ã€ŠWonder Babyã€‹


 Chapter 1: A too clean start V2

    Chapter One

    Do you know that feeling you get when you don¡¯t comprehend the transition from last night to the next day? That same disorientation was happening to James as he struggled to open his eyes. There appeared to be a strange sky that was constantly changing from a kaleidoscope of colors. That¡¯s when James noticed he was lying on top of a grassy hill top, seemingly surrounded by gentle hills.

    ¡°I thought this would be a good place for us to talk, considering how things ended for you James. But don¡¯t worry, this is the start of your brand new life and it will be so much better!¡±

    Hearing a voice caused James to push himself up into a sitting position and look to his side to see an attractive women in silk, sitting on a bench, painting. A small smile gracing her warm looking face. She had long, brown hair and a slender body, with some paint dried on her hand. James was utterly annoyed at her bright and cheery pep talk.

    Why the hell is she so irrationally cheerful, ugh she¡¯s gorgeous too?

    Putting the paintbrush down, she stood up and walked over to James. She reached her hand out to help James up. Still not sure what was going on but reasonably sure he take her in a fight James grabbed her hand and finally stood up. He quickly let her hand go, but she didn¡¯t seem surprised by this and the strange woman motioned for James to follow her down the hill.

    How did I even get here last thing I remember was¡­

    The hypnotic mess of a sky above them changed from its endless colors to a familiar scene to James. It was the alley where he lived, piles of trash and homeless lumped together clogging the alley. He could see himself with a needle in his arm. His eyes had gone into the back of his head, foam formed around his mouth, and his chest motionless.

    ¡°I died¡± James emotionlessly stated.

    ¡°Yes, I know it must be hard, but, like, as I said before, I have some exciting ne¡­ James don''t you think it''s time to stop acting like that?¡±

    She must have been reacting to the smile forming on James¡¯ face and the look of longing he had while staring at the heroin and liquor bottles that surrounded his dead body. Nothing else mattered besides getting another hit, James could just imagine the relief and peace he could get it he could get if he just had more. James turned looked up the woman to see her face twisting into horror. She rushed over and grabbed his shoulders.

    ¡°No! Don¡¯t be like that¡±

    Like what, happy?

    ¡°The life you had with drugs and alcohol is over¡±

    A life without those sounds horrible

    ¡°Your next life can be one without the hurt and shame you carry even now¡±

    How could you even promise that? Who would even believe that?

    The smile on James face vanished, causing the woman to rush to explain herself.

    ¡°I am the great goddess Sorya and I have watched over you for some time before your tragic end. I feel like, without those bad things in your life, you could have been a great person. I glanced through your entire life and thought I could put you in a world with a brand new set of abilities to help you.¡±

    The sky changed again, the paint colors shifted until another world appeared above them. People in armor were fighting magical creatures, spells of all sorts flying from one direction to the other. It was a fantasy world come to life in the sky above them.

    ¡°As a child you use to imagine living in a place like the world above you and now you will get the chance to fulfill your dreams. I great at picking new worlds for souls to be reborn in and this totally would be perfect for you¡±

    James had to admit that the idea of living in a fantasy world would be exciting, but there was no guarantee his life wouldn¡¯t be as disparaging as before. James could tell she noticing his negative thoughts. Reminding him of his parole officer, the annoying man could tell when he was spiraling out of control. Even now James was disheartened by how little the cop cared as long as he checked in when he was supposed to and slide him some cash every now and then.

    I deserved it

    No one stayed around to help James, not his parents, not friends. By the end he had screwed up his life so much that they could no longer be around him. How could this Goddess make him anything different?

    ¡°But that¡¯s not all, also like those games you like. You will be given stats plus bonuses points each time you level-up, making sure you are above average along with any skills you learn will level up faster. In other words, you have nothing to worry about!¡±

    The Goddess Sorya was beaming at this point, she was nearly sparkly with positivity. It amazed James how even as she gave him everything he dreamed of as a kid, he was becoming irrationally annoyed with her as time went on.Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°Wow, it really seems you want to give me a perfect life.¡±

    James started to joke to which the Goddess started to laugh at herself in response.

    ¡°Seems you got me all figured out, giving you this much pushes what I am allowed to give to one person. All the gods have decided there must be a limit on how powerful we can make a person. Also, the souls we govern over are our responsibility so if they die too soon it¡¯s our fault, and assist them with their next life.¡±

    ¡°Seems fair.¡±

    ¡°Good to hear¡± James chuckled to himself. Maybe things really can be different but it won''t last. Since I already know I will screw it up why not try to get more out of it while I can

    ¡°Goddess Sorya truly you have offered me such great gifts but, I am sure you can agree, I am easily discouraged. I need an ability I can use as soon as I go to this new world or who knows what will happen.¡± James said as he attempted to milk more abilities from the Goddess.

    ¡°What you say James does make sense but given what the abilities you already have been given¡­¡±

    ¡°Do you want to see me dying of a drug overdose again? Because I will unless you give me at least one more thing.¡±

    James felt shame saying that to her but he knew the type of person he was so he just added those feelings to the pile.

    The Goddess Sorya looked worried at the thought of seeing James reaching the same tragic end. He watched her pace for a minute, walking in circles she mentally weighed her options. Finally, Sorya took a deep breath and breathed out.

    ¡°Alright¡­ but just one and you''re going to have to do something for me¡±

    ¡°Agreed¡±

    A menu popped up with a wide list of abilities but James had already decided upon the kind he wanted. James read through the list until he found one closest to it and the ability was called [Gift of Intelligence].

    ¡°That¡¯s it, no more.¡±

    ¡°Of course, now what do I have to do¡±

    ¡°Explain this.¡±

    The sky changed yet again, it was James as a small child watching his parents argue. He was hiding behind a wall watching them with wide eyes and scared. The goddess gestured at James so you began to describe the painting.

    ¡°Really? This is a waste of time¡­. Fine. I was five years old when this happened, this was the start of the many fights between my parents before their divorce.¡±

    ¡°Was it always this bad?¡±

    James looked at the painting again, his parents were screaming so loud at the kitchen table there veins were popping out of there necks.

    ¡°Yeah, it was.¡±

    ¡°Must have been hard...¡± The goddess said open-endedly

    ¡°It was so long ago, what adult could remember something from when they were that young?¡± James said while lightly shaking his head knowing he just lied but refused to admit it

    ¡°You''re probably right.¡± The Goddess agreed, light heartedly. Then motioned him to look at the sky.

    This time he was older and standing on a street corner with a bloody lip while three other boys stood around him in the darkness of night.

    ¡°I was forteen, those kids were bullies I kept running into because I like to stay outside. Do you have a problem with that? Actually, can we just stop now?¡± James was really beginning to feel uncomfortable.

    ¡°Why were you outside? Look at how dark it is surely you wanted to sleep. You must have had school the next day.¡±

    ¡°Like I said I like outside and besides my mom told me not to waste my time in the house.¡±

    ¡°And why did she tell you to do that James. Be honest.¡±

    James closed his eyes, talking about these things was something he had avoided for a very long time, but he knew there was nothing he could do to get out of this.

    ¡°... My mom had remarried two years ago at that point, he use to hurt my mom and I when he got angry. Mostly my mother, but he beat me to if he had a especially bad night. One time I woke up to him still beating me, after knocking me unconscious after going to bed for the day¡­ It was so dark.¡± James barely choked out.

    ¡°Alright, just one more. We¡¯re nearly done.¡±

    ¡°Please¡­ don''t show it, isn''t this enough?¡± He already knew what was going to be shown and didn¡¯t know if he could stomach it.

    The goddess was not looking at the sky, she was watching James¡¯ reaction as the paint came together to recreate the final scene. James was holding his mouth shut with his hand while tears streamed down his face.

    ¡°Tell me what you see James.¡± She walked closer to him but he did not even notice.

    In the sky should was horrific image of James kneeling over his mother, with a fist pulled back, screaming incoherently while his father and one of his friends were attempting to pull him off of her.

    ¡°I was 23, and had recently been kicked out of my apartment, they had all set this intervention up at my dad¡¯s house. When my dad had driven us back to his place they were already waiting in his living room. And you want to know the first thing I heard?¡±

    ¡°Yes I do¡±

    ¡°It was my mother, she said ¡°James it''s alright, I am here to help you.¡± and when she did I¡­¡± James started to cover his mouth but the goddess with a light touch refused to let him do so.

    ¡°You need to say it if you truly indeed to start a new life¡±

    Hearing those words made James Freeze in place because he had no idea if even he wanted it. In the end the hope of something better than what he was currently feeling won so he let himself speak.

    ¡°When I heard those words coming from my mother I snapped. I dropped what I was carrying and just rushed her with my liquor filled body. Words came from my mouth screaming at the top of my lungs. What right did she have to say those words to me after all these years? Why did she care so much now and not when our family fell apart or when her fucking husband beat me. If that was going to be her life why screw me up by bringing me along?¡±

    James stopped speaking and just looked at his mother''s face filled with complete terror and tears.

    ¡°Hearing all those things from me was just too much for her¡­ my mother died of a heart attack right under me.Because.of.me.¡±

    Saying those last words finally caused James to funny break down into the goddess¡¯s arms. All of those memories had been things James had avoided ever since his day. Pushing it away had become his one and only job and used drugs and alcohol to do it. He cried because he was just so tired of being this much in pain and remembering what he had done. James did not know how much time passed but eventually he tears stopped and he just clung to the goddess.

    ¡°You''re ready to begin again¡± the Goddess said while standing up

    ¡°Look at me! Do I really look like a person who can do anything?¡± James said dejectedly

    In response the goddess just gave a soft smile that for James was like a small ray of hope.

    ¡°Only a person in your position is truly ready¡±

    James was still scared but with trepidation grabbed her hand allowing the Goddess to pull him up. The goddess resumed walking and James followed behind her, it was only a short walk until he saw a simple door on top of the hill in front of them.

    ¡°As soon as you walked through that door your new life will start and soon after you will be able to call upon your stat menu. There is one condition that comes with me granting you a full life in another world¡±

    Both of them were now in front of the door, Sorya motioned for James to open it and he did showing a bright white light.

    ¡°You will be starting your life right the very beginning so the only things you wish you do so enjoy it¡± She said with another warm smile

    Before James could respond about what she meant she pushed him from behind and he went flying into the light.

    The next time James opened his eyes a huge man and women were over him, their faces full of smiles as they spoke in exaggerated voices as they leaned inside his crib.

 Chapter 2: Huge New World V2

    Huge New World

    Name: Orion Moken  Age: 2

    Health: 4  Level: 1 Experience: 15%

    Strength:  2 (2) Dexterity:  2 (2)

    Constitution:  2 Wisdom:  4

    Intelligence:  10

    Abilities:

    [Faster Learner] : It takes less to level up all things

    [Extra] :50% more skill points when leveling

    [Gift of Intelligence] : Gives a living creature a template of this abilities owner

    [Child] Reduced physical and dexterity stats, halved

    Skills:

    ¡°So admit it the beds pretty nice, wish I had this growing up.¡± Rachel joked.

    ¡°Jeez Rachel, it¡¯s not like we lived in horrible conditions either¡­ but it is a nice bed, is something wrong James?¡± Mark corrected.

    Orion was laying on his bed unsure of what had just happened to him, one moment he was falling into a door filled with light and the next he was laying down. Taking a few seconds to collect himself Orion noticed the people above him. Mark had short brown hair and clean shaven with brown eyes and oddly slightly nervous. Rachel on the other hand had a huge smile that showed off her faded freckles, blonde hair that went to her shoulders and blue eyes that seemed to be trying to see his every reaction.

    ¡°Orion is something the matter? You can tell your mom anything¡± Rachel said with a little worry in her voice while reaching out.

    With a wave off Orion tried to fix the situation not wanting to already blow his cover he was still having trouble accepting.

    ¡°Nothing¡±

    ¡°If your mother said she noticed something wrong I believe her¡± Mark firmly trying to put his hand on Orion''s other shoulder. As Mark''s hand got close Orion jerked back afraid of his touch.

    ¡°Stop it¡­ just leave¡± Orion said with tension in his voice

    Rachel now looked more worried and was about to say something but Mark stopped her.

    ¡°Look now he''s mad at us. Let¡¯s just leave him alone okay?¡±

    Clearly Rachel was unhappy but she went with Mark with his arm around her waist out of the room waving goodbye. Finally alone Orion was able to see what ¡°His Room¡± looked like. If he had to guess the size it was around 150 square feet in one rectangle. There was a bookshelf directly in front of the bed and some sort of work bench to his right facing the window. On it were what looked like different colored leathers along with tools and string to cut and combine them every which way?

    ¡°Have to remember these people are not them¡± Orion said frustrated at himself while combing his fingers through his hair.

    Wanting to explore his room more to distract himself so it was easier to come to terms with his new body but he overheard muffled sounds coming from just outside the door. Instantly Orion knew what was happening just beyond his door and even though he did not want to wear he was too scared not to. After years of practice it had become second nature to move across his bedroom with as little sound as possible and held his ear to the door.

    ¡°We should talk to him, he seemed scared¡±

    ¡°He was scared because we were overwhelming him. Let¡¯s just leave him alone¡±

    ¡°Easy for you to say since you have more work to get to, that''s all you ever do and that''s why he was scared of your touch.¡±

    ¡°....Rachel I just can''t quit my job¡± Mark offered in a weak defense of himself

    ¡°Working from morning till night is not normal and I already talked with Hammel and as soon as you talk to him about it your hours can be just like anyone else¡±

    ¡°Why did you go behind my back? It''s my job not yours, besides like i have been telling you things are crazy right now. People are constantly worried about the kidnappings or babies and small children over the past few months along with sightings of some sort of creatures.¡±

    ¡°All three of us are one family and you should act like it¡± Rachel countered

    ¡°I have to go, we will talk about this later¡± Forcing an end to the discussion

    Orion stepped away from the door and sat back on his bed disappointed in himself for what he felt.

    ¡°I thought I was not supposed to have any worries¡±

    What was happening between his new parents now reminded him of his parents in the past arguing. Back then he was a child and did not know how to handle what was happening and even now he did not have many answers but there was something he did know, something he wished he had.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°I don''t want to be alone¡±

    Orion guessed his new mother did not want to be also so he got out from his bed and opened the door. There were three doors on the same floor as him then stairs to the left. Opening up the one directly in front revealed to be a bathroom room so he tried the one next to his and knocked again.

    ¡°Orion? I will be right there¡± Came the quiet voice of his mother.

    Hearing her footsteps he back away from the door. When the door opened Orion noticed she looked sad.

    ¡°What is it my big man?¡± Rachel asked picking him up with ease

    ¡°I want to do what you do!¡± Orion said trying to mimic her excitement from earlier.

    ¡°Wow did not realize you were such a good speaker¡­ you know what that''s a great idea. What to help me with a project I am working on?¡±

    Just smiling for a response Orion agreed, his mother''s expression changing to match his own. Rachel put him down but still held onto his hand as the two of them went up to the door across of his new parents. She pulled a key pout from her pocket and put it into the simple lock while saying words he did not understand.

    ¡°Ready to see some cool stuff?¡± Rachel said now giddy

    Nodding again even faster she opened the door and presented the contents.

    ¡°Ta-Da!¡± Throwing her arms out like a street performer

    ¡°Cool¡±

    In that room were several work benches each with different types of leather materials in various stages of completion. There were suits of damaged armor hanging up with pieces of paper. Each bench had a window above with and everything there was stacks of leather. They walked to the biggest bench with two seats. His mother dropped a stack of leather on one seat so he could reach the table and she sat on the other.

    ¡°This is where Mom does some side projects when there''s nothing to do. I don''t have to do be this, your father is a great provider, but I miss having my own thing. Sometimes some old customers of mine ask for some repairs and small jobs and I do them.¡±

    Rachel explained things while working on some leather Orion guessed she did this without noticing. What amazed him was the quality or everything inside and by the sound of it all alone.

    ¡°Right now I am working on fixing the backpack of a mage friend of mine and your fathers, he uses magic so everything needs to look fancy. What I need my big man to do is help me make a pouch to carry some small stuff for him¡±

    Reaching into one of the lower drawers next to her Rachel pulled out a piece of leather along with a needle and thread.

    ¡°Watch closely¡±

    Making sure to go as slow as possible Rachel threaded the first few holes making sure Orion was watching then let him try. He tried to copy what he watched but his hand kept on shaking or missing entirely.

    ¡°Humm, okay then let me help¡± Rachel said without waiting for a response.

    Getting up from her seat Rachel stood behind Orion and held his hands with her hand next to his.

    ¡°Let my hands guide yours¡±

    Even being oversized compared to his Rachel easily corrected his movements, it was like her hands were suggesting his do something and Orion just followed that feeling. What he struggled with just a moment ago seemed almost too easy now, after a few holes she let go.

    ¡°Try again¡±

    This time while it was still hard it seemed like just the remembered feeling of her hands were skill guiding his. Orion was able to tread the string, it made him more expected than he thought and looking at Rachel she had a similar excitement.

    [Leatherworking] skill acquired

    Wow that is new. I guess I should call her mom since this is a new life and all

    Orion could not admit to himself the real reason but calling Rachel mom but this was all he was willing to do at this point. Not wanting to wait to try out the new skill Orion started again on the pouch while his mother began work on her own project.

    They sat mostly in silence next to each other, only the occasional advice to help him along. For Orion a moment like this had not happened in so long he could no longer remember. They sat there until Orion completed the pouch, it was clear to him it was not done right so he tried to hide it away from her.

    ¡°You are not fast enough to pull that on me¡±

    His mother snatched the pouch out of his hands in an instant and looked it over.

    ¡°This is perfect Orion, I am sure he will love it. You know what, you can give it to him personally. Arlen is going to come by at the end of the week and both of us will be there, how does that sound?¡±

    ¡°Sounds good¡± Orion had to admit that the thought of meeting someone who used actual magic excited him.

    Looking out of the window Orion was surprised to see the sun had almost completely fallen over the horizon.

    ¡°So you finally noticed? Looks like my big guy was enjoying working with leather as much as his mom does. The thing is it''s your bedtime so let''s get you back to your room¡±

    They both stood up and walked back into his room, Rachel tucked Orion in and kissed his forehead

    ¡°Goodnight¡±

    ¡°Night Rachel¡± Orion responded without thinking

    ¡°Rachel? That will not do at all. It is mom to you sir¡± she pointed at him while squinting at the door.

    ¡°Goodnight mom¡± he said making sure to get it right this time.

    ¡°That¡¯s better¡± smile returning again then closed the door.

    Now sitting alone in the dark it made sleep next to impossible, before he fell asleep or more specific passed around light sources from buildings. Orion did not know how long he laid awake in his bed but eventually sleep did come. Things just become worse as he remember the things he watched and did. Seeing all those things became harder and harder until he once again found himself awake.

    This is the third time already tonight, looks like this was not the quick fix I wanted it to be

    Orion got up from his now sweat soaked bed and went over to the only light source: the two moons that orbited the planet. It seemed odd to him but among all the things that told him this was a different world the moons were the thing that affected him the most. Orion went next over to the desk where a similar setup to his mother''s workshop room was but no tools could be found.

    Rachel must be worried her child was going to hurt himself Orion noticed with satisfaction for her level of attention.

    ¡°I am her child and she is my mother now. Jeez can''t keep slipping up like that or else it''s going to be hard to live here¡± Orion commented trying to take it all in.

    It will be hard for all you humans to live once the Overlord is ready and once he is all humans will be treated like my people always have been!

    Swiftly Orion jumped around to the source of who was talking to him but not out loud. He felt the voice inside his brain and there was nothing he could do to block it out. Looking around at first he could see nothing but then Orion looked lower and saw a pair of black eyes somehow reflecting in the moonlight.

    ¡°You''re the one who spoke to me?¡± he questioned

    You are not supposed to be awake, but you will be one of the chosen

    ¡°I refuse¡± saying flatly

    It doesn''t matter it responded with determination

    The rat ran forward in Orion''s direction throwing him off, he tried to kick it but the rat managed to jump back before it connected. Realizing he needed some sort of weapon to help him he reached behind himself feeling around the top of the desk while keeping eye contact. The rat was pacing back and forth looking for an opening.

    Come on, come on¡­ finally something. Wait am I feeling a book? There has to be something better than thi¡­

    Noticing Orion was slightly distracted it took the chance to charge in his direction again. Seeing how time ran out he grabbed the book and swung it forward, it was thin but wide so while the rat was in air the hit landed this time.

    [1 Damage]

    The rat was sent flying into the ground, landing with a thud then did not move anymore. Orion breathed a sigh of relief and book the book back down then went over to his bed to wipe away the sweat.

    ¡°Talking rats now? Too much for one day. Also there was that thing about some Overlord, don''t even know where to begin with that¡±

    While thinking about what to do with the body of the rat while back sitting on his bed the ¡°corpse¡± got up and started running not at him but where he use to be. Now it became clear it was never trying to attack him but the window he was behind. Cracked opened for air flow it went through the opening and by the time Orion got to the window ran right before he lost sight.

    ¡°There is no way I can tell my new mom about this¡±

 Chapter 3: Getting Ready V2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 3

    Orion woke up with someone shaking him causing memories to come back up and causing him to freak out and pushed Mark away. Seeing his reaction made him stand up from the bed. Nearly hyperventilating Orion forced himself to relax and remember things are different now.

    ¡°Sorry about that, your mother said I should...anyway time for work so I am leaving. Have a good day Orion¡±

    Mark stepped back and as he left his room dodged a brown furry creature by picking up his right leg without missing a beat. Orion could have sworn he heard Mark mutter ¡°damn cat¡± and he could not blame him. The cat seemed very full of itself as it jumped up and sat on his lap waiting to be petted.

    ¡°As you command¡± he chuckled while doing just that.

    It may be just me but I don''t think that guy likes being around me. Anyway one problem at a time, what was going on with that speaking rat. Being chosen for the Overlord is just crazy, I just got here!

    ¡°Orion come down stairs it''s time to eat¡± his new mom called out from down stairs.

    ¡°Be right there¡± he called out

    As if that was the command word the cat jumped off of him and disappeared out of his room. Walking down stairs Orion saw at the table two plates of food and his mother petting the cat.

    ¡°I see Diamond has been keeping you company, dinit you?¡± She scratched under Diamonds neck which made her purr.

    His new mother put down a small plate next to Diamond which had its food while Orion had down next to his plate. It had scrambled eggs and sausages, without waiting he began to eat with his new mom joining him.

    ¡°There is something we have to talk about. I know you were really looking forward last week to spending the day together exploring the town but mommy has to get some work done so would you be fine playing in your room today?¡±

    ¡°It sounds fun!¡± Orion acted excited to be playing

    ¡°Thank you, I promise we will do it next week. When we are out sight seeing I will tell you some stories about me and your dad¡±

    The three of them ate together enjoying the food and each other''s company until they were finished. His new mom walked him to his room before going back into the workshop but leaving the door open. Now it was just him and Diamond and after confirming she could no longer see him Orion dropped the toys and went to the bookshelf.

    ¡°Let''s learn about the world¡± as he turned his gaze to the titles of the books to find one that interest him.

    Wait forgot something

    Orion walked away from the book shelf and went over to the door closing it

    ¡°No more rats to worry about now¡±

    There were a number of things that interested Orion from the books above but he only pulled out three and put them on his bed. Laying there on a spread was the basis of history, leatherworking, and castles. For a time he went over what he found and found out a number of things. Firstly there town was one of a number ¡°orbiting¡± the inner kingdom along the uncharted land. Along with some other information he got frankly bored with so he went to the other two books.

    Look like my new mom is a critic

    Inside the book about leathers were numerous hand drawn notes with what seemed to be correct information and expanded details. Reading did not end up taking much of his time thanks to Diamond who wanted to constantly play. After one too many bites to the feet it was time for a counterattack.

    ¡°Take that!¡± Orion tried to grab at Diamond and just like the rat the night before completely dodged.

    Getting up from the ground where he had been sitting Orion began a game of dodging deadly attacks. It went on for some time until he finally managed to dodge one of its claws.

    [Dodging] Skill Acquired

    After seeing itself missing an attack Diamond ran down the hallway but Orion was not done so he quickly went after her. Given his height going down the stairs forced him to slow down and also giving him the chance to listen in on his new mom and see if he had been caught. Orion was tense as he waited but after a while with no word from her he decided things were in the clear.

    Orion did not know how long or how high of a level his mother was an adventure but given that she was one there could be no telling what skills she could use at anytime. He was now downstairs and saw Diamond had gotten outside so he got a drink of water then went out also.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    For a backyard it was a rather large one,it had a large floor space than their home did, Trees and bushes littered the backyard.Diamond was rolling around on the ground in front of him. Looking back at the door was when Orion notice simple wooden practice swords along with simple tools such as a shovel.

