the cage was actually a former A ranked beast that Crule caught on Mt. Tai on the way back to camp. The beast use to be a lowly B ranked beast before the energy surge. After the surge, it gained the strength of an A ranked beast. In new the new ranking system, it can be considered a monster in the upper 70s in level.

    [Ming]: It should do for now.

    [Brigid]: Wait you guys, don¡¯t do it here! You will destroy the place!

    The engineers who were still franticly writing notes down suddenly grew paler. Originally they all lacked sleep and were already pale but after hearing what Brigid said, some nearly turned into a pure ghostly white.

    [Ming]: Fine. Do you guys have a secure area?

    The engineer sighed with relief.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Yes, we do. Behind the courtyard is actually a large plane that leads up higher into the mountain. We use it as a training area for the larger androids so it¡¯s well fortified to handle heavy loads.

    [Ming]: Let¡¯s go then.

    Ming inside her new armor walked up nonchalantly to the cage. The cage was a full thirty meter in height. It looked like it weigh tons as the sturdy looking metal can hold back even a berserk lvl 70 beast. With a single hand, Ming casually lifted up the cage like a dish with a tea cup on top. She started to walk toward the area Lawks¡¯ father was pointing towards. Everyone else followed in shock. Only Crule was smiling with glee.

    [Crule]: Man, if only we had these in the previous world. Perhaps we may have had a better chance against that bastard.

    ______

    In the large clearing, Ming tossed the cage casually and it landed with an earth shattering thud. A cloud of dust and dirt was lifted nearly a meter off the ground. But true to his words, the floor stayed unbroken proving Lawks¡¯ father¡¯s word that the place was reinforced.

    Everyone stood a few hundred meters away. Close enough to get a good view but far enough as to not attract the attention of the beast.

    Brigid set up a camera and started recording to gather information. Everyone was waiting in anticipation. The level of this mobile suit was several times more than Chun Qin, Shin, and Kate¡¯s. It was like comparing a cotton t-shirt to a Kevlar vest. Although the armor of those three could improve their combat power by 300%, Ming¡¯s far outstrips it.

    She was going to show them just what a true suit android can do.

    [Brigid]: Let¡¯s start.

    Ming smiled in her armor and eerie enough, the mouth piece¡¯s permanent grin seem to widen.

    She opened the cage and a glass shattering roar boomed in the air as a huge black shadow lunged out of the cage.

    [Ming]: You. You are my prey.

    She said with a certain battle crazed hysteria.

 Chapter 99: Clothes of Deities.

    Another double!

    _____________________________________________

    Chapter 99: Clothes of Deities.

    The creature was a good twenty meter tall. The loomed over the area like an apartment complex. It looked like a mix between a wild boar and a lizard. Its body structure was oval and strong looking fur covered the main body like a layer of steel. The limbs were prominent and long. They were covered in a layer of scales similar to a snakes. Its eyes were a dark slit lying in the middle of an orange ball. It looked angrily at Ming in her armor.

    The beast looked like it had lost all intelligence due to its long period in suspended animation.

    They may not age but their mind still worked. Not being able to move a single muscle yet having your mind still go on, staying in Crule¡¯s spatial storage was like hell on earth. Its sanity was slowly sapped away over the eons and eons it felt it had stayed in that way. Time moved in a weird way in Crule¡¯s spatial storage.

    The insane beast only had instinct left and it deemed the smaller looking Ming a prey. The armor hides her aura pretty well even though she was using it at about 70% capacity.

    Upon closer inspection, two gems were embedded on the palms of each gauntlet. These were actually smaller spatial storages made by Crule. They serve as nothing but holding tanks for blood for Ming.

    From her palms, the blood gushed out like a liquid serpent. It slowly formed into a long crimson pole axe. Ming got into battle position and aimed her weapon at the beast. The creature couldn¡¯t wait any longer and lunged at her.

    Ming dodged out of the way as the creature almost instantly appeared in the area she was just standing. It seems it had some incredible speed. But Ming was even faster. A deep gash suddenly formed on one of the limbs of the beast and a fountain of blood flowed generously from the wound. She manage to cut the arm of the creature whilst dodging.

    Having been angered, the beast went on a berserk rampage constantly slamming its limbs at Ming. Its tail also swing back and forth, waiting for a chance to attack. Ming dodged each attack with ease. The beast attacks were so fast, sonic booms were heard each time its limb snapped forth to attack. Each time Ming dodged with acrobatic agility, she left a wound on the beast¡¯s limbs either with her sharp claws, her jagged heels, or her blood pole axe.

    The beast soon started slowing down due to blood lose. But it only got more angered. Having lost all sense of security due to having suffered through such a long time in hell, it no longer had any regards in self-preservation.

    Normally under such onslaught, without her armor, Ming would be in the same state as Crule when he fought the Gestalt Lynx. But with the boost her armor gave her, the fight was completely one sided. She didn¡¯t even break out a single bead of sweat.

    The permanent grin mocked the lizard pig. The beast¡¯s eyes were becoming hazy due to blood lose but still, it continue to attack Ming.

    [Ming]: There, enough of this dexterity demonstration. Let¡¯s now show power.

    The green blood flowing through the veins on her armor suddenly sped up. It started to give off a near radioactive glow. The crimson pole axe turned back into liquid as it flow back into Ming¡¯s palms.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.Suddenly, the panels on Ming¡¯s shoulder blades opened up revealing what looked like jet boosters.

    [Brigid]: Wait a minute, we didn¡¯t install those. Is this even the same armor?! How the hell did her blood even change the components?!

    She was uttered confused and shocked.

    Ming placed both her palms out in from of her as the tip of her heels elongated and bunkered her down on the ground. It easily sliced into the reinforced ground and blood spread out from it like the roots of a tree. It rapidly solidified and held Ming in place. From her palms, a high pressured wave of blood blasted out with an atmosphere shaking noise.

    It hit the beast straight on in the face with an equally shattering sound. It penetrated the beast like it was made of tissue paper. The stream of blood traveled straight into the mountain behind the Lawks¡¯ family courtyard and with an earthquake, even dug a hole straight into the mountain.

    [Lawks¡¯ father]: NOOO! NOT OUR MOUNTAIN!

    He kneeled on the floor holding his head.

    The engineer were all on the floor from the earthquake and shock.

    [Engineer]: Not like this, not like this.

    They seemed to have lost it.

    The blood evaporated into a fog of pink. Everywhere the blood touched had pink steam rising out of it.

    [Ming]: That took about 1% of my total blood supply but it was quite powerful. To be able to completely dig a hole in the mountain from one side to the other means it has some great penetrating power.

    With the support of the jet burners on her back and her feet being rooted into the ground, she didn¡¯t get pushed back by the sheer burst of her attack. The blood retracted from the ground back into her heels and the panel on her back closed back up.

    Crule was lost for words. This sort of power was almost at the level of when he first fought Chaos and had to flee. Its power was strong enough to easily wipe out celestial bodies. Their first fight actually resulted in the destruction of several asteroids. If they had fought near Noxia, the planet may have been utterly destroyed.

    Brigid stared with glee and amazement.

    [Brigid]: This¡­this is the armor of gods. What have I created¡­THIS IS AMAZING!

    She was jumping with joy.

    Chun Qin, Shin, and Kate were staring with their mouth wide open.

    [Chun Qin]: I¡¯m starting to feel very insignificant¡­

    [Shin]: No kidding.

    [Kate]: Mhm, we really need to catch up with these two kids¡­

    The two men nodded in agreement.

    ______

    Somewhere out in the middle of nowhere.

    [Maximus]: That power surge¡­I see¡­ But what¡¯s with that couple and lasers? Do they really like lasers that much?

    Although Ming¡¯s attack was more like a pressurized beam of blood, its crimson nature make it look like a laser attack anyway. It behaved the same as Crule¡¯s cannon.

 Arc 8 Epilogue.

    Arc 8 Epilogue.

    Maximus poked at the fire pit with a random branch he found on the ground. He shifted the charcoal around, trying to get more oxygen to the small ember burning in the logs. It was now the afternoon, a few hours away from sunset.

    He was in an extremely deep area of the Wild. No one else has ever set foot where he currently resides. Behind his back was a makeshift shelter created from what looked like a giant lily pad, some sturdy looking chopped logs and twine made from jungle vines.

    Suddenly, a soft roar was heard in the sky above. Maximus looked up and saw menacing dark clouds start to move close from the west.

    [Maximus]: Damn, looks like I need to find a new camp.

    He quickly put out the fire with dirt and started running. Soon he found a convenient cave and dashed inside just as the first drop of rain fell on the ground. Like a flash of light, the skies opened up and water poured like a waterfall. The rain in the Wild are extremely violent but yet also very pure. It cleanses the area like a powerful blast wash. Maximus looked out at the torrential downpour and sighed.

    Suddenly he felt energy tingle in the atmosphere.

    [Maximus]: It seems I¡¯m not alone in this cave.

    He turned around and started walking deeper into the darkness. The smell of moisture and moss permeated the cave like a dense musk. To some people the smell of the greenery was the perfume of nature. The rain picked up the scent and the smell of soil also joined in the party of smells.

    Maximus spread his aura around his body which also improves his night vision. He walked prominently while spreading his aura slowly deeper into the cave. The beast inside reacted cautiously to the foreign energy. Most of the smaller animals of the Wild would generally avoid its territory. Although his territory was small, he still ruled it like a king.

    Just when the beast thought it had to teach the trespasser a lesson, it was the last train of thought it had.

    ______

    Maximus sat next to a small fire set deeper in the cave. After he made sure the cave was properly aerated, he took out some dried foliage he gathered earlier and made a fire. On a stick slow roasting over the fire, was the previous resident of the cave.

    It has been de-furred and gutted and rubbed with spices that Maximus keep around him at all time.

    [Maximus]: Just five more minutes and it should be done.

    He slowly rotated the stick over the fire. Outside the wind was picking up but Maximus used his energy to create a barrier to the outside climate. The rich aroma of the roasted meat replaced the smell of moisture and moss. Maximus stared in anticipation at his meal.

    Suddenly, he heard a knock. He didn¡¯t reacted as he got confused. Who would knock in a cave in the middle of nowhere in the Wild?

    He looked toward the barrier he put and saw a familiar face.

    [Maximus]: Hey old man, you have better brought some alcohol.

    The sage of time walked into the cave. He wasn¡¯t drenched at all although it was still raining like hell outside.

    He reached into his suit pocket and took out a fine bottle of liquor.

    [Sage of Time]: You know it!

    Maximus smiled and welcomed his old friend. The meat was just about ready.

    [Maximus]: As usual you have some impeccable timing. Did you arrive just for the food as well?

    [Sage of Time]: Haha, do I look like the kind of person who would meet up with an old friend who just got out of confinement to smooch off his food?

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    [Maximus]: Yes.

    An awkward silence filled the cave. The sound of raindrops and crackling fire was the only thing that could be heard.

    [Maximus]: So what did you come here for?

    [Sage of Time]: So¡­I might have made a mistake and Chaos escaped.

    Maximus broke the stick he was poking the meat with.

    A silent rage filled the air. Bloodlust permeated the cave.

    [Maximus]: You did what?

    [Sage of Time]: Don¡¯t worry. The loner said he has weakened severely and our disciple can take care of it.

    [Maximus]: You asshole¡­

    But once Maximus recall the energy surge of his disciple he felt earlier, his anger subsided a little.

    [Maximus]: So do you know where he is?

    [Sage of Time]: Somewhere in the Wild.

    [Maximus]: *sigh* Why didn¡¯t he land in the oceans of molten lava instead.

    [Sage of Time]: You know that still won¡¯t kill him¡­

    [Maximus]: Yea, but it will take him a LOT longer to recover.

    [Sage of Time]: Yea¡­

    The awkward silence once again filled the cave. They bit into the meat and took a drink of the wine.

    As the alcohol slowly soak through their body, they started talking again. The two old fools remanence about the old days.

    [Maximus]: The Wild is so calm now days.

    [Sage of Time]: Completely different from when we first got here. These beast are either the descendants of the originals or a clone. The old ones all entered into a deep slumber when we sealed the majority of the world¡¯s energy.

    [Maximus]: Yea but I hear that kid is breaking the seals.

    [Sage of Time]: Well, it is due time someone does it. If left alone, the energy will build up to a breaking point and destroy the world from the inside. The way the kid is doing it allows humanity to slowly get used to it.

    [Maximus]: I see¡­So instead of waiting till disaster happens, he release a bit at a time so humanity get stronger along with the beasts.

    [Sage of Time]: Exactly.

    They both took another drink of wine.

    [Maximus]: From my travels, I have seen the descendants of our original group have fully adapted to the energy in the air. If only we had realize it sooner, we would be the ones to fix the problem instead of our disciples.

    [Sage of Time]: Well, isn¡¯t it the disciples job to fix the errors of the master anyways?

    [Maximus]: You old fool really are selfish as always¡­

    [Sage of Time]: Hey I shared some of my wine didn¡¯t it?

    [Maximus]: Yea but u took some of my dinner.

    [Sage of Time]: Hey, my wine is worth a lot more than that cheap piece of meat!

    [Maximus]: Cheap? Really? Then give me back that ¡°cheap¡± piece of meat.

    [Sage of Time]: I already ate it!

    [Maximus]: Asshole.

    [Sage of Time]: Humph.

    The original resident of the cave could only cry in its grave as its meat was called cheap.

    Poor thing didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or to cry.

 Chapter 100: Cruleéˆ¥æªš Armor.

    100th chapter hype w00t!

    (Was watching AGDQ2016 speed runs...so this was very late ._.)

    __________________________________________________________

    Chapter 100: Crule¡¯s Armor.

    Ming stepped back from the field area satisfied. Her armor seem to fall apart like it melted. It reformed on the armor stand in perfect condition and dormant.

    Brigid silently stored the armor in a crystal and handed it to Ming.

    [Ming]: Why are you guys so quiet?

    [Lawks Father]: My mountain¡­

    [Ming]: Oh, don¡¯t worry about that. At least now the west side of your house will get some sunshine.

    [Lawks Father]: My¡­mountain¡­

    Ming was extremely carefree and smiling while Lawks¡¯ Father was kneeling on the ground holding his head. She walk back to Crule expecting more praise.

    [Crule]: Good job.

    Crule smiled warmly. The only person who had ever stayed with him even under the constant threats of death and barrages of ridicule when he became public enemy number one, was Ming. Although Crule realizes her attachment was borderline psychopathic, he appreciates it as his most important social connection.

    He rubbed Ming¡¯s head softly.

    She closed her eyes in satisfaction.

    Crule could never understand the girl. Although they were married in the old world, he never got fully intimate with her. He realize she treasures their relationship a lot to the point where it¡¯s borderline obsession. But he himself soon realize that he too did the same. Whether it¡¯s the apocalyptic setting or the way they were raised, they never had a normal relationship. Perhaps their possessive relationship is their only way of showing love.

    [Brigid]: Ok you¡¯re up Crule. I have a feeling you¡¯re going to do something even more amazing. Although I feel tired as hell, my curiosity about your abilities has keep me awake till now. Hurry up and show us so I can go pass out.

    She snapped her finger and a haggard looking engineer pushed a dolly with the armor stand on it towards them. The armor looked very menacing.

    Having been created out of a nearly invisible lynx, a black dragon corpse, and various other components, the armor gives off a mysterious and dark feeling especially with the legion eyes dotting the armor.

    The body armor was coated in a leathery layer of dragon scales. On the shoulders where to patches of hard to see fur with a sharpened spike sticking out. Fangs ran along the sides of the chest plate like a rib cage. Between the bones, were countless numbers of eyeballs closed, just waiting to open.

    The pants was made of the same leathery dragon skin. Although it looks very light and flexible, the durability was shockingly high. The knees was covered in a hard black cap with an eyeball embedded in it. It was wide open compare to the other ones on the chest plate. It was larger than the others and seem to stare directly into your soul.

    For the gloves, only one glove was provided that looks exactly like the black colored prosthetic hand Crule has. Along the back of the palm were crimson red veins that ran along from the wrist to the tips of the fingers. On the back of the glove were five smaller eyeballs that form a pentagon.

    They were open as well and each of the iris was a different color; Hazel, teal, crimson, turquoise, and orange. Each of the eyes dart around gathering in information like a starved animal. Every so often, a pulse travels through the eyes to the veins on the other side of the glove to the wrist.

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.The shoe piece was the shape of sideways ¡°J¡±. The tip of the shoe curved upwards like the shoes of a jester. But instead of being floppy and has a bell attached to the end, it¡¯s a long dragons horn.

    On the two sides were half opened eyeballs. They were a decent distance up from the bottom of the shoe and looked like fish eyes. They were protected from the dirt and dust that lie near the ground.

    The bottom of the shoe was lined with small half inch spikes making it like cleats.

    The helmet covered the entire head and face as well. On the forehead were two yellowish cat eyes that belonged to the lynx. They melded well and connected the entire body¡¯s eyes to the helmet piece, giving information to the wearer. On each side of the helmet were small wings fashioned out of dragon leather. The actual eye piece was fashioned out of the cornea of the dragon¡¯s eyes.

    They glow a deep crimson color and brings the whole outfit together.

    If one where to see the armor they would feel completely terrified with all the eyes and the sleek black leathery scales and spikes. It was the perfect depiction of a dark dragon knight. It looked exactly opposite of Chun Qin¡¯s. Chun Qin¡¯s was a knight in shining armor, a hero of light. Crule¡¯s armor was the embodiment of darkness, the black knight.

    Crule looked satisfied but at the same time confused.

    [Crule]: Do I really look so evil that my armor has to as well?

    [Brigid]: Eh? I thought you liked the evil look.

    [Crule]: ¡­

    [Ming]: I think it looks great!

    Ming tried to cheer up Crule. But he still look dejected.

    [Crule]: Man, it sure does bring back some unpleasant memory¡­

    In the previous world Crule didn¡¯t have this armor, but by his evil looking face along and how he always wears the color black, after the incident, everyone associated him with evil.

    Back then he didn¡¯t have the strength the fight against the world, so he went into hiding. Months upon months, waiting, in fear that someone might recognize him. If not for Ming, he would have gone completely insane.

    But now as time have passed, Crule¡¯s mind was stronger. He was ready for it all. Months spent in hiding, his mind wandered. He planned and schemed all possible ¡°what if¡± situations. Now if the same incident happens, he has a way to deal with it.

    Crule stuck his hand out and Brigid placed the armor¡¯s crystal in it.

    Crule stared closely at the gem and slowly let a drop of blood fall from his finger onto the gem. The gem reacted quietly with a satisfied glow. It wasn¡¯t as extreme as everyone else¡¯s. Brigid took the crystal and shoved it back into the armor without asking Crule what he named his armor. She was feeling kind of guilty for bringing up the past with Crule.

    Crule walked out and stood on the broken area. The cloud of dust from Ming¡¯s attack had settled by now but the thunderous echo from the mountain being destroyed still rang in the audience¡¯s hearts.

    Crule looked up at the setting sun and sighed. He turned around and looked toward everyone.

    [Crule]: Devour, Onyx.

 Chapter 101: The evil within.

    Chapter 101: The evil within.

    A pool of darkness appear underneath Crule and his armor. It was similar to the pool he summoned to fight Hanuman. It was his gateway to the special spatial storage where he keep his live monsters. His storage is separated into two sections, one for inanimate objects, and the other for live beings. The armor sank down into the void.

    Suddenly, tendrils of darkness rose out of the void and wrapped around Crule like an octopus clutching onto a prey. It covered every inch of his body leaving only his face. The shadowy tendrils shivered and slowly from the darkness, the armor formed. The last piece that formed was the helmet and the face cover slammed down with a *click* forming an evil smiling helmet.

    As the pool of darkness slowly faded under Crule¡¯s foot, a flash of silver flew out from it and landed in Crule¡¯s remaining human hand. It was his old dagger, the Taming Sari. Its curved edges seem to gleam with a certain blood lust. Unexpectedly, the armor sent out a tendril from the wrist and connected the dagger to the backside of Crule¡¯s hand.

    With him now fully armored, every single eyeball on the armor opened to reveal hundreds of bloodshot eyes staring left and right, making Crule look far more menacing than before.

    A truly evil looking knight, a warrior of darkness and chaos. Everyone who saw him in that armor can only immediately assume the wearer was evil.

    [Brigid]: I swear I didn¡¯t program the armor to do that¡­

    Everything she planned has been out of whack for Ming and Crule¡¯s armor. Nothing seem to be normal anymore. They were not normal armor, it was as if they have come to life and obeyed only one master.

    Lawks¡¯ father looked at the evil armor and felt a tinge of regret.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Have I created a greater evil¡­no, I couldn¡¯t have.

    He whispered to himself hoping to reassure his decision. Sadly, he knew he wasn¡¯t a match for the group and even if he wanted to stop them, he didn¡¯t have the power to do so.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: As long as the clan doesn¡¯t die out during my time as head¡­

    Now he was compromising, trying to make excuses.

    Crule moved his fingers, trying to get use to the tightness around his body. It felt like a second layer of skin had formed around him. It wasn¡¯t stifling but it did feel tight. He looked at his dagger which was now a permanent part of his armor on his left hand. He took out Brigid¡¯s cannon with his prosthetic hand but it didn¡¯t seem to connect to the armor. It seems the lack of a glove means it doesn¡¯t connect, but even without a connection, the cannon was strong enough of a weapon. It equaled in strength of Ming¡¯s attack she used earlier. Now with the boost the armor gives Crule and the fact that he was now several gates stronger, the strength of that cannon was now on a deity level.

    [Brigid]: I would normally say ¡°let¡¯s see a demonstration of your power¡± but I¡¯m beginning to feel we aren¡¯t safe here if you do.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t go insane with power or anything.

    From under the helmet, Crule¡¯s voice was changed into a far deeper growl. It sounded like the voice of a dragon.

    [Brigid]: Ohoho, it changes your voice too? I know I didn¡¯t install that in. I swear you guys seem to be already altering the armor I spent all day making.

    [Crule]: It seems so¡­This is good. No one will recognize me once I take off the armor so no one will associate me with this evil looking thing.

    [Brigid]: No, I think with a natural evil looking face like yours¡­never mind, forget it.

    [Crule]: I will just use one move then, but it will be at nearly full power.

    Crule started to gather energy to the cannon on his right. The eyeballs seem to quiver with excitement as the energy flow through his body to his hands, into the cannon. It streams of darkness along the cannon seemed far more profound than the time he used it against the drake.

    Distortions in the space time was starting to be visible as small black tears were slowly forming around the cannon.

    [Brigid]: Holy crap, this is almost as strong as Gramps¡­How is he not affecting the space time normally but only when he uses an attack¡­

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    The wind started to pick up and seem to form from a powerful suction the tears in space produced. Everyone bunkered down and shielded their eyes from the dust that went along with the wind.

    Sounds of electricity filled the atmosphere as the cannon was reaching a critical point.

    [Chun Qin]: Is the cannon going to break?

    [Brigid]: You think something I make breaks that easily? Please, I demand more respect than that!

    [Shin]: This power is amazing¡­it seems I have been too contempt with my meager strength.

    [Kate]: Yea¡­If our little Crule needs this much power to fight the enemy, how much would we need to not become burdens?

    Shin and Kate look at each other than at Crule with worry and guilt.

    Ming only stared at Crule with admiration.

    [Ming]: And he¡¯s mine, all mine.

    She giggled on the inside with a psychopathic glee.

    Lawks¡¯ father stared in both fear and worship.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Are we watching the birth of a god¡­?

    Crule felt the cannon has nearly reached its limit. The tears in space started to get in the way of his concentration. He aimed the cannon at the hole Ming left in the mountain.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Oh shit, NOOOO NOT THE MOUNTAIN AGAIN.

    But it to was too late.

    With a blinding flash equivalent to that of a nuclear explosion, silence filled the air.

    Everything within a few hundred meter turned white due to the flash. Not a single sound could be heard. Everyone closed their eyes for a split second due to the blinding flash.

    When they opened it, it was already over. The sound still hasn¡¯t come yet, silence filled the air.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: W-where is it?

    He pointed in front of Crule.

    There was nothing there anymore.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Where did the mountain go?

    Not a single atom remained. The ground had become a scorched black hole where the mountain use to be. Off in the distance, the white beam of light could be seen still traveling. Upon closed inspection, the light was actually mostly black. It¡¯s just the small bits of light was too blinding.

    Then, like an oncoming train at point blank, the sound came back. An earth shattering boom caused some of the engineer¡¯s to pass out with blood flowing from their ears. Even Chun Qin, Shin, and Kate felt uncomfortable as their internal organs received a good jolt.

    Brigid only stared with the widest eyes anyone has ever seen on her. She forgot how to blink.

    [Brigid]: I¡¯m beginning to think nothing on this planet can survive that...

    [Crule]: That¡¯s not true.

    Crule corrected her.

    [Crule]: Once the final seal is removed, the archaic ancestor beasts will awaken. They have powers strong enough to be call gods. Each one of them has the strength to create and destroy planets. It¡¯s a miracle so many of them gathered on this planet¡­but I assume back in the day, this planet was far more sturdy and brutal.

    Crule didn¡¯t seem tired at all. He carefully explain his hypothesis to Brigid.

    Brigid only nodded with excitement and fear in her heart. Her grandpa never tell her anything of the beginning few years of their pioneering. She was born after the seals were placed.

    The scene looked hilarious. A tall person wearing the most evil looking armor one has ever seen waving his finger and explaining theories to a person who look like a small little girl wearing a lab coat with curiosity beaming out of her eyes.

    [Lawks'' Father]: M-my...m-mountain...

 Chapter 102: Farewells and Next Seal.

    Chapter 102: Farewells and Next Seal.

    After all the excitement, all the engineer who had been working non-stop for endless hours on end passed out. Brigid was the last one to fall asleep.

    Lawks¡¯ father sat alone on a balcony drinking a very strong liquor.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: *sigh* I feel like it¡¯s my own fault I let you guys destroy my mountain. I should have known you kids are far too abnormal.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s just a mountain. What¡¯s so special about it?

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: It¡¯s where we bury out ancestors¡­

    [Crule]: Oh¡­

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Man¡­grandpa is going to be pissed off when I join them in the afterlife¡­

    [Crule]: Sorry about that¡­

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: What happened happened¡­We can¡¯t change it now.

    Lawks¡¯ father wanted to maintain relationship with this monster child. He rather save his living clans men than his dead ancestors. Normally this may be frowned upon but times have changed.

    [Crule]: Here, take this as our way of saying sorry.

    Crule reached into his spatial storage and took out a jade box.

    Lawks¡¯ father stared at the box with curiosity.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: What is it?

    [Crule]: It¡¯s a sealed spell. Opening the box will release one of two powerful spells of mine. Both extremely powerful and lethal.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: What are the spells?

    [Crule]: The first spell is a barrier skill. It will allow nothing to enter it as all who touched the outside of the barrier will be consumed as used as the barrier¡¯s power source. When used, the barrier will tag those who are already inside so they can come and go as they please. The barrier will maintain itself as best as it can on the energy in the air but it will only last at most a month. If you want it to last longer, you will need to feed it.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: This sounds very ominous¡­but very useful indeed. Having a powerful barrier like this will be very useful during times of need. What¡¯s the other one?

    [Crule]: A powerful attack spell. It has about the same power as the attack I used today. Meaning you should be VERY careful where you aim it when you open the box.

    Lawks¡¯ father was dripping with cold sweat. Something this dangerous was sealed inside of a box with not even the most simplest of padlocks. Anyone with limbs can open it and release the powerful held within.

    [Crule]: I see you are worried about how protected this dangerous thing is but rest assured. I can bind it to you so only you can open it.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: *sigh* That would be nice.

    He bound the jade box with his blood and carefully stored it.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: So what will you do now?

    [Crule]: Something big, don¡¯t worry about it.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Everything you do is big¡­

    The two chatted the night away enjoying the liquor.

    Crule woke up the next morning and brought everyone together to leave.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: Have a safe trip.

    The Lawks¡¯ clan came to give them a farewell. The engineer were sad to see Brigid leave. They had learned so much these past few days and their curiosity had been ignited.

    [Crule]: If you guys need help, give me a call.

    [Lawks¡¯ Father]: We look forward to your support.

    They waved and Crule set off with everyone.

    ______

    Back on the ship, everyone gathered in the cockpit to discuss what they were going to do next.

    [Shin]: What now?

    [Crule]: We will be heading back into the game to open the second seal. Meanwhile, you guys need to go take advantage of the game starting to train yourselves.

    Shin, Chun Qin, and Kate nodded. They saw the huge power difference between them and realized how lacking they were.

    [Brigid]: Hm? What should I do?

    [Crule]: Whatever you want!

    [Brigid]: Ah, finally more free time to work on things. I got a pile of materials I want to try out stockpiled in the ship¡¯s lab.

    She seemed happy that she gets so much freedom.

    Everyone left to rest for the long journey leaving only Ming and Crule left in the cockpit.

    [Ming]: Which one of the seals are we going to?

    [Crule]: The one in the great lake Trysl. If I remember correctly, there should be a temple hidden deep at the bottom of the lake.

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    [Ming]: That lake is huge¡­nearly the size of a small planet. Just how are we going to find it?

    [Crule]: The temple is hard to find for most, but with our armor, we should be able to cover the ground easily. With the power of the legion eyes, I should be able to point out the energies that are slowly leaking out from the seal.

    [Ming]: I see¡­

    [Crule]: But first, we will stop by one of the game¡¯s towns by the lake. We shouldn¡¯t forget to make a name for ourselves. The others while training will definitely be noticed by the public as being strong and eventually will get famous. We on the other hand, have to do so elsewhere or we will shadow their fame.

    [Ming]: Hmm, but we finally get to be famous!

    Ming said it with a certain sarcastic tone.

    [Crule]: Yea¡­¡±famous.¡±

    The two spent the night together.

    ______

    Crule dropped off Shin and Kate in one of the gate towns, said their good byes and left. He dropped off Chun Qin at another area. He told them he didn¡¯t want their fame to shadow each other¡¯s.

    Brigid was happily locked away in her lab doing all sorts of experiment. Flashes of light was often seen shining from under the door and the sound of metal on metal collisions sounded dully through the nearly soundproof door.

    Crule flew the ship to the gate town closes to Lake Trysl and gave the keys to Brigid with a note telling her to pick them up when they call. She was too busy tinkering and he didn¡¯t want to disturb her or worst, be used as a test subject.

    Ming and Crule walked off their ship after preparing everything. Hand in hand, they headed toward the guild hall.

    [Crule]: Might as well take escort missions to improve our adventurer grade.

    Everyone who joined the close beta were immediately registered in the adventurers¡¯ guild and given a C rank. The others all had to register themselves and began at G rank.

    This really distinguishes the strong from the weak as those who participated in the close beta, the small handful of people, were all the cream of the crop, the strongest of the strong who are in the eyes of the public. Of course there were certain hidden experts who would rather join discretely, but the close beta participants were not to be considered weak.

    Crule and Ming walked into the large guild hall. It was made from a darker cobbled stone and dark oak wood. The place was outside of the wild so electricity still worked. Dim lights hummed in the background giving the place a slightly bleak feel. But the blood, sweat, and adrenaline that filled the air offsets the bleakness.

    There were several dozen adventurers sitting around filling out paper work for their quest. Some were chatting with friends and discussing future journeys. Crule and Ming walked up to the counter where the receptionist was smiling cheerfully with a strong business smile.

    [Receptionist]: Good day! How may I help you two? Are you here to register?

    Crule just smiled politely and Ming smirked a little. They both reached into their pocket and took out a bronze token. The receptionist looked at the token with shock. During job training, they clearly explained the meaning of the tokens.

    All G ranked adventurers were given a wooden token. Each rank they improve, they would add a layer to that token. At F rank, they plate the gold in green paint. At E rank, they add a layer of aluminum so the token looks metallic. At D rank, the tokens were coated with a darker metal so it looked like a grey iron.

    But the highest anyone has reached so far, was C rank. This was depicted by a bronze token. It was bigger than all the normal tokens as each layer was put on top of each other so if one were to slice into the token, they would see the layers. That is if they could slice into the token at all. It was made from a treated wood that was resistant to weathering and cuts.

    To see bronze tokens was a first for the receptionist. The gate town was not known to have much close beta participants hanging around.

    She carelessly blurted it out.

    [Receptionist]: B-bronze rank¡­

    Everything stopped in the hall and eyes turned around immediately to look at Crule and Ming.

    Tension filled the air.

    ________________________________________________________________________

    Before you ask why Crule can make such stupidly strong barrier and why cant he use it all the time? The creation of the barrer and set up requires far too much work and time. Using it once may take a week just to set up the commands for it.

    Anyways, comment, rate, and check out my other project! :D (shameless)

 Chapter 103: Guild Hall and sandwich.

    Chapter 103: Guild Hall and sandwich.

    The receptionist quickly covered her mouth after realizing her blunder. Most adventurers would prefer to remain anonymous as grudges and fame hinder their progress.

    Crule could only put his hand over his face and shake his head. Ming just sighed.

    Now that everyone¡¯s attention was on them, it was actually a slightly more ideal situation. Crule and Ming wanted to get famous. But doing so in a gate town like this was kind of a waste.

    [Crule]: I would like to take on an escort mission from here to Lake Trysl.

    The receptionist quickly recovered the best she can.

    [Receptionist]: Y-yes sir! We currently have three missions from here to Lake Trysl. The first two is recruiting twenty people each and the last one is looking for only five. The ones requiring twenty people has an F rank base limit whereas the last one has a D rank limit.

    The receptionist opened a book to reveal three laminated pages with details of the mission, its level, the employer, and the merchandise they are shipping.

    Crule took a quick glance through them and just picked up the last sheet.

    [Crule]: We will go with this one.

    It was the escort mission that was only recruiting five people. Knowing the dangers between the gate town and the great Lake Trysl, one either needs a lot of people to scare away potential threats or a strong enough expert. The first two quests were for beginners to enjoy party environments and to level up through group work. The last quest was more of a single party grind with the sole mission of reaching the destination at the fastest time possible. Less people, more speed.

    Everyone in the guild hall heard what Crule said. Not all of the adventurers here are pure. Thieves and bandits also come here to get intel. Although it was very hard to actually kill someone in the game, since most physical injuries will be recovered by their energy, but the nanobots also rapidly recover lost tissue and prevents excessive blood loss.

    They are really a modern medical miracle.

    So unless you entire body was destroyed without a single trace, it was impossible to fully kill a person. Although if you destroy their head first, they won¡¯t come back. But the game has rules against fully killing a person. Those who die due to monsters can only count themselves as unlucky or too foolish to go against something they can¡¯t win. But when a human kills another human, rules had to be applied.

    Those who break the rules will have a bounty placed on their head. They can still participate in the game, they will just be hunted continuously. The constant tension of being hunted deters most people from killing, but it doesn¡¯t stop people from stealing and maiming.

    Crule looked through the corner of his eyes at the people glaring at him. He only smiled lightly and tried to act as simple as he can.

    [Receptionist]: Here is the contract sir!

    The receptionist finished the paper work and gave the finished contract for Crule and Ming to sign.

    They signed it and handed it back to the receptionist.

    [Receptionist]: The employer is waiting at the Glamor Inn. They are ready to go as soon as five people who meets the qualifications accepts the quest.

    Crule nodded and thanked the receptionist who was clueless to all the hidden plans being plotted in the guild hall.

    ______

    Crule and Ming stocked up on food rations, mostly spices and various ingredients they won¡¯t be able to find in the wild. Most of the time, they will just hunt for their own food. They already have all the other survival necessity in Crule¡¯s storage.

    They headed toward Glamor Inn the next morning. Sitting in the lobby was a short man with an enormous beard. He was wearing the tiniest spectacles anyone has ever seen and was staring at the Inn¡¯s restaurant menu. He was twisting several strands of hair that stuck out from his beard while looking as if he was trying to make the most important decision of his life.

    Crule looked down at his copy of the contract he signed. On the top was a picture of his employer. It looked exactly like the tiny man but didn¡¯t reveal his actual size. Normally if one were to see his picture, he would seem like a mountain giant with a huge beard. But up close in person, the actual man was barely reaching five feet tall.

    Crule waiting till the man finished making his decision. The waiter next to him was trying to hold in her laughter.

    [Tiny man]: I think¡­.I will take the roast beef sandwich.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.The man said to the waiter as he put down the menu and removed his glasses.

    The waiter quickly jotted it down and ran away before his laughter get the better of him.

    Once he reached the kitchen, a muffled laugh could be heard.

    Crule now approached the tiny man.

    [Crule]: You must be Mr. Turf. The man who put up the escort quest from here to Lake Trysl.

    The tiny man looked toward Crule and Ming and tried to size them up. He rubbed his beard with a judgmental look on his face. Then he smiled and said:

    [Turf]: Kid, I hope you aren¡¯t lost. Where are your parents?

    Crule nearly wanted to rip the man¡¯s beard off. He was currently almost sixteen years old although he looked a lot younger than he actually is. Since he and Ming spent three years in a pocket time dimension, they looked the exact same as they did before. Crule look like he was fifteen and Ming looked like she was barely a teenager.

    Crule restrained himself and sighed. He took out the contract and his bronze token. The tiny man was shocked at the token and his tone of voice quickly changed.

    [Turf]: My oh my, sorry about that dear adventurers. It¡¯s just you two look so incredibly young!

    Ming smiled. Crule could only sigh again.

    [Turf]: With you two, we now have five people! That means we can set out! But first let me finish my meal.

    Crule and Ming sat down beside him and ordered some food as well. Turf took out a phone and called the other adventurers. Soon, three people walked into the Inn.

    The first person looked pale and thin. He gave off the feeling of someone who didn¡¯t get much sunlight before the game started. He smiled and was following what seemed like the leader of the three people group.

    The other person beside the leader was a silent but sturdy looking man. He looked like a bouncer combined with a construction worker. His arms looked more like logs than human arms. He was silent and followed the leader closely.

    The leader was a woman who looked like she was in her mid-thirties. She carried with her an arrogant atmosphere and walked with a proud demeanor. One look can tell she has been trained in etiquette.

    She was carrying with her a rapier on her side. Her outfit was a deep tanned leather and looked like what a corsair would wear on their journey into the seas. It was a strange mix between a cowboy and a pirate.

    She smiled when she saw Crule and Ming. Turned her attention toward Mr. Turf and spoke.

    [Woman]: We ready?

    [Turf]: Ah, Ms. Dante. We are indeed ready to go.

    [Dante]: Good, Shallot, Gumb, let¡¯s go.

    The two next to her seemed to be named Shallot and Gumb. They followed her toward the large wagon in the courtyard of the Inn.

    Turf was biting into his roast beef sandwich when he suddenly remembered.

    [Turf]: Ah, do you two have any luggage you need to carry? Just put it in the wagon where there¡¯s space.

    Crule shook his head.

    [Crule]: We are good, thanks for offering.

    Turf only looked a little shocked and went back to eating his sandwich.

    Crule and Ming both enjoyed a cold refreshing mint tea.

    Looks like the journey ahead of them is going to be interesting.

    __________________________________________________________________

    The sandwich has no meaning.....or does it?

    Made the font tinier =P didnt know it was big for some people.

    Strangely enough, in words, the font is only size 12....well tell me what font you guys prefer...

 Chapter 104: A thousand miles.

    Chapter 104: A thousand miles.

    Having finished scarfing down his sandwich, Turf finished up his drink and jumped off his seat. He put down a few gold coins and left to his wagon. Crule and Ming followed without saying anything.

    When they reached the wagon, it was already prepared and ready to go. Since electricity doesn¡¯t work, the wagon runs on two different fuels. They have a combustion engine which works on most flammable materials. Even if they can¡¯t use electricity, it doesn¡¯t block them from using things made from technology that use other things as a source of power.

    The combustion engine has been fitted into the wagon to allow a smooth ride as long as one provides fuel. The other power source was steam. The combustion engine produces huge amounts of heat which is used in a steam generator. Instead of producing electricity, the steam is used to manual turn the wheels instead. Of course this is far more inefficient compare to the combustion engine but it¡¯s another source of power to keep the wagon mobile.

    The back of the wagon was covered in a beige tarp and was tied down firmly onto the wagon frame. The tarp was water proof and weather resistant. It keeps the load inside the wagon safe and sound. The frame of the wagon was made from a light metal similar to aluminum. It shines brightly under the suns yet doesn¡¯t absorb much heat from the combustion engine.

    Turf climbed the ladder running along the side the wagon to the front seat. The front seat was a sizable couch with a wooden steering wheel fashions in front. It controls the wheels movements quite easily due to hydraulics. There was another beige tarp over the front covering the driver¡¯s area. Turf turns to Crule and Ming.

    [Turf]: Hop on. The other three should be in the back.

    They heard a muffled agreement from the back storage.

    Looks like they were in charge of protecting the cargo while Crule and Ming was in charge of protecting the driver.

    The wagon took off from the courtyard with the owner of the Inn waving goodbye. They steadily reached the huge gate in the wall leading into the actual wild.

    [Turf]: I never bothered to ask, but how old are you two?

    [Crule]: Fifteen.

    [Ming]: Fourteen.

    [Turf]: Ah, so young yet already bronze rank! Y¡¯all must be some fancy smancy kid from some big hidden martial arts clan or something.

    [Crule]: Close enough.

    [Turf]: Ha-ha! Never thought I would recruit someone like you. And here I thought I would get mostly rugged muscle men, but I was shocked when Ms. Dante applied with her two cronies. I was even more shocked by you two though.

    [Ming]: Yea, we seem to get that a lot¡­

    [Turf]: Ha-ha, let¡¯s chat! The journey has just began and most of the monsters near the gate has been cleared by all the game participants. We should be safe until we hit the forest¡¯s edge.

    [Crule]: May I ask where will our trip pass through?

    [Turf]: Ah! Let me get my map.

    Turf pulled a wooden lever next to him to lock the steering wheel in place. The road was straight anyways for a long, long time and there was no traffic so it was safe.

    He reached into the knapsack he had besides time tied to the metal frame and pulled out a scrolled up piece of paper. Since they are now officially in the wind, none of the electronics will work so laminated paper or plastic maps works best.

    He pointed toward the long wall section.

    [Turf]: This is the gate town we left from. Following the road, we will soon reach the edge of this here Division forest. Our travel speed will slow down a bit but thanks to some adventurers, the road is flat enough for wagons to pass through. This doesn¡¯t mean we are safe though as monsters appear from the forest quite often to attack us since we are in the clearing.

    He dragged his finger across the map pointing toward the dense patch of green. It lead up to a red dot.

    [Turf]: This is our first pit stop, the town of Janus. It¡¯s a medium sized adventure town created for the guild so it should have enough for us to resupply to continue the next leg of our journey.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    He dragged his finger from the red dot toward a bumpier yellow region.

    [Turf]: Once we leave the town, we will follow along the border of the Sangrias desert. This part will be the longest part of our trip.

    Turf continued to point out the direction.

    [Turf]: After the desert fades out, we will hit our half way point in the journey when we reach the smaller pioneer town of Caketon.

    [Crule]: I am serious beginning to doubt the naming sense of the pioneers¡­

    [Ming]: I wonder if we get to name a place.

    [Crule]: Technically we did. The mountain area we were before didn¡¯t have a name and now it¡¯s called Mt. Tai.

    [Ming]: Oh¡­no fair! I wanted to name it!

    [Crule]: Maybe next time.

    Turf drone on about the directions.

    [Turf]: After we leave the town of Caketon after resupplying, we will enter the extremely dangerous Bourbon Sand Sea.

    He points toward the orange colored area on the map. It was connected to the previous desert but was separated by a large strip oasis.

    [Turf]: The sand sea is so hot, it creates the illusion of flowing water and waves. The sand is so smooth, they nearly behave the same as water so traveling through them will slow us down greatly, but it¡¯s the quickest way to Lake Trysl.

    On the map, after the large blotch of orange, came a small mountain.

    [Turf]: When we exit the desert through the Bum¡¯s valleys, we will arrive in a dense forest that eventually exists into the Lake town of Tryslvania besides Lake Trysl.

    [Crule]: Who the hell named the mountain Bum¡­?

    [Turf]: Oh, it was one of them pioneers who are now in the top rankings for levels.

    [Ming]: There¡¯s a ranking?

    [Turf]: Yea, you can have your stats registers to their main web through that there terminal on your wrist. It will add you into the rankings. Of course some people choose not to for certain reasons but most people want the fame and glory.

    Crule turned to whisper to Ming.

    [Crule]: We will register after we perform something big enough to garnish attention.

    [Ming]: Got it!

    Turf was smiling that he finished his explanation of the route they were taking.

    [Turf]: So hold on to yer butts, we got a long journey ahead of us.

    The plains before them seem to be endless but over at the horizon, the forest, the first transition in their trip, looms menacingly with its dark olive green hue.

    The other three were awfully quiet in the back. Crule could sense that they were there but two of them seem to have fallen asleep already.

    [Ming]: What a carefree bunch.

    [Crule]: They need a certain level of power before they can be this carefree.

    [Ming]: Hmm, hopefully they don¡¯t try to steal our thunder.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry, we will just have to make the storm bigger than they can manage.

    With an evil smirk that Turf didn¡¯t notice, Crule cultivating with his eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. He was close to learning the truth of the heavens and thus establishing his ninth gate.

