《World of Mana》 Prologue Extreme Rough draft Chapter 0 : Prologue My name is Alexander Grey and right here right now I have a choose to make that could in all possibility destroy my life or save it. I could feel the magical power surging throw me as the black dragon roared gather massive amount of energy in a spiral above him. The battle ground was littered with broken bodies and cries of fear and pain. I held my staff firmly in my right hand and embraced the clear crystal in my left hand as I started at the beast.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Don''t get me wrong ever since I could remember I didn''t get a good hand dealt to me when have chooses. Not from my parents divorce, my father remarrying, nor my class as talent less nothing has gone my way. The years of taunts, harassment, neglect, and well hell was a good reason to say screw them all. The ground erupted all around me as a mix of fire and rock soared through he air filling the sky with smoke. I don''t have a obligation to save this people nor the city. I could open a way and save my self letting the monster they created destroy them. I could run... but then she would die to, the only one who didn''t scorn me because I was talent less. "Fuck! Get back if you want to live!" and just like that I Alexander Grey, talent less outcast let loose. Chapter 1: Chapter 1 : Alexander Grey
Name: Alexander Grey Age 16
Gender Male Level 1
Class None
Health 25 Mana 5/5
Strength 1 Magic 3
Defense 1 Magic Resistance 1
Agility 1 Intelligence 3
Charisma 0The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Wisdom 3
Skills
  • Learning (beginner 1/100) ¨C Able to learn at a slightly faster rate.
  • Language(common beginner 50/100) ¨C Understanding what creatures say.
  • Meditation(beginner 1/100) ¨C Able to since and gather mana in the surroundings.
  • Analyze (beginner 1/100) ¨C Able to gather information from the target.
Titles
  • Awaken One : Blessing of the world(unlocked the potential of the person)
  • Student : Blessing of the school(Helps when training in external and internal arts on school grounds)
First off to know me you need to know how my sixteen years of life have been lived. Most kid get tested for there talent at ten so I lived with my parents happy until I was seven. Dad divorced my mother and two year later when I was nine remarried a women he got pregnant. Her daughter was the idol of my school but I didn''t know about anything until they showed up at our house. After that my already lonely life took a turn for the worst because of the class test. The class test is just like a ride of passage for kid living in the world ever since the breaking of the world. We undertake the ritual which awakens our hidden potential in our heart and name our class. Swordsman, Archer, Priest, and many other exist in the world but there also exist people who aren''t classed. They are treated as second class to most even if they aren''t technically classified that. Ever since the monster appeared and human built cities and were granted this powers the world had changed. If your a class less there is hope that if you trained you could be granted a class it would just require you to reach level ten and build you statues. This is extremely hard for anyone because unlike those who Awaken with classes, class-less don''t get a boost anything when awoken .Its is a rare case that only 1% of the population has but unfortuntely I was one of them. To be honest because of the awkward tension in the house between me and the other I didn''t think things could get worst but boy was I wrong. After the test was done even the few people I talked to turned a cold shoulder towards me. At home the perfect older sister and mother blamed me for thing I didn''t do. My already estranged father wouldn''t even look at me and would frown when I entered the room. At school she made me out to be a horrible person and her the saint sister who would bare a disgusting brother. It got to the point that her admire started to physically harass me while even the teacher ignored the bullying. Even thought my magical abilities and physical fell below the standard I was able to hold unto going to the Academy thanks to my grades in the field of practical studies such as math, history, and all mental taxing classes. Though in the external studies such as magic and cultivation theory and practice I was the worst in the school it still just barely balanced out. Its true that people who are given a fighting class or support class are treated better but it still required brains to live in the city . Not everyone could be a A class warrior or such regular people like myself were needed for everyday life. Chapter 2: Bullies Chapter 2: Bullies Thursdays one of the worst day of the week when your as student. Its there taunting you with the knowledge that yes you have one more day until your sweet freedom of the weekend. In truth maybe it wouldn''t have been so bad if the Academy wasn''t filled with pricks who liked to bully those weaker than themselves, and let me tell you if your in class G like myself you are the subject to the teen monster called hormones. "Mr. Grey can you answer the question about the breaking of the world?" "huh, oh umm... well" Mrs.Heart was our read headed history and social studies teacher. She had a passion for her job, well that was until she was moved to class G were the failures are. She had been a new teacher hired last year until but a scandal broke out with her and another teacher which she denied. She was demoted and the other teacher unlike her resigned and moved to another school. She has been one of the hardest working teacher I''ve had and also the most unforgiving with students. "Tch, if you don''t know you should spend more time studying Mr.Grey and lest time with your head in the clouds! Now could anyone else answer the question for me how about you Ms.Xian?" "Yes, The breaking of the world is when the element we call mana appeared in our world causing a phenomena called magic. Animals who were infected with to much magic grew and mutated into monster that brought the world to the edge of destruction. With the rise of people who could wild mana giving them boost to their abilities such as swordsman, magi, and many other groups humanity fought back. " "Good Ms.Xian at least someone paid attention during class". I kept my head down as I could feel Mrs.Heart sharp scarlet eyes on me as she spoke and the quit snickering. OK so I''m not good at speaking but thinking a lot in my head sew me. The bell rang before Mr.Heart could say another world and I bolted out of the classroom, not because of embarrassed but because of bully Bill. I should have known that my bad luck would continue because as soon as I turned the first corner of hall Bill''s lackeys Jamie and Jazz was there waiting.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "He Classless Bill and the gang want to have a talk with you on the roof." Jamie wasn''t the brightest tool the shed since he should have been held back twice, trust me since I do there homework. Normally that would get you kicked out but since his father pulled some strings he was able to pass. "Yea, Yea pimp quick come on we don''t have all day!" Jazz was a short skinny pale kid with a balled head and squint eyes. He had a sly face that made most people want to guard there wallet or punch him the face. If you asked me I''ll say do both around him. Jazz kicked me in the back pushing me forward as both of them walked beside of me blocking me from running. I felt a since of dread as they lead me to the roof top of the school which should be off limits but If your the chairmen son and a rare class "Magical Swordsman" you can mostly get what you want. Yea and this guy had taken it on himself to beat me as his daily school ritural, but it wasn''t strictly his fought. As I was guided to the roof a group of about seven people were on the roof. At the center with a blonde hair to his shoulders and smoldering dark red eye was Bill Grants. Next to him in the school white and blue sailor uniform was my step sister and school idol Alisa Grey. Her dark black hair and bottomless dark eye would make anyone have there heart skip a beat, well that is if they didn''t know her like I did. In short she is the type of women I hate the most, two faced to the extreme. In fact most of my troubles come from her at school and home as she treats me as her toy. I ignored the other people looking at her as she turned her head down shyly giving off the impression of cute but in her eyes I caught a hint of amusement. "Hehe, so trash I hear you had a problem with my