《The Key of the Ancient》


 Prologue: Part 1

    Hailian Continent, February 4, 4068 A.D.


    Polare Underground Hospital


    Elena Rechione


    ¡°The boy is the key!¡±


    Elena Rechione knitted her brows in a furrow as she recalled Malcee¡¯s last words. Malcee was the only seer in the Polare Village where the Rechione clan resided since Elesius, the God of the Celestials, bestowed their ancestors with the ancient powers, making them holy guardians. With her mother¡¯s powers, she accurately interpreted visions and foretold prophecies of things to come, of events and catastrophes to unfold, thereby keeping the kingdom from total annihilation. After all, she was called the Oracle, and her powers secured her a great position in the Kingdom of Hailian, never committing any atrocities or vile acts, meriting her holy status.


    Thus, it was really a great puzzle for the Rechione family as to why Malcee was assassinated, considering that the Kingdom was experiencing its most peaceful times since the War of the Kingdoms ended five hundred years ago. Elena needed to be strong, yet she couldn¡¯t quell the tears falling from her blue eyes, remembering her mother''s frail countenance while gasping for her breath. ¡°Oh Elesius, God of the Celestial, please guide my Mom in the Afterlife.¡± An assassin killed Malcee right after giving birth to her brother a week ago. Who paid him and for what reason  - this was what bothered her mind. Or was the killing related to her brother being the key to something? Malcee had never finished her last prophecy, only saying that her son was the key. She didn¡¯t know where to vent her anger; all she could do was to pray for her mother¡¯s welfare in the Afterworld.


    ¡°Elena, dear. We¡¯re almost outside.¡±


    A boomy voice jolted her back into reality. Looking back, she saw her father tinkering the scintillating helix command system as orbs of blue light spiraled along its coil from the bottom to the top. She noticed the monitor terminal flashed the ¡°number 2¡± on its screen intermittently. ¡°Oh, thank God we¡¯re finally out of this underground hospital. It feels,¡± she said as she treaded her way towards her father, ¡°...like we¡¯re in a catacomb.¡±


    ¡°F**k this elevator, f**k this hospital, f**k this place!¡± the man bellowed as he slammed his fists against the metallic floor, creating a loud clang throughout the spacious elevator. Clenching his hands, he stomped off to the vacant seat and sat down. He let out a deep sigh and shifted his gaze towards the young boy. ¡°Brad, how¡¯s your brother?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s okay, Dad,¡± Brad answered with a sheepish grin on his face. Cuddling his brother in his arms, he eyed at the baby as he cooed him to sleep. He paced back and forth the elevator kiosk while singing a melody Elena was familiar with. ¡°Rock-a-bye baby...in the treetop...When the wind blows...the cradle will rock¡­¡±


    Nostalgic. Serene. Blissful.


    The song reminded Elena of a happy past. It had been her mother¡¯s routine to sing for them every night when they go to sleep. Elena always wondered where the songs came from, since nobody from her tribe knew its origin. Everytime she asked Malcee, she would just smile and reply ¡®You will know when the time comes¡¯ in a cryptic manner. Alas, she was now dead, and finding out the secret was just wishful thinking. ¡°Mom...I miss you...Mom,¡± she mumbled as she wiped her tears.


    Brad¡¯s singing voice echoed throughout the place as they waited in still silence. All of a sudden, the veined walls and the terminal stopped shining, and the monitor displayed the ¡°number 1¡± as it flickered. Elena heard the elevator screeched to a halt; afterwards, the door exit flew open.


    ¡°Is everyone ready?¡± Meldy asked as he gazed towards Elena and Brad.


    ¡°Yes, Dad,¡± they simultaneously answered.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. Well, let¡¯s go now.¡± Meldy motioned his hand towards the terminal slot and swiped his card. ¡°Eric must have been tired of waiting for all of us to come out.¡±


    ¡°He should have just come with us. Well, I couldn¡¯t blame him. F**k the hospital!¡± Elena pursed her lips and folded her arms across her chest. ¡°After all, this place reeks of bullshit¡±. Angry and bitter, she could not accept the inadequacies the hospital had shown with regards to its investigation of her mother¡¯s death. A week had passed since her mother¡¯s death, yet they still couldn¡¯t find out her killer, since the orbs of recording vision were all tampered and destroyed.


    ¡°Hey, young woman. Since when did you learn to swear, huh?¡± Meldy asked as he raised his eyebrows. Shaking his head, he patted Elena¡¯s shoulder and sighed. ¡°No cursing allowed, okay? It¡¯s improper for a lady to swear. Your mother does not want that.¡±


    Elena looked down at the floor and twiddled her thumbs. ¡°Okay, Dad. Sorry.¡± She silently walked towards the exit without looking back. Before reaching outside, she heard Meldy saying ¡®Let me carry your brother, Brad. F**k this hospital!¡¯ She just grinned; it was obvious that Meldy influenced her to talk like that.


    Elena looked up in the sky, and the sun radiated like a blazing fire in the late afternoon. The wind blew in a soft whisper, and it grazed her face softly as if caressing her. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re right. Even in my darkest hour, the sun still makes me feel hopeful, that someday, everything will be alright.¡± For her, it was like an undying hope, and every time she felt lonely, she just looked at it, and it never failed to comfort her.


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    Smiling profoundly, she was about to look for Eric when she spotted a body sprawled on the ground. Was that a corpse? She was not sure, for it was charred black, disfigured, as if it was a tree log, yet there was an inkling in her heart that says it was a human corpse. Unintentionally, she moved a few steps backward as she contemplated at the sight. Beads of sweat protruded on her forehead as her heart palpitated; she tried calling her father but her throat was parched dry. She couldn¡¯t move.


    Elena felt the tingling on her nape as she moved backwards, realizing that something or someone was waiting for them, just waiting for their right time in apprehending them. Although she was not a powerful magician, yet she inherited a portion of her mother¡¯s prophetic skills, making her perception sharper compared to people her age, and she knew this time she was in great danger.


    Elena sensed her body was weakening, as if ¡®something¡¯ sapped her strength. Is this the drain spell? Soon enough, she was now on her knees, gasping for her breath.


    _______________________________________________________


    Hailian Continent, February 4, 4068 A.D.


    Polare Underground Hospital


    Meldy Rechione


    ¡°Elena?! Are you alright?¡± Meldy exclaimed as he saw Elena¡¯s condition, running as fast as he could while Brad - now cuddling the baby in his arms - followed behind him. Checking upon her daughter, he noticed that something was wrong with her vitality, and asked himself, ¡°This couldn¡¯t be...a fucking drain spell? A dark mage?¡±


    Meldy abruptly touched the red poplar ring on his pointer finger and activated the 1st spell of his Holy Guardian set, chanting ¡°Ancient Spell: Elesius¡¯ Dispel.¡± Being a level 5 holy mage blessed by Elesius, he had access to spells up to 5th level exclusive for the Celestial God¡¯s followers, which were more potent than the normal mage spells, regardless of attributes. The ring emitted orbs of light, which then expanded to about 5 meters, surrounding them with an azure aura. There was a sudden gush of dark energy from Elena¡¯s body, dispelling the malevolent drain spell. Elena wheezed for air, gasping, finally free from the restrictive spell.


    ¡°As expected of Chief Elder. Greetings to the mighty guardian of Elesius.¡±


    Meldy turned his gaze towards the big Perkan tree where the sound came from. The voice was familiar to him, in fact, he couldn¡¯t be mistaken about the hiding person¡¯s identity since he had always heard this everyday, since the time he became the Chief Elder of the Rechione Clan 50 years ago. Frowning, he felt a foreboding in his heart, denying the inkling suspicion that surge in his heart. ¡°No need to hide, Vice Chief Garett!¡±


    The great tree swayed and transformed into a middle-aged man. Dressed in black garb, he slowly walked towards them and his countenance come into full view. His features were similar to that of an elf: pale skin, pointy ears and green eyes. On his hands, 4 poplar rings - similar to that of Meldy¡¯s - adorned his fingers, indicating his status as a guardian of Elesius as well.


    ¡°How are you, Chief Elder?¡± Garret asked, bowing his body in a slight manner. ¡°Have you enjoyed your stay here in the hospital?¡±


    ¡°Cut the crap, stinkin¡¯ Garret! What¡¯s the meaning of this, you f**k?!¡± Meldy clenched his fist as he glared at him. ¡°Care to explain before I twat you, you old fart?¡±


    ¡°So much for the infamous Cursing Elder, still a vulgar, old chap,¡± Garret smirked as he flicked his fingers in the air. Immediately, 50 figures clothed with black armor emerged from the woods, all were fighting personnel of the clan, surrounding Meldy and the rest, as if they were forming a formation. ¡°Do I still need to explain this?¡±


    Meldy frowned, his face becoming more grim, knowing that the formation of these people he was seeing right now was meant for destroying enemies. There was never a case wherein a holy guardian would attack his fellow holy guardian; it was a great taboo and an insult to the God they served, and these actions usually results to severe judgment either by physical death or soul dissipation. Not sure if Garret was bluffing, he asked, ¡°Are you forgetting about our sacred pledge?¡±


    Garret chuckled heartily as he heard Meldy¡¯s inquiry, as if pleased with the thing he was hearing. ¡°Do you think I have the guts to break our holy oath to the Holy God of the Celestials? Do you think I would waste my time doing things that can¡¯t please God Elesius? Ha! ha! ha!¡±


    ¡°F**k your face, you monster whore!¡± Meldy cursed him, positioning his body in a battle stance, as if ready to lunge at Garret any moment. Garret being able to attack his family without any dire consequences happening to him meant only one thing: this was a decree from Elesius himself. ¡°You¡¯re telling me that you attacking my daughter is a decree from God Elesius? Fuck!¡±


    Garret just sneered and shouted with a loud voice, ¡°Obliterate them!¡±

 Prologue - Part 2

    Hailian Continent, February 4, 4068 A.D.


    Outside the Polare Underground Hospital


    Meldy Rechione


    The 50 men surrounded Meldy and his children as they unsheathed their crossbows, as if intending to overwhelm them with projectiles. Without warning, they aimed their weapons against Meldy and released their bolts.


    ¡°Stinkin¡¯ bastards!¡± Meldy bellowed as he went near his children and touched his 2nd ring and chanted, ¡°Ancient Spell: Elesius¡¯ Aegis!¡±


    There was a sudden fluctuation of energy level around Meldy, producing blue orbs of hazy lights. As if gaining mass, it swiveled around them as it solidified and became layers of barriers, shielding them from the incoming attacks.


    Pow! Bang! Bang!


    The bolts collided with the enormous barriers, creating blue sparks of energy. A minute had passed, but the shield was able to hold itself from the onslaught of bolts, protecting Meldy and his children from harm.


    ¡°Shield of Elesius...as expected of the vulgar elder,¡± Garret smirked as he looked at the fight with disdain in his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t think that you¡¯re safe, vulgar elder. I know your strength very well. In fact, I knew you too well.¡± He took out a tattered staff from his spatial ring and raised it in the air, and said with a jeering voice, ¡°You know what this staff can do, right vulgar elder?¡±


    Meldy was alarmed as he saw a very familiar staff in front of him. He could not be mistaken, for this staff was the sole weapon of Erech, the God of the Damned. ¡°How come you have Erech¡¯s divine artifact, ¡®God¡¯s Deterrent Staff¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Are you so old that your mind went retard? Can¡¯t connect the dots, vulgar elder?¡±


    Meldy squinted his eyes as he stared at the artifact, clenching his fists. Being a guardian, he knew too well that no one can wield any weapon of a God without the God¡¯s permission, since even touching it would lead to one¡¯s death. And out of all the weapons that existed in the realm, God¡¯s Deterrent Staff was the most troublesome against him being a holy mage, since it could negate every spells that were of divine origin. Meaning, his Ring set was made useless, and he could only rely on normal spells for now. This put him into disadvantage considering Garret was a holy guardian, thereby having access to ancient spells as well.


    Meldy knew that they were in great danger, and his children¡¯s life would perish if he would not do something about it. We have to get out, but how? He could only rely on normal spells for now, and hoped that luck would be in their favor.


    ¡°So you¡¯re now Erech¡¯s lackey, you fart?¡± Meldy accused Garret, intending to distract him so he could prepare some time casting an attack spell. Since fluctuations of energy were concealed completely while inside Elesius¡¯ Aegis spell, he gathered his mana on his right hand, carefully assimilating his energy as he took advantage of the transparent barriers. ¡°Brad, Elena, prepare to run towards the Portal of the Other World. Wait for my signal.¡±


    ¡°But dad, wouldn¡¯t we be in great danger if we use the Portal without God¡¯s permission?¡± Brad asked, his face bewildered upon hearing Meldy¡¯s command.


    ¡°We have no choice right now. I just lose your mom, I don¡¯t want to lose anyone right now, my heart can¡¯t take it,¡± Meldy softly answered, his eyes reddened as he quelled his tears. ¡°Either way, we¡¯re f**ked, and I mean we¡¯re f**ked bigtime.¡±


    Elena steadied her gaze towards her uncle Garret as she bit her lips. Sighing deeply, she said with a solemn voice, ¡°whenever you are ready, dad. F**k Uncle Garret.¡±


    ¡°Elena, you¡¯re words¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry, dad...¡±


    ¡°Elena, where¡¯s Eric?¡± Brad asked, still holding the baby in his arms.


    Instead of replying, Elena just pointed her hands towards a seemingly charred figure just beside the Perkan tree, tears streaming from her eyes. Brad was wide-eyed, while Meldy trembled in rage as he understood what happened to his nephew.


    ¡°F**K GARRET! ARE YOU SO SHAMELESS THAT YOU KILL MY SISTER¡¯S SON?¡±


    Garret chuckled as he saw Meldy¡¯s countenance, as if amused by the things he was seeing. ¡°Well, vulgar elder, since he does not want to cooperate with me, it¡¯s better to kill him, no? He¡¯s much as a deadweight like you, and don¡¯t you worry, you¡¯ll be next in line.¡±


    Clutching the staff, Garret raised the artifact on the air, his eyes now shining with a blue blaze. Waving it in the air, he chanted, ¡°Oh Erech, God of the Damned, grant me my request. Give me thy power, and make your enemies cower before you.¡± He turned his eyes towards Meldy, and smiled evilly. ¡°Ancient Spell: Erech¡¯s Void Space!¡±


    Sounds similar to breaking glasses echoed throughout the yard as the barriers disintegrated, layer by layer it ceased to exist. Just by a second, Elesius¡¯ spell was nullified! It just showed the dominance of the spell, and the overwhelming power it inflicted upon their recipients.


    As soon as the barrier was gone, the 50 men shoot their crossbows towards Meldy. Without wasting a moment, Meldy flicked his fingers on the air and chanted, ¡°Hurricane Barrier!¡± Gusts of winds enveloped Meldy and his children, deflecting the crossbolts and pushing the 50 men away from them just by its wind pressure.


    ¡°RUN!¡±


    Elena and Brad gathered their mana on their feet, and propelled as fast as they could towards the direction of the Portal of the Other World. Streams of wind energy protruded on their feet, like a jet stream, and continued to fly away from the enemies, as if their life depended on it.


    Garret saw the children flying towards the south, and bellowed, ¡°Do not let them escape!¡±


    ¡°Over my dead body, you cunt!¡± Meldy shouted in a rage, his eyes were now bloody red. Sneering, he began to float as his robe fluttered in the air. ¡°Garret, oh fucking Garret! I think you need to be reminded as to why I am made the Chief of the Rechione Clan.¡±


    Meldy knew in his heart that he could not afford to attack halfheartedly; a single mistake might cost them their lives. Right now, he could not expect help from his children, and he knew he had to give everything even if it might cost him his life. After this spell, he was aware that his mana would almost be depleted, but if he could kill his enemies, then for him it was all worth it.


    "Volcanic Rift!" After chanting, Meldy swiftly flew 50 meters away from where he cast the spell.


    The ground shook intensely as the metallic lampposts and nearby trees felled down while the flat ground, 20 meters away from Meldy, grew into a pyramid of about 10 feet tall, forming a miniature volcano. Smokes of sulfur reeked the air while smolders of lava flowed from the volcano''s mouth. Deafening explosions frightened the 50 men while big gravels dispersed throughout the vicinity. Pandemonium broke out.


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    "AAAAH!"


    "Cast the Cold Array Spells!"


    "We''re gonna die!"


    Screams reverberated across the field as people were ablaze - no one was spared. Magma engulfed every living and nonliving things: living hell depicted the entire scenario. The volcanic rift appeared just beside the 50 men, surprising them as they failed to react. In fact, all these things just happened in mere seconds!


    Clutching his staff, Garret gathered all his strength just to stand up, gasping for air. The spell, even though flames of lava hit him, failed to kill him because of the staff¡¯s innate protection spell, which protects its wielder from harm at the cost of his mana. But because of the spell¡¯s domineering strength, the staff almost entirely used up Garret¡¯s mana force, thereby making him weak and unable to counter Meldy¡¯s attack. Veins bulged out on his forehead as he screamed, ¡°DAMN YOU, MELDY! DON¡¯T THINK YOU CAN ESCAPE!¡± Flicking his fingers, he chanted, ¡°TELEPORT!¡± After a few seconds, Garret vanished.


    Agony crept inside Meldy¡¯s heart. Remembering the onslaught he had done earlier, he couldn¡¯t help it but feel stabbing needles in my chest. Yes, I had to be ruthless, they leave me no choice. He never imagined that Garret would rebel against him - as for his reasons for his betrayal, he had no means of finding it out. With a resolve to kill, it was natural for him to protect his family from the traitor'' assaults, eliminating dangers at all side. Tears streamed in his eyes as he quelled the rage surging inside him, after all, even though Garret was a traitor, he once genuinely considered him as a brother.


