《New Life》 Welcome To A New Life - The Compendium Bar Heyo people! Welcome to the Compendium Bar! This is a place where your questions may be asked and where a compendium of knowledge will be posted here so beware of spoilers! Also let it be known the rewrite might be fast in some places and slow in others if you''ve read the story already due to me salvaging old text. Please dont judge me. i wrote over 70k words in those chapters, so forgive me for wanting to return to the good stuff. also before i start the story let me please again thank all of you! Toodles! If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Also thanks for reading! =] Gateway Offices- The place where souls go to spend their accumulated Karma on the circumstances for their next life. imma start typing rancom charactes so i can make it into the submission Loading.......................................................Loading........................................................Loading........................................................Loading........................................................Loading................................done! Chapter 1 - The Gateway Offices It was a normal day, clear skies, birds chirping and people walking. The thing about days is that a small thing can make a day a great day, like today. Jack literally just graduated from med school and was in his car, on the way to his celebratory party. He¡¯d just accomplished one of his dreams of becoming a doctor and was now able to travel the world and help those in need. A dream come true for him seeing how his family was rich and he had no need for money. Stopping at a red light he saw a child run across the street. In his peripheral vision he noticed a truck set on a collision course for the boy. The moment Jack saw that he did the only thing he could; he drove his car right in between the truck and the child. After that it there was nothing, nothing at all, then a something in the middle of the darkness, a light and a feeling of familiar warmth surrounded him. As the light grew and grew and before he knew it Jack found himself now in an office, but not your typical office. For instance there were no doors and in front of him was something he¡¯d only seen in movies. It was an angel, but not the divine, happy, go lucky angel. This was an angel with a look of stress and panic on his face. ¡°Damn it! You¡¯re not supposed to be here for another fifty three years! Damn! Damn! Damn!¡±, he shouted. ¡°Now I have to deal with another early reincarnation report. That bastard keeps screwing with our system. I hope he doesn¡¯t become a goblin like that last guy.¡± The angel was looking more depressed than ever. Did he not notice Jack was here? As Jack thought this the angel suddenly looked at him. ¡°Ah, sorry.¡± the angel snapped his fingers and suddenly he looked like a more radiant, also Jack could swear there was some sort of glow around him. ¡°Now for formal introductions. Welcome to the Gateway Offices, where those who can afford it get a choice at a new life.¡± The angel smiled with the rehearsed greeting. ¡°Umm Hi, can I go home? I need to get to my graduation party I just became a doctor you see and I need to get home and pack as well.¡± Jack stammered. ¡°Ah, sorry again.¡± the angel with a poof disappeared and reappeared next to him. ¡°I should have started with this, but sorry to say you¡¯re dead my friend.¡± The angel gave him a pity pat on the back. With a sad expression the angel sighed, ¡°Where are my manners? I should explain to you what happened, you see that boy you saw wasn¡¯t there he was an illusion. There¡¯s been a trickster god out lately and we can¡¯t stop him from doing it, and management is trying to get in touch with Valhalla to get this pesky bastard out of here but until then there¡¯s nothing we can do. However since you came in contact with him you died¡­ to the rest of the world it looked like you committed suicide by driving into the path of a truck. Sorry.¡± Jack sat there in silence unsure what to do or say. He died? Just as he was about to go out and complete his lifelong dream, to be a hero to those who needed medicine; he died? What now? What about his family? What about his friends? Jack was devastated, he had no idea what he did to deserve this or what he could do about it. ¡°Now onto the good news!¡± the angel smiled as he walked around to the other side of his desk, and pulled out a blue folder. On the folder jack could see his name and it was in a gold embroidery. ¡°You my friend have a very, VERY good soul. See here at the gateway we use your Karma. You see your soul collects karma, and karma is used to get things in your next life. So for example this guy who came in before you was a weirdo and he would eat anything he could get his hands on so he didn¡¯t have many karma points and so he spent all of his points to keep one little ability. Personally I don¡¯t get it but what the heck.¡± He shrugged and with another poof he was on Jacks other side with a fild in hand. ¡°Now you on the other hand have accumulated a whopping 55,000 karma. It actually is 27,500 but due to that jerk wad who caused you¡¯re untimely death you got a bonus!¡± the angel smiled. The angel then brought a chart over to him, on it were what seemed to be a list of prices. ¡°What is this?¡± Jack asked with a look of confusion. ¡°This is what you can afford to use your karma points on, unfortunately for you your five thousand karma short to becoming a minor deity but there are other options here for you!¡± the angel optimistically pointed out with a bright smile. Jack sat there conflicted about what to do, he really wanted to return to his own life but seeing on the list that to travel back in time and revive was 150,000 karma points he didn¡¯t have a choice. However he hated the idea of everyone believing he committed suicide. ¡°Can I send a message to my family?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Sure can but I should let you know it won¡¯t affect the news or insurance and in the future everyone will still think you committed suicide, but only those who you send a message to will know the truth.¡± The angel declared. Jack sat there in silence for a moment before clearing his throat. ¡°Let¡¯s do it¡± Jack insisted ¡°Ok but so you know its 7,500 points per person.¡± The angel explained. ¡°I don¡¯t care. Im only sending four messages, my mom, dad, sister and grandma.¡± Jack declared. The angel pulled out a pen and three papers, ¡°Ok sign this. Here, here, and here¡± he pointed. As Jack signed he could see a number on his arm he hadn¡¯t noticed earlier. Now all he had left were 25,000 points. ¡°Now that you¡¯re past life affairs are done, I¡¯ll give you a moment to look over what you can get in your new life. When you need me just call. ¡± the angel then with another poof disappeared. After all that Jack then delved into the options, what could he get with 25,000 karma? Jack flipped through the first page which read where he could be.