girl last night!" Without warning I was pushed from behind landing face first in front of him as he smiled coldly at me. "Bill, don''t get mad I''m sure he didn''t mean to ruin your present." "Tch, Look at that trash even Alisa has taken pitty on you forgiven you! Lucky for you I''m not going to break you legs then, but..." When he finished a could smile filled his face as he raised his left hand signaling the five others. I looked at Alise who had moved into Bill lap with her head creased to him with. Her low turned eyes looked at me and for a brief second a smiled appeared before she turned her head completely into his embrace. Bill gently held her hair as his cold eyes stared at me with not hint of pity nor mercy. "This would be your punishment for today you trash be grateful toward Alisa!" As he said that he laughed and the beating began. Chapter 3: Chapter3: Chapter 3: Life is experience ¡°Yea don''t you hear Marry talking to you¡± (Boy) A red headed boy said as he kick the young men dress in the same dark blue uniform as the group. There were seven boys and three girls surrounding him, and laughing as he gripped his stomach. A whizzing sound escaped his mouth as he spit up a little bit of blood stumbling his way to his feet. ¡°Hahaha! trash you should really change your name to trash it is the perfect term to describe you. Unwanted by the world, even your parents have thrown you away! It makes me sick to think that we related by even a drop of blood no matter how distance.¡± (Jazz) ¡°Now come on Jazz don''t say that at least for this low born piece of scum having such a lovely goddess as yourself is a blessing¡± (Green short headed girl) ¡°Tch, Brittney your to kind to this piece of crap.¡± (Long red headed girl) The red headed girl tainted the boy as her two female friend stared at him with a sick satisfying grin. There whole group disgusted Alex but he was powerless to fight back. He forced his throbbing head up and, stared at his step sister Alisa feeling the pain in his beaten body. He hated his parents what little he could remember of there time together only strengthening his conventions but, he hated fake people like his step sister as well. Academy and institute made after the world changed and magic and swords became common place. It had lived for over two thousand years and still to this day was the standard, producing mages and warriors that defended humanity from monster and demons. There admitting test had turn into a formality for the rich and powerful. In most case it would make a seasoned professor sweat, but the kid would still get in even if they got a zero. When he took the test the red headed guy who kicked him turned it in without even answering anything and he got into the school. Even this school who once produced the elites of the world had fallen into the pocket of the corrupted. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Alex took the test and got a perfect score placing number one of his class. He should have been treated well but his life had other plans for him. The chairman''s grandson had taken the test and gotten second place to him. Because he had not taken serious because his grades as in a world of blood and death such things are useless to survive. The leader laughed at him after ridiculing him feeling the hate in his eyes. ¡°Alright that enough for now, lets go get a drinkor something.¡± (Bill) ¡°tch, See you letter loser¡± () "I''m sorry Alex, but just consider this punishment for your misdeed?"(Alisa) Forcing my head up from the throbbing pain I looked at her in the eyes as she said such sick words. Her face was of helplessness and pity but the sick happiness in her eyes couldn''t be hidden from him. I said nothing because even if I told the truth of doing nothing they would still continue ignoring me. Bill grabbed Alisa by the wast and headed out the door as the small gathering of people left. One of the guys punched me in the stomach again sending him back to the ground and walked over my gasping body. A long time had passed before I pushed myself up and began stumbling away toward the bus station and home area. As he made his way into the door most of the student and saw him either looked at him with disgust or a sarcastic smile. Time became a blur but somehow I made home.Just like always my father, step-mother, and half-sister were home but didn''t acknowledge me as I headed toward myroom and flopped unto the small bed. The boy laid there thinking about the how much humiliation he had endured over the short six-teen years that he has lived. A boy who never knew a love, raised looking in the eyes of cruel humanity, his heart was long since dead, and in its place cold cool logic took it place. The boy got up and let out a long sigh dusting off his clothes. He reached into his pocket took out a pill and popped it into his mouth and swallowed. Only one word kept repeating in his head, the one word that has made him stand to this day. ¡°....Endure.¡± Chapter 4:
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¡­ ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° ¡°
¡° ¡° ¡° ¡° Chapter 5: Cheating on the Job Chapter 5 The city was surrounded by a massive stone gate that protected it from monster attack and invasion from alien evaders All across the wall were runes and arrives that if attack would not only increase its defense but also reflect the attackers energy. The Wall of Aegis was one of the cities pride and joy along with the unique economic system. I arrived at the gate and was let out with no hassle by the guards. Just outside the city gates were lush greenery an a little dirty road stretch in front of me. It took me till midday to get to the Blossom Forest on foot. I avoided monster that I could while trying to keep a steady past in the midsummer sun. The trial were nothing compared to the stifling school atmosphere but the damage from yesterday still hung on my body. I reached the sign posted signifying the entrance to the forest and saw the sharp contrast to the road. Instead of green grass ahead a large wild forest lay in front of me. The trees were thick with a rich color of brown and as endless shades of green and pink filled the leaves. The Blossom Forest was only recommended if a person had at least the rank of a C class adventure and anything less should go in groups. Hunts for plants were usually given to students who had someone to give them backup like a senior or tutor. I had no such luck and I all honesty have almost died here more than I care to admit, so going in wasn''t really my plan. I turned west going off road keeping myself along the forest boarder. A short while later I came across a downward slope that lead into a small stream. Taking out a piece of rope I tie it to one of the trees that seem sturdy with my weight then head back to the small cliff. I propelled down as carefully as possible taking about five minutes. After reaching the bottom I look around till I find a small green patch by the river side. This is one form that beginner adventures call field farming. Gathering ingredients is important but one must have the skill to get them is also important. About three years ago after working at crappy inner city mission I come across a book on farming in the library. Simple herbs and plants such as the mint herd, blood root, Airmail Blossoms, and may others were included indicating the environment and conditions for them to thrive. I bought some seeds and took my first gathering quest with five beginner plants and along the route to each I created a field plant. Mint Herbs were usually able to grow around clean water and plenty of sunlight. In the forest wild boars typically surrounded the plant as they like to eat it and because of the forest abundant fertility and easy growth conditions making possible for it to grow in such environments. It took me months to set up each field along with planting the herbs and taking care of them. In truth I''ve only competed three field as the others got destroyed form other adventures finding it, monster eating them, or simple bad care on my part. The green patch of herb was about 32 inches across and wide and was filled with the herb. I took out my gathering kit and took the recommended amount for the mission placing them into the pouch. After that I slowly harvested the rest placing the herb in my personal pouch. After that I decided to leave the field planted as not to exhausted the soil. Learning about farming and plants had taking a big part of my academic life so far. Because plants are extensional to any medicine creation and many other thing such as pet food, or monster repellent I decided it would be something I would need. I''ve studied the book ¡°1000 plants and there properties¡± at the school since it was free. Sure leveling up and obtain a class is my main goal but doing so blindly and with out caution can cause one there life and I like live not matter how crappy it is.