    It is the resulting karma of their choice in life. Good actions beget good karma. Likewise, bad actions beget bad karma. Why did you betray me? For the last time, Meldy fixed his eyes on the burned bodies and shook his head. With his remaining mana, he flew south, towards the Portal of the Other World.


    ________________________________________________________


    The winds blew in a rage and the trees bent in a slant. The once green sky was now streaked with a dark tint. There was a torrent downpour of rain as thunders roared instantaneously. Animals scampered away towards the caves and shelters. Despite the storm, they continued to tread against the rushing winds, with the hope of reaching the portal.


    After an hour of flying, Meldy finally caught up with Elena and Brad.


    "Dad, we need to find some shelter! The storm''s getting stronger, the baby might not make it!¡± Elena shouted as she wiped the water off her face. ¡°Brad, help me convince Dad!¡±


    "We can''t afford to waste our time in a cave or something, Elena!¡± Meldy looked back at Elena as he continued casting the Water Resist Spell on everyone, his mana recovered because of the Mana Pill he had taken a while ago, and said, ¡°We must reach the Portal if we want to escape, alive."


    "Dad¡¯s right, Elena! We have no choice!" Brad bellowed while looking at the floating Detection Orb in front of him, checking the crystal for any mana or spirit fluctuations that it might spot. ¡°Besides, we are much safer if we can arrive at the Portal before nighttime!¡±


    ¡°But, Dad! Can we just -¡±


    "No more talking! Move fast!" Meldy snapped at her, signalling her that the conversation was now over. He knew that she implored out of concern for her siblings, but he was adamant in reaching the Portal. The sooner they reached the portal, the better their chance of surviving this predicament. He momentarily gazed at Brad cuddling his youngest child, and his brows knitted in a furrow. Oddly enough, the baby was not crying despite the bad weather. Seeing his child, fresh memory started to haunt him, again.


    Oh, Malcee, my love, my precious...he unknowingly bit his lips - now bleeding - as he remembered his wife¡¯s last words just this morning before dying.


    ¡°Meldy, dear, protect the child. He has the key.¡±


    ¡°The Devourers should not get him. By all means, he must be alive at all cost.¡±


    ¡°Sorry that I can¡¯t join you. I love you¡­¡±


    Malcee was the only seer in the entire kingdom, and somehow, she could used her divine essence to interpret Gods¡¯ edicts and prophecies, of how she does it no one could comprehend. My boy¡¯s a key? A key to what? Is she talking about the legend?


    As he pondered on these things, he couldn¡¯t help but suspect Garret as the mastermind of the assassination. A ninja killed Malcee right after giving birth to his son. Who particularly paid that killer - this was the question that bothered his mind. The motivation was vague, he couldn¡¯t even figure where he came from. He simply didn¡¯t know how to vent his anger - all he could do was pray that his wife would be treated well in the Afterlife, and that they could leave this place alive.


    Soon enough, after hours of grueling amidst the storm, they arrived at a dark forest. The big trees swayed as if waving their hands, as the wind shook their shining yellow leaves. The pale, ghastly crescent moon sat above the forest, seemingly watching everything that moves under it. It was nighttime. The forest shined with a pleasant radiance as the little fireflies began to emerge from their resting spots and went upon their daily business. The silhouettes of creatures prowled behind the bushes. Dangers loomed at every nook and corner of the mysterious forest. It was a strange scene. The forest was peaceful despite the storm creating havoc around it.


    Meldy waved his hands, signaling them to stop.


    "I thought we''re going toward the Portal?" Elena halted right at the forest¡¯s clearing. She went towards Brad and extended her hands towards the baby, checking if he was alright.


    "This is the entrance, Elena.¡± Brad muttered as he stared intently at the Detection Orb. ¡°Well, you weren''t with us the last time we came here, you''re always ¡®dawdling¡¯ with your boyfriend after all."


    "Well, sorry for being complacent and clueless."


    "Enough! Let''s go. We don''t wanna be exposed here with you bickering." Meldy reprimanded them as he shook his head, a smile quivered on his lips for the first time since his wife¡¯s death. After all these years, they still act like children...


    Brad and Elena scowled at each other, not uttering a word, when unexpectedly, the Detection Orb began to dazzle.


    A creature emerged out of the forest''s entrance, and said, "No one''s allowed to enter the Forest of Space!"

 Prologue - Part 3

    Hailian Continent, February 4, 4068 A.D.


    At the Forest of Space¡¯s Entrance


    Elena Rechione


    As Elena was about to retort on Brad¡¯s presumptuous joke, a stony figure emerged at the forest¡¯s entrance - laughing, cackling in an evil way. Waves of gusts blasted through the clearing as it flapped its wings, slicing the trees in half. It landed before them with a soft ¡®thud¡¯, creating a small crater beneath its feet. The entity was ancient and demonic - it was a magical gargoyle!


    One of the things that she was interested in was the existence of the magical creatures, and as her mom said, they were almost related to catastrophes and were commonly used by God to relay an edict to their followers or enemies. This was what led her to become a Seer apprentice. So naturally, she would become ecstatic when she sees a magical creature. Oh mom, how I wished you were still with us.


    Despite being lonely, Elena knew this was not the time to reminisce about such things because of the gargoyle¡¯s presence. She couldn¡¯t help but gape at the imposing creature that was blocking their path. The gargoyle was 4 feet tall and it had bat-like wings, extending over a meter in length. The bluish obsidian skin glittered under the moonlight as its eyes sparkled like stars in the night. Even though the place was dimly illuminated, she could still see its purple aura emanating from its body.


    Clasping both its sharp claws together, the gargoyle sneered, revealing its jagged fangs. ¡°I repeat. You can¡¯t pass here.¡±


    Elena was flabbergasted; she didn¡¯t expect that someone¡¯s going to stop them at this point, much more a gargoyle. Alarmed, she looked at Meldy and saw him clenching his fists as he stood firmly. ¡°Dad, what should we do? What should we do?¡±


    "Let me do all the talking, after all, I¡¯m eloquent when it comes to pleasantries." Meldy moved forward and faced the monster with a seemingly impassive demeanor. "This place is not restricted. What gave you the right to stop us from entering the Forest of Space, huh?"


    "Weak man has no right to ask questions.¡± The gargoyle grinned, sneering malevolently. ¡°Well, since you''re going to die anyway, I''d tell you one thing. I stand here in front of you by the command of the King."


    Meldy knitted his brows in a furrow.  Never in his wildest dreams would he guessed that their enemies'' assaults were endorsed by a powerful entity: the king of the Grandulas! A king''s command could not be defied: one who does certainly meets an untimely death. Meldy¡¯s face was solemn, and asked, "Cunt, may I know why is he doing all these things?"


    The gargoyle let out a cold snort, tilting his head slightly. It flapped its wings and puffed his chest, creating gusts of winds that shook the nearby trees. "You know very well what His Majesty wants. Give me the key."


    Elena was perturbed when she heard its response. Looking at them, Meldy was wide-eyed while Brad was confused at his Dad¡¯s troubled expression. They unsheathed their weapons as if preparing themselves for a fight. What key? Elena was wondering about the strange conversation when she noticed Meldy moving his lips, as if chanting something. Does Dad know what key the gargoyle was talking about?


    "What if I say I won''t give you the key, you cunt? I am a holy protector of Elesius, the God of the Celestials, you Grandulas can''t hurt me. Even you wouldn''t dare to disobey God''s edict, you idiotic slab!" Meldy retorted in a straightforward manner.


    "Don''t worry, I am aware of such law. However, I have many things up my sleeve. I don''t need to do this dirty work with my holy hands,¡± the gargoyle replied in a singsong voice, as if not minding Meldy¡¯s curses, pausing for a moment, and said, ¡°and if I have to do something, then my God would also protect me. You can''t just keep the heirlooms to yourself. Now, the key?¡±


    Is it referring to the Key of the Ancients? Elena thought. Amongst the Rechione Clan, a legend was passed down from generation to generation. Since the time of creation, the God of the Celestials entrusted their ancestors to guard the Key of the Ancients against harm. Anyone who acquired the enigmatic key would inherit all the secrets that were hidden inside: powerful magics and techniques, rare artifacts, and treasures. But the most important of them all was the existence of the Immortal Stones: a mortal''s ticket to becoming a God!


    A low grunt escaped from Brad¡¯s lips, his face flustered as if frustrated from his inadequacy to resolve the matter.


    "Elena, support us with your holy spells, this cunt needs a beating." Meldy flicked his fingers and a white staff appeared. ¡°Everyone, if I raise my staff, we will attack with a Three-Man Formation of the Fire Realm. Don¡¯t worry about the baby, I¡¯ll put him inside an isolation ward"


    Elena predicted that a battle was imminent, and she knew they needed all their trump cards to win the battle. The king knew their secret - the key of the Ancient! But who has the key? Rather, is my brother the famous key? She felt a foreboding in her heart, knowing that Meldy, even though his mana was recovered, his body was still exhausted and not yet ready to engage in a fight.


    ¡°Upon my signal, we attack.¡±


    Everyone nodded in agreement as Brad put the baby on the crib Meldy produced from his spatial ring. By casting a spell, Meldy isolated the baby from the incoming battle.


    The gargoyle refused to move despite seeing its enemies'' actions. It stood like a statue, as if amused by their actions. It acted as if it was confident in handling any of their attacks.


    Elena immediately took out a scroll from her pocket and threw it in the air. Forming hand seals, she pointed at the parchment and cried "Strength of the Abyss!" Streams of white light flashed across the vicinity as it swiveled around her. The light then floated towards Meldy and Brad, enveloping them completely. They could feel their strength increased, and their vigor and mana essence multiplied.


    They ran into different directions as they surrounded the gargoyle ten meters away from each other, forming a triangular array. They did elementary seals and their swords radiated. Without moving, they slashed their swords against the gargoyle, producing a red blast of laser!


    BOOM!


    The sword blasts collided with each other, creating a loud explosion. The inferno belched out smokes as it incinerated the gargoyle. The trees were burnt to a crisp while they remain unscathed because of the Ancient Blessing''s protection. Smog filled the air, the place covered with a white fog tinged with gray.


    "Did we do it?"


    "Of course, dummy. How could it withstand our strongest attack?"


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    "Ha ha ha! Serves it right for going against us. It''s fucking thanks to - "


    The smoke dissipated, but what they saw made them gape. The gargoyle remained safe: not even a trace of burn or wound can be seen on its skin!


    ________________________________________________________________


    Hailian Continent, February 4, 4068 A.D.


    At the Forest of Space¡¯s Entrance


    Brad Rechione


    "Is that it? Well, I''m disappointed. Anyway, playtime''s over. I need the key." The gargoyle flicked its claws as it darted a disdain glance at the trio. A big mass of air rotated before it, expanding until it became a big vortex. The gargoyle pointed at the center of the black swarm and cast, "Ancient Summoning: Big Wasp of the Abyss!"


    Four wasp-like silver varmint frolicked in the air as they flapped their metal-like wings, creating a deep buzzing sound. They were 3 feet tall and its eyes bulged out like a globular pair of rubies. Its bodies were covered in scales and hairy appendages. But the most striking part of it was its stingers at the edge of its abdomen. Like a diamond, it glistened in the dark as green acid dropped on its tip.


    This can''t be!? It can cast ancient summoning spells? "The legendary black wasp, Vespula! Dad, we''re in trouble!" Brad shouted frantically, his legs were trembling in fear. Being a Summoner apprentice, he knew the great danger that they were facing right now. As far as he knew, only the chosen guardians can cast the ancient summoning spells, particularly the followers of Nogare, God of the Grandulas. Does it mean that this gargoyle was a guardian of the Great God of the Grandulas - he wondered this as he recalled the things he had read from records.


    Every spell has their own tenacity, but the most terrifying of them was ancient summoning. Conjuring primordial creatures had strict requirements. All he could summon was a carp with a disgusting wiggle skill, but this gargoyle just cast this advance summon easily with a flick of its finger. This is gonna be so troublesome.


    The Vespula hummed along as they earmarked them as their targets. Vespulas were vicious and tenacious, and its speed was unmatched among the primordial creatures. Without any forms of protection, Brad knew that they were about to be slaughtered in a matter of seconds. Seconds laters, he heard a voice exclaiming, "Cast the protective shield array!"


    Elena took out 5 bluish gemstones and spread it across the ground, forming a pentagram. Wounding her fingers with a needle, she let her blood essence touched the azure sapphires. Hovering in the air, the gemstones radiated like cold blue starlight. "Shield of the Tyrant!"


    Ivory lights of orbs materialized and fused around them, creating a transparent sliver of metal. Tiny fragments of ivory crystals accumulated on the surface of the metal sheet, expanding to a dome of almost 20 feet in circumference. The thin veil exudes blue vapors as it gleamed.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The Vespula pounced with its poisonous stingers, smearing the white shield with a tinge of green. The dome shook endlessly, and soon enough, rifts formed. She stomped her foot and steadied her hands in the air. "Help me sustain the shield! My mana''s not enough!"


    Brad understood what he had to do, and saw everyone nodded in agreement. Gathering his mana essence towards the floating gems, the sapphires were getting brighter until it became brilliant. The array was eventually augmented as the rifts vanished. He knew their survival lies with the spell; Once the shield was broken, they were done for. Please, let me be in time. Hurry up!


    The gargoyle scowled at them as it saw the Vespulas struggling through their defense. ¡°Hmmm, protection spells using enchanted gemstones, huh? I guess I have to help my pets a bit." It flapped its wings and glided toward the varmints.


    Meldy glared at the approaching gargoyle, his face vigilant. "What the hell the cunt¡¯s gonna do now?"


    The gargoyle snatched and ate one of the Vespula, bit by bit until nothing of its body remained. Green goo dripped along its jawline as it chewed its prey nonstop. When it was done eating, the gargoyle flew over the dome-like shield and spewed out green acid, shrouding it entirely. The veil sizzled, and smolders of caustic vapors protruded the air. The shield was destroyed effortlessly, leaving them exposed once again.


    "No, we can''t die! Dad!" Elena shouted as she gripped her sword.


    "Please, God, Elesius. Help us!" Brad raised his arms to the sky, praying for a miracle to happen. Even at this damning hour, he was still being religious.


    It was hopeless. Brad knew they were helpless against such a powerful opponent, and only divine intervention could save them. In short, they were in great trouble.


    Contemplating at their current predicament, the fight wearied them, and he was aware of their impending death if the battle prolonged. With a firm resolve, he took out a dagger relic from his robe.


    "Everyone...live."


    "Dad, I love you."


    "Elena, take care of the family, okay. If you happen to hurt her, I¡¯d haunt you."


    ¡°Everyone...farewell."


    ¡°Mom, I guess, I¡¯d be joining you now in the Afterlife!¡±


    Brad gathered his life essence at the protruding dagger, and became weaker as the artifact consumed his vitality. Nevertheless, he showed no reluctance even if he was on the verge of death, realizing there was no way for them to live unless someone was to do drastic measures. He''d rather die than let all his loved ones perish, despite them being annoying at times. After all, they are his family, his blood and kin. "Forbidden Technique: Grim''s Portal!"


    Instantly, sweet memories flashed back in my mind - happy days with Meldy, Malcee, Eric, and Elena. Is this the infamous flashback experience when someone faces death? Will I die a virgin? Am I wrong to be so pious and trust in God Elesius? So many questions appeared in his mind.


    The gargoyle greeted him with derision. It smirked as its jagged fangs sparkled in the night. Suddenly it grabbed his head, and the last words that he heard was their gasping voices.


    Smiling, he shouted with a dignified voice: ¡°This is my first curse, and... and maybe this will be my last, so hear this. Retarded gargoyle! You¡¯re a f**king chicken wuss! CUNT!¡±

 Prologue - Part 4

    Hailian Continent, February 4, 4068 A.D.


    At the Forest of Space¡¯s Entrance


    Meldy Rechione


    SNAP!


    Blood spurted out from Brad¡¯s neck, and his body collapsed on the ground. Crimson red dyed the floor and his body somewhat twitched.


    The gargoyle smiled as if pleased with himself. While holding the severed head in its right hand, it opened its mouth wide open and swallowed the head entirely!


    CRUNCH! CRUNCH! CRUNCH!


    The sound of bone crunching echoed across the forest. Fresh blood dripped in its mouth as it chewed its food. With a big gulp, the gargoyle went to Brad¡¯s corpse and continued eating.


    SNAP! CRUNCH! SNAP CRUNCH!


    Stupefied, Meldy was shocked at the gruesome death of his son. He couldn¡¯t move; he couldn¡¯t even rationalize the things he was witnessing. The nightmare of seeing his wife¡¯s death still haunted him, yet another one came like a nail hammered in his heart. His body trembled and broke out in a cold sweat.


    ...Dad, Happy Birthday!


    ...Thank you, Brad. Hmm, what¡¯s inside the box?


    ...See for yourself, Dad, he he.


    ...A blue pendant? I thought you¡¯d give me money.


    ...Stop joking, Dad. Don¡¯t you even wanna know why I gave you a pendant?


    ...Why?


    ...Because it was cheap, ha ha ha! I have only 2 coppers left.


    ...I should have known, ha ha ha! Anyway, thanks, Brad.


    ...No. I should be the one thanking you, Dad.


    Clasping the pendant, he sobbed as he knelt on the floor. Enraged like a bull, he wanted to kill this vermin but couldn¡¯t do so because of the forbidden spell Brad chanted earlier. The barrier prevented all of them from attacking nor defending: it was a perfect spell for isolation and defense. All he could do was watch in despair.