World Selection
Current WorldNew WorldRandom
80002000100
What did this mean? New world? Random? ¡°Hey what¡¯s this about a new world? And what do you mean here by random¡± Angel popped up at his desk again, ¡°Ah yes that, well just so you know souls have to keep moving, and so staying in this world is a lot of work to do. New worlds are of your choosing, new worlds might have magic, might be technologically advanced, might be cave men. Basically any type of world you can think of, there¡¯s a world for that. While random is basically what it means.¡± Jack Pondered what he would do. A new world would give him a chance to make a life of his own and give him a chance to help those in need, also it cost less than to stay in his own world. Either way he could still help people. ¡°In that case how about a fresh start? A new world. What are my options?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Wonderful, tell me what you¡¯d like and I¡¯ll narrow down your search for you.¡± Jack Thought for a moment, then he realized he heard the angel say anything he could think of it was possible. So Jack asked, ¡°Is magic an option?¡± Ever since Jack was a child he always wanted to do magic, he thought if he could do magic he could always help more people. The angel looked at Jack and for a moment his eyes flashed, and finally said ¡°There are over 100,000 worlds with that option. So how about you set a level of magic, you can choose from lots of magic where everyone can do magic to a small amount of people cannot. There mid-level magic worlds with an average of 4 out of 10 people can to magic to 6 out of 10 people can do magic, or low level magic worlds where it is about 1 in 5 people can do magic.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go with a mid-level magic world with say, maybe 4 out of 10 people can do magic.¡± ¡°There are still 50,472 possibilities. How about another search category? Jack wondered for a moment, and thought what the hell? ¡°What about games?¡± Jack asked. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Like stats but that are used in real life, like in RPG games with strength, agility, dexterity, and luck with numerical values.¡± ¡°That¡¯s new, give me a moment.¡± The Angel¡¯s eyes shined brightly. Jack could get the feeling that it was a challenging request. It was a full minute before the angel¡¯s eyes were back to normal. With a smile he responded. ¡°Well you are an interesting one. I found one match but it¡¯s actually three worlds that came together, interesting. Anyway it fits that criteria. However they are worlds that we do not have control of. They are under the rule of a separate group of gods that aren¡¯t in relation with us. So you¡¯re a pioneer my friend. The gods of those worlds have agreed to accept you, also since you¡¯re the first to ever go to that kind of world you get to go for free but on the condition that you help them out. So you have 25,000 karma again.¡± ¡°Wow that¡¯s great! So what are the three worlds?¡± ¡°Actually those gods are in a sort of Union, so they have actually bridged their worlds together and you got three for the price of none, but you do get to choose which world to enter at.¡± After saying that the angel pulled out a paper in his desk and then drew a chart down. In less than 10 seconds a chart with descriptions was ready for him. ¡°Here this should help you make a choice. Also I should let you know that the worlds are composed of different races and cultures so be ready.¡± ¡°OK¡±
World Selection
ZerteLerdornKi
Human RealmBeast RealmDemon Realm
A Land of Humans, Elves and Dwarves, There are 6 Major kingdoms, and 13 Minor Kingdoms that are currently in power. Each kingdom has different terrain and religions. They currency of this land is Zerte Gold. Affinity neutralA Land of Beasts, there are 20 tribes of beasts, all with separate ways of life. There is not as much conflict unless the tribes are in Blood Feuds. This land values honor as much as their currency of ¡°Fang Coin¡±A Land of demons, currently there are no ruling kingdoms or major powers, this land is untamed and as such the all major cities are autonomous. This land accepts open trade and there is no set currency but gems and food are most common
Humans, Dwarves, Elves, and Half Elves are available for reincarnation.Unavailable. God of this world doesn¡¯t accept reincarnations. Orc, Draconian, Devils, and Serpentine are available for reincarnation
Jack saw all this and was astonished. All of these were available? Jack decided to pick Zerte, as it was similar to what he was used to. ¡°Let¡¯s go with Zerte. Now what?¡± Jack wondered. ¡°Now you pick what Race you¡¯ll be.¡±
Race Selection
HumanDwarvesElvesHalf ElvesRandom
10002000500020001500
Not powerful, but not weak, has the ability to do great things with hard work. Great Natural endurance, Strong but greedy, unable to use magicStrong affinity for magic, Agile and strong, but an arrogant race due to their natural abilities. Hated for past events, live secluded lives)A cross between human elves, not as strong as elves but stronger than humans. A cast out race not welcome everywhere. (commonly used as slaves)-any race may be chosen-
Avg lifespan (60-80yrs)Avg Lifespan (70 ¨C 110 )Avg. Lifespan 300 ¨C 1000Avg lifespan (100 ¨C 300)? All ages are not including unforeseen accidents and circumstances
As Jack saw this he was ecstatic, he could become an elf? However he didn¡¯t like that they were a secluded and hated race. Dwarves couldn¡¯t do magic, so they were out of the question, and half-elves weren¡¯t accepted everywhere and were often used as slaves. He wanted to help people but as an elf he had the most time, but as a human he would be accepted everywhere to help everyone, it was a difficult decision. ¡°Can I random between two races instead of the four?¡± Jack questioned. ¡°No sorry that¡¯s not how it works.¡± The angel sadly answered. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll be human again¡± Jack replied ¡°OK now lastly you choose your birth and natural abilities¡± ¡°How does that work?¡± ¡°Simple your total balance is 25,000 karma. From the charts the human god just sent me here are your choices¡± The angel again pulled out another chart but this time from nowhere. This chart was the most detailed of all. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
Rebirth circumstances
Noble¡¯s Heir -2000Commoner ¨C 500Blacksmith¡¯s Heir - 1000
Blacksmith¡¯s Heir - 1000Magician¡¯s Heir - 1000 Merchant¡¯s Heir ¨C 1500
Knight¡¯s Heir ¨C 1000Doctor¡¯s Heir -300Orphan ¨C 200
Magically talented (Higher than Avg.) ¨C 3000Magically gifted (normal magical power)¨C 2000Magically unmatched (first mage to attain power close to gods (10,000)
Magical Savant (a mage once every 100years) - 5000Physically superior (above Avg. lifespan) -2000Physically healthy (live avg lifespan) - 1000
Strong (above agv strength and growth) -1000Fit (avg strength) ¨C 500Ambidextrous ¨C 250
Powerful (strong and get stronger faster ) ¨C 1500Blessed (lucky) ¨C 500Linguist(learn different languages quickly and ancient languages easier ) ¨C 3000
Charismatic (people will like you more) ¨C 1500Natural Business sense (trading is easier) ¨C 2000Natural Healer (Healing magic is easier to learn and improve) -2000
Natural killer (the taking of or loss of life doesn¡¯t bother you) ¨C 1000Swordsman (Sword Techniques are easier to learn and improve ¨C 3000Natural Fighter (fighting techniques are easier to learn and improve) -2000
Natural Charm (Members of the opposite sex are more likely to be persuaded) ¨C 1250Natural Leader (leading people, managing followers, and raising armies are easier to you) ¨C 1500Heavy weight (bigger frame, more strength, consume more food, slower) -200
Normal (avg, frame, strength, and speed.) ¨C 200Naturally Creative (new ideas, methods and techniques are constantly going through your mind) ¨C 2000Light weight (Smaller frame, More speed, Consume less food, Faster) ¨C 200
Female ¨C 50Male ¨C 50Merchant¡¯s Heir ¨C 1500
Agile (more agile than most) ¨C 800Animal whisperer (able to convey feeling to animals easier) ¨C 300Acrobat (Req. Flexible; Bonus Agility) ¨C 500
Flexible (Req. Agile; bonus agility) ¨C 500Easy Childhood (worry free childhood; exception of divine intervention) ¨C 100*Any extra Karma not spent is forfeit *once decision has been made there are no returns
¡°WOW! That is a long list!¡± ¡°Yes there is, now I¡¯m sorry to say but we have to hurry. There¡¯s a deadline and if we don¡¯t hurry you¡¯ll be stuck here for about a century, so please hurry.¡± Saying this while taping a non-existent watch on his wrist. ¡°Ah yes well what happens if I have left over karma?¡± ¡°It depends on how much is left over¡± ¡°650¡± ¡°Well for 500 you can keep your memories.¡± ¡°What? Why wasn¡¯t that on the list?¡± ¡°Technically you¡¯re not supposed to, but due to these difficult circumstances its only right you get a chance, however there are some restrictions to it. Would you want to know what they are?¡± ¡°Yes, please¡± Jack said earnestly ¡°So from what we¡¯ve discussed with those gods, you won¡¯t have access until you clear certain conditions. Like for instance reaching Level One.¡± ¡°First level? Doesn¡¯t everyone start at level one?¡± ¡°No, on their world the First level is attained at the age of nine, only after that do you ¡®Level Up¡¯. From there is where your profession, or skills truly kick in. It¡¯s really quite fascinating if you ask me.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do it but what about my last 150 karma?¡± ¡°Hmm how about a gamble?¡± ¡°A gamble?¡± ¡°Yeah so what happens is you make a bet with a god and if you win you get favors, if you lose no sweat off your back.¡± ¡°What would I bet against?¡± ¡°You¡¯d have to discuss that with them.¡± Jack pondered for a moment before answering, with 150 points left over there wouldn¡¯t be much choice. ¡°Ok I¡¯ll speak with one of the other gods.¡± ¡°Sounds good to me!¡± as the angel clapped his hands the surroundings changed, the office room where they were in before had now changed into a white room with a door in the middle of it. On the door it said ¡®To Zerte, Lerdorn, and Ki¡¯, and next to that was the angel with another glowing pen. ¡°Take this and circle all the things on that page you want to start within the next life. Don¡¯t worry, I know your memories aren¡¯t on the list but that will come after.¡± Jack moved to get the pen and began circling all the things he wanted in his next life. On his list he made his choices then signed on the dotted line. In the end all that was left was the 650 karma. Jack suddenly felt something he hadn¡¯t in all the time he was alive. Fear; true fear of the unknown but in that fear he felt excitement. Excitement for everything that he would see, touch, feel and most of all a new chance to help those in need. ¡°Now for your memories, the new gods will handle that. I¡¯ve already handled that with them, all you have to do now is walk through that door, and you¡¯ll be out of my hands.