《Lost Child》 Chapter 1: a Boy, a Spider and a View (Revised) Hello There! If this is the first time you have read this Chapter I hope you enjoy it. If you have been here before you will notice some changes to Chapter 1. I hope that this has improved the readability of the Chapter as well as made it more interesting. You can find more stuff such as a map, stat sheets and a completely different story on yougots.wordpress.com. Thanks -------------------------------------- A boy was stranded on a cliff side. He left his parents campsite behind to go on his own imaginary adventure but he lost his footing. At the last moment he caught a patch of Earth to stop from falling. This was not the adventure he wanted. ¡°It¡¯s ok calm down Otis. Mom or Dad is going to reach down any moment and pull me up.¡± ¡°Mommy help me!¡± the child yelled. ¡°It¡¯s ok they are probably looking for me right now they know I went for a hike while they were making lunch¡±, he reasoned. He knew they would appear on the cliff side to help him. His muscles burned and blood trickled down his forearm to his elbows before it dripped off. ¡°I don¡¯t know how much longer I can hold on they better get here soon.¡± He begun to exert effort to pull himself up the ledge that was only three feet away from his fingertips. As he pulled himself pain blossomed in his hands and upper back. He tried to find a place put his foot but it kept sliding back to tiny crevice he was already using. He loosened his muscles in his arms and gave up on pulling himself up to the ledge. ¡°Why can¡¯t I just pull myself up? The ledge is right there!¡± anger welling up inside of him. ¡°Why aren¡¯t they here yet?¡± his voice was low almost inaudible. ¡°Where are they, don¡¯t they care about me?¡± ¡°Why am I stuck here?¡± slightly louder than before. ¡°What did I do to deserve this?¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t fair!¡± he shouted. He thought of his mother. ¡°Don¡¯t get too close to the ledge, she said¡±. ¡°The rocks are loose she said¡±. ¡°You might fall she said¡±. His face was twisted, voice full of mockery. ¡°Well mother I took you advice and look where I am now. I was a few feet from the ledge when I stepped on those rocks and slid off the side. I bet if walked along the ledge there wouldn¡¯t have been any loose rocks. This is fault with your stupid advice!¡± He shouted and began to cry. With his hands throbbing he said, ¡°Mom please save me. I will do anything. I make sure all my chores are done, I will always do the dishes and I will stop complaining all the time.¡± A few minutes past his body was burning he knew he wouldn¡¯t last much longer. He finally gave up on his parents he knew they were not coming. Subconsciously he knew he was on his own, he knew he could only rely on himself but he had one last hope. ¡°God, I know I never go to church but just this once give me the strength to climb up. If you can do this I will always go to church. I will leave my home and live in the church for the rest of my life. So please just let me do this one little thing.¡± His hope bloomed this was it he was going to be able to climb to the top he knew it. He applied his last bit of strength to his arms and legs. He was going to climb up this stupid wall! His chest inched up further then it had ever gone before. His confidence grew as he quickly pulled his left hand from the wall for the first time in what felt like hours. Pain burned through his fingertip and palms from the rocks still embedded in them. He desperately grabbed at next outcropping of rocks. Once he had a firm grasp he began to pull himself up. Then the rock broke from the wall he placed his hand back on the wall trying to find a grip to stop from falling. His hand slid down the cliff face only to find a grip on its original hold. His left hand was rubbed raw and bleeding. ¡°That¡¯s it, I am going to die here.¡± ¡°Why did I even try? I only made it worse.¡± He cried. ¡°Why have I even been trying? My parents didn¡¯t even come looking for me. Why bother? They probably don¡¯t even want me even god doesn¡¯t want to help me¡±. ¡°It¡¯s useless. I am useless¡±, he sobbed. ¡­ ¡­ A few moments past. The child was past his limits. ¡°It¡¯s going to be ok. I can¡¯t fight it. I might as well just let go.¡± The boy stopped crying. He steadied his breath and his muscles became looser. ¡°It¡¯s going to be ok.¡± ¡°It¡¯s going to be ok.¡± ¡°Just relax it¡¯s going to be ok.¡± ¡°Just let go and fall to the rocks below.¡± His hands started to loosen from the rocks. ¡°NO.¡± He shouted and hands firmed. ¡°It¡¯s going to be ok. I am not going to die like this.¡± ¡°Just relax you are going to be just fine¡±, he said to himself. His mind began to become less frantic and relaxed. For the first time he observed his surroundings. He looked down. ¡°Maybe I can climb down. No it¡¯s too far I cannot climb three feet up what makes me think I can climb 20 feet down.¡± He looked to his right there was nothing of note maybe a couple of hand holds but the ridge sloped up that way so it would only get higher to climb that way. He looked to the left the ridge sloped down that way. The only problem was the shadows that were cast to that side of the cliffside it would be hard to see where to place his hands and feet ¡°Hmm, I can try to climb to the left but I don¡¯t think I can make it that far I would need to go about 20 feet to reach the ledge.¡± He looked me closely at the possible footing that there is to the left. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± He noticed the shadows a few feet to his left. Looking a bit more closely it began to show a shape of a crevice. The crevice was at the level foot about 4 feet away. ¡°That looks large enough that I could sit in it and rest for a bit.¡± He made his decision he was going to head for that hole. He released his bloody red hand and slowly slid it to the left trying to find a place to grab. Once he found a spot he moved his right hand to the bloody spot where his left had been. He then slid his left foot over along the crevice it was currently on till he reached its edge and then slid his right foot over. He slid his body over one more time. Now he stretched his left foot over to the hole on the side of the cliff. Once he was confident that his left foot was on firm enough ground he carefully moved the rest of his body into the hole. It was deep enough for him to fully squeeze himself in. For once he was happy he was short for an 11 year old. He looked down at his hands saw them covered in rocks and bleeding; his left significantly worse than his right. He took stock of his injuries that he had some he didn¡¯t even know they were there. His knees and elbows were full of scrapes a couple of them were deep. He looked at his stomach and chest. ¡°Looks like I have serious case of road rash.¡± He painfully wiped the rocks from this hand and body. ¡°Hmm...I wonder if I will ever get to play that again. I have only had the game for a week.¡± He looked at his clothes. His left sleeve was full holes in fact his clothes were tattered from all the climbing. He ripped the rest of his left sleeve off and wrapped his left hand. Afterwards he pulled off his shirt and used it to wipe the rest of the dirt and grime from his wounds. He glanced down at his Mickey watch his grandma gave him a few months ago for his 11th birthday, it was way past lunch time. Speaking to himself he said, ¡°Let¡¯s get a little sleep first then I will get out of here.¡± The boy closed his eyes and rested a bit. ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ A humming sound, low at first, came from behind the back wall of his hole. It was increasingly getting louder like a airplane turbine spinning up to full power. All of a sudden a pronounced crack echoed into the surroundings. The boy¡¯s eyes shot open from the noise. ¡°What the heck was that?!¡± He didn¡¯t know how long he slept but he reasoned it couldn¡¯t have been that long. He looked out at the cliffside nothing changed. The Texas sun was still blazing hot and hadn¡¯t moved since he closed his eyes. He turned his head and looked towards the back wall well where the back wall used to be. ¡°Wasn¡¯t there a wall here, I could swear that this was just a hole not a cave.¡± He reached out thinking his eyes were playing tricks on him but his right hand only felt emptiness. ¡°I guess I was too tired and didn¡¯t notice.¡± He squinted his eyes. ¡°Looks like there is light coming from end of the cave.¡± The cave entrance was only large enough for him to crawl through. ¡°I guess let''s get this over with.¡± He got on his hands and knees. Pain lanced through his body as he slowly crawled towards the light. The cave began to widen and he was able to stand up. ¡°It feels so good to stand up straight. I never thought I would feel this again.¡± He began to walk through the cave. He looked at the ground and walls they were flat, unnaturally flat. At this point he didn¡¯t care about the strange cave he just continued to walk forward staring at the light getting larger and larger. The boy entered what looked like a square room. The light was not an exit. It was a strange floating object the shape of a diamond. Although it was bright it did not release any heat. ¡°What in the world is that?¡± The boy looked at it with a curious expression. Pain and exhaustion could not squash his sense of curiosity. He reached out to touch the object. He felt the touch of cold glass. The object flashed bright white light. The glass object cracked at his touch, then shattered and fell disappearing before it could reach the floor. The boy stumbled back in fright. Feet stepping in cobwebs. ¡°That was weird. Why did it break like that?¡± The boy looked around not noticing that the wall and floor were no longer flat. He only noticed that there was no light in front of him. ¡°Looks like I came all this way for nothing.¡± He pouted as he turned around. After he turned around he was facing a wall. ¡°Did I get turned around when that thing broke¡±? He glanced to his left seeing the light in that direction he turned. Right as he was about to walk Blue text entered the upper left of his vision. [Magic System Enabled] [HUD System Enabled] [Universal Language Enabled] [Health Bar Enabled] [Mana Bar Enabled] [Stamina Bar Enabled] [Mini Map Enabled] [Title System Enabled] [Active Skill System Enabled] [Passive Skill System Enabled] [Racial Passives Enabled] [Racial Passive: Adaptability] [Racial Passive: Elitist] [Racial Passive: Reign of Destruction] [Racial Passive: Conditioning] ¡°What is going on?¡± He turned his head to look away from the text but it followed always staying in the upper left. ¡°This is crazy. How do I get rid of it?¡± The boy waved his arms around to wipe the words from his vision, destroying several spider webs in the process. The text began to fade out which caused him to calm down. He noticed in the lower right of his vision there was a box that was all gray except for a line that was brown. In the upper left above where the text was there are three bars stacked on top of each other, one red, one blue and the last green and all of them had a number displayed in it. The red one show 33 and the green was almost completely out with only the number 5 in it. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Ok just calm down. Everything is going to be fine. Just relax.¡± The boy¡¯s breath started to become steady and less frantic. ¡°I will worry about it later I just need to get to get out of this cave first. Let¡¯s head back to the cliff and climb out.¡± He began to walk towards the exit. He glanced at the box in the lower right and looks like the reaches out to a green area. ¡°This box must be that map thingy the text was talking about. Good I am heading towards the exit.¡± While focused on the box he walked into a cobweb that covered his face. He began to try and pull it away. The boy heard a few rocks tumble and some movement coming from in front of him, he looked up and squinted his eyes to see into the distance. ¡°That spider is huge!¡± The boy stared at the spider that was larger than his family''s shih tzu Short Round. Its legs were extremely long and thin and each leg bent at several sections. The boy tried to turn and run but all his thrashing around caused him to be completely tangled. He stopped moving and watched the spider it had stopped coming towards him when it was about 10 feet away. It slowly picked up its front two legs and placed them on the webs that adorned the walls of the cave. The spider began to flick the strands of webbing on the walls. The vibrations from the strands of webbing began to hum with sound. The sound''s loudness increased and could be heard in all directions, it was disorienting. The boy felt nauseous, he could no longer stand, his vision blurred and the darkness took him. He couldn¡¯t stop it he was helpless and weak the boy gave in and fainted. ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ The boys head slammed to the floor as he fell jarring him awake. [Status Effect Faint Removed] Otis opened his eyes after the pain lanced through his mind. He could see the walls sliding past him. He was being dug further and further into the cave. The light from the exit was fading from behind Otis. The spider paid no attention to the boy, it just continued to pull. It had not noticed that he had awoken. Otis¡¯s mouth was covered and his body was bound by the spiders webbing. ¡°Looks like this time I am really going to die this time. I can¡¯t believe this just when I thought I was safe I run into this dang monster!!¡± He thought to himself. ¡°Calm down Otis everything is going to be ok. Freaking out is not going to help, you can get through this. For now let¡¯s figure out how to get out of this. I wonder where it is pulling me. Well it¡¯s not like I am along for the ride.¡± He looked up at those bars in upper right of his view, the red one was lower than the green one but they were slowly recovering and were about halfway full. ¡°I must have been out for a while it wrapped me up.¡± A message popped up just below those boxes. [Passive Skill: Mental Resilience Enabled] [Status Effect Immobilization Removed] After the status effect went away Otis could move his right arm. ¡°Looks like the rest of me is still bound by webbing.¡± Otis cautiously began to pull the webbing off his left arm. The webbing was thick and sticky, he did not have the strength to pull it off and with every pull he could he only made the webbing constrict tighter. Otis released the webbing and felt around the floor with his free hand. He felt around picking up several rocks until he found one with an edge on it. Otis rubbed the rock against the threads. The cave was getting darker it was getting harder for Otis to see in front of him. The one thing he could see was the bright text floating over the spider. [Silken Scout Spider level 2] ¡°At least now I know for sure it¡¯s a spider. What has it been eating to get that big?¡± Otis looked down at himself. ¡°Oh, makes sense.¡± After a few moments sawing at the webbing his arm was completely free. The spider kept pulling and rounded a corner in the cave. ¡°I feel like this is my best chance for a surprise attack.¡± Otis sat up and quickly sawed through at the thread on his legs and feet. ¡°Ugh this is taking too long.¡± Otis used the wall to pull himself up to his feet. He no longer felt a pull from the spider¡¯s web. ¡°That spider definitely knows something is going on.¡± He hopped to the corner and pressed his back against the wall. A few moments passed. The spider stepped around corner to see what has happened. At that moment Otis fell forward and brought the rock down smashing it into the spider''s eyes. ¡°Screech!¡± the spider squealed in pain. The disoriented spider tried to run but it was disoriented and slammed into the cave wall. The spider bounced off the wall and continued to run only to be stopped again because it is still anchored to the web that ran to the boys legs. ¡°Stupid spider you''re mine!¡± He shouted in his mind. Sitting on the cave floor he grab the thread and pulled the spider back towards him. It yelled again in fright, ¡°Screech..Screech...Screech!¡± Otis grabbed the bloodied rock again. He brought the rock down on the spider''s body once again. A quarter of the spider¡¯s red bar above vanished leaving only half of it left. In haste he smashed the rock against the spider, purple blood sprayed out of the back of the spider. The red bar dropped another quarter. ¡°SCREE!...¡± Otis smashed the rock into the spider one last time, a sickening crunch interrupted its last yell. The rock Otis held had been broken into pieces. He threw the last bit of rock to the ground and pulled the webbing from his mouth. Pain erupted from the side of Otis¡¯s body, in a daze he looked around, he had been slammed into the cave wall. Otis was trapped between two sharp objects. The tip of the left object had entered his chest. Attached at the other end of those objects is another spider. He immediately reach downed to grab a new rock. It felt smaller than his previous rock but Otis was desperate. He smacked the side of the spider¡¯s head with his rock. He heard a dull thud as it made connection. ¡°No way, it''s red bar barely dropped¡± [Silken Soldier Spider level 4] He smashed the rock into the spider¡¯s face, the red bar lessened a little more. Otis¡¯s red bar on the other hand was practically nonexistent the boy could not take another hit. ¡°Screech!¡± The spider reeled back, the tip of its fang was pulled from his chest. ¡°The spider is afraid for some reason. It doesn¡¯t want to come closer.¡± He looked at the rock in his hand. He felt a strange liquid dripping from his hands. ¡°Wait! it¡¯s not a rock it¡¯s the head of the other spider. Looks like it doesn¡¯t want to be hit with its little brother¡±. He got up to his feet and spider backed away a little further. ¡°Is it going to shoot webbing at me? No it¡¯s going to charge me like before.¡± It started its charge again. ¡°I have enough time to jump out of the way.¡± Otis¡¯s legs were still bound so it¡¯s more like he fell out of the way but it worked. BOOM!, the spider slams into the wall. ¡°That surely would have killed me.¡± The spider was dazed and stumbled around before gaining itself. Over half of its red bar was gone. ¡°Stupid spider! No, I am stupid it¡¯s not the time for this right now.¡¯ He stumbled up to his feet. Otis leaped onto the back of the stupid spider. It was much larger than the first spider he had encountered this one stood at least four feet tall. Otis clung to the spiders back and began his attacked. He repeatedly beat the spider with the head of its kin. ¡°Screech!¡± The spider yelled in anger. He continued to hit the spider, it screeched in response. It¡¯s anger caused the spider to be completely disoriented and it spun around attempting to remove the boy from its back. ¡°Screech!¡±, BOOM! the spider slammed into the wall again and shaved some more of its red bar down. There is only a third of its red bar left now. ¡°Let¡¯s see if I can steer this thing.¡± Otis leaned his body to the right and the spider began to move that way. He directed the spider towards the exit of this cave and hit the spider with the dead body. It screeched in pain and anger and moved towards the exit. It was half blind and confused. It readily moved forward as long Otis urged it to. After he beat the spider a few more times it picked up its pace. ¡°I can feel the wind rush past me and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting bigger. Oh no, of course it¡¯s never easy.¡± Otis spotted another spider standing in front of the exit. [Silken Scout Spider level 2] He directed his riding spider forward encouraging it to speed up. The spider flicked the webbing frantically starting its vibration attack. Otis felt dizzy but it was not as bad as last time. The spider he was riding on the other hand started to stumble and slow down. Otis slammed the head into the spider one last time. ¡°Screech!¡± It squealed in anger and began to speed up. BAM! The spiders collided at full speed and Otis am tossed off the back of the spider to the ground. He surveyed the spiders and thankfully they are both dead lying in a heap. He sat up and took stock of all his body parts. ¡°Looks like they are all where they should be.¡± He finally pulled the webbing from his mouth and legs. Once that was done he looked down to his bleeding chest. The wound is not very deep only the very tip of the fang had entered. ¡°I am glad I had reached up at that moment otherwise I would have been skewered.¡± He grabbed some the leftover thread placing some in his pocket and wrapped some over the wound on his chest like a band aid. ¡°At least that should be good for now.¡± He glanced back at the spiders. ¡°I need to get out of here. Oh looks like you dropped something. Don¡¯t mind if I do¡±. He reached down and grabbed the fang that broke off of the big stupid spider. ¡°Looks like I can use this as a knife.¡± He turned to the exit of the cave and made his way out. The stupid spider had carried him a majority of the way which was good because the boy could barely walk. Otis¡¯s green and red bars were down to a sliver though his blue one was completely full. ¡°That blue bar is completely useless.¡± As he exited the cave he was greeted with a shocking view. He was standing on of a mountain but as far as Otis had known there are no mountains in central Texas. The morning sky was stitched with clouds shaded in blues and pinks. A shadow was cast down from the mountain, it stretched for miles and miles. At the base of the mountain were towering rocks, hundreds of them. It¡¯s looked as if they were pushed they would fall like dominoes. Beyond that looks like a forest. To the left of the standing rocks and forest is a wide river that would be impossible for the boy to swim cross. On the opposite side of the river was an even denser forest. ¡°Looks like I am lost.¡± [Title Granted: Lost Child] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edited July 17 changed sound effects and tried to make things clearer. Edited August 22 removed first person POV Chapter 2: a Bug, a Bird, and a River Notes " designates Speech '' designates Thoughts Visit yougots.wordpress.com for a Map of Vilenna. After a few chapters I will post a Character List and Stat Sheets to the website as well. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ¡°Looks like I am lost¡±, mumbled Otis. [Title Granted: Lost Child] Otis still had no idea why he was receiving these messages but as far as he was concerned those messages are far down his list of priorities. Still looking out over the terrain in front of him. ¡°That looks like some smoke out there.¡± He stated while staring out into the distance. His eyes had followed the river down toward the horizon. ¡°Well there is smoke so there should be people, hopefully a town is nearby.¡± Being on the side of the mountain he couldn¡¯t tell really how far away that smoke was but he knew it was far. That was the only sign of life he could see from where he is at so he decided to make that smoke his goal. ¡°First, let''s get away from this cave. Then find some place to rest for a bit.¡± Otis took his first steps down the mountain. His thoughts being brought back to reality noticed just how cold it was here. He knew from hiking with his parents in the past that the higher up you go on a mountain that colder it is. He wondered just how high up he was as the wind howled and whipped around him. He shuddered as he descended the mountain realizing he was only in wearing pants and shoes he decided to pick up his pace. ¡°Better watch where I step don¡¯t want to fall down again. I am just happy to finally be out of that cave. That place was crazy I didn¡¯t know spiders like that even existed.¡± He pulled out the remaining spider thread to wipe the drying blood and dirt from his body. He looked up at those bars in the upper left, the red one began to slowly recover and was now at about 18 percent he felt that it must represent his health. As it recovered he noticed that his wounds began to scab over and heal. While he still had a while to fully recover that red health bar he was healing at a much higher rate than he ever had before. He remember one time he fell while riding his bike the cuts on his elbows took days to heal but now the same degree of injury on his chest only took about an hour to heal to the same point. Otis still did not know what the green and blue bar represent. The blue bar has not dropped one bit since it showed up and the green bar had not recovered any at all. The green bar still only had a sliver remaining in fact it has been slowly trickling down since he began walking. After about an hour of walking steadily down the mountain he came to comfortable looking rock to sit and take a break on. Since he started his decent he thankfully hadn¡¯t seen any other wildlife. As Otis sat there resting wishing he had some of that lunch his mother had been making when he started his journey. He saw that the Health and green bar grew much more rapidly compared to when he had been walking. After the green bar hit about 20% the muscles in his arms tinged with pain and stiffness. That feeling spread from his arms to his back and down to his legs. It wasn¡¯t a bad kind of pain like from his cuts but the good kind of pain that he would feel a day or two after baseball practice. The green bar recovered more quickly than the health bar and at about 60 percent the pain subsided, at about 80 percent the green stopped recovering completely. Glancing down at his watch, all in all it took it about 30 minutes to reach that point. At the same time the Health bar was still recovering but it had only reached about 50 percent. The weather was a bit more hospitable at this point on the mountainside. While the sun hadn¡¯t fully risen over the mountain the air was warmer and there was less wind so Otis decided it was a good place to have a nap before continuing on. ... Otis stirred from his rest and stretched his body. ¡°Man that was some good sleep.¡± He glanced down at his watch it had only been about two hours but he felt like he had a full night''s sleep. Glancing up at the three bars all three had been fully recovered. He looked over his body all his wounds from the cliff side and cave have fully healed over with new pinkish skin. Astonished at this discovery his mouth gaped open, ¡°dude¡­¡± He grabbed all the blood soaked spider webbing and put it in his pockets and began his decent again down the mountain side. The sun was now up at its highest point in the sky. ¡°Well if the sun came up from behind me I must be heading west. So then I will get to the bottom of the mountain then find the river. Once I reach the river I will just follow it till I make it to the smoke. So from now on follow the sun until I reach the river,¡± he planned as he continued walking down the mountain another message popped up in his view. [Passive Skill: Walking Enabled] After that text his pace had increased even though he was exerting the same effort as before. Also the green bar in the upper left pretty much had stopped decreasing as he walked. After another hour of his descent the terrain changed from mostly rocks to grass. Following the sun he moved further down the mountain. ¡°What is that?¡± leaping behind a rock he had been vigilant ever since the cave. As soon as heard the rocks shift ahead he moved for cover. Otis looked out over the side of the rock to see. Liquid splatter across the rock right where his head was looking out. The source of the liquid was an insect ahead. Steam hissed as it was released from the liquid that clung to the rock. The rock had slightly melted from the liquid. He took another peak at the insect. Its body was the shape of an ant but it had a cannon like snout on the front of its face. The snout itself drip a green liquid that would sizzle when the liquid would hit the ground. ¡°Those are some dangerous snot rockets.¡± Otis glanced at the name hovering over the insect''s head. [Toxic Terror Termite level 2] The sound of another snot rocket came from the other side of his cover. Otis took this moment to reach out and try to grab some rocks on the ground. Immediately as his right hand left the cover two more snot rockets were launched at Otis. Otis pulled his arm back to cover unable to grab any rocks. ¡°Tsk¡± ¡°Snuck Snuck Snuck¡± resounded from the termite. Another round of snot rockets bombarded Otis¡¯s covered. After firing three the termite paused. Otis took this moment to attempt to gather rocks again but as soon as his hand left the cover two more snot rockets were fired. Withdrawing his hand before it was hit he heard the termite snort again. ¡°Snuck Snuck Snuck¡± ¡°Gross that sound must be when it''s gathering more snot.¡± This time Otis stuck his leg out from the rock. As soon as the termite saw this it unloaded five consecutive snot rockets. Pulling his right leg back Otis waited for the snot rockets to pass and gathered a few rocks. ¡°Snuck Snuck Snuck¡± Otis baited the termite by showing his right arm. The termite shot once as Otis pulled it back in. He then put one leg out and again the termite only shot one snot rocket. Otis tried his right arm again but this time the termite waited instead of shooting. Otis added his right leg into the mix but still the termite waited. ¡°It''s not falling for it this time.¡± Otis had two rocks he wanted to make them count. Otis made his move and stepped out from the left side of the rock launching his first rock with his left hand. It sailed over termite after all it only stands six inches from the ground. The termite had expected him to appear from the right side of the rock so it took a moment to adjust its aim. Frantic Otis threw his second rock and sprinted in the direction of the termite. The throw was short, the rock hit the ground a foot in front of the termite bouncing before slamming into the termite¡¯s snout. The termites shot was interrupted and the snot flew off course over Otis¡¯s right shoulder. ¡®Didn¡¯t expect that to work. I only play first base so I have never been good at throwing.¡¯ Otis thought as he continued to run towards the dazed termite. Otis pulled the fang from his pocket carrying it point down he moved closer to the termite. The termite adjusted itself and shot to snot rockets quickly out of fear. The first hit Otis¡¯s right leg causing him to stumble but not fall. His pants above his right knee sizzled and melted away. The other shot hit Otis in his left shoulder as he was hunched over. The skin on his shoulder bubbled and melted away. It was not a deep injury but it was a painful one and his health bar dropped by 20%. Otis ran through the pain and continued toward the bug. ¡°Snuck¡± Otis reached the bug awkwardly bringing down the fang. Unexpectedly the slick fang slipped from his hand as it made contact with the bugs back and bounced away into the grass. ¡°Snuck¡± Without missing a beat Otis stood upright and brought his foot down forcefully smashing the termite. The insect started to snort again, he brought his foot down a second time cutting it short. ¡°Snuu...¡± Otis slammed his foot down one last time obliterating the insect as its health reached zero. "An appropriate death for a bug." Otis stated through his heavy panting. [Passive Skill: Tactics Enabled] Otis walked over to the grass to pick up his fang and sat down. This short fight took a lot out of him. His green bar is at 40% and his health bar was half empty. The raw skin on his shoulder is probably why his health kept decreasing. Otis ripped off the remaining bottom of his right pant leg. He used it to clean the wound on his shoulder. "This fang is useless. I don''t know why I even grabbed it." Otis had a thought he took the spider thread from his pocket and wrapped it around the bottom of the fang. Over the next hour Otis ground the outer curve of the fang against a rock sharpening it. [Crude Knife Created] Once the message popped Otis figured this would do for now. His health bar had recovered to 90 percent and that green bar stopped at 80 percent. "I should get moving don''t want another one of those snot bugs showing up." He had come up to those tall columns that he saw from the exit of the cave. Looking a bit more closely at those columns they were not rocks like he earlier thought but instead they look like pressed dirt. There were also holes scattered throughout the columns. Moving in and out of the shadows cast by columns made it difficult to tell the position of the sun. He assumed he was moving in the correct direction but he also thought he might be lost in this pillar labyrinth. Otis moved closer to the one of the pillars ahead of him. ¡°Is that humming sound coming from these dirt columns?¡± He put his hand on it. ¡®It was not vibrating the sound must be coming from within¡¯ he thought. He brought his right ear to the column just as he did the sound stopped. It hadn¡¯t just stopped from this column it stopped from all the columns. Silence. Hearing only himself breathe and the crunch under his step he cautiously moved forward always keeping the sun ahead of him. Otis wondered why the sound had stopped but he also hoped he would never find out so he continued. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. As Otis passed a few more pillars he heard a muffled squeak coming from in front of him. ¡°That noise is coming from the direction I am heading.¡± Otis said while readying his fang dagger. ¡°I don¡¯t want to stay in this place any longer then I have to so I will just continue on instead of going around.¡± Otis hurriedly moved behind a column and now dashed from column to column instead of walking out in the open. He was doing his best super spy impersonation. He had just seen the latest James Bond trailer before his family left for their camping trip. His dad had promised to take him when it came out it was going to be his first PG-13 movie so he was pretty excited about it. He fell into his own little world as he moved forward. He hummed spy music, a stupid grin was plastered on his face while deep in his own imagination. Otis hadn¡¯t realized just how close he had gotten to the source of the sound until it got too loud to ignore. ¡°SQUAWK¡±, the giant bird ahead shout stirring Otis¡¯s mind from his imagination. ¡°You dummy that was dangerous.¡± Otis focused on the bird and chastised himself for being so dumb to forget the situation he was in even if it was just for a little bit. [Greater Ravenous Razor Red Hawk (Fledgling) level. 12] Observing the bird it was caught in spider webbing. The bird was practically covered in webbing the only free part of its body was is head probably due to its sharp beak. The panicked bird hadn¡¯t noticed Otis just yet the bird was still tossing and turning its body only causing it to become even restricted in the webbing. Otis hadn¡¯t made his move yet. He was deciding whether to save it or not. He knew that in any other situation that bird would have ripped his face off but currently that bird just looked pathetic. Otis also knew that the bird was caught in a spider trap just like he was earlier. Otis¡¯s spider experience gave him a new fear and hatred of spiders. Seeing the bird caught in the same trap as he was his memories of this morning¡¯s events washed over him. His right hand turned red as his grip on the fang dagger tightened. ¡®If I was in the same position that bird would leave me to die or more likely he would swoop down to snatch me for himself.¡¯ Otis thought to himself as he turned to take a detour around the bird. Hearing Otis¡¯s movements the hawk stopped its thrashing and looked over to him. Otis looked back making eye contact the hawk was truly in a sad state. Its ruby red eyes pleaded to Otis his guilt welled up inside of him. He knew he had the power to save it he just refused to do so out of inconvenience. Otis sighed and turned back to the hawk. He brought his fang dagger up as he moved towards the bird. Fear spread across the bird''s face as Otis approached but it did not move it just continued to keep eye contact. Standing in front of the hawk they stared at each other for a moment before the hawk nodded at Otis. The hawk was suspended at Otis¡¯s chest height so he began to cut at the webbing starting from its chest working his way down. The surroundings roared to life as he sliced the threads. Shocked Otis looked up and peering down from the holes in the columns were termites. Hundreds of them! Otis dove under the Hawk using it as a shield as shot rocket fell from the sky. Otis continued to cut at the webbing but now from the birds back side. The webbing was also being melted by the rain of snot acid. The bird¡¯s tethers were loosening in the chaos it was screaming out for freedom. Otis saw that his health was at 85 percent and the green bar was at 70 percent with hundreds of termites surrounding them he would need a miracle. The hawk¡¯s right wing was now free due to the snot acid melting the webbing. Otis cut the last few strands on the bird''s left wing. ¡°CAW!¡± the hawk bellowed as it took flight. The sudden sound drew the termites¡¯ attention. They adjusted their aim towards the free hawk to prevent its escape. Otis did not wait for the bird to escape he had immediately ran in the direction he believed was west. In a matter of seconds he reached the perimeter of termites he leaped into the air drawing both feet forward like a long jumper slamming down on an unfortunate termite in the third row, ¡°Splat¡± killing it instantly. ¡®These things are at least 10 rows deep¡¯ he thought as each step he took came down on a different termite. Now that the hawk escaped to the skies the termites drew their attention back to the fleeing human. ¡°Should have known that bird was going to leave me. Everything I have seen so far wants me for dinner. Next time I see that bird I am making fried chicken out of it!¡± Otis yelled to himself as he ran along crushing bugs under his feet. [Passive Skill: Running Enabled] Pain splashed across Otis¡¯s back as he was struck by snot rockets. His health dropped down to 60 percent and was slowing ticking down. ¡°I can¡¯t take many more of those.¡± Once he past the last row of bugs he looked down at his pants but he was no longer wearing pants but something closer to short shorts. He ran toward a pillar that was off to the left. He knew that running in a straight line was faster but also made him an easy target. He rounded that pillar and turned to a pillar little further ahead and to the right. He sprinted towards it while snot rockets rained down from above and behind him. Sprinting from pillar to pillar he became difficult for the termites to hit but they were catching up. Little did Otis know the termites were coordinated. They were making effort to not only catch up to him but also to get ahead of him. They wanted to surround him and drag him underground into their nest. They were not concerned with hitting him with snot rockets at the moment they just wanted to wear him out and slow him down. Otis breathing hard looked at his green bar it was at 30 percent. ¡°I can¡¯t carry on much longer¡± he panted to himself. He legs were shaking as he ran towards the next pillar. He had been zig zagging through the pillars for what felt like an eternity to him but it reality it was only about 30 minutes. A snot rocket landed just ahead of Otis. He looked up from his run and saw termites to his left and right. The gap ahead of him was slowly being closed by the termites. ¡°I am not going to make it¡± Otis stumbled on some loose rocks and fell forward. Struggling to stand the termites solidified their formation around Otis and approached him. They did not fire any more snot rockets they knew their prey had given up, they just closed in on it. ¡°CAW!¡± the hawk bellowed. BOOM! several pillars from Otis¡¯s left side exploded and fell forward. The startled bugs scattered breaking their formation. Otis ran forward through the ranks of bugs¡¯, pillars slamming down to the left of him killing 10s of bugs. Looking up Otis saw the hawk diving towards the ground as it would draw upwards it would bring its powerful wings together shooting out powerful expanding blades of wind. The wind would slam into the pillars ¡°Boom¡± causing them to explode outward and fall over. If the wind was unobstructed it would hit the ground slicing through any bugs in its way. The hawk killed hundreds of termites in a matter of seconds. Dirt filled the air Otis was not out of it just yet there were still 100s of termites left and falling debris from the pillars. Otis continue to sprint weaving his way through the falling or fallen towers. The hawk satisfied with this amount of destruction flew off into the sky. Otis sees the forest straight ahead begins to run fast hoping to find salvation there. Acid strikes his leg making him wince in pain his health bar is at 5 percent he drags along the ground as he reaches the forest exhausting his remaining green bar. Crossing the border of the forest Otis reaching the end of his stamina fell forward on to his stomach. [Passive Skill: Acid Resistance Enabled] After a few moments, exhausted he turns to survey the termites. Shocked he sees 100s of them staring at him not even twenty feet away on the border of the two territories. A majority of dirt pillars are laying on the ground the and the dirt in the air was starting to settle it certainly looked like a war zone in there. ¡°SCREECH!¡± ¡°SCREECH!¡± the termites¡¯ screamed turning around heading back to their lair. ¡°Good they won¡¯t come into the forest.¡± Otis said relieved he was grabbing wads of grass wiping the snot from his body trying to stop his falling health bar. Otis wanted to move but his body refused so he sat and rested for an hour. The sky was dyed a deep orange as the sun was beginning to set before he could move again. Otis¡¯s health bar was currently at 70 percent and was not increasing any further and the green bar was stuck at 50 percent. ¡°I better find that river before the sun completely sets. It should be close by if I remember correctly.¡± As he stood up there was some movements in the trees. He reached for his fang dagger only to find his pocket empty he lost that long ago in the pillar labyrinth. Staring into the forest he a familiar shape became clear it was the hawk. ¡°Is he here to finish the job? It is dinner time after all.¡± The hawks ruby red eyes pierced into Otis making him feel very uncomfortable like he was being judged. [Animal Bond Initiated: Greater Ravenous Razor Red Hawk] The hawk took to the sky flying off into the distance. ¡°Guess I am too thin to eat after all¡± Otis sighed in relief that he didn¡¯t have to fight that bird. Otis walked towards the setting sun. So far since he entered the forest he only saw bunnies and some deer. No these bunnies didn¡¯t have any fangs they also didn¡¯t have any titles displayed above them like everything else he has encountered so far. Every time he did see a rabbit however his stomach would roar upset that he missed yesterday¡¯s lunch. He couldn¡¯t believe that all this has happened to him in a span of a day will he ever make it back he pondered. The sun had completely eclipsed the trees but he could now hear the river it was very close. After a few minutes of walking he exited the trees into a clearing that ran along the river for a ways. He fell to his knees he was so happy. He crawled towards the water he needed a drink he was so thirsty he had gone a whole day without a drop. ¡°I know Dad said that river water needs to be boiled first but I need water now I feel like I am about to die.¡± He reached the river and looked at his reflection. He had red spots on his face and shoulders either from the sun or from the acid. He also was missing patches of hair he looked like a homeless clown. Running his hand through what was left of his hair ¡°when did that snot land on my head it''s a miracle that it didn¡¯t get in my eyes.¡± He reached down into the water and scooped it into his mouth. Its coolness running down his throat was like heaven he scooped some more into his mouth. He began to wash his hands and face he was covered from head to in sweat, dirt and dried snot. He stood up and removed his pants that are now shorts and stepped into the river. [Status Effect: Sickness (Diarrhea) 30 Minutes] Chapter 3: a Vision, a Goat and a Shadow Notes ¡°Designates Speech ¡®Designates Thoughts Visit yougots.wordpress.com for a Map of Vilenna. After a few chapters I will post a Character List and Stat Sheets to the website as well. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Status Effect: Sickness (Diarrhea) 30 minutes] Otis leaped from the water and dashed into the forest. A sound of relief could be heard in the surrounding area. Many of the animals skittered away in fear of what was to come. The excruciating 30 minutes had finely past. Otis stood up looking and feeling five pounds lighter. He walked back to the river to wash himself. As he rinsed himself more text appeared in the upper left of his vision. [Status Effect: Sickness (Dehydration)] What shocked Otis was not the text but what stood on the shore eating something familiar. ¡°Hey goat, stop eating my shorts!¡± shouting Otis ran towards the goat. The blue goat spit the freshly chewed shorts out to the ground and then ducked down to eat grass. ¡°Eww they¡¯re covered in spit¡±, Otis retrieved his shorts and washed them in the river. ¡°So goat which way should I go from here?¡± asked Otis while putting his leg into his pants. ¡°Hmm¡± the blue goat looked up. ¡°You should go forward always go forward. Going backwards will never get you anywhere.¡± ¡°You can speak!¡± A shock Otis yelped. ¡°Hmm. Why would I not be able to speak you disrespectful boy? Taking my breakfast then suddenly asking me questions without introducing yourself. In fact it is much more shocking that you can speak. After all this is the first time I have seen your kind here in Vilenna.¡± ¡°Breakfast? Its night time the sun just set.¡± ¡°Oh is it now. I hadn¡¯t noticed.¡± the goat said staring at Otis as if expecting something. ¡®Something is different about this goat¡¯ Otis thought. ¡®It doesn¡¯t have a bar over its head like everything else in this world.¡¯ ¡°Oh, I am sorry. My name is Otis. I don¡¯t really know where I am and how I got here. You¡¯re the first ummm person I have spoken to since I got here, everything has been trying to kill me.¡± ¡°Otis huh, so you are the one causing all the commotion. My name is Henry the Blue. It was a pleasure to meet me I am sure. I best be going now.¡± ¡°Wait! Where am I? Why does everything want to kill me?¡± ¡°Hmm¡±, Henry looked up to Otis with eye for the first time making eye contact. ¡°Everyone has their own prerogative. Theirs is to guard and yours is to stay alive. From their perspective if you were to just die they wouldn¡¯t have to kill you.¡± ¡°But I don¡¯t want to die¡±, mumbled Otis. ¡°Tsk. Stubborn child you will not be able to make any friends with that kind of attitude.¡± ¡°If I died I wouldn¡¯t be able to make any friends either¡± Otis smartly answered. ¡°Hmm, says whom?¡± Henry questioned through his smirk. ¡°BOOM!¡± explosions erupted in the sky. The grounds shook and wind screamed from the blast. ¡°Looks like it is time for me to leave¡± shouted Henry. ¡°No. Which way do I need to go?¡± Otis screamed. ¡°Forward always go forward. There is nothing and no one waiting for you backwards. You must do this on your own. And always watch your footing.¡± Poof the goat vanished leaving behind a small cloud of blue smoke that scattered into the forest. ¡°BOOM,¡± the explosion drew even closer. Otis looked up to the sky. ¡°Why do you have to save them?! They are weak and corrupt, just a failed experiment.¡± Screamed a figure in white standing in the sky. ¡°Unfortunately, you will never understand why I have to do this.¡± Answered a second figure in white. They were at a distance in the sky where Otis could not make out their faces only that they were dressed in white and the first figure was male and the other was female. ¡°You do not have enough power to destroy me! If you use all your power all you can do is imprison me then you will fall and those you have saved will kill you,¡± the first figure shouted. ¡°I have seen it you will be betrayed and murdered. That is who you want to save.¡± ¡°Well if you have seen it you already know I am going to use all my power to seal you. Why do you even fight me?¡± The first figure reasoned. The first figure in the sky, face twisted in anger, glanced down to the surface noticing Otis. ¡°Even now they mock us! You Dare Appear in our Realm!¡± the figure roared hurling himself towards Otis. ¡°No! He is just a lost child!¡± the second figure screamed following the first. [Title: Lost Child Updated] Otis stood frozen as the figures approached at frightening speeds. The first figure stretched out his arm to grasp a hold of Otis. Upon the man¡¯s touch the feeling of ice lanced through Otis¡¯s body and Otis¡¯s conscience blacked out due to the overwhelming pain. ¡­ ¡°Run must run. She said to run.¡± Otis panted sprinting through the woods. His conscience had awoken just moments ago he had been running along the river but he didn¡¯t know for how long. His first thought when he had woken was a woman¡¯s voice shouting ¡°Run¡± so he continued to run. His green bar had hit rock bottom and his legs shook as he continued to put one in front of the other. Otis¡¯s movements could no longer be considered a run. Staggering he tripped on a rock and fell to his knees. ¡°I can¡¯t keep going like this I need to rest.¡± He glance down at his watch. ¡°I have been running for at least two hours.¡± Otis sat back on the ground and decided to rest. After half an hour Otis was still sitting on the ground. ¡°Looks like my health bar will not fill past 50 percent now and that green bar is stuck at 30 percent. I bet they won¡¯t fill because I haven¡¯t had any water, food or sleep in a while. Maybe I should just sleep here for the night I should be far enough away from them. In the morning I will get some food and water somehow.¡± Otis moved over to a patch of grass that looked comfortable. A sound stirred Otis from his sleep. Otis looked up to the sky he couldn¡¯t tell the time it was still dark out but the moon was awfully bright. ¡°Wow the moon is so big but where are all the stars?¡± Otis wondered before he heard the sound again. ¡°Sounds like someone is crying.¡± Looking around Otis notices a woman in a yellow dress crying at the edge of the tree line. ¡°MMMOM! Is that really you?¡± Otis shouts while getting up from the ground. ¡°MOM!¡± Otis took a step forward unable to believe his eyes, on his second step a little girl walked out from the forest. She walked up to his mother and pulled the hem of her dress. Otis stood still shocked that his mother has come to save him. His mother looked up, wiped her eyes and then looked down at the pretty little girl. His mother without glancing at Otis took the girl¡¯s hand, turned and walked into the forest. Otis awoken from his daze immediately ran into the forest chasing after his mother and the little girl. ¡°MOM! Comeback!¡± Otis could see his mother''s yellow dress off in the distance. ¡°COMEBACK MOM!¡± Otis yelled running through the forest. Tree branches whip him in the face opening fresh cuts on his skin. ¡°COMEBACK¡± echoed in the forest. Trees reached for Otis slowing his progress, his mother was moving further and further away. ¡°COMEBACK MOM!¡± ¡°COMEBACK¡± echoed the forest. Otis fell to the ground tripping over some roots. While on the ground branches continued to whip at him. Otis stood up trying to keep moving forward. ¡°Comeback¡± the wind spoke through the trees. ¡°Comeback¡± Otis heard again and again as he ran. He could see his mother and that girl standing on a rock their dresses fluttering in the wind. Otis jumping the roots that appeared in front of him. He must reach them he thought. ¡°Comeback,¡± Otis heard again it ¡°Comeback¡± it was getting more frequent as he moved forward. Tree branches continue to whip him as he got closer to the rock. Trees and wind began to get more violent. ¡°Comeback¡± the forest screamed. ¡°Comeback¡± the sound coming from the forest was so loud that it was deafening. Branches reached out turning into wooden hands grabbing at Otis¡¯s legs tripping him. ¡°COMEBACK, COMEBACK, ATTACK, ATTACK, ¡°boomed in Otis¡¯s ear blurring his vision. Battered and beaten Otis stumbled forward he was almost at the rock where his mother stood earlier. Upon reaching the rock the trees and wind stopped. The forest had returned to its silence. His mother had already left the rock but he climbed it anyway. Surveying the area he saw another clearing ahead inside the clearing there was a human shaped shadow. ¡®That must be them¡¯ he thought as he climbed down the other side of the rock. From within the forest he could not see the clearing but he knew he was heading the right direction. The forest had calmed down so it was much easier to move through it now. ¡°What is wrong with this forest?¡± Otis couldn¡¯t help but be disturbed. His health was down to 10 percent and the green bar was down to 5 percent. Small cuts covered his body from head to toe but he knew he couldn¡¯t rest now his mother was just ahead in the clearing. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Otis crossed the threshold from the forest into the clearing but his mother was not there it was completely empty. ¡°Where did they go?¡± Otis ran to the other side where he had seen the shadow. ¡°Did they continue deeper into the forest?¡± Otis wondered as he walked towards the trees. ¡°If I can get to my mom I can go home,¡± he could barely stand let alone think clearly but he just knew he had to reach them. Approaching the edge of the clearing Otis hadn¡¯t noticed the pair of bright yellow eyes watching him from the forest. Otis looking up from his daze finally registered the monstrous pair of yellow eyes that appeared shrouded in the trees. Under the eyes the creature revealed its large sharp teeth. The beast leaned forward out of the woods. Otis now clearly saw the lions pitch black fur as it moved closer to him. It bared its fangs dripping saliva and opened its mouth wide. [Status Effect: Fear] [Status Effect: Stun] [Status Effect: Faint] Otis lost consciousness and fell to the ground the last thing he heard was the beast¡¯s tyrannical laughter. ... ¡­ ¡°Fool child running around in the forest without food or water.¡± Otis heard a deep booming voice as he was shook awake. ¡°AAAHHH,¡± Otis yelled seeing the lion standing in front of him. ¡°Where is my mother? What did you do to her?¡± ¡°Quiet! I am not going to harm you¡± the lion stated while reaching out to give Otis a bundle of sticks. ¡°Put these in your mouth and chew them but do not swallow.¡± ¡°I did not do anything to your mother she did not cross my path. You are the first I have seen in this forest so I am just as confused as you are. I went to sleep last night and woke up here just moments ago when I felt your weak presence.¡± ¡°Uhh...does that mean you are not going to eat me?¡± Otis took the sticks and did as he was told. ¡°No. You are too thin to even clean my teeth and you smell bad. Now use that water over there and these flowers to wash yourself.¡± The lion stated while pointing at a large leaf shaped to carry water with one hand and handing Otis a bundle of flowers with the other. ¡°I will go into the forest to get more water and some food. Do not move from here this forest feels strange there is something out there. Whatever it is will not attack while I am around. I always runs when I approach.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t blame it¡± Otis mumbled. Once Otis received the flowers the lion ran off into the forest. Barely able to stand Otis scrubbed himself with the flowers and rinsed with the water that was in the leaf. ¡°These sticks taste little like cinnamon I wonder where he found them. Ahh I feel so clean now.¡± Still tired Otis sat down and waited for the lion to return, his eyes drooping shut until he heard the lion emerge from the forest. Strung over his shoulder were 5 rabbits, around his neck was his makeshift leaf water containers and in his arms he carried a bundle of wood. Arranging the wood and twigs on the ground the lion brought out a rock from its pants pocket. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Otis wondered. ¡°I am starting a fire.¡± The lion flicked the rock with his nail and sparks showered the twigs igniting them. Soon after the fire caught to the larger pieces of wood. Otis reached for the water the lion set on the ground. ¡°Do not drink that! It will make you sick.¡± The lion stated while pulling out more rocks from its pocket and setting them in and around the fire. Otis retracted his hand and sat there in a daze watching the lion¡¯s activity. Before he knew it the lion had all the rabbits hanging on a tree over a shallow pit he had created. Those stone he had originally put in the fire he had retrieved them and slowly put them in the leaf pails until the water began to steam. ¡°You can drink that water now but drink it slowly¡± the lion said while skinning the rabbits. Otis slowly poured the hot water into his mouth. ¡®The best tasting water I have ever drank¡¯ Otis thought. He couldn¡¯t restrain himself and gulped down the remaining water almost swallowing a stone. ¡°Greedy child looks like I will have to boil more water for myself.¡± Otis hadn¡¯t even noticed that the lion was now standing in front of the fire cooking the rabbit. ¡°Sorry sir, I was so thirsty I haven¡¯t drank any in a few days. My name is Otis, sir. What is yours?¡± ¡°I am called Milo. What is this sir you speak of?¡± Milo asked as he continued to cook. ¡°OH it¡¯s how you address someone respectfully or if they are older or in charge.¡± ¡°Sir huh, I like it. In my tribe we address our leader as Elder, if it is someone who is just older we address them as Elder Brother or Elder Sister. So you should refer to me as Sir Elder Brother and I will address you as Sir little brother.¡± Otis didn¡¯t dare correct Milo out of fear. ¡®Who knows when he might turn and eat me? It¡¯s best if I just stay quiet and out of the way.¡¯ Stirring Otis from this thoughts Milo approached him. ¡°Here Sir Little Brother eat this.¡± Otis took the rabbit on a stick that Milo handed him. ¡°If I eat this are you going to eat me?¡± Milo stared at Otis, ¡°Maybe. It will take a lot more rabbit to fatten you up though.¡± Then the huge lion grabbed two rabbit sticks and shoved them in his mouth rabbit, bones, wood and all. A sickening crunch could be heard as he chewed, swallowing down the rabbits in a matter of seconds leaving nothing but his toothy smile. Otis could not hold back and dug into his rabbit after that horrific display without giving Milo a second thought. Halfway through Otis¡¯s second rabbit his eyes grew heavy and shut. As Otis fell back Milo leaped into action grabbing the skewer in midair and tossing it into his mouth in one smooth motion before Otis¡¯s head hit the ground. ¡­ ¡­ The next day Otis woke up the sun was high in the sky and heading west. Sitting next to Otis was a large stone with some berries and rabbit meat on top of it. Otis readily inhaled the food that was in front of him. His memories from last night were hazy but when his gaze landed on the black lion he knew that everything that happened yesterday was real. He saw Milo pulling on rabbit skin and throwing it into a pile with the others. The black lion sat deep in concentration and with the daylight Otis could fully see the lion¡¯s features. The lion was wearing dark brown pants that came down just past its knees. It was also covered in deep black fur from head to toe but the fur on its chest was a slightly lighter shade of black. Around the lion''s neck was a necklace that carried several large and sharp teeth. When he first had seen the lion he imagined that the lion was over 10 feet tall. This morning the Milo looks just over 7 feet. Otis justified the disparity in appearance by thinking he was just really tired last night. ¡°There must be at least 20 rabbit skins in that pile. Did he eat all those? Is there room in this forest for the both of us?¡± Otis whispered. ¡°Sir Elder Brother what are you doing?¡± Milo looked up at Otis, ¡°So you have finally awoken little brother it is past mid-day. I am stretching this rabbit hide so it can be stitched into a bag. After I am done here we need to decide which way to go.¡± ¡°Oh I had planned to follow the river west to exit the forest.¡± Milo raised his furry eyebrow as he looked to Otis. ¡°Why do you head west little brother?¡± ¡°Because when I was up the mountain I saw smoke in the sky just past the forest to the west.¡± ¡°Interesting if there is smoke there might be a tribe there to. Good idea little brother. Show me where you were on the mountain. Otis stood and pointed out on the mountain in the distance where the cave might be. ¡°It is there brother where the ground goes from grass to dry dirt and rocks.¡± ¡°And you said the smoke was as far as you can see?¡± Otis nodded in response. ¡°Good. Good. At your pace it will be a several day journey to that place. So little brother why were you on that mountain?¡± Otis then proceeded to tell Milo his story of how he was stuck on a cliff, wandered into the cave and fought spiders. Then leaving the cave only to come upon a termite colony, freeing a bird and barely escaping with his life. Unfortunately many events from last night were still a blur so Otis only was able to explain that he was chasing his mother through the haunted forest. Otis¡¯s eyes blazed with excitement as he told his adventure after all he is still an eleven year old boy and all children crave adventure. ¡°Oh so that¡¯s your bird that keep watching us from a distance. It doesn¡¯t seem to trust me.¡± Milo point out to the distance where Otis could barely make out its red silhouette. ¡°I don¡¯t blame him.¡± ¡°While your story is impressive it tells me one thing.¡± ¡°What is that?¡± Otis pondered. ¡°You are too weak to survive.¡± Milo watched Otis waiting for him to recognize this fact. After a few minutes of silence Otis nodded in agreement. ¡°Good. Now shall I teach you how to survive?¡± Chapter 4: a Title, a Trap and a Tree Limb Notes ¡°Designates Speech ¡®Designates Thoughts Visit yougots.wordpress.com for a Map of Vilenna. After a few chapters I will post a Character List and Stat Sheets to the website as well. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ¡°You are too weak to survive.¡± Milo watched Otis waiting for him to recognize this fact. After a few minutes of silence Otis nodded in agreement. ¡°Good. Now shall I teach you how to survive?¡± Otis¡¯s ears perked up. ¡°Yes Sir Elder Brother.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s get started shall we.¡± ¡°But Sir Elder Brother can I just call you Milo?¡± Milo looked at Otis. ¡°Sorry little brother, I do not plan to mate with you.¡± ¡°I...I don¡¯t want to mate!¡± Otis shouted. ¡°It¡¯s just a pain to call you Sir Elder Brother all the time.¡± The black lion laughed. ¡°I see. Well in my tribe only mates use first names but since you are now my apprentice you can just call me Brother.¡± [Title Granted: Shadow Lion Hunter Apprentice] ¡°Now before we begin go visit your bird. I do not want to have to kill it when it attacks me after you die from my training. Though that bird does look like it might taste good.¡± Milo said with a grin. ¡°Ok I will go talk to it.¡± Otis turned and entered into the forest in the direction of the hawk. ¡­ Otis approached the hawk. It looked warily at Otis and Otis knew it would take flight at any moment if he made a wrong move. ¡°Hello...umm well I don¡¯t know your name but mine is Otis. I just wanted to thank you for saving me earlier. You don¡¯t have to worry about me now Brother is going to teach me how to survive.¡± [Animal Bond Completed: Greater Ravenous Razor Red Hawk] The hawk slightly nodded at Otis. An image flooded Otis¡¯s mind of the hawk flying in the sky Otis had a vague feeling that it was flying away. After a moment a second image entered his mind again of the hawk flying back towards him but the season was different. It was currently mid-summer but in the second image was set in early spring. The bird then took flight flying off into the distance out of the forest. Otis strangely felt that his vision could reach further but he didn¡¯t put much thought into it and returned to camp. Milo threw some handmade containers to Otis. ¡°Go get us some water¡± Milo commanded. Otis caught them and left to the river. Otis made his way down to the river. He was lost in thoughts concerning the hawk. ¡®I wonder when I will see him again and I wonder if he will let me pet him next time¡¯ a smile was stretched wide on his face. ¡®It must like me we did save each other¡¯s lives. And then there was that Animal Bond thing that popped up. I hope that means we are friends, I have never had a pet bird just dogs. He could sit on my shoulder, I could command him ¡°Attack¡± and he would fly off to do my bidding.¡¯ Otis¡¯s had stars in his eyes as his imagination ran wild. Without warning pain shot between Otis¡¯s shoulder blades and he stumbled to the ground. Another rock flew through the air striking him on his butt. Otis yelped in pain, getting back to his feet preparing to run forward when another rock came whizzing towards him. Otis dove off his path into the cover of some trees, the rock flew past just missing Otis. Otis ran through the forest dodging the rocks as best he could but he was still pelted several times by them. When he finally reached the river the rocks had stopped raining down on him. Otis was trying to catch his breath when he heard a strange laugh coming from the forest. ¡°It was him! I am going to kill that cat when I get back¡± Otis said as he rubbed the back of his head where that last rock had hit him. He grabbed one of the handmade containers and started to fill it. Otis pulled the container out of the water only to have it all leak from a hole in the bottom. He looked at the bottom of all the containers they all had holes at the bottom. ¡°That cat! He¡¯s doing this on purpose!¡± An image of Milo back at camp giggling at Otis¡¯s misfortune flashed through his mind. Otis sat down to fix all the containers. It was about an hour and a half later before Otis returned to camp, he had to refill the containers twice after having to dodge more flying rocks on his way back. Milo lazily looked up to Otis from his nap on the ground. ¡°Took you long enough. I have decided that we will stay here the rest of the day and continue on tomorrow.¡± ¡°Well I wouldn¡¯t have taken so long if you hadn¡¯t messed up these water containers or thrown rocks at me!¡± Milo put on his most innocent expression. ¡°Whatever do you mean? I have been here this entire time. Well except when I found these.¡± Milo picked up some weird melon looking plants. ¡°We can used these gourds to carry water with us as we travel through the forest. You need to clean them out before we can fill them with water.¡± As Milo explained how to clean the gourds he threw them to Otis and pointed at a crude knife on the ground. ¡°You can keep that knife for now. Later you will use it to skin some rabbits.¡± Otis proceeded to cut the top of the gourd open the way Milo had explained. ¡°Poof¡± as Otis unplugged the top dust and old seeds shot forth into Otis¡¯s face. ¡°HAHA¡± the lion¡¯s laughter roared in the background. ¡°Sorry forgot to tell you to point it way from your face.¡± Otis begrudgingly cleaned the gourds as Milo had said. Finally he could not stand Milo¡¯s incessant giggling. ¡°How is this teaching me how to survive?¡± ¡°Oh done with our water bottles? Yes, well now we need to start a new fire to purify the water. Follow me.¡± Milo walked into the forest and Otis hurried after him. Once they reached a dead he had Otis collect branches, twigs and different parts of trees. Milo showed Otis how to shave the bark to create tinder and stack the branches so that it would catch. Milo had also given Otis a flint rock so he could start the fire by spark. Otis sat down to start his new task meanwhile Milo was keeping himself busy with other tasks around the campsite. This time Otis was pretty excited as he had never started a fire without matches. First Otis dug a small hole and put his tinder inside it. He set his flint rock next to it and struck it with his knife. ¡°This is not easy. It won¡¯t catch¡± Otis exclaimed. Milo walked past Otis his tail slapping Otis in the face. ¡°Hey watch it!¡± ¡°Hmm Oh sorry it has a mind of its own. I have no control over it I promise.¡± Milo said as he walked past Otis second time his tail slapping Otis in the face once again. Otis exhaled in annoyance. Milo stood next to him this time. ¡°Keep trying its good practice¡± he said as his tail was flicking the back of Otis¡¯s head. ¡°I SAID STOP IT!¡± Otis yelled. ¡°Ok Ok I will go over here.¡± Milo said through his huge grin trying to restrain his laughter. Milo stood on the other side of the camp watching Otis¡¯s progress. ¡°Brother! Brother I think I got it this time the fire is lit.¡± ¡°Whoosh¡± A strong gust of wind blew through the camp site extinguishing the infant flame. ¡°Hmm little brother looks like it could still use some work¡± Milo said on the other side of the camp from where he was standing just a moment ago. ¡°Wh...Why?¡± Otis silently muttered. An hour and many attempts later the fire was finally going and they started the process of boiling the water. ¡°Little brother while we wait for this how about I show you how create a trap to catch rabbit?¡± ¡°Yes brother¡± Otis exhaustedly replied. He strangely lacked the enthusiasm he once had earlier. ¡­ ¡°This is a good spot.¡± Milo said as he was pointing out the different animal trails. While walking through the forest they had gathered the material Otis needed and Milo explained how to set a simple trap. It was half an hour later when Otis had finished his trap. It was not that it should take him that long but Milo had kept ¡°accidentally¡± triggering it as soon as it was finished. Once Milo tired of his game Otis set up the trap almost instantly. It was so quick Otis felt like an expert trap maker even a new skill appeared in his vision. [Passive Skill: Trap Making Enabled] They walked back to camp. During their walk back Milo was showing Otis what sort plants are good to eat and what poisonous. After everything that happened today Otis felt that he should doubt what Milo was saying but he had also noticed that when it came to food Milo was surprisingly serious. The two had found an incredible amount of edible plants and berries on their way back to camp. Milo said he had found a gourd large enough it could be used as a pot and tonight he would make a rabbit stew for dinner. Most of the walk was spent in silence because the drool dripping of the corner of Milo mouth absolutely terrified Otis. Otis had remembered just who is partner was and did not want to become the rabbit for the rabbit stew. The sun was hanging low in the west when Otis and Milo arrived back at camp. Milo set down all the plants he hand, ¡°Cut these up while I boil more water.¡± ¡°Brother, where did you find potatoes at?¡± Milo just shrugged at Otis question. ¡®When did he pick these things he was with me the whole time,¡¯ Otis couldn¡¯t figure out how Milo does some of the things he does. It was strange that the lion could randomly appear next to him one moment and in the next he¡¯s soundly sleeping 10 yards away. Otis set the plants on a rock and began to cut them into chunks. Milo appeared next to Otis. ¡°No cut them more finely. I do not want to have to cook until tomorrow before we can eat it. And after you are done cutting go get the rabbit from your trap I believe you have caught one.¡± Otis excitedly cut the remaining vegetables. Milo walked over to get the vegetables frowning at the haphazard results but still let Otis go retrieve his first kill. In fact Milo was quite proud of Otis¡¯s progress today and was cooking the stew to celebrate Otis¡¯s first hunt even if it was just one measly rabbit. Otis dashed off into the forest running as fast as he could to reach his trap. Upon his arrival he noticed some text flash into his vision. [Passive Skill: Sprinting Enabled] If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The boy did not really care about what flashed up in his vision instead he reached down to pick up the heavy rock that was his trap under it revealed a sticky bloody mess. The shock from it caused him to drop the rock and it tumbled down off to the side of the dead rabbit. Looking down at the innocent dead rabbit he couldn¡¯t help but feel his heart shake. This was different from those spiders and bugs. That had been a fight for his life it was either them or himself and he had wanted to live. Killing those monsters had not even crossed his mind since it had happened but this rabbit was innocent, it couldn¡¯t even defend itself from his trap and the most disturbing thing was that its blood was red just like his. Those monsters could easily be written off as something completely different from him their blood was a metallic purple or green. ¡°This rabbit it¡¯s just like me trapped and easily killed. I can¡¯t even fight back. I was only lucky to live this far and now I am just relying on Milo to keep me safe.¡± Steeling his resolve Otis once again looked down at the rabbit then picked it up. ¡°Sorry Mr. Rabbit but I need to eat, I need to live and I will be strong.¡± Otis returned to camp with a solemn expression. Milo glanced at him from the stew he knew something good just happened. Milo figured that the boy was too soft well he still is too soft but at least now he has taken a step in the right direction. ¡°Good you have returned with your rabbit. Put it in the pile.¡± Milo said while stirring the stew. Otis¡¯s jaw dropped behind Milo stood a heap of dead rabbits. ¡°Pile? There is like 20 of them there. Brother, why did you even need me to get one?¡± Milo turned to face Otis his face etched in seriousness. ¡°Hmm... Listen closely Little Brother you will need to remember this. I am number one and you are number two. As long you never forget this fact we will get along just fine.¡± After a few moments of silence a large toothy grin spread across Milo¡¯s face. ¡°Now! Let¡¯s show you how to drain and skin these tiny beast!¡± Otis dug a pit strung up all the rabbit like he was shown so that they could drain. ¡°Hey brother should I hang mine up here to?¡± ¡°No hand it to me. We cannot get the hide from yours as it is all mangled.¡± Milo casually took the rabbit and carelessly flung into the forest. Otis stood in silence as his first kill sailed off into the night¡¯s sky then returned to his grisly work. The rabbits did not take much time to drain out. Otis grabbed one of them and set it on the flat rock that Milo had setup. Otis did like instructed first severing the head by placing his knife at the base of the rabbit''s skull where the head met its neck and firmly pushing down. A majority of the rabbits that were strung up were already headless but a couple still had them. Milo had said it was for practice. Next Otis used his knife to cut around the rabbit¡¯s ankle joint then slice down each hind leg to its back. Once the skin was cut Otis ran his hands underneath its skin at its leg. He then pulled the skin down towards the rabbit''s neck taking the skin completely off the rabbit. Otis handed the rabbit to Milo who then removed the innards and cleaned the meat with some fresh water. He then unceremoniously threw the rabbit into the gourd pot. Otis continued to work cleaning the other 19 rabbits. ¡°Brother, it¡¯s strange I have only ate once today. Normally I would have been really hungry by now.¡± Otis said looking out into the night. It was definitely much later than he would have stayed up if he was with his parent. ¡°Yes. I have noticed it too. There is something off about this world. Look there is not a single star in the sky. ¡°So brother you think we are in a different world?¡± ¡°How else could you explain it? There are no stars, the moon is incredibly large and I have never seen your kind before until yesterday.¡± ¡°Yes, your kind doesn¡¯t exist where I am from either. Brother, do you think we are dead?¡± ¡°I doubt it we can bleed well at least you can bleed.¡± Milo said with a smile. The stew is ready now so eat up.¡± Milo handed Otis a stone bowl full of the stew. He had made the bowls while Otis was out earlier doing his task. Milo lifted his own bowl to his mouth and drank down the scalding hot stew. Seeing the steam rise from Milo¡¯s mouth. ¡°Brother I will wait a bit until it cools, thanks.¡± ¡°Suit yourself its better when it is hot.¡± Milo was already lifting a second bowl to his mouth. Otis raised his courage and his bowl. He examined the liquid it was a strange bluish color Milo said he had put some berries in it, that it would make it taste better. Otis finally put it to his lips and took a drink. ¡°Brother this is really good. After everything that happened today it hits the spot.¡± Otis took another mouthful enjoying the stew he had helped make. [Passive Skills: Survival Enable] Lost in his own thoughts Otis was reviewing the events of today in particular the trap he used to catch the rabbit. He was happy it had worked but it also had ruined the meat and made it unusable by Milo¡¯s standards. The more he thought about the traps he found that new ideas for different traps would enter his mind. He thought about triggers, spikes, weights, engines and counter balances. The different types of ropes and knots he should use in different situations. How to weave those different types of ropes and how tie those knots also flashed through his mind. It was like he knew how to create them all along. Everything that concerns traps if he just thought about it a bit he could figure out how it worked or how to make it. So Otis set his mind as to how he could trap a rabbit. He set aside the idea of the Deadfall trap he used earlier instead he thought of one that was less lethal but would still trap a rabbit. He had already killed a rabbit and cut up 20 more so he wasn¡¯t afraid of doing the dirty work as long as he could trap the rabbit itself. While designing the new trap in his mind he found that he could easily do the math that was required to calculate the weight and force needed. After all what good would the trap be if there was too much force and it ended up ripping the animal in half? Milo spoke stirring Otis from his reverie. ¡°Little Brother go and pick up some large leaves in the forest. I will show you how to dry the leftover rabbit meat so that it can be carried for the next few days.¡± Otis walked out into the forest. Milo was surprise that Otis would readily go but in any case he excitedly anticipating some sounds of Otis falling and screaming. It was pitch black out in the forest at night and did not think the boy would be able to complete the task. Otis hadn¡¯t noticed the darkness because he could see just fine. Otis had just figured that the moon was bright enough to light his path through the forest. What Otis had noticed is that when he thought of the different leaves he needed for Milo those plants would cast a golden glow. ¡°What is causing this to happen?¡± Otis mused as he pulled some leaves down by this time his arms were full of them. ¡°Let¡¯s try something. I want to make some rope now what plants do I need for that?¡± Otis whispered to himself. After switching his task the tree he was standing in front of stopped glowing and some other dead branches and plants lit up in the distance. ¡°How about if I want to find animal tracks?¡± The plants ceased glowing and some pathways in the forest started to faintly glow. It was not glowing as strongly as the plants if he wasn¡¯t looking for it he would have completely missed them. ¡°The only thing that has changed is that Survival skill I got earlier. I wonder if those things actually matter. I have gotten quite a bit of those messages since I got here.¡± Otis stood there and thought about it until his head hurt. ¡°Ugh, thinking I hate thinking. Oh well it¡¯s not like I can tell what those skills do so I should just stop thinking about it. For now let¡¯s just get some plants to make that rope.¡± Otis returned to the campsite with the leaves need. The dissatisfaction was plainly seen on Milo¡¯s face he had sent Otis out there so he could have a laugh after all. Otis erected the leaf tent to Milo specifications and hung the rabbit meat inside so it could be cured in the smoke. Milo watched Otis weaving his rope it was obvious that Otis was up to something. ¡°Do not stay up too late little Brother we need to get moving at first light.¡± ¡­ ... The morning came a little too quickly for Otis. Milo was already up and packing their things into the bags he had made out of rabbit skins. ¡°Little Brother wake up.¡± Milo said while kicking Otis¡¯s leg. ¡°You stayed up too late messing around.¡± While Milo slept he noticed Otis moving around camp. ¡°Hurry up. I want to test your trap making before we go¡± Milo announced with a malicious smile. Otis sluggishly got up and followed Milo out into the forest. ¡°This is a good trail here, set up and make your trap.¡± Milo was practically bubbling over after last night¡¯s failure he could not wait to torment Otis today. Otis bent down and began to make his trap setting up the bait and loading his heavy rock above it. Just as he had it set Milo¡¯s tail flicked the trigger loosening the trap. ¡°HAHA little Brother it still needs some¡­¡± ¡°CLICK¡± The snare tightened around Milo leg launching him into the trees. ¡°WOOORRRRKKKK!!!¡± Milo shouted not realizing what just happened. Otis looked up at Milo hanging 15 feet in the air with the large grin on his face. Otis had his hands on his hips clearly making his best victory pose. ¡®Totally worth staying up all night¡¯ he thought in celebration. Upside down Milo finally got his bearings and roared with laughter. ¡°HAHA good one little Brother. Very good. Now get me down from here.¡± Otis froze. He actually hadn¡¯t thought of a way to release Milo just to catch him. ¡°Umm...Brother I actually...¡± ¡°Snap!¡± The tree limb carrying Milo¡¯s weight cracked and fell to the ground as did Milo. Milo landing on his head looked at Otis who was fleeing the scene. ¡°Brother you¡¯re released!¡± Yelled Otis as he ran back to camp. Milo followed after Otis dragging the tree limb that was still tethered to his leg. A smile adorned his face he was already deep in thought with how he would get his revenge on Otis today. Chapter 5: a Foundation, a Throw and a Switch Notes ¡°Designates Speech ¡®Designates Thoughts Visit yougots.wordpress.com for a Map of Vilenna. After a few chapters I will post a Character List and Stat Sheets to the website as well. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ¡°Brother you¡¯re released!¡± Yelled Otis as he ran back to camp. Milo followed after Otis dragging the tree limb that was still tethered to his leg. A smile adorned his face he was already deep in thought with how he would get his revenge on Otis today. ¡­ ... ¡°Alright little Brother, today I am showing you how to use that knife I gave you yesterday.¡± Milo said as they walked through the forest. Milo had kept that tree limb and was currently trimming it down with his claws to give it the shape of a staff. Milo stopped for a moment to observe his surrounding before reaching down for a branch lying on the forest floor. He flexed the branch a few times before saying, ¡°yes this will do nicely¡± then tucked it away into his bag. ¡°Little Brother, we lions do not usually use weapons instead we use our martial arts and claws to rip and tear through our prey. Since you little lion do not have any claws that knife will be your claw. But first we will start from building your foundations most cubs begin this as soon as they can walk so you are far behind a newborn.¡± ¡°Yes Brother please teach me so that I can survive.¡± Milo nodded approving of Otis¡¯s response. ¡°Little Brother when you walk it is as if you are walking on air. How can your base be strong if it is not connected to the ground? This means your foundation is weak and brittle it will break easily with just a little push.¡± After saying this Milo raised the tree limb he had been trimming earlier and lightly pushed Otis with it from behind causing him to tumble to the ground. ¡°See little Brother your foundation is easily broken.¡± Milo stated with a dark mischievous smile. ¡°Brother, how do I fix it?¡± Smile broadening across Milo¡¯s face. ¡°Unfortunately little Brother I cannot tell you how to fix this all I can do is give you a little push in the right direction.¡± Once again raising his makeshift staff to push Otis to the ground for the second time. Otis stood up again frustration clearly seen on his face. ¡°Come on Brother just teach me!¡± ¡°Little Brother, I am teaching you.¡± Milo said as he pushed Otis down once again. ¡°Now keep walking we must move¡± Milo said with finality as Otis rose again. ¡­ ¡­ Two hours later a bruised and sore Otis thought ¡®I must have been knocked down a thousand times. No matter how much I resist I still fall to the ground.¡± Otis believed he had failed this exercise but he was happy that he got a new skill called [Stance] half way through this exercise. On the other hand Milo was surprised he could not believe just how quickly Otis had adjusted. Milo had been steadily increasing his force and was currently using at least ten percent of his strength to knock Otis off his feet. He feared if he used any more that it would cause Otis¡¯s body serious harm. Milo also believed that in a few more pushes Otis would be able to stand his ground which is something he absolutely did not want to happen mainly because it would ruin his fun. ¡°Little Brother, we have not traveled all that far but let¡¯s take a rest here. Go wash up and I will prepare the food.¡± Otis excited for a break ran off into the cool river water to relax for a bit. ¡­ Otis returned to eat his berries and dried rabbit. His health bar had been down to 25% before they stopped for a break but after a bath he had fully recovered. ¡®It seems that if I truly relax my Health bar will recover more quickly.¡¯ Otis looked up to Milo to see him attaching a sharp rock to the end of his staff. ¡°Brother, what are you doing? I thought lions do not use weapons. You¡¯re not going to use that sharp end to give me a push are you?¡± ¡°Ha no little Brother. I just thought that you, little cub, need more than one claw. So I made this spear for you.¡± Milo held it up so that Otis could have a look. Milo tightened the spear head a bit more before saying, ¡°come here little Brother. Let¡¯s test its weight and balance.¡± They walked out to an open area amongst the trees. ¡°Now use it to strike out like this.¡± Milo demonstrated by thrusting it out and taking one solid step forward. Otis took the spear and thrusted it out several times as Milo had just showed him. ¡°How does it feel, little Brother?¡± ¡°Hmmm good. A little long I guess.¡± ¡°Well maybe you are a little too short.¡± Milo bristled annoyed with the complaint. ¡°Don¡¯t get upset Brother I will grow into it. Thank you for the spear.¡± ¡°Fine! But I can¡¯t always make these things for you. One day you will need to sharpen your own claws.¡± Otis continued to practice with the spear until Milo interrupted him. ¡°Now I want you try something different. Try throwing your spear at that tree over there. This is something you absolutely need to learn how to do.¡± What Milo did not state is that he wanted him to learn how to throw the spear because he wanted fish for dinner tonight and Otis is going to be the one to catch them. Otis threw the spear at the tree a few times. The spear whizzed past the tree missing it to either the left or right of the tree. Milo frowned deepened he was not going to eat fish after all. On the fifth throw it struck the tree and a new skill entered Otis¡¯s vision. [Passive Skill: Throwing Enabled] ¡°Brother I hit it!¡± Otis shouted. Milo silently celebrated he was going to get to eat fish tonight! Otis grew confident as his next 5 throws struck the tree. He had even moved 5 feet further back. ¡°Oh Ho little Brother has grown quite strong.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right Brother I am really good aren¡¯t I?¡± Otis said striking his victory pose. ¡°Is that right? Hitting a large tree trunk is quite simple how about hitting that thick branch up there?¡± Milo point to a tree limb about 15 feet above Otis¡¯s head. ¡°That branch there Brother?¡± Otis said pointing at the same branch. ¡°Easy!¡± Otis prepared his throw launching the throw into sky to miss just short of the branch. Even though he missed for an eleven year old it was quite a good throw. ¡°Oh that is too bad little Brother.¡± ¡°No, no wait a minute I can get it just let me try again.¡± Milo¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Go ahead and try again but I doubt you will strike that branch it is much too high for you.¡± Otis¡¯s pride was wounded, this time his throw will not fail. He took a running start launching the spear into the sky. The throw had at least 3 times the power as the last one. The spear flew true cleanly slicing through the branch and falling back to the ground. ¡°Thud!¡± ¡°HAHA Brother you see that! I told you I could hit it!¡± Otis said turning towards Milo but Milo was gone. ¡°BBrother?¡± ¡°BUZZ¡± ¡°Huh¡­.BEEEEEESSSS!¡± Otis shouted running from the swarm of angry bees. Little did Otis know attached to that branch was a large beehive and those bees wanted their revenge. Otis sprinted screaming through the forest, the hoard of bee chasing him seemed to have gotten larger. He had been stung at least a dozen times while dashing around the trees to shake them. Out of breathe he made it to his destination and without hesitation dove into the river. ¡®They can¡¯t catch me in here¡¯ he thought. [Passive Skill: Jumping Enabled] Holding his breathe he tried to stay underwater until the bees gave up but after a minute the bees were still there waiting and he was reaching his limit. Out of breathe Otis¡¯s head emerged from the water only to be greeted by dive bombing bees. Gulping down air and a bee he submerged under the water once again. Shocked that a bee made it into his mouth he quickly raised his head to spit it out. Otis swam upstream to avoid the remaining bees and doubled back to their temporary camp. Upon arriving to camp tired and worn out Otis saw Milo sitting with his back turned to him eating something but that is not what bothered Otis. What bothered Otis was what was suspended over a campfire a large beehive that was currently shrouded in smoke. Otis stood there dumbly staring at this scene and Milo turned to him. ¡°Oh little Brother you are here. Where have you been?¡± Milo said through a large stupid grin. Milo¡¯s lips glistening in the sunlight clearly covered in honey. ¡°You you planned this didn¡¯t you?!?¡± ¡°Whatever do you mean little Brother?¡± Milo said putting up his most innocent expression. ¡°You you...I could have died. What if I was allergic to bees?¡± ¡°Allergic?...¡± Milo¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Little Brother I would never harm you. But never forget I am number one and you are number two.¡± Milo thought Otis¡¯s prank this morning was good but it was a little too good and he needed to put him in his place. After a few minutes of silence Otis dejectedly asked, ¡°Ahh, well Brother can I have a little honey?¡± ¡°Honey? What honey? Do you seen honey around here?¡± Of course he wasn¡¯t going to share. This was his prize. ¡°What about the honey that you have in your hands! Or the honey on your fingertips! Or the honey covering half over your face!¡± With each one of Otis accusations Milo shoulders twitched. With his shoulders slumped Milo reached out his index finger. ¡°Here have a lick.¡± ¡°I AM NOT LICKING IT OFF YOUR FINGER!¡± Otis yelled. ¡°WHY NOT!¡± Milo roared. Otis shrank back his anger scared away. ¡°BBecause it¡¯s on your finger. It¡¯s gross.¡± ¡°Why is it gross? Little Brother are you not the one who wanted to mate with me yesterday?¡± Milo said with a smile. ¡°I DO NOT WANT TO MATE WITH YOU!¡± Otis yelled once again forgetting all about the honey stomping away to retrieve his spear. Milo sat in silence continued to eat his honey. ¡®Ahh Sweet Victory. Sweet Victory Honey¡¯ he thought. ... ¡­ Thirty minutes later Otis had returned to the camp from retrieving his spear. Silence had filled the temporary camp until Milo gleefully interrupted it. ¡°It is about time we continued on. I would like to leave the forest by the end of tomorrow.¡± ¡°Brother, how do you know that we are that close to the edge of the forest?¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Hmm I determined by how far you can see and high you were up the mountain...Hand me your spear and take out your knife, while we travel you are going to work on very basic strikes and footwork.¡± Otis handed the spear to Milo, took out his knife and strapped his bag across his back. ¡°Ok Brother, I think I am ready now, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°First let me demonstrate, this is just a basic stab. Once we get into my Martial Arts you will notice that it is very similar to a punch, in fact most Weapon Arts are loosely based on Hand and Foot Combat Arts. Follow what I do closely for I will only demonstrate it once and know this, Martial Arts is not easily learned, we say if you do a punch ten thousand times you will only be at the lowest of the low beginner level. It is up to you to master it and make it yours.¡± Milo took the knife and stood a few feet away from Otis. ¡°I will do this slowly so watch closely.¡± Milo had his left foot forward and left hand in front of him down at an angle. In his right hand was the knife, its tip pointing forward, he drew it back so that his knife and hand sat next to his rib cage. Milo slowly and methodically pushed his right hand with the knife out while simultaneously drawing his left hand in to his rib cage and taking a solid step forward with his right foot. A moment before full extension of his right arm his hand rotated twisting the knife. Immediately after completing the rotation his arm was instantly drawn back in, his left leg had taken a solid step forward and his left hand was back at its original position. Even though the stab was extremely slow Otis felt as if the world shook. All the leaves that once had laid at their feet had been blown off into the forest, the trees continued to sway as if recovering from a gust of wind. Otis looked up at Milo, worship displayed in his eyes. ¡°My turn, Brother. My turn!¡± Milo chuckled, ¡°This is not a game little Brother. We will do this seriously.¡± Milo handed Otis the knife then reached into his own bag to retrieve that flexible branch from earlier. ¡°What is that, Brother?¡± ¡°Oh this?¡± Lifting the branch up. ¡°This is what we call a switch.¡± ¡°A switch? What¡¯s it used for?¡± ¡°Do not worry yourself about it, just remember I do this for you. Now I need you to focus and seriously train, building your martial art fundamentals is much more important than fancy techniques. Remember this no martial art is better than the other, no fancy technique will make you the strongest. What truly matters is dedication, experience and a solid foundation.¡± Otis attempting to be as serious as possible. ¡°Yes Brother, I will follow your instruction and take what you say to heart.¡± Smiles and happiness faded from the Shadow Lion¡¯s face leaving only a cold stern expression. ¡°Good! From this point on we are Master and Disciple. You will follow what I say with no complaint! Any complaints will be punished!¡± Otis¡¯s face turned sour. He hadn¡¯t been expecting this but he was now committed. He steeled his resolve, the sourness left his face only leaving a look of full obedience. ¡°Yes Brother!¡± ¡°Now take the position I demonstrated earlier.¡± Otis stood like Milo once had. ¡°Little Brother you will imagine yourself as your enemy. In your mind¡¯s eye you will see that your enemy will be the same height, weight and strength as yourself. Your knife is to be aimed at your enemy¡¯s throat, with each stab you will see your knife pierce through your enemy¡¯s throat.¡± The Shadow Lion roared. ¡°Begin!¡± Otis in his excitement stepped forward and shot his right arm out as fast as he possibly could. The Shadow Lion¡¯s face twisted in anger. ¡°FOOL! What good is speed if there is no force?¡± The flicked his wrist causing the switch to move at impossible speeds striking the back of Otis¡¯s head. The strike had caused a fine cut on the back of the boy¡¯s head. ¡°Again!¡± Otis took another step forward thrusting the knife out much slower this time. ¡°You¡¯re weight is on your back foot!¡± Pain shot through the calf of Otis¡¯s back leg as the switch met skin. ¡°Again¡± Otis¡¯s next step forward was firmer as he thrusted the knife forward. ¡°Why is your left arm dead?!¡± The switch struck Otis¡¯s left forearm leaving a bright red streak. Otis realized that he had not been moving his left arm as Milo had demonstrated. As Otis was about to open his mouth to whine, he was interrupted. ¡°Again¡± Otis attempted once again to replicate Milo¡¯s attack. ¡°Do not overextend!¡± Pain blossomed in Otis¡¯s right shoulder as the switch met skin. Tears began to flow down the boy¡¯s cheeks but his resolve continued as he knew the next command would not wait. ¡°Again¡± Otis struck out, this time his shoulders squared and back straight. ¡°I said throat, not shoulder!¡± The switch instantly landed on his forearm. ¡°Again¡± ¡°I said THROAT, not chest!¡± ¡°Again¡± ¡­ ¡­ The sound of a switch flying through the air could be heard for another hour before a message entered Otis¡¯s vision. [Passive Skill: Knife Combat Enabled] [Passive Skill: Martial Arts Enabled] Otis had also acquired over a hundred fresh and screaming red marks on his body. If he knew that their camp was clearly visible and just 200 feet behind him the boy would have given up but the Shadow Lion would never give him that chance. Otis¡¯s conscience barely registered Milo¡¯s command as he moved his body forward pushing his right hand out. For the first time in the last hour the Shadow Lion¡¯s switch hesitated and did not reprimand Otis after he finished the strike. Otis continued to work on this one stab over the next hour. He had been struck with the switch again but only a dozen times, he had shown a vast improvement from before. Otis had not done it on his own, just like before with the survival skill when focused on performing martial arts knowledge would enter his mind refining each strike as it was cast. Over the last 2 hours Otis¡¯s green bar had been steadily dropping but since he had those skills the rate in which that green bar fell had decrease prolonging his torture. Now the green bar had completely emptied and Otis¡¯s consciousness began to fade. ¡°Stop! We will now rest to recover our strength.¡± The lion shout caused Otis¡¯s eyes to open just prior to him falling forward. Otis¡¯s body ached from head to toes, he sat down to rest and eat some of his rabbit jerky. His green bar rapidly recovered causing his aches to be driven away. ¡°Switch hands, you will now use your left hand to stab. From now on you are not right or left handed. You will become skilled with both hands, feet, elbows, knees and all 10 fingers. All of these are weapons and you will not neglect any of them.¡± ¡°Brother, may I ask a question?¡± ¡°Yes, you may.¡± Milo was happy that Otis asked permission first. One cannot just ask their master without permission first. Milo would have been forced to punish Otis during their break which he had considered a reward Otis had earned for his hard work. ¡°I was always told that left handers have an advantage in sports like boxing or baseball. Are you saying that it is not true?¡± ¡°Hmm I do not know what boxing or baseball is but if they are sports those people cannot be compared to us. Those people practice for competition where we train for life and death. We train to kill by any means necessary but they just practice to win. They have rules and constraints that guide the way they practice, we do not have such constraints, we will use any means necessary whether it''s considered fair or dirty. Do you understand little Brother?¡± ¡°Not really but if you say so then I will do it.¡± ¡°That is good enough. Now let¡¯s continue.¡± Milo stood with his switch at the ready, waiting for Otis to begin. ¡­ ¡­ Two more hours had passed and the sun was hanging low in the west. Otis¡¯s body ached once again reaching its limits. Milo was surprised at Otis¡¯s gains in the last few hours. It may only be a simple stabbing strike but there is more to it than that. Otis¡¯s strike had become much more powerful than before and it was not because he had gained strength in the last few hours but because his body had become more synchronized. Otis had realized that the strike does not start with his arm but instead started from the moment his toes gripped to take his step forward. As he began to step forward he would build his energy from his toes to his legs, then draw that energy up into his center of mass causing it to shift forward. Simultaneously his right arm was drawn back to the side of his ribs bringing its energy into his chest to merge with his center of mass as well. The muscles in his chest contracted pushing the energy up to his shoulder and through his left arm as it exploded forward. This strike contained not only the energy from his muscles but also his body¡¯s weight and force of it moving forward. Milo could not help but be shocked as he examined Otis¡¯s form. Typically only disciples who had studied for many years would have reached this understanding not some child who had only practiced for four hours. Milo put on his most disgruntled face and sighed. ¡°Okay that is enough for now. Let''s rest.¡± Otis mistaking Milo¡¯s disappointment for being too weak. ¡°Sorry Brother, I will try harder and become stronger.¡± Milo stirred from his own reverie by Otis¡¯s response. ¡°Good. You must work hard to overcome your weakness.¡± ¡°Yes! Thank you for your instruction Brother.¡± ¡°We need to pick up our pace after we rest, I would like to make it a little further before sunset. From now on we will move at a jog. You will apply what you have learned today to running.¡± ¡­ ¡­ ¡°Wait.¡± Milo whispered, holding his arm out to stop Otis. They had been running through the forest for the last hour. ¡°I sense the presence of more of your kind about thirty minutes ahead at our current pace.¡± ¡°Really!¡± Otis excitedly whispered. ¡°Let''s move ahead silently, we will observe them to make sure it is safe. Now follow me and do as I do.¡± The Lion crouched down and silently ran forward in to the forest. Otis followed by crouching down, running forward on the balls of his feet and stepping where Milo had stepped. When the two reached the group they ducked into the shadows of the forest. They couldn¡¯t help but hear the raised voices coming from the group. Chapter 6: a Group, a Fat Man and a Meadow Notes ¡°Designates Speech ¡®Designates Thoughts Visit yougots.wordpress.com for a Map of Vilenna. After the next chapter I will post a Character List and Stat Sheets to the website as well. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When the two reached the group they ducked into the shadows of the forest. They couldn¡¯t help but hear the raised voices coming from the group. ¡°I say we head north!¡± shouted the short and slightly overweight man in the group. There were thirteen people were standing in a circle in a forest clearing. They all looked desperate and lost. Milo surmised that they had just woken up here in the forest like he had that night he met Otis. ¡°We don¡¯t even know where we are mate. We need to figure that out first.¡± Responded a young woman who was bent over starting a fire. ¡°Let¡¯s set up camp for now we will figure out where to go when the suns up.¡± ¡°What do you know little girl?¡± The short man snorted. ¡°Oi! You taking a piss?!¡± Another woman stepped forward tired of hearing him talk. Otis thought she was late twenties, her body was lean and muscular, which he considered to be very pretty. Her eyes were firm and sharp she was definitely not someone you should easily dismiss. ¡°She¡¯s working harder than you, what have you done besides open your cake hole?¡± Another woman in the group spoke out in defense. ¡°Sorry, don¡¯t mind my husband he is just little nervous. Frank, you need to apologize that girl is working hard for us. She is the only one who knows how to start the fire.¡± The woman that spoke was very pale like her skin and the sun were grave enemies that must avoid each other or else they would have a fight to the death. The woman was also desperately thin if she was any thinner Otis would be able to see straight through her. Otis and Milo immediately felt sorry for this woman as taking care of her husband must really take a lot out of her. Frank glanced at his wife and back at the girl working on the fire. ¡°Sorry...but I still think we should head north.¡± The lean woman¡¯s eyes blazed with fire as she took a step forward. ¡°OK OK lets calm down everyone.¡± A man interrupted his arms raised up in an appeasing position. ¡°I am sure we are all bit scared and tired. Let¡¯s do as Michelle suggested and rest for the night.¡± This man¡¯s clothing was a bit dusty but a smile adorned his face as he spoke. Michelle, who had been working on the fire stood and walked over to Frank. ¡°Apology accepted, Slim!¡± roughly slapping him on the arm before walking to an open spot to lay in the grass. The rest of the group did not get involve with the dispute they were quietly awaiting the fire and trying to figure out why they had woken up here. ... Everyone had eventually calmed down and sat around the fire in silence only the sound of soft crying could be heard from an older woman in the group. After observing the group for a while, Milo decided it was safe and gestured Otis forward. Before Otis walked out into the group he also handed Otis five rabbits to offer to the group. Again Otis had no idea of how or when Milo acquired these rabbits. Otis silently walked up to the group, he was a few feet away but no one had noticed him. Otis cleared his throat to draw their attention. ¡°Ahem. Hello.¡± Shocked! Several of the adults leaped from their seated position. ¡°What the hell!?¡± yelped the thin greasy man with an arched nose. ¡°Sorry I didn¡¯t mean to scare y¡¯all.¡± At that moment Otis realized how he must looked. He hadn¡¯t washed since this morning so he was covered in dirt, he wasn¡¯t wearing a shirt, his shorts that used to be pants were half eaten and his shoes were now worn through. Oh and he had a rope of dead rabbits over his shoulder while carrying a knife in his left hand. Putting his knife away he introduced himself again. ¡°Hello my name is Otis. I was making my way through here when I came upon your group.¡± He looked down on himself. ¡°Sorry I am a bit dirty I was about to go to the river and wash before making camp. Oh and here I brought you some rabbits.¡± Michelle stood up, cutting Otis¡¯s ramblings short. ¡°You know where a river is?¡± Otis hadn¡¯t noticed how beautiful Michelle was earlier probably because his vision had been obstructed by the fire. Her green eyes looked at him hopeful in his response. Otis throat dried as he tried to speak, he coughed, ¡°Yes it is that way.¡± Otis lifted his hand pointing off to the left. Otis¡¯s mind was blank but forced himself to continue. ¡°If you are thirsty I have some water here. Oh and I got these for you!¡± He pulled his gourd from the bag on his back and held out his rope of rabbits. Otis watched her as she sauntered across the camp towards him, her hips swayed to and fro, the fire light danced in her light brown hair. As she was about to reach Otis, he heard from his periphery, ¡°Ahh, Thanks kid, I needed that.¡± Reality came crashing back to Otis, in his stupor the short fat man, Frank, had at some point taken Otis¡¯s water and chugged it all leaving Otis carrying nothing but a line of dead rabbits. The girl took the dead animals, looking at them with confusion written on her face, ¡°Ta?¡± Even though she meant it to be a statement it certainly sounded like a question. An image flooded Otis¡¯s mind, it showed Milo with a wide smile on his face like he had just ate the most delicious meal he had ever tasted. Otis looked around, all the adults around the fire either had a grin on their face or looked very uncomfortable with what they just witnessed except for Frank, he had already thrown the gourd into the grass and was leisurely walking back to his seat at the fire. Otis¡¯s face instantly turned red. He swiped the rabbits from the girl¡¯s hand, ¡°I...I will go get some more water. ¡° Otis turned to the river and dashed away before anyone could speak. If he had ran slower he would have heard Frank¡¯s wife slapping Frank in the back of the head but instead he had escaped at top speed. A little bit later Otis returned to the group with several leaf containers full of water. Without a word he set some small stones around the fire and begun to dismantle the rabbits. He heard someone ask, "Need some help?" "No, I am OK. Don''t drink the water until it has been boiled." He answered while keeping his head down. The thin woman approached him with the short fat man. ¡°You said your name was Otis? I am Maggie and this is Frank. We are sorry about earlier. Frank is a bit of an oaf." Frank was looking the other direction, he obviously didn''t agree with Maggie''s assessment. "Did you catch these?" Maggie pointed towards the rabbits while trying to not actually look at them. "Yea, as I ran through the forest." A bush on the side of the camp shook with derision but no one noticed. The others in the looked towards the boy interested in the conversation. Frank spoke up, "do you know where we are? We should head north, right?" Otis looked up at frank and repeated Michelle''s argument. "Do you know which direction is north?" "Of course, we just have to follow the star." "What stars?" Otis questioned. "The North Star." Frank crossed his arms and looked at Otis with an air of superiority. "No. What stars?" Otis pointed a finger to the sky. An audible gasp was let out by the group as they looked up into the night sky. ''How is this possible?'' they all thought. "Where are we?" A blonde haired woman in a lab coat asked Otis. Otis shrugged his shoulders and finished cleaning the last rabbit. "Wait, you are not from here?" Maggie asked and everyone wanted to know the answer. Otis shook his head and pointed the direction he came. "No. I came out of cave on the side of a mountain, from that way. We have been traveling for the last few days to get here." Otis cooked his rabbits in the fire and put the hot rocks in the water containers. He also took some berries out for everyone to eat. Once the rabbit finished cooking he passed it out to everyone at camp. "Wait a minute.¡± The young man in the dusty clothing spoke. "Earlier you said ¡®We¡¯. Are you traveling with someone else?" "Oh yes. He''s like you, he too woke up in the middle of the forest." "Oh really, can we meet your little friend?" Maggie asked thinking there is another small child lost in the woods. Otis looked back in the direction he had come from. "Brother you can come out now." The group collectively thought it was Otis''s little brother that was hidden. "Hello." A deep bassy greeting came from the opposite side of camp then they had expected. They all turned to see a giant lion with a malicious grin displaying his very sharp teeth. The shock was too great, every one of them fainted at the same time. Otis dashed to catch Maggie before she fell to the ground but left Frank to fall, everyone else had been sitting already. Milo leaped into action snatching all the meat skewers and smoothly tossing them into his mouth before anyone''s head hit the ground. ¡­ ¡­ The next morning the smell of grilled fish woke everyone up from their sleep. Most of them looked around blankly hoping it had all been a bad dream but all at once their vision settled on the Shadow Lion that was anxiously awaiting the fish and the little boy who was reprimanding the lion for trying to steal a fish before it was ready. ¡°Brother I told you it¡¯s not ready yet!¡± Otis shooed Milo¡¯s hand away. Maggie quickly ran behind Otis pulling him back to the group. ¡°Maggie, what are you doing? ¡°It¡¯s not safe. That thing''s a monster.¡± She pulled Otis to her and held him tight. ¡°Everyone make a run for it. I will hold it off as long as I can!¡± A man stepped in front of the group. This was the first time he spoke since he had woke up last night and introduced himself to the group. He was a skinny man of average height but his eyes were fierce, this was not the first time he had fought for his life. Milo had already snatched several of the fish from the fire since Otis¡¯s absence. He had not even registered the commotion and was completely relaxed. He finally got to have his long awaited fish! Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Otis struggled out of Maggie¡¯s grasp and ran to cut the man off. ¡°Stop...Brother is the only reason that you are alive! If he wasn¡¯t nearby whatever is in this forest would have killed you by now! He will not harm you!¡± Otis looked back at Milo ¡°Right Brooo...YOU ATE ALL THE FISH! That was for everyone!¡± Milo finally looked up from his contentment. ¡°Hmm...What fish? There was no fish. When did you catch fish? But that is a good idea you should go catch some fish.¡± The lion looked up for the first time to notice the people. ¡°Oh you are all finally awake. Hurry little Brother catch some fish for them to eat.¡± Milo pushed Otis in the direction of the forest and licked his lips as he thought of fish he was going to eat. ¡°I will go get some more fish but you can¡¯t have any!¡± Otis grabbed his spear and dashed into the forest. ¡°What? Why?¡± Shouted the lion as he ran after the boy. The group stood in the forest dumbfounded with their mouths hanging open. ¡­ ¡­ ¡°Hey little Brother get the big one.¡± Milo said while pointing at the river. He was crouched over staring intently at the water spotting fish for Otis, his tail flicked back and forth with excitement. ¡°I know I know¡± Otis had his spear in hand cocked and ready to launch at the fish. Otis had already caught dozen fish in the last half hour but with Milo around he knew it was not enough. He had found out this morning that catching fish with his spear had been really easy for him. Three people emerged from the tree line as the spear left Otis¡¯s hand and flashed into the water spearing the large fish. ¡°Hello, we came to check how you are doing.¡± The man in the dusty clothes stated. ¡°Oi mate! What¡¯s with all this fish?¡± Michelle shouted in surprise. Otis was in the water bringing his latest catch and his spear back. ¡°I just want to catch enough for us all to eat.¡± ¡°You feeding an army? Well in any case thanks for doing all this. I am sorry about earlier I didn¡¯t mean to anger your friend here.¡± Milo looked up at the man who was planning to fight him earlier. He was very confused, he had no idea what the man was talking about. Otis had already reached the shore with his fish, he put them down and prepared to throw his spear again. ¡°Well in any case I never introduced myself. My name is James. You said your name was Otis right?¡± ¡°Little Brother there is two¡­no three fish line up right there get them all.¡± Before Milo¡¯s sentence had finished Otis¡¯s spear had already left his hand. It flew true skewering all three fish at once. ¡°Amazing¡± all three witnesses whispered in shock. ¡°Good job little Brother.¡± ¡°Yes this should be enough¡± Otis said when he returned to the shore once again with more fish. ¡°Oh and hello James. Yes my name is Otis and this is Milo but don¡¯t call him that.¡± All three had been watching Milo from the corner of their eyes but they were all too afraid to go near or speak to him. ¡°Yes, yes I won¡¯t bite.¡± Milo said with his flashiest grin. The other man in the dusty clothes stepped forward. ¡°Nice to meet you again Otis my name Dan.¡± Dan turned towards Milo. ¡°What should we call you if not Milo?¡± Milo waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Call me Brother or anything you like, Farmer.¡± ¡°How did you know I am a farmer?¡± Dan asked in surprise. ¡°You smell of fresh dirt, herbs and vegetables. Your skin is also quite tanned.¡± ¡°And what about me?¡± James asked. ¡°You are a warrior. I can tell from your eyes.¡± James nodded in confirmation. All at once they looked at Michelle. ¡°Oh¡± she hopped a little in surprise. ¡°My name is Michelle. I am studyin¡¯ to be a vet.¡± She looked around. ¡°Or at least I was.¡± Otis wrapped the fish in a rope so he could easily carry them. ¡°Any of you know how to clean a fish?¡± They are all nodded in response. ¡°Good, we should get back and prepare these so we can eat and get moving.¡± ¡­ The five of them arrived back at camp and prepared fish while the others waited. Outside of Maggie the others wanted nothing to do with their little group it was mainly in fear of being eaten by the large lion who was drooling at the sight of fish. ¡°Otis, can I help with something?¡± Maggie had been hovering over Otis¡¯s shoulder from the moment he arrived. Everyone could tell she was quite drawn to the lost child, her mother¡¯s instinct had taken ahold and she wanted nothing more than to protect him and keep him safe. Otis on the other hand was annoyed with this fly buzzing around him. ¡°Yes, we need some sticks to skewer the fish over the fire. Can you go gather some?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± with a hop in her step she ran off to go get them. At that moment Dan looked up at Otis and shook his head. Otis had already gathered everything needed for the fish but sent Maggie away anyway. The fish were cooked in no time at all and everyone was eating. ¡°So we heading north?¡± Frank spoke to the group. ¡°Why is it always north with you?¡± James was not a man of many words, Otis had noted, but even he grew tired of Frank''s complaints and orders. When they had arrived back at camp earlier their morning fire was dead. Apparently Frank had ordered people to add more wood to the fire because "bigger is better, it will cook faster" he said but instead of a bigger fire it was smothered and killed. He also thought it was a good idea to use Milo''s new rabbit skins to fan the flames, burning the skins effectively making them useless. ¡°Well which way do you think we should go? If you want to lead you should speak up.¡± Otis and Milo had grown impatient and wanted to get moving with or without the others so Otis interrupted them. ¡°If you go that way it will take you deeper into the forest, that way takes you to the Mountains and this way takes you to a river that is too wide to swim across.¡± Otis had lazily lifted his hand pointing out the different directions. ¡°Brother and I are following the river that way until we exit the forest.¡± ¡°And is that way north?¡± Otis tried to ignore the question but Milo answered. ¡°No slim, it is west. You are all welcomed to follow us.¡± Everyone cringed as Milo spoke they had been trying to avoid him the entire morning. Michelle was the first to recover. ¡°Why west?¡± ¡°Little Brother saw smoke in that direction.¡± ¡°Really? That means there might be people!¡± Michelle bounced to her feet excitedly. ¡°Or a forest fire.¡± Someone mumbled in the group. Milo stood. ¡°Little Brother it is time we moved on.