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. By the time I realized it the sun was setting after finishing taking care of most of my field gathering. The city gates close at night and monsters are more aggressive in the dark so traveling alone is not recommended. As such I walk over my cave I''ve made around here when I first decided to create the field farm. The cave was covered in moss, twigs, and rock as to block any animals or monster from making it there home. I also placed monster repellent at the entrenches and back in order to safe guard it. You know what they say you can never be to careful. I eat some rations easing my poor stomach that I ignored all day than laid my head down on my bag to get some sleep. Since I''d plan to leave at first light and early night would help and also getting rest will help heal my body. As I laid my head down I had no idea that my life would became much more crazy from the next day onward. --- The sun was cresting over the forest when I arrived back at the top of the rock. I didn''t eat breakfast to get to the city earlier and had started on my journey. Making my way past the broken rocks and patches of grass in the dim light wasn''t difficult but did cost time as I trended carefully. I''ve reached half way when I heard the sound of steal and screaming coming to the left of me in the forest. My questionably got the beater of me as I creep toward the sounds of conflict. Well I say questionably but typically most adventures don''t bother with weak monsters and will take the monster core leaving behind the carcass. When I arrived I hide my self behind a great oak near the bushes for safety. Early in the morning is the best time to travel in the forest as most of the dangerous animals and monster are asleep and the others are just waking up. In a small clearing were stood three well built man and one wearing a full red robe. Each held a sword wearing a clear light blue armor and shields. I couldn''t see there face because of the helmets but across there bright armor and swords was traces of crimson. There was also a women who could barely stand against the people. At her feet were two other men who wore thicker armor than the others but were down in a pile of there own blood. The woman wore expensive armor that I''ve only seen when window shopping in the upper district of the city. The once fine armor with silver lining and decorated in some fashion was no in taters died with either her blood of her pursuers. Her tattered armor didn''t hide the voluptuous breasts from the top of her clothes because of her slim body. Although sh had a grievous expression right now, I could imagine her with a radiant smile that could entrance any man or female. Her silver gold hair tied in small breads to her back and golden eyes made that reflected in the small dawning sky was that of a proud and beautiful lion. ¡°What do you want!¡±(Girl) ¡°hehehe, little girl I think its to late to start talking don''t you.¡± ¡°Dammit, you bastards.¡±(Girl) ¡°Curse all you want, once we get rid of you and complete our mission not even your esteem minster father can catch us ahahaha!¡± The light was slowly fading around the girl and the men surrounded her mocked her undying will. What I did next, even now I can only call foolish to no end. Unarmed, no skill, spells, or anything except some mild plants I couldn''t do anything. I slowly retreaded a small green, and purple bottle I used for emergence and took a gamble. The plan was simple, throw the green bottle creating a smoke screen then thrown the poured in the air with the purple as a slow acting poison. It was simple but I to find the perfect timing as I hide waiting. I focused blocking out unneeded since for this one task. I don''t know how much time had past nor the conversion that was going on between them. I only waited in silence waiting for my perfect moment which came when the translucent shield fell from the girl. With out pause I threw the bottle to one of the men as they headed toward the girl. They reflexively slashed it releasing a great green smoke. ¡°Eh, what is this!¡± ¡°Someone is here everyone on guard!¡± ¡°Dammit kill the girl!¡± Without pause I rushed out of my hiding place dashing toward to coughing girl no barely visible through the smoke. ¡°Who ar-¡± ¡°Shut up and come with me if you want to live.¡± Without waiting for her to replay I grabbed her hand and threw the powder content in the direction of the men dashing way as swords blade came down barely missing me. I turned running as the men roared in anger and started chasing me. I''m not very fast nor strong but thanks to my years of solo adventuring in the forest I had a better lay of the land the distance kept going. ¡°Damm, brat I''ll kill you and that girl!¡± As we ran I heard pursuer that was on our tall suddenly seized up falling to the ground with a loud clank. I kept running toward the exist of the forest with the injured girl. When we reached the exist she fell passing out from her injuries and exhalation leaving me in a pickle. Chapter 6: The dukes daughter or something along those lines Chapter 6: The dukes daughter or something along those lines Seeing as I had no other option except to carry the girl back to the city I felt a since of panic raising. Whoever those guys were a minor smoke powder, and smoke garnered will not hold them off forever and it will take use a while to reach the city with her riding my back. Looking over the options I regretted my interface but it was to late to complain. I lade her down taking out my first aid kit in my bags and tended to her wounds. I washed the blood away with the water in my canteen and put ointment her her cut before dressing them. It was a rough job since I couldn''t remove her clothes nor did we have the time. After making sure she wouldn''t bleed to death I took my bag sating the supplies on my front then grabbed her arm sating her on my back. Her armor and body were heavy but I somehow got everything on me and began walking towards the city. Even if the Blossom Forest is outside of the city protection area they do have look outs on the wall so as long as I make it we should be safe for the moment. Walking I could here my muscle ache but ignored them heading toward the city. After reaching the main road and heading towards the city it took me longer to get back but we didn''t have any incident. As we passed the post and came closer to the city I spotted seven well armed guard heading our way. A since of relief infected my heart but it like most things in my live was short lived. Without any warning as I tried to put the young girl down someone hit me in the back of the head and darkness took over. ¡­ I woke up in my bed, something I didn''t expect to happen. The bed as sofa as a smash mellow engulfing my whole body in it warm embraced. The setting sun''s light entered the room giving off a calming mood as the sound of trees swaying in the wind along with the sound of my breathing resounded in the room. I felt pain across my body with every breath as I tried to remember what happened. I was the Vivian Silvers daughter of the martial and duke of this territory. After taking on my first ''D'' level hunting mission hunting a wild bore-bore in the forest we were amused. When everyone feel I was left alone activating the treasure my father gave me creating a shield, but that robed person knew of it and used powerful magic exhaustion himself and my protection. Then as I was about to be killed a giant smoked cloud appeared and a thin blacked haired boy with blue eye grabbed my hand and started running. The rush of memories flooded my half consensus body sending me soaring to my feet. ¡°Girl, calm down.¡± ¡°Nan, I''m really alive?¡± ¡°Yes dear, now calm down. Wipe your tears and tell me what happened?¡± My tears poured from me like a lake from a river as my memories of my precious allies and friends as they lade dead. I''m alive but there dead, the cold truth kept piece my heart like countless arrows.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°Terry, Jason, Bretty there all dead Nan?¡± ¡°Oh come her dear nan I''ve got you.