    Ming wanted to snuggle next to Crule but there was a tiny man between them¡­

    [Turf]: Ah kids, always sleeping on vehicles.

    Ming turned a blind eye to Turf.

    ______________________

    Argggg big or small text size?!

 Chapter 105: Division Forest and hordes.

    Chapter 105: Division Forest and hordes.

    The first day of the journey was uneventful. By nightfall they reached their first pit stop right outside the forest.

    The orange hue of the dusk sky painted the tired faces of the crew. Crule and Ming were well rested but the other three had a very bumpy first day. Turf was also tired from driving the entire time.

    Turf applied the brakes to the wagon and jumped off. He looked in the back at the goods, checking for any damages. After a while, he took a relieved sigh.

    [Turf]: Looks like the goods this time are packaged well¡­Last time it ended in disaster.

    He shuttered thinking about his last shipment and a drip of tear fell out of the corner of his eye as he remembered the sheer amount of money he lost out on.

    The three other adventurers were setting up tents. The nearby river provided a decent supply of fresh water although one has to watch out for waterborne monsters.

    Crule gathered firewood and Ming lit the campfire.

    Soon they were ready for dinner just as the tip of the twin suns dipped below the horizon. The darkness of the wilderness was mitigated by the faint lamp hanging from the wagon and the campfire besides it.

    The dim flickering orange light shined on the tired adventurer¡¯s face. Their meal consisted of a harder stale bread with a warm vegetable soup. Meat was very limited due to the lack of hunt today but they had some dried preserves they added to the soup.

    It was soul warming, having such a good soup that Crule cooked. Turf was amazed at his cooking and wanted thirds. The other three adventurer seemed like the outgoing shameless types and asked for more too. Crule only smiled and kept on pour out bowls by bowls. Ming watched with a gleeful satisfaction.

    The night went on with minimal chatter. Crule took this chance to cultivate. He sat on top the wagon keeping watch for the night. With one eye open, he circulated his energy into his newly established eighth gate.

    Compared to his other seven gates, the eighth one looked far more regal. The other gates looked like they were made from black obsidian. This new one was significantly bigger and was made from a white gold. When Crule circulated his energy through it, he could feel it filling every nook and cranny of the gate. The veins on the front of the door flowed with energy and reached the center. A click sound was heard and the gate was opened. The sheer mount of flowing energy that followed nearly knocked Crule off the wagon. It was just a huge amount, but he wasn¡¯t that shocked. His capacity was huge, the eighth gate just allow him to access a fourth of his energy all at once.

    A fourth of Crule¡¯s energy is an insane amount of energy. If he were to expose it to the outside, it would create ripples in space. The energy refreshed every tired cell within Crule¡¯s body. He felt like he got a wonderful night¡¯s rest.

    Anticipating the wonders of the ninth¡¯s gate, Crule opened his other eye and went back on watch duty. He still constantly circulated his energy through the eighth gate. The energy was becoming more pure each time it circulate through. The energy Crule absorbed over the years were polluted by the atmosphere of Noxia and the moons he stayed on.

    Polluted by what you say? Cosmic energies of different variety. With the conservation of energy, things that seem to dissipate into nothingness usually just become the invisible energy. These invisible energy can be changed according to one¡¯s will based on their attribute.

    Crule right now have a huge mixing pot of various energies, whether it¡¯s the fiery heat energy from the moon Wrath, or the cold energy from Mt. Tai, they all exist in his giant pool of energy.

    When he let the energy make it way through the eighth gate, it slowly becomes more and more pure.

    Pure energy is the best kind of energy because they can be converted into the user¡¯s attribute to allow stronger usage. After Crule purify the excess energy, he can turn it all into famine energy.

    The entire night passed in a flash as Crule was focused on cultivating.

    The next morning, everyone else woke up to the smell of coffee. Crule was brewing up a pot of it. The aromatic roasted beans perked up everyone¡¯s morning. The fatigue from yesterday¡¯s journey cleared up immediately.

    [Turf]: We will delve into the Division forest today. I expect we will start seeing monsters.

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t worry about it. We aren¡¯t bronze adventurers for nothing.

    The other three adventurers was slightly shocked.

    [Dante]: You two are bronze adventurers?

    [Shallot]: Wow, they are the same rank as you mistress!

    [Gumb]: Hmm.

    [Dante]: Hahahaha, good, good, I want to spar with you sometime! It¡¯s hard to find people around my rank!

    [Crule]: Gladly.

    [Ming]: Anytime.

    The two are as bloodthirsty as ever. Never shying from a fight after gaining insight was sadly one downside for cultivators. Sometimes it leads to injury and death, but that¡¯s the way it goes.

    [Dante]: *smiles* Good!

    [Turf]: *cough* Fight on your own time, we got a journey to finish.

    The wagon slowly crept into the woods. The giant trees loom along the edges of the makeshift roads the pioneers paved. Shrubs grew rampant on the road due to the lack of trees allowing sunlight in but the wagon crushed them with ease as it moved along steadily.

    However, this doesn¡¯t mean the ride was anymore smooth than yesterday. It was far bumpier and Shallot and Gumb began to look green.

    [Shallot]: Uhg. I don¡¯t feel so good.

    [Gump]: Mhm.

    [Dante]: Stop being so whiny, it¡¯s just motion sickness!

    Crule and Ming didn¡¯t feel any sympathy for the two but Turf did. The wagon sped up a bit to reduce the bumpiness but the fuel supply was being burned at a faster rate.

    [Turf]: We may need to stop early to resupply on charcoal.

    [Crule]: We might as well take a lunch break and restock on our water.

    [Dante]: Agreed.

    The wagon slowed down to a crawl and stopped by the side of the road. The sound of running water could be heard nearby.

    Everyone left to gather wood to be turned to charcoal while Gumb and Turf watched over the wagon.

    Crule and Ming dashed through the trees like a pair of shadows. Soon, they reached the source of the sound of flowing water. It was a small river that flowed slowly through the dense forest like a swamp. The water had already become green from all the algae. Crule looked at the water and sighed.

    [Crule]: Looks like we need to filter it.

    Ming nodded. Since Crule¡¯s energy cannot become completely solid, Ming created a fine mesh using her blood. It was solidify to the point where it does not contaminate the water. Crule put a bucket under the mesh and poured the green water through it. Soon the bucket was filled with clear fresh water.

    To be able to make such a fine mesh shows how skilled Ming was at controlling her energy.

    Pouring the bucket of fresh water into the large container, Crule and Ming started to head back to the wagon.

    Suddenly, a low growl could be heard. Crule and Ming stopped suddenly and hid in the shadows.

    From behind a large tree, a single creature walked out. It looked like a large bronze lizard and its scales blended with the color of the bark on the trees.

    Crule silently pointed at the lizard and nodded to Ming. Ming nodded back and they both attacked the lizard. Although the lizard could not stand a chance against either Ming or Crule, since the two wanted to remain silent and hidden, they both attacked at the same time. The lizard was bisected immediately with very little blood. Ming collected the blood form the corpse and Crule stored it.

    They started making their way back to the wagon again, but another sound made them worry. A louder growl came from where the wagon was and it seems there was more than one.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s hope they are still OK.

    [Ming]: Mhm, we need witnesses to our greatness!

    They two quickly rushed back.

    ____________________________

    Been busy these few days >.<

 Chapter 106: Schemes and failure.

    Sorry been sick these few days...still sick right now so schedule might be...weird.

    _________________________________________________________________

    Chapter 106: Schemes and failure.

    When they got back to the wagon, it looked perfectly fine, but it was surrounded by about two dozen similar bronze lizards. Gumb was currently holding them off but was injured in doing so. Turf was cowering on top of the wagon while Gumb was swinging a large mace back and forth with his remaining good arm, keeping the lizards at bay.

    His wounds looked serious. One of his arms had been torn off from the elbow. It was bleeding profusely which made his complexion start to pale. Upon closer inspection, his Health bar was at an abysmal 1/6th full. Since they made a party with the wristband before they head out, they can check on team member¡¯s statuses.

    Just before Gumb was going to pass out and before Crule and Ming could act, Dante and Shallot returned first and attacked the lizard from behind. Dante pulled the string of her short bow with rang with a tender sound as she fired several arrows at blinding speeds. In the span of one second, she had fire four arrows at four different lizards. The arrows pierced about a foot deep into the lizard. Those who didn¡¯t have a chance to dodge were immediately killed with the arrow piercing their brains.

    Three out of the four lizards she shot died immediately and collapsed on the ground with a thud. This quickly alerted the other lizards of an enemy from behind. Before they could turn their massive body around, Shallot already performed his move.

    Three egg shaped grenades bounced on the ground and rolled to the lizards. The lizards were still mid rotation when the grenades went off blowing up two of the lizards into pieces directly. The shrapnel lacerated two other lizards who was a distance away from the grenades. The lizards are now facing both sides, the remaining count was 21 lizards were angry and three were wounded.

    Gumb collapsed onto one knee clutching his arm. His health bar was slowly regenerating but it wasn¡¯t enough to keep him out of the danger zone. He needs time to fully let the nanodes regenerate his arm.

    The lizards who was facing Gumb¡¯s side took the chance to attack only to be completely sliced in half by a wave of blood.

    Ming and Crule appear from the trees behind the wagon with a smile.

    [Dante]: Good, you¡¯re here. Let¡¯s take care of these annoying things.

    Pulling another arrow from her quiver, she readied her bow and pointed it at the lizards. Shallot pulled out two large looking pistols from under his jacket and pointed it at the lizards as well.

    Ming rapidly erected a barrier of blood around the wagon with the injured Gumb included. The lizard was startled by the barrier and attacked it. Claws, teeth, and tail barraged the barrier to no avail. Ming with her hand extended just smiles and sat on the tree branch.

    Dante and Shallots were picking off lizards one by one. Shallot would wound any lizards that dare to be brave enough to charge at them by shooting them in the limbs. Dante would finish them off with a swift arrow to the head. They were very efficient in what they were doing but it was slow.

    Soon the lizards dwindle down to only sixteen left. They were becoming desperate and starting to become more reckless with their attacks.

    Dante and Shallot was starting to seem fatigued. It was time for Crule to act.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s finish this.

    He of course used his signature move. With a wave of his hand, the ground underneath the remaining lizards darkened. This time instead of tendrils dragging his enemies into the depths unknown, sharp spikes suddenly shot out of the shadows impaling the lizards, even severing some in half. The blood flowed from the corpses into the barrier around the wagon and its color changed from that of a brick red into bright crimson.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Ming gave Crule a thumbs up. Dante and Shallot stared in awe.

    [Dante]: It seems you got some tricks up your sleeve kid.

    [Crule]: Just a simple magic trick.

    [Dante]: Well, very few people know actual magic. Most people just use the given class based skill or to boost physical strength or agility.

    [Shallot]: Mistress is right, you two must be one of the few special ones.

    [Crule]: Special?

    [Dante]: Out of the hundreds of thousands of participants, around a thousand of them are gifted with the ability to use magic. They are rare, powerful, and someone to not be trifled with.

    [Ming]: Can we keep this a secret from Mr. Turf?

    [Dante]: Hahaha, if you meet your promise on that spar then sure!

    [Ming]: Good!

    The blood barrier retracted and went back into Ming¡¯s blood bank.

    [Turf]: Is it over?

    Turf popped his head over the edge to see the dried husk of lizards littering the floor.

    [Turf]: Wow, you guys are awesome!

    He excitedly jumped off the wagon.

    Noticing the injured Gumb, his expression changed.

    [Turf]: Oh¡­help me carry him into the back of the wagon to rest. Base on his health bar, he should be fully healed by tomorrow morning.

    His tone was very serious, a more business leader type suddenly replace his whimsical personality. It was like a switch flipped.

    [Turf]: I take my employee¡¯s health very seriously. But what makes me wonder about this incident is normally this large amount of monsters attacking at once is unheard of. What could have triggered it?

    Crule scanned around the wagon with Ming. Dante and Shallot was helping the unconscious Gumb into the back of the wagon.

    Suddenly, Crule noticed an arrow sticking out of the wood paneling on the wagon.

    [Crule]: This wasn¡¯t here last night, this might be the cause.

    He shows the arrow to everyone else.

    On it was a red fletching.

    [Turf]: This should be an arrow that is mass sold in the town we were just in¡­but something seems off about it.

    Dante took the arrow and gave it a whiff.

    [Dante]: It has a¡­strange smell.

    Crule took it back and smelled it as well.

    [Crule]: This¡­I think it might be lizard pheromones.

    [Dante]: Why would someone deliberately do this?

    [Crule]: It might be just a test. But it¡¯s interesting since both you guys and we didn¡¯t notice when the arrow hit the wagon. Perhaps they waited until we got away. This may mean that their target is the cargo instead of its personnel. Something along the lines of making it look like an accident.

    [Dante]: Haha! Whoever did this vastly underestimated out strength.

    [Crule]: It would seem so¡­

    Crule couldn¡¯t help but think back to the stares he got back in the guild hall.

    He walked over and whispered something to Ming.

    [Crule]: Make a few blood sentries to follow us from behind. Kill all who dares to close.

    Ming nodded in agreement.

    [Crule]: These fools think they can stop us? Hahaha¡­

 Chapter 107: Lord of the forest.

    Still coughing hard....

    __________________________________

    Chapter 107: Lord of the forest.

    The wagon continue along the path. Crule and Ming remained vigil in front of the wagon next to Turf. Dante and Shallot was in the back protecting Gumb.

    After Crule stored the corpses of the lizards, no one asked any questions and continue on their journey silently. The tension could be felt in the air around them.

    Turf was scared as his eyes darted left and right.

    Nothing else happened as the suns were close to setting.

    [Crule]: We should make camp.

    Turf snapped out of his paranoia and nodded.

    The wagon grind to a halt. Crule and Ming jumped off the wagon to survey the surroundings. Turf started to make a camp fire while Shallot set up the tents. Gumb was still unconscious and was looked after by Dante.

    A couple minutes later, Crule and Ming emerged from the trees shaking their heads. It seems there were no enemies within the vicinity. Turf breathed a sigh a relief.

    Dinner was served in a pot and the spicy soup warmed everyone up from the chilly forest breeze. They saved some for Gumb who should be waking up in the morning.

    Crule looked out into the darkness of the night.

    [Crule]: I see¡­

    He whispered to himself as he hopped back onto the top of the wagon and went into meditation.

    ______

    In a large tent made from rough olive green tarp, were six men looking down on a table dimly lit by a candle.

    It was already dark outside but the men did not sleep. Suddenly a seventh man walked into the tent.

    [Man 1]: How did it go?

    [Entering Man]: The lizards are all dead.

    [Man 2]: All of them? Did they suffer any casualties?

    [Entering Man]: Only the big guy called Gumb. He suffered a serious wound.

    [Man 3]: I see, it seems we have injured their tank.

    [Man 4]: How are you so sure that big guy was their tank?

    [Man 3]: Doesn¡¯t it seem fitting? The guy looks like he can take a punch.

    [Entering Man]: From what I have seen, the man named Gumb is very sturdy. He manage to hold off two dozen lizards by himself although suffering a major wound.

    [Man 3]: See! He was the tank. I¡¯m guessing that woman was a support and the lanky looking man was a magician?

    [Entering Man]: Close. The woman named Dante is skilled at archery. The thin man called Shallot is skilled with firearms.

    [Man 3]: Oh?

    [Man 1]: So that team consist of one tank and two ranged dps?

    [Entering Man]: Indeed.

    The five men were discussing Dante¡¯s group when suddenly the remaining two men spoke up.

    [Man 5]: What about the two kids we saw today at the guild hall? The so called ¡°bronze ranks¡±?

    [Man 6]: They seemed out of the ordinary¡­

    [Entering Man]: For certain reasons I couldn¡¯t see them. After I saw enough, I tried to retrieve the arrow from the wagon but the kid spotted me, so I ran. Honestly the look in the kid¡¯s eyes were frightening.

    [Man 5]: So they are a threat?

    [Man 6]: I would seem so.

    [Man 1]: Hey don¡¯t worry about it! There¡¯s seven of us and only five of them.

    [Man 2]: We just have to weaken them first!

    [Man 3]: Yea! If two dozen lizard isn¡¯t enough, then let¡¯s send the king after them!

    [Man 4]: We should act soon.

    [Entering Man]: Shall I make the preparations?

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    [Man 5]: Fine, we will do this in two days.

    [Man 6]: Record it as to show our might. The Stupendous seven against five bronze rank adventurers!

    The seven men smiled and cheered over their cup of alcohol.

    ______

    Crule opened his eyes.

    [Crule]: So that¡¯s who was after us.

    The tracer he planted on the man who entered the tent allowed him to hear the entire conversation.

    [Crule]: King of the forest huh? Should be a fun challenge.

    Ming walked over to Crule.

    [Ming]: So what will we do?

    [Crule]: What we always do, perform.

    Ming smiled in agreement.

    [Ming]: Shall we make it flashy?

    [Crule]: As much as possible.

    ______

    The next day was uneventful as they continued on their journey with much alertness. Gumb finally woke up in the morning and with a muffled thank you, drank the spicy soup from last night. He had almost recovered fully as his arm has healed. Only muscle fatigue remains from the day¡¯s fight.

    [Dante]: Feeling better?

    [Gumb]: Yes mistress.

    [Shallot]: Good to see you still alive and kicking!

    [Gumb]: Yes, the nanodes really work their magic. My physical wounds have all recovered.

    [Dante]: Amazing to see what advanced technology can do!

    Gumb rotated his arm to show it¡¯s in perfectly working order.

    Crule walked up to the three.

    He nodded to Gumb and Gumb nodded back.

    [Crule]: Ready to start?

    [Dante]: You know it. It¡¯s finally nice to have some action on this journey.

    Dante tilted her head upwards and laughed heartily.

    Crule only smiled and walked away slowly.

    The wagon rocked up and down as the road has become bumpier. Large boulders lined the side of the road and most of them looked like they have been smashed or moved. The moss had already started to reclaim the surface of the broken rocks.

    The trees hang over the side of the road looked willow trees with their gracefully swaying branches.

    The sound of avian creatures screeching in the skies above them. It was very peaceful. Even Turf who was on high alert early in the morning started to calm down. Crule knew today was going to be an uneventful day.

    But tomorrow, that¡¯s when the show starts.

    Suddenly, Crule could feel a change in the atmosphere. It was similar to when he established his eighth gate. He looked toward Ming to see her shining brighter than the noon suns.

    He opened his mouth in astonishment and happiness.

    [Crule]: Have you finally done it?

    [Ming]: Yep! My eighth gate has been established. I can feel the primordial energies and how it affects everything around it.

    [Crule]: Great! Tomorrow you can give us a demonstration as well as showing off.

    [Ming]: As an actress performing tomorrow, I shall play my role with grace and elegance.

    The two chuckled to themselves while speaking to each other. Turf didn¡¯t hear a thing that went between them but Dante, Shallot and Gumb heard the laughing.

    [Dante]: Those two kids sure are creepy at times.

    [Shallot]: A-are you sure they aren¡¯t ghosts?

    [Gumb]: They aren¡¯t ghosts.

    Dante nearly face palmed at that comment.

 Chapter 108: Lights! Camera!

    Chapter 108: Lights! Camera!

    The seven men stood on top the trees looking down at the giant sleeping lizard.

    [Man 1]: No matter how I look at it, it¡¯s a dragon isn¡¯t it?

    [Man 3]: No, no, I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s just a big lizard. Something about not having wings or fire breathe.

    [Man 4]: Are we really going into dragon classification?

    [Man 5]: Shhhh. We want to lure it, not fight it ourselves.

    One of the men gulped and jumped off the branch quietly. It was the man who was spying on Crule and the others on that day. Since he was the newest member He sneaked up to the sleeping lizard. Besides it was a pile of large eggs. He tipped toed closer and closer to the pile while keeping an eye on the lizard.

    The lizard¡¯s loud breathing vibrated every bone in the man¡¯s body. Sweat was dripping off the man¡¯s face and he was biting his lip as to not let a sound escape from his mouth. Step by step he inched closer and closer. The other six men hiding in the trees were awaiting with baited breath.

    But sadly, the man wasn¡¯t so lucky today. He slipped on a fragment of an eggshell that was still covered in embryonic fluid and fell.

    Face first.

    Into an egg.

    The egg shattered with the sound of a thousand windows.

    The man could feel his life flashing before his eyes. The six men on the trees nearly pissed their pants.

    He was covered in goo from the broken egg and he was slipping trying to get up. The lizard opened one eye and its serpentine tongue lashed out like a snake with a vengeance. It wrapped around the ankles of the fallen man and he vanished into the maws of the lizard. The lizard fully awoken realizing what its tasty snack has done. It looked at the broken egg then back up at the trees. It could feel the presence of six intruders.

    It was going to take out its anger on them.

    [Man 1]: Shit, we have to run!

    [Man 5]: Lure it to the wagon, we can still do this!

    [Man 2]: Shit¡­we have to rename ourselves now¡­

    [Man 3]: How about the Savage Six?

    [Man 4]: I like it!

    [Man 6]: MOVE NOW!

    The six shadows dashed away as the giant lizard followed.

    ______

    Crule could sense it.

    He warned everyone immediately.

    [Crule]: Something is heading this way, and it¡¯s big.

    Turf¡¯s face paled. He quickly stopped the wagon and jumped off. Dante, Shallot and Gumb leaped from the back in battle formations. Turf scuttled into the wagon like a scared rabbit.

    The vibrations in the air scared away all avian creatures. With each thud comes a feeling of pressure.

    Off in the distance, weaving between the trees were six men. They manage to just keep ahead of the giant lizard chasing them and were on course with the wagon that has now come to a stop.

    [Man 5]: Split up now. Hide and we will watch the battle. Wait for my signal, we will attack when they mess up.

    [Man 6]: I¡¯ll stay behind and film.

    The man pulled from his pocket a large sheet crystal. By injected a small amount of energy into it, it flashes and the image before it appeared on the screen.

    Due to electronics not working in the wild, new things had to be developed that used an alternative power source. Since energy was so abundant, scientists wracked their mind to come up with the most simplest of things.

    The lizard pop out of the trees into the clearing were the road lies. It saw Crule and the others and only thought that his meal was getting bigger. Since Crule and Ming was hiding they aura well, the lizard had no idea who it was up against.

    Dante shouted out commands to attack and they set into action.

    The lizard was a good three times the size of the wagon. Trying to take on one of its physical attacks head on will result in serious damage. Gumb tried his best to keep in the blind spot of the lizard, constantly making the lizard try to turn its head to snack on him.

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    Dante and Shallot took this chance to pull out their signature weapons, the bow and the dual pistols. Arrows and bullets rained upon the lizard but its scales were far tougher than its smaller brethren. The arrow head barely pieced half an inch into its near metallic scales while the bullets flattened on the skin like pancakes and exploded out like a flower. It only left scorch wounds on the scale that seems harmless.

    Dante and Shallot was starting to worry. Gumb could barely keep the lizard focused on it and their weapons were not affecting the monster.

    [Dante]: Shit, I didn¡¯t want to use this¡­

    [Shallot]: We have to.

    Dante finally started using her energy and aura instead of just her enhanced physical strength.

    A cyan blue flame encased her bow and arrows. It consumed the wooden bow leaving behind a bow made of pure flame. The arrows too turn into projectiles of bright cyan flames.

    [Dante]: I lose more bows and arrows this way¡­

    She sighed and took aim at the lizard who was spinning around trying to get Gumb. Gumb was quite agile despite his large build. He kept to either the left or right of the lizard without getting in the way of its head or tail. The lizard¡¯s limbs were too short to be used as weapons other than stomping. He just dodges and punches but those punches really doesn¡¯t do anything but annoy the lizard further.

    The arrow in Dante¡¯s bow started to glow even brighter as she closes one of her eyes. Her remaining open eye¡¯s pupil changed into that of a crosshair. It seems her aura is applying a film in front of her eye allowing accurate shooting. With a gentle demeanor, Dante let go of the arrow.

    The sailed at blinding speeds straight at the lizard. It looked like a beam of laser instead of a flaming arrow due to its speed and the trail of fire it left behind it. The sound of a screeching bird followed soon after. It slammed into the lizard¡¯s side spot on. The area of impact was immediately engulfed in a sea of cyan fire.

    Dante looked very tired as the flame vanishes from her hands. She was on her knees panting for air. It seems it took a lot of energy out of her to use it once. Shallot helped her back up on her feet and they watched the blaze burn. Gumb backed away from the ball of fire slowly.

    Suddenly, from the inferno, a scaled lance shot out and stabbed Gumb in the thigh.

    [Gumb]: Gahhh!!

    The tail retracted leaving a sizable hole in Gumb¡¯s thighs. You could see through to the other side. The bone was shattered and the flesh was torn asunder. Gumb collapsed on the floor in pain, shouting at the top of his lungs.

    [Gumb]: GAHHHHHH!!

    [Dante]: Shit, it¡¯s still alive. We got to get Gumb back here.

    The lizard¡¯s head emerged from the blaze seemingly unharmed.

    [Shallot]: Oh crap, it¡¯s not even hurt at all.

    The six men in the tree watched with glee as one has fallen.

    [Man 1]: Should we strike soon?

    [Man 2]: Not yet. Let them weaken the lizard some more.

    [Man 3]: Yes, we might as well let them do the hard part for us. The magic of editing will allow us to be famous with this video.

    The sheet crystal was still recording the battle. At the moment, it looked futile.

    Suddenly, the crystal focused on Ming.

    Her signature smile graced the recording as from underneath her feet, a pool of crimson red blood flowed freely like a broken hydrant.

    [Ming]: Scene 1: The beautiful maiden saves the day.

    [Crule]: Break a leg.

    Ming rose off the ground carried by a red crystal plate made of solidified blood.

    The lizard noticed the sudden change in energy and faced Ming.

    The battle was about to get real.

    ______________________________

    =P*cough*

 Chapter 109: Action!

    Chapter 109: Action!

    Everyone stared at the majestic yet vile looking plate of blood Ming was standing on. Many felt not only fear but also reverence upon laying eyes on the crystalized crimson contraption.

    The six men in the trees opened their mouth in awe. They forgot that they were still recording and couldn¡¯t take their eyes off the beauty before them.

    The lizard was feeling an extreme amount of pressure. It originally though these few humans would be a quick snack before finding the actual destroyers of one of her eggs.

    It felt regret that she didn¡¯t run while she had the chance to, and now it may be too late.

    The lizard then understood that this maybe its final moments. It has to fight for its life to survive.

    The realization caused the lizard to throw all caution to the wind and instead became incredibly enraged.

    Dante and the others stare in fear. The lizard was no longer engulfed in flames after a rapid whip of its tail, a powerful gust eradicated Dante¡¯s cyan flames. It completely ignored the unconscious Gumb nearby as well as Dante and Shallot. The rushed toward Ming with blinding speeds equivalent to that of a speeding vehicle.

    Ming only smirked and lifted up her arms. Like a command from the queen of oblivion, a sizable lake of blood gushed from under her crystalized platform and flowed toward the lizard like a tidal wave of death. Like soldiers who worships a queen, the tidal wave crashed into the lizard stopping its rapid advances.

    With a twist of her fingers, the tidal wave transformed into a bowl shaped arena with the lizard trapped inside trying to crawl out. From the other¡¯s point of view on the ground, no one could actually see what was happening inside the bowl but from the trees where the six were still recording, everything that happened inside was crystal clear.

    Like a mosh pit of death, countless weapons made from blood emerged from the inner walls of the bowl and continue to fly toward the lizard. It was basically a powerful blending as the spears, knifes, swords, and axes flew from one side of the bowl to the other ignoring all that happens to resides in between. The lizard was hacked left and right, up and down, soon leaving barely any spot that was not maimed.

    Dante and the others could not see the true brutality but could hear the cries of death as the lizard struggle the best it could.

    The six men in the trees however, practically pissed their pants. Nothing in the world could have prepared them for such a show.

    But Ming knew. People enjoyed carnage. They enjoyed seeing the pain of something that they didn¡¯t have to sympathize with. Like the roman colosseums, spectators enjoy a good show. The death of such a powerful beast only brings enjoyment.

    By sending fear into the hearts of the six men, she also guaranteed that they would release the video. It was the kind of feeling of wanting to tape a natural disaster in the process. They want others to hear their epic tale of how they manage to survive.

    Not even a minute have passed and the cries of the lizard resounded in the skies no more.

    The men hid in the trees were covered in a cold sweat and all of them could feel a shiver go down their spine.

    [Man 1]: T-these are people we shouldn¡¯t mess with.

    [Man 2]: Shit, shit, shit, what if they find out we did this?

    [Man 3]: Nononono this can¡¯t be.

    The men whispered back and forth between each other.

    [Man 6]: We have to run. NOW.

    The men quickly ran away with ¡°baggages¡± in their pants.

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    Crule smiled. He had heard and seen it all.

    [Crule]: Good, good, just as I expected.

    Ming put down her arm, releasing the blood bowl. The tidal wave of blood seemed to have grown larger as it retreated back to Ming¡¯s crystal disk.

    The lizard¡¯s corpse was now pale. Its entire body was covered in wounds that lead from one side to another. It was impaled completely and all of its internal organs were eviscerated. It was a brutal sight to behold.

    But Dante and the others were not shocked.

    [Dante]: Haha! Good job! Serves that stupid creature right!

    Dante was elated. She always enjoy someone who more brutal if not more than her. She walked up to Ming who hopped off her disk and gave her a pat on her back.

    [Dante]: Nice going! We were really in a pinch there. Thanks for the help!

    [Ming]: If I had helped sooner, you wouldn¡¯t have lost another bow.

    [Dante]: No problem! I know that flashy of a spell must have taken some time to prepare!

    Ming only smiled back without answering. Dante took this as a sign of being humble.

    [Dante]: You two really do bring all sorts of surprises! Heck, we no longer have to fear anything without these outer regions!

    Shallot and the now conscious Gumb nodded.

    The wagon door opened and a shivering Turf slowly dragged himself out.

    [Turf]: I-is it o-over?

    [Crule]: It¡¯s done.

    Turf recovered his spirit instantly and ran toward the lizard corpse.

    He kicked it a few times and with a satisfied sigh, turned toward Crule and the others.

    [Turf]: We can sell this lizard corpse!

    At the sight of a profit, Turf never turns down a chance.

    The others laughed as they started setting up camp around the corpses. Thanks to Ming¡¯s blood removal, the corpse didn¡¯t need draining and was ready to process. Not only that, there was no smell that could attract other beasts. Not that they were afraid of the beasts in the forest anymore.

    The most prized part of this lizard was its tail. The Division Lizard¡¯s prize possession and the object that gives it its name. The tail regrows infinitely when the lizard was alive. The divides again and again and again. The lizard itself even uses its own tail as a source of food during hard times. Many wonder how it could sustain itself using its own tail as the energy required to grow the tail back probably is equivalent of how much energy the tail gives. But scientists could never figure it out.

    Even in death, the tail still retains a few of its amazing properties. Although it doesn¡¯t regrow infinitely, it still can provide an entire village with enough food for a year. Having so many new settlements in the Wild requiring large amount of food, it was hard to get food across the dangerous lands. It was even more dangerous to hunt food in some regions. So having a food source like the division lizard¡¯s tail was god send.

    Of course, they had to sample the product first. That night over a camp fire, Crule made lizard tail kebabs.

    The savory flavor renewed everyone¡¯s spirits and readied them for the continuation of their journey. The forest will soon end and the next area will not be so kind.

    ___________________

    Sorry for the long unannounced break...interwebs troubles....will be trying to catch up =P

 Chapter 110: The town of Janus.

    Chapter 110: The town of Janus.

    The remainder of the trip through the forest was quiet and peaceful. Dante and her group took the chance to recover from their injuries sustained from the lizard. It didn¡¯t take them long. They were a sturdy group.

    The road started becoming more and more rugged. The wagon even had a few close calls with the boulders sticking out of the ground. The wagon stopped on a cliff. The greenery ends there as a sharp sheer drop down.

    From the top of the hill, one could see the city of Janus. The medium sized city was still huge in comparison to the cities on earth. Due to the actual size of the cities in Noxia being the size of small planets, anything smaller than the main seven islands are considered small or medium sized cities. Janus still covered a large area of a hundred thousand square miles.

    Looking down at the walled citadel the size of a celestial body lying on the bottom of the valley surrounded by the mountains where the division forest loomed, one could feel the power of the sword shaped city. As if a powerful titan had fallen down from the heavens and dropped his sword on the ground creating the valley.

    From the distance, one could see faint traces of sweltering yellow sand that marks the beginning of the Sangrias desert.

    After admiring the view, the wagon continued on its journey. A complex winding road system leading down the side of the cliff led the way to the outskirts of the city of Janus.

    The city of Janus had a long history. It was created long before the games even began. It was one of the few rare cities of warriors and mages that lie deep in the Wild. The residents of Janus had reverted to a near medieval life style due to electricity not working.

    But this didn¡¯t stop many companies from trying to reach Janus to trade. It was the journey originally was extremely difficult. After the games began and the road between Noxia and Janus had been built, trade blossomed. Janus was now a major city in the Wild, a hub of trader, merchants, adventurers, and mercenaries.

    The outskirts were mostly farmlands. To feed a city of such a large size, farms were a necessity. But the farmers were no ordinary plebian. Rather these farmers are the life blood of the city of Janus. Not only do they farm, they also are the first line of defense against the beasts of the Wild.

    Most of the farmers had been training in the warrior arts by their fathers and fathers¡¯ father.

    Their long lineage of martial arts ensure they all have strong able bodies and capability to defend against the monsters. Each one of them could use energy far better than any of the newer game participants. In comparison, most of them could be considered around lvl 40.

    The wagon went its merry way past the fields of grain, tubers, leafy greens, and various other edible plants. There were even fruit orchards. The farm land covered around seventy percent of the valley. The remaining thirty percent was the actual walled city of Janus.

    The wagon drove for several hours until the suns had almost fallen below the horizon. Upon reaching the gate, a long line of various wagons and groups of people could be seen.

    [Turf]: This may take a while. They have to check each and every person who enters the city.

    The others nodded. If one person were to bring something extremely dangerous into the city from the Wild, the entire population could be placed in jeopardy. They border security had to be thorough.

    Crule and the others didn¡¯t get their turn until the sun had already set. By the looks of it, it was already around nine in the evening.

    The wagon stopped by four well armored men at the gate.

    [Guard 1]: Purpose of visit?

    The first guard started asking questions while two of the guards opened the back of the wagon to inspect the goods. The last guard as on standby incase an emergency happened they had need someone to send a message fast.

    [Turf]: Trade and merch.

    [Guard 1]: Number of people total?

    [Turf]: Six.

    The guard counted everyone quickly and again turned to Turf to ask more questions. The whole process took around fifteen minutes. The goods were carefully inspected as well as the wagon. Every nook and cranny was checked.

    [Guard 2+3]: All clear.

    The guard asked his last few questions and handed Turf six wrist bands.

    [Guard 1]: These wrist bands are your entry permit. Upon leaving, please return them or you will face a hefty fine.

    Turf grabbed the bands and handed one to each person.

    [Guard 1]: Have a nice stay at Janus.

    The guard¡¯s expression turned a full 360 after the inspection finished. A strong smile beamed from his face. By the looks of it, their wagon was the last one in his shift before the night guards take over.

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    Everyone hopped back on the wagon and entered the black wooden gates. Upon entering, they arrived at a large square paved with cobblestone. Road signs were dimly lit by various luminescent ores and oil lamps. Although it was already late in the evening, quite a few number of people still roam the streets. The snack vendors were still opened and trade was still bustling.

    The wagon ignored everything and arrived at a loud crowded inn. The name of the inn was Dwarven Delight. It was a large structure made of strong chiseled stone and treated wood. It was a staggering height for a building made of stone and wood. It looks to be nearly eight stories tall.

    Crule and Ming cringed at the name of the inn. Dante found it amusing.

    Turf hopped of the wagon giddily and ran to the front counter.

    At the front counter was a middle aged woman sitting on a stool behind the counter, knitting what looks to be a scarf.

    Looking up at her newest customer, a large smiled slowly formed on her face. She immediately threw away what she was working on and jumped over the counter to hug Turf.

    [Turf]: Hey, hey, easy there.

    [Woman]: Hahaha long time no see brother!

    Crule and the others were shocked. So they were related.

    [Turf]: Long time no see Gardenia. I¡¯m finally back.

    [Crule]: Ah I see. So you were actually a resident of Janus.

    [Turf]: Yep, born and raised in the grand citadel of Janus. Oh right, let me introduce everyone.

    He turned around to Crule and the others.

    [Turf]: Sis, these are my trusty adventurers. They ensured I had a safe trip back from Noxia.

    [Gardenia]: Thanks for taking care of my cowardly brother.

    She bowed gracefully.

    [Dante]: Haha, no problem!

    Dante lifted her head up in superiority and laughed heartily. Gardenia wasn¡¯t bothered by her haughty personality but instead smiled.

    [Gardenia]: So I¡¯m guessing you guys are all staying here for the time being?

    [Turf]: You know! My old room please!

    [Gardenia]: Its always waiting for you dear brother.

    Suddenly, the door to the inner area opened up and a large man walked out.

    He was holding a bottle of alcohol and was obviously near the point of being drunk.

    His bald head reflected the light from the ceiling lamp making his face far more defined than anyone else. His mighty beard loomed over his chest like a fur coat stapled onto his chin.

    The man saw Turf and immediately became happy.

    [Man]: Brother-in-law! You¡¯re back! GREAT!!! Let¡¯s celebrate!

    [Gardenia]: Please honey, let them settle down first.

    [Man]: Hahaha! Alright! I¡¯ll be waiting in the dining hall for you guys!

    The man returned to the laughter in the other room.

    [Crule]: Was that your husband miss?

    Crule asked Gardenia.

    [Turf]: Yep, that¡¯s her husband Turnip.

    Ming couldn¡¯t help but laugh through her fingers at the name. She tried her best to hold it in. It was a good thing Crule was there to block the sound.

    [Crule]: What a¡­.¡±interesting¡± name¡­

    [Turf]: Most of us who were born in Janus have names that come from nature.

    [Dante]: Haha, that explains a lot!

    Gardenia grabbed six room keys and handed them to the party.

    [Gardenia]: Your rooms are on the sixth floor.

    [Turf]: Let¡¯s hurry and get ready for dinner! Knowing my brother-in-law, if we don¡¯t show up, he will come to us.

    The wagon was safely parked besides the inn in a safe area and their luggage were taken out.

    They hurried to the room to prepare for the festivities.

    ________________________________________

    Please point out any grammatical or spelling mistakes i have missed...i have no proofreader other than spellcheck on microsoft words =P

 Chapter 111: The insanity race.

    Chapter 111: The insanity race.

    A couple minutes later, everyone went back downstairs and met up at the lobby. The grimes of travel have all been washed away and signs of fatigue slowly fades from their face.

    They pushed open the door leading to the dining area of the inn and was shocked. There were nearly a hundred people chatting about, laughing, drinking, and eating their merry way into the night.

    [Turnip]: HEY! OVER HERE!

    He yelled across the room while waving his flask of beer.

    Everyone carefully walked over as to not disturb the merriment of the other restaurant customers. They plopped down at the table where Turnip and five other people were sitting. The table was now fully packed with twelve people.

    [Turnip]: Let me introduce you to my crew.

    He pointed at the other men and women one by one.

    [Turnip]: This here is my first mate, Radish.

    [Radish]: How¡¯s y¡¯all doing?

    Radish was a tall burley man. He was nearly as tall as turnip and towered over most people in the room. If he wasn¡¯t sitting down, he would certainly be a behemoth. His pale brown hair was short to the point where one could see his scalp. His tanned bronze skin shows how often he spends his time outside under the twin suns. Radish had a wide smile on his face, a smile that one can get used to.

    [Turnip]: This man here, is my main deckhand, Spud.

    [Spud]: Pleasure to meet you all.

    Spud was a rather average fellow. His height was around middle of five foot and his dark brown hair makes him look very average yet rustic. His skin was a tanned brown similar to Radish. Across his chin was a scar that seems old and faded but never the less, it makes his facial features seem more masculine.  He too had a gentle smile.

    [Turnip]: This here is our resident chef, Scallion.

    [Scallion]: Hey guys.

    Scallion was a woman who looked around her later twenties or early thirties. Her black hair made her facial features more profound. Her skin was pale but not to the sickly point. Her eyes were bronze colored and seem to have a gentle gaze similar to that of a mother. Her height was around the same as Spud and under her left eye was a beauty mark.

    [Turnip]: And the last two here are my Cannon maestros, Taro and Carrot.

    Taro looked at them silently with a depressed glazed look. It seems he had drunken far too much and was trying to forget something. His lavender hair seemed to turn into purple under the dim lights of the oil lamps. On his face were soot marks and his hands had some burn scars on them.

    He finally looked up at everyone and with a sigh said hello.

    Carrot was beside him trying to cheer him up. Carrot was a young fellow who looks to be in his mid-teens. His youthful face shows concern for the melancholy Taro and was trying his hardest to cheer him up. He turned around to face everyone and cheerfully greeted them.

    [Carrot]: Hi everyone!

    Crule immediately had a question to ask Turnip.

    [Crule]: By the sounds of it you guys have a ship.

    [Turnip]: Yep! But it isn¡¯t your average ocean vessel. Rather it¡¯s a sand ship. The best kind of vehicle to traverse the Sangrias sand sea.

    [Crule]: Oh ho ho, a sand ship? How does that work?

    [Turnip]: I will gladly show you my magnificent vessel tomorrow. Tonight, we party!

    Turf was handed a large beer flask. He chugged it down and slammed it on the table with a satisfying sigh.

    [Turf]: Good to see you all again!

    [Scallion]: How was your visit to the mainland?

    [Turf]: It was a culture shock for sure. I know we have been taught that there were insane technologies outside of the Wild where electricity works but to see it truly for yourself is another thing all together.

    [Radish]: Ah, sounds amazing. I want to visit someday.

    [Turf]: I might be able to take you on my next trade trip!

    [Radish]: Hahaha, you better promise!

    [Turnip]: So brother-in-law. Are you participating in this year¡¯s grand race?

    [Turf]: Oh shoot, I nearly forgot about that¡­I suppose I can but I have to ask my escorts first.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    [Dante]: A race you say? I never turn down a friendly competition but I need to know what this race is about?

    [Turf]: It¡¯s a big race that occurs once every three years.

    [Turnip]: It¡¯s a race across the Sangrias sand sea and back. It traverses along nearly half the desert. It¡¯s a lengthy race that takes up to a week long. It¡¯s also a dangerous race as the monsters of the Sangrias sand sea are no laughing matter. But the prize for winning entices far too many people.

    [Turf]: I heard this year since the games opened, participants includes those participating in the games. Thus the competition is fierce and HUGE. A few hundred people are participating.

    [Dante]: Sounds like a challenge I want to take on!

    [Crule]: What are the rules?

    [Turnip]: A maximum of six people a team. You¡¯re allow your personal vehicle. The first to cross the finish line wins. The only rule is no murder allowed. Everything else is legal.

    [Crule]: Including sabotage?

    [Turnip]: Hahaha, if you were dumb enough to fall for it yes. Yes it is.

    [Crule]: Now that¡¯s my kind of race. We aren¡¯t in a hurry anyways.

    [Ming]: *whispers to Crule* This is for fame as well huh?

    [Crule]: Since participants from the games are included, yes.

    [Ming]: I look forward to it.

    [Dante]: So we all agreed. We will participate.

    [Turf]: Great!

    [Turnip]: Wonderful! Brother-in-law, you old ship is still out back. It needs a few repairs but it¡¯s still in sailing shape.

    [Turf]: Thanks for taking care of it while I was gone.

    [Turnip]: No problem!

    The two shared another flask of beer.

    ______

    The night really kicked off as the food finally arrived.

    The first dish was a cold vegetable. Most were chopped carrots, radishes, and turnips that has been washed in cold water, and placed in a vinaigrette. Boiled peanuts were also served as well as salted green soy beans.

    When the dishes were nearly finished, the next course came. A boiled green leafy vegetable with clear onions and watercress. One can taste the chicken broth used to boil the vegetable. It had an oily yet refreshing taste.

    The next dish was salted preserved fish stir fried with white cabbage. Chili peppers were added to give the dish a vibrant mix of colors. Between the brown and black, were flakes of red and white.

    The two dishes were finished off rapidly.

    The dish that followed was beef meatballs served with a fennel filling. It had a strong savory flavor that washed away everything else that came before it. It was also quite filling and worked well with the rice they were given.

    To clear the pallet for the next few dishes, a refreshing soup made with winter melon, radish, and cilantro. Dried shrimp was included in the soup as well tying all the cleansing flavor together.

    The next dish was a large boiling river carp. It was served with a soy sauce and sesame oil blend.

    The delicious white meat of the carp falls apart like tasted like heaven when dipped in the sauce.

    For those who didn¡¯t like fish, another dish was served. It was roasted lizard tail. It was slowly roasted over a fire light by a strong smoking wood. Cumin, salt, pepper, coriander, and many other spices was sprinkled on over the roasting process. It was prepared the same way lamb kebabs were made.

    The lizard tails had the chewy consistency of ox tail but due to certain spices and the time it roasted, the meat was practically falling off the bone. It was an overpowering delicious dish that didn¡¯t lose out to the fish.