¡± He then looked around the group. ¡°Like I said you are welcomed to follow but we will not slow down for you.¡± ... ... "We need to stop we can''t walk any further." It had been three hours since they started their slow walk through the forest. Frank had been complaining for the last two hours to get a rest. Otis looked over the group they were a haggard bunch indeed in need of some water and a rest. "I second that." The woman in the spoke for the first time and the rest shook their heads in agreement. Frank plopped down on the ground in defiance at the two leading the pack. Otis looked over the group and sighed he knew they were not going to be able to go any further now. An image flashed into Otis''s mind. It was Frank with an apple in his mouth tied to a spit hung over a fire while Milo turns the spit slowly. Milo''s malicious grin grew wider and wider as he rotated the spit. "Fine we take rest here." Milo announced then turned to Otis. "Little Brother, we will scout ahead." They both dashed away before any complaint could be heard. ... ¡°Little Brother it is an odd group we have become attached to.¡± ¡°Yea, I overheard them talking. They definitely don¡¯t know each other.¡± ¡°Oh I tried to ignore them. What did you learn?¡± ¡°There is an old man, Howard, he is in his seventies he was an insurance salesman now he is a door greeted at a store. There is an Asian woman, Lang, she said she is Vietnamese and runs a bar. The tall man¡¯s named Greg, he is a preacher, the woman with blonde hair and large uhhh you know, her name is Leslie she said she was a chemist at a Pharmaceutical company. The angry lady said she was British but I never got her name and¡­¡± ¡°OK OK I asked but I do not care. I should never have said they could come with us. Should we just leave them there?" "No we said they could come with us and besides we are almost there. I can see the edge of the forest on my map so it must be close." "Map?" "Yea, do you have a box in the lower right of your vision?" "Is that what it is? I had not paid much attention to it." "Brother, images have been appearing in my mind, like earlier I saw you roasting Frank and before I saw you push Maggie into the mud when she held my hand." "That annoying woman she is ruining your training and that fat man would have shut his mouth if he had telepathy." "So then I have telepathy and you are sending me things? Can I send you images too?" "You can and you have but I have blocked since we first met. Your thoughts and emotions are unorganized and unfiltered. I will teach you how to do it correctly in the future." They continued running for a few more miles. Milo had been anxious to get away and was running at a pace that Otis could barely keep up with him. In total they had spent an hour running before they reached the end of forest. What greeted Milo and Otis when they crossed the tree line was sea of tall waving grass. In the green sea were splashes of deep purple, reds and brilliant gold from the different wild flowers interspersed in the grasslands. Otis with his increased vision could see butterflies and bumblebees at play within the flowers as well as the deer drinking from the blue ponds in the distance. The land gently sloped up towards a small town that was surrounded by a wooden fence, smoke slowly rose from the chimneys of many of the houses that were within the fence. Milo frowned as he looked at Otis. ¡°The town is empty.¡± Chapter 7: a Golden Glow, a Banquet and a Revelation Notes ¡°Designates Speech ¡®Designates Thoughts Visit yougots.wordpress.com for a Map of Vilenna, Character List and Stat Sheets. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The land gently sloped up towards a small town that was surrounded by a wooden fence, smoke slowly rose from the chimneys of many of the houses that were within the fence. Milo frowned as he looked at Otis. ¡°The town is empty.¡± ¡­ ¡­ The two had returned to the group and had lead them through the forest for the last few hours back to the meadow. Many of them complained about the noises coming from the forest when they had been alone and were relieved that Milo and Otis had not abandoned them. Now the group looked out over the meadow to the vacant town. ¡°So you are sure it is empty?¡± Maggie asked. ¡°I am certain of it I would have smelled them or heard some movement coming from the village if there was any life there.¡± ¡°Why would there be an empty village in the middle of nowhere?¡± The preacher Greg had mumbled to himself. ¡°Well. Why don¡¯t we find out?¡± Frank walked forward in to the grass and out of the cover of the forest. ¡°Wait!¡± the group yelled after him. ¡°No he is right let¡¯s get moving.¡± Milo ran from the forest and out into the open towards the village. Otis followed after him and the rest of the group move forward reluctantly. Halfway through the meadow they reached a dirt road that ran into the village. They moved as one approaching the entrance to what appeared to be an old style village. Once they crossed the entrance, the dirt road was lined with many wooden buildings that looked like closed shops on one side and on other stood a small wooden church surrounded by a manicured lawn. A path ran from the dirt road to the wooden doors of the cathedral. The group walked a few steps into the entrance and stopped, except for Otis he had continued to walk forward. Realizing everyone had stopped Otis turned to see what had occurred. The group of people including Milo stood transfixed with a blank expression. At once the air hummed. A golden glow surrounded Otis¡¯s body. The rest of the people were in the same situation though they looked completely unaware. As Otis took a step to run his body froze like the others. [Status Effect Immobilization] The golden glow flashed bright and seemed to vibrate as the humming got louder. Text appeared in Otis¡¯s vision. [Body Manipulation - Leveling System Enabled] [Status Menu Enable] [Universal Language Disabled] [World Clock Enabled] [Archian Language Learned] [Non-Playable Character System Enabled] [Mind Manipulation - Stat Allocation System Enabled] [Mind Manipulation - Name Violam Assigned] [Non-Playable Character System Enabled] [Non-Playable Character Titles Assigned] [Mind Manipulation - Level Restrictions Resisted] [Mind Manipulation - Level Caps Resisted] [Mind Manipulation - Memory Erase Partially Resisted] [Mind Manipulation - Memory Implant...Not Applicable] [Status Effect Immobilization Ended] Otis did not know how long they all stood there but he had finished before the others. Though everything that just happened should have been very frightening but he was actually left very calm and relaxed. Once it finished it was as if all of his past worries, responsibilities and stress were lifted off his shoulders. He experimented with his new found knowledge. He knew he could bring up his status menu by thinking about or just saying ¡°Status Menu¡± he also knew with each level he gained there would be five points he could distribute amongst his attributes. Strangely there was something that did not add up with his knowledge such as that now he knew that all skills could only be taught by a class trainer or learned from a Tome but contrary to this he had learned several passive skills on his own over the last few days. ¡°Status Menu¡± A blue box appeared in Otis¡¯s vision. He was currently level 1 and all his attributes had the starting amounts except Stamina which had a bonus of ten. After a moment of looking it over he closed the status menu. Milo was the second person to stir from that frozen state a name box appeared over his head. [Rylor Level 48 (NPC) - Job/Class Unassigned] "Brother, are you OK? What are you doing?" Milo stood on guard observing the surroundings, he did not respond to Otis''s question. Otis walked over to Milo and stood in front of him. "Brother?" Milo looked down at the boy. "Violam, I am standing guard at the town entrance like always. Why do you call me brother?" "Because you told me to. I have been calling you brother this whole time. Don''t you remember my name is Otis and yours is Milo?" Otis frowned at Milo''s poor joke. "Milo?" He mouthed his own name. Milo looked confused, his face tense, Otis could tell there was a great battle going on in Milo''s mind. Who would win the struggle Otis wondered. After a moment of thought the life returned to Milo''s eyes and his face regained its previous playfulness. He laughed, "Little Brother did you fall for my cheap joke?" "Brother do not lie something happened." His laughter died and his mood saddened, "Yes it seems that I have forgotten my past and almost forgot my name. I feel like I still might forget it." "Then how about I call you by your name from now on so you don''t forget it?" A stupid grin flashed across Milo''s face "No I don''t want to mate with you." Otis tiredly said as he waved his hand dismissively. "Thank you little Brother. How long are they going to be like that?" Milo pointed at the others that still stood frozen with blank stares and open mouths. "I think we resisted some of the traps but it doesn''t look like they did. I guess we have no choice but to wait it out." ¡°Brother...I mean Milo, did you get your status window? And why does it show your name as Rylor?¡± ¡°Well it is not as dumb sounding as your name Violam. Yes I do have my status, Level 48 sounds about right. Do you know what this clock is in the upper right? Otis had not noticed it but in the upper right of his vision is a countdown clock. [4:364:19:33:45] [4:364:19:33:44] [4:364:19:33:43] ¡°No I don¡¯t know what it is, but it looks like we will have to wait 5 years to find out.¡± The others began to stir from their standing slumber. Maggie looked around until she saw Otis a different name was also shown over her head. [Mage Millicent Williams Level 30 (NPC) - Mage Guild] ¡°Well it is about time we head home, come on Violam.¡± She said as she held out her hand. Otis noticed that her slight southern accent had disappeared. He eavesdropped on the rest of the group¡¯s conversation, they all had lost their accents and now they were not speaking English anymore but for some reason he knew what they were saying. Milo elbowed Otis to get him to pay attention and whispered ¡°Just go along with it for now until we figure everything out.¡± Otis walked over and took her hand. ¡°Okay Maggie¡± ¡°Humph. After all this time he still cannot even remember our names. You would still be in the streets if it wasn¡¯t for us.¡± Maggie slapped the man in the back of the head. It was Frank but his name had changed as well. [Mage Lawrence Williams Level 19 (NPC) - Mage Guild] ¡°Shut up Larry he will adjust on his own time.¡± The golden glow had been quite beneficial to Larry he was no longer the fat man he once was instead he was a fit though not skinny. Maggie had also changed, she added some weight feeling out her figure so she was no longer deathly skinny and her skin was now fair instead of pale. In fact all of them have had some minor changes in some way, the older people of the group looked more youthful and healthier, and those who were overweight had slimmed down. Otis took particular notice of how much Michelle¡¯s bust had increased and how her body was a bit leaner. Michelle and a couple others names had not changed. [Michelle Clark Level 24 (NPC) - Hunters Guild] The only ones who had not physically changed were Milo and Otis. The man with the crooked nose spoke up. [Mayor Dennis Gardner Level 5 (NPC) - Mayor of Flower Hill] ¡°This will bring our town meeting to a close. I would like to thank everyone for attending. I almost forgot to mention that the town banquet will be held at Lang¡¯s Tavern. Please be in attendance.¡± The group split up, presumably heading to their new homes. Milo had told Otis that he was going to inspect the town barracks with James. James¡¯ name had stayed the same but his title showed that he was the Captain of the Flower Hill¡¯s Guard. ¡­ ¡­ Otis and his two new adoptive parents stepped in front of the Mage Guild. The Mage Guild was located west past the town¡¯s main square. The front of the Mage Guild was on a main street that went to the town''s west exit and the back of the Guild building backed up to a small alleyway that also came from the town square. The building looked like all the others except that it was two story. It was an old English styled structure with half-timbered walls and a thatched roof. Maggie opened the door and the three of them went inside. Immediately after entering the door the two adult once again radiated a golden glow. Maggie began to emit an icy cold aura and Larry¡¯s aura was hot fiery aura. This time the golden glow only lasted a few minutes before the two came back to their senses. ¡°Son don¡¯t just stand there go up and get changed. I don¡¯t know what you were doing to get your clothes torn up like that.¡± Maggie said as she was walking off into the kitchen. ¡°Hurry up boy we do not have all day for you.¡± Larry turned to follow his wife into the kitchen. Otis noticed that their titles updated. [Mage Millicent Williams Level 30 (NPC) - Head of Mage Guild] [Mage Lawrence Williams Level 19 (NPC) - Mage Guild] After seeing the update Otis guessed Larry¡¯s poor attitude was from always living in his wife''s shadow. ¡°Poor Maggie, she sure has to put up with a lot.¡± Otis mumbled to himself. Before Otis headed up stairs he overheard their conversation. ¡°Larry stop giving him a hard time. He¡¯s just a boy. And go get me a [Mana Crystal] looks like the power and water is out.¡± ¡°Alright alright, but he needs to start showing me some respect soon.¡± Otis then heard Larry rummaging through a cabinet as he continued up stairs to what he believed was his room. Otis was curious about the [Mana Crystal] item he overheard them talking about. Sorting through his newfound knowledge of this world he knew that a [Mana Crystal] is used as a power source in this world. They can be found in devices, homes, Taverns, smithies and so on, any place or item that would have used electricity uses a [Mana Crystal]. They can be created by powerful Mages or they can be dropped by monsters the latter option is the most efficient. On the second floor is was just two rooms and a bathroom. He entered the second room from as it had the smaller bed. Inside the room was a small writing desk, a bed and a wardrobe. Shortly Otis was cleaned and dressed, inside his wardrobe was several odd colored robes, some itchy loose fitting shirts and some brown pants. Otis completely ignored the flashy robes and went straight for the pants and long sleeved shirt. Lang¡¯s Tavern was very close to the mages guild. The sun had fallen and night was settling in, the interior of the tavern was well lit and the laughter from inside was spilling out into the town square. Upon hearing the laughter Otis was confused. ¡°Milo, since when did he get so friendly with the others.¡± The three of them entered the tavern, all the others had already arrived. There were many tables all set up next to each other with all kinds of meats and other foods set on top of them. ¡°Smells delicious, you¡¯ve really outdone yourself this time Lang!¡± Maggie squealed as she approached the short woman putting new dishes on the table. [Lang Level 13 (NPC) - Lang¡¯s Tavern Owner] ¡°Yes, yes eat up sweetie.¡± Lang said as she messed with Otis¡¯s hair then moved over to speak with the Mages¡¯. Otis walked over to Milo, who was sitting in between the angry British woman and the preacher. ¡°Looks like you are having some fun.¡± ¡°Yes, I have made some new friends.¡± The lion grinned as the three of them clinked their glasses together and gulped down the beer. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°Yes, Violam sit with us and eat!¡± The preacher slurred, his eyes were half glossed over and slowly closing. [Priest Gregory Johnson Level 30 (NPC) - High Priest of Flower Hill] Otis moved to sit down next to the sleeping preacher. ¡°Why are you sitting here?¡± ¡°They are dark like me, it reminds me of home.¡± Milo opened his arms up and gave a hug to the two sitting next to him. Greg¡¯s eyes shot open in shock but quickly closing again while smacking his lips. The angry British woman next to Milo just shrugged and continued drinking. Otis thought that she was much nicer now but figured it was probably the booze. [Joanna Hammond Level 24 - Grand Blacksmith] Otis decided to attend to more important matters drawing his attention from the blacksmith to the mountain of chicken legs in front of him. He hadn¡¯t realized how hungry he was and it finally was not rabbit meat. He searched his new knowledge to figure out why his appetite had significantly lessened since he arrived in this world. It apparently had something to do with his stamina. He could now go longer without food but if he went too long his max stamina would lessen, the same also applied to sleep. If he continued to not sleep or eat for an extended amount of time his max Health would also lessen and would continue to do so until he died. This was the least of his internal changes his main change was that he felt that his mind was sharper and more mature due to those five points in his intellect attribute. Lost in his own thought Otis was brought back to reality with a flick to the side of his head. ¡°Ow¡± ¡°Someone is watching your unsightly appearance little Brother.¡± Otis looked down at his plate and the bits and pieces scattered on the table. He had not realized it but he had already cleaned the meat from eight chicken legs and his hands and face were covered in grease. After wiping his hands and face with a cloth, he looked towards where Milo gestured. Michelle stood at the bar counter with a beer in hand laughing at Otis¡¯s wild display. Her title had changed from when he last saw her and there was a different look about her now. [Huntress Michelle Clark Level 24 (NPC) - Head of Hunters Guild] Her eyes were now feral and dangerous, her body taut and ready to strike. She stood there looking completely relaxed and completely deadly. Otis watched her calmly raise the mug to her lips. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye and tapped the pommel of the dagger sheathed on her hip with the slender fingers of her free hand. ¡°Yes she is definitely a Huntress now, her eyes are wild and sharp. The same could be said for you, ever since you entered this village you have had a similar look in your eye. I wonder who is going to hunt whom? Little Brother, Are you going to be her little mouse?¡± Otis steeled his courage. "Why not?" He threw his towel onto the table, stood and approached the bar. "So you are head of the Hunter''s Guild now?" Michelle looked at Otis confused. "You know I have been the Head of the Hunter''s for over a year." "On really, I hadn''t noticed. What happened to the last Head?" Michelle looked perplexed by Otis''s question but still answered. "He...they...you know what I am not sure.¡± She paused and looked at him questioningly. ¡°So why did you come over to bother me?" "No reason." Otis said nonchalantly, he was casually looking at the bow strung over her shoulder which could easily been mistaken for looking at her neckline. "So are you good? Or bad?" "Good or bad at what?" She smirked. Otis¡¯s vision drifted from her shoulder and looked into her green eyes. "At hunting?" "I am the Head of the Hunter''s Guild, I always get my prey." Otis stepped closer ignoring the difference in height. "Could you show me?...How to hunt that is?" Michelle eyed Otis and let out an alluring laugh. "I can show you how to shoot but you may miss your target." Otis returned her smile. "True when I am with you I often get distracted but I promise my arrow will strike whatever is in my sight." Michelle laughed again this time breaking the illusion. "Sure child I will take you on a hunt. Here have a drink." Tisk sounded in Otis mind as he reached out for the beer to drink away his failure. When he picked up the glass pain shot through them back of his head. He immediately turned to see Maggie. "You know you''re too young to drink." She stated with her hands planted on her hips. She stared at Otis till he put down the beer and forced him to leave the bar. She turned to cast one last daggered look at Michelle who was just grinned and studied the contents of her empty beer mug. Otis returned to the table with Milo. "I guess we know who the little mouse is." Milo said through his large smile. "Oh is the little mouse upset? Does the little mouse want some warm milk to make him feel better?" He said holding out a mug of milk. He shook the mug. "It''ll help you grow up big and strong." He pushed the mug in front of Otis. "Come on little mouse." [Title Granted: Little Mouse] "I don''t want your milk!" Otis shouted at Milo while grabbing a lamb chop from the plate in front of him Milo''s smile left his face. "Well tomorrow we start your training in earnest so you should probably drink more milk for strength." Otis frowned accepting his defeat, he took a bite of his lamb and chased it with the milk. "Good. I expect you to start your training tomorrow at dawn at the east town gate." ... [4:364:05:15:42] The next morning at dawn Otis stood alone at the east gate. ¡°Where is that cat?¡± He waited at the gate for another half hour. ¡°Did he forget?¡± Otis left the gate to find his absent trainer. After a bit of inquiring at the bakery, Le Petit Patisserie which is located at the town square, Frederic gave him directions to the barracks. Frederic had been silent and solemn when they traveled through the forest but now his expression was rather cheerful and bright. Otis also thought that the pastries were down right amazing in fact the only reason he had gone into the bakery was because he blindly followed the smell that permeated the entire street. Before he knew it he was inside the bakery, the shop had not even opened yet but Frederic kindly gave Otis a treat and acted like he had known the boy for ages. With a full stomach and a grin plastered on his face, Otis headed south down a main street to where the barrack lie. Otis approached the lion that was sprawled out over two beds that were pushed together. He saw that the lion had a new title. [Commander Rylor Level 48 (NPC) - Arcadian Military Special Forces] ¡°Hey! Why aren¡¯t you training me at the east gate?¡± Otis shouted when he walked closer. ¡°Can you not see that I am asleep?¡± the lion mumbled in response. Otis shoved the lion. ¡°Come on let¡¯s go. Get up!¡± The Shadow Lion sat up, eyes bloodshot and roared. ¡°If I do not give you instructions you are to run and when you are tired you run some more and when you are hot you swim until you are cool and when you are cool you will run. You are too weak for me to train, you need to get stronger! Now go run until I am tired!¡± Otis shocked at the lion¡¯s roar had already receded several steps and was almost out the door when the Shadow Lion turned away and slowly laid back in bed. Otis quickly walked out the door and into the hallway. A few steps into the hallway Otis could already hear the shadow lion¡¯s snores from its quarters. ¡­ Over the next few days Otis ran the perimeter of Flower Hill Village. Thankfully due to Otis¡¯s stamina and running skill, running was not much of a problem but unfortunately this meant he had to run a very long time before he could even get tired enough for a break. It took Otis six hours at a constant pace to lower his Stamina Bar to twenty percent remaining but a strange thing occurred while his stamina was less than twenty percent. The first time it happened Otis stumbled in shock and almost fell to the ground. It was mid-afternoon on his first day of running, Otis had been running for 4 hours straight. He had grown depressed because he thought it pointless and that Milo just did not want to train him. Until an update appeared in his vision. [+1 Stamina] Otis stumbled forward. ¡°What in the world? How is this possible?¡± Otis was confused because according to the knowledge he gained when first entered the village was that five Attributes Strength, Agility, Intelligence, Wisdom and Stamina could only be increased by distributing the points gained from a level up. This discovery to him was a revelation. Another hour into his run passed and he gain another point in Stamina. At this point he was certain that he could gain Attribute points through physical exercise. So he decided to test his other attributes. He currently had 5 points in Strength when he tested his strength earlier he had assessed that it was close to the strength of an average adult. He had also assumed that the 5 points in the other attributes meant he had the average intelligence and the average agility of an adult. Otis found a large rock about ten pounds. He decided to use this rock for his strength training so he held it over his head while he ran and after another hour into run he had a new update. [+1 Strength] [+1 Stamina] Otis was excited that this test had worked and risen his strength it had also helped him lower his stamina more quickly to below twenty percent. He noted that a high Stamina was counterproductive when it concerned gaining points for his physical attributes. While a high the Stamina allowed him to work, fight, or run for longer it also made him work that much harder to gain points in Strength or Agility. Otis decided that it was enough training for today and he would pick it up in the morning. He turned into the East Gate to head to the Mage Guild when he was waved down by the granny who had spent most nights in the forest crying. Otis had overheard her say that she missed her husband and grandchildren but when he ran up to her she welcomed him with a smile. [Counselor Maryann Smithson - One of the Council of Seven] ¡°Hi Granny! Is there something you need?¡± ¡°Oh heavens no. I just saw you working hard all day and decided to make you some cookies.¡± Otis took the plate of cookies and sampled one his treasures. ¡°So Good! But Granny you didn¡¯t have to.¡± ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure dear. I don¡¯t have much to do while I await my summons.¡± ¡°Your summons?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t know? I am a part of the Council of Seven and soon I will be summoned to the Capital to be a counselor.¡± Otis had no clue what the woman was talking about so he ignored it and shoved another cookie into his mouth. A chill ran down Otis¡¯s spine, he looked over his shoulder he felt someone watching him, making devious plans for his treasured cookies. ¡°Thanks Granny!¡± Otis spun without listening for a response and ran as fast as he could home. ¡®That cat is not getting any of my cookies!¡¯ he thought. ¡­ The next four days continued in the same fashion as the first and granny would also reward him with a plate of cookies at the end of the day. He could now carry a much heavier rock over his head while he ran, he also included sprints in his running help increase his agility. In these four days he trained for a minimum of 12 hours each day both his Strength and Agility Attributes had reached 10 points and his Stamina had reached 20. On the third day he had 10 points in his Strength but no matter he trained it would no longer increase. On the fourth day only his Agility and Stamina had increased but once his Agility was at 10 and Stamina was at 20 they would no longer increase either. [4:358:05:15:05] At dawn on the sixth day Otis went to the East Gate only this time Milo was waiting for him. ¡°You¡¯re late!¡± ¡°You¡¯re six days late and the sun just rose!¡± Otis snapped back. ¡°It looks like you have made some progress.¡± Milo nodded with approval. An icon with Milo¡¯s face appeared in the upper left of Otis¡¯s vision. [In Training] Otis focused on the training Icon and more information displayed. [Training - Stats, Knowledge and Experience gained at an increased rate while under Master Rylor¡¯s instruction] ¡°I think this lazy jerk just made me waste a whole lot of time.¡± ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author''s Note The plot should speed up from here on out. I hope to have Chapter 8 ready by Friday if not sometime this weekend or Monday at the latest. Titles and Skills at the end of Chapter 7 Titles and Skills at the end of Chapter 7 ________________________________________ Name: Violam Titles: Lost Child One who will never find a home or family. Shadow Lion Hunter Apprentice Apprentice of a Dark Lion. Little Mouse Name given by his Master. One who has the ability to flee from predators and the wisdom to know when to flee. Animal Bond: Greater Ravenous Razor Red Hawk Completed Human Racial Passives: Adaptability ? Elitist (RESISTED) ? Reign of Destruction ? Conditioning ? Passive Skills: Mental Resilience (25/100) ? Weakness Tactics (2/100) Stance (40/100) Walking (50/100) Running (70/100) Sprinting (40/100) Jumping (15/100) Knife Combat (5/100) Chapter 5 Martial Arts Combat (5/100) Throwing (15/100) Acid Resistance (5/100) Trap Making (25/100) Survival (10/100) Hidden Skill (0/100) ? Chapter 8: a Knife, a Hunt and a Steel Fist Notes Visit yougots.wordpress.com for a Map of Vilenna, Character List and Stat Sheets. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [4:358:05:15:05] ¡°It looks like you have made some progress.¡± Milo nodded with approval. An icon with Milo¡¯s face appeared in the upper left of Otis¡¯s vision. [In Training] Otis focused on the training Icon and more information displayed. [Training - Stats, Knowledge and Experience gained at an increased rate while under Master Rylor¡¯s instruction] ¡°I think this lazy jerk just made me waste a whole lot of time.¡± Otis mumbled. At the sound Milo¡¯s ear perked up but he choose to ignore it. ¡°Here¡± Milo tossed a knife to Otis. ¡°Wah¡± Otis made an awkward sound when he tried to grab a hold of the knife, it bounced in his palms until he was finally able to grab ahold of the hilt. ¡°Who throws sharp objects at people?¡± Milo shook his head in disappointment. He stared a moment at Otis until a smile crossed his face. ¡°Now let¡¯s go kill some tasty animals!¡± Milo turned and dash out of the east gate of the village then turned north. Otis followed the lion out of the village. He studied the knife he had and a window displayed over it. It had a picture of the item and a description. [Recruit¡¯s Training Knife - One Handed Durability 16/16 ] The two quickly passed further north than Otis had gone during his training. Milo signaled Otis to stop and silently pointed out into the grassland in front of them. In the distance was a pack of warthogs standing around a small pond. They were still too far off to see their titles. Otis looked at Milo, he was staring intently at the warthogs, and his saliva was running out the side of his mouth down his chin until he wiped it with the back of his hand. ¡°I will lure one this direction for you to kill. Aim at its weaknesses. Use your claw to stab the eyes or slash its throat or stomach. It¡¯s back and head have a higher defense and would be a wasted strike.¡± Milo did not wait for a response, he raised his hand and flicked a tiny pebble towards the pack. The pebble whizzed through the air striking one of the warthogs in its hindquarters. The warthog turned towards the direction of where the rock came from. It snorted and left the protection of its pack behind. ¡°Now stay low you do not want to draw the attention of the others. We will kill them next.¡± The warthog moved away from the pond and into the high grass. The warthog stood about three and a half feet all, covered in brown fur and have several tusk sticking out from both sides of its mouth. Otis ducked down into the grass, the grass was high enough to cover his body. When the warthog was about thirty feet away its details came into sight. Milo¡¯s pebble had taken away a third of its life. [Small Common Warthog Level 5] Otis had been waiting for the warthog to get a little closer before his attack but instead the warthog broke into a charge and with incredible speed as it targeted Otis. Otis changing his plans broke into a sprint as well. The warthog lowered its head readying itself to gore the boy with its tusk. It was confident that the strike was going to run the boy through but outside its expectations Otis stepped to the left side of the warthogs charge. Otis thrusted his knife into the side of the warthogs neck and continued sprinting, slicing along the side of the animal. Several white numbers shot out from the animal. [-18] [-16] [-20] [-17] After the cut finished, Otis using his increased agility immediately spun around to see the warthog slowly stumbling forward trying to regain its balance. The side of the animal was covered in matted red hair, blood ran freely from its mouth and its Health Bar only had a sliver of life left. Before the warthog could recover and begin another attack Otis sprinted to the warthog. Otis grabbed the warthogs tusk, twisting its head and drove it face first into the ground. With its neck exposed Otis drove his knife deep into the animal''s throat. [-21] The animal stopped struggling and the life receded from its eyes. Otis looked up towards Milo with a smile only to see a lazily expression on Milo¡¯s face. ¡°Took you long enough. Don¡¯t celebrate now here comes some more.¡± ¡°What?¡± Otis looked out from over the grass. [Small Common Warthog Level 3] [Small Common Warthog Level 3] [Small Common Warthog Level 4] Three more warthogs came deeper into the grasslands. Otis immediately crouched back down and moved into action. He moved into position to ambush the warthog furthest away from the other two. Once he was in its blind spot he leaped forward stabbing at the animal only to have a pebble hit the side of his knife causing him to miss the warthog¡¯s neck stabbing the animal in its flank. The warthog squealed drawing the others attention. [-15] Otis quickly withdrew the knife stabbing the warthog in the side of its neck. [-21] Otis attempted to stab the warthog a third time when the other level 3 warthog plowed into the boy and the half dead animal. [-40] Otis lost over a third of his life in the one charge but the warthog he had stabbed was dead and gored on its right side. The other warthog stood in front of Otis, its tusks red with its brothers blood it lunged forward biting at Otis. Otis rolled to his left side dodging the animals attack and struggled to his feet. When he looked up the level 4 warthog was bearing down on him. It had finally noticed what happened and joined the battle. Otis turned right and ran perpendicular to the level 4 warthogs charge. Otis had noticed that while they do run fast in a straight charge they were terrible at making adjustments and quick turns. He headed for the side of the remaining level 3 warthog. It tried to turn to meet Otis head on but it was too slow and only met his knife in the side of his neck. Otis once again continued to run slicing down the side of the animal. White numbers flew out of the animal and into the sky. [-20] [-17] [-20] [-17] The animal¡¯s eyes rolled up and it fell over dead. Otis silently cursed himself he had planned on using this warthog as a shield against the level 4. The warthog already had him in its sights and begun its charge. Instead of meeting it head on this time Otis ran in a circular path to catch the animal on its side when it could not adjust quickly enough. Otis was fast enough to make it to the side of the animal but as he was about to stab it, the level 4 warthog reared its hind legs stomping on Otis chest. [-25] Otis retreated several steps from the animal, it was still kicking its legs out in fear of Otis. Otis approached it several more times only to be met with its flying kicks. Otis backed off from the warthog and it lined for another charge. The animal exploded forward much faster than it had before but this time Otis did not move instead he readied his knife and threw it. The knife flew forward sinking into the warthogs left eye. A number exploded over its head in yellow. [-32] As the animal stumbled in confusion and before it could recover Otis appeared in front of the warthog, he grasped the hilt of his knife and pushed it further into the animal''s skull. The animal¡¯s health bar flashed and its health dropped by another 32 points. The warthog had halted its charge but was still struggling to get free but Otis still held the knife firmly in its eye socket. It¡¯s life emptied by 32 points two more times before it the animal ceased to live. Otis pulled the bloody knife from the animal and looked to Milo who had appeared next to him a moment earlier. ¡°You missed the neck earlier and ruined a good piece of meat.¡± Milo stated as he retrieved the warthog¡¯s corpse. ¡°That wasn¡¯t my felt. It was your rock.¡± ¡°Do not blame me for your mistakes, you need to adjust to anything that could occur.¡± Otis continued his killing after four more warthog¡¯s were slayed, Otis was surrounded by another golden light. [Level 2] The golden energy entered into Otis¡¯s body, it enhanced, strengthened, and redefined him made him feel not quite human. Otis squeezed his fist shut testing his strength. He still had not figured out how he would raise his intelligence or wisdom attribute so for now he put all five points into wisdom. While Otis was thinking Milo approached him. ¡°Stop standing in a daze and come here.¡± Milo was breaking down the 8 warthogs that Otis had killed. ¡°In your next hunt I expect all of your strikes to be killing strikes. If it is not a killing strike you will be punished. Now look at this.¡± Milo used his claw to open one of the warthog and split its chest. ¡°All quadrupedal animals will be somewhat similar. This is the heart, it is protected by ribs, and it is difficult to stab because you must slide your knife between these ribs for a kill.¡± Milo spoke as he demonstrated the actions. ¡°These organs if stabbed will also be fatal, often times the liver will be the most vulnerable and easiest to strike.¡± Milo continued to explain what organs to stab, arteries to cut, bones to smash and how long it would take each of them to kill and how painful it would be for the victim. ¡°From now on you will only attack these areas. I am not going to teach how to perform each slash or stab. I expect you to learn as you kill. I also expect you to focus on the flow of your energy like you had when we were practicing in the forest. Now let¡¯s go find something better than pigs to slaughter.¡± ¡°Yes Brother.¡± Otis killed a few more warthogs as they moved further north entering into the forest once again. Otis had been focusing on killing stabs and slashes and now dispatched the warthogs quickly. As soon as they crossed into the forest the two hunters dropped into the shadows once they noticed wolves patrolling the area. ¡°This will be a good enemy for you. They are quick, powerful and smart you must be on guard. Now go.¡± Otis exploded silently from the shadows, he ran on the balls of his feet masking all sounds as he approached the wolf. He wanted to kill the nearest wolf quickly as to now draw the other wolves. Otis was one step away when the wolf¡¯s hair stood on end, it turned its head to see what had alerted it only to turn into the point of a knife smoothly sliding into its right eye plunging into its brain. The wolf stunned from the pain it could not even call its comrades as its life plunged to zero in a matter of seconds. Over the last few kills Otis had become very proficient at killing strikes, before entering the forest he had seen that his [Knife Combat Skill] had risen to 25% during today¡¯s hunt. Otis changed directions moving on to the next wolf. As he was about to slice the wolf¡¯s stomach an Update message appeared in his vision distracting him. [+1 Agility] Otis missed his target and slashed the wolf¡¯s rib cage only a flesh wound. A wolf cried out in the distance, Milo was drawing another wolf into the fight as punishment. The wolf that had the flesh wound on its rib cage withdrew to meet up with the incoming wolf. Both wolves circled around Otis until each one was on either side of him. They both charged him expecting to push him deeper into the forest towards their pack. Outside of their expectation Otis readied and threw his knife at the wolf to his right, the wolf attempted to dodge but the knife firmly planted itself into the side of the its neck, it yelped and stumbled but continued to move forward. [-18] Otis did not watch the knife land he had immediately turned to his left to attack the second wolf that was approaching. The wolf was angered by the attack on its brother opened its jaws and leaped at Otis¡¯s throat. Otis made a quick sidestep to move out of the wolf¡¯s path. [+1 Agility] Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Otis felt the increased agility, he grabbed the wolf¡¯s bottom jaw and roughly slammed the wolf to the ground while rotating its head around until he heard a firm snap breaking its neck. [+1 Strength] Otis looked up at the moment the other wolfs teeth sunk into his shoulder and pain bloomed on Otis¡¯s right side. Otis¡¯s immediately found the hilt of his knife emerging from the animal. Otis took his knife and stabbed the beast in the side of the neck several dozen times in quick succession. The wolf¡¯s body went limp and Otis pried its mouth from his shoulder and threw it off to the side. Otis wiped the blood from his shoulder, it immediately stopped bleeding and began to heal. He had lost a third of his life in that fight, he wanted to take a break until he heard several more wolves howl. Three wolves flew out of the trees after seeing their brethren lying dead on the forest floor they lost themselves in rage and recklessly charged Otis. A jolt of pain struck Otis''s hand, his knife and a stray pebble fell to the ground. Otis turned back to see Milo standing with a smirk as he brought his hand to his face. Milo whistled, the whistle echoed through the forest and dozens of wolves returned its call. Minus his knife Otis launched into his attack on the center wolf. Otis dodged the incoming wolf''s jaws bringing his fist down on the top of its head. The wolf''s head slammed down on ground, Otis leaped tackling the second wolf, twisted it head and snapped its neck. Otis looked up and caught the third wolf by its throat as it attempted to bite him. Otis''s forearm felt warm, the warmth flowed to Otis''s fingertips as his grip closed crushing the wolf''s throat. Otis threw the dead wolf off to the side and walked up to the first wolf that was struggling to stand. Otis felt the warmth run down his leg as kicked the wolf destroying its chest and internal organs. Otis''s mana had dropped a few points after those last two attacks. Dozens of wolves came into view as they calmly walked out from behind the trees, their hatred for Otis was clearly seen in their eyes. They snarled and attacked in unison. Lost in a flurry of motion, Otis went on the attack. As Otis attacked, he saw a faint yellow light on various spots of the wolves. He recognized them as the places Milo had pointed out as killing blows. Every time Otis landed a punch or kick on those various areas he would hear the animal bones break or be crushed. If Otis used a different tactics the yellow lights would shift to a different location. Otis grabbed a wolf by the throat and lifted it, a yellow light shined on its neck and the back of its head, he slammed the back of the wolf''s head onto a flat rock on the ground crushing its skull. Otis leaped into the air seeing a yellow light on the back of the next closest wolf, he brought the heel of his foot down on the back of the animal snapping its spine. Otis¡¯s quick movements in the battlefield took the wolves off guard and made them vulnerable to his onslaught of killing blows. In the hour long battle Otis¡¯s level rose to Level 3, his Agility and Strength had risen to 26 and 29 points respectively and his Stamina had steadily rose as well. From time to time he would feel some warmth in his body which would result in explosive strength or speed. Every Time it happened Otis would use a point of MP. He pondered this flow of energy like Milo had commanded. A few times in the battle he was able to control the flow of energy to his fist or feet. A successful blow would result in a massive amount of damage as well as gain in his Intellect attribute, so far Otis has gained 10 more Intellect. Otis¡¯s speed kept rising as the battle continued this allowed him to dodge almost all of the wolf¡¯s attacks. At times he would feel pain shoot up his leg as a wolf bit down on his calf, at these moments Otis would immediately swing his fist down with shocking speed but only to meet empty air. When only 3 wolves were left in the battle the wolf who successfully attacked Otis appeared. [Alpha Red Illusion Wolf Level 8] It¡¯s stood on top of a boulder, the ground beneath it was littered with its dead brothers. Blood painted the rock as Otis had used it several times to crush the wolves¡¯ skulls. The red wolf condescendingly looked down on Otis. Its eyes shook with anger as it leaped down at a speed that left after images in its wake. Otis was immediately put on the defensive, the Alpha was much faster than any of the other wolves and Otis. Otis did his best to dodge the attacks that his eyes could not see but his health was steadily dropping, finally the wolf sunk its teeth deep into his leg. Otis fell on his back, Otis attempted to stand only to be knocked down by the Alpha in an attack he still could not see. Otis¡¯s stamina was almost exhausted and he had been completely overwhelmed by the Alpha¡¯s speed. Instantly the Alpha was standing over him gloating, his eyes flared with victory. Otis¡¯s blood dripped down from the mouth of the beast landing on his own face. The Alpha revealed its razor sharp teeth as it opened its mouth for its final attack. It struck down viscously, Otis plunged his forearm into the Alpha¡¯s mouth, and blocking the attack he push the animals face up revealing its soft tender throat. Otis sent energy into his mouth, warm energy surged in, he felt his teeth sharpen and strength. [-5 MP] His mouth widen as Otis bit down on the exposed soft flesh. The wolf¡¯s blood gushed flooding Otis¡¯s throat and running from his mouth. The wolf fought for its release, Otis shook his head sinking his own fangs deeper into the wolf until its life retreated from the wolf¡¯s body. Otis stood, the Alpha still hanging from his jaws as he looked at the 3 remaining wolves. Otis released the Alpha, its lifeless body fell limply to the ground. [+2 Strength] [+2 Intellect] A bloody grin was shown on Otis face as he dispatched the last three wolves. After the last wolf was done another Golden Glow embraced Otis, enhancing and fortifying his body, he had reached [Level 4]. Otis took a moment to put all his acquired points in his Wisdom attribute. Milo appeared next to Otis. ¡°You have done well. Let¡¯s rest for a bit.¡± Otis wiped the blood from his body with the remaining bit of his shirt and watched Milo collecting the dead wolves. ¡°Milo, what have you been doing with all the animal corpses for far? Every time I look after a fight their bodies are gone.¡± ¡°The Huntress gave us some interesting bags. It looks like a small bag I can actually fit hundreds of items in it. She called it a backpack. She said it was supposed to be sold to Adventurers but since they have not arrived yet so she gave us two.¡± Milo tossed the other bag to Otis. When he looked into the bag a window appeared above the bag. It showed eight slots, the first slot had seven [Dead Warthog] and the second slot had his [Recruit¡¯s Training Knife]. ¡°This thing is pretty handy. Do you know what she meant by Adventurers?¡± Milo had already began skinning on of the wolves. ¡°No, but I have heard some of the other villagers mention them. Now stop talking, you stink go wash up. There is a spring fed pond just ahead.¡± Otis tapped the knife icon in the bag window and it appeared in his hand. Otis looked up the sun was beginning to set as he made his way to the pond. [4:357:15:04:23] Otis stepped out into the clearing. Ahead of him a clear blue pond that reflected the orange setting sun. A gentle mist fell over Otis from a wispy water falling hundreds of feet from the cliffside above. Otis listened to the birds singing in the trees, some tenseness left his shoulders due to the mystical atmosphere. Otis set down his knife and rinsed himself before entering the pond. Otis¡¯s health and stamina had already fully recovered but he could still feel the cool water¡¯s power to relax and unwind his muscles. The pond was incredibly deep, Otis ducked his head into the water but could not see the bottom. When Otis pulled his head from the water what awaited him was not singing birds but silence. The sun had nearly eclipsed the horizon, the last rays of light intertwined with the mists leaving a violet haze. Otis scrambled out of the pond to retrieve his knife. As he pulled his remaining foot out of the pond a beast erupted from its waters. Otis spun, knife in hand to see his enemy. [Aquatic Velus Bear Level 12 Elite, Protector of Velus Ponds] The bear swiped at Otis with is webbed claws. Otis dove forward within its reach stabbing with his knife at the yellow glowing spot that designated the beast''s heart. The knife slid through the animal¡¯s thick fat layer but it could not reach the heart and got wedged in the bear¡¯s ribs. As soon as Otis felt the resistance from the knife, he immediately abandoned it, using his arms he grabbed the beast fur and threw himself straight up dodging the bear¡¯s crushing hug. Otis¡¯s foot kicked into the bear¡¯s jaw causing the bear to stumble a few steps back as Otis flipped through the air to land in front of the bear. [-1MP] [-65] ¡°Its defense is too high, it only lost 10 percent of its health!¡± Otis yelled exasperated. The bear unleashed a furious roar and charged forward. [Status Effect: Fear Resisted] [Status Effect: Decreased Damage 10%] The bear moved at an impossible speed reaching Otis in a matter of moments. It opened its mouth and bit down where Otis had been standing. Otis stepped left dodging the animals maul, he sent energy to his fist and punch the glowing yellow spot on the side of the animals head. [-1MP] [-52] The powerful blow sent the bear¡¯s head to the right, as it tried to attack again it met another fist to the side of its head. [-2MP] [-75] Otis repeatedly smashed his fist into the side of the bears head at a speed that the bear could not adjust to. Otis felt the energy flowing down his arm into his fist, mentally he retraced the flow of energy following it to his chest where he felt his Mana Pool. He pushed and pushed at this pool, at first the energy only trickled out a drop at a time, there was a barrier holding the power back. He threw his entire mental force at the barrier causing it to crack, a fine spider web of cracks ran through the barrier until the energy exploded forth demolishing it. The energy flowed down his arm and into his fist. Otis¡¯s fist turned a silvery color and felt hard as steel. He used this immense energy bringing his fist to the side of bear¡¯s head, arm moving in a blur the fist passed through the animal''s skull. When Otis withdrew his hand it returned back to normal and nothing was left of the bears head. [-62MP] [-1823 OVERKILL!] [OVERKILL! Bonus] [+5 to All Attributes] [Passive/Active Skill: Body Manipulation Learned] A golden glow briefly surrounded Otis, he absorbed the energy as Milo approached. ¡°A nice and quiet place, right?¡± Otis snorted. ¡°Yes very quiet.¡± Milo started to clean the bear. ¡°What did you learn?¡± Otis sat in the grass and leaned back. ¡°That there is no rest for the weary.¡± ¡°That is true but I meant what skill did you learn?¡± ¡°Oh, Body Manipulation.¡± ¡°Good. In my tribe it is called Body Strengthening. Beastmen typically cannot cast magic, I am of the exceptions, and instead we use our Mana to strengthen our bodies or increase our speed. You need to train in this new skill and from now on you will apply Mana to each of your strikes.¡± Milo looked up at Otis. ¡°Now stop resting and get some wood for a fire. We stay here for the night.¡± --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Body Manipulation (10/100) - Allows One to Control the Flow of Mana in Their Body - Increasing this Skill will Allow User to use Internal Mana more Efficiently Chapter 9: a Sense, a Skill and a Story Notes Visit yougots.wordpress.com for a Map of Vilenna, Character List and Stat Sheets. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ¡°Good. In my tribe it is called Body Strengthening. Beast Men typically cannot cast magic, I am one of the exceptions, and instead we use our Energy to strengthen our bodies or increase our speed. You need to train in this new skill and from now on you will apply Energy to each of your strikes.¡± Milo looked up at Otis. ¡°Now stop resting and get some wood for a fire. We stay here for the night.¡± ¡­ ¡­ The two settled in for the night, they ate and prepare themselves for sleep. Otis did not waste any time and was asleep before his head hit the ground. Milo glanced at Otis asleep on the floor a dark spark shown in his eyes. Otis woke in a panic, pain lanced through his arm up to his shoulder. Otis looked to see what caused his pain. [Black Death Adder Level 6] [-70HP] [Status Effect: Venom, lose 3 HP every second for 5 minutes] A large black and gold snake was firmly attached to his wrist. Otis grabbed the snake with his free hand crushing it just beneath the head. [-5MP] [-330] ¡°Not enough to kill me but I need to be careful.¡± Otis retrieved his knife and pressed his back to a tree so that he could observe his surroundings until his health had fully recovered. In all the commotion Milo had not even moved an inch just continued to snore without a care in the world. Otis was attacked throughout the night by several snakes and one rabid raccoon. It seemed that every time he finally fell back to sleep he would be attacked again. ¡°Die Demon Raccoon!¡± Otis plunged his knife into the throat of the level 8 critter. [Level 5] [Passive Skill: Aura Sense] [+2 Intellect] The sun was rising to the east, Otis decided that he would not attempt to sleep any more. [4:357:07:38:23] ¡°Hey Milo. Time to wake up.¡± Otis lightly kicked the lion to wake him. ¡°Did you sleep OK? No attacks in the middle of the night?¡± Otis asked. Milo lazily opened one and stared at Otis. ¡°What do you want? Do you know what time it is?¡± ¡°It is time to get up. Or should I throw some snakes at you?¡± Milo innocently looked the other direction. ¡°We should get our day started.¡± ¡°What are we doing today?¡± ¡°More of the same. You kill tasty animals and I will eat them.¡± Otis looked suspiciously at Milo. ¡°How many have you eaten already?¡± ¡°Not much. Not much.¡± Milo waved him off dismissively. Otis looked down at Milo. ¡°Milo. How many?¡± Milo sheepishly looked through his backpack. ¡°What do you have in your bag?¡± Otis grabbed his backpack as well. ¡°I have 7, no I only have 2! When did you get into my bag?¡± ¡°So we have 2 animals left then.¡± Milo stood up cheerfully rubbing his stomach. Milo noticed the anger in Otis¡¯s eyes. ¡°What? It¡¯s not like you were using them.¡± ¡°What kind of excuse is that?!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry you will be able to collect more over the next few days?¡± ¡°Few days? When are we heading back? Milo shrugged. ¡°When the time is right.¡± ¡­ ¡­ [4:356:20:04:23] ¡°This [Aura Sense] skill is stupid and useless.¡± Otis complained. There has been many stealth attacks the past day that left Otis wounded. He had noticed that many of the animals that attacked him were able to hide the titles that showed above most animal¡¯s heads. ¡°I don¡¯t sense the animal until after it has already sunk its teeth in me.¡± ¡°Maybe you should not rely on some strange skill but instead you should learn to use your own senses.¡± Milo walked towards Otis holding a strap of cloth. Otis¡¯s [Aura Sense] flared as he watched Milo approach him. Otis subconsciously hopped back two steps. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°I am helping you.¡± Milo snatched Otis¡¯s arm before he could flee any further. Milo tied the cloth over Otis¡¯s eyes. ¡°There now you will not be focused on what you see. Use your other senses to feel the environment.¡± Otis attempted to pull the cloth from his eyes only to have his hand slapped away. ¡°Milo I don¡¯t think this will work. ¡°Milo?¡± ¡°Milo?¡± Otis stumbled blindly into the forest to continue his hunt. In the hour since he was blindfolded he had been attacked several times with each time the animal had been able to wound him before he had been able to dodge. Soon after the hour passed, Otis began to feel changes in his environment; a disturbance in the trees, the sound of crushed grass, an unnatural wind. His senses quickly moved from the tangible to the intangible. He felt the neutrality and proudness from the trees surrounding him. He felt the poisonous ill intent from the mushrooms at his feet. He felt the hunger of the hunter, the weakness of the prey and the disdain from the beast around him. Otis swung his arm and his knife flew out into the trees at an astonishing speed. [-3MP] A bloody roar erupted from a tree limb 10 feet above him. A thud was heard as the beast fell to the forest floor. Otis removed his blindfold and approached the dead animal. He retrieved his knife that was sheathed in the side of the animals head. The knife had shattered and all that was left of it was the hilt. ¡°Milo, a cousin of yours?¡± Otis said while looking down at the Black Panther. ¡°Wait. Does this thing have wings? There are some weird animals in this forest. First it¡¯s a bear with flippers and now a cat with wings.¡± [Dead Winged Black Panther Level 8] Milo snorted. ¡°Lucky shot. Let¡¯s see how well you do without your hands.¡± Milo said as he lifted another strip of cloth. ¡­ ... [4:353:22:04:23] ¡°We are just about done here.¡± Otis nodded in response he was currently looking at his Status Window. ¡°Yes, I think everything in this forest is too low of a level for me.¡± Otis glance down at his tattered clothes. ¡°I wish we had a mirror. I feel taller than before and my clothes are too short for me now.¡± ¡°We hunted for a little over 4 days, we will head back to the village in the morning. You can obsess over yourself then. This is what happens when you learn Body Strengthening. It is why Beast Men grow much more quickly than humans. The Energy you send into your body makes it develop more quickly so you can better handle the power.¡± Otis was taking a drink of water when he asked. ¡°How old are you Milo?¡± ¡°Me? Let¡¯s see I believe I will be 15 in a few weeks.¡± Otis coughed and looked at the over 7 foot Shadow Lion. ¡°15? Are you serious?¡± Milo brushed the water from his fur. ¡°Yes but I have been studying body strengthening since I was 2.¡± He looked up to the sky to observe the time. ¡°I had expected to be out here much longer. Little Brother, now that you have become strong enough, there is something I need to teach you.¡± Milo motioned Otis to follow him. ¡°Are you going to give me some skills? ¡°Yes and No. I am not going to beam it to you or whatever it is that this world does. You will learn using my tribe¡¯s traditional way.¡± Otis and Milo moved beneath a tree and sat down. ¡°Close your eyes and listen to me.¡± Otis did as commanded. ¡°Use your mind to reach out to the shadow that has been casted by this tree.¡± Otis thought about the tree¡¯s shadow, its shape and its length. On and on he thought. He pondered why it was there, how it would change throughout the day, how he may be in the shadow now but by the end of the day it will be on the other side of the tree. He thought about the mysteries held within this shadow, all shadows and how they are connected. Otis caught a glimmer, a whisper of the shadow. Suddenly new knowledge entered his mind. He knew that shadows are not dark, empty spaces absent of life but instead are proof of the existence of something else. Shadows are not proof of the tree or object blocking the light but something intangible, something distant, something grand and powerful. Milo watched Otis in his trance state, at first Milo sang his tribes mantra that connects the mind to the shadow realm but after an hour there was no need. An hour into the meditation Otis¡¯s mind had made its connection to the tree¡¯s shadow. The shadow began to warp in odd directions, it lengthened or shortened or appeared on the other side of the tree and sometimes it would do them all at once. After two hours Milo was satisfied with Otis¡¯s progress, normally it would take one several months to reach the point Otis had reached. As soon as Otis opened his eyes the tree¡¯s shadow reset to its original position. Otis looked around. ¡°What was that all about? I don¡¯t feel any different.¡± ¡°Try to push that shadow over there.¡± Milo gestured towards the tree that Otis was just sitting under. ¡°I will try.¡± Otis doubtfully shrugged. Otis¡¯s brow furrowed in concentration as he thrusted his hand forward. ¡°Shadow Push!¡± Silence. Milo roared with laughter. ¡°What was that?¡± ¡°That was me trying to push the shadow!¡± ¡°No, that was you yelling like an idiot. Did you already forget what I just showed you? You must connect with the shadow, feel the shadow''s presence.¡± ¡°Oh yeah.¡± Otis closed his eyes and began to feel for the shadow. As Otis was about to grab ahold of the shadow he was interrupted. ¡°Open your eyes. It is not like you can fight with your eyes closed.¡± The shadow receded from his mind as he opened his eyes. He gave Milo an annoyed look and began to make a new connection to the shadow. The shadow trembled as Otis concentrated on it. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Milo stated causing Otis to lose his concentration once again. ¡°Practice on your own. Develop your own uses for the shadow but here are some ideas.¡± Milo brought up his hand covering it in shadow he swiped his hand at the nearest tree. It passed through the tree with no resistance. Contrary to Otis¡¯s expectations the tree still stood there instead of falling over. ¡°This will negate physical defense to a point.¡± Then Milo took a step forward and instantly appeared 5 feet in the opposite direction. ¡°How...How did you do that!?¡± ¡°Simple, I just stepped into the shadow.¡± Milo stated through a toothy grin. ¡°Let me show you how it¡¯s done.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Otis pumped his fist in the air. ¡°First, you make a connection to the shadow and then¡­¡± Otis felt someone approaching, he spun readying himself for an attack. The bushes shook as a man in overalls emerged from the forest. [Daniel Miller Level 4 (NPC) - Farmer Dan] ¡°Hey guys we saw your fire and thought we would join you for the night.¡± ¡°Oh I guess I will have to show you some other time.¡± Milo sheepishly whispered. ¡°Hello Dan. You are always welcomed to our fire. We have plenty of food too.¡± ¡°Are you sure you haven¡¯t ate it all already?¡± Otis questioned Milo as he reached for his backpack to check his inventory. Milo¡¯s shoulders shook from the accusation. ¡°Of course we do. Of course we do.¡± Milo quickly glanced into his backpack and his posture visibly relaxed. Otis pulled a warthog out of his bag and handed it over to Milo. ¡°Farmer Dan what brings you out into the forest?¡± A striking woman exited the forest where Dan once had. ¡°He is here for collecting herbs for the Alchemist Leslie and I am to protect him from the supposed loads of beast in this forest¡± [Michelle Clark Level 24 (NPC) - Hunters Guild] ¡°Yep what she said what are you guys doing out here? We have all been worried sick since Violam disappeared but since Milo was gone too we figured everything was alright.¡± ¡°Yes, I brought him out for training. He has been hunting these beast.¡± Milo pulled a couple out of animals out of his backpack. ¡°Oh I see. He¡¯s been what?!! That¡¯s too dangerous! He¡¯s just a little boy!¡± ¡°He is fine. Look he had killed all these beast without any problems.¡± Milo shrugged as he began to clean the animals for supper. ¡°That is beside the point. All it takes is one mistake and he would die.¡± Dan stared at Milo but got no response. ¡°Michelle say something, make him understand that taking Otis out is crazy.¡± Dan threw up his hands signifying that he gave up. ¡°Well that explains why I have only seen 1 or 2 beasts and they ran away. Oh well what¡¯s done is done. Let it go mate.¡± She walked towards the fire. ¡°Let it go! Let it go! You¡¯re all crazy!¡± Dan spoke to himself in a whispered yell as he was unloading his bag. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Michelle ignored the distraught Dan. ¡°So Violam are you any stronger now?¡± Otis flex his arms in pride and took his best power pose. ¡°Yep killed all the beast myself.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you cute?¡± Michelle laughed. ¡°Well that is good. Women like strong men.¡± She teasingly said with a wink. Otis looked at her with a raised eyebrow and a grin. ¡°Oh, I would not have expected that a great and beautiful Huntress like yourself would want a strong man to protect her.¡± ¡°Protect?¡± She dismissively laughed. ¡°No. I just don¡¯t want a man who cries when I get a bit rough.¡± Milo cleared his throat interrupting the two. ¡°So Dan what plant are you hunting down?¡± Dan was still discontent about Otis¡¯s situation but was pulled out of his stupor by Milo¡¯s question. ¡°Un. Oh yes, we are looking for Astragalus. Leslie needs it for Stamina Potions. If I can I would like to get some to plant at my farm too.¡± ¡°Stamina. Yes he would need plenty of that too.¡± Michelle stated through a twisted smile. Milo ignored her. ¡°I believe I saw some in our travels should only take a few minutes to get there.¡± ¡°Really! Let¡¯s go now that way we can head back first thing in the morning. The Mages miss Otis after all.¡± Dan hopped up to his feet excitedly. Milo slyly elbowed Otis and signaled with his eyebrows. ¡°Now is your chance little Brother.¡± ¡°My chance for what.¡± Otis whispered back. Milo snorted then took Dan away from the campsite. Otis looked back at Michelle. ¡°Oh.¡± He walked over and sat next to her by the fire. Otis had been on edge the last few days this was the first time he was able to freely sit down. He closed his eyes and listened to the birds singing in the trees, to the fire burning and to the slow stream that ran next to the camp. He felt the shadows running around the fire, dancing through the trees and playing in Michelle¡¯s brown hair. The week''s stress melted away from his shoulders. As Otis was going to drift off into his own world he felt a sharp point at his stomach and a sweet scent of a girl¡¯s soap washed over him. A quiet breath and the girl¡¯s fire reached his ear. ¡°Just because I am a woman doesn¡¯t mean you should relax around me.¡± She leaned in and lightly kissed him on the cheek. [+1 Wisdom] Before she could withdraw, Otis held her hand as he leaned forward. The point of the knife bit into his stomach, Michelle attempted to remove the knife but it would not budge against his strength. His eyes were still closed when he whispered in her ear. ¡°The more beautiful, the more deadly.¡± He then lightly returned the kiss to her cheek. [+3 Wisdom] Otis let go of the knife, Michelle quickly receded away from him. Her face dyed pink as she stammered. ¡°That should apply for everything not just women.¡± [+5 Wisdom] ¡°True but just because I relaxed does not mean I was not ready for an attack.¡± Michelle looked down on Otis. ¡°For all the good your readiness did, you still got stabbed.¡± Otis shrugged his shoulders and put on an innocent look. ¡°Sometimes I like a little pain with my pleasure.¡± Michelle touched the cheek he kissed as her face flushed even more brightly. ¡°Interrupting something?¡± Milo stated as he poked his head out of the trees. Michelle spun around towards the voice. ¡°OH. No! Of course not.¡± Otis flashed a winning grin. ¡°Brother you find the plants you needed?¡± Milo stood proudly. ¡°Of course. Who do you think you are talking to?¡± Michelle looked behind Milo¡¯s back. ¡°Where is Dan?¡± ¡°The Farmer is still walking through the forest. He should be here in half an hour. That is if he is heading the right direction.¡± ¡°You left him behind?!!! You were supposed to protect him!¡± ¡°What? That is your job I was just asked to show him where the plants are. No one said anything about protection or showing him the way back.¡± Milo grinned. Otis palmed his forehead and Michelle flew into the forest at breakneck speed. ¡­ ¡­ After the two returned from the forest, Dan was a bit disheveled but uninjured, the group was silently sitting around the fire. From time to time Michelle would grumble about how irresponsible Milo was and Dan would display his I told you so look. Milo just sat at the fire happily eating and completely ignorant to the atmosphere. The farmer broke the gloomy silence ¡°So since we are sitting around a campfire shouldn¡¯t we be telling campfire stories or something?¡± Otis thought hard, many of his memories from his childhood were blank. ¡°I don¡¯t really know any stories. At least I don¡¯t remember any.¡± The girl spoke up. ¡°I know a story it''s been my favorite since I was a child.¡± ¡°Ok Michelle you go first then.¡± Dan responded. ¡°I am not certain of all the details of the legend but the story goes something like this.¡± --------------------- In the land of immortals there was a beautiful servant girl, Laylah, she works in the Emperor¡¯s Palace. Unfortunately right now she stands before the Emperor, she has been accused of breaking a sacred porcelain urn. The Jade Emperor looked down on the girl from on high. ¡°Child. Did you break this Sacred Urn?¡± The girl kowtowed as she answered. ¡°Your Majesty, this servant has no recollection of breaking the sacred urn.¡± Anger rose in the Jade Emperor¡¯s eyes. ¡°Girl, do you call the witness, our head servant who has been with us for over a millennia, a liar?¡± The girl shook as tears ran down her cheeks to the floor. ¡°No, your Majesty. This lowly servant would never accuse one as high as the head servant.¡± The Emperor¡¯s shoulders visibly relaxed. ¡°Then it is settled. You, Laylah, are found guilty. You will be banished from the Immortal plane. You will live on Earth as a mere mortal.¡± The Emperor paused and thought for a moment. ¡°When your life is complete if you are deemed worthy you will be allowed to return to us as an Immortal once again.¡± The Emperor gently waved his hand. Laylah felt a great pull on her body and she was swallowed by darkness. The girl awoke in a straw bed. She looked at her yourself she appeared to be a few years younger than she had been just moments ago. A woman entered the small hut. ¡°Laylah, you¡¯re finally awake! Good go help your father in the barn.¡± A few years passed. The girl once again aged into a beautiful young woman. She enjoyed the poor life she lived with her family on the farm. She believed her banishment had truly become a blessing. In her happiness she fell in love with a boy from another village. Daniel was an accomplished archer and he loved her dearly. The two were married under the Cassia Tree that stood in her family''s garden. Its yellow flowers bloomed beautifully that day. Every day that passed their marital bliss grew stronger until the day the world changed. One morning humanity woke to find not one but ten suns in the sky. The heat scorched the earth, it burnt the forest and boiled the seas. Humanity gathered in their great halls to decide what is was that they could do avoid this apocalypse. A senator spoke up. ¡°We need to evacuate the citizens and move below ground!¡± At the statement arguments erupted from the council. ¡°No we can¡¯t leave everything behind!¡± ¡°That is preposterous! You can¡¯t expect us to leave our homes.¡± Another man shouted. ¡°Excuse me. Excuse me.¡± A youth, mid-twenties spoke. He was considered a great warrior who had been garnering favor with the commoners. It was Daniel. ¡°Quiet!¡± He sternly yelled. The Senate settled down and look at the young man with the great bow strapped over his shoulder. ¡°I have a plan.¡± He held his bow high. ¡°I have created this bow. It is considered to be the greatest bow ever crafted. I dare say its arrows could even puncture the immortal plane! In two days my arrows will be complete and I will end this nightmare!¡± The great hall was silent as the broad shouldered man and his beautiful wife left the building. ¡°You did not tell me that is why you created that abomination! You will draw the ire of the heavens if your plans succeed!¡± Laylah yelled through clenched teeth when they arrived at home. ¡°What do you know? What does it matter if the heavens come down? If I don¡¯t do this we will all die anyway.¡± He stated only half paying attention to his wife. He sat down to finish crafting his nine arrows. ¡°What do I know? What do I know!!?¡± Her voice increasing in volume. ¡°I know that if he looks at you nothing good will come of it.¡± ¡°If who looks at me?¡± Daniel passively questioned. Laylah seethed in anger. ¡°See! You do not even know of your enemy. The Immortal Emperor that is who!¡± The two days quickly passed and the young man became a hero. His nine arrows flew true striking down nine of the ten suns. Daniel quickly rose to prominence and took the kingdom¡¯s throne for himself. In power Laylah¡¯s husband changed. A dark hunger grow in his belly. No one dared stand before him for he was the man who could slay the sun, a killer of gods. He was not satisfied with his accomplishments, he lusted for more power and he waged war on rest of humanity. He committed atrocious acts to his enemies and enslaved the survivors. One day he finally had what he warred and killed for, the ingredients to create the elixir of Immortality. He quickly summoned the Great Immortal Pharmacist. ¡°Laylah, I finally have it! With this we can be together forever!¡± Daniel handed her a pill. ¡°This is a pill of Immortality! This is what you slaughtered for? You still dare to defy the heavens!¡± She desperately cried. Angered Daniel responded. ¡°Heavens? What could they do to me? I will rise to the Immortal Plane and conquer it as well.¡± ¡°You fool. Can you not see you have already lost? Under the Jade Emperor¡¯s eyes you were deemed unworthy. You have been twisted and turned cruel.¡± A dagger that had been meant for her husband appeared from her sleeve. She turned and plunged the dagger into the Pharmacist who had been standing behind her. She swallowed the pill. Tears ran down her face as she watched her beloved husband fall to his knees. ¡°What have you done? Don¡¯t you know who he was? He was the Great Immortal Pharmacist, he was the only one who knew how to create the elixir of Immortality.¡± Laylah reached out to caress her husband¡¯s cheek. ¡°I know who he was my dear husband but the Jade Emperor will not allow your rage in the Immortal Plane. You would only bring death and ruin to all of humanity.¡± Hatred burned in Daniel¡¯s eyes as he looked up to his wife. ¡°YOU! I WILL KILL YOU!¡± Daniel reached out to grab his wife but it was too late, Laylah had already leapt from the throne room window. Laylah¡¯s descent to the ground slowed until she stopped completely and began to rise into the sky. She was high in the sky by the time Daniel had retrieved his great bow. He fired at her without success. ¡°Laylah! I will hunt you down for all eternity!¡± Daniel yelled in vain. Laylah floated in the sky towards the Immortal Plane but she was not allowed in. She was still banished instead her flight came to a stop as she landed on the moon. ------------------- ¡°Rumors say that the jerk of a husband ascended to the sun to chase his wife for all eternity but I would like to believe he died poor and alone and probably covered in his own filth.¡± Michelle concluded her story. ¡°That poor woman, so she¡¯s up there all alone?¡± Otis pointed to the sky. ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to point at her it¡¯s bad luck!¡± Michelle pushed Otis¡¯s hand down and continued. ¡°Well legend also says that there were two other inhabitants that were imprisoned on the moon. One was the rabbit who sold humanity the recipe for the elixir of immortality and the other was a man who failed at becoming an Immortal and was sentenced to chop down some immortal tree.¡± ¡°Why could they not just allow her into heaven again? She only broke a stupid jar. I have broken hundreds of things.¡± Milo asked as he wiped the tears from his furry cheeks. Michelle just shrugged in response. ¡°Man your story is totally better than mine.¡± Dan complained. End of Chapter Stats and Skill Updates. Shadow Affinity (20/100) Ability to use Shadow Magic - Increased Affinity will increase efficiency and knowledge of Shadow Magic - Increases Shadow Resistance Aura Sense (39/100) - Increased Sense of Animals, Humanoids and Monsters with Malicious Intent - Acute Awareness of Location, Distance and Species will increase as Aura Sense is improved Author''s Note I will also be releasing a side story soon. It will consist of Dan''s Campfire story. This way people can skip it if they would like to but who knows it might be relevant to the story as a whole. Side Story 1: Dans Campfire Tale And now for something completely different! Putting this story in a separate post. This way people can skip it if they would like to but who knows it might be relevant to the story as a whole. I don¡¯t know if I will be able to post next week as I will have family visiting. If you are still there. Enjoy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ¡°Man your story is totally better than mine.¡± Dan complained then leaned forward. ¡°My story is set in the Midwest during the Great Depression.¡± Otis looked at Dan. ¡°Dan, do you know where is the midwest? What do you know about the Great Depression?¡± Dan had a confused expression as he looked at Otis. ¡°umm...What? No, it¡¯s just a story. Well this is a tale about a Farmer and the Peddler.¡± ------------ ¡°Bob, your taxes are due and when sumtin¡¯s due its due.¡± The man who stood on the front porch sternly said. ¡°Look, I know we go way back but I am the county tax man and I have to collect taxes. I can¡¯t look the other way this month.¡± ¡°How do you expect me to pay? The fields have all dried up. It¡¯s just dirt now and I can¡¯t sell dirt!¡± Bill threw his hands in the air. ¡°Well I don¡¯t know. Try plantin¡¯ sumtin¡¯ different this time. You know what I heard? In Bristow they be selling some of those oriental vegetables. Maybe that¡¯s sumtin¡¯ you can grow.¡± ¡°Joseph, do I look oriental to you? How do you expect me to make them grow?¡± ¡°Hey, I am just givin¡¯ sum ideas. In any case taxes are due and you have to pay by the end of the week.¡± Joseph stated plainly. There was obviously no leeway this time. Bob sighed. ¡°Thanks Joseph, you¡¯ve been a good friend to me and I am sorry I put you in such a lurch these past few months. Don¡¯t worry I will get your money by Friday.¡± The next morning the farmer visited the bank. He has tried to take out a loan before and was refused but he had no choice but to try again. He needed money otherwise he would lose his family¡¯s farm. The banker shook his head. ¡°Robert, I am sorry we just cannot loan you money right now.¡± ¡°You said that last month and the month before!¡± ¡°I know I have and yet here you are asking again.¡± ¡°I need the money my farm is going to be seized!¡± ¡°Robert! We all need the money right now which is why we cannot give any out.¡± The banker said through clenched teeth. Robert stood up knocking his chair down and slammed his fist on the table.¡°That is right can¡¯t give any out! That is because the bank is out of money too! What have you done with all these good people¡¯s money if you ain''t got none!¡± ¡°Robert Calm down!¡± ¡°Your bank got a loan! What happened to the money? It was supposed to save all of our homes and our lives!¡± The farmer stormed out of the bank and walked across town to the general store. He removed his father¡¯s watch from his pocket and set it on the counter. ¡°Peter, how much can I get for this?¡± The man behind the counter picked up the pocket watch and looked at it closely. ¡°I can give you $1.50 for it.¡± ¡°Peter stop joking. How much is it?¡± ¡°A dollar fifty.¡± The man flatly stated. ¡°1.50? How can it only be $1.50? My granddad brought this over from the old country. It¡¯s hundreds of years old!¡± ¡°Nobody wants a pocket watch. People want bread not a timepiece. A timepiece cannot feed our families. How about you? Where is our wheat? We can¡¯t have no bread without no wheat!¡± ¡°I cannot grow any wheat! Why do you think I am selling my dad¡¯s watch?¡± The farmer sighed and rubbed his forehead. ¡°Fine just give me the dollar fifty.¡± The farmer left the store and walked over to the nearest stable. The farmer used his dollar fifty to purchase parts to fix his cart, he was going to Bristow. A few days later the farmer¡¯s donkey and cart pulled into the Bristow open air market. He walked to the nearest vendor. ¡°Excuse me I heard there was someone selling some oriental vegetables or something of the sort?¡± ¡°You missed¡¯m. He done gone ages ago.¡± The vendor replied. ¡°You know where he was headin¡¯?¡± ¡°What do I look like? His mother? I don¡¯t know where he went. You gonna buy sumtin¡¯? Or maybe you got sumtin¡¯ in your cart? How about that donkey? I¡¯ll buy¡¯m for 15 cents.¡± ¡°No I am not here to buy or sale anything.¡± ¡°Then why the in the ¡®ell you wastin¡¯ my time? Get out of here!¡± The farmer asked several more people in town. He then moved on to the next town then the next town. Before he knew it a month had passed. He had traveled to towns two counties over but the answers were all the same. A peddler came into town, sold some weird red fruit and then left and no they didn¡¯t know where or which way he went. Everyone he spoke to had the same problems as him; no money and crops will not grow. The farmer had given up. He was planning to just let the government take his farm and move to the big city to look for a job like all the others. He looked down the dark road to see a light in the distance. He was coming to a crossroads and on the corner stood a man in a large hat that covered his face. The man had a lantern in one hand and the other he used to steady himself on a cane. His cart pulled up next to the man. ¡°Howdy friend. Need a lift to town?¡± The old man looked up but shadows still covered his eyes. ¡°No thanks but I have been waiting for you.¡± ¡°Waiting for me? I¡¯ve never met you before.¡± ¡°True but I hear you have been asking about me.¡± ¡°You¡¯re the peddler with the red fruit!¡± ¡°That is me. You can call me Cleatis. So why have you been looking for me friend?¡± ¡°Good to meet you finally. I am Robert Strickland. Well I heard you have been selling those fruits. I wanted to know if you were selling any seeds? You see I am a farmer and nothing is growing for me but those red fruits must be growing for you.¡± The peddler took a hard step forward, the shadows slid from his face showing the mans golden eyes and toothy grin. ¡°You mean this fruit?¡± The old man set aside his lantern and pulled a large dark red fruit out from his jacket. ¡°I am not sure if you can handle it. No, no you cannot handle it. I mustn¡¯t give it out too easily. Yes, you are not worthy.¡± The old man muttered to the red fruit. The old man shook his head and looked up to the farmer. ¡°You see it is quite an invasive plant. You must constantly be in control of its production.¡± The farmer was taken aback by the man¡¯s aggression. ¡°Uhh. Yes I can handle it. I have been farming my whole life. I will watch the plant with constant vigilance as if my life depended on it because it does. The peddler relaxed. ¡°Are you sure? You should not grow too many. You also cannot allow people to eat too many of them especially children. But I promise you this, they will grow and they will sale very well.¡± The farmer emphatically nodded his head. ¡°I promise you I will do as you say!¡± ¡°I see. I see. I have been looking for a man like you. You know I have actually been planning on give this all up. Crazy right? Here take this fruit.¡± The peddler hurriedly handed the fruit over to the farmer. ¡°All you need to do is to put this fruit in the dirt at night and by morning it will have sprouted. You can water it if you like or you can leave it dry. It makes no matter.¡± The old peddler retrieved his lantern and walked down the dark road the opposite direction of way the farmer was heading. ¡°Peddler how much do I owe you for this and how many can a person eat?¡± The farmer asked as he watched the old man hobble down the dark road. Without turning back the old man answered. ¡°You do not owe me a thing. We are down on hard times right now. I am just relieved that I have passed this task down to another.¡± ¡°Thank you Cleatis! I will never forget this!¡± The farmer shouted at the man who had disappeared into the night. The next day the farmer returned home on his door was a note from the tax collector saying that he will return in a week to collect the taxes. ¡°Damn! Why can¡¯t he just leave me alone?¡± The farmer ripped the note from the door and threw it to the ground. When night came the farmer excited planted the dark red fruit into the ground. The next morning just as the peddler stated a sprout had emerged from the ground. Its stem was a greenish red and it had bright red leaves. By nightfall the plant grew a foot tall and a single small fruit could be seen hanging from one of its branches. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°This is incredible! It has fruit a single day after I have planted it!¡± The farmer beamed with excitement he had finally found what he needed to save his farm. On the second day since it was planted it had become a 4 foot tree, 10s of ripe fruits adorned its branches. The farmer quickly collected them and went to the town market. ¡°Robert, you finally get something to grow? What do you have?¡± A woman approached his stand. ¡°I have fruit it is extremely delicious. You must have some.¡± ¡°Fruit huh? I don¡¯t think we can afford that sort of luxury right now.¡± ¡°It¡¯s ok how about 2 for a penny?¡± ¡°Are you sure? Well then I will take a dozen.¡± The farmer sold all his fruit in an hour and returned home. When he arrived he was shocked the tree had grown 2 more feet and 3 more plants were sprouting from the ground. On the tree hung hundreds of fruits. It took several hours but he filled his cart with the fruit and returned to the market. A single day at the market and the farmer made more than he had in the last 6 months. Now he had more fruit than he could ever sale. He started selling them at a penny for a half dozen red fruits. The week passed and farmer had more then enough money to pay his taxes. The tax collector nearly fainted when the farmer told him he would pay all his delinquent taxes. After a few weeks his farm had dozens of trees. The Farmer hired the unemployed townsfolk to help with the harvest. Eventually he did not have to even touch the farm he left it to all his laborers. ¡­ ¡­ ¡°I can¡¯t keep dressing like a farmer any more. I am a proper business man. Can you do a fitting and set me up with a suit?¡± He told the excited tailor. ¡°Robert thank you so much for coming here. You don¡¯t know what this means to me. I haven¡¯t had anyone come in a while.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± The tailor began his work. ¡°You hear from Nancy and Frank lately?¡± ¡°No I haven¡¯t heard from them in ages. Why do you ask?¡± ¡°Well thats just the thing no one has. We were wondering if they¡¯ve run off.¡± ¡°Yea that¡¯s strange they¡¯ve always been such nice folks. They probably went to the city to look for a new job. How¡¯s your Teddy? I don¡¯t see him in the shop.¡± ¡°Oh he¡¯s off running around again. I need to get the preacher to have a talk with him. It should straighten him out.¡± The tailor furrowed his brow in frustration as he continued his work. A few minutes later the tailor spoke again. ¡°Suit should be ready in a week come by then.¡± ¡°Thanks Jim.¡± ¡°Sure if you need anything just come by.¡± As the farmer left the shop and walked along the road. He could see many children outside unattended. He did not come into town that often he hadn¡¯t noticed the changes that had been occurring or heard of the people that had gone missing. ¡°Where are all the parents? I may have to go speak with the preacher next time I come to town.¡± The farmer mumbled to himself. ¡°Shush...It¡¯s the Farmer. Be quiet. Be quiet.¡± The farmer overheard from a group of children he was approaching. ¡°Teddy, your father is looking for you. Maybe you should go help him out.¡± ¡°Yes Farmer.¡± The boy immediately spun around and headed to the shop. The farmer looked down to the smallest boy in the group he was no more than 5. ¡°What¡¯s that on your hands?¡± ¡°It¡¯s pig¡¯s blood sir.¡± ¡°Oh, you the butcher¡¯s boy? Well make sure you clean yourself up.¡± ¡°Yes Farmer. I will do that immediately.¡± The little boy left the group and entered the nearest building. The farmer returned home to enjoy his quiet solitude. The workers just finished building the expansion to his home and it was now filled with furniture. After making a bit of tea he sat in his favorite rocking chair on his porch that overlooked the farm. ¡°I can now live the good life. It is all thanks to them fruits.¡± A few days later the farmer woke to a silent farm. He strode out to his orchard to investigate and looked over the hundreds of rows of trees. All of the trees were filled to the brim with fruit. ¡°Where in the hell are all my workers? This fruit cannot ship themselves.¡± The farmer headed back to town to find his workers. His horse and wagon pulled into an empty town. ¡°Where is everyone?¡± He knocked on the bank door, then the general store, then the butcher¡¯s and finally the tailors. ¡°What is going on? The only time I have ever seen it this empty is during Sunday Mass. Today¡¯s not Sunday right?¡± The farmer felt for his father¡¯s watch. tsk ¡°Damn. I forgot to buy my dad¡¯s watch back.¡± ¡°Well lets go check the church then. Everyone must be there.¡± The farmer approached the church doors but paused when he heard the voices. ¡°Have you dealt with all the pigs yet?¡± ¡°Yes Teddy the last pig was slaughtered last night.¡± ¡°Good. It is said that he will come to the church when the last pig is dealt with. Are all the preparations ready?¡± Before the boy could answer the church doors opened. As the farmer walked into the dark church it took a moment for his eyes to adjust but when they did he saw dozens of children staring at him with their bright red eyes. ¡°He¡¯s here!¡± One of the little girls squealed. ¡°The Farmer has arrived.¡± Another child gasped. ¡°The Farmer.¡± ¡°The Farmer.¡± He heard many children whisper with reverence. He looked around the inside of the church. Something was moving along the walls, it was dark red and slithering like a snake. As his eyes continued to adjust he began to see that it was not a snake but vines. Vines were deep red and adorned with sharp angry thorns, they twisted around pillars across the ceiling and on to the upside down church cross. ¡°Farmer you have arrived. Please follow me.¡± Teddy stated and then looked at the small boy. ¡°Butcher¡¯s Boy go prepare it right now.¡± He said through his clenched teeth. ¡°What is going on? Teddy, what have you done here?¡± He said in shock as he follow the eldest boy to the altar. ¡°Farmer, do not worry. You will know soon enough.¡± The boy gestured him forward as he bowed his head in reverence. He stepped on to the altar to see the small boy cutting into something at the center of the cross. The boy moved and showed it to the farmer. It was a head, the preacher¡¯s head, the skin drooped from the side of it. It¡¯s face was twisted in horror and pain. From it¡¯s mouth was a wiggling vine that ran from the cross up to the ceiling. The farmer followed the vine to see more heads, hundreds of them, the tax collector, the banker, the general store manager and the tailor were there, they were the heads of all the adults in the town. The vines wrapped around them and went through one ear and out from the mouth then onto the next head. It covered the entire ceiling of the church, the faces had numbers carved into them and they were all twisted in pain and horror. He looked back down to the head that was in front of him. It had the number 1 carved into it. The farmer took a deep breathe. ¡°This is all my fault. What have I done? I should have been more careful. Why didn¡¯t I listen to what the peddler said?¡± The Butcher¡¯s Boy stared at the farmer as he removed the top of the preacher¡¯s skull. Inside the skull was the largest blood red fruit the farmer had ever seen. A red mist surrounded the fruit, it spilled out into the air when the boy had removed the top of the skull. It was a deeper red than anything his trees produced. The farmer breathed in the mist. It smelled better the finest perfume and sweeter than any rose ever could. The farmer could not help it, his mouth watered as he looked upon the fruit. ¡°I have no choice. I must take responsibility for what I have done.¡± He picked up the fruit and bit into it. The red juices ran down his cheeks. The fruits delicious sweet corruption blossomed in his mouth, the sweet corruption ran down his throat and throughout his body. He felt the corruption wrapping and tangling his core, its spines pierced his core allowing the corruption to easily flow in and pollute his soul. The Farmer opened his blood red eyes and survey the children sitting in the pews. ¡°Now, shall we begin with a sermon?¡± ------------------------- ¡°Well great!¡± Milo tossed his hands in the air. ¡°I am not going to be able to sleep tonight!¡± Chapter 10: a Book, a Duel and a Warning Hey Everyone! Sorry it has taken so long for this release. You know how it is family rolls into town disrupts your life, destroys your relationships and leaves your home a wreck. Hope you enjoy the Chapter. The full updated list of skills will be on yougots.wordpress.com shortly. There is also a map over the Western Continent of Vilenna and a second story I am working on though it is in its very early stages. Once the second story is fleshed out a bit more I will post it on Royal Road. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [4:347:09:16:45] Otis looked over the weapon stands and picked up a [Training Sabre]. A few days had passed since he and the others had arrived back in town. This was the first day he had been let out of the house since his return. Maggie was not thrilled by his unplanned adventure into the forest. She kept him under constant surveillance until she had lifted his house arrest. Otis studied the item closely and gave it a few amateurish swings. ¡°Which one do you think I will like best?¡± He returned the [Training Sabre] to the place it had once sat. The Guard Captain had brought three different weapon stands out to the Training Pavilion. The stands were divided by type of weapon. There were swords, cleaving weapons, blunt weapons and spears. The swords stand consisted of different variations of the sword. It ranged from the Roman Short sword all the way to the Japanese Katana. The same could be said for the other two weapon stands. ¡°No, No I don¡¯t think you understand. Which weapon do you want to learn first?¡± The Man in the golden captain''s armor asked. Otis looked up at the Captain and pursed his lips in annoyance. He shaded his eyes from the reflection off the armor with his free hand. ¡°Do I really have to? It sounds boring. Can¡¯t you just give me a weapon and I go kill things until I learn how to use it?¡± [James Trevino Level 21 (NPC) - Captain of Flower Hill Guard] Captain Trevino stood stone faced. ¡°What bores you does not matter to me.¡± The Captain pointed to the Shadow Lion laying on the roof of the adjacent building . ¡°I was asked by the lion to teach you weapons. You will do as you are told.¡± The Captain paused for a moment to make sure Otis did not argue again. ¡°I will first teach you a basic [Active Skill: Sword Slash]. Pick up the [Training Longsword] and come over here.¡± Otis stood in front of Captain Trevino. Without warning a golden glow surrounded his body. [Active Skill: Sword Slash Transfer...Failed] Otis frowned in disappointment. ¡°It failed. Same thing happened when Mage Millicent tried to transfer [Active Skill: Ice Lance]. I do not think a skill transfer is going to work.¡± Captain Trevino did not give up even though Otis expressed his doubts. ¡°I will attempt a different skill then.¡± [Active Skill: War Hammer Bash Transfer...Failed] [Active Skill: Spear Stab Transfer...Failed] [Active Skill: Shield Block Transfer...Failed] [Active Skill: Sword Parry Transfer...Failed] ¡°They all have failed.¡± Otis sighed. ¡°Looks like I will never learn any skills the easy way.¡± The boy focused on the failed skill transfer and another message appeared in his vision. [Skill Transfer Requirements not met. Does not have the appropriate Class for the skill. Is not the apprentice of the Transferor.] Otis shook the longsword. ¡°Just show me how to swing this thing around and I will get the skill eventually.¡± The Captain frowned at Otis¡¯s response. ¡°Learning how to use weapons properly will keep you alive. Not only that, it will increase your strength and knowledge of combat. As you use different weapons you will see that many of the movements will be similar.¡± Captain Trevino walked towards the rack and picked up a sword. ¡°Now I want you to follow my movements.¡± Captain Trevino brought the long sword over his head and cut the sword down in a perfect arc. ¡°You try.¡± Otis replicated the motion as best he could. Pain ran through Otis¡¯s arm, in shock he turned to see Milo holding his favorite switch. ¡°I thought you were asleep.¡± Otis complained. Milo looked at him when a grim smile without saying a word. Captain Trevino stepped forward. ¡°No, you are chopping when you need to cut.¡± He corrected Otis¡¯s swing. ¡­ ¡­ [4:343:22:16:45] ¡°Captain, we have been at this for the last four days but I have not gained skills in any of the weapons I have tried. This is not going to work.¡± Otis put his [Training War Hammer] back on the rack. ¡°Let¡¯s call it for the day then. On your way home visit the Flower Hill Library I hear there are some skill books on the third floor. Maybe you can find something useful there.¡± Captain Trevino said as he put away the training equipment. Otis who had been putting away his equipment stopped in his tracks. ¡°Wait? Skill books? Are you saying I could read a book to gain skills?¡± Captain Trevino snorted. ¡°Of course you can, don¡¯t tell me you did not know this?¡± The Captain said as if it was common sense. Captain Trevino looked at the dumbstruck boy. ¡°Seriously you didn¡¯t know?¡± Otis shook his head in response. ¡°Well let¡¯s see there are three types of Skill books. A book with a Bronze Aura will grant you Attribute points. A Silver Aura book will grant you an Active Skill. The rare Golden Aura book will grant you Attribute points and Active or Passive Skills. A Silver Aura book will have only have the lowest level skill of a class. While a Golden Aura book will only have unique or legendary skills. Those unique or legendary skills exist completely outside of the class structure. As such they are available to all classes." Otis looked doubtful. ¡°Is it that easy? Just read a book?¡± ¡°Well it is not that easy. There is a limited number of these books and once they are used they will no longer have their magic.¡± Captain Trevino explained. ¡°Then is it acceptable if I read them?¡± The Captain grunted and shrugged his shoulders. He had taken off his bright golden captain''s armor after the first day. Otis¡¯s constant ridicule would not allow him to wear it any longer . ¡°I do not see why not. They are in a library after all.¡± Otis excitedly turned to face Captain Trevino and slightly bowed. ¡°Thank you for today¡¯s training. May I have your permission to leave?¡± The Captain returned the bow. He attempted to wave the boy off but realized that the boy had not waited for his dismissal. Otis used his increased agility and strength to rocket himself out of the training Pavilion. By the time the Captain raised his head all that was of Otis was the dirt that had been kicked into the air. "Where does that boy get such incredible speed at his level?" The Captain shook his head in annoyance. In Otis¡¯s travel back to town he had gained another level. He had not gained any skills from Captain Trevino. Although he did increase his Strength, Agility and Stamina Attributes. Otis arrived at the library. It was not far from the Armory since it was also located in Governmental Sector of Flower Hill. As Captain Trevino had recommended he immediately proceeded to the third floor. The doorway was blocked by a yellowish barrier. Hung above the barrier was a sign that read ¡°Flower Hill Residents Only¡±. Otis stepped through the barrier, it hummed in his ears as he felt an unnatural warmth wash over his body. ¡°Creepy. I do not want to experience a barrier when it rejects you.¡± Otis shivered as he walked out into the third floor of the library. This level of the library was long and slender with only two rows that extended to the back of the room. The dimensions of the third floor did not match the appearance of the building from the outside. Instead of lights powered by [Mana Crystals] the room had the soft glow of candle light. The walls were stone and not wooden like the rest of the library. Grand tapestries and paintings adorned the walls. There were three windows on the third floor but there was strange. They did not overlook the street that ran adjacent to the library. One window faced the main plaza of Flower Hill village. Another looked out to the Mages Guild. The last window in the extended floor overlooked the river that flowed next to Flower Hill. The first bookshelf that Otis came to had a sign mounted on top of it that read ¡°Warrior¡±. The Warrior bookshelf had many books some were even set on the floor due to lack of space. Otis reached for the first book on the top shelf. [Bladed Weapon Tome: Stab] He held the heavy Tome in his hands and glanced back at the bookshelf. ¡°There are some other large books on this shelf. Let¡¯s see.¡± He leaned in a bit closer to have a look at their titles. [Blunt Weapon Tome: Bash] [Cleaving Weapon Tome: Hack] [Shield Tome: Block] ¡°Interesting. Shall we give it a shot?¡± Otis said to himself. Otis opened the Tome to the blank first page. ¡°Weird, it¡¯s empty.¡± Confusion crossed the boy¡¯s face as he flipped the book over to make sure nothing was amiss. Otis randomly flipped through the blank pages until he hit the middle of the book. A Silver Aura emerged from the book and raced up Otis¡¯s arms into his mind. The silvery glow was an image of him making a quick jabbing motion. It looked similar to the motion that Milo trained him in their travels to the town. [Active Skill: Bladed Weapon Stab Learned] Otis put away the book and took out his new [Recruit¡¯s Training Knife]. He had taken from the Armory in secret. Otis initiated the skill. According to the knowledge he had just gained. The skill had two requirements to activate. First you had to have the image of the skill planted in your mind. The second was have the point of the bladed weapon aimed at your enemy. Otis currently did not have an enemy to point it at so he imagined himself and used that image as a target. Milo had called this shadow training. He had said that with enough practice the figure will become solid. The knife flashed out faster than he had ever accomplished before but he felt that its power was lacking. The skill was much less profound than what Milo had taught him. [-25MP] ¡°What 25 Mana? It was no way near that powerful.¡± Otis complained in disappointment. ¡°This is way too inefficient for me to use in a fight.¡± Otis sighed and looked towards the book he had just sat down. Its cover was now faded and there was no title written on it any longer. ¡°So it did lose all its magic.¡± He tossed the book over his shoulder. ¡°Oh well. On to the next.¡± A greedy green light flickered in his eyes as he grabbed the next book on the shelf. In thirty minutes he had acquired many new Active Skills. Once he had finished the Warrior Shelf he moved to the next. He approached the Hunter Shelf and gained all those skills as well. Otis flipped through several books that were on the shelves. Only the first few were skill books. The others had stories of great warriors or archers that accomplished amazing feats. He put them aside, Otis was on a mission to gain skills he figured he may come back at a later time to read them. The next shelf he approached was simply labeled ¡°Magic¡±. Otis quickly grabbed the first book on the shelf. ¡°Finally I get to learn some magic. When Maggie could not transfer the skill to me I almost gave up.¡± He looked at the title of the tome. [Ice Magic Tome: Ice Lance] He immediately opened to the middle of the book and let the Silvery Glow wash over him. [Active Skill: Ice Lance Learned] Once it finished he once again tossed the now dull book aside and grabbed the next. [Active Skill: Fire Bolt Learned] Otis looked through the remaining Tomes on the Magic bookshelf. [Active Skill: Holy Healing Learned] [Active Skill: Holy Light Shield Learned] [Active Skill: Shadow Stealth Learned] Excitement flashed through Otis. ¡°I will test immediately after I leave the library! For now let¡¯s see what else I can learn.¡± Otis continued down the hall in search of skill books. ¡­ ¡­ Otis put back the Elvish Language Tome. ¡°I wished they had more language tomes. They only had Beast Man and Elves. If only they had Spanish too.¡± Otis lamented. ¡°I can barely remember it but my mother encouraged me to learn Spanish. If only it was this easy. I can still hear her words. Your abuela would love it if you spoke Spanish to her.¡± A frown appeared on Otis¡¯s face as he repeated her words. ¡°Maybe I should have tried harder.¡± He shook his head in regret. ¡°Instead I gave up and yelled at my mother. I couldn¡¯t understand why I had to learn it when she didn¡¯t even know it herself. I guess that is just the selfishness of being a child.¡± Otis felt that he had aged years in just the last few weeks. This was due to his increased intellect. Changes had also occurred in his body from practicing body manipulation. When he had first arrived back at the Mages Guild Maggie struggled to recognize him. Larry still did not care much for Otis and told him to go get a job. Otis was the most shocked out of everyone. When he looked in the mirror in his room he determined that he had grown at least a foot. After some quick measurements he estimated the he was now at about five and a half feet tall. In the last week his brown hair that had been burnt off by the termites had grown to past his shoulders. He still had a boyish face which did not match his lean muscular frame. Otis walked deeper into the third floor of the library. He walked past the ¡°History¡± and ¡°Cooking¡± section to a section labeled ¡°Dragons¡±. He stepped closer to the small book shelf after all no man could resist the pull of Dragons. Otis noticed that this shelf was much smaller than the rest of the shelves in the library. The shelf itself was only half full with a little over a dozen books. He surmised that it must be too dangerous to research dragons. He reached for the top shelf Otis¡¯s finger traced along the spines of books on the self. ¡°Tales of the Lizard King¡± ¡°Mastering the Art of Dragon Cooking: Recipes from the Tail to the Snout¡± ¡°Dragon Pets: Don¡¯t Burn Down the House¡± ¡°Dragon Riding: How I learned to Stop Worrying and love the Butt Salve¡± His eyes were drawn to a thick black leather bound book with red writing on the second shelf. Otis reached out to take the dust covered book. Otis''s arm extended but just before touching the book it flinched and retracted. The book itself gave an oppressive feeling. ¡°Oh interesting, this one might be fun.¡± Otis pushed past the intangible pressure and grasped the book. The tip of his index finger gripped the top of a book and gently pulled it from the shelf. [Dragon Language Tome] Otis opened the tome. The spine cracked due to the many years of pressure. Otis flipped passed the Title Page. ¡°This one actually has words in it." Otis looked down at the text. Forward The Dragon also known as a Monitor, is a large species of lizard found in various regions in Vilenna. They are typically located in areas that best suits their elements for example Fire Dragons can be found around volcanoes and Ice Dragons can be found in the Arctic South. This Dragon Language tome is not about those dumb fat lizards. The only Dragons that can speak a language are the Divine Dragons. Divine Dragons are creations of the gods themselves. They are guardians of Divine Treasures and have been assigned a Divine Task. Of course they themselves are Divine Treasures. There are only three Divine Dragons located on Vilenna. No one knows the location of these Divine Beast. It is even theorized that they have completed their Divine Task. They believe the Divine Dragons have already begun their eternal slumber. Otis looked up from the book. Excitement played in his eyes and with a crooked smile he said, ¡°Divine Dragons, this is the first I have ever heard of them. Well I guess if there is only three of them of course it would be hard to find any information on them at all.¡± Otis glanced the remaining books on the shelf. ¡°Looks like this is the only book on Divine Dragons. I guess I will just have to find the Divine Dragons and get my information from the source.¡± His eyes drifted back to the tome and began to read once more. This Tome only teaches one word of Dragon Language. It is perhaps the most important word one could ever know, ¡°I AM¡±. Pray that you never have to use the language enclosed in this Tome, they will be the last words you will ever utter. Choose them wisely. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Is that a threat? Well whatever challenge accepted.¡± He flipped to the next page and this time instead of a silvery glow the page bloomed golden. The golden beam flowed into Otis. The moment the Divine Dragon word for ¡°I am¡± appeared in Otis¡¯s mind. His mind reorganized itself, it became more ordered and structured. His mind split into two pulling in more knowledge from the Golden aura enveloping his body. Otis¡¯s mind split once again into four, then into eight and then into sixteen. His mind folded upon itself hundreds and hundreds of times. Allowing it to absorb the information contained in the golden glow. Otis¡¯s throat burned as its muscles ripped away and restructured themselves. The burning continued to move slowly down his throat. It reached into his lungs reinforcing and reinventing them. The heat continued further down into his diaphragm. The burning intensified as new muscles and an organ were born. Blood rolled from his lips and his HP steadily decreased. His chest burned and vision blurred as his eyes watered. Otis¡¯s tears turned into red blood as he fell to his knees. His breath became harsh, blood spittle sprayed from his mouth as he tried to breath. A series of images and emotions flow into his mind. They became structured and ordered to represent Otis, his core, his soul. And from his consciousness it flowed into the empty library. A low feral growl permeated the Third floor of the Library. [Dragon Language Learned] [Intelligence Squared] [Telepathy Learned] [Split Mind Unlocked] [Soul Vision Unlocked] Otis fell from his knees into a fetal position and wept on the floor until sleep took him. [4:343:03:16:45] The next day Otis woke in a puddle of his own drool. He stretched the sleep from his body but his muscles still continued to ache. Otis unconsciously casted [Holy Healing] to relieve his muscle pain. A golden light flashed on his body. [Holy Healing] [-186 MP] [+651 HP] ¡°Cool!¡± Otis¡¯s Health Bar was already full but the muscle aches had evaporated from his body. ¡°How did I do that?¡± He thought of the Holy Healing Active Skill and kicked the wall so he could feel pain. The thought and the pain were the two requirements needed to activate the skill. [Holy Healing] [-186 MP] [+651 HP] Enjoying his first foray into magic Otis casted the magic four more times in quick succession. [Healing Magic Affinity Granted] ¡°Healing Affinity? I will need to test the rest of the skills. Wait a minute. Is it morning?¡± Otis looked out the window that overlooked the river. ¡°I am going to be late!¡± Otis shot out of the library towards the Training Pavilion. The sun burned high in the sky as Otis approached the group waiting in the Training Pavilion. ¡°Sorry I am late Brother. I lost track of time in the library.¡± Milo took a step back in surprise. ¡°Telepathy. I have not trained you in that and yet it was so strong. You were able to overcome my barrier against your erratic mind.¡± Milo stepped closer to Otis. ¡°I do not feel your thoughts anymore. You can control your mind now?¡± Otis had reached out to Milo with his mind by accident but this time he spoke. ¡°Yes, it must have been that weird Tome from the library.¡± Captain Trevino raised his eyebrow. ¡°Telepathy? Who would have known you would gain such a thing in the library.¡± Otis was so focused on reaching the Training Pavilion. He had overlooked the presence of Michelle. She was standing beside the Captain in her tight Huntress Leathers. ¡°So does that mean you can read my thoughts?¡± She spoke up cutting off the Captain''s thought. Otis¡¯s eyes widened as he finally noticed her presence. ¡°I feel like it is possible but I lack the skills and may cause harm. I can send an image to your mind but it will not be proper telepathy since you do not have the skill.¡± ¡°Really? What kind of images would you plant in my mind?¡± The huntress teased with a wink. Otis smirked. In Otis¡¯s mind he formed an image of Michelle¡¯s darkened silhouette. He layered it with another darkened silhouette of Michelle drawing her Bow. He gave the multilayered image a feeling of strength and beauty before he placed it in her mind. An audible gasp leaked from her lips as she looked at Otis. ¡°If only you were a bit older.¡± She whispered. ¡°What was that? I could not hear you?¡± After Otis¡¯s training his senses heightened to the utmost degree. Otis could hear her whisper but he would not miss this opportunity to tease her further. ¡°Oh nothing, nothing.¡± She stammered. ¡°I just cannot believe it worked.¡± Otis faced Milo once again. ¡°Brother if she was to learn animal telepathy would she be able to use it to speak to me since I know it as well?¡± ¡°I believe so but it would be much simpler than what you are using. Even I cannot speak telepathically the way you do.¡± Milo snorted plainly upset that Otis had achieved a higher level of telepathy than he had. ¡°Ok Michelle now we just need to get you a beast to bond with then we can secretly whisper to each other in the dark of night.¡± ¡°Oh and what sweet things would you whisper into my ear?¡± Michelle saw a smile appear on Otis¡¯s lips. It was a smile that did not match his boyish features. An image started to form in her mind. In her mind she heard a honeyed girlish giggle that sounded like her voice. Then a breathy exhale in pleasure but before the image could finish. ¡°Enough!¡± Captain Trevino interrupted and sternly stared at Otis. ¡°You are already half a day late stop playing around and get to work.¡± The grin vanished from Otis¡¯s face as he turned to the weapon racks. He picked up the Roman Short Sword and stabbed the air a few times. He then put it back and proceeded to the War Hammer swung it a few times then put it back. Otis did this to a few more weapons before the Captain interrupted him once again. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Otis with a spear in hand turned towards Captain Trevino. ¡°I am gaining the passive skills of the different types of weapons.¡± ¡°How?¡± Captain Trevino pinched the top of his nose then raised his other hand up. ¡°No. Don¡¯t tell me. Just finish what you are doing then we will spar.¡± After a few minutes Otis had finished and gained the passive skills of all the weapons that were available to him. ¡°Finished? Good. Take a weapon and go stand over there. Tomorrow I will bring out some more unique weapons so you can gain those skills as well.¡± The Captain instructed Otis as he clasped the final buckle on his armor. ¡°Captain are you not going to dress like pretty little golden flower today?¡± Milo questioned him through his large smirk. ¡°No I found that armor did not suit me very well. Otis we are going to have a proper duel. Do you have any questions before I initiate it?¡± The Captain slide his sword from its sheathe and took his battle stance. An image entered Otis¡¯s mind. It was the Captain in his golden armor running happily through a field of daisies. Otis glanced at Milo before he answered. ¡°I thought that golden armor suited you quite well. Can I use magic in our duel?¡± Captain Trevino frowned in response. ¡°Yes magic is fine. Tell me when you are ready.¡± Otis hefted his staff and split his mind into two partitions. One to focus on the duel and combat while the other focused strictly on magic. When he thought about this skill he found that this was the most efficient way to use two minds. ¡°Ready.¡± A battle banner instantly appeared to the right of each participant. Otis immediately cast [Fire Bolt] and raced forward. He also initiated [Shadow Stealth] disappearing from the Captain¡¯s view. The Captain¡¯s eyes went wide before he regained himself. A mere second had passed before Otis was a few steps in front of the Captain. He leaped into the air bringing his staff down on the Captain¡¯s head. Instead of a head he met the [Captain¡¯s Long Sword]. Vibrations ran up Otis¡¯s arms as he landed on the ground. [-1MP] [Shadow Stealth Disabled] Otis ducked down at the last second. He felt the heat of his [Fire Bolt] on his back as it passed over him striking the Captain the chest. [-124 MP] [-310 HP] The Captain¡¯s health went down by a tenth as he was knocked back several steps from the blast. Otis closed the distance slamming the staff into the side of the Captain¡¯s ribcage. The Captain tumbled to the ground. [-1 MP] [-1500 HP] Otis paused a moment in shock at the damage he had dealt to Captain Trevino. Otis recovered himself. He moved into an overhead strike bringing his staff down once again. That moment of pause was all that Captain Trevino needed to correct himself. Captain Trevino dodged to the left of the staff. He slammed his shoulder into Otis causing him to fall backwards and rolled on the ground coming to a stop ten feet away. [-635 HP] Captain Trevino stepped towards Otis, his sword raised and slashed. Otis rolled away to safety as the sword whizzed past but any slower and the match would be over. Otis withdrew further away from Captain Trevino and cast [Ice Lance]. Otis was breathing hard. Stamina dropped quicker during a fight but he was he still have more than 75 percent left. Captain Trevino charged towards Otis with extreme speed. Before the Captain could reach the boy the [Ice Lance] rammed into his stomach. [-124 MP] [-248 HP] The ice slowed the Captain but not enough his charge blasted through the [Ice Lance]. The charge ended with him slashing his sword down across the boy¡¯s chest. [-1236 HP] Otis fell to his knees in pain. The battle banner disappeared and Otis had lost the duel. In a duel there is no blood or actual injury just the pain that comes from it. Otis stood up grimacing and rubbing his chest. ¡°Why did you stop there at the end? Mages have to wait for their magic to finish but it is apparent that you do not?