¡± My sobbing cries filled the room as I felt like all the emotion drained from my body. By the time I regained myself it was night and the fire light filled the room. Nan gave me a wet towel letting me wipe my face. After calming down I remembered the boy who saved me but after hearing Nan''s answer my face drained of color. ¨C The cold chains dug into my wrist and ankles making the cuts from the lashing more unbearable. If your wondering how I got myself into this situation, contrition to my reputation as talent-less along with the daughter of one of the high officials nearly coming back half dead. Me one of the weakest citizens who are awaken defeating somebody even a group with the top armor and training couldn''t. Yea, being a honest person is such a pain sometimes. I was awoken with a splash of water to the face as two people stood in front of me. One was dressed in leather black outfit that was fit for perverts. The jailer had integrated me for over two days now but made sure to keep me half alive as he had his fun. I guess I can be thankful he hadn''t taken my prepuces anal virginity as he walked around with a raging boner when ever we had a section. The new guest was a well aged man with a strong build. He wore a light green one piece suit that you can only see from people who either have to much money to spend or have important political business. His graying hair had strict of black along with his green eyes as they looked at me as trash. I could tell the look after all I''ve been getting it most of my life. I said nothing as the the fat man begin to rub his thick fingers together trying to be polite with him. He didn''t turn his eyes away from mine stood there measuring me with a intense stare. ¡°I''ve heard you saved my daughter young man.¡± My throat was dry and my mouth tasted of iron from my own blood. I said nothing back as I deemed it either ineffective and to much trouble. I''ve been used to getting beating for years and have lived as a lone adventure so I could stand it. After all if they don''t kill me his daughter would clear up the misunderstanding unless they want to silence me. ¡°The account you''ve told use is highly probable and as it was a state of both my daughter and this city security more harsher methods were implemented, but -¡± As he spoke the door swung open with a loud bang sending everyone in the room staring at a furies women in a silk night gown. Her blazing eyes took a look at me then at the man in the suit with and intensity that would make even the sun envious. ¡°Father is this how you treat people who save your daughters life!¡± ¡°Vivva-n! The stone man did a 180 in front of my eye which just caught me off guard. With puppy eye he ran toward his daughter but was smack away by wooden sword in her hand. What happen next made me question almost everything I knew about women. The girl had beaten the old man with strike that shattered bricks and yelled like a raging dragon tattering this suit and hair. When they finished she dragged him away giving the pervert orders to take me down and send me to the waiting room. ¨C The boy sat in front of me and father looking worst for wear. His skinny frame was like a beggars on the street. The bruises weren''t treated which ticked me off but after explaining the whole situation to father he gave a cramped smile. The awkward silenced filled the room with his deep blue eyes looking at with and stoic expression. I was told by dad that he didn''t even cry nor shout when he was beaten by the famed whipper of torture. Even witnessing his wounds first hand seemed unbelievable to me but that what was said. My father caught before speaking to him. ¡°I''ve seemed to have been wrong in my assumption that you have conspired with the perpetrator. Your parents have been informed about the situation and you have my deepest apologize for the incident. As and apology you may ask one reasonable request and we will try to achieve it.¡± He looked at both my father and me in the eyes. He took the cup in front of him taking a small sip before turning towards us. ¡°I would like any basic mana skills, medical pill creating book, a furnace, weapons, armor, and many other things.¡± My fathers face took a dark turn but after seeing the events from before I deemed it fare by all accounts. As my father began to open his mouth the youth spoke again. ¡°In this city I''m known as talent-less because I was unable to achieve my first job when awaken but that doesn''t matter much to me. What I need is one those thing mention before so I can protect myself. If you I had to choose a what I wanted most it would be a skill book on one of the elements. Not my mana right now is max at 5 so choosing a skill that matches that should be easy on your part.¡± My father face became cold and distant. From his clumsy speech and ethic I could tell he hadn''t interacted with people much to say such things. ¡°Fine¡± Without another word he got up from his chair and grabbed my hand leaving the room. ¡°Our maid will bring you your items and then will escort you out.¡± I looked back as the door was slowly closing as something in my heart ached seeing the lone boy in a room with only a chair and table. Chapter 7: Rank up in training Chapter 7: Rank up in training Summary: After arriving home from the guild he gets harassed by his step sister and his mother. He goes to his room and treats himself and trains in the new art he gets. It didn''t take long before on of the guards open the door and led me out through the interface. As I was departing he handed me my bag along with three books ¡°Intro to the Four Elements¡±, ¡°Advance Magic Foundations¡±, and ¡°Intro to body cultivation¡±. Thought this books were common but for poor people like myself there were priceless. The guard scrawled at me and turned away leaving me in front to the gate with three books in my hand in the dead of night. Walking home I felt the biting night air agitate my now crust over cuts and bruises as I headed home. Since it was a school night when I arrived home nobody was awake. I headed to my room sating down my supplies and then cleaned and dressed my wounds. After arriving back in my room I calmed my mind and checked my guild card. Level 2 HP 25/9 MP 6/6 Power 1 Speed 1 Dexterity 1 Defense 1 Wisdom 4 Intelligence 3 (New)Endurance 1 Luck 0 Active Skills possessed: Analyze Passive Skills possessed: Learning Language Meditation I was surprised to see that not only did my level raise but I acquired a new statues called Endurance. Endurance was one of the skill that many vanguard on team like to learn or use. It work in sequence with Defense reducing the damage taken on by the party. It was a good skill to learn but the draw back in raising the skill is that you''ll have to endure a lot of damage to your body. Over the year I''ve been bullied and beaten by many people and monsters but I still haven''t learned the skill. I gave up pondering the idea turning my attentions to the three books that were given to me and decided to read the body cultivation book first. When it came to learning new skill it took me less time than other by such a small amount that the skill would be considered useless but combined with analyze I''m able to increase the rate of master by at least 2% overall. Unfortunately the book even though it would cost our three years of annual fee was still a lower tier book. The book covered the first three tiers of cultivation for a warriors. Every class has its tears and which are different from levels in the since that your more proficient at the job. Warriors circulated qi throughout there body breaking three there nine points granting them power. In a since they refine there body will wizards and other magical refine there soul. When I finish reading the book I closed it sitting down on the bed and began to meditate. Thanks to my skill meditation it was easier for me to gather mana from around the air. Instead of gathering it at my navel this time I followed the instructions in the book and pictured a eight trig ram at each point in my body. I willed the mana to slowly follow the patter but the pain kept hitting me every time it made and inch of progress. After a long while I opened my eye feeling a little dishearten. Cultivating either magic or body without relaying on killing monster and gain experience was the most difficult road one to take to getting stronger but for me it was my only choose. I sat up on my bed and stretched and was surprised that my injured didn''t bother me. Taking out my guild card I was shocked with delight. Level 2 HP 25/25 MP 6/6 Power 1 Speed 1 Dexterity 1 Defense 1 Wisdom 4This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Intelligence 3 (New)Endurance 1 Luck 0 Active Skills possessed: Analyze Passive Skills possessed: Learning Language Meditation Gold: 2 My health had