    It was a great torment for them to witness Brad¡¯s death. Elena vomited the entire time, tears continuously streamed from her eyes.


    "BRAD! My son...no...no...BRAD!!" Meldy quavered as he felt stabbing pains in my heart. He refused to believe his son¡¯s death. He couldn''t. He wouldn''t.


    It was not his first time to see someone die, after all, he was an expert in warfare, and his instincts were sharpened by life-struggling encounters. But it was a first for him to see his immediately family, much more his son, die in such a torturous kind of death.


    The gargoyle flew towards them when it was done eating. Fresh guts were still on his face, and he licked the remains that stained his body. "It seems that the spell he cast was that forbidden skill of isolation. Too bad, even I can''t destroy this magic."


    "Well, think of yourselves as being lucky, you pests! My time''s up anyway, I can''t stay here any longer. And you guys don''t need to cry, you''d join him sooner than you expected." The gargoyle flicked its fingers and a scroll appeared in the air. He formed simple hand seals and pointed at the scroll, shouting "Teleport!"


    Red shafts of light flashed towards the scroll, igniting it. Suddenly, it was engulfed in dazzling radiance. White rays blinded their eyes, and after a moment, the gargoyle vanished.


    <hr />


    Whimpers and sobbing voices filled the air. They were distressed over Brad''s fate, and they knew their fate was not yet sure if they would survive this ordeal.


    "My child...my child..." Meldy wailed like a baby as he punched the ground. Elena just sat on a stump, quiet throughout the entire time.


    Suddenly, a crowd gathered at the forest. They were dressed in black robes, marked with a web-shaped insignia that they were all familiar with - the symbol of a King''s military. They grouped themselves into five as if they were creating a military formation. A knight in silver armor stepped forward and pointed his lance at them. "Surrender! Drop your weapons! You''re surrounded!"


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    Meldy failed to quell the surging rage, his eyes were bloodshot from anger. He was not yet over his mourning, yet another bunch of lackeys wanted to claim their lives - again. Eliminate! Eliminate! These words resounded in his mind as he stood in a resolute manner, his countenance was grim and dour.


    Elena scurried at the back, her eyes being vigilant.


    "What do we do, Dad?" Elena asked, her eyes wide-eyed, cuddling the baby in her arms.


    "You don''t have to do anything. Just stay back." Meldy took out an artifact from his robe: the Jeweled Needle. Artifacts were very powerful, and a single effect of its power can yield devastating results. But it came with a price, it needed life essence to activate even a minute technique. It was a double-edged sword, but Meldy simply didn''t care. He just wanted to eliminate everyone who wanted to harm them, even at the cost of his life! "You all need to die!"


    When Elena saw the artifact in Meldy¡¯s hands, she was alarmed. Her face soured, as if knowing what the artifact was capable of, witnessing it firsthand when Brad cast the forbidden spell. ¡°Dad, don''t use that. We can still fight!" she pleaded as she took out her sword from the scabbard.


    "Shut up! Just listen to me! Elena, move back!" Meldy pricked his finger with the artifact, directly consuming his life essence upon contact. Writhing in pain, yet this did not stop him from casting the spell. "Forbidden Spell:: Ghouls of the 12th Realm!"


    The ground shook momentarily and huge cracks appeared on the flat soil surrounding the enemies. Black menhir emerged from the crevices, throbbing as if it was alive. The zombie-like symbols adorning its surface suddenly moved, and eventually, the monoliths crumbled on the ground. On its place was a dark warp, flickering like a bulb, and hordes of ghouls came out from it.


    "What''s this abomination?"


    "Ghouls? My God, everybody! Kill these things!"


    Brimming with confidence, the knight in silver armor raised his sword as he charged towards the nearby ghoul.


    THWAK! THWAK! HACK!


    The knight''s sword hit the ghoul''s right shoulder, severing its limb entirely. With a fast sweeping motion, he stabbed the ghoul''s head. The monster slumped on the ground. He was sure that he killed it already when suddenly the fallen ghoul seized his foot which made him lose his footing. He attempted to escape free by cutting its hand, but he didn''t notice that another ghoul was approaching him nearby. It took a hold of his head and chomped the young man''s uncovered neck. Fountain of blood gushed out from his wounds. Another ghoul arrived and took a bite out of his stomach, eating his guts. He screamed, not expecting that the ghouls could even penetrate his armor. He was desperate, yet he knew he was at the death''s door. The hungry ghouls mobbed at him, devouring every inch of his body as he was eaten alive.


    Identical scenes happened throughout the battlefield. Young men died one after another, and the ghouls feasted upon their unwilling victims. The stench of blood filled the air, and the ground was soaked in blood.


    Meldy saw some people running away, trying to flee from the imminent danger. No can do. No one leaves this place alive. He raised the needle in the air and jerked forward. "Forbidden Spell: Prism of Detention!"


    Prisms of blue light materialized in the air, enclosing the battle zone as if it was a giant room. It became a barrier which prevented the people from getting outside the prism.


    Meldy gasped as more of his life essence was consumed by the artifact. Life essences determined the number of years one was able to live, and wasting your life essence means earlier death for that individual. He knew he was barely recognizable: his body would start to age as a backlash of the spell. Yet he just sneered, for he had accomplished what he wanted to do.


    Everyone died. Not even a single thing was left on the area: armors, bodies, clothes, even weapons - it was as if they never existed. Only the blood-soaked ground gleaming under the moonlight testified about the horrific fight.


    Elena gasped in surprise! Even though she had seen Meldy killed their attackers earlier, this was much worse, as this was done without remorse.


    Meldy was getting weaker, yet he gritted his teeth as he forcibly stood up and walked through the grassy path. "We''re almost at the cliff. Let''s go."

 Prologue - Part 5

    Hailian Continent, February 4, 4068 A.D.


    At the Portal of the Other World


    Meldy Rechione


    They arrived at the cliff''s edge, and an unlit portal surrounded by black obelisks came into their view.


    Six black megaliths encompassed the unlit portal. The metallic walls were embellished with Shallakhian symbols - enchantments engraved by Imbuers of the Northern Hailian Continent. Shallakhs were mostly adept at spatial magics, so it was a common thing to find Shallakhian runes in portals and dimensional warps.


    Meldy performed a ritual beside the nonreactive portal. It needed an activation code to actuate the gateway. Too bad he didn¡¯t possess any; the only thing he could do now was to force energize the portal by destroying its protective magic. Luckily, he was somehow familiar with complex spatial spells. Forming hand seals, he tinkered the array as he chanted.


    "Dad, is it done? We can''t afford to stay any longer." Elena finally made a sound after an hour of momentary silence. Turning back, Meldy saw her appeasing the baby who was now crying nonstop. ¡°Please, brother dear, please stop. Hush, coo, coo.¡±


    Meldy exhaled deeply and uttered, "I''m almost done, Elena. Just give me a few more minutes to activate the warp."


    "Dad. I think I can hear some footsteps coming. There''s no time to lose. If it fails, we will all die."


    Brad¡¯s death flashed back into his head: turmoil began affecting his concentration. Meldy knew he needed to do this without mistakes - even a flaw would entail fatal risks. Shaking his head, he began collecting his mana essence towards the tip of his pointer finger, producing a bluish imprint on the array.


    Meldy chanted some more spells and reached out his hands towards the array and pricked his finger with a needle.


    Drop, Drop, Drop.


    Blood essence flowed and the portal started to glow. It hummed and the system was finally activated.


    "Are you done, Dad?" Elena was sitting in a corner, carrying her brother. As she looked at the baby, she became more worried and scared for their safety. "Dad, will we able to reach the - "


    THWACK!


    The lifeless body of the blond man collapsed on the ground, creating a soft ''thud'' sound. His severed head rolled like a ball, and his blood - crimson red - flowed freely. Like in a horror movie, his eyes and mouth were still open as if he couldn''t believe his unexpected demise.


    Elena screamed. She was literally jittering as her knees trembled. The baby boy wailed and she became more panic. Meldy knew they had no more time left, and they were in grave danger. He saw the severed head on the ground, and he uttered a gasp, ¡°Jericho!¡±


    "I¡¯d say your butler was a great help in leading our way to this portal." A slender woman approached the corpse, giving it a light kick as if mocking the dead. She shook her head and looked at the body with disdain in her eyes. Taking out a blue small sword, she guffawed. "This could have been prevented, Father-in-Law. Now, tell me, where is the key?"


    Meldy was in a rage, and his eyes were bloodshot from crying. Contemplating at his faithful butler¡¯s lifeless body, he wished it was him who was dead. He clenched his fists and scowled at the slender woman. "How can you betray us, Felicia. You are a scumbag! You can''t take the key. Trash like you don''t deserve to have it, you whore!"


    Felicia just stood, unabashed at the words she heard. She fiddled her grey hair and scorned at Meldy. "It doesn¡¯t matter. In the end, all of you are going to die here. Twelfth Guardian, prove your loyalty to the clan and kill these traitors!"


    A robed man, whose face was covered with a hood, silently approached them. Standing still, the robed man unsheathed his sword and, all of a sudden, attacked Meldy relentlessly.


    Meldy was already aware of the sudden attack. He immediately extended his arms toward the robed man, with palms facing the enemy, and chanted, ¡°Tempest!¡±. Gust of wind came out from his palms and attacked the robed man, pushing him 10 meters away from Meldy. At this instant, his hood was removed, revealing the mysterious man¡¯s face.


    ¡°ERIC?!¡±


    Meldy never expected in his wildest dream that his nephew, Eric, would be the identity of the robed man. Clenching his fists, he glared at him, and said "Eric, how could you do this? Does our family mean nothing to you? Does Elena mean nothing to you? Do I mean nothing to you?"


    Eric couldn¡¯t stare at Meldy with a straight gaze. His face was gloomy as he backed away from the enraged Meldy''s range. "I''m sorry. I...I had no choice, they held mom as hostage."


    Meldy whimpered but he quelled his tears. It was a nightmare for him to see his son and butler dying in front of him, and Eric¡¯s betrayal made his rage stronger. He had an urge to kill them, yet he was powerless to do so. He was aware in his heart that his time had come, that he would be next in line. Instantly, he formed several hand seals and pointed his fingers towards Elena. "Spatial Arrow!"


    A blast of blue beam came out from his hands and hit Elena. Dazzling blue lights covered her entire body, and after a few seconds, she disappeared without a trace.


    Felicia drew her sword, ran swiftly towards Meldy, and slashed him mercilessly.


    His chest was badly wounded, even his white bones were already visible, and his blood dyed his tattered robe. His left arm was dismembered, fresh blood spurted from the open wound. He was in agony, yet, this did not stop him from retaliating. "Eric, you traitor! You must die with your treacherous bastards, you ungrateful bastard!" With his right hand, he formed complicated hand seals and flicked his fingers at Felicia. "Meteor Explosion!"


    A sudden gush of force appeared in front of him, rotating fiercely and formed a big lump of red granite. All of this happened in mere seconds!


    BOOM!


    It exploded. Big chunks of granite were scattered in different directions.


    Felicia was caught unguarded, and she was hit squarely in her chest. Gaping wound smeared her bosom, and she was moaning in great pain. "Dammit, kill him! Don''t let him get away!"


    Eric was hit directly in his head, bursting it like a balloon. Blood sprayed out from the wound like a fountain, and he fell down, dead.


    Meldy was sent flying towards the portal because of the blast. Bleeding profusely, his body was dyed entirely with his blood. Yet he still refused to surrender. He stood up, formed another seal, and smeared the array with his blood. "Spatial Force, 6th Level Art, Activate!"


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    Suddenly, the portal radiated and the array buzzed. Blue beam of light materialized at the portal and Elena appeared at the center of the activated warping device.


    "Dammit! Do not let anyone of them get away! Destroy the portal!" Felicia gritted her teeth as she clenched the soil. Her lackeys, clad in black robes, stride towards the portal, moving in a zigzag motion. They unsheathed their weapons and positioned themselves in different directions as if forming a pattern.


    When Meldy noticed what the enemies were trying to do, he was alarmed. They were forming an array and a powerful one at that. He knew he must prevent them from finishing it at all costs. Without hesitation, he zoomed in a flash. "No one shall pass from here!"


    He was already exhausted from the series of battles, but he knew he had to do something, lest his children die. He understood he had not enough mana essence to cast another self-magic. Even his physical strength was already drained. In his desperate attempt, he took out a tattered scroll in his pocket and put his life essence into it even though it would endanger his life. "Forbidden Spell: Meteor Gravity!"


    The earth shook, even rifts were formed along the monolith walls. Rocks crumbled while the ground moved like a wave of the sea. The enemies were wide-eyed, they understood that this was not a simple spell. They hastened their spell chants and began forming the array when suddenly the gravity force increased. One by one, they collapsed on the ground. Others wobbled but to no avail, the gravity''s pull was simply too much for them to handle.


    "DAD! DAD!"


    "Elena, there''s no time. I can''t keep up anymore. Hurry! Press the button and activate the portal!"


    Elena sobbed as streams of tears flowed out of her eyes. Despite being scared, she still nodded. "Dad, I, I don''t know where to go. I don''t know what to do. Please don''t leave me. Please don''t die."


    Meldy smiled at her crying daughter.


    "No, I won''t die. I promised I''ll be with you. I''ll come back after this, okay? Just...take care of your brother. No matter what, do not expose your identity to anyone."


    "I''d come looking for you, so be a good sister. I love you, my child."


    "Remember the card I have given you earlier. This will lead you to your mom¡¯s world."


    ¡°Goodbye¡­¡±


    Elena was still crying, nevertheless, she pressed the red button and suddenly, rays of light enveloped them and she, together with her baby brother, disappeared.


    "Please God, protect them. Keep them safe. The key must be safe." Meldy clenched his fists and turned around facing his death with dignity and pride. His only frustration was he couldn''t see his children growing up, he wouldn''t be there for them in troubled times. "I know you will have a hard life. Nevertheless, you must both live!"


    _________________________________________________________________


    Hailian Continent, February 4, 4068 A.D.


    At the Portal of the Other World


    Elena Rechione


    ¡°Welcome to the Portal to the Other World.¡±


    A mechanical voice greeted Elena as she blankly stare at the shining portal. Not knowing what to do, she began to gather her mana to cast another protection spell, just in case something dangerous would popped out of nowhere. After a few minutes of intense waiting, the brilliant lights surrounding the portal disappeared, and what appeared next was a 4-inch fairy hologram.


    The fairy smiled at her, and reached out her hands towards Elena and asked, ¡°May I know what coordinates you would like to be transported at?¡±


    ¡°Coordinates? What coordinates?¡±


    ¡°I need to know the coordinates of the world you want to be transported at, if you don¡¯t want to end up somewhere dangerous,¡± the fairy cheerfully replied as she flapped her tiny wings. ¡°If you won¡¯t give me coordinates, I could just randomly teleport you to a world or realm, maybe like the realm of the werewolves and monsters?¡±


    Dangerous! Elena shuddered as she heard the fairy¡¯s reply, knowing that she could end up in random places, like a savage land or a desolate world, if she didn¡¯t know her exact destination. What should I do? What about the card? Could the card Dad gave me save me from this predicament?


    Elena pulled out the card from her pocket and looked at it intently. It was just a blank 2-inch card, brown all over, with no particular design written on it. What should I do with this? She scratched her head as she tried to figure out the way to know the coordinates of her mom¡¯s world, using this blank card. Wait, is this just like the mail card used for sending letters, wherein only the intended receiver could read the message? Do I just have to fill this card with mana?


    Hope began to surge once again inside Elena¡¯s heart as she let her mana gather on her hands, filling the card until it became bright blue. After a few seconds, numbers slowly appeared at the center of the card.


    ¡°Please tell me the coordinates you want to be teleported at. After a minute, if no coordinates will be given, I will be forced to warped you at a random location. The countdown begins¡­¡±


    ¡°Teleport me at the coordinates 112, 2004!¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your cooperation. Your chosen destination is the Realm of the Humans, called Earth. Hope you enjoy your travel.¡±


    ----------------------------------------------End of Prologue---------------------------------------------

 Chapter 1: A New Beginning

    CHAPTER 1: A SILLY ENCOUNTER


    4086 AD. South East Kingdom. Belarius City


    _________________________________


    Maria Theresa Orphanage, a 3-storey, old-fashioned building, stood tall at the center of the lively district. The structure was made of concrete, and slabs of stones lined the gate walls just like a medieval castle. It was a sight to behold: oddly erected in the vicinity surrounded by metallic and modern establishments. The place was lovely, the gardens adorned the lawn as colorful butterflies perched on the vibrant flowers. Aromatic floral scents filled the place.


    The residential institution was owned by Matron Minerva, an elderly woman who adopts homeless and orphaned children, treating them as her own offspring. When other AIs were proud and oppressive, she was caring and gentle. In return, she was well-loved by the locales.


    _____________________________________________________________


    06:56 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    Maria Theresa Orphanage


    Alcee Salva


    Ring!  Ring!  Ring!


    Alcee Salva was awakened by a loud, ringing sound. Turning his head, he saw the hanged calendar flapping in the breeze of the Electofan. ¡°Uh¡­damn Alarm clocks...damn Mondays¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey Rainbow, it¡¯s 7 already! Don''t be late at your entrance examination!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡±


    He grunted as he rose up from his bed, lazily reaching down for his furry slippers. Looking out the window, he saw several robots strolling at the road. The sun was up, but he didn''t even care about it because he knew it was fake.


    Alcee Salva was always teased since he was young because of the way he looked. When people saw him for the first time, the thing that they would notice first was his hair. It was that of a rainbow combination: a mixture of seven different colors as if dyed in a salon! Every time he asked Matron about it, she always said that he had looked like that ever since he was a baby. He was pale in complexion and small in stature when compared to other boys his age. Because of that, he was nicknamed ''Rainbow Dwarf''.