    ¡°This will do¡±

    Picking up the sword that was oversized for him forcing two hands to wield he went up to one of the trees. Orion made a practice swing that stopped just before it would hit to get a feel for the weapon in his hand.

    So heavy

    The next time Orion swung the blade down in front of him earning a thud when it made contact with the tree. Looking around he only saw the tall fence that was higher than he was and no one complain about the sound so he kept going. Strike after strike he made on the tree and while it was taking damage the sword was not.

    Quickly Orion was out of breath and leaned on the tree to rest, he admired the light wind that was refreshing him. Distant sounds of people traveling and bartering could be heard even from where he was sitting.

    Given what he had heard from the rat Orion wanted to get stronger in whatever way he could physically since there was no way he could sneak the wooden sword into his room. Thinking about last night made him increasingly fearful and made about having another reason to fear the dark. His attacks began a steady trend of more power behind them until one was much harder than the others that forced him to take a rest after.

    [Sword Proficiency] Skill Acquired

    [Power Attack] Skill Acquired

    ¡°Now that will be useful as long as I have enough time to build up¡± he noticed the time it had taken to call it forth.

    Getting a rush when the pop ups came Orion was now striving for something even if his body was near to its limit. Refusing to give up and gaining an irrational hatred for trees the attacks continued without mercy.

    ¡°Looks like you had just about enough for now, how about you get some rest?¡±

    His new mom said directly behind him without Orion ever noticing and pulling the wooden sword out of his hand.

    To worried about getting caught to say anything Orion waited for her to say the first thing about it as they sat on the glass drinking water. At this point he risked not saying anything so it looked like to her he say it as nothing wrong was done.

    ¡°I saw you as soon as you got outside, did you forgot the windows right where I am working? Do you like playing with the sword?¡± Rachel asked already fairly sure of the answer.

    ¡°I want to be strong!¡± Orion proudly said while standing up and flexing his arms.

    Laughing to herself about how he was acting she motioned for him to sit back down and put her arm around him.

    ¡°I can tell my strong man, how about I make you a deal? As long as you stay in the backyard you can play as much as you want. In fact sometimes me and your father will come out and play with swords with you¡± Rachel said waiting to see how much the liked the idea.

    ¡°Can we do it right now?¡± Orion asked giddily while trying to snatch back the wooden sword.

    ¡°Not so fast, right now is time for a nap¡± Holding the sword higher than he could reach.

    Orion complained but his mother would have none it, she forced him to lay down and it was then he noticed how tried he was. Soon after he fell asleep in complete peace, it was the sounds of two people attack each other that woke him up. Opening his eyes he pushed himself up and saw Mark and his new mother sparing, mark a spear and she had a sword both of which for wooden.

    ¡°Doesn''t this bring you back?¡± Rachel asked not giddy herself as she landed a blow on his shoulder.

    ¡°All too much, that''s why I plan to not repeat the memory¡± with a smile on his face Mark thrusted his spear downward and yanked her legs from under her causing Rachel to fall.

    Orion could tell they both seemed as tried as himself from there heavy breathing and sweat rolling down their faces. Given that is was also impossible to miss the smiles they had while looking into each other''s eyes.

    ¡°Looks like we got a bit to into it and woke you up¡± his mother apologized while laying on the ground.

    ¡°It''s fine, I wish I could have watched more¡± Orion was fine with what happened

    ¡°Could he always speak so well and so much?¡± Mark noticed as he helped Rachel up.

    ¡°No that''s new, but it just means he''s a special boy¡± his mother beamed being proud of him.

    ¡°Why are you home so early?¡± his mother spoke in a whisper to Mark while Orion pretended to be busy looking around.

    ¡°I am not staying, the guards got another report that a child has gone missing and they wanted us to go through the town to see if we find anyone¡± Mark whispered in an even quieter force.

    Its those rats it has to be! But how are they managing to take away children and babies?

    Given his age in this world it was clear anything he would say about talking rats, chosen ones and Overlords would be seen as childhood dreams brought on by the ¡°real¡± takers of children. Eventually in order to keep himself safe Orion figured he needed to know as much of the town as possible. Since his mom was more or less watching him at all times it would have to be when the two of them went exploring the town next week.

    ¡°Say goodbye to your dad Orion, he has to go back to work¡± his mother told him

    ¡°Bye Mark¡± he said flatly

    ¡°Its dad to you¡± Mark corrected

    ¡°Bye Mark¡± Orion repeated full well knowing what he was saying.

    ¡°Well we can work on that later, bye you two¡± Mark gave a small wave before picking up his weapon and walked to the frontdoor.

    ¡°So you feel like trying to beat you mom?¡± his mother asked still full of energy.

    Without saying a word Orion picked up one of the extra wooden swords and went to the same spot Mark was on while his mother went to hers.

    ¡°Ready?¡± She asked while already in a fighting stance with one leg forward and one back.

    Orion did not responded, he just attacked as fast as he could. Hid blows were easily deflected and once he began to slow down his mom offered him some pointers.

    ¡°Watch what I do then copy¡± his mother took a few steps back then turned sideways then performed a single action.

    Orion copied what he had seen after a few tries then he tried to attack again to zero success. It went on for some time but eventually his mother called an end to their practice and locked the wooden weapons in the chest inside.

    [Sword Techniques] Skill Acquired

    He spent the rest of the day dodging diamonds attacks and reading some of the books sitting on the shelf. Orion had noticed he was growing closer with his new Mother while with Mark things stayed bad and saw no signs it would improve anytime soon.

    I am getting better at defending myself

    The more time Orion had the better off he would be but with what was happening around the time it sounded like they never failed to capture a child yet. Double checking to make sure both his door and window was locked Orion made sure no rats would come tonight and began the process of seeing how much sleep he would get tonight.

 Chapter 4: A Baby Size Adventure

    Chapter 4

    With the sun now set it was time to begin, James braced himself for the journey ahead. The first challenge was to get out of his crib and not was mostly done already by slowly loosening one of the bars of his prison (crib) beforehand.

    Here I go

    [Power Attack]!

    James fist had an above average power to hit that was almost completely wasted due to how loose the bar already was but it made him feel good. Pocking his head in the now open space showed the crib was not that high off the ground. One at a time he grabbed all three of his pillow and dropped them on the ground below. Then he lowered his body as far as possible leaving only his arms holding onto his bed to reduce how far he would drop before he let go.

    Not again¡­

    The fall hardly lasted more than a second but the sensation of fall nearly gave James a panic attack. He squeezed his chest and focused on trying to relax and breathing slower. James remembered an event before he died then he was just a few years old. His parents before they got divorced had to ride a hot air balloon but when he looked over the edge and looked down to his parents he fear grabbed don to him that never left.

    Remember James that is all behind you. This is a brand new world and even a new body, there is something else to think about.

    Lifting himself help he noticed the fall did not cause any damage, he grabbed one pillow and left the other two where they were to deal with later. There was one thing James could not easily carry and it was the oversized blanket Mark got him. Dragging it pushed his 1 strength as he waddled to the door.

    Now the issue is not if the length is enough to each it but if I can get it up and around

    James idea was to throw the blanket around the door handle then squeeze the blanket tight around at so it would turn the handle. The moonlight gave off a brilliant reflection on the door handle as he studied the distance. He bundled the blanket as best he could and threw it up. It sailed about half way up then fell with a soft thud, James tried a few more times that way with similar results.

    James kicked the door and in response gave an embarrassingly low reaction, as if he did nothing at all to it. He noticed his health dropped by 0.1 as he clutch his foot but it gave him an idea to make up the distance. Bundling his blankie as much he could James threw with all his might and used [Power Attack] once again. The blanket sailed compared to before and made it over the handle.

    He stopped himself from doing a little dance and started to walk directly below the door. James grabbed each side of his blankie to spin himself around, in the end he was suspended above the ground with his arm free and turning more left caused the door to give a click and slowly open.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    [Power Attack] leveled up

    Stop it door! I can¡¯t handle this roller-coaster of intense events!

    In reality the door was opening quite slow and presented in danger to James. All that had to be done was to let go and he slowly unwind till he was standing again. Leaving blankie where it was he opened the door enough to get through and in a way once again went into a new world.

    Even though the ceiling was the same height it seemed so tall it was almost scary to James. To his right was his parents bed room, another door and the bathroom but he instead looked to his left. There was over a dozen wooden steps that shined from the light coming from the downstairs kitchen window.

    Now began the slow process of dropping his pillow to the next step then falling on it then repeating that process over until he landed on the bottom. It was a long process and by the end James was sweating so he popped the milk on the rocks off his back and drank while leaning on the wall.

    It was still so odd for James to see how huge everything was compared to him knowing it was just because of how small he was now. How hard is was just to get down a flight of stairs made him curse the goddess that made him like this. The milk was refreshing but his eyes searched for what he truly wanted

    Reaching his hearing as much as could there was nothing at first then familiar sounds could be heard. It sounded like a rat and more than one but before James could react his head started to hurt. Falling onto his hand the pain grew worse and worse until it almost become too much then James felt a pop and the pain went away.

    [Gift of Intelligence] has evolved

    Before James could look up that meant he started to hear new sounds but they came from in front of him but the sounds come from inside his head.

    The boss is really getting on us to find more supplies we got to find something tonight

    You don¡¯t have to me twice, after the last guy failed to come back we are really in trouble

    Bracing himself on the wall so they rats could not see him James started to sweat in disbelief over his new ability.

    I can read minds? Maybe not quite like that, they seemed to be talking to each other but I can¡¯t hear their personal thoughts. So was that first rat also like them?

    Sweat rolled down his forehead now for an entirely different reason as James slowly pulled his dual shanks from his back and prepared himself. The sounds of the small feet drew closer and his drink on the shanks tighter. When the rats passed his wall he was ready even if they could see better in dim light. With dual [Sneak Attack] even there 5 health was not match for such un expected attacks. The nearest rat instantly died and the other jumped away as soon as James attacked.

    You dare attack those of the Brown Hair Rat Clan? It would be the death of you!

    Really because I am 2-0 when it comes to the body count, this is my land!

    James climbed on top of the dead rat¡¯s body and posed to strike if the other attacked. It hissed as it looked at him with shinning eyes then jumped and attacked with its tail. James swung both of his weapons at the same time but the tail was still able to wrap around one of his shanks and pull it out of his hand. His other shank landed a solid hit as a [Power Attack] as the rat bit down on his now empty left arm.

    [-1 Health]

    They were now both on their sides racing each other but neither moved, for James Using [Power Attack] completely drained him for a few seconds. He watched the blood drip out of the rat new shoulder wound while he felt the blood escape his own.

    ¡­ Next time

    The rat ¡°spoke¡± before running off leaving James on the ground alone next to the dead rat body. Getting himself up now James unwrapped some of the cloth on him and tied it around his wound. Deciding that he was to try to get a real drink he made the long journey up the stairs and back in his room. By then the milk was completely empty and so was his stamina

    So there are clans of smart rats out there and I started a war with them¡­ I need my own gang

    Those were James last thoughts before he drifted to sleep with his blankie covering him and his broken toy horse in his hands.

    Skill [Two Weapon fighting] acquired

    Skill [Sneak Attack] level up

    [Level Up]

 Chapter 5: The Outside World

    Chapter 5

    Waking up that morning gave James the biggest gift yet so far: 3 stat points to put anywhere he wanted. The usual amount seemed to be 2 but with his ability giving him a leg up and he already knew where. Putting two points in constitution tripled his health to now 6 points. It was clear that instead of just dumping it all into strength it was more important to be able to last but the last point did go into Strength making his new stats this:

    Name: James Moken Level: 2 Health: 6 Experience: 3%

    Strength: 2

    Dexterity: 1

    Constitution:     3

    Wisdom:         7

    Intelligence: 10

    Abilities:

    [Faster Learner] : It takes less to level up all things

    [Extra] :50% more skill points when leveling

    [Gift of Intelligence] : Gives a living creature a template of this abilities owner

    [Baby] all starting physical stats drop to one

    Skills:

    <u>Beginner Rank</u>

    [Intimidation] Level 1

    [Sneak Attack] Level 2

    [Power Attack] Level 3

    [Two Weapon Fighting] level 1

    [Leathworking] Level 1

    Now that is what I call an improvement but the problem is I can¡¯t tell how powerful that Brown Hair Rat Clan is. If it¡¯s just ¡®normal rats I can now handle a few at once but if they level like everything and have some sort of roided out rat monster my chances don¡¯t look so good

    Even with such an unknown ahead of him James was happy about the skills and level up he picked up making him a much more deadly baby. The first test was showed him that he did not have to use [Power Attack] to pop off the bottom part of one of the bars of his prison (crib). Next he started to waddle in circles around his bed and it did seem that he could walk about three time longer than before.

    ¡°Well little guy seems your quite active today¡±

    Mark opened the door to James room and walked to above his crib, James had not noticed Mark was there at all.

    Creeping around again Mark? Seems you¡¯re perfect for your job after failing at your dreamYou could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    Mark worked for the city as a guard for years now after his try at being an adventure failed. James overheard that while he was able to beat anything around town but as soon as he left he was almost killed. James mother was part of the party that found him and they soon fell in love, a few years later James was born leading to present day.

    Getting picked up and held by Mark before he went to work was the usual and James accepted his fate, becoming limp. He imagined beating up Mark until he was put down. Shortly after leaving his mother and Mr. Muses came in following right behind her meowing over and over.

    ¡°James we have to thank him for doing such a good job, he killed another rat so they don¡¯t sneak off with all our food. Stop being Mr. grumpy pants and let¡¯s give him a special treat!¡±

    His mother started to tickle him until he laughed, James did not mind this at all really. In his past life his first mother liked to play around with him to and it was a nice feeling to be reminded of a good time in his past life. Once his mother picked him up the three of them made their way downstairs to the living room/ kitchen area.

    ¡°How about you be the a big man and feed Mr. Muses yourself¡±

    His mother went to the kitchen area and started to pullout a fish and cutting it into small pieces. This was James first good view of this section of the house, he was sitting on a table facing his mother. She gave him a small wave with a big smile before going back to what she was doing. Mr. Muses was sitting at her feet waiting.

    The front of the house had another door to it that led to the front of his mother¡¯s shop that sold leather good she made herself. His mother came come and handed him a few slices of cut fish then picked him up and set him on the ground.

    ¡°Now remember James one at a time¡±

    Of course mother, now cat wait and I will throw the pieces to you

    James held his free hand in front of him to try and signal Mr. Muses not to come but it had the opposite effect. James was immediately jumped and the fish was taken from his hand even using all of his now doubled strength.

    What level is this cat?!

    +10 positive relationship with [Mr. Muses]

    James was surprised that even relationships were record with something like this and wondered if this rating effected anything about him now and all of the things he did not. Mr. Muses was quickly pulled off by his Mother but not before licking James a few times. After shitting himself and getting changed James looked forward to going back to his room but his Mother had other ideas.

    ¡°Today is a great day outside so how about we go exploring?¡±

    His mother clapped her hands and started to get thing a stroller out but when she was about to put him in it James cried.

    No! If I go in there I will fall asleep, with the clan after me I need to see what the outside world looks like

    Quickly it was seen that James did not want to go in and in a way it made his mother even happier. She carried him in her arms as they walked through two doors to get to the outside. For James it was a blinding light finally seeing the sun and how much more noise there was compared to his room.

    In reality James was use to noise much louder than this before he died in New York City but it had been a long time and a new body. The noise also had to do with the location, his family was considered middle class with their home in the middle of the market district.

    They both have worked hard to get themselves this far in life, more than I ever did. All the times I slacked off when it came to something important even Mark pressed on and at least in some way I want to be better

    James did not expect seeing the outside of his own home and his mother¡¯s business, ¡°The Leather Needle¡±, to have such an impact on him. The people around him were mostly humans but scattered among the crowds the seemed like adventures were elves, dwarfs, and the assorted Beastmen. James eyes sparked as he noticed a select few of evens those some of their armor and weapons glowed different colors.

    Amazing it¡¯s like a rainbow of death¡­ I wonder if my mom can make stuff glow too?

    While being carried in his mother¡¯s arms they pasted the alleyway next to their home where James noticed a group of rats, four or five, taking turns looking around the corner.

    The Brown Hair Rat Clan¡­ so that is how they keep showing up

    Besides for the numbers James could not tell anything else before his mother walked by. Shop after shop they passed, blacksmiths to alchemist to even an animal seller of supposedly exotics but James could not tell what is considered exotic. But he did see some sort of lizard creature breath a small amount of fire so he thought that looked ¡°pretty cool.¡±

    ¡°You know James I actually have been looking forward to this for a while¡±

    So where does you plan end? Do go on

    ¡°I have a friend who also had a son who is around the same age as you, does that not that sound fun?¡±

    Nope

    ¡°Well anyway I think you will really enjoy this playdate, it¡¯s good to meet new people¡±

    I don¡¯t have time mother, there is a clan who just declared gang war on me! Things need to be done. After all who else wil¡­ that¡¯s right, I got that.

 Chapter 6: Playdate

    Chapter 6

    In reality it was less than a five minute walk if they had walked straight there but his mother had seen how much James had enjoyed looking at all the shiny things and creatures. Reaching the front of their house revealed that is was similar to his own without a store built in.

    Before they even got to the door a women carrying a child came out slamming the door wide open, James thought he heard something on the door snap. She had short blond hair and what seemed to be adventure armor set but with pieces missing. It was clear what the women did have on was well used, carious cuts and other markings could be seen.

    Must have been putting them on when we came over

    ¡°You¡¯re finally here, it¡¯s been so long!¡±

    Before Rachel could respond the women wrapped her free around the both of them, Forcing James head to squeeze and be pressed on the other babies face. James could not tell anything special about the other baby besides it just being another baby. If anything did stand out to James the other baby seemed to be¡­. Muscular, even more so then him. Its eyes were drilling into him while in a blue onesies with a smiley face.

    James and his mother started to try and push themselves free but the other baby looked use to this sort of torture and seemed to not even try fighting being crushed to death. Not like it mattered because even with the two of them the hug of death did not end.

    ¡°Diana¡­your arm¡­ we talked about this¡± His mother managed to squeeze out while almost bending inward unnaturally.

    ¡°Sorry I am just so excited to see you, Since David has been away for an assignment is just been me and Tom¡± Diana let out with a small and slightly nervous laugh as she quickly let go of the two of them. Diana then rushed back to the door and held it open, the door itself seemed to be made out of mostly metal and now James knew why. Yet when they walked in it seemed the hinges themselves were in rough shape.

    The inside of the home was full of a strange mix of plants and military equipment with a variety of maps of the area surrounding the town. On them seem to be possible paths to go with question marks and other details. James mother looked worried looking around at the maps.

    So this is something new James was able to summarize after seeing his mother¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Can we talk?¡± Diana asked now in almost a worried voice while putting Tom on the ground, stoking his head with a light smile.

    ¡°Of course¡± Rachel responded putting James down in the same play area as Tom, they both sat there facing each other while Rachel and Diana sat at the dinner table on the other side of the room.

    Still a baby and clearly already a muscle head James said judgingly as he squinted his eyes.

    When James got stronger some of his baby fat went away making him leaner while slightly increasing his muscle density. On the other hand Tom¡¯s body lost none of the usual weight and was just dense. Tom grabbed the blocks around him and started to stack them while James tried to listen in on the conversation that has happening with their mothers.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°It seems you have been doing your own search for David and his party but it¡¯s been over a month now, maybe it¡¯s time to...¡±

    ¡°What, give up? Unlike you I have faith in my husband¡¯s abilities to survive out there¡± Diana said with a snap

    Dam, even I feel bad for Mark

    Diana¡¯s husband David along with herself are professional adventures for the town and take turns going out for assignments. Originally both of them along with Rachel and Mark were all a part of the same party.

    Diana put her elbows on the table and rested her forehead on the palms of her hands. Rachel did not seem to take offense to that from James view but merely reached out and put her hand on Diana¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°I am so sorry Racheal, it¡¯s just been so hard ever since Mark come to the house and told me David¡¯s party went missing. A few days ago the search was called off so I have been getting ready¡±

    When Diana looked up there was now a fire in her eyes that made Rachel worried about what were best friend had planned.

    ¡°For what?¡± Rachel almost forced herself to ask for fear of the answer she would get.

    ¡°To save him¡± Diana said tapping the one bracer she had on.

    Before Rachel could say anything Diana raised her hand to stop so she could keep talking.

    ¡°Even I know what I want to do is the best thing most likely, but this family needs to be put back together or at the very least some sort of closure¡± by the end of her speech she was speaking hardly above a whisper.

    Rachel¡¯s response was slow in coming, for a while she just sat there at the table as both Diana and James waited to hear her answer. When it did it was slow but firm, there was no question to what she meant.

    ¡°How can I help?¡±

    Relief washed over Diana¡¯s face, so much that her eyes started to get wet while thanking Rachel. Tom saw his mother¡¯s reaction and started to clap and laugh in response.

    ¡°Please watch over Tom while I am out there. I should be back at the latest in a little over a week. Thank you so much for the help you continue to give me when I need it most¡±

    ¡°Your husband is a Berserker and you¡¯re a Fighter class, whenever you have to ask me for help it secretly make me feel even more powerful then you¡±

    Both of the women laughed and getting up hugged each other than Diana started to pack up things for Tom while she was away. At first Rachel tried to stop her but she would have none of it. Rachel came over to where Tom and James were and picked them up, one in each arm.

    Walking outside to the street Diana walked behind to two crates in thanks, James could not tell what she put in but his guess was his mother could not even carry one. With no stops this time it took only minutes to get home and the crates were dropped in the living room behind the storefront.

    ¡°Tom my big strong man, when I get back your father will be with me and our family will be together again¡± she said as tears rained down her face.

    Diana quickly wiped away her tears and thanked Rachel for the help before setting off to the front of the town where the gate was. Once again both guys were sitting across from each other, they sat in James crib. While James thought of what best to do next Tom was planning with some of his toys and sucking on a toy block.

    You will have to do

    James mother would be busy for quite some time and Mark would not be home for hours giving James what he hopped would be enough time for Tom to figure things out. James stood up straight and walked to Tom, standing over him he placed his hand right on his hand with the other on his head.

    With this I use [Gift of Intelligence] and make you as smart as I ahahahah

    James started to laugh so hard in his mind he started to laugh in real life at the same time expect while his real life one was a cute baby the other was some horrible monster. While that was going on Tom¡¯s eyes went into the back of his head his shot back from James hand lying flat on the bed. Smoke came from James hand when the process was complete and now he just had to wait.

    James started to pace as he waited, at one point his mother coming in to see how the boys were doing and just assuming Tom had fallen asleep. At least after over an hour James heard from Tom, not from his voice but of the mind.

    What¡­ happened?

    Hello Tom my name is James, we are the best of friends

 Chapter 7: New Friends

    Chapter 7

    Name: Tom Heartoak Level: 1 Health: 6 Experience: 15%

    Strength: 4

    Dexterity: 1

    Constitution:     3

    Wisdom:         6

    Intelligence: 7

    Abilities:

    [Hardy] Above average Strength due to being born from a family that focused primarily on the art of standing along the strongest while lacking in both Wisdom and Intelligence. This also allows the person to gain combat skills much easier than normal

    [Baby] All normal starting stats drop to one

    [Gift of Intelligence receiver] Given an intelligence similar of James Moken, it also gives the ability of communicating telepathy.

    Skills:

    Beginner Rank:

    [Weapon Specialization: Toy Block]

    [Power attack] Rank 1

    What did I just create, if he starts bench pressing now how strong will he be when he is an adult?

    While Tom was starting to increasing ask questions about what was happening James could did nothing but step back a few paces away from the thing he just created. All he had hoped for was an extra body to help him fight the rats not a baby monster that looked to be able to kill him now.

    James I feel so funny how come I know what those letters mean and other stuff?

    Tom pointed at the blocks with letters on them next to a blue bin that James earlier had built into a fort when he was bored. Around the fort displayed a battle he had set up of a group of toy horses defeating the goblin horde sieging it by riding up through the gateway (His mom helped him act out that part). Tom tried to speak but of course it was impossible to understand so James had to take his time to explain how things were now and what happened.

    So you made me smarter to help you fight the Brown Hair Goblin Clan

    Yes Tom that is right, I needed help to protect my mother from those evil rats and you are perfect for the job since you¡¯re so crazy strong

    Tom¡¯s head started to nod up and down very fast and a little bit excited which James meant was about helping and not killing. James mother then came into the room and noticed so active they both seemed to be just sitting inside the crib.