¡± Otis still wincing in pain. ¡°You were too fast I did not expect your charge to go through my [Ice Lance].¡± Captain Trevino had a disappointed expression. ¡°You are not the only one with active skills. I suggest you learn the skills of the other classes. Though I suspect you could have ended the duel much earlier when you hit me with your staff.¡± The Captain rubbed his left shoulder under his chainmail. ¡°That first blow felt like it had the weight of a mountain if you held on to it longer it would have broken my block. You made many mistakes. You were already invisible. Why did you approach me from the front?¡± ¡°Invisible?¡± Milo snorted. ¡°Do not call that weak shadow skill invisibility. Look closer you could see his shadow run across the ground. It still may have some uses so it is a start.¡± Michelle tensed and drew her bow up. ¡°Be careful there is an enemy!¡± She shouted. Otis follow her sight up to the target of her arrow. ¡°Stop!¡± He rushed to Michelle pushing her bow down. ¡°He¡¯s a friend.¡± Otis had recognized the red hawk hovering in the sky. [Greater Ravenous Razor Red Hawk (Fledgling) level. 18] ¡°He is my bonded animal.¡± The red hawk was at least twice the size it had been when Otis first rescued it. The large hawk closed its eight foot wingspan as it landed on the roof nearest to the four warriors. Michelle and Captain Trevino were still on guard as Otis approached the bird. Milo stood in the background with a dumb grin excitedly waving at the bird. ¡°You guys can calm down. He is not going to hurt anyone.¡± Otis sent the red hawk a formal greeting. The hawk lower its head in response. After a moment passed a flood of images filled with death and destruction entered Otis''s mind. Forest were being burnt and animals slaughtered or captured and tortured. The images formed into a large gray mass covered in a red deathly aura moving south. Then one last image appeared in his mind. It was a human but he was no longer human, his skin gray and cracked like a desert floor. His black pupil less eyes filled full of malicious intent. The gray former human towered over the gray army. The Gray Man relished the blood of his enemies that drenched the ground beneath his feet. Otis stepped back a few steps his breath ragged. Michelle helped steady Otis as he came out of his daze. ¡°An attack is coming. The Gray Man is coming.¡± He panted. ¡°Some will arrive by nightfall.¡± -------------------------------------------- New Skills and Status for Chapter 10 *I wouldn¡¯t pay too much attention at the Weapon Active Skills they are only a means to get the Combat Passive for each type of weapon. Affinities Healing (1/100) Chapter 10 Ability to use Healing Magic Increased Affinity will increase efficiency and knowledge of Healing Magic Increases Health Regeneration Languages Beast Man (50/100) Elven (1/100) Divine Dragon (100/100) Passive Skills Sword Combat (1/100) Chapter 10 Increases strength, speed and accuracy of Sword strikes. Sword techniques are learned at an advanced rate. Hammer Combat (1/100) Chapter 10 Increases strength, speed and accuracy of Hammer strikes. Hammer techniques are learned at an advanced rate. Staff Combat (1/100) Chapter 10 Increases strength, speed and accuracy of Staff strikes. Staff techniques are learned at an advanced rate. Spear Combat (1/100) Chapter 10 Increases strength, speed and accuracy of Spear strikes. Spear techniques are learned at an advanced rate. Axe Combat (1/100) Chapter 10 Increases strength, speed and accuracy of Axe strikes. Axe techniques are learned at an advanced rate. Shield Combat (1/100) Chapter 10 Increases strength, speed and accuracy of Shield blocks and strikes. Shield techniques are learned at an advanced rate. Archery (1/100) Chapter 10 Increases strength, firing rate, speed and accuracy of Arrow or Bolt. Bow and Crossbow techniques are learned at an advanced rate. Gunnery (1/100) Chapter 10 Increases firing rate and accuracy of bullet. Gunnery techniques are learned at an advanced rate. Soul Vision (1/100) Chapter 10 Ability to See Soul Aura around Life Forms with souls Increased Affinity will increase the depth in which user can see the Soul Aura Telepathy (100/100) Chapter 10 Allows users to Telepathically speak to all Life Forms Increased Affinity will increase the depth of Telepathy 1st Words 2nd Images 3rd Emotions 4th Multilevel Images 5th Divine Language Split Mind (1/100) Chapter 10 Allows user to Partition their Mind Each Mind can Focus on Separate Task Increased Affinity allows for more Partitions Active Skills Bladed Weapon Stab Chapter 10 Enhanced Stab Cost 25 Mana Damages Target for 105% of Weapon Damage Blunt Weapon Bash Chapter 10 Enhanced Bash Cost 25 Mana Damages Target for 105% of Weapon Damage Cleaving Weapon Hack Chapter 10 Enhanced Hack Cost 25 Mana Damages Target for 105% of Weapon Damage Drawn Ranged Weapon Chapter 10 Enhanced Arrow Cost 25 Mana Damages Target for 105% of Weapon Damage Loaded Ranged Weapon Chapter 10 Enhanced Bolt Cost 25 Mana Damages Target for 105% of Weapon Damage Chambered Ranged Weapon Chapter 10 Enhanced Bullet Cost 25 Mana Damages Target for 105% of Weapon Damage Ice Lance Chapter 10 Cost 4% Mana 2.5 second Cast Speed Damages Target for 200% of Mana Cost and Slows Target Fire Bolt Chapter 10 Cost 4% Mana 2.5 second Cast Speed Damages Target for 250% of Mana Cost and causes Knockback Holy Healing Chapter 10 Cost 6% Mana 1.5 second Cast Speed Heals Target for 350% of Mana Cost Holy Light Shield Chapter 10 Cost 2.5% Mana Instant Cast Speed Shields Target Absorbing Damage Worth 400% of Mana Cost Shadow Stealth Chapter 10 Cloaks User in Shadows Cancelled upon Attack or Damage Taken ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ So if you stuck around. What do you think of the upcoming villain? What kind of powers should he have? Chapter 11: a Box, a Wall, and a Fire Ball Thanks for reading hope you enjoy the chapter. The Character Stats will be updated soon. You will be able to find them here. ------------------------------------------------- Otis took a few steps back, his breath ragged. Michelle helped steady Otis as he came out of his daze. ¡°An attack is coming. The Gray Man is coming.¡± He panted. ¡°Some will arrive by nightfall.¡± ¡°Michelle take the lion and go scout the enemy! I want to know their level, distance and numbers! We need to know what we are dealing with.¡± Milo and Michelle dashed from the training area as soon as the Captain spat out the orders. He turned to Otis. ¡°Violam gather the townsfolk and bring them here. I will get us combat ready.¡± [4:342:22:02:12] The sun had begun to set and soon it would be night fall. The rapid movement of the large force had cause dust covered the sky to the North. The townsfolk of Flower Hill village gathered at their Northern gate. It had been several hours since Otis had received the warning. They had done what they could to secure the village from the incoming invaders. All other gates to the town have been shut and barricades have been placed in front of the Northern gate to slow their progress. ¡°Do you all know your duties?¡± The Captain stood tall in front of the group. ¡°Yes, Captain.¡± They answered in unison. ¡°Leslie, hand out the potions. Health to the main melee force of Michelle, Joanna and the Lion. Give the mana potions to Violam, the mages and the priest.¡± [Leslie Tiller Level 21 - Grand Alchemist] ¡°I am getting paid for this right? Wasting my good potions! If any of you die you will be donating your bodies to science.¡± The Alchemist mumbled a few more complaints and begrudgingly handed out her potions. ¡°You can put it on the mayor¡¯s tab. So hurry up.¡± The Captain ignored the complaint. He leaned against the wooden fence as he began to polish and sharpen his [Captain¡¯s Long Sword]. Otis interrupted the Captain¡¯s battle ritual. ¡°Captain, I am strong. I can fight out in the field too.¡± Captain Trevino sighed. ¡°Violam you have your orders. Do as you¡¯re told.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s too dangerous for a child out there. You need to stay in the back like the Captain told you.¡± Maggie chimed in. She was not thrilled about Otis being a part of the defenses to begin with and she was definitely not going to allow him to be a part of the melee force. ¡°Look Violam. Your job is important, far more important than theirs. I need you with the mages. I need that fire magic that you used against me so well to push them back. We need to keep the enemy in the box.¡± ¡°Box?¡± Otis looked confused. ¡°Yes the box.¡± Captain Trevino leaned over and used his knife to draw a square on the ground. ¡°Michelle will harry their western flanks, while Joanna their eastern. The Lion will plug the holes and press them forward.¡± He pointed out their positions around the box while he explained. ¡°You and Lawrence will bombard them with fire magic to push them back into the box. This will also help prevent them from entering the town. Millicent will be casting her strongest Ice Magic, [Blizzard Hell], over the center of the box.¡± Captain Trevino scratched an X into the center of his diagram. ¡°But your most important job is to use telepathy to keep me in contact with the lion.¡± He paused to look out to the dirty sky. ¡°You will also help me secure the Northern Gate if something goes wrong and something always goes wrong. Any chance your bird will come back?¡± Otis shook his head. "No, he has gone south to warn his clan." ¡°Don¡¯t worry you have my high level fire magic.¡± Lawrence, the Fire Mage boasted. ¡°Besides Michelle said that they only range from level 10 to 20. We will make short work of them.¡± Otis did not know where he got his confidence from but he had found it oddly reassuring. Even if Larry had the lowest level of the adults. ¡°You are probably right. Brother could handle all five hundred of them himself.¡± Otis added as he finished putting on the leather armor that the Captain given him earlier. He tested its flexibility he figured that leather suited him well. It was a plain set of leather armor meant for town guards. The most noticeable thing on his armor was the spaulders. They were black leather instead of brown like the guard armor. On his non blade arm it was much larger and had bent steel plates. This piece of armor came from Joanna the Blacksmith. Milo had used the [Mana Crystals] he gathered from Otis¡¯s hunt to commission a set of armor and weapons. The spaulders are the only complete piece of the set. An annoyed expression passed over Captain Trevino¡¯s face. ¡°We cannot always rely on the Lion''s strength. So just do as you are told and keep alert.¡± [4:342:21:02:12] ¡°Violam, do you have any word from the Lion yet?¡± The Captain questions him again. His patience was wearing thin. ¡°No he has to be in sight before I can communicate with him.¡± Everyone had moved into their positions. The three in charge of melee were currently following behind the enemy. ¡°Anticipation of a fight is always worse than the fight itself.¡± Captain Trevino mumbled to himself. ¡°I have word from Brother. The horde is beginning to pick up pace, they will be upon us soon. He believes that they were planning to catch us unaware. Now that the sun is about to they are initiating their attack.¡± Captain Trevino raised his voice. ¡°Did you hear? Our enemies will be here shortly. Let¡¯s prepare a warm greeting for their arrival. Priest cast heals at your own discretion and do not forget to raise your barriers to stop any projectiles.¡± ¡°Brother and the others have begun their attacks and are funneling them to the North Gate.¡± Otis hefted his Mage staff that was given to him by Maggie. She said it would increase his spell distance and damage. There was something about the staff that he could not explain. It made him feel more in touch with the elements. He had a greater understanding of them than before and the elements were more willing to follow his commands. Maggie explained that the staff will work as a conduit for his magic. Human mages have a poor connection to the elements. Staves and wands will help bridge the gap to build that connection. Otis split his mind into two. One to work with the Captain and observe the battlefield. The second to cast and analyze his [Fire Bolt]. ¡°Captain they have entered the kill zone.¡± ¡°Tell the Lion to hit the ranged attackers first. Fire mages stagger your attacks and fire on my command!¡± He yelled. Sweat and anticipation dripped from Otis. He could now make out the figures in the distance. They were large beast but most stood up right. He could not see their features but he felt their killing intent and the red aura that emanated from their ashen bodies. ¡°Fire!¡± Otis began his cast a short moment after he noticed Larry started his. ¡°Flaming Meteor!¡± The Fire Mage shouted as the gigantic ball of fire arced through the sky. A moment later Otis¡¯s [Fire Bolt] shot out from the Northern Gate. Its size only a tenth of the [Flaming Meteor]. Before it landed Otis began to cast again. [-240] [-230] [-156] [-248] [-224] Otis¡¯s magic landed, it knocked back many of the approaching beast. ¡°Lawrence mind your placement. We need to knock them back not scatter them.¡± The Captain chided him. Larry¡¯s magic landed in the middle of the first ranks scattering them in all directions. ¡°What does it matter they are all dead?¡± Larry paused his cast to question the Captain¡¯s orders. The Captain clucked his tongue. ¡°Millicent begin the blizzard!¡± Maggie used the barricade furthest away as a target. The wind began to spiral and howl. Lightning arced through the sky as the freezing rain lanced through the enemy. Over time they began to move at a snail''s pace and became isolated in the Captain¡¯s box. Their numbers fell rapidly. Any who made it through the icy wasteland met a burning death on the other side. Otis contributed to many of their deaths throughout the battle causing him to gain a level but this was not nearly as important as the revelations he made while casting his [Fire Bolt]. After his first three casts he earned [Fire Affinity]. His knowledge of fire magic increased exponentially. His control of the flames strengthened and the flames burned hotter. The heat that radiated from his [Fire Bolt] was equal to or greater than the heat of Larry¡¯s [Flaming Meteor]. Soon he was doing double the damage with the same mana cost. He also felt other elements within his [Fire Bolt]. First, he felt the earth at the core of the [Fire Bolt]. During the cast he felt tiny bits of earth gathering into a ball, compressed and then set a flame. Otis decided to play an active role in the earth balls creation. At this revelation he earned [Earth Affinity]. He gathered more of the Earth. He changed it composition making it more stone than dirt. He fired it at the enemy. It was no longer a [Fire Bolt] or even a [Flaming Meteor]. Those two paled in comparison to what he had just created. It crashed into the ground. Vibrations could be felt at the Northern gate from its explosion. It broke the other mages concentration interrupting their cast. The priest could not steady himself and tumbled to the floor. ¡°Violam! What was that¡± The Captain shouted ¡°I don¡¯t know my other mind must be experimenting.¡± Otis was at a loss. Hey watch it! Are you trying to kill us? He spoke to his second mind. What are you talking about? His second mind responded. That [Fire Bolt] just now almost ruined our plans. He was surprised it actually spoke back. Okay okay. Just be quiet. I am working on something. Otis felt his second mind put up a wall between the two. Otis was about to tear down the wall when he was stirred from his thoughts. ¡°Violam do not do that again! Everyone back to positions! There is still a good 200 left!¡± The Captain shouted. ¡°I assure you it will not happen again.¡± Otis looked at the fire magic that his other mind was currently creating. The flame was no longer red instead it was closer to yellow. ¡°Uhh Captain you may want to step back.¡± ¡°What is it now?¡± Captain looked down at Otis. His eyes opened wide as he retreated a few steps from Otis¡¯s side. The heat emitted from the magic was intense. Luckily for Otis and the others the heat had been directed forward. The fire magic launched like a rocket. A terrible high pitched sound trailed the rocket as it sped towards the battle leaving flames on the ground in its wake. The rocket passed Larry¡¯s [Flaming Meteor] as if it was standing still. Otis¡¯s fire magic drilled through the battlefield without stopping. The Fire Rocket incinerated every beast in its path as it continued to fly towards the horizon. Otis could not even read the thirty to forty numbers that flashed into his vision. He decided that he would call this creation of his second mind a Fire Rocket. The Captain rubbed his forehead, his eyebrows bent in consternation. ¡°Are trying to make this as difficult as possible?¡± Otis gave a hollow laugh another one of second mind¡¯s fire magic rocketed away. ¡°At least there is less enemies to deal with now.¡± ¡°And what if you hit one of our own? Do you think they can dodge...that?¡± He gestured to the fire rocket that just launched away. Otis sent a message to Milo. ¡°Brother is fine. He laughed at the thought of that killing him. He says there is a pack of wolves having back observing the battle. What do you want to do?¡± ¡°It must be a scouting party. They are judging our defenses. I want you to launch your fire magic at them. Tell the lion to take them out. They must not escape.¡± Lawrence ran up to the Captain. His body was trembling with exhaustion and his robe soaked with sweat. ¡°I am out of mana! I cannot cast anymore. I feel as if I am going to die.¡± Meanwhile Otis had continued launching Fire Rockets and relayed the message to Milo. ¡°Go to the priest see if he can relieve your pain.¡± The Captain doubted anything could be done for the Fire Mage outside of sleep. He turned to Otis. The spot between his shoulder blades itched for battle he had sat out of this one for too long. ¡°Violam stop casting you are with me. Let¡¯s clean up the mess.¡± Otis merged his mind and stopped his magic. The feeling was a bit strange to instantly gain knowledge and memories of his other mind. There was also a strange mix of emotions too. He was angry with himself for being so reckless but also annoyed at himself for interrupting that reckless experiment. He was happy for the success and scared of the results. Otis and Captain Trevino made quick work of the enemies that escaped from Maggie''s¡¯ [Blizzard Hell]. Otis made his way back to the Captain. ¡°Brother reported that the alpha survived.¡± Captain Trevino¡¯s face looked as if he ate something sour. ¡°Fine. Go tell Maggie to stop her magic. Then tell the lion to bring the others back.¡± [4:342:19:26:53] ¡°Tosser! Were you trying to kill us?¡± The huntress punched the ragged looking Fire Mage. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Lawrence asked before she could hit him again. She looked down on the Fire Mage. Her hands clenched into fists. ¡°I am talking about that bit of Fire Magic that you decided to drop on our heads!¡± ¡°That wasn¡¯t me.¡± He tripped backwards in an attempt to distance himself from the raving woman. ¡°If not you then who would be so stupid¡­¡± The groups eyes fell on the silent Otis. Otis knew he was caught. ¡°I am sorry I did it by accident.¡± He relied on his boyish innocence. ¡°I really didn¡¯t mean to. It was an accident I promise.¡± He glanced at Maggie. She was nodding in approval and her arms opened up for an embrace. He was in the clear. Maggie would come in and save the day. Michelle let out a sarcastic laugh. ¡°We aren¡¯t falling for that one. There is no way that...whatever it was...was just an accident. It left a crater in the ground. It broke my favorite bow!¡± ¡°I do believe Otis did it by accident.¡± The Captain spoke in his defense. ¡°But accidents do not belong on the battlefield and we will be under attack again.¡± [Mayor Dennis Gardner Level 5 (NPC) - Mayor of Flower Hill] ¡°What makes you say that?¡± The town mayor had arrived a little earlier with some food and water. ¡°This was just a scouting party testing our defenses.¡± The Captain began to remove his breast plate. ¡°A scouting party of 500 soldiers?¡± ¡°Yes. They would have ended us then if they could but since they could not they planned to report it back to their leadership.¡± ¡°Leadership? They were just beast.¡± The mayor stared at the Captain in disbelief. Michelle stepped forward. ¡°They were not just beast. There were some that were almost man but with beast heads or human heads with beast bodies. Some were beast I had never seen before. They stood on two legs and had lizard like skin. There were also Orcs and trolls mixed in. They had ranks and order.¡± She shook her head at a loss. ¡°Yes and the Lion spotted a pack of wolves that were observing the battle. He intercepted them but the leader still was able to flee. So I believe they will be back and in greater numbers.¡± [Counselor Maryann Smithson - One of the Council of Seven] ¡°So sounds like we need to increase our defenses. This wooden wall will just not do and since our little one here caused so much trouble.¡± She handed Otis one of the cookies she brought to the gathering and patted him on the head. ¡°I think a little manual labor will do him some good. The way I see it we need some stone walls built.¡± Michelle snickered at Otis¡¯s punishment. ¡°Oh and huntress. Since you like to go around punching and wrongfully accusing our good townsfolk of things. Why don¡¯t you join Violam?¡± Michelle eyed the old woman. She never trusted the Counselor. She always felt the woman had some hidden agenda. ¡°Sorry I am going to decline that offer. I have hunting to do you know.¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Oh I am sorry dear. You have no choice in the matter.¡± The Counselor turned towards Captain Trevino. ¡°I will leave the planning to you. All Flower Hill citizens will help in building the city walls and solidifying our defenses. I suggest you begin immediately.¡± [4:298:05:48:40] ¡°Do you know how much I hate you for making me do this?¡± The young athletic woman complained. She dropped another stone in the pile. ¡°Oh you are just saying that. You love spending time with me.¡± The stone lifted off the ground floated towards the young man. As the stone floated in the air it changed shape until it became a cuboid that looked similar to a brick in his previous world. He laid this brick on the wall. Michelle snorted. ¡°Who would want to spend time with a brat like you? I have better things to do with my spare time than spending it with you building this ruddy wall.¡± The two of them had been working on the town¡¯s defensive walls for over a month. Others had contributed to building the wall but not nearly as much as Michelle and Otis. This was their punishment after all. ¡°Like what? Drinking at Lang¡¯s Tavern again?¡± Otis continued his work. They had almost finished the first section of the wall. Their first attempts at construction had been easily destroyed by the weekly attacks. Now in the completed sections of the wall stood 20 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Otis¡¯s Earth Magic contributed the most to its speedy construction. ¡°And what is wrong with that? Drinking is an important social activity. You just don¡¯t understand since you are still a child.¡± She held her head up and looked down on Otis with one eye. Otis paused his magic a moment to look at the young Huntress. He raised his eyebrow. ¡°You know your haughty attitude does not work when you are covered in dirt and mud. Besides when was the last time you drank with anyone else?¡± ¡°Huk.¡± A slight sound escaped Michelle lips as her shoulders tensed. Otis had hit a sore subject. ¡°How am I supposed to drink with anyone if I am stuck here at all hours? When I can squeeze in a drink no one else is drinking!¡± ¡°Oh so you like to drink by yourself?¡± Otis questioned. ¡°That is not what I said and you know it!¡± Michelle stomped her foot down. ¡°I have seen you drink. I can understand that you would not want to show anyone that shameful appearance.¡± Otis¡¯s smile grew wider as he spoke. He eyes glossed over as he seemed to recall a pleasant memory. ¡°What are you talking about? I only get a bit...loud.¡± Michelle¡¯s eyebrow rose as she seemed to realize something. ¡°And I have never seen you at Lang¡¯s in the morning?¡± Otis realized he may have said too much. He could not tell her that he cast shadow magic over himself so he could laugh at her slovenly appearance. ¡°Uhh I am there in the mornings too. You were too drunk to notice.¡± Michelle¡¯s eyes narrowed as she stared at the young man. ¡°I am still the Huntress you know. If you were just sitting there, I would have noticed. You have been secretly spying on me, haven¡¯t you?¡± ¡°N-never. Like I said you were too drunk.¡± Otis stuttered as he tried to focus back on his work at hand. He tried his best to appear unfazed by Michelle¡¯s accusation. ¡°You did not have to sit by yourself in the shadows. My little Violam if you wanted to join me for a drink you could have.¡± Her smile grew wide. Due to the turn of events she could hardly contain herself. ¡°Oh but I guess you are still too young.¡± This time is was Otis¡¯s turn to tense up as Michelle guessed correctly. ¡°I am taller than you now and I can drink at the bar if I want too.¡± The huntress let out a condescending laugh. ¡°Yea only if Millicent is not around.¡± ¡°Hey you are afraid of her too.¡± ¡°No I am not! I am the Huntress. Like I could fear some silly old mage.¡± Michelle stood a little taller her clothes still full of dirt as she carried another rock to Otis. ¡°Ok sure. My dear Huntress.¡± Otis passively answered as he focused building the wall. A few minutes passed as the two continued their work in silence. ¡°You can call me Otis.¡± The young man interrupted their silence. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Earlier you called me Violam. I would prefer if you called me Otis. That is my real name.¡± Otis tried to sound unconcerned. He was tired of being called Violam by the townspeople but was afraid to correct them since they do not have their original memories. He and Milo were no closer now to solving that mystery than they were when they first arrive in Vilenna. ¡°What are you talking about? I have always called you Violam since you were a child. Since when was Otis your real name?¡± Michelle stood there in disbelief. ¡°It was my name before I came to this place.¡± Otis still feigned his unconcerned expression. ¡°You¡¯re weird. Who else calls you Otis?¡± ¡°It would just be you and Milo.¡± He responded. ¡°Who?¡± Confusion was written on Michelle face. ¡°Oh right I mean Rylor.¡± Michelle¡¯s confusion transformed into a wide smile. ¡°Aw that¡¯s cute you guys have secret names for each other. Should I make one up for myself?¡± ¡°No. Your name has always been Michelle. Isn¡¯t that right Milo?¡± Otis felt Milo¡¯s presence as the Shadow Lion appeared behind him. ¡°Yes, your name has always been Michelle.¡± The Shadow Lion was disappointed that he was not able to sneak up on Otis. He had not been able to play any pranks on his Apprentice for a few months. Milo did not like the feeling, it made him itchy. ¡°Oh so you two do have secret names!¡± Michelle laughed and pointed at the two. ¡°You guys are too cute. Are you trying to invite me into your little club?¡± Milo¡¯s face twisted into an evil smile. ¡°Hey Little Brother. I have been wondering, why are you making this little girl carry all these heavy rocks? Her appearance is pretty poor, you know? She is covered in dirt and mud and isn¡¯t that a stick in her hair?¡± Milo paused for a moment as the Huntress tried to fix her hair. ¡°Couldn¡¯t you just bring them over with magic? Why does she even need to be here?¡± Otis immediately stopped his magic. He looked at Milo then to Michelle then back again. He slowly edged his way back away from the Huntress. He could see her face drain to a deathly pale as she listened to the Lion. As the realization dawned on her color flooded back into her cheeks, her face burned red with anger. ¡°OTIS! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!¡± Before she had even shouted his name Otis fled the area. ¡°Oh no. You cannot run from me!¡± The Huntress pulled back her hair and hefted her new bow on to her shoulder. ¡°I am going to hunt you down and when I find you I am going to skin you alive!¡± Milo stood at the newly built wall laughing at the other two''s misfortune. He continued to laugh as he picked up the stone Otis left behind. Milo stopped laughing as a jolt ran up his spine. The Shadow Lion looked at the 20 foot wall and began his lonely work. [3:324:05:48:40] ¡°We have bats incoming!¡± The Fire Mage shouted into the [Mana Crystal] enhanced copper funnel. His voice could be easily heard by the entire Flower Hill Village. The Fire Mage standing on top of the Watch Tower cast a [Fire Flare]. It was a magic that burned incredibly bright, it illuminated the town and the incoming enemy. ¡°Gods! Why is it always on my watch?¡± The man cried out in horror. He lifted the copper funnel to his lips once again. ¡°Thousands of them. Bats, lizard-birds, insects and Canaries!¡± ¡°Thousands? How many Canaries? Are there any ground troops?¡± The Captain shouted at Lawrence. ¡°I can¡¯t tell. They blot out the sky!¡± Larry shook his head. ¡°Damn. Move over I am coming up.¡± Captain Trevino made his way up to the Watchtower. ¡°Lion, go scout their ground troops and make sure you are not seen!¡± The Captain did not know if Milo was there he just assumed he was. Milo always seemed to be where the Captain needed him. ¡°Yes Captain.¡± Milo had not even appeared when he spoke and immediately left the area. ¡°If we have Canaries we need Violam. Go get him Lawrence.¡± Captain Trevino looked over the plains on the North Side of the Village trying to ascertain the number of enemy. ¡°I am already here. How many Canaries?¡± Otis hated Canaries. They had decimated Flower Hill¡¯s livestock over the last year. In the attack last week Farmer Dan had lost an arm to them. If a limb is smashed or severed the Priest can heal it but after the Canary attack Dan had nothing left from his right shoulder down. Otis thought that if you took piranhas out of the water covered them in feathers and gave them the ability to eat anything you would be close to having a Canary. They have very short beaks filled with razor sharp teeth and if you did not look closely they would just look like ordinary birds. The first Canary attack on the village came by surprise. One day a tree in the center of town was covered in yellow birds singing a beautiful song. The birds were like the rabbits in the forest. They had close to no physical defense and also do not display a level over their heads. Later the residents learned that the birds have an extraordinary resistance to the elements. It was not uncommon to have animals in this world that were completely normal especially birds. Milo was the only one who alarmed by their presence. If it was not for his shout in alarm everyone would have died that day. A cold sweat covered the Fire Mage''s brow. He fired his magic into the oncoming horde of flying creatures. Excitement flashed on his face as the flaming mass was within a few feet of the enemy. At this moment a large group of yellow birds darted for the magic. They covered the entire flaming ball and began to feast. They ate the fire, the earth and any traces of mana left in the magic. Afterwards the birds moved in a frenzied pace some had even gained in size. When Canaries feast on magic they grow stronger, faster and more ravenous. Lawrence¡¯s complexion immediately paled. ¡°There must be hundreds of them.¡± He whispered to himself. ¡°Fool! Don¡¯t waste your magic you are only making it worse!¡± Captain Trevino pushed him to the back of the watchtower to stop him from doing anything else. ¡°Violam. I am sorry we are going to have to rely on you in the watchtower. We have Canaries and cannot afford to let you be in the battlefield.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± After a year of battle Otis had become less excited about fighting and killing. His dreams were no longer of battle and glory but of a quiet evening spent reading those histories in the library. ¡°Lawrence go tell Millicent to come to this Tower. You, the priest and the Huntress will man the second tower.¡± The Captain pointed to the tower opposite their own on the Northern Gate. ¡°You will fire on my command and only my command. Now go!¡± The Fire Mage scurried down the ladder. The Captain with a steadfast expression watched the incoming mass of beast. They were waiting for something and seemed to be in no rush for battle. Waiting for what? Captain Trevino did not know. ¡°Sometimes I wonder if we should have built this wall. They never sent the flying beast until we finished it. It is like they are just toying with us.¡± The Captain paused for a few moments. ¡°Violam when everyone is in position do your thing.¡± ¡°Yes sir. Will everyone else be okay? Will Dan be okay?¡± The Captain¡¯s body shook. ¡°They know...¡± He looked down at the ground. ¡°He knows his duties. The Mayor should have taken the non-fighters to the bunker by now and Joanna is on guard tonight.¡± The Captain eyed the boy. He was no longer the boy he was last year, he thought. Otis was now taller than the Captain. Otis looked and acted closer to seventeen than he did his actual age. ¡°Captain, Brother says there is no signs of infantry.¡± The Captain nodded in response. Millicent climbed the ladder onto the tower platform. ¡°We are all in position.¡± Captain Trevino kept his eyes on the enemy. ¡°Good. We are waiting on you Violam.¡± When Otis learned the [Divine Dragon Language] he had gained a new organ. That first Canary attack allowed Otis to figure out its purpose. Otis inhaled deep, filling his lungs with air far past any human''s capacity. He push his mana into that organ and the mana fused with his breathe. The young man arched his back as the dragon¡¯s roar left his body. This was the last component of the [Divine Dragon Language]. The domination of will. [-1000 MP] The ground rumbled as the invisible force spread through the sky. Any and all things below Otis¡¯s level lost consciousness. The Canaries and a few of the other flying beast fell from the sky. ¡°Now at least we know that everything else is level 21 or greater.¡± Millicent mumbled. Captain Trevino brought the copper funnel to his lips. ¡°Fire at the fallen!¡± He motioned to Otis. ¡°Focus on healing and barriers. Do not use too much Mana on attacks. I will let you know if more Canaries appear.¡± Otis raised a barrier over his watchtower. The Mages and the Huntress attacked the flying beast. They were outnumbered but the watchtowers were completely stocked with potions. As long as the barriers held Captain Trevino estimated that they could fight for four days without break. After four days the stamina potions would no longer have any effect and in the end they would be overrun. Otis had split his mind one focusing on attack magic the other on healing. Working with the two magic¡¯s at once, instead of casting his own attack magic he increased the ferocity of Maggie¡¯s [Blizzard Hell]. He caused the winds to howl as the rotation of the Hurricane reached a higher level then it could with Maggie alone. The freezing rain became full ice shards and the ground froze as he suppressed the temperature. The hellish storm grabbed the flying beast. It smashed, ground and ate the beast until their dead and broken bodies fell from the sky. Any beast that escaped above the clouds met the Fire Mage¡¯s [Reign of Fire]. Tens of flaming boulders pierced the sky as they plummeted to the earth. The lizard-birds that reached the altitude above the storm scream in terror. The relentless falling rocks crushed their lizard-bird flock. The insects reached the barrier first. Many of them smashed into Otis¡¯s barrier causing their own death. Their low Health Points could not withstand the collision but their suicide run still accomplished its purpose. Otis¡¯s barrier could only withstand 550 damage and was significantly weakened. He immediately reinforced it with a second barrier. Barriers were different than the attack magic that Otis used. It was much easier and Mana efficient for Otis to use the Active Skill he had learned in the Library. [Holy Light Barrier] [-110 MP] The Captain took the initiative to stop the next wave of bugs. The Captain slid his leg forward as he took his battle stance. Like an unwinding coil the sword slashed horizontally letting out a tiger¡¯s growl that ripped through the watchtower. Three blades of sword energy shot through the oncoming bugs. ¡°Captain, ground infantry is approaching. Brother has already engaged and will delay them as long as possible.¡± Otis shouted at the Captain. The Ice Mage¡¯s [Blizzard Hell] began to weaken. ¡°We have more Canaries! My Blizzard will not hold out much longer!¡± A panicked Maggie yelled. ¡°Violam! Do it!¡± The Captain shouted as he panted attempting to catch his breathe. Otis had begun to gather his breath even before the Captain''s command. Otis raised his head and roared. Thousands of beast dropped from the sky and many fainted in the infantry. A roar from the beast army answered in response. The group on the watchtower paled, a cold sweat ran down their backs. ¡°What was that?¡± Maggie asked. An image came into Otis¡¯s mind. A large black dragon, fire streaking out into the night¡¯s sky. ¡°F-fire Dragon. Brother says it¡¯s a Fire Dragon.¡± Otis stuttered. ¡°What is that sound? Thunder?¡± Maggie asked as the walls began to rumble and shake. ¡°OUT OF THE WATCHTOWERS!¡± The Captain grabbed the Ice Mage and leapt from the window. Otis followed after him. A fire ball arced through the aerial beast killing most of them before slamming into the second guard tower. The terrifying explosion swept Otis up in mid fall throwing him through the wall of the nearest building. Chapter 12: a Fire Dragon, a Golden Man and a Mans Fist Lots of action this chapter. You can find maps and other things at https://yougots.wordpress.com/. Enjoy. ------------------------------ A fire ball arced through the aerial beast army, killing most of them before slamming into the second guard tower. The terrifying explosion swept up Otis mid fall and threw him through the wall of the nearest building. ¡°Ugh¡± Otis moaned as he stirred from beneath the debris. He pushed a piece of the wall off himself and stood up. ¡°Well that wasn¡¯t pleasant.¡± He rubbed his head. Otis stepped out to the edge of the hole in the building wall. He saw the fire dragon flying through the sky. It continued to roar and the sky was aflame. Half of Flower Hill village was either on fire or destroyed. [Black Scaled Fire Dragon Level??? - Farg Legion] ¡°Where is everyone?¡± He surveyed the town. There is a crater in the ground where the second watch tower once stood. ¡°Michelle.¡± He whispered her name to himself. Otis leapt from the second floor of the building to the ground. He sped to the area where the second tower once stood, he scanned the area for survivors. All the buildings surrounding the tower were burning. The smoke clouded his vision as he searched through the rumble. Hearing someone moaning he went deeper into the smoky area. He found Larry and the preacher laying in dirt injured but alive. Otis cast [Holy Healing] on both of the men. [-264 MP] [-264 MP] ¡°Preacher, preacher wake up!¡± Otis shook the man till his eyes opened. ¡°Where is Michelle?¡± ¡°Wah...O-Otis¡± The preacher squinted his eyes looking at the boy. ¡°Ugh. Michelle, she threw us out of the tower before the attack hit. I-I don¡¯t know where she is.¡± A sound came into the area it was subtle at first then the buzzing got loud as it approached. Otis turned his head towards the sound. ¡°Bugs are over the wall!¡± Otis heard Captain Trevino call out from somewhere in the night. He then saw bright blue ice shards exploding in the sky. ¡°Let me get you guys to safety. Bugs are coming.¡± Otis carried the two men to the nearest building that was still at least half standing. ¡°Preacher heal yourself then Larry. I will bring Michelle back here to you. Tell Larry to watch for bugs and don¡¯t burn the building down!¡± Otis stepped out of the building the dragon swooped down and continued to raze the village. Otis ducked down and kept to the shadows as he looked for the huntress, hoards of bugs flew past the hidden boy. It wasn¡¯t long before he heard her call him. ¡°Otis! Get this bloody thing off of me!¡± The woman struggled to get from beneath a stone pillar. ¡°Stop yelling! Don¡¯t you see that thing raining death and hell fire down on us?¡± He said through clinched teeth. ¡°Oh shut up and hurry. It hurts like hell.¡± Annoyed, she shouted stared at the boy. Otis pulled the stone off of her leg. He healed her once but the injuries on her leg where too severe. ¡°My [Holy Healing] cannot stop the bleeding. I need to get you to the preacher.¡± Otis could the see the pool of blood continue to grow around her body. [-264 MP] ¡°Fine. Help me up.¡± She held her hand up for his help. ¡°Oh no this is my only chance to carry you like a princess, like I would pass that up.¡± The huntress rolled her eyes. Otis may have said that but in reality she would not last long if she had walked on her own. He cast another heal on her before attempting to lift her. [-264 MP] Some color came back to her cheeks as she regained some more of her life. ¡°Alright here we go my little huntress.¡± ¡°I am not your little¡­¡± She clinched her teeth and winced in pain as he lifted her up. Now that her wound had been disturbed she bled profusely and her health dropped faster. ¡°Hey stick with me. The preacher will get you fixed up.¡± Otis ran back as fast as he could manage without worsening her injury. ¡°Tsk. Bugs again.¡± Otis rotated the air around himself. He then wove threads of fire through the air, before too long Otis and the huntress were surrounded by a column of fire. The boy ran towards their safe house roasting all the bugs in his path. ¡°I may not be able to save the leg and she has lost so much blood.¡± The preacher¡¯s hands were covered in blood as he attempted to heal the girl. Otis had knelt next to the preacher, he was holding Michelle¡¯s hand. ¡°Do what you can. The dragon is getting closer to the bunker. We need to stop it before we are all dead.¡± Otis placed Michelle¡¯s hand down on her stomach and stood. ¡°I am going to leave her in your care.¡± ¡°No don¡¯t do anything crazy!¡± The preacher yelled at Otis but he had already left the through the door. Otis was running at full speed towards the north side of the village where the dragon was currently attacking. He split his mind in two. We know it is a fire dragon. So blast it with your best ice spells! He told his second mind. An ice spear began to form in Otis¡¯s hand as he ran. It was several times sharper than that of a normal [Ice Lance]. Otis raised his arm and threw his ice spear at the dragon. As it flew the ice spear continued to grow in size. The moment it left his hand Otis triggered the wind magic he had also implanted in the ice. The ice blasted away towards the flying dragon. He threw ten more before the first had struck. The eleven ice spears smashed into the dragon¡¯s scales. The force of the ice pushed the dragon off its flight path but Otis could tell from it Health bar that the damage was nonexistent. The dragon bellowed in anger and dove down towards the boy who dared to attack it. The dragon shot several fireballs in quick succession. They lacked the ferocity that the first attack had but it still laid waste to the area Otis had been standing just moments before. Otis used his incredible speed and agility to dodge the dragon¡¯s attack. Otis continued to run toward the dragon, he kicked off a building wall propelling himself into the air. [Passive Skills Upgraded] [Passive Skill Footwork Learned] Otis pulled the wind underneath him pushing himself further into the sky, he used different magic¡¯s to steady himself he targeted the flying beast. The boy slammed his shoulder and body into the dragon¡¯s massive wing. The two began to tumble from the sky as the dragon''s wing had collapsed. Otis did his best to keep ahold of the dragon that was spiraling towards the ground. Moments into the fall the beast regained its strength in the wing. It spread them to pull itself out of the nose dive. The dragon wildly shot fire into the sky as it searched for the troublesome human. Otis clung to a scale on the dragon¡¯s side. The ridges of the sharp scales dug into Otis¡¯s gloved hands. He held on tight as blood ran down his arms. His black knuckled gloves are part of the armor set that Milo had commissioned for him, it had been completed a few months ago. While this armor was much better than anything in the armory, it was still just black leather and there was only so much that leather could do to protect against the dragon scale. Otis gritted his teeth in pain. ¡°I can¡¯t hang on forever.¡± The dragon was still searching for the human that caused it so much trouble. Otis¡¯s body flung around helplessly as the dragons sped up. The boy release one hand from the scale. His black gloved hand had a magic enhanced steel strip that ran across the knuckles. The metal strip was also adorned with two short metal spikes. He circulated mana into his fist and punched the side of the dragon. [-5MP] The dragon¡¯s defense was too high, its health was unaffected by the boy¡¯s blow. While he may not have been able to injure the dragon, the force from the fist was still great and caused the dragon to take notice of his presence. The dragon immediately roared in anger, it could not believe that this weak human would dare cling to its side. Otis did not give up, he circulated more mana into his hand and punched the dragon several more times. [-10MP] [-15MP] [-20MP] [+1 Strength] [+1 Strength] With each punch he increased its supply of mana. During this time the dragon stopped attacking the town and focused on removing the boy that desperately clung on. The dragon spun and dove through the air towards the ground. Otis maintained his accuracy and stuck the same spot with every punch. His punches now contained 100 mana and in a matter of seconds he had punched the dragon 30 times. The scale shown a tiny crack but refused to expand further. Otis¡¯s mana dropped to a dangerous level. ¡°Break you dumb lizard!¡± Otis growled. [-200MP] An invisible force shot out of Otis¡¯s voice snapping the scale in half. The dragon jerked upward in shock as pain laced through its ribs. [-523HP] The sudden stop flung Otis from the dragon¡¯s body. Otis descended from the sky at an incredible speed. ¡°Oh Crap! Oh Crap! Oh Crap!¡± The boy panicked as he fell. Otis grabbed at the air and pulled it underneath him slowing his free fall. ¡°It¡¯s not enough!¡± Otis only had 563 MP and with every pull of air he used a large amount of Mana. He changed tactics, Otis circulated 400 of his remaining Mana through his body, reinforcing it and bracing himself for the crash. The boy collided with the roof of the building, then the floor, then the next floor and the next floor rolling to a stop against a wall. His breathing was harsh, he looked down at his broken body. His body was just a tangle of limbs but he had all of them so he sighed in relief. His health continued to drop and was now beneath 15 percent as he bled on the floor. He summoned a mana potion to his mouth since he was not able to use his arms. He used his tongue to remove the cork and drink the foul liquid down. This is a technique he learned during his training this past year. You could summon an item from your backpack to anywhere on your body, the only requirement is that it has to touch your skin. [+500MP] Otis immediately grabbed the Mana and circulated it into his injury. He realigned bones, merged them together and ejected debris from his body and sealed those wounds. Surprisingly he had lost all of the fingers on his right hand to the dragon scale when he was thrown from its side. He started the painful process of re-growing his fingers. After some time Otis stood up. He clinched his right hand into a fist. ¡°Stiff. I am not going to be able to hold anything for a while.¡± For the first time he observed the room he came to a stop in. ¡°Armory. Glad the Captain keeps it cleaned. I wouldn¡¯t have wanted a pile of swords to break my fall.¡± His eyes fell on the golden captain¡¯s armor, even in the dark room it still had a faint golden glow. The boy nodded as a smile crossed his face. ¡°Sorry James I will be borrowing this.¡± He threw of his shredded black leather armor and put on the captain¡¯s heavy armor. Otis tried moving his arms around. ¡°How the hell does he even fight in this thing?¡± After testing his flexibility he stood up straight and prideful. ¡°But oh do I look pretty.¡± Otis sheathed a [Recruits Training Sword] and exited the armory. The dragon was frantically searching for Otis. The boy slammed his visor shut. He compiled a series of images in his mind of gold and riches. He laced the images with promises and he finished it with an image of a golden hero. He pushed the images into the dragon''s mind. A roar responded to the mental attack and the dragon stopped its search. Its eyes narrowed after it located the golden man. The fire dragon shot down to the golden human it landed on the Mayor¡¯s Mansion, crushing it. The dragon inhaled deeply raised its head and roared. Debris was blasted away from the dragon and Otis was knocked a few steps back. Otis quickly recovered and stepped towards the dragon. The dragon stared at the golden man for a moment before opening its mouth to display a crimson fireball in its throat. At that moment Otis blasted the dragon with a second series of images containing caves to the west with mountains of gold, lavish rugs, rubies and a blue djinn. The dragon roared shaking its head trying to free itself from the images. Otis pushed more promises of gold to the dragon he became more forceful flooding its mind. The fire dragon¡¯s eyes glossed over as it stopped shaking its head and drool ran from its mouth. It ran at the golden man snatching him in its claws and took flight into the sky. After exiting the town the two flew west over the forest. Otis trapped in the dragon¡¯s claws struggled to free himself. Otis used his free hand to push away the claws but the dragon¡¯s strength was far stronger than his, it was like pushing at a solid wall. ¡°I should have thought this through.¡± Otis pulled his sword out from its sheathe. He attempted to pry the dragon¡¯s claw away from his body. The sword bent as the finger moved an inch away from the boy¡¯s body allowing him to move. Without looking at the boy the dragon clinched its three fingered hand breaking the sword. It crushed the golden armor squeezing the air from the boy¡¯s lungs. Otis¡¯s vision darkened and his body hung limp from the dragon''s fist. [Status Effect: Faint] ... ¡­ [3:324:01:15:36] The sun had risen and warm air buffeted the boy¡¯s hair as he woke. ¡°What the? Where am I?¡± He looked at the ground. ¡°Oh Yea. I am stupid and tried to trick a dragon.¡± He check his map they had flown much further north than he had instructed the dragon to fly. ¡°Where the heck is he taking me?¡± This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Otis looked to the east. ¡°We have crossed the mountain already.¡± They were currently flying north, Otis squinted his eyes as he focused on the dark mass that stood out on the horizon. He could see a faint red aura coming from the object. Otis gasped. ¡°Its gray army!¡± Dark smoke filled the sky to the north as they flew closer. Otis had frantically struggled to free himself once again. He stopped struggling, the sun¡¯s glare that reflected off the dragon scales caught his attention. ¡°The scale! It is still snapped in half.¡± Otis grabbed the shard of the sword he still had. He split his mind into two and used earth magic to split the shard into a dozen pieces. He wrapped those pieces in air and rotated it. His second mind pulled water from the atmosphere wrapping it around the rotating air. He condensed the water into ice and kept adding to it until it was several inches longer and thicker than his normal ice spear. He rotated the sharpened spear drilling into the snapped scale. As the spear pierced the dragon¡¯s skin flames erupted from the wound melting the spear¡¯s tip. Otis continue to freeze the spear plunging it deeper and deeper into the dragon. The dragon cried out in horror at the surprise attack. Flames shot from its mouth as it searched around to determine the attacker. By the time it registered in the beast mind that it''s golden prize had attacked it was too late. The spear was now completely in the flying beast. Otis exploded the swirling core of the ice spear. Shrapnel, ice shards and blades of wind wreaked havoc in the beast body shredding its organs. Otis did not stop, he continued to launch ice spear after ice spear into the dragon¡¯s wound. Blood and flames flowed from the dragon¡¯s mouth as it fell into a nose dive.. Otis released from the dragon¡¯s grip, climbed on to the back of the free falling animal. As the ground rapidly approached he circulated mana though his body and reinforced his legs several times. He pushed off the back of the dragon launching himself free of the dragon. He crashed through the surrounding trees eventually rolling to a stop. Otis sat up and took stock of himself. ¡°Much better than last time. Only a few internal injuries.¡± The golden armor had bit into his flesh but his mana strengthen body had resisted most of its damage. He removed the scraps of golden armor from his shoulders and legs. A ways from Otis the dragon had landed in a heap. The beast still breathed fighting to the last moment to keep its life. The fire from the dragon had spread to the trees igniting the small forest that Otis now stood in. The last breath escaped the Fire Dragons mouth, as it left the beast, chemicals from its shredded organs mixed causing a frightening reaction. The Dragon erupted, the explosion flatten the surrounding trees, the waves of fire and earth expanded outwards. In the aftermath Otis tumbled through the air like a broken kite. [Level 21] [Level 22] [Level 23] [OverKill! Bonus] [+5 to all Attributes] ¡°Ugh¡± The boy pushed a tree off himself. ¡°If I didn¡¯t know any I¡¯d think that dragon was trying to kill me.¡± Otis attempted to summon a mana potion from his Backpack. ¡°Great! I am out, how could today get any worse?¡± Otis merged his mind and stood. He dragged his broken leg behind him as he moved towards the Mountains to the west. ¡°We are almost to the explosion! Move faster or he will have our heads!¡± Otis overheard someone yelling from the flattened, flaming forest. His [Aura Sense] was screaming in his mind, he was in no condition to fight at the moment. Otis covered himself in shadow and picked up his pace. His Stamina was below 10% and had begun to affect his strength and awareness. A pack of wolf howls pierced morning. ¡°They¡¯ve picked up a scent! Butch there is something else out here besides the dragon.¡± ¡°Why are you waiting? Send the dogs forward!¡± The wolves cried and whined at the man¡¯s shout. Otis cursed under his breathe, he circulated the mana he regained in the short time to heal his injuries. He could hear the wolves on his trail, even cloak in shadow the beast could still smell him if that was their skill. After a minute his leg healed, he ran hard until he reached a wooded area on the mountainside. He jumped from tree to tree until he reached the top of a tree that was off the path of the wolves. Otis scanned the direction he had come from. A group of thirty trailed the wolves at a distance trying to keep up with them. The men were too far off. Otis could not see their titles or levels but they were not all human. Many were a mix of monsters with arms, torsos and heads from different animals. The one at the front of the group kept up with the wolves. He whipped and screamed at the wolves to drive them faster. It had large pig head and the rest of its body was from an ape like creature. Its level and Title came into view. [Gruten 12 - Level 27 Farg Amalgamation] The wolves changed direction and led the monster to Otis¡¯s tree. The seven [Twisted Wolf] were the all lower level beast ranging from level 12 to 17. Their skin was full of sores and sagged from their bony bodies. Their mangy smell hit Otis as they drew underneath him. They sniffed the air. Otis leapt from the tree towards the amalgamation. In flight he split his mind. Spikes shot up from the ground entering the seven wolves¡¯ lower jaws and exiting from the top of their heads. Two smaller spikes drove up into the amalgamations feet nailing him in place. It looked up to the sky as a shadow descended upon him. Before he could scream out a shadowed blade split its pig head from its ape body. The shadow never touched the group, it kicked off the ape body throwing the body 30 feet away. The shadow escaped into the trees. The group arrived at the dead wolves. ¡°Looks like something survived the fight with the dragon after all. Gruten 32 go inform the boss. Everyone else spread out.¡± The man licked his gray lips. ¡°Whoever kills it gets to eat its heart.¡± The group of amalgamations roared with their beast heads or chirped with their beaks. They split in all directions searching the woods. Otis hid in the trees to the north of the group. He pulled the mana from his arm, his forearms bladed edge shifted back to a normal arm. A wicked smile crossed his shadowed face as he watched them move further into the woods. A bird amalgamation was the closest to Otis, it crossed a tree that Otis had tapped as he retreated deeper into the woods. As it stepped past the tree a pillar of flame with extreme heat erupted from the side of the tree burning the beast. The bird screamed until its smoldering body fell to the ground. The cry in pain drew the others attention. ¡°Go check it out.¡± A beast grunted and gestured to seven of its comrades towards the dead bird. They ran towards their fallen comrade triggering other fire, ice and earth traps. Otis enhanced his body with mana, he fell into the group of screaming amalgamations. He flowed through the twisted beasts displaying the Martial arts he had learned, every kick and every punch was a killing blow. The screams were quickly extinguished and the woods became silent once again. This time Otis did not wait for the others to investigate the screams. He sprinted towards the beast who sent the others. Otis still cased in shadow, jumped into the air landing on the side of the tree, he kicked off it launching himself like an arrow at the amalgamation. He forced a large amount of mana into his arm. He sharpened the bones in his forearm once again, he cleanly sliced its dog head from its mixed beast body. Otis rolled on the ground coming out of it into a sprint he leaped back into the trees. [-800MP] [+1 Stamina] [-80MP] [+1 Strength] [-80MP] [+1 Stamina] [-80MP] [+1 Agility] [+1 Stamina] [+1 Strength] [+1 Agility] [Level 24] He dispatched all of the amalgamations that ventured into the woods. He retreated back into the treetops to view the surrounding. Sustaining the body manipulation drew a large amount of Otis¡¯s mana. Otis breathed heavily, he rested in attempt to recover his lost Stamina and Mana. ¡°Where¡¯s the boss?¡± Otis frowned. ¡°He never entered into the woods.¡± [Butch - Elite Level??? Gray Human] The gray human stood with an axe in hand. He lazily looked in Otis¡¯s direction, the monstrous gray human hefted the large two handed axe up over its head and with great force he threw the axe. The axe glowed red from the air friction as it flew at the boy with unmatched speed. Otis jumped from the tree just before it exploded. He leapt from tree to tree in retreat. ¡°You cannot run from me! I can see through your shadows and tricks!¡± The large gray man charged into the woods. The trees shattered as he battered them with his arms. Otis continued to jump from tree to tree at top speed but the large man was gaining on him. The gray human began to uproot trees and throw them at the fleeing shadow. Otis was blown forward as the tree Otis had just jumped from exploded. Trees collided all around Otis until one smashed into his back, he lost half of his Health as he fell from the treetops. Otis came to a rolling stop on the ground. Otis stood and continued to run through the woods, he dodged boulders and trees that were being thrown at him. Butch was gaining on Otis even faster now that Otis was out of the trees. ¡°What?¡± A light flashed in front of the gray human as he triggered Otis¡¯s trap. The light slowed him just long enough for the second trap to take effect. The Earth rose covering the gray human¡¯s legs, it solidified over his lower body trapping him within a thick dirt mound. A smile crossed Otis¡¯s lips as he heard the trap activate. He turned towards his enemy and formed a Fire Rocket. He launched it at the incoming gray human. As the rocket screamed through the air, the gray human grabbed the nearest tree and ripped it from the soil. He swung the tree smashing it into the rocket. The explosion caused the tree to scatter in all directions. The gray human still stood within the mound, a smirk on his face as he ripped off his smoldering shirt. Otis was stunned. ¡°You¡¯re kidding me right?¡± He fired two more rockets at the monster. This time Butch did not use a tree. He let the two rockets smash into his chest. The terrible explosion shook the ground, smoke and dirt filled in the air. Otis dusted himself off and looked over to the flaming mound. [-212] [-123] ¡°Is that it? Is that it! You wanted to kill me with that weak fire magic? Come here shadow boy, let me show you strength.¡± The gray human let out a sinister laugh as he stepped through the hardened mound like it was air. His footsteps thundered as he picked up speed. Otis paled and turned to flee, the gray human¡¯s laughter boomed in his ears. As he took a step a chain wrapped around his waist. ¡°No you are not going anywhere this time.¡± The gray human yelled as he yanked the chain back towards him. Otis was pulled off his feet by the chain and flew towards the gray human. He sent mana to harden his fist and spun at the last moment. His fist crashed into the gray humans face. Immediately the tension in the chain was released and Otis landed on the ground. The gray human had been knocked back a few steps. Otis still tethered by the chain, started his next attack. His kick landed on the side of the 7 foot gray human¡¯s head and another enhanced fist smashed into the monster''s face. Otis circulated mana into his hand to harden and sharpen his fingers. He stabbed at the monster''s heart. The gray human caught Otis¡¯s hand at the last second just as Otis¡¯s fingertips pierced its chest. Otis¡¯s shadow faded as his arm was caught. ¡°Great!¡± The gray human laughed. ¡°That really surprised me! I like it when the pigs don¡¯t give up!¡± He spit the blood from his mouth. Disregarding the tiny wounds on his chest he lifted Otis up to his eye level by his caught arm. ¡°So this is what you look like. You¡¯re just a child.¡± ¡°No wonder you couldn¡¯t hurt me. You have little child fist.¡± Butch brought up his free hand and balled it into a fist. ¡°Now this. This is a man¡¯s fist.¡± He punched Otis in the stomach with little effort. Otis¡¯s mind reeled into shock. The enormity of the blow caused Otis¡¯s entire body to go limp. His eyes glossed over as the gray human tossed him to the ground. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I am not going to let you die. You will wish I had though.¡± The monster laughed as he dragged Otis¡¯s body down the mountainside towards the war camp. ------------------------------------------ Stat at end of Chapter 12 ------------------- Don''t forget to reply if you have comments or suggestions. Thanks Chapter 13: an Island, a Friend and a Gate This Chapter is a bit different and a whole lot less action then the last. Also added a Psychological tag to this and beware there is some foul language and violence in this chapter. You can find maps and other things at https://yougots.wordpress.com/. Enjoy. ---------------------------------- ¡°Wake Up! Hurry! Wake up, we do not have much time.¡± Otis heard a voice as he opened his eyes. The boy exhaled in relief. ¡°Good. I am safe.¡± ¡°No far from it. You need to focus.¡± Otis¡¯s eyes came to rest on the blue goat. The goat sat on the grass, a cigar hung from the side of its mouth. The cigar smoke drifted out into the night¡¯s sky blocking Otis¡¯s vision of the stars. ¡°Um...Hector?¡± Otis coughed. ¡°Where am I?¡± Otis muttered as he surveyed his surrounding. Otis was sitting at the center of an Island. It was not very large he could walk ten step in any direction to reach its edge. The bright moon shone on the violet waters illuminating the surrounding islands. The islands in the archipelago were connected by arched wooden bridges. The bridges were wide enough to fit two people standing side by side and some bridges stretched out past Otis¡¯s vision. Otis couldn¡¯t help but feel like he had invaded a wealthy person¡¯s garden as some islands were filled with flowers, others with hedges and a few with grand trees. The goat spat out his cigar. ¡°Hector! Do I look like a Hector? Fool, it¡¯s Henry. Henry the Blue. Do not worry about where you are instead worry about where you are going.¡± The goat stood up and approached Otis. ¡°You needed more time. You are not supposed to be here but we cannot worry about that now.¡± Otis began to panic, he crawled back a few steps away from the incoming goat. ¡°What are you talking about? I don¡¯t even know what is going on.¡± Henry raised his brow and looked down on Otis. ¡°That¡¯s right. You never did as told you. You never watch your footing. You just blindly fall through life.¡± Henry let out a pained sigh. ¡°But there is no time for that. Otis, you must listen to me now. I can only summon your spirit to this plane for a short amount of time.¡± Otis attempted to calm himself. ¡°Henry, where am I?¡± The goat¡¯s eyes closed tight as he sighed in exasperation. ¡°Your body should be reaching the Farg Legion soon.¡± ¡°No! Why am I in this world? Vilenna or whatever it is called.¡± Otis Henry frown at Otis¡¯s unexpected outburst. ¡°Why are you here? Why am I here? What do you want from me the meaning of life? It¡¯s not like I am some all power being or something.¡± Henry paused from a moment before continuing. ¡°Now about the Farg?¡± Confusion was written on Otis¡¯s face. ¡°The Farg?¡± ¡°Yes, the Farg Legion! You know the things that have captured you!¡± Henry cleared his throat and calmed himself down. ¡°Well this is just a single deployment. This deployment is led by their ¡®Human¡¯ ambassadors. They are an ancient race built on conquest and enslavement and now they have caught you. Do you understand the situation you are in now?¡± The goat waited for the boy¡¯s response. ¡°OW!¡± Pain exploded on the side of Otis¡¯s head causing him to fall to the ground. ¡°No! We are out of time.¡± Henry shouted said in shock. Another explosion of pain slammed into Otis¡¯s head and then his back. Henry spoke, panic and worry mixed in his voice. ¡°Otis focus, they have you now. I wanted you to have more time before the Farg but there is nothing we can do about that. Otis, you must protect your mind and to protect it you must break it. Break your mind Otis.¡± Otis¡¯s vision flickered to a celled room. ¡°He is waking!¡± Then flickered back to the island. The goat was fading from existence. ¡°Otis use the gift he gave you. It will be a strong weapon.¡± Henry vanished, his voice echoed out over the islands. ¡°Wh-what gift?¡± Otis said through the pain. Henry¡¯s frantic voice rang out. ¡°Like I would know!...Ehh um.¡± Henry coughed. ¡°Good Luck Otis. Be strong.¡± Otis woke, he was lying on his stomach in some damp straw bedding. His back was wet and sticky from his half dried blood. The carriage they were in swayed side to side as it rolled forward. The screams jarred him into reality. ¡°I thought I was going to have to beat him to death to wake him.¡± The exasperated voice came from behind Otis. ¡°Butch leave us.¡± Otis turned his head to see the large gray human open the door and step down leaving the carriage. ¡°I apologize for my large friend there. He can get a bit handsy when he gets excited. After all it was a surprise to us when you spoke English in your sleep. By the way, who is Michelle?¡± Otis in shock did not register the person speaking to him instead his eyes drifted to the green woman being whipped in the cage next to his. Otis backed himself into the corner of his cage, his eyes wide with fear. ¡°Oh that¡¯s your cellmate I hope you will treat her well. I am sure you two will get along smashingly.¡± Otis pulled his eyes from the crying woman and follow the voice to see a gray human. It was the gray man. His breath caught in his throat, the gray man¡¯s pressure pushed down on Otis, unconsciously he pressed his back to the wall and slid down to the floor. [Edgar Blythe - Level??? Ambassador of the Farg Legion] ¡°Oh do not look at me like that. We are all friends here. My name is Edgar. And you are? OH FOR FUCKS SAKE! CAN YOU SHUT HER UP?...Ahh¡± Edgar adjusted his collar and cleared his throat. ¡°Hey you. Go get him some food.¡± The whip stopped. The short gray lizard man turned and nodded in response. [Gralinko - Level 32 Farg Legion] The gray man snorted a laugh. ¡°I can never say those lizard¡¯s names right. I just end up calling them all ¡®Hey you¡¯.¡± He wiped his hands on his pants and grabbed the stool that was sitting outside Otis¡¯s cage. The crying woman in the next cell caught the gray man¡¯s attention once more. He spit on the ground and sneered at the woman. ¡°I try to be a good host for the new guest.¡± The gray man mumbled as he rubbed his forehead. The gray man faced Otis showing a large smile. The pressure Otis felt before lessened and he was finally able to breathe again. ¡°So what¡¯s your name?¡± The gray man asked again and held out his hand towards Otis. After a few moments he spoke. ¡°Well come on. I won¡¯t bite.¡± Otis edged forward and shook the gray man¡¯s hand. His skin was dry and cracked like old leather left in the sun. ¡°Violam.¡± Then immediately retreated back a few steps. ¡°See that was not so hard. Now was it Violam?¡± The pressure was completely released from the room as the gray man sat on the stool. ¡°So Violam, was it you who killed the Fire Dragon? Don¡¯t worry I am not mad.¡± The gray man looked at him with excitement. Otis gave a slight nod in response. ¡°Whoa really?¡± The gray man jumped to his feet and walked into Otis¡¯s cell. ¡°We all saw it fall from the sky. So how¡¯d you do it? Wait. No don¡¯t tell me. Did you stab it in the eye?¡± The gray man paused and shook his head. ¡°No, no too easy for you. Did you like fake your own death after it ate you then so you waited in secret and blew him up from the inside. Ah probably not, probably not. It would be much too hot in a Fire Dragon¡¯s stomach for you to survive. Oh that¡¯s right. I saw magic. You were all pew pew pew then boom.¡± The gray man laughed. ¡°Oh I wished I could have seen its face before it died. I bet it was all Oh No not me how could this happen.¡± The gray man put his hand on his chin in thought. ¡°You know what I would have done?¡± The gray man smiled his eyes looked off into the distance. ¡°I would have staked its claws to the ground. Then I would have taken my favorite knife.¡± The gray man summoned a long golden knife from his bag and sliced the air in front of Otis. ¡°And first I would have cut off its tongue, grilled it and ate it. Then I would have plucked its eyes and made stew for my men. Finally while it still breathed I would have ripped out its heart and I would...no... We would have ate it raw.¡± The gray man looked at Otis again. ¡°But no it exploded, though I am sure you looked cool.¡± He said dryly as the knife vanished from his hand back into his bag. A half smile crossed the gray man¡¯s face. ¡°Violam, I hope you realize the situation you are in. You have no escape but do not despair you will become one of the Farg! Hurray!¡± Otis let out a hoarse laugh. ¡°Why would I become one of the Farg? It doesn¡¯t matter what you I will not join you.¡± The gray man shook his head. ¡°I am afraid you do not have a choice in the matter. I have been at this for a long time and not to brag I am pretty good at it.¡± ¡°At what?¡± Otis watched the small gray lizard man enter the carriage with a plate of food. ¡°At recruitment! Of course.¡± The gray man leaned forward and messed Otis¡¯s hair. ¡°You see this is your situation.¡± He gestured around the cell. ¡°If you accept your situation everything will be much easier for you. You can trust me, I am your friend and friends look out for each other.¡± Otis jerked back away from the gray man''s hand. ¡°You¡¯re not my friend your nuts.¡± The gray man was at a loss. He looked down in a moment of self-reflection. ¡°Nuts huh? Maybe you are right.¡± The gray man ran his chalky hands down the side of his face and stood. Flakes of dried gray skin drifted to the floor. He stared at the boy. Madness flared in his eyes and his face creased in rage. ¡°WHO SAID YOU COULD BRING FOOD IN HERE!¡± The gray man spun around to smash his fist into the lizard man¡¯s face crushing his skull in. The platter of food dropped to the ground and the lizard corpse fell next to it. The gray man stood over the dead lizard breathing heavily, his back to Otis. The room was silent, the only sound was the whimpering from the next cell. The gray man¡¯s breathe calmed as he ran his bloody hand through his black hair. The gray man knelt down to collect the food. He wiped a bloody apple off on his trousers and returned it to the plate. He faced Otis. ¡°Something to eat?¡± He held the plate of food out to the boy. ¡°Go ahead you probably haven¡¯t had anything to eat all day you poor child.¡± He shook the plate to entice Otis to take it. ¡°No? Well I will just set it here for now.¡± The gray man set it on the stool. ¡°I will leave you and your new roomie alone so you can get to know each other a bit better. She doesn¡¯t speak English or Archian so I will leave this book.¡± The gray man summoned a book to his hand and sat it next to the plate. ¡°Don¡¯t leave your food for too long you wouldn¡¯t want bugs to get into it.¡± The gray man exited Otis¡¯s cell and locked the gate. ¡°I will be back later. I have a present for you.¡± He opened the wooden door and hopped down from the carriage. After leaving the carriage the gray man shouted. ¡°Halt. We are resting here for the evening.¡± The carriage and the rumble of movement slowed to a stop. Otis could hear the flurry of activity from the massive group setting up camp. Otis scrambled forward to test the bars. A smile crossed his face. ¡°They are just metal.¡± He stood up hitting his head on the bars above him. He could not stand upright as the cell was a few inches shorter than him. He rubbed his head as he looked to the green woman. She wore a tattered white shift that was stained with blood and her hair was dark and matted. She had her arms wrapped around her knees and her head was down. He picked up the plate of food and walked over to the bars that separated the shared cell. He placed the food in her cell and slid it towards her. ¡°Hey, do you want to get out of here?¡± [Sonashi - Level 25 Farg Recruit] She raised her head just enough to look at Otis. ¡°Go ahead and eat. You look like you need it.¡± Her pale purplish eyes held a vacant expression as he crawled towards the food. Otis watched her eat the food. ¡°She¡¯s so small and frail how could they do this to her? She doesn¡¯t look like she¡¯s ate in weeks. Hey. Hey. Pause to breathe.¡± Otis cast [Holy Healing] on her as she ate. The plate clattered to the ground as she ran to the far side of her cell, her eye wide with fright. She stared at the cell door as if expecting someone to enter. [-345MP] ¡°That¡¯s right she doesn¡¯t understand me.¡± Otis picked up the leather bound book. [Farg Language Tome] ¡°He obviously wants me to read this.¡± He glanced at the small woman once more and sighed. ¡°Why not? It¡¯s not like it won¡¯t help me to know what they are saying.¡± Otis opened the book. A silvery glow surrounded him and he breathed in the knowledge from the tome. [Farg Language Learned] The woman shielded her eyes from the bright light coming from the boy. ¡°I Violam. No hurt. You? Here leave now.¡± Otis attempted to speak his new language. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound right.¡± The words did not come easy to him and his accent sounded harsh to his ears. ¡°No, no, no, no.¡± The woman shook her head, she pushed her back against the wall trying to move as far away from Otis as possible. Otis thought about his words and slowly spoke them. ¡°Please we must leave, he will be coming back soon. I can get us out of here.¡± His accent was still heavy but he was at least understandable. Tears flowed from the woman¡¯s eyes as she pressed even harder against the wall. ¡°No you mustn¡¯t.¡± Otis held his arms out trying to appease her. ¡°Alright. Alright. I will not force you but I have to leave. I promise I will be back to save you.¡± He walked to his cell door. He put his hand on the metal and applied his strength. The deadbolt snapped and the cell door shot open. He stepped through and placed his hand on the carriage door handle. Otis twisted the knob and looked at the green woman one last time. ¡°But who will save you.¡± She whispered as Otis covered himself in shadow and stepped through the door. The smell of filth hit Otis¡¯s nose and dirt filled the air as the Farg Army had trampled over the grasslands. He was surrounded by all kinds of creatures most were gray skinned. Some were short, stocky and looked close to human but many were not. They were much larger than normal humans. They stood at 7 feet with hunched backs, large tusk came up several inches from their lower jaws. Most had no hair but the ones that did the hair was either black or a deep blood red. The Farg army spread for miles in every direction. His carriage looked to be in the middle of the line of carriages that stretched from the front of the army towards the back. To the north tents were being erected. Otis assumed that they were for the commander of the army. Otis scanned through his map. ¡°Looks like the closest way out of the Army is to the south.¡± Otis crept around the campfires that the Farg warriors were building. The ones that had their fires going already had a cast iron pot settled in the flames. Arms and legs of animals they slaughtered hung over the sides of the pots, some were roasted directly over the flame. They hadn¡¯t bothered to skin or dehair the limb they just shoved it, bone and all, into their mouths. Otis heard the sickening crunch as he crossed their camps. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°I should be able to make it to the edge by night fall. All you have to do is take it slow Otis.¡± Just then he felt something warm and slimy under his foot. ¡°Crap!¡± He shouted by reflex. ¡°You!¡± A gray dwarf strode in Otis¡¯s direction. ¡°You, Linnare beast. Come here.¡± The dwarf curled his finger at Otis. [Thyg Palehand - Level 35 Farg Legion] ¡°Yes! This Linnare comes.¡± The panic receded from Otis as he turned to see a lizard man behind him. Otis silently moved to the side to avoid the Linnare. [Kavdiir - Level 36 Farg Legion] The dwarf took out his whip and lashed the Linnare. ¡°When I say to move you better run. Now I need you to find your brothers. Tonight you pest are to guard the gate. The recruitment officers will be back soon and I heard that they had a good bounty this evening. Now hurry to do your work.¡± The dwarf dismissed the Linnare with a wave. ¡°Yes elder race. This Linnare will do as told.¡± The lizard man turned with urgency and walked to the north. After a moment of indecisiveness Otis followed the Linnare. After half an hour they arrived at the Linnare camp. To be careful Otis stayed at a distance only close enough to hear them. The majority of the Linnare sat around their fire but a few were off to the side playing a game with six small bones. ¡°Brothers!¡± The group of Linnare looked to the new arrival. ¡°Tonight we have been ordered to guard the gate.¡± ¡°Gack.¡± They all stood in unison. ¡°It¡¯s that fat dwarf again!¡± One of them shouted. ¡°Yes the fat one gave the order.¡± ¡°Which fat dwarf? All dwarves are fat.¡± The Linnare casually threw the bones on the ground to resume the game. ¡°It was the Palehand.¡± Kavdiir answered. ¡°Gack! I swear one day I will feast on him and use his bones to pick my toes.¡± ¡°Yes but that is not today. Today we must guard the gate. I need 20 volunteers and you Caeanos, so stop gambling and come forward. Count this as a favor because you will lose anyway, you always lose.¡± [Caeanos - Level 26 Farg Legion] ¡°Gack. Brother Kavdiir you miss the point. Don¡¯t I look good with the bones in my hand? It¡¯s all about looking good and you never know this one may win. Can you not imagine how good I will look then? Look at my style as I throw the bones.¡± The bones rolled and settled. Immediately the other three Linnare playing celebrated and greedily grabbed Caeanos¡¯s money. Kavdiir sighed as he watched Caeanos put on his best smile while the others celebrated their newfound riches. ¡°No brother Caeanos I cannot imagine that.¡± ¡°Besides are there no Jaldoon that we can pass this task to.¡± ¡°You know the Farg did not bring any of the Jaldoon species on this deployment. We are the lowest race here and we are lucky to be here to pay towards our race¡¯s blood debt.¡± After the volunteers gathered, Otis and the group made their way through the camp. The group remained silent and upset about their ruined evening until Caeanos broke the silence. ¡°Brother Kavdiir, you should have seen the tail on the female Linnare I met yesterday. Oh the things I would have done to that tail. She had the cutest little spikes on it.¡± His shoulders slumped. ¡°I was supposed to meet her tonight. Gack! The things I would have done to her would have even made the Yilaid blush.¡± ¡°Brother Caeanos this is not the time or place for this but yes I would like you to give me a complete debriefing later.¡± The group of Linnare arrived at an open space in the camp that the Farg turned into a road. On the road were thousands of beasts. Otis and the Linnare approached a dwarf commander. ¡°These Linnare are here for gate guarding.¡± Kavdiir spoke. The dwarf paid no attention the question. ¡°What are those soulless?¡± He pointed at a column of brown eagles that were 5 feet tall. An amalgamation answered. ¡°They are [Superior King Eagles]. My master requested them.¡± ¡°Ah yes Butch likes those. Take them and go to the third column that is Butch¡¯s tent. No No! Not you with the stupid soulless scorpions.¡± The dwarf commander yelled at the group that just entered into the wrong line. ¡°Those go to the Neuromancers! Get in column one before I have you flayed!¡± He turned towards the Linnare. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°Eh...These Linnare are here for gate guarding.¡± Kavdiir spoke once more. ¡°Why are you asking? Stop wasting my time and get into column two.¡± Otis and the Linnare filed into the beast horde and followed it north. ¡°If I had wanted to escape to the south it¡¯s too late now.¡± Otis whispered to himself. He was pressed into the tight line. He spent a majority of his time focusing on maintaining the shadow that covered his body. When they finally reached the command tents Otis almost ran in fright. Dragons, hundreds of them chained to the ground. There were dragons of all kinds with crews of people feeding them or warming them with fire or cooling them with ice. Not all the dragon¡¯s had wings, those seemed to have a lower priority, they were left alone and looked malnourished. Otis noticed a hint of worship that playing in the eyes of the Linnare. The lines split and went in three different directions. His line continued straight forward into an open area. Before they reached the end Otis left the Linnare group. He crouched and ran on the balls of his feet towards a group of supply crates on the eastside of the clearing. He hid behind them and looked down the column to see the Gate. The gate was at least a hundred feet wide but was only about 10 feet tall. Looking at the gate Otis did not see the scorched lands the Farg had just marched across instead it looked like it opened into a modern warehouse. ¡°What the hell is the Farg doing?¡± The gate was split in half, on one side the beasts entered and on the other side supplies came out. Otis watched as a Linnare led a group of children into the portal. The children were not human, most of them were a yellow color and their skin looked slick but before Otis could analyze the situation his thoughts were interrupted. ¡°This one thinks you have seen enough.¡± Otis spun around to see Caeanos. ¡°Oh yes I can see you but why were you following us Linnare.¡± Otis removed his shadow. ¡°I am supervising. I have heard complaints from the dwarf about you and I wanted to observe your work ethic.¡± ¡°Our work ethic? And how was our...work ethic?¡± The last words hung on the Linnare¡¯s tongue. ¡°Superb! In fact I am going to have that fat dwarf whipped.¡± Otis said with an air of arrogance. ¡°So you are going to have a Dwarf whipped for the Linnare?¡± Caeanos raised his reptilian brow eagerly awaiting a response. ¡°Yes of course he will be whipped.¡± ¡°Gack. If only it were true but you cannot trick a trickster.¡± Before Caeanos could finished his sentence Otis kicked him sending him flying through a supply crate. ¡°Intruder!¡± Caeanos yelled as he crawled to his feet. Otis ran to the north trying to escape the camp. Hundreds of Farg surrounded him. He lashed out with hands and feet, killing or maiming a majority of those who entered his path. Otis stumbled forward as a slight pain entered his mind. Each step forward the pain in his mind increased. He looked at his Status Bars they were unaffected and at a 100 percent. His vision blurred, he fell to the ground. He looked up to see a person in a black robe and a white mask walking towards him. Caeanos holding his stomach were Otis had kicked him ran to greet the masked person. ¡°Neuromancer, this Linnare thanks you for your assistance.¡± ¡°Linnare, take this human back to his carriage. He will not be able to resist for an hour. So do it quickly.¡± The Neuromancer said in his low raspy voice. Otis watched helplessly as the black clad man walked away. ¡°It is all over now. Get back to your guard duty.¡± Kavdiir yelled at his Linnare brothers. He and Caeanos lifted Otis up. Caeanos looked at Otis. ¡°You should have not done that. Your recruitment will be much worse now.¡± ¡°I-I should have killed you but you have a date tonight.¡± Otis mumbled as his head bobbled around. ¡°This Linnare is grateful that you did not.¡± The Linnare smiled. ¡°Caeanos does not have a date. He has guard duty.¡± ¡°Does this one look like he is on guard? No. Thanks to the intruder I am free to chase tail.¡± They carried Otis back to the line of carriages and upon their arrival they were directed to the carriage that housed Otis¡¯s cell. They set Otis¡¯s limb body on the straw floor in his cell. ¡°Good luck human. These ones shall see you during your shift work.¡± They closed his cell door. Otis heard the lock sliding into place. The carriage door shut blocking out all light. Otis laid bent in his cell, it was only about five and a half feet long and as wide as the cell door, he could not stretch out. It was the first time he ever wished he was short again. He was too uncomfortable and tense to sleep. ¡°So next time Otis don¡¯t be nosy. You said you were going to go south so just go south.¡± It was three hours before his carriage door opened again. [3:323:18:34:37] The gray man stepped into the carriage and set his lantern on the stool outside the cells. ¡°I try to be respectful, I try to give respect but do I get any in return.¡± He faced the cell next to Otis¡¯s. ¡°Where were you? You are the senior recruit. It is your job to watch over your juniors. Why did you not stop him?¡± The woman was sat silent, her eyes wide with terror and her back pressed firmly against the back of the cell. The gray man sighed. ¡°Beat her, flay her and make sure she learns her lesson.¡± Two short gray Linnare entered into the carriage and then into her cell. ¡°NO NO I DIDN¡¯T DO ANYTHING! NO NO.¡± She screamed attempting to push away their reptilian arms. ¡°Exactly you didn¡¯t do anything.¡± The gray man flatly stated and turned to Otis. ¡°Violam. Tisk Tisk. I told you to accept your situation but did you? So how was your walk in the park?¡± The gray man¡¯s voice was just audible over the woman¡¯s screams. Otis flinched as he heard the dull thud of their fist coming the other cell. ¡°Stop it! It is my fault she had nothing to do with it.¡± ¡°Do not worry. Do not worry. She will be fine, she is a resilient one. But since you two have gotten along so well they will only beat her.¡± The gray man moved the lantern to the floor and sat down on the stool in front of Otis¡¯s cell. The lantern cast the gray man¡¯s shadow over Otis. ¡°So Violam, tell me how you learned our language so quickly? I only gave you the book a few hours ago and here we are having full conversations. You are quite amazing! We are lucky to have you as one of the Farg.¡± ¡°I am not one of the Farg.¡± ¡°Seriously? I thought we were past this, you are a recruit now, and you even went for a stroll through the army. I have to admit we were lucky Gooram was there to make sure things didn¡¯t get out of hand.¡± A man in a white mask and black robe stepped into the carriage. He handed a jar over to the gray man. The woman had stopped crying but the beating hadn¡¯t and Otis was powerless to stop them. [Gooram Saurrage - Level 39 Neuromancer of the Farg Legion] ¡°From now on Gooram will be your carriage¡¯s overseer. You see I am a busy man with lots of things to kill so I cannot always be here to oversee your training. But do not despair I have faith in you Violam.¡± ¡°Now onto more immediate matters. Do you know what this is?¡± The gray man held up the jar he had received. ¡°No¡± Otis whispered. ¡°Oh good. You see this world is really interesting. When we first arrived here we came in contact with the Beastmen. It¡¯s a shame we could not recruit them to the Farg. Instead, like the insects, they fought back.¡± He waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Well long story short we captured them and they resisted their training and by resisted I mean r-e-s-I-s-t-e-d. Unlike you just taking a casual stroll, they got out of their carriages and set supplies on fire and even killed their fellow Farg. It just didn¡¯t make any sense. Come on we are trying to teach them valuable skills here.¡± The gray man paused for a moment. ¡°So we poisoned them. What else could we do? We needed them to relax and be nice guys like you so we could finish their recruitment. But here¡¯s the thing some of them were not affected by the poison after a few days. They just left carriages and made a mess again. I had no choice I killed every last one of them. But oh were they tasty. Right guys?¡± The two Linnare and the Neuromancer nodded in agreement. ¡°Actually we are still eating them. In fact I think you had some for lunch too. It was good right?¡± Otis¡¯s eyes went wide he remembered the limbs he saw in the pots as he walked around the war camp. He felt a mass enter his throat which he forced back down. ¡°We learned our lesson we don¡¯t use poison anymore.¡± The gray man noticed Otis¡¯s expression of doubt. ¡°God¡¯s honest truth we¡¯ve put that poison mess behind us. Luckily when we were fighting the insects we found this.¡± The gray man unscrewed the lid to the jar. He pulled out a long thin insect somewhat like a centipede. It squirmed and bent trying to be released from the gray man''s hand. ¡°I don¡¯t know what these things are called but it seems like they feed on mana and life force. I really wish we had them when we recruiting the Beastmen. It sure would have made it a lot easier. Violam I am not saying I don¡¯t trust you, because I do. I am the only friend you have in the Farg but these guys they see you running around out there, they get a bit anxious, they tense up and I cannot have that so I need you to swallow this bug for me.¡± A pressure filled the carriage as the gray man stepped into Otis¡¯s cage, he could not move or speak. The gray man¡¯s size completely covered Otis, there was nothing but silence, and it seemed the beating had stopped. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. This is for your own good. Trust me.¡± The gray man leaned in and grabbed the boy¡¯s jaw opening his mouth. Tears begin to form in Otis¡¯s eyes as the bug crawled down the boy¡¯s throat and settled into his belly. ¡°See that wasn¡¯t so bad right? Don¡¯t worry in a few days you won¡¯t even notice it.¡± The gray man said as he rubbed Otis¡¯s head. Otis watched his Mana and Stamina decline and as it did weakness spread through his body. They continued to drop until they reached a single point. A golden knife appeared in the gray man¡¯s hand. ¡°Violam, I am sorry but I have to cut you now.¡± ---------------------------------------- I tried to summon my inner Vaas from Farcry 3 to write Edgar. Hope you liked the chapter. Thanks for reading. -yougots Chapter 14: a Barrier, a Broken Leg and a Gentle Thump You can find maps and other things at https://yougots.wordpress.com/. Enjoy. --------------------- A golden knife appeared in the gray man¡¯s hand. ¡°Violam, I am sorry but I have to cut you now.¡± Otis split his mind. Otis, I am going to put up a barrier between us. I will be Violam from now on. You must survive. No, you mustn¡¯t it¡¯s too dangerous. We do not what will happen if we stay separated for too long. A moment of silence passed. I am sorry Otis. The barrier slammed into place between the two minds isolating pain and reality to only one side. The golden knife turned red as it bit into Otis¡¯s flesh, red veins streaked across his skin. Otis¡¯s body tensed it was far worse than any injury he had ever experienced. He clinched his teeth, he refused to scream but after an hour he could no longer resist. It came from deep within him, his screams shook the carriage, and his howls could be heard all through the war camp. A brief moment of shock crossed the gray man''s face. He looked at Violam, his eyes full of concern and with his free hand he patted Violam¡¯s head. ¡°Shush, shush. You are okay. I am here with you.¡± He lifted the knife from Violam¡¯s body. The gray man watched as the skin stitch back together and heal over in a matter of minutes. The gray man¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Violam, you are truly amazing, such an incredible talent. You should be proud of yourself.¡± The gray man lowered the knife and continued to cut into the boy deep into the night. The gray man wiped his bloody hands on his trousers as he stepped out of Violam¡¯s cell. ¡°I think we made some good progress tonight. Soon you will be able to go out and contribute to the Farg Legion. Unfortunately, from here on out your training will slow down as I cannot be here to administer it every night. But rest assured Gooram here will take over and he is a fine trainer.¡± The gray man gestured at the Neuromancer still standing in the carriage. An hour after the group left, Violam began to relax. His body was completely exhausted and he only had one point of stamina. His eyes shut and let sleep take him. Violam felt cold water splash on him. He was jolted awake, he looked at his clock. ¡°It¡¯s only been five minutes.¡± Two short gray Dwarves rushed into his cell. Violam punched one of them in the face but there was no strength behind it, the Dwarf only stumbled backwards a few steps. The second attacker¡¯s kick caught Violam in the stomach, he hunched over and fell to the ground. He felt one of them grab his head. The Dwarf smashed his face into the cell bars. ¡°Now let¡¯s spoil those good looks.¡± Violam felt a knife stab into his shoulder. The dwarf twisted it and broke off the handle. Another knife stabbed into his chest. ¡°You think you¡¯re his favorite? She used to be his favorite too.¡± A fat little fist slammed into Violam¡¯s jaw. He felt it pop out of place. The little beast stepped on Violam¡¯s groin then kneed him in the face. ¡°We are going to ruin you like we ruined her. The Ambassador is not going to recognize you the next time he sees you.¡± Another knife slashed across Violam¡¯s face, the dwarf spun it around then stabbed it into his thigh and broke its handle off leaving a piece behind in the boy. Their attacks were not strong enough to completely drain Violam¡¯s Health due to his regenerative abilities but this was curse and not a blessing. The attacks still hurt and the Dwarves could continue their attacks until they tired themselves out without the worry of killing the boy. The two dwarves spit on Violam. ¡°Don¡¯t get too comfortable we will be back pretty boy.¡± Violam stared at the Dwarf who spoke. He had been the one with the most vicious attacks. [Tharden Knifebreaker - Level 29 Farg Legion] Violam pulled several broken knives out of his body that the Dwarf left behind. ¡°I am going to kill that dwarf.¡± He hid the knives under the straw flooring. ¡°Do not do that!¡± The woman hissed. ¡°You will only make it worse if they find you hiding things.¡± Violam was caught by surprise, he had forgotten her presence. ¡°I am sorry about earlier. I did not want to get you involved.¡± Violam The room was dark again after the attackers left but with his superior vision could see her outline. He watched her turnover and face her back towards him. Her only answer was silence. Violam lowered the barrier between his minds. Violam are you okay? Yes I am fine. If it''s just this much I can handle it. What happened? Otis I don''t want to talk about it. Can we talk about something else? Sure what''s on your mind? Otis laughed. The green woman spoke to me again. Don''t trust her. I know Otis. What did she say? She just warned me about hiding some broken knives. Knives! How did you get knives? Whatever. She might be right. We are very weak right now. Let''s monitor our surroundings first. Remember Milo and the Captains training we need to be calm and make a plan. Fine but I am going to kill that dwarf. Were you even listening to me? Violam don¡¯t do anything rash we just need to find a way out of here. Okay! I am going to sleep. A barrier formed between the two minds silencing Otis from speaking. A few minutes later Violam¡¯s eyes closed. ¡°Hoho. Didn¡¯t I tell you not to relax?¡± Violam¡¯s cell door swung open and the dwarf stepped inside. Violam jumped to his feet and lunged at the dwarf. He brought a broken knife shard down on the side of the dwarf¡¯s neck. The knife shard shattered against the dwarf¡¯s tough gray skin. ¡°Did you think you could stab me with my own knife?¡± The dwarf growled. ¡°I think this calls for something special. Oren bring the [Crippler].¡± He called to someone outside of the carriage. A second dwarf carrying a small hammer entered into the carriage. He handed the hammer to Tharden. ¡°I am going have you sing for me tonight.¡± The Dwarf tossed the hammer from hand to hand. ¡°Oren what do you think? Knees first? Or should I start small? You know fingers, toes then work my way up to the more important parts.¡± Tharden stared at Violam for a moment. ¡°Yeah hold him down let¡¯s start small.¡± The Dwarves came for Violam every time he attempted to sleep. Most times they beat him to an inch of his life but sometimes they beat Sonashi while forcing Violam to watch. The Neuromancer also came several times a day for Violam¡¯s recruitment training. Violam noticed that the Neuromancer always cut the same pattern into his chest but he could never identify what the pattern was. Violam¡¯s regeneration had healed the cuts on his chest but four days into his training a faint scar could be seen. The scar appeared as several tiny jagged gray lines converging together just beneath his sternum. Violam felt a slight throbbing coming from his chest. He opened his eyes it was the first time since his imprisonment that he had a full night''s sleep. [3:319:8:05:12] ¡°Good you are awake. I was afraid I would find you asleep and would have to disturb you myself.¡± Edgar stood outside of Violam¡¯s cell. ¡°I hear your training is coming along splendidly.¡± Edgar wrinkled his nose. ¡°Ugh. I see that the watchers have not cleaned your room in the last few days. Did they not let you out to use the restroom?¡± Violam shook his head. ¡°No.¡± His voice crack as he spoke. His throat was raw from overuse. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I will speak with them and today while you are out I will have them clean this mess. I brought your uniform so you can get out of those rags of yours.¡± Edgar handed Violam a white shift through the cell doors. ¡°Thanks.¡± Violam answered. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Now you two get ready, you have work to do today. Hey don¡¯t look at me like that Violam. I have easy jobs for you guys since it¡¯s your first day of work. You are just going to be loading and unloading supplies. It is tiring work but you will get plenty of breaks.¡± Edgar opened the carriage door. ¡°Oren bring a bucket of water. Good man you have one already.¡± The dwarf handed over the bucket of water. Edgar set it inside the carriage and unlocked the cell doors. ¡°You two get cleaned up and ready for the day. Once you are ready go see the Line Driver. He will assign you to a supply carriage.¡± He stepped outside and shut the carriage door behind him. ¡°I hear you and Tharden have been falling down on your duties.¡± Violam heard a violent beating coming from outside his carriage and a wicked smile crossed his face. ¡°You two will spend your day cleaning the muck out of the carriages.¡± Edgar shouted at the pair of dwarves. Violam cleaned the filth from his body. He felt better than he had in ages even if it was only a few days, to him it had been an eternity. He glanced up and saw Sonashi doing the same thing. Once the grime was cleaned, her light blue hair cascaded down past her slender shoulders. Scars covered her back and legs but it looked like the offender carefully avoided cutting past her neckline. He watched her as she turned. Slim gray scars crisscrossed over her breast and stomach converging towards a point below her sternum. She was not as small as Violam had once thought as she only stood a few inches shorter than him. Violam averted his eyes once he met hers. He felt dirty again for looking at her without permission. ¡°Sorry¡± he whispered. Sonashi continued to wash without acknowledgment of his apology. The two put on the clean shifts that had been given to them and exited the carriage for the first time in four days. The Line Driver was easily located, it was the same Dwarf he had seen directing the road traffic during Otis¡¯s escape attempt. The two waited in line for half an hour until they were in front of the dwarf. ¡°We were told you would assign us to a supply carriage.¡± Violam asked the dwarf. The dwarf ignored them and continued to assign task to the others that were behind them. ¡°Hey! Fat Dwarf! We need our jobs!¡± Violam shouted at the Dwarf. Some of the Linnare who were also being ignored laughed at the dwarf. The Dwarf¡¯s expression twisted. ¡°What did you say you shitty little recruit?¡± The dwarf kicked mud on to Violam¡¯s clean white shift. ¡°I said we need our carriage assignment.¡± ¡°You and your Linnare trash can go to carriage 42!¡± ¡°Gack! These ones are not with the human.¡± ¡°Are you talking back to me? Should I have your entire race whipped?¡± ¡°No these ones will go.¡± Kavdiir spoke up for the group. He stared at Violam and shook his head. The Linnare turned as a group and walked away from the Line Driver. Violam and Sonashi followed the group. One of the Linnare dropped back to walk next to Violam. ¡°It is good to see that you are still living human.¡± ¡°Hello again Caeanos. How did your date go?¡± Violam asked without looking at the Linnare. ¡°Gack! She stood me up. She went with another Linnare, she said his horn is bigger than mine. This one told her it¡¯s not about size it is about style. Tell me does my horn not look good?¡± Caeanos pointed at the small horn that protruded out from above the Linnare¡¯s left brow. Violam looked at the horn. ¡°Hmm maybe that¡¯s not the horn she was referring too.¡± Sonashi snorted a silent laugh before returning to her somber appearance. ¡°Human, what other horn could she be referring to?¡± Violam glanced towards Sonashi and she casually looked the other direction like she was oblivious to their conversation. ¡°Umm. Probably the horn between your legs.¡± Violam hesitated then responded. ¡°This one does not have one between his legs.¡± Caeanos¡¯s carelessly answered. ¡°Well then there¡¯s your answer.¡± A large grin covered Violam¡¯s face. It felt good to smile once again, for some reason he wasn¡¯t worried about being beaten or what he had gone through for the last few days. He was just happy to be outside. Caeanos looked down in confusion but before he could say anything he was interrupted. ¡°Are all dwarves so hateful?¡± Violam asked. Kavdiir looked back to answer. ¡°Yes and it is not good that you antagonize them human. They will make life hard on you. That is their job. But I doubt you have a choice because I see that the Neuromancer still follows you around.¡± ¡°What does that have to do with anything?¡± Kavdiir slowed to walk next to Violam¡¯s group. His brow rose as he began to speak. ¡°You haven¡¯t noticed? Violam squinted his eyes as he thought about the Linnare¡¯s question. ¡°Notice what?¡± ¡°You humans are not that bright are you? Since you have arrived have you not been more reckless? Do you not feel relaxed and at ease even though you are stuck in the middle of a war camp filled with death and shit? Did you not even noticed those ones being killed as we spoke together? Did you not know you have been smiling ever since you left your carriage?¡± The smile left Violam¡¯s face at once, he looked around to observe his surroundings. He finally heard the crack of the whips and the beast being slaughter. His [Aura Sense] came screaming to the front of his mind but since his time stuck in the forest surrounded by monster he had learned to push this sense back so it would not overwhelm him. ¡°Oh what the hell is that smell?¡± Kavdiir and Caeanos smiled. ¡°That is you. Did you think that dwarf just kicked mud on you?¡± Caeanos answered. ¡°Well there is nothing you can do about the Neuromancer. It is already inside your mind just try to keep your senses.¡± Kavdiir picked up his pace to catch up with the group of Linnare. ¡°Why are you telling me this? I haven¡¯t done anything to help you.¡± ¡°Caeanos told this one that you would whip all the dwarves for the Linnare. The Linnare are currently the lowest race in the war camp. These ones stick close to those who would help us as there are not many in this place.¡± Kavdiir did not look back as he caught up with the other Linnare. ¡°We should pick up our pace to reach carriage 42 before we are whipped to death as well.¡± Caeanos also strode forward to catch up to the group of Linnare. ¡°What do you think of them Sonashi?¡± Violam asked the green woman next to him. Silence was her only response. ¡°Yes, my thoughts exactly. We will have to keep a close eye on them before we trust them.¡± Sonashi looked at Violam her eyes went wide in surprise. ¡°What? You didn¡¯t know my superpower is that I can read minds?¡± Sonashi still didn¡¯t respond only frowned at Violam. He sped up to catch up to the group as well leaving the girl to stare at his back. After speaking with Kavdiir, Violam was now more aware of his surroundings. ¡°I am going to have to keep my mind clear.¡± He whispered to himself. ¡°Though I do wish I could block out the stink and screams once again.¡± The group approached the Dwarf standing outside carriage 42. ¡°These ones are assigned to carriage 42.¡± ¡°Good. Start loading the supplies into the carriage we will begin moving soon. You guys picked a good one. This happens to be the busiest carriage of the lot since it is in the middle of the formation.¡± Violam looked at the carriage. It was more than twice as large as all the other carriages he had seen. He and Sonashi followed the Linnare to the back of the carriage. The Dwarf stepped in front of the pair. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going human? I heard you caused my friends some trouble. You and your little friend here are going to be pulling. Go get in the chains.¡± ¡°No, Edgar said we are on supply duty.¡± Violam stated. ¡°Do you see the Ambassador anywhere? Besides you are on supply duty. You have the duty of pulling the supplies. Now go before I make a eunuch out of you then make you pull the supplies.¡± The Dwarf cracked his whip to show that he was serious. Kavdiir caught Violam¡¯s eye. He shook his head and mouthed the word ¡°no¡± as he gestured them to the front of the carriage. Violam took his advice, he and Sonashi advanced towards the front of the carriage. On the ground laid two large chains. Violam fitted his around his waist. He looked over to Sonashi, she had done the same but the chains made her look tiny by comparison. One link was as wide as her entire waist. ¡°Sona, if you need help let me know.¡± Sonashi looked like she had just ate something sour. ¡°If you don¡¯t like your new nickname just speak up. Three...Two...One. Looks like you like it. I will call you Sona from now on.¡± Her mouth dropped open, her eyebrow twitched in irritation. She hadn¡¯t even had a moment to speak before Violam stopped counting. ¡°Get to work!¡± A whip slashed across Violam¡¯s back. ¡°Start pulling!¡± Violam stepped forward until the chains went taut. He stepped again as Milo had taught him, he felt his connection to the ground and drew that energy through his body to pushed himself forward. The carriage inched forward as well then began rolling. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Monster¡± Sonashi whispered as she saw Violam pull away. The dwarf¡¯s mouth gaped open. He had intended to use a beast to pull first to get the momentum going like they always had in the past. He made them pull first so he would get the chance to whip them. The dwarf shook himself out of his shock. ¡°Get moving girl! Or do you want to taste my whip!¡± After a few steps Violam gain a [Stamina] point. His Stamina did not drop back to one instead it stayed at two. One more stamina point made a world of difference to Violam. He no longer felt weary and his muscles regained their strength. Violam gained [Stamina], [Strength] and [Agility] as he pulling the carriage through the day. He and Sonashi pulled without break, food and water for hours. During this time Violam slipped into his own thoughts. He felt the energy he had used to pull the carriage. It traced it back to the ground her was walking. It was just a faint trickle of energy his bare feet were pulling from the earth. He did not know how he did it but he felt there was a separate source of energy or mana in the ground. He wanted to reach down and harness that power except there was some intangible barrier that stopped him. Horns blew a signal across the camp. A flurry of commotion erupted in the marching war camp. ¡°Keep pulling! It¡¯s just a bug attack. Our front lines will soon destroy them.¡± The Dwarf shouted and cracked his whip. Violam looked over to Sonashi, her eyes were almost shut and her face was pale. ¡°Girl! I said keep pulling!¡± The Dwarf yelled. ¡°I don¡¯t think she is going to make it.¡± Violam shouted back at the Dwarf. ¡°She hasn¡¯t eaten anything in a few days. The girl stumbled and swayed to the side. ¡°I said keep pulling!¡± The Dwarf¡¯s whip slashed across her back. Sonashi fell to the side in the mud. ¡°Get up and Pull!¡± He cracked the whip again, this time it landed across Violam¡¯s back who had covered the girl. ¡°She¡¯s passed out you fool! She hasn¡¯t had anything to eat or drink in days.¡± ¡°You dare talk back to me! Who said you could stop pulling?¡± The Dwarf ran over to kick Violam. His boot landed on the side of Violam¡¯s head. Violam¡¯s head did not move an inch, instead he gathered energy from the ground and pushed it through himself as he head butted the boot. The Dwarf flew away from the boy coming to a rolling stop on the ground. ¡°I will pull for the both of us.¡± Violam said as wrapped a second set of chains around himself. He stood and lifted the girl up. The Dwarf hurried himself to his feet, he looked at Violam with fear in his eyes. ¡°Good. Well then I expect you to pull at double speed!¡± The Dwarf limped away to the back of the carriage. Violam moved forward drawing the carriage with him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Sona I got you.¡± Violam whispered to the girl in his arms. Violam pulled the carriage the rest of the day, he never saw the dwarf again until the war camp stopped moving for the day. ¡°Halt!¡± The order echoed down from the front lines. Violam stopped pulling the carriage and removed the chains from his waist. ¡°You two go back to your carriage.¡± The Dwarf looked at them with fear and disdain. After he looked away he began to order a new group to deploy tents and withdraw supplies. ¡°Come. These ones will show you where to get food.¡± Kavdiir limped towards Violam. The Linnare looked whipped and beaten. They were haggard and could barely stand. ¡°What happened to you guys?¡± ¡°Carriage 42 is the most used and important. It carries weapons for the front lines. New ones go in and other are sent to the frontlines. We carried supplies to the front lines for hours without break. As for the injuries, what did you think would happen when you broke the fat dwarf¡¯s leg?¡± Caeanos clasped his hand on Violam on his shoulder before he could apologize. ¡°Do not worry. It was pleasant to see him in such pain. Can you imagine him hobbling on a fat broken leg all day? It was quite excellent.¡± A wicked smile crossed the other Linnare¡¯s faces as they remembered the dwarf crying out in pain as they marched forward. ¡°Come. You are still a recruit and cannot be out for long after the march has stopped.¡± Violam followed Caeanos and the others to the mess tent. He was served what looked to be a bowl of brown porridge with several chunks of questionable meats and a small canteen of water. He had attempted to get a second serving for Sonashi but was unsuccessful. They would only serve the ones who could eat. If they were not conscience they got no food. Violam left the Linnare at the mess tent and went back to his own carriage. He had committed its location to memory as he had tried to map out the entire war camp in his mind. The mini map in the lower right of his vision did not show the soldiers, carriages or tents. It only displayed the terrain and the river that the war camp was approaching. Violam set Sonashi down in her cell. It had been cleaned like Edgar said it would. Violam looked at the unlock door to their carriage and lit the lantern that the dwarves must have left behind. He then looked back down at the girl. She was dirty and bruised from the chains and beatings. He looked at the door one more time. ¡°There will be other chances to get away.¡± Violam sat next to the girl and leaned her up against the wall. ¡°Sonashi, I need you to drink some water.¡± She resisted the water at first but soon she began to gulp it down by instinct. Her eyes were still shut when Violam pulled the water away. He grabbed a spoonful of porridge and fed the girl. This was the first time he could really see her face, he had never noticed her sharp fangs before or the scar that ran across her nose on to her left cheek. She slowly opened up her eyes. It took a moment for to register that Violam was sitting next to her. She panicked and weakly attempted to push the spoon away. ¡°You need to eat. Just let me feed you a bit and when you¡¯re strong enough you can do it yourself.¡± She continued to weakly push his hand away. ¡°Where is yours?¡± She whispered. ¡°Sona, I am touched I didn¡¯t know you cared so deeply about me.¡± Violam pushed through her hand and fed her another spoonful. She rolled her eyes in response. ¡°Do not worry. I already ate mine and this is yours.¡± ¡°H-How long have I been out?¡± She asked. ¡°A few hours I guess. Get some rest while you can. I do not know how long until they come for us again.¡± Sonashi nodded. ¡°I think I can feed myself now.¡± Violam handed her the food and moved over to his cell. A few minutes passed before Sona spoke again. ¡°I was a priestess in my village before they took me. Well a priestess-in-training. Their ships landed near my village. We didn¡¯t...They just...They burned everything, our homes, crops, animals, pets, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters unless you were gifted. If you had magical powers they put you in a cage on one of their ships. Like you were livestock or property.¡± Sona sat in silence, she looked down at her empty bowl. The lantern light flickered and danced across the tears that ran down her cheeks. ¡°There was another that was taken from my village. She was just a little girl 6 or 7 years of age. I told her the same things you told me when you first got here. I told her do not worry we will be okay, just stay strong and I will protect you. I will save you. It was all such a lie. She died just like I am going to, in this rotten cage covered in my own filth. Violam you cannot save me any more than I could save her. Thank you for today but I will watch out for myself.¡± She put down the empty bowl and rolled to her side with her back facing the boy. ¡°Well there isn¡¯t much I can tell you then except we will get out of here. One way or another. Though I do think we made some progress today. You spoke more than one word to me and actually used my name. Maybe tomorrow you will grace me with a smile and the day after that you will speak sweet nothings into my ear.¡± Violam faked a yawn and a stretch that his small cell would never allow. Sonashi snorted a response. ¡°Not likely.¡± ¡°Oh but I can dream.¡± The carriage door opened and Tharden stepped into the room, the [Crippler] hung off his belt. ¡°What do you want dwarf!¡± Violam shot to his feet but stay crouched to avoid hitting his head. ¡°Now that¡¯s the spirit.¡± Edgar stepped in after the dwarf. ¡°So how was your day at work? My father always said manual labor builds character.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t complain.¡± The boy responded. ¡°Is that so? I heard you caused a disturbance at carriage 42. Violam I thought we put that all behind us. You know this is a well-oiled machine. We cannot have anything breaking on us especially legs. I know the Dwarves can be a bit rough at times but they are good guys each and every last one of them. They are good fighters, intelligent and industrious. So when I hear that you assaulted one of my Supply Masters it makes me VERY UPSET!¡± A pressure slammed down on Violam¡¯s mind. The boy¡¯s eyes rolled up as he fell to his knees. His body spasmed as his face turned purple and veins bulged in his neck. ¡°No you¡¯re killing him!