    This made him aloof towards the other children, thus, he created a pretense of some sort. When he was with people he didn''t know, he would be lackadaisical and impassive. He loved catching birds when he was with his friends, but for others, he was just a renegade wet blanket. This became his other persona when he grew up. He called his other self "Unger¨¹hrt", a German word which literally meant impassive.


    He was an orphan, and the matron never told him of his real parents'' whereabouts. Once, he visited the Department of Human Registration Office to check on his personal data, but all he found out was a resounding ''No Records Found''.


    Today was his 15th birthday, and he was supposed to be in a festive mood. But no, instead of celebrating, he had to render service as required by the National Government. It was a law enacted by the King - all 15-year-old registered humans are to take the test to determine if he was to be a worker or a soldier - and failing to do so means death. "I just want to be a professional bird catcher, not a mindless soldier or slave." And his 15th birthday happened to coincide with the annual testing date - a true mark of an unlucky bastard. "What a gloomy world to live in."


    Alcee ran downstairs and went to the kitchen, still top-naked, gobbling the food that was served on the table. Gazing at the kitchen sink''s direction, he saw the Matron - whom he considered as his mother - rummaging through one of the cupboards, as if looking for something important. "Hey, mom, you look busy. Can I help you with something?"


    The matron was an elderly woman of about 30 years of age. She had long blue hair as if flowing like an azure river. Despite the age, her skin was still silky-smooth and her face always revealed a gentle expression. She was beautiful and graceful like a doe. "Alcee dear, no no you don''t have to do anything. Just don''t forget to be early at the Great Lodge, okay?"


    Alcee just nodded as he guzzled the food like it was a piece of cake. Grinning, pieces of food bits were stuck on his teeth. Matron Minerva chuckled as she saw him acting like that. He had a special place in her heart, for he was the reason she came up with an idea of opening up an orphanage. She went towards him and ruffled his hair.


    "You should take your capsule. Skipping breakfast is bad for your health, you know that." Matron Minerva took out a blue box from her pocket, and gave it to Alcee. ¡°Here¡¯s your allowance for the day, it¡¯s 50 copper. Quite generous, right?¡±


    Alcee just stared blankly at the smiling Minerva, shocked at her unusual gesture. He had always known his matron to be frugal, yet somehow she was giving him much more money than he usually needed. Squinting his eyes, he hurriedly took the box from her hands and smiled profoundly, saying "He he he, thank you, mom. Mom, you know I''m not a kid anymore, stop reminding me about mundane things."


    "Then stop acting like one, ha ha."


    "Okay, fine mom. You win."


    "Of course, silly child. I always win, you know that."


    Alcee scratched his head as he looked at Matron Minerva. He knew he was lucky to have her, and he couldn''t help but beam at her displayed affection. She was one of those people whom he was comfortable with. "Okay mom, I''d better dressed up. Where did you place the capsule, anyway?"


    "It''s on the my desk, dear. It''s the yellow one. And better wake up Troy!"


    "Thanks mom."


    Alcee ran upstairs and sure enough, he found two yellow capsules on top of the desk. They were like silicone gels, the one that he had seen on those TV ads. Without thinking, he took one and hid it inside his electopocket.


    Alcee was sure that his buddy, Troy Jenner, was still sleeping since he was not a morning person. If he was to describe him, he would just say one word: narcissistic! Vain and haughty, he loved creating make-believe scenes to make himself look good to others. He had a tall and chiseled frame, and his face was extremely good looking, like that of an innocent baby. But his actions betrayed his harmless look. Being a natural lady-killer, he had several sexual relationships, but none serious enough that could make him commit.


    Alcee went into his room and his buddy didn''t disappoint him. Troy was still knocked out, his mouth was wide open as his drool dripped on his face. Alcee shook his head and went on his friend''s bed. "Hey lunkhead! Wake up! Hey!"


    Suddenly, Troy grabbed his torso and grappled him lewdly. "Jane, you''re so hot...yeah, I need it so much...give me yours..."


    Slap! Slap! Slap!


    Troy was now wide awake, surprised at the jolt he felt on his head. He looked around and saw himself hugging Alcee''s torso. Immediately, he released his grip and backed away, his face turned beet red as he laughed sheepishly.


    "Damn you, sleepwalking pervert! Are there no other things in your mind aside from women?¡± Alcee laughed as he reached out for a pillow and threw it on Troy¡¯s head. ¡°I can''t almost bear the pain, you coiled on me like a snake."


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    "Now, now, buddy, don''t be angry. If you''re like that, you''d be a virgin for life," Troy retorted, laying back on his bed.


    "Anyway, hurry up. You''re always late. Be punctual for once in your life."


    "Says the one who''s still undress. Where''s Mom?"


    "She''s already downstairs. She said to wake you up."


    "Crap! Better hurry.¡± Troy got to his feet and immediately went to the bathroom to take a bath. Alcee sighed, shaking his head as he laughed silently, amused at his close friend. He was about to go outside Troy''s room when he noticed a strange bird outside the  window.


    The bird was like a mixture of a hawk and a parrot, and its beak was like that of cockatoo. It was the strangest combination that he could ever think of; he never knew such kind of a bird existed in their place. But what struck him the most was its eyes: it was a fusion of seven colors, like a rainbow! "It''s just like mine! What kind of a bird is this?" He just stood still, not wanting the bird to fly away. "I must catch this trophy. This bird is a must-have for a hopeful fowler like me."


    Alcee took out a bird whistle in his electopocket and blew it gently, creating a sharp pitch sound. The bird just glared at him, its head tilted to the side as if it was curious about his actions. He wasn''t discouraged, for he knew that it takes patience to catch a bird. "You better not run away, my precious thingy." He tiptoed his way towards the window as he gazed intently on the bird.


    "You''re acting like a stupid jerk! Yeah jerky jerky jerky!"


    Alcee was stupefied at what he had heard. His eyes bulged out like that of a frog, and his mouth was wide open as if an egg could entirely fit in it. "What the hell?"


    He looked around the room, making sure that he heard it right. When he noticed that the bird was still looking at him with a curious gaze, he stood firm and coughed a bit. "Um, hey bird. Did you talk to me?"


    The bird shook its head as if it understood his question, and opened its beak and stuck out its tongue at him. "No, I guess not? Yeah right, stupid. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"


    "It did really talk!" Beads of sweat appeared on his grinning face. He struck big time. This could be his ticket to fame! Maybe, just maybe, this could become the start for bird catching career to flourish once again. Suddenly, he heard a voice from the bathroom.


    ¡°Hey buddy, still there? Who are you talking to?"


    "No one, mate. Take your time, take a dump, clean the bowl or whatever." Alcee answered as he eyed the strange bird, careful as not to miss any of its actions.


    "Ha ha ha. If you''d not hurry, you''d miss the surprise from Mom."


    "Oh yeah, I forgot. Sure thing, mate. See you later. Pronto."


    Alcee tiptoed towards the window so as to closed it so that the bird could not escape when the bird suddenly flew over the bathroom door and perched on the nearby table.


    "Hey Troy you dickhead! Mine''s a snake while your''s like a worm, a worm, a worm!"


    "What the hell did you say?!" Troy shouted, as if enraged by the thing that he heard earlier.


    Alcee gasped while his eyes was wide-eyed, not expecting that the bird could talk on its own, just like that of a human. And to add more trouble, it can copy another person¡¯s voice exactly! "Huh? Hey, it''s not me. Well, this bird , you know, copied my voice, but it''s not me saying yours was a worm!"


    "Are you playing games with me, Mr. Rainbow?"


    Before Alcee could reply, the bird interjected, "Yes, you dick head. I saw it, saw it, saw it. It was okay, like a thumb! A thumb, a thumb, a thumb!"


    "Hey, it''s not me talking, he he he. It''s this...damn bird." Alcee couldn¡¯t stop laughing, betraying his denial.


    "Yeah, like a bird. Yours was a hummingbird, chirp a chirp a chirp." The bird continued to rant while flapping its wings.


    "STOP IT! YOU! You stop mentioning the word bird." The door flew open and Troy sprinted outside as he gripped the towel that covered his body. His face revealed a puzzled look as he approached them when suddenly, the bird talked!


    "Hey you thumbie, you finally showed yourself!"


    Troy was shocked as he covered his mouth. He forgot he was still holding the towel. The piece of cloth fell off, and he was stark naked in front of the duo.


    "See? I was right! It''s a thumb, like a thumbelina, you ding a ling a ling!" The bird squarked as it flew around Troy, as if delighted by what it was saying.


    Troy clenched his fist and veins bulged out on his forehead, shouting "FRY THE BIRD ALIVE!"


    Squark!


    Troy lunged at the bird as he intended to cripple the bird or something. Alcee was alarmed; he knew his bird treasure was in danger. He couldn''t let his friend get hold of the bird as he might injure it or worse, thereby ruining his great plan of dominating the world of bird catching.


    "No! Stop this foolishness at once!"  Alcee moved as fast as he could to block Troy''s attempt. "Birdie, fly away! Come back another day!"


    Crash! Crack! Blag!


    Their body collided with each other, resulting in a huge mess in his friend''s room. The table toppled down while the vase crashed on the floor. The drips of water from the faucet continued to gush out, and splashing sounds resonated inside the room. The bird, disturbed by the racket the two were making, flew outside through the window, while chanting, ¡°Poor fellow! Poor fellow!¡±


    The front door flew open, and two figures emerged from the doorway.


    "Hey, what''s the ruckus in here?"


    "EEEAAAAAAGH!"


    "Ooooohh, Yaoi!"


    Alcee and Troy looked at each other. They both forgot that the other one was still naked when he did his desperate assault. Then both their eyes went downwards and screamed, "AAAAAH!"


    "It''s not what you''re thinking!" Alcee looked at the girl who was covering her face with her hands, as if horrified by the things she was witnessing.


    "It''s because of the bird, Tori!" Troy exclaimed desperately.


    They hastily rose up from the floor, their faces were both tinted red because of embarrassment. Troy picked up his towel and covered his body while Alcee backed away as far as he could until his bare back reached the wall.


    "Because of the bird? Pervert!" Tori ran outside as she covered her face as if shielding her eyes from viewing. "Pervert! Mom, your sons are perverted!"


    The blue-eyed boy inched toward them as he smiled goofily. "Can I join your party?"


    "Stop right where you are, Ken! And stop looking!"

 Chapter 2: Comrades Struggles

    07:15 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    Orphanage¡¯s Lawn


    Tori Henna


    Tori stood tall in the midst of the well-mowed green lawn. The wind blew in a soft whisper, and it grazed her face softly as if caressing her. She looked up in the sky, and the sun radiated like a blazing fire in the early morning. "It''s beautiful. Too bad I can''t feel its warmth."


    She knew the sun was artificial, yet this did not stop her from appreciating its beauty. For her, it was like an undying hope, and every time she felt lonely, she just looked at it, and it never failed to comfort her.


    Yet, this was not the reason that made her happy. For the first time in her life, she succeeded in her gardening: a seedling finally sprouted  in her garden. A scene appeared in her memory.


    ...a girl cried in the forest...


    ...a boy protected a girl...


    ...a dead wolf laid on the ground...


    ...a boy gave a girl a plant to comfort her...


    ...a girl smiled¡­


    Tori couldn''t help but smile when she remembered this event. Alcee inspired her to do gardening, and after several futile attempts, today, she finally succeeded. "Well, Alcee, I was planning to tell you about my achievements today. Why do you have to ruin it with such silly antics?" She couldn¡¯t help but sigh as she remembered the nightmare she saw at Troy¡¯s room.


    Tori was still admiring her plant when an elderly woman suddenly appeared from the back door.


    "Tori dear, are you done with the plants?" Matron Minerva asked, wiping her forehead as she walked towards Tori. ¡°"I need help. I can''t seem to find the compost I''ve ordered from Mr. Lorry yesterday."


    "Yes, mom, I''m done.," Tori sweetly answered as she hugged Matron Minerva, pecking a kiss on her right cheek. "Don''t you worry about the compost mom, I''ve already placed it on your desk."


    "Thanks, dear." Matron Minerva released a sigh. She went towards her direction and saw the budding plant. "Wow, finally you have succeeded, my dear."


    "He he he. It''s not a big deal, mom."


    "If you say so, ha ha ha."


    "Mom, stop being mean!"


    "Ha ha ha, okay I''d stop," Matron Minerva laughed, quelling her laughter. Beaming with delight, she knelt to check on the budding plant up-close. She paused for a moment, and said, "Well, where did you place the compost dear. Is it inside the parcel?"


    "No, mom. It''s on the desk. Come to think of it mom, there was another capsule I''ve found at the desk. A funny thing they are both yellow." Tori tidied her soiled gardening shirt and began collecting her tools.


    "What?!"


    "Why mom?"


    "I''d better check on the capsules to make sure if everything¡¯s all right. You''d better hurry up my dear and go as well. Today''s the test, better not be late."


    "Okay, mom. I won''t be late." Tori reassured Matron Minerva. Her gaze followed the Matron¡¯s movement until she saw her mom went inside the orphanage. Collecting her tools, she noticed a bluebird perching on a tree branch. Then, she remembered something, making her heart ache.


    Sis, I caught this bird early this morning, it''s yours now.


    Thank you, teehee.


    Good, you like it?


    Yes, I like it so much. Hmmm, Alcee, would you promise to take care of me forever?


    Yes, Tori. Of course, I will always take care of you.


    Really, then promised me that when we get older, you will marry me.


    Ha ha ha. Do you even know what marrying is?


    Yes, I know. When two people care for each other, they marry.


    But, I''m your brother. Will I just be a sister to you?


    She shook her head, looking dejectedly as she remembered their conversation a few years back. "How can you be so dense, Alcee? Can''t you see my feelings for you?"


    Tori opened the door and went inside. Carefully arranging the equipment inside the cupboard, she walked upstairs when she heard Matron Minerva calling her. "Hurry up and look for you brother, Tori. He mistook the compost as his breakfast capsule. They''re both yellow..."


    "Well, my dear dense brother, I guess this day will be troublesome for you."


    <hr />


    07:30 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    Troy¡¯s Room


    Troy Jenner


    ¡°My life¡¯s all over! Did Tori see my d**k? Aaargh!¡±


    Troy was in a trance as he analyzed his troubles. If only he could turn back time, he would definitely erased his most embarrassing experience. He could have just ignored the dumb bird. He could have just stayed in the bathroom. He could have just kicked Alcee out of his room. ¡°Damn! She should have just seen my beautiful butt. God! Why didn¡¯t you give me a bigger d**k?!¡±


    Burying his face in his pillow, he roared like a lion to release his frustrations. He wanted to punch the walls but relented because it was too agonizing for him, after all, he hated pain.


    ¡°Oh Tori, will you still love me? Will size matter to you?¡±


    Troy let out a deep sigh as he lie down on his bed. He always imagined himself to be almost perfect - handsome, charming, and sexy. Alas, God has been fair to all, his almost perfect stature was marred by his private part.


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    "Why? You could have just let me be small in height, but why this?"


    A smile formed in his face as he reminisced the time she met Tori.


    ...a girl smiling¡­


    ...a ribbon on her hair¡­


    ...pouting lips¡­


    ...wearing a skimpy gown¡­


    ...my first boner¡­


    ...my first love...


    Aaaah, sweet life. There¡¯s no other girl that could make me happy except -


    THWACK!


    ¡°AAAARGH!¡± Troy felt intense pain and jolted, waking him up from his daydreams. ¡°You wanna die, fu -!¡±


    He was not able to continue what he was about to say. Before him, Matron Minerva was holding a stick, thumping it on her free hand. She gawked at him and pursed her lips - he knew he was in big trouble.


    ¡°What did you say?!¡±


    ¡°Eeeeh. Sorry mom. I didn¡¯t know it was you.¡±


    ¡°Well, hurry up and stop procrastinating!¡±


    ¡°Okay mom.¡±


    Me and my d**k problems! Better hurry up and take the exam.


    ___________________________________________________________________________


    07:30 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    Orphanage¡¯s Veranda


    Ken Chiaozu


    Ken stood in the veranda that was partly enclosed by a white, metallic railing. Looking at his watch, he frowned. It was almost 8 am, and he couldn''t help but feel nervous, knowing that he could become a military or a worker after the test today.


    "Please, let me be a worker. I don''t wanna be a soldier, it''s bad for my image."


    Sighing, he held his pendant and unclasped its lock. It was already his habit - whenever he felt lonely or nervous, he would touch the only memento of his roots. He felt nostalgic about the picture of his real family - Jiang, and Rhee. "Rhee, wherever you are, I hope you¡¯d always eat chocolates like you used to." His eyes became moist with tears as he remembered his deceased brother. He could still clearly recall what the investigator said: Rhee was brutally eaten alive by a monstrous crocodile back in the swamp. "We should have not visited the farm. We should have just stayed at home. I should have listened and stayed far from the swamp. Rhee could still be alive."


    Tormented and heartbroken, he wept silently.


    "I should stop this, somebody might see me crying. I hate being called a crybaby."


    Ken took out a mirror from his robe. Making sure that he was scot-free, he applied powder onto his face to refresh himself. "There you go, girl. You look stunning." Giggling, he grabbed a book from his electopocket, and he was about to read it when a gentle voice grabbed his attention.


    "Hey, Kennie Kitty!"


    "Hey Alcee. thank God you''ve arrived, I was about to be bored to death standing here alone."


    "Ha ha ha. Well, am I the first one to arrive?"