    ¡°Well don¡¯t you boys seem like your full of energy today, how about getting out of there and playing with some blocks¡±

    James mother picked up both in each arm, walked them both to the center of James room where the battle and fort were set up. Sitting down at the table on the other end of the room James mother began working with some of the cloth that was sitting there while every so often looking back at them. Since James was born the family shop had been closed but every so often James would notice her working on some small special orders.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Tom started to reach for one of the horses on the walls but James quickly swatted his hand away. His mother heard the sound of the slap and looked over and just saw James smiling widely at her which she returned then went back to what she was doing.

    Don¡¯t touch the archer, everything is perfectly set up. Here have a this block to play with he have more important things to talk about

    James waddled over to a small pile of unused blocks and rolled over one of the long cylinder ones that Tom was allowed to play with. Tom easily picked it up and started to swing in back and forth unnaturally fast and strong.

    Not so fast! My mom will worry about my safety¡­ okay good now about the rats. I saw a group of them looking at my front door so they most likely coming tonight and it¡¯s going to be tou...

    I miss my mom and dad

    Looking back up at Tom from knocking over the goblin figures with his horse ones James saw that he was no longer swinging the block and just looking at it.

    Seeing what was happening James put down the toys and crawled over to Tom and hugged him to Tom¡¯s surprise.

    It will be alright Tom after going to your house I can safely say your mom is definitely coming back

    James was impressed with himself for what he clearly felt was saying the right thing in a situation such as this. It came as a complete surprise to him when Tom instead started to cry

    What about my dad!

    ¡­ Getting a little greedy huh, you are coming off as one of those people who never seem happy with what they have. In my experience single parents can even be better and all the men who come into your mother¡¯s life will give you gifts the first few times they come over

    With James words Tom started to now completely break out in crying and squeeze James as hard as he could. Hearing his cries James mother come over and pulled the two away from each other before James completely blacked out.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s hard right now but soon your mom is going to be back with your dad and everything is going to be great!¡±

    James mother started to play with Tom until he stopped crying then gave him a big hug before setting him back down again. While his eyes were still red Tom was still seemed overall better.

    See your wrong James, even your mom agrees with me that my dad is coming home soon Tom stated with a point of his finger directed at James proudly

    In response to such a bold proclamation James just gave a shake of his head in disappointment at hearing his words.

    She was lying to you and you believed her so easily¡­

    No way, I don¡¯t believe you!

    Yes way, your dad is totally dead. It¡¯s time to stop believing the world is a glass half full kind of place and realize it¡¯s a glass half empty kind of world. In the words of Dave Chappelle: If you can¡¯t accept this then just give up motherfucker because life is way harder than this¡±

    Then was a long pause where even James could not read Tom¡¯s face to understand what he was thinking and even his mother looked over at them due to the unusual silence. Then it finally happened, the statement which caused the tense atmosphere to explode:

    If my dad is dead then yours is too

    James got up and rushed forward to where Tom to the maximum that his Dexterity of 1 allowed and using his fist used [Power Attack]. Tom was barely able to use both of hands in time to catch the fist starting a fighting between them of baby proportions attacks came at each other very slowly and unsteadily, often time they missed and fell down. In fact neither one was hurt at all by the time James mother came and broke up the ¡°fight¡±

    They both sat at opposite sides of the crib without talking to each other, both had their backs to the other. James knew that he did not have time to let this go on any longer given that tonight most likely would be another attack on his home and the largest yet. Turning himself around James waddled over to Tom¡¯s side of the crib and sat down next to him while facing the same direction.

    I am sorry about what I said about your father

    Did you mean what you said Tom said quickly in response still sounding annoyed at him

    James was unsure at first if he sound be honest or not but after thinking it over he would rather have Tom trust him then keeping up a lie.

    I did mean what I said but given the life that use to be mine and the things I have experienced you could be the one that is right

    Tom quickly wiped away the tears that were forming with a smile on his face and that¡¯s when James realized just how much Tom needed to hear those words and how he wished he could have heard those words at one point in his former life.

    So is it time to fight the rats? Tom asked while tilting his head unsure what was going on between James and the rats

    Soon it will be and there is much to do luckily you already picked out a weapon James looked down at the floor and Tom followed his gaze to the block he was swinging around earlier.

    After that James started to go over his plans about where they would meet the Brown Hair Rat Clan attack while preparing some quickly put together cloth for Tom. By the time night fell they were as already waiting in there combat gear after a quick nap to make sure they would stay awake and began the night.

 Chapter 8: A Foe Appears!

    Chapter 8

    James and Tom left the crib through the now usual hole facing the back wall of the room. This time James had them leave right after dawn even if that meant giving them an increased risk of being caught by his mother. James wore everything from last time and even the milk bottle on the rocks even though he did not need it with his increased constitution but he has grown fond of the drink.

    Tom¡¯s ¡°armor¡± actually looked more like armor then James due to now having the [Leatherworking] skill. Bringing the leather scrape pieces together somehow better than before, it was like his hands were being guided by an unknown force. The leather James used was not of an amazing quality like what his mother used for the final product. She used a lesser quality to plan out how she wanted to make it then use what she decided on my material given. So the leather that was left was mostly full of holes, lines, and cross stiches but even in that state was useful versus rats.

    The armor that he made was different from the ones he wore, Tom¡¯s arms received no extra protection. This was so he would have no trouble swinging a toy block around and in exchange the leather armor protecting his chest was nearly twice as thick as the one James wore.

    Seems you have done this before Tom commented as they two of them used James blankie to unlock the door.

    This is only the second time I have done this but once done once it is much easier to do the next time James said in a matter of fact way

    Making their way down the stairs James saw the place where he fought the two rats and it slightly surprised him how in only a short time there was no trace in what had happened. What surprised James the most was how he started to see the floor as a part of his home and more like a battleground. It actually made him uncomfortable and making him no wanting to eat or drink anything.

    James you said you wanted us to set up over there? Tom said pointing at the L shaped kitchen counter top. On it was a variety of things related to cook along with plates, above the counter was light brown wooden shelves. A sort of fridge and ice cooler stood opposite of the counter top.

    That¡¯s right, now help me pull that chair next to it

    James and Tom waddled over to the chair that lined the table where their mothers sat at and each pulled a back leg of the nearest chair. Even if both were doing it the amount of effort it was taking was less than expected.

    Just letting you know Tom the idea I had to use blankie to get each other up is pretty genius

    James had Tom throw the other side of blankie over the sitting part of the chair and into his hands. Next Tom started to pull blankie from his side while James held on until he was on top of the chair. Next the process was repeated but this time James pull and even having a harder time was able to do it, now both were on the chair and climbed to the counter top.

    Hold on Tom, your stamina and strength know no bounds but mine do so let¡¯s rest for a moment

    Waving down Tom to sit next to him over the edge of the counter top that just sat there without saying but looking at the backdoor to the shop. For now it was a quiet night, there was even a soft breeze coming through the slightly opened window above the sink. James had to figure out how the rats were going to get in if there was going to be any more advantage to have versus them.

    Wait the window, was it always opened? Tom get up its them! James panicked as his eyes went wide at about what was about to happen.

    Sure enough Rats started to come in one after another, James had no time to count how many were coming since one already nearly upon them. Tom was the first one up and it was quite the sight when he swung his relatively large Toy block weapon into the rat. With a snap large enough to be heard from where James was behind Tom coming from the side of the rat his weapon hit it was flung off the counter top and landed with a solid sound below.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Glad you¡¯re on my side¡­ Anyway I need to get to the other side of the counter top to signal for some help. Even with the two of us there may be to many James spoke as he finally got himself up while trying to count the number of rats again.

    Yes, my mom will put me in time out when she gets back if I get hurt a lot Tom said with a tone that seemed to imply he was more worried about that in the group of rats coming at them.

    Kill the little humans!

    They will fall to us this night

    James and Tom both heard the ¡°voices¡± of the rats get louder as the two groups get closer together. Tom seemed unsettled when he heard the rats actually speaking instead of just being mindless creatures.

    Tom it¡¯s okay, they may speak but they are still bad things that want to hurt us and we can¡¯t let them do whatever they have planned for us James spoke in a reassuring voice putting a hand on Tom¡¯s shoulder.

    Your right, thank you for the help Tom seemed reassured after James spoke to him and seemed poised once again to fight.

    It is you! Foe of the Brown Hair Rat Clan who has slain our clansmen and your new help. For what you have done there can be only death!

    James and Tom looked above to the opened window to see a rat that was larger than any of the others. Its fur thicker and muscles larger than the other rats while giving off a slightly commanding presence.

    Tonight is not the night, come Tom we have to run straight through them to the fridge hurry

    One after another rats started to come at them, Tom was in the front swinging that every so often caused a rat to fall off. James stayed in the back to guard if any of them managed to dodge the first attack. When he thought about what this all looked like it nearly caused him to laugh.

    Two babies in fake armor fighting rats with an even larger seemly steroid rat watching from the window. Out top of all of this out battle is taking place where food is prepared for dinner!

    One of the rats got a little ahead of itself causing a one of the plates that was stacked next to the sink to slip right under them. This caused them to fall on the plate as it fell into the sink.

    [2 Damage]

    James head was slammed onto the bottom of the sink causing his vision to both blur and double. There was just a ringing in his ear that blocked out all other sounds. In a moment James was up and his vision cleared, he saw Tom fighting three different rats with two bodies already around him.

    James you¡¯re up finally, I was calling to you but you did not answer. Anyway I can lift you up out of here but I can¡¯t leave so it¡¯s up to you! Causing Tom to turn around and offered James his toy block to hold on to

    Confused but accepting James held on but become instantly scared as Tom began to smile.

    [Power Attack]

    With a great heave James was thrown up into the air and back onto the counter top but not without a price for such a fast trip using [Power Attack]

    [2 Damage]

    Great effort caused him to get up with speed and tried to block out the sounds of battle coming from the sink. James rushed over to the liquor bottle that yet to be put away. He pulled out two things hiding away in his diaper that he had collected over the last few days in case for the time such as this. What came out was a match and a piece of fish.

    I saw people do this many times when I could afford to go out to eat

    Lighting the match on the ground and stopping the two rats who were chasing him from approaching closer he dropped his other shank and dipped the piece of fish into it. James held the liquor soaked piece of fish in the direction of the window rat then dropped in onto the ground along with the lit match.

    A burst of flame came up but more importantly so did a huge wave of smell that all the rats were able to smell.

    Now my trap card is activated

    There was no long wait to see what that did because within seconds a rush of paws were heard as they slammed onto the floor in their rush to get here. Then just in a moment there was a flash of something when the sound got loudest before it almost completely went away. The rats were nervous and their fears were realized as Mr. Muses jumped up upon the counter top and started biting into the closest rat instantly killing it.

    The beast of death returns, we must retreat till another night the window rat commanded with some fear in its voice, causing the rats that were still alive to flee.

    As Mr. Muses ate the cooked fish James rushed over to where Tom and found him slumped over. Dropping down he inspected him and to his relief found out he had a single health point left.

    I really like your cat Tom managed to say while completely out of energy and hurt

    So do I James agreed while Helping him up and slowing out of the sink where five rat bodies were laying.

    It would take time but James felt he would be able to clean the place up in time after resting and everything else was settled but first his long awaited moment. Putting down Tom and walking past Mr. Muses James sat down next to the glass with liquor in it that he used to light the fish on fire. Every so slowly as to enjoy the taste once again he drank until there was only ice cubes left inside.

    Worth it

 Chapter 9: Issues and Problems

    Chapter 9

    What is your problem? Its normal for a baby to shit themselves, you do it every day so there is no reason for you to give me that look

    You do it because you¡¯re a fucking alcoholic! Can you even smell your breath? If I get to close to that mouth of yours then I will get drunk

    James was slumped over on one of the corners of the crib since he had passed the time where he could stand on his own. It had been a few days since the battle of Counter Top (James made up the name) and since then he has been perpetually drunk. After He with Mr. Muses help cleared the dead bodies of rats from the battlefield (Counter Top) the bottle of alcohol went with them back upstairs. They both leveled so James was level 3 and Tom 2, Tom¡¯s points went into strength making James remember the average strength of an lv1 adult is 10. James put a point each into Strength, Dexterity and Constitution.

    Its special training Tom why can¡¯t you see all of this drinking is really just making me a better fighter?

    It was true that all the drinking James had done, a visible amount of the bottle could be seen to be now missing, how come with its own effect.

    [Minor Poison Resistance]

    When James got that skill he was once again close to death which was coming the usual in his downtime since what he called the historic battle. Waking up in the morning he would drink until the [Poison] effect appeared and he would pass out letting his health slowly recover. Then waking up for snack time of course where the ratio of milk/alcohol mix was shifting in his diet. The [Poison] effect would come back yet again making him pass out until dinner.

    Tom¡¯s stress was more than just covering up James alcoholism even if that did require him making a trip downstairs to get a material that would block out the smell coming from his breath. He waddled over to James who barely defended himself as Tom shoved it in his mouth like a toothbrush until he could no longer smell it. The real stress come from the fact that as each day passed he worried more about his mother and wanted to find her.

    We have to get out of town and save my mother! Tom pleaded as he grabbed James onesie with both hands

    No way, the life I have now is perfect. Every day is just sitting here and drinking my secret stash under my crib and no one give me advice on how to live my life better. Who knows, if I try hard enough maybe this can be some sort of job James spoke from the heart but otherwise lifeless in Tom¡¯s arms.

    We need to go into the sewers! Tom finally said after thinking about his plan over the days of doing nothing. Since they were babies they would need some sort of adult to push them in a stroller to the outside. That left going underground to whatever the sewers dumped out at. All this information about how things were and worked just seemed to be there but since this information came from James it was limited to non-magical things and objects.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    All you say I have problems, look at my windows where my mom works James annoyed stated while pointing at the window of his room.

    What about it? Tom did not understand as usual is line of thinking nowadays

    Help me up and I will explain

    Tom easily pulled James up but did not let him take any liquor with him as they made their way over to the other side of the crib closet to the window.

    There is a heatwave going on that is bad enough for us that just standing in the light becomes too much. What do you expect to happen to babies in a closed space with fumes? James looked at Tom and told him facts while talking down to him that seemed clear like he was a baby

    That made Tom pause and look at where he was standing, he had automatically avoided the area of the crib that had direct sunlight and the both of them were sitting in the shade.

    Then how do the rats will there and how come they are smart? Tom asked utterly confused about them

    They can live down there because they are rats that is just how they are. As for the other thing I just assumed rats were always like that so spot asking me for answers since its stressing me out James started to breath heavy at being stressed out

    Sitting down with his legs through the bars of his crib James focused on the problem at hand on what to do about Tom. While the thought of actually putting effort into something seemed horrible he had to think long term. Eventually the liquor he had stashed away would run out and effort to replace it seemed like too much work. That meant if the liquor ran out he could no longer handle Tom¡¯s complaining about his father and mother. In the end this line of thought forced James into deciding to help Tom because his nagging was worse than death.

    Alright time to lie to him

    James pulled his legs out and faced town looking serious at him and what he guessed was the real image of Tom.

    Tom I care about what happens to you so I will hope you will accept my help in preparing for your journey into the sewers with some special training

    Far above them in the divine realm the goddess was watching him and when James lied to Tom it made a 20 sided dice that is commonly used in D&D/Pathfinder table top games appear in her hand.

    ¡°Well let¡¯s see where it lands¡± A table that was an exact replica of James dinner room table appeared before her and the painting supplies disappeared in exchange. With a few good shakes after cupping her hands the goddess let the dice drop, and with only a few short bounces a number sat facing her.

    ¡°An 11, humm¡­ could be worse I suppose¡± Then the dice and table become paint supplies with the goddess resuming her work.

    Back on the planet the roll of 11 for deception by James was only somewhat successful. While Tom did not completely trust what James had said he was willing to at least act like the believed him and trusted that he would follow through.

    If you say so, then what kind of special training do you have in mind? I will let you know now that I refuse to drink Tom actually raised his foot then put it down in further his point

    Like I would ever share what I would most important in this world, no any world. Our training will be held in the Great Plains. James planted his fist at his sides

    Where are the Great Plains? Tom said utterly dumbfounded about what James was talking about

    It¡¯s my living room okay, the Great Plains are my living room between the table and my toys¡­ James felt embarrassed about having to explain what he was talking about with the nickname.

    An awkward silence in the crib was now hanging with neither quite sure what to say next. Tom could read the mood and could tell he had to get the conversation moving or else this was just going to get worse.

    So um¡­ why are we going to those ¡°Great Plains¡± got some secret I don¡¯t know about? Tom tried to joke at the end and lightly punched James shoulder.

    James reaction just turned to shame in response and all Tom did was make things worse.

    Why do you ruin everything James had flatly and did not wait for a response as he made his way to the opening to the crib where they could climb down at.

 Chapter 10: Special Training

    Chapter 10

    James and Tom looked from the bottom of the stairs upon the ¡°Great Plains¡± of the front living room. Looking more closely there was even a light heat mirage that distorted the ground from a distance. Far away James could see a stack of toys where the two of them play during the day. James had on a smaller red blankie he used as a cape while Tom had a blue cape on he was given so that the two of them would not have to share when they slept.

    If you down copying me Tom put this over your mouth, even if he gain a skill from this it will most likely not completely protect versus what we will breath down there James commented while handing Tom a light brown, worn bandana

    I know but will we really be alright in that heat while we have to breathe through this? And who knows when your mom will wake up Tom doubted as he tied it around his face with a struggle due to his finger never getting thinner unlike James

    You wanted to go see your mom so badly without being caught so this is the only option left since neither of us are magic users. As for my mother as I said that she takes her naps after she sets us down for ours the time is now. James said annoyed once again he had to go through the thought process

    Then how do we become magic users? Tom said excited at the thought of being able to use whole new things

    I am a baby, how many answers do you expect me to have? Some homeless guy on the street knows more than us about this world now completely done with this talk and willing to embrace the heat

    Talking the first step into direct sunlight from the shaded area they were in a huge spike in heat was instantly felt and almost made him pull back his foot but instead he stepped the rest of the way in. Tom followed after a few steps and the both felt the intense heat, the both threw there cape over their heads in order to block some of it out without success.

    Hey James I don¡¯t feel so good, let¡¯s speed it up a little¡­ Tom managed to meekly say while his waddles were getting slower.

    Looking behind him James noticed that Tom was having a harder than dealing with the heat then he did and started to worry if this was even worth trying.

    Maybe this is beyond babies, after all for a normal adult this would only be an issue if they stayed outside for long periods not nearly instant effects like the two of us. On the other hand I know that if we quit now he¡¯s just going to want to do this again¡­

    Instead of speaking up he did just what Tom suggested as started to waddle slightly faster which caused Tom to do the same. If someone were to walk in the room like James mother they would see two babies waddling to the other side of a slightly larger than average room in the direction of toys. But to those two it was nearly a life and death struggle versus the sun itself.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    Things became grim once they arrived at the half way point when James was about to fall over. With a rush came Tom holding them both up while throwing up a thumbs up from his seemly overinflated hand.

    If you¡¯re willing to put yourself through all of this to help me when it¡¯s clear you would rather not be then I can help you stay up tom said while pushing forward through the heat

    James did not responded, at this point the he was to uneasy from drinking then the heat. He hopped that all his years of drinking made him better to deal with the heat but for now it seemed the opposite. They finally crossed into the play area after an intense few minutes but neither of them got a skill.

    It did not work, should we try crossing the Plains again? Tom offered as an idea for a solution.

    The idea was quickly dismissed by James, what they just did showed the way to achieve skills like that came from most likely a few different ways:

    1: Combat

    2: Equipment

    3: More intense conditions then this

    After relaying his thoughts to Tom the both of them slumped over next to the pile of blocks but making sure not to sit on any of the toys around them. This left the two of them in an awkward spot as for what to do next. If James had to guess Tom was going to go anyway even if he did not come, then the questions become would he go anyway.

    I feel like this my fault James noticed after thinking about how he felt about what would happen.

    Of course what happened to his father and his mother leaving he had no part of but he gave Tom the ability to think as if he was an adult. Also the only reason he was able to do so is because James needed someone to help him fight the Brown Hair Rat Clan. If Tom had been left a child he would have never known about his real parents and be experiencing all the negative emotions he was feeling now.

    By the looks of things Tom would have been brought over if his mother never came also and become my adopted brother James realized to himself with a heavy weight to each word.

    Next to him Tom found one of the ¡°roof¡± block, they were like the normal rectangle block expect only half as thick. Tom was using it as a fan for himself but due to his abnormal strength both were getting the wind. James was using his 2 Dex to dodge the drops of sweat that were coming at him to little success due to the sheer amount.

    Even without a skill do you think it¡¯s possible to do it? Tom asked without looking at James face because he worried about what reaction he would have at the question.

    ¡­Let¡¯s build a fort was the only thing James said before crawling over to the admittedly huge pile of blocks and started working in the area next to them.

    At first Tom tried to talk to him then gave up since he was not getting an answer and started to work on the castle with him. The air was tense as the walls came up, Tom merely copied what James was doing on his side. Later both of them started to think less and argue more about designs and where the combat horses should be. By the end it was like any other day and in the center of the fort was enough room for both of them to sit.

    Going in first and making sure not to hit any of the new building they erected after an unknown amount of time at this point James was in the center building with Tom right behind. The only light came through the doorway leaving them somewhat dark acting as a decent shelter for the two of them.

    Don¡¯t you feel less tense now? James said with a grin about his plan working out like he hoped

    I do thanks to you, but what happens now. You don¡¯t think we should go through with all this? Tom said still confused about what James could be thinking

    Your right that I would rather stay here and do nothing¡­ but after all you have helped me with its time for me to return the favor James said reaching out his hand once again

    Tom reached out and grabbed his had hard, so hard in fact that James had to tell him to lessen his grip but it made them both laugh at how odd things must be and how they are. Whatever was going to happen they would work together to overcome it.

 Chapter 11: Climbing

    Chapter 11

    Making their way now with a trained hand as they unlocked the bedroom door and down the stairs the issue was of all to get outside the house.

    Can we go through the front door? Tom suggested while looking in its direction

    No its way to locked up and we don¡¯t have any skills that would allow of us too. Our only option is to go out the same way the Brown Hair Rat Clan came in James complained almost to himself

    It was even not so much a challenge to get on the window itself since it was nearly right to in height the top of the faucet. Even with it metal James still felt uneasy standing on top of it and that was because his fear of heights came back with a fury. While he struggled to relax to do what he needed to Tom just came straight up, impenitent to wait, and hopped to the window ledge.

    It seems while he gains my intelligence he does not get my fears just keeps his own James decided that explained Tom¡¯s over attachment to his parents while he was mostly fine with it.

    That pause on the faucet allowed James a moment to think about how far the both of them had already come power wise. No normal baby would be able that distance even if it was short was carrying a toy block. That toy block was now being reached to James.

    We all got some issues so just grab on and I will swing you over Tom offered while shaking the block a little to grab it.

    Can you stop with the shaking, it¡¯s only making things worse jeez¡­ With shaking hands of his own James grabbed on tight was pulled over next to Tom on the ledge.

    The height from where they were standing to the ground below was around six feet but they were still able to see the ground from the lights in the streets. Looking down made James fears hit their highest yet. Tom tried talking to him but James was so focused on himself it wen in one ear and out the other,

    It¡¯s okay, I have health points now so that means I can get really hurt, kill some rats, then level up and be completely fine James repeated that to himself like someone reading the bullet points of a grocery store list. Eventually his fear started to slowly lessen then all of a sudden it dropped a noticeable amount.

    Skill [Fear Resistance] acquired

    James you okay? You are not sweating buckets anymore. Hey look your eyes opened! Wait why do you have such a disgusting grin on your face

    Now standing proudly on both of edges of the window and his fear James explained what had just happened. It was only a short time to explain but by the time he was done Tom looked annoyed.

    Why do I even help you¡­? Tom sighed why rubbing his bald head with his free hand

    Because right now I am only in his situation and all the other ones that are going to pop up because you miss your mommy and daddy. It¡¯s completely fair that painting goddess give me something for all this effort. Now make sure my liquor bottle is tight on my back before we head down.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    A quick check of the straps later they lowered the only thing that could make up most of the distance to the ground: Big Blankie. While they were strong Blankie had to be modified so they could climb down so some scraps of cloth and two more level of [Leatherworking] later it was all set. The side that had the foothold he put in was the inside so if his parents ever looked they would see nothing. The foothold were just enough of a loop with each side sown to Big Blankie.

    You first, after all this is your mission James offered the first step below as Tom looked down.