¡± Jack walked to the door but just before he opened it he stopped. His hands trembling he thought to himself ¡®Just a few hours ago I was alive and going to start my dream, what am I doing? I can¡¯t do this. I have to go back. I thought this was all a delusion but now that I¡¯m here¡­ this door will lead me far from home and truly if I do this I¡¯ll never come home.¡¯ By now all the excitement had left him and all that was left was fear and uncertainty. When he was about to turn back the angel started speaking. ¡°Don¡¯t turn back. You¡¯ll regret it.¡± He angel spoke with sad but comforting smile. ¡°How do you know?¡± Jack nervously asked.. ¡°How¡¯s this then, do you want to know what angels are?¡± The angel asked. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jack stared ¡°Well you¡¯re not really supposed to know but, I was human once before. Problem was that when I died I had a soul with negative karma, so we work for eons. Trying to earn karma so we can be reborn. This form you see is an illusion, we have not all divine and happy, we are trying to scrape by and be reborn. I¡¯ve been working for almost 3000 years and after all that time I¡¯ve only gotten to 2900 karma. Your family will be fine, they will love long happy lives, management has already seen to that. It¡¯s what they deserve after that jerk wad got you killed.¡± The sad angel told him. Jack stood there, stunned with all the information just given to him. Angels are human souls, the angel that stood in front of him was almost 3000 years old and to Jack most importantly his family would be happy. The angel in front of him had given Jack the courage to leave his world and for that jack was grateful. Just then an idea came to him, what if the angel came with him? ¡°Can I give my karma away?¡± Jack asked ¡°Of course you can, but who would you give it to? There¡¯s a surcharge if you send it to your past life¡¯s friends and family.¡± ¡°You.¡± Jack smiled ¡°Ok I¡¯ll get the paper work ready to send karma to¡­. Wait what? Why would you give your karma to me? We barely know each other, you don¡¯t even know my name.¡± The angel was panicking, in his 3000 years no one had willingly given their karma away. ¡°Simple, you told me my family would be alright. That was something I would have given all my karma to know. So for the last 150 karma, please accept it with my heartfelt thanks.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Leonard was stunned, as a worker of rebirth he had thought he¡¯d seen it all but there was a first time for everything. The last time karma was freely given had been long forgotten and angels asking for karma was strictly forbidden. So this was Leo¡¯s chance, his opportunity to finally rest and be reborn. However he couldn¡¯t accept such a thing without a condition. For the first time in many years he felt a nobility n his heart that he had forgotten. In a serious attitude for the first time in almost 2000 years he cleared his throat. ¡°Ok I¡¯ll take your karma but in return I owe you a favor. I will make a contract now. Loyalty to you and those you care about in return for your karma. I won¡¯t be able to follow through to you now but in the future I will be there. Only if you accept these terms will I take your karma Jack.¡± As Leo said this he held his hand out ready to shake hands. The angel who spoke with dignity and conviction was serious, Jack wasn¡¯t expecting such a declaration, but how could jack refuse such an offer? ¡°Ok Angel, I accept but more than that I am happy I could have helped.¡± Jack smiled as he shook Leo¡¯s hand he felt his karma flow to him. ¡°Thank you Jack, now get through that door.¡± As the angel pushed him. Jack smiled then faced the door, took a deep breath and finally opened it up and walked through. As Jack walked through those doors he could feel himself being thrown throughout the cosmos. Spinning, turning, falling, flying or some mix of it all Jack couldn¡¯t tell what was happening to him, then just like that it stopped. Next thing he knew he was in front of a beautiful woman and next to her was the meanest most dangerous man he¡¯d seen in his life. The woman was what many would call stunning, her beauty could be seen as almost glowing. She had a very pale skin, with long white hair. She was wearing what most would consider to be an all too reveling toga. The man on the other hand was dressed in full black plate armor that looked darker than night with eyes as red like crimson blood. He looked at him and smiled. Jack thought he was going to die before he even got a chance to start his new life. ¡°Relax, he won¡¯t harm you unless you try anything funny.¡± The woman said, then suddenly the armor of the man disappeared and the man appeared next to the woman. Together they sat down on thrones that appeared out of nowhere. ¡°Now then, sit.¡± Before he knew it Jack had been flung across the room and landed on a chair in front of them. The two in front of him were obviously not to be messed with. ¡°I am the Goddess of Life, and he is my guardian Krieg. We are your sponsors here in our little corner or the realms.¡± She started as she waved her hands the papers that he signed were in them. ¡°Now before you are sent to your new life I must tell you not all the other gods were happy you decided to come here, so some may dislike you until you prove you can be of use to them as well.¡± she explained as the list in her hands suddenly caught flame into a bright white light. ¡°Now that I¡¯ve gone over your list and we are expecting great things from you so we have decided to give you a little bonus.¡± As she spoke Krieg had handed her a two bracelets, one was a dark silver and the other was a bronze color. ¡°These aren¡¯t you average bracelets, they are blessings from Krieg and I. They will be at the main temple in Setat.¡± As she told him this the bracelets shone a bright light then disappeared. Next she made a mirror appear. In the mirror Jack could see a small village, as it zoomed in the mirror divided its focus onto three families. ¡°Now then, let¡¯s get to your new life. Here you have three choices. The three families are all what you wanted with only slight differences in profession. The first are the Greywolves, they are a family of farmers and hunters with an interesting past. Next are the Whitehall¡¯s, a family of peddlers that travel from village to village with a keen ability to make profit and travel the land. Then lastly there are the Rooks, they are a small family that run the family tavern nothing special really.¡± ¡°Can you tell me more about them?¡± Jack asked. ¡°No¡± she flatly answered. ¡®Rejected¡­¡¯ Jack thought. Jack needed now, more than anything was to be sure of what exactly was he getting himself into. The hunter-farmer family would give him stable amounts of food. The peddlers would give him a chance to see the surrounding areas and the tavern family would get him some sort of connections. What should he do? ¡°Before you decide though, there are some things you should know. This village is at the frontier, near the ¡®Great forest¡¯. In this area there are many monsters which are known to attack travelers. Also I know back in your world bandits aren¡¯t an issue but here there are bandits who are known to attack villagers and travelers. So be warned, that is the end of all information you will receive about your new life.¡± She declared. Bandits, monsters and wild animals? Well now he was sure of what to do. ¡°I¡¯d like to be a Greywolf.¡± Jack declared. ¡°Very well, now about your memories. I have decided to let you keep your memories but to be more specific your past life and family, the accident, and your hopes and dreams. I believe it will do you well, however your skills such as medical training, combat training, etc. have been removed from your memory. You will remember this conversation as well so you understand the gap in your memory.¡± She explained to him. ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Jack exclaimed. ¡®Really? No its not stupid hu-¡® Krieg though ¡®Hush now Krieg, do you really think he has a choice?¡¯ She projected into his mind. ¡®Opps, apologies My Goddess.¡¯ He answered back quickly. ¡°So in return I will take only 250 karma from you, the rest of your karma you can use it receiving challenges from us.¡± The goddess declared. Slowly she gestured Jack to her side and smiled then whispered ¡°Something you should know is that your skills can be unlocked by attaining our blessed bands. So it is in your interest to get them earlier on. With that our business is concluded. Good luck, Kaiden¡± Just like that Jack was whisked away and sent into the mirror, thus beginning his new life. A/N: HEY EVERYBODY, MOST OF YOU MIGHT NOTICE I DIDNT ACTUALLY CHANGE TOO MUCH HERE. CHANGES WILL BE WHEN I ADD CHAPTERS THAT WEREN''T THERE IN THE BEGINNING, ALLOWING ME TO EXPAND THE STORY WORLD! THANKS FOR READING PLEASE RATE, REVIEW AND COMMENT! Chapter 2 - A New Wolf Ch-2 A New Wolf to the Pack -Divine Throne Room of Life- Silence blanketed the room now. Krieg was sitting next to her with a conflicted expression. It was the first time both her and Krieg had willingly granted both of their blessings and she could see he was obviously troubled. ¡°What is it my dear Krieg?¡± she playfully asked knowing already exactly what he was thinking. ¡°It¡¯s nothing my goddess.¡± He replied trying to look normal. ¡°Hah you still can¡¯t lie very well even after all our time together, tell me what troubles you.¡± She smirked. ¡°Hmmm¡­ yes¡­ well it¡¯s just that with our blessings he could become the next champion of Zerte. I¡¯m just worried about his intentions. He has great potential to bring disaster to us, was it wise for both of us to grant that one our blessings? ¡°Krieg confessed his feelings. The goddess only smiled as she passed a parchment to him. It was the list of abilities that were chosen by the new one and as Krieg looked at it, his eyes burned with concern. He saw how much power that one would wield. Krieg suddenly went in front of her and kneeled. ¡°My Goddess, I am deeply troubled. I believe far too much power has been given to him. Should he gain access to our blessings he could destroy kingdoms! Let me strike him down now and save us the worry.¡± Krieg pleaded ¡°YOU WILL DO NO SUCH THNG!¡± she roared in a fit of anger. The white divine glow of the room they were in had now suddenly turned black. Krieg was surprised to say the least. It was the first time in a long time he had ever felt fear from her. Memories of when he was a mortal returned to him, memories not in the least pleasant. Slowly she calmed down and the room slowly came back to light. She then breathed in and out slowly to calm herself until she was in control. ¡°Look at his choices.¡± She pointed out. As Krieg looked at the page yet was still in confusion.