gotten back to full which was very surprising. The injuries I suffered should have taken at least a week to fully recover with median. Even if I hadn''t learned the way of cultivating the body it looks like just one night of cultivating had healed my injuries. With a newly light enthusiasm I opened the Intro to Magic book and began reading. Most people when it come to magic had a disputation to be more talented in one are than another. When he had his awaken he was tested to have the most affinity with Water, and Wind. At the academy since he didn''t have a specialty and didn''t have enough credits nor money to buy skills he was refused to teach by many of the professors claim it a wast of time. He hated their bias which promoted him to be a active adventures hoping to earn his own money for skills. After years of struggle he couldn''t blamed them as he has seen first hand the danger of life and death battles. The first step in using magic is to gather mana into your soul. Using you imagination and the chant to shape the mana into the form that is usable is the second step. And lastly producing the and summoning the magic created by the user is the last. After reading the and using his analyze ability to comprehend what the book talked about the sun was already up. Looking at the clock it was a quature till eight which gave me plenty of time to get ready and out two the bus stop. I put the book away changing into my school clothes and headed out to school. The early morning went as normal for me toward school. After taking the hour ride and walk up the steep hill toward the Academies gates I arrived just after my lovely step sister. She wore her standard sailor uniform with a white top and short green and white pattern skirt. Here dirty pink hair was tied into a pony tall giving off a soft yet firm aura. Our eye met for a second as I was captivated by her beauty she gave a small smile my way sending the attention of the boys surrounding her to me with, I''m going to punch you in the face later look. I ignored it heading towards my desk with my head down trying not to bump into people. I hated that my heart responded to that fake smile as she looked at me. The pain when she got me beaten by Bill was gone but the memory was still fresh in my mind. I sighed opening one of my personal book ¡°Intro to median making¡± on common medication making process. Since the introduction of healing magic and cure most medical item are bought and used by low level adventures and solo adventures. Creating pill and other items used for consummation unless your a level 5 pill maker your useless because you can''t make mana recovery pill which is one of the most vital pill for any country. Since I used both my smoke screen bottle, and paralyzing powder I needed to make more since they were my last line of defense. It took me countless years of trial and error just make those and I still haven''t make a proper pill but since I''m self taught I think my pace is going good. Since the those item were rarely used the attackers were not guarded and got infected. After thinking about it I decided after school to turn in my request mission then head toward the market to look for some Tetrodotoxin for making the paralyzing powder. I''ll had more ingredients from last time to make at least three more but ran out of the plant. After making it I''ll practice using trying the elementary spell Water ball then medicate to recover my energy. -- I expected expected to get called out by the teacher a lecture for mission class or bill to entertain my step sister again. None of that happened as I was... well peaceful in my terms. Besides the mutters, and dirty looks thrown my way it was one of the better parts of school I could remember. Even when I went to the library to do a quick review before heading home, the short brown head helper that always gave me disgusting look greeted me. Well what ever was up I didn''t take it to heart as I headed toward downtown market area ¡°Haze Place¡±. Haze Place was sixteen store building that was covered by a sea of small building of the outside as it couldn''t contain all the stores. Mostly rich people go into the complex but the place I wanted to go was toward the west sided located passed three clothing stores and down a back alley called ¡°SuzePot¡±. It was a rather old building that looked like something from a periodical drama. I found this place when a I asked one of the ground keepers slaves on campus were I can find ingredients for medicine. I knocked four time with a three pattern paused that was code for special product then headed in. The room was brightly light making little futon stand out. In front of a small window covered with a green curtain was a small couch and table to the left made to sit four people on each side. The left was many displays of plants and pills for sell. This shop was one of the basic shop newbie adventures go to but since most try to find a priest of someone of healing properties they stop very soon. In front of me sat a busty mature women in her early thirties if I had to guess. She wore white cotton dress with a deep V in the front and short sleeves. Her light brown hair and eye gave off and mystical feeling as she stared at a thick book in her hand and at me. I assume its a skill all good clerk and store owner have to develop to prevent stealing. I approached her lifting my head to meet her eyes that still weren''t looking at me. [Hello Inga. I need some Tetrodotoxin and some information.] [30 sliver] I take out one of my gold and hand while she is still reading the book in her hands. The takes the gold and puts it in the register giving me 70 sliver back then reaches under the desk and hands me a small pouch. [That should be enough for making two batches of powder] [Thank you, now about the information-] [Most of the people your were acquainted with were contacted by high official the passed two days. Most people don''t know who they are or what they wanted but people are keeping there distance from you for the time being. I sure you have felt the effect in your personal life already.] Ever time she did this is left me a little surprised to be honest. Giving me the answer before I asked but the cost was steep. [Do you know who they were] [Yes] [Will you tell me] For what felt like the first time her eye stared right into my. They were bottomless filled with such depths that I found my very soul shake. [No... or to be more precise you will find out yourself very soon.] With that she turned towards her book and I gave my thanks and departed from the store headed back home. When I arrived the house was filled with the smell of roasted beef, potatoes, and sweep apple pie one of my step-mother mother famous recipes I heard her tall my little sister. My stomach protested me leaving such a feast and for once I listen to the greedy bastard sating my bag in my room and heading toward the kitchen. In the dinning room I found the family laughing and eating without a care in the world. The face brought back the vile feeling of being tortured in the dungeon and them being happy. He sighed deeply holding his head down and crossed to enter the kitchen fixing himself plate. As he exited the air grew tensed around the table but he ignored it and headed towards his room. Every time he tried to eat with them it took the same turn so he learned quickly to just eat out or got to his room. As he was leaving thought something unexpected happened, his father called him. ¡°Alexander, I''ve heard you had trouble on your mission¡± ¡°No trouble at all father, just a simple misunderstanding that was cleared up.¡± ¡°...I see¡± ¡°Yes, well if you will excuse me I must get back to my studies.¡± ¡°Yes I supposed you do.