    In the end everyone was satisfied. Dessert was a large assortment of chopped up fruit. Can never have too much fruit when living in a valley near a large desert.

    That night, everyone finally slept on a bed and their fatigue fully washed away. Tomorrow is a new day.

    ________________

    Was busy playing fire emblem fates =P Im sure u guys were too!

 Arc 9 Epilogue.

    Arc 9 Epilogue.

    Deep at the center of the Wild was a natural castle created by the stones of a mountain. Within its halls was a dark room lit dimly by six jewels embedded in the walls. Each of the gems glowed a different color creating a collage of colors in the center of the room. In the room sat six figures.

    None of them looked truly human. They all had a beastly figure to them.

    [Snake-woman]: Those humans broke our ancestor¡¯s pact. We have to retaliate!

    [Bear-man]: Patience Meddy, their time will soon come.

    [Tiger-man]: Has anyone seen Leon lately? He does have the final say in all our decisions.

    [Bird-man]: He may be the king, but this is the council of monsters. We as the first original creatures of this planet has our right to own and live. We are not just fodder for these invaders.

    [Fish-woman]: That¡¯s right! Our ancestors conquered the planet with their power and separated the land equally among them. What gives the rights for those humans to just come and take our land?!

    [Bear-man]: Everyone calm down. There must be a reason to their treachery.

    [Voice]: Of course there is.

    The sixth being walked into the room.

    He had the head of a lion, but something was immediately different about him compare to the other five.

    [Tiger-man]: What?! Who are you and what have you done to Leon!

    Chaos laughed.

    [Chaos]: Leon is no more. I have taken his place as king.

    [Tiger-man]: You bastard!

    The tiger-man pounced on chaos with his claws extended aiming for the neck. Chaos only smirked and with a powerful aura immediately knocked the tiger-man onto the ground with sheer gravity.

    [Tiger-man]: S-such¡­p-p-power.

    The tiger-man could barely talk as his internal organs were faced with the crushing pressure of Chaos¡¯s aura.

    [Bear-man]: You¡­what is your purpose?

    [Chaos]: The same as everyone else here. The eradication of the plague known as humans.

    The snake-woman smiled and walked toward Chaos. She put her hand on his shoulder seductively.

    [Snake-woman]: My oh my, I do like this Leon better than our old one.

    [Tiger-man]: Y-you w-whore!

    The tiger-man was still being pressed by Chaos¡¯s aura. Rips in the fabric of space started tearing open around him. If any of those had gotten close enough to him, it would rip his apart.

    [Bear-man]: Enough. Let him go.

    [Chaos]: Deem me as your King and I shall.

    [Bear-man]: Fine¡­you are our king and forever will.

    [Chaos]: Good.

    The aura was lifted and the tiger-man passed out.

    [Chaos]: Now then. About the reason why humans have broken the centuries long pact.

    [Fish-woman]: Go on.

    [Chaos]: They have forgotten the kindness and mercy of our ancestors. They tread upon the Wild as if they own the whole planet. Those na?ve humans will be the death of this planet like their original home world. Their war-like nature and hubris will doom us all. Unless we stop them.

    [Bird-man]: So you¡¯re saying we shall wage war?

    [Chaos]: No, not way. A massacre. A genocide. We as superior species shall bring down those humans and take our rightful place as rulers of the planet.

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    [Bear-man]: And how do you suppose we do that?

    [Chaos]: I will tell you¡­

    The meeting continued in the dark room.

    Hours later in one of the cave-rooms.

    [Chaos]: Foolish beasts. So easy to trust those who pretend to share a similar interesting. It seems the body I have taken over this time is very special.

    The gestalt lion was no longer a suitable host for Chaos as he recovered. He swallowed a larger prey, slowly working up to the point where he finally got his hands on a power figure in the beast¡¯s community.

    [Chaos]: Once I get rid of the most annoying thorn by my side, I shall rid myself of these pesky animals as well.

    Chaos smiled and laughed maniacally into the air.

    [Chaos]: That pawn Grimly really is doing everything I told him to do. Even if the visit from that old Sage bastard was unexpected, everything is accordingly to my grand scheme.

    Chaos played with his new retractable claws.

    [Chaos]: Soon, this world shall fall and I shall finally be free¡­

    ______

    [Bear-man]: I still don¡¯t trust him.

    [Tiger-man]: M-me too.

    [Bear-man]: Your injuries are that severe?

    [Tiger-man]: It may take a couple days to fully heal. His power is extraordinary. Even if we don¡¯t trust him, we don¡¯t have the power to do anything about it.

    [Bear-man]: True¡­Perhaps only our slumbering ancestor can move that menace¡­But we cannot wake them. Not when we have a chance to fix this problem ourselves.

    [Tiger-man]: But how?

    [Bear-man]: I can sense the being in Leon¡¯s body is injured. Which mean he isn¡¯t at full strength yet.

    [Tiger-man]: Heavens, just how powerful is he if his injured state is already so strong?!

    [Bear-man]: You¡¯re not getting the clue. SOMEONE or SOMETHING must have injured that powerful being to such a state. If we can find them or it, we will have a fighting chance.

    [Tiger-man]: But how?

    [Bear-man]: We must be secretive about it. But we must send our men out there to find it.

    [Tiger-man]: And what if we don¡¯t find it?

    [Bear-man]: Then we will have no choice left but to awaken the ancestors¡­

    [Tiger-man]: *sigh* I don¡¯t want to imagine the rage we will face once they have awoken.

    ______

    [Fish-woman]: Do you trust him?

    [Snake-woman]: Not even a bit. But with powers strong enough to completely neutralize Tige, we have no choice but to submit for now. But knowing Bear, he will have a plan for this.

    [Fish-woman]: *sigh* It seems trouble really do come in pairs.

    [Snake-woman]: Tell me about it¡­

    ______

    [Grimly]: Everything is going according to plans. The next step¡­The grand tournament¡­

    [James]: Things are almost ready sir.

    [Grimly]: Good, good¡­

    Hanuman only stood there with a grim expression. He had to act soon or it would be too late.

 Chapter 112: Turféˆ¥æªš vessel.

    Chapter 112: Turf¡¯s vessel.

    The next day, Dante, Crule, and Ming followed Turf to see his parked vessel. Gumb and Shallot went out to resupply for the race. Food, water, and other supplies were needed for the week long competition.

    They reached a wooden boat with a wide hull. The boat was actually quite large. It was around thirty meters long and ten meters tall. The inside had two rooms and on the deck was enough space to stand. The bottom was two large metal blades that seem to dig right into the ground. It allows sleek and rapid movements through the desert. On the back was a large nose shaped rudder for steering.

    The whole vessel looked like a dark oak monstrosity. It was however, covered in a thin layer of dust and looked aged.

    [Turf]: Ah, my old vessel, how I missed you. I remember the days of my youth when I built this thing during my coming of age ceremony. The months I spent making it, the blood sweat and tears¡­

    Turf was reminiscing about the past. The others just look at the strange vehicle with slight amusement.

    [Dante]: How fast does it go?

    [Turf]: If the winds are in our favor, a good hundred twenty kilometers an hour.

    [Ming]: So this thing is wind powered? What if the winds are blowing in the opposite direction?

    [Turf]: Ah, that shouldn¡¯t be possible. The time during which the race is held is special. A unique wind that blows a full circle across the Sangrias desert appears during this time of year. Every year, around the same time. This is why the race is held during that time.

    [Crule]: So it¡¯s a seasonal wind?

    [Turf]: Indeed. Now, help me clean up my old baby.

    Large buckets of water and mops were brought over.

    [Dante]: Eh, if I knew there was going to be manual labor I would have just gotten Gumb to do it.

    [Crule]: No harm done. A good day of manual labor can keep the body healthy.

    Ming nodded.

    Wearing crude cotton cleaning uniforms, they began cleaning the wooden ship.

    ______

    Meanwhile, on top of cliff facing the City of Janus. A black vortex appeared out of nowhere. It slowly swirled for several minutes before suddenly speeding up and expanding. From the hole, a man walked out. His uniform was unlike anything seen in this world. A shining black overall with an olive green line running across it.

    On his face was a pair of sunglasses that occasionally flash red before coming to a complete stop.

    [Mysterious being]: So the anomaly is here¡­But it seems I am in a negative zone¡­my tools won¡¯t work as well¡­

    The man look down at the pistol on his hip and the bangle he wore around his right wrist.

    [Mysterious being]: No matter, capture of the anomaly is no troubling matter without my tools.

    The man grumbled to himself before jumping off the cliff. He rapidly descended like a missile and hit the bottom with a veritable shockwave. He patted the dust from his uniform and continued walking toward Janus.

    ______

    The ship was starting to regain its former luster. Crule, Ming, and Dante was covered in dirtied water and sweat. The job was not finished, but now is the time for lunch.

    Gardenia brought over some sandwiches for everyone along with a cold refreshing glass of cider. She also brought along some cold wet towels. They gratefully accepted the towels and wiped the dirt and sweat off their face and hands.

    After lunch, the cleaning process was quickly finished. The suns were setting by then.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.Everyone cleaned up and had a good dinner. The race will be the day after tomorrow.

    ______

    The entire town of Janus was excited. More and more game participants appeared throughout the day. These participants were no beginners too. To be able to reach Janus, they either followed a trade caravan or had the strength to get there on their own. Most of them were in the mid-30s in lvl.

    Mix between them were some warriors and mages who decided to participate in the games too. They had no need for the nanodes and were fully capable of taking care of themselves. If they die, it¡¯s their own inadequacy and they accept their fate. These warriors and mages had face years of trial by fire through hunts and adventures in the Wild.

    Soon, the number of teams participating in the race reach two hundred. Since many of them was in a hurry, the ship workshop had their hands full making new vessels left and right. None of them got a single wink of sleep in the past three days, continuously making new ships for the participants left and right. Some brought their own, some made their own, but most bought standard ones.

    The city was fully decorated for a festival. Streets stalls became more profound and numerable. The whole city was bustling with anticipation.

    ______

    Crule and the rest prepared everything for the race tomorrow. He didn¡¯t seem to sense any disturbance these past few days. His cultivation was coming along nicely. He will soon establish his final gate. At times he was extremely thankful for his past self for gathering and saving so many things. His hoarder mentality actually paid off.

    Ming had been playing with her new pet on and off. Snuggles had been doing nothing but sleep and eat. Its adorableness really help it earn its keep.

    They spent the entire day in a carefree yet excited mood. The race was about to start soon. That evening, a filming crew from Metallurgy Inc. arrived. They set up an intricate filming setup. A flying drone that doesn¡¯t seem to run on electricity flew up into the sky. Everything is saw was sent back to a large monitor that looked like a polished crystal. Several more drones was tested and almost all of them worked.

    The race will start tomorrow. That night, few people could sleep due to anticipation.

    All the ships lined up on the largest street in Janus. The street was covered in sand to allow the ships to move. Drones hovered left and right, recording everything as the ships and team come one by one. Soon the entire street was full and covered with ships. The audience on the sidelines cheered. A powerful warm wind was blowing through the street. None of the ships had their sail opened but if they were, they would be traveling at high speeds soon.

    Crule and the rest were wearing their battle-ready uniforms. Of course Crule and Ming always keep their living armors on standby.

    Their vessel shined sleek dark brown as its dark oak shined in the twin suns.

    The mayor walked up on the podium, gave a short speech and welcomed all the new participants. He thanked the film group and Metallurgy Inc.

    He pulled out from his pocket a red flare gun and aimed it up toward the air.

    [Mayor]: Ready? Set?! GOOOOOOOOO!

    He pulled the trigger and a stream of red smoke following a bright light flew up. The fireworks were set off and confetti rained from the sky.

    The ships opened their sails nearly all at the same time and the race was on.

    [Mayor]: May the wind guide you to victory!

    Everyone shouted the same thing. The race had begun.

 Chapter 113: An old Enemy.

    Chapter 113: An old Enemy.

    The sail of Turf¡¯s ship opened with a large ¡°floof¡±. On it was a large symbol of three tufts of grass. The wind immediately slam into the sail and the boat creaked along. Speed quickly picked up and they were brought to the front area of ships. The gates of the city flashed by them as they entered the outskirts. A long yellow lane of sand leading to the desert was laid out. Within the next few minutes, they have entered the desert. The powerful heat blasted the participants.

    The suns glared and flared above them. Most were wearing either a hat or sunglasses to protect their vision.

    On Turf¡¯s ship, Crule, Ming, and Dante were in front of the ship standing on the deck. Turf was behind the steering wheel. Gumb was manning the cannons down below and Shallot was on standby to help with the cannon.

    Soon, the dangers of the race immediately presented themselves. Large lizard-like fishes pop out of the sand and was slamming into the sides of ships. Many of the participants were ready and was already fighting them back. Ming had already spread a spiked layer of blood across the hull. Dante was shooting arrows left and right. The arrows each found their mark in either the fish¡¯s eyes or head. The fish falls back down onto the sand and were immediately devoured by its brethren. Hunger was a scaring thing and scarcity makes it even more frightening.

    The ravenous lizard-fish were a darker yellowish brown. Their jaws contain hundreds of sharp edged teeth.

    All of the fish who attacked from the front were taken care of by Dante. Crule covered the back of the ship and Ming impaled all the fish who tried to tackle the sides of the ship.

    The rest of the ships were holding their own. Most of the participants are no weaklings. This onslaught of fish-lizards are but minor nuisance which slow down their initial acceleration.

    Once they had reached a certain milestone, the strong desert wind picked up. Once the ships hit that mark, they all sped up substantially. It was smooth sailing from then on. The lizard-fish have gave up chasing as the pack of ship sped up beyond their swimming speed.

    [Dante]: Man, what a start to a race.

    [Turf]: Those fishes aren¡¯t that dangerous really. However, they are extremely delicious.

    [Dante]: Oh really?

    [Turf]: They taste like nothing really, thus they go good with almost anything, like chicken.

    [Dante]: I see¡­

    [Crule]: Normally you seem scared of the monsters. Why are you so confident now?

    [Turf]: I¡¯m not sure. I think it has something to do with my ship. I feel extremely secure on it and my courage gains a boost.

    [Crule]: A feeling of home field advantage huh.

    Turf¡¯s eye shine with bravery behind his sunglasses. Crule only shook his head and continue monitoring the surroundings. The blazing two suns baked the sand, leaving waves of heat strongly visible to the naked eye. Only the sound of powerful wind and the creaking of wood could be heard on the ship.

    The race covers the full distance of the desert wind¡¯s path. Normally one would thing that with the same winds, the ships would all travel at the same speed. But soon one will realize, the sheer number of obstacles blocking the participants. From monsters, to natural large hills and dunes, all the way to mirages.

    The ship could only be left at the mercy of the winds.

    The race would take up to a good two to three days depending on how high the temperature rises.

    At this point in the race, only a few have dropped out due to accidents or injury. Sabotage was the name of the game, and Turf¡¯s ship seem to have won out. No one tampered with anything and the journey was moving along. They were in front of the pack with four other ships. Behind them was the majority and even further behind that were the stragglers.

    Crule and Ming were both biting into a crunchy cucumber. The refreshing taste and water cooled down their system that had been baking in the suns. Turf was wearing a rag over his head that was soaked in cool water to keep him cool. Dante went down below the deck to check up on Gumb and Shallot.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Inside the hull was not as bad as on the deck. The heat was greatly reduced by the large supply of water and ice being stored. The ice was incredibly cold to the touch and would definitely cause frost burn if one were to be stupid enough to touch it. This piece of ice was from a tall mountain to the outskirts of the desert. Before the race, each ship must prepare one in advance. It serves as the ship¡¯s cooling and water supply. The ice will last a good three to four days even in the desert heat.

    The mountain where the piece of ice was from was also the cause of the powerful wind. The clash of the super-heated desert with the sub-zero chill of the mountain clashed to form this powerful wind that blows across the desert. It picks up the heat along the way and becomes quite warm.

    This phenomenon happens every year around the same time as the ice on the mountain builds up and the temperature difference sky rockets.

    The ice was a life saver in this race.

    ______

    The night passed without any dangers. Crule kept a look out while the rest took brief naps. The ship¡¯s steering wheel was locked in place. Most part of the journey was a straight line. Crule only had to steer if something appeared to block the ship directly in front.

    The suns were slowly rising after a cold night. The desert was quick to heat up, quick to cool down.

    Crule looked nonchalantly toward the front of the ship.

    Suddenly, something caught his eye. A small shadowy figure with a green line across it.

    Then it hit him. A powerful blood vessel shattering headache. Unimaginable pain barraged his head. Crule screamed with the most unintelligible scream imaginable.

    [Crule]: ARRRRRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHGGGGGG.

    Everyone woke up with a shock. Ming quickly arrived next to Crule to help only to be also hit by the powerful headache.

    [Ming]: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

    The both of them were rolling left and right on the deck clutching their head in utter pain.

    The others could only look on with terror.

    Just what was happening?

    Crule recovered first but his face was pale and blood was slowly dripping from his ear. His breathing was labored and it looked like he just survived a long torture session.

    [Crule]: I¡­I remember now.

    Crule look toward the shadowy figure off in the distance with both fear and anger.

    [Crule]: You¡­

    Turf and Dante went up to Crule to help him back up.

    With a glass of water, Crule¡¯s face seem to recover a little bit of color.

    [Turf]: What happened?

    [Crule]: We need to prepare to run. NOW. That ¡°thing¡± ahead is not something we can face.

    Dante looked over and spot the shadowy figure.

    Suddenly a shockwave of energy blasted forth from it like the fallout from a large explosion. The sent shivers down Dante¡¯s spine. She felt fear beyond anything she had ever felt before.

    She looked down at Crule and nodded. Running is the only option.

    ______

    [Mysterious being]: Anomaly spotted. Calculation course of action. ERROR. ERROR. Anomaly has fused with local energy. Cannot directly assault. Course of action Change. Delta 296Z initiated.

    The being suddenly turned around and shoved his hands into the ground. With a pulse of energy, it found what it was looking for. A monster hidden deep in the sands. The King of the desert. The ruler, the monarch, the destroyer. The Herculean Sand Worm.

 Chapter 114: The mutation.

    Chapter 114: The mutation.

    Herculean Sand Worms, the top predator of the food chain in the Sangrias desert. It boroughs deep underground leaving massive cave-ins. The sand above them rise and sink to form the dunes that were oh so notorious part of the desert. Normally they rarely surface fully like the scene before Crule right now.

    They only come out in the sun to consume prey, and even then, it¡¯s only their head that comes out. The scene before Crule right now is a full one hundred meter long sand worm fully out of the sand. Its angered roar shook the sand. The hole it used to come out was slowly filling with sand and becoming a whirlpool.

    The city of Janus was safe from these giant monsters though. The hard bedrock underneath Janus doesn¡¯t allow the Herculean sandworm any leeway.

    This kind of monster can even give a dragon a run for its money. It was a force of nature. One that Crule and Ming have to combine their power to take down.

    But Crule didn¡¯t want to fight it. They can only run. The mysterious being he suddenly recognize changes everything.

    [Crule]: HURRY UP!

    Turf snapped out of his shock and with a slightly less brave face, turned the ship around to avoid the whirlpool of sand.

    The other ships around them all tried to avoid the whirlpool. Many contestants abandoned their ship and started running away back to Janus in fear.

    Turf¡¯s ship sail was tilted as so the wind pushed the ship away from the worm.

    Ming recovered from her headache with a cold sweat as well.

    [Ming]: I-I remember now.

    [Crule]: I know¡­Our old self were quite cruel to keep this important information away from us.

    [Ming]: I can understand why though¡­It¡¯s not something we are ready to face.

    Crule nodded while keeping an eye on the being.

    The being had his eyes closed and was facing the worm.

    [Mysterious Being]: Injecting forced advancement tonic.

    From his palm, the skin ripped apart to reveal a metal flap. The slides open and a syringe popped out.

    With blinding speeds that Crule could barely keep up with. The being jumped on the worm and injected it.

    Before the worm even had a chance to react, the being was already off of him and quite a distance away.

    [Mysterious Being]: Injection complete. Observation: Mutation imminent.

    The being quickly backed away to a safe distance. His speed was so fast, that the sand under him couldn¡¯t react in time. A few moments after the being disappeared, the sand under him exploded by the wind pressure created by his movement.

    Crule only swallowed a little with both fear and annoyance.

    The worm was twisting and turning as if it was in great pain. It continuously roared into the skies and mucus was spewing out of its large mouth.

    The reason why the worm stays underground most of the time was because its huge body, if exposed to the sun, would result in it dehydrating extremely fast. The mucus lining of its body not only allows it to glide through the sand without the sand causing tears, but also to regulate its body temperature. The mucus around this particular Herculean sand worm was slowly turning a shade of pink. It was bleeding from its pores as it thrashed around violently.

    Turf was scared out of his wits and was trying to rush the ship.

    [Turf]: Come onnnn, move faster already!

    He prayed the winds would pick up.

    Dante was staring in awe at the worm.

    She snapped out of it and aimed an arrow at the worm.

    [Crule]: Don¡¯t shoot!

    But it was too late. The arrow flew true and imbedded itself into the worm like a harmless mosquito bite¡­

    Sadly, it was all that was needed. The worm suddenly focused all its attention on the small ship. It didn¡¯t know what attacked him earlier but now that it has seen the ship, its rage was all directed to it.

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    Crule paled. He was in no shaped to fight the worm. If he had worn himself out fighting it, the mysterious being could dispose of him very easily.

    [Crule]: Crap¡­Ming we need a boost.

    Crule reached into his pocket and threw a pill at Ming.

    She caught it and looked at it. The pill was spherical and had a soft shell.

    [Ming]: Got it.

    She threw the pill in her mouth and gulped. Color slowly returned to her face.

    The pill Ming took was something that was hidden deep in Crule¡¯s storage. He didn¡¯t even remember he had it until his headache awoken his locked memory. The pill was considered a panacea. It could heal most wounds and help recover energy. Although it was god like, it took time to take in effect.

    Ming recovered enough to form three things. She made two large blood blades that crystalized under the metal blades under the boat. It cut through the sand with almost no resistance. It was as if friction had no effect on it.

    The third thing she made was a large and thing sheet of blood behind the boat.

    [Ming]: RAHHHH!

    With a strong swing of her arm, the sheet of blood fanned the sail giving them a short burst of speed.

    The boosted forward, away from the worm.

    Ming collapsed on her knees as the sheet dissipated into ash.

    [Ming]: *cough* I¡¯m going to need to recover the lost blood¡­

    She looked even more fatigued than before. The pill however was still in effect, so she didn¡¯t faint completely. The blood blades under the ship was still intact and Ming was still awake to manage them.

    Crule nodded at Ming and turned both his palms toward the Worm.

    [Crule]: Hopefully this will make it wary of approaching.

    From his real hand, a faint black light wisped out like a stream of smoke. It wrapped around his metal hand and began rotating. As it rotate faster, Crule¡¯s energy was channeling into balls at the tip of his fingers. Five black balls formed from the smoke consumed the energy Crule emitted from his fingertips. The five balls grew more and more profound yet stayed the same size. It was soon rotation to the point where screeching sounds could be heard.

    Crule tried to be as reserved as possible as he needs to save his energy for a greater enemy. He gripped his metal arm to steady his aim. Five balls were now pulsating greatly with power. The worm stared at the human on the ship with both anger and curiosity.

    Crule shot his attack. The five balls rotated as it flew toward the worm at high speeds. It slammed directly into the worm leaving a large hole on its side. However, the balls didn¡¯t exit from the other side. Inside the worm, the five balls expanded and shot out all in different directions. It sliced the worm full of holes like a piece cheese.

    Mucus and blood exploded forth from the numerous wounds. It was not life threatening to the worm however. It was injured greatly, but it wasn¡¯t something that could kill it. Its tenacity was tyrannical.

    The worm roared again as it watched the ship get away. For some strange reason it couldn¡¯t move anymore. From deep within the worm, the tonic worked its magic.

    From the holes that Crule created, more worm heads rapidly formed.

    [Crule]: What?! What just happened?!

    Countless heads just kept coming out of the wounds.

    Soon it was no longer a Herculean Sand worm. No, it had evolved beyond that. It¡¯s now a Hydra worm King.

    [Crule]: Shit, what have I done¡­?

    Sadly it¡¯s far too late to regret now. They are now facing a monster above what Crule and Ming can handle even at full power. It¡¯s now a race for their life.

 Chapter 115: Race for your life.

    Chapter 115: Race for your life.

    The ship continued forward at high speeds. It bobbed up and down from the erupting sand blasts hitting just left and right of the ship. They had reached 300 kilometer per hour with the boost of Ming¡¯s wind but it was still not enough to fully escape from the hydra worm. With its mutation now complete, it could fully move again. It¡¯s a good thing it had not gotten use to its new form so it¡¯s slower than before. But still it was a huge threat chasing Crule and company.

    From its numerous heads, the worm spat out large volumes of sand. Soon, it became a full sandstorm chasing after them.

    [Turf]: God dammit, all I wanted was a race, why am I now running for my life!

    Turf was crying and mucus was dripping from his nose.

    [Dante]: Man up! This is the kind of action I was looking for when I set out! HAHAHAHA! Faster!

    Dante had recover from her shame earlier from attacking the worm and attracting its attention. Seeing that Crule also made a mistake made her feel a little better. Misery loves company after all.

    [Crule]: How are you hold up Ming?

    Crule showed a sincerely concerned face toward Ming. He kneeled down next to her. Ming was on all fours panting heavily. Large beads of sweat dripped off her forehead.

    [Ming]: J-just barely. The pill is working though.

    [Crule]:  Good. But remember, keep yourself safe most importantly. I would rather not want you causing irreversible damage. I wouldn¡¯t be able to live with myself.

    Crule placed his real hand on Ming¡¯s back and soothed her energy that was in turmoil from the pill. The pill supplied Ming with instant energy so she doesn¡¯t have to take the time to draw from her reserves but that energy is both brutal and wild. It was quite hard to control but Crule had faith that Ming could do it. The reason why he gave Ming the pill was because although she had reached the eighth gate as well, she had not stabilized it yet.

    [Crule]: I will try my best to stall that bastard.

    Crule looked toward the multi headed hydra worm once again. He had to think. Just what does he have in his disposable that can take that monster down¡­?

    The wind blew violently now as the worm rushed toward them in rage. The other contestants were running for their lives away from the worm. They were smart. They saw the worm was not aiming for them specifically and decided to steer their ship left and right instead of forward.

    Although this may cost them the race, their lives were more important. Live to race another day they would say.

    The suns were near setting as the first day of the race was coming to a close. Normally, ships would travel slower during nights with only half the crew sleeping to take shifts. But the hydra worm doesn¡¯t seem to tire.

    [Turf]: I-I can only do so much¡­the ship needs to rest, it isn¡¯t built for this kind of speed for such a long period!

    Turf calmed down from earlier but the ever looming threat of the worm isn¡¯t letting him rest his emotions.

    [Crule]: I will see what I can do about the worm.

    Crule could only do one thing right now. Attack the worm as much as possible, hopefully to destroy all of its head in one go.

    He ran to the back of the ship and readied himself. He closed his eyes and opened his gates. The latent energy was jolted and came to life. It flowed like the Yangtze River through the channels in Crule¡¯s body. The farther they travel down Crule¡¯s channels, the faster it flowed. As they finally reached their destination, the sheer speed the energy was traveling was strong enough to shoot out of Crule¡¯s hands as a beam.

    But he didn¡¯t shoot it immediately. It was only pure energy. The final part was the filter that energy through his aura. A black glow grew on Crule¡¯s palms. It made his real hand look menacing while his metal hand looked shinier.

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    The energy collided with his aura and was filtered through it. Spheres of pitch black formed in Crule¡¯s palms again. But this time, instead of five, it was one large sphere in each hand.

    Crule lifted his arms toward the Worm after opening his eyes.

    He breathed in a deep breath and exhaled.

    Dante watched on the side.

    [Dante]: (mumble) I might finally get to see some of his real power¡­

    Crule looked around to make sure there were no more constants around them. He didn¡¯t want people to be caught in the blasts as collateral. Right now what he needed was fame, not infamy.

    Crule turned to Dante.

    [Crule]: Hey, Ms. Dante. Do me a favor and record this will ya?

    [Dante]: Ah? Me? Eh, let me keep a copy later then I¡¯ll do it.

    [Crule]: Sure sure, I plan to release it to the public anyways.

    [Dante]: Hahaha, trying to get famous are we?

    [Crule]: You know it!

    Crule¡¯s smirk sent shivers down Dante¡¯s spine.

    [Dante]: Fine. Make it one hell of a show!

    Dante took out a crystal and placed it on top of her wristband. The started glowing and slowly lit up. She pointed it towards Crule and started recording.

    Crule nodded.

    He turned toward the worm.

    [Crule]: Eat this you piece of shit!

    He let the energy fly.

    Like a missile launcher, countless numbers of energy spheres sprayed from the two balls in Crule¡¯s palms toward the worm. The ball all his the worms and ate through it like a wet marble through tissue paper.

    They literally had zero resistance. Blood and other bodily fluids exploded from the worm but it healed just as the fluid touched the air. Areas where a hole was left in the actual body spawned a new head. The heads that were damages were immediately repaired while the body just spawned new heads.

    The spheres just kept firing. The worm was halted as it tried to heal and recover from the constant damage. Dante stared in awe.

    [Dante]: Holy shit, it¡¯s like I¡¯m watching a CGI movie super hero movie¡­

    Crule stayed silent as more spheres fired endlessly from the sphere. He had to look cool even in the most desperate of situations if he was being filmed.

    Not a bead of sweat was on his face. His energy seemed limitless. This was the level of attack he could now perform now that his eighth gate was established. But this wasn¡¯t his full strength though. He didn¡¯t use his mobile suit yet.

    The worm screamed in agony and rage as he could still feel the pain of his flesh being eaten left and right by the spheres. But he recovered so fast that his life was in no danger. As the number of heads increased on its body, its intelligence rose steadily. When it first transformed, it knew deep down a powerful regenerative power erupted.

    The spheres seem to do damage but all it did was made it angrier. Crule knew this but he had to continue. At the very least, it was slowing the worm down. They have to run¡­for now that is. Eventually he will have to face it. But how?

    Crule could only focus on coming up with a plan as his energy attacks went on auto pilot.

 Chapter 116: Blankness

    Chapter 116: Blankness

    Ming stared at Crule continuously fire attacks at the worm. But she was not worried. No, she had complete faith in him. Knowing that the following moments are being filmed, she could only smile valiantly has a wounded ally of the hero.

    Crule knew their currently situation seemed bleak. As the sky become darker, the worm became harder to hit. Although such a huge target was in front of him, the constant flailing of the hydra worm¡¯s heads made it a difficult enemy as one had to hit the brain section of each head.

    One may ask where does a worm¡¯s brain lies? Honestly Crule had no idea as well. But he let the natural of his aura do its job. If he wills it, the balls will travel closest to its natural, the feeling of hunger. This feeling was screaming from the brains of the worm¡¯s heads thus attracted Crule¡¯s attacks like moths to a bright flame.

    Crule knew he had to think¡­just what in his repertoire, his vast knowledge, his countless experiences, will be able to get them out of such a situation.

    Dante filmed the scene with amazement. It was not her first time seeing an aura based attack as her family use to hire mages and warriors all the time. But to see such magnitude of it both inspire her to work harder as well as garnish her upmost respect. She already knew Crule was not an opponent she stood a chance against. But this didn¡¯t stop her competitive spirit and curiosity from wanting to find out just how strong this fellow bronze rank adventurer was.

    Oh how wrong was she. Crule isn¡¯t bronze rank. No, no, no, calling him a bronze rank is like calling an ocean a puddle. She felt completely overwhelmed and inferior but the sheer difference in strength lessened her disappointment in herself.

    She filmed every last scene.

    All of a sudden, Crule closed his eyes again.

    [Dante]: Just what is that kid doing¡­?

    Dante mumbled as to not get her voice recorded on accident.

    Deep inside Crule¡¯s mind, a memory surfaced. As if it was placed there right in front of him by his old self. It was a memory of long ago. Back when he was a child, back when he was a prisoner.

    Back on the Gluttony moon prison, deep, deep, under the crust.

    ______

    The young Crule looked toward the bug in front of him. It was already wounded by his previous attack but it was not enough to finish it off.

    He was scared, shivering, and his palms were sweaty. His nose was dripping as he held in his tears from the pain he was feeling. Blood trickled from the wounds on his body. None were fatal and were all just scratches, but to a kid, they seemed like the end.

    Behind him was a cross covered in chains with a familiar face tied to it.

    [Famina]: Come on kid, put your back into it. I didn¡¯t save you just so your pathetic ass will lose to a common bug!

    Famina goad Crule to attack.

    In Crule¡¯s hands was a sharp rock. It was covered in a very very thin membrane. Barely visible to the naked eye. This was Crule¡¯s aura. His very beginner aura.

    Crule stared at the bug. Screamed and threw the sharp rock at the insect.

    The wounded bug didn¡¯t move fast enough and the rock ate through its carapace like it was nothing. Even at its weakest state, Crule¡¯s aura was deadly. That¡¯s the aura of hunger, the aura of famine, the aura of complete and utter greed.

    [Famina]: Good! Your training is coming along nicely.

    [Crule]: M-m-master, can I please take a break?

    [Famina]: Ha? Did I hear that right?! You? Take a break? After just half a dozen pathetic bugs you¡¯re already tired?!

    [Crule]: B-but¡­

    [Famina]: Oh-ho-ho, so you¡¯re saying you DON¡¯T want revenge then huh? Where¡¯s that kid so full of killing intent, so full of rage and bloodlust? Where¡¯s the kid I took in as my disciple? All I see here is a sack of shit!

    Crule quieted down afterwards. Remembering the traumatic scene, his rage once again got the better of his fatigue.

    [Crule]: More¡­

    [Famina]: What¡¯s that? I can¡¯t hear you!

    [Crule]: MORE!

    [Famina]: That¡¯s more like it! That¡¯s the kid I took in!

    Famina lured more bugs into her chamber. Crule faced them on with his rock in his hand, and his aura slowly maturing with each fight.

    Soon, the bugs have all died and Crule lied on his back. Not able to move a single muscle.

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    [Crule]: Ha-ha-ha, I did it!

    [Famina]: Not bad kid. Now tell me, what have you learned about your aura?

    [Crule]: It¡¯s very hungry.

    [Famina]: Never forget that feeling of hunger. It will guide you to victory!

    [Crule]: But¡­I always wondered¡­why me? Why hunger?

    [Famina]: Kid¡­this isn¡¯t really the time to be asking¡­but I guess since you eventually will know I might as well get this over with.

    Famina sighed and looked toward Crule with a sympathetic gaze.

    [Famina]: Now you understand everyone in this world is born with an attribute.

    [Crule]: Uh huh, I heard from some of the old prisoners from Noxia that people there had a latent attribute and that a few people called Mages and Warriors could use them.

    [Famina]: Right, you also should know that nearly everyone MUST have an attribute. Even an infant will inherit some of their parent¡¯s attributes.

    [Crule]: Yes master.

    [Famina]: Even if the infant wasn¡¯t born with an attribute or if they come from far away and haven¡¯t gotten use to Noxia yet, they will soon develop an attribute as the energy around them emitted from the elements will slowly contort their attribute. For example, those who live by the sea tend to have wind and water attributes.

    [Crule]: What about hunger?

    [Famina]: As you can see, emotions and primal factors are very different. They cannot be acquired from exposure. Only VERY rarely will that happen.

    [Crule]: Then how did I receive your power?

    [Famina]: Why my little darling, that¡¯s because you¡¯re special!

    [Crule]: Special? How?

    [Famina]: Why dear, you¡¯re one of the only and probably the rarest thing I have ever seen in my life!

    Crule waited with great anticipation. He wanted to know what made him special. Every kid did.

    [Famina]: You kid, are COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY TALENTLESS!

    Crule felt his shoulder drop and his spine grow cold.

    [Crule]: Please don¡¯t tease me master.

    He tried to hold his tears in.

    [Famina]: Please. You void of talent means your attribute was completely blank. This made things easy for me as all I had to do was convert a small bit of your energy to famine energy. This caused a chain reaction that completely overhauled your attribute to become the same as mine.

    [Crule]: I-I see. So I¡¯m not useless!

    [Famina]: Of course not! You¡¯re just blank, a white canvas, just patiently awaiting my brilliant brush stroke to paint a masterpiece! You kid, will be my work of art!

    [Crule]: Yes master!

    [Famina]: Oh and always remember this. Hunger is a powerful tool. Everything feels it eventually.

    ______

    Crule opened his eyes as the memory faded back into the deeper reaches of his mind.

    [Crule]: Hunger is a powerful tool¡­Everything feels it eventually¡­That¡¯s right¡­hunger.

    Crule looked toward the hydra worm with renewed confidence.

    Dante looked surprised.

    [Dante]: Did he finally find a method to beat this?

    [Crule]: How could I have forgotten? Perhaps I have been blinded by the need of sheer power I forgot my attribute¡­

    Crule stopped his barrage of attacks. The worm quickly regenerated all the damage and roared with immense fury.

    [Crule]: Come, take a bite of this.

    Crule threw a thin black needle directly at the epicenter of the worm heads.

    It pierced in and vanished.

    ¡­

    Silence. Nothing happened for a good three seconds.

    [Dante]: Was something supposed to happen?

    She couldn¡¯t help but worry.

    Suddenly, the worm twitched. A powerful feeling washed over everything around its vicinity.

    [Crule]: That¡¯s right little worm, dinner time.

    Crule smirked.

 Chapter 117: Unexpected.

    Chapter 117: Unexpected.

    The worm started shivering. Its heads look toward Crule with a strong hunger. But it seem realize its prey will not fill him up even a little bit. It need something bigger, something to satiate its loud profound calls of hunger. It looks towards its own head. With each of its head having a mind of its own, it realize that the other heads look awfully delicious. Surely it wouldn¡¯t mind if he took just a nibble¡­

    Dante watched in shock as in merely a second, the worm stopped in its tracks and went insane. Its head attacked each other, taking bites out of the weaker ones. Soon, the heads started to diminish yet their hunger have not been satisfied.

    Not wanting to see the end result when only one head is left, Turf quickly steered the boat away from the worm.

    Originally Dante thought Crule was just a strong youth full of potential. Now she knows just how wrong she was. This was not just your average strong youth¡­this was a demon in the skin of a child. But she didn¡¯t discriminate. No, she just found something far more interesting. It filled her with anticipation of what was to come next. Perhaps if she followed the two youths she may see even more amazing things.

    Crule smiled at the scene of the carnage. It was just as he expected. He even praised himself a little on the inside.

    But a surge of power caught him off guard.

    The mysterious being suddenly appeared next to him with a glowing green dagger.

    [Mysterious being]: Plan failed: Initiating False safe plan.

    The being stabbed the dagger toward the unexpected Crule.

    [Crule]: Shit, I can¡¯t move fast enough.

    It was as if everything slowed down at that moment.

    Just before the dagger was about to hit Crule in the neck, a whip of blood lashed across and stabbed the mysterious being in the hand. The sheer impact made it drop the dagger. But the being now focused its attention on Ming.

    He quickly severed his hand that was impaled by the blood whip and dashed toward the fatigued Ming with a second dagger in his other hand.

    Crule finally reacted and summoned a mouth on the floor where the mysterious being¡¯s foot stood. The foot sank into the mouth and as the teeth clenched, his foot was severed. This altered the course of the dagger, but sadly it was not enough.

    Ming couldn¡¯t react fast enough as the dagger hit her shoulder.

    [Ming]: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

    The dagger imbedded deeply in her shoulder and green veins exploded from its center. The mysterious being quickly backed away. It was now seriously wounded. But what leaked from his severed hand and foot was not blood. It was a black fluid that looked sinister.

    [Crule]: NOOO MING!!

    Crule felt his heart sank. He stared at Ming with fear and worry. He didn¡¯t know what kind of weapon the mysterious being used and its current effect. He had to act quickly but first he need to eliminate the threat.

    He looked toward the mysterious being.

    [Crule]: YOU! You are going¡­ TO PAY FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!!

    Extreme rage filled his eyes and he shouted at the mysterious being. Crule¡¯s aura became unstable and exploded outwards as his anger peaked.

    Dante and Turf who were near them felt the aura and nearly fainted. It was a powerful aura of rage and deprivation. They felt incomplete, that something was lacking. It was strong than just the normal feeling of hunger. It was like they lacked everything. Air, food, water, emotions, everything. They lacked it all and they needed it now. It was suffocating them.

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    The aura receded after its initial explosion. The feeling that Dante and Turf felt left them slowly but it left them with a scar in their minds and heart. It was the feeling of being incomplete so powerful they could not stand it if it had lasted longer.

    The aura hit the being as well but it seem to have no effect on it other than knocking him off his remaining feet.

    Crule dashed toward the being. He could no longer hold back. From the explosion of his aura, his armor was immediately activated. The armor flew around Crule and snapped itself into place. A fully armor Crule was now lunging at the being. Before the being could get back up. Crule was already on top of him.

    Whilst screaming in rage, Crule clawed at the being. Ripping flesh from flesh, metal from metal. The being¡¯s tough skin could not bear the sheer force and it rend and teared. Its insides were strangely mechanical.

    Crule ripped the being¡¯s remaining limbs off with a gut wrenching crunch. Dante and Turf stared in fear. The fully armored Crule look more monster than man. The eyes staring in every direction was unsettling. The dark color gave them a feeling of dread, as if a large predator was directly in front of them.

    The mysterious being was shredded into nothing but parts. Only its head remained intact.

    A blue light was flashing behind his eye.

    Suddenly a bright light enveloped the boat followed by a large explosion.

    Everyone was knocked off the boar and its deck was blown apart. Wood shrapnel flew everywhere.

    Crule however was completely safe in his armor. Dante and Turf however, was not. They were knocked out cold by the explosion and the ship now had a large gaping hole in the middle of the deck.

    Crule looked at the hole with a cold anger in his eyes.

    [Crule]: This asshole self-destructed¡­

    His anger then quickly subsided as he rushed to the side of Ming. He knew Dante and Turf only sustained small injuries. But Ming was bleeding still. The dagger was still imbedded in her shoulder.

    Crule quickly took it out but it was quite difficult. Part of the metal had seemingly melted and was now bound to her skin.

    Ming was unconscious but it was obvious from the great amounts of pain she was feeling. Perhaps if she had not taken the pill Crule gave her earlier, the pain could have killed her directly.

    Crule quickly used his aura to envelope the dagger and corrode it away. After it was eaten, the wound on Ming¡¯s shoulder was still visibly serious. The bones of her shoulder could be seen. Crule knew it was dangerous as there were blood vessels leading from her shoulder to her brain. He had to stop the green poison from spreading. Ming¡¯s face was now extremely pale and the veins on her face could be seen clearly. Crule felt a strong tug in his heart as he could do nothing to ease her pain.

    [Crule]: Hang in there Ming.

    He sealed the wound with his aura to stop the bleeding. He had to get her help immediately.

    He looked at the wristband on his arm and sighed. He pressed a button and a list of names appeared. He scrolled down and clicked the name of the only one who can help him at this time.

    A screen appeared from the wristband. Crule talked into it.

    [Crule]: Chun Qin. Where are you right now? We need your help immediately.

    __________________________________

    Got caught up trying to catch up to stellar transformations ._.

 Chapter 118: The illness and the Occult.

    Chapter 118: The illness and the Occult.

    Hearing the anxiety, desperation, and seriousness in Crule¡¯s tone, Chun Qin immediately confirmed and headed toward the town of Janus.

    A few days later, he finally arrived and was immediately rushed to the inn by Crule.

    Seeing the pale Ming in the bed sweating profusely and obviously in pain, Chun Qin frowned deeply.

    He noticed the green veins slowly creeping up her neck.

    [Chun Qin]: How long have this been going on?

    [Crule]: From when I called you till now. Her symptoms have been getting worst. It seems my aura cannot consume whatever is hurting her too.

    Chun Qin sighed. He sat down besides the bed, took a few tools of his trade out and placed his finger on her wrist.

    [Chun Qin]: No irregular pulse although her heart rate is elevated. I suppose that¡¯s from the pain she is no doubt feeling.

    Crule¡¯s heart was turmoil seeing Ming in such pain with him unable to do anything. He never liked the feeling of being so hopeless. He promised himself before they set off to the past that he will take hold of his destiny. A strong firm hold, as so he would never feel so hopeless again.

    [Chun Qin]: I need to take a sample of her blood. It looks like the toxin is traveling via her blood stream.

    Chun Qin picked up a plastic-wrapped syringe from a small white box. He took a small cotton ball and dipped it in a small glass bottle of rubbing alcohol. After disinfecting Ming¡¯s arm, he took the syringe and drew a blood sample.

    Using the syringe, Chun Qin dripped a drop of the blood onto a glass petri dish. He placed his hand firmly over the dish and circulated his aura to it. He closed his eyes and information filtered into his mind.

    [Chun Qin]: I see¡­

    He sighed again and opened his eyes.

    [Chun Qin]: I never thought I would see this damned sickness again.

    [Crule]: What is it? Can it be cured?