    Ken took two chairs and gave the other one to Alcee. "Yes, you''re lucky. Don''t tell me you''re happy that we can spend time together, alone?" Ken winked at him and giggled. He knew his close friends knew that he was gay, and he was not afraid to act like this when he was with them. His friends would not take offense, they understood his sexual preference and accepted him wholeheartedly. "I didn''t know you''re into yaoi stuff, dear Alcee. You should have told me sooner. I could have helped you."


    "No, no Kennie Kitty, ha ha," Alcee replied, as he sat on the chair and relaxed. He looked at Ken, and his countenance became serious. "Did you find your brother Jiang''s whereabouts?"


    Ken stared back at him and sighed. He shook his head, his eyes reddened as if he was about to cry. "I don''t know what happened, even the Justice Corps can''t find him. I''m worried. I hope nothing bad happened to him."


    "So even your clairvoyance couldn''t find him, eh? Well, stop thinking like that, okay?¡± Alcee looked intently at Ken while patting his shoulders, as if comforting him from the situation. ¡°Not until we can find him, we should not think of such things. Be positive okay."


    "Thank you, bro. I feel okay now, thanks to you. If only you could be my husband, it would have been so perfect." Ken giggled as he wiped his tears,


    "Ha ha ha, I''m being serious here you know. And I don''t like dicks, ha ha ha, no, siree.¡±


    At this moment, a piercing feeling crept inside Ken''s heart. He pursed his lips as he closed his eyes, calming his blurry mind. A puff of wind caressed his sweaty face, and he felt the chilling air invading his body. Suddenly, images popped up inside his consciousness like that of a hologram.


    ...a big tree...hacked down in half...


    ...a serpent eating a lion...


    ...a black heart on an altar...


    ...twelve arrows intertwined...


    ...a book held by five golden hands...


    ...words disappearing...rewritten...burned...


    ...explosion...a gigantic purging...


    ...crying...wailing...despairing...


    Why do I feel bad? What''s this creepy feeling? Oh, God, my clairvoyance''s acting up again.


    Please let this day end breezily.

 Chapter 3: Strange Meetings

    08:20 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Azure Sky


    Alcee Salva


    The sky was peaceful as the car glided through the azure atmosphere. The birds, blue in color, flew in formations, as they flapped their wings elegantly like mighty eagles. Looking below, Alcee saw the houses lined in a dot. He could even see the glass dome clearly: a sapphire-like crystal extending over the horizon. The artificial sun hovered in the firmament, blazing like a ball of yellow flame.


    Alcee sighed, he couldn''t enjoy the scene even though it was a perfect moment for sight-seeing. They were all silent throughout the trip. The only sound they heard was the radio playing some old-school music. He was not entirely sure of what they were thinking, but he knew it was related to the tests and the earlier fiasco. Such a nice bird, wonder where did it go? Looking at the front mirror, he saw Tori''s reflection fiddling with her white hair. He smiled and broke their silence with a loud cough.


    "Huh, are you okay, Alcee? Don''t tell me that your stomach''s acting up again?" Tori asked with a concerned look on her face. Biting her lips, she took out a red pill from her pocket. "Here, take this pill. Mom made sure to give it to you, considering you took a potent poison."


    "No, I''m okay, Sis." Alcee reassured her as he took the red pill from her hand. "Thanks anyway, I appreciate it."


    "The pleasure is mine."


    Troy steered the driver''s wheel as he turned off the radio speakers. "You should have listened to me, dear Tori. Look, your brother''s sick. He should have stayed at the back, and you should be here with me at the front seat."


    "And how could me sitting at the front help alleviate his situation?" Tori asked, shaking her head. "Well, I knew you too well, pervert. If not for my brother, I would have just commuted towards the Exam Lodge."


    "Preach it, Sistah!" Ken guffawed at her remark, giving her a thumbs-up sign. He then slightly tilted his body towards the front, and coquettishly whispered at Troy''s ear. "You could have just asked me. I would gladly even sit on your lap."


    The car suddenly zoomed forward as Troy accidentally stomped on the accelerator. He calmed himself and glimpsed at the back. "You want us to die?! You know very well that I''m ticklish, especially my ears!"


    Alcee and Tori were laughing their heads off while Ken just sat there silently. "I didn''t know that but at least I''ve gained valuable information about you." He simpered as he winked at Troy.


    Troy shook his head and sigh. "Well, anyway, we''re almost at the Lodge. I wonder what''s the test about."


    "I don''t know. Not that I care, anyway." Alcee was not really concerned about the test. Worker or soldier, it didn''t matter to him. All he wanted was to get this over with.


    Looking at the gargantuan building in front of them, Alcee nodded his head in approval. The roof glimmered like a gemstone, and the walls were like diamonds. He was pleasantly surprised, it was his first time seeing such a magnificent edifice!


    "Okay, ready yourself, guys. I''m gonna land." Troy pressed on the decelerator as he adjusted the steering wheel.


    Alcee relaxed his body and calmed his mind, dissolving any worrying thoughts he had when suddenly he heard a loud buzzing sound as if surrounding him. He opened his eyes, but what he saw made him wide-eyed in surprise: he was now in a black pitch void. He couldn''t see anything: his friends, the car, even the outside world disappeared in a flash!


    Where the hell am I?


    "TORI!"


    "TROY!"


    "KEN!¡±


    Alcee forced his body to move but he couldn''t. Scared and helpless, he shifted his gaze around the void hoping he''d see any clue that might help him escape the place. He was getting desperate when all of a sudden, a boomy voice penetrated the eerie silence.


    "Rhe oda! Zhil norh! Rhe oda!"


    "Fengzhi siansi aqui Minerva!"


    Frowning, his heart began to palpitate as his mind throbbed, as if trying to recall something.


    Why do I feel nostalgic? Why is the voice seem so foreign yet so...familiar?


    <hr />


    08:45 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Parking Lot


    Tori Henna


    The car descended on the busy lot: vehicles of different colors parked near with each other, forming like a snake trail. The place was swamped with automobiles, people and freights. Crowds of  people moved towards the glowing portal in a straight line while signal lights flickered as the gates were opened to let the cargoes in.


    Tori was amazed at the things she saw, overwhelming her. She was a true country bumpkin and seeing such things made her heartbeat go pit-a-pat. She gaped at the place, her eyes glinted as she hopped up and down.


    "Wow, this place sure is huge," she exclaimed, as she collected her Electobag inside the glove compartment. She shifted her gaze from the trail to the portal and pouted her red lips. She never knew that a parking lot could be so complex, even a thousand houses could fit inside. "Do you think all these people are here for the test?"


    "Maybe Sistah, but please dear God, I hope I''ll turn out be a worker, not a soldier," Ken muttered, his brows knitted in a furrow. He opened his Electobag, took out a blue pill, and popped it in his mouth. "My body''s made for love, Sistah, not for war."


    Tori giggled as she tied her long, white hair to a ponytail. She knew that out of all her friends, she believed that Ken was the most qualified to be a soldier. Ken had a rock-like and burly body, yet he stood with a straight posture. His stature, aura, and pale complexion made him look like that of a noble, standing tall and mighty. If she had not known who Ken really was, she could have mistaken him for a royal prince or something related.


    "Hey, brother, come out here! What''s taking you so long, anyway?" She heard no reply. Puzzled, she walked towards the front car and peeked inside, and what she saw made her body trembled: Alcee was pale and huffing, as if out of breath, as tears streamed in his closed eyes.


    "Alcee, what''s happening to you, Alcee!" Tori was worried as she shook his body strongly, trying to wake him up. "Oh God, wake up! Ken, help me! Something happened to my brother!"


    Ken sprinted towards her and arrived at the front seat. "What happened, Sistah? My God, what''s with him? Where''s Troy anyway?!"


    Tori began to bawl like a child, her tears continued to flow down her eyes. She was getting scared and restless. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and her voice quivered. "Please! Wake up! ¡°Ken, please look for Troy. Mom had always taught him medicine, he might have learned a thing or two about it."


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    Ken nodded and dashed towards the parking booth.


    Tori''s mind was now in chaos: she didn''t know what do to help her beloved. Slapping his face, punching his abdomen, shaking his body, even pinching his cheeks - she tried it all but to no avail.


    "Oh no, the poison''s acting up again? Please, Alcee, damn you, wake up! Please, please, please."


    "What''s taking them so long, anyway? Where are they?"


    "Please don''t die Alcee. Please don''t leave me. I need you."


    "Tori, what happened," a raspy voice asked her in a frantic manner. She turned her gaze and saw Troy running towards her direction. "I came here right away as soon as I''ve heard what happened.


    "I don''t know! I thought he was just meditating." Tori wiped the tears on her face as she controlled her emotions. "Where''s Ken?"


    "I told him to look for help. He''s at the attendant''s office right now. Well, let me check on him."


    She nodded and stepped back. Troy grabbed Alcee''s right arm and checked his pulse. He opened his closed eyes and felt his body temperature, and his brows knitted in a furrow. "Tori, come. Tell me exactly what happened earlier."


    She explained everything she could remember, careful as not to miss out any detail. Troy was rubbing his chin - as if contemplating something - the entire time. He sighed and looked at his friend with a worried glance. "His heartbeat is erratic, and his pupils dilated. He is cold to touch as if he was dead, and he is sweating badly. It seems that his body is in a state of shock."


    "What?!"


    "Well, I''m not really sure. It''s just that - ¡°


    Troy was not able to continue what he was about to say. He stood like a statue. Tori was confused at his actions and followed his gaze. Then, it was her turn to be surprised: Alcee was now covered with a hazy purple light!


    She was anxious; she never saw these things happened to his brother. Suddenly, she felt stabbing pain inside her head, as if it was about to crack. A flash of light appeared before her, almost real like a hologram. Her knees gave way, and she stumbled on the floor.


    A demon?!


    ____________________________________________________________________________


    08:55 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Parking Lot


    Troy Jenner


    Troy was goggle-eyed, his body sweating profusely as he covered his mouth in astonishment. He couldn''t believe the things he was seeing: Alcee was covered in a hazy purple light, just like the color of a bale, deadly aura.


    Dear God. What''s happening with Alcee?


    Troy closed his eyes and calmed his mind, trying to assess the situation and if possible, solve their current predicament. He had heard from Matron that only Mythicales exhibit such a deathly aura, and a doubt feeling crept inside his heart. Alcee was human, he was sure of it. He never even saw anything strange about him for the past 15 years. But if, for some strange reasons, Alcee turned out to be a Mythicales, then he knew his friend''s life was in grave danger. Androids needed their blood to make weapons. He couldn''t let anyone see his friend''s condition right now. In the test, he would definitely be exposed!


    No, I must protect my friend. He is my friend.


    I may be a big pervert but I''ll never let any of my friends be harmed.


    Troy saw a young male android, dressed in black military garb, drawing closer to where they were. Oh no. Someone¡¯s coming. Better move fast. He never faced such a mind-boggling situation in the past, but this is a no-brainer for him: his friend''s life is a top priority. He strode down the path, took out a white chip from his Electobag, and gently put it in his friend''s hands. He hoped that every single thing he had done was obscured from the visitor''s sight.


    Please stay safe.


    He crushed the chip, and Alcee was engulfed in a white light. He vanished just in time when the soldier arrived.


    The young military turned his head as if looking for something. Ken twitched his eyebrows, nervous that he might have seen his friend''s earlier condition.


    "Are you taking the exam?"


    "Yes, Sir," Troy replied hastily. With an imposing aura, the lieutenant gazed at him as if checking on something. Troy sensed that this man should not be offended, and carefully inquired, "May I know your name, Sir."


    "It''s Lieutenant Kendrick for you. What¡¯s your name? Are you the only ones taking the exam?"


    Ken was surprised to meet a high ranking official in the park. What''s he doing in here? He couldn''t have just come here with no reasons, right? He was uncertain if the lieutenant had seen what happened earlier. If he just brazenly lied about it, the lieutenant might get offended. Nevertheless, he had no intention of exposing his friend''s whereabouts. With a stern look, he replied, "It¡¯s Troy Jenner, sir. And yes, sir."


    "Why is she acting like that?"


    Troy saw a trembling Tori still sprawled on the ground. What happened to my Tori. I forgot about her at all.  He didn¡¯t know what to say. Suddenly, he just blurted out the first thing that came into his mind. "She''s just nervous, Sir. Don''t worry, she''s fuck - err - I mean okay."


    "If you say so." Lieutenant Kendrick motioned his hand towards Troy and smiled. "Come with me then. You don''t wanna be late for the exam now, do you?"


    "Yes sir."


    Troy knew he had to tell his mom about his brother''s situation. He gathered his courage and spoke, "but could I make a call first? I''d forgot to tell my mom that I won''t be joining them for dinner."


    Lieutenant Kendrick stopped walking and paused for a moment, as if recollecting his thoughts. After a few moments, he spoke with a gentle voice, "Okay, but hurry up. I''d be waiting for you at the shed."


    Troy sighed in relief. He wanted to comfort Tori but he knew he had to prioritized his friend, since he could be in danger. Making sure that the lieutenant was far away, he grabbed his phone from his electopocket and dialed. After a few seconds, a feminine voice suddenly took the call, and said: "Hello, who is this?"


    "Mom?"

 Chapter 4: Predicaments

    08:55 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Hallway


    Ken Chiaozu


    Ken gasped for breath as he speeded towards the office, as if his life depended on it. His body was exhausted, yet he didn''t stop running. He knew that his friend needed help, and he couldn''t bear to see him suffer.


    He finally arrived at the reception office. It was shaped in a prism, and its fence were made of black diamonds. It was a masterpiece, and concluded that this could not be easily destroyed by simple weapons or artillery. Throngs of noisy crowd gathered outside the iron gate. Guards in armor knights marched along the wall hedges, and many Defenders - recognized by their golden robes marked with a web-like insignia - were stationed at different posts. Armed security patrolled the perimeter of the grounds, and every inch of the property was wired with cameras, security lighting, and motion sensors.


    "Please let me enter. My friend needs help." Ken showed the emblem he received from the ticket attendant.


    The guard saw this, and he nodded. "Open the gate! And make way!"


    Hmmm, he is pretty cute. Too bad I can¡¯t flirt right now.


    The iron gate opened, and the guards pointed their guns towards the people as if ready to shoot if trouble would occur. The people moved to the side, creating a path for Ken, as they gave him a cold stare. He went inside the office, not minding the uncomfortable gazes of the people.


    Polished wood floors greeted his eyes, and a graceful banister curved up toward a soaring second floor gallery. The place was luxurious, and he was sure that everything inside was expensive and valuable. He went towards the reception desk and showed the emblem in his hand. A beautiful lady greeted back and gave him a smile, revealing her white-oyster teeth.


    Uuugh...stop that smile.


    "Hello, and welcome to the Great Lodge. This is the Fourth Branch office. How may I help you?"


    "I need help. My friend''s unconscious and I need a medic to check on him."


    "Where is he right now?"


    "At the park, ma''am."


    "Okay. Just walk straight ahead, then turn left. You would find the office at the farthest room. You can''t missed it.¡±


    Ken thanked the lady and went to a narrow path. Green shrubs adorned the long hallway, and red carpets covered the floor. The walls glimmered and the place was spotless. He thought that the office he saw back then was regal, but that couldn''t even compare to what he was seeing right now. Its interior was designed like that of a palace.


    Maybe, just, maybe an important person or a prince owns this place. Maybe the medic''s a royalty as well?!


    His eyes gleamed in excitement as the idea of meeting a handsome noble entered his mind. He was walking, somehow admiring the sight, as if he had forgotten what his true purpose for coming here was. Suddenly, a slight buzz reverberated throughout the hallway.


    What was that?


    He looked at the hallway and turned his gaze around searching for the source of the sound, stopping at the picture hanged on the wall. It was shining with a blue hue. Curious, he touched it when suddenly, he was engulfed in a bright, blue flame.


    Where am I?


    He reappeared at a vacant room. Its walls were tattered and he couldn''t find a single furniture. At the end of the room was an ordinary door, and he went towards it with a thought of escaping the creepy place. As he neared the door, he heard inaudible voices, as if somebody were conversing with each other. He put his right ear against the door, and listened intently.


    "What about the test? It seemed dangerous. It''s the first time a noble would proctor the test."


    "We have to tread carefully. The people should not know this."


    "I know, I''m not dumb to tell them. What about the people who ends up dead in the test?"


    "Just tell them they are missing in action, that something abducted them or something."


    "Okay."


    "Well, hurry things up. We may be lucky, we might find the ancient one."


    "Yeah, imagine the glory we can get. Ha ha ha."


    The ancient one? Dangerous? What the hell are they thinking? This test seems suspicious!


    Thag!


    He felt a sharp jab against his nape. The last thing he could hear before he blacked out were the words: "Take him to the torture chamber."


    _______________________________________________________________________


    08:55 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    Maria Theresa Orphanage


    Matron Minerva


    "Nida, dear, can you please get my Electopad? It''s on my desk."


    Matron Minerva was in a festive mood, humming a melody while preparing the kitchen. "There should be no mistakes. This day will be his most memorable moment." Today was Alcee''s birthday, and she planned to surprise him with a party. She never had tried organizing one, but she wanted to make his 15th birthday an indelible one for him. "Hmmm...cookies, check...sodas, check, meatballs and spaghetti check...hmmm what else..."


    As she was checking on her grocery list, a scrawny girl ran towards her while holding a cube-like gadget. "Mom, here it is."


    "Thank you, Nida dear," she replied sweetly, patting Nida''s head. Looking at her checklist, she paused for a moment as if collecting her thought.  "Do you want to go with me to the grocery store?"


    "Yes, mom, he he he." Nida''s eyes gleamed in excitement as she hopped up and down. "Yipee, I''m gonna walk with Mom! I''m gonna walk with Mom!"