¡± Sonashi shouted. Edgar snarled at the girl before regaining his composer. He released the pressure, Violam¡¯s body went limp and he fell into the straw. The boy quickly came back to his senses, he sat up and wiped the blood from his nose. ¡°Sorry about that. I seemed to have lost myself there, pressures of war I guess. This is what happens when you cause problems. You make me have to punish you.¡± Edgar sighed and took a moment before he continued. ¡°Now it seems like you have regained much of your energy. Which is surprising because these little Moochers, as I like to call them, are supposed to last a full 10 days but you need a new one after 4.¡± Edgar held up Moocher centipede. ¡°Now say ahhhhh.¡± The Dwarf rushed in to hold the dazed Violam. Edgar stared into Violam¡¯s eyes as he forced the bug down his throat. He didn¡¯t use his pressure on Violam this time. This time he had wanted to see Violam struggle. Edgar pushed the boy¡¯s mouth shut. Violam attempted to push the bug back but it crawled down his throat just the same. He felt all the strength and stamina he had gained that day being taken from him. ¡°Good boy. Now on to Sonashi.¡± Edgar looked at the girl in the next cage. ¡°So you were not able to complete your job again. I was told Violam here carried you all day. Since I want to encourage that sort of camaraderie here I am not going to send you to the stockades again. You do remember what happens in the stockades right?¡± Sonashi violently nodded her head. ¡°Good. I still have to punish you though. Tomorrow you two will go to the execution grounds before your supply duty. Hopefully that will remind you what happens to those who do not work.¡± Edgar turned to face Violam. ¡°And to those cowards who dare to desert the Farg Legion. In fact you two will go every morning until we reach the river. Okay.¡± Edgar brushed his hands on his trousers. ¡°No training tonight since you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow. Use this time to get some rest.¡± Edgar left the carriage locking the carriage door behind him. The Dwarf stepped into Violam¡¯s cage. ¡°You like breaking legs, huh? How about I break both of yours a hundred times a piece.¡± He hefted his one handed hammer up. ¡°I doubt you can get it up for that long dwarf.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll regret that human!¡± The dwarf lunged at Violam. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Violam¡¯s knee caught the Tharden in the jaw. The dwarf stumbled against the bars but not before he hammered the side of the boy¡¯s head. ¡°No you won¡¯t. Not after you ate the bug.¡± Tharden stood over the boy, his gaze full of hatred. ¡°I am going to enjoy this.¡± The next morning Violam and Sonashi left their carriage before dawn. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s this way and why is it so early?¡± Violam asked. ¡°Yes, I am sure. The execution grounds are always in the same location no matter how many times we move. Executions are a sort of entertainment for the soldiers and workers. So the Ambassador wants to make it easily accessible. As to why it is so early. I guess nothing beats a good bloodletting in the morning. Any ways we are almost there. Don¡¯t do anything stupid, just do as I do.¡± ¡°Yes ma¡¯am!¡± A dragon¡¯s roar bellowed ahead of them. ¡°Looks like it has already started but we¡¯re are not too late they are still feeding prisoners to the dragons.¡± ¡°Feeding?¡± Violam asked incredulously. ¡°Yes, that is how the executions start.¡± They approached a ring made of wooden stakes just in time to see a land dragon rip a humanoid insect in half. A few others Insect men had retreated to the back of the ring. ¡°What are those people? I have never seen them before and why do they have to fight a land dragon?¡± Violam asked as he watched another yellow and black man with slick shiny skin attempt to fight off the land dragon with only a dull spear. ¡°They call themselves the Grak. They are the insects that have been attacking us as we move south. You see their shiny skin? It¡¯s actually a hard carapace. It took a while for our armorers to develop weapons that would actually break through it.¡± Sonashi yelled over the noise. ¡°And the Dragons?¡± Violam yelled. ¡°What about them? Oh well since they cannot fly we don¡¯t feed them regularly. I guess our commanders don¡¯t care enough about them so this is the only way they get to eat. Hurry we need to get in line before the real executions start.¡± Sonashi grabbed Violam¡¯s hand and pulled him along the perimeter until they reached a short line of mixed Farg races. ¡°What are we doing here?¡± ¡°The Ambassador sent us here. Do you think it only wants us to watch? No, we must also perform.¡± Violam did not respond, he did not know how to. He did not want to execute anyone and definitely not this early in the morning. He just hoped that he was assigned a dwarf. Sonashi was next in line. She walked out on to the execution grounds. Her gait was stiff and rigid she looked almost professional. ¡°She¡¯s had to do this before.¡± Violam whispered to himself. Violam looked into her eyes they were glossy and lifeless. ¡°Bring out the next line!¡± The tall gray Ogrite yelled. Ten male and female of various races were marched out on the execution grounds. The Ogrite handed Sonashi a golden knife. ¡°Begin!¡± He yelled. Without hesitation Sonashi slashed the first two¡¯s throat. The third and fourth got messier as she stabbed each of them several times in the chest. She was not very tall so the green and red blood splashed out across her face. It drained down onto her white shift. She didn¡¯t stop. She smiled as she dispatched the next few by stabbing them through the eye, she wiggled the knife around for good measure. The last remaining execution was a woman. Violam couldn¡¯t watch but he heard the screams they lasted for at least 30 minutes. The Ogrite had to smash the woman¡¯s head just so they could finally move onto the next series of executions. Sonashi laughed as she was dragged off the execution grounds. It took a few minutes to clean up Sonashi¡¯s mess. ¡°Come on boy you¡¯re up.¡± The Ogrite called Violam into the execution grounds. ¡°This your first time?¡± ¡°Y-yes.¡± Violam hesitantly answered. ¡°Alright. It doesn¡¯t matter how you kill them as long as you kill them. You got that!¡± He did not wait for Violam¡¯s answer. ¡°We got a first timer! Bring out the next line!¡± He handed Violam the golden knife. Violam felt a gentle thump coming from his chest as he watch the twenty or so prisoners come out. He recognized a few in the line. They were Linnare in Kavdiir¡¯s group. ¡°What have they done?¡± Violam asked the Ogrite. ¡°That is none of your concern. Just get the job done or you will be joining them.¡± Violam stepped in front of the first person in line. It was a Linnare. ¡°Please give this one and this one¡¯s brothers a quick death.¡± Violam did not say anything. The gentle thump in his chest picked up its pace. The point on his chest below his sternum called to him. It cried out for death, it cried out for blood. The world was dyed red. The thumping in his chest roared in his ears, its madness consumed him. He could hear the screams but he could not tell whose screams they were. He could vaguely tell that he himself was screaming or was he laughing. It didn¡¯t matter. What mattered was blood and death and hate. [Active Skill: Bloodrage Learned] ------------------------------------- Thanks for reading. Chapter 15: an Execution, a Supply Crate and a Commander Woohoo another chapter done. FYI Next weeks Chapter of Lost Child may be a little late. I want to go back and revise earlier chapters. I also want to work on a few GIM chapters (my other story). My goal is to get GIM on a regular schedule. You can find it and other things on yougots.wordpress.com. Thanks for reading I hope you enjoy. ---------------------------------- ¡°What have I done?¡± Violam stepped back in horror and dropped the bloodied knife into the dirt. The line of prisoners had been executed, the blood was everywhere and it was so much blood. Violam never realized just how much there was inside the body. Their bodies were mangled and crudely ripped apart. A majority of them were not even recognizable. Violam looked to the Ogrite who monitored the execution grounds. All he saw was another dead headless body. Twenty armored guards entered the grounds and encircled the boy. They had their swords at the ready. A touch of fear ran in their eyes. ¡°Have you calmed?¡± The largest Ogrite asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Violam despondently answered. ¡°Congratulations on your first execution!¡± The guards lowered their weapons and their Captain¡¯s mouth widened into a smile. He walked forward and clasped his hand on Violam¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s a shame about Orlek but it happens. He knew the risks when he took this job. Follow us we will take you out of the arena. Don¡¯t be shocked by our fellow Farg. They tend to get excited after particularly good executions.¡± The guards led Violam out of the Execution grounds and through the crowd that had gathered for the this morning''s execution. They cheered when they saw Violam, many slapped him on the back when he passed. ¡°Best execution I have seen in ages!¡± One of the Dwarves yelled. Others ran up to shake Violam¡¯s hand. Violam pushed through the crowd until he met up Sonashi. Her eyes were filled with pity as she looked at him. ¡°How are you?¡± She asked. Violam did not answer her. He kept his eyes on the ground as they turned towards Carriage 42. After a few minutes of walking he broke their silence. ¡°I couldn¡¯t control myself, I just felt anger and rage. I had to kill them there was no other option. I don¡¯t even remember doing it.¡± Violam had not raised his head to speak he just kept walking forward as he rubbed his arms. His hands and body were shaking. ¡°The first time is always like that. The bloodrage is all consuming, though from the sounds of it yours was a bit more destructive. It will get easier.¡± ¡°How can it get easier? What if I don¡¯t want it to become easier?¡± ¡°We will be doing this the next few days so you will have no choice eventually it will get easier. Then after a while you will start to remember what you have done.¡± Her voice trailed off into a whisper as she was speaking. ¡°It must be hard on you. How many executions have you done?¡± He asked her. ¡°I don¡¯t know. When I see the memories I try to tell myself that it isn¡¯t me, it¡¯s someone else but you can only fool yourself for so long.¡± Sonashi grabbed Violam¡¯s arm to stop him from walking any further and looked up into his eyes. Her eyes red and raw, she had been crying after the executions. ¡°Now when I hear that I am going to be an executioner I get excited. All that strength all that power. The night before I cannot sleep, I cannot wait to let out all my hate and all my pain. In the morning I am happy. I want to inflict that misery on another. It is the only time I am happy while I am here. They are turning me into one of them I can feel it.¡± Violam brushed back the free strands of hair that lay across Sonashi¡¯s face. His hand slide down past her high pointed ear to rest on the side of her neck. ¡°No, you are just doing what you can to survive. You are just doing what you have to and I am going to do everything I can to make sure that we do survive.¡± Sonashi slowly took his hand from her neck and lowered it. She paused for a moment before letting it go. ¡°We should go. We do not want to be late to the supply carriage.¡± She pushed past Violam and he turned to follow her to their work. ¡°You¡¯re late! Get to the front of the carriage before I whip you.¡± The fat supply master yelled. Violam finally decided to learn the fat little monster¡¯s name since this is his job for now. [Doltharm Caskcrag - Level 27 Farg Legion] ¡°Doltharm, we were at the executions this morning and we just finished.¡± Violam answered the dwarf. ¡°You dare talk back!¡± He unraveled his whip. ¡°I got a new whip just to shut your pretty mouth.¡± The whip slashed across the boy¡¯s chest. Violam stumbled back his chest burned. If his shift wasn¡¯t covered in blood from the executions he would have noticed the fresh stain. ¡°I call it the [Cruel Ripper as you can see the tail has these little barbs and hooks just for ripping your flesh.¡± ¡°Yeah it is a nice little toy. By the way how¡¯s the leg? Tharden said you squealed like a stuck pig when they were healing it yesterday.¡± ¡°How dare you!¡± Doltharm whipped Violam again. ¡°Get to the front of the carriage and you girly you are supply duty. He pulls alone today.¡± Doltharm followed Violam to the front of the carriage. Violam winced in pain as the chain settled over his fresh wounds. ¡°Hurry I do not have all day.¡± The whip fell across his back, the chains caught him as he fell forward. Violam pushed forward pulling the massive carriage. The day past, Violam pulled for hours without rest and endured a countless number of lashes. He had also gained [Stamina], [Strength] and [Agility] attribute points but decided against showing his increased abilities. He feared Edgar would make him ingest another Moocher that would rob him of his power. So over the next two days he kept a low profile. In the night he was visited by the Neuromancer Gooram for his recruit training. He was thankful for the pain. It kept his thoughts from drifting to the morning executions. He may not remember what he had done but that still did not lessen the fact that he had done it. He killed those prisoners for no other reason than that he was told to kill them. ¡°Violam, it is time to wake up. Did you get any sleep last night?¡± Sonashi shook Violam¡¯s lifeless body. ¡°No I feel like that Gooram bastard just stopped my training a few minutes ago.¡± ¡°Come. Let¡¯s go to the execution grounds.¡± The two left for the execution grounds for the fourth time. The sun had not risen yet so they made it to the execution grounds quickly. ¡°There is no line today.¡± Violam approached the fenced in arena with uncertainty. ¡°It looks like it is just us. Wait here I will go check with the..." Before Sonashi could finish speaking an Ogrite guard called out to them. ¡°Good you two are here! Hurry everyone is waiting.¡± ¡°What is going on?¡± ¡°No more questions just get in the arena.¡± The guard grabbed Violam¡¯s arm and pulled him along towards the entrance of the arena. ¡°Get in and do your job. Your fans are waiting.¡± The guard pushed Violam through the gate. The guards did not follow him into the arena anymore after his first execution. The prisoners were already in the arena and this time there were at least hundred prisoners. Many of them were bound in chains but Violam could see some who were unbound and in those there were a few with weapons. Violam surveyed the crowd. This was the largest crowd he had seen during his executions. They openly cheered and awaited the bloodshed. He heard people taking bets on whether he would survive this execution. ¡°Do they want to kill me?¡± Violam said to himself. In the center of the crowd there stood a raised platform. The Ogrite Captain and his guards stood on that podium above the crowd. ¡°Prisoners! Only today! If you can kill the Executioner you will be set free!¡± Violam¡¯s blood began to boil, his heart pumped red hot fury into his veins. The spot on the center of his chest pounded, it boomed in his ears blocking out the cheers from the crowd. ¡°How dare you even think they could kill me! I will kill you all!¡± Violam pointed at the Captain standing above him and the crowd. ¡°Captain I will come for you last!¡± Violam did not wait for a response or the announcement to begin He darted between a column of prisoners. Before the prisoners could react several of them had their heads twisted in an odd directions. Violam dodged many of the charging prisoners until he arrived at his target. A giant gray Ogrite prisoner holding a short sword. The Ogrite raised his sword to slash down on the boy. Violam stepped to the side of the downward slash, he grabbed the giant¡¯s sword arm and spun around his enemy. As he twisted himself around the Ogrite, its arm snapped from being bent in the wrong direction. Violam brought the Ogrite¡¯s massive arm up and pushed the sword through the back of the Ogrite¡¯s neck. The sword emerged from the victim''s mouth, the Ogrite had been impaled with his own sword. Violam ripped the sword from the dead giant''s head. Its blood sprayed forward drenching the oncoming prisoners. [Bloodrage Activated] Violam felt power from the unknown source located at the bottom of his sternum rush into his blood. Violam¡¯s veins pulsed at the top of his skin as they circulated this power and fed it to his muscles. His vision faded and his conscience dimmed. He was vaguely aware that his body was still moving. He felt himself falling asleep and figured he would just let it happen. He knew that when he awoke all the prisoners would be dead just like they had the last three mornings. [Level 25] Violam¡¯s vision cleared and his consciousness woke. He was still not in control of his body it was still moving without thought based purely on instinct. Violam attempted to assert control over his actions but failed. He was met with a raging mass of hate. It felt like an inferno that would burn through his mind and scorch his soul. He watched as his body ripped off a head of a prisoner who was no longer fighting back. In the time that he lost his vision the battle had turned. The prisoners were no longer charging him instead they ran in fear or cowered in fear. ¡°Cowards they deserve to die as prisoners. They dared to think they could fight me and they have already given up. Pathetic they won¡¯t even fight to the death they would rather be slaughtered.¡± He thought in his mental space. A fine thread of rage splintered from the burning mass in his mind. It flowed towards him fusing with his consciousness. ¡°They deserve to be slaughtered.¡± Violam accepted the rage. It just wanted to be used, it just wanted an outlet. He agreed with the unknown source they just need to be slaughtered. They all just needed to be slaughtered. He allowed it to temper his mind and body. The dam withstanding the power broke. A rushing flood of power, hate and anger ran through his body. The roiling mass in his mind fed more and more of its corruption into Violam. Violam¡¯s body stopped moving. The fifty prisoners that were left scattered and attempted to run to safety. The crowd celebrated and cheered while watching the chaos in the arena until the boy stopped. He stood silent in the center of the blood soaked arena. The moment of silence turned into a minute. The crowd begin to boo and complain. Their entertainment was no longer entertaining. The Captain on the podium looked disturbed by the boy¡¯s actions. No one can resist the bloodrage so he did not understand why he had stopped. ¡°Recruit! Continue with the executions or be judged a coward and become a prisoner yourself!¡± Violam recovered the control over his body. He looked up at the Captain standing on top of the podium. Violam did not hesitate, he leaped from the ground and ignored the remaining prisoners. Violam soared above the Captain¡¯s head. The Captain did not have time to raise his hands let alone a sword. Violam brought his fist down like a hammer connecting with the top of the Captain¡¯s defenseless head. His head was smashed in and his body collapsed with little resistance. The platform that held the Captain, the guards and some of the spectators collapsed from the blow and fell forward into the arena. Violam leaped back to the ground, avoiding the falling timbers that crushed some of the guards and spectators. ¡°Captain it looks like I lied. I did not save you to the end after all.¡± Violam¡¯s green eyes had a flicker of a red flame as his rage boiled over. ¡°To the rest of you that have entered into my arena. You are all now my prisoners. Please do not die until I am satisfied.¡± Violam exploded forward ripping and smashing his way through the remaining living prisoners inside the arena. After leaving the execution grounds he had calmed and no longer felt the need to kill even though his veins and muscles still burned with power. As he calmed the power lessened but he knew he could summon it again if he needed too. His [Bloodrage] skill had not deactivated but he was not sure if he wanted it to. To him it felt good to have some power. To have some control over his life. If he could hold on to this power he would even if that meant pain and overwhelming anger. It was a small price to pay to have some power again. Violam found Sonashi outside of the arena. They silently walked towards their supply carriage. ¡°Sona are you frightened of me?¡± Violam watched her tremble as she turned to respond. ¡°N-no. What happened out there? You just went crazy and killed all those guards. I thought you were going to keep a low profile. I am not afraid of you. I am afraid of what the Ambassador is going to do when he hears about this.¡± ¡°I have a feeling his is going to be happy rather than angry. Sona I can control it. I can control the [Bloodrage] state.¡± ¡°No. Violam no one controls the [Bloodrage] they just think they do. Not even the Ambassador can control it.¡± Violam laughed. ¡°Would you believe that I am still in it?¡± Sonashi stopped walking. She stared at Violam looking for the madness of the [Bloodrage]. ¡°Violam just be careful.¡± ¡°If you two flirt any more these ones will be sick.¡± A Linnare walked up besides Violam. ¡°Caeanos do not be mad because you cannot get a girlfriend.¡± Violam answered back even though his eyes were still on Sonashi. ¡°Gack! I too can find a girlfriend. It is just none match up to my style.¡± ¡°Who said I am your girlfriend?! Why would I be with this weird brown haired freak?!¡± Sonashi blushed as she looked away. Caeanos had his four fingered hand on his chin as he thought aloud. ¡°She is correct your hair does not have style.¡± ¡°Wait so now not only is my hair weirdly brown it also lacks style. Kavdiir tell them that they are crazy.¡± ¡°It is true your hair is fine. This one thinks it is the rest of you that is ugly.¡± ¡°I see what is going on here. You are all against me now. Well if that is how it is going to be don¡¯t come asking me for any favors.¡± Their small group approached carriage 42. The fat supply master had his whip at the ready and awaited their arrival. The mere appearance of this creature caused annoyance to flare in Violam¡¯s mind. The Dwarf scowled at them. He did not like their attitudes always chatting and wasting time. It infuriated him. Before they arrived he decided he would put an end to it today. He was going to finally break that damn human. The human was the source of all the problems. The others gathered around him because he was strong the Dwarf thought. Today Doltharm was going to show all of them that there was no hope. ¡°You all certainly look relaxed. I cannot believe I am stuck with such a lazy group. Not only do I have the put up with the shitty lizards I have the most worthless recruits.¡± As Doltharm walked up to the group he spoke again. ¡°Then there is this bitch. She is weak and useless. Why she is even allowed to live I will never understand.¡± Sonashi screamed as the Dwarf grabbed her hair and pulled her towards him. ¡°Maybe it is because the Ambassador likes the taste of her.¡± He said into her ear before he threw her into the mud. The fat supply master licked his lips as he undid his pants. ¡°Human watch closely as I take your girly.¡± Violam gave into the rage. ¡°Kavdiir be lookout while I take of some things.¡± Violam strode over to the Dwarf. He grabbed the back of the Dwarfs collar. Violam dragged the short fat little monster up the ramp and into the supply carriage. Doltharm struggled against Violam¡¯s grasp to get free but the boy''s grip was immovable. Violam threw the little beast against a crate. Before the Dwarf could scream out Violam leaned in close to the Dwarf¡¯s face. ¡°You realize I am going to kill you right? So you have two choices attempt to flee. There in which I will make it more painful or you can resign yourself right now and just get it over with.¡± ¡°Just...just do it.¡± Doltharm cried. ¡°That''s the spirit.¡± Violam grabbed the supply master¡¯s whip and unraveled it. At this moment Caeanos and Sonashi ran into the supply carriage. The Dwarf¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°You said you be quick!¡± Violam looked at Doltharm strangely. ¡°I never said I would be quick or painless, only less painful but believe me there will be pain.¡± He wrapped the [Cruel Ripper] around the Dwarfs neck. Violam then strung it up so that Doltharm could only stand on the tips of his toes. ¡°Violam what are you doing?¡± Sonashi asked in a panic. ¡°Say Dwarf which box has the knives or swords? I am just giving him a little taste of what we have all gone through. Caeanos you brought his pants! That is a great idea!¡± Violam took the little man¡¯s pants from the Linnare and ripped them into pieces. Violam shoved one strip into Doltharm¡¯s mouth and bound his hands with the other. ¡°Fat little man do not make me ask where the knives are again.¡± Violam stared at the Dwarf. Blood ran from Doltharm¡¯s neck as he nodded to the supply crate across from him. Violam opened the crate. ¡°Oh short swords! I have seen a lot of these today.¡± The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Kavdiir ran into the carriage. ¡°Human what have you done?¡± A grim smile appeared on Violam¡¯s face. ¡°I have not done anything yet.¡± He casually pushed the short sword into the supply master¡¯s shoulder. Kavdiir stepped in front of Violam to gain his attention. ¡°Listen the carriages are about to move soon. What do you think will happen when they find out that we are missing a supply master or that our carriage is not moving?¡± A frown appeared on Violam¡¯s face. He did not like being interrupted. ¡°These ones keep working as if nothing happened.¡± Caeanos spoke up. ¡°Violam you pull the carriages. Brother Kavdiir you take over the supply master''s duties. You usually do the fat lazy one¡¯s duties anyway. Sonashi can take over for Violam and we can rotate so everyone gets to have a little fun with the Dwarf.¡± Caeanos looked very pleased with his plan. Kavdiir shook his head. ¡°No. That will not work what do we do when he finally dies. These ones cannot just leave him in the carriage someone will find out.¡± ¡°These ones could take his body back to our camp. We can have a large feast and I can invite many females!¡± ¡°Even if you invited females Caeanos none would come. Besides we cannot carry a supply crate to our camp. The fat Dwarf¡¯s body needs to be disposed before our supply duty ends.¡± Caeanos leaned against a crate. ¡°Of course they would come. No female can resist my charm and style.¡± The Linnare sat on top of the crate and adjusted himself for a moment before speaking again. ¡°These ones could take the body to the dragon pens and feed it to the dragons.¡± ¡°All females have resisted your charm and style. Any that have not must be deaf, dumb and blind. Only in the event of Armageddon would a female freely give themselves to you. And no we cannot go to the dragon pens. They are highly guarded and rarely receive supplies from our carriage.¡± ¡°Gack! Why do you hate me so brother Kavdiir?¡± Caeanos feigned a tormented expression, threw his face into his arms and sobbed loudly. Sonashi smirked at the ridiculous display and spoke. ¡°We wait for an insect attack. He is small so we will just put his body in a supply crate and carry it out to the front lines. Then we can dump the body on the battlefield when no one is looking. We carry many supplies to the front during the day and if there is an attack they will not look at us twice. The only thing is that Violam will have to carry the supply crate because he is the strongest of us.¡± ¡°Who will pull the carriage?¡± Violam finally pulled his mind off the Dwarf. He handed the bloodied sword over to Sonashi. ¡°This one will arrange a beast to pull the carriage. The fat Dwarf was supposed to have done that for the last few days anyway. You will carry supplies during the day so the soldiers get used to seeing you.¡± Doltharm¡¯s eyes lit up in panic at the accusation. It was true he should have had a beast assigned to the carriage but since the human could pull he found no need. He was already covered in sword wounds and now he was afraid of what else the boy would do now that he found out. Violam ignored the dwarf but saw Sonashi out of the corner of his eye cutting into the Dwarfs cheek. ¡°If you are getting a beast why can¡¯t we just feed the dwarf to it?¡± ¡°The beast they assign to the carriages are beast of burden and many of them do not eat meat. Otherwise that would be our first choice.¡± Sonashi stopped cutting for a moment. She shook the lingering effects of the [Bloodrage] from her mind and looked up to the group. ¡°Maybe we will be assigned a Kagini, those dogs tend to have a large appetites.¡± ¡°We can only hope but I doubt they will freely assign such a valuable beast to a Linnare.¡± Kavdiir answered. Violam looked into Doltharm¡¯s eyes. ¡°You better hope that the insects attack soon so we can end your pathetic little life.¡± ¡°Enough talking. Violam go pull, we have an hour before the supply orders come in. I will go get a beast.¡± Kavdiir turned to look at his Linnare brother who was relaxing on top of a supply crate. ¡°Caeanos go inform the other Linnare working this carriage of the situation. Make sure to look busy.¡± ¡°Gack! This one has to work! What is the use of killing the Dwarf then?¡± Kavdiir pointed his clawed finger at Violam. ¡°Do you want to meet him on the execution grounds?¡± ¡°This one goes!¡± Caeanos hopped off the crate and ran out of the carriage. A half an hour had past since Violam began to pull the carriage when Kavdiir approached him pulling along two large bird beast. They stood at least a foot taller than Violam with a pale yellow beak and large clawed birdlike feet. Instead of feathers they were covered in brown fur. [Gastornis - Level 21] The birds were compliant and easily hitched to the carriage. They knew their jobs and immediately pulled the massive carriage forward. The bird that Violam hitched leaned into his hand as the boy rubbed its head. Violam enjoyed the moment of affection when an image came to his mind. It was an image that conveyed hunger and sadness. ¡°Kavdiir, do you have any food for birds?¡± The Linnare tossed Violam a two sacks with grains. ¡°That is their feed for the day. Do not give it to them all at once.¡± ¡°Hey I do not want to take care of them!¡± Kavdiir gestured towards the bird who was nudging Violam¡¯s hand. ¡°The beast have already taken a liking to you and you are the only one with nothing to do now.¡± After Kavdiir left to take over the position of supply master. Violam looped the feed sack over the birds¡¯ ears so that they could eat. ¡°I wonder if these guys can speak.¡± Violam spoke to himself. Violam formed images in his mind and attempted to send them to the beast. He found the process taxing on his mind, forming the images and projecting them was harder than it ever had been before. He failed on his first try. His breath became unsteady and his head ached as he stumbled forward. Violam understood that telepathy especially his version of telepathy required a high Intelligence attribute. ¡°It¡¯s that damn bug again.¡± Violam hissed. On his second attempt he was able to push the image into the bird''s mind. ¡°What is your name?¡± The bird almost missed a step as it turned towards Violam. Another image entered into Violam¡¯s mind. ¡°Your name is Freddy?¡± Violam said aloud in doubt. The beast tried to make a sound but it was restrained by the feed sack. Violam noticed the bird¡¯s erratic movements and removed the bag from the bird¡¯s beak. It squawked several times and stomped its feet as it walked along . It drew the attention of the other workers in the carriage line. Dozens of images formed in Violam¡¯s mind. ¡°You can understand Freddy?¡± ¡°Can you give Freddy more food?¡± ¡°Lester¡¯s foot hurts, can you fix it? ¡°Yes I can understand you Freddy.¡± Violam answered aloud. Freddy hopped around excitedly and sent dozens more images into Violam¡¯s mind. ¡°Slow down. At the moment I cannot comprehend that amount of telepathy. First, let me have a look at Lester¡¯s foot. That is Lester right?¡± Violam pointed at the other Gastornis. Freddy squawked in response. Violam moved over to the other bird. ¡°Hi Lester let¡¯s have a look.¡± Lester was much older than Freddy. Silver fur was mixed in with his brown and he also had scars all over his body. Freddy still showed hope and excitement whereas Lester was the complete opposite. His eyes showed complete resignation. He unhitched Lester and inspected the bird¡¯s foot. Under inspection he found and removed a small nail from its heel. Violam then wrapped Lester¡¯s foot with a sleeve torn from his shift. Violam received a quick image of thanks from the bird. Horns blew signaling an insect attack. Violam quickly hitched Lester to the carriage. ¡°Sorry guys I have to go. I will try to bring some more food when I get back.¡± Violam calmly walked into the carriage. The dwarf still lived but just, each worker of carriage 42 had literally gotten their pound of flesh. Sonashi handed Violam the short sword. ¡°Ready a supply crate. I will chop him up.¡± Violam called out to Caeanos. In a matter of minutes their package was packed into a crate. Violam and Sonashi left carriage 42 and headed south towards the front lines. Violam had not seen the camp during a battle before it looked to be in an unorganized chaos. Ogrite soldiers were desperately running to join their squads. Couriers were transporting supplies between the carriages, weapon smiths and the frontlines. The chained beast were being forced by the whip to move south. They squeezed themselves into the line of supply couriers and tried to blend into a group. The group they had joined had emerged out of the weapon smith area of the camp. They were gray furry creatures walking on two legs. Violam could not tell exactly what they looked like as most of their features were covered in dense fur. The only discernible feature was their two dark beady eyes. They were located in a concaved area of fur on what he believed was their face. The titles above their heads did not display their race only their names and level. They were all below level ten and their names were near impossible to pronounce. ¡°Sonashi, are you sure we should be here? We are going to stand out.¡± ¡°Be quiet. Just follow my lead and let me do the talking. I have made deliveries here before so they will recognize me.¡± The two continued to follow the group past the Farg¡¯s marching camp into the buffer zone between the camp and the soldiers. The group of furry weapons smiths split off into several different directions. ¡°Uhh Sona we are definitely going to stand out now. Which way should we go?¡± ¡°I told you to be quiet. We just keep going straight we are almost there.¡± She answered Violam in annoyance. ¡°And the last part of your plan. How do we actually make it into the battlefield and make it out alive?¡± Sonashi¡¯s shoulders sunk. ¡°Am I supposed to think of everything? You got us into this mess. You can figure out the last part.¡± ¡°Sona that is the most important part!¡± They continued to argue as they approached the first line of soldiers. Violam looked between the columns of soldiers but with the dirt in the air and all the movement it was impossible for him to tell how far the column actually stretched. ¡°You two! What are you doing? Do you belong here?¡± Their arguing drew the attention of a patrolling Ogrite Officer. ¡°W, Weapons Delivery!¡± Sonashi shouted in surprise. Violam spun around to see the towering female soldier striding towards them. His eyes drank in her figure. She wore a tight leather armor that consisted of a black corset that covered her shoulders and chest. Her stomach was bare until it reached matching pair of leather pants that hung around her hips. Her hair was white and short as it did not go past her ears. Her skin was a pale gray compared to the dark gray of other Ogrite. She also did not have the bulging muscles that were found on the males of her race. Instead the muscles on her arms and stomach were firm and refined giving her a more slender appearance. [Umaiko - Level 35 Farg Legion] Her eyes narrowed. ¡°Really? That box looks too small for weapons. Let me check inside.¡± She ordered. ¡°They are short hammers!¡± Violam pulled the box away from her outstretched hand. ¡°The commander specifically requested them.¡± She retracted her hand and her mouth twisted as if she was attempting to stop her words from escaping. ¡°Fine! I will take you to Commander Gutgash. He is hard to find since he likes to command while in combat.¡± Violam and Sonashi follow a few steps behind the female Ogrite. She led them through the columns of soldiers. They made many twists and turns around the soldiers and battlements. Violam would have become completely lost if it was not for his mini map in his vision. ¡°Sona what should we do now?¡± Violam spoke softly to his silent companion. Sonashi frowned. ¡°Seems like you want to keep staring at her butt.¡± ¡°I am not staring and besides she has a nice butt.¡± ¡°So that is what you like.¡± Sonashi mumbled to herself. ¡°Yep but I have to say your petite figure is nice too.¡± ¡°I do not want to hear that from you! And I do not know what to do this is your plan.¡± The Ogrite woman turned her head and spoke. ¡°What are you two whispering?¡± Sonashi elbowed Violam and nodded for him to respond. ¡°Uhh we were wondering why a beautiful woman such as yourself is in the Farg Legion.¡± Violam answered after a moment of silence. Sonashi palmed her forehead and stared daggers into Violam. He shrugged his shoulders and mouth the question, ¡°What?¡± The Ogrite woman gave a hearty laugh. ¡°That was the worst attempt at flattery I have ever heard. I know that was definitely not what you two were discussing. But since you two are recruits I will answer anyway. Once your race becomes a part of the Farg it is mandatory to join the military at birth. The military provides combat training and schooling. When you come of age you will be assigned your job. The Farg will give you three options based on your aptitude. I choose to join the Farg Legion. Most females do not choose the Farg Legion. Not because it is dangerous but because you will never see your home again. The Farg Legion is an expeditionary force. Our purpose is to subjugate any new lifeforms we come across.¡± ¡°Why did you choose the Farg Legion? To subjugate?¡± Violam asked. ¡°If you truly think I am beautiful come by my tent after lights out and ask me again. I am in the officers tents on the southeast side of camp. Ask for Umaiko. I heard of your strength at the morning executions. I would like to test that strength out myself.¡± Umaiko stopped walking and pointed to a crowd of soldiers just ahead of them. ¡°This is as far as I will take you. The commander¡¯s squad is straight ahead. Oh and if you want to bring your little silent friend here to my tent I wouldn¡¯t mind.¡± She winked at Violam before leaving the two. Sonashi saw the big dumb grin on Violam¡¯s face. ¡°Don¡¯t dare think I will join you in her tent.¡± ¡°Why not? It sounds like fun!¡± ¡°If you think your nightly training is painful wait until you mate with an Ogrite.¡± She bluffed. The smile drifted away from Violam¡¯s face and his body slightly shuddered. ¡°Sona, what should we do now?¡± ¡°I will tell you what we are not going to do. We are definitely not going towards the Commander. Besides your box is bleeding let''s just dump it and go.¡± A loud rumbling came from behind the pair of recruits. They turned around in shock. The soldiers split apart to make way for the largest Ogrite Violam had ever seen. The Ogrite was sitting on a blood red long horned land dragon. The land dragon¡¯s horn stretched at least four feet from its snout and curved upward. There were plates that stood and wrapped from ear to ear over the top of its head. It also had a row of spikes ran from between its shoulder blades to the tip of its tail. [Commander Gutgash - Level 48 Farg Legion] ¡°Who has seen my daughter? I was told she was seen coming this direction.¡± The Commander¡¯s eyes zeroed in on the two recruits that were standing amongst his elite squad. ¡°Get out of here! This is no place for you!¡± Violam and Sonashi immediately turned and walked away. ¡°Wait!¡± The Commander saw the blood running from the box on the recruits arm. ¡°What is in that box? Is that Gradidix¡¯s food that I ordered?¡± ¡°Y-yes!¡± Violam answered. ¡°Damn it! I told them after the battle! Hurry feed him and get out of here.¡± The Commander shouted at Violam. Violam approached the head of the dragon. He ripped the lid of the box off and pulled out a bloody bit that looked strangely like an arm. A whipped lashed along his side as he reached out. The pain caused him to retract his arm in just enough time for the dragon to snap its jaws closed on empty air. Violam¡¯s anger soared as he turned to look at the Commander. ¡°What are you stupid? Did they teach you nothing in the soulless pens? That is a quick way to lose an arm dumbass. Just throw the whole box at the creature.¡± Violam did as he was told and threw the crate. The land dragon snatched it from the air, crushing through the crate instantly. After devouring the wood and contents, the dragon began to lick the blood that escaped to the ground. ¡°Gradidix seemed to like it. What the hell was in that box?¡± ¡°It is the leftovers from this morning executions, mainly dwarf.¡± ¡°Makes sense it¡¯s that damnable race. They are fat and no one likes them.¡± The Commander roared with laughter. At that moment horns sounded off in every direction. The Commander stopped laughing and sat up straight. ¡°Line up maggots! Sounds like the insects have brought out their big bugs! Time to get to work!¡± Commander Gutgash reined in his dragon and moved to the front of the formation. The surrounding soldiers pushed forward confining the two recruits. Sonashi looked at Violam and threw up her hands in exasperation. ¡°Great! Your plan to get us killed has succeeded. Now I know why I never liked you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry I will find a way out!¡± He shouted in response trying to overcome the noise. Violam attempted to push their way through the mass of Ogrite soldiers. ¡°Recruit you are not making it out of here. Just follow the formation and pray to the true God that you do not die.¡± One of the soldiers called out and the rest nodded their heads and laughed at the two recruits. The Commander screamed more orders. ¡°Dragons riders with me. Form a Wedge! Let¡¯s plow these fuckers!¡± Chapter 16: a Bag, an Insignia and an Argument Howdy everybody. Sorry this chapter too a long time to get out. It was a tough one to write for sure. Just a friendly reminder Italics are thoughts. People do a lot of thinking this chapter. More can be found at yougots.wordpress.com --------------------------- "Wedge Formation!" The shout echoed down the line. The Ogrite soldiers slammed their spears into their shields. They moved into formation and marched forward to the rhythmic beat. Violam felt like they marched forward for hours but it could just be the anticipation of battle. He and Sonashi squeezed into the formation between a few of the soldiers. The towering walls of flesh made it impossible to see anything around them. Violam could see Sonashi''s lips move but had no idea what she was saying. The chaotic booming of the march eclipsed all else. All At once it felt like time sped up. A sickening crunch of flesh and bone meeting metal erupted from the front of the formation. All the land dragons roared simultaneously. They were met with an inorganic roar that could only be described as the sound of a squealing train coming to an emergency stop. The rhythmic beat of spear on shield stopped. A cacophony of soldiers and insects in their deathly throes drowned out all other sound. Violam could vaguely see the outer layer of wedge thrusting their spears out. "Spikes!" A commander yelled from the front of the wedge. The soldiers stopped marching, knelt down and lifted their shields above their heads. Sonashi and Violam were covered by the surrounding Ogrites. Violam trembled as something heavy pounded against their make shift roof. He could not tell if he trembled in fear or in anticipation. Most likely it was the latter the bloodrage had already seeped into his veins. He felt like his blood was boiling, like he was breathing fire and flame. BOOM BOOM BOOM A fleshy yellow spike crashed through a gap between shields. It stabbed into the shoulder of the Ogrite to the left of Violam. The spike was connected to a black cord. The soldier started to panic he dropped his shield and reached out to stab the cord. The cord pulsed pushing something into the soldier. Before the spear could reach the cord the stopped moving. A green ooze streamed out of the soldier''s mouth, eyes and nose. All that touched the green liquid melted away. The black cord pulsed again but this time it drew the melted insides of the soldier up and back to its main body. The soldier¡¯s body became thinner and thinner until only the skin was left. The spike yanked out from the empty husk and reeled back to the main body. Violam hastily grabbed the dropped shield and covered the new formed gap in the formation. He dug his feet into the ground and braced the shield against the continued spike onslaught. Sonashi took the spear from the ground. She watched Violam¡¯s shield with intent for any signs that it might falter but his incredible strength withstood the falling spikes. ¡°Withdraw Shields! March!¡± Another order came down the line. The formation lowered their shields and uniformly marched forward. The crunch of flesh and metal began once again. He was not sure how long he had been marching but the heat and tiredness began to press in on him. At this moment Violam noticed something peculiar. The soldiers were switching positions. Violam and Sonashi were slowly being pushed to the edge of the Wedge formation. As he got closer to the edge he could see the battlefield. Insects. Ten of thousands of insects. Some were humanoid walking on two legs while a majority skittered across landscape on four legs. Their wedge formation carved through unorganized insects. Violam was pushed forward to the edge of the formation. Armed with only a shield he bashed the bugs that were in his range. They were all low level but numerous. The four legged bugs themselves were close to the size of a bear but still smashed by Violam¡¯s shield none the less. Any opponent that escaped Violam was ruthlessly stabbed by Sonashi¡¯s spear. The formation continued to march forward. ¡°Rhino Bug to the west! Shield Wall!¡± Violam kicked a humanoid insect blowing it backwards and he pushed his shield forward locking into the shield wall. Violam saw the Rhino bug. It was several times larger than the land dragon that had peeled off from the front of the wedge to confront it. [Toxic Horned Dynastinae - Level 56] The beetle unleashed its metallic roar as it charged the land dragon. The two locked into combat but the land dragon was outmatched. The beetle soon wedged its horn beneath its enemy and threw the dragon. Violam grabbed Sonashi and dropped to the ground. The land dragon flew a few feet over their heads crashing into the Ogrite formation. The beetle fired two green orbs that hit the belly of the tossed dragon, it died and melted in seconds. Violam stood and pulled up Sonashi. He tossed his shield to the ground. The green acid had splashed onto his shield quickly eating through it. Many of the soldiers around him had also been doused by the green liquid. They screamed as they melted into the ground. The formation is broken, He thought. He grabbed Sonashi¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± ¡°But the beetle!¡± ¡°The commanders will handle it. We need to get out of here!¡± The other commanders had already pulled their dragons from the top of the formation to chase the beetle. The Farg had moved deeply into the battlefield. Insects surrounded them on all sides. Now that the Farg formation had been broken they pressed in even more. He turned one last time to see Commander Gutgash''s dragon opened its mouth to launch its attack. The light in front of the beast''s mouth bent and warped until a transparent orb could be seen. It fired and the sonic attack screamed across the battlefield bombarding the beetle. The beetle¡¯s exoskeleton collapsed upon itself and was blasted into the air. It tumbled to a stop a good distance from where it had been just moments ago. The beetle may now be now dead the damage is done. The insects swarmed into the middle of the formation. The battle broke down and turned into chaos. Violam grabbed a spear from the ground. It felt like it had been forever since he trained with Captain Trevino but he fell into his stance like he had been born to wield the spear. His movements swift and precise. He stepped through the insects, every stab a vital point, every slice a lost limb and every bash a crushed body. Violam did not bother to control his bloodrage. His kills made him stronger, faster and more ruthless. His veins burned. This is what he needed, he was not made to fight in a formation. He just needed to be pointed in a direction and everyone else just needed to get out of his way. He didn¡¯t know how many he killed before his spear shattered but he had leveled up. The loss of his spear did not stop Violam his hands and feet were just as deadly. Pain glanced past the periphery of Violam¡¯s consciousness but the bloodrage allowed him to ignore it. Violam¡¯s strength was now far beyond the strength that anyone else possessed in the battlefield. Sonashi no longer followed Violam instead she stood back and watched him devastate the insect army. She feared that she would get caught up in his attacks. The bloodrage had taken him and he may not be able to distinguish friend or foe. There was no one in Farg Legion who could dive as deep into the bloodrage as Violam was right now. Most who gave into the bloodrage completely died way before this point. The energy gained was just too chaotic too destructive it would destroy its host. Blood red veins cracked and webbed through Violam''s burning red skin. The veins had spread from chest and now had almost covered his body completely. Another large beetle charged at Violam its metallic roar drew his attention. He didn''t bother to dodge or use any fancy technique instead he used his extreme might. Inches before the beetle could crush the boy. Violam''s fist lashed out breaking through its exoskeleton and plunging into the bug¡¯s tiny brain. The bug died instantly but its momentum carried it forward. Violam jumped on to the head as to not be crushed. Violam''s arm had snapped and was left mangled as he leaped away to his next target. Violam ran through the battlefield until a thorny vine erupted from the ground wrapping his leg stopping him. As he struggled it wove its way up his body. The thorns bit into his flesh and gripped his body in place. Violam roared in anger until he was out of breath. He felt something mentally kick his mind and his mind stirred from its sleep. Whatever it was stymied the flow of the bloodrage from that burning mass in his mind. He vision became focused. The red veins that were etched across his body began to recede towards the center of Violam¡¯s chest. [Bloodrage Disabled] What? Where? Violam calm down! You are killing us you mindless idiot! You went too far into the bloodrage. Hurry wake up! We need to get out of this plant before the Mage kills us. Violam felt the vines wrap around his torso. An insect strode forward laughing at his panicked prey. It was wearing a gray robe this was the first time he had seen an insect in clothes. The insect stopped walking and shouted at him in a language he did not understand. ¡°XXXXXXXXXXXXXX¡± Violam did not respond he just watched the bug. ¡°XXXXXXXXX!!!¡± The insect mage raised his hand and chanted. ¡°XXXXXXXXXXXXXX¡± Violam could see the insect¡¯s mana gather in its hand. Before the insect could finish its incantation a purple light shot past Violam¡¯s head. It was completely silent it did not even make a sound when it touched the insect''s head. It just simply passed through. The purple light flew a few more feet after exiting the insect before fading out of existence. Violam¡¯s eyes went wide in shock. There was no visible damage to the insect, it sank to its knees and fell to the side. ¡°Are you ok?¡± A feminine voice pulled Violam away from the scene. He saw Sonashi standing next to him her purple eyes glowed bright and fierce. ¡°T-that was you?¡± She nodded as she pried the vines from Violam. ¡°You saved me. Thank you.¡± The vines themselves started to deteriorate and crumble away as the time limit of the spell had expired. Violam¡¯s shift had been ripped completely off. His body was ravaged with cuts and scrapes his arm still laid limply at his side. Sonashi held Violam up before he fell. The sounds of the battle were dying away. Now instead of clashing metal was just moans of agony. ¡°Help me over to the bug mage.¡± The two of them stumbled over to the dead bug. Violam pulled the robe from the bug and put it on. ¡°No. They will take it from you when we get back.¡± ¡°That is fine better than running around a battlefield naked.¡± Violam felt a weight in the pocket of the robe. He pulled a bag from the pocket. ¡°A storage bag!¡± He connected with the bag and the contents entered his mind. Major Health Potion *2 Strength Potion *1 Major Mana Potion *1 He summoned a Health potion to his hand. ¡°Sona, here drink this. It will make you feel better¡± She took the potion from his hand. ¡°What is this? Where did you get it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a health potion I pulled it from the bag.¡± Violam summoned another and quickly drank his down. He winced in pain as the bones in his arm aligned and the potion mended his body. It was a strong potion and nearly filled his Health Bar full. Violam clenched his newly reformed hand shut. ¡°It¡¯s going to be stiff for a while.¡± He mused to himself. Sonashi watched Violam shockingly heal. She immediately drank down the potion. Her face twisted the potion tasted awful. Her wounds healed over and skin knit back together where she once had cuts. Violam could see her Health Bar returning to full. Violam surveyed the battlefield much of the insect army had been wiped out. The Farg army was organizing their prisoners and killing any of the significantly wounded regardless of what side they fought on. ¡°Sona let¡¯s try to find more bug Mages. They may also have bags on them.¡± Violam spoke to Sonashi stirring her from her thoughts. She had been mesmerized by her healed wounds. ¡°Yea let¡¯s do that. Do all of these drinks work this well?¡± She walked next to Violam as they search the bodies for mages. ¡°Well there are different degrees of potions but yea they are pretty nice to have. I think that is another mage over there.¡± They both ran over to the body and snatched another bag. Violam moved its contents to the bag he was carrying but still shoved the empty bag into his pocket. He and Sonashi scoured the battlefield looking for more bags. They found at least two dozen Mages all of which had their own storage bags. In total he had 22 Health Potions, 32 Mana Potions, 11 Strength Potions, 9 Agility Potions and 5 Intellect Potions. Violam tested a Mana potion on himself but it did not return his Magic to him. He surmised it would take an Intellect Potion to give him the use of his Magic but those potions were too few and too valuable for a test. He decided if he came to the battlefield again searching for storage bags would be his first priority. He split all the potions up into five bags. He planned on only keeping one on himself. The rest he would hide throughout camp in case of emergencies. ¡°Sona should we make a run for it?¡± Sonashi looked at Violam confused. ¡°Run for it?¡± ¡°You know escape.¡± She frowned at the boy. ¡°You have spent the last few day executing deserters. What makes you think you have more of a chance to escape than they did? And besides who knows if a Neuromancer is around.¡± She ushered Violam to the line of Ogrite soldiers that were streaming from the battlefield. Violam stared at her incredulously. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I know if they are around? I can get past them I am pretty strong you know.¡± ¡°Because you just wouldn¡¯t that is their magic they mess with your brain. They can stop you from even perceiving them. Hell one could be standing in front of you and you wouldn¡¯t even notice. How many times do I have to tell you just forget about it? Things will be better when we are no longer recruits.¡± She shook her head and kept walking. ¡°Violam I am sorry but this is it for us there is no escaping it. An odd silence settled over the two as they made their way through the Farg army into the buffer zone. Violam silently thought to himself he could not give up he still has friends depending on him to get back. For the first time since he arrived he wondered how everyone was doing in Flower Hill Village. He had no doubts that Edgar was still sending his scouting attacks. How he sent those attacks Violam still did not know. Violam steeled his resolve. He was not going to sit around afraid of the boogey man. It was time he did something about this mess he was in. He summoned the Intellect potion from his bag and quickly drank it down. If someone saw him drink it so be it, there was no way they could know what he was planning on doing. He felt his mana pool swell. It was so pure his body felt alive once again. A clock appeared in the upper right of his vision. He had thirty minutes to get it done. Violam casually touched carts and supply carriages as he passed them. If one looked closely they would see a faint quick blossom of color as Violam touched them but upon removal of his hand there was nothing. ¡°What is that goofy grin? You look creepy.¡± Violam turned to look at Sonashi. Her hands were on her hips and her eyebrow was quirked up. ¡°N-nothing¡± Violam attempted to put on his best innocent look. ¡°You¡¯re weird you know that?¡± ¡°Aww but that is why you like me. So do you think we should go back to Supply Carriage 42?¡± ¡°No the day has already ended. Let¡¯s just go get some food and head back to our carriage. You need to get rid of that robe before the training.¡± ¡°Sona you naughty girl. You just can¡¯t wait to get me into bed.¡± He teased. The intellect potion had cleared his head. He felt that this was the closest he had been to being himself since he got here. Sonashi rolled her eyes a hint of blush shown on her cheeks. ¡°Shut up. Let¡¯s go eat.¡± They made their way to the mess tent. Sonashi continued to frown as Violam made an effort to touch almost everything they passed. ¡°Seriously what are you doing?¡± Violam stopped humming to himself. ¡°Oh just some fireworks you will see.¡± He and Sonashi grabbed their bowl of gruel. As they were leaving Violam spotted a half used bag of grain. That reminds me. I promised to bring Freddy some food. Violam quickly touched the bag of grain and summoned it into his storage bag. Sonashi gawked at him but then followed Violam out of the tent and back to their carriage. Violam stashed one of his storage bags under the wheel well before following Sonashi inside. He had placed a few storage bags in areas he goes to often such as the mess tent and a couple supply carts. He changed out of his Insect robe and changed into a clean shift. He placed the robe in the last storage bag he had left and hid the bag under the straw in his cage. Their door slammed open. "What did you do with him?" The dwarf Tharden screamed as he entered the carriage. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Violam answered in confusion. "What? Who?" "Doltharm! What did you do to Doltharm?" The dwarf grabbed Violam''s throat. "Don''t lie to me!" Violam''s bloodrage activated and once again began to boil the blood in his veins. He gripped the dwarfs forearm the bone cracked under the Violam''s strength. He pulled the Dwarf hand away from his throat. "That''s right that did happen today." Violam looked down on the fat dwarf who was cowering in pain. "I tortured him then killed him and fed his body to a monster." Tharden paled upon hearing Violam''s response but he was in too much pain to fight back. His forearm was crushed and his hand was turning blue from lack of blood. "Now get out of here before I do that same thing to you." Violam released the dwarfs arm. The dwarf held his mangled arm and scurried out of the carriage. It was difficult to cut off the flow of rage from that burning mass but he slowed the current of rage till it eventually stopped flowing and deactivated the Bloodrage. Leaving the [Bloodrage] activated all the time was not a smart thing to do. Now he just needed learn how to control his anger so it would not automatically turn on. Becoming a mindless killing machine was decidedly a bad thing. ¡°You know they are going to make you eat the worm again, right?¡± Violam sighed and looked over to Sonashi then immediately spun around. After the fat dwarf left she had begun to clean herself. It was difficult but he made an effort to look the other way whenever she bathed. They were stuck in this cage together so he liked to give her some semblance of privacy. ¡°Yeah I know. I had wanted to lay low so I could they wouldn¡¯t notice.¡± Sonashi snorted and looked up to see his back. For some reason seeing his back made her smile. ¡°Oh and you were doing such a good job at that until now too. You know handling over a hundred executions, killing your supply master then a couple thousand insects is likely to get noticed.¡± ¡°Well when you put it that way.¡± He barked a laugh. ¡°You were right though keeping the bloodrage on was not a good idea.¡± ¡°You just now noticed? I am not sure if I told you this before but you are dumb.¡± She said with a hint of mischief in her voice. ¡°Anyway. Sona what the hell was that earlier?¡± ¡°What was what?¡± She stopped wiping her shoulder with a towel. ¡°That purple light thing that you shot? By the way thanks again for that you saved my life.¡± ¡°Oh that.¡± She said quietly and continued drying herself. ¡°Well I did tell you that I have magic. I just try not to use it. If they find out I used it they will make me swallow that bug or poison me. They only do that to recruits who are still a threat. We are only supposed to use magic on their command.¡± ¡°You¡¯re secret is safe with me. You are going to have to tell me how it works sometime though.¡± ¡°I am not sure because I was born with it. It was one of the magics of my tribe we just instinctively know how it works. The magic is called Soul Sever. It is considered the most powerful magic of my tribe which is why they made me a Priestess. I can lower its intensity to incapacitate or like today completely cut their soul from their body. It may be powerful but it doesn¡¯t work on the Soulless and those with a high soul defense.¡± ¡°Have you met many soulless people¡± Violam said with a frown. ¡°People? No but it seems like most of the monsters here are soulless. I have met people like you with soul defense.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have soul defense.¡± Violam checked his status. ¡°How else can you explain that you can dive that deep into the bloodrage and be in it for so long?¡± Sonashi pulled her cleaned shift over her head and adjusted it until it fit right. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I did not know that was special.¡± Violam thought about it for a bit. It did not show up as a resistance on his status and the only soul skill he had was [Soul Vision]. He had no clue on how to use it but it must be connected somehow. ¡°Vee are you not going to bathe? You stink and you changed into a clean shift. Did you already forget you were in a battle today?¡± ¡°Did you just give me a nickname?¡± ¡°So what? I am just trying it out and you call me Sona.¡± She looked away. ¡°Aren¡¯t you cute? Yeah I will wash up.¡± He stood and went to the bucket of water. She had left about half of it for him to use. He grabbed the washcloth and held it out. ¡°Wanna wash me back for me?¡± ¡°Shut up.¡± Even though Sonashi said that she still took the towel. ¡°Wipe that dumb look off your face and turn around.¡± Violam was slightly shocked he had only intended to give her a hard time but he spun around and removed his shift anyway. Sonashi wiped the dirt and dried blood from his back. She could see all the scars from his training she shuttered a bit at the sight. The Overseer knew he healed quickly so he got the worst of it. The Overseer would cut into him for hours at a time, at first the scars wouldn¡¯t stay it would heal up to perfection but they sliced him again and again hundreds maybe even thousands of times. Eventually those slices added up and the scar stayed. She ran her free hand over the scars on his back. There are dozens of them. She traced her finger along one of the more pronounced scars. How much longer will this go on? Until they are satisfied? Can he last that long, she wondered. ¡°Uhh everything okay back there?¡± Violam suddenly asked. ¡°Hip!¡± Sonashi was jolted out of her reverie. ¡°Yes all done.¡± Violam turned around to face her. ¡°Wanna do the front too?¡± ¡°Idiot.¡± Sonashi threw the towel in Violam¡¯s face and stepped into her cage. He continued to clean up as if nothing happened. He went back into his cage and started to talk with Sonashi again. He was happy she was finally came out of her shell. He found out that while she says she is from a tribe, her tribe had a population of over a hundred million. They were called the Talaree. The priestess were revered but also feared as they were the only magic users in their society. So naturally they were kept isolated in their temples and only brought out for ceremonies and executions. When the Farg attacked their technology and magic was too advanced they were nearly destroyed. At first she had been blamed the attacks her soul magic was considered an omen. In their history a great catastrophe always coincided with the birth of a Soul Sever Priestess. The church preached that her existence was an insult to the One True God so their civilization must be punished. The church wanted to sacrifice her to appease the True God but the Farg stopped them. She isn¡¯t sure how many of her kind were left after the Farg attack and she wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she was the last of her kind. At the time there were a few dozen priestesses and they all fought to the death. The only priestesses who survived the attack was her and the little girl that later died. Night had fallen over the camp a warm glow of yellow light from their lantern covered the interior of the carriage. ¡°Hey Sona can you try something out for me?¡± Violam dug around in the straw until he found the storage bag. ¡°Sure¡­¡± Her response was cut short as the door swung open. Violam quickly let go of the bag. ¡°Interrupting anything?¡± The gray man stepped into the room. ¡°No sir.¡± Violam answered. The gray man waved his hand. ¡°Call me Edgar. Call me Edgar. No need to be so formal with me.¡± ¡°Yes E-Edgar.¡± ¡°There we go! So I hear you guys have had a busy day.¡± Edgar moved to sit on the stool. Had that been there this entire time or did he bring it in, Violam thought. ¡°I cannot have you guys running off to the battlefield whenever you feel like. So from now on after your morning executions you will report to Captain Umaiko. She is quite popular you know and she requested you personally. You lucky dog her Father has been trying to find her a mate for a while now but she had refused them all.¡± Edgar reached out to mess up Violam¡¯s head. Violam shrank away but the gray man still got him. ¡°Well you should not go to the battlefield in a dress anymore. Unless you''re into that sort of thing?¡± He eyed the boy waiting for a response. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Okay then. Well I will take you to the mobile forge to get you some guys some armor and your insignias. And soon we will find you two some accommodations better suited for soldiers.¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Tharden the fat dwarf stepped into the carriage. His arm was wrapped and in a sling. ¡°You can¡¯t! They killed Dolth¡­¡± A bone crushing slap sent the dwarf out of the room. A red aura blasted out around the gray man as he shouted. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare tell me what I can and cannot do! Now go inform the metalsmith to light the forge!¡± The dwarf ran not waiting for him to complete his sentence. The red aura receded back into Edgar¡¯s body. ¡°Now shall we go?¡± Sonashi and Violam followed Edgar out into the night towards the metalworkers. They were easy to find at night as the mobile forger was lit and it was a massive carriage almost as large as carriage 42. From a distance it could have been mistaken for a large bonfire. It was late and a great many of the soldiers were already sacked out in their tents but some were still eating whatever strange brew they made in their pots. Violam was glad it was night and too dark to see what they were eating even with his enhanced night vision. Violam saw Tharden excitedly waiting next to two chairs. His jaw was hanging loose and slightly skewed to the left. ¡°Have a seat I will have your equipment brought out.¡± Edgar announced. Gooram the Neuromancer appeared followed several of the gray furry creatures. They each carried different sets of armor and placed them on the table next to the chairs. Sonashi and Violam cautiously set down on the chairs provided. An immense pressure slammed into their minds disabling their movements. Violam silently cursed that Gooram bastard. It was him who placed the mental restraint on the two. His felt different from Edgar¡¯s not that it was weaker. It was just cruder there was no finesse as it just slammed down on them. Edgar raised his hands up in an appeasing motion. ¡°Calm down. Calm down. This is just until we get your restraints in place. It for your own good. You should be happy you are finally getting your Insignias! You two will be one of us now!¡± He nodded at the dwarf. Tharden scurried over his broken jaw just added to his malicious grin. He first ripped the shift of Sonashi off first and strapped her head, legs and arms to the chair. Before he moved on to Violam he licked his broken lips as his gently ran his hand across her chest. She still flinched even though she was restrained. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you dwarf!¡± The rage burned through Violam as he fought off the mental pressure. The dwarf retreated back before Violam¡¯s fist could catch him. ¡°Tsk. Tsk. Violam we are going to have to work on your anger issues.¡± Edgar moved forward pushing Violam back into his seat. At his touch the bloodrage receded and deactivated. The dwarf ran over and quickly strapped him in. After he was firmly strapped down Gooram released the pressure. Sonashi violently exhaled and tried to catch her breath. The Neuromancer then pulled an iron rod from the forge. The end of it burned so bright red it hurt Violam¡¯s eyes to look at it. Edgar put a leather strap in Violam¡¯s mouth. Edgar had a large smile on his face when he spoke. ¡°After this is done you will be one of the Farg Legion. Try not to scream with joy. ¡± He gleefully grabbed the iron rod and raised the heated end up in front of Violam. It was too bright to see its shape. Edgar pushed the brand into Violam¡¯s chest his flesh sizzled and burned as smoke rose into the air. Violam¡¯s eyes went wide with pain, tears formed and streamed down his face. He wanted to scream he wanted to squirm away but the leather straps did their job he was held tight. Edgar leaned in to look at Violam¡¯s red and wet eyes. ¡°Shush. Shush. Shush. You are going to be one of us now. Be happy this is a joyous event.¡± He pulled the iron rod away and handed it to the Neuromancer. Violam¡¯s body went loose as he tried to recover. Edgar stayed watching Violam after a few minutes his flesh began to mend and heal over. His skin lacked any mark or burn. Edgar sighed. ¡°Violam you are simply incredible. Looks like we have a long night ahead of us.¡± Edgar stuck his hand out expectantly. Gooram retrieved the iron rod from the forge and once again placed it in Edgar¡¯s hand. ¡°Simply amazing.¡± Edgar mumbled as he pushed the brand into the boy¡¯s chest where his heart should be. After several attempts to brand the boy, Violam finally passed out from pain. He woke up several times disoriented as the hot iron burnt into his flesh. His confusion grew stronger as the night proceeded. A few times he woke up to the smell of cooked flesh thinking his mother was making breakfast. They had also branded Sonashi but she only needed it done the one time. By the time the sun rose from the East a faint pentagon had shown on Violam¡¯s chest. At each corner there was a three sided diamond it almost looked like a star. This was the Farg Legionnaire''s insignia. ¡°Looks like he may need another night of branding. Gooram you will handle that tonight. You two can go I will have the furry beast deliver the armor to your cart.¡± Edgar undid their leather straps. He looked up to the sky and frowned. ¡°Take the day off. Report to Captain Umaiko tomorrow after executions.¡± Edgar took five steps away before he stopped and turned around. ¡°That¡¯s right I almost forgot. Gooram hold his mouth open.¡± The gray man reached into his pocket and pulled out a tin case. He strode up to the unconscious Violam and he took the bug from the tin case. He dropped it in Violam¡¯s mouth then held it shut. Violam¡¯s eyes shot opened wide he struggled a moment before fainting again from exhaustion. ¡°Sonashi you too. Open up.¡± After she swallowed the Moocher Sonashi dragged Violam back to their shared home. After a day of rest the two sat in their cages. It was morning just before the dawn. They had returned just before midnight as Violam¡¯s branding did not take nearly as long the second night. creatures delivered some clothes as well as the plain brown leather armor that Edgar promised. Sonashi¡¯s wore the newly delivered pants and her chest was wrapped in bandages. Violam was fully clothed he had healed and did not need the bandages. ¡°Why do you talk to yourself like that?¡± Sonashi spoke to the almost silent carriage. Don¡¯t tell Sona about us. Otis whispered into Violam¡¯s mind. What do you know? It¡¯s not like you ever help me anyway. ¡°Oh I am just trying to protect myself.¡± Violam spoke aloud. ¡°Well stop. It¡¯s creepy to hear mumbling to yourself in the corner.¡± Violam, don¡¯t listen to her. Why should I even listen to you? What have you ever done for me? I am trying to protect our mind it just takes time. If you leave your barrier down I can help. Otis, don¡¯t make me laugh. I cannot even use my own name and now you want to take over my mind. Violam that is not it. Something is corrupting you! Violam stood up and looked at the woman. ¡°Sona, should we get going to the Execution Grounds?¡± Violam licked his lips in excitement. Violam do not go there. It only gets worse when you do. ¡°Yes, it is time that we leave. Though I think this should be our last day. I heard that the front lines have reached the river and we are going to be building the bridge to cross. Well I am sure Captain Umaiko will have more details.¡± Otis, have been spying on me? I don¡¯t have a choice and besides they are all bad people. They deserve to die. They are useless deserters. Spying? Have you forgotten that we are the same person? Violam, what have they done? Can you even tell me that? They are just trying to leave here just like us. Whatever you do not know what you are talking about. Edgar personally oversees the trial so only the guilty are sent to execution. You are calling him Edgar now? He is the Gray Man, Violam. Don¡¯t forget that he is charge of an army whose only purpose is massacre. What happens when he reaches Flower Hill Village? Is he going to just skip it? No, he is going to kill every last one of them. Otis, you just don¡¯t understand. I am done talking. The barrier slammed into place between his minds. Violam rubbed the gray scar on the center of his chest. ------------------------- Chapter 17: a Captain, a Scream and a Letter Howdy, Chapter 17 is finally here. Caution there is a bit of foul language in this chapter. I have already started on Chapter 18 and hopefully it will be out in the next couple of days. We will be switching gears with Chapter 18 so look forward to something different. You can find other things on https://yougots.wordpress.com/. Enjoy ------------------------------ Violam and Sonashi arrived at Captain Umaiko¡¯s tent. They had just completed their usual morning executions. Unlike the last time there was no festive atmosphere around the execution grounds. There was still a large crowd but they were only assigned ten executions each. The executions were rather uneventful as Violam was able to keep his mind while in the Bloodrage just like he had on the battlefield. On the battlefield he was aware of what he was doing but after killing hundreds of bugs his thoughts were restricted to finding his next kill. Now he only had to kill ten prisoners so he quickly and cleanly ended them. Violam and Sonashi had accumulated much stress over the last few days so after the executions the two left the grounds in a much better mood. They were ushered in by two guards into the Captain¡¯s tent. Umaiko sat behind a desk with a modern pen in her hand. She looked to be writing a report and on the corner of her desk stood a stack of paperwork she had signed. Violam had only spoken to her for a short time but he had a high opinion of her. Seeing her diligently working only reaffirmed his opinion. ¡°Hi Umaiko! It¡¯s good to see you again.¡± Violam waved at the Captain. Sonashi pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. The Captain looked up, she ignored the two in front of her and nodded to the guard at the side of Violam. The guard¡¯s armored fist struck Violam in the jaw. The momentum from the fist caused Violam to take a step to the side. It had split his lower lip, Violam licked the blood from his lip and spit it to ground. He turned to stare at the guard, rage building in his eyes. The guard took a step back and looked away. [Lieutenant Mugvor - Level 26 Farg Legion] ¡°What was that for?¡± His eyes narrowed as he looked back to Umaiko. Her eyebrow quirked upwards there was a hint of a smile on her lips. ¡°No matter our previous relations you are now in my Company. You will only refer to me as Captain or Captain Umaiko if you must. You will listen to all my orders without question. Do you understand?¡± Violam frowned at the question. ¡°You were the one who asked for me personally.¡± Captain Umaiko let out a laugh like it was the funniest thing she had ever heard. ¡°Oh True God are you serious? They only give me the weakest soldiers that no one else wants. Do you really think that they would listen to any request of mine? As far as the Commanders are concerned I am a Captain only because of my father. Now do you understand? You are here because you are weak and no one wants you. Will you listen to my orders or will I have to kill you here?¡± ¡°Yes Captain we will listen to your orders.¡± They both responded. ¡°Good, now get the fuck of my tent. Your face pisses me off.¡± She grabbed her pen and began writing once again. ¡°Lieutenant Mugvor get the men in line. I will be out when I finish.¡± They were led outside of the tent and made to line up with the other soldiers that the Lieutenant was gathering. Violam nudged the girl next to him. ¡°Sona, do you think she is upset that I didn¡¯t visit her the other night.¡± She rolled her eyes. ¡°Must be. You know how women just can¡¯t get enough of you.¡± Violam gave a firm nod and smiled. ¡°True I know that is why you follow me around.¡± ¡°That is one way to put it. Another would be to say that I am stuck with you against my will.¡± Sonashi smirked. Violam dramatically clenched at his chest. ¡°Who would dare say such lies?¡± Sonashi snorted but before she could answer the Lieutenant''s voice rang out. ¡°Shut up! Line up for the Captain!¡± Violam looked down the line there was only five in his line and there was only a couple rows behind him. ¡°Is this everybody?¡± Some soldiers stood upright and prideful with this their hands at their sides. He mimicked their stance and gestured for Sonashi to do the same. Not everyone stood like this some were slouched and dejected. He noted that these Ogrite¡¯s were rather short and thin compared to ones he fought in battle with the other day. ¡°They do give her the worst of the worst.¡± He whispered to himself. ¡°Does Edgar really think I am that weak? Who cares what he thinks I will just prove them wrong.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Rose Company at Attention!¡± Violam heard the Lieutenant call out. The men put their right arm across their chest with their hand closed in a fist. Violam followed along with their movements. Captain Umaiko marched out of her tent and down the line. ¡°You are supposed to be at attention! Stand up straight!¡± She ignored everyone in the Company except a man in the second row. She turned down that aisle and stood a few inches in front of him. He was one of the shorter Ogrite¡¯s so she had to look down to match his eyes. He looked at her with disdain. Violam saw bitterness in eyes of many of the Ogrite¡¯s that were lined up. ¡°What happened to your armor soldier?¡± She shouted at the man as she pulled at his torn leather sleeve. ¡°It was always like that captain.¡± He sneered. She stared down into his eyes. Fear crept into his face and he looked away towards his feet. ¡°You are on latrine duty for the week! See that you do not get into any more fights Private!¡± She turned to the Ogrite smiling next in line. ¡°And you. What are you laughing at? You will join him.¡± She marched to the front of the small Company. ¡°We have been assigned bridge building duty. Lieutenant take them to the site. Recruit Violam and Recruit Quiet Girl stay behind. And you two idiots as well.¡± She pointed at the two she had yelled at moments before. Captain Umaiko smiled at Violam. He did not like her smile, it was not a happy smile. ¡°Since the four of you have put me in such a good mood this morning you are on supply duty.¡± She turned to the Ogrite with the torn clothes. ¡°You know what carriages house the bridging supplies. Go get to work.¡± She retreated back into her tent. "Kavdiir!" Violam shouted at the Linnare. They had made their way through several carriages so far to put in their orders for building supplies to be delivered. Of course carriage 42 was on the list as it was the largest carriage. Kavdiir was directing the supply couriers when he heard Violam. "Hurry take the crate to the Commanders tents they need it for the Gate." He waved off the furry creature then turned towards the approaching group. "Violam. Sonashi, this one is happy to see you again." "Lizard where is your supply master?" Asked the Ogrite in the torn uniform. "The little fat one is inside." The Ogrite''s pushed past Kavdiir and walked into the carriage. ¡°Is it safe to assume that you two accomplished the task?" Violam nodded in response. "So they assigned you a new supply master." The three of them walked alongside the carriage towards the front. "Yes he is just as fat and lazy as the last one. This one hears you have been promoted." ¡°Yes, we are in Rose Company.¡± Sonashi answered as Violam distractedly ran forward. ¡°Freddy! Lester! How are you guys doing?¡± Violam called out to the two beast of burden. Freddy stomped around in excitement while still pulling the carriage forward. He nudged his head into Violam hand as the boy reached up. ¡°Of course I didn¡¯t forget I have your food right here.¡± ¡°You named them.¡± Kavdiir crossed his arms and he shook his head as he interrupted them. ¡°No I didn¡¯t name them that is their names. This is Freddy and that is Lester.¡± Violam barked a laugh and reached out to pet the one he called Lester. ¡°Hey Lester don¡¯t say that about Kavdiir he is a nice guy if not for him I would probably be dead.¡± Lester snorted in disbelief. Kavdiir and Sonashi both frowned they thought Violam had finally cracked. Violam had pulled some grain out of thin air and fed it to the beast. Sonashi and Kavdiir stood uncomfortably as they watched him continue to talk to Freddy and Lester in a hushed voice. ¡°What did they say about this one?¡± Kavdiir couldn¡¯t resist asking. ¡°Oh nothing you need to worry about I have cleared it up. Here find somewhere to hide this grain and use it to feed them several times a day. If you do this they will overlook the time you whipped them.¡± Kavdiir retrieved the bag from Violam. ¡°O-okay I will hide it in the carriage.¡± He turned and walked back to the entrance of the carriage with a casual stride. Sonashi stepped forward to pet the large birds. Freddy pulled back away from her until Violam nodded to him that it would be fine. Once Sonashi touched the bird a brief smile shone on her lips but it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. ¡°How are you able to speak with them?¡± Violam thought for a moment. He wanted to trust her but he still was not sure if he should. He mentally sighed. I need to be able to talk to someone. If not her then who? She is the only one I know well enough. Hell we even live together I just can¡¯t tell her everything. ¡°Animal Telepathy.¡± He finally responded. She looked at him in disbelief. ¡°Yeah right. You can speak to animals with your mind.¡± ¡°Well not since I ate the bug but they can speak into my mind and they can understand our words.¡± Sonashi rolled her eyes. ¡°How is that even possible? Have you always been able to speak to animals?¡± ¡°No not always I have an animal bond with a Hawk. I gain unique abilities from it like Animal Telepathy and it gains experience points from me making it much stronger than it normally would be. Most animals I have come across don¡¯t have the ability for telepathy.¡± Violam continued to pet Lester. ¡°Experience points? Vee do you really expect me to believe this? Where is your Hawk shouldn¡¯t it be with you since it''s yours?¡± He ignored her question about experience points. He was getting the feeling that the Farg did not understand how this world works. That was a secret he was going to hold close to himself for as long as he could. ¡°It is not mine this is a mutual relationship, a bond, there is no master or servant. As to where he is I don¡¯t know. No that¡¯s not right...¡± He had never thought about finding the Hawk before but now he of thinking of the Hawk he felt its presence. He closed his eyes and focused on the presence. His senses narrowed in on the presence of the Hawk. He felt the Hawk to the south, far south. A trickling of information carried up through Violam¡¯s projected sense. It was an image. The Hawk was surrounded by hundreds of beast, birds and another humanoid species. He¡¯s gathering allies, a thought popped into Violam¡¯s mind. ¡°He is to the south very far south probably trying to escape the invasion.¡± Sonashi looked at him suspiciously. ¡°Does that mean you will bond with these beast?¡± Violam nodded. ¡°That is up to them. If they requested it I would not decline.¡± [Animal Bond Initiated: Gastornis] [Animal Bond Initiated: Gastornis] At once two titles appeared in his vision. It would take a day or two to complete the bond just like it had with the Hawk. ¡°Thanks guys.¡± He scratched the two birds behind the ears while Sonashi gave him another suspicious look. ¡°It is good thing that you like the pack beast!¡± Someone called from behind Violam. He turned to see the two Ogrite from Rose Company and the new fat little supply master. The dwarf would not look at Violam directly. Violam¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Why do you say that?¡± ¡°The supply master does not have enough people to spare to deliver the goods. We all know you are that bitch captain¡¯s little bitch. So why don¡¯t you be a little bitch and carry the supplies.¡± Violam stopped petting the two beast. ¡°Oh is that all. No problem.¡± He strode up to the Ogrite and grasped his shoulder. The bloodrage trickled into his blood as he squeezed down. ¡°If you ever volunteer me for anything in the future I will kill you and no one will ever find your body. Isn¡¯t that right dwarf?¡± The dwarf dropped his clipboard and ran back towards the carriage. The soldier winced in pain as he nodded. ¡°Good! Don¡¯t forget it.¡± Violam released his shoulder and casually slapped the Ogrite¡¯s face. Violam frowned at the greased that was left on his hand so he wiped it clean on the Ogrite¡¯s torn sleeve. Violam and Sonashi left the Ogrite soldiers behind. ¡°So this is your way of staying low? I don¡¯t know if you noticed but half of those soldiers hate their Captain.¡± ¡°It couldn¡¯t be helped. They need to know who the boss is and I quite like the Captain.¡± ¡°What you really mean is that you like the Captain¡¯s butt.¡± ¡°Yes I like that too.¡± He nodded as he walked up to Kavdiir. ¡°This one is preparing a cart for the supplies. You will have to pull it to Rose Company as the fat one will not allow us to take it.¡± ¡°Yeah that¡¯s fine but do you need me to feed the dragons again?¡± The Linnare¡¯s eyebrow raised then spoke. ¡°No that is not necessary.¡± After a bit the cart was packed full it. He pulled while Sonashi walked alongside him. He was actually glad he to pull the cart as it would give him Stamina and Strength points. He hadn¡¯t been able to gain any since the last time he swallow the moocher bug. He inspected the cart''s contents. He had expected the bridge building supplies to be hammers, nails, saws and maybe some timber but instead what he found was some dark metal pieces that looked closer to a puzzle than anything else. After reaching the camp he was directed to continue pulling the supplies south. Many of the soldiers in Rose Company deemed this work beneath them and openly laughed at Violam. He shrugged and continued pulling the cart. He had already gained several attribute points and he knew the more he pulled the stronger he would become. By the time he reached the river he felt completely rejuvenated. On the other hand Sonashi was not in a good condition, halfway to the river she was tired and had to get in the cart. Violam found it easier to talk to Sonashi while she was fatigued as she tended to lower her guard. They mainly spoke about inconsequential things though at times Violam felt that she was trying to figure him out. She was as always cynical and sarcastic which Violam found amusing. He did make her laugh a couple of times so all in all he felt like carrying the supplies was worth it. Captain Umaiko put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot as they approached. ¡°What the hell are you doing? Is this what took you so long? You are a soldier now not a supply courier.¡± The rest of Rose Company who hand been working at the river snorted and laughed. They then returned to clearing the river banks. Violam shrugged in response. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal the carriage didn¡¯t have enough workers.¡± ¡°Fine. Fine, let¡¯s take it up to the river.¡± She reached out to pull the cart but when she pulled the cart stood still. She looked at Violam, her eyes wide in disbelief. She yanked again this time much harder and the cart only inched forward. Violam grabbed the cart and then took a solid step forward dragging the cart with him. Once they reached the shore he and the other Rose Company men unloaded the cart. Violam was correct the parts to the bridge were like a puzzle. The parts snapped together forming a large metal road. Other supplies arrived some were pontoon boats that needed to be assembled as well as larges stakes to nail the bridge into the ground. It took several days and several trips for more supplies but once the bridge was completed it spanned the river. It was staked down on either side and was held afloat by resting it on the assembled pontoon boats. There were several insect attacks but none ever made it close to the bridge as several other Companies were on guard. Unlike the Rose Company they were a full sized Company around 150 soldiers. On their last day of bridge work they were finally given a tent and from now on would be sleeping with Rose Company. It was a two man tent so Sonashi and Violam still shared their living quarters. The tent itself was smaller than their old carriage but larger than both their cages combined. For instance they could now stand up straight without hitting their heads and now they can also lay stretched out. Before they could only do that if their cage doors were open. They were also assigned a second tent for their training. Their training tent has to be set up every day before the Neuromancer Gooram arrived. Their Overseer did not show up until the last bridge building day in which he promptly conducted Violam''s training then left. The next few days passed in similar fashion. He marched with Rose Company and was visited for training in the evenings. In this time Violam and Sonashi finally found out Rose Company''s assignment. They were the cleanup crew. They were both assigned a knife and a shovel. After the battle is finished they are to kill the remaining injured survivors regardless of friend or foe and bury the dead in a pit. They bury the dead not out of sympathy or pity but because it would slow the march otherwise. Their carriages needed flat terrain and it was feared that they would get bogged rolling over the bodies. "Sona want to stick with me? After all this is our first clean up mission." Violam stood at the side of Rose Company. He licked his lips as he watched the Ogrite soldiers leaving the battlefield. "If I must." She gave him a forced uninterested look but he could see her hand trembling while holding her knife. He knew she was not frightened instead she was excited. They both were the battle called to them. Ever since she had been assigned a knife she stood taller, stronger and more confident. It was a beautiful sight to behold compared to when he first met her huddled in a corner, dirty and crying. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings."Oi! Flower sniffers it''s almost your time to wipe our asses for us." A passing Ogrite soldier called out. "Sona I have heard that several times now what''s the deal?" "It''s that bitch''s fault." A member of Rose Company interjected. "Because of her we are Rose Company and that''s why they call flower sniffers or pansy squad. Because of her we get assigned the shittiest job of everyone." The Ogrite''s face twisted in anger and the others around him nodded in agreement. "If you say so but I can understand why they hate us. They know if they ever get injured and are left behind it will be our blades that end them." The soldiers around Violam snorted and walked away. Violam was fine with the current setup he can gather experience by stealing kills and gain attribute points by digging holes. To him this was the perfect job. Sonashi elbowed him. "You have to stand out don''t you? Idiot, you should have just agreed with him. Now they are going to be watching us." "Why should I care what he thinks?" "You mean what they think. You really haven''t noticed? They all hate Captain Umaiko they blame her for being in the worst Company and for having the worst job." Sonashi whispered to Violam. He turned to look at Sonashi with a large grin that covered his face. "Well you will just have to keep watching my back." She snorted in response. ¡°They are moving out time to get going. Same plan as last time? Hunt down mages and steal their stuff?¡± ¡°Sounds good after that we will just kill any injured we come across and dig the hole with everyone else.¡± Violam walked forward behind the others in Rose Company. ¡°Why do you want those bags anyway? I tried looking in it there was nothing just a tiny empty bag. You can only fit a few coins in there. Is it magic? If it is it doesn¡¯t work.¡± She whispered as she walked beside him. Violam winked at Sonashi. ¡°They work for me.¡± Rose Company fanned out to finish what someone else¡¯s blade had started. Violam and Sonashi ran out into the field looking for any robed insects. The others in the Company shook their heads and silently cursed the two¡¯s initiative. Violam dashed through the battlefield from robed insect to robed insect. If he happened upon any injured with a quick glance of his knife he ended their lives. This venture to the battlefield was just as bountiful as the last. He gained quite a few potions and bags. He planned to distribute them among the bags and hide them throughout the camp. He was afraid to keep them all on himself in case he was searched he would rather lose one and not all of them. If he has some hidden away in different places it should make it easier to get them if necessary. Soon the battlefield quieted down only the sounds of digging and carrion birds could be heard. All of Rose Company had gathered inside the pit and were digging. Their Lieutenant walked down into the pit. He was suspicious of his men because they were ahead of schedule. With this in mind he decided to give them a surprise inspection to see find out what was going on. ¡°Why are you building the pit? Have you finished the injured on the battlefield?¡± One of the Ogrite soldiers frowned. ¡°Lieutenant Mugvor we have some excited new blood. They childishly ran from soldier to soldier killing them without any respect.¡± There was no such thing as respect for the injured in the Farg Legion. This was the time honored excuse that the Rose Company always gave to justify the laziness they had in their clean up duties. The Lieutenant also knew this so when the men saw him smile as he turned to the two fresh recruits they were excited to see what punishment he would give out. ¡°Good I always like those who work hard!¡± The men in the pit slightly frowned disappointed. ¡°Since you work so much faster than the rest it would be best if you worked separately. Men! We move on to the start the next pit.¡± He shouted then pointed and Violam and Sonashi. ¡°You two will dig your own pits. We need twelve pits in total half to you and the other half to the rest of Rose Company. We need them completed and filled by the end of the day.¡± He turned and marched off with the rest of the workers. ¡°If I continue to stay with you. Is this how it¡¯s is going to be the rest of my life?¡± Sonashi sighed before she continued digging. ¡°It¡¯s alright they will only slow us down anyway.¡± With a begrudging expression he pulled a potion from his bag. ¡°Here drink this it will give you strength.¡± She took the dark red potion from him and scanned its contents. ¡°You sure this isn¡¯t going to knock me out?¡± She turned to look at him. Her expression was the same she would give to a disgusting bug. ¡°You wish you naughty girl! I told you it will only give you strength.¡± He threw his shovel into the ground and pulled up the dirt. ¡°At least this work will give you a chance to build up your strength so eventually I will not have to give you all my strength potions.¡± Out of the corner of his eye he saw her slightly blush as she drank the potion down. The bitterness on her face from the potion turned into a look of astonishment as she clinched her fist. ¡°When that one wears off let me know and I will give you another.¡± He called to her. He had already dug a few feet into the ground and was moving to a new area. It was dark and well into the night by the time they had finished. The other group may have worked at a slow pace but there was at least twenty of them so they finished hours before Violam and Sonashi. They staggered away from the last burial site. Violam summoned another potion and handed it to Sonashi. She looked at the green potion questioningly. ¡°What¡¯s this one for?¡± ¡°It will give you some stamina for later.¡± He winked at her. ¡°Okay Okay don¡¯t hit me!¡± He called out as she used her last bit of strength to raise her shovel. ¡°Sheesh such a violent woman. It will give you the energy you need to make it back without me having to carry you. No doubt the rest of Rose Company want us to return licking our wounds.¡± She drank it done with one smooth chug. She was expecting the bitterness she received from all the other potions. She looked at the empty bottle with surprise this potion was very sweet. ¡°Why did I have to drink all those nasty ones when this one tastes so good?¡± She raised her shovel threateningly once again. ¡°Calm down. They have different effects this will give you enough energy to stay awake. I also have a lot less of these.¡± They returned to Rose Company. Violam was right many of the soldiers looked very disappointed as the two returned laughing and talking. Their laughter died when they entered the tent. Waiting for them inside was the Neuromancer Gooram. Violam had hoped that after a full day¡¯s work they would give him a night off from training. The stern Oversee gestured for Violam to follow and walked out their tent. The two of them walked towards the training tent. Rose Company men showed smug faces as their eyes watched the new recruit enter the tent. It was business as usual for the Violam and the Neuromancer. Gooram retrieved his golden knife from its holster and as always never spoke he just pointed at the stool. Violam pulled off his shirt and sat down as commanded. Violam looked up to the Neuromancer standing menacingly in front of him. He knew that it Gooram had not been wearing a mask he would have seen his sadistic smile. The Neuromancer laid his knife across Violam¡¯s chest. He winced at the blossom of pain but he had grown used to his training and no longer felt the need to scream out. He just let his mind drift off while the Neuromancer did his work. Violam examined the leather armor he had left on the floor. It was much more modern than he had expected. It did not look like leather, it was loose fitting and felt closer to a soft canvas material. The leather top had a hard padding over the chest and elbows, it was a very functional armor and he noticed during the battlefield cleaning it did not restrict his movements one bit. This was a very high quality set of clothing Violam was not even sure if his home world was even capable of creating it. He was becoming more curious of the Farg Legion¡¯s origin. A high pitched scream pulled Violam from his thoughts. He looked down to his bloody chest until his eyes narrowed in on the Neuromancer who laid on the floor his hands clutching his head. Violam reached down to check his Overseer. The thought of killing Gooram crossed his mind briefly but he dismissed it as quickly as it had appeared he did not want any more trouble than necessary. He pushed them over to see what had happened. Violam could finally see their face. The Neuromancers mask sat on the other side of the tent. Violam assumed that it must have been thrown off when Gooram fell. Her was face petite and oval, her skin gray and cracked like Edgar¡¯s and her eyes were a deep red and filled with terror. Violam grabbed his shirt and retreated to his tent. Sonashi was startled as Violam rushed in. ¡°Are you done? Why didn¡¯t you clean yourself when you finished?¡± She moved to grab the bucket of water and a towel. ¡°Sona I do not know what happened she just screamed and fell to the floor!¡± Violam yelled in panic. Sonashi¡¯s eyes narrowed in on the boy. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°The Neuromancer. I don¡¯t know she just fell.¡± ¡°She? You saw that creature''s face!¡± ¡°Her mask fell off.¡± ¡°Hurry go put it back on. I will bring the Captain. Remember the mask never fell off.¡± She ran out of the tent. Violam wiped the blood from his chest and threw on his shirt as he ran back to the training tent. He put the mask back on the Overseer just before Umaiko and Sonashi entered into the tent. The Captain marched over to the fallen Neuromancer. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. They just fell over screaming.¡± Violam honestly responded. The Captain studied Violam for a minute to see if he faltered. ¡°This Neuromancer most likely overworked themselves. I do not know why they wanted to continue your training once you were promoted into Rose Company.¡± She mused, mainly to herself. She turned to look at the knife that had also fallen to the floor. ¡°Hideous thing.¡± She spit at the golden knife. She grabbed Violam¡¯s bloody towel and wrapped the knife. ¡°Lieutenant notify the Black Squad to come retrieve one of their own and take this nasty thing back to them. They will not want it laying on the ground.¡± She handed the knife to the Lieutenant who had just entered the tent a moment earlier. He looked disgusted as he retrieved the knife and left the tent. The Captain licked Violam¡¯s blood from her thumb. ¡°Do not look so pleased. I am sure the Black Squad will send another for your training but they will probably not be nearly as dedicated as this one. It looks like they have fainted bring a bed in here for the Neuromancer and let them rest until its brood comes to retrieve them.¡± The Captain left the tent with no further orders. There was little stir concerning the fallen Neuromancer. Violam came to know that it was not uncommon for Neuromancers to overwork themselves as pushing their mind magic taxes their bodies. Ten days after the collapse of Gooram a new Neuromancer had been conducted his training. Neuromancer Quan was less than enthusiastic to be assigned to Violam. His training only lasted thirty minutes and he did not even bother with Sonashi. The Neuromancer visited every few days sometimes to give him another Moocher bug but never trained Violam again after the first visit. He soon fell into the routine set by Rose Company such as marching, cleaning the battlefield and building bridges when they came to a river. Cleaning and bridge duty did not happen every day so he quickly became aware that everyone besides him in Rose Company had an enormous amount of free time. Mostly this stemmed from the fact that the Commanders wanted nothing to do with them so they were never given special assignments. This gave Rose Company plenty of time to complain and moan about their situation. While other Companies had Guard, Scout or Policing duties Rose Company was content to sleep and laze about when not marching. It was easy to see why Violam had experienced so much animosity from the other Companies every time he attended to his battlefield cleaning duties. The Lieutenant still required Violam and Sonashi to work separately from the rest of Rose Company when cleaning the battlefield. He also assigned Violam as many task as he could. If Violam was not cleaning the Lieutenant''s uniform or shoes he was digging or burying the day¡¯s latrines. He was not well liked among his Company mates. After a few times on latrine duty he became loving known as Shit Boy by the others not that they ever spoke to him. Violam looked at the woman who just stepped into the tent. ¡°Hey Sona is it done?¡± ¡°Go bathe you smell terrible shit boy.¡± She used her hand to pinch her nose shut. ¡°In minute. Is it done?¡± ¡°Yes but I do not understand how a letter is going to get you out of doing latrines.¡± She put her hand in front of her mouth trying to keep her lunch down. ¡°It is not meant to get me out of latrines but it should help speed things up. I am tired of waiting.¡± ¡°Ok Ok just get out of tent. If you ever come in here smelling like that again I will kill you myself.¡± ¡°But then you will be assigned to do the latrines.¡± ¡°GET OUT!¡± In a smooth motion she drew her knife and threw it at the boy. The knife struck the ground where he once stood. He fled the tent as soon as she caused his [Aura Sense] to flare. While returning from the Company showers to his tent he had noticed to presences following him. He approached Sonashi¡¯s bed, gently waking her. ¡°Sona wake up. We are about to have some company.¡± ¡°What? Who?¡± She woke up in a daze. ¡°This should be fun.¡± His eyes filled with excitement. ¡°It¡¯s happening more quickly than expected. For now just follow along.¡± Violam motioned for her to quiet down and went to his bed. The two Ogrite Soldiers stood outside the human¡¯s tent. ¡°Garash, I think it has been long enough. That human should have fallen asleep by now but hit in the head just in case. I will take the girl. We are going to have some fun with her tonight.¡± He licked his lips in anticipation. They stalked up to the tent and quietly withdrew the flap. The two Ogrite¡¯s split up one roughly grabbed the girl with the purple eyes and threw on the ground. He slammed his knee into her back. He could hear the air being expelled from her lungs. He smiled as he bound her hands. His partner had already knocked the human out with the handle of his knife. He tossed his unconscious body over his shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s take them to the Captain¡¯s tent like planned.¡± ¡°Rangt, do you mean Mugvor¡¯s tent?¡± The two laughed at their little joke and left to find the Captain. ¡°Lieutenant what is the meaning of this!?¡± Captain Umaiko mumbled. She had just woken bound to her chair. She was weak, dizzy and there was a slight sour taste on her tongue. ¡°Miss Captain looks like you accidently drank a little poison.¡± He amused himself. Two soldiers came into the Captain¡¯s tent tossing their captives on the ground. The woman struggled but it was useless her binding were too strong. It had taken Mugvor a few weeks to have these ropes commissioned they were made with the highest grade of materials. A malicious smile crossed Mugvor¡¯s face as he watched her struggle. ¡°Why did you p-poison me?¡± ¡°Cut the bullshit Captain! I know all about the letter from your Father.¡± ¡°What letter?¡± Umaiko slurred as she tried to open her eyes. ¡°The letter congratulating his little bitch daughter on her new promotion. It would have been great to finally be rid of you but no now he wants to puts his other daughter in charge of our company. So instead I am killing you and taking your position. You will just be another body in the pits.¡± ¡°P-promotion? Second Daughter? But I don¡¯t have a sister¡­¡± Umaiko spoke again slowly becoming aware of her situation. Deep laughter erupted in the Captain¡¯s tent. Everyone¡¯s attention was drawn to its source. ¡°You are so stupid!¡± The human male laughed. ¡°You fell for it so quickly. Captain I am sorry but how can your Lieutenant be this dumb?¡± Mugvor strode forth punching the human in the jaw. ¡°Shut Up human! What do you know?¡± ¡°I know I am the one who wrote the letter not the Commander. I know I am the one who spread the rumors that the Captain here was receiving awards and money for your work.¡± Before Mugvor could stick the human with his knife another Ogrite entered the Captain¡¯s tent. ¡°Mugvor everyone outside of your men is bound or dead.¡± ¡°Good work! Now go back I will be there shortly.¡± The Ogrite retreated from the tent. Mugvor turned towards the bound human. ¡°See human no matter your schemes there is nothing you can do.¡± Mugvor sneered at the human male who dared make him a fool. A blissful smile crossed the human¡¯s face. ¡°Captain, can I kill them now?¡± His melodious voice rang out sweet like honey. ¡°Yes Lieutenant Violam kill them all.¡± Captain Umaiko spoke. Her voice was firm and clear. Mugvor looked into her unyielding eyes and shuddered. ¡°Except for him leave his head for my blade.¡± Mugvor looked back to the human. He was standing now. The human brought his hands up shedding his bindings. Red veins cracked up the human''s neck onto his face and into his eyes turning them into two dark red pools of blood. To Mugvor it looked as if the human took a single step forward and punched. The human¡¯s hand disappeared into Garash¡¯s chest. His bloody hand then whipped up twisting Rangt¡¯s head in an odd direction. The two Ogrite¡¯s bodies fell to the ground. Mugvor fell to his knees, a warm liquid ran down his legs and pooled on the floor beneath him. ¡°No no don¡¯t kill me. I made a mistake please don¡¯t.¡± The human ignored his cries and stepped past him followed by the girl with the purple eyes leaving the tent. Mugvor relaxed until his eyes settled down on the Captain. She was now unbound. Her hands were resting in front of her on the desk. ¡°Don¡¯t get us wrong. You are going to die today.¡± Chapter 18: a Construct, a Spike and a Crack Howdy! Here is Chapter 18. Sorry I know I said this chapter would be out early but somethings came up. I had to travel unexpectedly and what not. Also to lessen confusion this chapter starts from the point when Otis first splits his mind prior to being tortured by Edgar. And you can always find other stuff at https://yougots.wordpress.com/ Enjoy ---------------------------------- A golden knife appeared in the gray man¡¯s hand. ¡°Violam, I am sorry but I have to cut you now.¡± Otis split his mind. Otis, I am going to put up a barrier between us. I will be Violam from now on. You must survive. No, you mustn¡¯t it¡¯s too dangerous. We do not what will happen if we stay separated for too long. A moment of silence passed. I am sorry Otis. The barrier slammed into place between the two minds isolating pain and reality to only one side. ¡°Darkness again. Well not exactly darkness that''s just the easiest description of being the secondary mind. It more like consciousness floating in a sea of nothingness or is it that I am suspended in a sky of nothingness. Hell I could even be laying on the couch of nothingness.¡± Otis sighed at his predicament. ¡°Did I sigh or did I just think I sighed? Being second mind is great for pondering magic and the great unknown but not such a great place to just hang out. Well it could be worse I could be facing that crazy man¡¯s golden knife.¡± Otis shook at the thought. ¡°Did I just shake or did I just think I shook? I wonder how the other me is managing. I hope Violam pulls down the barrier soon I hate this place. I might as well make use of my time here if I do not focus on something I am likely to go crazy.¡± Otis expanded his sense to manipulate the elements like he had the previous times he was in this mental space. He felt a wall stopping his senses from reaching the outside world. ¡°Damn this barrier. Next time I see Violam I am going to punch him in the face.¡± He pushed his senses along probing the barrier for weaknesses. It was firm at first a constant restraint. His senses were too raw to feel the finite details but he continued to feel it out it. The barrier seemed to stretch out forever, no matter how long he traced his mind along the barrier it never ended. His search for a weakness in Violam¡¯s barrier was taxing on Otis. After what he assumed was a few hours he felt tired and needed to rest. So even in this mental space he needed to sleep. He did not want to think about what happens to his conscious while he slept in the mental space. Since he did not have a physical form did his mind just cease to exist for the time he rested or did he just somehow close his metaphysical eyes? It was best not to think about things like that. He was afraid he might follow that train of thought for too long and never make his way out of it. Violam finally lowered the barrier after what felt like days but when Otis spoke with Violam only a few hours had passed. ¡°He says that he is fine but he is already sounds a bit off. There must be something I can do here. I don¡¯t know what they are doing to him, to me. If only I could get past this barrier or at least see it.¡± The world of nothingness flickered around him a faint outline of the barrier came into focus. Otis noticed the change in the mental space he pushed it further imagining that the barrier was a physical wall but he could not get it to maintain the shape as far as it could go was turning into a dense fog. A thought came into Otis¡¯s consciousness. ¡°I might be able to get out of the nothingness. Maybe I can create my own world in here.¡± He thought of the forest he hunted in with Milo and Michelle. That time in the forest with them was the happiest he had been since he arrived in this world. So it was natural that it was the place he wanted to recreate in this mental space. Soon layers of earth rolled across what he assumed was the bottom of the mental space. Then grass and trees sprung up from that ground. Otis¡¯s consciousness hovered in the forest he still did not have a body. He willed his consciousness to take his physical form. This had been a more difficult task than creating the forest. Slowly his consciousness condensed down and began to take a physical shape. He did not know how long the process took to create himself but it required all of his focus to accomplish his physical form. When he finally finished creating himself he immediately fell asleep. Upon waking Otis stretched his newly formed body. While he was not stiff or sore it still felt good to stretch after a nap. He took stock of himself. He looked like he did when he first entered Vilenna, he looked like a child of eleven even though his real body had the look of a teenager. He stood and looked around the forest. It looked exactly like the forest had just north of Flower Hill Village. Otis picked a direction and walked until he reached the dense fog that had been the barrier. He estimated that he had traveled for about half an hour to reach the barrier. He stepped into the fog, it surrounded him but he continued to walk further. He walked until he was surround by a dense sea of white. As he walked forward he had the keen sense that he was no longer moving, confusion set in he could no longer tell which direction he should go to leave. Otis began to panic he felt lost in the fog, he turned to retreat and took a single step. He emerged back in the forest. He turned around intending to go back to where he had awoken but after half an hour he reached the barrier once again. He picked a different direction and once again after half an hour he reached the barrier. This time he ran from the barrier expecting to reach the other side of the barrier much sooner but it was still the same, it still took half an hour to reach the barrier. No matter what direction he picked whether running or walking the barrier was thirty minutes away. The forest had lost all of its appeal. Otis decided he needed somewhere flat with no obstructions. He remembered the Training Pavilion that he trained in with Captain Trevino. A stone floor began to construct itself around Otis. There were no building like there had been in reality instead the stone ended at the fog barrier. Otis could see the fog all around him in fact it was not that far at all. Definitely within thirty minutes walking distance. He tested out his new mental construct by walking forward and observing his surroundings. It still took him half an hour to reach the barrier he surmised that the barrier also moved as he walked forward. He observed the fog barrier it looked the same as it did when he was in the forest. He noticed that from time to time a dark cloud would appear in the fog. Otis settled down in the middle of his construct. He wanted to test what he could do here. He held his hand and a flame appeared above his palm. He could still not touch the elements but he could create fire. It did not feel like fire it was not a part of something greater than himself. In reality when he pulled on the elements there was a resistance like if he did not pull hard enough they would snap back into place. The fire he created in his mental space was purely a construct of his own, created out of nothing. It was also different from fire of the real world. The most notable thing was that it was green. He flicked his wrist and the flame shot forth into the fog. The fire looked like a liquid flame. It had dripped when it flew through the air, everything the droplets touched burst into flames. The barrier rippled as the flame collided with it. A faint green tint spread through the barrier and dissipated. He pushed his consciousness to the fog exploring it once again exploring what he had done and inspecting it for any damage. He was disappointed there was nothing. He withdrew his consciousness from the barrier. Otis formed a large earth boulder construct. It was also different from a real rock. The earth was darker, heavier and harder. He flicked his wrist and the boulder slammed into the barrier. The barrier shook violently. The boulder did not bounce off the barrier instead it was being consumed by the barrier. The fog exhibited a faint dark brown tint while it consumed the boulder. Once it finished the dark brown fog dissipated like the fire''s color had. Otis once again extended his consciousness to search the barrier only to find the same result as last time. There was no damage. As he searched the barrier a tiredness soaked into his body. He withdrew his consciousness back from the barrier. Otis¡¯s constructed world flickered in and out of existence. Otis stood and stumbled forward. He tried to mentally strengthen his construct but he had no energy left to do so. The world blanked out, his body faded away and Otis slept. Otis awoke to the darkness once again. He surmised that he over taxed himself attacking the barrier. He once again constructed the training pavilion and his body. Constructing his body took much less time and he felt more at ease doing it. He felt the barrier for any changes, it was exactly the same there was no damage. The only difference he could see was that the dark clouds were appearing more often in the barrier. They also had seemed darker than before. Otis could not reach the elements but he wanted to test his other skills. He reached for his mana first. He could feel it there but it was a tiny amount and there was no response to his summons. ¡°No matter how hard I pull on my mana I cannot summon it.