    [Chun Qin]: It¡¯s a diseased caused by a form of bio weaponry used back in the war. It incapacitate soldiers en masse. The illness causes the victim to be unable to move, speak, or do anything. It basically puts them in a comatose state. It then mess with them through their memories.

    [Crule]: Memories? How is this possible?

    [Chun Qin]: If only I knew. Bio weaponry that somehow got mixed with the occult was never my specialty. However, there was a cure found by my era.

    [Crule]: What is it?

    [Chun Qin]: It was under experimentation and was just a trial. But if successful, the sickness was eradicated at a 100% accuracy.

    [Crule]: What? How?! Tell me please!

    [Chun Qin]: Once researchers have found ties with the occult, they consulted an occult expert. A famous demon hunter from Spain was found. The demon hunter played the flute. With an eerie tune, he manage to wake up entire hospitals full of patients inflicted by the illness. When asked how, the demon hunter only replied that his song affects memories or dreams.

    [Crule]: So any occult music that can affect memories or dreams?

    [Chun Qin]: Conveniently yes. The scientists went further to find various other occult musicians. Regardless of how the music affect the mind, as long as it affect the mind, it cured the illness. It seems this sickness is very weak to outside stimuli.

    [Crule]: I see¡­I know what I have to do now.

    [Chun Qin]: I will stay here to monitor her symptoms. We were lucky this time. This illness doesn¡¯t kill the victim, only incapacitate for an unknown period of time. It¡¯s also not contagious.

    [Crule]: Thanks Chun Qin. I wouldn¡¯t know what I would have done without you.

    [Chun Qin]: Hey, I like being useful to others. Why did you think I took up the look of a priest?

    [Crule]: Because you enjoy religious authority?

    [Chun Qin]: God damnit no! I like healing people.

    [Crule]: Hmm...Use that for your fame.

    [Chun Qin]: *sigh* it¡¯s against my better nature but I guess¡­

    [Crule]: I¡¯m heading out now. Ming hold on for me¡­

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    Crule brushed his hand on Ming¡¯s fevered cheeks. With a single tear shed from her eyes, Crule wiped it again. He will always be the one to wipe her tears away.

    A determined looking Crule left the room. With Ming in the capable hands of Chun Qin, he set out to look for an occult musician.

    ______

    [Dante]: Have you found a way to cure Ming?

    [Crule]: Yes, I will head out immediately. Do you with to join me?

    Dante remembered the demonic feeling she gotten from Crule during the last fight. Her curiosity was overshadowed by her fear.

    [Dante]: I-I¡¯m good.

    [Crule]: Suit yourself.

    Crule sighed and left after placing his dagger into a holster on his waist. He didn¡¯t want to seem like a weaponless adventurer.

    As soon as he walked out the door, Turf came out from his room.

    [Turf]: I-is he gone?

    [Dante]: Gone for now¡­

    [Turf]: *sigh* To think I could have offended such a demon¡­Just thinking about scares me witless.

    Turf shudders again when he thought of the feeling depravity he felt that day. He promised himself to always stay on the good side of that monster wearing a human skin.

    ______

    [Crule]: Now where would I find an occult musician¡­?

    Crule thought hard for a moment.

    [Crule]: Wait a minute¡­how could I forget that?!

    He walked at a fast pace toward a certain district in the city of Janus. Soon he arrived at a large white building. The large sigh in front of the building gives one a feeling of awe.

    ¡®The Janus Adventurers Guild¡¯

    [Crule]: Most people with the kind of power I am looking for will be an adventurer.

    He walked in the revolving door. No one really paid attention because Crule looked like a just an average young man full of angst dressed in black garb.

    He walked over to the giant billboard. The wooden billboard was huge. Thirty meters tall by fifty meters wide. On the billboard were countless requests. There was a limit on how big of a poster one could post on the guild board but there were so many of them that layers of paper had stacked on top of each other. Some of the older requests may never be fulfilled due to the sheer number of them.

    It has only been a few months since the games started but yet there were already so many request. One can see just how much things the people in the town of Janus wanted done but were too lazy to do themselves. Since this town was a mid-level town for the gamers, there were only a few hundred people in the city to take on the numerous request.

    Crule carefully stood under the board and carefully scanned each and every sheet.

    There were countless requests. From delivery, to escort, all the way from material gathering to revenge. There were even modeling jobs as well. Basically any work that would require someone else to do, there was a request for it. The adventurers and gamers were considered jacks of all trades.

    There were nothing that they wouldn¡¯t do for a good reward and to improve their guild rank.

    Finally Crule spotted something interesting that could prove useful in healing Ming.

    He took a copy of the paper and headed toward the front desk where a blonde receptionist was dealing with a burly and rowdy adventurer.

    The adventurer dejectedly left after a long sigh. He didn¡¯t want to cause too much trouble as there were people he didn¡¯t want to offend in such a large guild hall.

    Crule was up next as he walked in front of the counter.

    [Receptionist]: How many I help you sir?

    [Crule]: Yes, I would like to take this request.

    He hands the sheet of paper to the girl.

    A flash of excitement momentarily glared in the girl¡¯s eyes but faded away quickly.

    [Receptionist]: Yes sir!

    _________________________

    Hi people from novelupdates xD

 Chapter 119: Symphony in the sands.

    Chapter 119: Symphony in the sands.

    The receptionist excitedly led Crule into a room on the second floor. He was served tea and was made to wait. Moments later, the receptionist returned even more agitated. She seem to be completely infatuated with the person she was leading to the room.

    The man who entered the room looked young, around his mid-twenties. His clothes were extremely gaudy and flamboyant. It was obvious they were tailored to catch attention.

    [Man]: I heard you took on my request? Do you have the qualifications to?

    Crule just smiled and reached into his pocket and gently put his bronze badge onto the desk.

    Upon seeing the badge, the man¡¯s eyes widened and he smile grew. His pearly white teeth blinds anyone who looked directly at it.

    [Man]: Hahaha, I didn¡¯t think my request would garner the attention of one of the few upper class adventurers!

    The man walks up to shake Crule¡¯s hands. The man knew he was famous to a certain extent, but it doesn¡¯t even come close to the fame a bronze rank adventurer could garnish. Since no one has reached anything above bronze rank yet, they could be labeled the cream of the crop, the top of the top, the ones who have power.

    [Man]: My name is Johan Killskull, lead guitarist for the band Murderhead.

    Crule introduced himself whilst shaking his hand.

    [Crule]: Name¡¯s Crule. Bronze adventurer. I heard you were looking to dungeon dive for new guitar materials?

    [Johan]: You know it! These monster materials really make great guitars! The strings from the tendons, the backbone for the body, the knuckle bones for the tuner, everything is strong and just oozes power!

    Crule noticed underneath Johan¡¯s excited gaze was a slight hint of rage and anticipation.

    [Crule]: He must have some other motive to collect the materials other than making a good guitar¡­

    Crule thought to himself.

    Crule chatted with Johan on the details of the mission and when they will set off.

    [Johan]: Let¡¯s head out tomorrow morning. The area where the dungeon lies is a cave inside the cliffs along Janus. It was recently discovered and the Metallurgy organization deemed it a full dungeon after sending scouts in. A base camp was established near the entrance for those who wanted to enter.

    [Crule]: I see¡­ so we will prepare our things today and head out in the morning. Is that right?

    [Johan]: Yep! I will see you then, new friend!

    He high fives Crule and walks out the door with a prideful strut.

    [Crule]: What an interesting fellow.

    Soon Crule¡¯s mellow gaze becomes serious again. Ming was still in pain, he had no time to care about the smaller things. He said goodbye to the receptionist and left the guild. He didn¡¯t need to prepare anything as he already got all he needs but some information about the new dungeon would be nice.

    He walked over to a nearby caf¨¦, ordered tea, sat and listened to the gossip.

    It wasn¡¯t long until a group of adventurers who looked inexperienced sat down in the caf¨¦ as well.

    [Adventurer 1]: Did you hear about the new dungeon?

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    [Adventurer 2]: I heard it contained tons of lvl 20 monsters. Not suitable at all for us yet¡­we barely reached lvl 17.

    [Adventurer 3]: If we can get a few more people, we can make a raid team. Even if we are lower leveled, we can still carry our own weight. Also with a full team, our chance of survival will be decent enough for us to take a chance.

    [Adventurer 1]: I heard the new dungeon actually contains a boss!

    [Adventurer 2]: What?! A boss?! Is that even possible here in the wild?

    [Adventurer 1]: It¡¯s a game isn¡¯t it? Why isn¡¯t a boss possible?

    [Adventurer 3]: Well, I think what he¡¯s saying is the monster should be labeled a boss by the appraisers at Metallurgy Inc. Something that could be considered the highest lvl existence in that dungeon.

    [Adventurer 1]: That¡¯s right! I heard it drop some very nice stuff!

    [Adventurer 2]: Really?! What are we waiting here for then? Let¡¯s head to the guild and find more people!

    [Adventurer 3]: Ah, but I just ordered coffee¡­

    [Adventurer 2]: Forget about the coffee! What if all the good loot gets taken?!

    [Adventurer 1]: Yea! Without good loot, how else are we going to catch up with the rest of the Meta?

    [Adventurer 3]: *sigh* fine¡­

    The group left in a hurry after putting some gold coins down.

    Crule finished his cup of tea and placed it back on the dish gently.

    [Crule]: A boss huh? I think the queen wolf spider and the fire drake would count as bosses¡­

    Crule continued to sit there and drink his tea. It calms his worried nerves and renewed his confidence that Ming will be cured.

    Around half an hour later another group of adventurers arrived. This group was all tired and their armor had clear dents and scratch marks. Some were injured but only lightly.

    [Wounded Adventurer]: Man that dungeon was tough.

    [Armored Adventurer]: No kidding. And here I thought the lizards we fought along the way was hard¡­

    [Female Adventurer]: Yea¡­that dam dungeon even had monster plants¡­God damn man eating plants?!

    [Wounded Adventurer]: If it wasn¡¯t for one of us had fire attribute, I doubt we could have made it out in one piece¡­

    [Female Adventurer]: Yea thanks man.

    [Armored Adventurer]: No problem. I think we should really get more people to go with us next time¡­

    [Wounded Adventurer]: Yea¡­we were greedy and went with just us 3¡­

    The three sighed and went deeper into the caf¨¦. The higher floors should contain an inn so the three returned to their rooms.

    Crule took another sip of his tea. The stuff hasn¡¯t cooled down even after half an hour.

    [Crule]: This is some good tea.

    The amber orange tea looked like an inferno in the white porcelain tea cup. Crule stared at his reflection in the cup and smiled.

    [Crule]: Why can¡¯t tomorrow come sooner¡­

 Chapter 120: Dungeon Excursion.

    Chapter 120: Dungeon Excursion.

    The next day, Crule and Johan met in front of the dungeon entrance. There were several tanned hide tents set up around the perimeter. A generals goods store, a drug store, and even a small branch of the guild set up tents.

    Since they prepared beforehand, Crule and Johan directly went into the dungeon without so much as taking a glance at the temporary shops.

    Johan was wearing leather armor with metal spikes imbedded on his elbows, kneecaps, shoulders, and shoe tip. He looked very like a rocker or a biker. His weapon of choice¡­was a guitar. It would seem his aura works like a bard. His melodies gives one a feeling of freshness and strength.

    They were silent when they met each other, and they stayed silent throughout their journey. Only the sound of fighting and music could be heard.

    Around a few meters after they entered, they met their first obstacle. From the mossy ceiling of the dungeon, various flowers bloomed. But instead of a stamen, a sharp needle like projectile fired from it. Crule dodged what he could. The stingers that were aimed at Johan, Crule had to intercept with his dagger.

    Johan played a melody with an allegro tempo. Crule could feel his speed and agility slightly improving.

    Throwing some iron daggers he prepared the day before, Crule dispatched the flowers.

    Along the way they met several adventurers who were in larger groups. They were struggling to cope with the onslaught of vegetation.

    Crule and Johan generally ignored them. Soon they reached a large open space with a natural staircase at the other side. From the ceiling hang a giant pitcher plant. As soon as Crule and Johan stood under it, it descended from the ceiling with such speeds. With its vines, it tried to tangle Crule. Johan was caught by the ankles and was lifted up in the air. He panicked. Crule was cutting the vines left and right with dagger cloaked with his aura. The giant plant was drawing Johan ever closer to its large open mouth. Crule pulled out a vile of green liquid and splashed it on his dagger.

    Now every time his dagger makes an incision on the vines, they wither up as if they haven¡¯t seen any water or nutrients in years.

    The withering slowly crept up the vines that Crule cut, soon it reached the main body. With a large roar, the plant suddenly released Johan.

    Picking himself off his ass, Johan quickly played a power ballad. Crule could feel his strength increasing by a small margin.

    With his strength boosted, Crule leaped high into the air and slammed downwards into what seemed like the giant plant¡¯s stomach. His dagger impaled deeply leaving only the handle out. The green herbicide Crule splashed on his dagger seeped into the main body. It slowly withered away leaving a green crystal.

    The crystal looked like a fossilized leaf in an amber except it was a light shade of green. Crule learned yesterday that these drops could fetch good money from collectors. Rumor has it that it was a rare gem that could absorb aura from plant type users.

    Crule cleaned his dagger and Johan patted the dust from his clothes. They continue down the natural formed stairs. The lower floor of the dungeon wasn¡¯t as lit as the upper floor. Bioluminescent moss and mushrooms glowed dimly on the floor giving a mystical feeling. Crule and Johan proceeded with caution.

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Crule could see clearly once his aura covered his eyes but Johan had trouble with that. He often trip over a large tree root or a small hedge bush.

    So far they have not seen any enemies or adventurers. It would seem most people would stay on the upper floors where there¡¯s light to farm. They still had a game-like mentality to it all.

    After nearly half an hour of walking, they finally heard a noise. It was a violent humming that grew louder and louder. Crule drew his dagger and Johan readied his guitar.

    From behind a dense curtain of vines, a large insect appeared. It looked similar to the monstrosities on Gluttony that plagued Crule¡¯s childhood nightmares. Crule only smirked. It was one thing he enjoyed, crushing bugs beneath his feet.

    Not giving the bug even a chance to stab them, Crule shot off a fast rotating ball of his aura which immediately bore a hole in the bug. It fell with a soft ¡®thud¡¯ onto the mossy floor. Creepy enough, the vegetation covered floor seem to swallow the dead bug. Crule paid no heed but Johan was deeply scared by it.

    Johan couldn¡¯t take it anymore and lit up a small torch. Taking care as to not burning all the vegetation in their surroundings, they moved on.

    Soon they reached what seemed like a hollowed out giant tree. The top of the tree was missing as if knocked down by age and time. The wood looked old and was a darker shade than the other young trees in the area.

    In the middle of the hollowed out tree, was actually a hole leading downwards.

    Guarding that hole was a large mantis looking bug. On its four appendages were sharp serrated blades. Its yellow eyes beamed in the darker tree root. Johan was fearful, but yet something compelled him to move on. Crule noticed it but didn¡¯t ask him about it.

    Taking the initiative, Crule fired off more aura bullets. They were somehow dodged by the mantis as it shuffled across the forest floor with speed and dexterity. Its small wings allowed a short period of flight to boost its speed even further. It rushed at Johan as he seemed weaker.

    Johan played a folk song and a wall of dust seem to form in front of him. The dust condensed into dirt then into stone. It blocked the mantis¡¯ path and temporarily confused it. Crule took this chance to arrive next to the mantis and plant his dagger straight into its head. It took heavy damage but still have yet to die. Crule quickly pulled out his dagger and leaped away.

    Johan¡¯s folk song turned into a techno jazz tune and the stone wall crumbled back into dust and was blown away. In its place however, was a membrane of electricity that flew towards the bug from his cords.

    It rendered it incapacitated.

    Crule took advantage of the situation and enveloped the bug whole in his aura.

    Several seconds later, the black aura sheet dissipated leaving not a single trace of the bug nor the electrical membrane. Crule nodded to a shocked Johan and they immediately proceeded down the hole.

    ___________________

    sry that took so long =P

 Chapter 121: Budding Friendship.

    Chapter 121: Budding Friendship.

    Crule and Johan advanced further into the dungeon at unheard of speeds. Crule being as impatient as he is when Ming is in trouble, pushed their speed to the limits. Johan could barely kept up and they had to take several breaks for him to catch his breath. The rests barely was able to allow him to be vigil enough to not be taken by surprise and eaten by the carnivorous plants.

    Johan¡¯s fingers were bleeding from the constantly strumming. His calluses had opened up and fresh blood poured out. But he did not complain. Crule could see the determination in his eyes. He was like him. He had a mission, a mission of love.

    They kept talking to a minimum. Any sort of sound vibrations could alert the plants of their location. Although Crule can easily break through if an army of plants attacked, Johan would not be as so lucky.

    Upon reaching what seemed to be the end of the last floor, Crule and Johan took one last break to mentally prepare themselves for the fight before them. Crule took this chance to ask Johan some questions.

    [Crule]: So what would bring a musician such as yourself to delve into a dungeon in the first place?

    Johan looked embarrassed. He stayed silent for a while before sighing.

    [Johan]: There is this girl I grew up with. Her name is Erika. Back when we were kids, we use to play together all the time. She sparked the interest of music in me.

    Crule nodded. So it was a girl after all.

    [Johan]: We rarely separated, even after we both graduated and moved onto having jobs. It was all very blissful looking back at it.

    Johan nearly shed a tear the memory.

    [Johan]: But recently she got into an ¡°accident¡±. It caused some sort of head trauma and she seemed to have lost some of her memories¡­

    Johan¡¯s expression became very serious suddenly.

    [Johan]: Then that demon with the gilded tongue showed up in our lives¡­The man fooled the injured Erika to believe he was her childhood friend. I was pushed out and left on the side like a stranger.

    Johan balled his hands into a fist. The blood from his fingertips dripped slowly onto the floor next to the small smoldering fire where they were cooking several snakes Crule caught earlier.

    Crule sympathizes with Johan. He had his fair share of villainous lechers when he was courting Ming. It was a good thing it eventually worked out in his favor.

    [Johan]: I tried to get close to her but the man had a power backer¡­he was the son of a major trade conglomerate that operates in the Wild. His hired goons would constantly harass me and my band outside the eyes of Erika. The snake is lying to her through his teeth¡­

    An awkward silence followed. Johan took a deep breath and sighed. He regained his composure.

    [Johan]: That is when I heard of an item. A powerful string made from the fibers of an immortal Haoma tree. I researched about it as much as I could before hearing about sightings of the tree in this very dungeon. It is said when a fiber of the immortal Haoma tree is plucked, one¡¯s happiest inner memories will resurface. It is also said to cure diseases but I doubt that part.

    Crule¡¯s interesting suddenly perked up upon hearing what Johan said. He saw the detailed in the flies that Johan posted. The Immortal Haoma tree. He had seen its¡¯ fiber in action once in the previous world. It captivated the masses and soothed their rage. It had allowed Crule to make a quick escape from zealots whilst they were lost in memories.

    [Crule]: I see¡­I assume the Haoma tree should be at the very center of this dungeon. Its powerful life force is feeding the carnivorous plants and bugs here, creating an ecosystem to protect it.

    [Johan]: I-I see. What do you think our chances of succeeding are?

    Johan finally asked with a little self-doubt. Although he had seen Crule¡¯s prowess along the way, he still didn¡¯t have any faith that they can defeat a monster that had the word Immortal in its name. At best he hopes they can snatch a piece of it to be used as strings.

    [Crule]: 100%.

    Crule smirked. Johan smiled too. Seeing Crule not even flinch a bit at the mention of such a monster gave Johan a feeling of confidence.

    Crule thought a while before reaching into his spatial pocket. He took out a black marble.

    [Crule]: Take this.

    He tossed it casually to Johan. He caught it with one hand and stared at it.

    [Johan]: What is it?

    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.[Crule]: A sort of protective treasure. In case I can¡¯t fully protect you. I want to bring you back in one piece to Erika.

    Johan smiled.

    [Johan]: Thanks man.

    The two then proceeded to eat the snake which was well roasted at this point.

    ______

    Crule and Johan entered the final room. An extremely large tree lie at the center of a dome shaped room. The roof was the canopy of the tree and the ground was an extensive web of its roots.

    Crule and Johan stared at the tree. On its bark were runic symbols embedded into it. It glowed with a sort of mystic luminance.

    When they took a step closer, the runes franticly flashed. Something that resembled a face slowly emerged on the bark of the tree.

    In a soft yet majestic voice, it boomed.

    [Tree]: Mortals! Do not tread on the holy grounds of the Haoma tree!

    The very sound of the tree made Crule and Johan remanence about happier times. Crule quickly snapped back to reality as he had built up a resistance to mental attacks over the years. He quickly carried Johan back away from the attack zone of the tree.

    He turned back to look at the tree. A smirk on his face, he took out his dagger and dashed toward the tree.

    Countless roots lifted off the ground and slammed downwards, trying to crush Crule. But evading quickly to the left or right, Crule continued on his advances. The dagger now dripping with his aura slashed into the roots that missed.

    The Haoma tree shrieked as its roots were damaged. It started to visibly deteriorate as if the moisture was consumed from within. The roots became nothing but dust as it fluttered away in the wind created by other roots.

    The endless numbers of roots continue their onslaught on Crule.

    Like a ninja, Crule¡¯s quick movement looked like teleportation as he weaved and dodged, inching ever closer to the face on the giant tree.

    Suddenly, the Haoma tree stopped attacking with its roots as it realized that roots that got too close to Crule were immediately destroyed by that dagger of his.

    It created a giant wall of hardened wood, trying to block Crule from reaching its center.

    Crule just smiled.

    Johan woke up from his trance and saw the scene before him. Realizing they were still in middle of combat, he put his hands back on his guitar and started playing riffs.

    The melody seem to counter the mental attacks on him by the voice of the Haoma tree.

    Crule also felt a boost in his physical abilities.

    Crule could have ended the fight with just a ball of his aura shot forth like a bullet, but his goal at the moment was not killing the tree, but rather gaining its vocal fibers.

    For that, he had to get close. The fibers from a living Haoma tree would definitely work. Not only that, hearing the prefix ¡®immortal¡¯ kind of made Crule believed he couldn¡¯t kill the tree without wiping its existence off the face of the planet.

    Crule hacked away at the wall, his aura eating through the wood like it was breakfast.

    He made a small hole just big enough for him to dash through. The Haoma tree didn¡¯t believe that a small weak looking human would be able to cause it so much grief.

    Crule finally reached the giant face on the tree.

    With a smirk he talked to it.

    [Crule]: I¡¯ll be taking this.

    He slashed his dagger to where the throat area of the tree face. It penetrated deeply and the tree let out a sharp screech. Normally, the mental attacks caused by the scream would have sent Crule in a daze, but Johan¡¯s frantic strumming allowed him to keep a cool head.

    He quickly worked his dagger deeper and cutting out several golden fibers from the tree¡¯s throat.

    The tree was bleeding sap from the gaping hole. Crule got what he needed and quickly backed off. The tree¡¯s wounds healed nearly instantly as wood covered over the exposed inner flesh.

    [Crule]: Such strong regenerative properties¡­

    The Haoma tree was now extremely enraged but at the same time vary of Crule. It shifted its target to Johan who was paying attention to his music.

    Crule realized that the tree¡¯s focus has shifted. He quickly ran back, hoping he could save Johan in time.

 Chapter 122: Musical Recovery.

    Chapter 122: Musical Recovery.

    Johan wasn¡¯t paying attention to the tree¡¯s roots as he thought it was still maintaining its focus on Crule who seemed like a bigger threat.

    The roots slithered toward him at high speeds. Crule frowned and dash away from the tree, hacking at any pursuing roots.

    The Haoma tree was angry enough to start calling on its minions. Various insects started crawling from the surrounding areas and attack Crule.

    [Crule]: Johan! Move!

    Johan snapped out of his trance to see the current situation. He quickly got on the floor and rolled sideways as a thick root zipped by his head, taking along a few strands of hair.

    It was too close for comfort.

    Johan stared in fear. If he had acted any slower, his head might have been removed from the rest of his body.

    [Crule]: I got the goods, let¡¯s get out. Now!

    Crule fought back the horde of insects. They ran away from the giant tree, fighting anything that stopped in front of their escape route.

    Corpses of plants and bugs littered the ground where they passed.

    The angry roars of the Haoma tree trembled across the forest dungeon.

    Crule and Johan barely made it out. The other adventurers were scared out of their wits by the mighty roar.

    They all ran outside and was gathered together, awaiting for something like a boss monster to show up.

    Crule and Johan quickly ran out of the cave entrance. The other adventurers ignored them and continue to face the cave.

    Suddenly, a layer of powerful looking roots blocked the entrance. Several adventurers tried to cut the roots but it was unyielding as metal. Some even tried burning the roots but to no avail, they didn¡¯t get any results.

    The adventurers sighed.

    [Warrior Adventurer]: Looks like the dungeon is closed for now¡­

    [Female Adventurer]: Did someone beat the boss?

    [Archer Adventurer]: No way, the dungeon was barely opened¡­No one could have reached the boss in such a short time period.

    They bickered and argue but there was nothing they could do now. The place was closed off. Looks like their sweet hunting spot is closed. Time to move on.

    The people slowly started to return to town to spread the news.

    Johan lied on the ground breathing heavily. He didn¡¯t think that he would run several days¡¯ worth of progress in mere minutes. Guess they didn¡¯t travel very far at all considering how cautious they were along the way.

    Crule sat on the ground breathing heavily as well. It was a fun experience. If given the chance, he should come and take the Haoma tree out with Ming once she got better.

    They rested a while before getting back up and headed to town.

    ______

    The next day, Johan showed up at the guild hall¡¯s meeting room. He smiled brightly at Crule. The quest is done, reward must be distributed.

    Johan slid a large leather bag of coins across the table to Crule.

    [Johan]: Thanks for the help man, you really saved my bacon.

    [Crule]: No problem, no problem. That¡¯s what friends are for!

    [Johan]: Haha, friends indeed!

    The two laughed and shook hands.

    Crule then decided to ask.

    [Crule]: May I ask you a favor?

    [Johan]: Anything for a friend.

    [Crule]: My fianc¨¦ is currently ill. I would like for you to play her a tune with that Haoma guitar you have made.

    Johan nodded quickly.

    [Johan]: Such a thing! Why didn¡¯t you say so earlier! I would gladly help.

    Crule led Johan to the inn room where Ming was resting. The knocked at the door and Chun Qin answered.

    [Chun Qin]: Hey, so this is the guy?

    Chun Qin¡¯s menacing glared sent shivers down Johan¡¯s spine.

    [Crule]: Hey, hey, he¡¯s one of us.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.Chun Qin nodded silently. He still didn¡¯t take his eyes off Johan.

    Johan laughed awkwardly. He then entered the room and saw the girl in lying in the bed. There seems to be nothing wrong with her other than the fact that she looked like she was asleep.

    Chun Qin did a good job at cleaning the wound and treating her. Ming doesn¡¯t even have a scar from the incident.

    Johan took out his guitar. It was made from a piece of metal that vibrates at the smallest stimulus. It helps amplify the sounds the Haoma fibers make when he plucks them.

    He tuned the guitar and began to play. A powerful ballad, a beautify melody, a strong solo.

    Crule and Chun Qin listened carefully to the music. It brought back memories of victory, memories of friendship and trials faced together with friends.

    As the song comes to an end, a faint glow appeared on Ming¡¯s forehead as a green shadow seem to fly out. Crule quickly caught sight of it and stabbed it with his dagger. With a shriek, the green shadow fades. It was what remained of the illness inside Ming.

    Crule held Ming¡¯s hands.

    [Crule]: Ming, you OK?

    Ming slowly opened her eyes. She stared at Crule and blinked.

    A tear formed.

    Ming nearly jumped out of the bed and hugged Crule, crying.

    [Ming]: I-I was having a nightmare. I thought I had lost you¡­I-I¡­

    [Crule]: There, there. I¡¯m here. Everything is Ok now.

    They remained embraced for a long time. Johan nodded silently to Chun Qin and left. He had his own ordeal to finish.

    Chun Qin also sighed and left the room. Best leave the lovebirds alone. After all, abstinence makes the heart grow fonder.

    ______

    Johan reunited with the rest of his band members. He made up an excuse and told them he was taking a short vacation to see his girlfriend.

    The band members agreed without any complaints. They had saw how hard Johan had worked over the months.

    Johan excitedly left for the borders. After he cross over the Wilderness zone, electronics started working again. He quickly got on an airship to his hometown.

    Upon arriving at the hospital, he asked the nurse about Erika. It seemed she was still at the hospital. Her recovery was doing fine. Although her memories are still missing, everything else was functioning just fine.

    Johan sighed with relief.

    He looked around and saw two men in black suits eyeing him. Goons of that snake¡­

    He walked out to the garden of the hospital. He often stood outside Erika¡¯s window, just looking up at her smile.

    Today he had his special guitar with him.

    Johan saw Erika stare outside the window, so he decided to start. He closed his eyes and envisioned the song he wanted to play for her.

    -D-

    -A-

    -Bm-

    -G-

    A love song. A song of longing. A ballad of fond memories. A powerful solo. Everything that he had, he put into that song. Erika stared in awe out her window, lost in memories.

    As the song came to a close. Johan opened his eyes again and looked up. Erika was crying.

    She opened the window and jumped. It was a good thing she was only on the first floor.

    Johan quickly put down the guitar and caught her.

    They hugged and kissed.

    [Erika]: I remember, I remember now. Oh Johan, where have you been? I missed you so much. I was scared¡­so scared¡­

    [Johan]: Its ok now Erika. I¡¯m here for you. I love you and I always will.

    [Erika]: I love you too.

    The audience started clapping. The couples were finally reunited.

    From the parking lot, a man wearing a black suit frowned.

    [Man]: Humph, it seems my plans were ruined. No matter, if I can¡¯t have her, no one will.

    A sinister grin appeared on his face as he pulled out his communicator.

 Chapter 123: Last song.

    Chapter 123: Last song.

    Crule and Ming spent a few more days in Janus before finding Turf and Dante to continue on their journey.

    Chun Qin returned to where he was trying to make a name for himself, the colosseum town of Aria.

    Turf was more than happy to but there was still the lingering fear of Crule and Ming¡¯s power. Dante too was fearful but her pride didn¡¯t allow her to shy away from adventure. They reluctantly continue on their journey. A journey filled with fear and excitement.

    ______

    Erika fully recovered from her accident a month later. Johan took an extended break from his band touring the Wild to accompany her.

    The last day of her hospital stay, Erika left with Johan hand in hand. Their happiness warmed the hearts of those around them. Nearly everyone wished well for the couple. The vile man was nowhere to be seen but his goons were still nearby.

    Johan noticed them but didn¡¯t approach them. Most likely they were only there for surveillance.

    Johan led Erika to his ship he had parked out front. The ship¡¯s engine roared to life with an electrical hum. It slowed lifted off the ground and they flew off.

    One of the goons took out a communicator and whispered into it.

    [Goon]: Sir, they have left on the vehicle.

    [Man]: Good, leave that place now, don¡¯t let them track it back to us.

    [Goon]: Yes Sir.

    The goon put away his communicator, picked up a black suitcase besides him and walked away into the crowded streets.

    ______

    Around two hours into their flight back to their hometown, Johan turned on auto pilot. The ship steadied itself to its internal gyro. Johan unbuckled his seatbelt and went into the back room. Erika was currently in the studio he had built into his ship. The room was soundproof and was his personal musical haven.

    She was currently singing. A song so beautiful it brought a tear to Johan¡¯s eyes.

    When the song came to a close, Johan knocked on the glass and entered.

    [Johan]: You still got it!

    [Erika]: *panting* Really?

    [Johan]: Nothing can stop my beautiful muse from singing her tune.

    [Erika]: Thanks, I was worried that the accident might have affected my singing.

    Erika inched close to Johan and they entered into an embrace.

    [Johan]: Please Erika, join my band. Be our singer.

    Johan seriously asked.

    [Erika]: Really? You sure your bandmates won¡¯t mind?

    [Johan]: I¡¯m sure they won¡¯t. Having a female singer will boost our popularity too!

    [Erika]: Yes! Anything I can do to help!

    They were lost in their pink cloud of love when suddenly an alarm sounded in the cockpit.

    Johan immediately rushed to the cockpit. On his screen he saw a familiar face¡­a face that he hated the most.

    The vile snake who tried to snatch away his Erika.

    [Man]: My oh my, it seems we meet again my dear Johan.

    His decrepit laugh brought force unimaginable rage in Johan.

    [Man]: As you can see, I implanted a virus into your little love boat. It¡¯s now on a collision course directly into the molten sea of metal under you!

    Erika entered the room right as the man said that.

    Both their faces paled.

    [Man]: You see, I am a very generous man, but even the most virtuous of saints have needs.

    The man continue to describe his longing for Erika in the most monotone of fashion. It was sickening to listen to. The ship¡¯s blaring alarm couldn¡¯t drown out his speech entirely.

    [Man]: So you see, I, the great Bao Ding Mien, decided that if I can¡¯t have her, I will just give it to you. I mean why not? I¡¯m sure you two would enjoy each other¡¯s company in hell.

    His tone became sinister.

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    [Johan]: You¡­¡­

    Johan tried to get the ship back into control, but nothing he did worked. The ship was heading straight down in a nose dive into the molten sea of metal.

    With nothing working, Johan panicked. Bao¡¯s demonic laughter filled the cockpit as the prerecorded message ended.

    Erika was scared. She didn¡¯t know what to do. She prayed Johan would save them from this ordeal.

    Johan looked out the windows. Although they reached terminal velocity in falling, since they were so high up in the first place, they still got a tiny smidgen of time left.

    In the near horizon he saw the Wild. It seems they have flew close to the borders of the Wild.

    He breathed deeply and closed his eyes, calming himself. He knew this was his last chance, he had to save Erika.

    He quickly ran over to the guitar case in the corner and took out the Haoma guitar. He turned around to face the front of the ship.

    One strum, two strum, he was putting his all into his music.

    The powerful vibration caused the ship to quiver.

    But it wasn¡¯t enough.

    Erika appeared besides the desperate Johan and hugged his back.

    It was dangerous times like these that people realize their own mortality and the ones they loved.

    Erika started singing. The melody didn¡¯t have any power in it since she didn¡¯t get the enhancement for the nanodes like Johan had from adventuring in the Wild. However, a miracle happened as the melody blended with the riffs Johan was playing.

    It seemed to summon a powerful gust of wind from the east. It blew pass their ship, carrying it like a leaf in a heavy storm. It blew them toward the Wild.

    Landing on solid ground wasn¡¯t any better than in liquid but at least the ship would not melt from the heat. They had a better chance of survival.

    The music stopped. Johan looked at Erika. Erika looked back. This was all they could do. It was now left to fate whether they live or die.

    They didn¡¯t leave each other embrace. Even if they strap themselves into the chair¡¯s it would not guarantee their survival.

    They might as well enjoy what could be their final moments together.

    Just before they were about to impact, Johan remembered something.

    The black marble Crule had given him.

    [Johan]: Crule, my friend. If this marble can protect Erika, then even in the afterlife I would still repay my gratitude.

    Johan inject a bit of aura into the black marble and it expanded into an oval sphere.

    The last seconds to impact.

    Johan left Erika¡¯s embrace and gently nudged her into the sphere.

    [Johan]: Good bye my love, I will always love you.

    [Erika]: NO JOHAN!

    Erika tried to reach out but the sphere sensed a living entity had enter it and sealed itself.

    Johan hugged the sphere as the ship crashed.

    The ship landed head first. The cockpit was smashed immediately. The forward momentum caused the ship to tumble several hundred meters. Trees were destroyed in its path.

    Piece of shrapnel and metal chunks flew off the ship as it tumbled.

    Smoke bellowed out from the metal ball of death.

    The ship finally stopped when it imbedded itself into a slightly taller hill.

    Fire broke out and the stored fuel was ignited. The ship became a blazing inferno.

    It was a mess.

    No one could have survived.

    Hours passed. A stormed blew by. The weakened fires were extinguished by the gentle drizzle.

    Inside of the remains of the cockpit, was a charred corpse and a black oval sphere.

 Chapter 124: Echo.

    Chapter 124: Echo.

    The sound of the crash attracted beasts near the vicinity. But the powerful blaze of the fire kept them at bay.

    As the storm washed away the flame, the beasts finally gained enough courage to explore the place.

    But no matter where they look, they can¡¯t find anything interesting. These beasts only have the most simplest of minds, their curiosity are mostly guided by their stomach. Once there was nothing left to eat, they left the place.

    They didn¡¯t bother the black oval sphere as it was emitting an aura they feared.

    The suns fall and rose again. The following day has come. The only sound in the area was that of a gentle breeze from the storm that passed by yesterday.

    The black oval finally opened up revealing an unconscious Erika. As she slumped onto the ground as the oval finally opened full, she opened her eyes in a daze.

    Her first reaction was confusion. Her eyes were hazy and she couldn¡¯t collect her thoughts.

    After staring at the wreckage around her for several minutes, she suddenly remembered. Panicking, she cried out for Johan.

    [Erika]: Johan! JOHAN! Where are you!

    She was frantic. Darting around the wreckage, lifting things off the ground, constantly looking for Johan and screaming his name.

    After over an hour of searching, she couldn¡¯t find any trace of human life around her, she returned to where she woke up.

    Next to the black oval that was still opened up, there was a pile of ashes. The fire made sure to burn any resemblance of a corpse right out of it. The wind and rain caused the intact body to crumble into a pile of ash.

    Erika didn¡¯t want to believe it.

    She prayed, she begged, she wished. Everything in her body was screaming that the pile of ash couldn¡¯t be her Johan.

    But reality was grim.

    Another hour passed. Nothing has changed.

    The beasts still ignore the area as the black oval was constantly sending out pulses of aura. This aura sent shivers down the spines of any predator and wards them away.

    Erika sat between the black oval and the pile of ashes, hugging her knees.

    Her eyes were dim, it was as if she had lost all hope, all the light in her life, snuffed out in mere seconds.

    Hours passed by. Hunger soon took over as she finally moved from her sitting position. She scavenged everything that the beasts didn¡¯t get. There were enough food and water left to last her a few days. Most of the food that was not stored properly or have been exposed by the crash were eaten by the beasts.

    Erika took the food and sat back in her spot. She took out a pack of unsalted crackers and started nibbling on it. With a drink of water, it refreshed her battered body.

    Her voice was faded from the hours of shouting for Johan.

    Her tears had nearly dried up from crying an entire day.

    The only thing that¡¯s keeping her alive right now was her instinct to survive and her want to not waste the life that Johan had bestowed upon her with his sacrifice.

    Night came. Erika slumped into sleep only to be awoken by the sound of animals. They didn¡¯t dare to get near, but the sounds still kept her on high alert. Looks like she will not get a steady night of sleep.

    ______

    The following morning, Erika stood up from her bad sleeping position. It seems she leaned on the black oval and fell asleep.

    Eating a few more crackers from the package and taking a few more sips of water, she got up and searched the wreckage again.

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    It was not a very large ship. It didn¡¯t take long before she had looked everywhere around the crash site.

    But there were no clues that point out anything that Johan had survived the crash.

    Feeling hopeless, Erika manage to find a glimmer of peace as she saw Johan¡¯s guitar had survived the crash.

    The heavy metal casing protected the instrument from the fires and the physical trauma as well.

    She took the guitar back to the black oval.

    Hugging it, she fell back asleep. Fatigue took over as last night she didn¡¯t get much sleep at all.

    In her dreams, it seemed like Johan was calling her out. The guitar in her hands glowed dimly.

    [Johan]: My dear beloved. Live on. Remember that I will always be with you, as long as the music flows, I too shall live on.

    ______

    When Erika woke up, the sun was setting. It seems she had slept the afternoon away.

    But she felt strangely refreshed. Her remembered her dream and wanted to cry again.

    Carefully, she plucked one of the strings on the guitar. It made a single note that seemed to be full of life.

    Erika felt like she could feel Johan¡¯s presence, his warmth, his love.

    Finally tears once again poured down her face as she embraced the guitar.

    [Erika]: Johan¡­Oh my Johan. As long as I live, I swear upon our love that the music shall never die. That our song will be known by all, young and old.

    With renewed vigor, Erika packed what she could into a backpack that survived the crash.

    She put the guitar back into its heavy metal case and with great effort, carried it on her back with the attached leather straps.

    The next morning, she had to leave. She had to find civilization.

    Looking at the black oval that saved her life, she felt both gratitude and a little spite.

    She was grateful that it had saved her life, but angry that the black oval couldn¡¯t save Johan too.

    She wanted to take the oval along but whatever she does had no effect on it.

    Suddenly, she felt a tinge of insight. She sang a note. The same note she had played on Johan¡¯s guitar.

    As if the gods had taken pity on her, her voice contained a trace of aura. It tapped into her innate energy pool and started her on her path of cultivation.

    The black oval reacted to the energy and shrank back into a ball.

    Erika picked up it and placed it in her pocket.

    The suns rose the next morning and she headed out with hope in her eyes. She had many things to do.

    To spread their song to the world.

    To take revenge on whoever did this to them.

    And lastly, to thank the person who saved her.

    The burning flames of vengeance burn in her gaze.

    The melody of love sings behind her back.

    Her newly awoken aura, leaking heavily as it finally tapped into her deep pool of energy.

    Erika will be the Songstress of vengeance. The Muse of the powerful melody.

    The Echo of a loving musician.

 Arc 10 Epilogue.

    Arc 10 Epilogue.

    Upon a long stump sat an old man in a robe. His short white beard was trimmed to perfection. Even the spectacles that sat on the bridge of his nose was perfectly cleaned and the lens were spotless.

    On his lap was a large book. From the outside, the book looked like a large ancient tome. The pale yellow pages crinkled as he flipped them. The book gave one the feeling that it was an ancient artifact.

    In front of the old man sat half a dozen teenagers. From the look of their equipment, they were adventurers. Some placed their weapon down beside them as they sat down to listen.

    The old man was narrating a story.

    It was a story about a hero.

    A tale of true love, a tale of friendship, a tale of victory.

    It was the tale that everyone loved, where happy endings are guaranteed.

    The old man finished his story and slowly closed the book.

    He looked up at his audience and smiled.

    One of the teenagers raised their hand.

    The old man nodded.

    [Teen1]: Hey gramps, what¡¯s with the crappy plot? The hero really has a stupidly thick plot armor huh? It seemed everything just fell right into his lap from the start!

    The old man nearly vomited blood. Yes, this old man was indeed, the Sage of time.

    [Sage]: You kids these days don¡¯t get fantasies anymore!

    [Teen1]: Well duh, we are almost living in one. We have been slashing and stabbing wolfs all morning. Lots of good loot and exp!

    [Sage]: Back in my day we didn¡¯t have adventuring! All we had was a dead end 9-5 job with responsibilities!

    [Teen1]: Times change old man, why bother with light heroes when the dark ones are so much cooler.

    [Sage]: You dam kids and your chuunbi illnesses!

    The teens took turn stabbing at the sage¡¯s story.

    ______

    After having their fill of laughter, they left the sage enraged and saltier than a life time supply of canned sardines.

    One of the younger teen stayed behind.

    The kid looked no older than 13.

    [Kid]: Hey old man, why do all the good things happen to the heroes no matter what?

    The Sage calmed and coughed.

    [Sage]: Let me tell you this, it is not because of the story that the hero always wins, but rather because the hero always wins that there can be a story in the first place.

    [Kid]: So¡­what?

    [Sage]: Think about it kid.

    The confused young teen wandered away to join his group.

    From behind a tree Maximus stepped out with a smug smirk.

    [Maximus]: Thick plot armor huh?

    [Sage]: Shut it you¡­

    The two have continued their travels deep into the Wild.

    They are still within the borders due to the sheer size of the Wild and their lack of vehicle. The number of people have not lessen at all since the opening. In fact more and more people flood from the seven continents into the Wild to enjoy the thrill of an adventure.

    [Maximus]: How far away are we from the closest seal?

    [Sage]: About two weeks by foot.

    [Maximus]: Which seal is it?

    [Sage]: Yours.

    Maximus rubbed his chin and nodded.

    [Maximus]: Never thought I would have to go back there¡­

    [Sage]: None of us did.

    The two solemnly look at the ground.

    ______

    Their journey went smoothly for the next two weeks. Nothing could really threaten them as they are currently at the pinnacle of the human race.

    Upon reaching their destination, camp was set and the two stared at the monument, reminiscing about the past.

    The monument was a two meter tall slab of white limestone. On it were carvings similar to that of a tomb stone.

    A melancholy Maximus stood in front of it and gentle brushed the monument.

    [Maximus]: I¡¯m back honey. Sorry I didn¡¯t visit¡­

    The Sage also walked up to the monument.

    [Sage]: Hey, Lauren. Long time no chat. It¡¯s been several hundred years huh?

    He took out a gourd of alcohol and poured a third onto the ground in front of the monument.

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    [Sage]: Let¡¯s drink, for old times¡¯ sake.

    He hands Maximus the alcohol and taking a chug.

    Maximus drank deeply and handed the gourd back to the Sage.

    The two men sat on the ground in front of the monument and chatted.

    Days go by. The weather always clear. Not a single cloud could disturb their reunion.

    Finally, after a week of talking, they have finally caught up.

    [Maximus]: Lauren¡­wait for me. I¡¯m coming soon.