    Matron Minerva laughed at the scene, turning her Electopad on. Flicking her arms, a hologram appeared in the air: a lady with a golden hat and robe. Suddenly, it spoke with a mechanical voice, saying "Welcome to your Home Page. What do you want to do?"


    "I want to read my journal."


    "Okay, please wait for a few seconds."


    The hologram flickered. Instantly the lady turned into a mini-screen showing Matron Minerva''s desktop wallpaper: photo of hers and her adopted children. As she saw this, nostalgia crept into her heart as her eyes reddened with tears. She had formed many memories together with the children, and she could not bear to lose anyone of them, even if she was not human. She believed that race does not make a relationship, it''s the memories that count.


    ... a baby boy bundled in weird clothing...


    ...a lady begging her to take him into her custody...


    Matron Minerva had forgotten the lady''s face that brought Alcee at her front door. All she could remember was her vague words, saying, ''Please take care of the baby.'' The lady didn''t give any explanation and disappeared just like that. Somehow, Matron Minerva felt in her heart that they were not bad, yet, an inkling suspicion always bothered her.


    She was tinkering the hologram menu screen when the phone rang. Puzzled, she went towards it and received the call. "Hello, who is this?"


    "Mom?"


    "Troy, weren''t you supposed to be taking your exam?¡±


    "Mom, I don''t have time. Alcee might be in danger right now. He''s at the treehouse right now, at the Black forest where we usually stay. I used the teleport chip on him so he could not be found by anyone here. I don''t know if you knew something, mom, but I saw his body covered in a purple flame. I don''t know if others have seen it, but please check on him. Thank you and bye, Mom."


    His last words shocked Matron Minerva to the core. She just stood there as if she was paralyzed. Soon enough, the people would discover her son''s identity. She already knew that his secret would be revealed, but she was not expecting that his secret would be related to the mythical ones!


    Oh God, I must find him. If somebody finds this out, his life might be in danger.


    Minerva dashed towards her room, and rummaged through her wardrobe, taking out a treasure box. Pricking her finger with a needle, she let her blood dropped on the chest. The box hummed and glowed, and its lid eventually opened. She took out a blue chip and crushed it in her hands.


    Matron Minerva was silent for a moment. Her eyes suddenly flared, as black rays of energy emanated from her.


    I must protect my child at all cost.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ____________________________________________________________


    09:05 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Shed


    Lieutenant Harry Kendrick


    People gossiped while vehicles raced through the parking lot, yet this did not disturbed the young lad''s concentration. Lieutenant Harry Kendrick was in a black military garb, his scabbard hanged on his waist, showing his high stature. In the city, the only one who was allowed to wear it openly were the one who was in military. He gave off a noble aura.


    "A nobody should not be allowed to mingle with someone like me."


    With an indignant look, he glanced at the chattering crowd as if they were insects to be crushed. Harry was a proud man. He had always thought of himself to be rather special. Coming from a well-bred lineage, his family was respected even though they were humans. Both his parents held a certain degree of power in the city: his dad being a mayor, and his mom a chief secretary of the Weaponry Department. Even androids gave them special treatment; they were careful not to cross their path.


    "Have you attached the spy bug in his body?"


    "Yes, Lieutenant."


    "Okay, scram."


    Harry did not want to talk to a novice, yet, he was forced to do so because of what he saw earlier. His eyes played on him: a boy was somehow engulfed in a hazy purple light! He had to make sure if what he saw was true. But when he reached the car, he couldn''t find the boy with them. Puzzled, he inquired the boy if he had another companion but he just said that it was just the two of them: him and his girl friend. With his experience, his instincts were sharpened by countless battles, and this instinct tells him that the boy named Troy was lying.


    Harry was unwavering about his decision. No matter what it takes, the boy in hazy purple light must be caught. Opening his Electobag, he took out a small headphone, about a quarter in size, and connected it to his Electopad. "Activate the spying device."


    "One moment please."


    He attached the headphone in his ears, and after a few seconds, he heard a voice.


    "..."


    "Mom?"


    "..."


    "Mom, I don''t have time. Alcee might be in danger right now. He''s at the treehouse, at the Black forest where we usually stay.  I used the teleport chip on him so he could not be found by anyone here. I don''t know if you knew something, mom, but I saw his body covered in a purple flame. I don''t know if others have seen it, but please check on him. Thank you and bye, Mom."


    The conversation piqued his interest, and his doubts were getting stronger. After the conversation, he took the headphone off his ears and returned it to his Electobag. He pressed his Electopad again.  "Connect me to Mario."


    "One moment please."


    A hologram of a young man materialized in the air. "It''s you, Lieutenant Kendrick. What''s up he he he."


    With a cold demeanor, he just stood silently without greeting back. "Let''s cut the chase, Mario. I have a mission for you."


    "What is it then."


    "You have to kidnap someone for me. His name is Alcee.¡± Harry icily explained as he knitted his brows in a furrow. Tapping his hands, he tried to remember everything he heard earlier, and said, ¡°He is now currently at the Black Forest''s treehouse, it''s the only one existing, you can''t miss the place. It is imperative that he should not die. You can hurt him, but don''t kill him. You must bring him back alive. Is that clear?"


    "Yes, Lieutenant. What if he is with someone. What should I do?"


    "Just kill. And make sure to bring the mythical blood detector."


    "Okay, same process then. I''d be checking my bank account first. Better deposit the half. 25000 Gold."


    "Okay, over and out."


    Harry looked at the passing vehicles with a solemn expression. He had done everything that he could do, all his efforts paid off. He became a Lieutenant, and his only daughter was living comfortably: Jenna. But, it was as if destiny was playing with him, his only daughter was afflicted with a rare disease. The only way she would be healed was by drinking a Mythicales''s blood!


    Now a chance was opened for him, and he would not let this chance slip by. No matter what it took him, no matter what it costed him, he would definitely do it. Even if he would have to kill endlessly, he would gladly do it just for his daughter''s sake.


    "I''m sorry, Alcee, whoever you are, but you have to die for my daughter''s sake. At least your maggot life would not be in vain."


    _______________________________________________________________


    08:55 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Parking Lot


    Tori Henna


    A demon? Have I just seen a real demon?


    Tori could still recall the vivid image of the old demon she saw a while ago: brooding complexion, elongated red eyes, diamond-like claws, spiral ivory horns, baleful aura. The demon¡¯s presence was suffocating her; she couldn¡¯t even move an inch. Its features were far from the book¡¯s description; she couldn¡¯t even believe that a demon actually existed. Why in the world have I seen a demon today?


    ¡°What am I gonna do?¡±


    ¡°Help!¡±


    ¡°No! Don¡¯t touch him! Stay away from him¡±


    ¡°Alcee, wake up! Alcee!¡±


    ¡°Why is it getting dark? Am I dying?¡±


    ¡°Tori, Tori, wake up.¡± She heard a raspy voice calling her name as her body rocked to and fro. ¡°My love, Tori. Wake up.¡±


    ¡°Alcee?¡± Tori was able to recover from the trance, and shifted her gaze towards the young man. She saw Troy frowning while his arms folded on his chest - looking dreary and wearied. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s just you.¡±


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong with just me?¡± Troy puckered his face, as if displeased with what he was hearing. ¡°Or are you hoping that it was your prince charming who would wake you up from your slumber?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. I didn¡¯t plan to sound mean or anything.¡± She gathered her strength and stood up, tidying her white hair. Looking around, she searched for Alcee back in the car but he was already gone. Frowning, she turned her gaze towards Troy. ¡°Where¡¯s Alcee?!¡±


    Troy glimpsed at the waiting shed, then shifted her gaze back to her and said, ¡°We¡¯d better not talk that much right now. All you need to know is he¡¯s at the treehouse.¡± Twiddling his thumbs, he stared at her with a concerned look. ¡°He might be in danger.¡±


    ¡°What?! Why?¡±


    ¡°See that guy in military uniform? The one with the scabbard on his waist.¡±


    Troy pouted his lips as if pointing at someone. Following its direction, she saw the only soldier in black garb amidst the commoners in standby. Nodding, she tilted her head slightly and asked, ¡°What about him?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid he saw everything a while ago. You know, about Alcee.¡±


    ¡°Wait. You mean he saw the demon as well?¡±


    ¡°What demon? Don¡¯t scare me like that. You know I hate ugly things.¡±


    ¡°You mean you didn¡¯t see the demon?¡±


    ¡°No, of course not. I would not be here standing with you if I happened to see one, you know. I¡¯d be long gone, far away from here.¡±


    What? Am I the only one who saw that demon? A crease formed on Tori¡¯s  forehead as she reflected on the things she saw. She could not make a thing or two out of the situation: the demon was an enigma. What was the connection with that purple light and Alcee? Why did the demon pat his head, as if it was treating his child?


    ¡°Hello back to Earth, my love.¡± Troy waved his hands before her face, as if trying to wake her up. ¡°You still didn¡¯t answer me. Why¡¯s the demon - never mind. He is coming.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s he? Aaaah, the soldier?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯d just want to tell you he¡¯s not just a soldier. In fact, he is a lieutenant.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±

 Chapter 5: Revelation

    08:55 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Void


    Alcee Salva


    A white flash streaked across the void and an orb of aurora materialized, emitting rays of hazy purple lights. It swayed back and forth, seemingly dancing as if doing a ritual. Inside the pitch-black dimension, it frolicked in the air, stopped its movement and moved towards Alcee.


    Now what?


    He was confused, marveling at the sight as the aurora flickered in the air. Afterwards, it quivered and grew into a height of almost 5 feet, forming a silhouette of a man. It was like an apparition, dwelling between the lines of reality and fantasy. Small, black orbs ¨C 12 in total ¨C revolved around it, like moons on a planet. The orbs collided with each other forming a conglomerate. Shimmering, it dissipated in a flash, and what remained in its place was a black heart, throbbing as if it was alive. The silhouette moved and grabbed the heart, when all of a sudden, the silhouette became Alcee. He was now holding it!


    He never expected in his wildest dreams that such a gruesome thing would happen, yet, the reality betrayed his expectation. The black heart was profusely bleeding, and the blackness was now dyed slowly with a red crimson taint. Suddenly, the heart emitted a dazzling light, the world stood still, and rays of light rendered him sightless. Soon the blinding light was gone, and images started to form in front of him.


    A 3D film! Is this someone¡¯s memory?


    o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o


    The room was vacant and small, like an attic, and only a candle illuminated the place. At the center of the room, a table was neatly placed and two chairs were prepared. A girl listlessly walked, as if she was waiting for someone. Her magma-red hair flowed like a moving water, creating a picturesque scene. She pouted her lilac lips, and placed her hands on her slim waist, thumping her feet. Then suddenly, a knock could be heard from the door, breaking the eerie silence of the room.


    ¡°Chelia! Chelia! Are you here?¡±


    Chelia swiftly opened the door, and let the man came in. ¡°What took you so long, Derric? I thought you have forgotten our plan.¡±


    Derric put his bag on the table and took off his hat, revealing a mature yet handsome face. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ve met some problems getting hold of the book, but, he he he, this book is definitely worth the trouble.¡±


    Beaming, she walked towards the table, sat on the chair, and tapped her fingers. ¡°Of course, this is a forbidden key, and it¡¯s a top rank at that.¡± She rummaged the content of the bag, and took out a glossy book embossed with sapphire and jade. ¡°I don¡¯t know why it is forbidden, but anything that will make us is worth getting.¡±


    As he heard this, Derric scratched his head and smiled sheepishly at her. ¡°So are you ready to do this? We can¡¯t back out now.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± she flatly answered. She took out a vial from her pocket and grinned. ¡°Dispelling the protective charm in this book is really tricky. We can¡¯t make even a single mistake. And we should do this as swiftly as possible; we don¡¯t want to invite more trouble, okay. Now prepare the gemstones while I prepare the array.¡±


    Without much talking, Derric and Chelia started to move. Derric took out the red Demon Crystal from the bag and laid it on the table. With a needle, he pricked his finger, letting his blood drop onto the crystal. He also started chanting, ¡®Ora mhen zhen ghin¡¯. The Demon Crystal started to glow, shivering slightly, as if getting excited.


    Chelia opened the vial and laid it on the floor. She sat on the ground and casually chanted ''Ora mhen zhen gin¡¯ while doing some hand signals, activating some magic. Red vapors rose out of the vial, and Chelia, with the help of some magic, guided the vapors, letting it drift towards the book, absorbing it completely.


    ¡°Do it Derric.¡±


    Derric threw the Demon Crystal onto the book, hoping that it would succeed. Upon contact, it produced a soundless puff of black air, disintegrating the Demon Crystal completely. The bluish and greenish hue that glinted on the book¡¯s cover started to fade away, slowly losing its luster. Finally, the insignia was gone: the dispelling process was now complete!


    Chelia and Derric looked at each other, grinning from ear to ear. Even without talking, they already knew that they were successful in their attempt. Sitting on the chair, they carefully opened the book, and the words that they first saw were¡­


    Onzhee Lhen Kil Mengzhu!


    o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o


    What a weird scene.


    Onzhee Lhen Kil Mengzhu?! What¡¯s that supposed to mean?


    As he pondered, a black wisp appeared before him. It hovered in the air and suddenly spoke with a cold voice.


    ¡°Since you are seeing this, I assume that you are now 15 years of age.¡±


    ¡°I am just but a spell cast by my master when you were just a baby.¡±


    ¡°My job is to relay the truth when you reached the proper age.¡±


    ¡°You are the Key.¡±


    ¡°Treachery will follow you like a faithful dog. Do not give your trust easily.¡±


    ¡°Be wary of androids and the Grandulas, they would kill you if they find out your real identity.¡±


    ¡°Even people will look for you.¡±


    ¡°Do not ever tell anyone what you saw today.¡±


    ¡°Do not reveal to anyone who you are.¡±


    ¡°Look for your sister, Elena.¡±


    ¡°When you see her, you will know that she is your sister.¡±


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    After talking, the black wisp dissipated in a flash, leaving without a trace as if it never existed in the first place.


    I have a sister? Elena?


    I am the key? How come it knows my age?


    Who was the black orb¡¯s master?


    _________________________________________________________________


    10:00 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Torture Chamber


    Ken Chiaozu


    ...a big tree...hacked down in half...


    ...a serpent eating a lion...


    ...a black heart on an altar...


    ...twelve arrows intertwined...


    ...a book held by five golden hands...


    ...words disappearing...rewritten...burned...


    ...explosion...a gigantic purging...


    ...crying...wailing...despairing...


    An inaudible sound reverberated across the white world. Moans haunted the desolate place. Amidst the serene universe lies a lump of stone, glowing eerily with a hazy purple mirage. It was terrifying.


    It was growing.


    It was alive.


    SLAP!


    Ken was awakened by a strong slap on his face. He opened his eyes slowly, and a young android pacing back and forth across the room greeted him. He heard the pipe dripped, water droplets rhythmically sliding their way down a sheet of metal somewhere. The room was small, and only the flickering bulb illuminated the place.


    ¡°Where am I?¡±


    He remembered the final words before he passed out.


    God, am I in a torture chamber?


    ¡°Well, thank God you¡¯re wide awake,¡± a grumpy voice haughtily remarked. Ken felt his hair being tugged by someone and saw a young male android with an eye-patch. ¡°Now, confess, who is your master?¡±


    He was still in a daze, yet he knew he had no time to idle and not answer. He feared for his life. This was the last place he wanted to be, and he knew that he was in here with a purpose.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t wanna confess, huh? Well, I¡¯d love to get to know you more, you know, he he he.¡±


    Suddenly, the android took out a large needle from a medical kit, and injected it on Ken¡¯s shoulder. He was edgy, wondering what medicine they had administered to him. After a few minutes, he felt waves of energy surging inside his body. His body began to convulse. Feeling as if he was struck by a thousand needles, he screamed. His body spasmed violently, and he couldn¡¯t control his body just like reining a mad bull. The pain lasted for an hour, and wails echoed inside the room.


    He was groggy, and his mind and body was exhausted from the intense torture. He felt his hair being tugged again, and heard the same voice, asking ¡°Now, now tell me who is your master.¡±


    ¡°I¡­I..have no master¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, so you still don¡¯t wanna confess, huh? Let¡¯s take it to the next level.¡±


    ¡°Stop that, Kerry. That¡¯s not how you should treat our prisoner.¡±


    ¡°Yes, General Lowry.¡± Kerry approached him and bowed down while giving a low ¡®hmph¡¯ sound. ¡°You¡¯re lucky the general¡¯s here.¡±


    An imposing young lad approached them, wearing a scabbard in his waist. He was clothed in a military black garb, and his face revealed an innocence which betrayed his cold voice. ¡°Now tell me, what is your name.¡±


    ¡°My name¡­is¡­Ken Chiaozu.¡±


    ¡°Chiaozu?!¡± The young lad was surprised with his answer. He knitted his brows in a furrow and scowled at Ken. ¡°Do you know Jiang Chiaozu?¡±


    It was now Ken¡¯s turn to be surprised. ¡°Yes, sir. Do you know him, sir?¡±


    ¡°What is your relationship with him?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my brother.¡±


    General Lowry rubbed his chin, and an evil grin broke upon his face. Turning around, he called Kerry and whispered something in his ear. Kerry smiled and looked at Ken with a sharp and malicious gaze. He took out a white chip and threw it against Ken¡¯s body. A white radiance enveloped him, and he disappeared.


    When the white illumination dissipated, he saw the setting was changed: he was not in the room anymore. The vicinity seemed to be a graveyard!