    I get the feeling that you just don¡¯t trust the footholds Tom guessed at how quickly James was to offer

    Great guess Tom you¡¯re completely right, I figure that f it can hold you I should be fine now hurry up it won¡¯t be dark forever Quickly stepping out of the way so that Tom could get down.

    Tom agreed to head down first so he turned himself backwards and felt for the first foothold. Once he found it he slowly put pressure on it until he moved his other foot onto another. Now on his stomach and with James holding on for no useful reason expect for moral support he was ready to let go. The footholds were holding so he moved on until his was just holding on to Big Blankie.

    It looks like that skill of your works, so no more waiting it¡¯s your turn now the person who had a grin on their face was Tom.

    Left with no more excuse James made his way down as slowly as possible making sure to triple check each step was where he thought it was. Even gaining [Fear Resistance] did not completely remove fear, just lessened up given it was only at rank 1 level 1.

    Hey why are you speeding up? James worried when he noticed Tom making his way more quickly down caused Big Blankie to shake even more.

    Without even answering Tom sped up even more and was quickly standing on the ground. James watched as Tom touched the ground but did not let go with his hands and that¡¯s when he figured out what was about to happen.

    Don¡¯t you dare you vindictive little shit! James said in vain

    Down below Tom started to shake Big Blankie harder and harder making James freeze in place just to hold on. With a haunting laughter from down below he knew he had to keep moving or else this would keep going.

    Looks like Revenge will be my motivator for tonight As James resolved himself to press on from the shaking onslaught.

    Skill [Fear Resistance] Leveled up

    The issue was that it was shaking so much that without some sort of climbing skill he could not move so that idea was dismissed. Instead he gave up and with the best push off he could started to fall. A little under three feet from the ground James did not feel like it would be safe for the current him so he aimed himself to fall on what he hoped only looked like a bad choice: Tom.

    Falling on top of Tom did up being much softer then a ground, so much so James even bounced a little before they were both on their backs breathing heavily.

    Looks like I was right, you would be too scared to climb. Just so we are clear that is my win Tom said flatly

    I completely disagree, did you see my landing? That is what winning looks like: From above and nothing you can do about it James said in the same tone as Tom

    For a minute no one said a word, just looking at the sky above. That was when James noticed the stars in full view for the very first time. Unlike the books he read as a child they look no different than the ones from his previous life. And while he never wanted to fly up and reach for them they were nice to look at.

    It started with a small laugh from Tom then James quickly joined in. Laugher harder until they could laugh no harder. They helped each other up after a minute and each had an aura of resolve about them.

    Well lets go save your Mom James lead the way to the drain while they both carried the things they indeed to bring with them.

    The drain was fairly close to the window so the hard part was removing the lid so they could get down. Before James could say anything it was understood that this was a problem only Tom had the strength to hopefully solve.

    While I don¡¯t personally know how to do this I heard lifting with your back helps James offered some words of advice he was told many times but never did in his past life.

    Around the edges of the lid were small opening that normally a crowbar like object would go in to lift up but given Tom¡¯s size his hands were just small enough to fit up as well. Flexing muscles he did not know he had and using strength or nearly a normal male the lid ever so slowly started to move. While that was happening Tom started to scream in protest for his muscle to get the job down until with a thud the lid was slightly popped out. James helped at this part to push it to the side enough so they could go down.

    Great job Tom you really are a freak. So rest up now because it¡¯s time to go down

 Chapter 12: Failure

    Chapter 12

    If James considered it a joke of two grown babies climbing out of window with a modified Big Blankie it was even more so climbing down a ladder made for adults. It made him feel like this was the never released sequel of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and after seeing it decided to go with two other movies. It was a long process of hugging the side bar the entire way until they hit the ground.

    Here we are, the express way for wayward babies and lost souls James presented to Tom, opening his arms wide.

    The middle of the sewer was deep so there was a river of multicolored water moving, sometimes they could see small items floating along also. The side is where they stood, it was enough space for them and on the opposite side the exact same layout.

    So we just follow the water until we hit the Zar River alright lets go Tom did not miss a beat as he started walking the same direction the water was heading.

    In James eyes there seemed to be a separate reason for the hurry, to him Tom¡¯s breathing seemed to be slightly heavier than usual. What helped him notice this way he was also having a harder time but less so.

    Looks like drinking and the [Poison Resistance] that came worth it was actually a positive James admired himself a little and sped up to keep up

    There was actually very little light since it come from hole at the top of manholes that only the rats could squeeze through. Combined that with the fact that there was so many things on the ground it was latterly starting to rip apart the shoes they were wearing.

    Name: Tom Heartoak Level: 3 Health: 11 Experience: 2%

    Strength:        8

    Dexterity:       1

    Constitution:     3

    Wisdom:        6

    Intelligence: 7

    Abilities:

    [Hardy] Above average Strength due to being born from a family that focused primarily on the art of standing along the strongest while lacking in both Wisdom and Intelligence. This also allows the person to gain combat skills much easier than normal

    [Baby] All normal starting stats drop to one

    [Gift of Intelligence receiver] Given an intelligence similar of James Moken, it also gives the ability of communicating telepathy.

    [Little Toughness] Surrounded by enemies but live to tell the tale. The bearer gains 2 health plus another point for each level they possess.

    Skills:

    Beginner Rank:

    [Weapon Specialization: Toy Block]

    [Power attack] Rank 3

    Name: James Moken Level: 3 Health: 8 Experience: 23%

    Strength:        3

    Dexterity:       2

    Constitution: 4

    Wisdom:        7

    Intelligence: 10This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Abilities:

    [Faster Learner] : It takes less to level up all things

    [Extra] :50% more skill points when leveling

    [Gift of Intelligence] : Gives a living creature a template of this abilities owner

    [Baby] all starting physical stats drop to one

    Skills:

    Beginner Rank

    [Intimidation] Level 1

    [Sneak Attack] Level 2

    [Power Attack] Level 3

    [Two Weapon Fighting] level 2

    [Leatherworking] Level 5

    James pulled both of their stats to see how they improved and to test if it created a light source to help them walk. It amused him that leatherworking was now his best skill and it was almost worrying how much health Tom now had. If the average stats were around all 10 that baby in front of him was now nearly as strong and over half the health of a grown man.

    If it¡¯s him we may be able to get to the other side James noticed how their roles were now reversed with him being the weaker one.

    That did not mean everything was safe, this was still the place the Brown Hair Rat clan came from so they had to try being stealthily. While not moving very fast there was just so much waste water that is was hard to hear anything else due to how short they were making them close to the water.

    While they walked James thought he heard sounds other than the water, sounds that seemed to be the mental voices he has heard before. It was a different type of sound so that explained why he could filter it out at least at first gaining him something else.

    Skill [Perception] Acquired

    We must be ready a rat said determinedly

    I heard our chief has been demoted in ranking with the supreme one from the group of adventures down here searching and our deaths came another from the same direction

    Skills [Sneaking] Acquired

    Just in time James commented as he pulled Tom down with him into a crouch as they noticed the sounds of the rat getting closer. The sewer in front of them was spilt into a four way with the sounds coming from the left. If it was just two they could now handle it but since this is where the rats always seemed to come from if a fight started now more and more would most likely most likely come.

    Then what will happen to us? Asked what James guessed was the first one

    Between those adventures and those little humans I have not been attacked twice by we have to keep going on else the grand plan will suffer That voice was now one James knew from before

    The two of them almost shined as they walked into the light at the four way making James and Tom now completely frozen. The rats just seemed to stand there as part of some standard patrol giving relief to the two of them. In the end that relief was for nothing as soon as the one of the rats turned in their direction and instantly saw them.

    Intruders, we must warn the others came from one who then quickly ran down the hall they came from

    You have tried to kill me twice and now you have invaded my home! Shouted the other who joined the first one

    ¡­Right they have [Low-Light Vision] forgot about that. James stop trying to sneak it¡¯s a waste of time we got to run Said in a way as if James did not already know

    They waddled at their top speed at first but James had to quickly slow down so they both of them would not get separated. It was still only seconds before they were in the same place the rats were even if the rats were faster still. What they saw in the direction those two rats ran shocked them.

    How could so much be built Tom looked amazed at the structure that he saw

    It hanged over a large circle poor of waste water, a kind of town where the saw dozens upon dozens of rats living. It was like beavers made it with ramps instead of steps. The buildings were made out of things that must have floated down the water of time. All the rats seemed to be from the Brown Hair Clan with a tunnel that hugged the top of the sewer going off in different directions.

    Get them!

    A high pitched scream came from the center of the town and out came from it a flood of rats, far more than even they could handle. The first one that got to them was faster then the others and he was rewarded for his great effort by dying first from Tom¡¯s toy block.

    We can do this Tom don¡¯t give up James rallied pulling out his dual Wooden toy horse shanks and into the next rat that came.

    [1 Damage]

    [1 Damage]

    Each time James went for an attack there was always another rat he was not attacking at the moment clawing at him. The corner they stood on was not completely lit it so when a rat got to close light would reflect from there claws and teeth and even there red eyes. Next to him Tom kept swinging, the bodies actually started to pile in front of him forcing the rats to clear the way which got even more of them killed.

    James we can¡¯t win, they don¡¯t spot and neither I nor my block can keep this up Tom almost pleaded as his back swing sent a on its back.

    There was no way James could deny what he said but he keep trying to prove him wrong. One rat tried to tried to claw at his eyes put he dodged saving his eyes but his forehead taking a deep cut. Blood now ran down his face and his health was almost gone. James knew he was holding his weapons but he could no longer feel it

    Tom looked over at James and noticed he was slowing down, his onesie full of cuts and blood it was already over. There was still one more way for the original plan to succeed but it was not him who would do it.

    Duck!

    [Power Attack]

    With one last mighty swing Tom created an arc with his already damaged Toy Block hitting three rats before it crashed into the wall breaking it. Luckily James had heard him and dropped his weapons and himself to his knees. Tom did not wait for James to get up and waddled over to him and picked him up.

    It¡¯s up to you now, bring them home James. I will be waiting in our Castle!

    With a spin Tom threw James over the waste water and onto the other side. As James was getting up he started to speak but all Tom did was point at him to keep moving before running head long into the rats forcing them to focus on him.

    We failed, were not supposed to fail¡­ James numbly said to himself as his haggard body propelled itself forward. To anyone who as nearby they heard a baby crying in the distance then slowly disappear.

 Chapter 13: Desperate

    Chapter 13

    For a time there was only darkness in all around James with only sounds and the wall he could feel to guide him. Of course there was another sound James could hear as he moved forward: the sound of his own blood falling off his body. There should be no reason a person could normally hear such a faint sound but once he heard it once his ears focused. No matter how hard James held his shoulder where the deepest wound was he could feel blood slowly moving out of his body and falling off his hand.

    I have to be getting close to the outside now

    James knew this because he looked at the maps at Tom¡¯s house and saw the exploded area around the town was abnormally small. [Perception] leveled up once from him straining himself to hear in the darkness and the focus on his body. After losing another hit point he finally started to see light from the moon and starts at the end of the tunnel. Exiting the tunnel and seeing what laid beyond caused his heart to fall along with him on his knees.

    What the¡­ how bad are things?

    Before him was the seemly new wreckage of a ship broken and parts in flames, its sails had already been burned away and bodies could be seen from the beach to the ship. All the people he could see were dead and horribly killed with piece of people scattered. Seeing what was before his eyes caused James to throw up where he knelt.

    [Fear Resistance] skill acquired

    It came as a surprise to him that he such a reaction at the sight of all of this since James was not feeling much of anything at this point due to blood loss. His mind on the other hand could not handle the sight and did it on its own. After wiping his mouth with his free hand James went walking to the shore because he had no choice. If things kept going how they were he would die so the hope was to find something that would keep him alive.

    There were more than a dozen bodies lying in the sand so James slowly walked over to them one at a time while trying to give himself tunnel vision so he would not see the random pieces of arms and legs no longer attached to their bodies. The first body was a total failure, shredded to pieces he could not even tell what the man looked like before. The same was true for the second and third after that but the fourth was different.

    Dad?

    James was surprised at himself since the body in front of him looked like Mark and his reaction to it. After a second, closer look the man was not mark and that fact relaxed his now light-headed mind. Unlike the others this body was for the most part undamaged besides for the number of stab wounds at the lower part of the man¡¯s chest. His blonde hair flowed just for a second like it was in a gust of wind when the water flowed to reach it.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    James took strength from seeing the man for a moment before ripping a piece of cloth from the man¡¯s shirt from his shank and painfully securing it around his wound. Since the bodies did not have anything useful it was time to go explore what was left of the ship

    [First Aid] skill acquired

    That is good. Come goddess give me more skills or are you going to let a baby die!

    At this point James was even willing to use guilt so he would not die and went into the water slowly. It feeling of pain came back strongly as he used his left arm to swim to the ship. In a way it was a good thing he was feeling this because it was keeping him awake. The distance the separate the wreckage for a burning ship to him was ¡°close¡± but for a baby like him and his condition it would take serval minutes.

    From his previous life James use to be a lifeguard and swim instructor for four years so the act of swimming was well known. The cold of the water was pushing him forward, looking down he could only see darkness and above bright, shining stars. Almost at the opening of a ship a wave come and washed over to him sending James underwater. Thumbing over and over he felt like tom hanks in Apollo 13 while he tried to keep the ship in focus.

    [Swim] Skill acquired

    Positioning himself correctly once again he grabbed onto a torn piece of a ship so hard he cut his hands but final mad his way on. Inside there were even more bodies, it seemed even if some attackers did die their bodies were taken with them. Getting to the point where it was becoming hard to walk James knew his time was coming up so the search for something to help got even more intense.

    [-1 Health]

    Going through one of holes in the wall that went through the rest of the ship James found what was left of a battle. Sailors went sabers seemed randomly spread in what looked like the dining hall. But as he made his way to the other side of the room the sailors seemed to have been trying to protect something. In the corner was the captain of a ship guarded by the strongest men yet, of course just like the others with a number of hole in all their bodies.

    [Fear Resistance] leveled

    This is it

    Looking at the body of the captain now in front of it James noticed a nearly empty glass bottle in the corpse dead hand. Not knowing what it was and at this point not caring James pulled the bottle out of the dead hand and drank the pitiful amount that was left

    [2 Health healed]

    Yes today it not the day this baby dies!

    James raised both his fist into the air in an act of defiance of death itself. While still bleeding looked to what else was around the captain and noticed what seemed to be a container for a letter but this was the first he noticed was actually empty. Going to the side where the container was allowed James to see an unopened box that the captain¡¯s corpse was leaning on. Getting up he shacked it and to his joy heard a numbers of bottle sounds as the hit each other.

    The box was not made out of wood but metal with a lock that made it impossible to get into but James refused to leave it. Pushing the body off the box James started to pull it with him. He struggled with its weight as he walked around the bodies creating a maze James could not afford to figure out. The small amount of healing potion that was left was not nearly enough to fix everything that was wrong with him and pulling such a weight was starting to reopen his deep shoulder wound.

    Realizing that this would not work on the water James looked around until he found a piece of wood. First he dropped the wood onto the water then pushed the box onto the wood then finally himself. Doing that caused his light headedness to come back. This time James knew he would not be able to spot himself from passing out so he leaned on it just like how he saw the captains corpse.

    James watched as the opening of the sewer where he came from and the wreckage of what was left of the ship became smaller in his view. This continued until he started to see only blackness and drifted to sleep as he drifted down the river to uncharted lands.

 Chapter 14: First Night

    Chapter 14

    The time that passed for James due to his sickness was hazy and painful and the only moments that stood out was when he heard the sound of the now familiar ding from [Poison Resistance] leveling up and the shift from day to night in a blink of his eye. It seemed that the deep wound on his shoulder combined with the fact he had a babies immune system an infection set in.

    Days went buy like this, forcing himself to drink the water that was under his make shift raft that came from the sewer most likely made things worse.

    [Poison Resistance] leveled up

    A thought James hated himself for having started then grew stronger each time that ding and message came.

    It¡¯s your fault Tom for my suffering

    In his mind James knew that while the idea to come out here was Tom¡¯s because he missed his family it was both of their choices. But the pain and sickness was just so much. Why did he have to suffer, what did he do to deserve such treatment for what everyone says is a good thing?

    I won¡¯t make the same mistake again: the next time someone ask for my help I will refuse. Twice now I have suffered from helping others from my previous life and now this, life is still the same no matter what life I live.

    It was by the third day that James was able to stay awake longer then moments for a time and noticed the places he was passing by. Lush, green grass and tall trees filled the landscape around him. Every so often small animals would dart past his vision, then unknown creatures would sometimes eat him out of nowhere forcing James to look away.

    Another thing he noticed was his body was now thinner which was another worry added to his growing pile. Eventually James knew that he needed to land somewhere but he knew nothing about what was out there. Then become a list of sites that at least seemed safe. A few times there was almost a touch down but then some sort of predator would pop out of its eyes would shine and all he could do was look at it.

    Maybe I am tainted meat

    Day four was when James decided it was now or never to find a place to land or else with the infection he would not have enough energy to do what he needed to live on. The first option was an area made of mostly beachfront and while it looked nice had far too many things running about. The land around him was mostly higher than the water so landing sites options were not actually many, combined that with the fact that he could not stop the raft and would not know when a next site would come up.

    Sun is setting, whatever site comes up next will be my new home

    James forced himself up and leaned on the metal chest and darted his eyes to either side of the river looking over and over. His fear started to grow as nothing was showing up.

    [Fear Resistance] has leveled

    Even with that help the fear was still there, the cold sweats and shaking from the fever all mixed into a disappointing state. When the sun had just about finished dropping was when the finally site popped up. James wasted no time and broke off a piece of the rift, using it to pull himself to land.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    The river was deep and wide but with the paddle was able to make a landing and saw his new home up close. With the metal chest as heavy as it was James had no fear it would wash away and walked up the natural opening. It was flanked don either side by high land at least as tall as normal male if not higher. Dropping himself low he crawled the rest of the way up to stand out as little as possible.

    It seemed that the hill was relatively flat on top and was fairly spacious, if he had to compare it to something it would be the entire floor space of his home.

    Home¡­

    Comparing the two things made him miss home terribly and decided that if he was going to make it through this then the focus had to be on how things are not how he wished they were. Going back down to the shore James slowly dragged the chest up with him. Getting up to the top again he dropped up his chest and raft on the nearest tree to the earth ramp and started digging at the base of it.

    No way can I stay out during the dark

    There was a clear and present danger to the horror that was nature and from what he was awake to see with the travel that was a clear divide between his power level and whatever was around him.

    [Digging] skill acquired

    Not even bothering to tap the message so it would go away James focused all his attention on digging. It was getting hard to see what was below him since his light source the sun was being replaced by the stars and moon above. As it grew darker the inhuman sounds he heard on the raft grew louder.

    After all that I have suffered it can¡¯t end like this¡­ it can¡¯t end sick and alone and in the dark eaten alive!

    [Digging] leveled up

    [Fear Resistance] leveled up

    A pile of clay and top soil started to form next to him as his digging started to slightly increase in speed. Getting deeper made it harder to piece through, his paddle bending under the pressure until it broke. Not even wasting the effort to freak out James switched to digging with his baby hands. Pulling on the earth and getting clumps of clay allowed the hole to get even deeper

    The sounds were getting closer and James had reached the point where his weakened strength was not enough to be able to reach under the clay anymore. Struggling to find a fast answer only one came to him but he would hurt his body even more if it was chosen. Left with no other choice the stopped cupping his left hand and instead flattened it.

    [Power Attack]

    James hand darted into the clay completely causing a surge of pain to travel up his arm, forcing him to stop moving. Using his other hand to pull out the one stuck in the clay a huge piece came out. With the amount of pain it caused to do it even once it was clear his hand would be useless after it was over but there was no choice.

    Over and over again James used [Power Attack] to cut into the earth and secure his freedom, each time the pain becoming worse.

    [Pain Resistance] skill acquired

    There was a time I got excited whenever I got a skill, now whenever they pop up it reminds me of the danger I am in

    Finally it was deep enough that James had dug himself a small ¡°cave¡± he could sit up in that was directly under the tree just in time. His hand was now so busted it would taking one of those [Healing Potions] to be useable again. On a good note he acquired the skill [Unarmed Attacks] and leveled up [Power Attack], in fact this was almost an unexpected reward for his great efforts.

    [1 Strength] acquired

    Looks like this pretty much makes me a Monk

    Dry humor was the only thing the kept James going at this point, he forced himself not to look at his hand because he was honestly afraid at what he would see so the cape was wrapped around the arm. Waddling over to the metal chest he used his one good arm to grab onto the dangling lock and went backwards until it completely covered the hole.

    Time to power level [Poison Resistance] at this rate given what my arm is now

    Just sitting there James waited for what he knew was coming next and it did come quickly. Sounds could be heard just outside his little cave, of things banging and clawing at the chest.

    Everything is going to be fine¡­ everything is going to be fine

    Repeating that saying over and over as James crawled over to the lock and pulled it to come so whatever was outside could not get to him. He started to cry, a little at first then uncontrollably making whatever was outside more determined to get in that is now James spent his first night in the forest.

 Chapter 15: Getting up from Rock Bottom

    Chapter 15

    The night James experienced was a long one and filled with worry about if he would even live through it. There were times when he even fell asleep until the next loud bang when whatever creature was attacking the metal chest hit it hard enough to jolt him. This caused the open area in his cave to decrease to the point of a coffin. Air itself become an issue when being buried alive even if it is of your own free will so little hole were all that allowed air to come in.

    The first nights over

    Almost in a ball under the tree a single ray of light was piercing the inside and into his right eye confirming it was now daytime so he started pushing the box off of him. Due to the cramped conditions and how impacted the chest was it had taken nearly an hour to free himself.

    Freedom my name is James!

    For a reward of his efforts James body was bathed in sunlight, he started to throw both of his arms up in the air but had to spot due to the pain. Looking down at his make shift bandaged James decided to open it up to see how bad it looked. Pulling back his cape was done carefully, when he got to the final layer it was sticking to his skin. With it uncoiled from his arm it landed on the ground noticeably heavier form the blood it sucked up during the night.

    Forcing himself to look at the price he paid for saving his life it was clearly a high one. A bone from his middle finger was sticking out and all the others expect for his thumb seemed broken. His skin on his entire hand seemed to have changed into the pain rainbow of black, blue and everything in between. The hand would no longer be useable until some magical help come around and there was no clear time of when that was happening.

    Ya I don¡¯t want to look at this thing

    James waddled over to his cape on the ground and sat on the dirty side with blood and ripped the clean part off wrapping it around his hand and arm. James looked over at the chest since he was a few feet away and could see the other side of it. There were only light scratches and it even still kept its shine.

    Magic¡­ magic saved me and now it¡¯s keeping me away from potions that could most likely fix my hand

    It was at this point James finally noticed how the sickness he felt for days on the raft had lessen. [Poison Resistance] had risen to the point that it could start to combat the infection but it would have to be much higher to completely do away with it fast. Still he was happy for any good new rather than negative and counted it as a good way to start the day.

    First thing first James decided was to walk around the edge of the flat hill and see if there was anything down below. In order to make a complete circle he had to waddle for just over minutes, he noticed nothing but there was a good chance his [Perception] was not high enough to see then the average creature that was below.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    To decide in greater detail the area he was in the tree James hide under was in the center of the flat hill top and nearly four feet wide. There were slightly more than a dozen trees up there and the only easy way up was to his south the shore or the north which also had an earth ramp leading into the forest.

    I refuse to sleep in such a small place again, this whole day will be spent making more room

    That was what James got started on by trying to find the sharpest rock he could by flipping over the rocks that lined his ¡°home tree.¡± Looking under the rocks made him realize how much he needed to eat. The issue was that the thought of eating bugs sickened him.

    How did it get to this point, why do I have to do this?

    Of course James knew the need to eat was something that could not be avoided for a later date. Facts about how other cultures eating bugs was perfectly normal and sometimes good for you he forced himself to think about as he reached down and grabbed worms and other incest¡¯s that find under the rocks. James closed his eyes and forced his hand to stay over his mouth as he started to chew. Feeling pitiful and disgusted by what he felt and tasted as the incest¡¯s moved in his mouth until he chewed enough. Repeating this three more times until he could no longer force himself to eat anymore James stayed in a ball for some time due to how sorry he felt for himself.

    Staying like this will just make tonight as bad as it was last night. Have to focus on making things better and getting use to eating and doing things I don¡¯t like. Will make my new home super cool¡­. Like multi-level and a pool. That sounds great, should get working on it right away

    Using his free hand to get himself up James made his way to the entrance of his Cave with rock in hand and started the slow process of making more room. Every so often he would take breaks to rest and standing at the edge of the hill and looking below but never saw anything. Ever so slowly and through the heat of an enclosed space the cave started to get bigger. [Digging] leveled of twice that day making the more just a little bit faster each time.