    The Sage wide eyed, turned to Maximus.

    [Sage]: How long?

    [Maximus]: A year, at best two.

    [Sage]: So its time huh? What about your pupil?

    [Maximus]: She already received my training from her timeline. I don¡¯t have any more to teach her.

    Maximus sighed.

    [Sage]: Ascension huh?

    [Maximus]: Yep. When someone of our caliber finally break that mortal bottleneck, we ascend.

    [Sage]: Oh how few of us remain¡­

    [Maximus]: Only five¡­and Chaos.

    [Sage]: *sighs* so few¡­I worry about who will guard the human race when we all have left.

    [Maximus]: Isn¡¯t that why we take disciples?

    [Sage]: Hmm. True. But I worry about mine. It took me quite a long time to actually find someone who had a hint of time attribute. I worry that by my time of ascension, she won¡¯t be ready to take on my position.

    [Maximus]: But wait, can¡¯t you just make one of those pocket dimension of yours and teach her there?

    [Sage]: At the current saturation level I can only speed time up to make a day equal ten years. To fully train her in her abilities may take centuries¡­

    [Maximus]: Looks like no matter what we must break the seals huh?

    [Sage]: That¡¯s right. Once a seal have been broken or ¡®tempered¡¯ with, the energy saturation in the atmosphere will rise significantly. Although it represents that the monsters will grow stronger, it also means humans will too.

    [Maximus]: Yea¡­we had to seal the violent ocean of energy the planet was emitting onto its surface¡­just so our group could even have a fighting chance of surviving as a space colony.

    [Sage]: Don¡¯t remind me of those nightmarish days¡­The death toll was far too high. When we first arrived, other than the original group, all the other civilians couldn¡¯t even stand up without vomiting. The energy was so thick, that it created a miasma that causes some people to literally explode. Thankfully now that humanity has gotten use to the energy, we can open the seals.

    [Maximus]: Hahaha, maybe because I ascend I might finally be able to use my full power in a fight.

    [Sage]: Just don¡¯t aim straight down¡­.The crust of the planet isn¡¯t thicker than before¡­

    [Maximus]: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll aim up.

    The two finally stood up from the ground. They took one last look at the white limestone monument and bowed.

    Maximus waved his hands and a large array of lights flashed to life in front of the monument.

    Like tinkering with electrical circuitry, he severed some connection and part of the formation dimmed.

    Slowly, the seal changed. It went from being a solid plug, into a faucet.

    Rich dense energy poured from the seal. It was so dense it took on a gaseous form.

    Maximus and the Sage took a deep breath and their complexion seem to brighten. The Sage even seem to have gotten younger.

    All over the continent, the dense energy flowed.

    All the way over the other side of the Wild, on top of a rickety wagon, Crule and Ming basked in the sun.

    A sudden wave of energy hit the two and they turned their heads toward the direction it came from.

    [Crule]: This feeling¡­looks like the old man got one before we did¡­

    [Ming]; He must have gotten help¡­

    [Crule]: Well, it looks like we lost the race this time¡­But with two seals now opened, we can finally use more of our powers.

    [Ming]: I¡¯m itching to try them out.

    They two laughed quietly to themselves.

    Meanwhile, Turf was just sitting in front of them.

    [Turf]: God dammit what are they laughing about this time?

 Chapter 125: Arriving at Lake Trysl.

    Chapter 125: Arriving at Lake Trysl.

    The rickety wooden wagon rolled down a long and seemingly endless dirt road. These roads were pathed by the pioneers. Although they were called pioneers, all they really did was refortify the existing routes made by the people who actually lived in the Wild.

    On Noxia there were type kinds of people. The ones who were born in luxury and live on the seven islands where one of the types. They are enveloped in their own cocoon of sophistry and gentry. They have their advances in technology and their knowledge. But with that comes a complete alienation of the Wild. Due to electronics not working in the wild, the island side of the planet had little ideas about the Wild side. The little information they knew are only known to the ones in power and the ones who deal with trade. The common people had no idea what existed in the Wild other than beasts and monsters. All the amazing energy skills they see on TV were called ¡®magic¡¯.

    The other kind of people, were the people who chose to live in the Wild. Constant fear of beast and animals have forged them into a strong group of people. They live in well-fortified cities with strong walls. As if reverting to medieval times, they mainly live near usable bodies of water with woodlands nearby. Being near bodies of water not only provide clean drinking water, it also provides food in the form of aquatic fauna. It also allows irrigation and thus farming. Due to the constant war between man and beast, the people of the Wild found they had power long before the other side did. They were well versed in the art of combat and many were elites with strong control of their energy.

    One side of Noxia, had technology. They were arrogant and proud. They favor knowledge over wisdom. Because knowledge will allow you to get further up the food chain that is economy.

    The other side of Noxia, had skills and control of the mystical energy of the planet. They were humble and hardy. They favor the wise over book smarts. Because wisdom will keep you alive.

    The games really opened the eyes of the arrogant islanders. They saw for the first time, they truth of the Wild. That even if a majority is nothing but deadly wilderness, there were pockets of civilization.

    Janus was one such pocket. Originally it was a small sized fortress with a mediocre pocket of people living there. With the boom of new adventurers, the city grew significantly and became the medium size social hub it is today.

    The meeting of East and West, the Islanders and the Wild. Sharing of information has brought new discoveries and advancement in both technology and magic.

    ______

    Finally, the sight of a large citadel could be seen over the hill.

    [Turf]: There it is, the harbor city of Decaport.

    [Crule]: And behind it is the great lake Trysl?

    [Turf]: Yep. Funny thing, although it¡¯s called a lake, that thing is as big as a sea. I always wonder why it¡¯s called a lake and not a sea considering it takes several months to get from one side to the other via boat.

    [Dante]: I think it¡¯s due to the definition of a sea compared to a lake. A lake is a fixed body of water where as a sea eventually flows into an ocean. On our planet we have no ocean, only many huge lakes.

    [Turf]: As knowledgeable as always huh Ms. Dante?

    The wagon continued on its steady pace. Tied to the back of the wagon was a wooden cart full of monster corpses. They were the spoils of the journey. The sheer amount was amazing. It was a miracle the tiny wagon could pull such a heavy cart.

    Crule and Ming sat on top of the wagon as always. They looked ahead at the brightly shining citadel that sat next to the glistening waters. The citadel was made from a strong stone the locals called Seastone. It was easily melted and shaped into large bricks but once cooled, the stone was extremely strong and resistant to weathering and erosion. The citadel would be the exact same as when it was made if not for the attack of monsters that occurred over the centuries.

    Just as Turf planned, just as the suns were about to fall below the horizon, they reached the large gate of the citadel.

    A dozen guards were keeping watch while another dozen were doing inspections on the people entering.

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report itTurf slowly drove the wagon to line up and they slowly crept up to the front of the line.

    A guard stopped the wagon with a wave of his hand.

    [Guard]: Purpose of stay?

    [Turf]: Commerce.

    The guard nodded his head as the other eleven guards started to inspect the wagon.

    They looked but didn¡¯t lay their hands on the merchandise. They learn from experience that crafty merchants may cause them trouble by saying they broke something expensive and making them have to pay for it. The guards don¡¯t make enough money to deal with that kind of trouble every day.

    The search was finished and the leader guard continue to ask questions.

    [Guard]: Number of passengers?

    [Turf]: Five plus me.

    [Guard]: Days of stay?

    [Turf]: Unknown.

    [Guard]: Purchasing a house or staying at an inn?

    [Turf]: Inn.

    [Guard]: You will need a visitors pass if you wish to stay longer than 30 days. Please apply for one at the town hall or guild hall.

    The guard nodded and they backed off. Turf slowly drove the wagon through the giant metal gates.

    [Turf]: Finally, we reached our final destination. Several months of journey, finally ended.

    The merchandise was well protected as Crule and Ming took care of any beasts or monsters that approached. Dante and her two cohorts also did their job well.

    Turf is going to make a sizable profit this time.

    [Turf]: Oh right, Crule, Ming. Since you guys did most of the killing, the monster loot will go to you.

    A twinkle in his eyes as Turf said his next sentence.

    [Turf]: Would you like me to sell them for you? I can guarantee a hefty profit!

    [Crule]: Sure, go for it.

    The last thing he needs now is to take time to sell the mountain of monster and beast materials.

    [Turf]: I have a commission fee of 5% though¡­

    [Crule]: That¡¯s fine, sell it for us.

    Turf grinned ear to ear. Looks like he can afford a mansion with the money he¡¯s going to make.

    They finally reached the inn. It was another acquaintance of Turf. A distant relative of his opened an inn in Decaport.

    With the suns finally dropping below the horizon, the street lights were turned on by the city maintenance crew.  The street lights were all oil lamps and must be turned on by hand. The city must be extremely wealthy to be able to hire a large group of people to turn the lamps on every night. But then again, it does provide jobs to the jobless.

    The smell of salty brine filled the air. The sound of aquatic avian creatures cawed in the skies as it began to quiet down. The streets were growing silent but the pubs and bars were growing louder.

    Crule and Ming retired to their room. Their contract with Turf will be over once he finish selling their spoils of the journey. Dante and her two companions left to another inn to meet a friend of hers. Most likely they will split parts from here on out.

    Crule sat on the wooden balcony of their room. Ming walked up behind him and hugged his back.

    [Crule]: We finally made it huh?

    [Ming]: It was a tiring journey.

    [Crule]: Yes, but now we can finally finish up another seal.

    [Ming]: And perhaps make a name for ourselves.

    [Crule]: Indeed¡­

    They enjoyed the starry skies that reflected off the enormous expanse of water that is Lake Trysl.

 Chapter 126: A Decaport Tradition.

    Chapter 126: A Decaport Tradition.

    In the port city of Decaport, there was a yearly tradition that both hone the resident¡¯s skills but also provide a burst of income for their economy.

    This yearly tradition didn¡¯t come cheap though. Everyday there would be casualties, either death or injury was common place. But to those who survive the ordeal, they become stronger, richer, and wiser.

    This tradition was the tide change.

    The tides of Trysl lake changes only once a year. But the change was significant. During low tide, the beasts are farther away. Low tide persists for a majority of the year. But for one week, high tide occurs.

    During high tide, the very waters of Lake Trsyl wash through the streets of Decaport. Decaport¡¯s walkways were designed to become channels for the flooded water to flow through. But with this influx of water comes the beasts that live in it.

    The beasts will be enraged and attack wantonly. Residents need to take arms and protect their property else it becomes damaged beyond repair.

    Sometimes a truly powerful beast will show up and it requires the strongest of men in the port to take down. Those who can do so are named heroes.

    [Crule]: And that¡¯s how we will make a name for ourselves here. The high tide will be coming next week. The residents are already on high alert, many have already started fortifying their homes.

    [Ming]: I saw a group of enthusiastic young adults train.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s a good time to get stronger and make money, those who have dreams of rising up the food chain that is life will willingly participate.

    [Ming]: How are you sure that a strong beast will appear this time?

    [Crule]: Because it happened before, same time, same place.

    [Ming]: Ohhh, I remember now. I think we arrived after the event and only saw the devastation.

    [Crule]: Correct. An extremely large beast tore up most of the citadel. It was a miracle anyone survived. If we can kill such a beast before the very eyes of the citizens, our name will spread across the shores of the lake.

    [Ming]: *chewing* Hmm. I see, I see.

    [Crule]: Yep, let¡¯s make ourselves known by the adventurer¡¯s guild first.

    He stabbed his fork into the last piece of cake and fed it to Ming.

    ______

    The guild hall of Decaport was made more into a center of commerce than a meeting spot for adventurers. It certainly was big enough to be one. Considering there was more ways to turn profit here compared to Janus, it wasn¡¯t surprising that there were actually more merchants than adventurers in the hall at the moment.

    It was as loud as a street market, merchants trying to one up their competitors by being louder.

    It seems the guild welcomes the business as the merchants have to pay a fee to set up a stall in the hall.

    Small groups of adventurers have to walk through a maze of merchant stalls before they could reach the front counter.

    Beginners were already stripped of all their money by cons and profiteers that by the time they reached the counter, they barely had the money to register as an adventurer.

    With the sudden influx of adventurers from the island side, the guild hall saw business like they had never seen before.

    Their profit over the last few months nearly equaled what they made in the past decade.

    This guild hall was originally for the residents of Decaport to become an adventurer of the Lake. With the Antagonist games opening, they have been ¡°bought out¡± and became a universal adventurer¡¯s guild.

    Crule and Ming walked past the merchants with an iron face. Nothing the merchants said or do could move them.

    Though it still took them nearly twenty minutes to walk from the entrance door to the counter only a hundred meters away.

    As they stepped up to the counter, they realize the loud shouting and sounds have been silenced.

    [Crule]: It seems you guys have set up a silencing ward here.

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    The receptionist blushed in embarrassment but as professional as ever, she recovered immediately.

    [Receptionist]: How can I help you today?

    Crule took out the bronze medallions and placed it on the counter.

    The receptionist was surprised but only for a moment. Although bronze rank adventurers were rare before, now they were just uncommon. The speed of which adventurers rising up the ranks was astonishing. The sheer fervor of their enthusiasm even sparked the adventuring bones of youths in this town.

    The receptionist scanned the medallions and flipped through her book.

    [Receptionist]:  So you would like to register a visitor¡¯s pass?

    Crule nodded.

    The receptionist opened her drawers and took out a plastic sheet with a barcode on it.

    She took the bronze medallion and placed it in a machine with the plastic sheet.

    A quick stamp and the medallion¡¯s visage was imprinted onto the plastic sheet.

    [Receptionist]: Here you go sir.

    She returned the two medallions and two plastic passes.

    Ming took the passes and Crule took the medallions. The receptionist bowed and they left.

    [Ming]: Why are you always so quiet to the receptionists?

    [Crule]: ¡­

    [Ming]: Awww, don¡¯t tell me your still shy around other girls when with me?

    [Crule]: ¡­

    [Ming]: Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not the jealous type.

    [Crule]: *coughs quietly*

    [Ming]: I heard that.

    Ming grabbed Crule¡¯s arm and squeezed hard like an octopus latches itself onto its prey.

    [Crule]: *flinches* W-want to do some shopping?

    [Ming]: I thought you would never ask!

    She finally released her death grip but didn¡¯t let go of Crule¡¯s arm.

    Crule could only sigh.

    ______

    Somewhere in the lake was a wooden canoe. Water as far as the eyes could see, not a single sight of the shore. Slowly, a mist rolled around the canoe as if it was a living creature.

    On the canoe was a large person. It was a bear in chainmail. It was a miracle the canoe didn¡¯t sink under his immense weight.

    He was whispering to himself.

    [Bear]: Our new leader needs sacrifices. During high tide this year you have to attack the port yourself and get as many living humans as possible.

    A sinister voice slithered from the depths.

    [Voice]: What gives him the right to command me? I am a direct descendent of the ancient!

    Bear¡¯s eyebrow raised a little.

    [Bear]: It seems I have to teach you the pecking order around here.

    The owner of the sinister voice still could not be seen. The mist swirled gently around Bear but it did not bother him.

    With a wave of his bear arms, a faint green aura enveloped around it. He closed his eyes and listened.

    Almost faster than the eye could see, Bear slapped the surface of the water and the aura traveled downwards.

    Immediately, a muffed grunt could be heard.

    [Voice]: H-how did you find me?

    [Bear]: Know that I can kill you whenever. Now fulfil the majesty¡¯s orders or die a painful death.

    [Voice]: F-fine.

    The mist rolled away revealing a large pool of red blood surrounding the canoe.

    The bear started to row the canoe away.

    [Bear]: Hopefully I can find some fish to eat later¡­Stupid blood ruined my fishing chances.

 Chapter 127: Tide pools.

    Chapter 127: Tide pools.

    The southern side of Decaport directly connects to the water with channels flowing into the city through man made aqueducts. The eastern side however, was a tide pool and beach. Normally during most of the year, the tide pool was a quiet place with perhaps only half a dozen people gathering shells and crustacean.

    But the weeks leading up to tide change brings in a chance to make a quick profit. As the water reels back as the tide reach the lowest point, new areas of the tide pool are revealed with fresh new hunt.

    Perhaps you may find some treasure that got washed up from the lake.

    The changing tide also replenish the famished tide pools with water allowing the hibernating monsters to awaken.

    People gathered at the eastern coast. Restaurant providers were hunting fresh mollusks and shellfish. Tourists were enjoying the sight and wildlife. Adventurers were honing their skills against monster with hard carapaces. The place was filled with people.

    On a large rock perched near a shallow tide pool, Crule and Ming sat leisurely on wooden folding chairs. A hearty fire roared in front of them. The wood they used were dried drift wood. They were still not perfectly dry so smoke would billow out heavily.

    About an hour later, the fire started to mellow out. The smoke stopped and the fire was now burning charcoal. Crule opened his eyes and saw that the fire was ready. He reached besides him where a burlap sack was hanged on a nearly oak tree. He pulled out two enormous crab claws. They were nearly half the size of Crule.

    Using his dagger, he violently smashed the shell opened revealing the fleshy insides. With a quick slice, the succulent meat was dug out of the claw.

    Throwing the arm sized meat into the air, with blind speeds, it was diced into minced meat.

    A bowl appeared from the burlap sack and the meat landed neatly into it.

    Crule added bread crumbs from a day old bread, parsley, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, he beated two prairie chicken eggs and added mustard, chili flakes, and mayonnaise. The prairie eggs he got from the market earlier in the morning. Each of them were the size of his head.

    He combined the wet mixture with the dry and started to mix well. It looks like he made enough crab cake mix to feed a whole family.

    A large cast iron sheet was placed over two pieces of drift wood. It sat just above the fire and started to get hot.

    After splashing a bit of water on the side to see if the sheet was hot enough, Crule then brushed the sheet with a layer of oil.

    He formed the crab cake mix into patties and slowly placed them on the hot iron sheet. A delicious sizzle filled the air. A mouthwatering aroma attracted the attention of some nearby adventurers who were fighting a blue shelled dungeon crab. One guy didn¡¯t dodge in time due to the smell and was punched in the face by the crab¡¯s tough claws. He was sent flying as the rest of his team chased after him while the crab followed.

    Carefully, Crule flipped the patties hoping they don¡¯t stick or collapse.

    After a good ten to fifteen minutes, the crab cakes were done.

    Ming who was sitting patiently on the wooden chair went closer to the fire.

    With a loving smile, Crule served the crab cakes. It was a smile he doesn¡¯t show anyone but Ming.

    There were few things Crule enjoyed in his life. Cooking for his loved ones was one of them. It was a skill learned from his master, and it was a skill that allowed him to survive in the Wild.

    The decadent aroma of crab cakes filled the air that noon. Several adventurers got into ¡°accidents¡± from it. Rumors went around that a master chef had appeared on the eastern coast and was hunting for fresh prey.

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Times were chaotic during the pre-tide seasons, but they were filled with excitement.

    ______

    While Crule and Ming were enjoying their little picnic. The adventurers down in the tide pools were engaged in combat.

    [Male Warrior]: Marg, how soon will the spell be done?

    [Marg]: Soon! Keep them busy Dodge!

    Marg¡¯s hands were tracing along a holographic symbol projected by her wrist band. It was the game¡¯s way of helping magician¡¯s access ancient spells that complements their auras.

    The male warrior Dodge was wearing a light metal suit and leggings. His gauntlet had a small buckler attached to it. His was currently blocking the claw of a large demon crab. The crab was the size of a small car. Its claws are big and strong enough to cut and knock down tall trees. Being able to block its claw one handed already shows how trained Dodge was.

    These two were adventurers who were in the earliest batch after the game started. They represent the pinnacle that an average player who had no previous knowledge of aura, magic, or martial arts, can reach.

    [Dodge]: It¡¯s getting hard to keep aggro on this dam crab!

    [Marg]: Almost!

    The fine tread of energy that flowed through her fingers lined perfectly with the holographic symbol. As the final line was drawn, the symbol lit up and the hologram vanished. A visible stream of energy could be seen flowing from Marg¡¯s two hands into the symbol.

    [Marg]: Now!

    Dodge leaped backwards, out of the shallow pool he and the crab was fighting in. The crab didn¡¯t chase fast enough as the spell activated. An arrow of lightning flew out from the symbol and landed directly on the eye of the giant demon crab.

    It foamed at the mouth, twitched, and fell with a splash into the shallow pool.

    The two were out of breath, but the harvest was worth it. A single demon crab can supply an entire restaurant with crab meat for a day. They get a share of the cash whenever someone orders the crab dishes. This same type of crab was the main dish of Crule and Ming¡¯s picnic.

    Seeing as how Dodge might have to repair his grieves soon, the cash was much needed. Constantly fighting in shallow tide pools caused his metal grieves to rust. They weren¡¯t the best grieves, but they provide enough protection for his lvl.

    [Dodge]: Good job Marg!

    [Marg]: Thanks! Let¡¯s take a rest before who haul this crab back to town.

    [Dodge]: With the materials that we got today plus this crab, we finally made quite a bit of money.

    [Marg]: Yea, the speed which I can draw my spells have gotten faster too. Hopefully one day I can do it without the hologram assistance.

    In terms of martial strength, these two could be considered borderline second gate. Having becoming inoculated with the nanodes, all adventurers have passed their first gate.

    The miracles of science prevailed over old fashion martial path.

    After their aura and energy capacity have been tested, the nanodes are injected. The person will immediately experience the opening of their first gate as their path becomes laid out before them.

    This sort of predetermined path never gets far. The true path to power comes with self-evaluation. Having the path laid for you only results in minimal results. They can access their aura, energy, and can use spells. But special abilities they develop themselves? That will only occur when they reveal a gate on their own.

    The game opens a door, the adventurers steps through it.

 Chapter 128: A new low.

    Chapter 128: A new low.

    The mayor of Decaport looked out the window. The rich and bountiful tide pools could been seen from his office window. The sheer number of people hunting there was staggering. It was quite an event.

    But even with all with frantic hunting and festivities, the mayor still had an extremely grim look on his face.

    [Mayor]: What are the reports?

    The assistant standing by the door walked forward.

    [Assistant]: It¡¯s a record new low. A full five kilometers.

    The mayor frowned.

    Before every high tide, the water must first retreat back to its farthest point. The farther it retreats, the more tide pools are revealed, but at the same time, the more the high tide will flood when time comes.

    [Mayor]: Will our barriers hold?

    [Assistant]: We will need to evacuate zone one and two.

    The zones are separated by the distance from the shore. Richer people enjoy the view of the lake so they live in the first two zones.

    As zones go up, more industry is seen. Zone 9 are just farmlands near the exit gate of the city leading towards the rest of the Wilds.

    [Mayor]: I can imagine those wealthy bastards demanding insurance due to water damage. They knew about the dam tides, why the hell would they build such brittle mansions so close to the water¡¯s edge.

    The mayor rubbed his temples as his headache grew.

    The upper class were the least of his worries right now. The money to repair the town have been saved up over the last months since their last repair. They have enough to fix it, especially with all the new adventurers flocking in providing more income to the people.

    What he was worried about, was the casualties.

    The highest the tide travels, the more dangerous the monsters it brings with it.

    The last record low caused the entire first zone to be flooded and a titan tortoise to trample across three zones, destroying many buildings and causing countless casualties. It took hours upon hours of constantly bombardment from countless adventurers to slowly whittle the beast down.

    If something even stronger than the tortoise appears this year, they may loss far more lives. Lost buildings can be rebuilt but lost lives can never be returned. Families who lost their main bread earner fall into despair. Loved ones perish and those who remain are forever reminded by the hole they have left.

    Some turn to revenge and participate in future tides with a vengeful fervor.

    The mayor doesn¡¯t want to imagine the bleak sight of what was to come.

    He sighed.

    [Mayor]: Send out evacuation notices immediately. By the looks of it we only have a week before it hits.

    Years of living at Decaport gave the mayor a deeper understanding of the lake. It was both the provider and the taker. A blessing and a curse.

    [Mayor]: Hopefully I will live to serve my last year¡¯s term before retirement¡­

    The assistants nearly slapped themselves on their face. They all thought the same thing. Really now? Are you really going to raise your own death flag like this?

    ______

    Crule remembered from his previous world how the tide change affected the town this particular year. He wasn¡¯t there for it, but the records were shown.

    He remembered this year was supposed to be a mellow year after the year before had the titan tortoise.

    But seeing the tide crawl further back than he remembered, he realized something was wrong.

    History wasn¡¯t going the way it should.

    [Crule]: Something serious may happen this tide change.

    [Ming]: How serious?

    [Crule]: Serious enough for the entire port to be destroyed.

    [Ming]: So enough to make sure our names are spread across the entire lake?

    [Crule]: Definitely. I just hope enough of the town survives to tell the tale of our heroism.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.A certain level of arrogance could be heard in their voices. A certain type of arrogance that comes with the knowledge that nothing can truly kill you.

    Originally, this arrogance could not be spotted in them. But being back in their youth, their adolescent self was finally having an effect on them. Hormones really drives teens to do crazy rebellious things.

    Crule was thinking about other things as well. Like why did his past self seal part of the memories he passed on? He understood why the part was sealed about the android but he doesn¡¯t know whether or not anymore were still hidden in his subconscious.

    The androids were scouts of a certain group. They manage anomalies, mainly with those that affect the time line. Crule never had much contact with them, but he had heard stories about them from the Sage.

    It was one of the main reasons the Sage doesn¡¯t go back in time and fix everything himself. It was why the Sage limited his own power.

    The group was always watching. To make sure people don¡¯t screw around with time. The scout probably sent information about him back to the group. Hopefully they will deem him as harmless to the correct path and allow him to do what he came back to do.

    Hopefully a future where chaos destroys everything is not the correct path.

    ______

    The picnic ended as the suns were setting.

    [Crule]: Want to have a quick spar to help digestion?

    [Ming]: A spar? Between you and me?

    [Crule]: Just a spar, no aura or abilities, just physical strength.

    [Ming]: And here I thought you wanted to destroy the place¡­

    Ming leap up and took her jacket off.

    [Ming]: Let¡¯s do this.

    Crule smiled.

    They both jumped down into the wide shallow tide pool under them.

    They stood 25 meters apart.

    [Ming]: Whenever you¡¯re ready.

    Crule nodded as he shot a small ball of energy into the air. It slowly descended and upon touching the water, it made a loud bang and a small explosion of air.

    Ming and Crule vanished from their spot.

    A large splash of water were all that remained from where they stood.

    The first clash, Ming performed a high kick. Crule blocked with his arm but barely. The strength of Ming¡¯s kick caused his balance to tip as Crule started spinning. Using the centripetal force, Crule performed a kick as well. Ming backed away quickly, dove low and tried to get under the kick as she realize she can¡¯t back away fast enough.

    The kick scrapped the top of her hair as a few strands left their original place.

    Crule was in freefall from the failed kick as Ming leaped from her crouched position. A punch was aimed directly at Crule¡¯s sides.

    Twisting his body with as much effort as he can, he barely dodges the punch from Ming.

    As Ming flew past him, Crule chopped with his hand, trying to hit her shoulder.

    The chop lands on her shoulder and she was slammed toward the shallow pool.

    Using her other hand, she quickly pushes against the ground and does several flips as she regains her balance.

    Crule lands several meters away as the turning of his body caused him to also perform several flips to rebalance himself.

    The exchange happened extremely fast. The water finally had a chance to catch up as a huge shockwave cause it to blast outwards.

    The water drizzled down on the two as they stare each other down.

    [Crule]: One for me.

    [Ming]: Lucky hit.

    With their auras protecting their bodies, the worst that could happen was a bruise.

    As the falling water slowly comes to a stop, they began their second exchange.

    _________________-___________________________________________-

    Comments on how i should write combat scenes would be appreciated. :D

 Chapter 129: Just a spar.

    Chapter 129: Just a spar.

    Sharp winds blew past the two as their fists collides. The shockwave created an outward explosion of water.

    They were steadily depleting the tide pool of water. The sound of their spar has attracted a few onlookers.

    The onlookers didn¡¯t dare to get close though. Their mouths were wide open in both shock and awe.

    Crule and Ming separated from their exchange only to immediately dash back into it.

    Ming once again goes for a high kick. Crule ducks this time instead of taking it head on but as he crouches, Ming¡¯s leg changed direction and started to slam downwards into a drop kick.

    Crule quickly lifted his arms over his head and cushioned the blow. His knees bent and body lowered to absorb the blow the best he could. But the strength of the blow was quite powerful. It caused another shockwave which shook the tall rocks around them where the onlookers were hiding behind.

    Crule took advantage of how long Ming needed to recover from such a kick and grabbed her ankle with both hands. With a twist of his waist, he threw Ming toward a wall. Ming did a flip to position herself as such she lands feet first onto the wall.

    Using the force of the throw to bounce back caused her body strain but it wasn¡¯t enough to cause actual damage. She kicked off the wall like a spear directly at Crule.

    The greenish rock wall crumbled at the force of her kick. The debris fell into the tide pool displacing most of the remaining water.

    Good thing there was no one behind that rock or they might have been seriously hurt.

    Crule dodged by rolling to the left since he was already kneeled on the ground. The remaining water slowed his rolling and Ming manage to kick deep into the ground nearly hitting him. She left a sizable crater in the tide pool around three feet wide. Crule stared at the ground and felt a shiver crawl up his spine.

    [Crule]: H-hey we are still just sparring right?

    Ming smiled, but all Crule could feel from that smile is rage.

    [Ming]: You dare throw me?

    [Crule]: Shit.

    Crule realized he messed up. He forgot the thing Ming hated the most was someone throwing her by the ankles.

    Flames ignited in her eyes.

    [Ming]: Lets ¡°spar¡± some more.

    She said as aura enveloped her body.

    [Crule]: W-whoa there, wasn¡¯t this supposed to be a spar.

    [Ming]: It is, we are just upping the ante.

    She cracked her knuckles while slowly walking toward Crule.

    The onlookers walked to run from the bloodlust they feel from the fight but it was too interesting. Some even started to record the fight.

    Crule gulped.

    [Crule]: F-fine, let¡¯s make it a real spar then.

    Aura enveloped his body as well.

    Their aura acts as a protective cover over their body so they can hit each other with harder blows.

    Crule punched the ground and made a large hole. The punch also splashed what remained of the water upwards blocking Ming¡¯s view.

    Crule lunged from his spot toward where Ming was hoping to get a sucker punch in.

    But as he emerged from the water, Ming was no longer there.

    [Crule]: Where? Oh shit.

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    A shadow loomed over his head. Ming slammed downwards like a meteor directly hitting Crule in the back. The aura visibly bends and Crule was slammed into the ground. A crater in the shape of his body formed on the rocky ground now devoid of water.

    A drop of blood dripped from Crule¡¯s mouth. Although his aura protected him from the hit, it still shook up his internal organs.

    Ming grinded her feet on Crule¡¯s back.

    [Ming]: Do you concede?

    Crule only laughed weakly.

    His aura suddenly flared and expanded. The force pushed Ming off of him and back several meters. Crule once again dashed at her. He stopped immediately near her chest and uppercuts. The blow his Ming¡¯s chin and sends her flying several meters into the air.

    Crule quickly followed up by leaping after her. A barrage of punches and kicks follow. Ming wasn¡¯t fully prepared and could only block half of the blows. Finally Crule balled his fists and slammed her downwards.

    She lands with a shocking sound in another tide poor adjacent to them. As she bounce back upwards by the blow, a drop of blood also escaped her mouth.

    Crule landed a few meters away panting.

    [Crule]: D-do you give up?

    He said panting.

    Ming slow got up while rubbing her chin.

    [Ming]: That was unfair. *cough* Why do you gotta be so rough on your wife. *cough*

    She said angrily while coughing due to the water getting in her lungs.

    [Crule]: Well, you¡­

    Crule realize he couldn¡¯t talk back as she didn¡¯t do anything wrong.

    He sighed and walked up to Ming. He took out a blanket and draped it over her with a hug.

    [Crule]: Sorry¡­I love you.

    Ming looked at Crule like he was an idiot.

    [Ming]: You realize the spar isn¡¯t over right?

    [Crule]: What?

    The next thing he knew, the ground was coming up awfully fast.

    ______

    When Crule woke up, the moons were already visible as were the countless stars in the sky.

    A dull headache and ringing in his ears told the story of what happened to him.

    He saw Ming sat beside a roaring fire with her clothes drying on a tree branch nearby.

    The sound of water told him they were still at the tide pools.

    He slowly got up clutching one hand to his head.

    [Crule]: How long was I out?

    [Ming]: A good two hours.

    Crule sighed.

    [Crule]: I guess we¡¯re even now?

    [Ming]: Mhm.

    Crule sighed again. It seems he was sighing a lot more now days.

    [Crule]: I¡¯ll cook your favorite for dinner then¡­

    Ming finally turned around with a smile.

    [Ming]: I won.

    [Crule]: Sure, sure.

    He sat next to her by the fire. Then kissed her on the cheek.

 Chapter 130: The first hour.

    Chapter 130: The first hour.

    It was the night before the tide surge.

    The mayor had gathered all the top adventurers who were still in town. He looked down from the podium with a grim expression. The gathered adventurers looked back with the upmost serious of expressions. All of them were tense.

    Crule and Ming were standing in the back in the corner of the room. Due to the serious atmosphere, they too were not in their usual smirks.

    [Mayor]: I have said what had to be said. This tide will be the biggest in the history of our coastal town. The first few zones will be completely submerged in water. Everyone had already evacuated. Those who stayed can only blame their own stubbornness. Thus we are giving up on the first two zones.

    The mayor expressed the seriousness of the tide change yet the lofty nobles who live near the waters wouldn¡¯t budge. The mayor can only sigh.

    [Mayor]: We assume the most commons of beasts will swarm the latter zones. Hammer and Scissor crabs will flood in. They are too strong for most of the beginner adventurers so I hope some of you veterans will help.

    The adventurers nodded.

    [Mayor]: We have around four thousand participating adventurers this time around. Each of you veterans will take a handful and spread out over the zones.

    Some of the adventurers in the room visibly scoffed. The one thing some veterans hated the most were overzealous newbies.

    [Mayor]: In the case of pistol clams and electric tunas, we beg of you to divert their attention away from infrastructure.

    The mayor hoped that recovering from the tide change wouldn¡¯t be too much of an issue.

    After a long meeting, the mayor, who was covered in sweat, finally finished. The veteran adventurers were led out of the meeting room into the auditorium filled with beginners.

    A few thousand beginner adventurers were chatting in the huge auditorium. Most of them were between lvl15 to 30. Given how deep Lake Trysl was in the Wild, anyone below 15 must have been born in the town.

    A single lvl15 adventurer can do nothing to a scissor crab but a dozen can at least stall it. This is why a veteran adventurer was in charge of a group. So they can finish off the corralled beasts.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    The mayor hurried to the middle of the crowd and tapped the voice amplifier on the stage.

    [Mayor]: Beginner adventurers, please group up and choose a veteran you wish to work under.

    The few veteran adventurers lined up on stage with some distance between each other. The beginner adventurers started to scramble and line up in front of a veteran they either worshiped, or want to learn something from. To them, this was a chance to have a rapid period of growth. As some people say, power-leveling.

    Crule and Ming stood next to each other. They were a pair. Although the mayor wanted to separate them so the town would get more coverage. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to ask.

    The people who lined up in front of them were the onlookers from their spar at the tide pools. They personally have seen how strong the two were, so they were eager to join.

    Soon a dozen people stood before the pair. Crule looked at the group and sighed.

    He didn¡¯t really get anyone with overwhelming potential. Even Dodge and Marg joined his group.

    The two had seen the spar on their way back to town with their crab corpse. They were utterly shocked. If only they can one day achieve such levels of movement¡­

    In the group of adventurers, Dodge and Marg were in the upper ranks, both in the early 30s in level.

    The two being able to take down a crab beast shows how good they were. Most lvl 15 to 30 can¡¯t even damage the hard carapace.

    Soon the beginners were completely divided among the veterans.

    Some had many, some had few. The mayor didn¡¯t make them balanced. He knew that the beginners may work harder to show off to their idols.

    All the mayor had to do was to put the larger groups in the more dangerous areas.

    The mayor said a few words of thanks and bowed. The adventurers bowed back and left.

    The night was ending as dawn approached but the twin suns were blocked by the stormy clouds above.

    The cause of the tides had many theories. The clouds above always appear during the tide change. Some theorize that it¡¯s a magnetic storm and that the charged particles in the cloud brings the waters that have built up a charge over the year.

    Some say it¡¯s a large creature in the lake that hibernate for most of the year, getting up to feed.

    Some even say it¡¯s the cause of the nine moons aligning.

    No one can prove their theory but yet they can¡¯t disprove it either.

    The veterans led the beginners to their designated areas.

    Crule and Ming¡¯s small group of slightly over a dozen was left a small district in zone four.

    The group on the front lines was Captain Cytex. A veteran adventurer turned ship captain. He was born in the lake town and lived there most his life.

    He left his large group bunkered down at the main street of the third zone, right where the flood will enter.

    Cytex himself headed toward the port with haste. He leaped off the roof of buildings with high agility. If Cruel had seen it, he would judge him to be a silver ranked adventurer.

    He had to be around lvl50s. This would mean five gates opened¡­But his newest gates must have been opened in recent years because there wasn¡¯t anyone that high before. He had to be a Monarch before the start of the games. Four gates to be called a Monarch¡­Now he has five. He was now an Ancient.

    Upon reaching the port, he stood on top his boat and stared intently at the cloud over the horizon and the grey wall slowly approaching from the distance.

    [Cytex]: Not this time, I won¡¯t let anyone die this time¡­

    A flame burned in his eyes. The flames of anger and vengeance.

    He promised himself to kill as many beasts as he could.

    To avenge his dear wife. To protect his children. This was something he must do.

 Chapter 131: The second hour.

    Chapter 131: The second hour.

    The pitch black clouds loomed overhead. The sound of roaring thunder crackled in the air, shaking the very foundation of the vessel.

    The small decrepit boat rocked back and forward along the docks. Although it¡¯s tied to the wooden pier with a strong hemp rope, the sheer force of the rocking slowly wore away at the knot.

    The strong winds blew past causing the window to clack open and close as the owner forgot to lock them.

    Suddenly, the downpour came.

    Raindrops the size of fists fell from the darkened heavens like ten thousand fists of fury. The thunder roared along making it seems as if the skies were angry at the earth.

    In this hellish storm, on this broken down ship. Stood a bearded man. His bronze skin tanned from the long exposure to the twin suns. His beard grew wild like a bush on drugs. His eyes bloodshot, staring like a crazed maniac with purpose. The piercing gaze stared at the wall of grey that followed the dark clouds, heavy rain, and explosive thunder.

    A large tidal wave, approached slowly yet rapidly. From the distance it seemed as if it was not moving at all, but in reality, it was traveling like a stampede of watery death.

    The ragged man stared at the wave with both pride and fear.

    [Cytex]: Come at me! I do not fear you!

    He screamed over the sound of rain hammering his boat and the crackling of thunder.

    Lightning flashed brightening up his pitch dark view.

    The wave was now nearly upon him.

    The towering wall of liquid death loomed several meters high.

    One nearly had to turn their neck 90 degrees to see the top. But those who was about to do that were already dead.

    The wave swallowed everything. The docks, the boat, the man.

    His fight although brave, was completely impossible to win.

    The dark waters finally slammed down upon the port.

    It destroyed the wooden infrastructures and battered the stone supports.

    The water flooded everything, pushing everything that wasn¡¯t tethered to the ground along with it.

    Debris was the second most dangerous thing after the force of the rushing waters. Those who chose to stay behind didn¡¯t stand a chance. The water and debris consumed them with an appetite that only a force of nature could have.

    The first to third district immediately vanished underneath the black waters. It was one more zone than the mayor expected.

    As the flowing water started to slow down, they did not recede. It was then, the beasts and monsters came.

    Large monstrous crabs with claws capable of cutting steel or smashing reinforced metal.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    Swarms of shellfish with powerful water pistols that could penetrate even diamond.

    No one was safe.

    The beasts attacked any living thing other than themselves with the fervor of a vengeful ghost.

    Those who chose to fight did what they could, but the numbers were overwhelming.

    The death toll rose rapidly like a stream of people falling into a large watery blender.

    The ones who were trying to escape ran with fear and tears in their eyes, mucus dribbling from their nose and their pants soiled. This was the sight of war, of death, and of the great power that nature holds. Beginners who had never seen such wide scale carnage had their feeble mind broken.

    The crab monster used its two large claws and scooped up half a dozen people, immediately severing them in half and consuming their flesh. Newbies died left and right. If they had only not panicked and grouped together to take the crab down, they would have all survived although with some injuries.

    Blood dyed the water brick red. The foam around the crab¡¯s mouth were pink from blood.

    Suddenly, from the very water underneath the crab, a bearded man with a harpoon leaped out like a dolphin.

    It was Cytex, the old man of the sea. He was battered but not dead.

    His harpoon stabbed into the bulbous eye of the crab. A sharp shriek emitted from the crab.

    Cytex stepped on the carapace of the crab and rend the harpoon from its eye. Bluish blood flowed from the crab vigorously. But it was not dead yet.

    With the strength that only an Ancient could have, Cytex stabbed the harpoon directly into the brain of the crab. The crab who was lifting its claws trying to pry the thing off its back violently shook and collapsed into the flowing water with a splash. It was promptly carried off by the brackish waters.

    Cytex stood on top of a rock that barely stood out of the water.

    [Cytex]: Fight citizens! It¡¯s out only hope!

    His words sparked the fighting spirit of those who were fleeing in fear.

    After all, those who stayed had a certain confidence in their strength. Most low level adventurers had left and those who remained are young adult adventurers over level twenty. They were strong enough to survive and was looking to make a profit or a name for themselves.

    As a seasoned veteran of the tides, Cytex was one that was very familiar with the yearly massacre. He always grumbles when he sees kids who haven¡¯t seen the horrors of the tide and lose their will just from the sight of death.

    The group cheered. Those who were standing on the roofs of buildings stabbed their spears downwards at the crabs and shellfishes who were trying to knock them down. It only kept them at bay but cannot hurt the beasts.

    Cytex was weaving through the waters like a man with sea legs.

    Everywhere he goes, a corpse would appear. The water would then promptly carry it off back into the dark depths.

    Some fire arrows and guns at the monsters. Their hard carapace and shells are barely penetrated. It seems only Cytex¡¯s harpoon that was encased in his aura can actually do any damage.

    Some even use explosives only to find the water nullifying most of the damage.

    The rain still poured washing the blue blood off Cytex.

    It seems this district for now, was protected.

    The other district each had their own veteran keeping the group of newbies in check.

    In the other district, another man was standing on top of a tall building.

    In his hand was a large black metal cannon. A cigar hang from his mouth as smoke rose from it. Amazingly it was not put out by the downpour.

    Lifting the cannon onto his shoulder, he used his cigar to light the fuse.

    From the cannon shot out a large spiked ball.

    It slammed into a nearby crab, completely crushing it. Blood and organs flowed from its corpse into the waters.

    [Cannon Man]: There seems to be more beasts than usual¡­

    With a wave of his other hand, another spiked cannonball was loaded into the cannon.

    The other adventurers around him were frantically shooting arrows and bullets down at the approaching monsters.

    The cannon man didn¡¯t like taking care of younglings but during times like this, it was his obligation.

    [Cannon Man]: Damn kids these days can¡¯t even kill a fly.

    The onslaught of thousands of crabs, shellfish continued as if to no end. The blood, flesh, and organs flowed along the water back into the depths where a large serpentine creature lies. He was the descendant of an ancient.

    Its large maw opened, rapidly consuming all the fleshly debris.

    It was feeding, growing, slowly building its strength for the final wave.

    Cruel and Ming could sense the large creature heading towards the bay.

    [Crule]: This aura¡­so it¡¯s that thing¡­

    His smirk once again plastered his face.

 Chapter 132: The fourth hour.

    Chapter 132: The fourth hour.

    After several hours of fighting, the beginner adventurer are starting to thin out. Those who were wounded or killed had left the battlefield. Those who remain are either lucky or the cream of the crop in their ranks.

    The veterans had higher stamina and made less mistakes thus they could hold out for much longer. But having to protect several idiotic mistakes performed by the beginners, they too started to show signs of fatigue.

    The darkness crawled further in as midnight approaches. The entire town was shrouded in a pale darkness. The only thing that provided some relief are the light of the moons and the remaining few street lamps who still glimmered in their bioluminescence.

    Cytex look back at his group. Only two dozen adventurers remain. They were the ones strong enough to survive till now so he had some trust in them to cover his back.

    The tide has retreated for now, preparing for its second surge. The remaining monsters lost their advantage in the waters. They either fled or were slaughtered by the adventurers.

    Large quantities of crab and shellfish corpses littered the soaked streets along with debris from buildings. An unimaginable amount of sand was also washed up by the tide.

    The once pristine cobblestone pathways have been fully covered by a deep layer of sand.

    The thunder boomed above the skies and the rain seemed to settle down into a light drizzle.

    Suddenly, a small movement in the sand. It went unnoticed by the beginners but Cytex caught a glimps of it.

    [Cytex]: Shit, everyone on alert! We got sand monsters!

    His warning came a bit late as a large bee erupted from the sands and with its large mandibles tore straight into an unsuspecting beginner¡¯s throat.