¡± He mused aloud. ¡°Let¡¯s move onto something else then.¡± He reached out to the shadows. He was surprised to see that he could summon the shadows to his mental space. He immediately covered his body in shadow as he had when he attempted to escape the camp. He wanted to figure out how that lizard man and that monstrous gray human Butch could see his shadow form. Otis had believed that the only one who could see through his shadow had been Milo. He experimented with the shadow drawing himself deeper into his connection with it. He constructed a wall of mirrors and inspected his appearance. If one did not look carefully they would completely miss Otis but upon closer inspection the light dimmed where he stood. Otis could see his dark outline. It was just like Milo had said he still left behind his shadow. Otis had been careless, it was not the perfect shadow skill he believed it was. It may fool some but against a strong battle hardened enemy it was useless. He dismissed his mirrors. There was no sun in his construct so there were no shadows to work with. He pushed his shadow away and separated it from himself. Doing something like this in reality would have drained all his mana. He remembered that Milo had the ability to step in and out of different shadows. This is something he had always wanted to accomplish but could not due to the mana strain. He set that as his immediate goal. Unlike the fire and other elements he had tried to make in his mental space the shadow was real and not a construct. The shadow had that familiar feeling, a connection to something deeper, something other worldly. He pulled a new shadow to himself. He attempted to step into as Milo had but only successfully walked across the top of shadow. Otis frowned, ¡°How the hell does Milo do it?¡± He pushed his conscious towards the shadow to inspect it. He first ran alongside the shadow but felt nothing amiss it was just a shadow. He pushed his mind closer and reached out to touch the shadow. His mind passed through the shadow and enter another space of nothingness. In shock he immediately retracted his mind and stumbled backwards falling to the ground. ¡°What the hell just happened?¡± Otis was out of breath and his heart was racing. He calmed himself and reached out to the shadow once again with his mind. He passed through the shadow daring not to go too far into the nothingness. As far as he could tell it stretched on infinitely. The tiredness came again. Otis retracted his consciousness back to his body. He did not know why but he feared that if he slept within the shadow his mind would be forever separated from his real body. Otis awoke once again and constructed the training pavilion and his body in an instant. Before he delved into the shadow once again he decided he needed some concept of time. He wanted to know how long it took until his mind was exhausted and needed to sleep. In his construct appeared a tall wide candle. On the candle was twenty three notches. A completely burnt out candle would signify the twenty fourth notch. The notches did not signify hours because he did not really have a grasp on time in this space. He just chose twenty four because it was a familiar and comfortable number. Otis suspected that his experiments in this space also contributed to his exhaustion so need would also need a baseline to draw a comparison. He decided for the first candle he would not experiment, he would just let it burn until he fell asleep. He sent his green flame to the candle and waited. He considered this to be his most painful and boring experiment. Ten candle notches later Otis was unable to stay awake and fell asleep. When he woke his training pavilion construct was still there, it seemed to only disappear when he overextended himself. The candle was also still burning and he had only slept for two more notches. He dismissed the candle and created a brand new one and lit it. This time he would experiment. So he attacked the barrier, searched it for weaknesses and explored his shadow magic. Otis was exhausted by the time the candle had burned to the sixth notch. He continued to summon the candle after every time he woke up. He noticed that he was able to stay awake for longer each time. After a few cycles of sleep and experimentation which he now considered a type of mental exercise he moved up a notch. That was not the only thing that had changed he also noticed that his mental senses were becoming more acute and now as he scanned the barrier he could feel cracks and fissures. There was always a dark cloud in the barrier now. Otis scanned the darkened area of the barrier, it was the same as the rest of the barrier. He could not understand why that one spot was darker than the rest of the barrier. He also grew impatient exploring the shadow, there was no heads or tails to the place. He had dove into the shadow dozens of times and as far he could tell it was just a vast nothingness. He had made no progress whatsoever in trying to understand it or learn how Milo moved within them. If it was not for the fact that he could retract his consciousness he would not have been able to leave the shadow. Otis retracted his mind from the shadow. He looked at the candle it had reached the 14th notch. He knew that his time was just about up. He would need to sleep soon. ¡°Damn! How does Milo do it?¡± Otis yelled in frustration. He decided he would give it one last try before he slept. Otis reached out and pulled the shadow into his mind. The shadow readily jumped into his consciousness. Otis frantically pushed it away but his strength was waning. He messed up, instead of pushing his mind into the shadow he had pulled the shadow into himself. His construct blasted away as the shadow chewed up all his mental energy. Otis could not fight the intrusion. His mind only had one choice it started to convert and merge with the shadow. The shadow put up no resistance instead it embraced Otis¡¯s consciousness. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Otis woke to nothingness once again. He reformed his construct and stepped onto the training pavilion. He was wary of what had happened but he felt no different than he had before. He summoned a candle and a mirror. There were no physical changes except he thought his hair might be darker. He thought of making a shadow and it appeared. He did not have to sense or pull the shadow to make it happen. It felt completely natural to him to summon the shadow like he would the mirror, candle or his green flame. But he still felt its connection to something deeper and now he felt like he was connected to something deeper. He pushed the shadow across the room and created another one. Unlike before he could now feel both shadows even if he was not connected to it. He summoned tens of shadows then hundreds. His keen senses felt all of them, their position in this world and their connection to their world. He stepped into a shadow and directed his mind to a shadow on the other side of his construct. Otis stepped out of the second shadow. ¡°I finally did it.¡± Otis jumped around in excitement but it didn¡¯t last long. At first there was just an itch, an itch in his mind. Then there was a noise, it sounded like a pounding on a wall. With each thud the itch in his mind grew stronger until it became painful. The fog around Otis¡¯s construct had turned red and the color grew more vibrant as the pounding continued. The pounding grew extremely strong and loud in a matter of moments. By the time the barrier had turned a deep red Otis¡¯s entire body was stricken with pain. The pain lasted for ages as did the pounding. He had lost all sense of time when the last thud occurred. The last thud was by far the loudest and strongest. Pain crashed into Otis, he screamed out as he fell to the floor. He heard something tear in his mind. The pain in his mind eventually subsided and while the boy had not changed the barrier had. It was not quite as red as it had been but now Otis could see red flames. They were not tall flames as they were only a few inches off the ground. Otis pushed his mind out to explore the barrier. What he found was that the flames were not within the barrier instead they were just outside it. The barrier also felt weaker. He surmised that those flames were attacking it but they were weak. At the rate the flames burned it would take years to break the barrier. The dark cloud reappeared in the fog once the pain went away. Otis had cycled through several of his constructed candle noting the growth in the flames. They were larger now but not by much. Since the barrier still stood strong he did not think the flames were a threat yet. He just hoped he could find a way out before they were a threat. Otis constantly probed the barrier for weakness. His mental energy was much more powerful now so he could inspect the barrier while working on his shadow magic and trap making. Over the year in Flower Hill Village Otis had trained his trapping skill. He could now make magical traps which had been very valuable against that monstrous gray human Butch. His magical traps were simplistic. He either had to trigger them or he could set them trigger on pressure. Magical traps themselves were just a condensed element that would erupt once triggered. There had been two traps he had used to slow Butch down. The first was a Light magic trap that flashed ruining his vision for a moment. The second was an Earth magic trap which sprang up encapsulating its victim. The gray human Butch had been too tall for it to cover him but it still slowed him down. Otis needed to improve them to make them more complex and powerful. They were all too simplistic right now. A fire trap would only erupt into a pillar of flame, a wind trap gave a short weak tornado and he could not make a shadow trap at all. In this mental space he may not be able to reach the elements but he could simulate them like he had with the green fire. So he added magical traps to his training regimen as well. Otis decided to take a break from his training when something caught his eye. The dark cloud in the fog, it was vibrating. Otis stepped toward the cloud to inspect it much more closely. He was about to push his consciousness to the barrier when a gray spike shot from the cloud. Otis dodged to the side. The spike missed the boy. It retracted at shot towards him once again. This time the spikes speed increased significantly. Otis did not have time to think let alone dodge. He pushed his mental energy out forming a black barrier. The spike slammed into the hastily made barrier. The spike retracted and shifted its direction targeting Otis once again but from a different angle. Otis moved his barrier to match the spike blocking it. The spike struck out several more times each time becoming weaker until it retracted completely from the barrier. The dark cloud had also left the fog. Otis sat down on the ground exhausted. ¡°What the hell was that?¡± He looked at his black barrier. ¡°I know this feeling. Shadow Magic?¡± The black wall in front of him was made of mental energy and condensed shadow. He used his mental energy to change the black wall into a different shape but failed. ¡°Another thing I am going to need to practice.¡± He looked at the spot where the spike emerged. ¡°I have a suspicion that finding time to practice it will not be a problem.¡± He dismissed the shadow wall and probed the fog. ¡°It¡¯s was definitely weaker now.¡± Just then another dark cloud appeared in the fog. It did not take long before it vibrated and released a spike directed at Otis. He summoned another Shadow wall to block the spike''s attack. Just like before the spike retracted into the cloud and attacked several more times. Eventually the spike lost strength and dark cloud left the barrier. Otis sat down to rest, controlling the condensed shadow and maintaining his construct was exhausting. He did not want to know what would happen if he was attacked when after he lost consciousness. The boy waved his hand to dismiss the training pavilion construct and instead constructed a plain white room. This construct had been used several times during his experiments. He found that it wasted a lot less mental energy and could stay awake for the length of five candles. The next attack came, this time without warning, there was not a darkened cloud before the spike jetted out of the fog into the white room. Otis had not noticed it until it stabbed into his shoulder. His vision began to fade, the spike fed on his mental energy. The spike retracted back into the fog. It shot back towards the boy. Otis in his haze grabbed a half condensed shadow and throw it into the spike knocking it off its path missing the boy. He fended off the rest of the spikes attacks in a similar manner. The attacks continued to occur and became increasingly more frequent. Otis lost track of how many times he was attacked but it finally stopped. His condensed shadow defense was no longer a solid wall, it now was more liquid. It did not have the stopping power of the solid barrier but it was easier manipulate and wasted less mental energy. He kept his guard up even though he could see the barrier repairing and strengthening itself. Whatever had been invading his mind had given up for now. Otis closed his eyes, he did not dare sleep but by doing this he figured he would waste less mental energy. He sat in silence for a time until something stirred in Otis¡¯s mind. ¡°This...I am recovering energy.¡± As soon as the boy spoke the feeling disappeared. He settled back down and felt for the energy but nothing came. Otis relaxed as he had before and in time the recovery began again. It was not something he could search for or make happen it was just a natural occurrence. He would need patience and time to recover. Otis¡¯s eyes snapped open the candle had burned four notches since he had closed them. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong.¡± His mind itched like it had when she heard the pounding but there was no pain this time. The red flames stretched upward consuming the barrier. The fog itself was quickly turned red. A gray spike shot out from the fog. Otis used his condensed shadow to knock it off its path. Another spike emerged from the fog and shot at him then another and another. Soon he had half a dozen spikes stabbing towards him. Otis frantically dodged or block all of the incoming missiles but they continued to attack. Otis noticed that the barrier had weakened dramatically. In the past the barrier would seal the hole immediately after the spike was retracted. Now in its weakened state it could not heal itself quickly. Otis licked his lips in anticipation. All he had to do was wait for an opening once the spikes reached their limit. Right now he was being bombarded by these attacks. They suppressed his movement he could not get close to the barrier but they will weaken and that''s when he will make his escape. Images began flicker in the barrier at first Otis prepared himself for a new enemy but soon he realized the he was seeing the real world through Violam''s eyes. The image started to become more visible in the fog. "What is he doing?" Otis blocked a spike as he yelled in shock. Violam was in some type of arena. What was happening could not be described as fighting. Some had weapon, many did not but they were all cowering in fear. Otis watched helpless through Violam''s eyes as his body killed every last prisoner in that arena. Tears ran down his cheeks as he blocked more spikes. He thought of everyone Violam had killed for his sake. He saw Violam leap in the air to smash an Ogrite soldier. Otis couldn''t help but be hopeful at seeing the death of one of his captors. "We''re free! Run!" He shouted misunderstanding the situation. "Run! No why are you walking? Run. Get out of there!" He watched Violam calmly walk out of the arena and the image flickered out of existence. Otis kept blocking the spikes but now with less vigor he was confused. "What is going on in the real world? What could have driven me to kill all those people?" The red faded from the weakened barrier though not completely and the red flames burned much higher than they had before. There were less spikes now and the attacks were slowing down. The last spike withdrew from the barrier. The weakened red barrier could not automatically fix the hole left behind. While the barrier slowly began to heal, Otis sent his shadow through the enclosing hole. Otis stepped into his shadow and out of the shadow on the other side. Otis was disoriented, he was falling and the world was spinning around him. Before he could right himself he landed face first into the ground. Dazed the boy stood and observed his surroundings. He was standing in a field of grass. The sky was a deep red and jagged gray lines had cut through it. The lines were moving it looked as if they were attacking the sky. Otis follow the lines with his eyes back to a large red crack in the sky. When he looked at the crack it made his mind itch almost to the point of pain. ¡°I don¡¯t know what that crack is but I am sure it has something to do with that pounding. I get the same feeling looking at it as I had when I heard the pounding.¡± Otis said to himself as he winced in pain. Red flames ran from the crack scorching the sky. Otis narrowed his eyes but avoiding looking directly at it. ¡°I need to get rid of that thing. It is definitely not good and it makes me feel sick.¡± Otis ran towards his mind¡¯s invader. The land steadily shifted from that of grasslands into a dry wasteland. He had ran for what he thought was several hours but the hole in the sky was only a little closer. Otis stopped running as he approached a deep gorge. ¡°How deep is this? I can¡¯t even see the bottom?¡± Otis said as he looked out over the edge. It was a straight drop into a dark abyss. ¡°Can I jump it? It is a good fifteen feet. If I could control the wind I know I could make it but on pure strength I don¡¯t think I can.¡± He shook his head. A smile showed on his face as he thought of a solution. He summoned his shadow and pushed it forward. The shadow fell into the abyss and never appeared on the other side of the gorge. Otis had even lost his connection to it at some point when it fell into the darkness. ¡°Tsk. I will have to figure something else out.¡± Otis sat on the ground to recover. He had not had much time to rest since the last attack. ¡°Maybe if I try further down it will be narrower.¡± Otis looked down the gorge in both directions until something caught his eye. He turned to face the direction he came. It was fog slowly rolling towards the boy. At its speed it would take it a while to reach the boy. Otis stood and ran down along the gorge. It was hard for him to tell how far along he was running the terrain all looked the same and the fog always seemed to inching closer to him. He stopped running. ¡°What the hell is going on? It looks like I haven¡¯t gone anywhere!¡± Otis yelled in frustration. ¡°What is this place anyway?¡± He looked at the approaching fog the stress was getting to him. He backed away from the gorge until he was only a few feet away from the fog. He needed to escape the fog and the only way was to get across the gorge. In desperation he ran forward. The world shook and fire fell from the sky. Otis dodged the falling flames. The sky itself was on fire, flames poured out from the crack with a greater intensity than they had before. An image flickered into the sky. Otis knew immediately it was looking through Violam¡¯s eyes. He could see a Dwarf threatening Sonashi grabbing her hair and pulling her towards him. Otis saw his body snatch the Dwarf by the back of the neck. The sky burned hotter it was oppressing. Otis panted, his breath had turned ragged. He fell to the ground paralyzed by the heat and power that emanated from the crack in the sky. He watched Violam torture the dwarf with a strange satisfaction. Otis covered himself in shadows to stop the flames from burning him alive. He felt the weight from the fires lessen because of the shadow. The world continued to shake as Otis scrambled to his feet. It was too late for him to escape, the fog was already upon him. Otis summoned a shadow wall and slammed it down between him and the fog. The fog floated through the black wall and into the boy swallowing him. -------------------------- Comments and criticisms are never expected but always appreciated. Thanks. Chapter 19: a Cave, a Demon and a Green Light Yea so I had this ready to post on Monday but RR was down. Then I forgot that it hadn''t been posted.. Sorry about that here it is now. Visit https://yougots.wordpress.com/ for other stuff. -------------------------------------------------- The fog retreated from Otis''s body. To him it had only been an instant since the fog snatched him. The formed its square barrier once again only this time it was much smaller. All four walls of the barrier were within two arms lengths of Otis. The fog barrier turned red at once and dark clouds also formed on all four walls. ¡°You have got to be kidding me.¡± Otis commented to himself. He took a page from his attacker''s book. He formed a compressed shadow in the shape of spike then twisted into a screw. ¡°This better work and Fast!¡± The darkened clouds grew in intensity, the gray spikes would emerge soon. Otis plunged his spike into the barrier. He rotated his twisted spike drilling deep into the barrier. The barrier shook. His attack caused it to lose much of its strength. A gray spike jetted out from behind Otis stabbing him through the back of his calf nailing him to the ground. Otis screamed out in pain. He did not have time to even dodge the spike before it struck him. The spike pulled his energy from him. The black drill Otis created faltered and its rotation slowed. It was close to breaking through. Another spike stabbed into his shoulder. The drill stopped completely this time. Otis body slumped down his consciousness was fading. He pushed his last bit of energy into the drill. It spun one last time. The tip managed to just penetrate the barrier. The hole in the barrier was tiny and closing fast. Otis merged with the black drill. The drill shimmered into a single black line vectoring itself through the opening. Outside the barrier the line took a perfect right angle and shot to the ground below. As soon as it touched the line spread out reforming back into Otis. Otis slept sprawled out on the ground. In the sky above him several gray lines stabbed into a cloud. The lines receded from the cloud and scattered out in different directions to begin their search for the anomaly once again. He woke and stared into the burning sky. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t merge with the shadow that often until I have worked on it. It feels good." He shuddered. "Like I am in two places at once.¡± The cloud in the sky that was once Otis¡¯s prison has now finally reformed. The cloud moved downward towards the boy at a slow pace. ¡°I guess I have had enough rest. Better put some space between me and that thing.¡± The area that had once been green grasslands now looked brown and wilted. Otis ran towards the red crack in the sky. Flames constantly shot from it into the sky. Some flames still fell to the ground although it was quite a bit less than before. Otis passed flames that had burnt away. After the flames died they left behind a boiling red puddle. Around the puddle the ground was scorched gray and cracked. Otis watched one puddle merge into another and seep into the ground. ¡°That cannot be good.¡± He shook his head and continued on. Otis arrived at the gorge. The land had changed drastically. The quakes had shifted the ground, the other side of the chasm stood much higher than Otis¡¯s side but the gorge was not nearly as wide as before. The red liquid streamed over the chasm walls in several areas flowing down into the abyss. "I think I can make it this time but just in case." Otis summoned a shadow and wrapped the bottom of his shoes. He then condensed the shadows into cleats. He summoned another shadow and did the same on his palms. Otis took a running jump to leap to the other side of the chasm. He had aimed himself towards a small ridge and grabbed ahold. He did not waste any time and began to climb to the top. He was not far from the top only about ten feet. As Otis climbed the distance never lessened. "Damn just like before. I cannot go the way I want to go." He said in frustration. Otis gave up trying to climb to the top. Instead he changed directions and went down. The distance from the top grew as the boy moved further and further towards the abyss. He had attempted to move to the left or right but he had the same result as if he was trying to climb up. He was not able to move left or right anyway as the red liquid was encroaching on either side of him. Soon he could no longer see the top of the chasm only a tiny sliver of the sky. He came to a hole in the wall. The hole had claw marks on the side of it like something had burrowed into to it. It was only large enough for his arm to enter. The red liquid had also stopped flowing downward, it pooled at the level of the hole and seeped into wall. Otis attempted to continue past the small hole but he was not allowed. He could only go as far as eye level to it. Otis sighed in defeat. He willed a shadow into the hole. He sent the shadow down deeper into the tiny cave until it was large enough for him to fit. He widened the shadows on his feet and fell through it. Otis roughly exited out of the other shadow landing face first in the dirt. At this part of the cave it was large enough for Otis to stand. The red liquid traced along the walls, the liquid glowed giving the cave a dim red illumination. Otis followed the glowing red veins deeper into the cave. The red liquid gathered into larger streams the deeper he went. There were streams running on every surface. They were running on the ground, walls and even the ceiling of the cavern. They ran around, over and through the stalagmites. Stalactites even jetted out from the stream of red liquid on the roof of the cavern. "Fefefefe¡± A sudden sound caused Otis to spin around. Something was stirring in one of the red streams. The ripples in the liquid stopped as soon as Otis had seen it. "Cococo¡± Another sound came from above. This sound was a deeper pitch than the one before. The boy backed away. He wanted nothing more than to retreat from this place but like before no matter how many steps back he took he never moved from his current spot. "Fefefefe¡± Otis spun once more. This time it was from ahead of him. A tiny figure stepped out from the red liquid. "Fee Fee Feed¡± Its voice was high pitched and scratchy. It was the size of a child and had large pointed ears. A sharp edged weapon formed in its hand. The goblin looked up to Otis and stepped towards the boy. A title appeared above the goblin¡¯s head. It was the first time Otis had seen anything like that since his mind had split. He did not even have his own status bars or menu. [Blood Goblin - Level 5] "Feed the Bloodrage! Feed the Bloodrage! FEED THE BLOODRAGE!" The blood goblin yelled. Its mouth opened impossibly wide and a liquid bubbled up from its gullet. The goblin wretched, spewing boiling red liquid at Otis. The boy jumped away dodging the liquid and landed on a nearby stalagmite. The liquid turned and shot towards Otis again. He rolled out of the way. The liquid dove into the nearest stream merging with the red river. Otis jumped back dodging the goblins attack. It had continued to approach him while he dodged the liquid. The blood goblin attacked Otis again with its red sickle. Its attacks were clumsy and forecasted. Otis stepped around and dodge the goblins continued attacks. I don''t want to touch the creature. It''s made of the red liquid I don''t know what that stuff will do to me. Otis thought as he jumped back to create some distance between the two. Otis constructed a green flame and fired it at the red goblin. The flame hit the red goblin in the chest and the green fire splashed across its face. "FEED!" It screamed at the dying flames. "FEED THE BLOODRAGE!" It charged at Otis with renewed energy. ¡°Well that didn¡¯t work. I guess I will have to try something else.¡± Otis slipped through the goblins swings and stepped away once again. A large dark boulder appeared hovering in front of the boy. It shot out crashing into the goblin. The impact made the goblin take a few steps back. The boulder lost size at it melted into the goblin. ¡°BURN!¡± The scream filled cavern as a red creature fell from the stream on the ceiling landing on four legs. A sharp horn jutted out from the crown of its head. ¡°BURN THE MIND!¡± The creature shouted as it stood up on two legs. Blood red wings emerged from its back. The large bat like creature took to the air. [Blood Bat - Level 10] ¡°BURN THE MIND!¡± The flying beast screeched. The air vibrated with each screech. The creature zeroed in on the Otis, it flapped its wings and dove towards the boy who was dodging the goblins attacks. It readied it claws to slash into the human¡¯s back only to slash at empty air. The boy had vanished. The blood bat attempted to correct its flight but still crashed into the tiny goblin and tumble to the ground. Otis stepped out of a shadow on the outside of the room. ¡°Time to stop playing around.¡± Otis summoned a condensed shadow it was in its more adaptable liquid form. ¡°I really didn¡¯t want to touch those things.¡± He was connected to the shadow now. He would feel what the shadow feels and he can only move his condensed shadow a few feet from his body so his attacks had to be up close and personal. The two creatures growled and scrambled to their feet. The goblin vomited another stream of red liquid. Otis jumped out of its path but the bats screech pounded Otis''s ears. ¡°BURN THE MIND!¡± Otis pushed past the pain that lanced into his brain. Otis stepped into his shadow and fell from the ceiling of the cave. ¡°Burn this you flying rat!¡± The black shadow sharpened as Otis slashed. The bat was cleaved in two and fell from the air. Otis¡¯s entire body burned when the shadow touched the beast. He landed in a heap on the ground paralyzed by pain. A blood red sickle appeared slashing down into Otis¡¯s face. Otis rolled out of the way of the sickle just missing him. Otis brought his edged shadow across the goblin¡¯s neck relieving it of its head. The bat and goblin dissolved into pools of liquid. The liquid rolled across the ground to merge with a nearby stream. Otis¡¯s body spasmed in pain once again. Once the moment passed, he dismissed his shadow and stumbled forward deeper into the cave. ¡°I have to get out here. That damn thing. What did the goblin call it? The Bloodrage. What has Violam gotten us into?¡± Otis cautiously watched the streams as he moved further down into the cavern until they merged together. He had summoned a condensed shadow and looked at it thoughtfully. ¡°I need a way to protect myself and I can¡¯t be paralyzed with pain. I don¡¯t have access to the elements and those things eat mental energy. All I have is the shadow but it hurts like hell when it touches them.¡± He formed the shadow into a condensed wall though it was much smaller so Otis could manipulate it. ¡°I cannot push it very far out at all.¡± The wall hovered a little over an arm''s length in front of the boy. Otis sharpened the edges and spun it around his body. ¡°Now they can¡¯t sneak up on me like before. I just need to test it to make sure it works.¡± Otis spent the next half hour walking undisturbed. There had been several corridors that he was forced to pass up. He was sure they led to the surface but this world only allowed him to move in a certain direction. He had further condensed down the shadow till it was just thicker than his old training sword. In the past he had been able to see through the shadow wall but now it was the darkest black he had ever seen. The sounds came once again. ¡°fefefefe¡± He had heard them several times since the attack but nothing ever came out of the Blood river. The cavern had opened up into a large room if it wasn¡¯t for Otis¡¯s enhanced vision he would not have been able to see the walls. By this time the red river had all accumulated to one side of the room. Otis cast a wary eye towards the river that was slowly pooling into a lake. If given enough time the river will completely take over the vast room. The top of the lake gurgled and boiled. The gurgling sounded strangely like words but they were unintelligible. Dirt landed on Otis¡¯s shoulder, he reached up to brush it off but faltered as the ground and walls twisted and shook. Waves of red liquid crashed into the underground lake. The lake expanded swelled consuming a majority of the space in the cavern. The patches of the ceiling crumbled and fell to the ground. Otis dodge and rolled away from the debris. He used his shadow to split some of the large falling rocks. In the confusion and destruction of the cave red creatures stepped out of the expanding lake. They all screamed in their desperate scratchy voices drawing Otis¡¯s attention. ¡°Oh now you come! Couldn¡¯t you at least do this on my schedule? Come back in an hour when I am ready?¡± Some of the creatures had already reached Otis striking distance. Otis braced himself for pain and brought his shadow guillotine down on one of the four legged creature¡¯s neck. Otis body felt itchy all over as the shadow sliced through. He deemed the shadow a success he rotated it slicing another creature in half. Goblins of all forms continued to step out of the lake some of which did get crushed by the falling debris. The boy easily out maneuvered the monsters as well as the debris. The shaking ground did not have much effect on his fighting abilities, the only thing that slowed him down was his cumbersome weapon. It required too much concentration and its reach was rather limited. Otis created some space between him and his attackers. ¡°Why didn¡¯t I think of that earlier?" An idea came into his mind. The shadow wall stretched out, first forming into a pole then the top of shadow staff flattened into a blade. This was one of his favorite weapons taught to him by Captain Trevino. He had told Otis it was called a Guan Dao. The Guan Dao was solid black, the bottom of the staff was adorned with a small spike and the blade had one curved side and the other was jagged both of which were very sharp. Otis grabbed ahold of the Guan Dao, its weight felt just right in Otis¡¯s hands. Otis spun the weapon and launched himself against the dozens of enemies who had appeared. The polearm swept out bisecting the first four opponents. Otis winced in pain, it felt like his spine was on fire. ¡°I can¡¯t stay in contact with them for too long. I need to aim for their necks. They may have a weak defense but all of my attacks hurt me as well.¡± Otis stepped into shadow and emerged behind a blood goblin. He took its head. The ground continued to shake. He moved through the short goblins ending them one by one. A black line traced along another goblins neck. The polearm looked like a black streak in his hands. Otis wondered how many he had killed so far. He knew it was a lot but they just kept coming. ¡°Feed the bloodrage!¡± They mindlessly cried. Otis was getting weaker, each kill ate away at him. He not only felt weaker, he felt as if there was less of himself every time he touched the blood. He felt like he was no longer complete. Gigantic blood bats jetted out from the river. ¡°Burn the mind!¡± Otis¡¯s steps faltered he miss his kill instead he severed the goblin''s arm at the shoulder which was worse as his blade did not cut cleanly through the monster. Fires burned through his body burning himself away. He ripped the Guan Dao from the creature. His breathe was erratic and ragged. The bats continued to scream. ¡°I need to get rid of them first.¡± Otis said through the pain. He stepped into a shadow and fell from the ceiling ending one of the bats. He did not land on the ground instead he fell through another shadow and came out of the ceiling again removing another bats head. He repeated this several times gaining more and more speed. ¡°This is what I need! Speed!¡± Otis shouted as he fell through another shadow. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The faster he was the less time he spent in contact with the blood creatures. Otis ended the last blood bat but he was still left with a horde of blood goblins. Otis flew out of a shadow high on the cave wall. He angled himself at the horde of blood goblins. His polearm extended out further and a second blade former on the bottom. Otis sliced through the group ending many of them before falling into another shadow. Otis shot out of the shadow with the intention of finishing the fight when another creature stepped out of the blood river. ¡°Destroy the Halls!¡± A deep voice boomed. A wall of boiling blood erupted from the ground. It consumed the remaining blood goblins. Otis frantically shifted his polearm stretching the shadow out to cover his body. He reinforced the shadow as best he could and dove though the blood. To the surprise of the blood demon Otis came out the other side. He crashed limply into the ground. The blood wall receded leaving a deep incision in the ground. [Blood Demon - Level 25] The blood demon marched towards the unconscious boy. A crude smile ran across its lips. ¡°Uhhh.¡± Otis moaned as he rolled over and stared at the blood demon. His entire body felt as if it was on fire and he could hardly move. The blood demon paused and sneered at the boy who had resisted his attack. Otis looked past the blood demon. ¡°Oh great now you show up. Why couldn¡¯t you have come ten minutes ago?¡± The blood demon looked at Otis in confusion. Otis aware of the blood demons change in demeanor; he weakly lifted his hand and pointed past the monster. The fog was entering the room. It had finally caught up to Otis. ¡°Destroy the Halls!¡± The blood demon ruthlessly attacked. A blood wall erupted in front of the fog. The demon smiled and turned back to Otis. Otis responded by weakly pointing again. Rage showed on the demon''s face as it roared once again. ¡°Destroy the Halls!¡± Otis had regained some of his strength. The demon was smarter than the other blood creatures. Otis knew it was only a matter of time before it lost interest in the fog and he was not going to wait for that. ¡°There is no shame in running only in dying stupidly.¡± He summoned a shadow beneath him and moved away from the demon. He used his summoned shadows to transport himself deeper into the cave. It did not take long before he could no longer see the fog or the blood demon but now he reached a point where he couldn¡¯t push his shadows any further. Otis was covered dirt; he was not all that skillful at moving through the shadows and landed on his face several times. ¡°Stuck again.¡± Otis sighed after he attempted to push his shadows in other directions. The shadows stopped just a few feet away him. Otis observed his surroundings nothing stood out. Based on previous experience he knew he needed to find the direction the world would allow him to move. Thankfully the path heading towards the blood river was also blocked off. The only thing that stood out in this part of the cave was the fact that the river had gotten smaller and was now flowing in the direction he had come. He surmised that there must be something important with that lake. ¡°Well it¡¯s not like I can go check it out now. The demon and the fog are that way.¡± He said to himself while probing his surroundings with shadows. ¡°Speaking of the fog.¡± The fog was distant but now it was visible as it moved closer at a steady pace chasing the boy. Otis frowned at the fog and increased the shadows searching for an exit to his invisible box. Otis finally gained enough strength to stand. The ground still trembled as he stood but it was less chaotic. ¡°I¡¯ve checked everywhere.¡± He threw his hand up in desperation. The fog was nearly to him now. Its slow steady movement just added to the boy¡¯s panic. Otis threw shadows out in all directions in desperation. A dumb look fell on his face. He looked up to the ceiling, it was the only place he had not checked until now. When he threw the out the shadows some of them hit the ceiling and he had felt something. It was high above him so he had not noticed it before. There was a fissure in the ceiling. Shadows dove into the hole at his command. They traveled upwards at an incredible speed and covered a vast distance. Just how far down have I traveled, he thought. The fog was drawing closer and closer. Metaphysical sweat ran down Otis¡¯s back. The fog was within ten feet. ...Nine feet¡­ ...Eight feet¡­ ¡°Damn it! I don¡¯t want to go back!¡± ...Six feet¡­Otis pushed himself back as far as he could go. ...Five feet¡­ The shadows entered into an area large enough for Otis. He stepped into the shadow and out the other side. Otis stood on a peak surrounded by a red sea, there was no land besides the peak, and everything had been submerged by the red sea. He looked at the tiny hole that he had come from. ¡°Well that was lucky.¡± The sky was on fire. ¡°Burn the mind.¡± Otis said as he watched the flames as they rained down from the sky to the surface. ¡°I always fall from the sky when I escape the mental barrier.¡± Beyond the fires were floating window, it showed the world through Violam¡¯s eyes. Violam was on a battlefield and he was fighting large insects this time. His attacks looked mindless there was no skill to them whatsoever. He was nothing more than a beast moving from one enemy to the next. A voice interrupted his thoughts. ¡°It seems you have survived!¡± The flames bombarded the sky at a greater intensity. The sea boiled even hotter until blast of steam shot out to accentuate the voice. The words reverberated in Otis¡¯s ears. The voice had come from the hole in the sky. Otis held his head trying to stop the pain that came from hearing those words. ¡°Who are you?¡± Otis looked up to see his enemy. [Bloodrage - Level 52] ¡°Who am I? Why should I answer that food? Just stay there you will die soon.¡± The Bloodrage was not shooting fire instead flaming entities were running out of the hole and across the sky. ¡°Now go feed my children. Go burn the mind, flood the body, destroy the halls and corrupt the soul.¡± The formless demon laughed as more fire dashed out of the crack. ¡°You¡¯re the Bloodrage? Otis asked in a daze. He had not expected it to be an actual physical being. ¡°Why are you doing this? Is it for the Farg?¡± If the formless demon could sneer it would have. Rage and disgust permeated its voice. ¡°The Farg? You dare say I work for the Farg! They are just dogs made by my master. If his servant had not given them the tools that connect my prison to the halls¡­¡± The formless demon trailed off. ¡°Enough! My children will kill you soon.¡± He¡¯s a talkative one, I guess life in prison will do that to someone, Otis thought. And for whatever reason it doesn¡¯t look like he can attack me directly. Maybe I can get more out of him or even convince him to stop. He hates the Farg so let¡¯s go with that. A mischievous glint appeared in Otis¡¯s eyes. ¡°So if the Farg are dogs and since you are working for them. Does that make you less than a dog?¡± The formless demon shook in anger and the fire entities paused for just a moment. ¡°Do not misunderstand human. I do this at my master¡¯s command. I am not working with the Farg, I am more like an unwilling partner for now.¡± ¡°A partner to what ends? Why don¡¯t you just stop this madness?¡± Otis shouted in anger as the blood sea rose up the peak. He had much less time than he had realized before. The blood level was increasing rapidly. The Bloodrage laughed loudly. ¡°To what end? To what end?¡± The demon repeated. ¡°No, to the end. To the end of everything and in its end there will be new beginnings forged on the blood of the old. Once my master is released from his prison he will destroy all and rebuild everything in his image!¡± The Bloodrage¡¯s facade of sanity cracked. It stopped sending fire entities out of its prison. It was lost in the reverie of its master. ¡°Now that the bitch is dead there is no one to stop him! He will rule over all!¡± ¡°Well that went south fast. Who would have thought that an imprisoned demon was crazy? I should have gotten more out of him.¡± Otis admonished himself. The Bloodrage continued to cackle and ramble on about its love and devotion to its master. ¡°How the hell am I going to get out of this? Violam doesn¡¯t look like he is doing too well.¡± Violam was still running through the battlefield. He was moving slow now and Otis could tell that his body was reaching its limits. His enemies looked more humanoid now but Violam still mindlessly bashed his way through them. ¡°They are buying time trying to stall him.¡± Otis spoke to himself as he watched. Otis was afforded this time to observe because the Bloodrage in its rant about the destruction of the planes of existence or whatever. It bought him time so he did not intend to interrupt it. Two legged insects swarmed Violam and he was killing them easy enough but Otis could see the insect mage behind the swarm charging its spell. The swarm could only buy it a second or two but that was enough time for it to finish its chant. A green light flickered from the insects clawed fingers. Green vines emerged from the ground spiraling around Violam but at the same time a green light exploded and pulsed in Otis¡¯s world. A large plant shot forth from the green light. It snaked over the red seas. The blood recoiled from the grand vines at its touch. Poisoned oozed from the tips of the thorns that sprouted. When the poison dripped on the blood sea it sizzled and evaporated away revealing the gray cracked ground beneath. The Bloodrage howled in anger breaking away from its rant. ¡°The Bloodrage is weak to magic?¡± Otis said to himself as he watched the snaking vines direct its attack at him. They moved rapidly over and through the red sea coiling up the peak he stood on. Constructed ground built up around Otis¡¯s feet. He stepped on it raising himself higher in the air towards the crack and formless demon. The fire entities now ran out from the prison at an incredible rate. They were targeting the green light, the source of the vines. Fire entities streaked across the skies to rain down upon the green light in an attempt to extinguish it. The vine snaked up the constructed ground chasing Otis. The thorns scraped against his legs making him wince in pain but it was nowhere near as painful as being eaten by the bloodrage. He constructed more earth around himself pulling away from the vines. As Otis neared the crack the Bloodrage cried out. ¡°You cannot stop the Bloodrage your mind as gone too far!¡± Otis desperately formed a condensed shadow wall and threw it at the crack in front of him. ¡°You cannot stop me I am the Bloodrage.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right but I just have to delay your fire bastards!¡± The fire entities burned into the shadow barrier. Otis just needed to buy some time. His entire being burned. He was losing his mind. ¡°Why am I doing this? It hurts so much. Let¡¯s stop.¡± He pleaded with himself. ¡°No hold it just for another moment.¡± He argued. ¡°So much pain.¡± The shadow barrier thinned and flame entities began to escape and continue their attack. A slight pain drew Otis¡¯s attention. ¡°That¡¯s right that is why I am doing this.¡± The vines had finally reached him again. Otis pulled his barrier back and moved away from the vines. Otis used his constructed earth and shadow barrier to push the vines to the crack. The vines raced up the crack but could not enter. Instead they wove and coiled themselves around it sealing the hole in the sky. Otis could hear the Bloodrage screaming and thrashing in anger. The sky stopped burning and the Bloodrage went silent. Otis¡¯s constructed earth and shadows vanished as he lost all his strength. He fell and laid helplessly on the ground. The vines snaked towards him once again. Exhausted he could not move or defend himself as it wove around his body. ¡°Violam!¡± Otis screamed. ¡°Violam wake up! ¡°What? Where?¡± He heard Violam¡¯s voice echo out over the world. ¡°Violam calm down! You are killing us you mindless idiot! You went too far into the bloodrage. Hurry wake up! We need to get out of this plant before the Mage kills us.¡± Otis screamed. He watched in horror as the bug mage chanted another spell. The vines had completely covered his body now. ¡°This is it. I am trapped and that dumbass is trapped. We are going to die.¡± Otis moaned resigned to his fate. Shocked he watched a purple light enter Violam¡¯s vision and pass through the insect mage. The mage fell to ground, dead. ¡°What was that?¡± Sonashi appeared next to Violam. Otis could not hear what she had said but in her eyes were full of concern as she checked Violam''s injuries. ¡°Looks like I may have been wrong about her.¡± He sighed. The vines had stopped moving and eventually crumbled away. They also fell from the sky revealing the crack. The hole in the sky was still there but from what Otis could tell it was shut. Violam¡¯s battle also looked to be over. Otis watched as Sonashi held Violam up, he could see tears in her eyes. ¡°I see she thought we were going to die. She still thinks we are going to die.¡± ¡°And now for some well-deserved rest.¡± Otis was about to close his eyes but he noticed something coming towards him. ¡°Where the hell have you been?¡± He called out. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you come ten minutes ago when I was about to die? No you only come at your own convenience. You greedy thing!¡± The fog poured out of the ground. Otis was out of energy, he had no choice but to let it cover his body and whisk him away. Otis opened his eyes, he felt refreshed. Again he did not know how long he had been within the fog. This time he did not have to even think about his white room construct. It merely assembled before him as his eyes opened. This was a testament to how strong his mental energy had become. In fact it was as if he was brimming with energy. ¡°It feels like the right time to try something that has been on my mind.¡± Otis closed his eyes in concentration. He attempted to remember a certain feeling. It was easy the first time but now it keeps slipping through my grasp. What were the conditions to do it the first time? He asked himself. The first time it was in my duel with Captain Trevino. That¡¯s right there was two tasks to accomplish; one to focus on combat and the other to focus on magic. ¡°About damn time you figured it out.¡± Otis heard a voice from within his white room. ¡°Looks like it worked and what do you mean ¡®it¡¯s about time¡¯? Otis dryly spoke to his exact copy that was standing in front of him. It was his third mind. ¡°What do you think I meant? It took you forever to figure out you just needed a reason to split our mind.¡± The double spoke with an annoyed expression. ¡°We are the same person it would have taken you the same amount of time.¡± Otis exclaimed in the same annoyed expression. ¡°No one wants to hear your excuses.¡± The double laughed. Otis stepped back to look at his copy. ¡°I see you didn¡¯t get my good looks.¡± Otis did not wait for a response. ¡°We are done here. Goodbye.¡± ¡°Wait no! I am sorr¡­¡± The third mind shimmered out of existence. Otis spit to the floor. ¡°That left a bad taste in my mouth. I think I am really starting to hate myself.¡± Otis summoned a condensed shadow and formed it into a short sword. He slashed the fog barrier cutting it in two. He stepped into the shadows and used them to travel to the ground. Chapter 20: a Double, a Neuromancer and a Dream Hello again. The new chapter is finally here. I am not sure when I will be able to get back to my Monday releases but I am gonna try. This chapter honestly was a pain. I went threw a lot of ideas and rewrites. I ended up deciding to make Otis ''Go Big or Go Home''. I have other stuff on my website please feel free to check it out. https://yougots.wordpress.com/ Hope you all enjoy. ----------------------------- Otis surveyed the barren gray wasteland. Instead of the blood sea there are only slim dark pulsing red lines etched into the ground. ¡°Everything has changed again.¡± Otis sighed. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for the crack I would think that I traveled to a completely different place. Even the crack looks more like an angry scar now. I guess I will just head to that way again.¡± Otis used his shadows to maneuver his way through the world. He found traveling this way much faster and he needed the practice. Otis would like to get to the point where he did not fall on his face every other time he stepped out of the shadow. If anyone had seen his movements now they would see him flicker in and out of existence. Otis did have to take some odd turns during his journey as this world deemed that it would not allow him to take a straight path. During this time he passed the first gorge that had been a problem previously. The earthquakes caused by the Bloodrage had reduced the distance between the cliffs so it was easy for him to jump across. As he traveled he crossed several deep ravines and in all of them there seemed to be no bottom. Infuriated and annoyed at the amount of time it was taking Otis decided to take a break from traveling at one of the ravines. He believed he traveled for a little over an hour and was still about two thirds of the way to the scarred sky. Although Otis did not need to take a break he wanted to keep his mental energy at full capacity, he never knew what might happen in this world and he really did not know how much longer it would take him to reach his destination with all of the twist and turns he had to take. He glanced up at the jagged gray lines that raced through the sky. He had seen them several times as he traveled but they never stayed for long before they left the sky. Otis sat down and closed his eyes to meditate. After some time Otis¡¯s eyes shot open. ¡°Somethings changed.¡± Though he said that he did not know what had changed. He just knew it was something good. A sound caught his attention before this gray wasteland had been eerily silent. It was the sound of running water and it was coming from the ravine he was resting at. Otis hurriedly peered down into the ravine. ¡°Running water? No that¡¯s not water.¡± The liquid was an unnatural vibrant blue. ¡°That¡¯s mana! What is going on?¡± Otis looked up to the sky this time there was no window with Violam¡¯s vision this time. Otis frowned. ¡°What did that idiot get us into now?¡± He pushed his mind forward like he had inside the fog barrier. ¡°As I thought his mental energy is much weaker than mine. I should be able to push my will into it.¡± His mind pierced the sky. At that moment Otis was overwhelmed by a second set of senses. He could feel Violam¡¯s pain, hate and anger. Otis entered into Violam¡¯s thoughts. Thoughts of loneliness and an overwhelming unnatural fear assaulted him. ¡°What is Violam so afraid of? Who planted that fear; was it the Bloodrage, was it the Gray Man or some other unknown?¡± Otis shook his, he did not know the answer. Otis did his best to soothe Violam¡¯s mind but it was filled with unanswerable questions. Why are they doing this to me? Why am I here? Why am I so alone? Why does it hurt?¡± Why do I always have to hurt? Why me? Why? Violam put on a strong facade to show the world but truthfully his mind was unbalanced and breaking. Otis did not think Violam would be able stay together for much longer. ¡°I have to heal him in some way we need more time.¡± Otis pushed forward and finally grabbed ahold of Violam¡¯s vision. Violam was walking through the Farg camp. ¡°Who is that?¡± Otis wondered. On one side of Violam was Sonashi but to his other side was a mask individual. Otis grabbed some of Violam¡¯s thoughts, he found out that Violam drank an Intellect potion. Otis continued to feel Violam¡¯s flow of thoughts. They were chaotic and for the most part dumb. Otis surmised it was damage caused by the Bloodrage as he had experienced the drain that it caused. Otis pulled some of his own thoughts. He decided to plant some of his own whispers into Violam¡¯s stream of consciousness. He quietly urged Violam to plant magic traps in the camp using the newfound mana source. He also planted happier thoughts and memories in the stream. He wanted to give Violam some hope and strength to continue on. The last thing Otis wanted was for Violam¡¯s mind to break. Otis detected an errant thought. It doesn¡¯t hurt when I kill. Otis followed the thought and found another. I am here because I am lost, no because I have lost. It lead to more errant thoughts. I am alone because no one wants me. The thoughts began to change, they became more aggressive and bitter. You always hurt because you are worthless but it doesn¡¯t hurt when you kill. You must kill. You must become one of the Farg. There was a pause in the thoughts. Why me? Why not you. WHY? Because you have to. ¡°No, these are not Violam thoughts.¡± Otis touched one of them. It had been planted in Violam¡¯s mind. Otis traced the thought to find its origin. The thought¡¯s corruption stained Violam¡¯s mind. Otis could not find its origin but it was foreign. It came from outside of Violam. Otis¡¯s thoughts drifted for some unknown reason to Sonashi and that masked individual next to Violam. Another thought caught Otis¡¯s attention. Who are you? It was not directed to Violam but to Otis. Otis had been found by the invader. He decided to answer. Isn¡¯t it considered rude to not introduce yourself first. Who are you? There was a slight hesitation but the response still came. It was forceful, a show of dominance. I am Neuromancer Gooram, an Overseer in the Farg Legion. Anomaly, leave my trainee or be eradicated. Neuromancer Gooram, I assume you are the master of the spikes. If you had the power to eradicate me wouldn¡¯t you have done it already? Otis responded. Do not be full of yourself. I will hunt you down and kill you. It is only a matter of time. Now who is full of themselves? So tell me Gooram what is the Farg¡¯s purpose? Otis pulled his mind away from Violam¡¯s stream of consciousness. He could feel Gooram frantically searching the stream for him. Gooram is more skilled at mind manipulation than Otis but there is still a limit to what the Overseer can do compared to Otis. Otis is a part of Violam after all. We are the Farg Legion. We explore, conquer and destroy. Gooram answered with a hint of pride. The Neuromancer was attempting to buy some time to search for the anomaly. There is no other purpose for the Farg Legion. I can tell you are lying to me Gooram. Otis gambled. He could not tell if they were lying but it was a reasonable assumption. Why would I lie? Gooram halted their frantic search. Why wouldn¡¯t you lie? Fine, tell me your purpose and I will tell you who I am. Gooram released an audible growl in Violam¡¯s mind. It is no big secret. We Farg come to this world to train and take the soulless but this is the first time the Farg Legion has been sent here. As for the Ambassador¡¯s purpose I do not know. Now, who are you? I am...a liar. Good bye Neuromancer Gooram. Otis fled from Violam¡¯s consciousness but held on to Violam¡¯s vision. When he felt himself on the ground again he opened his eyes. Violam¡¯s vision could be seen through a window in the sky. Otis could not bring the sense down to the surface but he still had access to it which is why it was visible in the sky. He watched Gooram¡¯s gray lines continue to cut through the sky in search for Otis. ¡°Gooram doesn¡¯t give up.¡± Otis smiled. ¡°Good luck finding me up there.¡± Otis looked at the mana still flowing in the ravine. The area around the cliff was no longer gray and desolate. It had turned into a rich brown soil. Otis could also feel the elements from the external world. A rotating sphere of water appeared about Otis¡¯s hand. The compressed water shot into the air and exploded out to rain down onto the ground. Otis felt relieved as he watch the gray ground change to warm fertile soil. ¡°The Bloodrage said he would flood the body so the ground must represent the body somehow. Unless I want to end up like the gray man I better do something. I don¡¯t know how long this mana will last so I better get started then.¡± Otis closed his eyes for a moment. There was a lot of area to cover and he had things he needed to do. He split his mind. ¡°I am stuck with all the grunt work, huh?¡± A copy of Otis appeared in front of him. ¡°You know what to do. Go use the mana to heal the ground and then try to strengthen Violam¡¯s mind. I am going to check the scar to see what damage is done. We still don¡¯t know what the Bloodrage meant by ¡®Destroy the Halls. He also wanted to corrupt our soul. We need to make sure that doesn¡¯t happen.¡± ¡°Yeah yeah I already know.¡± The double pointed at the ground. ¡°I am pretty sure these red veins have something to do with the corruption. So after I am finished here I will follow the veins and after you are done you do the same. We will just meet up at wherever they end.¡± The double said as he used water magic to heal the ground. ¡°Ugly, you are not half as dumb as you look.¡± Otis said and nodded in approval. ¡°I am not sure where this world will let you go but do your best to cover as much area as you can until the Intellect potion runs out of time. Oh and be careful of in Violam¡¯s mind, Gooram is on the hunt for me but it doesn¡¯t looks like they can attack us down here.¡± Otis and his third mind split up and went their separate ways. Otis did not travel by shadow instead he ran or walked. He wanted to be able to heal the land as he moved. He experimented with all the different kinds of elemental magic. Every magic he tested healed the land whether it be wind, earth, water or fire magic. It was interesting to see fire magic turning the ground from gray to brown then green. Otis found out that if he continued to cast magic on an area grass begin to grow out. He wanted to see if he could get trees to grow but he was wary of the time he had left. As he attempted different elements he found that earth magic was the least efficient while wind magic had been the most. That discovery confirmed in his mind that the ground was not real physical earth. It furthermore solidified what the Bloodrage had alluded to that this ground was a representation of Otis¡¯s body. Otis stood next to another ravine which had mana running through it. ¡°I wonder. Can I manipulate the mana itself?¡± Otis attempted to feel for the mana like he would during body manipulation. He tugged at the mana drawing it to him. He stared at the stream the mana did not immediately come to him instead he saw a ripple in the mana. The wave approached him separating from the rest of the stream dancing its way through the air to stop and hover in front of him. He sent half of the mana to the ground. The gray disappeared in an instant turning into grass and sprouting flowers. The grass spread combating the grey barren wasteland. Soon Otis¡¯s immediate area had turned green and lush. Otis did not have time to be awestruck at the scene in front of him. He continued on towards the scar only stopping to summon more mana to sprinkle on the ground. After some time the Mana disappeared. Once the intellect potion ran out the ravines emptied. Now there was just the same dark abyss at the bottom. Otis resumed using the shadows to travel. After many detours he arrived at the mountain beneath the scar. He climbed the mountain reaching the peak quickly. All of the pulsing red veins seemed to originate at this spot. The veins ran down the mountainside and scattered in all directions. There was one vein that was much larger than the others and it carved deep into the ground. ¡°I wonder which one I should follow. The tiny pathetic ones or the gigantic foreboding one?¡± Otis sat down. ¡°I think I need some time to decide. So I might as well rest for a bit.¡± Otis watched the real world through the window in the sky. Otis sometimes felt like a voyeur spying on a neighbor but the difference was he did not get any enjoyment out of it. He jealously watched wanting to have control over his body. He put those thoughts aside, he did not want to dwell on it as he has a job to do and that was to save the idiot in charge. Otis watched Violam arrive back at his carriage. It seemed that time moved slower here than it did in reality. Every action of Violam moved at half speed or slower. Another person entered the carriage it was a dwarf. The dwarf yelled at Violam. ¡°Hey other me can you hear me?¡± Otis knew his double could hear him he had left that connection between the two open. ¡°Yeah what do you want? I am busy with that damn Neuromancer so make it quick.¡± ¡°Tsk.¡± Otis smacked his lips. ¡°Why are you such a pain in the ass? Anyways reconnect the hearing so I can hear what they are saying.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± A few moments later Otis watched the dwarf grab Violam¡¯s throat. The ground around Otis rumbled and red scar began to drip blood. Otis dove out of the way of the raining blood. At the same time he heard a scream in his mind. ¡°Other me are you okay?¡± Otis asked in panic. ¡°It hurt but I am okay. That damn Bloodrage threw me from Violam¡¯s mind. I can¡¯t believe that idiot called on the Bloodrage again after it almost killed him.¡± ¡°I know but it doesn¡¯t look like the monster is there this time.¡± Otis responded. ¡°Really what¡¯s happened?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. There is no monster the scar just started to drip at first and now the blood is pouring out like a waterfall.¡± ¡°Did you save any mana?¡± The double asked in Otis¡¯s mind. ¡°No was I supposed to?¡± The double sighed. ¡°Cast out a shadow I am coming to you.¡± Otis summoned a shadow and pushed it out in front of him. His double stumbled out but caught himself before he fell. ¡°Do I always look that dumb when I travel by shadow?¡± Otis¡¯s doubled just stared at him for that remark and pulled a vial from his pocket. It was filled with a vibrant blue liquid. ¡°You made a mental construct to carry some mana!¡± Otis gaped at this double. ¡°I certainly am a genius!¡± The double snorted in response. They looked up to the window Violam had broken the dwarf¡¯s arm and at that moment it was scurrying out of the carriage. The Bloodrage¡¯s flow began to lessen but still continued to flow. ¡°It looks like Violam is trying to stop it but he doesn¡¯t have the control. He¡¯s too weak.¡± Otis looked at his double. ¡°Use the mana we can¡¯t afford to let it flow.¡± ¡°I know I just wanted to save it for an emergency.¡± The double looked at the vial longingly. It was supposed to be his insurance. ¡°This is an emergency! We won¡¯t get another chance to collect mana if we don¡¯t stop the Bloodrage!¡± ¡°I know! I know! Seesh you nag too much.¡± The double removed the top from the vial. He controlled the vibrant liquid making it float out and waved his hand flinging the vibrant liquid at the scar. The blood stopped flowing immediately. The scar slowly shrank to a quarter of its original size, the remaining scar had a blue film covering it. Otis could see that the mana was still healing the scar but at a much slower rate. Otis watched the change in the scar. ¡°Damn if we had a little more we could finish it now.¡± ¡°Well at least now we know it can be healed. We will just have to do it later. Hopefully Violam won¡¯t use the Bloodrage again but if he does at least now it should be more controllable.¡± Otis nodded in response. His double was right the scar was significantly smaller. ¡°How did you know you could come through my shadow?¡± Otis¡¯s double shrugged. ¡°It was just a guess. Since I can feel all the shadows I create. I figured since we are the same person it would work.¡± ¡°Let''s merge for a moment so we can share knowledge.¡± The third mind winked out of existence. Otis stared into the distance as he went through the double¡¯s thoughts and experiences. Eventually he split his mind again. ¡°Other me continue to support Violam¡¯s mind and watch out for Gooram they seen to be getting stronger the more they come in contact with us. Gooram must really want to get rid of us.¡± Otis waited for a response but the double just stared into the sky. ¡°Hey are you even listening to me?¡± Otis asked, there was a hint of annoyance in his voice. The double remained silent and pointed to the window with Violam¡¯s vision. He had been staring intently at the window this whole time. ¡°What is it?¡± Otis asked in anger. ¡°Oh.¡± Otis saw what his double was looking at. ¡°They have gotten quite close haven¡¯t they?¡± The two of them had caught a glimpse of Sonashi bathing herself before Violam spun around. ¡°The two immediately responded in outrage. ¡°Violam stop being a wuss take a peek!¡± Otis yelled. ¡°Yeah man up and take a look!¡± The double added. Otis sighed. ¡°He kills without a second thought but can¡¯t even look at a girl. He should be ashamed. Hell I am ashamed!¡± ¡°I can¡¯t even believe we are the same person!¡± The two lamented Violam¡¯s actions but continued to watch just the same. ¡°I think we should take a break for now.¡± The double stated. Otis quickly sat down on a constructed chair. ¡°Best idea you¡¯ve had all day!¡± Both Otis¡¯s rested for a bit to enjoy the show. Initially they both initially were disappointed in Violam. So much so that their insults went from friendly ribbing to downright disgust and anger but as they watched they quickly changed their opinion. Stolen novel; please report. ¡°He¡¯s a genius.¡± ¡°How did he convince her to wash his back? I don¡¯t think we have given him nearly enough credit.¡± The double responded in shock. ¡°He¡¯s a genius.¡± Otis repeated. The scene had finished but the double¡¯s mouth was still agape. ¡°I think we should trust her a bit more.¡± ¡°What just because she had gotten sweet on him? You know that is dangerous but I have to admit if it wasn¡¯t for her Violam would not make it. He couldn¡¯t survive the Farg alone no matter what patch work we do in his mind.¡± ¡°So what should we do then?¡± The double asked. ¡°Don¡¯t plant any thoughts of distrust towards her in his mind just make sure he does not divulge too much information about us.¡± ¡°Agreed...wait what is that?¡± Otis¡¯s double gestured back up to the window of Violam¡¯s vision. Otis turned back up to the window. He had stopped watching once he knew that there was nothing more than some innocent back scrubbing would happen. ¡°That I believe is Gooram. At least I am ninety percent sure it is.¡± A masked figure was sitting in the corner of the carriage on a stool. ¡°That is creepy watching someone bathe like that.¡± The double stated. Otis snorted at the irony but decided to leave it alone. ¡°Does Violam not know that Gooram is sitting there?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like it.¡± Otis stood for a moment in thought before speaking. ¡°When you go into Violam¡¯s mind focus on trying to find a way to stop the Neuromancer from entering our mind completely. We need to find a way to defend ourselves from their mental attacks but don¡¯t do anything too aggressive.¡± ¡°I guess break time is over. If this vein leads anywhere let me know.¡± The double pushed himself up into Violam¡¯s mind. The double Otis immersed himself in Violam¡¯s thoughts. He found that Sonashi¡¯s innocent caress gave Violam much more mental strength and mental stability than he could by planting positive thoughts. The bonds that Violam was making with Sonashi were making him stronger. He feared that Violam would become too attached but he agreed with the other Otis. It was best for Violam if he had this relationship. Sonashi opened up to Violam for the first time. She recalled how she ended up with the Farg. Even Otis could not help but feel closer to Sonashi as he listened to her story. It was all over too soon as the Gray Man entered into the carriage. Almost all of the good Sonashi did for Violam¡¯s mind vanished replaced by fear. Otis sprang into action he planted many thoughts as he could into Violam¡¯s stream of consciousness. He focused on reassuring Violam that everything would be alright. Otis felt another influence in Violam¡¯s mind. It was not Gooram because it was much too refined. Compared to this Gooram was a blunt instrument. If he had not been in Violam¡¯s mind for so long he would never had noticed it. It was like a subtle poison it looked completely innocuous but its corruption ran deep tainting each and every one of Violam¡¯s thoughts. If it was Gooram, Otis would have been able to tell in an instant which thought was whose but now they all looked like Violam¡¯s thoughts and they were all poison to his mind. Otis was in awe, mind manipulation like this was masterful. ¡°This must be the Gray Man.¡± Otis said to himself. Otis got to work. It was not as simple as balancing one bad thought with one good thought. The balance was broken there were only bad thoughts and worse thoughts. He needed to touch all of them. He had to be delicate changing a thought while it was being thought would cause serious damage if not done right. At this point it did not matter what he changed the thought to as long as he maintained Violam¡¯s mind. He also needed the thoughts to sound similar in the mind. Which meant he could not just drop a ¡®not¡¯ in the middle of a thought to change its meaning. Thoughts like You are one of the Farg were changed to You always wanted a farm. Otis went from thought to thought changing them to neutral or for the better. By the time Otis had finished with the simple thoughts more powerful ones began to develop. Otis was confused. ¡°Violam doesn¡¯t normally have thoughts like these. These are actual dreams. Why would he be having them right now?¡± He reached out to the other Otis. ¡°What the hell is going on out there?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know after the Gray Man took Violam out of the carriage the window went blank. I can¡¯t see what he is seeing. And it''s damn hot down here! If it wasn¡¯t for the shadows I would be dead.¡± ¡°So useless. Deal with it!¡± Otis dove into one of the dreams before his other self could respond. Otis landed in a battlefield. He was surrounded by tall glass buildings similar to one he would find on Earth. Death and gore filled his vision and the sound of breaking bones and crushed metal entered his ears. One side wore combat uniforms while the other wore some type of advanced armor. It was a battle of the Farg against Humanity. Otis did not care who was which he only cared about finding Violam and pulling him out of the dream. Otis had a vague feeling of where Violam was at. The feeling pointed him down a main street deeper into the Farg ranks. Otis was pulled from his thoughts as jets screamed over the top of the skyscrapers. Those jets were being chased by advanced aircraft that was not human. The advanced aircraft fired condensed beams of energy ripping the jets apart. Their flaming remnants fell behind the buildings out of Otis¡¯s vision. ¡°This battle is completely one sided.¡± Otis said to himself as he watched the humans in full retreat and the Farg advance. ¡°Kid! Why the fuck is a kid here?¡± The passing soldier roughly grabbed Otis¡¯s arm. Otis did not realize it earlier but for some reason he looks like he is only five years old. Otis looked at the human soldier but before he could respond the man exploded spraying blood and viscera over the boy. Otis took a step back in shock. ¡°Too real, it''s all too real.¡± He turned towards the armored Farg, its weapon gleamed an unearthly purple hue. It powered another blast killing another soldier. ¡°Open Fire!¡± A brave soldier shouted from behind Otis. The soldiers steeled their nerves and fired their weapons. Killing it was their only chance to stay alive. The armored Farg stepped forward through the rain of bullets. The bullets harmlessly bounced off the advanced armor littering the ground. The Farg¡¯s railgun spun and hummed as it continued to fire projectiles. Otis sprang into action. He could no longer stand and watch. He summoned a large shadow scythe. The Farg soldier who had ignored the boy until now took a step backwards in surprise. Otis appeared before the Farg, he spun the air and with his full strength he brought his scythe to the enemy¡¯s neck. The weapon and armor clashed. Otis¡¯s scythe was deflected back without so much as leaving a scratch on the armor. The Farg laughed at Otis¡¯s fruitless attack. Otis used the momentum from his rebounding weapon to twist his body around for another attack. The Farg smiled to himself from within his advanced armor. It knew no ordinary weapon could penetrate his defenses. The smile faded from the Farg¡¯s lips when it caught sight of the weapon again. It was no longer a blade instead it was a gigantic two handed Warhammer. Otis used the moment the weapon left his enemy¡¯s vision to shift its form. The Warhammer slammed into the Farg¡¯s head. The great force sent the Farg flying into the first floor of a glass skyscraper. ¡°I need to get over my habit of fighting head on. I can¡¯t just assume they will be weaker than me.¡± Otis¡¯s arms were still numb from the rebound of his first attack. ¡°Seriously?¡± Otis saw the Farg soldier step out of the building. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this.¡± Otis said and with a wave of his hand he sent a constructed boulder sized rock into the armored Farg. ¡°Now stay down.¡± Otis stepped into a shadow moving down the street towards Violam and passing hundreds of Farg soldiers. ¡°How the hell am I going to get him out of here?¡± Otis knew he would reach Violam soon but he needed to figure out a way to remove him from the dream. It was like the simple thoughts he could not just wipe the dream or the Farg away. Violam had to make the choice of leaving the battlefield himself. Otis moved through the throngs of soldiers. He used his shadows to move deeper into the enemy lines and to conceal his movements when he was out in the open. At last he made it to his target but he could not approach as Violam was surrounded by guards. Otis emerged from his shadow. He ran swift and silent on the balls of his feet into the wreckage of a collapsed building. ¡°I am not going to run head first into the enemy this time. I need to observe the situation then I will probably run head first into the enemy.¡± Otis decide from his hiding spot. Violam was giving order to his Farg subordinates. If Otis and Violam were not part of the same person Otis would never have found him. Violam wore a Farg advanced armor which concealed his entire body. At this distance Otis could not hear what was being said but it looked like Violam was yelling at the messenger. ¡°Something must have gone wrong. Did I cause that much of a disturbance?¡± Otis saw the messenger pointing down the street that Otis had come from. ¡°I didn¡¯t kill anyone but some must have saw me.¡± The guards around Violam began to gather everything from their temporary command post. ¡°They are moving this will be my time to strike.¡± Otis followed behind Violam from the shadows. Their group moved down the main street. There were no human resistance forces that Otis could see only Farg soldiers. The battle had finished and the Farg soldiers were setting up their camps. He surmised that the Farg had nearly taken the entire city. Otis peeled away from the group and moved ahead of them. He knew the direction they were heading now he just had to distract them long enough so he could snatch Violam. ¡°Edgar is always watching, all eyes in this dream are his eyes. So I need to grab Violam before they even know he is missing.¡± He assumed Edgar was watching, Edgar would want to make sure his corruption of Violam would go off without a hitch. Otis ran into one of the still standing skyscraper. He casually touched places on the first few floors setting traps for later. After he was satisfied with them he used his shadows to move up the stairs until he reached the sixth floor. Otis immediately dropped back into his shadow. An armored Farg stood guard in front of the sixth floor stairs. ¡°Why is he here?¡± Otis formed a weapon in his hand. He knew he had to kill it quick and silent. Otis rose from the shadow he placed behind the Farg. His five year old appearance put him at a major disadvantage compared to the seven foot Farg. A condensed shadow platform pushed Otis higher. Shadows shot out from floor and ceiling binding the Farg¡¯s legs, arms and body. Otis¡¯s black dagger was unique in shape. It did not have a slicing edge instead it looked like a bar that narrowed down to an unimaginably sharp point. Otis stabbed the guard ten times in quick succession. The dagger punched a hole into the waist of the armor on the second stab. It plunged into what Otis believed was the kidney. The Farg struggled in its bonds for a moment until its body went limp. Otis stepped past the body and went further up the stairs. He met several more guards but decided to not waste time and shadowed past them. Otis exited the stairs at the twentieth floor, he figured it was about halfway up. There were at least a dozen Farg on this floor. ¡°I wonder if the Farg were going to use this for their command center.¡± The thought was in Otis¡¯s mind for a second before he decided it did not matter. Otis did not conceal himself as time was more important than stealth. He could feel that Violam was getting dangerously close. The nearest Farg spotted the boy and opened fire. It was not a rail gun but some small energy weapon used for indoor combat. Otis dodged the attack but it drew the attention of the others. Otis pulled his a liquid shadow. It was not enough to defeat the armored Farg but it was quick and strong enough to cut steel. The shadow whipped out cutting the pillars of the building. Otis dance through his shadows avoiding the gunfire as he slashed more of the support beams. By the time he had finished the walls were riddled with holes and deep incisions. The Farg soldiers chased and fired at Otis. In their frustration they had gunned down some of their own but now they had finally cornered the boy. The only way out was through them or out the window and down twenty stories. The Farg soldiers could survive that fall in their armor but they knew the boy could not. He was just a human. To their dismay Otis slashed the glass and jumped out. Determined to kill this human they leaped out after him since they could easily survive. Otis had crashed through the glass but before he could fall he constructed wind to propel himself upwards. The constructed wind was different than the natural transparent kind instead it looked like green streaks in the air. The wind could not propel him for long only a couple of stories. The Farg falling under Otis unexpectedly fired at him again. ¡°Why can¡¯t they fall quietly?¡± Otis dove through the glass back into the building to avoid the energy blasts. He rolled on the ground and quickly hopped up. A few dozen Farg stood in front of him and one sinister figure. [Edgar - Level 50 Dream Illusion] Otis ran forward past the Farg. ¡°Sorry wrong floor!¡± He crashed through the window in front of him. Edgar and the Farg were in complete shock, they did not even think to stop Otis until he was already gone. Otis propelled himself once more finally reaching the roof. Condensed shadow ropes shot out from Otis¡¯s body in all directions. The ropes wrapped and grabbed a hold of roof of the building. From the roof Otis could see the boundaries of this dream. The boundaries were about ten blocks away with this building at the center. Otis had almost forgotten that this was a dream. That was dangerous he did not want to get lost in Violam¡¯s mind. Otis ran off the side of the building. He constructed wind and gathered it behind him propelling him forward. As he flew the shadow rope attached to him constricted pulling the building. Otis could feel the building shift and tremble but it was not coming down. He snapped his fingers to trigger the traps on the lower floors of the skyscraper. Green fire and explosions erupted showering the streets below. The building tilted gathering momentum as it fell towards the Earth and Violam. Otis severed his shadow ropes from the roof. He threw a new shadow onto the falling building and flew into it. Violam and the Farg stared at their falling doom. Otis rose up from the ground behind them. ¡°Sorry about this Violam.¡± Otis whispered as formed a one handed hammer. The world was in chaos none in the Farg noticed the 5 year old boy strike their commander. Otis dismissed his shadow hammer. He grabbed the unconscious Violam and pulled him into the shadow. The two traveled through the shadows to a vacant alley several blocks away from the fallen building. Otis stood at the entrance to the alley there were two crumbled buildings to either side of him. He formed a construct to mirror the facade of those building and bridge them together to conceal the alley way. He returned to Violam and removed his armor. Otis winced at the bloody wound on Violam¡¯s head as he removed the helmet. He knew the wound wasn¡¯t real but he constructed some bandages and wrapped Violam¡¯s head anyway. After Otis removed the armor he stacked in the corner of the alley. At Otis¡¯s will shadows crept across the ground to cover the armor and compressed it until it was unusable. ¡°Mister, wake up.¡± Otis patted the side of Violam¡¯s face. ¡°OW! I am awake. Who the hell are you?¡± Violam reached for the weapon that should be at his side but only felt air. ¡°Where the hell is this? And where is my armor?¡± Violam stood and grabbed the boy by the throat. ¡°You¡¯re hurting me.¡± Otis breathed faking the pain. ¡°You don¡¯t remember? You save me from that building.¡± ¡°Saved you why would I save a human?¡± He released the boy dropping him to the ground. Otis scrambled to his feet. ¡°But you¡¯re human too. You not one of those monsters right?¡± Violam¡¯s face visibly twisted. ¡°Just show me to my armor. I will let you live this time but never show yourself ever again.¡± Otis pointed to the pile of armor. ¡°It¡¯s over there but it was badly damaged when you covered me.¡± Violam scowled and turned to retrieve his armor. Before he could take a step Otis grabbed his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t leave you had to kill some of them to make it this far. They won¡¯t let you go back. Don¡¯t you remember?¡± Otis used the contact to plant some blurry images of him killing the Farg. ¡°T-that''s right. How could this all go to hell? This battle was supposed to be my crowning achievement. Why would I give it all up for a stupid brat?¡± Violam pulled his hand away from the boy in disgust. ¡°That¡¯s because you are human right? Come, my mom lives on the outside of the city we can hide out there.¡± Violam still hesitated he did not want to leave the battle the situation may still be salvageable. ¡°I may be human but I have to go back.¡± Violam turned to leave. ¡°They will just kill you. Come with me and maybe we can get out of this. My mom is waiting she will accept you. We can leave this world and put it all behind us.¡± ¡°I-I don¡¯t know if I can leave.¡± Violam said almost if it was just to himself. ¡°Of course you can leave you just have to make the decision to leave.¡± ¡°I-I don¡¯t know.¡± Violam answered still indecisive. Otis noticed the hesitation. Just another push, he thought. Let¡¯s sweeten the pot. ¡°Come, my mom will make us my favorite pancakes.¡± Violam¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°What kind of pancakes?¡± ¡°Apple and pecan.¡± Otis responded with a smile of course he knew Violam¡¯s favorite. ¡°Lead the way.¡± Violam answered. A golden door shimmered into existence next to Violam. Otis¡¯s held his surprise inside as Violam had acted as if it was the door was natural. Violam made his decision to leave the dream and this was their way out. ¡°No after you.¡± Otis gestured to the door. Violam nodded and vanished through it. Otis followed immediately afterwards. Chapter 21: a Necklace, a Tea House and an Agreement Howdy. I have finally completed a Lost Child Chapter. I am trying to get back into routine but holidays, birthdays and fallout 4 have screwed up my schedule. I am not going to promise that I will get back to regular releases but I will try. I have other stuff on my website please feel free to check it out. https://yougots.wordpress.com/ Enjoy ----------------------------------------- Dreams, Otis did not understand them, how they were made or what caused them. But he did know that dreams were important. Often times what happens in dreams can still touch you in reality in some way, shape or form. Being trapped in the mental space had taught him that. You cannot be just mentally and physically guarded it goes beyond that. He had to be internally guarded but Otis was not sure how he could even do that. His understanding of the mind or whatever his mental space is, was flawed, no maybe not flawed just significantly incomplete. So when Otis stepped out of the doorway and into another dream he knew this was some part of some larger scheme. He had seen the Gray Man in the previous dream and figured he was currently manipulating Violam. But what he saw in the second dream convinced him that this was not some passing mental manipulation. No, what he was seeing now took a subtle hand, time, skill and patience. This was not merely a dream that drew on Violam¡¯s knowledge, this was a crafted world. Otis was seeing things he had never seen before and could not but wonder where the hell he was and how long had Violam been having these dreams. And could Otis¡¯s first mind still be saved? This was the Gray Man¡¯s plan to get Violam on his side. Otis had to admit it was a good plan. Control Violam¡¯s reality when he was awake and control his dream when he slept. Torture him but yet also give him a place to escape. Break him down in one and build him up in the other. Otis looked down the street he stepped out of the doorway into. Bright neon signs littered the street and the sides of building. Some buildings stretched far past the clouds. It was nighttime and street was crowded in fact it looked like the street had been closed just for pedestrians. All the of street lighting had blanked out the stars. There were vehicles in the sky though they did not look like hovering cars more like fancy submarines. Maybe they were spacecraft or just futuristic semi-trucks. He had a feeling it was closer to the ladder. He felt a pull that tugged himself which he registered as Violam. He was lucky he had a way to find Violam in this three dimensional where¡¯s Waldo. A majority of the Farg ignored him and quickly walked past. Some did steal secret glances of him. Some were sad and some filled with disdain. It made him wonder what he looked like to earn that response. Otis noticed a group of men pushing through people and stomping towards him from Violam¡¯s direction. ¡°Child! Good thing you stopped running before you really made me angry.¡± The fattest one yelled out of breath from the middle of the group. Otis assumed he must be the boss of their little group because it looked like he did the least amount of work. What kind of event is this? Otis thought as he narrowed his eyes. ¡°What do you want?¡± The fat Farg snorted. ¡°I want the necklace you stole and don¡¯t bother denying it. I can see it in your hand.¡± Otis glanced at his right hand. How¡¯d that get there? He slipped it into his pocket before he spoke. ¡°What necklace?¡± The necklace looked expensive especially the red jewel at the end. Even if he was to give the necklace back these men would not let him go. ¡°You still deny it!¡± The man gasped in disbelief. ¡°I saw you just put it in your pocket!¡± Otis watched the men secretly attempt to circle around him out of the corner of his eye. These guys aren¡¯t stealthy at all! There were ten of them in total discounting the useless boss and by the way they moved only a few of them knew how to throw a real punch. The rest just relied on surprise and numbers to beat their opponent. It shouldn¡¯t be much of a problem if I just handle them right now. ¡°Well even if I had your necklace I don¡¯t think I would hand it over.¡± He pulled the necklace from his pocket and put it around his neck. The fat man boiled with rage. Otis could see the veins pulsing on his pulsing on the Farg¡¯s forehead. ¡°This is my mind and I do what I want. What are you going to do about it?¡± The boss¡¯s mouth twisted in anger. ¡°The boy is crazy. Get him!¡± He roared. The men who had positioned themselves to block Otis¡¯s escape stepped forward to grab the boy. Otis had not even figured out how he was going to get Violam out of the dream and now he was already being attacked. His first thought was to evade and not draw too much attention to himself. But now he was doubting his first response. They had already hunted him down once. ¡°Screw it. Let¡¯s see how strong you guys are.¡± Who knows maybe drawing attention to myself is the right thing to do. ¡°Little boy we aren¡¯t here to play games.¡± The Farg closest reached out to grab Otis. Otis stepped to the side dodging the first Farg. Otis¡¯s sidekick landed on the knee of another approaching Farg. Otis had only put a little power behind it but still heard the crunch of bones breaking as the man fell to the ground. He screamed in pain so loud you would have thought that Otis had ripped off all of the man''s limbs. This did not stop the rest from rushing Otis. Maybe it just happened too fast and they could not react to the fact that a child crippled a man. Otis casually stepped around their attacks and used less strength to incapacitate them. At least this time they did not cry out in pain. The horrified boss watched the child approach him. He wanted to run, he wanted to call for help but this child easily took out his men. He looked around for help but the crowd ignored him. He was here to bully a child but instead he became the victim. ¡°Please don¡¯t hurt me. Please I will do anything just leave me alone.¡± The Farg backed away until he tripped on his own feet and fell over. Otis snort in response and walked past the crying Farg. He still had to find Violam and these gangster wannabe¡¯s were not worth the time he used to beat them up. The pull guided Otis through the streets towards Violam. This was a less hostile environment compared to the last dream so he could move freely. The only thing he really had to deal with were the crowds of people in the street but his footwork skill made the crowds just a minor inconvenience. He could tell that this was some kind of entertainment district. The street was filled with performers and musicians. He had passed many gambling houses and bars until Otis was led to a large red and gold building with a pointed roof. On it was a sign that read ¡°Tea House¡±. The Tea House was guarded by what looked like an army of security. The guard at the entrance checked identification and to see if the person¡¯s name was on the list. He was tall and had a muscular build but it was nothing Otis could not handle. Though he figured it was not the best of ideas to strong arm his way in. That was mainly because the rest were heavily armed with rifles and weapons Otis had seen in the previous dream. Otis stood on the opposite side of the street. He watched from within a shadow cast by a large building. Standing in the shadow gave him a better connection to the shadows in his surroundings. One of the men that Otis fought earlier ran up to a guard. He kept pointing down the street. The guard called a couple dozen men to follow him and they all ran back the way Otis had come from. ¡°It looks like getting into that fight may have been a good thing.¡± Otis closed his eyes and felt through the shadows connecting them to the Tea House. He was sure he would be able to make the connection because this was his mind they were already connected. If the people in the Tea House had paid attention they would have noticed the shadows unnaturally shift and cast at odd angles for a brief moment as Otis attached them to his mind. He peered through the shadows starting at the private rooms of the Tea House. It was a good thing that he could not hear through the shadow. The Tea House was not for children. The lower floors were a restaurant and bar. The upper floors consisted of private rooms for those who selected a mistress for the night, day or hour. The top floor looked like a place for the big wigs to meet up. Looking through the shadow was a bit queer. Otis could see everything but it was dark like a cloud blocking the sun on an otherwise sunny day. Soon enough Otis located Violam. He was on the third floor drinking what seems to be alcohol not tea. He was surrounded by the commanders that Otis had seen in the previous dream. Their table sat next to the balcony and overlooked the second floor of the Tea House. They were laughing and telling stories. ¡°Is this some return home alive and victorious dream?¡± Otis stepped through the shadow into the Tea House. The shadow clung to his body as he stepped out to remain unseen. He had picked a corner at the far side of the room. He did not want to risk being seen just yet. Covering himself in shadow is not a perfect skill after all. He had learned that the hard way time after time. It was really just one in a set of stealth skills. He could not rely on it completely just like he couldn¡¯t rely completely on his physical strength during a fight. It should have been obvious to him. He noticed another limitation of the shadow. The four commanders that Violam was sitting with had titles over their heads. Those had not appeared when he watched through the shadow from outside the Tea House. [Commander Gargan - Level 47 Dream Illusion] [Commander Andronkronc - Level 45 Dream Illusion] [Commander Luaniton - Level 52 Dream Illusion] [Commander Ward - Level 55 Dream Illusion] ¡°This smells like a trap. Violam doesn¡¯t have a title. Does that mean he is useless?¡± Otis frowned as he whispered to himself. ¡°Did the gray man set this up knowing that I am coming to save him?¡± There were others with titles but none as high as those four. ¡°No that can¡¯t be right only the gray man had a level last time but those Farg soldiers were strong enough to take my attacks head on. Maybe it¡¯s just that these guys have a connection to the real world. Damn, this is definitely a trap. But it¡¯s not like I have a choice in the matter.¡± Otis sighed and shook his head. He knew this was not going to be easy. ¡°Well I will only know for sure if I spring it.¡± Otis continued to observe Violam¡¯s table and waited for the right moment. It¡¯s one thing to spring a trap and it¡¯s another to spring it in the enemy¡¯s favor. Hell he still thought there still may be a chance to leave it unsprung. Otis stalked in his shadow from table to table on the balls of his feet to silence his steps. He hadn¡¯t noticed it before but even though people''s mouths moved no sound came out. There was noise in the dining area, a clang of dishes, waiters taking orders and conversation but none of it had an origin at least none he could see. It was almost like it was piped in white noise and a majority of the people here were just mindless automatons made just to set the scene of the dream. Otis brushed those idle thoughts off to the side, he needed to focus. This was a dream it was best not to focus too much on those things at the moment. For all he knew it was all just in his head. He was in close enough range to overhear the conversation at Violam¡¯s table. He ducked behind an empty chair and focused himself on listening to their conversation. ¡°Come on Ambassador Violam you need to cut loose. This is supposed to be a celebration!¡± ¡°I am cutting loose.¡± Violam said stiffly. ¡°I came out tonight even though I have a big day tomorrow, didn¡¯t I? And don¡¯t call me Ambassador.¡± ¡°Whatever that¡¯s just all but a formality now. After the ceremony tomorrow everyone knows they are going to promote you to Ambassador. What does one day matter?¡± ¡°Alright Gargan leave him alone. This is his party if he doesn¡¯t want to choose one of the girls it fine besides he already has what¡¯s her name.¡± ¡°Sonashi.¡± Violam corrected Ward¡¯s mistake. ¡°Yeah that¡¯s what I said. What¡¯ her face. So you really are sweet on her, huh? That¡¯s a shame. Whelp better you than me. I don¡¯t know what you seen in the Soul Witch.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve been through a lot together.¡± Violam stared into his beer. ¡°Alright girls that¡¯s enough gossip. Let daddy show you how it¡¯s done.¡± Said the Commander with the name Luaniton floating above his head. His hand rose up and waved at the hostess standing at the stairwell that led to the upper floors. She gracefully made her way to their table. She had a small booklet in her hand that she presented to the large Commander with a bow. ¡°He¡­¡± The Commander pointed at Violam. ¡°...is going to have this one. Oh and this one.¡± The man nodded to himself in satisfaction as he flipped through the booklet. ¡°I like her so that one too.¡± He said after some consideration and handed the book back to the woman. The beautiful hostess¡¯s eyebrow rose. ¡°Are you sure three is enough? Maybe you should make it an even four since it is a celebration.¡± She purred with a small amount of defiance in her voice. Luaniton nodded in agreement and smiled at the beautiful woman. ¡°How about you join them then?¡± The woman smiled in return and with a hint of excitement she spoke. ¡°Very well. I like the look of your friend so I will make an exception to the rules.¡± ¡°Lu is there going to be any left for us? Luaniton shrugged. ¡°Not my problem this is his party. The ladies will still be here tomorrow. There is plenty of time before we go back on mission.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know you cared about me so much Lu.¡± Violam said with a straight face ¡°It¡¯s nothing, it¡¯s nothing.¡± He waved off Violam¡¯s statement. ¡°I knew you would keep refusing so I thought I would help you out. You know, take the decision out of your hands. Don¡¯t worry you don¡¯t owe me a thing.¡± ¡°Uh huh.¡± The hostess glanced at Violam sweetly. ¡°Sir, would you follow me? I will take you to your room.¡± Violam sighed and stood trying to pretend to not see the other Commander¡¯s smug faces. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Otis watched Violam and the beautiful woman walk to the stairs before he followed. In his mind he noted how staged it all had felt. This too was just setting the scene and if he had not known it was dream he would have assumed it was all real. He silently moved around the tables tailing to two. He kept plenty of distance between himself and the Farg Commanders at Violam¡¯s table. He had one eye on them to make sure they were not alerted to his presence. He only relaxed his vigilance once he reached the stairs. The beautiful woman led Violam to the fifth floor and down the hallway. It was silent in the hallway. Otis did not know if it was silent because it was a dream world, those rooms were unoccupied or because it was just really well made. But from what he saw when he was outside the Tea house the activities done in these rooms were often very loud. They passed three or four doors before the woman came to a halt. She opened the door to allow Violam inside. ¡°Honored guest, please make yourself at ease. I will return with the other girls.¡± The beautiful woman spoke before she closed the door and walked down the hall. Once she was out of view Otis approached the door and turned the handle. ¡°Tsk. Locked.¡± He said in annoyance. Otis examined the look. He raised his index finger up and a shadow formed at its tip. He pushed the shadow key into the lock, this was the first time he had used his shadows this way. He felt the pins fall into place as the key took shape. He turned the key until the bolt pulled away from the lock. He opened the door just enough to slide into the room. Violam wasn¡¯t in the sitting room but Otis could hear running water. ¡°Is he brushing his teeth? What a nice guy.¡± Otis whispered to himself as he walked into the center of the sitting room. The room had a comfortable looking sofa as well as some questionable reading materials. ¡°Who are you? What are you doing here?¡± Otis heard an angry voice from behind him. Apparently the questionable reading materials were too distracting and he had not heard Violam leave the bathroom. ¡°What am I doing here? What are you doing here?¡± Otis stupidly shot back in surprise. Violam looked around with an expression that had equal bits of awkwardness and shame. ¡°Never mind that I am an adult.¡± He said with a doubtful expression. ¡°This is no place for children.¡± His doubtful expression grew even more. ¡°Wait, no I remember you. Why are you here? Why aren¡¯t you on Earth? I let you live. You shouldn¡¯t be here you will get in trouble.¡± ¡°No I am not leaving without you. You are the one in trouble.¡± Otis said firmly. ¡°Do I look like I am in trouble to you?¡± Violam gestured to his soft white robe and freshly washed face. ¡°Now you should go.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I am talking about. We need to leave this whole place and get somewhere safe.¡± Violam sighed. ¡°Let me take you to my friends they will know what to do with you.¡± ¡°Those Farg downstairs are not your friends. They are part of the problem.¡± ¡°My Commanders? I have known them forever. They are good men.¡± ¡°Are you sure about that? Violam, those men are monsters. How long do you think you have known them?¡± Violam frowned at the question when he couldn¡¯t formulate an exact answer. ¡°Forever!¡± ¡°Give me a time frame. 10 years? 5 years? 1? A couple of months? Days? Violam you don¡¯t know them.¡± Otis pressed his other mind for answers. ¡°What?¡± Violam said confused and exasperated. ¡°I don¡¯t know specifics. I am a guy I don¡¯t care about the details.¡± ¡°See you can¡¯t even tell me how long. You don¡¯t even know them.¡± Otis pleaded. ¡°I have known them longer than some child I met on the battlefield.¡± Otis snorted. He was about to respond when the door opened interrupting them. His mind screamed at him as beautiful woman entered the room. The three looked at each other in shock. A sad disgusted expression covered the woman¡¯s face. ¡°If that is your taste it could have been arranged. But I am sorry the street child cannot join us.¡± She spat the words out. ¡°T-this is not what it looks like he just showed up.¡± Violam stammered and backed away as if struck. The second woman entered the room. She was not an exact copy of Sonashi but only two or three degrees from original. The same could be said for the third woman who was almost an exact copy of a woman that Violam would recognize as Captain Umaiko. Both of their eyes were blank, devoid of like. Otis had seen it on a few of the faces in the dining room as well. ¡°That¡¯s not what you told me when you bought me.¡± Otis tried his luck at getting them both thrown out. But at this point the fourth woman entered the room and it all went wrong. [Commander Dina - Level 48 Dream Illusion] ¡°Tsk!¡± The sound escaped Otis¡¯s mouth before he could think. Her eyes rose in recognition. She took a solid step forward. Her robe fell from her shoulders revealing her beautiful form. A sword shimmered into existence in her hand. Her speed and grace were incredible. Before Otis could react to the sword the tip of the blade was already aimed and speeding towards his throat. He shifted to the side just dodging the point. She turned the blade flat slashing at his throat. Otis ducked summoning a curved shadow blade to his hand. He brought his blade up to meet hers. She had already been slashing downwards when their blades met. The swordswoman¡¯s eyes rose once again as Otis blocked her attack. Without retracting her blade she spoke. ¡°I am Dina and whom would you be?¡± Otis smirked as he looked at the swordswoman¡¯s near nude form. ¡°I would be turned on if I wasn¡¯t being attacked. Though I do approve of your color choice. Purple lace. Quite exotic.¡± ¡°I aim to please.¡± She said as she pulled her sword back and unleashed a roundhouse kick to Otis¡¯s weak side. Otis jumped back to dodge but the kick stopped and she stepped forward to press the advantage. She was much taller than Otis in his child form so she had a major advantage over him in a sword fight. He needed to get past her guard if he was going to be able to attack at all. Otis stepped off her line of attack and stabbed with the tip of his sword aimed at the center of her chest. If she continued her attack she would impale herself on his sword. Unfortunately she was too good for that. She stopped mid attack preventing any injury. Now that she was paused Otis stepped in slashing his blade in hopes to cut open her flat stomach. The woman adjusted her attack and stepped to the side. She did not dodge. She only bought some time so she could take off Otis¡¯s head. Mutually assured destruction. That was a game he was not willing to play. Otis aborted his attack and jumped back mid slash. The woman did the same. In just a few moments they had engaged in several attacks. Otis cursed himself for falling into her rhythm and being dragged into a sword fight. It was tough for him to admit it out loud but he was no match for her with the sword. The woman smirked. ¡°Sorry boy even though you are pretty good I like my men with some more guts.¡± ¡°You¡¯re crazy!¡± Otis looked at everyone else in the room. ¡°She¡¯s crazy!¡± ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± Violam shouted once he recovered from the shock. ¡°This is a dream.¡± Otis pointed at the nearly nude swordswoman. ¡°They are trying to break your mind or at least corrupt it.¡± The hostess gasped and stepped backwards until she met the wall. The other two women were lying lifeless on the ground. Otis surmised that they were automatons or mental constructs maintained by either the swordswoman or the hostess. Most evidence pointed to the swordswoman as they had dropped when the fight started. ¡°And Swordswoman Dina no clothes here is a part of it. Would you put on some clothes already?¡± The swordswoman winked at Otis as some substance formed in the air. It was the same thing that had formed her sword. The gas flowed to her bare skin to make a black and purple tight fitting leathers. It still left a generous amount of skin exposed. ¡°Is this better? Can I go ahead and kill you now that I am properly dressed. We need to get this show on the road. A modern swordsgirl has got places to be.¡± ¡°You mean he¡¯s telling the truth?¡± Violam sputtered. He edged his way towards the boy who was apparently here to save him. He had felt something nagging him this whole time that something was not right. Which was why he had not wanted to come upstairs to begin with. ¡°Violam you don¡¯t understand. You are already one of the Farg there is nothing you can do about it but accept your fate. Consider yourself lucky you could be a slave like this woman here but instead the Ambassador marked you for the Farg Legion. This is just a part of your initiation. You will still be yourself when we are finished with you. In fact you will be better than yourself. You will be stronger and smarter. You will shed the bindings that make you human. You will be greater than human.¡± She spoke with a strange reverence. ¡°And the boy? What happens to him if I go along with this?¡± ¡°If he gives himself up and tells me how he entered your mind. I am sure the Ambassador will bring him into the Legion. I am also quite interested in his skills.¡± Violam was considering his option but before he could respond Otis made the decision for him. Otis had backed his way to the window during their conversation. At the lull in the conversation a two handed shadow hammer formed in his hand. Before anyone could register what was happening he slammed the hammer into the window overlooking the street. The hostess screamed at the boy¡¯s action. To Otis¡¯s dismay the only sound from the hammer connecting to the window was a dull thud. It was useless the window remained. Dina¡¯s laugh was the opposite of intoxicating and her icy voice sobered him ever further. ¡°Stupid boy. You will not be destroying any buildings this time. There is only one way out of this place and you will never make it.¡± That is why the hallway was so silent, Otis realized. We are not actually inside the Tea House. The door connected each room to a place outside the dream or at least to some sealed space within the dream. Otis recovered from his failure quickly and stood firm. ¡°I guess we''ll just have to see won¡¯t we? I do like destroying buildings if it kills Farg.¡± The swordswoman stepped forward to attack. Otis was not going to make the same mistake twice. The shadows in the room shifted and strangely fell beneath Otis and the swordswoman¡¯s feet. A slim black line connected the two of them. The shadow grew upwards along the swordswoman¡¯s legs until it reached her thighs. Without her noticing it pulled the swordswoman in. The room fell silent. Violam was the first to recover. W-where did she go? She vanished.¡± He turned to Otis who was panting and retching on all fours. ¡°I used the shadows to send her to the penthouse.¡± He coughed and tried to push away the weakness that invaded his mind and body. He had never sent someone else through the shadows. It drained so much of his mental energy to do so he felt like he was going to fade away. It had not occurred to him that since they were not merged with the shadow. They could not go as they pleased within them like he could. He had to sacrifice something to provide the energy to move them. The shadow syphoned his mental energy like an endless void. It drained him until he felt his mentally constructed body flickering in and out of existence. He was lucky he had enough mental energy or else he would have unraveled. He was lucky he was not surrounded by enemies when he attempted this for the first time. ¡°Hopefully that will buy us some time to get out of here. I didn¡¯t think it was a good idea to fight her at close range. Something about that gas she uses disturbs me.¡± Otis spoke as he pushed himself off the floor. He was already starting to regain his energy but it was going to take some time to be full once again. ¡°Shadows? No you are supposed to be safe and away from the Farg.¡± Violam¡¯s voice grew in alarm as he realized that the boy in front of him was none other than the portion of his mind that he had sealed away. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I am still safe. Don¡¯t say any more about it while we are in dreams and don¡¯t use my name. It is you who is in danger right now.¡± Otis turned his attention to the woman who had pressed her back against the wall as if in attempt to escape their notice. ¡°Excuse me is what nudist said correct? Is there only one way out of this place?¡± Her eyes went wide in alarm still afraid to speak only hoping to be forgotten. Now that the room calmed down this was the first time Otis had really looked at her. Or possibly his mind was still exhausted and could only process simple information. Her appearance was close to human. The only difference that Otis had noticed was that her skin was a shade off the human palette but what shade was hard to tell. Maybe that was part of the allure which Otis found so beautiful. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± He spoke to her again in a calm reassuring voice. ¡°Felasine.¡± She whispered as she stared at the ground. Tears were forming at the corners of her eyes. ¡°Felasine, will you please help us? I know you are not a part of this. You just got caught up in it somehow.¡± Otis¡¯s words hung in silence. When he was sure she would not answer he spoke again. ¡°I know you are a good person. We need your help to escape. There is not much time will you help us?¡± ¡°I am not a good person.¡± She whispered. ¡°I have done terrible things. Please don¡¯t hurt me just leave.¡± Her whisper turned into a plea. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I am not going to hurt you. You¡¯re a good person forced to do bad things. It is understandable you are only trying to survive. You are a fighter just like us.¡± She snorted a hollow laugh. ¡°I am no fighter. If I was do you think I would be trapped here and slave to a mad man?¡± ¡°Now¡¯s your chance. We can all escape together. What do you need me to do? I will accomplish it no matter what it takes.¡± She closed her eyes hard and tears ran down her cheeks. ¡°Okay I will help you. But you will have to kill me. You will have to kill all of us. It is the only way we can be free.¡± After a moment Otis slowly nodded in acceptance. ¡°Tell me what I have to do.¡± Chapter 22: an Exit, a Throne and a Memory Howdy! I am back with a new chapter. And it is a long one. My last chapter was a bit too short which is why this one got extended. You can check at my other stuff at https://yougots.wordpress.com. Though I feel like switching from Wordpress to something else soon. It feels like every time I post something on my site the process is less and less user friendly. Enjoy.