    The graveyard was filled with a macabre scenario. Rotten bodies slowly crawled out of the tombs. Ghastly wails resounded while the wind blew in a rage. The creaking sound from the rusty ancient cast iron gate resonated. The full moon was covered by the drifting clouds, casting the old graveyard into darkness. Grayish headstones dotted the landscape, and tombstones filled the desolate yard. At the middle of it all, a figure was standing.


    Why does it seem so familiar?


    Ken forced himself to move to take a good look. He was groggy and his body was in agony, yet, he stared at the familiar figure. The shirt, the hair, the shoes, the pants, they all reminded him of someone close to his heart. He stood still, his eyes were reddened, tears streaming his eyes. His heart beat faster, and he tried closing his eyes as if he was trying to wake himself from the nightmare, wishing that it wasn¡¯t real. Yet, the truth loomed in his mind, this was the reality.


    Brother? What have they done to you?

 Chapter 6: Dire Consequences

    11:00 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    Black Forest


    Alcee Salva


    Alcee was still in a daze when he woke up. The room was quite small, and the walls were made of wood, adorned with animal pictures. Five chairs were neatly arranged at the center of the shack. He was familiar with the place.


    Is this the treehouse?!


    How did I arrive at this place?


    Just earlier, he was sitting inside Troy''s car when suddenly his surrounding became a pitch-black void. Remembering all the things he saw at the strange dimension, he was now resolved to discover more of his true identity. He found out he had a sister, and that he was a key to something that grants great power, of which in particular, he didn''t know. And now, to add more to his confusion, he was literally teleported at the treehouse.


    What''s with all these changes in the setting? Where to next?


    As Alcee contemplated on his situation, a figure appeared on the doorway: it was Matron Minerva!


    "What are you doing here, mom?¡±


    "Thank God you''re okay. No time to explain, we must - "


    Swooosh!


    The air became chilly, and the coldness made the both of them shiver. Suddenly, a man with a mask appeared at the treehouse''s front door, saying: "Hello there. Are you Alcee?"


    <hr />


    11:15 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    Black Forest


    Matron Minerva


    "I repeat, are you Alcee?"


    Minerva knew that this guy meant trouble. He was just floating freely, yet she could already feel the killing instinct emanating from  him. It was suffocating, and his bearing gave her an impression that he was a professional assassin. She knitted her brows in a furrow; she knew that a battle was going to happen inevitably. "Who are you?"


    "Me? My name''s not important. I am just a lost nomad."


    ¡°Well, what do you want?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Just being curious and friendly.¡±


    Nothing?! Friendly?! Yeah right. Minerva let out a cold snort, knowing that no sane person would appear out of nowhere and suddenly asked someone¡¯s name without a reason.  She motioned her hands towards Alcee, signaling him to be cautious. "Here, take this chip. If he attacks, crush it." Red rays of mana gathered around her body as she started floating in the air.


    Alcee nodded his head, posturing his body into a fighting stance. ¡°Be careful, Mom. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    The masked assassin started to emanate green wisps of lights as he drifted towards the treehouse. "Hmmm, I guess I would take that as a yes. Sorry, I mean no trouble, but you...lady...need to die."


    The assassin glided in the air, like a hawk catching its prey. Swiftly, he slashed his katana against Minerva, creating a white streak in the air. This happened in mere seconds!


    "Crush it, NOW!"


    Alcee was flabbergasted, he didn''t knew a human could possess such speed. Without hesitation, he crushed the pill and suddenly he was surrounded by an opaque thin shield, as if a ward, protecting him from outside harm.


    Minerva speedily flicked her right arm, and a giant warhammer materialized, shielding her from the ruthless attack. A loud clang echoed, and both of them was pushed back by the colliding force.


    It seems that you''re underestimating me, boy. He he he. She licked her lips, her thirst for battle resurging. Being a retired commander of a government battalion, her prowess in war was known to the androids and humans, using her hammer to smash the enemies, gaining the nickname ¡°The Destroyer.¡±


    The assassin¡¯s mask fell off, revealing a handsome face blemished by a big, slant scar across his face. His mouth twitched and his brows were raised, as if he was not expecting this result. Pointing his dagger towards Minerva, he smiled contemptuously, and laughed. ¡°This is the first time someone took off my mask. Hmmmm...that warhammer, why does it seem so familiar?¡± Pausing for a moment, his frown became more evident when all of a sudden, he snapped his fingers, and uttered, ¡°oh, I see. So you¡¯re the legendary Destroyer of the 13th Battalion, huh? It seems I found a worthy prey.¡±


    Minerva didn¡¯t utter a reply. Swinging her warhammer, she scowled at the laughing assassin. ¡°Stop talking. Give me your worst.¡±


    His eyes sparkled and his body trembled, as if excited from the provocation. Licking his katana¡¯s blade, he suddenly scurried in the ground, blurry like a visage. He had disappeared without a trace, and the forest stood silent.


    Where the hell is he? Minerva descended on the forest clearing as she carefully looked around, checking her enemy¡¯s position. Suddenly, a flash of light appeared at her back, and a katana slashed towards her. The sword missed her by a hair''s breadth, and she mauled her weapon against the assassin in retaliation. His body was hit squarely, but instead of bleeding, it dissipated like a gas.


    Those were afterimages? How can he have inhuman speed?


    Thwack!


    She was hit on her back, and fresh blue blood dripped as she twisted in pain. Then another streaks of light appeared, this time five images hitting against her simultaneously.


    They¡¯re real? Minerva gritted her teeth. She concentrated her essence onto her weapon, emitting a black mist. ¡°Warhammer Tempest!¡±


    Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!


    Twirling like a hurricane, she hit all the afterimages¡¯ assaults. As expected, they simply vanished without revealing the assassin¡¯s true body.


    When she thought that it would not get worse, suddenly the number of streaks increased from five to 20. ¡°This won¡¯t do.¡± She stomped her foot on the ground and jumped, escaping the sword onslaught. Taking out a red chip, she attached it on the warhammer¡¯s handle and swung it roughly in the air. ¡°Warhammer Blast!¡±


    A fiery squall gushed towards the afterimages as loud explosions resonated across the forest. It was about to reach the target when suddenly, green orbs of light radiated from the swiveling swords.


    ¡°Shield of the Forest!¡±


    Eight tubular vines appeared from the swirling orbs. It condensed into a big lump of wooden sphere, about 3 meters in circumference, The two opposing forces collided with each other.


    BOOM!


    Scorched trees littered the ground while the air was covered with red and green essences.


    ¡°Annoying fly. I have no choice but to use this.¡± Minerva was gasping for breath, as metallic bones were now visible on her right arm, a big chunk of her muscles was gone due to the collision earlier. She then took a blue pill from her pocket, and popped it inside her mouth. Promptly, her energy increased, and her strength was now tripled.


    Well, I''ll let you taste a dose of your own medicine!


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    If you''re just going to hide, then I''ll just have to make you stop hiding!


    This time 20 streaks of light surrounded her, but this didn''t perturbed her in any way. She swiveled her warhammer, like a hurricane, hitting all of them accurately. She posed in a stance, and suddenly jumped in the air, hitting the ground as hard as she could, creating a crater. Waves of gust streamed in every direction, destroying the nearby trees. Yet, she jumped again, and hit the ground, this time, with a greater force. She did this consecutively, without stopping, creating countless of craters! It was as if her momentum was building up: as she continued to jump, her strength increased as well. She didn''t remember how many times she jumped, all she cared was to obliterate her enemy. For an entire hour, all she did was hit the ground, creating deadly shockwaves after shockwaves.


    The Black Forest was now unrecognizable: it was like a barren desert! Tree stumps were the only reminders that this place was once a big, thriving forest. And at the center of the mess was a body: mangled and squashed in a bloody pulp!


    Matron Minerva turned her body towards Alcee, and slowly her body fell down.


    <hr />


    11:00 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Graveyard


    Ken Chiaozu


    What have they done to my brother?!


    ...a boy shielding his brother from the falling rocks...


    ...beaten and blue, yet the boy punched his brother''s attacker...


    ...a man gave him a corsage...


    ...happily dining together...


    Jiang was always with him wherever he goes, supporting him in all his endeavors. He never had seen a moment in his life where his brother contradicted his decisions, he was always at his back. He was his supporter, he was his friend, he was his only brother. Yet, now he was just a corpse, God knows what these scrupulous people had done to him.


    Ken could not quell his raging emotions, and he felt a burning fire surging inside his body. Something inside him was stirred, and it wanted out of his body. Adrenaline rushed into his head, and his eyes were bloodshot, blazing like a demonic fire. Blue veins appeared on his entire body, bulging out as if it was about to pop. Raging, roaring, he was like a madman, a mindless psychotic that wants to kill. He felt no fear, even the pain inflicted on him earlier was thoroughly gone. Today, he was a mindless monster!


    Monster against monster. The zombies surrounded him as he stood like a statue. Ken didn''t move, yet he was already imposing, like a big mountain. A zombie approached him when suddenly his feral instincts kicked in. He charged towards the zombie and shouted like a banshee, producing an ear-splitting scream.


    "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"


    Still screaming, he abruptly move towards the first zombie, punched his head, instantly exploding  while kicking the nearby zombie in its knees. He turned around and carried the first zombie that he killed, twirled like a hurricane, then tossed it on the remaining zombies. The zombies were hit, falling down like a pole. He hurriedly run to the nearest zombie, and continued his massacre. And he went on to the next, then on to the next, striking them with a one-punch kill. A zombie bit him in the leg, yet he didn''t feel any pain. He grabbed its neck and squashed it like a bug, severing it entirely. For a slash he received, he would retaliate with a sure-fire kill. The more they wounded him, the more he was refreshed!


    Ken couldn''t explain what he was feeling right now: he was not afraid, he had uncanny strength, and his desire to kill was great. It was as if he was under a bloodlust spell. He just did what his instinct tells him to do, without any reservations. Anything that he held became a weapon: a bone, a body, a stone, even a head or a limb. He just hacked, punched, and kicked his way towards the gate, slowly approaching his brother. He didn''t mind how he killed them, as long as he could kill them, it was okay. There was even a zombie who had bitten him on his arm, and, in rage, he retaliated by biting it to death. He tasted guts, and it fanned his impulse to annihilate. He was totally covered with zombies'' guts, yet his mind wished for more. Soon enough, a mountain of body formed from the zombies he killed, yet he didn''t stop.


    The moaning lessened as the dead bodies increased in number. Five hundred became a hundred, and a hundred became fifty. He was now covered with wounds: he was bitten, clawed, and hacked. He was bleeding profusely, yet he was still standing.


    Like a demon, Ken stood up at the center of the mauled corpses. He wanted more!


    His killings continued. until only two zombies remained, walking between Ken and Jiang, who was five meters away. Striding down the path, he smashed the nearest zombie''s puny head, popping like a balloon. He carried the beheaded monster and tossed it against the remaining monster. He growled, and sat on the last zombie and punched his body mercilessly. He punched and punched until the body became a thick paste, even the bones were shattered completely. After his massacre, he went towards his brother. Somehow, even though he couldn''t control his killing desire, he could still recognize his foes and friends.


    "Brother, can you hear me?" He was now sober, his eyes not blazing anymore. Suddenly, a rush of intense pain assaulted him, the adrenaline was now gone.


    "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!"


    Ken sprawled on the ground, as if shocked. He couldn''t move his body anymore, even a slight touch on him would inflict extreme torture. Helpless, he had no more strength even just to stay conscious.


    Groaning in pain, Ken tried to gather his strength so as to stand up, but his body failed to heed his urging. Looking at the sky, his eyes began to falter as he wondered what his fate would be. Would I just die here in vain? He was about to resign in exhaustion when all of a sudden, he heard a voice.


    "Ken! Can you hear me? Ken!"


    Ken looked around at the surroundings, checking the source of the sound. He tilted his head towards the standing corpse.


    Did I just hear my brother speak?


    Ken listened keenly, half-expecting to hear his brother''s voice. He was not disappointed, the body indeed talked!


    "Ken! Listen to me!"


    ¡°Brother Jiang¡­¡±


    "Listen, Ken. I really want to explain everything to you, but as of the moment, I could only tell you the most important thins, since my soul is temporarily detached from this body. Don¡¯t ask how, it¡¯s one of our clan¡¯s secrets.¡±


    ¡°We are a family of psychic, and our blood contains a powerful lineage."


    "Beware of the androids. They covet our powers, and they found out our secret. The only way they can get our power is by obtaining our heirloom."


    "Inside your body is our family''s heritage: the Psychotic Penchant. Before I left, I have already put it inside your body while you were sleeping. Do not ask how I did it. You will learn it in time."


    "This is the reason why they abducted me, and killed my body. So do not ever let them know or even give them a hint that you have it."


    "Your power is now fully activated. Bloodlust and prophecy, use it well."


    "I''ll use my last life essence to create a portal. Go my brother. Avenge our clan."


    "Now go!"


    Blue energy emanated from the dead Jiang¡¯s corpse, and a gush of force accumulated at his front. The energy engulfed Ken entirely, and the last words he heard before he dematerialized was:


    "Search the Black Forest!¡±


    But Ken couldn''t see anything due to the lights engulfing him, he couldn''t even hear any sound. It was as if he was separated from the world!

 Chapter 7: Dessa Everheart

    11:35 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Shed¡¯s Office


    Lieutenant Harry Kendrick


    BZZZZT!


    The hologram screen flickered and the video came to a stop. Harry paused for a moment, remembering the last scene before it abruptly ended. I¡¯m not expecting the ¡®Destroyer¡¯ to be Alcee¡¯s benefactor, this could be troublesome. Even though Mario was a first-rate assassin, he could still be in danger if he would not be careful in battling against the fearsome warrior, who was a known veteran in war. Harry could not afford to lose his target, considering Alcee¡¯s blood could be the cure to his daughter¡¯s disease. He searched too far and wide for a Mythicales¡¯ blood, and now the golden opportunity came, he decided to eliminate every hindrances that might come his way in securing such a valued commodity.


    ¡°Dessa, come here for a moment. I need you to do something for me,¡± Harry called through the intercom as he glanced at the faraway Troy, who was now accompanied by a girl.


    ¡°Yes, Lieutenant Harry. I¡¯d be there in a few sec.¡±


    ¡°Over and out.¡±


    Harry went towards the see-through glass, looking intently at the duo. As he waited for his secretary to arrive, he took out his Electobag from his pocket and began to procure out his favorite KitKat candy bar and his weapons: the saber and the dual pistol. Everytime he was about to face a hard battle, it was his habit to tinker his weapons and eat KitKat to relax his mood.


    While he was doing this, the door flew open and a blonde female in brown military clothes came in.


    ¡°Reporting to duty, Sir!¡±


    ¡°SIt down, honey, I have to trouble you with something. And stop calling me, Sir, no one¡¯s here now.¡±


    ¡°Ha ha ha. Yes, honey.¡±


    Dessa locked the door and walked towards Harry in a flirtatious way, until she stopped as she noticed the saber, dual pistol and KitKat bar sprawled on the table. She smiled, and reached out for his lips, kissing him. Harry, being a hot-blooded male, accepted the move and began french kissing her as his hands wandered on her skirt. She began to moan as Harry licked her earlobes, fully smelling the floral scent of her body. They began to undress, and soon, moaning and groaning of a man and a woman filled the entire room.


    o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o


    ¡°You know me too well, don¡¯t you?¡± Harry reached out for his military garb as he dressed himself after the lovemaking. Looking at the naked Dessa, who was now sitting on the table, he revealed a toothy grin, then laughed like a child. ¡°I¡¯m so lucky to have someone like you, honey, a beautiful fox and a dependable one as well.¡±


    ¡°Flatterer,¡± Dessa muttered, still lying at the table while fiddling her hair. ¡°I know for a fact that every time your saber and pistol are out with a KitKat bar near you, it means you¡¯re going to a battle. So I just helped you relaxed your body since I know your body needs sex before you fight, right?¡±


    Harry, who was now looking at the mirror, scratched his head as he glanced at Dessa. ¡°Well, sorry. I can¡¯t help it, you know. Since Jessica died, my body just¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop talking about your dead wife,¡± Dessa muttered icily as she stood up and began putting on her clothes as well. ¡°I know you¡¯re now in a hurry, so what¡¯s the thing you have wanted me to do?¡±


    ¡°Dessa, this is a confidential matter. Consider this as a personal request to you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, honey. Spill the beans¡±


    Harry chuckled heartily as he grabbed the KitKat bar and took a bite. ¡°This time I have finally found a Mythicales.¡±


    Dessa was wide-eyed as she heard Harry¡¯s reply. Every military personnel working at the city knew his daughter¡¯s fate and her need of a Mythicales¡¯ blood. Smiling, she clapped her hands, acting like a happy child. ¡°Well, what do you want me to do?¡±


    ¡°Do you see that boy at the reception office?¡± Harry pointed at the see-through glass.


    ¡°The one who¡¯s talking to a military, wait, is he talking to your robot clone?¡±


    ¡°Ha ha, yes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s just there to stall them. Anyway, I need you to find someone who can spy on their actions, their exams, as well as investigate their backgrounds. I don¡¯t know about the girl, but the boy¡¯s name is Troy.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I can easily do that, honey¡± Dessa confidently answered as she took a seat on a vacant chair. ¡°But why? Is this related to the Mythicales?¡±


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    ¡°Yes, honey. For now, this is the only thing that I can disclose to you, for I don¡¯t want you to be in trouble, okay?¡± Harry kissed her forehead and put his hands on her shoulders, looking at her intently. ¡°For now, I¡¯m going to the Black forest with some personal guards. I¡¯d explain later.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Dessa sighed as she gazed at him with a loving look, her eyes began to redden. ¡°Take care for me, it¡¯s an order.¡±


    Harry chuckled as he stood straight and made a salute, shouting, ¡°Ma¡¯am, yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    Dessa laughed as well, pinching Harry¡¯s waist as she stood up and wrapped her arms on his neck. ¡°Is there anything else you want me to do, Lieutenant Harry?¡±


    ¡°Take care for me. See you later.¡±


    ___________________________________________________________


    11:35 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Great Lodge


    Troy Jenner


    ¡°Do you think Alcee¡¯s okay?¡± Tori whispered to Troy as she rubbed her palms on her cheeks, her body slightly trembling.