    Using the entire day for digging resulted in the space under that was only enough room at first for his body to fit in to being able to stand with it wide enough to reach his arms out. What was left of the raft was pulled inside and used as flooring, there was even a small hole for a constant stream of air to get in.

    [One Condition reached]

    This popped up for James when his [Digging] skill leveled up for the second time but no more enough about the pop up came up. There was a sizeable pile of clay that built up at the entrance and he was covered with it At first he was just going to leave it there but then an idea came to him, he pushed the piled about three feet from the entrance and started to make a wall with it.

    There was not nearly enough to do what he hand planned but it was a start with it being two feet long, two high, three inches thick just to keep the three number going again that day. As he dug more the wall would become thick enough to stand on and completely surround the tree but it was enough for today.

    It may take a while but a castle of sticks and stones will be made by my hand! I wonder if there¡¯s anything to ride down there.

    Tomorrow would be when James would head down there and explore what was below him, he wanted to get stronger even if that meant being unsure how much stronger what he choose to fight is compared to himself. As night started to come again James was already inside his home sitting on the floor, the chest blocking the entrance. The difference was this time the lock was faced outside.

    I may not be strong enough to break it open but I have complete faith there is some screwed up roid creature out there that wanted to kill me for no reason willing to break through the chest to get to me

    When the noises started and clawed at the chest James was no longer worried as much as before. In fact as those creatures tried to break through and eat him he was thinking about finding something to make a bed and finding real meat. This whole grueling process had taken almost a week but it was time for the comeback.

 Chapter 16: Plot and Rabbits

    Chapter 16

    Name: James Moken Level: 4 Health: 10 Experience: 17%

    Strength: 4

    Dexterity: 2

    Constitution:     7

    Wisdom:         7

    Intelligence: 10

    Abilities:

    [Faster Learner] : It takes less to level up all things

    [Extra] :50% more skill points when leveling

    [Gift of Intelligence] : Gives a living creature a template of this abilities owner

    [Baby] all starting physical stats drop to one

    Skills:

    <u>Beginner Rank</u>

    [Intimidation] Level 1

    [Sneak Attack] Level 2

    [Power Attack] Level 4

    [Two Weapon Fighting] level 2

    [Leatherworking] Level 6

    [Perception] Level 1

    [Sneaking] Level 1

    [Fear Resistance] Level 4

    [Poison Resistance] 7

    [Pain Resistance] Level 2

    [First Aid] Level 1

    [Swim] Level 1

    [Digging] Level 3

    James greatly admired his now long list of skills but worried about how they all came to be.

    Everything is related to those dam rats

    It started with an attack or what seemed like one in his own crib then he encountered more sometime later. After that was the clear revenge attack which he and Tom fought off. Going into the sewers led them to the discovery of an almost town of rats of what James guessed was more than one clan on the way out to find Tom¡¯s dad. That horrible failure lead him outside to a broken ship and dead crew that could be linked to the rats.

    Okay maybe the rats did not create those holes but it¡¯s pretty unlikely that they had nothing to do with this. After all, this would may be crazy with magic but animals still seem to be overall as dumb as before. If that¡¯s true then why make tons of rat smart? Why attack babies and who is doing all of this?

    Being almost annoyed about stumbling onto this little plot James needed to focus on the plan for today: Real food. Stepping out of his home (cave) he made his way to the earth ramp that lead to down below after deciding that one night of eating bugs was enough to risk his life for meat.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    In the good hand was James¡¯s remaining shank and strapped to his other arm since the hand was no longer useable a make shift shield. [Leatherworking] leveled as he used the dirty section of cape he ripped off the night before and tied it to a section of bark the fell off last night when whatever creatures attacked. Sadly he could not figure out how to get the [Appraise] to figure out the extract stats but one day it would appear.

    Touching the ground at the top of the ramp with his bare feet he noticed how easy it would be to slide and the smart thing would be to carefully work his way down the dozens of feet to the bottom.

    Today is not the day to take thing slow, today is a one of fun. In order to do that I have to find something to sit on

    James walked around his home tree until he found another large piece of bark only half on. With the grace of a fish out of water he was able to jump and hold onto it then started shaking his whole body until it broke off and he landed with a thud. Thankfully the piece was big enough to sit on so he dragged it over to the edge and got ready.

    Fun day begins now!

    Pushing with his good hand and the heels of his feet James quickly gained speed, more then he planned to. His mouth resembled a dogs when its face is out the car window. The distance to the bottom was covered in seconds and right before he hit a large group of rock James pulled the front of the sled up. It was as successful as one would hope without being foolish: James did not die on impact, rather the sleds short like exploded and he was sent flying through the air.

    Out of all the emotions James was feeling when he started flying the air the sinking one of being afraid of heights was the at the top. Being almost impressed with himself at how fast his thoughts were flying about how to land there was one that stuck out the most.

    I bet I can stick the landing

    James was completely wrong in the guess of his own abilities, when he tried the only thing that ¡°stick the landing¡± was his face.

    [1 Damage]

    Wanting to breathe again so he would not die from lack of air of all things James popped his head out of the ground and rolled over onto his back. His damaged arm with the bark shield throbbed while he gasped for air. Deciding that any future sled trips need to be better thought James sat up to view his surroundings.

    Off in the distance in front of him his hill top could just barely be seen while his surrounds showed off tress many times taller and wider than he was with unknown species of plants growing all around. Using [Perception] once again but this time during the day James spotted a creature off into the distance

    [Perception] has leveled

    What a cute bunny

    It was indeed cute, fluffy, flowing white hair with green and blue eyes with small feet sticking out as it ate one of the plants nearby it. It is the ideal first pet of any small child but things were different in this world. Shank and shield were out as James made his way over to the fluff ball and by the time the distance between them was cut in half its face turned to face him while still eating. James stopped moving and waited for a time to see what it would do but it just sat there eating and watching.

    Fair is fair, let¡¯s do this!

    Doing a 180, James went into a full sprint as he waddled with determination to his next opponent. The white rabbit shoved the rest of the plant into his smallmouth and darted forward. Speeding that fast was a shock leaving himself unprepared resulting in James getting slammed at high speed

    [2 Damage]

    Running over James and going past him into the forest the first charge was won by the white rabbit leaving him dazed but able to go on. Now on steady on his feet James tried to predict where it would strike from next but it ended it just being guesses. All his efforts were laughed at when the white rabbit suddenly appeared from behind a tree then came charging at him with the same intense speed.

    [1 Damage]

    This time James was able to move his shield to take the hit but all that resulted in was the bark shield breaking in half and taking more damage. Getting hit like that happened another two times making his health drop to just three. Bloody and sweating things were looking pretty grim for him causing the white rabbit to grow bolder after each hit. Last time it opened its mouth slicing a good cut into his good arm leaving just one idea left and it would only work by making things worse

    I think rats look better then you!

    Screaming with his mind James hoped that those not given the [Gift of Intelligence] would still be able to hear him. Quickly a response could be seen jumped out from its hiding place and seemed to growl at him then moved it¡¯s fastest yet into another charge. James braced his body and act the last second threw forward the jagged remains of the shield right into its open mouth.

    The lower jaw separated from the rest of skull and mostly what was its neck killing it almost instantly leaving the lifeless body on the ground next to him.

    [Level up]

    Not so cute now it seems, ego kills another fool

    After what happened James quickly put all three points into Dexterity making sure next time he fought one there would be at least a chance. Dragging the body of the now mostly white rabbit slowly this time up the earth ramp going slowly. He spent the rest of the day recovering, bashing a rock on the metal chest lock and separating the white rabbit, gaining the [Dismantling] skill in the process. There was even some time left to further expand his cave making it a few inches wider and deeper using his new rabbit fur as a blanket.

    His mind drifted once again to what had happened with the rats, something was going on and it had effected his life to much to not look into it anymore.

    They may be capable of thought but rats will always be rats the question is who gave them the ability to think in the first place. There was also that rat who lead the others in the large attack who may know more. For now enough progress has been made, it¡¯s time to be a builder.

 Chapter 17: Taken

    Chapter 17

    Serval days had passed since James first battle in the forest with the powerful creature known as a rabbit and due to the results of the fight has been taking it easy. During that time [Poison Resistance] leveled up twice and even more impressively [Digging] five levels from expanding his underground home (cave). So much had been dug out that that the clay wall surrounding home tree had been completed.

    Good job me, really great job for a gold star day. At first it seemed silly to dig out that much but to have all this free time is a gift that must not be wasted!

    The expansion had been quite extensive, from a truly humble hole just large enough to sin to his own home. The original chamber had been expanded to slightly less than the diameter of the tree stopping at the roots. A corridor sloping downwards until he estimated a depth of fifteen feet leading to a room more than twice the size of the original. To impress himself for the week and opening up his shoulder wound once again in the process an emergency tunnel just wide enough for himself in case whatever has been attacking him got through. It opened a foot above the water in the direction of where he originally came from.

    Coming back up to the surface to unload clay for the last time once again his eyes had to get use to blinding light from almost complete darkness. Given how many times this had happened over the last few days James had lost count but the process had given him a number of idea to improve things.

    Finally having a home of my own makes me realize how shitty I still live and the need of self-improvement. How can a house have no doors? First thing to do: invent doors. Not just any kind of doors but sliding ones because only those with no imagination could live with doors that open in or out, after that comes lighting

    If James had been truthful with himself he wanted lights because the dark scared him and sleeping in a wide room was making things worse. The original idea for a deeper section was to drown out the noise of those things trying to kill him and had evolved into this. Digging through so much dirt landed him a number of sharp rocks like the one he used for digging but these would be used to defend himself better.

    Gaining the skill [Crafting] from making a pick and bringing together another rock with a wooden handle wrapped in his old cape resulted in a stone sword. Given how the just acquired the crafting skill and it being so vague unlike [Two Weapon Fighting] or [Weapon smith] making any sort of help coming from the skill little. Conditions of the weapon were so fragile that he had to be careful with the swinging and try to stab at whoever he was fighting instead.

    There was one thing that came out fairly well compared to the others: his new hide armor of the white rabbit. The entire bottom half was wrapped around his chest, given that the rabbit did not have arms like him the leg section of its fur was but together and encased his sword arm while the other had a slightly thicker bark shield. Finally his head was covered at the top by the upper jaw of the white rabbit, it greatly resembled how the lion skin was worn on Hercules.

    I have evolved from a simple baby to a caveman baby, the dawn of the baby is at hand!

    Ready to go after pumping himself up James made the short trip to the edge where the earth ramp is but this time walking slowly down. Completely uneventful but safe journey down he began the process of going deeper inside the forest. For all the dangers that was around him James could not help but admire the beauty of it all on a more sentimental day he guess he would say that this was his reward for surviving up until this point. Around him every so often James would catch the sight of a white rabbit watching from the distance but then they would notice what he was wearing and move on.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    Humm so just seeing me where one of their own makes them step back¡­ good to know James: 1 White Rabbits: 0

    Smiling now James started to skip slightly enjoying the sight of not being in danger if only it was a little inside the forest. This happiness that had been building over the last few days was crushed when he heard the sounds of a man and women yelling nearby. Picking up the pace to his new top speed James waddled to the location of the sounds and could only stare in disbelief.

    RATS!!!

    What laid before him was a scale unlike anything he had seen before as hundreds of rats surrounded and attacked the two. He watched from a vantage point next to a tree with tall grass above all of them.

    [Arc Slash]!

    [Shock]!

    From the man, almost a hulking beast with a face completely covered with long black hair wearing real leather armor with some sort of tribal tattoos peeking out from underneath, came the [Arc Slash]. His oversized great ax shined with a bright red light as it swung over the rats directly in front of him but the red aura extended out and cut through a good number of them then into the ground.

    The Women, an intense redhead in more ways than one with the same armor and tattoos for the most part, was no less impressive. Her left arm was tightly hugging the bundle on her back while her right hand had static arcing around her fingers before she slammed her palm onto the ground. Five lines of thin electricity each coming out of the tips of her fingers shot out and killed whatever rats it touched.

    To say that what James was seeing impressed him would be a massive understatement of awe. Clearly these people had gone beyond his level of skills, second rank clearly and maybe close to being able to get a [Class]. If James had heard his mother correctly then something like [Arc Slash] could only happen at the minimum two level 10 skills combined.

    For something so great it was not enough still out of either of them, the both of them would do their attacks but other rats would just take their place. So slowly it hurt James to watch the rats were gaining the upper hand and from this distance he could not hear them ¡°speak.¡± From what he could see the brown hair rat clan was there along with a dozen other looking ones. Larger than usual orange ones there were ramming the couple¡¯s ankles, green seemed longer and faster as they bite then dashed away.

    Colors of the rat rainbow mixing together in a disgusting pile but out of all of them a small handful stood out. Those black rats looked to be directing the others around them, their mere presence surging the attack forward. They were ones James was not sure could be beat even one on one currently. The fight was reaching its end as the rats started to climb up their bodies until you could hardly make out the people.

    Seeing the man and women die before his eyes hurt to watch and made his plan to escape with them disappear. Even from this distance the sound of the rats eating could be heard by James forcing him to cover his ears but unable to look away. Something different seemed to be happening on the women so James used [Perception] to notice what was happening.

    The bundle the women was protecting earlier was taken off and carried away by a large group directly under it. All the rumbling caused part of the cloth bundle to unwrap to reveal a babies face.

    There collecting babies, but why? And this explains why that rat came at me in my crib but not the larger picture. Whatever this is about this is my chance to find out by retracing the path all these rats will take back to their base

    Waiting a full hour after they left to go down there he went over to what was left of the bodies but it was nearly just bones and their weapons. After trying to just pick up the great ax in vain to James disappointment he instead rounded up as many rats as he could carry and headed back.

    That night while he skinned the rats and the creatures clawed at the chest trying to kill him James could not spot thinking of what happened to the man and women who were much more powerful than him and yet eaten alive. That night he remembered to fear the things he had not seen yet.

 Chapter 18: Journey to Answers

    Chapter 18

    The way James found t relax or at least to think about his problems was to skin the rats he brought along from where the adults were killed and baby taken. So much that his [Dismantling] skill went up 5 levels which by the final one had far less mistakes. With all the extra hide his home was now able to have noticeable improvements: a blanket and rug. On a now usual night sleeping would have been much nicer but tonight James was busy planning on how he would approach.

    If there was just more time than I could level [Sneaking] but since I don¡¯t know what they will do with that baby faster is safer. This time someone like Tom would not be saved.

    James suddenly stopped himself thinking that way then anger rose up within himself. Slamming a fist onto the ground to release the anger he just as quickly released it.

    No, now is not a time to be lying to myself since what I am about to do is so stupid and dangerous. All of this is for myself, being targeted by rats and almost killed countless times. Pieces of a puzzle half paid attention to is no longer enough, it is time to figure out what is going on even if it is just for revenge

    Thinking about his mother and how she used to care for him with his rat blanket up to his neck and his head resting on his good hand. A great life if James was forced to compare it to the blackness he was latterly sitting in and clawing at the chest protecting his life. James knew now he was the type of person who feared the unknown more then what he knew and was willing to take great risks to figure out the questions he had.

    Eventually sleep came and the morning James had been waiting for longer than he knew had finally come. The chest felt heavier this time as he pushed it out of the way showing the first chamber and where all his gear was placed. Quickly James brought another rat out to the area he had cleared to use [Leatherworking] and made something that was on a sort of wish list of his.

    Shoes, o goddess how I have missed shoes and there wondrous powers of repealing pain. Enough of every sharp stick and stone finding its way under my feet causing a never ending stream of pain and things to pull out of them!

    Still shabby but the best things he had made yet even without laces but James still had trouble getting the right sizes for things given his baby fat. That was also the reason his fingers had no gloves, until he put more points into strength and dexterity which seemed to somewhat thin them. Putting them on James made an effort to take his time putting everything else on making sure it was secure.

    Baby armor V1 is all set, hope it last or else this really will be a waste of time

    Guiding his way back to the lost battle was an easy one given the distance and sure enough stepping on top of the ridge down below him James could see the bones of the adults. There was something different about the scene but could not tell what until he realized it was the lack of things seen. Before the bodies had been eaten but everything else was there now there was just scraps of cloth and bones.

    They must have sent rats to pick up anything of value, glad I did not stay and try to bring the Barbarian guys armor

    Another thing that was different was an indent about an inch deep and larger than his body almost amusing James to imagine even all those rats struggling to take it with them. Deciding better than to walk directly on this new trail James decided to follow it from the sides.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    For nearly two hours he followed it but James was able to figure out where he was going long before then. Walk came into view ever since he first washed ashore and saw from his home every morning were mountains. Normally they would be large for an adult but for a baby only one fifth the size they were seemly five times larger than any he was used to seeing in his previous life and most likely made his fear of heights worse.

    Before James got to the base of the mountain, the new trail to what he guessed was leading to the rat base came to a sudden clearing that caught him off guard. Looking to his left and right the lack of forest was only around this area and if he needed any other proof dozens of rats were in front of a large opening.

    It¡¯s like in the sewer but even more built up¡­

    Large holes where the trees use to be were just left up until the cave entrance where huge spikes shot out and little homes on top of earth mounds, it reminded him of ant hills. Seeing the sight of so many made it clear there was no way to walk up and in without being seen.

    James was hunched over hiding behind the edge of the tree line while he admired his lack of options, each idea shot down due to a lack of skill on his part.

    Those holes are pretty annoying now that I have to keep seeing them, if I could order rats around you bet those holes would be filled. Just think of all the places the trees that were there could reach¡­. That¡¯s it!

    Now excited with the idea still ringing in his head James pulled out the spare tool that had been recently made with the last of the sharp stone: A shovel. This would be the first time it will be used and James expected great things. Without any waiting the digging started behind a bush at the tree line and made quick progress.

    Normally it would not be possible to dig there but give how thick the forest was in this area and the hole not being filled greatly cutting down the amount of work needed. The plan was to dig along where roots use to be making whatever material was there now far easier to dig through and given his baby body small enough to make it work.

    You can do it James, just keep pushing and the reward for answers will be mine!

    If he had to compare this feeling to something it was the flashes of memories from world war two shows or movies that had the troops crouching the ground as mortar fire rained down rains down around them. In this case is was instead once again in small spaces constantly digging and pushing the excesses gravel behind him.

    In order to get through such intense effort James made a game in his head, checkpoints would be after he started the next leg of the tunnel after exiting the previous one and landing in the hole the tree use to be. At first it was fun but as he got closer and eventually heard noises it became a higher risk being in between lines. Sweat was all but pouring and the strain made his shoulder wound throb and his strength becoming harder to call upon.

    This is where it gets hard and the most important as the mountain is so close now to the point my speed must increase or be discovered

    There were only two holes by James guess between him and going under the mountain and there was only now a thin layer to the first hole. Taking a rest he just sat on his sitting in the cramped space with an intense heat almost making it not helpful at all to spot moving. Deciding a few minutes was enough James prepared himself and his now shaking hands and started to rapidly dig the last remaining dirt away.

    Once again like shined through but James already started sliding down to the bottom, his eyes darting across the other side picking which former root hole would be good to dig and picked one. Striking away at the ground in front of him James heard to well for confront even the movements of the rats above. Desperation was the battle to be won and to do so were simple, dig fast enough or he would die. James felt himself about to hit a wall where his body would just stop moving so he pushed himself even harder. What drove him now was his anger, his need for that revenge he had thought about for so long. So instead of the mental wall spotting him James broke through it with his rage.

    [1 Constitution] acquired

    Title [Digger] acquired

    Rewards came and the dirt parted easier than before allowing James to go back into the earth in time before a rat looked down. The first part of his journey was now complete for the most part so he allowed himself plenty of time to rest.

    Well its official now, I am a digger but there will be no complaining coming from me no sir. Also got that fancy new constitution point showing that they can only be gained during extreme effort so will have to figure out a way to gain them just training. Rats have to sleep like everyone else so if I rest now maybe things will be easier later

 Chapter 19: In Search of Truth

    Chapter 19

    In the darkness James just kept digging upward and the more time it was taking the worse it got. Dirt piled up below him cutting off any fresh air as he tried to break the surface from below. Legs pushed up on hole side and his back braced the other while his body was suspended a number of feet above ground. [Perception] was useless in complete darkness but it leveled up twice for some reason. Not like James was complaining.

    This is like that one Stargate-SG1 episode where the team is helping that old teammate who replaced the older one when he died and become a god but became mortal again for trying to act like a god. Good times but in that episode they were digging down and I am going up although for both dying of heat and air loss so there¡¯s that

    Every time more dirt would be broken off from above it would hit his head and since it had taken a while to find a spot soft enough to dig through James had trouble figuring out how high he had to go. It reminded him of another animated show from japan but that was not important right now the light headedness was. [Digger] increased overall digging speed by 10% so it was helping but not sure if it was enough.

    [Digging] has leveled up

    So close

    The skill had finally reached level 9 and was the closest to ranking up it was just that what happened at the point was unknown. Thinking of this small rock bubble he made himself did no good and even a break could not happen or else air would be wasted. It was when he started to see double that James knew it was pretty much over and that was when a great reward finally happened.

    [Digging] has leveled up

    [Digging] is now level 10

    [Digging] has become [Improved Digging]

    [Poison Resistance] has leveled up

    [Poison Resistance] is now level 10

    [Poison Resistance] is now [Improved Poison Resistance]

    Specials conditions met: [Improved Digging] and [Improved Poison Resistance] form and unlock [Iron Lungs]

    A rumble could be felt just a little then it became more and more until a shovel burst through the bottom of the cave floor. James quickly pushed his body out of the hole and rolled onto the ground.

    Best. Upgrade. Ever

    [Iron Lungs]: Allows the user to need slightly less oxygen than usual

    That was all that was needed to push the final distance and arriving in what seemed to be an underground passage way. Trying to wipe the sweat away from his baby head proved useless since his entire body had it like a second coat. Instead he just wagged his body like a dog giving unexpectedly good results.

    Once again good job James for living through death once again so it¡¯s time for a reward

    For a long time James had been saving what was on his back for such a long time he buried it at one point so not to use it early. Unhooking it from his back James drank the liquor that had been saved in his bottle that had been loaded up the night the two of them went into the sewers.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    ¡­ So good, at it¡¯s thanks to you my greatest friend for your and my hard work in these troubling times. If I had listened to all of those people who told me to spot drinking I would not be alive now

    There was still the problem with the hole it was next to the edge of the right wall and to James surprise stood out since the rat don¡¯t seem to dig their own holes. So instead he found the largest rock he could and stuffed it in along with others and put back on top the dirt he just dug out. The tunnel itself was lined with rocks and wide enough for three adults to walk without trouble but it patch of the hole clearly stood out making it only a matter of time before he was found out.

    Bottle back on and weapon out James started to sneak down the tunnel following the glow of rocks that gave off a soft light. There was no way to tell the exact time here but given the time spent digging and waiting he guessed it was night time and if true explained why it was as easy as it was to get around.

    We must go the final ones are here

    Does that mean it is time for the overlord to tell us his grand truth?

    Do you really think patrol rats would be told such scared knowledge?

    You are right

    James overheard the two rats as they got closer to him so he braced himself on the wall, this reminded him of a similar spot so the thought was the same reaction of back then would work. James jumped out from the wall and used [Power Attack] on the nearest one.

    What just happened, who are you? Wait you¡¯re just a baby ugh¡­

    Before anything else happened James grabbed the rat and brought it back with him backtracking to the hole he came out of. Quickly a shallow hole was dug into the ground and the rat was placed in it that came up to its head. Since there was no time for waiting James simply started slapping its head until the rat had waking up.

    What just happened¡­ o god it¡¯s you, overlord save me!

    Shut up or you get hit again, now tell me what is happening here

    The rat seemed very worried but refused to answer the question so James hit him again.

    Answer me!

    You just said not to talk and give you answers so what is it? This is too much pressure

    ¡°Rat¡± started crying making things awkward for James as he just waited now and gave him time to stop.

    Okay how about this rat we make a deal: tell me what you know and I let your friends come and dig you out

    You would really do that? But humans are killers of us rats who are only trying to feed themselves and they have those horrible creatures you call cats who eat us alive!

    ¡­ Well you made some good points there so not going to comment on that subject just tell me what is going on

    James put down his weapons and sat down next to Rat¡¯s head, one ear listening for any sounds coming closer.

    The overlord came to us months ago and brought along with him an object that the elders say will bring our people end his freedom

    So he¡¯s not human or rat

    Yes but I do not know what he is but it does not matter, if the overlord can save us than anything is worth it even my life. That is all I know and it is all I need to know, that is all I need.