Summary
Normal ,Male, CommonerGrand Total 24,350
Abilities Summary
Magical Savant (5000), physically superior (2000), Strong (1000) Ambidextrous (250) blessed (500) Linguist (3000) Charismatic (1500) Natural Healer (2000) Natural Swordsman (3000) Natural Charm (1250) Natural Leader (1500) Naturally Creative (2000) Agile (800)
Special
Diving Blessings
(LOCKED)Goddess of Life (LOCKED) War Spirit Krieg
¡°I¡¯m sorry my Goddess but all I see are the gifts and abilities granted to him. I don¡¯t see anything that proves he is not a threat to the world.¡± Krieg declared. As the Goddess sighed the parchment lit up. From there the circumstances of his birth were shining. Yet still Krieg did not understand, he stared until finally the Goddess sighed. ¡°This is why you¡¯re the warrior Krieg. Look here, you see that? He has got himself some of the most powerful and world breaking abilities. Yet look here, he chose to be a commoner. A normal commoner, despite being able to be a powerful noble where he could raise the ranks quicker, he chose a commoner. Next he chose a farmer-hunter family. They protect the village from beasts, report of any sort of dangers that lurk in the forest and we both know what dangers lie in that forest. On top of that with his strength he will be able to harvest more food.¡± ¡°Yes, I see that my goddess but it still doesn¡¯t prove he isn¡¯t a threat.¡± Krieg said. ¡°Yes that is true that from this there is no evidence that he¡¯d be a force for good but why do you think I let him keep his personality? He will remember his hopes and dreams and the family that raised him and the family that will raise him will lead him to a path of righteousness. That is why Krieg that I granted him what he asked for.¡± She explained. As she said this Krieg could sense a bit of pride in her voice. ¡°I see now but may I keep a few followers on him? Just to make sure he stays on the path we have led him.¡± Krieg requested. ¡°Fine, but should he ever come into danger I expect you to help him.¡± She replied ¡°Of course my Goddess.¡± Krieg spoke and then he vanished. As soon as Krieg left the Goddess moved to the mirror where Jack was being born. She extended her hand and held it to the mirror, slowly caressing the image of Jack. ¡°Grow up strong Jack, the world is waiting for you¡­ I just hope you¡¯ll be strong enough when the time comes.¡± She whispered. -Clearwater Village- Year 211 Third Age It was the middle of the night and at the Greywolf farm the cries of a Maria Greywolf could be heard coming from inside. Meanwhile Christian Greywolf stood outside panicking about the birth of his child. His wife was in the middle of labor and as custom he had to wait until the first cry of his child before entering to see them. ¡®How long was this supposed to take?¡¯ He thought while rubbing his sweaty palms.. This was his first child and he didn¡¯t know how to hold in his anxiety. As he stood waiting with the constant screams of his wife he worried about his soon to be newborn. Would he be healthy, smart, hard working or intelligent? All these thoughts swarmed his mind but in the end it didn¡¯t matter. Christian had promised his wife that he¡¯d love the child no matter what. After what seemed to be forever the first cries he heard came out and he could finally enter. Christian rushed in and the first thing he could see was his wife holding his child and the priestesses relaxing and taking a breather. His newborn was wrapped in a warm blanket fidgeting and moving around. As he crossed the room to look at his newborn he became confused. The child wasn¡¯t crying but looking around as if fascinated by the world around him, but the most confusing thing was his eyes, they weren¡¯t brown like his wife or blue like his but they were green. Green eyes were known to be the eyes of mages and magic normally only appeared in the families of mages. ¡°How can he be a mage? No one in the Greywolf family has ever been a mage!¡± he stammered. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Nobody but the village chief¡¯s granddaughter has magic in our little village.¡± She replied in a soft tone. Christian nodded his head in silence. The only thing that could be said was that it was a miracle, mages born from non-mage family were very rare. ¡°So is it a boy or girl?¡± he asked. ¡°It¡¯s a He. Christian you get to name him.¡± She smiled weakly. Christian had been expecting a girl so he was unprepared for a boy¡¯s name. Then it came to him suddenly like the goddess of life spoke to him directly. ¡°Kaiden is what we¡¯ll name him. After you father.¡± He smiled in return. As he said this her tears began to flow. Her father was killed recently by bandits while on the way to the capital. ¡°Kaiden Tala Greywolf. I like it¡± she responded. Together they sat there in silence, just enjoying a moment with their firstborn child. Slowly the old priestesses left the room, leaving the new family alone. As the last of the priestess prepared to leave the room she quickly spoke to them. ¡°Your child is blessed.¡± The priestess said as she held the door open. Confused and tired the two replied, ¡°How is he blessed priestess?¡± ¡°He carries the eyes of a magical savant. No human has ever had this since the last age. It¡¯s said only one appears every hundred years.¡± She explained to them. Their expressions were that of confusion and shock. ¡°How do you know?¡± they asked. ¡°His eyes are too bright to be a normal mage. I have seen many mages born and yes they do have green eyes, everyone knows this. However your child has green eyes but if you look into them you will notice the green isn¡¯t fading. Normal mage births after the first hour the color fades away until the age of nine where the awakening happens and the magic matures. Your child is definitely a Magical savant and he will be great but take heed to keep him safe as many will try to take him from you. The other Priestesses and I have agreed not to tell anyone but it will be increasingly difficult as he grows up. Please take care and good night¡± the old priestess explained then bid them farewell. For a moment in silence the two looked at each other, unsure of what to say or do. They looked at their child, the future their child could change the world. Maria then spoke with what could only be defined as a mother¡¯s tone. ¡°Whatever happens, he is still our little boy.¡± She softly gently. ¡°You¡¯re right, but who knew our child would be amazing before his first day of life?¡± Christian replied. ¡°True, but that¡¯s all the more reason to raise him right.¡± She told him off in a serious tone. Christian knew his child would be great but to be this great Christian worried about the future. His sin would change the world, he knew it. Until then he knew that it was in his hands to raise the man his child would become. The thought of that scared him but then he looked into his son¡¯s eyes he saw the truth. It didn¡¯t matter, this was his son and he was his father no matter what. Thus ended their night and the new family slowly drifted to sleep. Outside of the little home Krieg appeared. Silently he stood and watched unseen by those around him, he whispered ¡°I will be watching Kaiden and so will my followers. May the faith the goddess has placed in you be well placed... or else.¡± Then as quick as he appeared he vanished, like smoke and wind. ---5 Years Later¡ª It was early morning, the sun had just risen and the air was cool. Spring had come and it was time to start working the fields. Kaiden had just woken up and took the time to look around his home. It wasn¡¯t much but it was enough, there was food, a comfortable place to sleep, and most of all he had his family. His house was quite small, he slept in his own room while his parents slept in another. Not rich but not lacking in others. Downstairs was the kitchen and common room. Below there was the cellar, but Kaiden had never seen what was in there. As Kaiden got up to get ready he could smell food being prepared downstairs. Kaiden put on his clothes and went down and to his surprise he saw his father. Normally his father was out in the field in the mornings. As well as his father being there his mother had made his favorite breakfast of eggs and ham. Meat was difficult seeing how spring had only just arrived. Kaiden thought to himself ¡®What is going on?¡¯ Although he didn¡¯t complain as he hurriedly started to eat. ¡°Morning son, sleep well?¡± his father asked. ¡°Yup!¡± Kaiden exclaimed. Although he had memories of a past life, he couldn¡¯t help but feel like a kid again. Due to his personality he decided to really enjoy his youth in the new world, as there were no second chances in life he didn¡¯t squander it. He ate his parents and noticed a look he rarely saw, worry. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is there something on my face?¡± Kaiden said trying to relieve his parents look. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. With a smile his mother replied, ¡°Haha, no my little jester. It¡¯s just that tomorrow is your fifth birthday and there¡¯s something we have for you.¡± ¡®Fifth birthday? I guess it is, but what¡¯s so special about it?¡¯ Kaiden thought. ¡°For a long time now, you¡¯ve known that green eyes means that you have a talent for magic¡± his father started. Kaiden just nodded his head up and down. As he did that though he could see his parents giving each other slight glances to one another, thus increasing his confusion. He heard the explanation when he was three about how green eyes meant mage. ¡°What we didn¡¯t tell you was that the green color is only supposed to come out when you do magic.¡± His mother explained. ¡°Oh, but what does that matter?¡± Kaiden wondered. His parents looked at each other and then his father started to explain, ¡°Well since your eyes are green all the time it means your special. So along with you being special there are bad men who take special children away. Away from families and friends, so we want you to know that what happens tomorrow is important.¡± ¡°What¡¯s so important about my birthday? Is someone taking me away? What¡¯s happening?¡± Kaiden said as he slowly began panicking. ¡°No, no, no dearest. Nobody is taking you away.¡± His mother said, trying to calm him down as she went to his side of the table. ¡°Tomorrow is your birthday but it¡¯s also [Revelation Day] and by law we have to send you to start your training. See no big deal.¡± His mother reassured him. The village was a league or two away and it was a large village with about five hundred people. Although he never went into town with his father or his mother he knew where it was. Now that he knew the truth about his eyes he understood why, if people saw his eyes they would begin to talk and word would travel. Why he never went into town made sense now. ¡°So that¡¯s why today we have a friend coming today. She is going to help hide the color of your eyes.¡± His father explained. ¡°Okay, but will the green come back? I like my eyes.¡± Kaiden asked. As his parents were not sure of what exactly would happen, they couldn¡¯t answer him. Kaiden had always been able to talk his way into the truth so they didn¡¯t bother lying to him. As they were about to tell him they didn¡¯t know they heard a knock on their door. ¡°It¡¯ Lina.¡± The female voice said from the other side of the door. A wave of relief spread through them as they opened the door. Kaiden sat there next to the table and saw a woman come in. she wasn¡¯t particularly thick or thin but she looked hungry. She was covered in a thick cloak but didn¡¯t look hot in the least. ¡°Lina! It¡¯s so good to see you! Are you well?¡± his parent exclaimed as that gave her a big warm hug. ¡°Well you know me, head here and heads there. Time in the ¨C¡° ¡±Hush Lina! Kaiden is a little too young to hear about such things.¡± His mother said. ¡°Hah sorry Maria. I¡¯m just still surprised that you two had a son who¡¯s a mage and that he¡¯s a magical savant. Now then I have a method that can help but I have to see your son first.¡± She said with a bright smile. ¡°Of course, he should meet his Aunt Lina. Over here, Lina meet Kaiden, Kaiden meet Lina.¡± His father gestured them to each other. As Kaiden got off his chair to shake her hand he felt something. A surge of power flowed between them from himself to her. Lina smiled as she started talking to Kaiden ¡°Sorry about that, it¡¯s easier this way for me to know if I can help you.¡± ¡°Help me how?¡± Kaiden asked. ¡®What was that? It felt like I all my energy was being drained.¡¯ He thought. ¡°Before that lets sit down. I¡¯m starving!¡± She said. As she sat down and began eating breakfast with them. After a few minutes of small talk she finally cleared her throat. ¡°Maria, Christian, your son is quite something. The mana I sensed in him blew me away. For someone his age that amount of mana is astounding. This will be very good for all of us.¡± She smirked with a gleam in his eye. Slowly she took out something in her robe what looked like a crystal rock. ¡°This is a magic stone. Mages use mana for spells and this stone helps us hold the excess of that mana. So the plan is to drain your mana, fill the magic stones I have with your mana, and then sell some.¡± She explained with a glint in her eyes. ¡®Step one. Step two. Profit¡¯ Kaiden thought to himself. ¡°Sell his mana? You sure that¡¯s a good idea?¡± his father asked. ¡°It¡¯s not common since most mages use mana for everything but it¡¯s possible. Mana that isn¡¯t used is a waste so at the end of the day most mages add what mana they haven¡¯t used into these stones. Then use it for more advanced research or big spells and enchantments.¡± She told them. ¡°So how much is a mana stone worth?¡± Kaiden asked. ¡°Ah well there are certain requirements set by the Mages Association but they can go anywhere from one gold to one hundred-fifty gold depending on how much there is.¡± She said proudly. Kaiden looked to his families face only to see shock. Was that a lot of money? He had a feeling it was so he decided it was worth trying to get a piece of it. With a sigh his father let out, ¡°For that much money, I feel like I wasted so much time back then.¡± ¡°Well Christian that¡¯s why Allie was always rolling in gold back then.¡± Lina joked. ¡°Hey guarding caravans is hard work.¡° He said. ¡°We know dear, we know.¡± Maria said. ¡°So how much of what you sell will be mine?¡± Kaiden asked. While trying to be as cute as possible. With a funny look everyone stared at him. On the side Lina thought ¡®What did this kid just say? Did he want money? He shouldn¡¯t even know the importance of money at that age but why not, I¡¯ll make a killing off this anyway.¡¯ ¡°You will make one gold off of every stone¡± she said with a smile but as she finished every sentence Kaiden then stopped smiling. ¡°Why so little?¡± Kaiden said. ¡°Little?!¡± Lina exclaimed. ¡°Why should you get all the gold if it¡¯s my mana?¡± Kaiden asked with a tone he used only when being stubborn. ¡®Damn this kid is going to be a tough negotiator.¡¯ After a few seconds she decided to test him. ¡°How much do you think you should get?¡± she asked. ¡°I should get one piece for every two pieces you get.¡± he said with a straight face. ¡°Why should you get that much?¡± she asked while still trying to understand him. ¡°Well, it¡¯s my mana but your stones, so one and one. Since you¡¯re helping me though its two to one you. Then finally since I can¡¯t use magic yet you get three to one¡± Kaiden explained. All while still trying to remain cute. ¡°You said one for you for every two of mines though.¡± Lina replied. ¡°Oh, hmm well it¡¯s that way cause we¡¯re friends!¡± Kaiden said with a smile. ¡®Oh my, this child is quite devious.¡­ He¡¯s lucky he¡¯s cute¡¯, she thought. After a few moments she replied. ¡°OK you have a deal little guy but your parents will hold onto your money until you really need it. Just so you don¡¯t spend it when you don¡¯t need it.¡± She finally said. ¡°OK, but give half to my parents. The other half save.¡± Kaiden said. Christian and Maria just sat there, they never taught Kaiden what the value of money was but he smart enough to know it was important. Next was that they were going to have gold, normally in a year they made about 2 gold. Farming equipment was affordable, but with gold they could buy new land, hire workers, and plant cash crops. ¡°Now that negotiations are over let¡¯s see how much mana you¡¯ve got. Take my hand¡± Lina said with an outstretched hand. There was one hand open and then one hand on the magic stone. Kaiden reached out and slowly he could feel something. The feeling was similar unfamiliar, almost like a numbness but no loss of feeling. There was only slight discomfort but the longer they held hands the more the discomfort grew. Almost ten minutes of holding hands they stopped. Kaiden wasn¡¯t comfortable but at least it wasn¡¯t painful. ¡°Sorry, it must have been pretty unpleasant but at least there¡¯s progress.¡± Lina said. Kaiden was now feeling tired. Normally only after a hard day of working the field with his dad did he feel this much exhaustion and before he knew it he fell asleep at the family table. Lina was shocked as she checked the mana stone, it was almost full. ¡®How could such a young boy have so much pure mana in him? I¡¯ve only seen two full mana stones in my entire life and they were at the Kingdoms Magical Academy.¡¯ She realized. ¡°Wow, this is amazing.¡± She said out loud, still amazed. ¡°We told you you¡¯d like him¡± Maria smiled. ¡°Well I do like him but this magic stone doesn¡¯t mean much unless his eyes stop being green so I guess we¡¯ll see how his eyes are when he wakes.¡± Lina replied. ¡°Umm just out of curiosity, how much of that magic stone did he fill up?¡± Christian asked. ¡°95% of it.