¡± The conversation was simple and quick but to his recollection it was the most he spoken to his father since, ever. Alexander headed toward his room and began his long training section. Chapter 8: The Fool and his Master Chapter 8: The Fool and his Master The next two day passed without incident giving me time to try to learn magic and how to cultivate. I choose to learn the basic spell water ball which is one of the least destruction magics. I wanted to learn Ice magic a advance system of the water magic and needed a good foundation. It didn''t take me long since I''m both water and wind attributed I would learn both with water being my main focus in train. They Thursday night I was able to form a tiny ball of water a finger length long but it used up all my mana. The martial training was going far better than the magical training. After doing some research in the library and asking around I''ve developed a theory that I needed to train my body. It wasn''t strange to see and vanguard big and buff but as fast a bullet when in battle. The medication is but one step as a person need to train both body and soul in that order. I started a light workout route that I found in the academy library since most of the students who train in the body arts are far past the basics in my grade level. But since money was the problem affording medication that can heal both internal and external injuries after harsh training was experiences. It was true in any fact of training so the only thing I could do was more missions and studying. I was being stretched thin with learning how to make medication, magic, and body cultivating but with none support it was my only option at this point. Waking up early Friday I grab my bag filled which was filled with some basic items for survival like a first aid kit, paralyzing powder that I recently made, rope, water canteen, flint, and even a blanket. For most adventures this wasn''t even half the stuff they needed but since I mostly didn''t fetch quest or other mundane ones it would suffice for me. I left the house and headed towards the guild hall at the outer edge of the city. I reached the guild which even in the early morning had people coming and going with request. After turning in my herd quest from earlier, and receiving a reward of five bronze coins, I choose another one this time gathering herbs near the mountains a days journey from here by foot. With everything already prepared I headed out toward the gate. As I reached the gate one of the slaves elf I knew of named Sazz was there packing a carriage and tending to the horses. A thin built man with golden hair and eye that glistened in the morning sunlight. Looking at him I could see why elves were named on of the most beautifully races on the continent. He spotted me and came over with a smiling face. "Are you possibly doing the herb extraction request?"(Sazz) "That''s right, you?"(Alex) "Well you probably would want to stop here. Master went to the collection site previously, everyone fled since the site was overrun with orcs.¡± Orc? I haven''t fought one yet, and since I can barely hold up against a slime it would be difficult. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. The guild didn''t mention the situations though the clerks were dick overall. It didn''t matter since I couldn''t stay and wait either. The request has a time limit after all. I''ve done plenty of request and gain a solid reputation is harder to do than losing it. Sazz looked at me and after a long while he finally spoke. ¡°If it''s okay with you, why don''t you come with us? You can help with the lugged on the journey and since your master is smitten by your sister I''m sure he wouldn''t make things to difficult for you.¡±(Sazz) Thinking about the Sazz''s spoiled brat of a master Fredrick it gave me a headache but I had not choose to be honest. My sister had everybody rapped around her finger and even Fredrick who was from a noble house tried to carry favor by defending me in front of her. He was sloppy thought and most of the times were set up by him was plan to see. If I could see through it my step sister could two but she did humor him from time to time making him become one of those fake friends only when she was around. Looking at the front of the carriage were two golden horses that looked strong and well taken care of. On horse back traveling would only take close to six hours at a good speed and was less chance of running into a free roaming monster. Sighing deeply I nodded and we headed back to the carriage and loaded it up. ¨C Fredrick arrived with three other members in his group and hour after we finished loading the carriage. Well I say arrived but he was dragged by a girl who looked to be no older than ten at most. She wore a white garb and held a staff the standard uniform of a priest. From her clothing designed and pattern color she most likely followed the teaching of Serbian the goddess of light and hope whose charge is the mortal of life. He blue hair was shoulder with lengthen and clear blue eye were at least a shade lighter than my own. Next to her was the spoiled brat himself coming along half asleep. He wore thick and sturdy armor typically seen for vanguards which for house Forge was commonly known. The house was build by countless knights who fought head first with there enemies and achieve nobility through sheer will power most people say. In the back was a old man dressed in a black and grey butler uniform which with his snow white hair and aged faced gave off the impression of finely aged wine. The old man had a thin sword by his wast and I for some reason knew he was able to cut me down in a second. As I thought this he turned towards me and nodded with a slight smile of a grandfather. Fredrick followed the old mans gazed to me as the girl hugged a little to closely for a proper priest. Once he spotted me he started to scowl but Sazz quickly came and begged him to let me come. I suggested that my step-sister would be thankful which got him perked up but the priest next to him gave me the evil eye. Without much of a hitch he hit the road following along with me and Sazz in the riders seat in silence while the three were in the carriage. We came across some Wild Rabbits, and Bores but they were taken care of by Sazz and his arrows. Fredrick complained about the ride which I agreed with but it beat walking. ¨C We reached the base of the mountain and dismounted form the carriage. The old butler set out a blanket and food by the road as the three ate. Since Sazz was a slave he wasn''t allowed to sit with the master as a standard rule and ate in the carriage. I joined him eating my rations of dried meat and black barely bread. ¡°So what are you they doing close to the mountain, gathering herbs like me?¡±(Alex) ¡°Master just rose his rank to level E and decided to to a monster hunt. He wanted to go solo but his father made him take the butler.¡±(Sazz) ¡°What about the girl?¡±(Alex) Once I mention the girl Sazz face became a little stiff. After a long paused he begin to speak reluctantly. ¡°She is the daughter of one of the head friend who has been smitten by master.¡±(Sazz) As he spoke his faced looked hurt and something clicked when he talked. ¡°She isn''t just that to you isn''t she. She is your former master, no lover maybe?¡± Sazz face turned a deep shade of red then white but he slowly shook his head. His eyes held a deep like hurt and pain. ¡°She... Eleanor was to be my betrothed until my parents died and I was sold by my uncle to pay it dept. I only found out recently that her heart was not mine to begin with as I was smitten with her.¡±(Sazz) ¡°Its not to later right? You just have to work off the contract and pay them back and you''ll be free.¡± I could hear the emptiness in my own voice as I spoke to him. I knew that most people that become slave never pay off their dept because master can add onto there dept such as living expenses. It was a rabbit hole that was endless as the starry sky. Sazz looked at me with a wary smile as we sat in silence. Chapter 9: We hunt In the mountains Chapter 9: We hunt In the mountains We got to the mountain midday so the party decided to do the mission first. Fredrick had to hunt some of the common monster found the mountain grabbing there monster cores and return to the guild. For ''E'' level adventures who could literally by all the gear and help they needed getting high rank or at least ''C'' was a piece of cake. Fredrick and many nobility made this a common practice as such though his family was a little on the brighter side I at least thought. Walking through the mountain path we ran into plenty of monsters, but they were taken care of thanks to the others. Fredrick, Sazz, Eleanor, and I traveled along the mountain path running into only low level monster such as mountain rats, and rock birds. The mountain rats looked like any other rat except they were yellow with green ears. There sharp teeth were used to eat rock and defend themselves against enemies. The rock birds were pink chicken looking things that would be as round as a rock. They weren''t very violent but Fredrick didn''t care and attacked them when he saw them. While everyone was have there fun I found three times the amount of herbs needed for the quest. I could sell the excess to the guild, take to market myself, or save it for my privet stock but one thing for sure is that was a free meal. Of course good thing must come to and end as Eleanor brought the groups attentions to my activities. ¡°Tch, your just sitting in the back where is your pride. Even Eleanor fights while you site there doing nothing!