¡°What? Don¡¯t you have to even think about it? You can¡¯t go around killing people just because she says so! She could be lying! Have you thought of that? And besides she¡¯s traitor how long before she betrays us too?¡± Violam shouted. He had been silent because he knew the least about their situation but this was too much. The dream clouded his memories but he could vaguely remember the horrible things he had done for the Farg. He had done those things because he had to. In some way he felt that how the Farg handled traitors was right. It was clean. If someone betray the Farg once then they are dirty and worthless. They must be wiped away. Otis silenced Violam with a raise of his hand. ¡°Violam look into her eyes. She knows this is the only way for her to be free and she knows the price of being a traitor to the Farg. If anything that makes her more trustworthy. We are her only hope out of this situation. If there was another way she would have thought of it already.¡± ¡°Are you sure you want to save him? That he can be saved?¡± Felasine spoke as if she could read Violam¡¯s mind. She had worked with the Farg for longer than she cared to count so she recognized what his words had meant. Otis looked at the hostess again. Her eyes were red and swollen yet firm. ¡°Yes. We will talk on the move I don¡¯t think we should stay in this room. The exit Dina spoke of is a trap right?¡± Felasine distractedly nodded her head in agreement. ¡°The exit is the front door to the Tea House. When you exit it will take you to another dream. The plan was once Violam builds his bond with the Farg Commanders he would then move on to the final dream. That is how the Ambassador turns people. He has done it many times before for those he marks for leadership in the Farg Legion.¡± ¡°Damn there¡¯s still one more dream.¡± Otis stuck his head outside the door to check the hallway. It was clear and silent. ¡°Wait, Violam in the last dream all you had to think is that you wanted to leave and you would be able to. I mean, this is your dream after all.¡± Violam closed his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not working. I have wanted to leave for a while now.¡± ¡°Like I said.¡± Felasine spoke up. ¡°The only exit is through the front door.¡± ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s go.¡± Otis asked as he reached for her hand and pulled her through the door. ¡°What is the third dream?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. I am only allowed in the Tea House dream.¡± She follow Otis down the hallway. ¡°I am just a¡­¡± Felasine let the words die on her lips. It was not something she should say to a small child. ¡°I am not always in this dream.¡± Violam begrudgingly trailed behind them. He did not seem to have any power in this world so he let Otis take the lead. ¡°Do you know any shortcuts?¡± Otis switched subjects to focus on the task at hand. Felasine¡¯s eyes went wide as if she remembered something she had forgotten. She reached into her pockets and pulled out a ring of keys that were too large to fit in that pocket. ¡°This key will take us to the third floor¡¯s staircase.¡± She walked to the nearest door. ¡°Wait. Do you have a key that will take us into the kitchens on the third floor?¡± ¡°No I don¡¯t have any key that will lead to the third floor directly only to the staircase. The third floor is separated from the upper levels. It''s like a completely separate building only connected by the staircase. You will not be able to send people through your shadows to the upper levels once we make it to the third floor.¡± ¡°Crap there goes that plan. Well it''s not like I can spend that amount of strength anyway.¡± He mused to himself. ¡°So that is why Dina has not caught up with us. Something to do with how to transfer between floors?¡± The beautiful woman smiled and shook her head. She held up another key before she spoke. ¡°She doesn¡¯t have a key to get in or out of the penthouse. The Ambassadors uses that room for hostile flight risks. Now follow me quietly.¡± She inserted the key into the lock. The door shimmered white and opened without her having to turn the key. They entered into the stairwell that led down to the third floor dining room. ¡°This Tea House is modeled after one I used to work in before the Farg came and destroyed my people. Many of the servant¡¯s passages still remain on the lower levels.¡± The beautiful woman stopped at a lantern located halfway down the steps. Along the walls ran molding that split the painted upper half of the walls from the lower half¡¯s wood work. Felasine twisted the molding located below the lantern. A small hatch door opened and swung into a hidden corridor. It would have taken someone to look real closely to see that there was a hidden door there. ¡°This will take us to the kitchens. Watch your step as you enter.¡± She stepped into the hidden passage. Violam casted a doubtful look at Otis. Otis shrugged in response and followed her in. A soft glow of yellow light lit the passage as Felasine switched on the lights. The two continued down the passageway towards the kitchen without waiting for Violam. After a moment of indecision Violam entered and shut the door behind him. Otis had been watching Violam at the doorway so when he entered Otis secretly sighed in relief. ¡°It¡¯s just up ahead so let me warn you know. There will be one of the Ambassador¡¯s Commanders inside.¡± Otis nodded in response. ¡°That¡¯s still better than meeting the four on the third floor. So what do we do when we get to the kitchen?¡± Felasine thought for a moment. ¡°I guess you will have to handle the Commander silently without alerting the staff. They may be held here against their will but they fear the Ambassador more than they will fear you. Luckily for us they know not to get involved in the Ambassador¡¯s business so most likely they will look the other way.¡± ¡°Most likely? Are you sure?¡± Otis asked. ¡°Well if you drag a dead Commander through the kitchen they won¡¯t be able to ignore you. Do you know how you will handle the Commander?¡± Otis shrugged. ¡°I will make it up as I go. It has worked so far.¡± Violam snorted in doubt but remained silent. ¡°Ok we will wait here for you to return. I would rather not be seen with you if things go bad.¡± ¡°Good idea.¡± Otis moved past her towards the end of the hidden passage. The door opened with slight creak but none of the staff took notice. With a quick survey of the kitchen Otis spotted the Commander standing guard between the door that opens to the dining room and the servant¡¯s stairwell that leads to the second floor. [Commander Gutgash - Level 48 Dream Illusion] Otis pulled his head back into the hidden passage and waved at Violam to come closer. ¡°Do you know a Commander Gutgash?¡± Otis whispered though he didn¡¯t have much hope. ¡°Gutgash? He is Captain Umaiko¡¯s father. She is one of the few nice people in the Farg. Maybe he will help us.¡± ¡°I doubt it. Is she pretty?¡± Otis asked. Felasine rolled her eyes suddenly annoyed with Otis. Otis did not wait for a response he could tell by looking at Violam¡¯s face that she was. Otis pulled a shadow over himself and stepped into the kitchen. He stayed out of the Commander¡¯s line of sight. He still did not know how easy it was for others to see him. When he had looked at his own reflection it was easy for him to see his shadowed outline. So now he worked with the assumption that others would see him the same way. The servants and cooks scurried around the kitchen attending to their task. They made for a perfect cover as Otis edged his way into the stairwell. When he made it a few steps out of view of the Farg Commander Otis spoke loudly and in his best Farg impersonation. ¡°Have you seen the tits on Captain Umaiko? I swear I would suck on those like there is no tomorrow.¡± ¡°Damn it Gargan I told you she refused your proposal. Stop dreaming of my daughter¡¯s breast ¡®cause you¡¯ll never touch¡¯em while I am here.¡± The Commander roared and ran into the empty stairwell. ¡°Hiding from me like a little girl huh? See that is why Umaiko refused. You are not man enough. But I told you I was not going to put up with your shit anymore.¡± Otis was still concealed in shadow had moved further down the stairs and now stood at the second floor doors. He waited for the Farg Commander to come closer. As Gutgash reached the middle of the staircase the shadows receded from Otis and travel up the stairs. Commander Gutgash¡¯s eyes went wide with shock. ¡°Who the hell are you? Never mind, have you seen that bastard Gargan? He should have been around here.¡± The stairwell¡¯s lantern cast shadows that covered Commander Gutgash¡¯s legs. Otis did not attempt to pull Gutgash into the shadows because Felasine was right he could not feel the shadows in the upper floors like he once had. He lacked the energy to accomplish it anyway. Instead, Otis was going to have to do this the hard way. The boy pushed off the floor and ran on the side of the wall towards the Commander. He leaped off the wall flying at the Commander. He was going to hit this man hard so just in case the shadows hardened to hold the Farg Commander in place. It would not do Otis any good if the Commander flew back into the kitchen. Otis¡¯s fist connected with the bottom of the Commander¡¯s chin just as the Farg had completed his sentence. A crunch sounded out as the Commander¡¯s teeth cracked against each other. Despite being bound by shadows, Gutgash lifted a foot into the air stretching the shadows. The shadow¡¯s snapped back against the tension slamming the Commander into the ground feet first. Both his legs buckled and broke like twigs against the strain as he collapsed into himself. Otis stood a few steps away from where the Commander had landed. He had flipped away and used his footwork skill to avoid the aftermath. ¡°I am surprised his head did not come clean off. I put everything I had into that punch. The Farg are some sturdy bastards.¡± Otis returned to the hidden corridor and stepped through the door. ¡°Took long enough. Can we go now?¡± Violam jumped to his feet and complained. Otis dropped his shadow and threw the large Farg Commander onto the ground. Violam and Felasine jumped back in shock as Otis shined with pride as he saw the looks on their faces. Violam¡¯s expression changed from shock to one of remorse. ¡°Is he dead? Is Umaiko¡¯s father dead?¡± Felasine answered before Otis could state the obvious. ¡°Do not worry.¡± She said with a frown. ¡°It¡¯s just a fragment of his consciousness. He will just wake up with a bad headache in reality. And you don¡¯t get so happy. They are weaker here than they are in the real world.¡± ¡°I am not worried.¡± Violam blurted out. ¡°Any way what should we do now that I have dealt with the Commander?¡± ¡°Well you hide in your shadow thing and follow us. The staff will not be surprised if they see me with a quest but if there is a child with me they will get suspicious.¡± ¡°Alright lead the way.¡± Otis said as he pulled the shadows over himself. Felasine exited the servant''s passage first. Violam and she were immediately seen by the surprised staff. ¡°Madam what are you doing in the kitchens?¡± The head chef spoke before anyone else. His eyes darted suspiciously between her and the guest. ¡°Who are you to question me, let alone our master? Mind your carrots and speak no more or you will regret it.¡± The man swallowed and backed away to return to his task. Felasine marched through the kitchen to the servants stairs without another word to the staff. Otis let his shadow fall from his body but tucked it under his left foot just in case he would need it soon. The group moved down the stairs skipping the second floor and went down to the first. Felasine halted them before going down the first floor stairwell. ¡°This is where we part. I cannot pass through the doors, I would rather not be seen with you. All you have to do is run for the exit maybe you will get lucky and no one will even see you go.¡± Violam let out a dry laugh. ¡°Not likely.¡± Otis snorted in agreement before he spoke. ¡°Tell us what we have to do to set you free.¡± Felasine closed her eyes took a deep breath before opening them again. ¡°If you plan to kill the Ambassador you would need to know this anyway. At least so it is a fair fight or, well, as fair as it can be. He holds an ancient weapon that was gifted to him by his master. It is a banner that has the ability to rip a soul from the chain at a person''s death. The wielder of the banner is granted power over those souls. He can summon them into his own soul and will be granted their strength and knowledge until the soul returns to the banner.¡± ¡°And you¡¯re one of those souls?¡± ¡°Yes, I am. All of the ones you have seen in this dream besides the Commanders and the dolls are souls trapped in the banner.¡± ¡°This is out of our league. He is too strong for us, too powerful.¡± Violam said without thought and fear showed in Violam¡¯s eyes. A fear that Otis did not understand, a fear that was not there before their capture. ¡°Violam we don¡¯t have a choice. How else are we supposed to get free of the Farg? If the gray man remains he will keep hunting us until we are his.¡± Otis turned his attention back to Felasine. ¡°How do we destroy it? How many souls does it contain? What are the powers he has so far?¡± ¡°I-I don¡¯t know. When we are returned to the banner we are alive but suspended. We have no thoughts, we just exist. We all just want to be called upon. Anything is better than remaining in that place even dying. The only thing I know is that he keeps it on him at all times.¡± ¡°Okay, I will find a way to destroy that banner.¡± ¡°Thank you. Now, I must go. Wait a few minutes before you enter so I can reach the upper levels.¡± Felasine turned to leave. She had gambled a lifetime of imprisonment in the banner on a whim. There was no surety and no hope in her steps just the mechanical resignation to her fate. The two watched her leave. ¡°Why are you always so strong?¡± Violam broke the silence. ¡°You were supposed to be hidden away safe but here you are stronger than ever.¡± ¡°Violam we are the same person. I am only strong because you are strong.¡± ¡°Stop. You don¡¯t understand. You have never been weak like I have been weak. You were only supposed to be a small segment of myself and yet you return much stronger than me. What is it Otis? What makes you stronger than me?¡± ¡°Violam, I have been through a lot too. I have done what I could to keep you safe. To keep us safe.¡± ¡°No! You were supposed to be weak! You were supposed to be the one protected!¡± ¡°Violam.¡± Otis, annoyed with Violam, put his hand up to stop him. ¡°We are in this together. We protect each other.¡± Violam opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it, swallowing his first response and thought for a moment. ¡°You¡¯re right we are in this together. I just feel so useless.¡± He sighed. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not useless it¡¯s just that they are holding all the cards. We need to get you to the door and into the next dream.¡± ¡°I guess you will be covering me while I run for the door?¡± ¡°Yes something like that but maybe Felasine was right you will be able to just walk out to the door.¡± The door from the dining room swung open interrupting Otis. ¡°You boys done talking. We have been waiting for you and it¡¯s not smart to make a girl wait.¡± Dina spoke with her sword in hand. Instantly a longsword formed in Otis¡¯s hand. He swung up almost catching Dina by surprise. She blocked the blade but the power in it sent her back through the doors she just opened. ¡°Run! We go back up!¡± Otis shouted. ¡°No we don¡¯t.¡± Otis turned to see two Farg Commanders coming down the stairs towards them. He grabbed Violam and backed away through the doors. This led them possibly into an even bigger trap. ¡°Violam, we are just trying to get to know you better. There was no reason to run off on us.¡± Gargan spoke as he descended. I don¡¯t know who you are little boy but I am starting to like you. And you Dina.¡± Gargan adjusted his sight to look over Otis¡¯s shoulder. ¡°He has caught you by surprise twice now. You call yourself our best assassin. Maybe we should recruit this boy as your replacement. What do you think?¡± ¡°I think you should shut your mouth.¡± Dina shifted her sword and flipped the Commander off. ¡°Alright. Alright calm down.¡± Gargan laughed. ¡°Kid I think you should give up. You might make it through us but you will not get though Dina again. If you could see her eyes right now you would understand there is no hope if you were to fight her now.¡± ¡°And you would stop her if I give up?¡± Otis questioned. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t say that. I am just saying if you don¡¯t give up it will be a lot worse.¡± The tall Farg Commander stepped forward. His hands were empty and raised to appease the boy. ¡°Violam.¡± Otis whispered. ¡°You must make it to that door. When I say run, you run and I will take care of Dina.¡± ¡°What are you two whispering about? Look we will bring you no harm.¡± Gargan stepped up to the door. ¡°Run!¡± Otis shouted. Earth and rock formed into existence in front of Otis, taking the shape of a flatten wall. It consisted of the hardest material he could imagine. The construct hurled towards Gargan and the doorway still gaining in mass and size. The enemy jumped back to dodge the dark earthen wall. It slammed into the door sealing it shut. Muffled screams of Gargan and the other Commander could be from the other side. Otis was upset that he had not hit Gargan but at least the stairwell was closed off and it bought them some time. The first floor dining room erupted into chaos at Otis¡¯s attack. Violam had ran towards the door at Otis¡¯s command but Dina and the Farg still blocked the way. Otis addressed the Farg who chased Violam first. He punched his fist out three times, concentrated burst of wind shot through the air blasting the attackers away. I have to get Violam safely to the exit and then I can run for it, he thought as he watched them smash into the walls. ¡°Boy aren¡¯t you taking me too lightly? I do commend you though for getting rid of that fool of a Commander.¡± Dina smirked as her body faded into a violet mist and rushed the boy. As it moved the mist became thicker turning itself into a dense gas. ¡°What the hell?¡± Otis was caught in shock at her change in form. She did not avoid her own men. The gas passed through them causing their bodies to shake and shrivel. The small plumes of gas lingered on their bodies draining their bodies of life force. They did not collapse to the floor until the violet gas had completely left them. Otis¡¯s movements were in disarray at the change but he gathered himself enough to construct a stone pillar to block Dina¡¯s advance. He smiled at his own success but it quickly faltered as the gas split and attacked from both sides of the stone. Otis jumped back to dodge Dina but she was relentless. The gas curved in his direction, Otis dodged out of its way but it continued to attack. He dodged the gas over and over again, it had contacted more of the Farg. Their bodies shriveled as she pulled away their life-force. [Commander Dina - Level 48 (+3) Dream Illusion] ¡°She¡¯s getting faster. I need a way to deal with her I can¡¯t run forever. At least I know she won¡¯t attack Violam in this form it¡¯s too much of a risk. They want to keep him alive. I mean, she won¡¯t do something crazy right?¡± He stared at Dina as tendrils of gas swept out grabbing at him. He swiftly moved and evaded her attacks but he every attack she drew nearer to him. For the most part her attacks were easy to avoid. Fortunately for Otis Dina¡¯s gas form only expanded out to be twice the size of her human body. It would have been different if she could fill the entire dining room with gas. Otis stole a glance at Violam. Violam still had not made it to the exit yet, he was being pursued and attacked be the remaining Farg. Otis watched as Violam dove through the grasp of several of his attackers. Violam could barely run straight , he was having a rough time avoiding the Farg and it was draining his energy. He would not last much longer and soon his attacks would capture him. Otis constructed a stone spear and threw it at one of Violam¡¯s pursuers, he followed it up with two more constructed stone spears. The throws were on target stabbing each of them in the back. ¡°You are all so useless. You cannot even catch one weak human!¡± Dina¡¯s gas form roared. She immediately changed directions and rushed towards Violam. The gas passed through the remaining Farg absorbing their life force and shriveling their bodies. The gas began to shift forms becoming human just as she reached Violam. [Commander Dina - Level 48 (+10) Dream Illusion] Dina leveled her violet sword at Violam¡¯s neck. ¡°Enough running! I do not care about my orders. I will kill him unless you fight me!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that what we have been doing? You are the one who turned into the soul sucking fart!¡± ¡°Hey I don¡¯t think this is the time to be calling her names.¡± Violam weakly spoke. His breath was ragged and his clothes we stained with blood. He did not even notice it when Dina¡¯s back fist slammed into the side of his head. Violam¡¯s limp flew a few feet before it slid to a stop. Dina growled and launched herself forward closing the distance quickly. Otis constructed several stone spears launching them at Dina. She easily swatted them away with the flat side of her sword, they exploded into a dirt almost as soon as she made contact. Behind the cloud of dirt from the smashed spears Otis appeared. He came up from the ground through Dina¡¯s shadow. A dark shadow staff extended upwards targeting Dina¡¯s chin. Otis felt no resistance when it struck her chin and exited the back of her head. Dina sneered and in her eyes a faint flicker of gloating. She stepped forward and sliced down. Otis retreated back into the shadow just before the sword would have sliced his head in half. Otis pulled himself out of the shadow of an overturned table and attacked. She was late to react to his assault. He covered his hands and feet with shadows as he kicked her side. His kick passed through her ribs. He spun continuing the momentum for a second kick that passed through her head. Dina laughed as Otis¡¯s punches connected with nothing and only left behind swirls of violet gas. She kicked, smashing her boot into Otis¡¯s stomach. He was blasted backwards crashing into the floor. ¡°Disappointing, I thought you would give me a fight.¡± Dina laughed wildly as she pressed on with her attack. Otis scrambled to his feet but Dina was already there, her sword coming for his neck. He ducked as it slashed above him and punched at her stomach. ¡°You still haven¡¯t learned? You can¡¯t hurt me!¡± Her slashed turned downward angling towards him again. A violent ball of wind was instantly constructed on the end of Otis¡¯s fist as it entered her stomach. The ball of wind exploded outwards dispersing Dina in all directions. Her screams still echoed in the room but Dina was no longer standing in front of him. ¡°Is she gone?¡± Otis said out of breath and moved toward Violam with vigilance. ¡°Just as I thought you can always blow the fart away.¡± ¡°Stop calling me a fart!¡± Her voice echoed in the dining room. Otis froze in his tracks he scanned his surroundings until he found her on the ceiling. Streams of the violet gas gathered bit by bit into a cloud and drifted to the ground. Once it made it back to the ground its shape finally changed back into Dina. [Commander Dina - Level 48 (+1) Dream Illusion] She stood between Otis and the unconscious Violam. Her health bar had not dropped at all from Otis¡¯s attack and she did not seem to use any mana for her ability. She was out of breath though and she staggered as she tried to regain her balance. ¡°I am still a woman. I will not allow you to describe me with such foul language.¡± There were tears gathered in her eyes as she spoke but her posture quickly straightened and she regained her composure. Violet gas shot out from her hand and hardened into her sword. ¡°It¡¯s time for you to die!¡± Otis met her attack with a shadow spear. He used its superior length stabbed at her throat. She was not ignoring her defense now as his weapon clashed with the solid resistance of her violet sword. Otis rotated his body as she deflected his spear, the spear shifted into a war hammer aimed at her ribs. Dina formed into gas and split around the war hammer as it passed through her. A violet sword emerged from the gas slashing at Otis¡¯s legs. Otis twisted his body into the air to dodge the blade. As it sliced beneath him, he formed a ball of wind and kicked at the cloud. Dina retreated back evading the kick as it smashed into the ground. The wind exploded outwards leaving a small crater behind in the ground. [Commander Dina - Level 48 Dream Illusion] Dina reformed back into her body. The attack had at least grazed her as he health bar had dropped a few points and her title was back to normal. She renewed her attack. ¡°Dina! What have you done?¡± A voice interrupted their fight as their weapons met once again. The room was littered with Farg and stone. The rest of the Farg Commanders stood at the top of the stairs in shock. Their eyes stuck on Violam¡¯s limp body. ¡°Don¡¯t interrupt!¡± She withdrew her attack and turned her anger at her fellow Commanders. Otis used this moment of distraction to gather wind. His sudden movement put Dina on alert expecting to be attacked. To her surprise Otis turned and kicked the wind. The wind shot in the opposite direction away from her. ¡°Stop him!¡± Otis heard as the wind curved and swept up Violam throwing him towards the door. Otis stepped in and out of the shadows. He opened the door just in time for Violam to fly into it. ¡°See ya!¡± Otis stepped into the golden doorway. Otis was now standing in a group of people. It was sunny out and it was loud. Otis figured it was some sort of celebration or parade. The Farg were cheering and throwing confetti at the passing soldiers. Otis was no longer a dirt street child in rags. He was still a child maybe even the same child but now he was dressed in nice clothing. The man next to him was shouting. ¡°Look son! Look the heroes are returning victorious! Here they come!¡± It took Otis a moment to understand what the man was saying. Otis was still adjusting to the new dream as the new environment and noise was disorienting. When Otis was checking his clothing he found that the necklace that the boy had stolen still hung around his neck. ¡°I think I took over someone else¡¯s body when I entered Violam¡¯s dreams.¡± He felt the necklace to confirm his thoughts. ¡°I wonder why the boy wanted this thing.¡± ¡°Son, you have been acting weird since we got here. Are you alright?¡± The man leaned toward Otis and put his hand on Otis¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Yeah I am fine.¡± Otis responded halfheartedly. His mind was occupied with trying to figure out how to save Violam from this new dream. The man drew closer and whispered with hint of annoyance in his voice. ¡°Look, just hang in there once they pass our job is done.¡± ¡°Job? What job¡± ¡°Shut up. Here they come just shout and act happy.¡± The man told Otis and pointed towards some men mounted on land dragons. Otis ignored the man who posed as his father and pushed his way through the crowd to the street. Violam was on one of those beast, Otis could feel it. As he reached the front of the crowd he looked down towards the riders. The line consisted of five riders and Violam was the third rider. He was dressed in a military uniform decorated with medals. His horned dragon marched forward and his head was held high, very much the spit and image of a war hero. ¡°Where are you going? If you interrupt the ceremony they will kill and torture you.¡± Shouldn¡¯t it be the other way around? Otis thought as someone roughly grabbed him from behind. It was the man who is supposed to be his father in this dream. He was out of breath and had obviously ran after the boy. Otis brushed the man¡¯s hand away. At Otis¡¯s action the man realized something. It was clearly written on his face as he took a few steps back. ¡°Wait. You¡¯re not Alvon. You¡¯re the one they are looking for.¡± Damn I wanted to avoid this, Otis thought as he roughly grabbed the man¡¯s collar and pulled him down to his eye level. Fear danced in the man¡¯s eyes as Otis stared into them. ¡°Leave.¡± Otis pushed the man back into the crowd but they were tightly packed so he just ended up falling to the ground. The man scrambled to his knees and grabbed Otis¡¯s arm. The man had a look of desperation. ¡°Don¡¯t go. Believe me they will kill you if you go after him now. Wait until they pass. You can get on the carriage after the riders it will be safe that way.¡± ¡°Why should I believe you? You are one of them.¡± ¡°No I am a prisoner. I want you to stop the Ambassador. We all do.¡± He tugged on Otis¡¯s arm to pull him back into the crowd. ¡°Just wait and hide in the carriage. There will be a chance once you reach the palace.¡± ¡°Why is the carriage safer?¡± Otis brushed off the man''s hand again. ¡°Because it¡¯s only for show. It is only manned with dolls. The riders on their land dragons finally reached them. The ground shook as the land dragons stomped their way through. Violam did not spare a glance to the crowd, he was rigid and fixated on staring forward. The cavalry was at least twenty rows deep. There were too many to see any titles so Otis could not tell if there were any Commanders mixed in the lot. Otis decided to wait after all. He wanted to end the dream but there was nothing he could do with that many soldiers and possibly Commanders. At least nothing he could do that would not put Violam at risk. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it After what felt like an eternity the soldiers passed. Otis grabbed the man''s jacket and pulled him along. ¡°You are coming with me. If you aren¡¯t lying I will let you go.¡± Otis ran on the balls of his feet to the carriage crossing in front of him. The man called it a carriage but it was more like a rolling tiered platform. There were a set of steps on the back of the carriage. Otis ran up them and into the interior of the carriage with the man. There were people on board but they paid no attention to the intruders. They had the same lifeless expression Otis had seen in the Tea House. Their almost mechanical movements unnerved Otis but he put up with it for the free ride to the palace. ¡°Do you know much about the place we are headed?¡± Otis whispered. ¡°The palace? Not much but I have been stationed there a couple of times.¡± ¡°Good, so you can show me around when we get there.¡± ¡°I¡­¡± The man cut his words shot at Otis¡¯s stare. ¡°Y-Yes of course.¡± I didn¡¯t think this child''s body would be that scary but I guess it worked, Otis thought to himself. After a few minutes of silence Otis spoke again. ¡°Where is this place? I mean where is this dream being held?¡± ¡°I believe this dream¡¯s setting is the Farg capital but I have never been there in real life so I wouldn¡¯t know for sure.¡± ¡°That¡¯s unexpected. How could such a violent people have this as their capital city?¡± Otis had finally been able to notice his surroundings. Pure white skyscrapers lined the street. The white was almost blinding to look at during the day time. Everything looked modern or more advanced than humanity. And clean, the cleanliness of the buildings and streets was quite striking. The crowds watching the passing military parade were all similarly dressed, this included Otis. It gave an image of wealth and class. I know this is just a dream but the gray man had pulled it from somewhere. Could this really be how the Farg homeland looks? Why would they need to conquer if they have all this?¡± The man shrugged in response. ¡°Maybe the white of it all helps them forget about all the blood on their hands.¡± The man spoke as if he had read Otis¡¯s mind. ¡°We should be there soon. We are approaching the walls.¡± ¡°What walls? I don¡¯t see any walls.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a barrier you won¡¯t see it but you will feel some pressure as we pass underneath.¡± ¡°If it''s a barrier won¡¯t it stop us?¡± ¡°We should be alright as long as we stay in the carriage. Just stay low and out of sight.¡± Otis felt a light pressure wash over him. If he hadn¡¯t been told about it beforehand he would never have noticed it. His guide on the other hand was pressed flat against the floor gasping for air. But before Otis could come to the man¡¯s aid the pressure let up. ¡°Don¡¯t bother with me. I will be alright just stay down we don¡¯t want them to see us.¡± The man coughed as he spoke. Otis lowered himself to the floor and waited. The carriage made a few turns before coming to a rest in a building that Otis assumed was a garage. It was dark, too dark to see but to Otis¡¯s enhanced vision it was as if the garage was dimly lit. ¡°Come.¡± The man exited the carriage. ¡°Follow me. We will try to find him.¡± The two wove their way through the various carriages and carts to an exit door on the far side of the garage. Otis was surprised by the man¡¯s ability to move and find his way in the darkness. ¡°How are you able to see in here?¡± The man did not turn back to respond. ¡°When I am not in a dream I live in darkness.¡± ¡°Do you know where we should go? Where Violam is being held?¡± Otis changed subjects as he was satisfied with the man¡¯s answer. ¡°He should be in the guest room getting ready for the ceremony. That¡¯s where we are heading but we need to move fast.¡± They picked up their pace as they exited the garage and entered into an empty pure white hallway. It was quiet and gave Otis an ill feeling that he could not ignore. ¡°Where are the others¡± Isn¡¯t this supposed to be a celebration?¡± He whispered. ¡°That¡¯s just for show. It¡¯s all an illusion so your friend will believe and trust Farg...the Ambassador. The celebration only follows him, he is the center of it.¡± They made a few twist and turns until they had reached a set of large ornate doors. Otis could feel that Violam was on the other side of those doors. ¡°I will go in first. His attendants should ignore me since I have been assigned to the palace before. I will come get you when it is safe.¡± Otis stopped the man before he went inside. ¡°Thanks for helping me. Uh...Sorry for being rough with you before.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Just defeat the Ambassador and free us.¡± Otis snorted in response. ¡°Don¡¯t you have a cat I can watch when you go on vacation?¡± The man looked confused but didn¡¯t answer as he entered the room. Otis pressed his ears to the door but he could not hear anything from beyond the door. Otis impatiently waited for his guide to return. The eerie feeling from the complete silence still had not left him. On the scale of the first two dreams this one had been much smaller, linear and more time consuming. ¡°Maybe I should have just rushed Violam in the streets and grabbed him. That would have been better than all this waiting.¡± The ornate doors opened as if they had heard his complaint. ¡°Hurry, they¡¯ve left.¡± Otis slid through the slightly opened door into the room and silently shut it behind him. ¡°So Violam tells me your name is Otis. My name is Edgar. Do you mind if I address you as such?¡± Otis heard a voice from behind him that made him shudder. He turned to see the gray man sitting on an elevated throne with his legs stretched out and crossed. Violam and the man who guided him here standing beneath him. Otis walked to the center of the room to face the gray man. ¡°Violam, what have you done?¡± Otis¡¯s words made his other self flinch. ¡°Come now we were just having a conversation there is nothing that Violam has done wrong. He is only thinking about his future. You cannot fault him for that.¡± [Ambassador Edgar - Level 61 Dream Illusion] ¡°Edwine, you may go.¡± The gray man dismissed the man who led Otis into the trap. ¡°So you were in on this the whole time.¡± Otis spat out his words full of hate. The man responded with a smile as his body began to shift becoming short and fat until he resembled the man who attacked Otis in the second dream. ¡°I live to serve, my lord.¡± He said with a deep bow to the gray man and vanished from the dream. Otis and the gray man stared at each other neither of which wanted to be the first to start the conversation. Instead they sized each other up. Violam stood but his expression was glossed over as if he slept. He had made no notice of Otis other than the flinch earlier. ¡°What have you done to Violam?¡± Otis was the first to break the silence. A smile blossomed on the gray man¡¯s face. ¡°I did what he asked for. I have given him power or at least increased his ability to control it. You may not know this but he is quite jealous of you Otis. He sees you as somewhat of a rival. I do wonder what your connection with each other is. Would you mind telling me?¡± Otis ignored the question. ¡°You gave him control of the bloodrage?¡± The gray man¡¯s violent red aura crashed outward. His fists were clenched and his face twisted into a half snarl. The gray man¡¯s visible anger feed his aura but before it could strike Otis he regained his composure. Otis, without noticing, had retreated several steps and was in a battle stance. Otis did not know if the gray man¡¯s flash of anger was from ignoring the gray man¡¯s question or knowing of the bloodrage. The gray man lean back into his seat taking a relaxed posture once again. ¡°Otis my friend that is not how this works. I answer your question then you reciprocate. Well not that it matters. Yes, I gave Violam greater control over the bloodrage.¡± ¡°Why answer you? I never signed up for that.¡± Anger flashed in the gray man¡¯s eyes. ¡°Otis I was offering you the proverbial olive branch. I thought we might be able to come to an understanding.¡± ¡°An understanding that I join the Farg and become mindless.¡± ¡°What this?¡± The gray man gestured to Violam. ¡°He is far from mindless he is just recovering. He used a lot of energy to tame the bloodrage. Did any of the Commanders you have met seem mindless to you? Why not join us Otis? It¡¯s not like you have anything better to do.¡± ¡°You make it sound like joining the Farg is like doing the dishes. But I do have something to do. I need to kill you.¡± The gray man barked a laugh. ¡°Why would you want to do something as silly as that? Did you have some hopes because of what that girl told you?¡± The gray man caught the change in Otis¡¯s expressions. ¡°Oh was that supposed to be a secret?¡± The gray man reached into his vest and pulled out a scroll. ¡°Yes I know she told you about this but what she didn¡¯t know is that they cannot keep secrets from me. Their bodies, their thoughts and even their souls are all mine.¡± ¡°Do you think its smart waving that around?¡± Otis grinned as his constructed green fire splashed over the scroll. It burned brightly quickly racing towards the gray man¡¯s hand. The gray man looked at the fire in disgust and brush it away with his free hand. The fire fell to the dais and fizzled out. He sighed and rubbed his forehead in annoyance. ¡°Did you get that out of your system? I thought I told you it was silly to try something like that.¡± Otis took a few steps back as the gray man stood. He seemed to grow taller and more sinister. His red aura flowed outward washing over Otis. Otis dropped to a knee fighting against the pressure as to not let it crush him. ¡°Why should I believe you?¡± He panted a desperate reply. ¡°Don¡¯t test my patience Otis. I may not be able to kill you but I can make you hurt.¡± The pressure lessened and the gray man stepped forward off the dais to give the boy a hand. ¡°Sorry about that I don¡¯t know what came over me. I still hope we can be friends. After all you don¡¯t know where the exit is. I would not want you to get lost.¡± Otis stood up without the gray man¡¯s help. ¡°Friends? You¡¯re a monster.¡± He spoke holding his chest in pain. ¡°Obstinate child! Fine if that is how you feel so be it. Since you won¡¯t listen to me maybe it would be better if you heard it from someone else. Felasine, come here.¡± The scroll shined gold for a brief moment. That golden mist drifted off the scroll and took the form of a girl. The beautiful girl from the Tea House appeared in the room. She was just as Otis had remembered her. The instant she saw the gray man her face paled and she dropped to a knee. ¡°You called, my lord.¡± ¡°Yes. Yes I did. I am trying to explain to Otis here that the task you asked him to do is foolish and impossible. Don¡¯t look so shocked he did not tell on you. He has been a perfect gentleman up till now when he tried to set me on fire.¡± The gray man gave Otis a stern look like a school teacher addressing a mischievous child. ¡°Anyway, you did not know this but you actually told on him. And now I need you to tell him to stop. But before you do let me explain something to and Mr. Otis here.¡± The gray man held the scroll up to draw their attention. Felasine sucked her breath in sharply when she saw what was in the gray man¡¯s hand. ¡°Did you see that golden mist Otis?¡± The Gray man waited for a response but instead he got silence. So with a frown he continued his explanation. ¡°I will take your silence as an acknowledgement. That golden mist shows that this item is a divine artifact. Do you think you actually have the power to destroy something created by the gods? An artifact so powerful that it can rip souls from the chain of existence.¡± The gray man waited a moment to grant weight to his words. ¡°No, no I thought not. And Felasine what do you think will happen to you, that if by the slimmest of margins he is successful?¡± He stared down the girl that now looked much smaller and more fragile than ever. He was a predator playing with his prey. He was playing with Felasine. He was playing with Otis. ¡°No, stupid girl you never thought that far ahead. Well let me enlighten you. If Otis destroys the Banner of Souls. You will not be dead, you will just not exist. I said before it rips souls from the chain of existence. Once that link is removed it is replaced with a new one. You cannot go back to it. There is no place for you. You will never be reincarnated. If you leave this scroll you soul will break and crumble and become nothing but dust. Now tell Otis to stop.¡± Otis stood in horror as the girl looked up to him with fresh tears in her eyes. ¡°O-Otis please stop. I don¡¯t want to die.¡± As she finished speaking the scroll faintly glowed again and unraveled just enough to let something out. Streaks of light shot out and floated in the air. They were letters spelling out the girl¡¯s name. FELASINE The gray man grasped them in his hand and crushed her name. The girl went limp and fell to the floor. It all happened in an instant before Otis could even react. ¡°What did you do?¡± Otis stepped forward only to be stopped by a flash of the gray man¡¯s red aura. The aura felt like a wall pressing in on him. ¡°She betrayed me and she wouldn¡¯t have without your meddling. Her blood is on your hands. There are millions of souls in this scroll and all of their deaths will be because of you if you continue this foolish pursuit.¡± ¡°I will kill you!¡± He struggled against the restraint of the red aura. ¡°I am going to hunt you down and kill you!¡± ¡°No!¡± The gray man shouted and leaned forward. ¡°I will do the hunting. So tell your friends in their human town that I am coming for them. And after I finish God''s plan for this place. I will hunt down earth and kill every last one of you.¡± The gray man stepped back and cleared his throat. ¡°Uh sorry about that. That was unsightly of me.¡± He took a deep breath and the red aura that held Otis in place dissipated. ¡°I believe we are at an impasse. Butch, come in.¡± The large man Otis once fought in the forest entered through the door behind Otis blocking his escape. ¡°Hey Edgar! You called for me.¡± Butch gave him a light wave. [The Butcher Name Unknown - Level 57 Dream Illusion] ¡°Yes I believe we have done all we can here, such a shame really. Would you be kind enough to send our friend off with a reminder of what happens when one does not align themselves with the Farg?¡± ¡°It would be my pleasure.¡± The Butcher said with a smile. The cleaver on his hip seemed to quiver with excitement. ¡°Good and make it hurt. Come Violam let''s be off.¡± They spoke to each other as if Otis was not in the room. The gray man grabbed Violam¡¯s shoulder and the two vanished from the room leaving the dream. ¡°It¡¯s just you and me boy, let¡¯s see what you got.¡± The butcher pulled out the cleaver that was resting at his waist. ¡°I have never been one for conversation.¡± The butcher attacked suddenly, Otis leaped back to evade the swipe of the butcher¡¯s cleaver. The large man stomped the ground when his attack missed. The ground crumpled in before exploding out in a ripple. Shards of earth jutted out of the ground chaotically striking out in every direction. Otis landed on the ground crying out in pain as he put pressure on his leg. There was a gash on his leg were a spike had ripped through his pants. In my last fight with this bastard none of my attacks did anything to him. He has some high level physical and fire resistance, Otis thought to himself as he evaded the oncoming spikes and boulders. ¡°Keep running little boy I will get you at some point.¡± Butcher broke a spike off the ground and casually tossed it at Otis. He was destroying the room with a bored expression. He treated Otis as more of an annoyance than an enemy. Otis looked around the room he was glad he waited to attack. When he first entered the room it was bright, flat and white. This meant there were no shadows for Otis to manipulate. But now after the Butcher¡¯s casual destruction of the room it was no longer the same. His attacks had injured Otis but they also gave him strength. They gave him shadows. Otis dodged another attack and dropped into a shadow. He jumped out behind the Butcher, in his hand a rod like dagger made especially for piercing armor. Otis plunged the dagger into the Butcher¡¯s lower back. Butcher screamed out in pain but his reaction was fast as he quickly retreated out of range before Otis could stab him a second time. The Butcher checked his wound, his hand came away from it bloody. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you did it boy, but it won¡¯t happen again.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± Otis smirked before he vanished into a shadow. Otis reemerged and aimed his dagger at the large man¡¯s back again but before he could the Butcher spun around in time to deflect the dagger. Otis dove back into the shadows and attacked again only to be deflected. He attacked from the shadows several more times from different angles but the Butcher somehow knew angle and direction of the attack. The battle began to turn, the Butcher would turn and attack just as Otis stepped out of the shadow putting him on the defensive. The Butcher chased Otis from shadow to shadow. It was as if he knew what shadow Otis was going to exit. The Butcher¡¯s kick caught Otis unprepared as he appeared from the shadow. The impact blew Otis across the room. The Butcher was on him before he could stand. Otis rolled out of the way of the Butcher¡¯s slash but when Otis thought he was safe a spike erupted from the ground to stab him in the ribs. It didn¡¯t go too deep before the boy smashed his fist through it. Otis put some distance between him and the Butcher, not that it mattered. The large man was unnaturally fast and could cover the ground before Otis could even defend himself. ¡°Is that all you can do boy? This is losing its fun.¡± Otis felt his injury. It was not as bad as it should have been. The stab wound was deep enough to make him bleed and for it to hurt but not so deep as it would cause serious injury. The Butcher was following his order he wanted to make Otis feel pain. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s have some fun.¡± Otis launched himself forward his dagger stretched out taking the shape of a quarterstaff with a blade at the end. The Butcher roared a laugh. ¡°Come Let¡¯s Fight!¡± He lumbered forward with a speed that did not match his size. They met at the center of the once white room. Otis spun to gain strength and momentum behind his guandao. The Butcher brought his cleave up to meet Otis¡¯s attack but before making connection Otis stepped in and out of a shadow. His blade slashed across the Butcher¡¯s back screeching as if it had hit hard metal. Otis continued with the momentum and kicked where the Butcher had just been slashed. The large man stumbled but before he could recover, Otis shot constructed stone. The sound from the attack was closer to a car crash with bent and broken steel. The Butcher stumbled once more but never fell. ¡°Good! Good! Now I can hurt you!¡± He shouted but Otis was gone, hidden in the shadows. The Butcher watched the shadows for signs of life. He was on to Otis¡¯s game. He saw through it on the boy¡¯s first round of attacks, it was why he had been able to keep up and even attack Otis. Now was the same, the boy was using the same tricks. The Butcher was getting bored once again, he had hopes that Otis would at least entertain him for a little longer but if Otis was going to use the same tricks he might as well end this and move to a different form of entertainment. The shadow quivered telling the Butcher that Otis would appear soon. He pulled and threw three knives from his vest with well-practiced efficiency. The knives clinked against the ground bouncing off in several directions. Another shadow moved, the Butcher expected the boy but instead liquid green flames blasted out of the darkness splashing over his body. Doused in liquid flame the Butcher caught fire which rapidly spread consuming the man. In the instant the Butcher was caught by surprise his Health had dropped a tenth. ¡°Burn Me! I will destroy you!¡± The fire snuffed out as if it lost all oxygen. His skin was charred and melted into his remaining clothing. ¡°No longer fun now is it!¡± Otis fell from the ceiling. He slashed his guandao, it met melted skin and sliced through easily. The Butcher¡¯s arm severed from his body and slid across the floor along with the cleaver. The Butcher warned by Otis¡¯s shout moved just in time to dodge what would have been a fatal blow. Otis, surprised by his success. He continued to attack through the shadows and slashing at the man. The Butcher for his size was quite nimble escaping many of Otis¡¯s slashes with just minor wounds. ¡°Enough!¡± A stone wall blocked Otis from attacking but the boy rammed through it anyway in pursuit. In that second the Butcher had moved to the other side of the room safely away from Otis. ¡°Do you know why I am named the Butcher?¡± He spoke, his voice rife with anger. His burn wounds reversed themselves and his clothes reknitted. Otis attempted to move to prevent the Butcher from healing but his legs were not responding. Otis fell to the floor, after he hit the floor he noticed his legs had fallen in opposite directions. His mind screamed at him, he could not ever comprehend what had just happened. His blood spilled across the floor. ¡°By your expression I can tell you are confused. So let me explain.¡± The Butcher said as the arm that Otis had severed settled back into its socket. ¡°My ability is to dissect things. I didn¡¯t want you to have legs so I dissected them from your body. But that is not the limit of my powers as you have seen from the stone. Hey are you even paying attention to me? Oh that¡¯s right your blood. I can control those things too. So let¡¯s stop your bleeding for a bit so I can continue to have fun. The blood that had pooled around Otis reversed its course and flowed back into the wounds. His consciousness began to return to him. It may have looked like blood but this is a dream. Otis had recognized the feeling that he felt when he lost blood, it was the same as when he had expended all his mental energy or had touched the bloodrage. Now that his energy flowed back into himself he was able to think again. He was able to recognize the dire situation he was in. Unlike the Farg who invaded Violam¡¯s mind that would just wake up in the real world with a headache once they die. He would actually die or at least lose this consciousness along with all his acquired knowledge and mental energy. The main Otis would not be able to absorb him, he would not gain this mental energy and most importantly his other self would never know what had happened to Violam. The Butcher stood over Otis, a smug and victorious smile adorned his face. ¡°Looks like you lost. I have to admit you almost had me but almost doesn¡¯t quite cut it.¡± The Butcher made a sharp gesture with his hand and Otis¡¯s right arm fell away. In shock Otis could barely hear the dull thud as his arm hit the ground. ¡°Hurts doesn¡¯t it?¡± Otis knew there was no way escape this. He may fade away, he may lose his mental energy but if he did not tell his other self about the things that have happened here in the dreams and about Violam then he will truly die. There was only one way he could think of to get a message to his other self. The Butcher stood over him gloating about his victory and cutting away at his body. Otis pushed himself past the pain. He gathered his thoughts, his emotions, memories of the dreams and the information he has learned about the Farg, their strengths and their weaknesses. He compressed it and pushed it down deep within himself. He felt it reach the place that had not existed before he visited the library in Flower Hill. That place infused it with something that made it substantive and whole. It seared and burned inside of him, it needed to be released. It push upwards and he roared. The roar was deafening. The dream world stopped. The dream tried to suppress it but could not and the dream snapped. Fissures tore through the room and the dream shook like an earthquake. The dream was falling apart and beginning to collapse. ¡°What did you do?¡± The Butcher yelled. He had been blasted into the wall leaving a large impression of his body. Blood freely flowed from his ears, eyes and nose. Listening to the divine language without the ability comes with a price. Otis was surprised that Farg was even still alive. The Butcher vanished from the dream before more damage could be done to him. But without the Butcher here to manage Otis¡¯s wounds, he bled. The blood drained into the ever expanding cracks in the dream. The cracks had given Otis hope that he would be able to escape. He probed the new exit with his dwindling mental energy but he was lost. He had traveled too far into Violam¡¯s mind and now he cannot find his way back. Otis know it was over for him he just hoped the message would reach his other self. The dream crumbled and fell around the boy until he was finally swallowed by the darkness. ¡­ On the surface, Otis continued his journey through the Halls. It was the name the bloodrage had used to describe this place and Otis not knowing what else to call this land had used it as well. After being here for all this time he was pretty confident that the name referred to that fact this place only allowed you to go in a certain direction at a certain time like he was traveling through an invisible hallway. He was still following the red streams to their destination as best as he could. He had been diverted away a couple times but would always wind his way back at some point. The ¡°Branding¡± of Violam had long since ended but for how long Otis could not tell as time flowed differently in the Halls. During the ¡°Branding¡± Gooram had made a breakthrough, she can now puncture Violam¡¯s mind and directly attack the Halls. She has not found Otis yet but every day she gets closer. The red scar in the sky that housed the Bloodrage has also changed since the ¡°Branding¡±. Instead of a slight flow of liquid that would drip to the ground there is a red webbing that extends the entire sky with the scar at its center. The red streams that flow through the Halls have also grown stronger because of it. Sometimes red monsters would appear and attack Otis but it was never as bad as it had been when the Bloodrage was fully open. Otis was taking some time to meditate and recover his mental energy. He stopped regularly to recover because he never knew when he would be attacked. He could meditate while on the move but it would never fully recover that way. He was about to move on from his break when he felt something calling to him. A golden orb burned through the sky following it was Gooram in her gray form. She no longer took the form of a solid spike, she had grown stronger she had become more like a viscous liquid. As the orb approached the blood red webbing, the webbing pulled away as if in fear. It pulled away desperately not to touch the orb but still as the orb fell through the gap the nearest red strands melted away. The entire web vibrated in pain. The Orb approached Otis and collided with his chest. A golden aura expanded to cover his body. ¡°I have lost.¡± Otis heard his own voice in his mind. ¡°Violam cannot be trusted he is now one of the Farg. You must stop him before he kills us.¡± Images, emotions and memories flowed into him. He lived the dreams as if he had been there. His whole body glowed an intense golden hue as he absorbed the knowledge. Otis did not get time to sort through the memories because Gooram had found what she had been looking for. A gray slash cut through the ground where Otis had just been standing. Otis only knew that he had lost Violam to the Farg and they had destroyed his other self. He had lost two pieces of himself to the Farg. The gray liquid shot upwards to stab into Otis¡¯s throat. He calmly raised his hand covered in shadow and grabbed Gooram just before she made contact. The shadows reacted to Gooram¡¯s raw mental energy. The shadows sprouted from his fingertips and jabbed into Gooram. She attempted to pull back and shake free but it only made the shadow dig in deeper. They wove their way up the mental energy. Otis had no control over the shadow as it moved upwards but he could feel what it wanted. His mind had merged with the shadow they had become one and now another¡¯s mental energy had entered their domain. The shadow wanted it, it hungered for the energy. ¡°I will take from you as you have taken from me. I will take everything from the Farg. No matter how long it takes me I will not stop until I have destroyed the Farg.¡± All of Gooram¡¯s mental energy that stretched down from Violam¡¯s mind turned black, consumed by shadow. The mental energy was ripped from the sky and it was pulled into Otis. He greedily accepted the energy and with it Gooram¡¯s thoughts and knowledge. Her energy was converted and made into his own. Otis always left the window through Violam¡¯s eyes open. Otis unconsciously played with the necklace that appeared around his neck as he watched Gooram scream and collapse to the floor. She was not conscious and from the amount of mental energy Otis had stolen she may never wake again.
So what did you think of the end to the dream sequence? Hopefully it was satisfying. Chapter 23: a Deal, an Assignment and a Team Howdy! The new Chapter has arrived. Hopefully I can keep this train rolling and get the next one out a day or two earlier. I have some other stuff on my website https://yougots.wordpress.com/. Enjoy!
The white throne room of the Farg. It was only used for ceremonies now as the Farg have never been ruled by a King or Queen. This throne room was once used by a past civilization before the time of the Farg. At that time, the Elder Lords appeared with their vast armies. The King and Queen enrapt by Elder Lords¡¯ grace and magnanimity, bowed and submitted before them. From that once great Kingdom they became the Farg. It was the same dream. The dream Violam has had almost every night over the last few months. In the dream he made a deal with Edgar. He was not sure why it felt so real and binding because he had no memories of it actually happening. But he could not explain why the things that were promised in the dream came true. ¡°Violam, come forward.¡± The withering old man spoke from the dais. He looked close to human, you could only see his inhuman details such as his canines or inverted pupils on close inspection. He was one of the Ogrite aligned with the religious faction. After several millennia of selective breeding factions emerged. Just like when you breed dogs you would get working dogs, hunting dogs, companion dogs and in this case religious dogs. Violam was not sure how he knew that information but it came to him just the same. Wait that¡¯s right, I know it because I am one of the Farg Legion. No, focus Violam, now is not the time to be comparing this man to a dog. He is about to give me an award. He thought to himself. Violam moved before the man and went down to one knee with his head bowed. This ceremony ritual had been drilled into him by Commander Luaniton. He told me with this I would receive a Command of my own. I still can¡¯t believe it myself. I will become one of the decorated Commanders of the prestigious Farg Legion. Crap! He is still talking how much did I miss? ¡°Violam for exceptionally meritorious service and performance while serving in the Legion during the subjugation of the Human Empire you will be awarded title Commander. Please stand now. Violam, Commander of the Farg Legion.¡± As the old man finished the chamber erupted into applause. The throne room was filled to the brim with people, all eyes were on the new Commander as he stood. A beautiful woman stepped forward to lay a golden medal over his head. Violam stood and the crowd stood with him, the applause grew louder. It was a joy that Violam had never felt before. ¡°Do you want this to come true?¡± Everything went silent except for the voice. The throne room was now empty all of the Farg had vanished. Edgar appeared on the throne at once. ¡°This is just a dream?¡± Violam spoke it was more a statement than a question but it still came out like one. ¡°That¡¯s right but I can help you make this come true.¡± Edgar spoke casually as if he was discussing the weather. ¡°Why should I listen to you? All you have done is keep me prisoner.¡± ¡°Prisoner? Really Violam? How many times have I told you? You are already one of the Farg. You need to accept this fact. You have no choice in this matter. It is an unchangeable, infallible fact. Right now you have two decisions you are facing. One, you stay in the worst Company cleaning shit and the dead. Or Two, you follow my orders and become powerful. Powerful enough to take what you want. You cannot deny it that is what you want. It is who you are. You even dream of it.¡± Edgar leaned forward on the throne, his eyes burning into Violam. Violam felt an itch in his mind as if Edgar was looking directly into his thoughts. ¡°Don¡¯t you want this?¡± Edgar raised his hands and the crowds of Farg reappeared, their eyes filled full of love and adoration for Violam. ¡°I can help you get what you want. The power you need to command and take hold of your destiny.¡± The crowd remained, they watched Violam expectantly and held their breath awaiting his response. Violam swallowed the dryness in his mouth. ¡°And all I would have to do is follow your orders?¡± ¡°That and tell me who your friend is. Well I wouldn¡¯t call him much of a friend really, more like a stalker.¡± Violam attempted to stop the shock from showing on his face but he doubted his own success. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°You know the one who is showing up in your dreams and corrupting your thoughts. We have stopped him from doing too much damage but he is persistent. I have assigned our greatest Neuromancer in attempt to block him from your mind.¡± ¡°No, he would never do something that would harm me.¡± Edgar¡¯s eyebrow quirked up. ¡°So you do know he had been meddling with your mind. In any case, we have witnessed him destroying your own thoughts, to what end I do not know. That is why I am asking you. Any information about him you can give us will make it easier for us to stop his attempts at [Mind Manipulation].¡± ¡°I...I ca¡± ¡°Just a name is fine. It will give us something to work with.¡± Violam opened his mouth but the words would not come. Something was restraining them, it was something important but he could not grasp why. His mind felt heavy and clouded but still he tried to find his way. The words, he could not tell if he wanted to say them or not. He was confused. The world began to spin around him. The weight was crushing, it is responsibility he realized. Responsibility and obligation, that is what is stopping him from speaking. Violam never wanted either of those. He was the lost child, responsibility and obligation has no control over him. ¡°O-Otis¡± He barely managed to squeeze it out but the second time it came much easier. ¡°His name is Otis.¡± The crowd in the throne room let out a sigh in relief. ¡°That is enough. That is more than enough. We will have plenty of time to speak of our friend Otis. Now will you listen to my orders?¡± ¡°Yes if it give me power to be stronger than him.¡± ¡°A rival, is he? Don¡¯t worry you will be far more powerful than he can imagine. This is only the first step. Prove yourself and you could be one of the ¡®Touched¡¯.¡± ¡°Touched?¡± ¡°Yes those of us who have been personally ¡®Touched¡¯ by the divine. The one True God. There are seven of us, me and the six Elder Lords. I have great plans for you Violam. You will become the second human to receive a touch of the divine. But first, let¡¯s initiate your bond to the BloodRage. He is the highest ranking demon and you have already been through his baptism. You should be proud you are the second after me to survive his Baptism. He will become your Bonded Demon. And good news once your bond is completed and you have completed your trials, you will be able to use magic once again.¡± Edgar rose from the throne and approached Violam with his golden knife in hand. Edgar ran the knife over his own palm, cutting a deep gash into his hand. The golden knife turned red, a darker red than ever before. Edgar placed his palm on Violam¡¯s forehead and over his eyes. Edgar¡¯s blood moved on its own running into Violam¡¯s eyes and seeping into his pores. ¡­ ¡­ ¡°Violam wake up! Did you forget we have a meeting to get to before the march begins? Wake up or else I will start calling you shit boy again.¡± That particular nickname of his had been short lived as the ones who had called him that, outside of Sona, were all now dead. ¡°Alright, alright. Stop hitting me already.¡± Violam rubbed his chest where Sonashi had punched him. ¡°It¡¯s not even sun up. We heading to the killing fields?¡± ¡°You mean the execution grounds? And no, remember Captain said we are getting a new assignment this morning. We will be meeting our new Commander.¡± She sighed and threw Violam¡¯s boots and armor at him. ¡°Oof!¡± Violam cried as the heavy equipment landed on his stomach. He sat up, groggy trying to figure out what just happened, his eyes barely open as he shoved himself off his cot. ¡°What would you do if I was not here?¡± ¡°I¡¯d probably get more sleep for one and I also wouldn¡¯t get woken up in the middle of the night when you sneak into my bed.¡± Violam yawned as he scratched his head. ¡°Whatever! It was cold that nig¡­! Get yourself washed and ready.¡± She tried to hide her face from his view and ran out of tent. Violam got dressed with a sly grin on his face, things had gotten much since he had gotten his Insignia Brand. He was recognized as part of the Farg Legion now and held the rank of Lieutenant. The Rose Company became much more efficient with him as Lieutenant. Violam did not accept any laziness from his subordinates and ruled over them with an iron fist. After Mugvor¡¯s mutiny Violam quickly put the rest of Mugvor¡¯s associates to the sword without sending them to the execution grounds. Instead, they were executed in front of the rest of the Company. It was understood that if any disagreed with Captain Umaiko they would soon follow Mugvor. With that example the Rose Company worked much harder. Violam assigned them to duties outside of cleaning the battlefield such as assisting other Companies with their miscellaneous tasks. In just a weeks, the Rose Company may not have been well liked but they were no longer outright hated. He also tested Rose Company¡¯s loyalty by picking out several new recruits to replace the mutinous bastards. Two of the new recruits were pulled up from the Linnare, Kavdiir and Caeanos. Violam expected more push back from the others in Rose Company but they all kept their mouths shut. The other Farg Companies did not care as long as the Linnare was not in their Company. Kavdiir, in particular was a dedicated soldier, he immediately stood out from the rest of the Company. He was good with the hard labor that came with being in Rose Company and went out of his way to help the others finish their duties faster. Caeanos on the other hand was more concerned with enjoying himself. He still completed all the work that was assigned to him but he would say he did it with ¡°style¡± or at least with more style than the others. Violam was not sure how someone could dig holes and bury the dead with style but somehow Caeanos pulled it off. Caeanos also often complained about there not being any good females to look at in Rose Company. The only females in Rose Company was Captain Umaiko and Sonashi. He never complained around the Captain but Sonashi was not safe from his complaints. She was not sure how she felt about them either. She was not sure if she happy that he was not looking at her or if she was upset that she was not to be considered good enough to look at. Surprisingly Caeanos combat ability seemed much higher than Kavdiir¡¯s. Rose Company never faced live combat situations for the most part but Violam observed Caeanos ¡®cleaning¡¯ the leftovers from the battle. His cuts were always precise and it only took him once. Violam attempted to broach the subject several times with the two Linnare but Caeanos¡¯s only response is that he does it with style. This time Violam agreed, Caeanos did have style when it concerned killing. Violam did not push for answer. They all had something they were hiding. Violam still participated in Rose Company¡¯s duties even though he is now considered an Officer. There was no way he would give up the easy attribute and experience points he gained from cleaning the battlefield. The only thing that had changed is that there were considerably less instead Mages left after a battle. Many times he was lucky to find one Mage and even then it became less likely that they would have storage bags on them. Violam could not help but feel annoyed. He was satisfied with his current amount of potions and Sonashi had put some muscle on her so she no longer drained him of his Strength and Stamina potions. In any case he considered potions an emergency measure and no longer even kept a bag on his person. He always feared that it would be found on him and he did not want to risk his current lifestyle. There were some things he noticed after Neuromancer Gooram or Neuromancer Quan were no longer giving him his training. His senses became keener, unfortunately this included his sense of smell, and his mind was clearer than before but he still felt that it was less than his full potential. His maps and statuses came back into focus and his [Aura Sense] worked again. It had helped in his Command several times allowing him to solve many disputes before they had escalated and helped him find the last of Mugvor¡¯s subordinates who hadn¡¯t actively participated in the mutiny. Violam entered Rose Company¡¯s Command Tent. Inside stood Sonashi and Captain Umaiko sat in her usual chair. He seemed to have interrupted them because as he entered they quickly ended their conversation. Violam assumed it was because they thought he might be the Commander. ¡°Captain.¡± Violam nodded his head. ¡°I hear we are having a meeting this morning.¡± Captain Umaiko¡¯s eye quirked up at his statement. ¡°Lieutenant, you make it sound like I did not tell you about this meeting a few days ago. Maybe I should have made Sonashi here Lieutenant instead of you. Oh well, at least you arrived before the Commander.¡± ¡°Of course I didn¡¯t forget.¡± That was another thing that had not returned to him, his short term memory. He could recall his past but recent things it was really hard for him to make them stick in his mind. He just hoped that whatever Gooram had done to him was not permanent. ¡°Do we know what the Commander wants?¡± He changed the subject as he had noted from the Captain¡¯s appearance that she did not believe him one bit. ¡°I am not certain but I have an idea.¡± ¡°Would you mind sharing your ideas with the rest of us?¡± ¡°Feeling awfully bold this morning aren¡¯t you Lieutenant? I forbid you from speaking the rest of the time you are in this tent. Unless I give you permission to speak. As for my ideas it does not matter. You will listen to the Commander.¡± As if on cue another woman entered into the tent and telling from Captain Umaiko¡¯s expression it was completely out of her expectations. The woman wore dark violet armor and her pitch black hair was draped over the front of her shoulders. Her face was very slim reminding him of Sonashi. ¡°I am Commander Dina. I am busy so let''s keep this short. You three show promise and we have decided to pull you out of Rose Company. To much of Gutgash, Gargan and my dismay you have been given to me. Captain Umaiko, this may feel like this is a demotion because you will less people at your command but you must understand this is the nature of my division. If you have any complaints speak them now. I will not listen to them at a later date.¡± ¡°N-No Commander Dina, I do not have any complaints with my new assignment.¡± ¡°Good. Pick two more and meet me at my Command Post. You three are now a part of the Violet Collective.¡± Commander Dina had not taken more than two steps into the tent and unceremoniously left. ¡°Uhh. Permission to speak Captain.¡± Everyone was still staring at were Commander Dina had been standing. ¡°What the hell just happened?¡± ¡°I do not know.¡± She stated, blankly staring at where the Commander had been. ¡°And do not talk to me for a week. That¡¯s an order.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Make it a month.¡± Captain Umaiko smirked. Violam was about to contest but before he could Sonashi cleared her throat. ¡°Captain I understand there was something else you wanted to speak to us about.¡± ¡°Yes. It seems Private Uzul used his personal time to get into a fight with another company.¡± Captain watched as Violam¡¯s expression hardened. It looked as if his face lost some of its life. ¡°Violam, he lost his fight badly. I believe he has probably already learned his lesson so do take that into account. After that is settled collect Kavdiir, Caeanos and your things. I will meet you at the Command Post. Dismissed.¡± Violam marched from the Captain¡¯s tent as soon as he was dismissed without checking to see if Sonashi was following. He could not believe that someone under his command did not listen to orders. They all knew what happens if they did not listen to his orders and one of his orders is never to fight outside of the battlefield. ¡°Rose Company fall in line!¡± He shouted just once. It was still before dawn the men in Rose Company had probably just woken up. They all ran out of their tents half dressed. Their reaction speed almost made Violam smile like he always did when they were fast but not this time. This time someone disobeyed his command. Violam made a direct line to Private Uzul. ¡°Private Uzul I hear you participated in a restricted activity yesterday!¡± Violam shouted inches away from the Ogrite¡¯s face. ¡°Yes sir. Yesterday I was caught fighting.¡± The Farg had not moved but it looked as if he shrunk. There were purple bruises on his face and he had a busted lip. ¡°Private, what is the rule about fighting?¡± ¡°No unsanctioned fighting Sir!¡± ¡°If you know the rules why did you disobey?¡± Red veins began to show just past Violam¡¯s collar. ¡°Sir, if you had heard what they were saying about Rose Company!¡± Violam¡¯s angered flared. ¡°You listen to them but not my orders!¡± Violam¡¯s hand smoothly went for his knife and slashed. Blood ran down the side of Private Uzul¡¯s face and his ear tumbled to the floor. ¡°Pick it up. You are lucky I am in a good mood. Let this be another lesson to all of those who do not follow orders.¡± Private Uzul winced in pain as he held up his dirty ear. ¡°Lieutenant what should I do with my ear?¡± ¡°Take it to the medic and tell them to preserve it. You will wear it around your neck as a constant reminder.¡± Violam left the Private and stood in front of Rose Company. ¡°Caeanos and Kavdiir stay behind. Dismissed!¡± If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°Vee was that really necessary?¡± Sonashi spoke as they watched the men leave. She was as calm as ever. It was a face she had adopted ever since the ¡®training¡¯ had stopped. She was not withdrawn or introverted she just did not let things phase her anymore. It was like she had already seen the worst of it and there was nothing to really be concerned about anymore. ¡°Of course they need to know that I am serious. They need to follow orders.¡± ¡°These ones pray to the True God that these ones never have to disobey.¡± Kavdiir looked as if he had eaten something sour. He watched Violam with a wary eye he knew not to cross Violam at the moment, it was better to let him calm down first. Sonashi was the only one who could never draw Violam¡¯s anger. ¡°Vee, they know you are serious. They all respect you and besides this is our last day in Rose Company.¡± ¡°Uh. Excuse this one. What do you mean this is your last day with Rose Company?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right Caeanos.¡± Violam recovering his mood clasped the Linnare on the shoulders. ¡°This is our last day in Rose Company and you two are coming with us.¡± ¡°Gack!¡± Both of the lizard men let out a scream in surprise. It was sound they try to suppress when they are not with their own kind.¡± ¡°Where are these one¡¯s going?¡± Although the Linnare were difficult to read, Violam could definitely see the concern on Kavdiir¡¯s face. ¡°We have been assigned to Commander Dina.¡± Sonashi said halfheartedly and waved her hand like it was not a big deal. She had done her best to ignore their surprised reactions. ¡°These ones refuse!¡± Caeanos and Kavdiir spoke at the same time. ¡°What? Why?¡± Sonashi for the first time let her calm aura slip but quickly recovered her look of indifference. ¡°The Linnare do not fight on the frontlines. It goes against the Linnare Battle Code.¡± Surprisingly the answer came from Caeanos. This was the first time Violam had heard of the Linnare Battle Code. But he figured this was not the time to ask about it, he would get to that later. ¡°No one said anything about fighting on the frontlines. Besides, it is Captain¡¯s orders you don¡¯t have a choice. You¡¯re coming with us big guy.¡± ¡°Big guy? This one is shorter than you.¡± Caeanos responded in a hurry. ¡°This one is not a ¡®big guy¡¯. Being a big guys is not cool. It has no style.¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. Go get your things we head out to Commander Dina¡¯s camp immediately.¡± ¡°No! Nothing is settled!¡± Caeanos shouted as he was pulled away by Kavdiir. The small group met up after gathering their things, Violam realized neither he nor Sonashi knew where Commander Dina¡¯s camp was at. Luckily Kavdiir knew the way knew the way from the time he spent as a supply courier. Caeanos was less productive. He continued to sulk and complain the entire way to Commander Dina¡¯s Camp. They passed several encampments on the way, each one looked much more dedicated to their work than the soldiers of Rose Company. It was still morning, before the march and these companies were up and practicing formations and battle skills. The Rose Company did not have morning drills, they do not fight. They only needed to be strong enough to dig holes. Violam itched more than once to join them in their daily routines. Their morning training was not at the level of Milo¡¯s training but it was still enticing. The sweat, the clang of metal, the dull thud of a fist to skin, the first blooding of a knife it all made his blood boil. Rose Company did not get much time on the battlefield but Violam relished every moment of it. Fighting and killing, it was what he was made for. It was the only time he felt alive. By the time they reached the camp, the Violet Collective had already finished their morning drills and were preparing for the march. After they took no more than ten steps into the camp they were spotted by what looked to be an officer. It was too bad that from his malicious smile he was not there to welcome them. ¡°What do we have here two lizards and some brats. What is your business with our highly esteemed division? I don¡¯t see any supplies in your hands.¡± He was shorter than most Ogrite¡¯s and fairly lean too. ¡°We were just assigned here. We were told to head to the Command Post.¡± Sonashi answered apathetically as if she was completely uninterested in the man¡¯s presence. ¡°What¡¯s wrong boys? Is the woman the only one man enough to speak?¡± Violam shrugged. ¡°She¡¯s her own person. She can speak for us if she likes.¡± ¡°I see. I see. Then you won¡¯t mind if she bunks with me tonight.¡± The Ogrite reached out to grab Sonashi but before he could get half way he felt something sharp against his leg. Sonashi pressed the knife a little deeper cutting through his first layer of clothing. ¡°Be careful or you will lose something important today.¡± ¡°I was joking!¡± He swallowed his dried spit and took a quick step back. He circled around Sonashi keeping a wary eye on her. She had already stowed her knife in its hidden sheath without giving him a second glance. ¡°I see why you let her do the talking.¡± The Ogrite patted Violam on the shoulder. ¡°Let me show you guys to the Command Post.¡± He draped his arm around Violam¡¯s shoulder in a friendly gesture. They were all suspicious of the man but none of them had any idea where the Command Post was so they followed him wary of his intentions. The man did not let their hostile silence carry on for long. ¡°What division were you guys from?¡± ¡°We were under Commander Gutgash¡¯s command in Rose Company.¡± Sonashi answered after she realized that the others had no intention to. Violam studied their guide. He was definitely hiding something. His level was on the higher end of the Ogrite soldiers that he had seen. ¡°That¡¯s right I never introduced myself. My name is Violam, this is Sonashi, Kavdiir and Caeanos. And you are?¡± Violam addressed the man, he of course already knew his name for the title floating over the Ogrite¡¯s head but it was best to hear the name from the owner¡¯s mouth first. Caeanos grumbled about being introduced last but before he voiced his complaint his expression turned to one of pride and satisfaction. Violam could only assume that Caeanos had convinced himself that being introduced last was cool and stylish. ¡°Hmm. Name¡¯s Mort. I am a team leader just recently promoted.¡± Mort¡¯s words gave Violam and the rest of his group a sinking feeling. [Team Leader Mort - Level 31 Farg Legion] Violam¡¯s group had leveled up after Violam¡¯s training but none had a level as high as Mort¡¯s. They seemed to level up with training but not by killing their enemy so Violam deduced that they did not gain experience points like he did. The lowest level in their group was Sonashi but she also leveled the fastest. Violam believed she might be able to defeat Mort but it would be a tough fight. Mort was even a higher level than Violam but none them had the ability to allocate or raise their attributes like he could. [Sonashi - Level 27 Farg Legion] [Kavdiir - Level 29 Farg Legion] [Caeanos - Level 28 Farg Legion] They approached a flattened area. Panels similar to the ones that were used to construct the bridges were laid in a square on the ground. Dwarves were scurrying around to disassemble the area. ¡°I didn¡¯t think the dueling area would still be here. Anyone care for a quick duel before the dwarves take it down?¡± Mort played ignorant when he made the suggestion but they could hear the excitement in his voice. ¡°No we must report in before the march begins.¡± Sonashi responded almost immediately. She was annoyed by the man¡¯s stupid game. ¡°Come on, if the dwarves are still disassembling it there is plenty of time before the march begins. It will not take very long and besides we wouldn¡¯t want everyone to think that the new recruits are weak cowards, would we?¡± The Farg who had just finished their morning training watched their group as they approached the dueling area. They sneered as they heard Mort¡¯s casual taunts. Many of them decided to reinforce his attitude. ¡°They sure do look weak.¡± One spoke just above a whisper so Violam and the others could hear it. ¡°Yea. I don¡¯t want any recruits that are cowards.¡± ¡°Look there is even a woman.¡± Yes but she can stay. I will just have to teach how to fight among other things.¡± Mort smiled as he heard his fellow soldier¡¯s whispers. ¡°See just a demonstration. It will clear up all the misunderstandings.¡± Misunderstandings you created, Sonashi¡¯s expression seemed to say. The Farg slowly circled their group preventing their escape and waited for the duel to begin. Noticing that there was no escaping Kavdiir sighed. ¡°This one believes this is called a ritual hazing. This one believes it is best to just get it over with quickly. Violam, this one leaves it to you. ¡°This has no style.¡± Caeanos looked away from Violam and focused on sharpening his claws with his knife. He gave off a ¡®just in case things go bad¡¯ aura. Sonashi just shrugged and clasped Violam¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t kill him. I have a feeling that, that would be bad.¡± ¡°So it¡¯s all on me huh? No one wants to volunteer to take your Lieutenants place.¡± ¡°We all know you want to kill him so drop the act and go fight him already.¡± Sonashi lightly pushed him away. It was true he did want to fight. He had been disappointed that their morning drills finished before he could join them. But he was not going to admit that she was correct. ¡°Fine I will take you up on your offer.¡± Violam stepped forward into the ring. ¡°That¡¯s a shame. I had hoped for the girly. She is the one with the balls in the bunch.¡± The surrounding Farg laughed, their bloodlust had begun to leak out. They knew there was going to be a match from the moment Violam¡¯s group had been lead to their training grounds. In fact, they would have not let the group past unless the duel happened. ¡°Vee, just don¡¯t kill him.¡± Mort snorted a laugh. ¡°You hear that they think this brat can kill me.¡± Mort slid his short sword from its scabbard. Violam was positive no one would offer him a sword so he drew his knife which earned him a few more laughs from the crowd. Violam ignored them, he took his fighting stance and studied the man in front of him. From the way Mort held and flourished his sword, Violam could tell the short Ogrite was well practiced. Mort was probably considered an above average swordsman maybe even a good one. ¡°Alright girly we will begin when you say the words.¡± ¡°Yea, yea whatever. Begin.¡± She said quickly with a lazy wave of her hand. She probably came to the same conclusion as Violam and already predicted the result. Mort was caught off guard about Sonashi¡¯s laissez-faire attitude in regards to this match. Violam was in no hurry. He let the man recover from his surprise so he could make the first move. Violam wanted to see what tone Mort would set for their match. ¡°No standing around boy!¡± Mort rushed forward leveling his sword tip for Violam¡¯s throat. Ah I see so if I don¡¯t block that thrust you will kill me, Violam thought. So much for a friendly duel. Well then just a little bit should do. Violam focused his anger and slimmed it down. He fed a thin line of his anger to the BloodRage and it responded in kind. The BloodRage always sat there behind his right eye just waiting to be used. His body filled with strength and power. Violam did not know when or where he learned how to do it, it just felt natural like he could do it in his sleep. Violam held his knife blade point down. redirected Mort¡¯s thrust with the flat side of his knife, though it was unnecessary. Violam stepped off the line of attack and redirected Mort¡¯s thrust with the flat side of his knife, though it was unnecessary. The step itself looked lazy and if he had done it to a novice they would thought Violam was just lucky. But not Mort, he was no novice, that step screamed ¡®hey keep coming, you will get me next time¡¯. He knew different, that step looked lazy and inviting was precise. Violam had moved deep within Mort¡¯s sphere of influence. His first attack had been over extended due to Violam¡¯s block and despite Mort¡¯s fanatical training with the sword he had lost. With that one step the match was over. Mort was left defenseless as Violam slammed the butt of his knife into Mort¡¯s stomach. Violam drove the knife deep, he could feel the air flee from Mort¡¯s lungs and some of the man¡¯s ribs crack. Mort doubled over clutching his stomach. His sword slid across the ground as he fell to his knees. Violam grabbed the short Ogrite by his dark greasy hair and pulled his head back. This man had taunted us, harassed Sonashi and called us weak cowards. Violam brought his knife up. This man would have killed me, he still might attempt to kill us. I am going to end him now. it is the only answer. ¡°Violam stop! I told you not to kill him. It will only bring us more problems.¡± Sonashi interrupted Violam¡¯s thoughts. He didn¡¯t like it but the rare emotion in her voice brought him back to reality. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Violam pushed Mort down to the ground and wiped his greasy hand off on his sleeve. ¡°Good. I am glad you could refrain yourself from doing Mort any harm, Lieutenant. It seems you have already met your new Team Leader.¡± A male Ogrite approached them. His words did not match his tone, it made the temperature in the surrounding area drop a few degrees. ¡°And who are you?¡± Violam knew better than to ask because all of the surrounding Farg had dispersed at the sound of this Ogrite¡¯s voice. ¡°I am your new Sub-Commander. I came to fetch you while Commander Dina informs your Captain of her new assignment. Follow me, I will take you to the Command Post. And Mort stop trying to sneak off or I will let the Lieutenant kill you and take your position.¡± They could all tell it was no idle threat. ¡°Hey no hard feelings, right?¡± Mort whispered to Violam. Mort was just now realizing that they were all going to be stuck together. He only relaxed a bit after Violam nodded in response. Their new Sub-Commander led them in a direction away from the dueling area. It was obvious to them that Mort had led them in the opposite of the direction they needed to go. Mort played oblivious to Sonashi¡¯s sharp piercing gaze. However it did please the group, the Sub-Commander included, every time Mort winced in pain when he irritated his ribs. [Sub-Commander Both - Level 39 Farg Legion] Captain Umaiko was standing outside the Command Tent, she had the bridge of her nose pinched between her thumb and forefinger. ¡°Thank you Sub-Commander Both. I will take over from here.¡± He gave a slight nod. ¡°Then I will leave them with you. Congratulations on your entrance to the Violet Collective.¡± The Sub-Commander left without giving the rest of them a second look. ¡°Why the hell are you late?¡± Captain Umaiko asked and then she pointed at the Ogrite in the back of their little group trying to avoid her attention. ¡°And Lieutenant, why is your Team Leader crying?¡± ¡°Uh.¡± She sighed and interrupted Violam before he could speak. ¡°You know what? I don¡¯t want to know. Come with me. Today we just march I will fill you in on our assignment. You should be excited Violam you guys are going to the front lines.¡± Violam ignored Caeanos¡¯s strangled choking and coughing. ¡°What will we be doing on the front lines?¡± ¡°Your team will be hunting wizards.¡± She said forgetting the presence of the one who was supposed to be Team Leader. ¡°The bugs have changed tactics and the Farg are facing double the casualties on the battlefield. One of the changes is now their wizards are fighting in groups whereas before the wizards only had a few non magical minions. Now the bugs have become more organized and these groups of wizards are set up in a way that they can cover their weaknesses. They have increased their survivability rate, more insect wizards are leaving the battlefield alive than ever. Your team will be one of the few from the Violet Collective to specifically hunt these wizards down.¡± ¡°And what are the other teams in the Violet Collective doing?¡± Sonashi asked after their Captain summed up their new objective. Captain Umaiko gave Sonashi a hard stare. ¡°It was not my place to ask and we are not in Rose Company any longer so you two need to not be overly familiar with your superiors.¡± Violam snorted, like Umaiko would ever let him be overly familiar with her. He would have welcomed it with open arms if she had though. ¡°Captain, I can answer that.¡± Mort spoke up for the first time. ¡°You are still here? Well go ahead then.¡± ¡°The Violet Collectives primary duties on this mission is scouting and Cave Clearing. The mountains past the forest are filled with these bugs, so small teams are sent in to clear them out.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Sorry Captain, I don¡¯t know that. I just became a Team Leader.¡± Mort frowned at his own statement as he eyed Violam. ¡°I have only been on scouting missions before this.¡± ¡°Well then, I have five other teams under my command. Let¡¯s gather them and form a plan. Tomorrow Rose Team enters the battlefield.¡± Captain Umaiko smiled and winked at Violam, much to his chagrin.
Thanks for the comments last time. It is always great to hear what you guys think. Adios. Chapter 24: a Success, a Stable and a Cave Hunter Howdy once again. Here is chapter 24. Sorry it is a bit late I have been sick.
Violam jumped out of the way of the incoming fire lance. Rose Team was battling a group of insect mages. There were five in total, two fire mages, a wind mage, a nature mage and a priest. This is probably why Violam¡¯s group was in a squad of five. The only problem was that the insect mages were not alone, they were accompanied by thirty [Armored Mantis]. The mantis¡¯s levels ranged from low to mid-twenties. Mort¡¯s job was to keep them occupied while the other four attacked the Mages. Violam was tasked with drawing the mages¡¯ attention while Sonashi, Kavdiir and Caeanos flanked the insects to take down the support mages. This was not their first attempt at taking down a squad of insect mages, it was their seventh. Their first attempt was a disaster that they barely escaped from. No one took into account that the mages would be escorted through the battlefield by the [Armored Mantis]. As soon as Rose Team launched their attacks they were overwhelmed by the mantis and fire rained down on them from the fire mage. It took all of their skills to survive that fight and ever since then they began to work better as a unit. They killed a few mages but never an entire unit of them. Somehow the other squads under Captain Umaiko had all eliminated entire mage squads. She was clearly not pleased with their squad and doubled their rotation as a penalty. Violam dodged another fire lance and sprinted through the unfinished fire prison. Fire prison was a combination of wind and fire magic. It impressed Violam every time he had to hectically dodge it. It was a box constructed of constructed of ten-foot fiery tornados arranged in a mesh pattern. It was something far beyond any magic he could have produced but his resistance was high enough that the fire was not much of a threat to him. The real threat to him was the nature mage. All the resistances in the world will not matter if you get trapped in a series of vines or a quagmire and your enemy cuts off your head. Violam readied his short sword and fed another line of anger to the Bloodrage. His speed doubled in an instant. He closed the distance between him and his target until he could see the smug look drain from the insect¡¯s face. A green light flashed in the corner of Violam¡¯s eye. He halted and immediately retreated a few steps disengaging his attack. ¡°Tsk. Damn nature mage is still alive. What the hell are they doing?¡± The vines kept growing intertwining with each other until its form took shape. [Plant Golem - Level 26 Monstrosity] The magic was a two pronged attack. If you got tangled in the vines they would continue to grow around you until they formed into the monster. Once it is full grown it would attack everyone else while grinding up the one caught in the vines and feed on their remains to grow stronger. It was not a pretty sight when Violam saw a successful attack on one of the Ogrite soldiers. It was a large and cumbersome creature that did not pair well with the fire and wind magic. It did buy the insects some time to recover mana or for the priest to cast heals. Its slow broadcasted swipes swung over Violam¡¯s head. He rolled under its stomp to get the monster. The golem turned to give chase, with every stomp the ground shook. Violam steadied himself and jumped between the monster''s legs. He attacked slicing the back of the golem¡¯s knees. It slowed the monster down but the cuts did not cause its health bar to lessen by much. It did however, enrage the monster. Violam led the enraged golem towards Mort while he chipped away at its health. As if on cue, Mort retreated from the [Armored Mantis] and switched positions with Violam. Mort dashed away to put pressure on the mage squad. The [Armored Mantis] surged forward after the Ogrite. Violam intercepted them along with the golem. The golem¡¯s foot slammed down into the sea of [Armored Mantis] killing two or three of them at a time. This was the quickest way Rose Team could think of to get rid of the mage protectors. Their hard exoskeletons made Rose Team¡¯s short sword and combat knives almost useless but a ton of monster foot on the other hand easily crushed them. Violam just had to rely on Mort to keep the mages distracted for long enough to finish off the [Armored Mantis]. Eventually the golem caught fire, this was no doubt the work of the insect fire mage. The mage had caught on to their plan and hurriedly decided to destroy the golem. The monster slowed down as the fire engulfed it. Any [Armored Mantis] that was still alive met a quick end by Violam. He slid past their scythe like arms and cut where their heads met thorax. Their weakness was at their joints, it was not a place where Mort¡¯s sword could reach at his level of skill. Violam was training Mort but he was not a fast learner like the other three. It would be a long time before he reaches the point where he can purposely cut their joints. Violam joined up with Mort to attack the group of mages. The Ogrite was sweating heavily, his armor was burnt and tattered and he was covered in burns. Violam pulled him out of the way of the enemy¡¯s wind blade and shoved a health potion into the man¡¯s hands. Violam could not keep the potions a secret from Mort because he was plundering bags from the bugs whenever he got the chance. Mort understood that he was never to speak of the potions as they had already saved his life several times and it was the only thing that they had that was superior to the other squads under Captain Umaiko. Mort mumbled a thanks before chugging the potion. Violam only responded by pointing back to the golem. It had been trailing behind him slowly melting from the fire. ¡°I am supposed to be the team leader.¡± Violam heard the man complain as he ran off. A green light flashed in front of him but it was cut short before the incantation could finish. Violam grinned as he saw that Sonashi had the nature mage pinned to the ground, her knife plunged into it breast. The mages surprised by the failed magic turned their attention away from Violam. He launched himself at the nearest fire mage killing a few bugs on the way to his target. The fire mage turned back just as the short sword cut into its neck causing its head to fly off in an odd direction. Violam was onto the next mage before the life had faded from the first. He slashed it at a diagonal from shoulder to hip. His sword cracked and snapped in half before it completely cut through the bug''s body. The short sword could not stand up to Violam¡¯s strength for long. He pulled another short sword from his bag but the final two mages had already been ended. One had Kavdiir¡¯s arrow jutting up from its throat and the other laid face down in a pool of its own blood. Caeanos was squat down a good distance away from his kill sharpening his claws with his knife. It was one of Caeanos¡¯s cool poses. ¡°What the hell? Save one for me!¡± Mort shouted, the golem now was just a green sludge on the ground. A silvery flash flew over Mort¡¯s shoulder. The flash was followed by a thud. ¡°Team Leader, do not lower your guard we are still on the battlefield.¡± Sonashi spoke gesturing to the bug soldier lying on the ground behind Mort. One of Sonashi¡¯s hidden knives buried deep into its eye socket. Mort wrung his hands together and stepped away from the body. ¡°Y-you are right. Let¡¯ not forget we are still in a battle. Let¡¯s continue to hunt just because we have taken down our first mage group it is not time to celebrate.¡± Sonashi rolled her eyes as she removed her knife from the bug soldier¡¯s head. The knife was immediately hid in some unknown location. They moved out searching the battlefield for more insect mages. It was not just the bugs that had changed their tactics, the Farg had also adapted albeit slower than the bugs had. Farg had always just used their main force and blunt tactics to overwhelm their enemies with no thought to how many of their own that they lost. Their supply of soldiers from the gate was almost inexhaustible. The problem was that the same could be said for the bugs. No matter how many hundreds of thousands of bugs that the Farg killed there was always another bug to take its place. It was not the first time the Farg had fought an enemy of this nature but in the past those enemies were often simplistic and almost without thought. Now that the battle has changed, each side has their main force as well as elite groups that were used to attack strategic locations. Rose Team was one of these elites but they were also the newest and had the least amount of training which showed in their lack of success in subduing the insect mages. With each battle they fought they moved closer and closer to being a unit and fighting a skilled team battle. If no mages were found or left on the battlefield their sub-targets are what were called the Goliath Class bugs. In general these were the large battle shaping bugs. The ones that could crush the main force¡¯s formation, the [Dynastinae], the [Burrowing Blaberus], or the dreaded [Pepsini]. The big bugs were higher level than the mages but were simplistic and easy to handle except the Pepsini. Its speed outclassed even Violam when consumed by the Bloodrage. It was a given that one of those Wasp would kill at minimum a couple thousand Farg before it would be taken down. Even if it didn¡¯t kill you, if you touched its paralytic poison you would be as good as dead. The poison never wore off and any Farg that were poisoned would be paralyzed for life. It was rare to see the Pepsini on the battlefield and once it was killed the bugs always retreated from the battlefield. ¡°Spikes!¡± Violam heard someone shout as the bug¡¯s main force scattered away from the Farg main forces. It was another of the Goliath class bug, but one that Rose Team was not assigned to. The [Triatominae] were not as large as the others in its class and it sat back away from the battlefield. It was also a bug with high numbers, thousands of them lined up at the edge of the battlefield. They were left to the Farg Teams that traveled deeper into the bug¡¯s territory. They fired their stingers in an arc from their conical snout. ¡°Watch the skies!¡± Violam shouted, they disengaged from their attack on the [Horned Dynastinae - Level 43] that they were currently surrounding. ¡°We are being targeted!¡± A few of the stingers arced their direction. The large beetle charged Rose Team who was currently retreating. It did not care about the stingers as they would just bounce off its hard exoskeleton. Rose Team dove out of the way of the beetles charge. It stood between them and the safety of being out of range of the stingers. Violam thought it would be possible for them to still get past it and to safety. ¡°It will not let us leave! This one believes Rose Team should quickly kill it before the stingers reach us!¡± Kavdiir screamed over the roar of the battlefield. ¡°I agree if we turn our back to run it will charge us.¡± Mort panted out his opinion. He was still out of shaped compared to the rest of them. ¡°Fine! Let¡¯s make this quick.¡± The stingers started to land around them. Violam pushed out his [Aura Sense] to detect them as they fell. The others did not have this ability and with their back to the stingers they were at a disadvantage. ¡°I will think of something. You guys try to circle around it after I have engaged. And keep your eyes to the sky.¡± Violam dashed forward, the beetle lowered its head in defense. It planned on stabbing Violam but instead he used its horn as a stepping stone. Violam ran up the horn and between the giant bug¡¯s eyes. They had targeted the eyes before but they were almost as hard as the exoskeleton. Kavdiir¡¯s arrows just bounced off of them and it was the same for their swords. Violam leaped over the bug''s head and landed on its back. He found his target, although the exoskeleton from the head overlapped the exoskeleton that surrounded the rest of the beast body there was still a slim gap between them where one could slide in a sword or a spear. Violam shoved his short sword in the gap between the head and the body. It reached the soft connective tissue but just barely. Violam tried to cut deeper but before he could the beetle let out its metallic screech and reared its head back. The sword bent and snapped under the pressure. The blade was left behind as the handle slid off to the ground. Violam pulled another sword from his bag. He only had one left, the bag only have five slots, four of which contained swords and the last slot was a stack of five health potions. Kavdiir had connections with the Linnare who worked as supply couriers so they always had extra weapons for Rose Team. Violam fell backwards as the beetle tried to shake him off. He slid down its back trying to grab onto something but the carapace was too smooth. He caught ahold of the beetle''s leg but he had to let go his sword. The jagged thorns on its leg cut into his hands. He pulled himself back on to the bug, his [Aura Sense] went off, there were stingers just above him. Violam ran up the beetle¡¯s back watching his steps to dodge the stingers that were now pelting the ground. The [Aura Sense] flared, Violam jumped to the side and grabbed the yellow stinger that was about to impale him. He dove forward shoving his hand with the stinger into the gab. The blade that was left behind sliced up his armor as he plunged the stinger into the connective tissue. The stinger¡¯s black cord pulse as it pushed out a viscous fluid. Violam pulled his arm away before the fluid could touch him and slid off the carapace. The beetle stopped its thrashing and stood dead still. ¡°Hurry get under the beetle for protection!¡± Violam dropped to the ground and knelt beneath the dying bug. Rose Team soon followed, many of them had cuts and bruises from the thrashing beetle but were still alive. ¡°Just how many of these bastards are shooting at us? Do they know we killed the mages?¡± Mort complained as stingers continued to stab into the ground around them. Sonashi frowned. ¡°They are oddly specific and did you actually catch one out of the sky?¡± Violam flashed her a smug grin without an answer. ¡°Are you stupid?¡± She questioned. ¡°No, I already know the answer. Idiot! What if he had shot its venom out then?¡± ¡°Eh, but it didn¡¯t.¡± Violam followed her concerned eyes down to his arm it was a mess of cuts. Damn. I still ruined my arm, he thought. I should have just pumped myself full of the Bloodrage and smashed through the exoskeleton. I know my body can¡¯t handle that kind of strength but it would have been quicker. Oh well it''s just a few cuts and they are not as deep as they should have been. It will heal up after a few minutes. The rain of the stingers had stopped though they continued to greedily consume the contents of whatever they had stung. Rose Team moved out of their hiding spot. The bugs began their retreat. ¡°Cut as many cords as you can it won¡¯t kill them but at least they won¡¯t have a free lunch. And watch the venom.¡± ¡°Yes, Lieutenant.¡± Rose Team sounded off. Violam retrieved his short sword and they split up now that the battlefield was relatively safe. They knew cutting the black cords would not kill the [Triatominae] but it was gratifying to stop the bug¡¯s mealtime. The [Triatominae] always left the cords and stingers behind once the battle was over. It was assumed that they just regrew them in time for the next battle. Rose Team made quick work of any leftover insects before returning back to the Violet Collective. They would have the next few days off after the battle. Captain Umaiko¡¯s squads rotated their duty and ever since the bugs had changed their tactics they did not battle every day. The change in routine had left the Farg confused but it encouraged them to march that much faster. It had led them into surprise attack more often but it was a chance that the commanders decided they would take. Violam did not understand the reason why they were in a rush to move south. No one that he spoke with including Captain Umaiko knew, she had told him to just follow orders and not ask questions. The sun had set and the night had cooled the air. Everyone in Rose Team¡¯s body ache from their day''s grueling activities. After dinner Violam and Sonashi went to the stables where all of the Violet Collective¡¯s pack animals were held. Violam always came to visit the animals at the end of the day, he found it relaxing and a good way to fully flush the Bloodrage out of his system. He found that the Bloodrage always lingered even if the tap was fully closed. It felt as if it clung to his bones and one quick movement or an odd stretch it would release the lingering residue. But being relaxed seemed to stymie any leftover Bloodrage. This was not the only reason he liked to visit that stables. One of the first tasks he assigned to Kavdiir was to get Freddy and Lester the Gastornis permanently moved to their team. Violam grabbed a brush and threw the second to Sonashi which she begrudgingly caught. ¡°I do not understand what you see in these birds.¡± ¡°I already told you they are my friends and you did not have to come if you don¡¯t want to.¡± Violam began to gently brush the Freddy¡¯s brown fur. ¡°You can take Lester your personalities suit each other.¡± Lester snorted in indignation and pulled away from her brush. ¡°You say that you can speak to them but you can¡¯t see that he does not like me.¡± ¡°You just have to be nice to them. Act the opposite of how you act with me.¡± Freddy delightedly danced around and pushed himself into Violam¡¯s brush. ¡°Ok Ok I will give you some food just wait a moment you are covered in dirt.¡± He directed his attention back to Freddy. ¡°I am nice to you!¡± She turned back to Lester. ¡°Come here stupid bird and I will brush the dirt from you. No! Stop chewing my hair. Stop!¡± ¡°I told you to be nice. He knows what you are saying.¡± Violam grinned as he watched Lester, it didn¡¯t have any teeth in its beak so Lester probably was not doing any damage. Violam made no move to stop the bird. He had warned Sonashi that Lester could understand her, so she brought this on herself. When Violam first reunited with the two [Gastornis] their animal bond completed. Violam gained [Physical Resistance] from Lester and increased Agility and [Increased Footwork Affinity] from Freddy. Their levels had steadily risen because of the bond. Both animals looked healthier and muscular. Violam could tell their health and location at a distance. ¡°Get him to stop before he eats all my hair!¡± Sonashi was desperately trying to push the big bird away but he would not budge. Lester just continued to casually take more of her light blue hair in dousing it in a liquid coat of drool. The bird really looked like it was enjoying itself. ¡°I told you to be nice to him but you didn¡¯t listen. Just ask him nicely to stop. Oh and tell him he¡¯s handsome.¡± ¡°Did he really say that?¡± ¡°Yep. Sona, ask him nicely and tell him he is smart and handsome.¡± ¡°Now you''re just adding things!¡± She struggled to break free but Lester just pulled her back in. Violam shrugged in response and with a questionable grin he strapped Freddy¡¯s feed bag over the bird¡¯s ears so it could eat. ¡°Alright I get it! Just stop eating my hair. I am sorry I said those things. Lester, you are both smart and handsome. So please stop.¡± Lester stopped what he was doing and pushed himself into her brush. After some brushing Lester slowly nuzzled into her. A rare smile played across Sonashi¡¯s face. The warmth that these animals showed them is something rare in the Farg Legion. Most of the time you are treated with apathy or hostility. They could not forgot the world outside this roofless stable but it can give them a few moments of respite from the never ending march. Violam watched Sonashi with Lester for a while. It looked like what might have been if her people had never been attacked by the Farg, she is just an innocent girl. She caught sight of Violam or maybe she felt his stare. Whatever the case may have been she masked herself again in her calm indifferent persona. ¡°Why do you do that?¡± He asked her. Freddy had long fallen asleep by then and Violam was gently scratch its neck. ¡°Do what?¡± ¡°Hide yourself. Why do you hide yourself even though we are no longer in the cages? Never mind, I shouldn¡¯t pry. I am just...just worried is all.¡± ¡°I am not hiding.¡± Sonashi looked away and turned her focus back to Lester. She sighed. ¡°It¡¯s just I was in that cage for so long. I cannot get attached to this.¡± She gestured to her surroundings and to Violam. ¡°I know if I find something I care about they will just take it away again. So it''s for that best if I just push it all away. Then there is nothing they can take from me.¡± ¡°We will not go back to those cages.¡± Violam said with more force than he had intended. His blood boiled in his veins at the thought of them. ¡°We have to just keep following orders and we will move up through the Legion. We will become powerful and then no one will be able to take anything from us.¡± Violam¡¯s fist were clenched and he spoke through gritted teeth. Freddy had awoken and back away from Violam. It shied away not daring to meet Violam in the eyes. Sonashi was the same. ¡°Y-you are right. I know if we just do as we are told everything will be fine. I just cannot shrug off this feeling that I will lose everything again.¡± If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Excuse me, Lieutenant.¡± A small dwarf in a messenger''s uniform entered the stable. ¡°What do you want dwarf?¡± Violam roared. His veins felt as if they burned with acid. The interruption kicked in the Bloodrage almost immediately. If there was one thing Violam could not stand it was being interrupted. ¡°Spit it out! Violam yelled again at the dwarf¡¯s silence. He had been too afraid to speak. ¡°U-uh Lieutenant, Captain U-Umaiko has ordered Rose Team to meet her at the Command Post.¡± The dwarf darted out of the temporary stable before Violam could respond. ¡°I guess I will go get everyone else. Try to calm yourself down. You won¡¯t want to meet the Captain like that.¡± Sonashi put away her brush and gave Lester one last pat. ¡°Like what?¡± ¡°Angry. Every little thing sets you off now. Take a moment to cool off and meet us outside when you are ready.¡± Sonashi left to gather the rest of the team. Being called to the command post this late at night was never a good thing especially when they are about to sack out for the day. She wondered what could it be but was more concerned about how Violam would take it if their orders were changing. She feared that her fears were coming true and their orders would be a demotion or something worse. She halted at the exit to the stable. Her light blue hair fluttered in the night¡¯s breeze. She spoke again without turning back to face him. ¡°I do not know what was promised but you cannot control it. No one can control it.¡± Sonashi left without another word. It pained Violam to see Sonashi leave. ¡°That damn dwarf ruined everything. It was going just fine until he came. Rotten little bastards.¡± He sighed and shook his head. ¡°No, I went too far. I am still having a hard time fully controlling the Bloodrage. It feels like I am carrying a loaded gun with no safety. I just have to be more careful.¡± Violam stretched his hand out to Freddy to coax the bird to him. ¡°You will stick with me, right Freddy?¡± Freddy after a slight hesitation push his head towards Violam¡¯s hand. Violam rubbed his free hand through his hair. ¡°That look on her face, so much disappointment and fear. I have to make it up to her somehow. I can¡¯t let this happen again.¡± He stayed with Freddy for a little longer before putting away his things and wishing the two [Gastornis] goodnight. Rose Team was waiting for him at the foot of the camp. ¡°Everyone ready?¡± Violam said with a broad smile. ¡°These ones were waiting on you.¡± Caeanos smirked. ¡°Are you done playing with your beast?¡± ¡°Yes, he thoroughly enjoyed it.¡± ¡°Gross.¡± Sonashi mumbled under her breathe and Kavdiir nodded in agreement with an expression of disgust. Once all of Rose Team accounted for they headed over to the Command Post. Outside of the large tent there were a number of the Farg standing at attention. Some Violam recognized as other teams under Captain Umaiko¡¯s command. If they are mobilizing this many in the Violet Collective something must have happened. Mort was quick to spot the Captain and approached her. ¡°Captain Umaiko, Rose Team is reporting for duty as requested.¡± She looked up from the reports she held in her hands and ignored Mort to address Violam. ¡°Good timing Lieutenant. The Commander is about to come out and address the soldiers.¡± She gestured for them to file in behind her and went back to her reports. The mass of soldiers made way for a rider that approached the Command Tent. It was one of the cave hunters on a land dragon. The dragon was not one of the massive ones used for the battlefield but instead for speed and scouting. It was slender and just a bit larger than a horse. They must have ran all night as both the rider and beast were in a terrible lather. The smaller Ogrite dismounted the beast and darted into the tent ignoring the crowd. Commander Dina rushed out of the tent a few seconds after the man had entered. ¡°Listen you idiots. We have found the bug queen¡¯s lair!¡± Commander Dina proclaimed without ceremony. ¡°She has been spotted and our cave hunters are currently engaged with her forces. This is the most expansive labyrinth we have come across. There are numerous places she may be hiding and you lot are going to hunt the queen bug down.¡± The gather Violet Collective cheered at their Commander''s proclamation. To complete such a meritorious deed would lead promotions and glory. If they are the ones to kill the queen they will no longer be grunts. ¡°Alright shut up. I said shut up!¡± Commander Dina¡¯s shout made the soldiers become quiet all at once. Her scream gave them a queasiness in their guts they could not ignore. Some of their faces went green and if they were already green they turned even greener. ¡°If we can find and kill her our fight with the insects will be over. But that is only one of your objectives. I have received reports that these caverns are large enough to support large amounts of soldiers. Our cave hunters believe the labyrinth has an opening to the other side of the mountain range. Finding the exit will put us that much closer to the human settlement. We will no longer be relegated to sending packs of soulless over the mountains to soften their defenses. We will be able to directly crush them once and for all. After they are dead the Legion can finally move south of the grand river to destroy the Dwalun and the mythic beasts.¡± There were some murmurs at the mention of the Dwalun. Violam had never heard of it before but he could see the anger burning in their eyes. He did not understand the change in attitude they were festive at the thought of killing the insect queen but now there was silent and solemn. There was definitely a history between the two. Commander Dina had paused a moment to let her words sink in. ¡°That is right the Dwalun have come here and invaded our ancient training grounds like the humans and the best. This is why the Legion was sent here. We will face our old enemy and crush them. Captains organize your teams. Our cave hunters will lead them to the cave. Be aware of the roving insect patrols. You will mobilize immediately and as this will be a prolonged engagement your provisions have been prepared and will be issued by the cave hunters. Move out!¡± Captain Umaiko turned to Rose team. ¡°We you heard her get moving. I will be with the other Captains planning the assault. I am expecting a lot from your four so do not let me down.¡± ¡°Captain there is five of us.¡± Mort corrected. Captain Umaiko looked at Mort as if she saw him for the first time. ¡°Oh you¡¯re still here. Who are you again? Oh, well never mind get a move on.¡± ¡°These ones need their beauty sleep.¡± Caeanos whispered once they were out of earshot of the Captain. Rose team made their way over to the nearest hunter as Caeanos complained to Kavdiir. The slim built Ogrite hunter did not give them much of a look. Once their group reached a hundred soldiers they left camp and headed west. It took a couple of hours to leave the Legion. This was the first time Violam had been outside of the army in months though it felt like much longer. From the looks on Sonashi¡¯s and the Linnare¡¯s faces it was probably was much longer for them. The fresh air filled Violam¡¯s lungs giving him a nostalgic feeling. He breathed deeply attempting to trap that feeling inside of him. As they reached the forest before the mountains his [Aura Sense] went off several times but the soldiers put down the bugs before Violam could even see them. Violam wanted to leave the army behind to hunt these forest, build a fire and bathe in a cool river but he knew it was just a dream. He was one of the Farg and he had his orders. They arrived at the caves by sun up. On the mountainside there was no less than a hundred cave entrances, a few were marked out as being explored. They were grouped into a fifty man party that was led by two cave hunters. The party was excited and wanted to enter the cave immediately. They seemed to think the rewards were as good as theirs. There were two in the party that pushed to enter that Violam recognized. They were under Captain Umaiko¡¯s command and were quite distinguished within the Violet Collective¡¯s elite teams. [Panther Dragon Team Ugogan - Level 32 Farg Legion] [Panther Dragon Team Hokanagar - Level 32 Farg Legion] Their team was the first to down a mage squad. So it was not farfetched in Violam¡¯s mind for them to push their group forward. In the Farg the strong have the power so even though the cave hunters wanted the group to recoup from their travels they still gave into the demands. In the end it works out to the cave hunter¡¯s benefit to get started early. They would have first pick at which cave to enter and could get a jump start on the rest of the parties. Their group was not the only one to become restless but their cave hunters were able to secure the largest of the caves. It was large enough to give them plenty of maneuverability. The party was organized into three units; a small vanguard for scouting enemies, the main force which is where Rose Team was assigned and the rearguard for the ranged support. [Cave Hunter Zufto - Level 31 Farg Legion] Cave Hunter Zufto was in charge of the vanguard and the main force while the other cave hunter commanded the rearguard. He was addressing the vanguard now before sending in the main force. At the moment he had left the others to their own devices. ¡°Listen here pansies.¡± Ugogan address the main force. He had a crude smile as he stared at Sonashi. His gaze moved on to settle on the two Linnare. ¡°We are here for one reason and that is to kill bugs. If you slow me down in any way you will be treated as a bug, you hear me. That cave hunter thinks he¡¯s in charge, don¡¯t make me laugh. I have the most kills in the Legion and I have the strongest team in the Legion but I am not unreasonable. You will listen to the cave hunter for now but once his orders are shit you will listen to me.¡± Unbeknownst to Zufto there is already a mutiny in his ranks, huh. Well power talks in the Farg, Violam thought. He thinks he is the strongest in the Violet Collective. I could take him but ugh so much hassle. I just want to get this over with. The cave hunter probably knows what he is doing anyway. I guess I will only step in if this idiot takes it too far. The soldier of the main force quieted down as Cave Hunter Zufto came back after sending the vanguard in. That group was comprised scouts so they knew how to keep their heads down and stay out of trouble. ¡°In a few minutes we will be entering. There are a lot of us so the bugs will know we are coming but keep quiet anyway this means check your equipment now, watch your step and most importantly shut your mouth. I will take the lead and will be meeting the scout runners as they report in. I do not want to hear you idiots at all when we are inside. This is most likely your first time in a cave so you will be bashing around like a bunch of dumb children but that cannot be avoided. Nod if you understand.¡± The group of Farg shifted around uncomfortably and some glanced towards Ugogan with a smirk. In the end they all still nodded in agreement. ¡°Good. Once we are inside, when I give an order I expect it to be carried out. It will get darker the deeper we go so don¡¯t nod like an idiot at my orders and I don¡¯t want to want to hear you so just do as you¡¯re told. Understand?¡± The soldiers stood silent expecting the cave hunter to carry on. Cave Hunter Zufto sighed and rubbed his temples. ¡°I can see you now dumbasses. You can nod in agreement.¡± The group begrudgingly nodded. ¡°Okay so the equipment should have already been handed out. If you are missing anything too bad I don¡¯t want to hear about it. Let¡¯s go.¡± Rose Team gathered together in the main force. It was always best to have those you trust watch your back and as far as Violam could tell the others were doing the same or forming their own factions. The main force moved at a slow but steady pace. It may have been slow for some but no one spoke out. A few were allowed to light a torch and it was strictly regulated. It was an hour on the move before Zufto called for a halt. The light from the entrance had completely faded out. ¡°I have received notice that we will be entering a hall.¡± Zufto whispered but his voice carried to everyone in the cave. ¡°There will be a large number of bugs gathered and they will gain reinforcements from the smaller holes in the wall. They are weak but they are long range insects. I expect no casualties but you all seem stupid enough to surprise me.¡± The cave hunter continued to give out orders and divided them into smaller groups. They were separated into groups that the soldiers had naturally drifted into. Rose Team was lumped into the group that would handle the insects on the ground level where as others watched the flanks and handled the reinforcements coming from the walls. Once they were organized, the cave hunter addressed them again. ¡°Alright in a few minutes one of the scouts is going to pull a small group of these bugs. I want you to get used to fighting in the cave before we plunge into a larger battle.¡± Violam recognized the bugs that were pulled toward them. [Toxic Terror Termite - Level 14 Elite] Hello old friends, Violam thought. Time for some payback. His blood begin to boil as the Bloodrage leaked into his veins. They were higher level than he remember but still weak compared to the Farg. The scout had brought ten of them to test out. ¡°Rose Team, these bug shoot a low level acid. It will only cause skin irritation but it will slowly dissolve armor and equipment if not cleaned properly. So be careful to not allow them to lower your defenses too much.¡± Rose Team and the cave hunter were surprised by Violam. He knew about this insect that none of them have seen on the battlefield, only the cave hunters knew of its existence. The cave hunter had wanted to reprimand Violam for speaking out but thought better of it. ¡°Suspicious.¡± Sonashi whispered. ¡°There is nothing suspicious I have seen them before.¡± The termites noticed the group of Farg in the cave. They were still a good distance away but their acid was in range. All at once the termites made their familiar sucking sound. ¡°When that sound ends they will shoot acid but they cannot change their aim easily so dodge off their line of attack then rush them.¡± The rest of the main force nodded in agreement as they overheard Violam¡¯s whispers. The bugs fired their acid just as Violam said they would and the Farg moved according to his plan. The termites were weaker and were destroyed with one attack. Most of the main force did not even get a chance to fight. Violam was one of them, he watched as Ugogan crushed an insect with his great hammer. He was not watching because Ugogan displayed great skill, in fact Ugogan was mediocre and clumsy with the hammer. I want that hammer. It would be much more useful in my hands anyway. I will take it off of him when he is dead. ¡°These bugs are so weak. Why were you even worried about attack the hall?¡± Ugogan spoke loudly for all of the main force to hear. ¡°Quiet.¡± Zufto commanded. ¡°Do you want to bring the entire cave of bugs down on us?¡± This will be a prolonged engagement and there are a large amount of bugs in the next room. It is not about difficulty it is about attrition. We need to save our energy and move slow and steady. We will take out a few more patrols then we will proceed to the hall. Now shut up and file in, the next group will be here soon.¡± They dealt with three more termite patrols in similar fashion. It was not a difficult battle and everyone was ready to enter the hall. They were informed that there was a group of termites now blocking the entrance since the patrol went missing. Rose Team and a few other were ordered to attack them. Rose Team trained for this kind of stealthy assault, stalking and striking their enemy from the shadows. Caeanos stated that this kind of fight agreed with their battle code. It seemed like every devious way of fighting agreed with the battle code. Violam found it interesting but could not get his head around it and the two Linnare refused to explain it. So far he knew that attacking from the shadows, at a distance, pulling hair, scratching and kicking the opponent in the balls all agreed with the battle code. Rose Team minus Mort reached the termites first. Their swords and knives quickly split the termites in half. At the entrance to the hall Violam could see the termites inside. They were working on something and there were hundreds, if not thousands of them. It was going to be one hell of a battle when they enter. The hall was illuminated by light blue balls of gas scattered around the room. It felt like they had truly entered the cave now. At this moment he wished he could use his magic but the suppliers at the entrance of the cave forced him to take the moocher worm. It is going to be a long ten days, he thought. ¡°You four move well in the dark. Why?¡± The cave hunter whispered. ¡°Night vision.¡± Violam and Sonashi whispered. The two looked at each other in surprise and Sonashi lightly blushed but Violam was not sure why. Could it be those times she looks at me at night? I will make sure to tease her until she confesses later. ¡°Heat Sensitivity.¡± The two Linnare pointed at the short horns on their head. ¡°You four will be with me from now on.¡± The Cave Hunter Zufto stated without looking at them. Mort puffed out his chest and whispered. ¡°What about me I am Rose Team¡¯s leader?¡± ¡°Can you see in the dark?¡± ¡°No, not really.¡± ¡°Then shut up and get back with the grunts.¡± Zufto pointed over his shoulder back at the main force. ¡°You, what else do you know about these bugs?¡± Zufto pointed at Violam. ¡°In large numbers they do have some idea of battle tactics and will try to surround us. If we evade they will move to cut us off.¡± ¡°Ok, this is the first time I have seen them in such large numbers. After I inform the rest of the plan we will secure the outer ridge for our ranged rearguard. Once the rearguard is in place you four will join the main force.¡± The main force initiated their attack. Violam and his team had followed Zufto up a steep incline to the ridge that overlooked the hall. Zufto was silent and deftly used the terrain to hide their attack. They had taken out half of the termites on the ridge before the attack on the ground floor began. The rearguard were also making their way up to the open areas on the ridge. Violam agreed with some of the others that this plan was overkill. The termites may have many times their number but they were considerably weaker. However, it did not take Violam long to realize that this style of plan was going to be a blueprint for their future engagements. It was better to put it into play against a weaker foe first. By the time they had cleared the ridge all of the rearguard was in position. All that was left to do was to kill the remaining termites, all thousand of them. It was that simple. Rose Team did not bother joining the main force. Instead they used the ridge to circle around and attack the termite¡¯s guerrilla style from the rear. It was another tactic approved by the Linnare battle code. They were in quick and killed dozens of termites before they were noticed. Once they drew the attention of the termites, Rose Team used the terrain to hide their retreat to attack at a different angle. Violam knew that with the level of these bugs this scheme was unnecessary but it was good practice. They continued to attack in this pattern destroying the termites as they pleased. The main force was also having their way with the termites. They were led by Ugogan, with every strike of his massive hammer he smash several bugs and several more were sent flying. The two groups and the rearguard efficiently whittled down the termites over an hour until they were completely smashed by their offensive. ¡°Rest up. It will not always be this easy.¡± Cave Hunter Zufto commanded the soldiers and took Rose Team aside. ¡°Something is not right. The first bugs we met pretty much just laid over and died. They did not even call for reinforcements.¡± ¡°Do you think it is some kind of trap?¡± Violam asked. ¡°I know it¡¯s a trap. Of course they know we are coming. How could they not with all these idiots stomping around? But why not just set the trap off here? This room was certainly large enough.¡± ¡°It is because we are still close to the exit.¡± Sonashi spoke with certainty. ¡°Many would still escape and warn the other groups going into the caves. As of right now there is plenty of time to pull them out. But look at the men. They are ready to go deeper they think the bugs will continue to be easy prey. The bugs are luring us deeper and once we are past the point of no return that is when they will spring their trap.¡± Violam rubbed his chin and nodded in agreement. ¡°Even if that is the case there is nothing we can do about it. Commander Dina is expecting results. I don¡¯t think we have any choice but to push forward.¡± ¡°I agree but I still need to send a message to command with what we suspect.¡± ¡°These ones will honorably offer to go.¡± Caeanos spoke and saluted the cave hunter. ¡°There is nothing honorable about your offer. No, I will send a scout runner to deliver the message. You are stuck here with me. I enjoyed watching Rose Team¡¯s tactics earlier and look forward to joining in the fun.¡± Zufto had a large toothy grin plastered across his face. Chapter 25: a Punishment, a Raid and a Death Howdy! Back with a new chapter. Find more of my stuff on https://yougots.wordpress.com/ Enjoy!