¡± Lina said nonchalantly. ¡°Umm how much is that worth?¡± Christian asked. ¡°400 Gold at least¡± Lina smiled. ¡°400 Gold?!¡± They gasped in unison. ¡°Yeah but I took a lot out of him, but in truth at this age he might even be more powerful as he grows up. Especially now that his magical core has room to grow.¡± ¡°Wow.¡± Christian and Maris sighed. Christian looked up and realized he still had to work. So he left the women to go work the fields. ¡°Now we have time to catch up.¡± Maria exclaimed and with a smile they chatted the day away. It was night time when Kaiden woke up, he wasn¡¯t as tired but still he felt drained. He then noticed he was in his bed not at the kitchen table so he got up and searched for his parents. Downstairs they were eating and as he got closer they stopped. They were all staring at him as if he had a third eye. ¡°What?¡± Kaiden asked Slowly his parents came to him and held him tight. As he looked at the window he could see a slight reflection. His eyes weren¡¯t the bright green they always were, they were a cool blue like his father¡¯s. ¡°Now we don¡¯t have to worry, Thank you Lina.¡± Christian said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if I take a little bit every day we can hide his eyes but I can¡¯t stay here forever. The longest I can stay is two years. After that I can try to find a replacement.¡± She said sadly. ¡°No, it¡¯s more than ok. We trust you Lina.¡± His mother said. ¡°Ok now let¡¯s eat and get you ready for training tomorrow.¡± His father laughed. As Kaiden sat there he was excited, tomorrow would be the first time he met someone outside his farm. Finally he would meet his first friend. Chapter three - Clearwater Village Ch. ¨C 3 Clearwater Village Early next morning they woke up early to prepare for the journey ahead, the time it took to go to the village was a few hours. Last night his family explained to him that the Revelation Day was three parts. There was the Soldiers¡¯ Part where if you were accepted you would be given a training sword and be sent to the barracks for three days a week. After four years of training there was a graduation duel. This determined the rank of the swordsman and their possible careers in the future. Next was the much sought after Mage¡¯s Path, if a child was fortunate and had a gift of magical abilities and some talent then they were given a chance to go to the city and study. As an acolyte for five days at a time, they would be educated in mana control and the usage of spells. This would begin a path of lifelong training and a steady career for the most part. After four years then lastly there was the Healer¡¯s Path where those were picked could learned alchemy. Healers would learn alchemy and the formations of potions and elixirs. Of course to make all those, the student would have to learn how to brew potions and take a very long and arduous process on plants and herbs from across the continent. ¡°Have you thought about what you wanted to be son?¡± his mother asked as he came to the table to eat. Down here his father was waiting for him so he could take him to town. ¡°I want to be a healer!¡± Kaiden yelled in excitement. ¡°Healer? Why?¡± His father joked knowing fully why. ¡°So I can help people! Like how you helped mom when she was sick. If I can help people then families can stay happy!¡± Kaiden yelled with a childlike squeal. ¡°Oh such a big heart! You must get that from your mother.¡± Lina said as she came through the front door. ¡°Good morning Lina¡± they said in unison. ¡°Morning all.¡± ¡°Kaiden, before you go I¡¯m going to take a little mana from you ok?¡± ¡°Ok, but I don¡¯t want to fall asleep like yesterday.¡± Kaiden quickly said.. ¡°Of course not.¡± She replied. Then they joined hands for a few minutes ¡°Ok, all done. Have a good time at the village.¡± Lina smiled. ¡°Finish eating and let¡¯s be off. Don¡¯t want to be late now.¡± His father smiled. As Kaiden finished eating he went to leave with his father. His mother and Lina bid him farewell as he got onto his father¡¯s horse and started trotting off. Lina and Maria went back into the house and finished eating. As they were cleaning up Lina started to ask. ¡°Do you know how much mana your son has saved up in him?¡± ¡°No why?¡± ¡°He currently has the mana capacity of an Initiate mage.¡± ¡°What?! That can¡¯t be!¡± Maria exclaimed in shock. ¡°I was surprised too. Yesterday he had what felt like Magistair Mage magic considering all the mana I took out of him. Also considering he was able to fill that much of a mana stone it¡¯s not surprising.¡± She said. ¡°I thought he was in initiate rank?¡± Maria stammered. ¡°Well that¡¯s what his current capacity is now, but he¡¯s going to grow into something amazing.¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°Mana builds up in everything and then there¡¯s a limit. By using mana our storage slowly expands. Kaiden on the other hand is different, when he reaches his maximum capacity it doesn¡¯t just stop, instead his mana slowly grows, further increasing his mana capacity.¡± She explained ¡°And what does that mean?¡± Maria puzzled. ¡°Basically he will grow into a mage without any worries from lack of mana and by constantly emptying his mana into the mana stones he will slowly increase his ability to hold mana. By the time he is nine he might have more mana than a Silver Rank Initiate, he might even hold more mana than Bronze Acolyte Mages and have as much as Magistair Mages.¡± She told Maria. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ Amazing.¡± Maria stood there stunned ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m actually a little jealous.¡± Lina said. As they finished up they began getting to work on the farm. Kaiden sat in front of his father on the horse. They were going a decent speed and he could begin to see the village walls at a distance. ¡°Before we get to the village Kaiden you should know something about the village.¡± His father said. Kaiden listened with earnest. ¡°Our little village has a council of five elders. They help make the decisions of our town. There is one elder for every 120 people. So as you can tell there are quite a few people in our village and so you¡¯re going to have to meet a lot of people today.¡± He explained. Kaiden was amazed, he knew that it was a village but he wasn¡¯t expecting so many people. What could he learn and do there? ¡®For a village of this size there must be so much to see. I can¡¯t wait.¡¯ Kaiden thought. ¡°Now as for Revelation Day, all the children are tested the same. I¡¯ll be watching so do your best and show them what the son of ¡®The Grey Fang¡¯ can do!¡± he said earnestly. ¡°The Grey Fang?¡± Kaiden asked confused. ¡°Oh yeah I guess I never told you. I was a mercenary back in the day. After my graduation from training I worked the farm until I was old enough to join a mercenary group that would take me.¡± He said proudly. ¡°Wow dad.¡± Kaiden said. He couldn¡¯t believe such a gentle man could have been a famous mercenary. ¡°Yeah so do me and your mom proud!¡± He said. ¡°I will!¡± Kaiden said. As they reached the gates of the village the guards stopped them. ¡°Halt! Who goes there?!¡± they shouted at a distance. ¡°It¡¯s me you blind bat! Christian Greywolf. I have with me my son for Revelation Day!¡± He shouted in reply. ¡°Ah ¡®Grey Fang¡¯!¡± they said with a smile. As the two of them neared the gate they were greeted by two guards. ¡°We were starting to doubt if you even had a son since you never brought him into the village! Haha will you introduce us to the lad?¡± They smiled ¡°Sure thing come over here. Kaiden this here on the left is dumb and the one next to him is dumber.¡± his father said. ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t go spouting off such things!¡± they two guards shouted in unison. ¡°He¡¯s the dumber one!¡± they pointed at each other. Then like that they all laughed. ¡°Just kidding son, that on the left is Robert, and on the left is Fered. They are the guards of the west gate.¡± His father told him. ¡°Wow your son looks just like you Christian. Although he looks a bit smarter¡± Robert said. ¡°Hah well he is smarter than me I won¡¯t deny it. Probably got it from his mother.¡± His father smiled with pride. ¡°Obviously he got his smarts from Maria not from you Christian.¡± Fered replied. ¡°Ain¡¯t that the truth? Where¡¯s the recruitment being held this year?¡± Christian asked. ¡°Like it is every year, in the village circle. Hurry up they¡¯re about to start.¡± Robert gestured as the gate opened. ¡°Thanks, are your kids in this year?¡± Christian asked as the gate slowly opened. ¡°Not this year, next year for my kids¡± Robert said. ¡°My daughter is in this year.¡± Fered grinned. He then looked at Kaiden and said, ¡°If you need help ask her, her name is Pam, look for the girl with red hair and brown eyes. There¡¯s only one this year.¡± He said with a smile. ¡°Will I see you at the proving?