¡±(Fredrick) ¡°You are just free loading off of Fredrick kindness. If you travel with use you should at least do something besides looking at dirt.¡±(Eleanor) Sazz gave me a apologetic look standing behind Fredrick and Eleanor while they berated me with there about being ungrateful and lazy. Signing deeply I extended my hands showing them empty, which I guess would be obvious to anybody who took one glace at me. ¡°I don''t have a weapon.¡±(Alex) Fredrick seemed to realized the problem for the first time and frowned. Eleanor on the other hand gave a bright smile before bring out a ordinary knife that Sazz had used to dismantle the monsters from earlier. Fredrick nodded when he saw it, and it was handed to me. ¡°This may not be a sword but its a sharp and sturdy knife that can at least weak monster those rats. With this you have no more excuse I expect it back later and for you to work for you keep.¡±(Fredrick) He was right I''ve seen blades like this going for at least 3 sliver in windows. It was made of mixture of iron with a monster stone melted to with it giving it a sharper edge. I gave it a few swing then nodded in thanks for it. I wasn''t planning of giving it back later so thanking them was payment enough in my eyes at least. I glanced at Sazz as he gave me a ¡°So be it¡± look. ¨C It didn''t take us long before running into a mountain rat, which got me first hand experience in fighting one. I didn''t have any skills for hand to hand combat but I''ve used a knife in making medication and dismantling animal at the butcher shop so it wasn''t anything new to me. Fredrick gave a smirk as he pointed toward the crouching rat. ¡°Looks like its time for you to pull your weight. Don''t worry if your to hurt Eleanor will heal you right up so you can fight more.¡±(Fredrick) I took a look at both of them and turned toward the monster with a since of happiness I hide. It wasn''t like I was against fighting monster at all but nobody would partner up with me be it at the guild or school. Taking the less dangerous route was just in my nature since one slip could cost me my life. I held the knife tight as I slowly began to walk toward to rat that had its teeth bare. [Mountain Rat Lvl 3, HP 10, Attack 13, Defense 25, Vitality 6, Speed 3] Using my skill analyze I reveled his statues which didn''t scare me in the least. I had a plan, a painful one but a plan non the less.. As soon as I was within range is pounced towards me with is teeth bare. I raised my right arm taking its bite as a surge of white hot pain ran through my body and blood spewed from my wound. Gritting my teeth I rotated my body with the motion from the rats jump and using my other hand to stab into the rats back. It roared in pain but I let my body weight and gravity take us towards the ground with it back facing it while grabbing it so it wouldn''t get away. It scratched at my face after hitting the ground but with my hand still firm on the handle I pulled it out while pinning the monster to the ground. I took the knife and slit its through with the knife as its jaw relaxed and the blood poured over me giving off a disgusting smell. [Critical hit] [You have earned 20 experience] Level 2 HP 10/25 MP 6/6 Power 1 Speed 1 Dexterity 1 Defense 1 Wisdom 4 Intelligence 3 Endurance 1->2 Luck 0Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Active Skills possessed: Analyze Passive Skills possessed: Learning Language Meditation Gil: 2g Experience 40=>60/200 I let my arm loss before taking the knife stabbing it in its heart and taking out the monster stone. Glancing at my statues I sighed with the amount of experience I receive from the monster. It took me years to get my first level but just one monster help me with months of hard labor. When I got up and limped towards the group Elanor was laughing at my ragged appearance but to my surprise Fredrick looked at me with a stony face. ¡°Why didn''t you dodge it?¡±(Fredrick) ¡°Because it was to fast for me so I had to restrain it.¡±(Alex) ¡°If you missed you would have died.¡±(Fredrick) ¡°I didn''t, no can you heal me now.¡±(Alex) A warm light engulfed me and my arm that had a big chunk of it mission was healing at a visible rate. After the light faded my arm that could be seen through my torn closes was completely healed. After the light faded we left down the mountain gain shortly after. I ignored the stony birds as they fled when our grouped got near. Fredrick didn''t bother with them as he said he was to tired to care for weaklings. We ran into another group of seven mountain rats which we took on as a group. Me and Sazz grouped up as Fredrick and Elanor did the same. I charged the group of three feinting a attack as the lunged at me with there teeth. When they got near I ducked and rolled under them as the arrow of Sazz struck true. One was truck between the eye killing it instantly while the other two were grazed. I jumped from my roll and slashed at the injured closes to me reaching for its neck slicing it. Another arrow flew past me striking the mountain rat mid air as it pounced towards my back. It was squirming on the group but I quickly sliced its through as well ending its struggle. [You have earned 20 experience] [You have earned 20 experience] After ending the mountain rats without any damaged done to my body I looked over to see the other two having killed four rats and dismantling them. Sazz came over to me with a smile on his face and bow on his back. ¡°Thank you Sazz. Don''t try to deny it with your skill you could have taken them out with one shot.¡± His smile grew a little stiff before he shrugged with resignations. He pointed towards my toward sleeve that had dried blood stains around it. ¡°You have it hard as well.¡±(Sazz) ¡°hehe, when a slave take pity on a person that is bad.¡±(Alex) ¡°Well enough talking you two hurry up so we can go!¡±(Elanor) We looked at each other then before dismantling out share of the hunt. As we grew closer to the carriage the signs of life in grew dimmer. A cold shiver went down my spine while looking around. I glanced at everyone and saw that we all were on high alert. Soon after we heard the sound of cry''s and weapons clashing coming from our carriage directions. We dashed forward weapons ready to jump into a chaotic battle but what awaited us was a scene from hell. In body of thirty orcs was a a old man holding one up with one hand and a sword going through his guts. The smell of blood permitted the are as the ground was dyed red with blood. I looked upon the scene with disinterested. Hey once you see a boys locker room nothing much can scare you. Fredrick along with Elanor faces drained a little of blood as they saw the scene before them. Sazz and I ignored it and searched the bodies. The old man was very through as none of the orcs were left alive which sucked for me getting experience We dismantled there bodies an set them in the crates in the carriage. Elanor laid down saying she was exhausted while Fredrick stayed her. The old butler prepared dinner while Sazz and I put up tents preparing for the nights. By the time everything was ready the stars in the skies were bright. Sazz and I talked about the plants we have seen and there effect before he was sent to fetch the other two. Sazz returned a little while later with a even paler face if possible for and elf, but said nothing was wrong. When the two joined us they were dressed in common clothes which I never felt was safe when camping. We ate in silence but the looks passing through Elanor to Sazz and Fredrick gave me the story. Catching his fiance, no former fiance with another man who is his master. That is one sick joke to play especially since he was after my step sister. Either he was a player or somebody completely oblivious to the his situations. I shook my head taking first night watch training my water ball and medication. ¨C The next morning arrived without incident but instead of heading back to town Kendrick decided to stay and kill some more monsters. There were orc in the forest and a large amount were killed by the old monster yesterday so staying wasn''t very smart. ¡°That many orc''s dead will definitely lead to a retaliation from other. I advised we return to town.¡±(Alex) The old man turned my way nodding his head as Fredrick sneered. ¡°Afraid of some small time orc will get you nowhere, but it you wanted to go I won''t stop you.