    Getting up and stepping back from Rats head James thought over the information but still found it lacking.

    Just more pieces, I want to know everything and it seems at this point there is only one thing left to do. Could have saved a lot of time if this was the choice made at the start

    Kneeling down James carefully used his hands and started to dig out Rat from his spot.

    Why are you doing this, does this mean I am free? You must know as soon as I get out of here I will run and get help

    I know and that is fine and don¡¯t worry about me trying to convince you what you think about humans is wrong or anything. The person I am has waaaaaay to many issues to judge you

    It became quiet as neither one said a thing as the digging progressed until most of Rats body was free. When it happened Rat shot out of the hole and dashed a few feet away, it stood there for a few moments before running off. James knew what was about to happen so he got ready. James drank the rest of the bottle before putting it back on his back then leaving on the ground the sword, shovel and even shield.

    Almost impressed by the reaction time soon enough James was surrounded by dozens of rats but kept their distance out of arms reach.

    Seems like you heard about me

    Yes we have

    A black rat moved closer to James as the front line of rats parted to let it through, it was like a normal rat in looks but bigger and looking very much stronger.

    The overlord will be most pleased with me if you are brought so you will live for now and be brought

    Before James could respond it suddenly spun around and wiped its tail at his head instantly knocking him out. Two orange rats came up and bite and his cloths dragging him as the entire group went to the inner chamber.

 Chapter 20: Truth of The World

    Chapter 20

    Only a short time had passed before James awakened and decided there was no point in faking not being awake so he opened his eyes. He could feel hot air blowing into his ears from the mice that bit at the cloth on his shoulders dragging him along. Some of the mice around him noticed James was now awake but seemed to want to do nothing as long as he did not. The group that was following him to wherever he was going was growing larger by the minute soon there seemed to be at least dozens.

    So this is it, most likely dying from the weakest creature there is and there is no way a fight would go my way either

    Since the only directions James could see were straight up directly in front there was no way to know what was coming up next. The air got slightly warmer when the group started to go down a long spiral walkway large enough for a full adult party with room to spare. What came as a huge surprise was what seemed to be carved sections had come out of the wall in the shape of windows from what he could gather from the seconds viewing at a time was a cavern lit up by those same rocks he saw earlier.

    All around there was thousands of rats that just seemed to be waiting there and creating a great deal of nose that echoed off the walls. Every so often he could smell flesh burning coming from the directions of one of the massive fires that dotted the area around him expect from directly ahead.

    When they finally reached the bottom after a few minutes What James saw was beyond belief when the let go and he was allowed to stand on his own. In this massive cavern stood in its center some sort of massive wide gateway that had to be twice as large as his house in both height and width. Bones of clearly many species and other materials made this up. At the top center in pure black with a bright white jewel in its center shaped in a circle with seven symbols around it.

    On the left and right sides seemed to be carved totems with similar gems but much smaller and directed sideways directly point at the large one up above. The entire gateway was raised require a good deal amount of stairs and yet none of that was the worst part. Dozens of babies cried out while they were chained down to symbols that matched the ones on the gateway on top. While most of them were human babies like him there were elf and Beastmen tribe. Before the line of babies there was a raised platform where a figure in a hood as dark as the gateway its back was facing him.

    My god¡­ what is about to happen to all of us?!

    James was so scared he did not even move and he did not even notice at first as one of the rats closest to him started to go up the staircase where the figure stood. The rat stood up on its back legs and seemed to be talking to the figure, this had been the first person besides himself to be able to originally speak to rat.

    I guess it¡¯s not a surprise if this was the one that set all these things into motion and whatever its plans are for the gateway

    The figure seemed to motion causing the rat to quickly move away and back down the stairs then the figure ever so slowly descended as well. His footsteps seemed to be weary and leaning on the staff, it was a dark wood with a bright red diamond on top. All around him the mice backed away as the figure approached closer but his hood remained up and James could only see darkness where a face would be. The figure got so close he was almost directly over James when he decided to pull down his hood and from the soft glove of the rocks around revealed a face of a goblin.

    Its head was bald and all of its skin was a dark green, scares lined his body but seemed unnatural given the magic he sure must have to heal. His eyes are what stood out to James the most, red and black iris like a cut. He had to stand just under five feet and while knowing for little about goblins seemed to be not too old.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know how long I have waited to meet someone like you, my name is Sloodar¡± Sloodar said with a grin

    You know I can speak?

    Sloodar just laughed when James finished thinking out his response

    ¡°Well were you really trying to hide it? And yes I can read the thoughts you are sending out so don¡¯t worry about trying to speak but if you wish to humor me by all means try¡±

    James knew that if he was not more scared then he had ever been in his life right now then he would have been annoyed but it did not matter. It was clear Sloodar controlled everything and everyone here.

    ¡°You must think I am a horrible person for taking all these babies¡±

    Of course you are! What are you going to do with them?

    ¡°Not just them, you will be joining them on the final spot needed. Also you¡¯re right about the first thing, I am horrible person and the gods made me this way¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    There was no emotion in Sloodar¡¯s force as he spoke now, it was as if he was simply stating facts.

    ¡°Let me ask you something: How has your life been since you have been reincarnated here, of course besides for the rats¡±

    James was shocked Sloodar figured out he use to have a previous life and did not know what to say.

    ¡°You seem at a loss for words, the thing is you don¡¯t have a choice in answering me¡±

    Sloodar glare was crushing James as he stood below him looking up into his black eyes.

    No it has been good

    Throwing out his hands as if expected Sloodar looked annoyed

    ¡°Of course it was for me I mean look outside, you must have had a loving family but not everyone gets a new life like that like myself for example¡±

    What happened to you?

    James felt compelled to ask to which Sloodar quickly lowered his staff and gave the lightest of taps to James head.

    ¡°I am so glad you asked, see when I died that women in all her painting wisdom decided I was not good enough of a person to be reborn here so thirty years ago I was reborn as a goblin and have been hurt in more ways I thought possible. At any time my pain could have been taken away by her or the other one with the boat but help never came!¡±

    By the end he shouted the last words before quickly relaxing himself and taking a deep breath. The rats that were around them quickly increased the distance between them and Sloodar who now seemed amused again.

    ¡°It seems I have been rude and never asked what your name is¡±

    ¡­ My name is James

    ¡°Well James would you like to know what all this behind me is about, I mean if I was you I would be¡±

    Seemly motioning with his hand it was clear what James was supposed to do next so he nodded to Sloodar.

    ¡°All those people that hurt me over the years I eventually found and killed them but for some reason my anger did not go away and it confused me. A good amount of time passed until I figured out and it was because there were still others left I needed to hurt like they hurt me: the Gods themselves¡±

    You can¡¯t hurt gods it¡¯s impossible even you should know that

    James offered, time and time again the only stories he heard is of people talking to or in rare cases me and gaining a gods boon but never slaying.

    ¡°Your most likely right, after all they are gods would I could to hurt them but you¡¯re thinking about it in the wrong way James. I am going to hurt them by making them wish they could die. There are very few sources of divine energy besides for gods and one of those sources is people like us and if harnessed allow you to do truly great things¡±

    Sloodar leaned down and put his face directly in front of James, now James could see that in those eyes peering into his seemed liked a person who had been broken somewhat.

    ¡°What I figured out what to do was to free myself from the torment world and come here using my divine energy made a gateway that only lasted for moments and could only get me through. Weeks went by before I was ready to leave this cave and found myself on this paradise world but even here goblins were killed¡±

    Pointing into the crowed of rats then motioning at James a group of rats suddenly grabbed James and hauled him away in the direction of the other babies. He tried to struggle and free himself but it was useless.

    ¡°One of the other sources of Divine energy to my surprise is babies. It seems that the gods give them some so that the world every so slightly kept them safe, of course it goes away by the time they become even small children. So after finding out the rats share a similar view of the gods and humans there was now a way to collect enough divine energy to create a more stable gateway¡±

    James was held down and chained by the rats who after they were done backed away from him and the other children. The symbol under him looked like if a U was placed over a Z.

    ¡°I intend to bring my people through the gateway and with their help and a number of other races who I am sure would support me burn this world to the ground and make it a hellscape like the one I was born in. So when it is all over I intend to ask them once again: why they would let someone live again just to be reborn in hell!¡±

    From atop the steps where James originally saw him Sloodar started to begin his chants in a completely alien language drowning out all the crying babies and rats. The symbol he sat under began to glow along with all the others making it forty nine in total, seven babies for each symbol. Then they all started to produce a golden aura that was then slowly being pulled away into the crystals on either side of the gateway which then directed a beam of the same energy into the larger gem at the top.

    It¡¯s getting hard to think, my bodies looks like its aging and drying out

    As the Divine energy drained out the top gem grew brighter and brighter until it directly all the light it had been taking in into the gate itself. A red whirlpool started to form then seemly grow more solid like it was slowly connecting.

    ¡°Something is wrong, why can¡¯t it connect¡±

    Sloodar quickly said in worry then began chanting again in amore rushed voice causing the energy to drain even faster from the babies. It was at this point James noticed he seemed to be less effected.

    For some reason it looks like I have more Divine energy then I should

    Sure enough Sloodar also saw that James was still holding out while the other bodies became rocks.

    ¡°James your screwing everything up, the energy coming from your side is too much and unbalancing the gateway!¡±

    Good asshole you¡¯re too crazy to let things go your way!

    ¡°You rats quickly start pulling babies from his side of course we will all die but don¡¯t take James, the amount of energy he is channeling would explode and destroy the rune below him¡±

    Striking his Staff forward Sloodar channeled energy into the top Gem in order to stem things while the rats started to pull babies away. The gate started to make a howling sound then began push burning air out of it for a few seconds then try to suck everything in. Switching between the two modes making them worse each time until with the latest push of burning air it shot James into the air, once his body left the rune it did explodes freeing him of the chains.

    Flying high into the air he saw Sloodar running up to the gateway and shoot a massive amount of energy into it before landing on the ground.

    [5 Damage]

    Groaning on his pain James forced himself up and started to run up the spiral he saw down from and saw rats burning and other flying into the portal. Another pull started to pull the spiral walls down but James refused to look back. Rats raced past him and as the sight of the entrance came into view an explosion so large came forward and the instant the shockwave hit him his mind went blank.

 Chapter 21: Aftermath

    Ringing and numbness, those were the only two sensation James felt when he opened his eyes and noticed the only thing he could do. Sight was mostly gone with a blurring so badly a person would not be allowed to drive. The longer he kept his eyes open the longer things came into clarity.

    Twice in one day knocked out, no way that¡¯s good for my head. Can¡¯t move and don¡¯t even know why but what happened with Sloodar? Seems he underestimated the¡­ Divine power, that it, I had. That raises questions about what I can do just now is not the time

    Trying to move his head revealed to James that yes his body was in pretty bad shape there seemed to be a weight on top of him that he guess was rumble like what was in front of him. Although what was in front of his eyes was mostly rocks along with a single long scorch mark that instantly burned away the grass under it. After notice that James vision began to focus along with his sense of smell then it made sense how he was still alive.

    There is a body on top of me, why did my smell have to come back

    Flesh had a smell after being flashed cooked that James wished he could instantly forget and push it off of him but the numbness was complete and staying awake was already becoming harder. Everything was burning, there were even rats that seemed to still walking out of the cave but when one came into view it was walking while completely on fire, already dead with its body following the last commands of the mind.

    ¡°Well¡­ hav¡­ there¡±

    Without even noticing James fell asleep and had been awaken by a voice meaning part of his hearing had come back. There was no way to tell how long he had been out but less things were burning and sadly James realized the smell of a dead body on top of him was becoming the norm. None of that mattered anymore because after so long help had finally arrived, help he had not expected to see again.

    Mom it¡¯s you!

    In front of James eyes was his mother along with Mark along with other adults who seemed to be looking over the area.

    ¡°my god¡­ ove¡­ its¡­¡±

    Another person who James remember as Tom¡¯s mother was carrying a limp man from the entrance of the still burning cave. There were burns on portions of his body and the only thing he was wearing was simple cloth shorts, his body seemed thinner than it should have been.

    No way it can¡¯t be but is that Tom¡¯s Father! He¡¯s going to be so happy¡­ that¡¯s right, Tom is gone now. Well when he threw me over the other side and told me to find his father I guess I held up my end to that deal. Looks like it¡¯s my turn to be saved finally.

    James parents were talking with Tom¡¯s Mother but James could not hear them, they are wore fancy looking armor and impressive looking weapons. His armor was made of metal and was the usual guard armor he wore for his job patrolling the walls and town while Mark had his usual sliver spear. His mother had a bow that was as tall as she was with some sort of symbols and two arrows ready to be fired at a moment¡¯s notice.

    There seemed to be some sort of disagreement, Tom¡¯s mother was leaving with another men helping drag him to a spot where women in white held her hand over his body then they began glowing.

    ¡°Here¡¯s not here and you know what Arlen said that with the huge magical explosion and whatever that magical energy is still here it was lucky enough we found the children we did¡±

    ¡°Mark at this point I don¡¯t care about other babies, I want to find OUR child!¡±

    She struggled as Mark held her in a lock as if it was going to kill her to stay in his arms then she stopped fighting as much and her legs began to shake. Soon enough her legs gave out from under her and the two of them where on their knees crying in each other¡¯s arms.

    No its okay you don¡¯t have to cry I am right here, just look at me and everything will be okay. Just look at me!If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    From this distance his thoughts could not travel the distance over to the two of them so the only thing James was able to do at this point was watch as they cried after thinking there new born baby had died. Mark was the first one to compose himself as he started to stand up and practically lifted his mother.

    Please don¡¯t leave me here¡­ take me with you. I promise I won¡¯t leave the house ever again if you just take me with you right now¡­

    ¡°tge be mit uo¡±

    For the first time in his life James tried speaking using his voice but what came out not even he could understand. Over and Over again James tried speaking with his voice and mind yet no one could hear him but himself. Even as the tears came running down his eyes watching his Mother and Father hold each other after giving up and left with the rest of the adventure party along with the others saved. Then among the fire and rubble and burning bodies was now just James stuck under it all.

    Next time James opened his eyes it was night but that was hard to believe given the amount of fire that was still around somehow.

    My own parents left me

    That was the only thought that was in his mind now as the bodies of dead rats still weighed on him. There was a clear difference this time when James tried to move his body responded. Only his arms were free so it was still hard to move but there were still options that could be taken to free himself. Using his good arm James dug is fingers into the body of the rat laying on top of him then rolled it off ignoring the crunches of its burnt skin landing it next to him.

    Immediately it was easier to move and breathe leaving only his legs pinned under another burnt rat body. James dragged himself forward in order to get himself free and when he did the full sight of what was left. The opening to the cave had large cuts let something tried to force the door larger and the other wall of the door cracked under the pressure. Inside there was a warm glove that somehow had not stopped yet, more importantly it raised the question of what was causing the glow.

    Standing up James saw dozens of rat bodies in various states with his own bleeding from more than one spot. Trying to collect himself the noises around were still loud and made it hard, while trying to filter them out he noticed there was new sounds. The direction the sounds were coming from was the entrance to the ruins of the cave.

    Something is alive down there and there¡¯s more than one

    Realizing finally about what the elf man Arlen had the right idea about leaving this place James picked himself up at looked at the tree line figuring out where he had originally come from. Finding the hole in the ground he used as a waypoint when he was digging the tunnel under to hide hen other voices came from behind. At first James was worried it was from whatever seemed to be coming out of the cave but it was buried under more rat bodies. James hesitatingly started to pull one rat body after another off the pile allowed the sound to become louder than noticing it was more than one sound. When the last rat came off there was amazingly three babies huddled around each other, one of them he remembered as the one taken before his eyes.

    As for the others both of one of the babies¡¯ arms up to its elbows was completely burnt. He had brown hair and seemed also to have not eaten enough lately but given that these were meant to be an offering it came as no surprise. The last one seemed to be the oldest, maybe close to two years old and had large amounts of ash covering himself.

    Three babies? Jeez I don¡¯t want to bring them but after going through all that I don¡¯t want to be alone or leave them to whatever is still alive down there

    Time was short now with whatever was down the cave clearly could be heard coming up there was just the issue of have to bring the three along. James did not have enough hands to even grab them so it would take something flat to put them on. James waddled at the best speed he could managed at this point and through smoke went over to one of the trees that had fallen over when a rock shot out of the cave and through it.

    Luckily its bark was mostly in piece so he pushed his entire arm on an exposed piece and started to separate it from the main tree. Just a little bit at a time or else it could snap in half with one eye focused don that with the other on the glowing cave entrances that looked more like a maw now. Once it became too hard to pull anymore off James snapped it and while a bit small would do.

    Dragging it quickly over James rolled the babies onto the bark sled and started to push. The effort was a great one but they four of them were moving while avoiding holes and not even daring to look behind. Into the tree line and past it they went into James body could take no more he rested. Two of the babies were asleep now but the baby with burnt arms never stopped crying which is why James was able to hear him and saved all three of their lives.

    Okay those two sleeping I will call¡­ John and Trey as for that poor guy what about Logan?

    Of course none of them could answer so after a short rest and serval more after that by the time the sun came up the four of them where now back on the hilltop. James laid down next to the three babies as they all began crying at once with him to tried to do anything at that point so he just accepted the noise at laid there.

    I refuse to take care of babies

 Chapter 22: The Wonder Babies are Born

    Chapter 22

    Okay don¡¯t freak out James, this may be a huge thing to do but it went great with Tom. Just have to remember to take it one at a time and make a good free impression

    The plan James decided on after only one night that things could not go on like this so he would use [Gift of Intelligence] on all three of babies. There was no way he knew that he could take care of three babies with the minds to match all that had to happen now was pick the order it would be used on. At first James was choosing between Trey and John but decided that it was more important to help Logan with his burned arms. Hoping that having a mind of an adult would make it easier to deal with a pain James looked at Logan¡¯s black arms the melted blood and used [Gift of Intelligence].

    Things were different almost immediately as a wave of faint blue light that glowed spread out from where James hand was resting on Logan¡¯s head. It traveled from his head all the way down his body until it was completely glowing.

    Don¡¯t I pull my hand off? No way to risky now that it¡¯s started, will just have to complete it and see what happens next. Now that I think about it this looks familiar to that show I watched as a kid Yu Yu Hakusho

    At first that was the only unusual thing and if anything Logan stopped crying so James did not feel the need to stop the process. It was only after five minutes the blue glow started to shift around, the light seemed to be redirecting itself towards Logan¡¯s burnt arms. Everywhere else dimmed and his arms started to glow brighter, nothing that was happening was under James control so he could only watch as the process happened with uneasiness.

    Healing began on the arms, the boils and different colors started to disappear but it stopped the healing at the point. In fact if anything the black skin looked to be getting worst and now looked like black crust of earth while his hands kept the black with red streaks overlapping his veins. Finally after another few minutes the light started to retract back to James hand it completely dissipated, the moment it did James jumped back from danger.

    O God his arms are on fire! I actually managed to make this guy¡¯s worse already, have to put out the flames are else he won¡¯t even have arms to use!

    Coming from the red veins that separate the black pieces of Logan¡¯s skin came orange flames that encased the entire burnt areas taking only seconds from nothing to fire. Freaking out James used his bare hands to dig up dirt next to Logan and started to pile it on the arms on fire. He did not spot digging until Logan¡¯s arms were completely buried in dirt and he was sure the flames had gone out.

    Where¡­ am I, and who are you?

    Trying to shift his body Logan started to try and hold himself up but James quickly held him down by holding his shoulders firmly in place so none of the dirt would fall off.

    My name is James and yours is Logan. I know all of this is overwhelming so but first can you tell me how much pain you¡¯re arms are in now?

    Only confusion spread on Logan¡¯s face at the question but he did not try to get up with James giving him such an intense look.

    Pain? What are you talking about, is something wrong with my arms?...

    By the end of the question Logan was having trouble staying awake then quickly fell back asleep. James just rested his hand on Logan¡¯s chest feeling emotionally just as tried as Logan looked. He picked his up quickly to stand up and go over to the next baby in line.

    Wait after just what happened have to prepare for more flames

    Walking over to a pile of materials next to his home entrance James quickly made another shovel and began to dig a hole. In no time at all there was a pile of dirt along with a small hole. Right before he was about to use it James held back and decided not even this was enough.

    Grabbing his sled James pulled Trey onto it and dragged him over to the little pond that was on the other side of the hill. They both went in with James standing waist deep in the water next to the sled Trey was on ready to dunk him at a moment¡¯s notice.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    This is all I can do, time for round two

    Once again James touched Treys head and began the process of [Gift of Intelligence]. Just like before the blue light came out form James had and enveloped Trey¡¯s body. This time when the light started to gather it was at his eyes then like before started to retracted and disappear. Things were tense as James waited for something to happen but it was just quiet as the two of them were in the pond. It was short lived a feelings of relief as Treys skin started to take on different shades of color and became fungus looking, from past experience James thought his skin resembled brown and white mushrooms.

    Not again! Shit, can¡¯t let another catch fire

    Pushing with all his might James made sure Trey become fully underwater but the flames never came instead the anger of trey.

    Bah, asshole why are you trying to kill me! What is going on, who are you? Fear me mortal or else my wraith will come upon you!

    Trey shot up from the now water raft and rambled like that from a minute longer before he also was overwhelmed and fell back asleep. James had little energy left and could not begin to imagine the baby monster he just created so he walked out of the water and dragged trey by the wrist back to the other two babies.

    Okay let¡¯s make a T chart of what has happened so far: yes one caught on fire and the other spoke about fearing his wraith from the same baby whose parents I watched die but they are both still alive. Got to look at this as a glass half full thing or else might was well give up now

    Now laying before James was the final baby John, the quietest of the three and he hoped that meant less dangerous also. Deciding that this time it was most likely okay to stay where they were given the two babies had two different reaction James just dragged John a few feet away and began the process.

    Now that I think about it what if I am supposed to be doing something but just don¡¯t know how? Wow that¡¯s a scary thought let¡¯s just pretend that can¡¯t be true and keep pressing on

    Trying to guess where the light would direct itself but there no clues that the power gave him meaning he was just as in the dark as anyone else. Ultimately the light centered on his heart and when it started to leave a circle with unknown runes like a blue tattoo implanted itself on the skin around his heart.

    By the goddess what has happened? I must speak to somebody, everyone! Who are you sir?

    ¡­.James

    It is my pleasure to meet you James, do you know who I am?

    Your name is John and you should rest now

    Good idea!

    And just like that John passed out in the same exact position from before he started making the third and final baby done with. Using the ability three times really drained James to the point that even with being only mid-day he dragged the other three babies inside his home, sealed the door, and fell asleep until the next day.

    Shaking was the first sensation James felt as he began to wake from his sleep, opening his eyes James saw a frantic John. Like shined all around them showing it was already well into daytime.

    Good James? That¡¯s right James, your finally awake those two are fighting it¡¯s horrible. One of them set the other on fire then so many angry words and now look at them!

    Good job guessing my name since the state you were in last time as for that flame thing I think he did it to himself¡­ Wait what¡¯s going on?

    John pulled James up before he could say anything and saw a sight that was completely confusing. Logan¡¯s arms were on fire yet again swinging without a care in the world running after Trey while Trey was picking any dirt he could and throwing it at Logan

    This is so cool, look I can make a wheel of fire!

    Stay back with those crazy ass arms or else you will continue to get hit with dirt

    You should try spinning your arms and see if they have fire too and it does not even hurt

    James just watched as Trey gave of sarcastic insults and Logan keep chasing after him without a care in the world. Seeing how quickly out of hand that could quickly get James started to move at Logan to get him to spot but by the time he got within a foot the arms stopped burning.

    Aaaaaa man

    Ha. No surprise he can¡¯t control it Trey commented with a smirk dropping the dirt from his hands

    Okay that is enough all three of you come over to me there is some things to talk about

    James made sure Logan and Trey were separated and John seemed to naturally want to stay away for Logan given what had happened already. They sat near the ledge overlooking the river as James explained for the most part what was going on. He talked about giving them the ability to think as adults, what the current situation, about himself, and finally what had happened with the blue light.

    The first one to react to the news was John who quickly pulled off his shirt to look at the marking around his heart.

    I should start praying to the painter goddess John said as if he just remembered to do it.

    So when do I get my powers of the eyes? They must be more powerful than just lighting your own arms on fire. Anyone can just pour oil on the arm and do the same thing so my powers must be better From Trey who had an impatient reaction

    I want to burn a tree down said Logan with a smile

    James could not believe the reaction he was getting from these people, they were so unlikely he began to question just have much of his own mental state did they copy to allow such low reactions. Either way it was that things would be different and more importantly he was no longer alone anymore. In the distance the smoke from the fire still came up into the sky,

 Chapter 23: A Group Almost Failure

    Chapter 23

    This is completely unfair, why do Trey and John get a fancy throwing thing and an weapon compared to me Logan complained as he held a somewhat long, sharp rock while practicing swing it around in Treys direction.