¡± Christian said to them. ¡°Of course! Robert is taking double shift so I can.¡± He laughed while patting Roberts back. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to tell him about the bet as well¡± Robert said. ¡°Haha I¡¯ll tell him later tonight. Who knows maybe Christian will bet too¡± Fered said. As they finally entered the village. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± Christian laughed, then he rode off into the village circle. After a few minutes they arrived and Kristian could see a group of kids. Maybe thirty kids were there with their parents. Christian got off the horse and let it to and tied it to the post. Then helped Kaiden off, they then walked to the circle. Kaiden could see all the glances the other parents were giving him and his father. ¡®Was I that big a mystery?¡¯ he thought. As he arrived, another group of men arrived at the square. Kaiden could see they were being led by some people who could only be the elders to the center of their group of kids. ¡®Ah, it seems some big fish have arrived¡¯ Kaiden thought to himself. One of the elders raised his hands and the group silenced. He cleared his throat and began to speak. ¡°Welcome to Revelation Day! Today we shall see who among our children will become soldiers, mages, or healers. Those who meet the requirements will gain permission from the crown to undergo training in those fields. Those of you do not will then have to wait until the day of professions. Now without further ado we will introduce the three who will be in charge of this year¡¯s recruitment day.¡± The first to step up was a man in armor, plate armor to be exact. Around him he could hear the parents saying he must have been a high ranking soldier and he could hear the other kids saying how cool he was. ¡°This is Raz, commander of the fourth brigade under the 2nd Legion. He has helped defend our Kingdom for over fifteen years and fought in the war to defend us from the Honine Kingdom ten years ago.¡± Another Elder declared. ¡®Wow a real war hero¡¯ Kaiden thought. He saw Raz step back, then another man stepped forward. Another stepped forward and then told them who he was. ¡°This is Sune, a mage. Due to Mage Council Law, I can¡¯t announce his rank except to let you know he is above a Silver Magistair mage. He was a teacher at the royal magical academy until recently.¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡®I still don¡¯t understand mage rankings; I guess he¡¯s pretty powerful.¡¯ Kaiden figured. Lastly a woman from their group came forward. She was covered in a hood but removed it to face the crowd. The crowd began to whisper but the elder who was introducing her cleared his throat. ¡°This is Alia and as you can tell she is a half-elf. She is my aunt so I expect you all to be respectful of her.¡± The elder said with a serious brow. ¡°Haha ignore Gregor, I am here to teach all those who are adept at the art of healing.¡± She said while wrapping her arms around the Elder. As they did this the group laughed, and another elder came forward. ¡°Parents please leave the square and stand outside. Of course you may still watch but please be silent.¡± He said. Parents gave their children hugs of encouragement and reassuring looks. Kaiden looked at his father and all he got was a thumbs up then left him there in the circle. ¡°With this we shall begin the annual recruitment day test!¡± he bellowed. ¡°First today we shall be starting with the mages test! Children please stand in a row. Mage Sune will explain what will happen.¡± The elder then stepped back and Sune the mage came forward. He stepped forward to the first child and told him. ¡°Touch the ball¡± he said simply. The child reached and grabbed the ball, waited for a moment yet nothing happened. Then he went to the next child then the next and so on and so forth. For some children the ball did nothing, for some the ball lit up brightly, some dimly. When it was finally his turn he touched the ball and it glowed blue then white. Then the two colors it glowed shone and mixed into what could be said as a light show. ¡°Good, you have talent¡± Sune told him. ¡°Thanks¡± he replied. Then he moved on yet no other child could replicate his effects on the ball, not even close. After the last child was done Sune went back to the group, without a word. Not sure of what to say an elder quickly came up to them and said. ¡°Your results will be told to you at the end of the tests. Now next we have the healer¡¯s exam.¡± ¡°Hello young ones! I am Alia and for your test it¡¯s quite simple, I have with me a bunch of plants, they are all the same five plants, all of them have poisonous parts yet they all have parts that can be used to cure vitality. Your job is to grab any plant and separate it into poison parts and useful parts.¡± Alia said. A cart of the plants then came into view. All the children walked over to the cart with confidence. Every child was taught at a young age what parts were usually dangerous and were ok. Yet when they got to the cart they stopped being so confident. On the cart were plants they¡¯d never seen before? ¡°A good healer knows how to tell what is dangerous by sight and what isn¡¯t. These are plants found all around this kingdom not just this area.¡± She lectured. All the kids immediately grabbed plants that were what they recognized, by the time Kaiden got to choose all the easy plants were taken. So he grabbed the biggest plant that was left, it was a yellow flower that had purple stripes. It was a true challenge, the first since he¡¯d come to this world. He analyzed, felt the stem, and even tasted a little until he had some hint of the properties but it wasn¡¯t until he smelled it that he had a real idea of what to use. He separated the petals from the stem and broke the roots off from the bottom. He was then left with three piles. All the other children had already finished so Kaiden was last. ¡°Times up! I¡¯m coming around to look at what you have.¡± Aila said as she began walking around. Sometimes she smiled but most the time her face was that of she was searching for something. Alia walked around searching for any talent. For the past year she and the other two had been traveling from village to village searching for talent for the kingdom but normally it was mediocre at best. People could be trained for combat, or taught now to control magic but healing was complicated. Healing took experience or talent, learning how to heal would cost too many lives. As she had already given up at finding any talent in this village she was surprised to see one child who had just put all the parts in the middle in front of him. Curious she just had to ask. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you separate them?¡± she asked the boy. ¡°Because it doesn''t make sense.¡± he replied. ¡°Doesn¡¯t make sense?¡± she repeated. Never in all her years as a healing instructor had anyone said this before. ¡°Yes because the petals and pollen are paralyzing, so with too much it could kill but with just enough it could relieve pain. The stem and roots are poisonous but I don¡¯t know what they do so they can either be good or bad. So like I said, it doesn''t make sense!¡± He pointed out as he yanked his hair. ¡°I see¡± she smiled. ¡®Finally, some talent. I have to admit I¡¯m surprised there would be talent here.¡¯ she thought. ¡°That concludes the Healer¡¯s Test everyone. Good work! Like Sune I will tell you all the results after.¡± She smiled. As Raz heard that he moved to the front of them. With a big smile he pulled out a sword. It wasn¡¯t fancy, at most it looked like a common iron sword with the exception of an emblem on the front. ¡°Now is my test. As you all know I am Raz and today I have with me special sword. This is the sword of qualification made by the Great Paladin Ezil and the Magus Maxil of the first age. It¡¯s an artifact that will change its form depending on those qualified. It was made for this purpose of finding warriors for the old kingdom. You will all take hold of it one at a time and the emblem on it will change according to your warrior path. Now for some of you the emblem will disappear, but that doesn¡¯t means that you aren¡¯t worthy. So keep your chin up high.¡± Raz explained. One by one kids went up to grad the sword. The first one changed into a shield and sword, then a great sword, then two swords came up. Raz smiled for each emblem changing then one child didn¡¯t have an emblem and started crying. Raz stopped and touched the child on the shoulder and told him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You may not be chosen as a warrior but there are other honorable paths, don¡¯t worry.