¡±(Fredrick) Truth is I would have gone if I could but if orcs are around, knowing my luck I''ll run right into them. It was safer to tag along with the group that had the monster of a old man helping out. I looked at Sazz who eyes had dark lines under than and was in the back. I sighed and shrugged grabbing my bag and followed Fredrick and his group on the hunt again. [Level Up, Speed +1, Dexterity +1, Intelligence +1] Around noon we had run into several groups of monsters letting me get a level up. What took me over three years of training to level had taken less than two days when hunting monster. The only down side was that the experience needed to get another level increased by double. Level 2 HP 25/25 MP 6 => 10/10 Power 1(Dagger + 10) Speed 1=>2 Dexterity 1=>2 Defense 1 Wisdom 4 Intelligence 3=>4 Endurance 2 Luck 0 Active Skills possessed: Analyze Passive Skills possessed: Learning Language Meditation Gil: 2g Experience 15/400 When gathered our things and started down the mountain path again for lunch. Both me and Sazz carriage the dismantled monsters in the bags. Since we cleared the path most of the monster started to avoid us. Our luck turned when we got close to the bottom of the mountain. We arrived to see the old man surrounded and fighting a orge that was red and twice his size. His clothes were ragged and his blade was dyed red. His footing was unsteady but he gave to opening for the great red orc. Fredrick drew his blade rushing toward the group of green orcs. Sazz drew his bow and fired at the monsters in Fredrick path a while Elanor used magic to buff him. When every Fredrick was struck by a orc Elanor used her healing magic while Sazz''s and Fredrick blade paid them in kind. I wasn''t idle as I dashed took Fredrick flank drawing three to four orcs attentions. I couldn''t spread the powder as it could effect the others so it was me with the blade fighting. The orcs movements were fast but unrefined. Even if I wasn''t and expert in hand to hand combat the training at the academy, or lesson by Bill and the others this orcs movements were nothing.(He is used to seeing faster movements because of his being beaten at school by top class students.) Parrying, Dodging, were the only things I could do with the group attacking. I felt the fire in my body and the energy escaping me with every fury of blows. My luck turned after dodging one blow twisting my nee sending me to the ground. As a orc raised his club to smash my head like a watermelon and arrow struck him in the back giving me and opening. I gripped the dagger and with my good foot lunged at his through impaling it into him and rolling forward. [Experience 100] As I struggled to my feet the monsters I looked around the battle field to find that all the monsters were down and the Elanor and Fredrick were next to the old man. Sazz helped me to my feet and over to the carriage were the houses were the only things not damaged. I didn''t help with the clean up since I was injured and Elanor claimed to be out of magic after healing the old man and Fredrick. After cleaning up and having dinner Fredrick thanks to the old mans suggestion was convinced to return to town in the morning. I took first watch keeping myself alert as I expect a night raid or something else to happen with my luck, nothing happened. ¨C Chapter 10 Chapter 10 The ride home wasn''t met with any unexpected encounters with monsters and we arrived to town safely. We headed to the guild were, I split up to turn in our missions and received my rewards. The mission got me enough bread to eat for at least a week which wasn''t bad for a couple of days of work. As I exited the guild I found the carriage gone and Sazz leaning against a tree for shade, eyes closed. He smiled opening his eyes as I approached him. He tossed me a bag which I barely caught at the expense of me falling over on the ground. Sazz laughed helping me up as I socked him in the shoulder for it. ¡° Alex in the bag is the reward for kill the monster and turning them over to the guild. Its a far amount, the guild wouldn''t risk pissing off the young master.¡± His words were respectful but his tone held a sharp edge to it giving me shiver down my spine. Sass eyebrows rose slightly before laughing again and patting me hard on my back. ¡°Don''t worry about other people Alex. I''m fine and if you keep working hard so will you be.¡± I couldn''t say anything to him because of what had happened during the trip. While I was trying to find words to say he turned and started to walk away. I felt my chest tighten as I saw his sad and lonely figure walking towards the road. ¡°I-I will become stronger so, stay alive until then your hear me bastard!¡± The words poured out of me like a flood gate being unleashed. Sazz paused his steps turning his head slighting letting me see his lips tilt in arc. The paused was only for a second but in that moment it felt like time stopped for the both of use. --- Since we arrived at early morning it was just past noon and my stomach reminded me it was there. Thinking about returning home to that cold house or eating out was a not even a debate. I hopped a bus to the down town shopping area food distract. Because of the population of our city this was a place that served many different foreign dishes. I of course didn''t concern my self with the high end place which was most of them to be honest.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! After arriving I made my way toward the edge of the food distract were and old noodle stand was. The area around the store was bad nor was it good. I entered and ordered a bowel of beef ramen with extra egg. The food was delicious and cheap one of the best seasoning if you asked me. The old man who delivered the bowl is someone I help once on a mission. He had retired but found it to boring so he open up a noodle shop to pass the time. Their were many loyal customers that came to this place but it seemed to never be crowded even in the rush hour. I ate my food with gusto ignoring the old mans laughs as the watched me eat his heavenly sent ramen. As I gulped down the remains of the once bowl of beef I signed in satisfying. Since I was done eating I sat down the money for the food and left with the old man smiling telling me to come again. Level 2 HP 25/25 MP 6 => 10/10 Power 1(Dagger + 10) Speed 2 Dexterity 2 Defense 1 Wisdom 4 Intelligence 4 Endurance 2 Luck 0 Active Skills possessed: Analyze Passive Skills possessed: Learning Language Meditation Gil: 9g Experience 15/400 After checking my status I decided to head toward the bazaar in the merchant district. Thought it didn''t have specific thing most cultivator tried to sell there discarded items here to earn a little money. In face Alex had bought his dagger from the merchant earlier after almost destroying his business with telling of his lying about items. Because it was still rush hour the market was very busy that even maneuvering through he crowed a job. It didn''t matter thought because Alex enjoyed looking at the new things even if the stall owner gave him a dirty look when he came near it. He was dressed in old worn clothes that would make a homeless person question fashion since. He didn''t care much about clothes because hunting, training, or planting required him to get dirty and constantly changing was a pain. He searched around the area buying some cheap seed or median that he could use to refill his first aid kit. As he was shopping he found himself in front of a young women with a blue veil and crystal ball in front of her. She wore a thin light blue sleeveless dress that were decareted with blue saffire gewls. ¡°Would you like to know your future?¡± The lady but her hands over the ball and it began to glow a greenish color. ¡°Why would I want to know such a troubling thing such as that?¡± Alex was about to turn around and walk away just as he felt a soft hand tug at his shirt. He turned his head and peered into the dark black eyes of the women. ¡°A great change will come over you in the near future. It will begin about new hope for those whom were forgotten and those who seek damnation. You shall be the blade and the shield and fall only to raise and in the end the path you must choose yourself¡±. Alex stood in shock of what had happen as he felt like the words were planted into his head before gone again. ¡°Who ar-¡± A sudden wave of pain flooded his head sending him to his nee. When he turned his head up the women was gone and the streets that were once quite was once again bustling with power. ¡°What was that?¡± Alex looked down to find in his right hand was a jewel that the girl wore. Maybe it was a skill user playing pretend but for some odd reason Alex didn''t think so. With no idea what just happen, and a pounding headache he decided going home would be for the best.