    It¡¯s called a star knife actually John corrected trying to show all sides.

    I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re complaining about, it seems to suit you pretty well Trey said with a grin

    First of all Trey stop that, you just acting like an asshole. John yes, that is nice looking but for the last two days you have been showing it off every chance you get. As for you Logan, you know the reason why you only get a rock: you burn things. James corrected each one of them making all three embarrassed

    You know I don¡¯t mean to!

    That is exactly the point, you don¡¯t mean to do it but your arms just keep catching on fire on their own. Both of our blankets along with a more proper weapon have burned away. So until you get it under control you get a sharp rock and your arms stay buried at night. Enough with the arguing, it¡¯s time to head into the rest for some training. James waved at them to follow and the four of them in their new rat hide armor made their way down.

    Ever since James explained to them what had happened, each of them had taken it in their own way. John had his faith so he began his life praying at the pond, Trey had taken to staying inside the now tight home cave. Deciding that whatever gift he possessed had to do with darkness, James avoiding talking to him about his parents and Trey was left alone. Logan was naturally the opposite with spending most of his time around the trees.

    Since James had also come to enjoy the trees it began a friendship between them. When he went on about ideas to build things Logan was all for it and Logan was all for it and as he walked alongside James he shared his own ideas. For now the two of them worked together on digging out more space, mostly. James pulled Trey and John to help out taking turns. The progress surprised him and with the current pace in a week¡¯s time each would have their own room.

    So, just how dangerous are these rabbits? We should go over what you know again James John commented with worry and star knife already in hand with a shield in the other as they made their way down the ramp.

    Like I talked about last night the one I fought was very fast and if you let it nearly kill you there is a chance it can be tricked. That¡¯s all I got so make sure you three stay together James summarized in seconds

    So you got your ass kicked and lucked out? Trey noticed from the story then stopped himself for talking anymore once he made eye contact with James

    Trey that was rude John said scolding Trey

    As for Logan his attention was almost completely focused on admiring the forest down below since for him along with the other two this was their first time. Once they touched flat ground again, James pulled out his weapon causing the other three to do the same. He had his eyes focused on the ground but could not stop himself from noticing the stream of smoke that was only growing as the days went by instead of fading away and the longer it stayed that way the more he worried.

    What is it? John asked he had noticed James reaction

    Just staying focused on the dangers around us that¡¯s all James tried to reassure but given how good John was at noticing people emotions James guessed his half lie did not trick him.

    Something was off to James as they kept walking, by know he should have seen at least one rabbit but there were none. So he had them keep walking deeper to talk he had never been in before. Instead of going straight he led them to the left and the land around the changed slightly. The ground below their feet had more rocks and unknown bugs, there was now mini hills with some sort of purple weed that grew flat

    Right there, it¡¯s seen us already Trey pointed between two trees close together.

    This one seemed to be slightly different, it had long cuts on its body that had not fully healed and already seemed to be enraged. Given how the last one acted with him and the number of people now in his party it was tough to decide what to do.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Okay just¡­ just stay together and I will go attack it James ordered

    Wait don¡¯t go, what do we do? John cried out but James was already rushing, leaving the three of them alone.

    Relax John we got this Trey said confidently while thrusting his sword into the air

    I can do this, I can do this Logan quickly repeated to himself while trying to ignite his arms with no results.

    Seeing James running at him caused the white rabbit to spring into action with some horrid screech. James tried to use [Power attack] but given how it was slower than his usual attack even with the extra points in Dexterity compared to last time, the attack missed. What happened instead was right before contact the white rabbit sidestepped James and ran right for the three of him standing in the same place as before.

    Please goddess guide my blade with a hard throw John sent his star blade flying through the air at the white rabbit.

    Given how low level he was and having no proficiency with either throwing or the blade itself the white rabbit did not even have to move out of the way.

    Good one John, you literally threw your weapon away Trey signed

    With a jump when the distance between them was only a foot the White Rabbit did not even try to bite them but instead ran right into all three knocking them over. John had taken the brunt of it and was unconscious with a cut jaw, while the other two started to get back up.

    I will destroy its world for what it has just done to me now angry running after the White Rabbit

    Why are the flames not coming, it has to be now! Logan was now at the point of shaking his own arms while James ran past him.

    This is going as bad as last time, no worse. Now there are others and what I can do is not enough James realized as the White Rabbit shot past him once again.

    Trey was the target this time and while he managed to strike it but the damage barely had any effect It bit him badly enough that now he was also out of the fight and began clutching his right arm to try and hold the blood in. James ran up to where the three of them were and this time just stood in front, it was clear running after would still not work.

    This is bad James Logan looked around at the sight of the two of them already down.

    I know but we are already in it, so those flame arms of yours would be really handy right now James asked

    Charging at them again James just held his ground. Logan who didn''t want to be hit again backed up. Right when the White Rabbit was about to strike again James threw away his shield and sword and just held his arms wide. The impact was intense but James still held on even as it still was moving forward. Crashing into the tree behind him caused James head to bounce off of it he struggled to continue to hold" fistfuls of its hair refusing to let go.

    Now Logan, I don¡¯t care if ugh¡­ the white rabbit was trying to break free of his hold by repeatedly ramming his chest into the tree.

    Just keep hitting it, I don¡¯t care with what! James screamed out

    Logan acted quickly, snapping out of his haze of uncertainty and began attacking with the sharp rock.

    [1 Damage]

    [1 Damage]

    It was having an effect, he could feel the blade cutting through somewhat through the hide and James was making sure all its attention was on him. Problems was Logan was getting worn out after a few strikes, plus the attacks he made were too shallow to cause any major damage.

    Plan B Logan announced throwing away the sharp rock and began hugging the white rabbit as tightly as he could.

    Are you kidding me¡­ is this how my short life will end, by some guy I know hugging the thing trying to kill us? Trey moaned from a distance away

    Logan began to slowly block out Trey¡¯s voice then everything else around him until all his focus was on his arms. He tried to feel the inside of himself as deeply as he could and tried again to bring out the flames. When he failed, it felt slightly different, like his flames were trying to show him the correct way

    I have to reach in then out not just out Logan mumbled to himself

    This time he felt the red veins that separated his cracked burnt skin, for the first time since becoming aware of himself his skin felt healthy. They pulsed to life desperate to come out. He pulled at it with his mind, helping it burst out.

    Springing to life his arms started burning into the rabbit¡¯s flesh, the white rabbit finally stopped crushing James under it next to the tree and began to spin itself wildly trying to free itself from the burning hug. Flying around like a ragdoll he still held on but it was having a real impact so he focused on keeping it up

    [3 Damage]

    Now is my chance! With the rabbit thrashing Logan, James was freed and picked up his weapon and held it with both hands.

    Trying to find the best spot for his one strike before it remembered he was there. Its movements were so random it was hard to tell where it go next, making the entire area a hazard.

    That¡¯s it

    Preparing himself James decided not to guess and just run into the fray, both hands gripping his weapon tight.

    [Power Attack]

    Crushing through good portion of its neck the White Rabbit finally started to stop moving. Logan fell off as soon as it stopped moving leaving only James left standing over all of them.

    I leveled noticed Logan

    So did I added Trey out of breath

    Both Trey and Logan noticed, leaving James to guess John will also level when he wakes up. Walking up to the body of the rabbit, he wanted to get a closer look at the cuts it already had on it, based on a guess he feared.

    Damn, I was right, these are marks from rats. This must mean the rats are still around, and might have something to do with the smoke. I don¡¯t want to know what¡¯s going on but if Sloodar lived then I don¡¯t know how far to go to be safe

    Helping Logan up then Trey the three of them carried John and the White Rabbit backup to the cave/house. Time was starting to countdown on their current home and James knew things would have to be built, defenses and escape routes for all of them or else they really would not make it back alive.

 Chapter 1 V2 Reforge: Acceptance

    Do you know that feeling you get when you don¡¯t comprehend the transition from last night to the next day? That same disorientation was happening to James as he struggled to open his eyes. There appeared to be a strange sky that was constantly changing from a kaleidoscope of colors. That¡¯s when James noticed he was lying on top of a grassy hill top, seemingly surrounded by gentle hills.

    ¡°I thought this would be a good place for us to talk, considering how things ended for you James. But don¡¯t worry, this is the start of your brand new life and it will be so much better!¡±

    Hearing a voice caused James to push himself up into a sitting position and look to his side to see an attractive women in silk, sitting on a bench, painting. A small smile gracing her warm looking face. She had long, brown hair and a slender body, with some paint dried on her hand. James was utterly annoyed at her bright and cheery pep talk.

    Why the hell is she so irrationally cheerful, ugh she¡¯s gorgeous too?

    Putting the paintbrush down, she stood up and walked over to James. She reached her hand out to help James up. Still not sure what was going on but reasonably sure he take her in a fight James grabbed her hand and finally stood up. He quickly let her hand go, but she didn¡¯t seem surprised by this and the strange woman motioned for James to follow her down the hill.

    How did I even get here last thing I remember was¡­

    The hypnotic mess of a sky above them changed from its endless colors to a familiar scene to James. It was the alley where he lived, piles of trash and homeless lumped together clogging the alley. He could see himself with a needle in his arm. His eyes had gone into the back of his head, foam formed around his mouth, and his chest motionless.

    ¡°I died¡± James emotionlessly stated.

    ¡°Yes, I know it must be hard, but, like, as I said before, I have some exciting ne¡­ James don''t you think it''s time to stop acting like that?¡±

    She must have been reacting to the smile forming on James¡¯ face and the look of longing he had while staring at the heroin and liquor bottles that surrounded his dead body. Nothing else mattered besides getting another hit, James could just imagine the relief and peace he could get it he could get if he just had more. James turned looked up the woman to see her face twisting into horror. She rushed over and grabbed his shoulders.

    ¡°No! Don¡¯t be like that¡±

    Like what, happy?

    ¡°The life you had with drugs and alcohol is over¡±

    A life without those sounds horrible

    ¡°Your next life can be one without the hurt and shame you carry even now¡±

    How could you even promise that? Who would even believe that?

    The smile on James face vanished, causing the woman to rush to explain herself.

    ¡°I am the great goddess Sorya and I have watched over you for some time before your tragic end. I feel like, without those bad things in your life, you could have been a great person. I glanced through your entire life and thought I could put you in a world with a brand new set of abilities to help you.¡±

    The sky changed again, the paint colors shifted until another world appeared above them. People in armor were fighting magical creatures, spells of all sorts flying from one direction to the other. It was a fantasy world come to life in the sky above them.

    ¡°As a child you use to imagine living in a place like the world above you and now you will get the chance to fulfill your dreams. I great at picking new worlds for souls to be reborn in and this totally would be perfect for you¡±

    James had to admit that the idea of living in a fantasy world would be exciting, but there was no guarantee his life wouldn¡¯t be as disparaging as before. James could tell she noticing his negative thoughts. Reminding him of his parole officer, the annoying man could tell when he was spiraling out of control. Even now James was disheartened by how little the cop cared as long as he checked in when he was supposed to and slide him some cash every now and then.

    I deserved it

    No one stayed around to help James, not his parents, not friends. By the end he had screwed up his life so much that they could no longer be around him. How could this Goddess make him anything different.

    ¡°But that¡¯s not all, also like those games you like. You will be given stats plus bonuses points each time you level-up, making sure you are above average along with any skills you learn will level up faster. In other words, you have nothing to worry about!¡±

    The Goddess Sorya was beaming at this point, she was nearly sparkly with positivity. It amazed James how even as she gave him everything he dreamed of as a kid, he was becoming irrationally annoyed with her as time went on.

    ¡°Wow, it really seems you want to give me a perfect life.¡±

    James started to joke to which the Goddess started to laugh at herself in response.

    ¡°Seems you got me all figured out, giving you this much pushes what I am allowed to give to one person. All the gods have decided there must be a limit on how powerful we can make a person. Also, the souls we govern over are our responsibility so if they die too soon it¡¯s our fault, and assist them with their next life.¡±Stolen novel; please report.

    ¡°Seems fair.¡±

    ¡°Good to hear¡± James chuckled to himself. Maybe things can be different but it won''t last. Since I already know I¡¯ll screw it up why not try to get more out of it while I can

    ¡°Goddess Sorya truly you have offered me such great gifts but, I am sure you can agree, I am easily discouraged. I need an ability I can use as soon as I go to this new world or who knows what will happen.¡± James said as he attempted to milk more abilities from the Goddess.

    ¡°What you say James does make sense but given what the abilities you already have been given¡­¡±

    ¡°Do you want to see me dying of a drug overdose again? Because I will unless you give me at least one more thing.¡±

    James felt shame saying that to her, but he just added that to the pile of repressed guilt and other clogging emotions he wanted to escape from.

    The Goddess Sorya looked worried at the thought of seeing James reaching the same tragic end. He watched her pace for a minute, walking in circles she mentally weighed her options. Finally, Sorya took a deep breath and breathed out.

    ¡°Alright¡­ but just one and you''re going to have to do something for me¡±

    ¡°Agreed¡±

    A menu popped up with a wide list of abilities but James had already decided upon the kind he wanted. James read through the list until he found one closest to it and the ability was called [Gift of Intelligence].

    ¡°That¡¯s it, no more.¡±

    ¡°Of course, now what do I have to do¡±

    ¡°Explain this.¡±

    The sky changed yet again, it was James as a small child watching his parents argue. He was hiding behind a wall watching them with wide eyes and scared. The goddess gestured at James so you began to describe the painting.

    ¡°Really? This is a waste of time¡­. Fine. I was five years old when this happened, this was the start of the many fights between my parents before their divorce. Screaming which one should have me.¡±

    ¡°Was it always this bad?¡±

    James looked at the painting again, his parents were screaming so loud at the kitchen table there veins were popping out of there necks.

    ¡°Yeah, it was.¡±

    ¡°Must have been hard...¡± The goddess said open-endedly

    ¡°It was so long ago, what adult could remember something from when they were that young?¡± James said while lightly shaking his head knowing he just lied but refused to admit it

    ¡°You''re probably right.¡± The Goddess agreed, light heartedly. Then motioned him to look at the sky.

    This time he was older and standing on a street corner with a bloody lip while three other boys stood around him in the darkness of night.

    ¡°I was forteen, those kids were bullies I kept running into because I like to stay outside. Do you have a problem with that? Actually, can we just stop now?¡± James was really beginning to feel uncomfortable.

    ¡°Why were you outside? Look at how dark it is surely you wanted to sleep. You must have had school the next day.¡±

    ¡°Like I said I like outside and besides my mom told me not to waste my time in the house.¡±

    ¡°And why did she tell you to do that James. Be honest.¡±

    James closed his eyes, talking about these things was something he had avoided for a very long time, but he knew there was nothing he could do to get out of this.

    ¡°... My mom had remarried two years ago at that point, he use to hurt my mom and I when he got angry. Mostly my mother, but he beat me to if he had a especially bad night. One time I woke up to him still beating me, after knocking me unconscious after going to bed for the day¡­ It was so dark.¡± James barely choked out.

    ¡°Alright, just one more. We¡¯re nearly done.¡±

    ¡°Please¡­ don''t show it, isn''t this enough?¡± He already knew what was going to be shown and didn¡¯t know if he could stomach it.

    The goddess was not looking at the sky, she was watching James¡¯ reaction as the paint came together to recreate the final scene. James was holding his mouth shut with his hand while tears streamed down his face.

    ¡°Tell me what you see James.¡± She walked closer to him but he did not even notice.

    In the sky should was horrific image of James kneeling over his mother, with a fist pulled back, screaming incoherently while his father and one of his friends were attempting to pull him off of her.

    ¡°I was 23, and had been kicked out of my apartment, they had all set this intervention up at my dad¡¯s house. My dad had drove us back to his place, they were already waiting in his living room. You want to know the first thing I heard?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I do¡±

    ¡°It was my mother, she said ¡°James it''s alright, I¡¯m here to help.¡± and when she did I¡­¡± James started to cover his mouth but the goddess with a light touch pulled his hand back.

    ¡°You need to say it if you are truly ready to start a new life.¡±

    Hearing those words made James freeze in place, was this really worth it? In the end the hope of something better, he began to hope and let himself speak.

    ¡°When I heard those words coming from my mother I snapped. I dropped what I was carrying and just rushed her out of mind drunk. I just started screaming. ¡°What right do you have to say that to me after all these years? Why do magically care and not when our family fell apart or when your fucking husband beat me. Why did you force me to be live with you and that psychotic asshole?¡±

    James stopped speaking and just looked at his mother''s face filled with complete terror and tears.

    ¡°Hearing all those things from me was just too much for her¡­ my mother died of a heart attack right under me. Because.Of. Me.¡±

    Saying those last words finally caused James to finally break down into the goddess¡¯s arms. All of those memories were repressed by James. Pushing it away had become his one and only job, he had used drugs and alcohol to do it. He cried because he was just so tired of being this much in pain and remembering what he had done. James didn¡¯t know how much time had passed but eventually his tears stopped and he just clung to the goddess.

    ¡°You''re ready to begin again.¡± the Goddess said while standing up.

    ¡°Look at me! Do I really look like a person who can do anything?¡± James said defeatedly.

    In response the goddess just gave a soft smile that for James was like a small ray of sunshine.

    ¡°Only a person in your position is truly ready¡±

    James was still an emotional mess, but with trepidation grabbed her hand allowing the Goddess to pull him up.The goddess resumed walking and James followed behind her, it was only a short walk until he saw a simple door on top of the hill in front of them.

    ¡°As soon as you walked through that door your new life will start and soon after you will be able to call upon your status. There is one condition that comes with me granting you a full life in another world¡±

    Both of them were now in front of the door, Sorya motioned for James to open it and he did showing a bright white light.

    ¡°You will be starting your life right the very beginning and you have the choice to decide your own fate, enjoy it¡± She said with another warm smile

    Before James could respond about what she meant, she pushed him from behind and he went flying into the light.

    The next time James opened his eyes a huge man and women were standing over him, their faces full of smiles as they spoke in high-pitched, squealing voices as they leaned inside his crib.

 Chapter 2 V2 Reforge: Problems at Home

    Problems At Home

    Name: Orion Moken  Age: 2

    Health: 4  Level: 1 Experience: 15%

    Strength:  2 (2) Dexterity:  2 (2)

    Constitution:  2 Wisdom:  4

    Intelligence:  10

    Abilities:

    [Faster Learner] : It takes less to level up all things

    [Extra] :50% more skill points when leveling

    [Gift of Intelligence] : Gives a living creature a template of this abilities owner

    [Child] Reduced physical and dexterity stats, halved

    Skills:

    ¡°So admit it the beds pretty nice, wish I had this growing up.¡± Rachel joked.

    ¡°Jeez Rachel, it¡¯s not like we lived in horrible conditions either¡­ but it is a nice bed, is something wrong James?¡± Mark corrected.

    Orion was laying on his bed unsure of what had just happened to him, one moment he was falling into a door filled with light and the next he was laying down. Taking a few seconds to collect himself Orion noticed the people above him. Mark had short brown hair and clean shaven with brown eyes and oddly slightly nervous. Rachel on the other hand had a huge smile that showed off her faded freckles, blonde hair that went to her shoulders and blue eyes that seemed to be trying to see his every reaction.

    ¡°Orion is something the matter? You can tell your mom anything¡± Rachel said with a little worry in her voice while reaching out.

    With a wave off Orion tried to fix the situation not wanting to already blow his cover he was still having trouble accepting.

    ¡°Nothing¡±

    ¡°If your mother said she noticed something wrong I believe her¡± Mark firmly trying to put his hand on Orion''s other shoulder. As Mark''s hand got close Orion jerked back afraid of his touch.

    ¡°Stop it¡­ just leave¡± Orion said with tension in his voice

    Rachel now looked more worried and was about to say something but Mark stopped her.

    ¡°Look now he''s mad at us. Let¡¯s just leave him alone okay?¡±

    Clearly Rachel was unhappy but she went with Mark with his arm around her waist out of the room waving goodbye. Finally alone Orion was able to see what ¡°His Room¡± looked like. If he had to guess the size it was around 150 square feet in one rectangle. There was a bookshelf directly in front of the bed and some sort of work bench to his right facing the window. On it were what looked like different colored leathers along with tools and string to cut and combine them every which way?

    ¡°Have to remember these people are not them¡± Orion said frustrated at himself while combing his fingers through his hair.

    Wanting to explore his room more to distract himself so it was easier to come to terms with his new body but he overheard muffled sounds coming from just outside the door. Instantly Orion knew what was happening just beyond his door and even though he did not want to wear he was too scared not to. After years of practice it had become second nature to move across his bedroom with as little sound as possible and held his ear to the door.

    ¡°We should talk to him, he seemed scared¡±

    ¡°He was scared because we were overwhelming him. Let¡¯s just leave him alone¡±

    ¡°Easy for you to say since you have more work to get to, that''s all you ever do and that''s why he was scared of your touch.¡±

    ¡°....Rachel I just can''t quit my job¡± Mark offered in a weak defense of himself

    ¡°Working from morning till night is not normal and I already talked with Hammel and as soon as you talk to him about it your hours can be just like anyone else¡±

    ¡°Why did you go behind my back? It''s my job not yours, besides like i have been telling you things are crazy right now. People are constantly worried about the kidnappings or babies and small children over the past few months along with sightings of some sort of creatures.¡±

    ¡°All three of us are one family and you should act like it¡± Rachel countered

    ¡°I have to go, we will talk about this later¡± Forcing an end to the discussion

    Orion stepped away from the door and sat back on his bed disappointed in himself for what he felt.

    ¡°I thought I was not supposed to have any worries¡±

    What was happening between his new parents now reminded him of his parents in the past arguing. Back then he was a child and did not know how to handle what was happening and even now he did not have many answers but there was something he did know, something he wished he had.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°I don''t want to be alone¡±

    Orion guessed his new mother did not want to be also so he got out from his bed and opened the door. There were three doors on the same floor as him then stairs to the left. Opening up the one directly in front revealed to be a bathroom room so he tried the one next to his and knocked again.

    ¡°Orion? I will be right there¡± Came the quiet voice of his mother.

    Hearing her footsteps he back away from the door. When the door opened Orion noticed she looked sad.

    ¡°What is it my big man?¡± Rachel asked picking him up with ease

    ¡°I want to do what you do!¡± Orion said trying to mimic her excitement from earlier.

    ¡°Wow did not realize you were such a good speaker¡­ you know what that''s a great idea. What to help me with a project I am working on?"

    Just smiling for a response Orion agreed, his mother''s expression changing to match his own. Rachel put him down but still held onto his hand as the two of them went up to the door across of his new parents. She pulled a key pout from her pocket and put it into the simple lock while saying words he did not understand.

    ¡°Ready to see some cool stuff?¡± Rachel said now giddy

    Nodding again even faster she opened the door and presented the contents.

    ¡°Ta-Da!¡± Throwing her arms out like a street performer

    ¡°Cool¡±

    In that room were several work benches each with different types of leather materials in various stages of completion. There were suits of damaged armor hanging up with pieces of paper. Each bench had a window above with and everything there was stacks of leather. They walked to the biggest bench with two seats. His mother dropped a stack of leather on one seat so he could reach the table and she sat on the other.

    ¡°This is where Mom does some side projects when there''s nothing to do. I don''t have to do be this, your father is a great provider, but I miss having my own thing. Sometimes some old customers of mine ask for some repairs and small jobs and I do them.¡±

    Rachel explained things while working on some leather Orion guessed she did this without noticing. What amazed him was the quality or everything inside and by the sound of it all alone.

    ¡°Right now I am working on fixing the backpack of a mage friend of mine and your fathers, he uses magic so everything needs to look fancy. What I need my big man to do is help me make a pouch to carry some small stuff for him¡±

    Reaching into one of the lower drawers next to her Rachel pulled out a piece of leather along with a needle and thread.

    ¡°Watch closely¡±

    Making sure to go as slow as possible Rachel threaded the first few holes making sure Orion was watching then let him try. He tried to copy what he watched but his hand kept on shaking or missing entirely.

    ¡°Humm, okay then let me help¡± Rachel said without waiting for a response.

    Getting up from her seat Rachel stood behind Orion and held his hands with her hand next to his.

    ¡°Let my hands guide yours¡±

    Even being oversized compared to his Rachel easily corrected his movements, it was like her hands were suggesting his do something and Orion just followed that feeling. What he struggled with just a moment ago seemed almost too easy now, after a few holes she let go.