It''s been three days since their party entered the labyrinth. They slept in rotation and were fed properly, so even though they have not seen the sun in three days and the air is dank and oppressing their morale was unexpectedly high. The party has cleared out at least a dozen large rooms so far without a single casualty. All the rooms they have come across were populated with insects of similar size and level as the first. This had led to a festive atmosphere that Cave Hunter Zufto had given up on controlling. At first Zufto was tense, he expected a trap to be spring around every corner. But after three days there was nothing and all reports from the Command Center stated that none of the other parties had experienced any traps. Many of the other parties have increased their pace and have dove deeper into their cave than Zufto¡¯s party has. They too have only met with lower level insects. Command assured them that this was because all combat insects are on the battlefield attempting to slow down the march. Violet Collective¡¯s absence from the battlefield has led to an unprecedented amount success for the insects. Also, Goliath class insect combatants have increased their presence during the battles leading to a large amount of Farg casualties. This has caused Command to push the soldiers in the caves deeper and have encouraged them to increase their pace. The soldiers have not uttered a single complaint since the cave hunt has been easy work with a promise of high rewards. ¡°Gack! This one cannot sleep, he needs to see the sun, to feel its warmth.¡± Caeanos rolled around on the floor in frustration. ¡°Lieutenant, give this one some heat. Share your warmth.¡± ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t swing that way.¡± It was Violam¡¯s turn at watch even though it was Rose Team¡¯s rotation for sleep. He required one of Rose Team to always be on watch. It meant they all got less sleep but he did not want to leave their lives in someone else''s hands. Violam noticed that the others in this expedition have gotten a little too comfortable. He on the other hand had grown more suspicious. The steady pulse from his [Aura Sense] did not help his disposition and neither did the constant draw from the Bloodrage. The cave set him on edge. The rest of Rose Team did not feel it but they knew to trust Violam¡¯s instincts. He never told them about his [Aura Sense] but they relied on it just the same. He had saved each of them a number of times on the battlefield and just in the nick of time before they were surrounded or scorched by fire or cut in half by a wind blade or skewered by a beetle¡¯s horn. So if he was on edge they were on edge even if their surrounding showed otherwise. ¡°And what way is that?¡± Caeanos scrambled over to sit next to Violam to steal his heat. The Linnare were a hardy people that did not have many faults even Caeanos was unusual for his complaining. But if that had one thing they lacked it was the idea of personal space and if they were cold it meant that there was no such thing as personal space. Even the silent and reserved Kavdiir pressed close to Violam or Sonashi as the explored the cave. ¡°Reptilian.¡± Violam pushed the lizard off his rock. ¡°Go get another blanket from the supply master. They have extras.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s so far and you are so close. Just let this one sit next to you for a while, you burn hotter than the rest.¡± ¡°I am not your personal space heater. Now go get another blanket or I will knock you out myself.¡± ¡°Gack! Fine, this one goes.¡± Caeanos sulked and put on his best poor child impression before wandering off in the darkness. His pathetic expression needed some work but there was not much you can do when you have the horns, fangs, claws and clammy lizard skin but Violam gave him an ¡°A¡± for effort. Violam set up Rose Team¡¯s camp a good distance from the main force. He believed that while there is strength in numbers there is also stupidity in the masses. He intended to protect his own and being surrounded by the other soldiers would only inhibit that. He hoped that in a surprise attack the main force would attract the bugs but if it didn¡¯t Violam believed that the extra space would give them more room to operate. A better chance at survival when it all goes wrong. Violam spotted Cave Hunter Zufto meandering through the resting soldiers. He was steadily moving towards Rose Team. Must be time to start moving, he thought. Violam had grown to like the brash cave hunter. Well as much as you could like a Farg but Zufto was not much of a Farg to begin with. Violam had assumed it was because being a cave hunter meant the man did not visit the Legion much. He was the hermit type and that was something Violam could agree with. Violam envied the cave hunter; no people just a sword and a forest or a cave. ¡°You should get some quick rest. We will move out soon.¡± Zufto finally made it to Violam¡¯s rock. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you insist on staying up. I always have watchers posted. It¡¯s like you don¡¯t trust me or something.¡± The cave hunter spoke with a wry grin. ¡°I trust you the most outside of my team and my Captain. And its fine I never needed much sleep to begin with.¡± Violam continued to whet the sword that sat across his lap. Caeanos classified it as cool pose fourteen but the Linnare refused to show him the thirteen prior cool poses. ¡®A master never gives away his secrets, you have to learn them on your own¡¯ was the reason why he would not show them. In reality, Violam had already destroyed two swords in the fighting. He took meticulous care of his three remaining swords just so they could last just a little while longer. Zufto¡¯s eye quirked up in suspicion. ¡°You trust me more than our Commander? More than the Ambassador? A lesser man would turn you in for those thoughts let alone those words.¡± ¡°Oh and are you one of those lesser men?¡± ¡°No, I am the lowest.¡± Zufto said with a smirk. ¡°Remind me to report you when we get back. I may even have them punish you by making you a cave hunter. Violam¡¯s hands suddenly stopped working the sword. ¡°Really? What about my team?¡± Zufto smiled pleased with Violam¡¯s reaction. ¡°There will be a place for them as well if they wish it. But is that one included?¡± Zufto pointed at the Ogrite snoring to the left of Violam. ¡°Mort? Well he is the Team Leader.¡± Mort had rejoined Rose Team now that the cave was illuminated by the light blue gas orbs. ¡°Are you sure? I mean he could just get lost in here right. No one would know if...¡± Zufto¡¯s statement was cut short and he recoiled at Violam expression. The cave hunter straightened himself and sighed. ¡°Fine, but he is going to need training, a lot of training. And I am not going to be the one to do it.¡± ¡°Yes I will get him properly trained if he wants to be a cave hunter.¡± Zufto¡¯s eye quirked up again. ¡°Who said you can teach him you¡¯re an amateur. Though if we get the Queen, he may not get to do much cave diving. None of us will but we might become an advance force. That means the first spoils will go to us.¡± The cave hunter licked his lips. ¡°I cannot wait to taste a Dwalun woman. I hear their hair looks like waves of star light and they scream so nice.¡± Violam did not hear much of Zufto¡¯s reply, something else had drawn his attention. His [Aura Sense] changed from a pulse to a beat. It was a beat that he recognized, he had felt this rhythm on the battlefield. The [Aura Sense] drew his vision upwards to the ceiling. For the first time he could see the aura. Spots of pale white littered the ceiling of the cave. It formed lines moving in unison at incredible speed. The white lines of aura highlighted hundreds of smaller tunnels in the ceiling. Those tunnels must have been what the low level bugs had been working on. He used his enhanced vision to look more closely at the pale white aura, it outlined their bodies and their scythe like arms and legs. [Armored Mantis] ¡°Violam, what is it?¡± Zufto noticed Violam¡¯s heightened state of awareness and began to panic. ¡°Raid. Armored Mantis by the hundreds coming hard and fast from the ceiling.¡± Violam spoke in a whisper, his eyes never leaving the ceiling. Zufto did not doubt Violam for a second. He knew Violam had a keen intuition. The cave hunter turned and ran screaming at the top of his lungs. ¡°Attack! We are under attack! Wake up! Sound the alarm! Wake up you dogs! Attack is coming from the skies!¡± The soldiers in main force woke up in confused, some cursed the crazy cave hunter. It was valuable time lost as the bugs descended. Violam swung his short sword upward bisecting a falling bug. He tossed Caeanos¡¯s bow over his shoulder and slid the Linnare¡¯s knives into his spare sheathes. He had destroyed most of his hidden knives in the previous battles as well. [Armored Mantis] fell all around them. Despite the long fall the bugs touched down without injury. They skittered through the main force stabbing any who had not woke. The rest of the Farg main force woke to the screams of their dying comrades. ¡°Sona, watch over the camp. Caeanos is with the main force I am going to get him. ¡°This one will come with.¡± ¡°No, the fight here will already be tough. Stay here with Sona and wake Mort up before he is dead.¡± Violam left Rose Team behind and dashed into the party of Farg soldiers. He stayed as low to the ground as he could to dodge the errant Farg swords. The soldiers moved frantically to defend themselves. But the mantises were small and nimble sometimes the Farg blades missed the bug only to stab an ally. The soldiers were packed tightly together and the enemy was using it to their advantage. Violam was confronted with a wall of Farg and insect. He could not move fast with all the bodies in the way but without fighting the enemy he skillfully stepped through the battle. The only time he brandished his sword was to block and ally¡¯s weapon or kill a bug that appeared in front of him. He used his [Aura Sense] to keep track of his surroundings. His only purpose was to pull Caeanos out of the conflict. Only after that Rose Team would move to attack the enemy. They did not owe their allies anything and would only join the fray once Violam knew they were all safe. Violam deflected a blade that had originally targeted a mantis and pushed aside it¡¯s wielder with far more strength than he had intended but the Ogrite would live unless a mantis found him first. Violam was drawing deep from the Bloodrage, his every movement was precise, his senses grew stronger and the world moved a step behind him. He felt he could push himself further, to draw deeper. He had once tempted to exceed his self-imposed limit. But there is a physical barrier that obstructs him. His human body cannot keep up with that amount of strength and agility. When he drew too deeply his body broke; punches ended in mangled fist and kicks shattered his legs. Even knowing this he continued to brush against that barrier and when he walked that fine line he heard a question in his mind that he does not dare to answer. ¡°Ascend?¡± Violam ignored the voice. His [Aura Sense] was enhanced by the Bloodrage as he now felt the aura of his enemies and allies all around him. He slid under a Farg blade, he was almost to the supply masters in the center of camp. The number of bugs increased the closer he got to the center. There was no doubt in his mind that the bugs were targeting their supplies. A bug was going to appear a step before Violam but his short sword was there first. The [Armored Mantis] was sliced in half, Violam stepped between the two halves without losing speed and ran into the supply area. The carts were crushed, food and water were spread over the ground. A group of [Armored Mantis] carried equipment crates, they were stealing what they could not destroy. Violam was forced to stop them. Caeanos was deeper in and the bugs would not just allow him to pass. The mantises that guarded the thieves attacked Violam but they were a step too slow. His blade intercepted their charge, it cut through the low level mantises easily. Violam also took a moment to disassemble the thieving mantises that carried the goods. [Level 32] Caeanos was laying in the debris, despite his state he was fine and only had a few cuts and bruises. He was pretending to be dead. Violam understood why, there was a bug rampaging through the supplies. He had seen it on the battlefield but never fought it. [Leader Armored Mantis - Level 38 Elite] ¡°Caeanos get up!¡± Violam heard the Linnare¡¯s lip smack in return. ¡°I know you¡¯re awake I brought your bow and knives.¡± Violam threw the equipment in the Caeanos¡¯s general direction. ¡°But it is so warm here.¡± Caeanos growled while catching his affects. Upon closer inspection Violam could see the smoke and ash on the crushed supply cart. ¡°Well let¡¯s just kill this one and we¡¯ll go.¡± ¡°Gack! You woke this one up for that? You can handle it on your own.¡± Despite his words, Caeanos stood up with an arrow nocked. In a fluid motion he fired and nocked another arrow. In an instant three arrows flew one taking an eye, one in the throat and one striking off the bug¡¯s exoskeleton before bouncing off to the ground. A faint ¡°Gack¡± sounded out in annoyance. Violam was on the move too. The bug noticed him when he woke Caeanos. Shards of exoskeleton shot out of the protrusions on the bugs shoulders. The shards were the shape and length of a knife. The shards were a step too slow. Some Violam deflected with his sword and other he dodged. He had to keep moving, to stop would cause him to be impaled several dozens of times. A few caught him, cutting his cheeks, legs and a couple of veins on his arms. His healing ability increased the more Bloodrage he took in. His veins had sealed quickly but he doubted that it surpassed his recovery ability he had before he became one of the Farg. He reached the [Leader Armored Mantis]. The step before it was in front of him, his sword was on its way. It stabbed deep between the head and abdomen where Caeanos¡¯ arrow had once struck. It let out a dying screech before its head left its body. A command of some sort, no doubt. Violam returned to Caeanos who looked more cut up and worn out than he had before. ¡°Need some help?¡± Violam laughed. ¡°Why are you laughing? This is your fault!¡± ¡°I never said for you to attack. Of course it will attack you if you nail it in the eye.¡± ¡°Gack! How could this one not attack? This one will not let you steal all the coolness of slaying the enemy leader.¡± ¡°It¡¯s your damn fault then.¡± Violam said as he continued to laugh. ¡°It looks like they are retreating now that the leader is dead.¡± ¡°Yes, thanks to me.¡± Caeanos stood attempting to shrug off his injuries. ¡°I guess you¡¯re well enough to kill off any stragglers on our way back to camp.¡± Violam picked up the [Mana Crystal] from the leader mantis. He started to pick them up now that his broken swords freed up slots in his bag. Though he planned to remedy that by stealing a couple swords from the supplies on their way out. ¡°Gack!¡± Caeanos cried out in annoyance and readied his long knives. The two of them cut their way through the scattering bugs. Violam saw a few other doing the same. Outside of the leader mantis most of the others were low level and died in one hit. He could see Ugogan swinging his hammer as fast as he could to smash bugs. No doubt a majority of Farg deaths will be attributed to friendly fire. As the bug were too low of a level to do that kind of damage. They returned to Rose Team, there was a modest pile of mantis surrounding the camp. Sonashi and Kavdiir looked totally relaxed while Mort much less composed. ¡°What the hell just happened? Are they running away now?¡± Mort screamed to himself. ¡°Leader Mantis is dead so they are retreating.¡± Violam answered even though he was not asked. ¡°Where the hell were you? I wake up and you two were gone in the middle of a damn attack.¡± Mort was stunned at first to see them but adjusted quickly and screamed with his hands in the air. ¡°I was saving him.¡± Violam waved his hand as if to brush off the question. ¡°And if it wasn¡¯t for me you would not have woken up from this attack.¡± Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°And this one had to get a blanket. It was his fault.¡± Caeanos moved over to his blankets and stretched out pulling his new blanket over his head. Violam ignored Caeanos¡¯s accusation. ¡°Team Leader, see what can be harvested from these bugs. We may need to eat it later.¡± Mort looked down at the pile of [Armored Mantis] in disgust. ¡°Eat these things? Why¡± ¡°Just do it.¡± Violam answered and quickly left camp taking Kavdiir with him and leaving Sonashi in charge much to their team leader¡¯s chagrin. ¡°Why did the bugs just not kill these ones?¡± Kavdiir questioned while walking uncomfortably close to Violam. The two of them had moved through the injured soldiers. Many of them only had minor wounds if stabbed by a bug but those few who were stabbed by their allies were left with grievous injuries. ¡°They were too weak. They plucked a few of us off in our sleep but once the surprise wore off we would have quickly suppressed them. They mainly wanted to destroy the supplies. If they caused us to kill our own it''s just an added bonus.¡± ¡°Gack! They were after the supplies.¡± Kavdiir nodded in support. This tactic must have agreed with the battlecode. ¡°How much did the bugs get?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what we are going to find out and how large were the attacks. I doubt we were the only ones.¡± There was chaos around Cave Hunter Zufto. He was ordering scout runners to take reports to Command and some runners were delivering information. There were also annoyances like Ugogan there demanding answers. Violam was there for answers too but the difference was that he could also provide information. He pushed past the group of Farg soldiers each of which looked down at him in rage. ¡°Yo! What¡¯s up Zufto?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t yo me asshole! Where the hell have you been? Did you plan to leave this all to me?¡± Zufto ushered the two of them into his command tent. ¡°So what¡¯s the damage?¡± Violam turned serious as soon as the tent closed. ¡°Ten dead.¡± ¡°How many from friendly fire? And how much supplies lost?¡± Zufto sighed and rubbed the sides of his head. ¡°The idiots killed six of their own. And you knew about the supplies, huh?¡± ¡°I was there. I killed the leader mantis with Caeanos. The bug¡¯s mission was to destroy the supplies.¡± ¡°Yea and they got too damn much but thanks to you it wasn¡¯t as bad as it could have been. We lost about a third of our food and water but we surprisingly did not lose much equipment. By the way, nice sword is it new?¡± Violam shrugged in response and shifted his sheathed sword out of view. ¡°Are we going to have enough?¡± ¡°Looks like the supply line is secure. We will be short for a bit but it will not be a threat.¡± ¡°What about the other caves?¡± Violam took a seat across from the cave hunter and Kavdiir sat off to the side closer to the fire. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°How many others were attacked?¡± Zufto¡¯s expression twisted a bit. ¡°I haven¡¯t been given that information yet but it makes sense. The runners looked stressed and overworked tonight.¡± ¡°Do we leave this place now?¡± Kavdiir spoke up. Kavdiir may have not like the climate but he would not leave a mission. But he could see that this mission was lost and Violam agreed. If bugs are attacking multiple caves and can move in secret it was only a matter of time before they put in a concerted effort to wipe their party out. ¡°No, orders remain the same from command. We move deeper and find the Queen.¡± Zufto spat the words out in disgust, evidently he also agreed with their assessment. ¡°We cannot disobey orders.¡± ¡°What¡¯s next then?¡± Violam took a drink from the water pouch he had stolen earlier. Zufto¡¯s eyebrow quirked up but he ignored it and carried on. ¡°We move after everything is repacked. I am pulling the rearguard up, luckily they were not attacked but I cannot leave them so far behind now. They need to be closer to the main force so they can be protected. Your team is going to drop back to help in protection. You move fast enough that Rose Team can go between the forces and help the one that needs it most. But your priority will be with the rearguard. Their fire power is too important since arrows can cut down hundreds of bugs quickly.¡± On the fourth day scout runners stopped bringing information from command and the ones sent by Zufto never came back. On the fifth day the supply lines ended. Zufto¡¯s scouts reported that bugs destroyed the supply carts and it looks like new ones were not being sent. Zufto had no choice but to push forward. Including the last received supplies they had enough to last five more days if rationed. Violam had also informed the cave hunter that the abdomen and legs of the [Armored Mantis] is edible if boiled in its shell. Before cooking the bug''s insides were liquid but after boiling it turns into a soft meat. Zufto notified the party¡¯s cook and quietly substituted the bug meat for protein. Rose Team also switched to eating mantis saving their dried meats for emergencies. There had only been one more raid since the first and none of the Farg were killed. The remaining supplies were so heavily guarded that none of the bugs could get anywhere near it. In these two days the atmosphere had completely turned over. The soldier were tense and lacked sleep. They were still clearing rooms of low level insects though the amount of insects were less. Their equipment was in tatters as the bug¡¯s acid had finally made its mark. Violam was again down to two swords. Fights routinely broken out within the ranks as many wanted a new leader. Ugogan was the vocal leader calling for Zufto to step down so he could lead by strength. Violam policed many of the disputes and as much as he wanted to he never killed any of them. He only knocked them around a bit to set them straight. He considered it as very unsatisfying work. It left a weight on his shoulders, an itch he could not scratch, a release he cannot open. Rose Team¡¯s routine did not change much. They already slept in rotation and were always on guard. Their change was that they moved around more often in protection duty. It kept them out of the main battles. Caeanos and Mort were secretly happy but they were the only ones. It left the others angry and annoyed. The main force thought Rose Team was too weak to engage in battle and the rearguard thought they were too weak to protect. The only ones who knew the difference was Rose Team and Zufto. They were Zufto¡¯s only allies and he relied heavily on them. The other cave hunter in the rearguard was a lower level and relatively new to his role so Zufto relied on Rose Team to keep the rearguard in order and everyone hated them for it. ¡°Atruus, you and your men will halt here.¡± Violam addressed the rearguard¡¯s cave hunter. U-understood Lieutenant.¡± Atruus did not like Violam and did not see what Zufto saw in him. But he never spoke out in defiance. Whenever he was in Violam¡¯s presence he felt that his body was being suppressed, it was a similar too when he was in the presence of the Ambassador. ¡°Sona, take Caeanos and Mort to the back of the rearguard something is coming. I am going up to the main force, something bigger is coming from that direction. Kavdiir, you are with me. Sona, after you are finished lead the rearguard forward.¡± They all knew the ¡®something¡¯ he mentioned was [Armored Mantis] but they have not encountered a ¡®bigger something¡¯ in the cave yet. Violam had recognized its rhythm from his [Aura Sense]. It was a beetle, Goliath Class. He needed to warn Zufto otherwise the main force will fall. They were in a small tunnel and there would not be much space to move if a goliath class beetle caught them unaware. ¡°Zufto, there is a surprise attack coming.¡± Violam ran up to the cave hunter. He had stationed himself in the back of the main force so he could receive messages from Violam more easily. ¡°No Shit!¡± Zufto yelled. The [Armored Mantis] had already arrived and were attacking. ¡°I am not talking about the mantis. There is a Goliath beetle coming.¡± Zufto paled as he stared at Violam. He was hoping Violam would break into a laugh. That it was a joke. He quickly realized that was not going to happen. ¡°H-how? W-where?¡± ¡°Straight ahead. It¡¯s charging this way now.¡± Violam pointed at the soldiers engaged in battle with the [Armored Mantis]. ¡°We need to get them out of the way or the bug will crush them.¡± ¡°H-how do you know?¡± Zufto still held onto a glimmer of hope that Violam was wrong. ¡°Shut up and do it.¡± Violam¡¯s anger flared there was no time to waste. ¡°Shit!!¡± Zufto hesitated, this was not a situation that the cave hunter had experienced before. In that moment of hesitation an inorganic and almost mechanical roar came from the approaching beetle. It froze every Farg in fear. [Mind Manipulation: Fear Resisted] Violam was the only one not affected by the negative status effect. ¡°Zufto!¡± He shook the cave hunter bringing him out of the abnormal state. ¡°Make them press their backs against the wall and push the small bugs to the center!¡± The cave hunter stared blankly at Violam before nodding and running off to relay orders. ¡°Kavdiir are you with me?¡± Violam gave the Linnare a push to draw him out of the state. ¡°T-this one is here.¡± Kavdiir spoke after a dry swallow. ¡°Do you think these ones can kill the bug?¡± ¡°We have to otherwise we fail the mission. The beetle will charge the wall we need to pin it there and kill it. If we don¡¯t it will wipe us out.¡± ¡°What about the soldiers that are caught in the charge?¡± Kavdiir asked while he readied his bow. ¡°Necessary sacrifices. This will be the easiest way to kill it.¡± ¡°This one understands.¡± They both ducked into the shadows to avoid being the bug¡¯s primary target. The roars grew closer at a frantic place. The stomping of the beetles steps reverberated off the walls, stalactites fell from the ceiling crushing Farg and small bugs alike. The Farg that pressed against the wall avoided the majority of the falling rock. The Goliath beetle appeared out of the depths of the cave. It was much larger than any of the beetles they have seen on the battlefield. It also had streaks of green on its abdomen. [Horned Earth Dynastinae - Level 46 Elite] It reared its head back and slammed its body into the wall opposite Violam. The bug dragged itself forward crushing the Farg between its hard shell and the cave. Violam and Kavdiir rushed forward through the [Armored Mantis] horde to stop the beetle. Sonashi arrived with the rearguard and soon arrows began to descend into the group of mantises. Violam used his [Aura Sense] and his sword to deflect any arrows that neared the two of them. After they passed the group of mantises the two split up, Kavdiir stationed himself away from the bug and took aim with his bow. Before he had come to a stop an arrow was in flight. It somehow struck its mark, the arrow stabbed into the beetle¡¯s leg joint. The beetle¡¯s side slammed into the ground at the unexpected loss of its leg. Meanwhile Violam had charged forward. The bug would not be down for long. He ran up the side of the beast that laid against the ground. Kavdiir loosened several more arrows targeting the bugs exposed joints. But before they could strike, pillars of earth shot up from the ground intercepting them. A rock extended from the cave wall smashing into Violam¡¯s chest throwing him from the back of the bug. He had seen it coming a step before it happened so he was able to mitigate the damage a little by jumping backwards. The magic attack had been completely unavoidable. Violam flipped in the air landing on his feet. The ground beneath Violam flashed a green light then it softened and he sunk down to his knees. It had only taken Violam a second to pull himself out of the powdered dirt, but a second was all the beetle needed to pull itself off the wall and charge him. Violam jumped out of the way, nearly getting the beetle¡¯s horn. The rest of the Rose Team joined the battle. Sonashi had the best of the rearguard target the insect¡¯s joints while she and Mort kept it distracted with impotent sword attacks. Their speed allowed them to evade all of the beetle¡¯s attacks. Violam joined the two of them, his sword skill was far higher than their so he aimed for any weaknesses his eyes could see. Between his attacks and the arrows the beetle lost its ability to move lurching to a stop and slamming down to the ground. The bug was still alive. It began to erect earthen walls to protect itself and slowly sank into the dirt. It gave up and wanted to flee. ¡°You¡¯re not running away from me!¡± Violam growled as he drew deeper into the Bloodrage. He lowered his shoulder into the wall that appeared in front of him. He felt his bones break as the rock crumbled. His ruined arm dangled at his side as he leap onto the beetle''s back. Violam raised his sword and jammed it down in the gap between its head and abdomen. But before it could strike home stone rose up from the ground and around the bug''s head cover the weakness. The sword struck stone shattering the blade. ¡°Gwraaaw!¡± Ugogan leaped from atop of the wall screaming with his hammer held high above his head. He fell bringing it down on the beetle¡¯s eye with a sickening crunch. The head of the hammer could no longer be seen as it sunk deep into the bug¡¯s eye socket. He ripped it free without ceremony, the beetle stopped moving and its walls crumbled. Violam still stood on the back of the dead beetle with a broken sword in his good hand. The blood that ran off his other hand sizzled as it hit the ground. He stared at the bastard that stole his kill. He was going to kill that Ogrite, it was about time he took the hammer that should have been his. ¡°You got something to say asshole?¡± Ugogan grinned as he hefted his hammer to his shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re lucky I came to clean up this mess. I am in charge now, so go back to the rearguard. I don¡¯t need your pansy team.¡± Violam drew himself out of his anger. The clash between the main force and the smaller bugs was fading away and the fight was ending. Many of the party began to gather around the dead beetle. ¡°Watch your mouth. Cave Hunter Zufto is in charge of this expedition.¡± Violam¡¯s voice came out like ice and his stare made Ugogan take an unconscious step backwards. Once the Ogrite came back to his senses a grin widened across his face. ¡°That dumbass got himself killed in the bug¡¯s charge. The bug went straight for him. The look on his face when he got skewered. It was great!¡± His callous laugh echoed in the now quiet cave. ¡°Violam stop!¡± Violam had blanked out and when he came to his good hand had Ugogan by the throat. Sonashi¡¯s voice had brought him back to reality. ¡°Don¡¯t kill him!¡± ¡°Why not?¡± Violam snarled. ¡°Because then you will have to kill the rest of them. He has already been made leader of the party. And besides it would be breaking orders!¡± She said in a rush trying to think of things that would calm him. Violam released the Ogrite. Ugogan¡¯s legs crumpled beneath him, he laid on the floor gasping for air and rubbing his throat. He struggled to stand wanting to regain his visage of authority. ¡°Take you shitty team and leave. You are not wanted in MY cave party.¡± Ugogan said with a hoarse voice from one knee. ¡°Fine. Sona let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Are we leaving the cave?¡± ¡°No we push forward. We still have our orders to complete.¡± The surrounding men laughed and Ugogan urged them on. ¡°What can your shitty party do? ¡°Vee, Ignore them.¡± Violam spared a passing glance to the soldiers that lay dead along the wall of the cave. They were unrecognizable but Violam was certain that Zufto was among them. Zufto¡¯s rhythm that the [Aura Sense] had once keyed into was no longer present. Violam acknowledged that with Zufto gone there was nothing binding them to the party. Rose team could move on their own now so they left the main force without notice. They packed light and moved fast.
Any one know an easy way to color code things? It is such a pain. Chapter 26: a Bee, a Tunnel and a Betrayal And we''re back with a new chapter. This one was fun but really rough to write. Hope you guys enjoy it. Find more of my stuff on https://yougots.wordpress.com/
Rose Team was a small group and all of them had at least a basic level of stealth movement so they could push deeper into the labyrinth at an incredible pace. The large rooms they entered were still filled with low level bugs. They skirted the edges of the rooms and only engaged the patrols. They left the rest to the main force. They never encountered another goliath class bug but they could hear echoes of hard battles behind them. Violam kept track of the main force though [Aura Sense]. He had it keyed to the main forces general rhythm which made it easier to keep track of them over a large distance. There were times that the rhythm would drop out when they had gotten too far away. During those times Rose Team would slow its pace or take a longer break. Violam did not do this because he felt obligated to help them if they were in need. Instead, he needed to know the circumstances of the expedition''s failure as he would have to report it to Commander Dina. Now that Zufto was no longer leading them Violam concluded that the expedition¡¯s failure was imminent. From what Violam could tell, Ugogan lead the party headlong into conflict without proper planning. Despite the rush their battles took much longer causing the party to move at a snail''s pace. The main force was also harried by surprise attacks more often than they had before. Violam could not tell how many had been lost in the attacks but their rhythm had lost many notes. The death of Zufto weighed on Violam, his orders had led directly to it. He did not witness Zufto¡¯s death so he could not tell if the bugs intentionally targeted the cave hunter or if Zufto was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. In either case Zufto was the one commanding the men in the fight and had died for it. Of course there were other ways they could have handled the beetle, ways that could have lowered the casualties. They could have drawn back and slowly wore the enemy down but Violam choose the plan he thought would take the insect down the fastest. And now the party only had a little less than half its soldiers less. Probably less than that now that Rose Team split from the group. Zufto¡¯s death also signified a lost opportunity that Violam tried dearly to cultivate. Zufto offered to make them Cave Hunters or at the very least an advanced force. Violam did not care what it was as long as he could leave the march behind. It was the first blossom of hope he had in a long time and it was quickly squashed. Now, after his orders there was little to no chance the expedition would be able to complete their mission. A force of twenty would not be enough to handle what lay deeper and there was something that laid deeper. A lot of somethings. Sometimes a rhythm would trickle in, it was far past the normal range of his [Aura Sense]. Rhythms from tightly packed large groups seemed to travel further. This fact had helped Violam sense the [Armored Mantis] and their well-coordinated sneak attacks before he would have it was just an individual bug. The rhythm that came from deep within the cave was not chaotic like a normal bug, no this one came from the humanoid bugs. This faint rhythm is what pushed Violam to drive Rose Team deeper. He did not believe that they could beat their Queen but he would not return to the march empty handed. He had orders he must follow. ¡°Vee, have you slept, yet? I will take over the watch while you get some.¡± Sonashi gave a short concerned smile. Violam stirred from his thoughts. ¡°No, I am fine.¡± His words were curt and direct. ¡°We should get moving soon. ¡°Well do you mind if I sit. We have not spoken just the two of us for a while.¡± The smile slid from Sonashi¡¯s face. Violam had become withdrawn from the team, only speaking to give orders. She knew he was still drawing from the Bloodrage as the red veins had moved past his collar and were now openly on his cheeks. It has been seven days since they entered the cave and two since they were kicked out of the main party. In those two days the veins had grown faster than before. They were all desperate to get Violam to out of the Bloodrage even if it was just for a moment. He grunted in response and gestured to the ground beside him. There was no fire or seats just cold hard ground behind a large rock. Large rocks were plentiful in this cave, they provided good cover and a good obstacle to place between you and a bug. They only made fire to cook when it was absolutely necessary and it was neither large enough to supply light nor warmth. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Sonashi questioned and took a close seat next to him to share warmth. ¡°Nothing, I am just trying to be alert. We never know when we will be attacked.¡± ¡°That is not what I am asking and you know it. I know that look on your face. You know we¡¯ve been through a lot together, so I should be able to tell at least that much. Now tell me what¡¯s on your mind.¡± Violam continued to stare out into the darkness, seeing that things that no one else could see. ¡°I just don¡¯t have much to talk about. I want to finish the mission and leave. I have grown tired of this cave, its wet air and darkness.¡± Violam sighed and looked at Sonashi. Her beauty was covered by grime and blood that refuses to dry but she still had a certain appeal. ¡°I am tired of this smell, why can¡¯t we find some water and why can¡¯t we find this damn queen?¡± Sonashi¡¯s eyes narrowed but there was a slim smile on her pursed lips. ¡°Are you trying to say that I smell? I could swear you looked right at me when you said that. It¡¯s not like you smell like roses either.¡± ¡°What?¡± Violam said in shock at her reaction. ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to say you smell. I mean, it could be something else.¡± ¡°In other words, it could still be me.¡± Her eyebrow quirked upwards. ¡°No, I would never say you stink!¡± ¡°OH and now I stink, huh? Are you trying to piss me off? Should I kick your ass now or after I bathe?¡± ¡°Wah.¡± Violam¡¯s mouth fell open letting out an odd sound. Sonashi face twitched as she tried to retain her mask of indifference but she could not restrain herself. A slight laugh leaked from her lips which she tried to cover with her hand. Violam watched as she tried to recover herself, his shoulders sagged as he exhaled a deep breath. He could feel himself relaxing and the Bloodrage lessen. He wondered to himself how she can put his at ease so easily. ¡°I am sorry to push everyone so hard. I just got so focused I forgot about everything else.¡± The words were out before he had even realized it. ¡°Let''s take some time to relax before we push on. This area should be cleared out for a while.¡± Violam said it just loud enough for everyone to hear. They had all secretly woken up to eavesdrop on the conversation. ¡°I didn¡¯t think teasing you would be this fun. Maybe I should do it more often.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t.¡± Violam pleaded. ¡°At least let me rest first before you twist my poor heart.¡± Sonashi frowned close to a pout but she would never let herself go that far. ¡°Fine, I will take up the watch so you can get your beauty sleep.¡± ¡°Get Down!¡± Violam twisted around to lay flat pulling Sonashi underneath him. ¡°I didn¡¯t think my teasing would get you this worked up. Maybe if I could bathe first.¡± ¡°Quiet they¡¯re coming.¡± Violam filed away something good that had entered his ears. He was about to speak again when a humming noise drowned out his thoughts. It was the rapid beating of insect wings. Like a bullet the large bee flew past them, it was followed by four smaller and slower bees. The bees had paid no attention to them as they passed. Violam hoped it was because they had not detected them but he didn¡¯t put much stock in it. He got up pulling Sonashi with him. ¡°Let¡¯s go. That was a [Pepsini] and I don¡¯t want to stick around here when it comes back around. We need to either find the Queen or find a place to hide.¡± ¡°But what about the others?¡± Mort spoke up in concern. Unlike the rest of Rose Team he had been in the Violet Collective fighting beside those soldiers for a long time, he considered them brothers. Violam shook his head. ¡°They are already dead. If we go back to help we will be dead too.¡± ¡°This one agrees that bee would kill us all. I cannot even hit it with an arrow.¡± Kavdiir replied. He was their best shot with the bow if he could not hit it they did not stand much of a chance against an aerial attack. ¡°We need to move fast grab your things.¡± ¡°Why would there be a [Pepsini] in a cave? What kind of bees live in a cave? Mort complain as they moved. Rose Team clung close to the walls of the cave. Violam slowed down from time to time to inspect the wall for something that the rest of them could not see ¡°The commander did mention an exit to the other side of the mountain. This one believes that the bees must come from there.¡± Kavdiir thought out loud as they ran. ¡°Halt! Be quiet.¡± Violam raised his hand to signal for them to stop and looked intently at the wall. ¡°What is it?¡± Sonashi asked in apprehension, she was tensed and ready to run. ¡°There are bugs on the other side of this wall. I am going to break it down.¡± ¡°Bugs? These ones are running from bugs, no?¡± Caeanos looked as if he swallowed something sour. ¡°These ones should not go looking for more.¡± ¡°No. We are running from the bees but they will catch us before too long. You and Kavdiir ready your bows, they will likely be coming back soon. The main force is almost dead.¡± Violam was probing the wall with his hand to find any weaknesses. The wall itself was at least a meter thick. ¡°Shit. I am going to have to make some noise. Be on guard.¡± The bottoms of Violam¡¯s fist hammered the wall. He had to be careful not to use too much strength so he would not destroy his own hands. The rock shook and some fell from the ceiling. ¡°Oi!¡± He heard so complaints but they barely registered. The Bloodrage flowed back into Violam. The power of his pounding grew but he still restrained himself. The Bloodrage could only do so much for his bones. The pale white aura of the worker bugs scurried away from the noise deeper into their tunnel. The tunnel went so far that the bugs fell out of the range of his [Aura Sense]. [Aura Sense] warned Violam of an incoming threat. ¡°Be ready the bees are coming back!¡± Rocks from the stone wall tumbled down to his feet as he hammered. Almost there just a little more, he thought ¡°Well then hurry up with whatever you are doing!¡± Sonashi yelled and crouched down readying herself for a fight. The humming of the [Pepsini] wings grew louder reverberating off the walls until that was all that was heard. ¡°Keep them off the Lieutenant! Lizards fire at your own discretion!¡± Sonashi struggled to raise her voice above the noise. ¡°Mort stay here and sacrifice yourself if needed. I will take the little ones.¡± ¡°What?¡± Mort complained but he was drowned out by the noise. The [Pepsini] flew directly at Rose Team as the Linnare loosened their arrows. The monster bee moved chaotically from to the left and right and in circles to skillfully dodge their arrows. Its movements were sluggish as it was carrying something but it did not inhibit it enough for their attacks to work. After so many days away from the main force they only had a few arrow left. Everyone was down to their last set of weapons except Violam all of his swords were already destroyed. They shattered time after time as if he wielded glass. They alternated their arrows and fired at a slow and steady pace. Kavdiir and Caeanos split up to attack the bee at different angles in hopes of pinning it down. The bee broke off to attack Caeanos fearlessly turning its back to Kavdiir. The four smaller bees had caught up and darted for the Linnare the [Pepsini] ignored. A single knife caught the first bee in its side. The bee careened off of its course slamming into the cave wall. If the knife had not killed it the wall had. ¡°Go to Caeanos I will take care of them!¡± Sonashi ordered as she threw another hidden knife. This time the bees were prepared. The bee jerked to the side to dodge the knife, the bees streaked after Kavdiir but Sonashi stepped in their way and slashed her long knife through the air. The bees moved out of its path and attempted to follow Kavdiir again. Sonashi growled flashing her canines. There was something in her threat that they could not ignore. The bees attacked Sonashi in earnest. The first dove at her with its stinger while the others circled around. She rolled out of the way of the incoming stinger breaking their formation and came up with a slash. It caught one of the surrounding bee¡¯s wing as it attempted to dodge. There was resistance at first on the ridge of the wing but with a little more effort the knife cut into the hard material. With the two wings on the side of the bee cut off it crashed into the ground. Sonashi raised her knife once again to attack the second bee. The bee was too fast, it bypassed her knife and drove its stinger into her hip. Shock and numbness ran up her side causing her to drop one of her knives. She grabbed the bee with her free hand before it could retreat and broke it against the ground. She had it pinned down but it was still alive and fought against her. It scrapped its claws against her arm that had it pinned, she stabbed her second knife into its face. The third bee attacked, she pulled her knife free and blocked its attack. She was clumsy but the bee was not pressing her hard. It was content to just let the poison paralyze her. She backed away from bee dragging her right leg with her as it was completely numb. She swung her knife in a haphazard fashion to make sure it kept its distance. Her only choice was to get back to Violam before the poison took full effect. The [Pepsini] closed the distance between itself and Caeanos in an instant despite his arrows. At this distance Caeanos could clearly see what the monster bee had in its claws. It was Ugogan, there was a hole in his stomach where he had been stung. The Ogrite was alive but paralyzed and swung limply in the bee¡¯s grasp. Caeanos jumped out of the way of its attack to hide behind a nearby large rock but it followed him. The [Pepsini] raised Ugogan to reveal its stinger. A stream of liquid shot out at Caeanos but he used the terrain to his advantage and ran around the rock putting it between him and the bee. The liquid splashed onto the ground. Caeanos lapped the rock a few times with the bee following him. When he figured he would just keep letting the bee chase him until Violam finished whatever it is that he is doing the [Pepsini] showed up in front of him. Caeanos fired his last two arrows in fright though he had not realized that his quiver was empty until he reached for a third. He had placed the arrows to the left arrows to the left and right of the [Pepsini] expecting it to dodge. The monster bee charged forward and Caeanos could swear he saw the bee smile. In a practiced motion Caeanos reached for the knife he had hid next to his quiver and let it fly. The [Pepsini] with either sides blocked by the arrows in flight it could not dodge the knife. Instead it raised its paralyzed prisoner. The knife sunk deep into Ugogan¡¯s chest and the Ogrite let out one last exhale. The [Pepsini] casually dropped the dead man and streaked towards Caeanos. The bee stopped in an instant. An arrow flew just in front of it stabbing into the large rock. Kavdiir fired two more arrows and Caeanos pulled out a long knife. With a bow in one hand and a knife in the other Caeanos ran away around the rock. Violam hammered his fist into the wall he was at least a meter deeper. This is enough, he thought to himself. He let a torrent of Bloodrage into his body. His blood boiled and his muscles burned with power. This is going to hurt. He drew back his left and hand and threw his entire weight and power behind the punch. The stone crack and sunk where hand is struck until it exploded outwards revealing the tunnel within. Violam looked at his hand, it did not look like much of a hand in fact his whole arm was wrecked. He shook his head at the sight, it was going to take a while to heal. He grabbed a rock the size of his head from the ground with his good hand. He could see the Linnare in the distance dancing around a large rock with the [Pepsini]. ¡°Mort make yourself useful, draw the Pepsini¡¯s attention.¡± Violam grunted and tossed the rock to Mort and grabbed another in similar size. ¡°Get the Linnare and bring them to the tunnel.¡± Violam threw his rock with just enough force to not injure himself and ran after it.¡± Sonashi¡¯s legs had finally given out, she could not move anymore and her body had gone completely numb. Her remaining long knife feel to the floor with her. It was the moment the last bee had waited for and it made its move. It dove at her and exploded, its icor and exoskeleton flying violently in all directions. Before she knew it Violam was beside her. He looked down at Sona, she was wounded and bleeding. The sight of her condition drove the Bloodrage from his body. He gently smile at her. ¡°Sorry I am late princess.¡± Her mouth quivered as she tried to speak but the poison had spread through her body. ¡°I see you like being called princess, I will try to remember that.¡± Violam turned serious as he pulled her to his chest. ¡°You will be fine the poison will wear off soon. We need to go and I only have one hand so forgive me.¡± He held her tightly across her lower back but she could not feel it. She could not help but wonder what he would need forgiven. Her mind was preoccupied with thoughts other than the Goliath Class [Pepsini] that could wipe them out in an instant. Violam rush back to his man made tunnel entrance. Kavdiir and Caeanos were almost there as well, Caeanos roughly dragged Mort behind him. ¡°Why did you send this one? Gack! He nearly killed us with that stupid rock!¡± ¡°Did he get stung?¡± ¡°No the dumbass stepped in the poison and it soaked through his clothes.¡± They arrived at the entrance and the [Pepsini] realized that the Linnare were no longer running around the rock. It raced towards them to stop them from getting away. ¡°Get in the tunnel.¡± Violam ordered and handed Sonashi to Kavdiir. ¡°I will slow it down.¡± Violam grabbed whatever rocks he could and launched them at the [Pepsini]. It was the first time he had a good look at it. [Paralytic Pepsini - Level 39 Elite] The bee wove its way around the rocks slowing its assault. It fired its paralytic at Violam causing him to stop and leap out of the way. The [Pepsini] pressed forward and in an instant its stinger dove towards Violam. He stepped to the side and used his good hand to deflect it. Before he could counter the bee retreated in shock. It had not expected Violam to be capable of moving at that speed. It redoubled its efforts now that it considered Violam a threat. It attacked in flashes almost imperceptible to the eye; it stabbed, retreated and then stabbed again. It tested Violam¡¯s defenses stabbing at him in all different angles and directions. Violam continued to dodge growing winded as he tried to pull the monstrous bee away from his escaping team. His left arm still hung loosely at his side and the [Pepsini] began to focus its attacks there. Violam changed his stance to cover his weakness but the room he had was shrinking every time the liquid paralytic missed him. It had pooled on the floor around his feet cornering him. He kicked a rock at the [Pepsini] which it dodged but that gave Violam a chance to move. Violam darted past the distracted bee, it soon recovered and pursued him. He glanced at his team they were nearly in the tunnel. Violam did not run toward them instead he ran at the wall. The bee caught up to him and aimed its stinger at the center of Violam¡¯s back. Before the stinger could reach him, Violam kicked off the wall that blocked his way He used his momentum to rotate his body, his right hand redirected the stinger as his left leg connected with the side of the [Pepsini]. The insect was blasted away by the kick and it tumbled to the ground. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Violam did not watch the bug tumble away instead he ran to the tunnel. He could hear the hum of the [Pepsini¡¯s] wings. It would not stay down and soon it would be on him again. He made it to the hole he created. It was about three meters deep until it reached the worker bug tunnel. The tunnel was crawling room only. The hum from the wings shook the walls of the cave as the [Pepsini] flew furiously towards Violam. Rose Team was not completely in the tunnel, Caeanos legs and tail were still outside it as he pushed Mort deeper. Violam lowered his shoulder into Caeanos¡¯s backside giving the Linnare the push he needed to get inside. Violam dove inside after him falling down on his wounded arm. Pain lanced through the side of his body as he pushed himself and Caeanos deeper. ¡°This one does not swing that way! This one does not swing that way!¡± Caeanos¡¯s frantic voice was cut off by the [Pepsini] crashing into the outside of the tunnel. ¡°Shut up and go!¡± Violam shouted. ¡°It can still paralyze us.¡± Caeanos shut his mouth and scurried faster and deeper into the tunnel. Violam painfully followed, he could not afford to turn to turn to see the insect but his [Aura Sense] told him that the [Pepsini] lowered itself to the tunnel entrance. It was too large to fit instead it aimed its stinger and shot. The poison splashed against the walls behind Violam. ¡°Go Faster!¡± He shouted at Caeanos as the bee shot several more rounds of the liquid. Once the [Pepsini] realized that its poison would not reach them it crashed itself into the wall repeatedly. Dust and rocks fell but the tunnel never collapsed. They crawled further into the pitch black tunnel none of them wanted to rest with all of the wall pressing in on them. Eventually the walls gave way and they reached an area where they could all sit comfortably and rest. The ceiling was not high enough for them to stand but there was several blue gaseous orbs floating above them that dimly lit the small room. They had all crawled on their bellies for at least thirty minutes to get there. Violam had not thought they could get any dirtier than they were before but he had not expected they would have to crawl through the dirt and gods know what else the worker bug had left behind. Violam sat next to Sonashi she was still paralyzed by the small bee¡¯s poison. Her waist was wrapped in cloth torn from Kavdiir¡¯s shirt to stop the bleeding. [Rose Team Sonashi - Level 29 Farg Legion Paralyzed 24:05] ¡°You are going to be fine. The paralysis will wear off in about half an hour.¡± He summoned a health potion from his bag. This is the first real injury the faced since coming to the cave but they had used a couple of potions during the expedition. After this they would only have two left. Violam¡¯s left arm was still disfigured but he decided to just let time work its magic. It was not the time to needlessly waste a health potion. Now that he had stopped dragging it against the ground he could feel the bones and muscles pull back into shape. It would be painful but he has dealt with worse. Violam pulled Sonashi over to rest her head on his lap. She was covered in cuts and scrapes from dragged through the tunnel. He brushed the wet matted hair from her face. ¡°Here drink this it will make you feel better but it won¡¯t cure the poison.¡± He put the health potion to her lips and slowly poured to make sure he did not spill any. The wound on her side sealed and her cuts and scrapes healed over. ¡°See this is what happens when you tease me. And only good things happen when I tease you. Nod your head if you don¡¯t agree. Excellent, I am glad you agree with me.¡± He said through a goofy grin. There was a slight twitch on her face but Violam ignore it as he wiped the dirt from her face. ¡°I really don¡¯t know what I would do without you.¡± ¡°This one is sorry to interrupt...that.¡± Kavdiir pointed at the two of them. Sonashi¡¯s eyes looked as if they were screaming in embarrassment. ¡°But what should these ones do now? Go back after the [Pepsini] leaves?¡± ¡°No, it''s still there. We continue going down the worker bug tunnels. They have to lead somewhere. We will rest for now and head out after Sona is ready.¡± ¡°What about the team leader?¡± ¡°The Pepsini¡¯s poison is much stronger than the small bees. He will be paralyzed for 24 hours. I will tie him to my leg and pull him behind me.¡± Violam looked over to Mort whose eyes were screaming for a whole different reason. ¡°Get some rest. We have some more crawling to do.¡± Sonashi shrugged off the poison a little later. She laid in his lap for a while because it was warm and comfortable. She hoped he did not realize that she had already recovered. Eventually she popped up and scooted herself against the wall. It was strange to see her immediate recovery after the time expired with no lingering effects. ¡°Thanks.¡± She whispered to Violam. She avoided looking directly at him and the tint of blush did not fade from her face until she fell asleep. Violam kept watch as the others slept. The worker bugs flooded back into their network of tunnels. They were still wary of Rose Team and kept their distance. There were also mantis scouts among them but the scouts did not travel too deep into the tunnels. They only just entered into the range of his [Aura Sense]. Violam wanted to know what those mantises were guarding. The worker bugs also seem to originate from beyond the mantis. Violam pulled a bit of the Bloodrage into himself. His [Aura Sense] expanded and his senses to threats sharpened. He traced the pale lines of aura through network of tunnels watching the flow of bugs until he followed them back to their den. It was not the den he was concerned with it was the adjacent room. It was filled with hundreds or more yellowish auras. From their rhythm he knew it was the humanoid insects. In a room just above them a single dull golden aura surrounded by yellowish ones. ¡°Found you.¡± Violam whispered to himself. A cruel smile ran upon his face. ¡°Just wait for me.¡± Rose Team pushed on down the tunnel under Violam¡¯s guidance. For all intents and purposes the tunnels were a maze and one that was far more complicated than the caves they had been traveling through earlier. But Violam navigated it without hesitation. He explained to Rose Team after they awoke that he had found the Queen. A day had passed since then. Mort had regained feeling and the team was back to a hundred percent minus various weapon and if you ignore the hunger. They were all ready to be done with their dried meats and stale bread. ¡°The humanoid bugs are on the move.¡± Violam announced. ¡°I think they are leaving the cave. The must have detected us but we are almost there, no breaks.¡± Their tunnel opened up to a small cliff a couple of meters above the ground. Only two of them could fit on the cliff at a time. Violam and Kavdiir pulled themselves forward to look over the edge. The room was dark as the light from the blue orbs filtered through spider webs to reach the floor. There was what could best be described as a throne suspended from the ceiling and constructed entirely of spider webs. The walls and floor were flat and made with stone bricks. Behind the throne was two sets of stairs leading in opposite directions. The room was filled with hundreds of humanoid bugs, a majority of which were low-level children. Several of the higher leveled bugs were directing them up the staircase on the far side of the room. A bug with the dull golden aura caught Violam¡¯s attention. She was halfway up the stairs giving what he assumed was orders in a language he could not understand. She was too far away from him to see her title but Violam assumed she must be the Queen and his target. The scouts were already alerted to their position and two of them skittered towards them. Violam had no choice but to push himself over the edge, it was better than Rose Team getting caught and trapped in the tunnel. He landed feet first on a mantis crushing it. He grabbed the second one by its head and bashed it against the wall. Kavdiir landed next to him seconds later. Their appearance threw the room into chaos. The child bugs screamed running and pushing each other over to reach the stairs. Five insect soldiers pushed through the children with their weapons drawn. [Jixuek - Level 32 Rantide Soldier] ¡°Finally some exercise I could use a stretch.¡± Violam¡¯s laugh was filled with heat and the hate of the Bloodrage. The Rantide¡¯s sword slashed downwards. Violam caught the bug man¡¯s wrist mid slash, he lightly punched the elbow snapping the arm in the wrong direction. The soldier screamed in pain. Violam did not stop at its cries, he bent the arm in the wrong direction and jammed the sword into the Rantide¡¯s chest. He pushed the dead Rantide away, its lifeless body flew into the fleeing crowd. Violam stepped out of the way of the next sword that stabbed at his chest. His hand shot upwards to grab the soldiers jaw and twist. Violam enjoyed fighting barehanded. There was a closeness to killing that could not be felt through weapons. Their ¡®skin¡¯ was hard and smooth, it looked as if they were wearing tight fitting black armor with streaks of color. Rose Team landed behind Violam. One of Sonashi¡¯s knives caught a Rantide in the throat and the two remaining were quickly dispatched by Kavdiir¡¯s arrows. ¡°What is this?¡± Sonashi asked. ¡°They¡¯re fleeing! Hurry kill the Queen!¡± A light flashed above Violam, he could see it before it happened but he was not able to move quick enough to dodge. Lightning arced down and ran through Violam. Its blast blew Rose Team back to smashing them into the wall. [-425] It had been a while since Violam had been hit so hard. The Bloodrage fed on his anger burning him with its power. He darted toward the mage ignoring the lightning¡¯s blast effect. The mage hurriedly chanted another spell but the crowds worked in Violam¡¯s favor. Their frantic running interrupted the spell. Violam on the other hand ran through them as if they did not exist. He pounced on the mage and slammed the Rantide mage into the ground. Violam felt the bug man be crushed under his weight. Violam looked up to find the Queen missing. Through his [Aura Sense] he could see she was running up the stairs but not quite to the exit. Several mages and the remaining soldiers broke off from the group and followed their Queen up the staircase. Violam made to chase only to be stopped by vine of nature magic. He broke free almost immediately but was forced to jump backwards to dodge a pillar of flame that rose up from the ground. In the crowds the mages were limited in which spells they could use. As always Violam felt the biggest threat was the nature mage. The poison from the vines earlier had already entered his system. The Bloodrage fought against it effects by burning it off but still it slowed him down. His most useful ability was being able to dodge an attack and any mage that could take that from him needed to be dead. Violam turned from the fire mage to attack the nature mage. There was two of them and a wind mage. The crowd of small Rantide had scattered away giving them room to fight. This also removed barriers for the mages to use their more elaborate magic. [Lyzlex - Level 33 Rantide Nature Mage] Violam jumped and twisted his body through blades of wind. The wind cut into the walls of the cave leaving scores of slashes behind. He rotated himself to land on his feet. A green flash entered his vision just as he touched down. He was one step ahead and jumped to the side as a large stone hand jutted out of the ground. The stone hand just caught him by the ankle. It jerked him out of the air throwing him to the ground. Violam crashed hard into the ground. The hand extended out of the ground turning into an arm. It used that arm to pull the rest of its stone body out of the floor. [-97] [Stone Golem - Level 34] The stone golem took its position between Violam and the two nature mages. It stood fifteen feet tall and strangely it did not leave a hole in the floor from where it came. The golem swatted its palm down to crush Violam. [Aura Sense] rang in his mind in time for him to roll out of the way. Violam came up to a knee as the golem palm slammed into the ground. Before the golem could pull its arm back Violam grabbed its hand. It¡¯s lighter than Carriage 42, Violam thought. He shifted his weight and fell into a stance that Milo had taught him long ago. He felt his connection to the earth and drew that energy through his body. Violam yelled as he pulled its arm throwing the stone golem. It arced through the air, it looked as if it was in slow motion as it flew in the direction of the fire mage. Bolts of fire blasted the stone golem with no effect. Instead, a strong wind buffeted the golem off its course. The creature broke against the ground. The fire mage had avoided getting crushed by the massive golem but could not dodge it debris. The mage laid on the floor still alive but unconscious and under a pile of rubble. The wind mage rushed to the downed fire mages side. Violam ignored them and pressed the two nature mages. He was confronted by stones the size of fist that they shot at him. He ducked down to dodge the first few stones. Explosions boomed in the background but his attention was on the mages chanting in their indiscernible language. The stone projectiles increased their rate of fire as time passed. Violam could not draw closer to the mages as the stones held him to a standstill and they were only firing more. There were too many stones one struck his shoulder and exploded. [-56] It blasted him into another stone then another. The explosions expanded catching more stones in their aftermath exploding them as well. Violam was bounced around between six stones as others exploded around him. He was thrown from the area that had become a flying minefield. [-42] [-38] [-54] [-23] [-43] [-105] The Bloodrage pounded in Violam¡¯s ears as he laid on the ground. He fed his anger into it pushing deeper into the Bloodrage than he had before. ¡°Ascend?¡± He heard the question in his mind. He did not have time for that now, he must kill the mages and their Queen. He must kill them all. Kavdiir was next to Violam shouting something and helping him stand. Sonashi and the rest of Rose Team was there\shouting at him as well but he could not hear them over the Bloodrage. Violam stood up straight, his [Aura Sense] was oddly silent. His body felt strange and his vision ran red. He spotted the two nature mages. They were pushing the crowd of Rantide children up the stairs. ¡°I will not let you get away!¡± Violam heard himself roar. ¡°Kill them! Kill them all!¡± He felt a tug on his arm before he could rush to attack. ¡°The ceiling is coming down! They are destroying the cave!¡± Sonashi¡¯s voice finally reached him but his rage did not subside. The ceiling was starting to crack but it was not going to fall just yet. ¡°We kill them first! We are not leaving here without their heads to show as proof!¡± Violam yelled. The heat in his voice made Rose Team step back away from him. Kavdiir was the first to speak. ¡°No! This one cannot kill the hatchlings. It goes against the battlecode.¡± ¡°Fuck the hatchlings and fuck your battlecode. You will follow my orders and kill them!¡± ¡°No.¡± Caeanos responded standing taller almost regal. This was not one of his jokes. ¡°These ones will not kill them and you will not either.¡± ¡°What?¡± Violam snarled, his anger building. He continued to feed it to the Bloodrage. ¡°Sonashi subdue these two while I kill the bugs. Mort you¡¯re with me.¡± ¡°No.¡± She answered and something broke within Violam. ¡°You do this and there is no coming back. Vee let¡¯s just leave. The Farg will not even know, they will just think we are dead.¡± ¡°We cannot run. They will find us and put us in cages again. I will not go back to a cage! I will not line up to just be executed!¡± ¡°Please Vee let¡¯s just go. I beg you please. The Bloodrage is going to consume you maybe it already has.¡± ¡°No, there is no where we can run. I have to take you traitors back.¡± Violam attacked as Kavdiir stepped in front to protect the group of traitors. He tried to block Violam¡¯s punch by crossing his knives over his chest. But the punch went through them as if they were made of paper. It hit Kavdiir square in the chest knocking the Linnare through the air. Sonashi stepped to the side to dodge as Caeanos caught their teammate. A hidden knife flew out of her hand instantly. Violam caught it moments before it stabbed into his chest and threw it into the ground beside him. He crossed the distance between him and Sonashi, his uppercut took her in the stomach and lifted her in the air before she could reach for a second knife. As she was off her feet Violam grabbed her shoulder, flipped her and slammed her back first into the floor. She did not move to get up. Caeanos¡¯s arrow hit Violam in the thigh, he was holding Kavdiir¡¯s bow. It was not enough to stop Violam. Caeanos loosened a second arrow flew. Violam roared as he batted the arrow down with the back of his hand and ran at Caeanos. Violam¡¯s knee crashed into the traitor lizard¡¯s face knocking him backwards over Kavdiir. His nose was bent the wrong way and several of his fang laid beside him. Violam looked at Mort when the others did not get back up. Once he knew the Ogrite was not going to attack he lowered his guard. ¡°Tie them up! I am going to kill the bugs.¡± Mort backed away from Violam startled from his trance. ¡°T-they are gone Lieutenant.¡± He pointed at the empty staircase. ¡°What?¡± Violam turned to chase after them but the ceiling groaned and its crack spread. The stone bricks broke free crushing the webbed throne and the stairs the Rantide escaped from. Violam rushed over to the crushed stairway. ¡°No! You will not get away from me! I am not going back to a cage!¡± He cursed as he pulled rubble away. ¡°I am going to rip off your bug Queens head! I promise you I will find you and when I do you are dead. I am going to kill your entire species. You hear me? Dead! You turned her from me! You¡¯re fucking dead!¡± ¡°Lieutenant they are gone we won¡¯t be able to get the stone out of the way.¡± Mort had been watching Violam scream at the rocks waiting for the right time to interject but time was running out. ¡°What should we do with the traitors? Sonashi and Caeanos are barely breathing. Kavdiir only has some broken ribs.¡± Violam let out a final roar before turning away from the rubble. ¡°Give them the remaining potions.¡± He spat out and handed the two potions to Mort. Mort returned to the injured and Violam examined the staircase for a few more minutes before giving up. The second staircase was still intact. Both staircases took you to an exit but they must have led to either side of the mountain. Violam noticed a [Chest] behind the crushed throne. The room''s ceiling was not going to last long. Violam opened the chest, he sheathed the sword he found inside and shoved the rest of its contents into his almost empty bag. Violam threw the healed and tied Sonashi and Kavdiir over his shoulders while Mort grabbed Caeanos. Violam walked to the remaining staircase. ¡°It¡¯s time we leave this accursed cave.¡± Chapter 27: a Moocher, a Debriefing and an Escape Howdy, a new chapter is here. I will color code it later as I do not feel like doing it at the moment. Other stuff is available on my website feel free to check it out. https://yougots.wordpress.com/ Enjoy.
Otis stepped out into the valley. The months of following the red liquid had led him to this place. At least Otis thought months had passed, it was difficult to tell in the Halls. Time could speed up or slow down depending on which direction he was facing. There was significance to the route that the Halls forced him to take and direction was not the only determining factor of time. It could vary with each step and after the dream every time Violam released the Bloodrage, time always raced forward. There was always light in the Halls but when time changed a sense of vertigo always washed over him and his surroundings blurred. It was very disorienting to say the least. The Halls had bound his path so as long as Otis followed it he would eventually reach his destination. The world through Violam¡¯s window was currently moving at double speed. Violam had taken to drawing the Bloodrage into himself at all times even if it was just a trickle. The red liquid flowed over the side down into the valley. It was a steep slope and the white gravel on the ground had given an illusion that was was closer to sheer cliffside. Otis stared slope with an open frown on his face. Navigating down would be tricky since the gravel was loose and it was steep. He pulled at the shadow he kept under right foot. ¡°It¡¯s not there. Now that I look closely there are no shadows here.¡± Otis summoned another shadow to his command but nothing came. Otis summoned again and pushed a bit of his mind with it. The shadows resisted again. No, they did not resist Otis got a sense that the shadows just do not belong here. ¡°You are apart of my mind. How could you not belong here?¡± He asked even though he would not get a verbal response. The shadows gave him a vague feeling that he was no longer within the Halls. It directed his eyes to something that lay in the valley. The answers as to why the shadows will not come lay there. Otis¡¯s shoulders sagged in defeat. ¡°Oh well, that is where the Bloodrage is headed anyway.¡± Otis spoke to himself again, a habit that he gained while traveling alone. He sighed and began to jog through the loose gravel keeping in mind to watch his step. The last thing he needed was to roll his way down. ¡°Are we there yet? Running is such a pain. I swear I am never running again.¡± Otis complained for no reason but to hear his own voice. He had enough agility and stamina that running had been no problem to him at all. The red rivers merged together to form one large twisted river. He heard the typical growls from the red liquid but no monsters emerged. He was grateful that they had not since his shadows would not come to him. His only defense from the Bloodrage right now would be to just run faster. He ignored the grunts and growling threats of the Bloodrage until he came to a dense copse of trees. They were barren of their leaves but despite this the trees were deep brown and full of life. The red stream split around them as if repulsed by their atmosphere. ¡°That looks completely normal. It¡¯s good nothing weird is going on here.¡± Otis walked up to a tree, he did not have any fear of it like the Bloodrage did. Unconsciously Otis placed his hand on the tree¡¯s trunk. It shivered beneath his touch, not in fear but joy. The tree sang at his arrival and all of the trees joined in, they radiated hope. There was also a sense of shame that came across from Otis¡¯s touch. They had lost their purpose. ¡°What¡¯s going on here? Why are you so hurt?¡± Otis was confused by their pain. Then Otis heard it, a loud clicking noise. He withdrew his hand and all at once the trees grew silent. The sound was coming from beyond the trees. Otis moved through them running his hands over their bark as he past. Just beyond the trees the valley slope met its other side. The barren trees circled around a clearing. At its center a lightly golden egg shaped orb. At first glance he could tell it was his soul. It pulsed with energy hovering several meters over the ground. Thick streams of Bloodrage flowed off the ground upwards to reach the orb. The moment the thick stream touched it the stream dissipated into a thin red line that dove to the center of the egg. It was welcomed by a small red sphere that sat at the center of his soul. ¡°This was what the Bloodrage was after. Violam what have you done to us?¡± Clicking sounds drew Otis back to his original objective. Beneath his hovering soul was a pile of dried broken husk. Whatever they were they seemed to have died long before he arrived. At least that was what he thought until the mound of husk moved and shifted. ¡°Tsk, one of them is still alive.¡± The monster slid away and dove into the ground before Otis could get a good look at it. A few husk crumbled into dust at the disturbance then it went silent. The ground rumbled breaking the silence. Otis stumbled backwards as the ground broke away under him. The monster¡¯s maw rushed up, its rows of teeth clamped down on the space where Otis had been moments before. He scrambled away attempting to put some distance between him and the monster. Hundreds of legs pulled its towering form from the hole. The monster had no eyes but it still faced Otis with its mouth open wide. Its hard exoskeleton was colored pale white with yellow streaks at the joints. The clicking sounds grew louder, the sound reminded Otis of the second hand of an old clock. [Moocher the Spirit Eater - Level Not Applicable Longevity 25:04:21] The Moocher launched itself at Otis. He leaped out of the way to dodge the monsters massive form. The Moocher entered the ground as if it was swimming through water. It¡¯s tail flicked at the last moment catching Otis unprepared. The enormous tail slammed into Otis and flung him backwards into the trees. The trees were not as hard as he had thought they would be and instead of a painful landing he was gently caught by them. The gigantic centipede emerged from the ground and after a few clicks it spotted Otis in the trees. It wove its way towards him until it reached the base of the tree. The Moocher clawed and bit at the tree trying to bring it down and Otis along with it. The tree shuddered and wilted as if its lifeforce was being drawn away. ¡°I can¡¯t stay up here the tree won¡¯t last long. Here goes nothing!¡± He leaped down propelling himself with all his might. He flipped around and his feet collided with the back of the centipede¡¯s head. It sunk deep into the ground. The monster shrugged it off and crawled into the newly made hole. Its tail flicked at Otis. ¡°Fool me once bug but not again!¡± Otis darted away out of the tails reach. The ground crumbled underneath him causing Otis to fall forward. The Moocher rose up behind him, its claw like legs slashed and stabbed at him. Otis rolled out of the way of one only to be stabbed in the shoulder by another. It pinned Otis to the ground as he screamed in pain. ¡°You¡¯re that damn thing the gray man has been feeding me! I really hate that guy.¡± Otis grabbed the claw, its edges were sharp and cut into his hand as he pulled at it. The Moocher leaned in closer and put its considerable weight behind the leg. Rows of serrated teeth filled Otis¡¯s vision. Then something came like a roar and the Moocher pulled back in fright. A tidal wave of Bloodrage rose up between the trees. The red liquid splashed out to cover the ground after the trees. The Moocher ran from the liquid pulling Otis with it. It held him in the air in attempt to keep its prize safe from the Bloodrage. Otis guessed that it only kept him safe until it could eat him. The mighty river of the Bloodrage left the ground flowing up towards the golden orb. The Moocher dodged the jets of red liquid and dove into the ground. It held Otis safely as hundreds of legs dug around it. Otis focused on the claw stabbed into his shoulder. He pushed against it in attempt to push himself free but the Moocher noticed. It hooked the claw around Otis and locked him in place. The Moocher pulled itself out of the ground. They were under Otis¡¯s soul, it was the only place safe from the Bloodrage. The Moocher covered itself in the dried husk of past Moochers for protection against any stray Bloodrage as the torrent of red liquid forced its way into the soul. Otis still struggled to free himself from the claw when a dried out husk fell landing next to him. ¡°Yea I just got a dumb idea.¡± The Moocher stopped covering itself as something had drawn its attention. At the bottom of the dull golden orb there had accumulated a single droplet of dense blue liquid. Otis was reminded of Mana but this was something else. It was thick like molasses and the blue color had a glossy golden metallic tint to it. The Moocher had stopped everything it was doing just to focus on the blue liquid. The distraction was what Otis needed, the Moocher opened it maw in anticipation. Otis grabbed the dried husk that was next to him and threw it with everything he had. The husk broke in half mid flight, the bottom piece harmlessly fell to the ground while the other half flew into the red liquid. The Bloodrage splashed out in all directions some of it striking the unaware Moocher. It recoiled in shock, unprepared for the sudden pain. The husk that Otis threw was now covered in red liquid and bits of it burned away as he fell back into the Moocher¡¯s pit. It pulled away from the red liquid flinging Otis through the air in the process. At the same time the dense blue liquid fell from the soul to the ground below. The Moocher clicked in rage as it missed its chance to consume the liquid. Otis flew through the floating river of red liquid. It scorched his skin burning it away in the instant he had passed through it. He was caught by the trees once again. Otis was paralyzed by pain, the Bloodrage had pulled out much of his energy from him. The angry clicks of the Moocher jarred him awake. His body ached but the pain began to dull and skin regrew. Every breath he took rejuvenated his energy. He recognized that energy for what it was, Mana. The tree he was in grew vibrant green leaves. The leaves surrounded Otis filling him with energy and healing his body. ¡°Thanks buddy.¡± He stretched out in his comfortable leafy cushion. ¡°But what is going on? Ah, well it¡¯s not like you can answer.¡± He spoke to the tree. The Bloodrage still poured into his soul and the Moocher never stopped its eyeless gaze at Otis. Luckily it was stuck in its pit with no where it could go unless it wanted to meet the Bloodrage. The longevity stat on the Moocher dropped at an extreme rate. At this point Otis could just wait it out and let it die but he would never be that lucky. Otis turned his attention to the window into Violam¡¯s world. Time moved in the window almost too fast to see what was happening. ¡°You are fighting like always.¡± Otis pulled a leaf from the tree and put it in his mouth to chew on it. It tasted sweet and minty. ¡°But what are you fighting that requires so much Bloodrage?¡± The fight ended but Violam still held on tight to the Bloodrage without lessening the flow. The only thing Otis could tell was that Violam had turned on his team. The terrain sped through the window until Violam returned to the Farg encampment. Only then did he release his hold on the Bloodrage. The red rivers shrank away leaving only a trickle of a stream behind. ¡°I thought he would never let go. It only felt like minutes to me but he must have held the Bloodrage for hours.¡± Otis was relieved as he had watched the red river dwindle down to almost nothing but the loud clicking sound made him tense once again. ¡°Of course with my luck it didn¡¯t die yet.¡± The Moocher charged from its pit, parts of its body burned by the Bloodrage. A quarter of its legs were gone but it did not seem to notice. [Moocher the Spirit Eater - Level Not Applicable Longevity 01:06:11] ¡°Great still an hour left on the bastard. Violam still has some Bloodrage going so maybe a little less than that. I got to keep it away from the tree and hopefully I can keep it distracted until it dies. Well at the moment I got nothing better to do. Time for round two.¡± Otis jump from the tree dashing past the centipede. It swung its tail at him, Otis dodged away but where he landed the ground shift and fell away only to be replaced with the Moocher¡¯s monstrous mouth. Otis scrambled from the loose ground as its jaws clamped down. Its head head crashed into Otis and threw him into the air. The Moocher followed, its mouth snapping at him dangerously close. Otis grabbed onto its head and pulled himself out of the range of its wicked teeth. The monster turned itself around and dove headfirst back into the ground. The air fled from Otis¡¯s lungs as he hit the ground. The earth around him somehow softened and the centipede pushed itself and him with it down into earth. Otis spun himself around to face forward. The top of the centipede''s head was relatively safe from teeth and claws. But that did not stop the Moocher from trying. It thrusted its head upwards smashing Otis into the earth and rock. Whatever magic the Moocher passively uses had softened the blow somewhat and allowed Otis to keep his hold on the centipede. Otis fought back and punched the Moocher over and over. His punches were hard enough to change the beast direction but not enough to do damage let alone crack its exoskeleton. It was obvious to Otis he needed to take this battle topside. The earth, while softened by the Moocher¡¯s magic, still shredded Otis¡¯s skin as he was drug through it. He grabbed the Moochers mouth carefully minding its teeth and yanked hard. Its head reared and its body followed as he spurred it forward. The Moocher tried to fight its way free of Otis, it spun and twisted as they ascended to the surface. Otis did not know how far down they had traveled but he saw sky fast and unnaturally so. The Moocher left the earth at a speed that pulled its whole enormous body with it. Otis put his all his strength in his legs and kicked off the centipede¡¯s head. The force shot the Moocher back to the ground. Instead of a loud crash there was only a dull thud and the dirt that flew into the air. Otis adjusted himself as he was falling. He had kicked himself far from the Moocher and the hulking centipede had not receded into the ground yet. Otis decided to go on the attack, he constructed a long gout of green liquid flame and launched it. The fire struck the back of the Moocher, he pour more flame into the attack but it fizzled out almost immediately. The Moocher completely ignored him and sunk into the earth. He had hoped it ran so it could get away from his flames. Otis constructed a gust of wind to steady his fall. The red streaks of wind not so gently carried Otis to the trees. He did not want to land on the ground only to have the centipede waiting with its mouth open ready to snatch him up. Otis pulled the branches from his brown hair and righted himself as he had landed upside down. ¡°That¡¯s right run to your momma!¡± Otis postered and secretly exhaled in relief when the Moocher did not reemerge. ¡°Maybe the fire did hurt it.¡± He reassured himself as he watch for signs of the centipede. The bug had not retreated into its pit so Otis assumed it was staying underground. The tree shivered drawing Otis¡¯s attention behind him. The Moocher wove its body around the tree trunk all the way up to where Otis stood. It rushed at him now that it had been seen. Gouts of green liquid flame sprang from his hands as he threw himself back off the treetop. The flames washed over the Moocher but the creature pushed through it unaffected by the fire. ¡°Guess that solves that question. Flames are a no go then.¡° The green flames fell to the white gravel below as they carefully avoided touching the trees. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Otis quickly constructed wind under himself to stow his descent. At the same time he had not let up on the green liquid flame but changed it to perfectly black square stones. The black stones pelted the Moocher though it was too large and heavy for mere stones to hurt it. ¡°The stones did not change to powder from its passive magic so maybe.¡± Otis landed on the ground and stumbled. It was a rough landing, he found controlling wind for flight or gliding damn near impossible but he managed it somehow. He shifted the rapidly firing stone construct into a solid black stone wall just as the Moocher had reached him. It hit the wall with a force that cracked it. Otis constructed several more to reinforce and strengthen the first one. The centipede unfazed by the abrupt halt climbed over the construct. Otis dismissed it which caused to Moocher to fall at the unexpected loss of the obstacle but before the Moocher could hit the ground another construct appeared. This time it was a black box that covered the Moocher¡¯s head and mouth. Of course it did not have eyes to see but it made it difficult for the bug to navigate without its clicking and it also made it hard for the Moocher to eat Otis. Otis constructed pillars of black stone and slammed them into the centipede¡¯s side repeatedly. The stone did not damage the centipede in the least but it allowed him to slow it down and harass it until it¡¯s time ran out. The timer still counted at an incredibly fast rate, he only needed to distract it for a little longer. [Moocher the Spirit Eater - Level Not Applicable Longevity 00:18:31] ¡°Who am I kidding twenty minutes is practically forever. I need to end this.¡± The Moocher began to ignore the pillars, they still knocked it off its path but the Moocher no longer fought back. It just charged around turning the pillar attack into a minor inconvenience. The most effective attack was the box over its head. The Moocher scratched at it with its claws, it had chipped and broke a couple of times but Otis alway mended the construction. The Moocher lashed its tail out in a desperate wide sweep. It could not pinpoint his location and Otis mostly stayed out of range of its tail. The Moocher grew tired of Otis¡¯s game and dove back into the ground. ¡°Tsk, what a sore loser.¡± Otis immediately went on guard for an attack from below. He followed his construct through the ground, that box on the Moocher¡¯s head gave him the exact knowledge of the the its location. Otis moved himself into position, dismissed his construct and readied for its incoming attack. The earth tore away and the enraged Moocher emerged to swallow Otis but he was already on the move. Otis leaped up to a black stone platform that he had constructed, he never would have thought he could stand on a construct but his attack of flying stone pillars gave him the idea. If he could make them fly, why couldn¡¯t he stand on them as they flew? As Otis moved away safely another stone pillar slammed into the underside of the centipede. The pillar pushed the Moocher up into the thin red stream of Bloodrage. Otis dismissed the mental construct before the Bloodrage could touch it. The Moocher writhed in pain as it fell back down. The Bloodrage had burned away many of the centipede''s legs and exoskeleton. Otis readied his next construct to end this fight. A great black stone hammer appeared above Otis but before he could strike something fell from the sky. It was a second Moocher. The new centipede ignored Otis and gorged itself on its predecessor. ¡°There can only be one. I hear that.¡± Otis said as he leaped back into the trees for safety. It made quick work of the half dead Moocher and began to move towards Otis. The Moocher suddenly halted halfway to Otis and retreated. The red stream thicken until it was the size of a river once again. The Bloodrage was not expanding at the rate it had earlier but it was still enough to stop the Moocher in its tracks. The Moocher withdrew to the safety of its den under the soul. Now that Otis was relatively safe he decided to check in on Violam. He needed to know why that jerk had pulled in more of the Bloodrage. ¡­ ¡°You have done well to return to the Legion, whereas the rest of the cave expeditionary force...¡± The Ambassador¡¯ trailed off as his face soured and twisted at their failure. He took a deep breath and a smile appeared on his face. ¡°And you brought the traitors back. Their public executions will be held immediately but before that there is something I must give you.¡± Edgar gave Violam a searching stare just briefly before he moved behind his desk to retrieve a wooden box from a desk drawer. This was the first time Violam had been to the Ambassador¡¯s tent, it was sparsely decorated beside the desk, a partially drawn map and a modern safe. He had been brought here to debrief the Ambassador while the others had been taken to the prisoner carriages. ¡°Did you find that in the cave?¡± The Ambassador said as he placed the box on the desk and pointed at the sword strapped to Violam¡¯s waist. ¡°Yes.¡± Violam pulled the sword from its sheath and handed it over. There was a irregular shimmer to it when it was held in the light that he had not seen in the cave. ¡°It was in the Queen¡¯s lair.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Edgar hummed as he looked it over. Excellent construction, we will have our best blacksmith study it to see if it can be duplicated.¡± Violam moved to respond but Edgar interrupted. ¡°You do not have any problems with this do you?¡± His voice was pleasant but his knuckles were white against the hilt of the sword. ¡°Of course not.¡± Violam spoke as he unconsciously took a step back. ¡°Very well.¡± Edgar nodded with a thin smile as he set the blade behind his desk and opened the box. ¡°How many days has it been Lieutenant?¡± Violam glanced at the bug wiggling in Edgar¡¯s grasp. ¡°Today is the tenth day Ambassador.¡± ¡°I see, so you are cutting it close then. Swallow this and we will be on our way to execution grounds to see your old teammates.¡± After Violam downed the disgusting bug they walked through the Legion gathering more soldiers as they went. They all trailed a few steps behind the Ambassador with Violam leading the pack. The gates to the arena opened without any orders to let Edgar and Violam pass. Sonashi, Kavdiir and Caeanos were tied to post their bodies half dressed, battered bruised and broken. If they had not been tied they would have crumpled to the ground. Their breath was harsh and wet when they exhaled. Kavdiir and Caeanos¡¯s eyes were vacant and resigned to their fate. Sonashi¡¯s were hard and pierced into Violam as he stood before them. She stared into his eyes with hate and never looked away no matter the pain it caused her. ¡°Knife!¡± Edgar shouted and held his hand out. A slim neuromance approached as if it glided and handed over a long golden knife. The knife they always used for training and executions. ¡°Violam this will be your last test. If you complete it to my satisfaction, you will earn a proper title and I will grant you access to your magic once again.¡± The Ambassador smiled and gave Violam the knife. ¡°Let the executions begin!¡± He shouted. Violam stood before his friends with the golden knife in hand as the Bloodrage burned through his body. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, he planned to make this quick. ¡­ ¡°I have to do something, Violam needs to be stopped.¡± Otis cast his mind up to the sky and his body unraveled to join his mental energy. He did not push into Violam¡¯s mindscape instead he spread his mind thin to cover the sky. He felt his way around Violam to find edges, fissures and weaknesses. It was a small fragile mind, a child¡¯s mind. The edges to the mind were bent and corrupted by the Bloodrage. Otis slipped past the edges of Violam¡¯s defenseless mind. Otis moved slowly and carefully as the Bloodrage has made it brittle and prone to breaking. That was the gray man¡¯s intention after all, they wanted to break and corrupt his mind. Otis found his way around until he met his own mind on the other side. Otis mentally sighed at this tiny bit of mind. ¡°Sorry Violam, thank you for your hard work but it¡¯s time to become whole once again. Goodbye.¡± Otis enclosed Violam to merge the speck of a mind with his own. But there was resistance, the two minds were incompatible and there experiences were too different. Violam and Otis were no longer the same person. They both wanted and deserved control. The harder Otis pushed the harder Violam¡¯s tiny mind fought back and though he fought, it was not enough. The pressure from Otis was overwhelming. Otis may not be able to merge the minds but he could imprison Violam like Violam had once imprisoned him. He compressed Violam¡¯s mind down until it became a tiny cube in a sea of Otis. Otis seized control from Violam and opened his eyes. [Mind Manipulation Disabled] [+50 Intellect] [Passive/Active Skill: Mind Manipulation Learned] [Mini Map Enabled] [Status Screen Enabled] [Adventurer Clock Enabled] [Passive/Active Skill: Meditation Learned] [+28 Shadow Affinity] [+31 Mind Resistance] The senses he had long forgotten slammed into him. He stumbled as reality screamed at him. He had legs in the Halls but this was different there was a physical sense of things in reality that was not conveyed there. It was the same with his sense of sight and smell, everything was too bright or too dark and the smell was terrible and overwhelming, like a pile rotting corpses on a midsummer''s day. His [Aura Sense] pounded in his mind. It was far more keen than he remembered, a red aura spread out in every direction like a sea, it was the same red as that sphere he had seen in his own soul. That same corruption burned in all of the Farg. The gray man¡¯s corruption was far more violent and dark crimson. The blade in Otis¡¯s hand pushed more corruption into him. He recognized the blade for what it truly was, another gate to the Bloodrage. A gate for those who did not have the bond with the demon and a way to corrupt their thoughts. Moments passed and Otis had not moved. He looked over Violam¡¯s friends, he had considered them his friends as well. He had watched them, their training, their battles and everything inbetween. It would have been impossible to not have felt a connection to them while he wandered the Halls. The anger and hate had not faded from Sonashi¡¯s eyes. Captain Umaiko stood behind her and stared at the ground. The execution of her subordinates was not something she could watch. There were yellow flakes in her and the Linnare¡¯s aura, a semblance of humanity that may still remain. ¡°You have waited long enough. Now kill them!¡± The gray man snarled as spittle shot from his mouth. ¡°Kill them now or I will kill you all!¡± ¡°No.¡± Otis muttered, his world still spun as he attempted to regain control of the senses that rampaged in his mind. He dropped the golden knife and exhaled in relief as the raging flood of corruption stopped. Otis sank down to his knees, the strength he once had left his muscles and exhaustion from Violam¡¯s cave expedition hit him. The wound in his mind still weeped the Bloodrage but it was not enough to fuel his body. [Bloodrage Disabled] ¡°Fine.¡± The gray man spoke, the word was blunt and filled with anger. ¡°Take them back to their cages, I will see to them tonight.¡± He turned to address the astonished spectators. ¡°There will be no march today! Today they will feel pain and will be executed first thing tomorrow.¡± The gray man left the execution grounds from the gate he had entered. The neuromancers dug at Otis¡¯s mind to no avail. They had attacked as he dropped the knife but there was a barrier in place that shielded his mind, he knew their tactics after all he had consumed Gooram and she was one of their best. He could not pull any of his newly earned mana into his body as the Neuromancers would somehow feel it and without the Bloodrage to supply him power the fatigue that Violam garnered but ignored washed over Otis. Lets not fight for now, he thought as he looked at the thousands of Ogrites around him. I will figure my way out of this mess after some rest. Some soldiers roughly grabbed Otis by the arms and dragged him from the arena. A few more untied his friends and pulled them along after him. Captain Umaiko had followed, she had remained silent the entire time and now she looked completely lost. She picked up her pace until she walked along side of Otis. ¡°You know I thought you all had died in that cave. When I heard you came back alive I was so happy to have Rose Team back safely. Then you claimed they were all traitors that betrayed the mission. It was like a knife stabbed into me. I could not believe for a second that they would turn on you or the Farg.¡± She shook her head and leaned in so no one could hear her besides Otis. ¡°Now you have damned them, yourself and me. You should have kept your mouth shut to begin with.¡± She straightened and never looked at him again as the soldiers dragged him to the carriage. She left as the soldier threw him inside and locked his cage. Otis sat in his cage. He did not know what to say to appease her anger. ¡°Haha sorry that was my split personality. Yeah he turned out to be a real asshole. My name is Otis by the way.¡± He exhaled and rubbed his temples. ¡°No I don¡¯t think that would work.¡± He shook his head and laid back into the straw. By the time they had reached his cage he had become fully acclimated to his senses. There was not enough space for him to stretch out or stand but that would not stop him from getting some rest. Otis was asleep as soon as his head hit the wall and he returned to the Halls once again. He wished he could fully sleep but there was something he needed to do. He hopped on a constructed black stone and sped through the Halls path until he reached the wound that was the Bloodrage. He grabbed a small bit of mana, hopefully small enough that it would avoid the notice of the Neuromancers and sent it to the wound. The red flesh of the scar sizzled and steamed until it healed over. He could not have it weep Bloodrage into his system now that he was in charge. The door to Otis¡¯s carriage opened and jarred him from his sleep. The [Fully Rested] status showed up in his vision. According to his count down clock he had slept for an hour. Did they notice the magic? He wondered as a short man entered his carriage. ¡°Couldn¡¯t you wait a little longer? I was getting some shut eye.¡± A sardonic smile showed on the short man¡¯s face. ¡°Well look how far the favored son has fallen. I always knew you were no good and now it''s my lucky day.¡± The dwarf pulled a hammer from his belt. He hefted [the Crippler] up so Otis could see it. ¡°Time to make you hurt a¡­] [Tharden Knifebreaker - Level 29 Farg Legion] ¡°Who are you?¡± Otis interrupted. ¡°No it doesn¡¯t matter I have been here long enough. Time to get to work.¡± He pulled on his mana and flicked his hand. A blade of wind sliced through the bars of his cage and decapitated the dwarf. The Neuromancers that were set to guard him felt the magic, their mental energy stabbed into his mind to put Otis down but were withheld by his mental barrier. Otis loosened the mental block and they rushed into his mind. The shadow moved with a will of its own to intercept them. There were six different energies in total and the shadow covered them all. It ripped the mental energy away from its owner and consumed it. As Otis absorbed the energy the Neuromancer''s screams circled his carriage followed by the muffled sound of them falling to the ground. [+1 Intellect] [+2 Intellect] [+1 Intellect] [+1 Intellect] [+1 Intellect] [+1 Intellect] Chapter 28: a Stone, a Butcher and a Safe Howdy again! Chapter 28 has arrived and its a long one. I really don''t like leaving cliff hangers and I did not want to split it into the next chapter. Other stuff can be found on https://yougots.wordpress.com/ Enjoy and I will color code later.
The consumption of another''s mind made him nauseous and not the fake kind of nauseous that he was just grossed out by what he had just done. Well, there was that too. Otis doubled over and heaved the little bit of contents that were in his stomach. He ripped the gate open and left his cage. A few more Neuromancers tried their luck only to have their minds ripped from them as well. It made him sick each time. [+1 Intellect] [+1 Intellect] ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± Otis wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. ¡°I don¡¯t have time to worry now but I have to be careful. I can''t be vomiting in the middle of a fight. I just need to get out of here.¡± He took the dwarfs clothes, they were dirty and short and wide in all the wrong places. Just as he was about to discard his clothes he noticed some extra weight to his old pants. He found a bag in the left pocket and a letter in the other, he shoved them both into his new pants. The bag had a four items and some [Mana Crystals]. [Rantide Language Tome] [Archian Language Tome] [Book of Inspection] [Recall Stone] He circulated his mana through his body to heal any long term damage that Violam had done. After a few minutes his ashen skin became pink and new but the scars from Violam¡¯s torture had remained even after the mana had finished its work. The dwarf¡¯s clothes had left his midriff exposed leaving them unpleasantly displayed. [-10MP] He needed to be careful with his mana usage. He only had a little over 1700 mana points and he could not regenerate it while he still had a Moocher in him. ¡°How did this get here?¡± As he dressed he realized that the necklace that he had stolen in the dreams was on him. The necklace looked different than it had in the dream. It still was a silver chain with an almost round red jewel on the end but now the red jewel was trapped inside a small silver bird cage. The sound of the guards screaming outside drew him from his reverie. He shoved the necklace under his new shirt and stumbled through the door of his carriage. The guards ran past him to check the fallen Neuromancers. It was a good diversion but it would eventually attract unwanted attention. He needed to move away from his carriage. Otis pulled a shadow over himself and quietly ran to the shadows of the next carriage. He connected it to his mind and stepped into it to move to the next shadow. An alert entered his vision as the shadow resisted his call. [Shadow Walk and Shadow Vision not available in physical world. Shadow Affinity requirement not met.] ¡°Well there goes that idea. Let¡¯s use what works, I still have to find my friends.¡± Otis closed his eyes and focused on his [Aura Sense]. It was the first time he had used it like this but Violam had marked all of Rose Team¡¯s auras and those markers still remained. He followed the markers through the drone of the Legion¡¯s aura. Their rhythm carried from a carriage two carriages in front of his own. Now that he had located them he tuned into those nearby. There were half a dozen Neuromancers and a few guards that surrounded their carriage. Captain Umaiko was in the carriage with them while Mort stood outside. The Neuromancers detected Otis as soon as he entered their range. It did not matter that he was covered in shadow as they keyed into his mental energy anyhow. He consumed them almost immediately so they could not raise the alarm. They screamed and dropped to the ground as the rest had. [+1 Intellect] [+1 Intellect] [+1 Intellect] [+2 Intellect] [+2 Intellect] [+1 Intellect] Otis fell to the ground too, his reaction to the mental energy became more violent. He clutched his stomach, it felt as if his stomach was being pulled out through his navel. The pain subsided after a minute of writhing on the ground. He counted himself lucky that his shadow had remained to cover him. The guards were still busy with the Neuromancers when Otis slipped past them. He dropped his shadow as he turned the corner to the front of the carriage. Mort stood at the door and had not noticed Otis¡¯s approach. ¡°Hey Mort!¡± Otis gave him a short wave. ¡°Can I get in there? I think there are some things we need to sort out as a team.¡± Mort¡¯s eyes when wide as he saw Otis. ¡°You. What are you doing here?¡± He reached for his sword. Otis circulated his mana and took a jump step to cross the distance between the two of them. He pushed the half drawn sword back into its sheath. ¡°You don¡¯t want to do that.¡± Mort eagerly nodded and released the hilt. He had seen what Violam was capable of in the cave and wanted no part of it. ¡°W-Why are you here?¡± Otis looked into the man¡¯s eyes. ¡°I came to get my friends. Do you want to leave the Legion?¡± He doubted Mort would accept his offer. ¡°I-I...¡± ¡°I know you don¡¯t have to run like we do but think about it. First, let me inside. I need to see them.¡± Mort moved to the side of the doorway. ¡°Knock if anyone comes.¡± Otis opened the door and went inside. ¡°Get out don¡¯t you think they have had enough.¡± Captain yelled, never looking up as she bandaged Caeanos¡¯s wound. They were in worse shape than they were at the execution grounds. ¡°Calm down Umaiko.¡± Otis raised his hands to show that he was not a threat. She recoiled away from him as she finally noticed that it was Otis. ¡°You here to finish the job?¡± She sneered as she moved in front of the Linnare to protect them. ¡°No, I am here to get you guys out of this place.¡± He moved to step into Caeanos and Kavdiir¡¯s cage but Umaiko stood in the way. ¡°How do you expect them to move in this condition? The condition you put them in.¡± Her hands were balled into fists as she glanced at the hammer in his hand. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you in your cage? What did you do?¡± Her eyes narrowed. ¡°I did what I need to do, now let me heal them.¡± Otis pushed past her to Caeanos and placed his hand on the Linnare¡¯s shoulder. [Holy Healing] [-107 MP] Caeanos glowed golden for a brief moment, his bruises faded, flesh knitted together and bones mended. His health bar was nearly full when it finished. Caeanos did not wake but he was healed so Otis moved on to Kavdiir. [Holy Healing] [-107 MP] Kavdiir woke in fright and hastily crawled from Otis to check Caeanos. ¡°What did you do? Is Caeanos dead?¡± Otis shook his head in response. ¡°I healed you both and he is just sleeping.¡± ¡°H-how?¡± Umaiko finally recovered from the shock. ¡°I have always been able to it''s just the Moocher worm stopped me.¡± ¡°And it¡¯s not stopping you now?¡± Umaiko¡¯s slightly sucked in her breath as the accusation hung in the air. ¡°Things happened,¡± Otis shrugged. She moved out of Otis¡¯s way so he could go into Sonashi¡¯s cage. Otis did not wait for Umaiko to unlock the gate instead he ripped it from its hinges with a jerk of his arm. The sound woke Sonashi and Caeanos. Sonashi¡¯s eyes showed her alarm as he approached but she did not run from him, though her injuries were too severe so it is not like she could have even if she wanted to. He quickly held her hand and healed her. All eyes were on Otis in the silent carriage. Their time was short so Otis spoke first as he looked at Sonashi. ¡°I am sorry what I have done to you.¡± He traced around the carriage looking at the others. ¡°I am sorry for what I did to all of you. I was not in my right mind but that is no excuse. I wish we could hash it out right now but we don¡¯t have the time. We need to move and get out of here.¡± ¡°How do you expect to get away from the Legion? It stretches out for miles in every direction. And then there are the Neuromancers.¡± Umaiko crossed her arms and eyed him suspiciously until something dawned on her. ¡°Wait! Where are they? Why haven¡¯t they come after your display of magic?¡± ¡°I have dealt with all the Neuromancers in range of this carriage. As for the rest of it I am sure Rose Team can figure it out.¡± He flashed them his winningest smile which unfortunately elicited no reaction. Then it struck him, this carriage looked awfully familiar. He took another step into the cage and crouched down. Sonashi scurried out of his way not willing to touch him. This was Violam¡¯s old cage, he pushed the hay to the side and pulled out a misshaped slat of wood. Inside the hole he found a bag, Otis had almost forgotten that he had Violam hide bags all over camp. ¡°If this bag is still here then maybe¡­¡± Otis spoke to himself while the others doubted his sanity. ¡°Did they crack your head when they threw you in the cage?¡± Otis ignored Umaiko¡¯s taunt and placed his hand on the wall of his old cage. There was a trap seal on the other side, one of his traps but the magic in it had faded. The seals were like the bags, they were spread all over camp and with the magic faded he would have to be close to it to feel its presence and trigger it. ¡°Kavdiir and Caeanos, here take an agility potion. Umaiko I have never seen you in a fight. What are you, strength focused? Yeah that feels right.¡± Otis said as he handed out his potions without waiting for a reply. ¡°Sona, do you want agility or a way to use your magic? They did give you another Moocher didn¡¯t they?¡± He stared at her for a second then stuck out an Elixir of Intellect but then thought better of it and pulled it back. ¡°Can you wait to kill me until after we escape?¡± She gave him a slight nod. ¡°But give me strength too. I need some energy.¡± Otis handed it over and immediately rounded on the group. ¡°Okay Rose Team what¡¯s the plan? We need to get out of this carriage before the guards show up so think fast.¡± The carriage fell into silence the moment Otis stopped speaking. They all stared at him suspicious of his motives, to them his personality had changed too quickly. For months now Violam had taken to being silent and brooding. He only came out of his shell with a large amount of coaxing from the others. Umaiko drew her sword despite its uselessness in such a cramped space. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°I am O, me.¡± His face cramped as he almost told the truth. He planned to tell them everything it''s just right now was not the correct time. So he stuck with half-truths to keep them moving. ¡°I just shut off the Bloodrage, it had clouded my mind for so long it almost destroyed me. All of us.¡± She relaxed a bit at his answer but did not return her sword to its sheath. ¡°What do you expect us to do? Run out there swinging sword and hammer until we run out of enemies. Sorry but I will tell you right now, that is a quick way to an early grave. We might as well just die here and now.¡± ¡°Wait that reminds me I have more stuff.¡± He summoned the [Book of Inspection] from his bag and consumed it. [Active Skill: Inspect Learned] Otis heard the gasp and question but he summoned the next object, from his bag. It was a curious rainbow colors. He ran his newly acquired skill over it. [Inspect] [Recall Stone: Returns you, your party or whoever you are physically connected with to the town you have designated as your home. Cannot be used while in combat.] Otis held the stone up for everyone to see. ¡°This is a [Recall Stone], it will send me and whoever is connected to me to the human settlement on the other side of the mountains.¡± They all sucked in their breath simultaneously. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Umaiko was the first to recover. ¡°Could you imagine such an object in the hands of the Ambassador?¡± Otis shook his head. ¡°I am not sure if it would work for him and if it did who knows where it would send him.¡± ¡°How does it work?¡± Umaiko took a step forward, her eyes never left the stone. ¡°I just have to have it in my hand and want to go home. You all would have to be touching me to go too.¡± ¡°Who cares let¡¯s leave now!¡± Sonashi leaped up from the ground and left her cage. Otis sent the stone back to the bag for safe keeping which stopped Sonashi in her tracks. ¡°No these ones cannot leave before the Gate has been destroyed.¡± Caeanos spoke with authority. ¡°Why do we have to destroy the Gate?¡± Sonashi hissed and Otis nodded in agreement. ¡°Because the Legion refills its ranks every day. If the Gate is destroyed they will not be able to send soldiers through it. If these ones run without destroying the Gate the Legion will just follow us.¡± ¡°Where is the Gate?¡± ¡°Most of it is stored in the carriage 42 as long as they have not set it up.¡± ¡°Okay we get weapons, armor and hit the carriage.¡± Otis summed it up like it would be a walk in the park. ¡°Do you think I will just let you all just destroy the Gate?¡± Umaiko spoke but there was no force behind her words just annoyance. ¡°You are still here aren¡¯t you? So you are at least complicit in our plans.¡± Otis gave her a wink. Umaiko exhaled and pinched the bridge of her nose. ¡°It is not that simple. The Ambassador has the plans to construct a gate in his safe and there is enough parts to make a second. You would have to destroy the plans and even then the engineers can still build a new one but it would take much longer.¡± ¡°Ugh.¡± Otis rubbed his forehead. ¡°Okay so get weapons, armor, hit the carriage and raid the gray man¡¯s tent. Anything else?¡± Umaiko was confused by Otis¡¯s wording but ignored it. ¡°You forget they change the location of the command tent every day.¡± ¡°Then we lucked out. I know where it is. Violam was there earlier today.¡± ¡°You mean you were there today?¡± Kavdiir question, his eyes filled with suspicion. ¡°That¡¯s what I said.¡± Otis faced Violam¡¯s former Captain. ¡°Umaiko are you coming with us?¡± Her eyes crinkled in thought before she frowned. ¡°No, I cannot leave my father behind. He would become the target of the Ambassador if I go but if we are together we might be able to work something out.¡± Otis nodded and reached out to shake her hand. ¡°I promise to come back to help you.¡± She slapped his hand away. ¡°I don¡¯t want your help. In fact, if you never help me again I am sure things will work out for the better.¡± She said flatly as she crossed her arms. ¡°I wish I had never helped you that day on the frontlines.¡± ¡°In any case,¡± Otis said ignoring her anger. ¡°I will come back for you. I also plan to make the same offer to Mort but I believe he will feel the same as you. You both will need to leave this carriage and act like you were never here. I will get rid of all the guards who may have seen you two.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± She turned to wish the others good luck and readied her things to leave. ¡°You three are stuck with me until we get out of here. We will take out the guards, grab their weapons and clothes, and then move on to the carriage.¡± ¡°These ones will not follow your orders. You are not to be trusted.¡± That out of everything had hurt Otis the most. He considered them friends but that was lost now. He could not blame them for their anger, Violam had betrayed their trust. ¡°Okay Caeanos, you guys pick a leader and let¡¯s go. The guards are coming back.¡± There was a knock at the door, a signal from Mort that guards were approaching to check the carriage. Otis already knew four guards were approaching but it was good to know that Mort was with them in this. Otis tugged on the shadow hidden under his right foot to cover himself. He ignored the gasps and backed into the corner. ¡°Hurry, get back in your cages we have company.¡± The room was a tight fit as the two guards stepped into the carriage. ¡°Why are your cages open?¡± The guard snarled as Otis closed the door behind them. He snapped the first guards neck with one hand and swung [the Crippler] with the other caving in the second guard¡¯s head. [Overkill!] [Critical] [-2223] [Overkill!] [-2462] [Critical] They were only level 20 maybe I over did it, Otis thought. ¡°You think?¡± Umaiko said and expelled her breath in an exasperated sigh. ¡°I say that out loud?¡± I need to work on that. I am not alone anymore. ¡°There are the first two sets of armor. Caeanos take it off of them. Kavdiir and Sona take their weapons. Uh Umaiko you didn¡¯t see any of that. You know for plausible deniability.¡± She snorted in response and back away to let them go about their business. It was not like she was unfamiliar to killing, in the Legion there was no avoiding it. It was just a way of life. But Otis had already asked her to leave with them and she refused. There was no reason to drag her any deeper into their escape than she already was. Besides, they both knew that the gray man would come for her and her father, Gutgash. This way when the gray man called she would not have to lie. Otis broke in, killed the guards and ran off with the prisoners. Plausible deniability was the least he could do for her even if it made no difference to the gray man in the end. Caeanos had pulled the bodies into his cage and was stripping them of their goods. Kavdiir and Sonashi had their new weapons at the ready. Otis opened the door and grabbed the guard closest. He pulled her in and tossed her into Sonashi¡¯s cage. Sonashi stabbed the female guard almost immediately. Otis threw the second guard to Kavdiir before Sonashi had finished. ¡°Get dressed, I will be right back.¡± Otis tossed on his shadow and jumped out the door. There were at least twenty guards who were aware that Umaiko and Mort came to see the prisoners. He promised her that he would take care of them but it would be difficult to take care of them quietly. Otis circled around to the side of the carriage where his trap had been set. It was a fire seal, the fire magic it triggered depended on the amount of mana the seal had injected into it. Otis touched the seal and pumped more mana into it. He was going to have to use a considerable bit of mana to wipe out the guards. He also changed trigger from manual to proximity and removed his hand. He did not have to touch it to change the trigger only to add mana. Though, these seals would require him to close to change the trigger because a lot their mana had faded out. [-500MP] ¡°Down to 800 mana and I only have two more bottles of the [Lesser Elixir of Intellect] in my bag. I will have to find some more while we move so this works.¡± Otis whispered to himself as he returned to the carriage. Otis quickly changed out of his dwarf clothing and into the spare armor. He kept the dwarfs belt though because it had a strap for his hammer. [Inspect], he thought of the command while looking at the clothing. [Common Legion Armor - No Level Requirement Durability 18/20] [Common Legion Pants - No Level Requirement Durability 19/20] [Common Legion Boots - No Level Requirement Durability 12/20] [Common Legion Sword - No Level Requirement Durability 7/10] [Dwarf Smithing Belt - Level 5 Durability 26/35] [the Crippler - Level 24 - 2% Crippling Strike, +1 STR, +3 STAM][Attribute Points Not Applicable] ¡°Tsk, no better than my starting equipment. The dwarf armor is better but hell no I am not dressing like a belly dancer.¡± Otis spoke to himself while the others backed away. ¡°We ready to go?¡± Otis pulled his shadow back over himself. ¡°Violam.¡± Caeanos gave him a concerned look and took a step forward. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He placed his hand on Otis¡¯s shadowed shoulder to give him some reassurance. The shadow extended over his hand and traveled up his arm. Caeanos yelped and jumped back in shock. ¡°What? How?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Otis grabbed the Linnare¡¯s arm and pushed his shadow over Caeanos until it covered him. ¡°This might work!¡± Kavdiir led them from the carriage into the shadows. Umaiko and Mort headed in the other direction wary of their surroundings. Kavdiir was the natural choice for leader. He may not speak much but he makes quick decisions and when he does speak it always matters. The moved in line each one with a hand on the shoulder of the person in front of them. Kavdiir turned to go to the other side of the carriage but Otis stopped him. ¡°Go the long way around or we will all have a fiery death.¡± Kavdiir invisibly nodded in agreement. ¡°Keep watch on these one¡¯s surrounding. Make sure we do not run into any challenging individuals.¡± Under Otis¡¯s instruction they made it to Carriage 42 without incident. He had been particularly wary of the Neuromancers but lucky for him the range of his [Aura Sense] was far greater than their [Cognitive Range] as they call it. Otis felt the trap trigger. The ground rumbled, the air pulled away as if being sucked in by a vacuum. A pillar of flame shot hundreds of meters into the sky then exploded outward. Wood and Farg were blasted away in every direction leaving only a crater behind. [-20HP] Otis struggled to stand, they were on the edge of the shockwave. The force had thrown them into the side of the carriage. He brushed himself off and helped the others out of the rubble. They were all fine with only some minor scrapes and bruises. ¡°They know we are out now we have to hurry.¡± They all stared at Otis with their mouths agape. ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Sonashi shoved her finger into his chest. ¡°An accident?¡± Otis scratched his head looking confused. ¡°I honestly didn¡¯t expect that. But if it takes an explosion or two for you to talk to me again I¡¯ll take it.¡± Sonashi stared at him as her eye twitched. ¡°What too soon?¡± Yea way too soon you idiot. ¡°Are you two uglies done flirting? These ones have a job to do.¡± Caeanos grinned in attempt to bring some levity to the atmosphere. Sonashi changed her target to Caeanos and stared him down. ¡°We were not.¡± Caeanos shuddered and looked away. ¡°Brother Kavdiir you called.¡± ¡°No¡± ¡°Gack!¡± Otis followed suit. ¡°We should get started while they are busy with the fire.¡± ¡°Brother Caeanos is right these ones need to get moving. The Legion will be looking for us now. Next time you plant a bomb let these ones know.¡± Kavdiir stared daggers into Otis. ¡°Ah, so you were upset about that. I set a few more on the way here.¡± They went rigid at Otis¡¯s admission. ¡°But they won¡¯t be nearly as large, they will be pretty small actually. A lot of mana has already faded from them.¡± They visibly relaxed in response. ¡°Violam, where is that stone? Are you sure it will work?¡± ¡°Kavdiir, it¡¯ll work. The stone is in my bag so no one but I can get to it. I did not want anyone to do something stupid and leave someone behind.¡± Otis quickly looked at Sonashi. He had already caught her staring at the bag earlier and honestly, he could understand her need to get out of the Legion. But Caeanos was right if the Legion cannot get a resupply of soldiers their chances of defeating the gray man go up incredibly. ¡°So, you do think we can use it.¡± ¡°Probably but I don¡¯t know where it will send us if you do.¡± They entered the carriage and were welcomed by stacks of supplies, boxes and one smelly shivering dwarf hiding behind them. ¡°Oi! What are you doing here?¡± The supply master stood up from his hiding spot. Kavdiir was on him as soon as he finished speaking. It was a feral and instinctual lung that ended with Kavdiir¡¯s mouth clamped down on the dwarf¡¯s hairy throat. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°You really didn¡¯t like that guy. So should I just burn it all down?¡± Otis asked as he moved away from the gruesome scene. Kavdiir dropped the dwarf and frantically grabbed Otis¡¯s raised hand. ¡°No the Gate cannot be destroyed by burning but other things in here are combustible. Leave it to this one and Brother Caeanos, these ones can disassemble and break it. You and Sonashi will watch the door.¡± ¡°That¡¯s convenient.¡± He said before going to look out at the door. ¡°I guess it¡¯s too much to ask for you to at least say something.¡± Sonashi did not even show that she registered what Otis said. She just intently watched the terrain. ¡°I finally can talk to people and no one wants to speak to me.¡± Otis mumbled. He caught sight of the slight raise in Sonashi eye brow but she did not respond. ¡°I guess I have to keep blowing things up until you do.¡± Otis placed his hand on the door frame. He stuck a wind seal to it and fed a bit of mana into it. [-25MP] ¡°That should be enough to wreck whoever enters and some supplies.¡± Otis removed his hand and smirked at Sonashi¡¯s worried expression. ¡°What did you just do?¡± ¡°This little thing? It''s just a nasty surprise for the first person who comes by after we leave.¡± He turned to look at the Linnare who were busily deconstructing the gate. ¡°Hey Kavdiir just so you know I have set up another bomb.¡± ¡°What?¡± He hissed in return stopping what he was working on. ¡°Don¡¯t worry it''s not set to go off just yet.¡± Otis¡¯s [Aura Sense] flared as he was speaking. ¡°Kavdiir you guys almost done we have a party of Neuromancers coming our direction.¡± ¡°No these ones need more time.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t have time. My shadows cannot hide us from them.¡± Otis rushed through the supplies to the Linnare. ¡°Move!¡± Caeanos stepped out of his way and Otis grabbed the large elbow shaped part of the gate that Caeanos had been working on. It was unnaturally heavy and impossible for him to pick up in such a tight space. He tore at the silvery metal, it had an ancient script carved into it, something similar to the seals he used on his magical traps. It was unlike anything else he had seen made by the Farg. Otis attempted to bend it or snap it in half but it did not budge. ¡°What is this thing made of?¡± He gave up on using his hands and kicked at the device. It made no difference to the metal gate. He kicked at it dozens of times and with each kick he put more strength behind it but he left no mark behind and the gate only shifted slightly. Otis roared as he kicked putting every bit of strength he had behind it. He felt his leg snap under the strain but more importantly so did the gate. Otis tumbled to the floor crying out in pain. Caeanos rushed over to help him stand, there was a second piece to the gate but he did not need to destroy both of them. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Caeanos asked shaking his head. ¡°Yeah, now let¡¯s get the hell out of here we are almost in their range.¡± Otis circulated the mana in his body, every minute counted so he could not wait for his regeneration to kick in on its own. The bones snapped together and mended instantly. [-43MP] He sighed at the loss of mana. Their group lined up again and he pushed his shadow out to cover them all. They left the carriage behind but not before Otis enabled his new trap. It was not long before it triggered, the miniature tornados it released wiped out four of the Neuromancers and at least half of the carriage. Otis came into range of several more of Violam¡¯s traps, he converted those to proximity as well. They exploded in into stone spikes or frozen blasts seconds later. They were nowhere near as damaging as the earlier traps but they still added to the chaos. The Legion was confused by the attacks this was the first time since Otis had been with them that they had a direct attack on their camp. It was not something that happened that often and if the gray man was to be believed the last instance was after the Farg captured the Beastmen. ¡°Dodge!¡± Kavdiir hissed, but it was too late an Ogrite bowled into their invisible train breaking the shadow. ¡°This is not working.¡± Sonashi stated as she stabbed the confused soldier. ¡°We are moving too slow.¡± ¡°She¡¯s right there is too many of them and we can¡¯t move fast enough in the shadow.¡± Otis complained as Sonashi caught another Ogrite that ran in between them and stabbed it in the throat. ¡°This one agrees but stop doing that! Many of them do not know who we are but dead bodies will attract attention. We need to run, only kill if we are attacked, and otherwise just avoid them.¡± He ran through the crowd of confused Ogrite soldiers and Rose Team followed. Kavdiir was right the chaos was better cover than the shadows. Otis switched the triggers on a few more traps but as they left the supply carriages there were no more traps set. Violam rarely traveled into this area and when he did he definitely did not have mana. The common Farg soldiers had not paid much attention to them as all of the explosion had kept them occupied. After half an hour of fighting through the crowd they reached the command tents. The area was different from what they had expected. They had expected there to be dragons, hundreds of them, they usually accompanied the command center. Now a many of them were missing. ¡°W-where are the dragons? Aren¡¯t there supposed to be more?¡± Otis asked as they stared at the empty fields and the untethered chains on the ground. ¡°They must have finished breaking them, only the small and the land dragons remain here.¡± Kavdiir spoke in concern. ¡°Dragons have great pride their training takes a long time. The Ambassador was furious because you killed one. It was the Legions only flying dragon at the time.¡± ¡°I have often wondered why the Ambassador did not just use the dragons to transport the Legion over the Mountains.¡± Sonashi asked in a moment of interest. Kavdiir shook his head still staring at the remaining dragons. ¡°It is not just that, even after they are brainwashed the dragon''s still will not allow riders and many of the dragons are sent through the gate.¡± ¡°Where do you think the dragons are brother Kavdiir?¡± Caeanos asked but only received a shrug in response. Otis had a sinking feeling in his gut. He was afraid he already knew where they went. He swallowed his dried saliva. ¡°They went to kill the humans, they went to destroy my home.¡± The two Linnare grabbed Otis¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Violam, that is even more reason to destroy the gate and its plans.¡± Otis exhaled swallowing his frustration. ¡°You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s keep going.¡± He took a step forward only to be hit by his [Aura Sense]. ¡°They have found us. Neuromancers are coming from the front and behind us is something worse.¡± ¡°What could be worse than the black ones?¡± ¡°The Butcher and his twisted amalgamations.¡± ¡°What do we do?¡± Sonashi asked looking to Kavdiir. ¡°Let''s just leave! We cannot get trapped in-between the two.¡± She growled. Kavdiir responded with the barest of nods and Otis summoned the stone. ¡°Everyone hold on!¡± Otis had not realized it but they had all reached for him as soon as the decision was made. Get us out here stone! [Cannot be used while in combat] ¡°Was something supposed to happen to these ones? We are all still here, right? Why am I not surrounded by your ugly humans yet?¡± ¡°I don''t know it¡¯s not working.¡± Let¡¯s go! [Cannot be used while in combat] ¡°Crap, I will make a hole in the Neuromancers, you all go ahead.¡± Otis answered. ¡°Do you expect me to trust you?¡± Sonashi snarled as she tightened her grip on Otis¡¯s arm. ¡°Yes. Yes I know but there is no time to plan. The gray man¡¯s tent is the third from the end on the second row of tents. It is one of the smaller ones.¡± Otis gave [Recall Stone] to Kavdiir. ¡°Wait for me if you can. If not, I will buy you some time besides I have an account I need to settle with the Butcher.¡± He gave them all another round of agility potions to improve their speed. ¡°Now, get behind me and brace yourselves. Run through them when you get a chance.¡± He spoke as he looked over his shoulder at his friends. Otis sent a bit of mana to his legs and pushed off the ground launching himself into the air. Even though Otis did not travel that high the enemy looked small beneath him. He used the wind to steady his freefall aiming for the Neuromancers. There were ten squads and Otis crashed down in the middle of them, his feet crushing one instantly. [-10MP] [-10MP] He used his Earth Affinity to amplify his force controlling the ripples of the ground as it cratered. Rocks scattered, stone pillars and spikes jutted outward killing all of the low-level Neuromancers. [-69MP] A golden sword slashed at Otis before the dirt had settled. He stepped out of the way the attack but a knife stabbed at his back. Otis twisted and grabbed the Neuromancer¡¯s hand. He broke it and threw the Neuromancer into the one with the sword. Otis finally got a good look at them. [Jale Taza - Level 38 Neuromancer of the Farg] [Captain Lathin Fengus - Level 42 Neuromancer of the Farg] Otis¡¯s localized earthquake had knocked the mask from their faces. Their faces were twisted with cracked red lines carved into them. Their faces matched their ugly minds. There were other Neuromancers that had survived but these two creatures were by far the strongest. Otis pulled [the Crippler] and his short sword out. The Neuromancers pricked at his mind but none dared commit to a full attack. They must have already heard of what I did to the others by the carriages. He summoned an [Elixir of Intellect] to his lips, drank it and spit the empty bottle to the ground. [+15 Intellect] Otis sneered at them. ¡°You creatures too afraid to come? Well then don¡¯t mind if I do.¡± He leaped at them swinging his sword, it met the golden sword before it could find flesh. Otis pivoted out of the block and swung [the Crippler] to crush the second Neuromancers kneecap. Otis kicked him out of the way as the six remaining Neuromancers joined the assault. He slashed his sword and took one of them in the ribs until the sword snapped. He threw the broken blade at an attacker sinking it deep into his chest. The amalgamations finally made it to the fight, they filed into the crater. ¡°What are you going to do now human?¡± The Captain Neuromancer yelled as he swung his sword to take Otis¡¯s head. Otis deflected the blade with [the Crippler] while his free hand grabbed the Necromancer''s throat. The shadows laced with his own mental energy took over, they raced into the Captain¡¯s mind reaping the creature¡¯s mental energy. Otis absorbed the energy as the Neuromancers body shook and its eyes rolled up. Otis threw the creature away and the pain hit his stomach. It was not as bad as when he had consumed six minds together but it still dropped him to his knees. [+28 Intellect] Otis rolled out of the way of an amalgamation¡¯s clawed hand while clutching at his stomach. He quickly wretched and stood up. The amalgamations had flanked him either side of him. With the last [Intellect] he received his mana was nearly at where he had been. Otis pulled air around him whipping it into a frenzy, it picked up the amalgamations and threw them away. The wind quickly built upon itself needing less and less of Otis¡¯s encouragement. [-168MP] Otis fed earth and fire into his growing tornado, soon he could not see anything but the swirling of earth and flame. The sky darken as Otis stood in the vortex. [-230MP] [-201MP] [-80MP] Some of the amalgamations made it through the storm. Otis circulated his mana through his body, reinforcing and enhancing it. His balled fist smashed into an amalgamation¡¯s beaked face. He rotated and used the [the Crippler] to crush the next amalgamation¡¯s chest. Another one charged Otis, it had a rhinoceros head and an Ogrite body. Otis stepped to the side and grabbed its horn and redirected it into a different attacker. He set them both on fire then turned the fire shooting from his hands on a couple of the amalgamations that had rushed him. [34MP] I may have put too much into that, he quickly thought dismissing the fire before the flames got out of hand. He dodged another attack and shattered [the Crippler] on the assailant¡¯s jaw. A golden knife bit into his side, the Bloodrage flooded into him causing his mana to falter and his body to weaken. It was the Neuromancer with the broken hand. Otis thought about consuming his mind but there were too many now, he did not have the time. He pulled the Neuromancers head back and jammed the broken shaft of the hammer into the Necromancer''s eye socket. He threw the creature into the tornado of earth and flame that had begun to destabilize. Otis removed the knife from his side and threw it at the next amalgamation. The pain ruined his aim and the knife hit it in the stomach. Its eagle head shrieked in pain as its body ashed over and cracked away into dust blown into the storm. The last of the amalgamations made it through the tornado. Otis unleashed fire and wind from hands and feet burning them down. [-43MP] Otis cut the magic and dropped to his knees out of breath. He took stock of his current mana. ¡°590 mana points left, not bad.¡± He frowned as he looked up to see a perfect cube cut from his tornado and in the center was the Butcher. [The Butcher Elite Level 57 Gray Human Commander] [Inspect] [Wielder of the Dissection Skill. It is a lesser form of Body and Mana Manipulation. Wielder of this skill can physically manipulate all things within range. Range: ??? Name: ??? History: ???] ¡°Great leave out the most important part.¡± ¡°What? I can¡¯t hear you over the storm. Mind if I get rid of it?¡± The Butcher yelled as he dusted the dirt from his shoulders. Above him pockets of the tornado were cut away leaving blank spaces in the storm. The tornado grew unstable and collapsed upon itself. Wind, fire and earth hit Otis from every direction. His resistance was high enough to ignore any damage but it did not apply to his clothes. Otis dusted himself and patted out his burning sleeve. ¡°A little warning next time would be nice.¡± Otis coughed to expel the dirt from his throat. He summoned his last [Elixir or Intellect] and quickly drank it down. [+15 Intellect] ¡°So Violam what is all this about? I see no reason why we can¡¯t settle this amicably.¡± The Butcher took a step forward. Otis stepped backwards to maintain the distance. ¡°I don¡¯t think so. You see there is a bit of an outstanding debt between us.¡± ¡°Debt? Are you still concerned about that time in the forest? If I had not caught you then you would never have become one of the Farg Legion. You should be grateful to be one of us at least that''s the nonsense Edgar would try to sell you.¡± He said with a lopsided grin. There is that and the time in the throne room as well.¡± ¡°Throne room?¡± The Butcher echoed in question as he scratched his chin. ¡°Yes where I cut off you arm.¡± Otis flashed the large man a smile of his own. He¡¯s build like a tank, he thought. Should I really be taunting him? The Butcher nodded his grin growing far more menacing. ¡°I see so you have two personalities in that head of yours. Do you really think you should have told me that? After I am done with you, you could have hidden this personality away or hell, you might be able to escape you know but it''s highly unlikely. Now that I know it will be easy to kill either of your personalities.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter I am going to end you today. I have had a long time to think about this day.¡± ¡°I like it! I am going to enjoy seeing the inside of that head of yours.¡± The Butcher roared as he charged. Otis leaped back continuing to maintain his distance. The small rocks around him levitated into the air and fired at the Butcher. They exploded into dust around the Butcher as he laughed. ¡°Is that it?¡± Otis shot another round of sharpened rocks but none made it through the Butchers defense. They all just dropped to dust around the large man as he charged. [-93MP] [-90MP] ¡°Not fast enough boy!¡± The large man shouted as he stripped away a layer of skin from Otis¡¯s stomach. [-195 HP] Otis screamed as he dropped back. He flung more sharpened rubble mixed with wind and fire at the Butcher. The Butcher shrugged the fire off but one made of the bullets made it though and pierced his shoulder [-108MP] The Butcher yelled in anger pausing a moment to fix the wound but Otis continued his barrage of stone and fire. The Butcher took a few more wounds until he ripped a rock half a man''s size from the ground to shield from Otis¡¯s assault. [-110MP] Otis turned the shield against the Butcher, he reformed it binding the Butcher¡¯s hands and renewed his bullet and fire barrage. The rock that bound the Butcher fell away in shambles and Otis¡¯s bullets exploded into dust as the Butcher intercepted them. Some of them had made it through to hit his knees. [-35MP] [-83MP] The Butcher fell to his knees and quickly tried to repair the damage. He stood as he spoke. ¡°You done?¡± The ground fell away from under the Butcher at Otis¡¯s command and the Butcher dropped in. Otis collapsed the hole and hardened the earth crushing the man within. [-101MP] ¡°Stay Down.¡± Otis said attempting to catch his breath. Something¡¯s wrong, he thought. I shouldn¡¯t be this winded. ¡°I-I should have recovered by now.¡± Otis tried to take a deep breath but there was not enough air. He scrambled forward to get more air as he struggled to even get half a breath. ¡°It¡¯s not going to work.¡± The Butcher rose up from the ground just to the side of Otis. He brushed away Otis¡¯s weak punch. ¡°No, no none of that.¡± He said with a malicious grin. ¡°I won¡¯t kill you, you are too valuable. So just go to sleep.¡± He brushed away another weak punch and watched Otis fall to his knees. ¡°Go to sleep Violam. Oh wait, your name was Otis right? Go to sleep Otis.¡± ¡°I...you...reckless.¡± Otis tried to speak as he struggled to stay away. The Butcher frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t speak you will only waste your valuable air.¡± ¡°I...you...reckless.¡± ¡°What?¡± The Butcher leaned in so he could hear the boy¡¯s words. Otis¡¯s conscious was fading fast and he barely managed to squeeze out the words. ¡°I needed you close.¡± A hole opened up in the Butcher¡¯s chest. Otis created another telekinetic lance and stabbed into the Butcher¡¯s throat. [-113MP] [-104MP] The Butcher could not maintain Otis¡¯s isolated space and dropped it so that he could heal himself. Otis coughed and took huge gulps of air as he stood. ¡°Y-You¡¯re not going to be able to heal those wounds.¡± He created another invisible telekinetic lance and stabbed it into the Butcher as the man tried to run staking him into the ground. [-106MP] ¡°I told you I thought about this fight for a long time and I figured out that you can¡¯t manipulate what you can¡¯t see.¡± Otis took another deep breath. ¡°Telekinesis is my weakest magic, I really only used it to carry things. It by itself is only useful at an extremely close range. I can only manage a single pea sized bullet at a distance which I mixed into the stones earlier. I needed to piss you off so you would be reckless enough to get within arm¡¯s reach.¡± ¡°That¡¯s funny I never thought about you one bit.¡± The Butcher spoke, his eyes looked heavy and half opened. ¡°Your loss.¡± Otis shrugged. ¡°You may run now but you will come back. No one leaves the Farg, they always come back.¡± ¡°How are you even talking right now? You must be using everything you have to stay alive.¡± ¡°Back up is coming soon.¡± The Butcher said with his eyes nearly shut. The blood had pooled in his mouth as he had stopped it from leaving his body. ¡°It won¡¯t matter.¡± Otis grabbed the lance and sheared the Butcher¡¯s head from his shoulders. He did not cancel his magic instead he set both parts of the Butcher on fire. ¡°You can¡¯t be too safe.¡± He opened two pits and buried them separately. The battle did not last long but Otis was running on empty with only 53 mana points left. He summoned a Strength Potion to give him some immediate energy. It was also the only potion he had left. As he chugged it his [Aura Sense] screamed at him. It directed him to the sky to see the long winged silhouettes in the sun. The dragons were returning. Otis burst into the gray man¡¯s tent startling the Linnare and Sonashi. ¡°We gotta go!¡± ¡°These ones cannot get the safe open.¡± Caeanos shouted as pulled on the safe¡¯s handle with one leg anchored to the cabinet beside it. ¡°You didn¡¯t have a way into the safe?¡± Otis yelled in shock. ¡°This was your idea! Did it not cross your mind that it would be locked? Otis was stunned and would have been speechless if there had been enough time. ¡°The dragons are coming back. We are dead if they arrive before we are gone.¡± ¡°How did you escape the Butcher? Did you bring him down on us?¡± Sonashi interrupted Otis¡¯s panic attack. Her hand had a firm grip on her sword. ¡°He¡¯s dead. Caeanos move out of the way.¡± Otis looked around briefly until he found the gray man¡¯s canteen in the desk drawer. ¡°It¡¯s only half full but it will do.¡± Otis mumbled as he opened the canteen and summoned the water out of it. The water floated through the air and spread out over the door of the safe. Otis consumed some of the little bit of mana he had left to freeze it. [-42MP] He smashed the door with his foot. Inside the safe was a sabre, a couple of books, one of which had the plans to the gate, some strange currency and six bags. They were the bags that Violam had hidden all over camp Otis pocketed the items and sheathed the sword. ¡°Kavdiir time to go. You got the stone?¡± He took the stone from Kavdiir and grabbed the half drawn map on the gray man¡¯s desk. ¡°Alright Rose Team I don¡¯t know how this works but hopefully it will this time.¡± The tent shook as the dragons started to land. Everyone hurriedly grabbed a hold of Otis. Otis closed his eyes. Take me home. [You do not have a home set!] Home. [You do not have a home set!] ¡°It¡¯s not working!¡± A roar in the background drowned him out and it was getting closer. ¡°It says I don¡¯t have a home.¡± Otis opened his hand to reveal the stone, they all reached for it and vanished.