    It ripped half his neck off completely as it quickly dove back into the sand, digging rapidly with its front and hind legs. A trail of blood oozed from the soaked sand.

    The beginner fell over dead, large quantities of blood poured from what remained of his neck.

    [Cytex]: Shit, GET YOUR ASS READY!

    The shocking scene and Cytex¡¯s shout got the remaining beginners to break out of their relaxed form and back into a fighting stance.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    A faint buzzing could be heard from the sand underneath them.

    Having seen how fast the bee shot from the ground, most beginners would not be able to dodge it. Cytex had to cover them which further increased his fatigue.

    Alone, he perhaps would be able to last several days, but with the situation as it is now, at best he may last another six hours.

    Like a pebble being kicked, three bees shot from the sand toward one beginner. Perhaps it¡¯s his fatigue showing but the adventurer couldn¡¯t move. He moved his sword upwards trying to deflect the one aiming at his neck but the other two gorged into his sides.

    Cytex quickly rushed up to the kid and stabbed one of the bees but couldn¡¯t make it in time for the other.

    Two out of three bees deflected but the last one still took a chunk out of the poor beginner¡¯s sides. Blood flowed generously down into the sand as another victim fell limp down onto the ground.

    [Cytex]: Everyone huddle together! Protect each other¡¯s backs!

    Cytex thought if the group could encase themselves into a circle, perhaps the bees will only attack from one side.

    The beginners shuffled into a circle as fast as they could. The ones who were far too tired to fight were stood in the middle.

    Cytex stood on top of a street lamp and stared down at the sands. The buzzing got louder and more aggressive.

    This time, half a dozen bees erupted from the sand and dove toward Cytex.

    With a spin of his harpoon, he blocked five of them and stabbed the land one. Taking a closer look at the bee revealed it to be a drone type sand bee.

    [Cytex]: Only a drone? Damn. If we¡¯re already being tied down by drones, I wonder who had to deal with the soldier sand bees¡­

    ______

    Crule looked down at the ground. He covered it completely with his aura. Under the night sky, the aura made the ground looked as if it doesn¡¯t exist. It reflected the sky making it blend into the horizon. The adventurers following Crule were all alive, albeit a tad tired. They fared far better than their peers in other groups.

    The bees that popped out of the ground were at least triple the size of the ones Cytex¡¯s group was fighting. They were the soldier bees with large drill-like teeth on their mandibles. But no matter how menacing they looked, they were immediately snatched by a dark tendril that stuck onto their body when they shot from the sands. The tendril dragged them down back into the dark aura. The sound of dissolving could be heard as the bees ¡®entered¡¯ the darkness.

    Crule¡¯s aura was slowly fueled itself with the energy contained in the bees. It didn¡¯t even tired him at all with the sheer amount of bees attacking him.

    Ming was lecturing the adventurers. It seem at some point, they wanted a few points but Crule was too busy to teach them. Most beginners would have no idea how to control their auras. They were taught how to use spells and how to develop gates. Many had no idea they had such a thing in them. They accepted the gates as mere ¡®milestones¡¯.

    After teaching them about their auras. The adventurers glowed nearly every color on the rainbow. Their auras covered their hands as they played around with them.

    Like children discovering a new toy, they practiced manipulating their aura into different shapes. The more adept adventurers could mold their aura into a thin layer that cover their entire body. The less adept could at best make their aura into a sphere or a cube to be thrown.

    Those with small energy pools immediately felt heavy and tired. They sat down panting for air.

    Ming instructed all of them on combat with auras. Crule¡¯s forces were only getting stronger while the rest were decreasing.

 Chapter 133: The eighth hour.

    Heres some birthday chapters ;3

    ___________________________________________

    Chapter 133: The eighth hour.

    The bee onslaught continued deep into the late morning. The twin suns tried their best to pierce through the dark looming clouds but to no avail. Although it was almost noon, the skies were as dark as ever. The brackish waters retreated to the coast, waiting to surge once again.

    Most of the veterans had realize the beginners had no chance again the bees. They had them group up and retreat while they themselves protected the group.

    In the end, the beginners were mostly gathered at the giant stadium while the veterans were outside protecting the place.

    The bees manage to push to the fifth zone.

    It was a good thing the mayor demanded everyone evacuate the first ten zones or the casualties would be overwhelmingly high.

    The last group to arrive was Crule¡¯s group. Instead of a fleeing group of beginners being protected by the veteran, Crule¡¯s group was actually holding its own against the bees.

    The veterans stared in disbelief. The group even manage to take on the stronger soldier bees.

    Having split into pairs, the group each protected each other¡¯s backs in a twin formation. Their aura protecting their bodies to the extent that the soldier bees could not penetrate it.

    This doesn¡¯t mean they are impervious as instead of a violent slash, they suffer from blunt force instead. The bees still rammed their aura causing their body to be bruised and broken.

    Thankfully, it allow them to survive as the beginners were not instantly killed like the rest.

    The ones who messed up and failed to defend against attack usually are battered to the point of broken bones. But none died as Crule and Ming still kept a watchful eye over them.

    They put in the effort to train them, they aren¡¯t going to let it go to waste so soon.

    Soon the group reached the front gates of the stadium.

    The beginners quickly entered and collapsed on the floor. Their stress levels were at a maximum but their experience tempered them.

    Crule and Ming nodded at the Veterans and stood outside. The bee onslaught halted as the ground near the stadium had less sand. They could not hide in the shallow sands thus taking away their main advantage.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    The veterans confirmed all the beginners who were left alive had gathered in the stadium. They let out a sigh of relief. They don¡¯t have to focus on protecting but instead they can now fight back against the horde of bees.

    The veterans were sending messages among one another. The general consensus was the Bees are a hive mind. Take out the mind, and you are left with mindless drones. Although still dangerous, they are not as deadly as before since coordination was their most powerful asset.

    The younger more eager veterans were ready to go at it but they didn¡¯t immediately leave. A group have to remain to protect the people gathered in the stadium.

    Only a handful of veterans who were either tired, injured, or have family among the beginners, stayed behind to protect the stadium.

    Crule and Ming were among the hunting group.

    The veterans who were in the hunting group gathered and set off. Crule and Ming followed.

    They traveled through the zones all the way to the first zone, where the waters still dominated. The water was shallow but it covered the entire ground.

    A large sand dune peaked over the waters. From the dune, countless number of bees erupted forth in formation. They attacked the veterans.

    Like circus acrobats, the veterans skillfully dodged with fineness. Not having to protect a group really removed the weight on their backs so they were all moving exaggeratedly.

    The bees were killed left and right. These veterans know how to use aura but only to the point of covering their body and weapon. Their reinforced weapons stabbed into the bee¡¯s hard exoskeleton like chopsticks into meatball.

    Few knew how to apply their attribute.

    The few who knew, were the flashiest. One person was roasting the bees with twin flamethrowers that spewed from his palms. The bees drop while immolated in a blazing fireball. The bees¡¯ hive mind knew that he was more dangerous than the rest so most bees were sent his way.

    Soon, he was nearly overwhelmed by them. The other veterans sighed and helped him get away from the entrapment.

    One veteran said to the flame man.

    [Veteran]: Don¡¯t be so damn flashy so early, wait until we are in the hive itself. Doing it out here in the open is just screaming at the bees to target you.

    He admonished the young man. With a dejected look, the young man went back to killing bees with the simplest methods, aura covered weaponry.

    The group of veterans slaughtered their way to the sand dune hive.

    Corpses of bees rained from the rooftops of what remained of the buildings.

    Upon reaching 100 meters from the dune, larger bees started to appear. They were above the worker and soldier bees, they were the guard bees. Having two strong serrated jaws allows the bee to clamp, cut, and eviscerate enemies of the hive.

    Carried on four pairs of large wings, the mass of guard bees attacked the veterans.

    They put up a strong defense. Some weaker veterans were barely a match for two guard bees. The ones who could not hold their own against two bees were suddenly faced with four, then six, then eight, and so on until they could no longer hold and was ripped apart.

    The hive mind of the bees made them target the weakest link, the veterans who could not hold their own against a pair of guard bees.

    Crule only shook his head and sighed. Over eagerness will only lead to death in situations like these. Do not underestimate your enemy.

    With his dagger rotating in a ball of his aura, Crule made it orbit him like a satellite. The two guard bees who got even remotely close to him was immediately killed by the rotating dagger drilling holes in them.

    The Bees that attacked Ming died quicker. She cause blood spikes to erupt from their heads. She then control the two corpses of the guard bee to fight with the other bees.

    The jaws of the guard bee tore into each other as her new puppets destroyed two more guard bees. Taking control of more corpses, Ming built was building an army with the guard bee corpses.

 Chapter 134: The ninth hour.

    Chapter 134: The ninth hour.

    The veterans who were easily overwhelming the bees looked in awe at Ming. The situation quickly turned in their favor as the corpses piled up. Soon there were more guard bee corpse fighters than there are live ones.

    Ming released her control on the bees and they collapsed into a pile of broken bodies. The remaining veterans nodded. Some even gave Ming a thumbs up.

    The veterans now split into groups of two to four and dove into the hive.

    Being split up was better as to divide the hive¡¯s defenses across the entire dune.

    Crule and Ming declined any offers to join other groups and dove in themselves.

    [Crule]: Nice job. I got that all recorded.

    Crule took out a crystal.

    Ming smiled.

    [Ming]: Might as well take this opportunity.

    [Crule]: Ha, some may say you¡¯re a necromancer now.

    [Ming]: The less they know about our powers, the better.

    Crule nodded. He could feel two individuals watching their every move.

    The bees inside the hive were mostly worker bees. The soldier bees were sent out to attack and the guard bees were mostly killed.

    The main danger inside the hive was the knight bees. They protect the queen and the eggs and were the strongest of the bees. The knight bees were more humanoid and on their four arms were razor sharp protrusions. Their legs are extremely powerful and they jump like a cricket. On top of their head was a thick domed exoskeleton with an extremely sharp stinger. The poison secreted from it was a strong neurotoxin that can cause death immediately. It would stop the heart of most large creatures.

    The veterans who struggled with the guard bees would stand no chance if they were to face on by themselves. This was why they grouped up before entering. Perhaps with some lucky, they will only face one or two and be able to take it down before more shows up.

    Very quickly a dark shadow buzzed from the sandy walls and stopped in front of Crule and Ming. It was a knight bee flying gallantly with its arms crossed. Two stingers the size of human heads mounted on the backside of each of its hands.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    Crule and Ming got into a battle stance. The knight bee made a buzzing noise and charged forth. It kicked at Ming but she blocked it with her blood shield. It force however, pushed her back, away from Crule.

    It seems its intention was to split the pair.

    Ming was blasted back and through a hole that suddenly opened behind her.

    She landed in another room and was now faced with two knight bees.

    [Ming]: Ha, they underestimate me.

    The bees hive mind learned how dangerous Ming was from the fight with the guard bees outside. They singled her out and placed two knight bees to deal with her.

    Ming, who normally doesn¡¯t use weapons, formed a poleaxe using blood. The blood quickly solidified into a reddish brown metallic substance.

    With a quick twirl of the poleaxe, she readied herself.

    ______

    In the other room where Crule was left alone with the first knight bee, a fierce close ranged combat persisted. Barely using any aura, Crule fought the knight bee with physical prowess only.

    He knew that his body is still young. He still had to train it to once again have the strong sturdy body he¡¯s used to. His muscle strained as energy washed over them countless number of times as Crule pushed them to their limits. This continuous refinement slowly strengthened his body.

    The number of times Crule got hit was countless. But soon none of the hits could draw blood anymore. His skin was as tough as steel and with an extremely thin layer of aura, Crule could fully block the knight bee¡¯s stabs.

    The same old ridiculing smirk appeared on Crule¡¯s face.

    The knight bee was getting impatient. Compare to the other bees, the knight bees have both the hive mind as well as their own individuality. This means they had personalities too. At this moment, the knight bee really wants to stab Crule in the face.

    ______

    Ming was spinning her poleaxe around her body. The two knight bees kept trying to get close only to be immediately repelled by the poleaxe. The speed of which the poleaxe was rotating was started to cause blades of wind to spawn and slice the surrounding. The sandy walls of the dune that was reinforced with bee secretions was starting to crumble under the maelstrom.

    Droplets of blood flew off the bladed edge of the poleaxe landing on the knight bee¡¯s body. Without them noticing, the droplets of blood crawled into crevasses in their exoskeleton.

    This was Ming¡¯s usual fighting style. Performing acrobatically amazing physical moves to spread her blood then suddenly activate it when they least suspect it. Those who do not know her power have no way to counter it. Her blood can even drill into aura armors.

    The knight bees were immediately turned into pin cushions. Ming laughed and converted her weapon back. The knight bee corpses then stood up. They were now under her control.

    [Ming]: Now let¡¯s get back to Crule.

    The bees follow her like bodyguards.

    ______

    Meanwhile, Crule was still toying with the single knight bee. He was feeling the effects of muscle training and was starting to feel sore.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s end this training session.

    Crule covered his metal hand with his aura and dash forth with blinding speeds. The fatigued knight bee didn¡¯t dodge in time and was his square in the abdomen by Crule¡¯s fist. The fist penetrated the bee like a block of gelatin.

    With a fist sized hole in it, the bee crumbled to the ground.

    Crule shook his hands a couple times to get the blood off then retracted his aura.

    Just as he finished, Ming showed up with her two new bodyguards.

    Crule smiled as usual.

    [Crule]: Shall finish up here?

    [Ming]: Yea, I¡¯m getting kind of hungry.

    Ming runs up and hugs Crule¡¯s arm.

    They walked forward to the center of the hive where a strong energy source would be felt pulsating.

 Chapter 135: The tenth hour.

    Chapter 135: The tenth hour.

    The queen bee was not what people would imagine. Most insect queens have a large fleshy thorax while their head and abdomen remain normal. The sand bee queen was different.

    Instead of being a large bulbous monstrosity, the sand bee queen was like a knight bee with a crown upon her head. When she needs to lay eggs, she has a bulbous attachment. This is saying that she can remove her thorax and enter a sort of battle mode.

    Having to replenish the bees that Crule and the adventurers have killed, she was currently mass spawning eggs.

    The eggs were brought to the chambers by the worker bees and fed. With one of the fastest metabolism seen on the planet, the bee matures in a mere hour. The sheer amount it eats is staggering though.

    It would grow five time its original size and would consumer food equaling to nearly a dozen times their own body mass.

    The bee that are born are immediately assigned a role. Most are born as workers, few were soldiers. Bees that took longer to grow become guard or knight bees.

    It varies depending on the food the larvae consumers.

    While the other adventurers were still preoccupied exploring the maze like hive, Crule and Ming pin pointed the strongest energy source and walked a straight line to it. They completely disregarded the sandy walls and just broke through them.

    The walls are made of sand but are reinforced by the bee¡¯s wax. This makes them not as tough but very durable. They can bend and stretch and will absorb most blunt forces. This also means they are weak to slicing.

    Crule with his rotating dagger just drill holes in the walls.

    Soon they reached the large chamber. Hundreds of worker bees were carrying eggs and the large queen was in the center of the room. It was mostly dark but a faint yellow light shined from the very top of the room.

    The worker bees all suddenly turned and stared at Crule and Ming.

    The queen also stopped and stared.

    Although they were bugs, Crule felt like they entered at an inappropriate moment.

    Ming just coughed.

    The bee dropped what they were doing and all attacked. Crule quickly set up an aura shield around them.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Since most were worker bees, they just collided with Crule¡¯s aura and was consumed, flesh and all.

    Hundreds of buzzing was suddenly silenced as the last bee rammed into Crule¡¯s shield head first. The momentum carried the rest of its body into the open mouth of Crule¡¯s aura after its head was erased.

    The queen was still staring.

    With a disgusting squelch sound, she pried herself from the attachable thorax.

    Four sharp blade-like legs emerged. Instead of a powerful jaw or stingers, she has two holes at the ends of her arms. Immediately, two projectile stingers were fired from the holes at Crule and Ming.

    The stinger hit Crule¡¯s aura and was consumed but the force still push Crule back a little. He didn¡¯t expect the projectile to have such force.

    [Ming]: Want me to take it?

    Ming smiled mockingly.

    Crule frowned.

    [Crule]: No, I got this.

    He dispelled his aura shield and took out something that he hasn¡¯t used in a while. The cannon Brigid made him. Its sleek black design glinted under the dim yellow light.

    Ming¡¯s eyes widened.

    [Ming]: Going a little overkill aren¡¯t we?

    [Crule]: Hey, I gotta make a show somehow.

    Crule smirked.

    The queen bee was observing what the two were doing. Upon seeing the cannon, the queen was alarmed. It fired off more stingers only to have them hit a solid blood wall.

    Ming had her hands out facing the queen.

    [Ming]: Take your time. I¡¯ll pin her down.

    Crule reluctantly said ok.

    Ming kneeled down on the ground and touched the floor. From her palms, countless gallons of blood poured out forming a puddle under her. From the puddle emerged a cage. She had the two knight bee corpses carry the cage and then dashed toward the queen with her poleaxe.

    An intense fight ensued.

    Ming dashed forth and used the momentum to bring the poleaxe down at the queen.

    Testing the waters, the queen bee lifted her arms and two of her legs to block the blow.

    Feeling the axe slowly slice into her exoskeleton, the queen made a quick retreat. The poleaxe slammed onto the ground, cleaving it and leaving a long scar. Using the sudden stop of her weapon, Ming catapulted herself at the retreating bee. In her hand was another poleaxe. The original one quickly dissolve and followed behind her as an orb of blood.

    The queen bee was now vary of just how sharp the poleaxe was. She tried her best to dodge instead of block. Slowly being backed into a corner, the queen realized that she can¡¯t just keep dodging forever.

    Ming just kept dashing straight toward the queen over and over again using the momentum of her attacks. The panicking queen bee didn¡¯t even have a chance to fight back.

    Relying on the speed and agility her four legs give her, the queen bee moved left and right dodging Ming¡¯s poleaxe.

    With her noticing, Ming just suddenly stopped.

    The queen took this chance and shot several stingers at her, but they were suddenly blocked.

    Confused, she looked around.

    It seems in all her dodging, she placed herself directly under the blood cage Ming formed at the start. The corpses of the knight bee were directly above her. It seems they dropped the cage on her. The blood cage quickly warped and stabbed deep into the ground.

    In desperation, the bee repeatedly slash at the cage to no avail. Every time she manages to finally chip away a piece, it would repair itself.

    Ming turned to Crule. She was sweating but it to her it was more of a nice exercise routine.

    Crule had finish charging the cannon attached to his metal hand.

    [Ming]: All yours.

    She said with her usual smile.

    Crule opened his eyes and smiled back.

    [Crule]: Thanks.

    He then pulled the trigger.

 Chapter 136: The eleventh hour.

    Chapter 136: The eleventh hour.

    A loud explosion filled the hive. The adventurers who entered were all covering their heads and on the ground. The shockwave spread throughout the hive and debris fell from the ceiling and walls.

    Luckily, Crule manage to aim at an area without any adventurers or they would have been accidental casualties.

    If they were, they could only blame their bad luck.

    The rumbling continued for a while but it soon stopped. The adventurers opened their eyes and hurried to the source of the explosion. What they saw shocked them greatly.

    An entire eighth of the hive was blast clean open. One could see the outside and the grey clouds that loomed over head.

    At the bottom of the hive they could see burn marks on the ground spreading outwards like a fan.

    Burnt dust rained from the parts of the hive that were scorched by the blast.

    At the very bottom was Crule, still aiming with his cannon. A light billow of smoke rose from the mouth of his weapon.

    Ming was by his side with her index fingers in her ear, trying to block out the loud explosion.

    Their aura protected them from the falling debris.

    The adventurers looked down with their eyes wide opened and mouth hanging like they had lock jaw.

    Crule looked up at the numerous adventurers that gathered up.

    He put his cannon down and gave them a thumbs up.

    [Crule]: Jobs done!

    He smiled with a glint in his teeth.

    The adventurers nearly flipped a full 360 degrees.

    ______

    With the hive destroyed, and the bees having lost their hive mind, the corpses that were still intact was carried back as spoils of war. The honey was bottled and the wax was preserved. Everything in the hive had some uses.

    The worker bees didn¡¯t have much but their hairs could be used as fine needles. If it had a use for anyone, they will take it.

    The guard bees had a tough carapace. It could be used to make some light armor. They were dismantled carefully with a knife and large chunks of flesh was dumped leaving only hollowed out bee shells.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    The knight bees that were killed were extremely valuable. The stingers on their arms could be refined into weapons with paralyzing properties. Their exoskeleton was already in human shape so it required even less tinkering to be ready to use.

    Even their head were ripped off to be made into helmets. Nearly everything was used on a knight bee.

    The queen bee being completely evaporated by Crule¡¯s cannon, could not provide any loot. The detachable thorax remained but was burned down to prevent the bees from coming back.

    These sand bee don¡¯t help pollinate anything. They were carnivores and were pests to both humans and beasts alike.

    The yellow glow from the ceiling of the room was a fine jewel. Crule took it and gave it to Ming but Ming turned it away saying she already got something good out of it.

    Crule could only shrug his shoulder and place it in his bag.

    It seems Ming had collected quite an amount of bee blood. They will be refined and be used by her eventually.

    The adventurer split the loot among them without much fighting. They were obviously still stunned by the explosion.

    A few gave strange looks at the couple.

    Crule and Ming didn¡¯t take much. They were now sitting on a chunk of fallen ceiling, enjoying some tea and snacks.

    Of course they used some of their newly obtained honey with their tea.

    The adventurers could only laugh wryly at how calm the two were.

    They had so many question¡­but that can wait till after the looting.

    On their way back, a few adventurer had built up enough courage to approach the couple.

    Their main question was to ask Crule about the weapon he had. It looked like a railgun mixed with a cannon but knowing the properties of the Wild and its anti-electricity, which could not be the case.

    Crule talked mildly about what it was and handed them Brigid¡¯s business card. The adventurers paled upon seeing the card.

    It was extremely pink and frilly¡­On the pink card was a large plastic hammer toy. Holding it was a little girl (Brigid).

    The adventurers didn¡¯t know what to say.

    Crule only smiled nicely and told them it¡¯s not a joke.

    They took the cards reluctantly¡­

    Along the way, they also tried to see what things they can bring back from the corpses of worker bees.

    Upon finally returning back to the stadium, the veterans bragged to the others about what happened. It seemed those who stayed behind could hear the explosion and were worried.

    Things calmed down and people were finally de-stressing.

    But Crule and Ming were still wary.

    As the old saying goes, ¡®As long as a cloud remains in the sky, the tide is not over.¡¯

    Some older veterans were also on high alert.

    All of a sudden, a scout who went to check up on the first zone ran into the stadium.

    [Scout]: S-something is coming!

    The adventurers all stopped what they were doing and ran outside.

    Upon staring at the general direction of the coast, they were shocked.

    A large black wall and slowly creeping towards them.

    Old man Cytex paled.

    [Cytex]: It¡¯s a tidal wave.

    As if flooding wasn¡¯t bad enough, this wave looks like it will destroy everything, even the stadium.

    Suddenly, a pair of glowing yellow eyes appeared inside the wave.

    All the adventurers were shocked.

    [Cytex]: T-there¡¯s something inside the tidal wave¡­

    This was the first time they have seen something like this.

    They were hoping, it won¡¯t be the last thing they ever see again.

    Crule smirked.

    [Crule]: It¡¯s finally here.

    ______

    Of in the distance standing on top of a tree, was the bear. Reaching down, he plucked a rip apple off a branch.

    With a loud crunch, he bit into the apple. He looked deeply annoyed.

    [Bear]: The damn bastard finally showing his face. I hope he remember to take some alive this time. Stupid glutton is eating everything.

 Arc 11 Epilogue.

    Arc 11 Epilogue.

    The world is fueled by many forces. Whether its gravity, electro-magnetism, strong or weak forces, or the forces of the occult. They make the universe work the way it does.

    The scientists of Noxia split the forces into two sections. The forces of nature, and the forces of the occult.

    The forces of nature were ones that can be explained mostly by science.

    The forces of the occult were ones that no one can explain them other than those who use them.

    In the forces of nature, gravity was the weakest. It can only attract but never repel. It cannot be shielded against, nor can it be absorbed or changed. Although it is said to be the weakest, one should not underestimate its sheer power on the large scale. Black holes are prime examples of just how powerful gravity can be.

    This was one force energy on Noxia can simulate. Scientists were baffled as how the energy can form a gravitational pull. Since they cannot explain it by science, gravity formed from energy was considered the occult.

    This is where it gets confusing. The forces of nature can be explained by science, but if recreated using energy, it¡¯s a force of the occult. Some may be explained by science like the power of heat. Acceleration of electrons to produce heat is possible as it is known that the energy can push electrons. This also means they can slow them down thus resulting in coldness.

    Let¡¯s have an example of some of the differences between occult and natural forces.

    As stated, heat and coldness are considered natural forces.

    Time and gravity are considered occult.

    Scientists were baffled as to how energy can affect such forces. They know it can behave like a charged electron, but how can such a thing affect the very gravity caused from density or time itself?

    Perhaps if they understood more about the energy swirling around on their planet, they might have discover new uses of it.

    ______

    Brigid stared at the book on her desk. She too pondered on the forces of the world and energy. Her own energy was one of temperature control. It helped with her forging and manipulating materials.

    Other questions started to pop up as well. Why can we humans see the energy in a physical manifestation, aka the aura?Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Why can we feel the presence of the energy? Just which organ in our body allows for that? It is a sort of gut feeling like a sixth sense?

    Endless questions that doesn¡¯t have an answer to filled her head.

    She summoned a ball of energy in her palms and just stared at it. Without filtering it through her aura, the energy was in its purest form. A ball of colorless light. Why is it a light? Why not a solid or a liquid or gas? Better yet, is it a plasma like fire?

    She started rotating the energy. It began to spin slowly. In motion, the energy acted like a liquid or gas, depending on its concentration. From a view point, it is a light.

    Perhaps science can never explain something as unique as this. Perhaps the occult should just be left in its own category. Somethings in this world just doesn¡¯t want to be explained.

    Brigid dissipated the ball of energy and leaned back on her chair. She stared at the ceiling above her. The grey tiles was covered with dark spots in a pattern. It was intricate but at the same time repetitive.

    [Brigid]: A formation¡­A pattern¡­A lattice structure¡­

    Thoughts flowed through her head like a raging river.

    She remembered when her grandparents took her to see the seven seals. They were an intricate pattern woven from energy. They were timeless, endless, and mysterious. The only world she had that perfectly describe them was the occult.

    She thought to herself.

    [Brigid]: Why can¡¯t I make a formation too?

    She mind was spinning with various information on patterns, formations and such.

    Suddenly, she realize she needs more research.

    Formations have been a thing for a long long time. It was brought from their original home planet. Formations have been used by shamans, mages, wizards, and many other occult jobs.

    They performed many tasks, including sealing, buffing, and performing mechanical processes. Some were even used in alchemy.

    As she thought about this, a smile appeared on her face.

    Looks like she found a new toy to play with.

    ______

    The old Sage and Maximus had been walking for weeks now. Finally they reached civilization again.

    They came to see an old friend. Although not one of the original seven, she had been around since the beginning. Her age as timeless as they were and her powers as mysterious as ever.

    The old Sage shivered at the thought of her power. Maximus only teased him for it.

    The town they came to was a medium sized one. A thick wall made of cut stone protected the region. The outer places had fields of wheat. The suns were high in the sky and domesticated beasts were seen grazing in the fields.

    Upon entering the city, they headed straight for the darkest corner. Completely having its light covered by the wall, they found the building they were looking for.

    An inconspicuous set of stairs led downwards into a basement bar. Perhaps it was too early in the day so everything was very quiet. The garbage can was being purveyed by rodent beasts so the rustling of trash and banging of metal could be heard.

    The sound of wind blowing through the crevasses between the buildings created as sort of eerie tune.

    The sage took a deep breath and knocked on the metal door.

    The slit on the door opened revealing a pair of eyes.

    [Guard]: Whats your business?

    People don¡¯t normally come this early.

    The Sage revealed a more serious face.

    [Sage of Time]: Tell your mistress old man time and Max has come to pay a visit.

    The guard was quiet for a moment before shutting the slit.

    Moments later, the metal door opened.

    Maximus chuckled a little while the Sage only sighed.

    They walked into the bar to see their old friend.

 Chapter 137: Overwhelming debut.

    Chapter 137: Overwhelming debut.

    The large tidal wave suddenly came to stop. Such a feat was impossible in the minds of humans. Perhaps only one with the power to move an entire ocean can force such a large tidal wave to stop in place. The eyes grew larger and suddenly a giant head emerged from the wave.

    Its large dark green body was covered in moss. Its huge scales twitched and moved as its body carried the head forward. It was like a giant snake with its mouth already wide opened.

    From its mouth a deep laugh erupted.

    [Beast]: Oh you foolish humans. Become food for the great Leviathan!

    Crule nearly burst out laughing.

    [Ming]: *sigh* Great leviathan my ass. That oversized snake is just a distant descendent of the great leviathan.

    Crule nodded.

    Suddenly, hundreds of fleshy tendrils shot from its large open mouth. It immediately impaled several unsuspecting adventurers and quickly reeled back into its mouth.

    Just like that, the adventurers suddenly lost a large portion of their forces. Few were keen and was barely about to either dodge or block the tendrils.

    Everyone¡¯s faces paled. A primal fear crept up their spine sending shivers throughout their body. Many wanted to flee but their mind couldn¡¯t react.

    Crule and Ming suddenly got serious.

    [Crule]: It seems our little snake here has eaten a lot more than we though.

    [Ming]: Perhaps that bastard is the cause of the yearly tides, taking in more and more food each year.

    [Crule]: If so, then we got a little bit of a problem on our side.

    Crule sighed.

    While everyone was still paralyzed by fear, Crule and Ming finally stood out. They leaped to the tallest building in the area and shouted at the beast.

    [Crule]: Hey, bastard. Had your fill yet?

    [Ming]: Yea! You damn glutton! You¡¯re a pig not a snake!

    The beast¡¯s eyes glowed with anger.

    [Leviathan]: Who dares mock the great Leviathan!

    [Crule]: Calling yourself the great Leviathan? Ha, your ancestors frown upon your stupidity.

    [Leviathan]: You¡­

    [Ming]: Yea you stupid pig!Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    The leviathan who had never been insulted so much flew into a fury.

    He sent all hundreds of his tendrils all at the couple.

    Crule and Ming smiled.

    [Crule]: Time to show off. Devour, Onyx.

    [Ming]: Let¡¯s go, Blood Valkyrie.

    Countless piece of armor appeared from Crule¡¯s storage and attached themselves around the two.

    Soon both was fully armored in their mobile suits.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s go.

    The tendrils that attacked the two was grabbed by Crule in his armor. Instead of cutting them, Crule sent his aura through them like cables. It reached the Leviathan¡¯s mouth and blinded it with hunger.

    Now it¡¯s just rashly lashing out more tendrils at Crule and Ming.

    The surviving adventurers watched with shock and awe.

    [Cytex]: A-are those androids?

    [Veteran adventurer]: Shouldn¡¯t be, it looked like armor.

    [Cytex]: *sigh* Such power¡­such speed. They might actually win this.

    Ming flew up with discs of blood under her feet and dashed toward the Leviathan¡¯s mouth. Forming an extremely large poleaxe with her blood reserves, she slammed the poleaxe on the beast¡¯s head. It was an extremely powerful blow and the shockwave could be felt in the group where the adventurers were.

    Some were knocked off their feet and was now on their butts.

    The blow however, was only able to shatter several of the beast¡¯s scales.

    [Ming]: Quite a tough one huh?

    [Crule]: It¡¯s eaten a lot.

    Crule still pinned down its mouth by holding its tendrils. The beast was now thrashing back n forth from the pain of Ming¡¯s attack but the attack seem to have made it regain consciousness.

    [Leviathan]: You two¡­You DARE attack ME?!

    Ming once again slashed down with her poleaxe. It once again hit the Leviathan¡¯s head with an earthshattering blow.

    [Ming]: Shut up, you pig.

    [Crule]: Let¡¯s finish this.

    Crule tighten his grips on the tendrils and pulled. The leviathan lowered its head to reveal its neck.

    His aura gathered around his arms.

    Ming dissipated her poleaxe and formed two swords.

    [Ming]: I wonder how it tastes.

    She licked her lips behind her helmet.

    The leviathan shivered. It had been the top predator in the lake for as long as it could remember. Never before had the thought of being eaten himself had gone through his mind.

    He thought to himself.

    [Leviathan]: Shit¡­I didn¡¯t want to use it here but I have to now¡­

    Suddenly a light shined from its mouth.

    Crule noticed the light and frowned.

    [Crule]: From the energy it gives off, it should be an ancient treasure¡­

    Crule quickly pulled the tendrils and launched himself toward the Leviathan¡¯s mouth.

    Ming was about to swing down with her swords. When suddenly a blinding light enveloped the Leviathan. She quickly covered her eyes.

    [Ming]: Shit, is he running away?

    But before the Leviathan completely vanishes, Crule had already gotten in its mouth and stood on its teeth.

    He vanished alongside the Leviathan.

    Ming blinked a few times and saw the two had disappeared.

    [Ming]: An ancient treasure huh? Let¡¯s hope Crule can get it.

    Ming sighed, disappointed that she couldn¡¯t deal the final blow.

    With the Leviathan gone, the tidal wave quickly crashed down.

    The adventurers who were watching suddenly panicked. The wave was enough to destroy the entire port.

    [Cytex]: No¡­

    Ming casually waved her arms and an extremely long wall of blood rose from the ground. The wave crashed against the wall and was diverted. Ming made the wall lead the water back to the lake.

    [Ming]: Leaving me on clean up duty¡­humph. He better make me some good food when he comes back¡­

    The other adventurers were still stunned.

    [Veteran Adventurer]: S-she¡¯s a goddess¡­

    [Cytex]: Perhaps only a deity could perform such feats¡­

    Ming flew back down and landed in front of the adventurers. With a command, she dispelled her armor and it went back to its pocket dimension.

    Several adventurers where already bowing down worshiping her.

    [Ming]: Bunch of old fools been scared silly¡­

    The other only watched in awe.

    Finally the clouds had cleared and a powerful ray of sunshine from the twin suns pierced down.

    Completely coincidentally, it landed directly over Ming.

    [Ming]: Well, isn¡¯t this a happy coincident.

    The beam of light only solidified her status as a deity in the eyes of the shocked adventurers.

    [Ming]: At least it¡¯s flashy¡­

 Chapter 138: Pocket World?

    Chapter 138: Pocket World?

    How could one describe what Crule was feeling at this moment? A sense of heaviness washed over him followed by a feel of his body trying to expand as if something inside of him was trying to break free from his skin.

    He quickly opens his eyes as darkness surrounded him. A single beam of light shined from above revealing the dirt and rock area near him. It seemed he was in a cave.

    The feeling of heaviness and bloating didn¡¯t stop. Crule took a deep breath trying to get some oxygen to his brain so he can make sense of what¡¯s happening.

    Slowly he realized something important.

    There was no energy.

    The bountiful energy that had flow through Noxia like the atmosphere was not present.

    His body was already accustomed to constantly draw in the ever-present energy. Now that he was suddenly thrown into an area without it, his body was still absorbing only to take in nothing. The bloating feeling was from his large pool of energy already his body trying to expand outwards.

    Normally the energy in the atmosphere would push back resulting in an equilibrium.

    Crule quickly stopped his body from trying to draw in energy. It was something he hadn¡¯t done in a while. He could feel his body weaken significantly. As the absorption stopped, so did his energy¡¯s connection to the outside. It stopped trying to breach out of his body and the bloating feeling slowly dissipated.

    Crule wondered to himself.

    [Crule]: Where am I? What place was left in Noxia that wasn¡¯t permeated by the omniscient energy?

    He racked his brain trying to think of a place.

    The only explanation he could come up with was an alternate world. His entire galaxy was seeped with the dense energy. Only when one leaves the outer border of the galaxy will they find the energy had begun to evaporate away.

    Crule slowly stood up. His balance wavered as the sense of weakness kept washing over him.

    In order to stop the bloating feeling, he had to store the energy deep in his body. His limbs which were used to the constant supply of energy deteriorated. He could feel his strength fell to perhaps that of double the average man. Thankfully the temperament left his body stronger than normal.

    He looked up at the light shining from above, then at the darkness that surrounded him in the cave.

    A thought flashed in his mind.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Where was the Leviathan he was with?

    Did they somehow get separated along the way?

    What¡¯s worst was he didn¡¯t know whether he could return to Noxia or not.

    Crule quickly made a mental note of several tasks he had to do.

    Number 1: Find out where the hell his currently location was.

    Number 2: Find the where-about of the Leviathan he was chasing.

    Number 3: Obtain the ancient treasure the Leviathan had.

    He knew the treasure had brought them here; perhaps it could also take them back.

    Of course the most important task¡­Send a note to Ming.

    He didn¡¯t want her to worry.

    In his current situation the only thing that connected them was Crule¡¯s pocket dimension where he stores all his goodies.

    He took out a piece of paper and wrote a note.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me; it will take longer than I thought. Break the seal without me.¡±

    He attached a trace of his personal aura on the note and placed it back into his dimension. When Ming opens her side of the dimension, the note will come out on her side.

    [Crule]: Hopefully she gets the note¡­

    He wasn¡¯t sure whether his dimension could pass through worlds or not.

    Now that that was done¡­Crule looked with curiosity and determination. He did some stretches and began to climb up the jagged rocked wall toward the light.

    He took this chance to accustom his body to the new environment. A single bead of sweat rolled down his forehead by the time he reached the opening. Slowly climbing out of the hole he was in, Crule looked around to realize he was currently in an alley way. Tall concrete buildings surrounded his left and right creating this narrow alley.

    Out of all the things he expected, Crule had not thought he would actually be so close to civilization.

    From the looks of things around him, this civilization was quite advanced.

    Neon lamps hummed on the walls of the buildings. Noise of chattering and vehicles filled the air that he couldn¡¯t hear earlier when he was in the hole.

    Crule looked back and realize the hole had become a sewer hole.

    But the cave wasn¡¯t a sewer though¡­

    [Crule]: Interesting¡­

    He said with a smirk slowly forming on his face.

    Wearing his black clothes, Crule walked out of the alley and blended with the bustling crowd of pedestrians.

    Suddenly, he stopped and stared.

    A small shop that sold televisions was broadcasting the news it seemed.

    [Anchorman]: ¡­In other news, ambassador from another pocket world arrived today. He brings news of his world and the outside. Will this change anything for us here in the last fortress of mankind? Will our Ark finally find a suitable world to land in? Find out more at 8 O¡¯clock on the evening news.

    Crule was shocked¡­A pocket world? Was this similar to his pocket dimension which held his goods? But how could it be this big¡­this advanced¡­Was this a remnant dimension of a former expert?

    Countless questions appeared in his mind. Crule could only sigh deeply.

    [Crule]: It seems I¡¯ve gotten in quite a situation¡­

    His knowledge of the universe was extremely limited. His education was provided by what Ms. Burnst and his teachers Famina and Shin could teach him. It was not much. They too didn¡¯t know the full situation. Perhaps in the entire world of Noxia, only the sage of time would have the knowledge¡­yet could never took the time to study under his tutelage.

    [Crule]: It seems I have a lot of learning to do.

    He promised himself when there is time, he will properly study the world he lived in¡­

    Suddenly his eyes were glued on the TV again. The news station was now showing a picture of the ambassador that had appeared. Something clicked in Crule¡¯s mind and he smiled.

    His eyes flashed as he saw the portrait of the ambassador¡­It was a tall handsome man¡­but one thing stood out. A turquoise fish scale under his left eye.

    Crule recognized the scale¡­

    [Crule]: So the damn fish can transform¡­

    It seemed he manage to finish two of his tasks almost immediately.

 Chapter 139: Mistaken identity.

    Chapter 139: Mistaken identity.

    Although he wanted to stay longer, Crule still walked away from the TV display. He had to start making his plans to get to the damn fish.

    But first he needed connections¡­He can¡¯t just walk up to someone whose already established as a diplomat and just outright kill him. It would turn the entire world against him.

    Crule is too interested in this pocket world to suddenly turn into public enemy number one. It would greatly hinder his plans if he were to ever return.

    Another problem is his limited energy supply. He can¡¯t replenish his energy and the fight with the damn fish would certainly drain him. It would be dangerous if the ancient treasure required energy to be used. He would be stuck.

    Crule wandered the city. The people were dressed in cloth of three different colors. It seemed the color of their clothes were also an indicator of their social status.

    Crule observed those who wore clothes that were either red or with strips of red had the lowest standing. They were the shoe shiners, the janitors, and the blue collar workers. It seems as the number of strips increased, their status improved a small bit. Those with clothes of full red seemed to be at the top of the blue collar worker status. They had an air of anticipation, as if they knew they were going to be promoted soon.

    Those with only a single red strip had dejected expressions. They knew that it will require a miracle for them to be able to climb out of their social status within their life time. Perhaps their children might be able to but they themselves will forever be a low class serf.

    The second group of people was wearing blue. They were the most normal looking people. They were the people sitting in the caf¨¦s, drinking their fancy beverages. They were the people in the stores, browsing various different blue colored clothes. Crule assumed they were the middle class. Those who were wearing full blue had a hint of arrogance to them.

    The last group was rarely seen. They wore black. Most were in large fancy vehicles or eating at fine dining locations. Perhaps out of the hundred people visible around Crule, only two were wearing black. Crule could not see anyone wearing full black like he was. He was extremely out of place.

    Everyone was giving him strange looks of both envy and awe. Even the two wearing black stripped clothes had to do a double take. A look of fear momentarily shone in their eye.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    Full black¡­just what kind of class does this represent? ¡­Perhaps only royalty and those who had power to destroy the entire Ark.

    Crule lightly coughed before he tried to slip away. Sadly now that he had been in the open, eyes everywhere was following him.

    The once busy street slowly became silent as more and more people noticed Crule¡¯s full black clothes.

    [Crule]: Am I really so handsome that I can stop an entire street?

    Crule lightly laughed and exclaimed while the looks others gave him wavered. The two wearing black strips finally decide to step up and try to ease the situation.

    [2 black stripped man]: May I have the honor of knowing Sir¡¯s name?

    The man was extremely respectful although he was normally incomparably arrogant due to his black clothes.

    The other person wearing black also nodded in panic.

    Crule coughed and waved his hand. He didn¡¯t want to reveal anything by speaking more that what he already has.

    The two¡¯s face became pale and nodded.

    It seems they misunderstood Crule because a moment later, one of them brought out a phone and made a call. Minutes later, a group of well dressed men in blue came in a large van. They quickly herded the others away from the street.

    Within a short fifteen minutes, the entire street was empty except for the two black clothes men and Crule.

    Crule laughed wryly. It seems his actions to avoid attention instead did the opposite¡­

    [1 black stripped man]: Y-you highness, the task has been complete. I-is there anything else you require Honorable Sir?

    He was stuttering his words as his nervousness could be clearly seen all over his expression.

    On the entire Ark there were perhaps only ten people who could wear full black with pride¡­They were the Twin Stars royal family heads and eight demi-gods.

    Everyone knows the faces of the Twin Stars royal family as they appear in public often¡­but the eight demi-gods were more secretive. Perhaps only one of the other eight could recognize each other by name.

    The two wearing black strips though Crule was perhaps one of the demi-gods.

    Of course Crule had no clue about this and was secretively annoyed at himself for causing his current dilemma. He could only probe the two waiting in front of him.

    With a cold and ice tone, Crule asked.

    [Crule]: Do you know who I am?

    The two immediately froze. All their blood left their face and they looked like they had just seen their mother fall into a pit of cannibals while being forced to watch the whole process.

    [2 black stripped man]: W-we a-are not worthy of k-knowing honorable d-demi-gods¡¯ n-name.

    [1 black stripped man]: P-please spare us, oh great one.

    The two immediately kneeled on the ground and begged Crule.

    Crule thought to himself.

    [Crule]: Demi-god huh? It seems I have secured myself a high position quite easily¡­but if they lead me to other of those so called ¡®demi-gods¡¯ a problem might occur.

    For now he had to quickly resolve the situation and find a quiet place to change his clothes into something¡­with less brilliance.

    Crule looked down at the two with his icy stare. The two nearly pissed themselves when they saw the disdain in Crule¡¯s eyes.

    [Crule]: Leave me.

    Crule waved his hands.

    The two immediately started to run without any attention to how idiotic their fleeing style was.

    Crule smiled and immediately left for the alley he came from.

 Chapter 140: The fourth color.

    Chapter 140: The fourth color.

    After Crule changed into a less conspicuous red tunic he found in a nearby Laundromat, he quickly returned to alley where the sewer entrance was. As he was nearing the alley, he saw people slowly shuffle their way back into the area after the group of blue clothed men lifted the barriers.

    Crule quickly wrapped half his face with the red scarf he found along with the clothes. Only his eyes were showing. It wasn¡¯t strange to the pedestrians as a slight chill blew through the street.

    Dashing casually into the alley, Crule once again was in the darkness of the shade between two buildings. But an additional thing caught his eyes.

    The sewer cover that Crule closed after he exited the cave earlier was opened.