¡± Raz comforted the child then continued until Kaiden. He looked at Kaiden but in his eyes with no hope, Kaiden had shown skills in healing and magic as he understood. No one person would be granted the skills of all three paths. Yet as Kaiden touched the hilt of the sword it glowed and the emblem showed am emblem that Raz had only seen in books. It was a sword covered in blue fire; it was the path of the magic swordsman. Raz stood there shocked not sure how to respond until the boy said something. ¡°I¡¯m sorry what did you say?¡± Raz responded. ¡°There¡¯s still other kids you have to test.¡± The kid responded ¡°Ah yes¡± Raz recomposed himself then finished the others. ¡°This is the end, we will conclude the tests here, Thank you everyone. The results will be shown later tonight.¡± Raz declared. Raz joined the others and proceeded to the council house to discuss with the elders the talents of the children. Once inside they all sat in silence, confused the elders asked the examiners. ¡°Is something wrong, were none of them qualified or something?¡± the elder worried. ¡°No not that, it¡¯s just that there¡¯s someone amazing in your village.¡± Raz began. ¡°You all noticed as well right?¡± Raz asked the others. ¡°Of course.¡± Sune replied. ¡°Yes¡± Alia replied. ¡°Who in particular are you talking about?¡± the elders asked. ¡°The child with the blue eyes. What is his name?¡± Alia asked. ¡°Ah¡± the elders looked to each other unsure what to say. ¡°What?¡± Raz asked. After a brief pause, ¡°That is Kaiden Tala Greywolf. Son Christian ¡®The Grey Fang¡¯ Greywolf¡± an elder said. ¡°The Grey Fang? Are you sure?¡± Raz was asked. ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Sune asked. ¡°He was a famous mercenary in the Kimala Kingdom. It¡¯s said that he got his name from guarding a group of villagers from a pack of dire wolves. Not including he was said to have been the commander of the last stand of Kimala¡¯s capital.¡± Raz said. ¡°Kimala? That¡¯s pretty far but Kimala has been wiped off the map.¡± Alia asked. ¡°Yes and he was famous in Kimala and the storm mountains but why is he here?¡± Raz asked. ¡°Impressive.¡± Alia said. ¡°He retired here, he protects the village from the forest beasts. He doesn¡¯t even have a sword anymore. He told us he found something to live for and wanted to settle down here. He promised us all his enemies didn¡¯t know he was here.¡± An elder explained. They sat there, stunned in silence how an adventurer retired. ¡°That child is going to change the world.¡± Sune said. ¡°Change the world?¡± the others said while looked at him. ¡°The crystal I have is an artifact similar to the Sword of Qualification. It is known as the Destiny Orb one of the seven artifacts of the last age, light gets bigger the more likely their future will bring tough decisions. Also the blue light is a sign that he is blessed by the gods, which one I am unsure.¡± Sune said. ¡°Destiny? I thought you were measuring their mana.¡± Alia said. ¡°I did that the moment I looked into their eyes, several children have some hint of mana but that boy has a definite chance of it of it.¡± Sune explained. ¡°Ok so that child will be a special deal but what about the others?¡± the elders asked. ¡°Oh Yes there are going to be quite a few warriors from this village.¡± Raz said. As they talked and discussed the fate of the other children time flew by and before they knew, it was night time. Traditionally the information would be announced to everyone at the proving grounds. The proving grounds were the guards trained the children in the village also it served as the dueling ring although in their village it was rarely used as that. It was night and every family with a child had made their way to the proving ground to await the results. As the elders and the examiners came in the crowd silenced. Elder Gregor then started, ¡°Welcome to Recruitment Day! Now is the time we tell these young souls what their life will bring however I should tell you children now. There is never a guarantee, the king himself was told he¡¯d be a warrior, instead he fought against it and became a bringer of peace and prosperity to our side of the world. Now without further ado, Commander Raz if you¡¯d please.¡± ¡°I will call out names of those who qualify for the enrollment of warrior training. What you do with that training is up to you. Be an adventurer, a guard, a soldier, or even a mercenary. It¡¯s your life but remember to be a proud citizen of our Kingdom and if the need ever be defend it with your life.¡± Raz stated. Slowly he began reading names off the list in his hand, Kaiden didn¡¯t hear his name but he didn¡¯t mind as he was hoping for healer. Next the mage Sune came up and said a few words before reading his list. ¡°Those of you gifted with magic will undergo training understanding mana, mana control, and lastly the formation of spells. It may sound easy but it will take you years to fully understand the intricacies of it. With those skills you will have many paths open to you. Be an adventurer like Raz said, or strive to make advancements in magic, perhaps if any of you are unlucky you might get a teaching job like I did.¡± Sune said with a smile. Then he began reading his list and again Kaiden¡¯s name wasn¡¯t called. ¡®Why am I not getting called for this at least? I know have magic, something doesn¡¯t feel right¡¯ Kaiden thought. He then turned to his dad and whispered. ¡°Dad how come I wasn¡¯t called?¡± With no answer Christian didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°I don¡¯t know son. I feel something is amiss.¡± ¡°Me too, dad.¡± Kaiden replied. ¡°Now I will begin my list¡± Alia said, through their whispering they had missed her speech. Then just like the other two times his name wasn¡¯t called. A feeling of unease was felt by Christian and Kaiden, then without word the two of them decided to leave without seeing the closing ceremony. As they left the proving grounds they ran into Robert on the way to their horse. ¡°Hey Christian, how¡¯d it go? What¡¯s your little guy going to be?¡± he asked. ¡°They didn¡¯t call his name for anything.¡± Christian snapped. ¡°What! No way¡± Robert shocked. ¡°Yeah so either something is up or my son is an invalid and we can see he¡¯s not an invalid.¡± Christian snarled. Never had Kristian seen his father like this in the last five years. The normal kind man who worked a farm was not there right now. In his eyes he could see the eyes of a man planning, searching, and anticipating any move. ¡°We¡¯re leaving Robert. I¡¯ll send word when I can.¡± Christian said. ¡°Ok get out of here.¡± I¡¯ll try and find out what¡¯s going on. Kaiden got on the horse with his father and they began a rush home. The normal trip that took close to three hours was cut down to what felt like just over an hour. Kaiden had never seen his father this way in all his life. Kaiden thought for the first time in his life ¡®Wow, dad is pretty badass.¡¯ As they reached home they quickly rushed off into the house. Inside his mother was preparing food and humming while Lina say at the table preparing vegetables. As they came through the door in a rush, the two women stared at Christian. ¡°Get ready and pack! Something is wrong, I have to get into the basement.¡± Christian shouted. His mother in a panic ran in front of his father. ¡°What do you mean? Are you sure you need the ¡®basement¡¯?¡± she said with an awkward tone. ¡°Kaiden wasn¡¯t picked, for anything. Then there was the military examiner today, he was a commander for fifteen years. So he¡¯s most definitely heard of me and the elders had to tell them who Kaiden¡¯s father is and if he knows about Kimala and the rumors about our escape they will be coming here.¡± He said. After a moment of thinking his mom finally moved aside and went to Lina. ¡°Help me pack necessities Lina, we don¡¯t have much time grab food and supplies we¡¯ll need out of the Kingdom.¡± Maria said. ¡°Ok¡± Lina said and like that the two woman were like a tornado running around the house getting all sorts of things. Kaiden stood there confused, ¡®I know something was off but did it warrant us leaving the kingdom?¡¯ he thought. For the first time the basement door was open. Kaiden wandered over and down there he could hear sounds he didn¡¯t recognize. After a few moments his father had come out of the basement in armor. ¡®What the heck is going on!¡¯ he thought. ¡°Maria your armor is here; Lina I have a short sword or a dagger which do you want right now?¡± he asked. ¡°Dagger.¡± She said, then his dad threw the dagger at her faster than Kaiden could see. She caught it and tied the hilt to her waist. He mother then came over and started putting her armor on. ¡®Just what in the world is going on?!¡± Kaiden thought. As they were all almost ready they heard horses coming to the house. ¡°Damn it we were too slow; we might have to fight our way out.¡± Christian said. ¡°Where¡¯s the bow, dear?¡± Maria asked. ¡°Under the third step.¡± He replied. Maria moved across to the stairs to get the bow and as she did that there was a knock on the door. They all stood there in silence, unsure of what to do now, do they attack or reply?