    ¡°Try again¡±

    This time while it was still hard it seemed like just the remembered feeling of her hands were skill guiding his. Orion was able to tread the string, it made him more expected than he thought and looking at Rachel she had a similar excitement.

    [Leatherworking] skill acquired

    Wow that is new. I guess I should call her mom since this is a new life and all

    Orion could not admit to himself the real reason but calling Rachel mom but this was all he was willing to do at this point. Not wanting to wait to try out the new skill Orion started again on the pouch while his mother began work on her own project.

    They sat mostly in silence next to each other, only the occasional advice to help him along. For Orion a moment like this had not happened in so long he could no longer remember. They sat there until Orion completed the pouch, it was clear to him it was not done right so he tried to hide it away from her.

    ¡°You are not fast enough to pull that on me¡±

    His mother snatched the pouch out of his hands in an instant and looked it over.

    ¡°This is perfect Orion, I am sure he will love it. You know what, you can give it to him personally. Arlen is going to come by at the end of the week and both of us will be there, how does that sound?¡±

    ¡°Sounds good¡± Orion had to admit that the thought of meeting someone who used actual magic excited him.

    Looking out of the window Orion was surprised to see the sun had almost completely fallen over the horizon.

    ¡°So you finally noticed? Looks like my big guy was enjoying working with leather as much as his mom does. The thing is it''s your bedtime so let''s get you back to your room¡±

    They both stood up and walked back into his room, Rachel tucked Orion in and kissed his forehead.

    ¡°Goodnight¡±

    ¡°Night Rachel¡± Orion responded without thinking

    ¡°Rachel? That will not do at all. It is mom to you sir¡± she pointed at him while squinting at the door.

    ¡°Goodnight mom¡± he said making sure to get it right this time.

    ¡°That¡¯s better¡± smile returning again then closed the door.

    Now sitting alone in the dark it made sleep next to impossible, before he fell asleep or more specific passed around light sources from buildings. Orion did not know how long he laid awake in his bed but eventually sleep did come. Things just become worse as he remember the things he watched and did. Seeing all those things became harder and harder until he once again found himself awake.

    This is the third time already tonight, looks like this was not the quick fix I wanted it to be

    Orion got up from his now sweat soaked bed and went over to the only light source: the two moons that orbited the planet. It seemed odd to him but among all the things that told him this was a different world the moons were the thing that affected him the most. Orion went next over to the desk where a similar setup to his mother''s workshop room was but no tools could be found.

    Rachel must be worried her child was going to hurt himself Orion noticed with satisfaction for her level of attention.

    ¡°I am her child and she is my mother now. Jeez can''t keep slipping up like that or else it''s going to be hard to live here¡± Orion commented trying to take it all in.

    It will be hard for all you humans to live once the Overlord is ready and once he is all humans will be treated like my people always have been!

    Swiftly Orion jumped around to the source of who was talking to him but not out loud. He felt the voice inside his brain and there was nothing he could do to block it out. Looking around at first he could see nothing but then Orion looked lower and saw a pair of black eyes somehow reflecting in the moonlight.

    ¡°You''re the one who spoke to me?¡± he questioned

    You are not supposed to be awake, but you will be one of the chosen

    ¡°I refuse¡± saying flatly

    It doesn''t matter it responded with determination

    The rat ran forward in Orion''s direction throwing him off, he tried to kick it but the rat managed to jump back before it connected. Realizing he needed some sort of weapon to help him he reached behind himself feeling around the top of the desk while keeping eye contact. The rat was pacing back and forth looking for an opening.

    Come on, come on¡­ finally something. Wait am I feeling a book? There has to be something better than thi¡­

    Noticing Orion was slightly distracted it took the chance to charge in his direction again. Seeing how time ran out he grabbed the book and swung it forward, it was thin but wide so while the rat was in air the hit landed this time.

    [1 Damage]

    The rat was sent flying into the ground, landing with a thud then did not move anymore. Orion breathed a sigh of relief and book the book back down then went over to his bed to wipe away the sweat.

    ¡°Talking rats now? Too much for one day. Also there was that thing about some Overlord, don''t even know where to begin with that¡±

    While thinking about what to do with the body of the rat while back sitting on his bed the ¡°corpse¡± got up and started running not at him but where he use to be. Now it became clear it was never trying to attack him but the window he was behind. Cracked opened for air flow it went through the opening and by the time Orion got to the window ran right before he lost sight.

    ¡°There is no way I can tell my new mom about this¡±

 Chapter 24: Interaction

    Why are we doing all of this Complained Trey as he helped haul a relatively large piece of wood to the new building site.

    Like I said before I feel it¡¯s necessary and given how our last fight went I would think you agreed James spoke as he directed Trey to set down the piece of wood at the same time.

    Putting down the piece of wood James looked up at the project he had them all working on since getting back from there fight with the White Rabbit. Now all healed up James and Trey wanted to try again while John was content with whatever James decided. There was also the matter of where the points went for each.

    John put both of his points of intelligence and it showed, sometimes when James was trying to remember how to do something and had most of the idea John would figure out that little bit missing. As for the special ability they both suspected he had it had not appeared. Rather than being annoyed John was patient and was willing to wait.

    None of this could be said for Trey and had never been since James explained the specifics when he had been reborn. His points went into Wisdom but it did not show from his attempts at unlocking his power. They involved staring intensely and the object that was stared at was usually the person who annoyed him last. So far nothing had come of it but every time Trey noticed James arms flaming up (most of the time on accident) it renewed his resolve.

    Of course the happiest of the three was Logan since he had experienced a small amount of control of his now natural abilities even at the cost of whiplash. Given the nature of his powers working in anyway with wood was not advised so James had him working on another project.

    Hey boss I don¡¯t think anything is happening Logan called out jokingly while gripping the lock on the metal chest.

    Well that¡¯s the whole point. Doing that does two things, 1. Practice controlling those flames of your and 2. If it works we can finally get in. Also enough with the boss stuff. Orion Responded while trying to get Johns attention.

    So how big of a door are we making Trey wondered out loud

    Only as wide as one of us, Trey help me start carving the bottom and top

    I can¡¯t carve

    ¡­Trey give me that tool so you can watch me carve the bottom and top

    That I can do

    Okay then John, I want the door to be sliding so figure out how clamps could work. Here is a stick go draw over there. James gave up a rapid fire of commands.

    They both went to their respected duties while James looked at the progress of the building. What stood in front of him was a wall made of clay in front of the earth slope. Coming in a nearly four feet high it was his greatest work yet and had a few basic features to help them from the inside. From reading The Walking Dead he had made sure the outer portion of the all was slightly higher so that their arms could reach over while still being protected.

    The other was how to work the opening so given what was around them James decided on a four inch thick wood door that slides. Since he had never really made anything in his previous life it was becoming guess work for best guesses about how things should be made. Once Trey brought back the stone James had found the other day for craving the wood they both sat down next to it while John was doodling on the ground a little distance away.

    So I am just going to watch? Trey asked while tapping his fingers on the wood

    Watching will be good for now and once you get the general idea. When that happens you can practice on the center part.

    Sounds like a waste of time

    Your right for the most part it pretty much is for what need to be done now. Later being able to do this may be helpful.

    When you put it like that I guess it makes sense. Trey said realizing James was right

    I have my moments, now watch James began to flatten on the bottom of what would be the door.

    This kind of work was not at the same level [Digging] was but his hope was skills related to crafting would pick up some of the slack. Both sat in silence, James worked and Trey just watched. For the first time James noticed a good quality and it seemed he actually seemed to enjoy it.

    If you end up getting the some sort of sculpting class I am renaming you WeedUnauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    What?

    Sorry nothing just remembering something I read

    You think of some odd stuff Trey noticed leaning back for a moment

    Well¡­ got me there James laughed in agreement

    After talking Trey seemed already confident enough to start pointing out mistakes in what James was doing. When James brought it up he expected another sarcastic response but this time Trey seemed embarrassed.

    Quite the unexpected response

    Trey did not respond, rather he gazed off into the difference watching Logan with his hands still on the lock.

    Do you know who my parents are? Look I know you saved us and that is good enough on its own, I am just worried for no reason. Since we were all taken from the town they must be out of their minds worried. Can¡¯t wait to see the look on their faces when they see me again can¡¯t wait¡­ Trey softy laughed but it was clear it was just his poor attempt to hide his worry.

    All James could think to do was just keep looking forward since the thought of looking at Trey scared him. James remembered when he watched Trey¡¯s family eaten alive by all those rats. There was nothing he could have done but the thought of telling Trey was one James refused to make.

    Not another burden, I am barely holding it together. This time hope is something I want to give James made sure to think that to himself and grabbed Treys shoulder

    Trey look at me James asked

    Nothing happened at first then Trey turned to face him. James could tell the longer he said nothing the worse Trey was going to feel. Already it seemed like Trey was doing his best just to hold it in.

    I don¡¯t know if your parents are out there but listen. Believe it when I say when we get back to home, our real home, you will not be alone. If your parents are there or not I <u>will</u> be there. James tried to force up every ounce of courage possible.

    Relief spread over Treys face and he quickly wiped his eyes with his arm. With a smile Trey looked back at him.

    Thank you Trey said more sincerely then anything he had every spoken before.

    Well if you¡¯re really that grateful then have about starting your own work James let go of Treys shoulder and pointed at the center of the piece of wood.

    James handed Trey the tool he was using and walked behind him so to watch him work and lend him a hand if need me. Every so often When Trey would make a mistake such as going to deep on an angle James would guide his hand with his own.

    You¡¯re helpful with this Trey said surprisingly

    What can I say I had a good teacher of my own but that¡¯s the only way I know how to help so that better be enough they both laughed at what he said.

    Seeing that Trey could handle this level of work on his own James toke a break and walked over to where John was.

    Watch out! John freaked out as James foot was about to step on a picture on the ground.

    Sorry how is it coming along? James apologized while trying the designs with what he knew.

    He looked at the designs while walking to John on the only path to him and was impressed with the designs. When explaining it to John this morning he just knew the basic of what it looked like. Of course given his technical knowledge amounted to ¡°When it pulls down it get tighter¡± but he hopped it would be enough.

    I can¡¯t figure it out in time John concluded

    What do you mean in time? James questioned at what John was getting at.

    John walked out of the spiral walkway so that he would be next to James and whispered into his ear.

    Time is running out right? That¡¯s why you have us doing all of this John observed

    Instead of answering James looked over into the sky at the sight he had been watching every day since he got the three of them. A large, permeant black cloud had formed above the mountain and was growing up the day. What seemed to be fueling it was what James thought was originally the leftover fires from inside but that could no longer what was happening. He was not sure when it would happen but at this rate the cloud would reach them.

    Can¡¯t keep anything from you can I? James noticed that once again John was able to see right through him.

    You did create me, it stands to reason things could be picked up John hypothesized about the reason why.

    Let¡¯s talk down below, there is something I need your help finding anyway James started to walk away with John without needing to be asked.

    They stopped by Trey to see his progress and offer some tips before leaving and relaxed Logan so it would be just the two of them. Going back to where the group fought the white rabbit James started looking and feeling the plants around them.

    What are we looking for? John asked while observing what James was doing.

    I know you love that star knife but unless you¡¯re special ability is something along the lines of teleporting I think making a bow would be something useful. We are looking for a string that can be used to make one¡±

    Alright then John began guessing at what could possibly be used to make the string needed.

    So about what we were talking about¡­ John wanted to continue what they were talking about before.

    Everything you said was correct, I believe by the time the cloud get to be where we are the window will pass where we can leave here alive James spoke his fears

    For a moment James thought he heard John miss a step for surprise about what he heard but could not confirm it. They both started throwing potential materials for the bow in a pile between them.

    [Scavenge] skill acquired

    Did you...

    Yes, I also got it John responded

    Help me pick up this stuff and we will head back James said while picking up half the pile that laid there.

    What is your plan to get us out of here? John still waited for a response

    It was not until the two of them were almost at the top with the wall clearly in view James answered.

    I am working on something and when the time comes I could use your help James asking while sticking out his hand.

    Just tell me when you need me John responded by both answering and shaking his hand.

    The two of them walked back through the still opened pathway, James went to work on the door again and John started to brainstorm ideas with his stick through the dirt about making a sliding door safe. One last time James looked north to the black sky that was growing ever closer and knew he had to make sure his time was used in the fullest or else his secret project would not be done in time and they would all die.

 Chapter 3 v2 Reforge: Day In The Life

    Chapter 3

    Orion woke up with someone shaking him causing memories to come back up and causing him to freak out and pushed Mark away. Seeing his reaction made him stand up from the bed. Nearly hyperventilating Orion forced himself to relax and remember things are different now.

    ¡°Sorry about that, your mother said I should...anyway time for work so I am leaving. Have a good day Orion¡±

    Mark stepped back and as he left his room dodged a brown furry creature by picking up his right leg without missing a beat. Orion could have sworn he heard Mark mutter ¡°damn cat¡± and he could not blame him. The cat seemed very full of itself as it jumped up and sat on his lap waiting to be petted.

    ¡°As you command¡± he chuckled while doing just that.

    It may be just me but I don''t think that guy likes being around me. Anyway one problem at a time, what was going on with that speaking rat. Being chosen for the Overlord is just crazy, I just got here!

    ¡°Orion come down stairs it''s time to eat¡± his new mom called out from down stairs.

    ¡°Be right there¡± he called out

    As if that was the command word the cat jumped off of him and disappeared out of his room. Walking down stairs Orion saw at the table two plates of food and his mother petting the cat.

    ¡°I see Diamond has been keeping you company, dinit you?¡± She scratched under Diamonds neck which made her purr.

    His new mother put down a small plate next to Diamond which had its food while Orion had down next to his plate. It had scrambled eggs and sausages, without waiting he began to eat with his new mom joining him.

    ¡°There is something we have to talk about. I know you were really looking forward last week to spending the day together exploring the town but mommy has to get some work done so would you be fine playing in your room today?¡±

    ¡°It sounds fun!¡± Orion acted excited to be playing

    ¡°Thank you, I promise we will do it next week. When we are out sight seeing I will tell you some stories about me and your dad¡±

    The three of them ate together enjoying the food and each other''s company until they were finished. His new mom walked him to his room before going back into the workshop but leaving the door open. Now it was just him and Diamond and after confirming she could no longer see him Orion dropped the toys and went to the bookshelf.

    ¡°Let''s learn about the world¡± as he turned his gaze to the titles of the books to find one that interest him.

    Wait forgot something

    Orion walked away from the book shelf and went over to the door closing it

    ¡°No more rats to worry about now¡±

    There were a number of things that interested Orion from the books above but he only pulled out three and put them on his bed. Laying there on a spread was the basis of history, leatherworking, and castles. For a time he went over what he found and found out a number of things. Firstly there town was one of a number ¡°orbiting¡± the inner kingdom along the uncharted land. Along with some other information he got frankly bored with so he went to the other two books.

    Look like my new mom is a critic

    Inside the book about leathers were numerous hand drawn notes with what seemed to be correct information and expanded details. Reading did not end up taking much of his time thanks to Diamond who wanted to constantly play. After one too many bites to the feet it was time for a counterattack.

    ¡°Take that!¡± Orion tried to grab at Diamond and just like the rat the night before completely dodged.

    Getting up from the ground where he had been sitting Orion began a game of dodging deadly attacks. It went on for some time until he finally managed to dodge one of its claws.

    [Dodging] Skill Acquired

    After seeing itself missing an attack Diamond ran down the hallway but Orion was not done so he quickly went after her. Given his height going down the stairs forced him to slow down and also giving him the chance to listen in on his new mom and see if he had been caught. Orion was tense as he waited but after a while with no word from her he decided things were in the clear.

    Orion did not know how long or how high of a level his mother was an adventure but given that she was one there could be no telling what skills she could use at anytime. He was now downstairs and saw Diamond had gotten outside so he got a drink of water then went out also.

    For a backyard it was a rather large one,it had a large floor space than their home did, Trees and bushes littered the backyard.Diamond was rolling around on the ground in front of him. Looking back at the door was when Orion notice simple wooden practice swords along with simple tools such as a shovel.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°This will do¡±

    Picking up the sword that was oversized for him forcing two hands to wield he went up to one of the trees. Orion made a practice swing that stopped just before it would hit to get a feel for the weapon in his hand.

    So heavy

    The next time Orion swung the blade down in front of him earning a thud when it made contact with the tree. Looking around he only saw the tall fence that was higher than he was and no one complain about the sound so he kept going. Strike after strike he made on the tree and while it was taking damage the sword was not.

    Quickly Orion was out of breath and leaned on the tree to rest, he admired the light wind that was refreshing him. Distant sounds of people traveling and bartering could be heard even from where he was sitting.

    Given what he had heard from the rat Orion wanted to get stronger in whatever way he could physically since there was no way he could sneak the wooden sword into his room. Thinking about last night made him increasingly fearful and made about having another reason to fear the dark. His attacks began a steady trend of more power behind them until one was much harder than the others that forced him to take a rest after.

    [Sword Proficiency] Skill Acquired

    [Power Attack] Skill Acquired

    ¡°Now that will be useful as long as I have enough time to build up¡± he noticed the time it had taken to call it forth.

    Getting a rush when the pop ups came Orion was now striving for something even if his body was near to its limit. Refusing to give up and gaining an irrational hatred for trees the attacks continued without mercy.

    ¡°Looks like you had just about enough for now, how about you get some rest?¡±

    His new mom said directly behind him without Orion ever noticing and pulling the wooden sword out of his hand.

    To worried about getting caught to say anything Orion waited for her to say the first thing about it as they sat on the glass drinking water. At this point he risked not saying anything so it looked like to her he say it as nothing wrong was done.

    ¡°I saw you as soon as you got outside, did you forgot the windows right where I am working? Do you like playing with the sword?¡± Rachel asked already fairly sure of the answer.

    ¡°I want to be strong!¡± Orion proudly said while standing up and flexing his arms.

    Laughing to herself about how he was acting she motioned for him to sit back down and put her arm around him.

    ¡°I can tell my strong man, how about I make you a deal? As long as you stay in the backyard you can play as much as you want. In fact sometimes me and your father will come out and play with swords with you¡± Rachel said waiting to see how much the liked the idea.

    ¡°Can we do it right now?¡± Orion asked giddily while trying to snatch back the wooden sword.

    ¡°Not so fast, right now is time for a nap¡± Holding the sword higher than he could reach.

    Orion complained but his mother would have none it, she forced him to lay down and it was then he noticed how tried he was. Soon after he fell asleep in complete peace, it was the sounds of two people attack each other that woke him up. Opening his eyes he pushed himself up and saw Mark and his new mother sparing, mark a spear and she had a sword both of which for wooden.

    ¡°Doesn''t this bring you back?¡± Rachel asked not giddy herself as she landed a blow on his shoulder.

    ¡°All too much, that''s why I plan to not repeat the memory¡± with a smile on his face Mark thrusted his spear downward and yanked her legs from under her causing Rachel to fall.

    Orion could tell they both seemed as tried as himself from there heavy breathing and sweat rolling down their faces. Given that is was also impossible to miss the smiles they had while looking into each other''s eyes.

    ¡°Looks like we got a bit to into it and woke you up¡± his mother apologized while laying on the ground.

    ¡°It''s fine, I wish I could have watched more¡± Orion was fine with what happened

    ¡°Could he always speak so well and so much?¡± Mark noticed as he helped Rachel up.

    ¡°No that''s new, but it just means he''s a special boy¡± his mother beamed being proud of him.

    ¡°Why are you home so early?¡± his mother spoke in a whisper to Mark while Orion pretended to be busy looking around.

    ¡°I am not staying, the guards got another report that a child has gone missing and they wanted us to go through the town to see if we find anyone¡± Mark whispered in an even quieter force.

    Its those rats it has to be! But how are they managing to take away children and babies?

    Given his age in this world it was clear anything he would say about talking rats, chosen ones and Overlords would be seen as childhood dreams brought on by the ¡°real¡± takers of children. Eventually in order to keep himself safe Orion figured he needed to know as much of the town as possible. Since his mom was more or less watching him at all times it would have to be when the two of them went exploring the town next week.

    ¡°Say goodbye to your dad Orion, he has to go back to work¡± his mother told him

    ¡°Bye Mark¡± he said flatly

    ¡°Its dad to you¡± Mark corrected

    ¡°Bye Mark¡± Orion repeated full well knowing what he was saying.

    ¡°Well we can work on that later, bye you two¡± Mark gave a small wave before picking up his weapon and walked to the frontdoor.

    ¡°So you feel like trying to beat you mom?¡± his mother asked still full of energy.

    Without saying a word Orion picked up one of the extra wooden swords and went to the same spot Mark was on while his mother went to hers.

    ¡°Ready?¡± She asked while already in a fighting stance with one leg forward and one back.

    Orion did not responded, he just attacked as fast as he could. Hid blows were easily deflected and once he began to slow down his mom offered him some pointers.

    ¡°Watch what I do then copy¡± his mother took a few steps back then turned sideways then performed a single action.

    Orion copied what he had seen after a few tries then he tried to attack again to zero success. It went on for some time but eventually his mother called an end to their practice and locked the wooden weapons in the chest inside.

    [Sword Techniques] Skill Acquired

    He spent the rest of the day dodging diamonds attacks and reading some of the books sitting on the shelf. Orion had noticed he was growing closer with his new Mother while with Mark things stayed bad and saw no signs it would improve anytime soon.

    I am getting better at defending myself

    The more time Orion had the better off he would be but with what was happening around the time it sounded like they never failed to capture a child yet. Double checking to make sure both his door and window was locked Orion made sure no rats would come tonight and began the process of seeing how much sleep he would get tonight.

 Updated Story and Preview

    I have changed the first few chapters of the story that hopefully will make it a more enoyable and better read. It would be helpful to hear back from what is liked and things that have still an issue with so future can be better. Thank you for your help making this storybetter. One of the things that have been changed is the baby has been aged up to now two years old and his stats slighty updated instead of just one but still lower then the usual adult. Another one that will not be seen yet is aging over time. Many things have happened in a short amount of time but as the story goes on our MC will age so no worries there about being a baby forever. Another is while the babies are near each other there talking will not be like this "How are you" instead of how it has been.

    Here is a preview for the next chapter.

    Chapter 25

    Explosion after explosion could be felt by all of them even in the inner chamber, small rock and dust started to fall from the ceiling. The rumbling was enough to wake them all on the first blast causing them all to get up and try to leave their room.

    ¡°James whats going on¡± asked John while hold his blanket over his head to protect himself from anything small falling on his head.

    ¡°I have no idea, wait where is Logan?¡± James was looking around but only saw John and Trey but with his hair completely covering his face from how long it had gotten.

    Looking at Logan''s door showed it was no longer there, instead a mound of rubble was all that remained.

    All three went to the pile and started to pull away away the clumps of rock and clay while the ceiling was still shaking. While it only looked worse than what it was due to what was happening all around them the stress just kept piling on.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    ¡°He''s not in there¡± Trey was the first to noticed after peeking his head in the open area into the room.

    ¡°John, Trey stay with me. We will head in the direction of the door and look at the same time¡±

    All three made sure to keep close to each other while they made their way through the tunnel to the metal chest. Logan was not found by the time they got there but James noticed the chest had been moved due to the line of dirt that was made each time the chest was moved.

    ¡°Okay I am going out, if the two of you want to stay inside that is fine¡­¡±

    ¡°As if, after all those pranks I have to get him back¡± Trey pointed out while pulling the hair out of his face.

    ¡°Things would be worse if it was just us three¡± John pointed out.

    ¡°Well at least you both care in your own way let''s head out¡± James commented while pushing the metal chest out of the opening.

    ¡°O god, time''s up¡± James heart sank after seeing what seemed to be happening to the entire world around him.

    Fiery boulders of vastly different sizes were coming down all around them leaving flames and holes in increasing amounts. James looked over at the now familiar mountain and noticed it was growing before his very eyes. Jagged pieces seemed to rise out of nowhere and the smoke pillars that had been coming over now had fire intertwined through it. The rocks where coming out of the same place.

    ¡°No time to watch, let''s head down¡±

    James guided there small party down the earth ramp while they all tried to put on where gear they were able to put on while running past there things. While the rocks did mean complete death if they were directly hit they still had a fair amount of warning of where one would hit close by. The real issue become the shockwaves where the rocks landed. Whenever one would want within a hundred or even more they would have to make sure not to fall down.

    ¡°What''s that¡± John noticed pointing out a scorch mark on a tree directly in front of them.

    At First James did not notice anything out of place given the amount of fire around around them but then he saw the shape of the mark

    It looks like a handprint