    Being as quiet as he could, Crule crept over the manhole opening and looked down. It seems the interior had changed. It was no longer the cave he was in originally but instead an actual sewer passage was seen below. Murky water flowed endlessly and small rodents scurried away from the light shining down from the opening. A light breathing sound could be heard.

    Someone was down there.

    Crule jumped down and made a sizable splash to rid the nearby area of rodents and debris.

    The sudden appearance of Crule frightened the owner of the breathing sound.

    Crule frowned when he saw who it was.

    A child wearing grey¡­it was not the red color of the low class, not the blue of the middle class, nor the black of the upper class. It was grey, dirty, filthy, ragged grey. A deep look of fear shone deep from the depths of the kid¡¯s eyes. It was hard to tell the kid¡¯s gender as its hair was unkempt and looked like it had never been cut in his life. Not a single feature could help Crule tell what gender the kid was.

    Suddenly, breaking out of shock, the kid who was now hyper-ventilating took a bone knife from under his grey clothes and lunged at Crule while screaming.

    [Crule]: Kid¡­

    Crule sighed and with his otherworldly speed, immediately snatched the knife from the kid¡¯s hands mid lunge.

    [Crule]: Certain is brave in the face of danger¡­

    Crule mused to himself while quickly grabbing the kid by the back of its neck like a cat.

    [Crule]: Calm down kid, I won¡¯t hurt you¡­much.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    Crule laughed sinisterly. His old habit was showing again¡­

    The kid froze and pissed itself¡­all over Crule¡¯s shoes.

    Then again, it doesn¡¯t matter as Crule was already stepping in sewage.

    Crule frowned.

    [Crule]: So much for bravery¡­

    The kid fainted.

    [Crule]: ¡­Guess I¡¯ll ask questions later.

    He carried the kid on his back and started to walk along the sewer line.

    ______

    A faint glow laminated the dark damp area. The sound of sewage dripping and the squeaking of rodents was the ambient soundtrack to the makeshift camp.

    A pile of dried garbage was burning in the middle. Crule sat on a turned over barrel. The kid was asleep on the rag covered ground.

    A stick was being held over the trash fire. On it was a rat.

    A delicious toasty rat¡­

    The smell permeated the area. To Crule who can stay alive by having his aura consume anything edible, the stench was not a problem. Since he had to preserve his energy, he didn¡¯t do so though.

    The ¡®aroma¡¯ slowly roused the kid awake. The first thing in its sights was Crule smiling. To Crule, his smile was one of benevolence, like that of a father looking down at a hardworking son. But to the others¡­this was the smile of deception. The smile of cruelty¡­the last damn thing they want to see before they die.

    The kid was so frightened that it fainted immediately after waking up.

    Crule could only sigh deeply.

    [Crule]: The kid must be a girl¡­my devilish handsomeness can make even the proudest daughter of heaven faint.

    Being away from Ming made Crule act very differently¡­ In front of his wife, Crule acts like the cool dark hero who seemed like he knew everything. But his original personality¡­perhaps only in a world so incredibly distant from Noxia would he dare show it.

    His personality changed a lot as he aged.

    When was a prisoner kid, he was shy, fearful, but yet hopeful and curious.

    After training with Famina, her arrogance rubbed off him. He became bold, brash, and utterly shameless. The change was huge¡­

    After meeting Ming, Crule develop his ¡®cool guy¡¯ personality.

    As they say¡­old habits die hard.

    There are many theories behind his ¡®cool guy¡¯ persona. Some say it¡¯s the side effect of Crule¡¯s energy constantly flowing through him.

    With his energy now sealed within¡­perhaps Crule¡¯s true self will finally surface.

    ______

    By the time the kid woke up again the cooked rat has already been cooling for a while. Crule was sat crossed legs with his eyes closed. He was trying to slowly accustom his body to small amounts of energy at a time instead of being constantly drenching them in it.

    The kid¡¯s eyes stared cautiously at Crule. It didn¡¯t move but its growling stomach betrayed its caution. The kid grabbed the cooled cooked rat and ate ravenously. It was as if it hadn¡¯t eaten in a week.

    Crule slightly opened one eye and looked quietly.

    He couldn¡¯t help but sigh.

    [Crule]: What an adorable little rascal.

    From the kid¡¯s height Crule could only make an estimate on its age. Unless malnutrition played a big factor, the kid should be around seven years old.

    The kid was looking cautiously at Crule whilst consuming the rat.

    Crule didn¡¯t say a word. He just sat there quietly with one eye opened, staring at the kid.

    Quickly, the unsatisfying meal was finished and all that remained are bones that were too hard to digest. The kid still haven¡¯t let go of its glare at Crule.

    The tense situation continued for a long time. The kid eventually grew too tired to keep up its vigil. Crule smiled when the kid finally fell asleep.

    [Crule]: Do I really look so good that she had to stare at me for hours on end?

    After staring for such a long time Crule finally realized the kid was female.

    He took more dried trash and add it to the fire. Using his precious energy, he quickly took out a blanket and draped it over the kid.

    [Crule]: Guess I¡¯ll ask in the morning.

 Chapter 141: True identity of the Treasure.

    Chapter 141: True identity of the Treasure.

    A ray of light beamed from the hole in the ceiling. The bustling of the urban sprawl dully echoed overhead. Crule woke up refreshed from his light rest after circulating energy carefully through his body.

    The kid still has not awoken yet. Crule could feel its vitality was very weak. Only the ever so slight rising and falling of the blanket Crule put over it signaled the kid was still alive.

    As if feeling Crule¡¯s gaze on it, the kid slowly woke up.

    Crule once again asked but this time with a lighter, friendlier tone.

    [Crule]: What¡¯s your name?

    The kid was still wary but after a night¡¯s rest it wasn¡¯t so stressed.

    Finally after waiting for nearly a day and a half, Crule got the kid¡¯s name¡­

    [Kid]: Jane. My name is Jane.

    Crule was silent and calm but deep inside he was shocked. Because when he finally heard the kid¡¯s voice with the name, he was now sure of her identity.

    He rubbed his temples trying to figure out how exactly he got into this situation.

    He sighed.

    [Crule]: Good name. You gave it to yourself?

    [Jane]: How did you know?

    [Crule]: Anyways¡­Can you take me back to your place?

    [Jane]:¡­.Gramps said never talk to anyone wearing a colored shirt.

    [Crule]:¡­.Who is your gramps?

    [Jane]: Gramps doesn¡¯t have a name. He said he didn¡¯t like having one.

    [Crule]:¡­.

    After what Jane said, Crule was now sure exactly where he was¡­.or actually ¡®when¡¯ he was.

    He thought to himself.

    [Crule]: Is this reality or a fragment¡­

    The identity of the treasure the leviathan had was now even more valuable in Crule¡¯s eyes. Perhaps the damn fish didn¡¯t even know its true purpose.

    [Crule]: Looks like I gotta convince her to take me¡­

    Crule decided to use a little of his saved energy to open up his storage. He took out the piece of Garudan Steak he had been saving since long ago. It was still piping hot and the savory aroma quickly overpowered everything in their corner of the sewers.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    In all honesty, Crule would never take out such a fine dish in such a filthy place, but time is of the essence now. He didn¡¯t know how long the treasure will allow him to stay. Such a powerful thing must have limitations.

    [Crule]: Here, have some more to eat.

    He offered the steak to Jane.

    Although slightly reluctant, the rich aroma quickly overpowered her wariness as her desire to eat overwhelms her.

    She quickly snatched the steak from Crule¡¯s plate and started eating it with her hands.

    Crule tried hard not to frown upon such barbarity to something he put heart into cooking. It honestly hurt his pride¡­his pride which was now overwhelmingly huge due to the lack of restraints from his energy. His eyes nearly turned red at the act of disrespect to him.

    He then remembered who he was dealing with and sighed.

    After Jane finished eating, she stared at Crule as if wanting more.

    [Crule]: Good god, just how massive is her stomach and appetite¡­

    He wondered.

    [Crule]: Can you please take me to your grandpa? I wanna share some food with him.

    Crule put on the best sincere smile he could must¡­but honestly with his face it just looks like a sinister smirk.

    Jane however was unaffected by such an evil looking smile but instead was thinking of the food.

    Finally after much thought about all the nice things her gramps had done for her, she wanted him to try the food the weird little man brought as well.

    [Jane]: Ok¡­

    She got up and started walking immediately. Crule quickly followed.

    ______

    After nearly half an hour of walking through the zigs and zags of the maze like sewer pipes, they finally arrived in a large open area. It was drier than the rest of the sewers and a dim ray of light shined from above which lit up the darkness.

    In front of Crule was nearly an entire district of makeshift houses made from scraps of metal, wood, and stones. It looked like the slums yet had a thriving feel to it.

    Of course Crule didn¡¯t know what it looked like originally but he knew the name¡­

    The slum city of Corpi Costa¡­Apparently who ever named it thought the sewer system made their city a coastal one¡­

    Crule realized as soon as he got near the entrance of the city, a few guards wielding makeshift weapons were on alert. They stared at his clothes and frowned.

    [Guard]: What¡¯s a colored one like you doing down here?

    The guard asked in a mocking tone.

    Crule didn¡¯t say anything. He just followed Jane.

    The guards upon seeing Jane let her through but when Crule tried to enter, they stopped him.

    They stared menacingly at Crule as if trying to dissuade him from attempting to enter their city.

    When Crule didn¡¯t flinch or move at all, the guards decided to take action. Just as they were about to push Crule, Jane stepped up and pulled the guard¡¯s sleeves.

    [Jane]: He¡¯s a friend, let him in please?

    The guards looked down at her then at Crule. Finally they sighed.

    [Guard]: Anyone that you can trust I guess is fine with entering¡­But I¡¯m keeping an eye on you¡­don¡¯t try anything funny.

    The guards warned Crule.

    Without a single facial expression, Crule once again followed Jane into the city.

    ______

    The entire city was made from sheets of metal that seemed to be badly welded together. The homes were not tall, all single floored. But the sewers were built in a step-like fashion, thus resulting in the city having a slope. As Crule climbed up the stairs, the buildings start to look nicer. Although no longer made of rusting piece of metal, they were made from cement. It didn¡¯t provide much warmth, but it was sturdy.

    Soon, even small gardens with produce was seen. Anything from herbs to fruit and even vegetables were being grown in the small yards. The compost smell was very strong as was the smell of vegetation.

    Soon they were near the top of the city when Jane stopped and entered one of the houses. Crule followed.

    Inside he saw several kids all around Jane¡¯s age, perhaps half a dozen in total.

    He also saw Jane¡¯s gramps.

    It shocked him deeply. But he remained calm.

    [Crule]: So it¡¯s you¡­

    Crule said in his mind.

    He stared at the Sage sitting in his rocking chair moving back and forth¡­

 Chapter 142: One extra?

    Chapter 142: One extra?

    Crule wanted to ask the Sage why he was here but he quickly stopped himself. He nearly thought the Sage in front of him was the Sage he knew well, but perhaps that was not the case.

    Thinking of the theory he had, he shouldn¡¯t appear too familiar with the Sage.

    Anyways, the Sage looked different from his usual appearance. Instead of his usual aged 50-60 year old elderly look, he had a more youthful glow. Not youthful enough, but perhaps somewhere in his mid-30s. On his chin, instead of his well-maintained beard, was a hint of a stubble that seem to be an emerging beard. The look in his eyes was also not the aged wise stare but instead one of slight fear and doubt.

    It would seem this Sage in front of him didn¡¯t recognize him and the fact that a stranger was brought into his house had startled him.

    The Sage quickly looked away and towards Jane.

    [Sage]: There you are Jane, why did you get back so late?

    [Jane]: I got lost.

    [Sage]: You and I both know that you know the sewers well enough to make getting lost impossible.

    [Jane]: ¡­

    The Sage sighed.

    [Sage]: Don¡¯t go bothering the upper folks, they are dangerous.

    [Jane]: But¡­

    [Sage]: Also, introduce me to your friend here.

    Before Jane could talk, Crule took the initiative to introduce himself.

    [Crule]: My names Crule.

    [Sage]: What an¡­interesting name.

    The Sage was trying to gauge Crule¡¯s purpose.

    [Sage]: May I ask what can I do for you?

    The Sage probably assumed Crule seek him out considering none of the kids he took care of garners must attention.

    [Crule]: Just a traveler seeking refuse. Your daughter thankfully took me to this city.

    The Sage looked at Jane trying to see if she showed any strange emotions. Looking at the anticipating smile on Jane¡¯s face, he could only sigh.

    [Sage]: Dear boy, what is your profession?

    [Crule]: Profession?

    [Sage]: All people on the ark are assigned to a profession at birth. Regardless of class. What is your profession?

    The Sage started to sound more serious. Anyone who didn¡¯t know such basic knowledge of the Ark may be an intruder¡­and those may lead to catastrophic consequences.

    [Crule]: I¡¯m¡­a cook.

    That was the best answer Crule can come up with on the spot.

    [Sage]: A cook you say¡­Its not every day you see a cook!Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    The Sage smiled. But for some reason Crule still felt a tinge of alert in the man¡¯s eyes.

    [Sage]: May I ask our friend here to make us a dish?

    The Sage asked with a friendly smile.

    [Crule]: Sure, let me borrow your kitchen then.

    The Sage slowly got out of his chair and sighed.

    His face turned serious.

    [Sage]: An intruder of the Ark¡­in my house. I don¡¯t know whether to be annoyed or intrigued.

    Crule didn¡¯t know what went wrong. He felt the Sage had energy in him even though there was no energy in the air. Just how did the Sage accumulate it?

    Suddenly, the Sage created a bubble around them and attacked. He leaped at Crule with both of his palms stretched out. From them, Crule could sense a faint coating of energy.

    It was abysmally tiny but to anyone who was not protected by energy or had any contact with it before, it would be devastating.

    Crule quickly pulled back before the palm landed on his and used his two fists to return two punches to meet the Sage¡¯s palms.

    A shockwave spread out and blew the dust up off the ground. Several ceramic vases fell and shattered. The kids were cowering in the back already after they realized the Sage said the secret password.

    Obviously Crule didn¡¯t use too much power. He didn¡¯t want to hurt the Sage nor the kids in the back. So after he calculated, he used an equal amount of power to fully block and disperse the energy.

    The energy quickly dissipated in the air and the bubble around them shattered like a broken piece of glass hitting a marble floor.

    The Sage had a look of both shock and despair. Very few knew his true identity¡­He was one of the eight demigods. He protected the slums¡­which was why the others allowed the slums to exist. The red, blue, and black clothes ignored them mainly due to the Sage¡¯s presence. Few wanted to deal with a demigod.

    For this stranger to possess power that equal to his own was no laughing matter. Perhaps only the other demi-gods or someone high in the Twin-Star royal family could fight on his level. But this boy in front of him was neither.

    He was too young to be a demigod¡­All of them were aged myths from before the ark¡¯s time. He wasn¡¯t part of the royal family either as they were all born with a star shaped birthmark under their left eye.

    Just who is this kid?

    [Sage]: It would seems I underestimated our guest¡­

    The Sage tried to speak as calmly as he could in order to fool Crule into thinking he still had more tricks up his sleeves.

    But it wouldn¡¯t be able to fool Crule¡­

    Crule sighed.

    [Crule]: Tell me old man, what year is it?

    [Sage]: Year? Its Ark date 5691¡­It¡¯s been 5691 years since the Ark has started its voyage.

    Crule wracked his brain trying to think of stories he heard in his youth. His master Famina and the Sage use to enjoy blabbing on for hours about their past.

    Suddenly Crule realized¡­Ark date 5691¡­the Sage said the Ark entered the twin star galaxy on Ark date 5699. It was 8 years before the Ark stopped its near-light speed travel and arrive at his home galaxy¡­

    There was no way any normal human can live for that long¡­Unless they were like the Sage and his master¡­chosen to control a power of reality.

    How can there be 8 demigods then? It was understandable for the Twin star royal family as they had a strong bloodline that may contain some magic of sorts. But the 8 demigods all had lived since before the Ark began its journey¡­8 people who can live for 5691 years without looking a day older than 30¡­

    But there should be only 7? The four horsemen were granted near eternal life¡­The main reason Crule didn¡¯t was because his master Famina still exists on the plain of the living. Disciples couldn¡¯t receive the blessing until their master has passed on or ascended.

    The three realities¡­of Time, Fate, and Chaos should be near immortal as well. That adds up to only 7¡­who is the 8<sup>th</sup> then?

    Crule took far too long to think. The Sage didn¡¯t move at all fearing any sudden movements may cause Crule to act. With Crule just standing there staring at him, he felt a hint of fear.

    Crule realized he shouldn¡¯t be thinking of so much while the atmosphere was still tense. He sighed and put down his arms.

    Silently, he waved his hands and left out the door.

    The Sage wanted to chase after him but soon realized something had appear from thin air after Crule waved his hands.

    It was a white ceramic dish with a metal lip on top.

    The Sage slowly opened the lid and was astonished at what was inside¡­An entire section of roasted Garudan steak¡­the smell of caramelized onions, rosemary, and oven roasted potato assaulted his nose. The aroma of the meat nearly sapped the strength from his knees.

    When was the last time he had eaten something that wasn¡¯t processed nutrients?

    He stopped and swallowed some of the saliva that nearly dripped from his mouth¡­And as usual¡­sighed deeply.

    He beckoned the kids over as it was safe and they began their meal.

    Jane looked awkwardly at Crule who left silently after giving them the meal¡­

    She wanted to follow him¡­but her stomach was telling her otherwise.

 Chapter 143: From low to high.

    Chapter 143: From low to high.

    [Crule]: Now then¡­what to do. It seems I am not welcomed here in this slum city¡­nor do I quite fit in above¡­

    Crule leaned his back on the cold concrete wall. He felt its chilled coolness then came the feeling of sliminess. Years of ignorance made the wall a perfect gathering places for grim, moisture, and mold. Crule quickly revealed a face of disgust and looked at his ¡°borrowed¡± clothes already dirty beyond imagination.

    [Crule]: Well¡­at least I blend in a bit more now.

    He sighed.

    His red clothes have been stained with a yellowish grey liquid and his scarf was ruined by the corrosive juices sliding down the wall from a pipe above.

    Crule quickly removed what was covered in the sickening stuff¡­what remained was a pair of dark grey pants and some rags he manage to ¡°rescue¡± from a clothes line nearby. The rags he draped over himself like a poncho and wrapped some around his head to cover his hair.

    [Crule]: What I need now¡­is information. Walking around knowing nothing about the place makes me stick out like a sore thumb¡­But where can I find information without revealing too much about myself¡­

    What he needs right now is a place that is neutral to outsiders¡­somewhere where he wouldn¡¯t be painted as a target but can also get information¡­especially on the 8 demigods and the Twin Star royal family.

    Something as important as the Twin Star royal family had completely been forgotten in his time. Which means someone or something utterly wiped them out early from history and the only ones who remember are the old seven monsters themselves¡­Even then, they weren¡¯t important enough to be mentioned to Crule.

    There was also the fact that there was an 8<sup>th</sup> demigod¡­This point bothered Crule.

    He was also unsure if the treasure that brought him here was time based or memory based. If it was a time based treasure, he would have traveled back in time¡­thus all his actions may deeply impact his time. If it was a memory based treasure¡­he would be living through the memory of someone important¡­perhaps one of the demigods or maybe even a member of the royal family.

    Crule needed to figure out which type of treasure it was before he can perform any major actions. He already messed with the future by traveling back¡­now that he has gone even farther his impact would have an even greater effect due to those damn ¡°butterflies¡±¡­

    While Crule was pondering, the Sage was in a bad mood.

    [Sage]: Where did this outsider come from¡­we should be mid warp, nothing should be able to enter the Ark unless through one of the designated portals¡­If the outsider had entered through a portal, we would have known as the energy fluctuation would shake the entire vessel¡­If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    The Sage looked very upset. The kids around him had already ran and hide in their rooms. They recognize the look on the Sage¡¯s face and realize they shouldn¡¯t approach him at this moment unless they want death.

    Although the Sage is kind most of the time, he does have his¡­darker¡­times. Those children who have seen it with their own eyes have already fled. Those who knew about it but haven¡¯t seen it stayed but were wary.

    The Sage left after standing for a while. The kids slowly got out. They wanted to blame Jane for bringing someone that made the Sage go into one of his ¡°darker¡± moods. They looked at Jane with annoyance and disgust. But being already used to it, she just ignored the other kids and left¡­

    The Sage never had a strict hold on the kids. They could come and leave as they will, but these street kids were smart enough to know they wouldn¡¯t last on their own. After the Sage left, Jane finally went to look for Crule. She still didn¡¯t believe he was bad¡­just as she didn¡¯t believe the Sage was all good. Her intuition tells her Crule was a nice person.

    ______

    Whilst Jane was looking for him, Crule had already left the slum city. The guards stared in confusion at him as he left. His new clothes made him look like a resident but the guards know most of the residents of the small slum city.

    They wanted to stop him to ask who he was but Crule left too quickly for them to have the chance.

    Soon Crule found a manhole cover above and climbed out back into the upper streets. He found himself in another dark alley way. Several dumpsters lined the street and steam rose out from the pipes connecting to the buildings surrounding him.

    Instead of walking on the streets, this time Crule surged energy in his legs and climbed the side of the building. He quickly reached the roof.

    From the roof, he would see the artificial sky dome above him. Although it looked like a normal night sky, patterns could be seen as lines outlining each panel was visible.

    A wind blew gently as the sound of the city was muffled by the whistling of wind traveling through the city.

    [Crule]: For an artificially created city, they sure did pay attention to detail¡­

    There were no animals though¡­No birds, no rats, and no insects. Although Crule couldn¡¯t use his energy to sense for them, he secretly knew there weren¡¯t any.

    [Crule]: I need a map.

    Crule sat down on the roof. He closed his eyes as he try to map out the city from what he saw from the roof.

    There was a very tall and important looking building a few hundred meters west of him. On the opposite side, a few kilometers away was what looked like a support beam? Such a big dome should be able to hold itself up due to its shape but Crule assumed the engineers were better safe than sorry when involving the only hope for humanity.

    He ran toward the support beam. Being in a higher place means a better view of the city.

    Even with his strengthened muscle, it still took Crule an hour to reach the towering structure. A single bead of sweat fell from his forehead.

    [Crule]: I don¡¯t remember the last time I had such a workout.

    Looking at the smooth outside of the tower, Crule sighed.

    [Crule]: Looks like I have to climb it from the inside¡­

    He looked at the small metal door that has been locked by a giant padlock nearly half the side of the door.

    [Crule]: It seems to be a maintenance entrance¡­but this lock¡­

    Crule stared at the giant lock. It looked very interesting as there were two handles on each side and no keyhole.

    [Crule]: Perhaps¡­

    He gripped the handles with both hands and channeled his energy slowly through them. An audible click was heard as the lock opened up and fell on the ground with a dull thud.

    [Crule]: This kind of lock in this place¡­Perhaps one of the demigods was a blacksmith.

    Crule smirked as he realized he was in a very interesting situation. So many unknowns¡­the exhilaration of adventure once again filled him.

    Through the door was a long spiraling stairway. The lights were turned off so the darkness above made the stairs look eternal.

    [Crule]: *sigh*¡­I¡¯m definitely getting my share of cardio today.

    Thus the climb begun.

 Chapter 144: What ordeal?

    Chapter 144: What ordeal?

    As Crule began to climb the stairs, step by step he felt his knees buckle. It seems as if the gravity increases as he takes each step.

    [Crule]: This pressure¡­Where have I felt this before¡­

    An hour later, he could no longer rely on only his brute physical capabilities to climb on. He started to channel minute amounts of energy into his legs. It was like cold water hitting a slab of red hot iron. Steam rose from his legs as the sweat immediately evaporated.

    A feeling of comfort washed over Crule as he continued on. The pressure remains ever increasing though¡­

    Having lost count of how many steps he had climb, Crule decided to let his mind wander¡­

    The gates within his body¡­they are only channels. What will he do afterwards? His master never explained beyond that¡­perhaps she assumed Crule may never reach past that stage in his life time, after all¡­he didn¡¯t inherit the gift of immortality yet. His lifespan is still limited to a few hundred years at best.

    His pool of energy was as rich as the energy in the atmosphere on Noxia. He had a very large reserve of it. What he discovered was some of the energy in him had been touched by the primordial event horizon. It changed it¡­but Crule couldn¡¯t tell the difference. He couldn¡¯t use it either¡­

    The changed energy lie deep within his pool. He would have to exhaust all the energy he had up to that point in order to tap into changed energy.

    But like a carbonated drink, a bubble of it rises up every so often. Crule always had it ready for the most worst of situation. Once when he fought Hanuman, once when he fought the wolfspider queen, once when he fired his cannon toward the drake, and most recently when he killed the Queen Bee.

    Every time the tiny sliver of energy was surrounded by the normal kind so Crule couldn¡¯t examine the changes directly.

    Suddenly, his mind stopped wandering as he finally arrived at a door. The pressure currently was tenfold the normal gravity on the ark.

    Crule lifted his hand and placed it on the door. It had a cold feeling to it but soon a change occurred.

    Since the pressure was so great, Crule had to channel energy into his arms. The door sensed it and absorbed some of the energy. It didn¡¯t take much but was enough for Crule to feel a suctioning force. The door slowly opened.

    [Crule]: I really want to meet who ever made these contraptions.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Crule mused as he walked into the now opened door.

    ______

    Far away in a treehouse within the main park of the ark, a person stirred awake.

    [Person]: Hmm¡­He finally showed up.

    The person looked toward the towering structure in the distance.

    [Person]: If he pass my tests then I might finally get the chance to tell him¡­

    If Crule could see this person he would be shocked speechless¡­

    ______

    Behind the door was a single black obelisk. Engraved on the smooth marble-like stone was the ancient language of humanity. Crule couldn¡¯t read it but soon a monotone electronic voice started speaking.

    [Voice]: Long ago, mankind lived under one single language. The language brought them together, and they became arrogant. They decided to reach the heavens through a tower. Thus Babel was born. But as if it was an act against the gods themselves, the tower was destroyed and mankind was once again divided by language.

    Crule listened on with intrigue. Why did it suddenly start a history lesson?

    [Voice]: But Mankind was not deterred by the wrath of gods. Over eons, they once again united under a language. Learning from their past mistakes, they did not build a single tower. No, they built an entire series of towers. Each tower houses all the knowledge mankind had gathered.

    Crule was amazed. All the knowledge? It was an enormous task that seemed impossible¡­The voice continued.

    [Voice]: But as if the wrath of gods could never be prevented, our world was destroyed. But the towers continue on, humanity continued on. We left our battered world on an Ark with the tower which hold all of what defines humanity. The Ark with its towers of babel shall travel to a new world. Perhaps one day, with the knowledge we own, combined with new knowledge, we may challenge the heavens on equal grounds.

    The heavens¡­Crule never understood that. Even with the horseman of death, Crule never knew what happens after life. It was something he never had to ask before.

    The voice continued with a few final words that shocked Crule.

    [Voice]: For entering one of the towers, you have proven yourself worthy to take upon the ordeal of mankind. If you succeed, perhaps even the heavens shall bow before you. If you should fail¡­

    The voice staggered.

    [Voice]: If you should fail, you will join the billions who have fallen before you.

    The voice suddenly became more emotional.

    Crule hesitated. He never knew about this. The sage, his master, any of the other horsemen, none of them told him about this. He didn¡¯t know how it would affect his plans as well. But soon his arrogance took hold of him. The same arrogance that was always hidden deep within him due to his aura will now embark him on a twisted path.

    [Crule]: I accept.

    The room shuttered.

    [Voice]: Good. Child of man, accept your destiny as a human and strive to conquer the heavens. If the stone accepts you, the burden of mankind shall fall on your shoulder.

    The voice faded out and the stone obelisk collapsed into a piled of rubble. Within the rubble was a marble. It looked extremely similar to the marble the Sage gave Crule to preserve his soul for time travel.

    Crule held the marble carefully and stared at it.

    [Crule]: The burden of mankind huh? Just another thing to add on my long list of things to do¡­

    The usual evil-looking smirk plastered his face. Then he opened his mouth wide and swallowed it.

    ______

    Back in the treehouse far away from the tower.

    [Person]: The kid took the challenge¡­guess he¡¯s more courageous than I thought¡­that or far more idiotic than I remember him to be.

    With a smile and with a wave of its hand, the person vanished.

 Chapter 145: 8th Demigod

    Chapter 145: 8<sup>th</sup> Demigod

    Nothing happened.

    Crule waited and waited¡­and waited. Nothing.

    After an hour he began to suspect something was wrong.

    [Crule]: Is this a joke?

    His anger slowly grew.

    A voice suddenly spoke from behind him.

    [Voice]: Not quite.

    It was a voice Crule recognized. One he could never forget. A voice that he had heard all throughout his childhood.

    He turned around and saw someone he knew.

    [Crule]: M-master.

    Famina stood behind him leaning against the opened door.

    Although she doesn¡¯t look exactly like her childish form trapped on the moon Gluttony, her face and voice was still exactly the same.

    She was just older. She looked to be in her prime. A black gown draped over her shoulder and flowed down onto the ground. It was clean although it probably had been dragged all over the floor she walked over.

    [Famina]: Oh my little disciple, it¡¯s nice to finally see you. My clone can only communicate with me so often so it¡¯s hard to learn about what happened on the outside.

    Crule was speechless. His mouth wide opened and yet not a single word came from it. Moments later, he stuttered.

    [Crule]: W-what?

    [Famina]: My cute little disciple, did you really think I would willingly let myself be locked up for such a stupidly long amount of time? I enjoy life FAR too much to let that happen.

    A devilish grin plastered across her face as she toyed with her gloves, trying to put it on.

    [Crule]: B-but?

    [Famina]: I guess I owe you some explanation, but first¡­spit that fake piece of marble out.

    She waved her hand as a formless power erupted force. It slammed against Crule¡¯s abdomen and he vomited. Out flew the piece of marble still looking remarkable but its brilliance was dimmed by the stomach acid.

    Crule kneeled on the ground with his hand on his stomach. Tears slowly formed around his eyes. That truly caught him off guard¡­Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Famina walked over and picked up the marble with her gloved hand.

    [Famina]: A very nice replica isn¡¯t it?

    Crule was still trying to catch his breath. A sudden epiphany flashed in his mind. The 8<sup>th</sup> demigod¡­No wonder there was one extra¡­His master was definitely strong enough to be one.

    [Famina]: Anyways, time for me to explain some stuff.

    She sat backwards on an invisible platform of energy and crossed her legs. Crule had never seen such refined use of energy in his life¡­his master¡¯s beauty also had stunned him the entire time. He just too use to the childish form whom he had been with for years.

    [Famina]: As I have just said, the marble is a fake, and the body imprisoned on the moon is a clone. The End.

    [Crule]: W-what?

    [Famina]: Oh my adorable confused disciple, you have to earn more answers¡­

    With a waggle of her index finger, she mocked Crule.

    [Crule]: H-how?

    [Famina]: Of course¡­you have to kill yourself.

    ______

    Meanwhile, the Sage and Maximus had travelled far and deep into the Wild.

    [Sage]: Honestly, how can anyone stand not taking a shower for months?

    [Maximus]: They enjoy being one with nature.

    [Sage]: I don¡¯t think being caked in dirt, sweat, and carcasses of beasts is what you would call ¡°being one with nature.¡±

    [Maximus]: Hahaha, man up a little! We¡¯re almost there.

    In front of them was a monstrous tree. It covered nearly the entire skies above them. Upon closer inspection, there were normal sized trees growing on the tree as if they were microscopic parasites.

    [Maximus]: It¡¯s not every day we go see the Tree sovereign.

    [Sage]: If that bastard didn¡¯t put the damn seal in such an annoying place, I would never ever want to set foot in a place like this.

    The Sage grumbled but a hint of coldness could be spotted in his eyes when he mentioned the bastard.

    [Maximus]: Hmm.

    Maximus followed but his gaze soon became dull and monotonous. If one was to observe closely, his actions followed everything the Sage said to do.

    They continued climbing the thick roots toward the trunk of the tree.

    ______

    [Crule]: K-kill myself?

    [Famina]: Yes kid, die for me.

    The sadistic grin on Famina¡¯s face sent shivers down Crule¡¯s spine. He hasn¡¯t been this terrified in a very long time¡­

    Famina waited.

    Crule didn¡¯t know what to do¡­should he obey? I mean his master should have a reason to ask him to kill himself¡­

    [Crule]: W-why? Why do I have to kill myself? Please master, give me the reason.

    Famina finally sighed. Now she looked at Crule with disappointment in her eyes.

    [Famina]: I expected more from you kid¡­and here I thought I finally found a devoted disciple who would die for his master.

    With a wave of her hand, Crule was bound by a stream of solid yet transparent energy.

    He couldn¡¯t move a muscle, only his eyes could wander. Even his breathing was restricted. Crule was panicking severely now.

    [Famina]: Looks like a master¡¯s job is never finished¡­Can¡¯t even get my disciple to follow simple orders, perhaps I failed as your master.

    She slowly walked over to him and produced a large butcher knife from thin air. Eons of dried blood caked the center of the knife. The edge had been sharpened repeatedly so there was no blood on that part. The black handle looked like it was made from a fine mahogany. Crule had never see this weapon before. It had a dominating aura, one that he had never felt before. But quickly, he noticed an emblem carved on the black handle. It was an insignia. He remembered seeing it before¡­on the lock that was on the door of this tall structure.

    [Famina]: Never thought I would be taking this old thing out today. *swings it around a few times* Still got the hang of it.

    She hoisted the knife over her shoulder and was once again smiling.

    [Famina]: Now my precious little disciple, DIE FOR ME!

    The knife came bearing down at Crule¡¯s neck at blinding speeds. It was as if time had stopped¡­and Crule¡¯s head flew away from his body.

 Chapter 146: Part of the truth.

    Chapter 146: Part of the truth.

    A man looked down at the corpse.

    He sighed deeply and looked at Famina.

    [Man]: You realize how much you owe me now for doing this?

    [Famina]: Then count us even.

    [Man]: ¡­Fine. I don¡¯t owe you anything now. The whole deal with Charles is in the past now. Shin¡¯s father passed it on just in time, the lineage is carried on.

    Famina smiled.

    [Famina]: We immortals are such selfish creatures.

    The man scoffed.

    [Man]: And you, the one who consumes it all, is the most selfish one.

    [Famina]: Now come on, get on with it. My dead disciple must be looking for some answers right now.

    [Man]: Fine, I¡¯ll go guide him.

    [Famina]: I¡¯ll be waiting here then.

    Famina threw a kiss at the man only to be violently avoided.

    [Man]: Sickening woman.

    The man sneered and vanished.

    [Famina]: Hahaha, no one would ever guess the horseman of death was shy and has gynophobia.

    She chucked as she sat back down in her throne made of energy.

    ______

    Crule was floating in nothingness. He see, smell, hears, and feels nothing. It was as if he was floating in the fast emptiness of space.

    Soon a man appeared in a long flowing black robe.

    Crule felt like he recognized him but his faded memories were still in the state of slowly gathering themselves.

    The man waved his hands and a large monitor appeared before Crule.

    It played everything that happened to him, from birth to his death.

    Every dialogue written with the Name first in brackets and the exact words they said following it.

    ¡°This is your Akashic records. It holds all the information about you that is important to the universe.¡±

    The man said.

    It was strange. It was like everything Crule experienced up until now was just a movie playing during his death. A flashback through his entire life so far.

    ¡°I understand now.¡±

    Crule said.

    ¡°Yes, everything you have seen from the beginning till now has been your records.¡±

    The man sighed.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you have some questions now.¡±

    Crule nodded slowly.

    ¡°First I guess you want to know who I am.¡±

    The man rubbed his chin in a gloating manner.

    ¡°You should be the horseman of death¡­yet I don¡¯t know which generation.¡±

    Crule replied in a dull tone. His memories were still in a mess but after watching his akashic records, most of it had organized into chronological order.

    ¡°Ahaha, a smart one huh? Famina always enjoy finding the smart ones.¡±

    The man replied in an annoyed tone, as if his only form of enjoy was suddenly lost.

    ¡°Anyways let me tell you who I am then¡­I am the master of Charles, the master of the master of your teacher.¡±

    Crule nodded slowly.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    ¡°What a dull reaction¡­I expected more out of this¡­Blah, the memory reorganization after death always have this stupid effect on people.¡±

    The man cursed.

    ¡°Anyways¡­I am the same generation as Famina and the rest.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    Crule replied nonchalantly.

    ¡°¡­You know what? This is no fun, let¡¯s just move on to the Q&A.¡±

    The man sighed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother asking, most of the question that you wanted to ask I already know. Stuff like that is already recorded in the akashic records.¡±

    The man once again began to brag.

    ¡°Energy, the thing that has permeated all through Noxia and its surrounding subspace. Just what is it? And why do people on the Ark have energy even though they never been to the galaxy where Noxia is located? Well, well, well, my boy¡­that question has a very simple answer.¡±

    The man began to explain.

    ¡°All of the energy on the Ark belongs to the universe we came from, the one with earth.¡±

    The man nodded with a glint in his eyes as if he¡¯s about to reveal something major.

    ¡°All of the energy on Noxia and around it¡­comes from one person.¡±

    It was at that moment when Crule¡¯s memory had finished reorganizing itself and he suddenly was able to react again.

    A flash of shock plastered his face and his mind went blank again.

    ¡°W-who is it?¡±

    He asked.

    ¡°You mean who has enough energy to cover the entire planet plus more?¡± The man smiled.

    ¡°Why obviously Chaos.¡±

    Even more shock¡­Crule tried to stay silent this time.

    ¡°Beyond our universe lies so much more. We are on the outer edge. At the very center of it all is a core. The core provides the so called ¡°energy¡±. It permeates through the inhabitants of the universe closest to the core. Those of us out here barely gets any at all. Even with all the amount we could get on earth, we only produced seven demigods. The royal family relies on science and the occult to get their power.¡±

    The man explained without pause.

    ¡°Chaos is not from our universe.¡±

    The man exclaimed.

    ¡°W-what?!¡±

    ¡°I know right? When I first saw him, I was shocked too!¡± The man turned excited.

    ¡°Can you imagine us, in middle of hyperspace traveling in our ark when all of a sudden, a large creature rams into us?!¡±

    Spit came flying out of the man¡¯s mouth as he spoke with such excitement.

    ¡°That large creature was Chaos¡¯s true form. But of course he couldn¡¯t stay in that form. You have felt it yourself when you entered the ark. The energy inside of you was waiting to burst out and destroy you in the process. It was even worst for Chaos. Suddenly going from a high saturation to a low saturation meant his body was suddenly put under unbelievable amounts of strain as the large amounts of energy inside of him was waiting to burst out.¡±

    Crule kept listening as images of the man¡¯s memory appeared. There was an image of Chaos¡¯s true form. It reminded Crule of the disgusting creature that Chaos had become when fused with Grimly in his timeline.

    ¡°So what did Chaos do? After we smashed into him with our Ark, we both got pushed out of hyperspace and ended up in this backwater galaxy. Chaos took this chance to separate his energy cores into seven and hide on a large planet.¡±

    ¡°Noxia?¡±

    Crule asked.

    ¡°Good guess¡­but no. He placed his seven cores on Crescentia.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­¡±

    Crule suddenly realized why Crescentia was in such a messy state in his time¡­

    ¡°Of course we demigods realized how weakened Chaos was and fought him. Each of us took a core and the resulting fight destroyed Crescentia and we lost one of our own¡­.Fate.¡±

    A frown along with a sigh later, the man continued.

    ¡°We took the cores and temporarily used its power to seal Chaos on the destroyed planet. Then we went to the next inhabitable planet along with the ark.¡±

    The man waved his hand and an image of Noxia appeared.

    ¡°When we first landed, the annoying natives of the planet, the beasts, wanted the cores for themselves. Not wanting an everlasting war, most of us agreed to part with their cores and seal it underground. This way the energy can permeate through the entire planet and everyone would benefit.¡±

    The history of how Noxia got its energy interested Crule¡­but he didn¡¯t know why the horseman was saying all of this to him. Originally he didn¡¯t have this question in his head.

    ¡°Now let¡¯s get to the good part.¡±

    The man said with a grin.

    ¡°Of course we all agreed to do it¡­but one man¡­one bastard of a man¡­decided it wasn¡¯t enough. He decided to mess with everything resulting in him getting all the cores¡­that is what happened in your timeline. But something happened that ruined his plans.¡±

    ¡°W-what? Who?¡±

    Crule pondered.

    ¡°The Sage of course. That bastard old man wanted to take all the core and ascend!¡±

    The man yelled with rage.

    ¡°But during your time, the horseman of death died leaving the others vulnerable.¡±

    ¡°W-what? What are you talking about?¡± Crule asked.

    ¡°You see¡­we horsemen are immortal, as long as the horseman of death remains alive. Of course we horsemen also have extremely long life spans so if nothing serious happens, the horseman of death does his mundane job day in and day out¡­God it¡¯s just so boring¡­the souls of the dead who don¡¯t cultivate, don¡¯t talk so it¡¯s all silence¡­So anyways¡­Before the demise of the horseman of death, he finds a successor¡­just in case.¡±

    The man explained.

    Suddenly Crule understood¡­His teacher Shin. He never passed on his title.

    ¡°Yes, I see you understand now. Shin, your teacher never passed on the horseman of death¡¯s title. He died resulting in all the other horsemen becoming mortals. They have a limited lifespan now. So the Sage needed to change that. In order to be able to survive taking all the cores, he had to be immortal. So he sent a clueless idiot to the past¡­Someone who was close with the current living horseman of death. Someone to prevent that death and to allow his plan to flow smoothly.¡±

    Crule was shocked and angered now.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying¡­¡± Crule said slowly.

    ¡°Yes. The Sage played you for a tool.¡± The man smiled.

    ¡°You are his pawn in keeping his plans on track. With his wife alive, Shin will now both have an extra layer of protection but as well as the motivation to stay alive. You with your so called ¡°godly powers¡± will also keep him alive due to your ties.¡±

    ¡°S-so¡­¡±

    The marble¡­the marble the Sage gave him to let him travel back in time along with his power, storage, and memories¡­

    Crule panicked. His body went limp as he kneeled on the ground.

    ¡°Poor fool. If it wasn¡¯t for your master being so fond of you, perhaps you would have remained a tool until the very end.¡±

    The man shook his head and sighed.

    ¡°Anyways, we had to get rid of the trace he put on you via that marble¡­.So we killed you.¡±

    The man shrugged.

    ¡°S-so that¡¯s why master¡­¡±

    ¡°It was for your own good, kid.¡±

 Chapter 147: The other reason.

    Chapter 147: The other reason.

    ¡°Of course there was another reason why we had to kill you¡­but I think I¡¯ll leave that for later.¡±

    The horseman smirked at Crule.

    ¡°Tell me please, I need to know¡­I beg you¡­please.¡±

    Crule reluctantly begged the man. Normally he wouldn¡¯t stoop so low but given the emotional shock he received, he doesn¡¯t really have any control in keeping his cool.

    ¡°Oh fine, since you really REALLY want to know¡­¡±

    The man smiled.

    ¡°Stop it.¡±

    Another voice appeared from behind Crule. It was one he recognize even with his eyes closed.

    ¡°M-master?¡±

    Behind him stood Famina.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell him instead.¡±

    Famina said while walking up to the man.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t part of the deal.¡±

    She whispered in his ear. He backed off a little as she got too close.

    ¡°Can¡¯t I have a little fun with the kid?¡±

    The man replied with a smile.

    ¡°Is this revenge for throwing at kiss at you?¡±

    The man cringed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t remind me¡­Fine fine, go ahead, and explain the rest to your pupil.¡±

    The man sighed and shrugged. He walked backwards and started to order around the piece of Akashic records flying around to go back to its original location.

    ¡°Anyways kiddo, I guess you want to know why I had to kill you.¡±

    Famina turned to Crule and said with reluctance.

    Crule nodded slowly.

    Famina sighed and waved her hands.

    In front of Crule appeared a slab of stone. On it was engraved an ancient looking text.

    It described all of Crule¡¯s current cultivation progress. Opening gates one by one, understanding the nature of one¡¯s power, then lastly opening the final two¡­all of it was in there.

    ¡°This was a technic I found a while back.¡±

    Famina said.

    ¡°It¡¯s a temporary technique with good results¡­only problem is it leads to a dead end.¡±

    Crule blinked¡­

    ¡°A-a dead end?¡±

    ¡°Yes, a dead end.¡±

    Famina sighed again.

    ¡°Originally I didn¡¯t have much faith in you. You were a random kid that happen to stumble upon my clone¡¯s prison room. I didn¡¯t know whether or not the dam old bastard had place you there on purpose or not. There was also the problem of your body not having any trace of potential.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    She quietly explained.

    ¡°I had no hope placed in your ability. Honestly at best, I thought you wouldn¡¯t be able to reach the end of the cultivation technique in your lifetime. I didn¡¯t expect the Sage to use you in his plans¡­¡±

    ¡°T-then what about Ming? Or Shin?¡±

    ¡°They too have been practicing the wrong cultivation technique. We the old generation never pass on the true technique until our time has come¡­Remember we are immortals, we can¡¯t just pass on everything to a random person who has a body who can accept our power.¡±

    Crule felt a sense of betrayal¡­but it went away quickly with what his master said next.