    Troy tried to grabbed her waist  as he wanted to take this chance so as to further deepen their romantic relationship, if there was any. But the moment his hands touched her body, it was as if she was electrocuted, jumping slightly as she gave a small ¡®eep¡¯ sound.


    ¡°What are you doing?! That¡¯s harassment! For once, be a gentleman in your life!¡±


    ¡°Hey, I was just trying to make you relax, I¡¯ve meant no harm. No need to growl like an enraged tigress.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right. Whatever.¡±


    Tori rolled her eyes as she walked ahead of Troy, grumbling like a child. As she was about to reach the Lodge¡¯s gate, she turned back as she faced Troy with a stern look. She lifted her right hand, only her pinkie finger was pointed as her other fingers were closed, and snickered while saying, ¡°I¡¯ve seen everything this morning, naked and all. Being a man, this pinky finger is all your worth.¡±


    Troy felt his blood rushed at his face, his eyes wide-eyed, not believing that Tori could be so ruthless. No, anything but that. Please tell me I¡¯m dreaming. He felt like retorting to what she had said, but the only thing he was able to do was open his mouth.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? We¡¯re still halfway before the day is done, but I¡¯m already exhausted.¡± Tori¡¯s countenance was now calm, unlike earlier when her face was beet red due to anger. It seemed that she was able to relax after her remarks towards him.


    Troy stared blankly at her as he walked towards the gate. The only thing that escaped from his lips was a grunt.


    A long queue of young people was already waiting at the front of the reception office the moment Troy and Tori arrived at the Great lodge. He suspected that these youths were also here for the annual examination, and because of the heavy tension in their faces, he couldn¡¯t help but feel nervous as well, already forgetting Tori¡¯s remark earlier.


    ¡°Wow, what a huge crowd!¡± Tori¡¯s eyes were wide-eyed as she looked at the chattering people. She was about to ran to the edge of the queue when all of a sudden, a young man appeared beside her and directly grabbed her arm. A shrill scream escaped from Tori¡¯s mouth, echoing throughout the area, making all the youth turned their heads toward her.


    ¡°Loriel, learn to be discreet. Don¡¯t scare the poor girl.¡±


    The dark-haired Loriel released Tori¡¯s arms as he did a backward flip, posing as he stood straight while doing a ¡®peace¡¯ hand sign. The beautiful blond lady, dressed in a military uniform, chuckled as she walked towards Troy and Tori.


    Troy was flabbergasted; he didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry at the scene because of the serious look of the man named Loriel which contradicted his comedic pose. He could see Tori¡¯s wide-eyed face as her mouth was wide open due to shock factor.


    ¡°No need to be surprised, missy!¡± Loriel exclaimed mirthfully, combing his disheveled hair, and extended his right hand, saying ¡°Pleased to meet your acquaintance, exalted beauty.¡±


    Before Tori could reply, the blond lady grabbed Loriel¡¯s extended hand, squeezing it gently, which made him grimaced in pain.


    ¡°Ow! Ow!¡±


    ¡°Stop that, Loriel, we¡¯re not here to do your monkey business,¡± the blond lady replied in an icy manner, looking straight at Tori and Troy with a cheerful face, as if her previous actions were not related to her at all. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m Dessa Everheart. May I know what¡¯s your name?¡±


    Troy felt that there was something more to Dessa, and somehow he could feel dread seeping inside his body, as if he was facing someone not to be trifled with.

 Chapter 8: Examination

    11:40 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Great Lodge


    Tori Henna


    Tori gave them a skeptical look, wondering who were these two mysterious people trying to befriend them. Reluctantly, she reached out her hands and gave them a handshake while saying, ¡°My name¡¯s Tori. May I know why you¡¯re acting like this?¡±


    Dessa just stared at her straight in the eyes, smiling cheerfully as she hold Tori¡¯s hands, as if she could see Tori¡¯s inner soul through her eyes. WIthout letting go of her hands, she nonchalantly answered, ¡°Well, to be honest, I saw you talking to Lieutenant Kendrick earlier. Are you related to him one way or another?¡±


    ¡°No. He just asked us some questions, nothing serious.¡±


    ¡°Oh. And you weren¡¯t excited?¡±


    ¡°Why are you asking?¡± Troy suddenly asked, his gaze shifting from Dessa to Loriel, as if he was cautious of them. Troy folded his arms on his chest, his eyebrows knitted in a furrow, and asked, ¡°Are you related to him one way or another?¡±


    Tori couldn¡¯t help but look at Troy in a strange manner. Dessa¡¯s a beauty, yet he¡¯s cold towards her? Hmm, I wonder why. She was aware of Troy¡¯s playboy attitude, her always being the receiving end of it.


    ¡°And if I say yes, would you believe it?¡± Dessa smiled, her arms now placed on her hips. Stepping back, she stretched her arms sideward, and playfully moved her body, as if dancing in a jovial manner. ¡°Ha ha ha. Nothing serious. We were just curious, you know. Besides, everyone here knows Lieutenant Kendrick.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t know him?!¡±


    Troy and Tori both shook their heads, their eyes still fixated on the dancing girl for different reasons. Without a care in the world, Dessa was still dancing, not minding if she was eliciting indecent impressions towards the people looking at her.


    Tori couldn¡¯t help but ask herself, wondering if this girl had some loose screws on her head. Looking at Troy, she could see his mouth wide open as drool streamed on his mouth and his eyes bloodshot like a maniac. Taking out a piece of crumpled paper in her pocket, she stuffed it inside his mouth, soliciting a gurgling sound from the manic Troy, while saying, ¡°Sorry, but we don¡¯t know him. Is he that famous?¡±


    ¡°Are you seriously asking him if he¡¯s famous? Of course he¡¯s famous!¡± Dessa shook her head, surprised at the things she was hearing as she continuously moved her body, as if dancing along with the soundless music. ¡°He¡¯s not just a famous Lieutenant, he¡¯s also a respected hero. Ever heard of the Prancing Lion?¡±


    ¡°Yes, wait, don¡¯t tell me he is the Prancing Lion? The great hero of the Seventh War?!¡±


    ¡°Yes. No wonder you¡¯re reactions were so-so when you met him earlier.¡±


    ¡°Eeeeh! Eeeeeh!¡± Tori couldn¡¯t help but shriek in delight as she unconsciously pushed the gurgling Troy, making him fall on the ground. She was flabbergasted, waving her arms in a frantic manner as she stammered her feet in happiness. ¡°I¡¯ve met my hero?! Sh*t, I¡¯ve met my hero?!¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t recognize him?¡±


    ¡°Well, I have never saw his face, even in pictures. All I¡¯ve heard were stories from mom, about him and his exploits. In fact, my mom said he was her benefactor!¡±


    ¡°Really? Benefactor?¡± Dessa stopped dancing and stood momentarily, looking at her with an inquisitive look, her brows raised up in an arch.


    Tori couldn¡¯t help but notice a faint glint of light on Dessa¡¯s eyes, even though it was just a mere second, wondering if she had said something that agitated Dessa. Curious of her reaction, in a happy tone, Tori replied, ¡°Yes, benefactor. Somehow I think that there¡¯s something between them in the past, but I¡¯m not sure. Hee, hee.¡±


    After saying this, Tori somehow felt that her body trembled uncontrollably as if she was surrounded by imminent dangers. Beads of sweat covered her forehead as she felt the chill invaded her body, as if eating her very soul. Is she angry?! My God, keep me safe from this devious woman! She was now sure that Dessa was closely related to Lieutenant Kendrick. Maybe his lover - this was the only conclusion Tori could come up with, considering Dessa¡¯s unusual reaction.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Loriel, who was just standing a while ago, suddenly grabbed Dessa¡¯s right arm and whispered to her, and the tension in the air dissipated. Dessa¡¯s countenance flashed a beautiful smile and covered her mouth while saying, ¡°Sorry, my bad. I¡¯m acting impertinent again. I just wanted to say sorry again.¡°


    Dessa took out her ringing Electophone from her breast pocket, and her eyes squinted for a moment, before telling, ¡°Well, it seems I have forgotten something important to be done today. I¡¯d soon keep in touch with you.¡±


    Tori was still covered in sweat as she saw the two figures walking towards the Lodge side entrance. After they left, she released a deep sigh, unaware that she was holding her breath. Clenching her fists, she muttered in a soft voice: ¡°No, don¡¯t come back, devious woman.¡±


    _____________________________________________________________


    12:15 P.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    Waiting Room, The Great Lodge


    Troy Jenner


    Troy did not know how much longer do they have to wait for the examination to start. Somehow, he was already exhausted even though the exam have yet to begin. If somehow the test would involve some grueling task which would require body force, he felt that he would surely fail.


    Looking at the silent Tori who was now sitting on a corner, he sighed softly, wondering about the earlier scenario. What the hell happened to them while I was removing the paper in my mouth? He shook his head, and without a thing to do, started scanning the waiting room.


    The room was rather gloomy, as it was only illuminated by two helix Electolamps placed at the front near the blank Electoscreen. Not a single decoration could be seen on the black walls, and at the center front of the room was a small, metallic desk and a vacant chair, which he guessed as the proctor¡¯s table. A transparent crystal orb was perched on a pedestal at the left side of the proctor¡¯s table. He suspected that the size of the room was about 8 square meters, and somehow, he had this vague notion that this place was a classroom. Noticing that there was only him and Tori inside the room, with all the vacant chairs in an array, he felt scared, as if he could feel invisible beings gazing at them, somehow checking on them if they were good or not. After minutes of silent waiting, he heard a mechanical buzz, and the Electoscreen flickered, and a good-looking female android appeared on the screen.


    ¡°Examinee 9997 and 9998, please come forward and state your names.¡±


    Tori and Troy both stood up and walked towards the Electoscreen. Without glancing at each other, they simultaneously answered.


    ¡°Troy Jenner, Examinee 9997.¡±


    ¡°Tori Henna, Examinee 9998.¡±


    ¡°Welcome to the testing area. Tori Jenner, please put your right hand on top of the crystal orb.¡±


    Troy was sure that the crystal orb was part of the examination, but he was rather curious as to how it would test them. Since it looked harmless, he moved towards the crystal orb and placed his right hand without hesitation. After a few seconds of waiting, the crystal orb remained transparent, nothing was changed.


    ¡°Thank you, Troy Jenner. Now, Tori Henna, could you please put your right hand on the crystal orb?¡±


    Troy was confused. Did I fail the examination? Is that it? As he silently moved away from the crystal orb, he looked at Tori and muttered, ¡°good luck.¡±


    Tori stared at him momentarily, and nodded in reply. She stood still for mere seconds, as if hesitating, and slowly placed her hands on the orb, as if she was cautious of the orb. Upon contact, the transparent orb suddenly changed its color into blazing red!


    They were both silent and wide-eyed as they saw the intense light shining from the orb. Troy, with a questioning look, approached the screen. ¡°Did I...did I fail the exam?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Troy Jenner. This is only the testing of the bloodline, and it would not affect the result of your examination.¡±


    Testing of the bloodline?

 Chapter 9: The Deity Cave - Part 1

    11:35 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Black Forest


    Alcee Salva


    Alcee was alone, standing still as he was surrounded by thick layers of black shield, preventing him from seeing or hearing anything outside. Wondering what skill he had activated from the chip, he listlessly paced on the barren ground. Mom, please be careful! All he could do was wait in agony, fidgeting as he prayed in his mind for his mom¡¯s victory.


    Can she win the fight? Can she even fight properly?


    Calm down, Al. Calm yourself!


    Alcee relaxed his mind as he tried to recall everything that transpired this day, which led to his situation right now. First, I was happily with my friends when I mysteriously appeared inside a black void, next I saw a fu**ing 3D memory, whatever the hell it is, then I eventually emerged at the treehouse. A minute later, mom appeared as if she was desperately looking for me, saying that we should leave immediately. All of a sudden, this fu**ing bastard appeared out of nowhere and asked me if I was Alcee. This led to my mom taking out a whooping hammer, was it a warhammer, hmm not sure, then she gave me a chip. The bastard attacked my mom and before I know it, I am now inside this fu**ing space! Where to next? Where would I appear next?! Think, Alcee. Think what to do!


    Instinctively, Alcee started hitting his head with his fist, as if trying to activate a broken machine, until he felt dizzy. No matter how hard he hit his head, he could still not connect the things that happened to him based on the events he could remember. Rather, he could only come up with a conclusion which, for him, was rather unrealistic or impossible.


    The bastard said he wants me alive, not caring if my mom¡¯s dead. Who the hell wants my body? Am I that important?


    Disgruntled, Alcee sat on the ground in a meditative stance, and silently wait for anything to happen. He knew that banging his head would not solve his predicament, rather it would just make him unstable. All I can do is wait. I¡¯d wait for mom. Who knows, maybe I¡¯d appear next at the orphanage. Yes, let¡¯s be optimistic. Fighting!


    Time passed by as Alcee waited for his mom when suddenly, the layers of black shield slowly disintegrated. Sounds of breaking mirror reverberated across the field as the walls disappeared, and the forest once again came into view. As he stood up and looked at the area, he gasped in surprise. What happened to the forest? Illegal logging? Where are the trees? Wait, where¡¯s mom?


    Alcee was now surrounded by uprooted trees, and the once lively forest became a barren ground. He was greeted by an eerie silence, not a single chirp of bird could be heard. Afraid of sneak attacks, Alcee scanned the area looking for any trace of his mom and the bastard¡¯s whereabouts without making a noise. After a while, he noticed that at the center of the mess, a female body was sprawled on the ground, squirming, half-dead.


    ¡°MOM!¡±


    Alcee ran as fast as he could towards Minerva and checked on her condition. ¡°Mom, are you alright?¡±


    Minerva smiled at him and, with a pained gaze asked, ¡°Do I look alright?¡±


    ¡°Well, no...err mom, where¡¯s the bastard guy who dared attack you like that?¡±


    Without answering him, she lifted her hand and pointed at something behind Alcee. He looked back and what he saw made his body in trepidation. It was a bloody pulp of meat!


    ¡°Mom, do..don¡¯t tell me that meat pulp was the bastard?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my dear. Squashed like a bug.¡±


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.Squashed like a bug. Minerva¡¯s calm words resonated inside Alcee¡¯s mind as he looked at the mess with a stupefied expression. Unknowingly, he remembered all the time that he made Minerva angry, and shuddered at the possibility of his mom¡¯s wrath. No can do, I should not make her angry in the future. Squashed like a bug, no can do.


    Taking a big gulp, Alcee withdraw his gaze and lowered his head as he faced Minerva. ¡°Mom, I¡¯d never make you angry again. Never.¡±


    _________________________________________________________


    11:45 A.M. February 4, 4086 A.D.


    The Black Forest


    Matron Minerva


    As Minerva heard Alcee¡¯s sincere words, she couldn¡¯t help but smile. How sweet. My child do love me so much, he must be afraid of losing me. She tried to move her body and stand up, and luckily, she felt that she could endure the pain. ¡°Alcee dear, let¡¯s look for a place so we can hide. Someone might come here. We don¡¯t know if he had companions with him or not.¡±


    ¡°Where should we go?¡± Alcee asked Minerva as he helped her stand.


    ¡°I know of a perfect place to hide.¡±


    ¡°Where is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a cave.¡±


    ¡°A cave?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a cave. Actually, it¡¯s the Deity Cave.¡±


    ¡°What?! The Deity Cave?!¡±


    ¡°You know of it?¡±


    ¡°No, mom. What¡¯s the Deity Cave?¡±


    ¡°Then why shout like you were surprised?¡±


    ¡°Nothing serious, mom.¡±


    Minerva chuckled at Alcee¡¯s reaction. As she checked on her condition, assessing the full extent of the damage on her body, she was now sure that she still have the energy to walk. Taking an injection and blue vial from her pocket, she administered the medicine on her body and she felt intense pain. She gritted her teeth as she withstood the backlash in taking a strong dosage of medicine. After a few minutes, the pain subsided and, even though she was not yet cured, at least she was confident of not collapsing due to weakness.


    ¡°Wow, mom. Good medicine.¡± Alcee gave a thumb-up sign, grinning as he puffed his chest, as if proud of something. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that I have such a capable mom. Well, considering I¡¯m capable, it¡¯s a no-brainer that I should have one, I guess.¡±


    ¡° Ha, ha, ha.¡±


    ¡°Mom, should we really go to the Deity cave? Can¡¯t we go at the orphanage?¡±


    ¡°No, we can¡¯t,¡± Minerva plainly answered. ¡°If my guess is right, we can¡¯t go at the orphanage right now.¡±


    ¡°But why, mom? Is it because of the mysterious person looking for me?¡± Alcee stared at her with a questioning look. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, that bastard knew that I was living at the orphanage?¡±


    ¡°Maybe. I just need to rest for half a day so I can recuperate. For now, let¡¯s go to the Deity Cave.¡±


    ___________________________________________________________


    As they were about to reach the deity cave, there was a dazzling light that appeared near the cave¡¯s entrance. A figure emerged in the air, and it fell down. Noticing that it was not moving, Alcee and Minerva slowly went near the mysterious man, and to their surprise, found out that it was Ken!