    ¡°But knowing Maximus, before he completely lost his control to the Sage, he probably left the true technique to Ming. Should he ever perish, the memory will return to her.¡±

    Famina then waved her hand and the stone slab vanished.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t pass on my technique is because I have to wait for Shin to pass on the title of the Horseman of Death and die before I can teach him the true cultivation technique.¡±

    The man behind who was still organizing the information said.

    ¡°As for me, the reason why I haven¡¯t passed the true technique to you¡­is because of the nature of our power¡­It¡¯s a power that will consume you if you are not ready. And you kid, weren¡¯t ready.¡±

    Famina pointed at Crule.

    ¡°But now¡­we have no choice but to do so.¡±

    ¡°But why?¡±

    Crule asked.

    ¡°Because the Sage has moved on further with his plan than we expected.¡± The man said. ¡°Probably because of you¡­¡±

    Famina glared at the man then looked back at Crule with pity in her eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. We didn¡¯t tell you. But now we need to stop him. We need you to practice the true cultivation for our powers.¡±

    ¡°Why me? Why not you guys?¡±

    ¡°Because he already knows far too much about us. He knows our weakness, our strengths, even what patterns we use subconsciously when we attack. It¡¯s something that he learned over the years he¡¯s taken care of us¡­¡±

    Famina said.

    ¡°Wait? Taken care of you?¡±

    Crule said.

    ¡°Oh you didn¡¯t know? I thought you would have known already due to all the similarities¡­That little girl Jane that you met¡­that was me before I inherited the title.¡±

    Crule blinked. That explained a lot.

    ¡°Other than the Sage and Fate, the rest of us all inherited our titles the moment Chaos hit our Ark. Several of the demigods tried to stop the collision but failed. In the process they also got themselves killed. Before they died though, they passed on their title to the nearest person they could find. I just happen to be wandering when the demigod in charge of famine happen to land in the sewers.¡±

    Crule nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you can understand why we did so poorly in trying to stop Chaos on Crescentia. We had four new horsemen, two old demigods and almost no preparation.¡±

    Famina looked down in melancholy.

    ¡°T-teacher?¡±

    Crule walked towards her as he wanted to comfort her. But as soon as he got close, a barrier stopped him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother.¡±

    The man behind said.

    ¡°You two aren¡¯t in the same realm anymore.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Crule asked.

    ¡°You poor idiot. You don¡¯t even know the things your master had to sacrifice to prepare this elaborate plan.¡±

    The man sighed.

    ¡°Sacrifice? What did¡­?

    Before he could finish his question, Famina began talking again.

    ¡°So anyways. You know our true enemy¡­The old bastard, the Sage himself. Chaos has never been a problem since he split from his cores. As long as we keep a single one away from him, he can never use the other six. It¡¯s a strange rule that binds him and allows us some leeway. Thankfully Fate manage to find that out before she¡­perished.¡±

    Crule nodded vehemently. He use to want revenge on Grimly and Chaos. All his hatred poured into those two. But now that his teacher was alive, his hatred diminished a little. But having learned the Sage¡¯s treachery, his anger once again returned. Grimly, Chaos, the Sage¡­they will all pay.

    Famina could see the anger and hatred in Crule¡¯s eyes. She sighed and pondered.

    ¡°Perhaps he will not be consumed¡­it will be a near impossible trial¡­but I can only hope.¡± She thought to herself.

    ¡°Crule. It¡¯s time for you to inherit the true cultivation method.¡±

    Famina finally said.

    Crule snapped out of his dark thoughts and nodded¡­But he found he could no longer move or speak.

    ¡°We who controls famine, controls the lack of and the abundance of basic human needs. You yourself must feel what it¡¯s like to be deprived of those needs¡­¡±

    Famina said as she waved her hands. A portal opened up to a desolate wasteland.

    ¡°Crule, my disciple¡­do me proud.¡±

    Famina smiled softly as she pushed Crule into the portal.

    As Crule entered the portal, he could finally talk again. But he only yelled one thing¡­

    ¡°Master! I will make you proud!¡±

    Crule turned around and started his freefall down to the wasteland.

    ______

    ¡°You sure it¡¯s ok not to tell him?¡± The man asked looking with pitiful eyes at Famina.

    ¡°He will find out eventually¡­Either way I don¡¯t think I have the courage to tell him.¡±

    The two of them stood there¡­in the darkness. Looking upon the boy taking the trial.

 Chapter 148: An inhuman test.

    Chapter 148: An inhuman test.

    A blistering heat shocked Crule awake. He soon realized how unbearable the temperatures were around him.

    Mouth parched and lips bleeding, Crule looked around at his surroundings.

    It was a desert. A single sun loomed overhead. This shouldn¡¯t be on Noxia.

    The place where Crule awoken from was a stone slab. It was surrounded by large rock steles. Strange symbols that he didn¡¯t recognize dotted the steles.

    ¡°Hello? Anybody?¡±

    Crule asked hoarsely. His dried mouth made it difficult to talk properly. He needed water¡­and fast.

    Slowly, he got off the stone slab. The heat was compounded by the continuous winds that provided not a single breeze of relief. All it did was made the heat feel worst as it brushed against Crule¡¯s face.

    Due to glaring sun, Crule could barely keep his eyes opened as he continued to survey his surroundings.

    His only conclusion was this¡­Absolutely barren. The visible area around him consist of nothing but the strange rock steles, the stone slab, and sand. Endless almost water-like sand. A constant river of sand being pushed by the wind flowed around Crule. They eventually lead to several sand-whirlpools.

    The most obvious concern that constantly triggers warning in his head, was his thirst. He didn¡¯t know how long he had been baking there on the slab but it had evaporated a significant amount of water from his body.

    Crule was borderline dehydrated. His body felt haggard and sluggish. Since he was already feeling dizzy, this shows he had already lost around 5-8% of his total body water. He was a third of the way to death by dehydration.

    Since there was nothing around him in the nearest visible range, Crule first had to find a way to slow down his dehydration. He needed to find shade.

    There were no trees, no bushes, and no tall standing structure. Crule quickly found the only thing in the entire place that provided shade¡­the stone slab he woke up on. It casted a small two foot long shadow that allowed Crule to fit in it if he sits down and scrunches up.

    So that¡¯s what he did.

    Crule used his time to now recollect his thoughts but trauma made it difficult. He had died¡­but now he is alive? How can a ghost feel thirst? Was he really not dead? How come he can¡¯t feel a single shred of energy in his body?The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Lots of questions and no answers what-so-ever¡­Crule stopped thinking about those before it frustrates him too much. His current predicament was his top priority at the moment.

    The clear blue sky also removed any possibility of a localized rain shower¡­Not that it rains often in the desert anyways.

    Finally, Crule noticed something. On the back of his hands were three marks. They looked like they have been carved into his flesh and have left unhealable scars.

    What¡¯s more interesting was¡­his hand was back. The hand he lost to the wolf spider had amazingly regenerated. It was his own hands again. Staring at his hand, Crule decided to check out the stone steles. He walked over slowly and curiously probed the stele. The markings were strange but yet feels mystic. Crule carefully placed his hand on the stele he was observing¡­No reaction.

    No reaction that he could see that is. A combination of fatigue and the blistering sun made Crule unable to notice the change.

    A single shard of the stele broke off the top and fell on his hair.

    Unable to get further information, Crule slowly walked back to the shade.

    ______

    A period of time had passed but yet the sun had not moved at all. Crule was hoping to wait till nightfall to travel further but it now looks like the place perhaps has an extremely long day-night cycle or is perpetually daytime.

    Feeling his body weaken further, Crule made a choice¡­He had to take the risk and move. It was better than staying here and die of thirst.

    He picked his battered body up and walked sluggishly into the sand. When his feet touched the sand, it sank in a good half a foot. The loose sand wasn¡¯t able to stay firm to hold his body on the surface.

    Crule frowned. If he had to walk with his feet deep in sand, it will sap his already diminished stamina.

    But what could he do? He walked on.

    Soon he appeared next to one of the sand-whirlpools. Crule tread carefully, hoping to avoid stumbling into the swirling pit.

    But just as his luck would have it, his body finally gave in. At more than 10% loss of total body water, his body¡¯s physical functions starts to stall. He lost his footing and fell sideways¡­landing into a flowing stream of sand.

    He fell deep. It was like sinking into the bottom of a heavy lake. He couldn¡¯t control his body at all as the flowing sand both smothered him and carried his body along the stream into the whirlpool.

    Just as he was about to pass out, Crule saw something that shocked him¡­At the very bottom of the pit¡­was what people would call an Antlion. Before he could snap out of it, the creature used his powerful mandibles and ripped his body apart. Crule felt a sharp and brutal pain before dying once again¡­His mind flat-lined and everything went blank.

    ______

    What seemed like an eternity later, Crule woke up once again. The blistering sun was still overhead, his body was still lying on the stone slab, and once again¡­ he was dehydrated. But there was something different this time. He remembered what happened.

    He looked down and saw the marks on his hand had increased to four¡­But this time, he actually remembered what happened.

    ¡°So I have already died four times¡­¡±

    Crule frowned. He could only remember his most recent death but the first three was completely blank. But why could he remember it this time? He reviewed what he did that might have been different but nothing came up.

    He didn¡¯t notice that in his hair, that small grain that fell from the stone stele still remained. As if the whole ordeal he was just in didn¡¯t displace the speck at all. All the tumbling from falling into the sand stream and his body being torn and eaten by the Antlion¡­nothing disturbed that small piece in his hair.

    Crule sighed as he stared upwards at the blue sky. He tried to avoid staring directly at the white hot sun.

    ¡°Just what kind of trial did master put me in¡­?¡±

    And thus his trail continued.

 Chapter 149: Starting over.

    Chapter 149: Starting over.

    *Crunch*

    Once again Crule woke up on the slab. He wishes he had lost count of how many times he have died¡­but the marks on the hands keeps reminding him.

    ¡°15¡­Where did I mess up this time?¡±

    As he tried to recall what went wrong, his memory slowly came back like a video. What ever happened after his 3<sup>rd</sup> death allowed him to remember what happened. Perhaps it was supposed to happen, perhaps it wasn¡¯t.

    ¡°It seems I was eaten again¡­¡±

    The Antlion was far too strong for anyone to escape from once they have entered its nest.

    Once again, Crule explored around his surroundings. He didn¡¯t know how many chances he gets, he didn¡¯t know how many times he could die¡­but so far it seemed endless.

    Time pass on without notice. Honestly, without a day-night cycle, Crule couldn¡¯t even keep track of time as he keeps dying and waking up what seems like hours later.

    Soon the number of marks on Crule¡¯s hand had filled it completely¡­the marks were now starting to show on his forearm.

    More deaths¡­over¡­and over¡­and over.

    Death by dehydration. Death from heatstroke. Death from being eaten. Death from suffocating in the sand rivers. Death from committing suicide.

    Crule tried everything. Literally everything he could think of. But nothing changed. He would wake up again, dehydrated, on his slab of stone. The same blistering sun, the same stone steles, the same sand whirlpools, and the same god damn Antlion.

    Soon the number of marks had covered his entire forearm and was working up to his shoulder.

    Crule lost count¡­but he knew it was definitely over 100 deaths by now.

    It was an unending nightmare. He nearly forgotten the last time he had ate, drank, or even had a moment¡¯s respite.

    Finally, something changed when the marks had covered his entire shoulder.

    A faint image appeared this time when he woke up. It was being projected by one of the stone stele.

    ¡°I see you¡¯re having fun.¡±

    Famina said with a sadistic smile.

    Crule didn¡¯t know what to think. Honestly, he had gone numb from the sheer number of times he had died. He haven¡¯t had any social interactions in such a long time as well.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    ¡°I-I¡­.¡±

    ¡°I assume you are trying to talk back right now, maybe even cursing me.¡±

    Famina said with a smile.

    ¡°Sadly, this is just a recording. Something I left just in case my idiot of a disciple can¡¯t pass this relatively easy trial.¡±

    The sun made the image difficult to see, but Crule could see her smile still.

    ¡°Honestly, I didn¡¯t even think I had to make this recording but knowing just how dense my disciple is, I had no choice. He might be smart to others, but to me, he¡¯s always an idiot.¡±

    Crule didn¡¯t know what to say. So he just continued listening.

    ¡°Have you wondered why you have marks on your body?¡±

    Famina finally asked.

    ¡°Those are the marks of the fallen. Each time you die, a little bit of yourself remains with each incarnation. The reason you had two to start with, was because you have already technically died twice.¡±

    Famina revealed her pale arms under her sleeve. Suddenly, numerous markings that looked like the ones on Crule appeared.

    ¡°This is the true state of our immortality. We die, but we always come back. Each time we come back, we bring a little bit of ourselves with us. Crule, my boy, you have to learn how to be an immortal. Dying is painful, it is horrible and a nightmare each and every time. But you have to accept that it will happen to you as long as you are a horseman. You can¡¯t escape the pain. You might as well embrace it, learn from it. Become something in-human.¡±

    Rolling her sleeves back down, Famina sighed.

    ¡°The only way to pass the trial, is to accept it. Go on my child, go kill yourself a few hundred thousand more time. Enjoy the pain, the thought of dying, and just accept it¡¯s something that happens eventually. Use it as your strength.¡±

    Famina smiled one last time before the image vanished. For some reason Crule, could see a tear in her eye.

    He didn¡¯t understand. He had never seen his master cry before, no matter what had happened. Even when people she had known for years start to die all around her, her nerves of steel allow her to stay calm. It was now he knew that she had accept death as something that¡¯s just a part of life. But at the same time, that single tear created many questions in his mind.

    Crule looked down at the marks on his body. His entire right arm up to his shoulder was now covered in the marks. He no longer viewed them as something foreign. Each and every one of them represent himself. Each one was a life he had given up¡­and to continue this trial and to finish, he knew what he must do. Fill his entire body with marks and use its power.

    But how? Crule had no idea how to access the power of the marks. Famina said they are the proof of immortality but how does it apply to his own power? What ties are there?

    Just so many question that he needed answers to¡­

    So Crule once again got up from the slab but with renewed determination in his eyes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s keep dying then.¡±

    He said with a smile as he embraced death.

    ______

    ¡°You were a fool¡­But I can¡¯t stop you when you are like this¡­I just can¡¯t.¡±

    The horseman of death looked at the scene in front of him. A single throne made of darkness. The beautiful pale women sitting on it, unconscious. Slowly, one by one, the marks on her body vanishes.

    ¡°You truly loved that kid huh? I guess you thought of him as your own son¡­you raised him¡­and yet he doesn¡¯t identify you as his mother¡­¡±

    The horseman sighed. With his arms folded across his chest, he sat cross legged next to the throne.

    ¡°Let me accompany you till it¡¯s over.¡±

    The horseman said with the most endearing tone he could muster.

    This was the woman he loved but could never have¡­she was his treasure, the jewel in his eyes, perhaps the only reason for him allowing every horseman to have immortality¡­Because he couldn¡¯t bear to part with her.

    But at the same time, he could never deny her¡­They had grown up together, spent countless centuries together¡­yet she never recognized his love. Perhaps she was too dense, perhaps he was too subtle¡­sadly none of that matters now. She is passing on¡­and her child¡­will carry on her will.

    He promised himself he wouldn¡¯t cry¡­But promises are meant to be broken.

 Chapter 150: Antagonist Rewind.

    Chapter 150: Antagonist Rewind.

    Crule crawled out of the corpse of the Antlion feeling satisfied. It was the first time he had something to drink in what seemed like an eternity. His entire body was now covered in markings, each of them tells a tale of death.

    ¡°Who knew Antlion blood could taste so refreshing,¡± He said after wiping his mouth. To finally be able to take down such a beast too countless efforts. He had to die countless times to find any weakness on the creature. Then using his weakened and battered body, he had to set a trap. Eventually, it all paid off as the Antlion was bisected in two by a piece of the stone stele that got picked up by the flowing sands. The piece of stone eventually reached extreme speeds and hit the awaiting Antlion square on the crack on its forehead. It penetrated its touch carapace and killed it immediately.

    Finally, Crule¡¯s thirst has been quenched. At the same time, he felt a new strength. It was as if the blood he drank granted him a new power. He felt inside his stomach, not only was it absorbing its usual nutrients but also energy. He felt the new refined energy travel through his parched body, slowly repairing itself.

    ¡°So this is what master mean by the true cultivation method.¡±

    He was doing it all wrong from the start. He was not your normal cultivator on Noxia. They all absorb the energy permeated in the air, which came from the nodes of Chaos. Inside their body, it was refined into a purer version. Crule¡¯s attribute meant he was a consumer. He¡¯s not a plant that photosynthesis their own food. He was higher up in the food chain. He eats those who make their own food.

    The Antlion was also like Crule. It only ate creatures that refined their own energy. As if sudden enlightenment had his him, Crule sat down in the corpse of the Antlion and reorganized his thoughts.

    He realized who and what he was. All of the horsemen are antagonists of existence. They are not supposed to exist until apocalypse is imminent. The very existence of a horseman means mankind was doomed.

    He was an Antagonist of the world. His prey was the creatures of the world. He will be their greatest enemy.

    Crule though back on his life. His entire life was following the path of antagonism. From the very beginning, he had been a thorn at the side of humanity. He had been public enemy number 1, although not willingly.

    Fate decided to make him an Antagonist, and thus he shall be one.

    Crule smirked again for the first time in what seemed like an eternity.

    ¡°I guess it¡¯s time for me to go Antagonize the other Antlions.¡±

    ______

    The Sage looked up at the twin suns. He could feel something was wrong, but he just couldn¡¯t pinpoint it. Normally when he gets this feeling, a glimpse into the future would occur and he would understand what was wrong. But this time, it didn¡¯t manifest itself.

    As a man of his power, he hated the unknown. It left him with great fears, though he never showed it to anyone. His mask of innocence must remain intact.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    He already has control over two horsemen and the third one is sealed. Only one remained and that particular one doesn¡¯t bother with the world of the living.

    His plan will soon come into fruition. Oh just how long did he had to wait. The sweet savory flavor of power was so close to his fingertips.

    He had seen real power, and now he wants it. He craves it. Because deep inside, he was afraid. Afraid of what¡¯s out there, afraid of the unknown.

    The older he gets, the more he wants order. Chaos was his arch-nemesis and disorder his bane. Conformity was his agenda and everything will soon fall in place.

    His tale was not one who went mad with power lust, but rather a tale of the fears of an old man. The Sage perhaps already realized this, perhaps he doesn¡¯t. But with no one he could talk to anymore, it stayed bottled up inside him.

    ______

    Crule finally finished off the final Antlion, this one with his bare hands. The task just got easier and easier as the refined energy flowed through his body, giving him herculean strength and stamina. Everything he touched now began to erode as if his hands were acidic. Perhaps it was due to inheriting the poisonous features of the Antlion.

    ¡°I could take in the ancestral traits of those I eat,¡± Crule smirked. ¡°This is going to be more fun than I thought.¡±

    Originally, having to start over made Crule frown. But after seeing how fun the true method of cultivation was, he couldn¡¯t wait.

    Finally, a black hole opened up in the skies above him. Crule looked up and saw the room where his master was. With energy gathered in his legs, he leaped and nearly flew. Like a missile, the shockwave blew away the sands near him as he shot upwards, into the black hole.

    He landed in the room with kneeling. In front of him was a smiling woman in her throne. She was cold to the touch, not a single feeling of life remained.

    Crule looked up in shock.

    ¡°M-master?¡±

    ¡°She gave it all to you,¡± The horseman of death walked out from behind the throne. ¡°You bastard better treasure it well.¡±

    Crule seemed to have understood what he meant. He kowtowed to his master and stayed there for as long as he could. Drops of blood flowed silently from his eyes as he cried.

    Finally, the horseman of death made him leave. ¡°Go, you have a task you have to accomplish. Don¡¯t waste your master¡¯s efforts. Go free your beloved ones from the old man¡¯s control.¡±

    Crule looked up and nodded. There was something he must do first. This memory treasure was now the resting place for his master. He had to respect it. He must pry it from the jaws of the offspring of Leviathan he followed.

    Crule walked out of the tall tower and back into the bustling city. His body renewed, his black cloak once again covering him.

    He soon was in the middle of a crowded street. Many people were avoiding him due to rank signified by his clothes.

    Crule smirked and exploded forth with his energy. All the people around him immediately went insane with hunger and started to eat each other.

    ¡°They are just a memory anyways,¡± Crule smirked. Perhaps, this will lure the creature out.

    And it indeed has. The offspring of Leviathan brought along the other Demigods with him after he sensed Crule¡¯s energy.

    ¡°So you did follow me,¡± He said with a toothy grin. The golden teeth shined brightly on his upper jaw. ¡°How foolish of you.¡±

    Crule just smiled. He vanished and with blinding speeds, picked up the man by the neck. His eyes bulged out in both shock and from the force of Crule¡¯s hand gripping his neck.

    ¡°You have something that belongs to me.¡±

    Crule squeezed and the man turned back into a small sized serpent. Its neck snapped and the head separated with the body. Crule tossed the corpse aside and yank the golden teeth out of the severed head.

    The other Demigods looked on with horror. The speed that Crule performed could not be seen by any of them. They considered themselves the peak of existence on the Ark. No one was stronger than they were. But this boy in front of them had just surpassed their limits by an enormous margin.

    ¡°W-who are you?¡± One Demigod finally asked.

    ¡°Me? I¡¯m the Antagonist,¡± Crule said with a smirk as he activated the treasure and returned to Noxia.

 Book 1 Epilogue.

    Book 1 Epilogue.

    A flash of light shone dimly on the shores of the Trysl Lake. The fishermen were intrigued but at the same time worried. Lights often mean two things in the wild, treasure or monster.

    The light slowly rose to the surface. From the watery depth, Crule swam upwards.

    ¡°Stupid treasure, putting me at the bottom of the lake,¡± Crule grumbled. ¡°Now my clothes are all wet.¡±

    Originally, Crule would absentmindedly absorb the energy in the atmosphere, thus suppressing his cocky arrogant personality, but with the new method of cultivation, he didn¡¯t need to do that.

    His egotism is here to stay.

    As Crule finally broke the water¡¯s surface, he was surrounded by boats.

    ¡°Who are you, stranger?¡± One of the fishermen asked him.

    ¡°Just taking a swim.¡±

    ¡°At night?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the best time to enjoy the scenery.¡±

    ¡°But at night? There¡¯s no light to see anything.¡±

    Crule fished a glowing plant from his back pocket. He picked it up from the seabed as soon as he arrived and realized he was surrounded by water and darkness.

    ¡°I got the light right here.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a fancy lookin¡¯ plant you got there.¡±

    ¡°Found it on the seabed.¡±

    ¡°You went all the way to the bottom?!¡± The fisherman gasped. ¡°You must have a death wish!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry old man, I can protect myself,¡± Crule flexed his arms.

    ¡°Now now, child. Don¡¯t do something stupid so early in your life,¡± The fisherman laughed. ¡°Here, let me haul you up.¡±

    Crule grabbed the pole the fisherman extended out to him. He boarded the ship and realized it was covered in weird looking fish.

    ¡°Old man, what are you doing fishing so late at night?¡±

    ¡°Night is when all the predator fishes come out to play,¡± The old man smiled, revealing a single tooth. ¡°The predator fishes taste the best.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for helping me there, let me cook a fish to return the favor,¡± Crule said with a smile.

    ¡°Oh, you can cook now huh lad?¡± The old man laughed. ¡°Sure, go ahead. There¡¯s a kitchen downstairs.¡±

    The old man invited Crule to the crude kitchen downstairs. There was a stove top that ran on natural gas. The old man tossed two pieces of flint to Crule.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡°It takes a while to get the fire going, good luck,¡± He left back upstairs to continue his fishing.

    ¡°What a strange nice old man,¡± Crule whispered to himself.

    He looked at the selection of fish the old man left. Most of them were gray colored and have large jaws. They color allowed for stealthy attacks and their large jaws are used for ripping and tearing. Certainly, they were all carnivorous.

    Crule rolled up his sleeves and took a pot of water. He carefully lit the fire in the stove with the flint. With the knife he found on the counter, Crule skillfully filleted the fish. The tough inedible scales were removed and the tough bones were picked out. What remained was an abundant mountain of pink fish fillets.

    Crule added some spring onions, ginger, and garlic to the pot of boiling water along with some salt and a dab of soy sauce. The water bubbled with excitement as Crule chopped the fillet into bite-sized pieces and added them to the pot. After a taste test, he adjusted for salt and pepper.

    He took the pot off the large stove and allowed it to rest. It will continue to bubble for a while longer.

    With the hanging skillet he grabbed from the wall, he applied some oil and threw on some spices. The rich aroma of toasted spice filled the small kitchen. Crule took another fillet of fish and carefully placed it in the oil. The sound of sizzling was overwhelming.

    The crude fish stew was done and now the fried piece of fish was too.

    The old man came rushing in not soon after.

    ¡°Oh, boy. When you said you can cook, you really mean it!¡± The old man laughed.

    ¡°Enjoy!¡± Crule smiled.

    The fried piece of fish was gone in nearly a minute. Crule stared in wonder at how the old man eats so fast with a single tooth.

    While the old man was chugging the stew, Crule was pondering what was happening to his body as he ate.

    He could feel the energy that once existed inside the fish slowly transfer to him. It wasn¡¯t the crude energy floating in the air but rather a refined energy. But it also carried something else with it. A certain elemental feel. The Antlion gave Crule a feeling like he ate something spicy. The fish gave him a feeling like he ate something refreshing.

    ¡°This is interesting,¡± Crule said to himself as he continued his meal.

    The fish was devoured in record time.

    ¡°Oh boy, that hit the spot. Nothing like a long night of fishing ending with a fine meal!¡± The old man laughed while patting Crule¡¯s back. ¡°Hey kid, where you heading to?¡±

    ¡°I want to go back to port.¡±

    ¡°Oh good, the ship will arrive in about an hour. I was on my way back anyways,¡± The old man laughed.

    Crule couldn¡¯t help but stare at his one single tooth each him he laughed.

    The ship arrived just in time for the twin suns to rise above the horizon. The faint glow of sunlight began to cover the lake.

    ¡°Thanks for the ride!¡±

    ¡°And thank YOU for the food!¡± The old man laughed.

    Crule waved goodbye and walked to the guild hall. He currently has no way of contacting anyone else. His wristband was destroyed upon his death and his pocket dimension was still currently sealed. He needs to recover his strength to reopen it.

    Crule entered the near-empty guild. The morning was early but the guildhall was opened 24/7 in the case of emergencies. There he saw it. As if fate had guided them together, he saw her as soon as he entered the hall.

    Ming was already waiting for him.

    ¡°What took you so long?¡± She pouted.

    ¡°I got lost,¡± Crule replied.

    Ming embraced him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t leave me for such a long time again!¡±

    Crule could feel his shirt getting wet. He felt a deep regret as he patted her head.

    ¡°It¡¯s Ok, I¡¯m back aren¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Mhmm,¡± She mumbled into his shirt.

    The two enjoyed their alone time in the near empty guild hall. The receptionist didn¡¯t dare to look.

    ¡°My god you two, get a room.¡± She couldn¡¯t help but mumble. ¡°Public show of affection isn¡¯t illegal but it sure is annoying for us singles.¡±

    Crule was extremely tired. It felt like he hadn¡¯t slept in months. It was a miracle he stayed awake on the boat. But he had one more question for Ming before he passes out.

    ¡°Just how long was I gone?¡±

    ¡°Oh, about five years.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± And fatigue finally hits him like a truck as Crule fell asleep in Ming¡¯s embrace.

    ¡°Man, making me carry you upstairs as soon as we see each other again¡­How cruel.¡± Ming sighed.

 Book 2 Prologue.

    Book 2 Prologue.

    5 Years have gone by in the blink of an eye. The game went on without any major incidents. People were slowly becoming more and more powerful. One major thing that changed was the reason people played.

    It was a slow process. Most games would have the top rankings determined within just a year. But with so many participants and many of them wanting to remain anonymous, having a ranking seemed unlikely.

    But that changed when certain people started making names for themselves. They have become heroes, a household name that everyone knows. They were the role models, the figureheads, and the face of the game itself.

    Slowly, more and more people began to realize, that staying anonymous doesn¡¯t help you prosper. In an economy as competitive as this, having a brand is critical. Making your name well-known helped many budding new participants to rise to stardom.

    There were many types of players. Those who play for fun, those who play for sport, and those who play for a living.

    All three of those require one to make a name for themselves. Those who play for fun, want their achievements to be known. Those who play for sport, are highly competitive, thus they want to fight stronger people. Those who play for a living, want to make a name for themselves so they could receive commissions by large companies more often.

    Crule listened to Ming explain what he missed during the years.

    ¡°So a few of us made a name for ourselves.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Shin and Kate became known as the Serpentine Duo.¡±

    ¡°Is it because of their armor?¡±

    ¡°I guess,¡± Ming shrugged her shoulders.

    ¡°Chun Qin became known as the White Knight. He goes around healing people with his medical knowledge.¡±

    ¡°Brigid kind of took off with the ship and lock herself up in her lab.¡±

    ¡°So she¡¯s the only one who didn¡¯t make a name for herself?¡±

    ¡°Na, her inventions are coveted by Metallurgy INC. They give her commissions all the time.¡±

    ¡°And she¡¯s actually helping them?

    ¡°Well, since you left for such a long time, she needed funding somehow.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    Crule nodded. His plans for revenge was something he put far back in the reaches of his mind. He had more important things to deal with right now. His target has changed. When he came back, he needed to sabotage Grimly¡¯s plan to give Chaos all of his missing parts that are were sealed. Now, with Chaos incapacitated and Grimly seemingly clueless about it, he can focus on the damn old man who sent him here.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    But he shouldn¡¯t tell anyone his plans. He still isn¡¯t sure who¡¯s under Sage¡¯s control. He knows for sure that Maximus is. His master told him all about it. He knew from the horseman of death that his teacher Shin is still clean. He worried about Kate though. The Sage could control her to have a trump card against Shin when things go down under.

    But first things first, he had to check his wife. And he must use the only method he knew.

    He channeled some energy into the golden tooth.

    ¡°Hey, horseman, how do I check whether someone is under control or not?¡± Crule asked the horseman of death whose still in the memory world.

    ¡°You teacher made a deal with me,¡± The horseman sighed. ¡°Just kill them, I will let them revive without any trace of mind control left.¡±

    ¡°Kill them?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the safest way. The Sage has no control over death, not like I do.¡± The Horseman bragged.

    Crule nodded solemnly. He knew what he must do, but he can¡¯t. He could never kill Ming.

    The horseman sensed the hesitation. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she will be fine, although she¡¯ll be a bit annoyed.¡±

    Crule still didn¡¯t move. The horseman sighed.

    ¡°Coward,¡± The horseman then went silent.

    Crule clenched his fist. Ming was still explaining to him the stuff he missed during the years.

    ¡°We found the seal at the bottom of the lake but we didn¡¯t release it yet. It seemed the Sage has also been moving around trying to find the seals,¡± Ming sighed. ¡°Since you left, we really haven¡¯t been moving on with our goals at all.¡±

    Crule looked at Ming. All his thoughts were centered on her right now. Should he? Could he?

    ¡°Kid, your relationship really is sickening. You don¡¯t love her in normal ways. You are completely dependent on her. I begin to wonder if you could function properly if you two were away for a longer period of time,¡± The Horseman sighed.

    ¡°W-what?¡±

    ¡°You need to stop. Can¡¯t you see you¡¯re suffocating her? Can¡¯t you see how refresh she is after you left for 5 years? She misses you but not as much as you do.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re pathetic, a parasite, you leech off her good will and love like a worm who grew up not knowing it.¡±

    ¡°B-but¡­¡±

    ¡°I know, I know. You have a tragic past. But isn¡¯t it about time you grow up? Stop living in the past. You aren¡¯t a fucken kid anymore. Man up.¡±

    The horseman became quiet again after his rant. Crule was stunned, but he knew every word was true.

    ¡°Trust me, kid, don¡¯t be so clingy.¡±

    Crule finally nodded. He wondered why he trusted the words of that man. He felt that the horseman¡¯s words had a lot of emotion as if he himself had gone through it.

    ¡°Do it, kid, cleanse her.¡±

    Crule stared at Ming¡¯s beautiful face. He was entranced with her very being. It was his addiction, his vice, and his one true weakness. If the Sage were to take her, he couldn¡¯t know what to do.

    ¡°Ming?¡± Crule finally asked.

    ¡°Yes, dear?¡±

    Crule embraced her.

    ¡°C-Crule? Wait till we are back in our room¡­¡± Ming blushed.

    A single tear fell from his face.

    The new Energy swirled inside his body. It was channeled through his arms into his palms. Crule kissed Ming, then stabbed his hands through her back into her heart. He gripped her heart and squeezed.

    Ming tried to say something but Crule kept kissing her. She didn¡¯t fight back. Perhaps it was the sheer shock of what was happening that stunned her. Her body slowly limped down into his arms. Her eyes became dim.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you later, Ming,¡± Crule cried. It felt like he had crushed his own heart. It truly pained him both physically and emotionally.

    ¡°Good,¡± The horseman appeared next to Crule. He placed his hands on Ming¡¯s head and pulled out a small ball of light.

    ¡°It seems I was right, Maximus did leave her a trial as well,¡± the horseman smiled.

    ¡°H-how long will it take?¡± Crule asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t know. Her trial will be different from yours.¡±

    ¡°....¡± Crule remained silent.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send her to you when she¡¯s done.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Ming¡¯s body vanished into particles of light. It will be used to remake her new body.

    Crule now sat alone on the bench in the guildhall. It was still extremely empty and the guild receptionist seemed to be out getting coffee.

    ¡°I¡¯m all alone now,¡± Crule sighed deeply. He felt incomplete, just a part of him was now missing. But time waits for no one, he has to move on. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± He said to himself, as there was no one left by his side to listen.

    ¡°Wait, did I just take relationship advice from a dead guy?¡±

 Chapter 151: The New Day?

    Chapter 151: The New Day?

    It was a lively evening at the Blue Moon Bar and Grill. They were a well-established restaurant that lies along the coast of Lake Trysl. Sailors and adventurers alike all flock to the bar and grill for their booze and morsels. It was such a large gathering of people that it became a well-known hub of information.

    A large boar roasted over the open fire pit at the center of the establishment. The chef skillfully carved a piece out of it. The meat was carried by waiters and waitresses to the adventurers who ordered it.

    On the far side of the tavern was a bar.

    Crule sat on a swivel chair facing the bartender. Around three empty glasses that were still cold to the touch lined the counter in front of him.

    It seemed to others that he was trying to get intoxicated.

    ¡°What the long face friend?¡± The bartender asked as he began his usual mingling with his patrons. ¡°Something wrong?¡±

    ¡°Man, my wife is going to kill me,¡± Crule sighed.

    The bartender shook his head. This kind of problem is very common. Folks tend to drink their marital problems away every night.

    ¡°Just let her cool down a bit and bring her some gifts,¡± The nearby drunken sailor laughed as he eavesdropped.

    ¡°A gift?¡±

    ¡°Something she can¡¯t say no to,¡± The sailor replied. ¡°Works with my wife every time!¡±

    He laughed and went back to join his other sailor buddies.

    ¡°A gift¡­¡± Crule contemplated. Just what gift do you give a person after accidentally killing them?

    The bartender kept cleaning the glasses and sighed.

    ¡°I mean that usually work but you gotta really think about what she wants.¡±

    Crule was already lost in thought.

    Ever since Ming died, a string of unfortunate events had been occurring around him. It was as if he had broken ten thousand mirrors, crossed the path of ten thousand black cats, and walked under ten thousand miles of ladders.

    This morning he woke up to found the roof of his room at the guildhall destroyed by a freak meteor. Not only that, the meteor manage to hit the cabinet where he stored the clothes he was going to wear. Of course, with dragon skin being fire proof, it didn¡¯t cause many problems, but then it started raining and his stuff got waterlogged.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Not only that, when he stepped out of bed, his foot managed to land in a hole created by a piece that broke off the meteor. It made him trip and fell flat on his face. The resulting shockwave caused the lamp that was hanging on the ceiling to crash onto him.

    It didn¡¯t end there, the guildhall blamed him for the damages, resulting in him paying an absorbent fee. That¡¯s not all, the money he had saved up over the years seemed to have nearly all been spent by Ming. Just what did she buy in five years?!

    Now Crule was hurt, defeated, and broke.

    The following morning, he woke up on a bench outside the guildhall with a slight headache. His body creaked from the sturdy bench he slept on. The dew that gathered on his hair follicles gathered together and made his shirt all wet. It was generally an uncomfortable feeling.

    Crule sighed. ¡°Just what did I do to garner so much bad luck?¡±

    Broke and hungry, he set off from Trysl in search of breakfast. Along the coast, he found some turtle eggs.

    ¡°Turtles taste like chickens right?¡± He reassured himself.

    He sneaked quietly closer and closer to the disturbed sand pile. Suddenly, he fell. Someone had dug a pit in the sand and covered it with large palm leaves. Probably some mischievous kid who was playing on the beach yesterday.

    Crule sighed deeply. Now he¡¯s hungry, broke, and covered in sand.

    He crawled out of the pit to realize the turtle eggs had been taken away by a hungry seagull. He stared at the seagull with hunger in his eyes.

    ¡°Come here you!¡± He pounced at the dining seagull catching it by its leg.

    Of course the bird of frightened and proceeded to empty its bowels all over him.

    Blinded by the jet spray of white, Crule let the bird go.

    Now he was hungry, broke, covered in sand and bird poop.

    He could hear laughing coming from inside his jacket.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Crule grimed.

    ¡°But it¡¯s just too funny,¡± The horseman laughed.

    ¡°This is all your fault.¡±

    ¡°Oh blame the dead guy huh?¡±

    ¡°Shut up or I¡¯ll kill you.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t, I¡¯m already dead.¡±

    Crule mumbled to himself as he walked around looking for a tide pool to wash off.

    When he finally found a pool that looked relatively clean, there was already an inhabitant there. A large walrus monster rolled over and stared at Crule.

    ¡°Oh come on¡­¡± Before he could finish his sentence, the walrus pounced.

    One may ask how a 50-ton walrus can pounce as agilely as a tiger. Let¡¯s just say that blubber is very bouncy.

    After a grueling battle with the bouncing walrus, Crule finally had access to the tide pool. He also acquired breakfast.

    The walrus was cut open, its blubber was tossed aside (of course it bounced), and its delicious muscular flesh was exposed. Crule started a fire and started to roast the walrus. He took his clothes off and wadded into the tide pool for a wash.

    Floating in the pool with the morning sun blaring down on him, Crule was lost in thought. How will he appease Ming¡¯s ghostly curse of bad luck?

    Suddenly, he heard a crunching sound. He stood up and saw a crazy looking old man eating the meat he spent so long to get.

    He stood up quickly only to realize his underwear had been pulled off by a jagged piece of coral. He stared at the crazy old man whilst naked.

    The old man looked down gave him a thumbs up with a creepy smile, then ran off with the stick of walrus meat.

    ¡°GOD DAMMIT!¡± Crule screamed to the heavens.

 Chapter 152: Money problems.

    Chapter 152: Money problems.

    Crule looked at his reflection in the pool of water. He has aged. His original bright teen facade has been replaced with that a sinister looking young adult. Five years huh? His narcissism took over as he admired his reflection.

    Crule now looked like a young adult in his early twenties. His original pale body is now bronze from the time he spent in the desert trial.

    ¡°I need money,¡± Pondered Crule with while rubbing his chin.

    In the current world, money was everything. No matter how hard you try to deny it, money controls every aspect of your life. Crule understands the reality of his situation. The last time he was this broke was when he first came to Noxia from that prison long ago. If it wasn¡¯t for Shin giving him a job and a place to call home, he might have starved to death. Ironic for someone who has control over famines.

    ¡°I need a job.¡±

    Crule stood up. He was wearing nothing but his underwear now. He had nothing to his name but some useless trinkets he has kept in his dimensional storage.

    With a twisted and renewed look on life, Crule strolled back to the harbor.

    And of course, he got stopped by the guards at the gate.

    ¡°Halt, who goes there?¡±

    ¡°Just an adventurer who is passing by,¡± Crule waved his hands to show he wasn¡¯t carrying a weapon.

    ¡°What kind of adventurer goes out nearly naked?¡± The guard couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    ¡°I got robbed.¡±

    The guards tried their best to hold in their laughter.

    ¡°Well, you should have taken better care of your stuff, ¡®Mr. Adventurer.¡¯¡±

    Crule sighed and walked into town. The guards could no longer control their laughter after he left.

    ¡°Poor sap, looks like he¡¯s in for a rough year huh?¡±

    Crule¡¯s first task was to go to the adventurer¡¯s guild. He needed money ASAP. He couldn¡¯t remain in his underwear the entire time.

    Upon walking in the hall, all the people there stared at him. It¡¯s not every day you see someone walk into the prestigious Guildhall in only his underwear. Crule ignored the stares and walked to the billboard.

    While looking at the jobs, a receptionist walked up to him about to question his¡­attire.

    ¡°Uhm, sir?¡± Before she could finish her sentence, Crule grabbed a post off the board and shoved it in front of her.

    ¡°I¡¯m taking this job,¡± Crule said without a hint of emotion in his tone. He didn¡¯t want to make a scene, but his current outfit makes that difficult.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    The receptionist looked at the post and frowned. It was a mission to hunt and bring back the corpses of ten Titan Bristle Boars. Usually, this type of task would require and entire team of adventurers. If one who to attempt to solo, due to the goodwill of the adventurers guild, they will stop you unless you can prove your rank.

    ¡°Sir, you aren¡¯t allowed¡­¡± Once again, before she could finish her sentence, Crule pulled his bronze medallion out.

    ¡°Sir¡­bronze rank isn¡¯t enough to¡­¡± Her headache continued as Crule once again stopped her mid-sentence as he pulled out the head of a snake.

    The receptionist¡¯s eyes wavered at the sight of the head. With her vast experience in working at the guild for four years, it was the first time she saw up close the head of a Triton Serpent. Those beasts have terrorized the fishermen for years. After the last tide rise, the creatures at the tier above the serpent in the food chain was nearly hunted to extinction. This caused a massive boom in their population and strength. They were easily equal to the Titan Bristle Boars in strength when in the water.

    The head Crule took out was fresh. Warm blood still dripped from the wound on its neck.

    ¡°This enough evidence?¡± Crule smirked. It would have looked cool if he wasn¡¯t in his underwear right now.

    The receptionist blanked. ¡°Uh¡­Yes?¡± She wasn¡¯t sure of her answer.

    Crule threw the head down and started to take more out. Soon the floor was littered with about a dozen snakeheads.

    ¡°Enough?¡±

    The receptionist didn¡¯t know how to answer. This was way out of her pay grade.

    ¡°Clara, just let the young lad accept the mission,¡± A shout from upstairs resounded.

    The receptionist quickly nodded.

    ¡°Oh, sell those heads for me will ya?¡± Crule added before the receptionist could leave.

    The receptionist frowned. She was going to have to carry the dozen or so slimy snakeheads all by herself to the storage in the back.

    She wanted to say no, but it was the guild policy¡­

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± She said through her teeth. ¡°That will be fifty gold.¡±

    She reached into her pack on her waist and pulled out five golden tokens with ten labeled on them.

    Crule stared at the coin and pondered. It would seem the game has advanced to this stage already. Due to the difficulty of different currencies, Metallurgy INC quickly introduced a common currency. It was very simple. Copper, silver, gold, and platinum.

    Crule accepted the gold and walked out of the hall with his copy of the quest he took.

    The people were still staring at him, then at the snake heads on the floor.

    ¡°I was wondering why old man Cytex was so happy this morning. It seemed his massive hull of fish today appeared to be caused by the thinning of the serpent population¡­¡± One of the adventurers sighed.

    ______

    The first thing Crule did after leaving the Guildhall was to find a tailor. He saw a quiet little hut with a scissor symbol in front of it. A small bell chimed as he walked in.

    ¡°Welcome to¡­¡± Before the girl could finish her sentence, the sight of Crule in only his underwear shocked her.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to purchase some clothes,¡± Crule said nonchalantly.

    ¡°Y-yes sir,¡± The girl quickly snapped out of it. ¡°What type of clothes sir?¡±

    ¡°Leather, preferably a full set or two.¡±

    The girl quickly walked to Crule with a measuring tape. After taking his measurement, she walked to the back and returned with a pair of jeans, a brown shirt, and a leather vest. Crule tried it on, and it fitted perfectly.

    He threw a gold coin to the girl and walked out. The poor girl remained shocked at what just happened. She looked at the coin in her hand, at least the weird customer paid the correct amount¡­

    Crule now looked like your average handsome adventurer lad. With a deep breath, he walked out of the gate and towards the prairie fields to the southeast. The sight a large moving blobs of fur could be seen for miles away. The Titan Bristle Boars were large furry spiked pigs the size of buildings. They were hard to kill but were the primary source of food for a lot of people. Since they were too difficult to domesticate, adventurers were used to hunt them as a primary food source. Those boars breed too fast to go extinct anyway.

    Crule looked upon the furry lumps across the horizon.

    ¡°Let the money making begin.¡±