Sorry forgot to italicize the thoughts earlier. Hopefully its easier to read now. Chapter 29: a Temple, a Lift and a Queen Here is chapter 29. I wanted to post it yesterday but some things came up. Check out my other stuff on https://yougots.wordpress.com/ Enjoy
Otis felt the stone tug on his hand. It did not move instead he was surrounded by darkness and squeezed by an unseen pressure on. He had been here before but then he had entered it from within his mindscape. For a brief moment he feared that he would get lost in the Shadow Realm until the stone in his hand jerked him to the left, then to the right, then up, backwards and to the left again. It went on like that for an unknown amount of time as these kinds things throw off one¡¯s perception. Otis had learned that in the Halls. He had panicked the first time but eventually he realized there was nothing you could do about it except to just roll with it. Strangely he did find the shadows comforting, at least in theory his body on the other hand just felt like it did not belong. The shadow¡¯s wanted to be where he was standing, well, relatively standing because who knows he could be lying flat, sideways, upside down or a combination of all of them. All he knew is that it felt like he was standing and the shadows wanted this spot. The only problem to that was the shadows did not want him anywhere else either. Otis was tense. His every muscle, bone and fiber fought to stop him from being crushed by the shadow. The more he pushed it away the more the shadow pushed back. Until the shadows wore him down, their pressure was unending and he had already been tired. Otis¡¯s defenses slipped and the shadow passed through him occupying the space he stood in as he was standing in it. It did not crush him like Otis feared instead it poured into him like his body was a cup. The shadows readily merged with his body like it had with his mind and he greedily absorbed it until he was no longer squeezed. The shadow and he were one. The shadow realm became clear, not in a sense of sight but in physical awareness. Otis righted himself so he was no longer upside down. It was as simple as doing a flip in the air. The dark world sped past him as he moved towards his destination. The stone no longer turned or moved any direction other than straight and instead the shadow moved and bent around him. He was confident that he could drop the stone and he would still end up at the same place. The only thing he lacked was the knowledge of how to exit. The shadows folded and a doorway opened in front of him. The stone pulled him through it and into the world. Everything went still except for Otis¡¯s stomach. It would have emptied on to the ground if there was anything left that had not been emptied earlier. The others in Rose Team were not so lucky. ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Caeanos spoke breathlessly as he was hunched over on all fours. ¡°Not cool at all! The rain that pounded the pavement nearly drowned out his words as it washed away their collective stomach matter. ¡°This one concurs.¡± ¡°Never, never again!¡± They all got to their feet after a bit looking a bit green and holding their stomachs. ¡°Where are we? One of you must have grabbed the stone and brought us here.¡± ¡°This is...¡± ¡°Home.¡± Kavdiir and Caeanos interrupted Sonashi, they were staring at the grand temple that stood before them. An illuminated garden path ran from the street to its pure white stone stairs. Its domed cathedral that shined bright in the rainy night. ¡°Temple of Elder Lord Enos. These ones cannot be here, the upper districts are not safe for the lower races.¡± Kavdiir hissed through his clenched teeth as he dragged Otis and the others into a small nook where buildings joined together. It was not much cover but better than standing in the middle of the street. ¡°We must leave before we have been spotted it is a long way down to the under district.¡± ¡°Brother did you forget these ones can hide in Violam¡¯s shadow? These ones should use the lift, it can take us to the lower districts quickly.¡± Caeanos grinned. ¡°I have always wanted to ride that damn thing. If I brag about it when we get home touching tails with a female will be much easier.¡± ¡°Ew.¡± Sonashi said looking greener than she normally did. ¡°I have no clue where we are so I am leaving the plans to you. But if this lift gets us somewhere safe faster I am in.¡± ¡°Violam, the lift is dangerous only the elite races and soldiers can use it but it will probably be safer than these ones crossing the checkpoints in the upper districts. Sister Sonashi is that fine? You look sick?¡± ¡°Yes, I am fine. That damn stone of his got the better of me but I agree let¡¯s take the lift.¡± ¡°We must have been spotted, there is at least ten people heading our directions so let''s get moving.¡± Kavdiir nodded. ¡°Use your shadow and line up the same as before.¡± ¡°Has this one ever told you how great your intuition is?¡± ¡°Caeanos you could stand to tell me more often and it is called [Aura Sense]. It is a skill of mine that tells me where threats are.¡± Sonashi¡¯s eyebrow rose at Otis¡¯s half-truth. It was an unexpected admission as he never talked about his abilities outside of the obvious ones. They lined up and Otis push his shadow over them. It took less effort than ever, the others were covered in shadow the moment they chained together. The Ogrite temple guards were running down the stairs as their aura leaked killing intent. Otis could tell they were much stronger than the average soldier in the Farg Legion. Kavdiir led them around corners and through a series of streets. Once they were a safe distance from the temple they slowed their pace. In the past the shadows would grow unstable if he moved too fast but now it had been hardly disturbed while running and covering four people. ¡°Who were those guards? They were strong, at least stronger than a mere guard should be.¡± ¡°Quiet. We will be at the lift soon and if you have not noticed the rain is not doing these ones any favors.¡± Kavdiir warned. He was right, even if they were shadowed the rain still hit them and the water still splashed beneath their feet. ¡°Then it will not matter.¡± Caeanos whispered. ¡°If they are paying attention they will hear us anyway. Violam, the Temple Guards are chosen from the most decorated of the Farg Legion. Those ones probably came from Elder Lord Enos¡¯s Legion.¡± Kavdiir sighed giving up on keeping Caeanos silent. ¡°That is also why the Upper Districts checkpoints are dangerous. They are all guarded by the Legion''s most decorated. While the lower districts are more laxed and the Under Districts almost have no guarded checkpoints but there are roving patrols to keep the lower races in line. The lifts main purpose is to move soldiers quickly through the districts to stop any nuisances.¡± They stopped across the street from a well-guarded stone structure. They were armed with the same rifles Otis had seen in the dream it was not something wanted to be hit with. ¡°Now these ones must wait until someone comes to use the lift and follow them on.¡± It was not long before two guards ran up to the guards at the lift. Otis recognized their auras, they were among the group at the temple. They must still be looking for them. After a short discussion the lift guards moved away and allow them to enter the stone structure. Kavdiir gave no notice as he started to run for the door. Rose Team moved as one keeping pace with their leader. They remained attached to not disturb the shadow and darted through the opening in the guards and into the stone structure. The room they entered was large and could reasonably hold 30 standing people. Rose Team placed themselves at the rear of the lift far away from the two guards. The lift shook as it started its descent and they all watch the floors countdown on the screen with baited breathe. After descending over a dozen floors Otis overheard the guard¡¯s whisper. ¡°We have successfully lured the insurgents onto the lift. They are equipped with a C grade cloaking device. Be ready on UP 3 as planned. Understood.¡± The guard gave a slight nod to the other one and he reached for a button on the lift. [Temple Guard Kardu - Level 36] [Temple Guard Mokokk - Level 38] Otis raced forward breaking the shadow. ¡°Gack!¡± He heard from Kavdiir in the background, the guards heard it as well. The second guard jabbed the button before he could reach them. Otis grabbed the shoulder of the first guard and slammed him into the wall. ¡°Wish you hadn¡¯t done that friend. This would have all gone much better for you.¡± Otis kick the back of the guards knee snapping it the wrong direction and tossed him back to others. The other guard pulled out his pistol, Otis stepped out of the guard¡¯s line of fire just before he pulled the trigger. The guard let out several rounds in quick succession never able to get Otis in his line of sight. Otis¡¯s fist rose up hitting the guards chin taking the Ogrite off the ground next Otis¡¯s swift kick caught him in the stomach slamming him in the wall. The guard did not stand back up. The first guard laughed wildly after everything had settled. ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere fools, this lift is on lockdown now.¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°It means they have shut off the lift. These ones are stuck between the floors. Now, they will send guards to attack the lift.¡± Kavdiir yelled. ¡°Your rash behavior continues to cause us nothing but trouble.¡± ¡°Quiet, Brother Kavdiir I am sure Violam has his reasons for acting.¡± Caeanos stared at Otis awaiting his excuse. Sonashi brushed past Otis to the guard on the ground. ¡°I overheard them. They somehow knew we were here and they were going to stop the lift at UP 3.¡± ¡°Gack! How did you know?¡± Caeanos kicked the wounded guard. ¡°You think we are blind to such a weak cloaking device. Our optics picked you up immediately when you were watching the lift.¡± The guard said with a smug grin hiding his pain. ¡°How do we get the lift going again?¡± ¡°Never telling.¡± The guard¡¯s words were slurred and drool had accumulated on the side of his mouth. ¡°Gack! They have activated his death sequence. Spit it out! Tell these ones how to start the lift again!¡± Caeanos kicked the man in the face. ¡°They always said there would be no pain. They were right you can torture all you want but I will never feel any of it.¡± ¡°I found it!¡± Sonashi shouted from behind them. She was holding a paper in her hand. ¡°He had the code written down.¡± ¡°What?¡± The guard said hazily. ¡°That f-fool.¡± ¡°These ones no longer need you.¡± Caeanos finished the guard. Sonashi stood at the panel and typed in the numbers. Otis grabbed the guard''s clothes that she had left on the ground and threw them in his bag. Kavdiir disrobed the other guard and Otis stored those as well. ¡°What level do we go to?¡± Kavdiir gave Sonashi a searching look before responding. ¡°Lower District two¡± ¡°Not the under districts?¡± ¡°No these ones do not want the guards to know where what level we are going to.¡± The lift lurched downwards once again. ¡°Violam leave the weapon it is keyed into certain people it will not work for you. It will probably just blow you up.¡± Kavdiir warned as he saw Otis reach the second guard''s weapon that had been flung to the other side of the room. ¡°Alright then.¡± Otis jerked his hand back. ¡°So why were they taking us to UP 3?¡± ¡°Gack! Upper Patrol room three, they were going to drop us into the middle of a military base. If you had not stopped them there would have been no escape for these ones.¡± Caeanos responded while giving Kavdiir a look of admonishment.¡± ¡°Yes, this one apologies for the outburst. You were acting in our best interest.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. What about the cloaking device business? The guard said it was a C grade device.¡± ¡°The Farg have many weapons and cloaking devices are one of them.¡± This time Sonashi answered. ¡°A ¡®C¡¯ grade device is better than average but it will not escape their optics. An ¡®A¡¯ grade device would have. Your shadows only worked in the Legion because machines, electronics and other complicated devices just do not work once they pass the gate. It is considered a training ground just for that reason, it allows new soldiers to hone their core abilities.¡± ¡°If it is just considered a training ground why the hell was Legion there?¡± ¡°These ones will discuss this later. The lift is about to arrive at lower district two. Line up and use the shadows again. They may useless in the Upper Districts but here the guards will not be as well equipped.¡± At first Otis feared that when the lift stopped they would be swarmed by guards but upon closer inspection of the panel there was 136 floors. He doubted that they could mobilize a significant force on every floor. They would have to move fast once the doors opened though, there may not be an army at their doors right now but once it is known what floor they exited on it will be flooded by soldiers quickly. They stood just to the side of the doors cloaked in Otis¡¯s shadow. The two dead guards laid on the opposite side of the lift in hopes that it would distract the soldiers enough to make their escape easier. The lift doors slid open and the first wave of guards entered. ¡°Check every square inch of this lift and someone get the medic.¡± ¡°I am here, sir.¡± ¡°What are you waiting for go check on them!¡± Rose Team darted through the door just missing the next batch of soldiers the entered. There thirty guards total and fifteen guards waiting outside of the lift. Their levels were all lower twenties. There was recognition on the face of one of them as Rose Team slipped through their ranks. ¡°They¡¯re here! They are wearing a cloaking device.¡± The news must not have reached this level. The guard leveled his rifle at them but the hallway was tight and Kavdiir had woven through the guards placing a few between Rose Team and the Ogrite that could see them. The guards eventually pulled themselves together and responded to the Ogrite¡¯s call. They aimlessly fired at Rose Team but by that time they had already exited the lift building. No one spoke they just followed Kavdiir since he seemed to know where they were going. It was strangely dark as there was no light that filtered down from the moon or stars and the air was stale. Otis was used to there not being any stars but this was different almost like he was in a cave. Then he saw with his enhanced vision that there was a solid concrete ceiling over his head. It was high enough to allow the twenty story buildings that line the street they were running down. The building were not the white stone he had seen in the dreams or the temple for that matter instead they were made of glass or concrete. They ran a few more blocks before the roof gave way to rain and cloudy skies. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. They slowed down to a walk since there was a dense fog that covered the streets. It was late so there was not many people out but it was best to move slowly to avoid running into anyone. Many businesses were still open as the fog was colored a pink hue from their neon signs that were bright enough to cut through it. The brightness of the signs told Otis that this fog was not a rare occurrence. Also that they were not in nicest of areas, there were signs that advertised topless dwarven dancers, bars and any other flavor of entertainment. Kavdiir had angled their train towards what was either a butcher shop, a restaurant or something more questionable since the one of the signs on the establishment stated ¡®Linnare Tail Served Here¡¯. Otis breathed a sigh of relief that it was sandwich/butcher shop and not just somewhere Kavdiir came to get some quick jollies. The dwarf sitting behind the counter looked up from his newspaper and looked around in suspicion then back to his newspaper. ¡°Get out of the doorway you idiots. You are all over the radio.¡± The dwarf whispered harshly as he licked his index finger and turned the page. ¡°I left the door unlocked for you. You know the way and tell your mother I will be there later.¡± A crooked smirk showed on the side of the dwarf¡¯s mouth as they passed him. [Darmyl Redbraid - Level 23] They found the hidden door along the back wall of the shop. It opened to a small unlit staircase. The walls in it were only shoulder width for Otis so for the broad shouldered Linnare they could not walk down them comfortably. Sonashi was just fine despite the astonished look on her face. ¡°Where does this lead to?¡± Otis asked as he dropped the shadow. ¡°The stairs will take these ones to where we need to go but the walls are thin so keep your voice down.¡± ¡°Can you start with where we are?¡± ¡°These ones are on Lower District two almost to Lower District one, just twenty more till reach our floor.¡± Kavdiir stated with smile, for the first time since Otis had met the Linnare he looked happy. ¡°You know what I mean. You and Caeanos said this was home?¡± Otis questioned but the group stopped. There was the sound of a scuffle and shouting coming from the other side of the wall. They all quieted down and held their breath to listen. ¡°Are you hiding them? We know you dwarves are sympathizers?¡± ¡°We haven¡¯t done anything. We don¡¯t even know what you are talking about.¡± ¡°You are coming with me.¡± The guard¡¯s laugh dripped with cruelty. ¡°Give your excuses to the Neuromancers.¡± Otis could hear the couples¡¯ wails through the walls. ¡°Search the place we are looking for four insurgents and two of them are lizards.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go but be quiet. We cannot afford to stay here.¡± Sonashi whispered as she pushed Caeanos forward. They heard the guards searching for them a couple times during their descent but they never found the stair case. They were all ragged and tired by the time they made it to the door Kavdiir wanted. He motioned for them all to wait as he stepped through the door. After a minute he returned. ¡°It is clear, come on we are almost there.¡± They entered into an abandoned warehouse and down a series of hallways. The warehouse may have been abandoned but there were signs of use. Otis did not cover them in shadow as Kavdiir said it was unnecessary, they were not going outside and half of the warehouse was destroyed so there was no other entrance to it. A few of the machines still looked clean and well-oiled and there was a lack of dirt and dust you normally find in an abandoned structure. Typically it did not take nature long to reclaim lost land once humanity stopped interfering. Otis noted that Kavdiir had an unusual skip to his step the closer they got to their destination. While Caeanos had become lost in thought and his face lost the humor that could normally be seen on it. ¡°This used to be a weapons factory. These ones were forced to work here.¡± He whispered. ¡°If it was used to make weapons, why would they abandon it? You would think the Farg could always use more weapons.¡± ¡°Technology changed.¡± Caeanos shrugged as he ran his hand over what appeared to be an old broken lathe. It stood out among the other working machines. ¡°Weapons became more advanced so they moved facilities. Any Linnare who could not be placed into a different position were executed.¡± Otis winced at the answer. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit much? Couldn¡¯t they just find another job?¡± ¡°No, these ones are not working a job. The Linnare are a recently conquered race. These ones are slaves until the Blood Debt is paid.¡± Kavdiir interrupted. ¡°How many years until the Blood Debt is paid?¡± ¡°A Blood Debt is not paid in years since some races can have much longer life spans. It is paid in family generations. The Linnare owe four and a half generations. Sonashi how many generations are left with your people?¡± Sonashi was startled by the question. She had been studying their surroundings a majority of the time outside the lift. ¡°Ah...the Legion wiped out my people I am the last of my kind so I guess the blood debt ends with me.¡± ¡°Unless you plan to repopulate your race.¡± Caeanos elbowed her side. ¡°Your race does look awfully close to the ugly humans.¡± He chuckled as he dodged her stare and came up beside Otis. Sonashi¡¯s tired eyes bore a hole in the back of Caeanos¡¯s head as she spoke. ¡°So where are we now? Many of the walls are made of dirt and rock. Are we must be underground.¡± ¡°Yes the under districts are underground. These ones are sixteen floors down.¡± Sonashi sucked in her breathe. ¡°This is a vertical city? So that means the surface ¡­¡± She trailed off as she seems to pale. ¡°Was gassed.¡± Kavdiir finished. ¡°Yes its previous inhabitants fought back to the point that the Legion gassed the planet.¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°Violam, it means that the surface of the planet is uninhabitable. Even if you could survive the poison the dense gas cloud blocks out the sun and make it impossible to breathe the air. Nothing living on the planet can survive. These caves we are in are sealed and manmade so the gas cannot enter. How much longer until the gas clears?¡± She turned to ask Kavdiir as they filed into a room that looked like it had once been used as an office. ¡°This one does not know.¡± He answered as he began searching the room. ¡°The Linnare were brought here after it was already gassed. Brother Caeanos and I are second generation. It could be another several hundred years until the gas clears up.¡± Sonashi was visibly disturbed by this planet''s awful fate. The gray man said he would destroy Earth, Otis thought. Is this what he meant? I cannot let this happen he needs to be stopped but there is more than one Legion how can I stop them all? I don¡¯t even know where they are. ¡°Do not worry we are safe for now.¡± Sonashi misjudged Otis¡¯s dire expression and patted his shoulder in support. ¡°Thanks.¡± He responded, there was no reason to correct her because if anything her sentiment had made him feel a little better. He had hoped that it might be a sign of the first steps to rebuilding their friendship but he knew better. So he decided to not read too much into it and chalked it up to her being dead tired and not thinking straight. ¡°Kavdiir I believe you got your directions mixed up.¡± Otis quipped to lighten the conversation as he watched the Linnare circle the room several times. ¡°Maybe we should just find some place to sleep. We have all been on the move without rest for a while now.¡± Kavdiir had ignored Otis at first but then dramatically turned to the group with a smug grin as he pounded his tail against the floor in rhythm. After a minute with no response his smile shrank. ¡°It was a good plan Brother Kavdiir but this one fears that she no longer uses these tunnels. This one thinks we just give up on this plan and find another way off planet.¡± Caeanos turned to leave when a hidden hatch flung open startling Otis and Sonashi. ¡°Gack!¡± Could you not wait for one more minute this one almost got to leave?¡± A large Linnare exited the hole in the floor while giving Caeanos a confused look. Kavdiir dismissed Caeanos¡¯s complaint and spoke to the guard. At least Otis thought they were speaking, their language were guttural grunts turned into words but with structure. They finished their conversation and Kavdiir turn to Caeanos with a look that a hunter gives when a trap is successful. ¡°After you Brother Caeanos. You cannot run now.¡± He stepped aside as Caeanos despondently shuffled his feet forward and climbed down into the hatch. The rest quickly followed him down. They stepped off the ladder to be welcomed by armed Linnare guards. Their guns did not match the ones that the Farg guards had used. They were guns created from the machines in the abandoned warehouse. The guards eyed Otis¡¯s sabre for a moment but dismissed it as they did not believe he or it to be much of a threat. The guards grunted and told the group to keep moving in slurred Farg. They passed more armed guards as they traveled deeper into the tunnel. The walls were adorned with artwork and artifacts that felt out of place for the dimly lit cave. Otis lent Sonashi a shoulder as she found that her feet no longer follower her command but soon that was not enough. Otis picked her up and carried her so her feet would not drag against the floor. ¡°I have not forgiven you. I need some time but, but this is nice.¡± Sonashi mumbled as her head dropped against his shoulder. She had the worst injuries out of Rose Team after their night in the cages and any energy she had after that was long spent. ¡°I understand so get some rest.¡± Otis tried to keep the smile from his voice but failed. ¡°That did not take long.¡± Caeanos snickered. ¡°I thought she would hold out longer. Kavdiir how much do I owe you?¡± ¡°Brother you owe this one three of your best throwing knives.¡± ¡°When did you have time to place bets? And this isn¡¯t what it looks like she¡¯s just tired.¡± Otis defended himself. ¡°Oh really?¡± Caeanos held his knives back close to his chest away from Kavdiir¡¯s greedy grasp. ¡°My feet hurt will you carry me?¡± ¡°Hell no!¡± ¡°Gack! Here are your knives Brother but be careful next time because these two are dumb.¡± ¡°This one does not need to worry. You always lose your bets Brother Caeanos and you never learn.¡± Their large Linnare guide gestured to a large metal doorway and grunted. ¡°Stop playing if you know what is good for you. We are here, just go through the door.¡± Rose Team and their guards filed into the brightly lit room. The door slammed the door slammed shut and locked. A few Linnare rushed over to cover the massive security door with a decadent curtain. A feminine voice purred garnering Otis¡¯s attention and even Sonashi stirred in his arms. ¡°So finally my son has returned. Welcome home Prince Caeanos.¡± [Queen Aludi - Level 41 the Displaced Queen] Caeanos hurriedly took a knee before the Queen¡¯s modest throne of stone and lackluster gems. The Queen¡¯s attendants and advisors looked over their tired group. Some of them in excitement at Caeanos¡¯s arrival while others were openly disgusted. Otis took particular notice of those who kept their expressions contained, they were the ones who peaked his [Aura Sense] the most. They were beyond the mere sycophants that always surrounded power. They were the plotters, planners and deceivers. As long as I am not in their plans I don¡¯t care. ¡°Yes Mother this one has returned.¡± Every inch of despondency was gone from Caeanos instead his back was straight and head held high full of pride. Otis stood at the back of the room far from the Queen. ¡°Sona, they must have gotten Kavdiir and Caeanos mixed up. Surely Kavdiir is the Prince, right? Maybe they were mixed at birth or something.¡± Otis whispered thinking he would not be overheard but the twitch of Caeanos¡¯s shoulders and Kavdiir¡¯s eyes rising in alarm said otherwise. ¡°Prince Caeanos who are these things?¡± The Queen¡¯s smile was frozen to her face but it was near breaking. ¡°Are they food to celebrate your victory? And why would they think your personal guard is good enough to be a Prince?¡± Caeanos sent a glare at Otis, who received it with a weak smile. ¡°Well Queen Mother you see Brother Kavdiir is the leader of our team.¡± The Queen¡¯s smile broke and a scowl took its place. ¡°And these two? Who are they?¡± The Queen spoke attempting to keep the growl from her voice but she was not entirely successful. ¡°These ones are friends and aided in this one¡¯s escape.¡± Caeanos shuddered in regret the moment those words left his lips. ¡°Escape? What do you mean escape?¡± Her voice rose in volume and intensity as she stood from her throne. ¡°Did you not complete the task you chose?¡± Caeanos¡¯s shoulders sunk as the weight of her voice pressed down on him. ¡°No my task is not completed.¡± ¡°Need I remind you that you may be my son but you cannot accept the title of Prince until your task is completed. There are others who are vying for your position. So tell me why have you return home in such a sorry state? In a state unbefitting a Prince. In your short time away have you forgotten what it means to be royalty? You come home like a dirty swamp rat beggar in rags!¡± ¡°This one has not forgotten what you have taught me. These ones work our way from being servants to soldiers in the Legion. If we had more time these ones might have completed the task but things went wrong. This one believes that we did weaken the Legion.¡± ¡°Your task was not to merely weaken the Legion! Have you forgotten what you told me and why you selected this task?¡± ¡°No but¡­¡± ¡°Enough!¡± The audience looked away from the Queen¡¯s rage many on the verge of fainting. ¡°General Atesha take them to their rooms. Tomorrow, you will formulate another plan to smuggle them through the gate. Caeanos you will finish your pledged task even if it kills you.¡± Side Story 2: Second Lieutenants Journal I am back with a short one. This time it is a side story though I do admit the beginning of it probably belonged in the last chapter. This side story is concerning one of the books Otis found in the gray man''s safe. Yep you guessed it; a journal. Journal are common things in many games. So why wouldn''t Otis find one here. But the real question is; who''s journal is it? https://yougots.wordpress.com/
Otis laid Sonashi down on one of the beds in their room. The guards separated them from Caeanos and Kavdiir and placed them in a room in the servant¡¯s quarters. According to Otis¡¯s map the underground complex was between two Under Districts and was an extensive series of rooms and corridors. He was thankful for the map because with it he could find his way out of the hidden complex if it all went bad. The only thing he had not retained during the transition to this world was countdown clock that had always ticked down in his vision. ¡°Sona, I know you are awake so you can stop faking it now.¡± Otis sat down on his bed and began to pull out his bags. The room was small but he was not going to complain. He spent much of his time in the Halls which for all intents and purposes was sleeping outside. In all honesty Otis preferred sleeping outside as there was something about being in this city that unnerved him and it had nothing to do with it being deep in the heartland of his enemy. Sonashi sighed and propped herself up. Her eyes were still droopy as she looked over the room. ¡°I am still tired you know and I would like to continue sleeping.¡± ¡°You were awake the moment we met the Queen so you can¡¯t be too tired. Besides I could have used your help in there.¡± ¡°Why should I help you? You ate your own foot just fine without any of my help.¡± She flashed him a sardonic smile before rolling over to face the wall. ¡°Yea, yea not saying my inner thoughts out loud is something I need to work on. It''s just been awhile since I have been around people.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± She spoke without looking back. ¡°N-nothing, everything was just so clouded by the Bloodrage.¡± Otis said cautiously as he looked over his seven bags and the letter that he place on his bed. In the bag that contained items from the gray man¡¯s safe and there was a large amount of money, 157,124, 246 ^/^ to be precise. He did not recognize the symbol but assumed that it denoted Farg currency. He ran his [Inspection] skill over the rest of the items. [Letter to the Traveler] [Plain letter written in Archian or Rantide depending on the reader] [Building a Traveler¡¯s Gate] [Instructions handwritten in Farg. Not Learnable through use of Magic] [Second Lieutenant¡¯s Journal] [Journal written in English by United States Army Second Lieutenant Matthew Thompson] [Rantide Language Tome] [Language Tome. Can be learned through use of Magic] [Archian Language Tome] [Language Tome. Can be learned through use of Magic] [Recall Stone] [Returns you, your party or whoever you are physically connected with to the town you have designated as your home. Cannot be used while in combat.] [Elixir of Intellect] x 11 [Increases Intellect by 15 for 30 minutes] [Elixir of Strength] x 14 [Increases Strength by 15 for 30 minutes] [Elixir of Lesser Agility] x 21 [Increases Agility by 15 for 30 minutes] [Elixir of Fortitude] x 12 [Increases Stamina by 15 for 30 minutes] [Elixir of Trolls Hide] x 23 [Increases Defense by 4 or Physical Resistance by 5 for 30 minutes] [Greater Healing Potion] x 16 [Restores 600 to 800 Health. 1 minute cooldown] [Greater Mana Potion] x 5 [Restores 1000 to 1100 Mana. 1 minute cooldown] ¡°Let¡¯s take a look at this letter first shall we.¡± Otis spoke to himself as he tore the letter open. Congratulations Traveler! You have successfully completed your first dungeon! Now that it is cleared you have freed the Rantide from their oppressive spider ruler. The tunnel between your two great nations is now open. Use the Language Tomes you have earned to build Human and Rantide relations. Find a lifelong friend by teaching them your language! Everything''s more fun with friends! Speaking of friends, your dungeon [Party] has received the same rewards as you from the [Chest] except for one randomly generated item. Feel free to trade that item amongst yourselves until everyone is happy with the result. Remember just because Vilenna is a harsh world it does not mean you have to be harsh to those around you! Good Luck on your journey Traveler! Otis flipped the letter over to check the other side but it was blank. ¡°That left a bad taste in my mouth.¡± He smacked his lips in attempt to remove it. ¡°Hey Sona what do you think of this?¡± He tossed the letter over landing behind her back. ¡°Ugh.¡± Her hand shot back like a vice snatching the letter. ¡°I do not think much of it since it is written in a language I do not understand. Now let me sleep.¡± She crumpled the letter and threw it to the ground. ¡°Ok but just so you know there is a shared bath at the end of the hall. Should I go first?¡± ¡°No!¡± Sonashi leapt from the bed and was out the door before Otis could say anything else. She had startled the guards but they led her to the bath without much complaint. ¡°It just shows how much we must stink. Now on let¡¯s learn to speak like an insect.¡± He summoned the tome to his hand and quickly consumed it. The golden glow was over in almost an instant. [Rantide Language Learned] Otis summoned the journal to his hand next. It was an interesting find and he was eager to learn how it ended up in the gray man¡¯s safe. January 2nd, 1942 Journal Entry #1 So my dad gave me this journal as a gift. A few buddies and I just enlisted in the US Army. He said writing my thoughts would help keep my mind healthy, that there are things you could see and do in war that could break a man. Well I guess before all that I should introduce myself. My name is Matthew Thompson and I am currently riding the bus to boot camp. There was sadness in my parent¡¯s eyes as I boarded the bus but I think there was pride there too. If this journal is found please return it to my father. Their phone number and address is listed below this entry. Otis stretched out on his small bed and flipped a few pages past the journal entries concerning boot camp. March 13th, 1942 Journal Entry # 26 I am finally being deployed. As you know I have been stuck here doing paperwork for the last few weeks while the rest of my friends have already landed in England. You would think I would be happy that I finally get to serve my country. But, you know where they are sending this Indiana boy? England? Africa? Australia? NO! I am being sent to god forsaken Oklahoma! Dad was right if I could not write this down I would crack. March 25th, 1942 Journal Entry # 32 The trip to my new station did not take long though if you asked me where this place is I would not be able to answer. The airfield we landed at looked like it was built yesterday and none of the streets had any lights or signs. As far as I know I am assigned guard duty for some science facility. I spend a majority of my day filling out paperwork. Something called a non-disclosure agreement and a death and liability clause among others. Sally assured me it was standard operation procedure. Sally is a dish, she almost makes this whole assignment worthwhile. Speaking of my assignment I start tomorrow. April 15th, 1942 Journal Entry # 41 Guard duty is tiresome and apparently this facility is studying some children. I do not understand why they need guards for a government funded day care. Oh well, it is above my pay grade to care and I have heard that some other guards have been sent away for asking too many questions. Tomorrow I am going to try to speak to Sally again. I am sure she is going steady with some other guy but I do not care. Wish me luck! May 22th, 1942 Journal Entry # 72 I have been promoted and I now have a secret clearance. Roy abandoned his post but no one knows why. The scientist all seem very nice if not a bit detached. I received some letters from Jimmy and the old gang. It sounds like they are having a gas in Britain. June 3rd, 1942 Journal Entry # 76 I saw one of those ¡®kids¡¯ today. It sent a shiver down my back. I am glad I was armed. June 6th, 1942 Journal Entry # 77 The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. I have a date with Sally tonight! There is not much to do on the base so we are just taking a drive in her car. Wish me luck! June 7th, 1942 Journal Entry # 78 Its early morning I just got back. I must have said the right things because Oh Boy! July 9th, 1942 Journal Entry # 86 I am guarding the inner facilities now. Those ¡®kids¡¯ still creep me out with their red eyes and gray skin. But the doctors are all excited it sounds like they have made a breakthrough. I know I am not supposed to ask questions but one excited man told me they are developing the next generation of soldier. Whatever that means. Also, Sally and I are going steady! The other guards are not too happy about it but it really is none of their business. August 13th, 1942 Journal Entry # 98 There was an accident in the lab today. I was not there to witness it but I saw one of my fellow guards, Gregory, and a scientist wheeled out in a stretcher. They were violent and had to be restrained. They had the same red glow in their eyes that the ¡®kids¡¯ have. August 15th, 1942 Journal Entry # 101 I was shocked to see Gregory again. He is in the glass cell with the ¡®kids¡¯. He is not the only adult in the cell there is another that the ¡®kids¡¯ refer to as the Preacher. I did not see him I only overheard some of the scientist talking about him. September 1st, 1942 Journal Entry # 112 The fella¡¯s are telling me to not to get too attached to Sally that she is just a share crop. I told them off they are just trying to make me look like a fool. Teddy thinks so too. He may be one of the ¡®kids¡¯ but he is not like the rest. I needed someone to talk to last night during guard duty and his cell is one of the few with an intercom. He turned out to be surprisingly insightful. September 22nd, 1942 Journal Entry #135 I found Gregory with his stomach split open when I went on duty today. Somehow one of the ¡®kids¡¯ got a knife. When I was making my rounds I found him standing over Greg¡¯s body pulling out his entrails. I do not think I will ever get the image out of my mind. How could a child do such a thing? No, I have to remind myself that these things are not children. The doctor said we do not know where they came from but they can heal fast and have strength way beyond what a child should possess. I do not think I should talk to Teddy anymore. September 24th, 1942 Journal Entry #137 Today I was reprimanded for asking too many questions. Anymore questions and I would not like the consequences. September 26th, 1942 Journal Entry #138 Today we executed the ¡®kid¡¯ that gutted Gregory. You would think that was the end of it but he stood back up. He took ten bullets and stood back up like it was nothing. I cannot stay here. These things are little demons! We are making a deal with the devil trying to possess their power. October 14th, 1942 Journal Entry #157 I know I have been on edge the past few entries but Teddy was right I needed to cool off. I feel much better now. October 30th, 1942 Journal Entry #183 Teddy had really turned out to be the only friend I have in this place. Ever since Sally went missing a few weeks ago it has not been the same around here. November 5th, 1942 Journal Entry #191 I met the Preacher today. Another guard has abandoned their post so my patrol has been expanded. He was not like I expected. He was just a frail old man nothing like the energetic and playful kids. I do not understand why he has been separated from the others. I got a letter from my father today. They want to know why I have stopped mailing them. I know they are disappointed in my deployment but I am doing good work here. They would not understand. November 17th, 1942 Journal Entry #221 My fellow guards harassed me again today. They still think I had something to do with Sally¡¯s disappearance. They do not believe me when I tell them I had nothing to do with it. I am tired of their harassment and my supervisors are not doing anything about it. My supervisors are probably on their side anyway. I left them a surprise at the end of my shift this morning. December 6th, 1942 Journal Entry #234 They say the accident was due to contaminated drinking water in the labs. That some ¡®kids¡¯ blood got in it and they all went mad but I think they were already crazy, messing with things they do not understand. Things they could never understand. Teddy thinks they got what they deserved. These scientist are attempting to walk in the true god''s domain. The experiments have been put on hold until they figure out the source. New scientist are going to be shipped in and they should be here in a month. December 25, 1942 Journal Entry #275 Merry Christmas! I saw vision of the man in chains in my dreams again. I cannot see his face but I know he is speaking to me. He uses a language that I cannot understand but even if it is incomprehensible it sounds beautiful. Teddy told me that my visions are of the one true god and if I am seeing him then I am one of the chosen just like the ¡®kids¡¯. I do not know anything about being chosen I am only here to serve my country. January 4th, 1943 Journal Entry #343 As promised I am not drawing another picture of the man in chains. I only have one thing to say though. Tomorrow is the day. Teddy says that the Preacher has something he needs. January 5th, 1943 Journal Entry #392 Teddy offered me a small bite of the Preacher¡¯s heart. I declined even though it looked strangely like a dark red fruit. He split the heart between him and his friend, the Butcher¡¯s boy who had split open Gregory. The fruit had magical powers. Teddy and the Butcher¡¯s boy aged right before my eyes. I returned them to their cells and made sure there were no witnesses. January 7th, 1943 Journal Entry #476 I hope you have liked my drawings of the true god. Teddy and the Butcher¡¯s boy removed the fruits from all of the other ¡®kids¡¯. January 12th, 1943 Journal Entry #522 Teddy told me that the true god¡¯s servant will be coming to retrieve them soon. I accepted their offer. I will leave with them when the time comes. January 27th, 1943 Final Journal Entry I am sorry Matthew but there is no place at my side available for those who have not sampled the fruit of corruption. I will write your final journal entry for you as you currently lack the means to do so. But do not worry I will complete this task for you before you breathe your last breath. You have been a trusted friend and confidant during these trying times while I await my master¡¯s servant. It was fortunate for us to meet. Through me you finally could reach your full potential, count yourself lucky that you could contribute even a minute amount to my noble cause. By allowing me to eat the Preacher¡¯s fruit of corruption I have shed the last vestments of my humanity. My Master¡¯s servant has come to retrieve the Butcher and me and unfortunately, your blood has run dry on my quill. My time on Earth has reached its end but I will return and behind me will be an army of my Master¡¯s creation. I will scour the Earth and rid it of your kind. So for that I must say thank you friend. Yours Truly, Edgar Theodore Blythe ¡°Well that was unsettling.¡± Otis closed the journal. ¡°Sona, I guess it''s my turn for a bath.¡± Otis watch the woman crawl into her bed. ¡°Yes, you smell like a dwarf¡¯s ass.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had such a strange hobby.¡± ¡°Just go! I cannot sleep with your stench.¡± She hissed. ¡°You love it and you know it¡± Otis said as he ran out of the room. There was a thud in the door as he closed it, looking back he saw the tip of a knife sticking out. Otis looked at his surprised Linnare guards. ¡°Would you fine gentle...lizards show me the way to the baths. Apparently I smell bad enough to warrant murder.¡±
Boom! I hope you enjoyed that. I know it was a little different from what I normally write and to be honest it was nice to have a break from the usual. I will be back next week with a new chapter. Fingers crossed for Monday morning but no promises. Chapter 30: a Mother, a Nap and a Lunch Howdy, Chapter 30 is here. I don¡¯t care too much for the title of this chapter but who reads those anyways. One change from chapter 29 is that Atesha is no longer a General she is First Captain. It is only a title it basically holds the same position. Enjoy https://yougots.wordpress.com/
The following morning the Linnare guards led Otis and Sonashi to Caeanos¡¯s chambers, not that Otis needed the help between his map and [Aura Sense] he knew the placement of everyone and everything in the compound. He knew who was already awaiting them in Caeanos¡¯s room before the door even opened but it still did not prepare him for what he saw. [First Captain Atesha - Level 45] ¡°Hello First Captain At¡­¡± Otis was at a loss for words as he stepped into the Prince¡¯s chambers. ¡°Kavdiir, so these are your friends!¡± General Atesha squealed. Unlike Otis¡¯s chamber¡¯s, the Prince¡¯s chambers had a sitting room. The almost seven foot Linnare was so close to Kavdiir they were basically attached while sitting on a princely sofa. Her tail was wrapped around his waist and arms around his neck pulling Kavdiir¡¯s head into her chest. I knew there was no such thing as personal space but this is too much isn¡¯t it? ¡°And why can I not hold my son? I have not seen him in over five years, you know?¡± Ugh, I spoke out loud again! ¡°Kavdiir is your son? It is nice to meet you.¡± Otis approached her with his hand held out. Her tail wound itself around Otis¡¯s arm and pulled him into her reach. Before he knew it Otis found himself in a one arm hug next to Kavdiir. ¡°Five years? This one has only been with the Legion for over a year?¡± Kavdiir struggled to speak as he caught his breath, his mother had loosened her grip on him to hug Otis. Sonashi watched the three of them in fear as she firmly pressed her back to the wall to stay out of the First Captain¡¯s reach. ¡°Gack.¡± Atesha exclaimed but the sound was different from Caeanos and Kavdiir. Atesha¡¯s was less surprise, more in annoyance and definitely more feminine. ¡°You are home with family and friends there is no need to speak so formally. I have missed you so much these five years. Yes I am sure it has been five years I am your mother I would have known if it was just a year. So learn from your friend here and stop squirming. And by the way what is your name Kavdiir¡¯s friend?¡± ¡°O-Otis.¡± He pulled Atesha¡¯s arm away just long enough to squeeze his name out. Another squeal came into the chamber grabbing everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Caeanos!¡± The Queen launched herself into Caeanos who had been oddly silent and standing far away from this entire time. At some point she had wrapped up Sonashi too and pulled them both into a hug. ¡°I am sorry about the show last night but you know how it is when the senate is in. I cannot show any favorites. The senators have their own champion they would like to become Prince. And shame on you Atesha, sneaking off and leaving me with those old dirty water snakes this morning.¡± She frowned and stuck her tongue out at the First Captain. ¡°So tell me what have you been doing for the last five years?¡± Caeanos struggled to speak as he clawed and pulled at his mother¡¯s arm. ¡°My my you have gotten weak. A Prince cannot be weak so now that you are home you start to train again.¡± She smiled revealing her sharp fangs and softened her hug as she looked over her son in concern. Caeanos and Sonashi gasped for air the moment the Queen loosened her hold. ¡°No mother you just have gotten stronger.¡± He panted while the Queen beamed at the compliment. ¡°Like Kavdiir said, it has only been a year since we were smuggled into the Legion. Are you sure it has been five?¡± ¡°Of course I am sure.¡± She squeezed him harder and rubbed her cheek against his. ¡°You are my only son and speak up girls do not like a mumbler, it is not cool. How do you expect to find a wife if you cannot even speak clearly.¡± ¡°Yes mother. This one¡­¡± Caeanos was cut off by the squeeze of his mother¡¯s arm. ¡°I-I understand. Where is sister?¡± ¡°At the meeting with the advisors this morning, that Atesha skipped, your sister and her team was sent to scout the gate. We have to smuggle you and your friends back to the Legion. As much as I wish you could stay with me you still have your task to complete. Speaking of friends can you introduce them to your mother?¡± ¡°This one is Otis.¡± Atesha spoke first as she lifted Otis to rub her cheek against his. She took extra care to keep her horns from cutting his soft skin. ¡°He may be ugly but he is strong. I think he could have even escaped my hug if he tried and he makes a lot of heat. Hey Kavdiir does he have a mate?¡± ¡°Mother you are at least three times his age.¡± ¡°Aw don¡¯t say that. I am a young 82 years.¡± She pouted. Otis held his hand showing his fingers to Kavdiir. ¡°Five? She¡¯s five times older than you?¡± Otis would have held up more but his other arm was pinned down. ¡°Eh. He¡¯s barely hatched then too young for me. Maybe Ilesha will like him. What do you think Aludi?¡± ¡°You know my daughter only has eyes for Kavdiir and from the looks of his cute little shocked face he feels the same.¡± The Queen answered while rubbing her cheek against Sonashi. ¡°And what is your name dear? My son still has a lot to learn about etiquette. ¡°S-Sonashi.¡± Aludi squealed the moment she heard the name. ¡°What a cute name! How about it? Do you like my son?¡± ¡°Mother!¡± Caeanos hissed. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you have teased us enough?¡± ¡°Aww fine.¡± She released the two from their hug. ¡°Let¡¯s have a seat and discuss the plans from this morning meeting. Atesha you should release them now.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to! Otis, you do not mind right?¡± ¡°I mind!¡± Kavdiir shouted and pulled out of his mother¡¯s hug as it loosened. ¡°Go my worthless son. I have found a new favorite son now.¡± She wrapped her arms and tail around Otis and pulled him closer. ¡°He¡¯s so warm.¡± ¡°Yes, I think we have some news for you Queen Aludi.¡± Otis spoke from Atesha¡¯s lap. ¡°Oh and what would that be sweetie?¡± She stared at Atesha not bothering to hide jealousy on her face. ¡°Your plan is to smuggle us back through the gate right?¡± Otis asked as he pulled Atesha¡¯s arm down from his neck. ¡°That is right.¡± Her eyes narrowed a bit at the question. She was not used to being the one with less information so she was suspicious of what he could tell her that she did not already know. ¡°That is going to be a problem you see we destroyed the gate on the Legion¡¯s side.¡± Silence took the room and Atesha¡¯s arms gripped Otis tighter as she stopped rubbing against his cheek. The Queen¡¯s eye twitched as she looked over to Caeanos. ¡°Son, is this true?¡± ¡°Yes, mother we destroyed the gate and took their instruction manual so they could not rebuild it. At least not anytime soon.¡± A wild grin took Queen Aludi¡¯s face. ¡°I only expected that maybe you killed a sub commander but this. I am glad I shut you up last night before you announced it to the senate. Did someone tell you? We need to change plans¡­¡± She trailed off lost in thought. ¡°Tell me what?¡± ¡°Two years after you left another challenger for the title of Prince appeared. He is backed by at least half of the senate. His chosen task is to destroy the gate. We believe it is to stop you and Kavdiir from returning. Our reports say that he has failed two attempts so far and will be attempting again soon. He has gained the allegiance of many of the younger generation and is getting closer every time. But now.¡± Atesha laughed as she petted Otis¡¯s head finding that his hair feels interesting and fluffy. ¡°If it is already destroyed. He has lost. We have spent so much effort in stopping the young from rallying to his cause and in one night, Caeanos, you tear him down.¡± ¡°I did not do much and besides it was Kavdiir¡¯s plan. Violam¡± Caeanos gave Otis a strange look as he just realized Otis gave a different name. ¡°Otis probably even killed sub-commanders and thousands of Farg soldiers. Sonashi is smart and always has the good ideas. I did not do much.¡± Caeanos looked away from his mother¡¯s concerned eyes. She had finally came out of her thoughts when she saw her son in pain. Queen Aludi wanted to wrap her son up in a hug but resisted. She cannot always be there to pick him up and she knew it. She wanted him to be the next leader of the Linnare. He had it in him but it was up to him to find it. A Prince, no a King cannot be crippled with self-doubt. A mother can only do so much to help her son get over those feelings but doing too much for him could cause other problems all together. So she was relieved when someone else spoke up in her stead even if it came from the unlikeliest source in the room. ¡°You know you earned your place on Rose Team.¡± Otis spoke with a serious expression that was only betrayed by the fact that he was being squeezed tight by a large Linnare woman. ¡°I would not have selected you otherwise. You are strong and you will only get stronger. Don¡¯t worry I will continue your training the first chance we get.¡± ¡°Thank you Otis but I thought Kavdiir was the leader of your team? You make is sound like you are.¡± The Queen asked. ¡°He was.¡± Sonashi cut in with a sharp reply. ¡°But we had some disagreements.¡± ¡°My Otis was? You know inner squad disputes happen all the time. In fact, at one time I tried to kill Caeanos¡¯s father. Now why was that?¡± Atesha looked up in thought as she scratch the tip of horn that came up from just over her left eye. The Queen snorted. ¡°Which time? The time you find out that I took him as a mate or when he drank the last bit of Ale rations?¡± The First Captain shrugged in response. ¡°Either one I guess. He was such a weak little man. I do not know what you saw in him.¡± She said with a smile. ¡°Probably the same thing you saw in him.¡± ¡°Mother, what did you do to solve the dispute?¡± Kavdiir attempted to get the conversation back on track. ¡°We fought until one of us could not fight anymore.¡± Caeanos swallowed and looked as if he just lost a bit of his life. ¡°No thank you. Please spare this one from doing that again.¡± ¡°Oh you fought my Otis but he is so soft and squeezable.¡± ¡°We all did and at the same time.¡± Kavdiir looked his mother in the eyes. He was also feeling a little jealous of Otis. ¡°You may think he is soft and squeezable but he killed the Butcher in a fight.¡± ¡°YOU KILLED THE AMBASSADOR¡¯S SECOND IN COMMAND!¡± The Queen jumped to her feet and pointed at Otis then shifted her focus to the Linnare caressing his head. ¡°First Captain go summon Ilesha back things have changed. We must figure out how to send them back and sooner than planned. Caeanos needs to be there to strike the Ambassador while he is weakened. As for the rest of you, I suggest you get over yourselves. You have one enemy and that is the Ambassador. You do not have the time to worry about your petty personal differences.¡± ¡°Petty? He tried to kill us! I trusted him!¡± Sonashi shouted in defense showing her own fangs. ¡°So what? I have tried to kill many people including my First Captain but do you see her complaining about it. Otis is still here is he not? He helped save you when you needed to escape right?¡± Queen Aludi¡¯s finger poked Sonashi in the chest. ¡°My son said you were the smart one then be quiet until you have something smart to say.¡± ¡°You tried to have me killed?¡± ¡°Quiet Atesha I am trying to make a point.¡± They all watch Sonashi¡¯s shoulders sag under the weight of the Queen¡¯s words. Just when they thought Sonashi was going to speak again the Queen interrupted. ¡°Come girl give me a hug it will make you feel better.¡± She wrapped Sonashi in a hug before she had a chance to refuse. Sonashi sniffed attempting to hold back her tears. ¡°I have an idea. Vee do you still have the stone? ¡°Uhh yea.¡± ¡°Enough.¡± Queen Aludi interrupted gently. ¡°We will make plans over lunch. Atesha why are you still here? I gave you a task.¡± The First Captain tossed Otis from her lap and rushed out the door without looking back. ¡°Kavdiir be a dear and tell the servants to get the small dining hall ready and to prepare a feast for fifteen.¡± Queen Aludi spoke to Kavdiir as she swept Otis in one arm and wrapped Caeanos in her tail and dragged them all over to the sofa. Sonashi attempted to pull away but the Queen just tightened her hold. ¡°Shhh none of that dear just be quiet and relax this will help all of you.¡± Otis stirred from his nap with a yawn ¡°Otis it is about time you wake up. Lunch is ready and my daughter will be here shortly.¡± Aludi said looking down at him. At some point he had fallen asleep with his head on Queen Aludi¡¯s lap. Otis did not remember putting his head down it was just so relaxing. Unlike Kavdiir and Caeanos he was not about to push away the comfort that was being offered. For the first time in a long time he felt safe. It was like a dream to Otis, he could take a nap in the middle of the day without any worries. There was no army, no killing, no threat of torture and blessedly no Neuromancers to haunt his dreams. Most importantly there was no Bloodrage corrupting him. He still did have Violam and no idea how he would handle his other self. He had ignored the issue since he took over but he could not afford to ignore it for long. Violam was there still in his mind and no amount of ignoring him would make Violam go away. ¡°He is a heavy sleeper just give him a minute and he will get up.¡± Sonashi told the Queen as she left the sofa. She did not push the Queen away either instead they had a conversation while Otis slept. He had caught bits and pieces of it usually when his name came up. He may have been asleep but he was not dead to the world though he did have the decorum to not listen in. From his cursory glance of Sonashi it looked as if whatever was said had appeased her anger. Caeanos, on the other hand had pulled himself out of his mother¡¯s grasp earlier and was currently sitting on the other side of the room with his nose in a book. As Otis turned his head to see him he was reminded of something. ¡°Do you have any books to learn your language?¡± Otis said through another yawn as he sat up. ¡°That is an odd question. Did you have a nice nap?¡± ¡°Yes best I have had in years.¡± He said as he spotted some snacks and hot tea on a table that must have been brought in at some point. What he had assumed was Tea was sludgy green liquid. He avoided it and went for the crackers, they were dry and stale but probably the best they could get in the Under Districts. ¡°Do not eat too much dear like I said lunch is ready. There are clothes prepared for you in Caeanos¡¯s room so use his bath and get cleaned up quickly.¡± Queen Aludi thought for a moment as she scratched her chin with her claw. ¡°I do believe we have some old Linnish language books stored somewhere. Most of our children learn to speak through hereditary knowledge but we do have books for those who have problems. I will have them brought to the dining room.¡± She called out to Otis as he walked into Caeanos¡¯s room. The robe and pants laid out for Otis was much more elaborate than the one he was given the night before. The material felt like silk but it was far too heavy. It was dark green with some golden decorative work in the shape of a clawed Linnare hand with its palm held outward over Otis¡¯s heart. A servant led Otis to the dining room and pressed Otis into the seat next to Sonashi. ¡°Took you long enough. No matter the amount of scrubbing you will not be able to get rid of your kind of ugly.¡± Sonashi whispered under her breathe and despite the words Otis could tell her heart was not in it. ¡°Thank you Sonashi and you look stunning in your robe. The Queen has quite the eye for color, it suits you well.¡± Otis said just loud enough for the others to overhear. Caeanos rolled his eyes while the Queen grinned madly. Sonashi blushed and shifted uncomfortably under everyone''s eyes. ¡°My My, maybe I did not need to speak with Sonashi after all.¡± Queen Aludi continued to grin. ¡°I hope you like your robe Otis. I wanted to find something worthy of your pretty green eyes.¡± This time it was Otis who blushed but it was not last long as Atesha arrived with another two Linnare following her. She promptly took the seat on the other side of Otis. ¡°When is the food coming? I got here late on purpose you know.¡± She stated as she plopped down and scooted herself next to Otis. The Queen just responded with a smug smile. ¡°You don¡¯t want to sit next to Kavdiir? I figured you would still have some catching up to do.¡± ¡°I think that seat is already taken by Ilesha. Speaking of that.¡± Atesha¡¯s voice rose as she looked at her two subordinates. ¡°Ilesha and Gralie, please introduce yourselves to our guest. You are being rude.¡± Ilesha stopped her heated conversation with Kavdiir to see Otis and Sonashi for the first time. Gralie had sat next to Caeanos and was smiling at him sweetly despite his look of annoyance. Her smile faded as she looked over at the two disinterested. [Lieutenant Ilesha - Level 36] [Royal Guard Gralie - Level 29] ¡°Say Prince Caeanos why are you traveling with such weaklings? You should stay home where I can protect you.¡± ¡°I agree, Kavdiir why do you have to get stronger? Maybe I should take the weak boy for mine instead of you.¡± ¡°Such fools.¡± Atesha whispered under her breath. ¡°I agree but that is why the food is not here. I wanted to watch the show.¡± Queen Aludi whispered in response. She had moved to sit next to Sonashi vacating her seat at the head of the table as the others had arrived to take their seats. She rested her hand on Sonashi¡¯s shoulder to calm her down. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°Mother what are you whispering about? And why are you so comfortable with that female? I understand the First Captain has a new plaything but the girl. Is she going to become a new servant?¡± Ilesha questioned as her eyes narrowed. Queen Aludi squeezed Sonashi¡¯s shoulder causing to relax and unclench her fist. ¡°No dear she is a guest just like Otis is. They are both honored guest since they your brother and your beloved return safely.¡± She said with a wistful smile. ¡°Now I believe you have forgotten to introduce yourselves.¡± ¡°Return? You mean escape right? Yes I know and maybe if my brother had not taken on such a foolish task and surrounded himself with such weak partner¡¯s maybe they would have returned in victory.¡± ¡°Sister that is enough.¡± Caeanos hissed as he let out his frustration through his claws that gripped the table leaving scars in the wood. ¡°They are my friends and I will complete my task.¡± ¡°You do not have the strength to command me brother.¡± ¡°And that¡¯s the problem isn¡¯t it? He soon will, that is if he sticks with me.¡± Otis said through the smile that had been plastered on his face since the show started. ¡°Who gave you permission to speak!¡± Gralie stood from her seat. ¡°Like you could show my Prince anything besides how a servant can carry his bags.¡± Otis ignored her outburst. ¡°Atesha, you must have told them we will be leaving soon and that spoiled their mood.¡± The First Captain gave a short laugh in response. ¡°Otis, can¡¯t we enjoy their tantrum for a little longer. I rarely get to see my children act like kids anymore. They have gotten boring since they became of age though Kavdiir is handling himself well. In fact he looks as amused about this as I am.¡± Queen Aludi answered for the First Captain. ¡°Yes, he has always been level headed which is why I was confused when you announced Caeanos as Prince. Not to say Caeanos is incapable he certainly has what it takes to lead like I said earlier he was chosen to be on my team for a reason not just because he was a friend.¡± ¡°My Queen are we to sit here and listen to him insult Prince Caeanos?¡± ¡°Does Caeanos look insulted?¡± Queen Aludi gestured to her son as he sat straight and proud would a slight smile on his face. ¡°And he has not earned the title of prince yet, you would do well to remember that.¡± ¡°But...¡± ¡°Have you still not realized that you are the weakest at this table?¡± Queen Aludi cut the Royal Guard off. ¡°You claim power has the right but you cannot recognize it when it sits in front of you. Gralie, you may lead the Royal Guard at young age but that has less to do with your abilities and more to do with our current situation. Our people may have been subjugated and scattered but our war still goes on. We need all of positions in our fighting force filled and we have less people to fill them. You still have a lot to learn.¡± ¡°Mother you cannot be serious.¡± Ilesha said as her friend sat down. ¡°I am and if I had not been restraining Sonashi here she probably would have cut out your tongues for belittling her and her friends. Do not give me that look I would not lie to you. I can tell you that she has been through a lot and does not take your insults to her friends lightly. In a fair fight you would not walk away unscathed. I am also sure Otis is amused by your tantrum because he would utterly destroy you in a fight.¡± ¡°Oh come on, I would not destroy her.¡± Ilesha smirked at Otis¡¯s denial of her Mother¡¯s claim. ¡°I would make sure not to hurt her after all she is your daughter and Caeanos¡¯s sister. At least I would not hurt her any more than I could fix. But I would not need to fight her I am confident Kavdiir could take her.¡± Otis felt Atesha stiffen at Otis¡¯s last statement. He took a drink of water ignoring their gaping stares. ¡°Otis, sweetie, I know you are Kavdiir¡¯s friend but there is no need for false claims. Ilesha is one of the strongest among us and in a decade she will probably be the strongest.¡± Atesha stated. ¡°Their strength is closer than you realize and I watched her walk in he wins by far in skill. He has also fought in war, training can only do so much even if it is my training.¡± Otis looked over his teammates. They had all gained levels in the cave and grown stronger. Fighting in the Legion, hunting insect mages improved their skills leaps and bounds. Otis himself gained several levels in their escape by defeating Neuromancers and the Butcher. [Kavdiir - Level 33 Leader of Rose Team] [Sonashi - Level 30 Rose Team] [Caeanos - Level 31 Rose Team] [Violam - Level 36 Rose Team] Kavdiir cleared his throat drawing all eyes to him. ¡°This has gone on long enough. Violam stop playing around.¡± Kavdiir stated weakly. ¡°If no one wants to introduce themselves I will do the introductions. Lieutenant Ilesha and Gralie this is Lieutenant Violam and Sonashi. Violam, Ilesha is the fourth strongest among the Linnare a title she takes very seriously. Gralie is the head of the Queen¡¯s Royal Guard.¡± ¡°See Kavdiir is always level headed and please call me Otis. I am no longer a Lieutenant and Violam is somewhat of a nickname but that is a story for another time.¡± ¡°Queen Aludi can we please get started discussing the plans for our return to the Legion.¡± Kavdiir asked desperately trying to change the subject. ¡°We are waiting for one more to arrive and he likes to be late.¡± The Queen grunted. ¡°No, we are not there is a dwarf outside the door. I believe he was frightened by the yelling earlier.¡± Everyone at the table looked at Otis in confusion. After Otis¡¯s announcement the dwarf from the sandwich shop begrudgingly entered the dining room and sat at the end of the table. Servants also entered bringing plate after plate of meats and vegetables. It was far more food than the people present could eat. Otis was not the only one surprised by the food so was Kavdiir and Caeanos. The Queen spoke noticing their astonished looks. ¡°My daughter and her team successfully raided a storage warehouse a few days ago. We are well stocked at the moment so I decide we would have a celebration feast. There is no reason to hold back please eat as much as you would like.¡± ¡°This came from the other side of the gate didn¡¯t it?¡± Otis asked as he recognized some of the meats. ¡°You are going to need to raid those warehouses soon. The supplies will not last.¡± Ilesha eyed Otis suspiciously. ¡°Yes, speaking of the gate. Mother, I have something to report from this morning¡¯s scouting mission. But maybe I should wait for somewhere more private.¡± ¡°No here is fine though I already know there is something wrong with the gate, right?¡± Ilesha nodded in response. ¡°Well Caeanos and his friends destroyed the gate on the other side. That is why it is not working today.¡± ¡°What? If that is true how did they make it back?¡± ¡°I would like to know that too. How did you suddenly appear on the Temple level?¡± The Dwarf, Darmyl Redbraid, interjected. ¡°We got here the same way we are returning.¡± Sonashi stated. ¡°Vee, do you still have that damn stone?¡± ¡°Sure do.¡± Otis acted like he pulled it from his pocket and set it on the table. ¡°But how do we get it to take us back? It does not work for me.¡± ¡°True, it will not work for any of us but we are not the only ones that came for that world.¡± Sonashi answered cryptically. ¡°That is right many of the insect people have been brought here. Caeanos and I have seen many of them cross when we worked at the gate.¡± ¡°Otis my dear could you please explain so the rest of us can understand?¡± The First Captain asked as she was reaching for more [Horned Boar] steak. ¡°Sure.¡± He said holding the stone in the air. ¡°This is a [Recall Stone] it will take the user and any friendlies the user is touching home. It for some reason will not work for me and Sonashi¡¯s home was destroyed by the Farg so Caeanos or Kavdiir must have touched it during our escape and it brought us here. I am assuming Sonashi wants to use some prisoners that the Farg brought through the gate to get us back.¡± ¡°May I have a look at it?¡± Queen Aludi asked and stuck out her hand expectantly. ¡°Ah no.¡± Otis put the stone in his pocket and sent it back into its bag. ¡°I do not know where it will send you and I would rather not risk it.¡± ¡°How dare you?¡± Ilesha stood followed by the Gralie the Royal Guard. ¡°Mother offers you food and shelter and yet you refuse her request! I cannot let this thing stay here any longer.¡± ¡°Sit down Ilesha.¡± The Queen spoke with an unyielding tone. ¡±He has a right to refuse. I understand his worries though I wish he would have trusted me more.¡± The Queen turned back to Otis. ¡°I did not intend to use it because even after I have been here for over a hundred years I do not consider this planet home.¡± Otis feeling ashamed looked away from her gaze. ¡°I am sorry. I will let you examine it after we are done here.¡± ¡°Mother, what are we doing here?¡± Ilesha asked in a tone that suggested she was not content with Otis¡¯s answer. ¡°Before it was to plan on how to smuggle them back through the gate but now, since the gate is not an option and we have that stone, we need to get them into the holding cells and if possible destroy the other gate. I would like to ruin any and all of Sejin¡¯s plans since that little bastard wanted to keep my son from returning home.¡± ¡°Sejin is the one whose task is to destroy the gate?¡± Sonashi asked. ¡°Yes he is.¡± ¡°Mother, how is any of that possible? We have never been able to get into those facilities. It would take months of planning if not longer.¡± Ilesha rubbed her head. ¡°Sister, that was before you had us. We can do it now you will see.¡± Caeanos boasted. ¡°Ilesha you do not have months only a few weeks at best Caeanos must complete his chosen task while the Ambassador is weakened. Which is why I invited Darmyl here, he has good information.¡± ¡°We do not have weeks to wait either.¡± Sonashi added as she cleaned her second plate of food going on to a third. ¡°What? Why? I wanted to wait until the [Moocher] wore off we only need nine days.¡± Otis said through a mouth full of food. All of Rose Team including the normally reserved Kavdiir were eating their weight in food. ¡°Have you all forgotten the insects fled if we wait Otis your people will die. The Legion is only going to move faster now that the insects left and they have no support from the gate.¡± ¡°Not to speak out of place but I do think you are all underestimating Sejin.¡± Darmyl spoke up after he finished the last rib on his plate. ¡°I was informed earlier that he has move up his assault on the gate to two days from now. He has also heard that it is not working as such he wants to destroy the gate before it can be confirmed. He does not know about the stone though so he thinks this will also stop Caeanos from completing his task.¡± ¡°Then it is settled!¡± Otis laughed as everyone looked at him as if he was insane. ¡°We hitch a ride on this Sejin guy¡¯s plan. We will infiltrate the facility with them then break off and use them as a distraction.¡± ¡°He would never let you or anyone in this room join him in his chosen task.¡± The dwarf stated flatly. ¡°We are not going to ask him and unless he has something that can detect camouflage I don¡¯t think he will notice.¡± Otis covered himself in shadow and vanished before their eyes to make a statement. Otis reappeared in his seat and ate a spoonful of creamy peach colored pudding. It was not any flavor he could recognize but it was sweet and delicious. Kavdiir and Caeanos could not hide their smiles as they saw the shocked expressions on their mother¡¯s faces. ¡°So what is your chosen task anyway Caeanos?¡± Otis spoke releasing the other from the spell of shock. ¡°I am to kill the Ambassador.¡± It was the first time Caeanos has ever said that with a laugh. ¡°There must be a reason you picked something so stupid but we are agreed I have to kill him as well. I have promises to keep.¡± Otis said with a mouthful of the last of his pudding. ¡°You are all crazy. How can you expect to kill the Ambassador? Why would you choose such an impossible mission?¡± Sonashi asked while looking considerably pale. ¡°Little shit stole my pudding!¡± Ilesha interrupted. She realized there was an empty space where her plate of pudding should have been. ¡°And my pastry! Give it back!¡± Gralie shouted. ¡°No! You had four already, share with everyone else you glutton.¡± Otis took a bite of a newly acquired pastry. It was filled with a fruit that reminded him of apples and he had taken a liking to it. ¡°And you already had three of them! That was the last one.¡± Gralie shouted again with veins throbbing on her reptilian forehead. Not caring that Otis has already taken a bite she reached across the table to snatch it back. ¡°Yeah and now we are even.¡± Otis shoved the rest of the pastry into mouth before she could reach him. His eyes held a look of pure bliss. ¡°I hope you choke on it!¡± ¡°Now children please calm down. Otis is our guest let him eat what he wants.¡± Queen Aludi said in a soothing purr as she secretly winked at Otis. He responded with a thumbs up and a cough to finish swallowing the pastry. ¡°Otis, you have become stronger with the shadows I did not even see you this time.¡± Caeanos complimented earning a hard glare from his sister and Gralie. ¡°Those temple guards must have been mistaken you are definitely beyond ¡®C¡¯ grade cloaking.¡± ¡°It probably is because he had us all cloaked in shadow.¡± Kavdiir added. ¡°There had to be some drawbacks to covering all of us. ¡°You mean my Otis can cloak others too.¡± Atesha asked. ¡°Yes we just have to be touching or chained together if it''s a group.¡± Otis leaned into the First Captain¡¯s shoulder and pushed the shadows over her. She yelped in surprise and he quickly withdrew them.¡± ¡°What else can you do?¡± Queen Aludi asked with an unnerving glint in her eyes. ¡°Did you get that book I asked for? I will show you the skill I find most interesting.¡± The Queen nodded in response and a servant entered the dining room carrying several books. Otis had noticed a wordless transmission between the Queen and the servant. There was telepathy there, he felt it but it was different than his in that it had been aided by an unseen medium. There must be a device, Otis assumed, that connected the Queen to another¡¯s mind or just to this servant. He was tempted to eavesdrop or force his way into the transmission but decided not to as he saw the Queen giving him a knowing smile. It''s not worth it anyway, Otis thought. I would have to consume an intellect potion to use my [Telepathy] well enough to enter their unspoken conversation. [Telepathy] may not consume mana but there is some connection to the Intelligence attribute. ¡°Thank you.¡± Otis said to the servant as she passed them over to him. He quickly cast [Inspect] over the books as he set them on the table. [Beginner¡¯s Linnish Language] [Language Tome. Can be learned through use of Magic] [Fight Like the Dragon You Are] [Combat skills Tome. Can be learned through use of Magic. Grants increase to Battle Tactics, Footwork, Martial Arts Combat, Sword Combat and Spear Combat] [Following the Dragon: Linnare History, Culture and Etiquette] [Textbook created for Linnare children born after subjugation. A book heavy with knowledge. Not Learnable through use of Magic] [Linnare Battlecode] [Combat skills Tome. Can be learned through use of Magic. Grants Lock picking, increase to Battle Tactics and all stealth related skills. Increases Mental Resilience. The Battlecode: 1. Stealth, 2. Evasion, 3. All is fair, 4. The Battlecode is formless.] ¡°Queen Aludi, may I keep these books permanently.¡± Otis gave her his winningest smile. ¡°Mother those¡­¡± Ilesha was stopped by her mother¡¯s raised hand. ¡°Yes, you may keep them.¡± The Queen answered cautiously. ¡°May I ask why you would like to take them? You certainly will not be able to the Linnish without our help if at all and all of the books are written in Linnish characters as well.¡± Otis did not immediately answer instead he snatched the first book from the stack. The book broke down into a golden aura which immediately traveled up Otis¡¯s arm and into his mind. [Linnare Language Learned] [Title Granted: World Traveler] [Title granted through actions. Has traveled to three or more worlds. Has learned three or more languages. Has established relations, good or bad, with three or more races. --Increased Wisdom by 10% --Languages learned at a faster rate --Increased Affinity to Travel Magics (Locked: Shadow Affinity Requirements not met) --Increased Movement Speed (Hidden Skill) by 15%] ¡°Thank you.¡± He stated in a heavily accented Linnish growl. ¡°I can...eat knowledge.¡±
The Linnare definitely follow the Hug It Out school of though. Chapter 31 a Test, a Room and an Aura Sorry this is late. Also what is going with this interface. I hope this post works. Please read at https://yougots.wordpress.com/ until then Update: It should be mostly fixed. Sorry for the inconvenience. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Otis sat in what the Linnare call their training room. There was not much to it, just a large open room with some gym equipment including a few strange machines that hung on the walls to strengthen their tails and a matted area in the center for combat training. Lieutenant IIesha was currently on the mat training her team. Otis had forced Caeanos and Kavdiir to join in while he and Sonashi were off to the side as unwelcomed bystanders. Caeanos and Kavdiir were offering helpful instruction to Ilesha¡¯s team. Things that Otis had taught them in their time together which filled him with a sense of pride. The previous day there was no training it was spent letting the two families reminisce. Once Queen Aludi recovered from the understandable shock of Otis consuming a book, she had another brought to him. It was a [Farg Weapons Manual, 12th Edition]. Apparently there were several more editions after this one but this one covered the weapons that the Linnare could get their hands on. All of the newer manuals and weapons either have tight security or never leave the Farg facilities. Otis spent no time in consuming all of the books he had been given. His Linnish was terrible and hard for them to understand but it would get better with time if he ever had time to practice it. He had learned Farg very quickly but the circumstances were different then, his life was on the line. After the lunch Otis split his time between his room and the royal baths. As much as he enjoyed their comfort it was time to give them some space. Queen Aludi gave him and Sonashi permission to use the royal bath chambers, which to him were a cross between a hot tub and the deep end of a swimming pool. The bath chambers were not overly ornate as they were designed for function over form. This was a compound cut out from the structure between two levels after all. The water was nearly scalding hot and exactly what the doctor ordered. He stayed in the baths reading the book on Linnare history and culture until his skin wrinkled which in his current state takes a long time. In his reading he learned the reason why the Linnare like such deep baths, they can breathe under water. A useful skill that Caeanos and Kavdiir had failed to mention. Otis grit his teeth when he had read that thinking of all time he had spent building bridges for the Farg Legion¡¯s march. Some aquatic help would have been nice. Otis pulled his head out of his book and back to reality as he felt a familiar aura approach. ¡°Would you like to join in my team''s training?¡± Ilesha said in an exasperated sigh but she was making an effort. ¡°This one would like to get a feel for your skill before tomorrow¡¯s mission.¡± ¡°If you insist.¡± Otis said after a moment of indecision. He nodded to Sonashi then closed his book and set it aside. He knew this was coming, a test of skills and he had hoped to avoid it. If he did not have a parasite inside him eating away all of his strength and mana he may have thought otherwise. But she had a right to know what he was capable even if it cost him a potion or two. It was her plan that Rose Team was following tomorrow so she would need to know what kinds of things to take into account, like having to use potions to have strength. Otis followed Ilesha to the mat and summoned a [Elixir of Intellect] to his hand. Ten left, he thought. That¡¯s a good round number to plan around. He did not drink it immediately he would have half an hour of increased Intellect if he used his Mana sparingly. ¡°What is that?¡± Ilesha asked with a look of interest. ¡°An elixir.¡± Otis answered simply but when he noticed that she would not accept the simple explanation he continued. ¡°The gray man fed Sona and me something that keeps our strength suppressed and under control since we both have magic. This elixir will somewhat alleviate the issue. Sona, which do you want?¡± ¡°What do you have the most of?¡± Sonashi asked. ¡°Agility.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± Otis handed the potion over at her command. ¡°Relena, come forward. Let¡¯s see what all the fuss is about.¡± Ilesha gestured for Otis to take a place opposite of Relena. [Relena - Level 26 Linnare Dragon Force] Otis sighed and drank the elixir. [+15 Intellect] Mana surged into his body as he clenched and opened his hand. It was like a tiny fraction of himself had returned, a breath of fresh air that entered his lungs when he had not realized he was drowning. He circulated the mana in his body amplifying the strength he had. I only have thirty minutes to complete the princess¡¯s test so let''s make this quick Otis. I don¡¯t want to waste a second elixir. If the Aura¡¯s had not shifted Otis would never realize the bout had started. He had not heard Ilesha¡¯s command to start over relishing in feeling of Mana flowing in his body. Relena threw a simple punch to Otis¡¯s face. He stepped to the side not bothering to deflect it. A kick came after but Otis stepped back out of its range letting the leg slip past him. Something caught Otis¡¯s attention and it was not his sparring partner. Ilesha was studying him as he fought Relena, that was not surprising but what was surprising is that she had the same medium for Telepathy that her Mother had. He had been wrong it was not a device but a living creature. He had not seen it in her aura before but now it was there, blending in as if it was a part of her but not. Otis slipped into Relena¡¯s reach bypassing her punch to flick her ear then retreated. The woman yelped and stopped her previous charge. Otis felt a telepathic connection reach the princess. ¡°Ilesha, my daughter, did you get Otis into a spar?¡± Otis pushed his way into their telepathic conversation. ¡°Yes Mother, he is fighting Relena now.¡± Relena¡¯s tail whipped around from behind her. She had concealed the attack until the last moment, its tip was encased in silvery metal and aimed at Otis¡¯s throat. He ducked down letting it flow over his left shoulder as he moved to attack. ¡°And is he good enough to fight alongside Caeanos?¡± Otis flinched of annoyance nearly causing himself to stumble. He missed his opportunity to strike Relena without causing injury. Otis was forced to dart away from Relena as her tail swiped down to crush him. She followed to press her advantage. ¡°Yawn.¡± Ilesha said over telepathy to reinforce her boredom. ¡°He¡¯s okay I guess. A bit too full of himself and likes to run.¡± Otis grunted has he grabbed Relena¡¯s arm mid punch twisted his body and threw the Linnare redirecting her momentum. ¡°That¡¯s a shame. I had high hopes for him. I really thought I felt power deep within him.¡± The Linnare flipped twice before coming to a rest and charging Otis one again. Ilesha mentally snorted. ¡°He has no style. I really doubt he learned anything from those books.¡± Relena released a barrage of punches and kicks. Otis ducked, dodged and twisted his way out of them before spinning her away from him. ¡°Damn, I took a gamble giving those to him. Books are rare nowadays.¡± ¡°Yes and get this he had the gall to tell me that the Ambassador was feeding him and Sonashi something to suppress their magic.¡± The last word came out of Ilesha in a sneer. ¡°They had to take an elixir to overcome it.¡± Relena roared as she reengaged Otis in combat after she had been tossed away by her tail. ¡°Elixirs? Like drugs that the dwarves use in those dens on the lower levels. That really saddens me he looks so sweet how can he be one of those addicts.¡± ¡°Stop running and fight me!¡± Relena yelled at Otis while she was panting heavily. ¡°Oh Relena is about to go berserker on your dear Otis. I guess I should stop this before he gets hurt.¡± ¡°Seriously! What have you been watching? And I am not on drugs!¡± Otis shouted, angered by Ilesha¡¯s blatant character assassination. He sent mana to his legs blasting forward. [-2MP] He had caught Relena mid step. Otis sent an open handed palm strike to her hip to break her stance. His next palm strike took her off her feet he followed it with a third. This time he pulled air along with it, he stop the palm just prior to hitting her stomach but air shot forward rocketing Relena into the gaping Ilesha. [-10MP] Ilesha screamed mentally and vocally as Relena crashed into her. The wind buffeted outward from Otis blowing the rest of the Linnare next to Ilesha off their feet. ¡°Fast.¡± Ilesha mentally uttered as she attempted to push Relena off of her but she focus let alone stand. ¡°So Fast.¡± ¡°What happened? Is everything alright? I will send the rest of the Dragon Force and I am on my way.¡± ¡°No need Aludi just send some servants to clean up this mess instead.¡± First Captain Atesha interjected from the doorway opposite of the Otis¡¯s blast of air. ¡°Ilesha is just gaining some perspective. Otis is more competent than your lovely daughter let on.¡± Atesha turned into the training room to find Otis watching her with a smirk. ¡°And I can assure you, Otis there is more to him then he is letting on.¡± ¡°Get up, Lieutenant Ilesha.¡± The First Captain commanded aloud. ¡±We are taking Caeanos and the rest to the armory. The rest of you clean up this mess.¡± She looked over the heap of confused Linnare soldiers. ¡°Hey, Caeanos.¡± Otis walked besides the Linnare as they left the training room. ¡°Why are there no men in the Dragon Force or in this compound for that matter?¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Caeanos pulled himself out of a thought to look at Otis. ¡°Oh...The men are expected to work in the factories and attendance is strictly enforced. So most of the servants and guards are women if not all of them. ¡°So the women are not forced to work?¡± ¡°They are but it''s not as enforced and most women in the lower races cook rations, or tailoring. Things that could be done in the home since it is still expected that they tend to the home. But the Farg¡¯s ignorance has led to us being able to keep our own internal government together. Some of the other lower races were not as adaptable, they broke apart and assimilated with the Farg system.¡± ¡°What about you then?¡± Sonashi chimed in as she had been listening in to their conversation. ¡°Kavdiir and I are not known outside of these walls.¡± ¡°That was the case until Sejin somehow found out.¡± First Captain Atesha cut him off. ¡°Caeanos and Kavdiir lived amongst many different trusted families and have lived by many different names. This one did not see her son for years, missed my baby¡¯s first words, steps and many other milestones. All in attempt to hide their identities. We believe one of these families may have let the information slip.¡± ¡°W-why tell me this?¡± Otis responded to her in confused suspicion. ¡°Tit for tat. This one gives you a bit of our history for a bit of yours. You said there was a story behind your name. Let us start with that.¡± All eyes darted to Otis at First Captain Atesha¡¯s question as their group entered into the armory. There was a smattering of rifles and pistols on the table and some body armor hung on the walls. Most of the body armor would be far too large for Otis even though he was nearly six foot, so he moved straight to the guns. He was shorter than the male Linnare who were already a few inches shorter than the females. ¡°I had planned to tell you all before the mission. I just could not find the right moment.¡± Otis perused the weapons attempting to not look up at his friends. The guns were nothing like the ones in the dream or the pistol that had been on the Temple guard. If anything it was similar to the guns of Earth though Otis could not say for certain since his father had never had any in the house. ¡°Otis is my real name. Can I pick this up?¡± Otis asked as he looked at an automatic rifle, the TX-190, his knowledge from the book told him. It could be switched from automatic to burst fire. [TX-190 Modified to allow High Impact and Incendiary Rounds] ¡°Yes it¡¯s not loaded.¡± Atesha answered quickly. ¡°When I was caught by the Legion, I saw the torture I would have to endure so I broke a piece of my mind and hid it away from the gray man.¡± Otis picked up the weapon. It was a bit blocky but the weight felt right and with his strength it should not be much of a problem firing it. [Inspect] [TX-190 - Level 30 - Type of ammunition can increase level 30 Round Magazine Modified to allow High Impact and Incendiary Rounds] ¡°I am that fragment. The other part of me must have known he would eventually fail so he took the name Violam. At least I think that was his intentions. Anyway, when I saw what he was doing to you I could not allow it to happen so I took over and regained control. Violam is still in here.¡± Otis pointed at his head with one hand while looking over the rifle in the other. ¡°He is weak and crippled because of the Bloodrage. So, he is currently in the place where I was once kept. I am hoping that he will heal after some time and we can merge back together again.¡± Otis looked away from the rifle and at everyone in the room. He did not want to meet their eyes for fear of what might be reflected back. There was doubt, loss, confusion, anger and a mix of other emotions too complicated for him to understand but mainly they just did not know what to say. He was certain they suspected something but this was out their realm of possibilities. Caeanos was the first to speak. ¡°Why did you not tell us earlier?¡± ¡°Well, we have been busy. First Captain, I think I will take this rifle.¡± Otis chose the original rifle he picked up it was the highest level of all the ones on the table. ¡°May I chose a pistol as well?¡± ¡°A-ah yes that was the idea.¡± Atesha recovered as she answered his question. ¡°How is that even possible?¡± The words squeezed through Sonashi¡¯s clenched teeth. ¡°Sonashi, this one agrees that it is strange but it does explain some of his behavior. When he came to our cells he was someone completely different? Remember, Violam had almost killed us just hours before then he heals and saves us. And you can tell can¡¯t you, there is no Bloodrage on or in him anymore. Have you ever seen someone reverse the Bloodrage? You know as well as I do. Once one gives into the Bloodrage it will eventually burn them alive.¡± Sonashi sighed and seemed to calm herself. ¡°Yes I know that Kavdiir but if what he says is true that means he has our friend somehow imprisoned.¡± ¡°T-that¡¯s not true. We are still the same person I would never hurt him.¡± Otis defended himself. ¡°Violam was crippled by the Bloodrage if I had not intervened he would have eventually died.¡± ¡°I believe him.¡± First Captain Atesha spoke up. ¡°He did what he had to, to save you and the rest of Kavdiir¡¯s team.¡± ¡°Of course you would. He¡¯s your little pet.¡± Ilesha snorted. ¡°Ilesha you may be named after me but you will not use that tone with me or our guest.¡± ¡°I believe him as well and sister if you have nothing beneficial to add then do not speak against my friends.¡± Caeanos gave Otis¡¯s shoulder a squeeze then moved past him to examine the rifles. Kavdiir also gave Otis a simple nod and turned his attention to the weapons. Sonashi looked suspiciously at the three of them until a slight smile graced her lips. ¡°Could you guys at least hold out until we got more information from him?¡± ¡°All you have to do is ask.¡± Otis responded as he unconsciously returned the smile. He felt the tension he did not know was there leave his shoulders. ¡°We do not have the time dear. Make sure you all pick out some combat armor then we will go to one of the destroyed warehouses we use for practice. Queen Aludi will meet us there. She has had a hard day fending away the senate so I am sure she would like to fire a weapon to release the stress.¡± The body armor was tight fitting and made to go underneath clothing. Atesha forced them all to suit up so they could grow comfortable in it. There was no bulging for plates or thick leather material sewn into the armor. Otis was not entirely sure what the difference between the armor and just really tight workout clothes. Through Otis¡¯s [Inspect] skill he could tell that it was better than the armor he had in the Legion. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. [Linnare Battle Chest - Level 22, 11 Armor or 2% Physical Resistance] [Linnare Battle Leggings - Level 23, 10 Armor or 2% Physical Resistance] After they were all dressed Atesha hurried them through a number of halls and down a secret stairwell. They ended up in a similar warehouse they had been in just a few days before. One side of the building was completely collapsed and under rubble. On the other side there were dummies set up in tattered Farg uniforms. A few gunshots went off as they entered the room causing everyone to tense the moment they heard them except for Atesha and Ilesha. They were well aware that Queen Aludi was already inside releasing her frustration. They were informed over telepathy no doubt but Otis could not know for certain because his elixir wore off in the armory. He was tempted to drink another so he could listen in but drinking it would draw attention and be a waste. They had given him no reason not to trust them, so unlike Violam he would return their trust. They lined up and were shown how to load and fire their weapons. After absorbing the book Otis was well aware of how his weapons worked but others were not. This was first time Kavdiir and Caeanos has used the TX - 190 and Sonashi had never used either of the weapons but it was easy to tell she knew her way around a gun. ¡°I like it.¡± Otis said after fired five rounds into the chest of the Farg dummy. ¡°The [12G Tactical]? Yes, that particular model has been around for a long time with only minor modifications done between the generations.¡± Ilesha surprisingly answered. Otis could see it in her eyes, she likes guns. ¡°To put five in the chest at this distance is quite impressive. I have to say my evaluation of you has improved ever so slightly. You may not die immediately against the Ambassador after all.¡± [12G Tactical - Level 18 Handgun Level can be increased depending on Ammunitions Modified to allow High Impact rounds] ¡°It¡¯s not all that impressive. You managed that shot easy enough and from further away.¡± Ilesha blushed lightly at the complement. ¡°Mother, on second thought he may not be that bad.¡± ¡°Right, right.¡± Queen Aludi and Atesha chorused as they fired a few more rounds into their dummies. ¡°So,¡± Otis said bringing their attention back to him. ¡°What do you know about the gray man?¡± The Linnare broke their gazes from Otis and directed them at their Queen. Queen Aludi lowered her firearm and sighed before she spoke. ¡°Not much, I am afraid. I am one of the few still alive from the day they came 123 years ago.¡± Her story was frighteningly similar to Sonashi¡¯s. They Farg came from the skies with superior technology, arms and numbers. The first night after their arrival a majority of the planet¡¯s populated was gone. They wiped out or enslaved all the species on their planet many of which died before making it here, Planet Delta Nine Two Nine. She did not see the Ambassador fight but from reports he was stronger and faster than anyone had any right to be. His mere presence caused some Linnare to lose their consciousness or will to fight. There were also rumors of him having the capability of flight, hypnosis and foresight. The war for Linnare home planet ended before they could do anything about it and most of the knowledge the Queen gained on the man was second hand. ¡°That¡¯s all you know and you sent your son to kill him?¡± Sonashi asked appalled at the Queen¡¯s lack of knowledge. ¡°I did not send him anywhere. Caeanos choose this task on his own but I am not going to lie, I hoped he would select it to get revenge for our people.¡± Otis sighed. ¡°I had hoped for more information most of what you witnessed can be explained by the gray man¡¯s bond with the Bloodrage Demon. Please have a seat I something to tell you all. I cannot afford to keep secrets.¡± Otis explained the things that he learned about the Ambassador in Violam¡¯s dream, the war on humanity and the abomination that is the [Banner of Souls]. ¡°That explains why he did not die the time I had attacked him.¡± Sonashi stated while the other were still trying to digest the new information. Everyone but Otis looked at her with a confused expression. ¡°I guess only Otis know this, my magic attacks the soul directly. That scroll, you called it, must provide him some soul defense, it probably acts anchor his soul to his body so I could not cut it from him.¡± Otis nodded in response. ¡°Most likely.¡± ¡°There were amulets like that in my tribe that anchored their souls to their bodies. Only the people who had them would ever work with the Priestesses but those amulets were few and far between. My people did not create the amulets only inherited them.¡± ¡°Was there anyway to stop the amulets from anchoring the souls to the body without destroying the amulet?¡± ¡°No, not that I know of but why would you? Destroy the amulet and you destroy the anchor. It¡¯s as simple as that. ¡± Queen Aludi¡¯s body seemed to sag in her seat. ¡°Simple. I really did send my only son off on an insane suicide mission. So how can you stop the Ambassador? It looks to be impossible.¡± ¡°We have to destroy the [Banner of Souls] first. It is a divine artifact so I am not sure how. The other problem is that there are millions or probably more souls living inside it and they cannot be reincarnated, those souls will just cease to exist. To capture them the gray man had to rip them from the chain of existence. If he is to be believed after they are removed there is no putting them back.¡± ¡°It does not change what these ones have to do.¡± Kavdiir said in almost a whisper, his horrified expression mirrored everyone else''s in the room. ¡°No matter what that scroll has to be destroyed so we will believe he is lying if it makes our task easier.¡± They spent some time in silence testing their new weapons. Otis¡¯s news had deflated what little hope they had in succeeding their mission and added to the fact that Caeanos and Kavdiir would be leaving their home again, there was a shadow cast over their final day with the Linnare. Their somber mood continued through dinner. Sonashi and Otis left the dining hall early as they did not want to impose on the two families who were going to separate once again tomorrow. They were led to a new room that Queen Aludi has a room arranged for Otis and Sonashi in the royal suites. The little things that they had were moved over earlier. Queen Aludi wanted them to spend their last night with the Linnare in complete comfort. Otis had noticed something strange when they entered into their new Royal digs. It did not have a sitting room but it was large and plush with soft fabrics in enticing exotic colors and a dense rug on the floor. The room was dim even after Otis turned on the lights. ¡°Uh¡­Sona there is only one bed. I will go ask Aludi for a second room.¡± Sonashi hurriedly grabbed Otis¡¯s arm as he turned to leave. ¡°No, do not bother them while they are with their families and besides I asked her for a single bed.¡± ¡°O-ok if you insist. But why?¡± Sonashi clicked her tongue in annoyance. ¡°You idiot. Never ask a girl why.¡± She left him at the doorway. Otis overheard her mumbling ¡°be a man¡± as she rummaged through the closet for some clothing. ¡°Then I will sleep on the floor, it looks plenty soft and comfortable.¡± Otis said with a smirk. Sonashi fasten Otis to his spot with a glare. ¡°Shut up, you''re sleeping in the bed. I am going to bathe and I suggest you do the same.¡± She marched off to the shower that Otis had not realized was attached to the room. Otis went to the Royal baths he had used before and was happy to find them empty. The last thing he wanted was for them to be occupied by one of the two overly touchy Linnare women. When he returned to his new room he found Sonashi in bed. It was early still but they were leaving before dawn and had they planned to retire early. Otis crawled into bed next to her. Sonashi had been near sleep but stirred when he arrived. ¡°Where did you go?¡± She said with her eyes half open. ¡°I used the Royal Baths.¡± ¡°Idiot, ours has enough room for two.¡± She mumbled as she rubbed her droopy eyes. ¡°Oh so we could have entered together huh. I will have to remember that for next time.¡± Otis said with a laugh. Sonashi¡¯s eyes opened wide like she had a burst of energy but there was no laughter in them. ¡°You are going to make me say it after all.¡± She sat up and poked him in the chest. ¡°Otis, there may not be a next time. After tonight we are going to be fighting for our lives. Caeanos and Kavdiir have families to spend their time with but we don¡¯t, we just have each other.¡± I have a family, Otis wanted to retort but when he opened his mouth to speak the words would not come out. She was right when he thought of family no one came to mind. The person he was closest too was Sonashi but he pushed her away, he had feared what she thought of him since he switched with Violam. ¡°I just wanted to spend tonight together with you and you¡­¡± The doubt that had shown in Sonashi¡¯s eyes washed away and were suddenly filled with resolve. ¡°You are such an ass.¡± She leaned forward and kissed him. Her blankets fell away as Otis pulled her into his arms. The next morning arrived faster than anyone had wanted. Rose Team followed Ilesha as their guide until they found themselves in a three story abandoned residence on Lower District 5. The house was situated just outside of the ceiling that covered a majority of the level and the fog was burning off to welcome the morning sun. The Linnare typically ran their raids during the day since the Farg¡¯s optic implants removed any advantages the night would normally provide. This level contained the Lower Patrol Post One also known as LP 1. The Patrol Post were basically military compounds, this one in particular held the gate to Vilenna and the warehouse for all the creatures caught on that planet. LP 7 and UP 3, 5 and 7 house gates as well but to different locations or planets. Otis learned from the manual in the gray man¡¯s safe that the gates themselves were not difficult to build if you had the materials, a significant power source and the coordinates. The coordinates for Vilenna in particular were over a hundred pages long and written in a language that he could not understand. Caeanos had said that the gray man could still rebuild it eventually but Otis did not know how without those coordinates. ¡°Why is this level so much nicer than the other Lower District level?¡± Otis asked while they waiting in a room on the third floor of the house. ¡°Because its district that primarily houses military personnel and new recruits for the Legion. The Legion gets all of the nicest things.¡± Ilesha answered as she stood looking out the window with Kavdiir and Caeanos. ¡°Something good must have happened last night.¡± Caeanos elbowed Kavdiir to draw his attention to Otis. ¡°This one has been grinning like an idiot all morning.¡± ¡°Shut up and focus brother.¡± Ilesha stated but not as forcefully as usual. ¡°This one is bored we have been here for hours now. Wait!¡± Caeanos almost shouted as he realized something. ¡°Sister is in an unusually good mood too. Gack!¡± ¡°Lieutenant Ilesha are you sure that Sejin will pass this way?¡± Kavdiir poorly attempted to change the subject. Ilesha graced Kavdiir with a smile, she liked it when he addressed her by her title. ¡°Brother, do not get mad at my Kavdiir. Gralie would have welcomed you with open arms.¡± Ilesha stated, though she had an expression as if she ate something sour. ¡°And yes, Sejin should come this way and when he does you will don your shadows and follow.¡± ¡°Not this again. Gralie is like a little sister to me and you know that.¡± ¡°Get over it.¡± Ilesha responded without looking back at Caeanos. ¡°You stayed with her family a long time ago and it is about time to put it past you.¡± ¡°Ilesha, you are not coming with us?¡± Sonashi asked, she had planned to stay out of the conversation but if she could push it into a different direction that was fine too. She was just happy that Otis had not opened his big stupid mouth and gotten her in trouble. ¡°No, the First Captain decided it would be too risky if my team went with you since it is a one way trip for you.¡± Ilesha¡¯s team was a group of ten from the Linnare Dragon Force and had escorted Otis and the others up to this level. They had split up into groups of two before heading off in different directions while Ilesha and another brought them into this residence. ¡°This one had the others watch the different entrances to this level but our source states that Sejin is coming this way. If he is not my team will signal me.¡± Ilesha¡¯s expression changed as she looked out the window into the city. ¡°What is it?¡± Kavdiir asked. ¡°Damn, that was the signal. Our intel was wrong Sejin has been spotted at the northeast entrance.¡± ¡°Alright leave it to me I know this level well. I will cut them off before they can reach the Lower Patrol post.¡± Kavdiir said as he grabbed Ilesha¡¯s hand and gave it a squeeze. She pulled him close and kissed him. The moment passed quickly. ¡°Does everyone have their potions and ammunitions?¡± Kavdiir asked as he checked make sure his health, strength, agility and defense potions were in place. Everyone except Otis was equipped with a small ammunitions bag and Otis had given them several potions to stock in it. Rose Team nodded in response and followed Kavdiir down to the first floor of the house. Otis had split the Intellect elixirs between Sonashi and himself. He took six and gave her four. Since Sonashi¡¯s soul sever attack could ignore all defenses it would be their secret weapon if they ran into something that they could not handle. Otis strapped his sword to his waist. ¡°Hey, Sona can I get a kiss too?¡± Otis whispered. [The Cruel Mistress - Level 28 - +4% Critical Strike, +5% Haste] Sonashi blushed as she shoved the rifle Otis was carrying into his gut. ¡°Kiss that and get serious already. This is not the time to play around.¡± ¡°You just told me to kiss my gun. Don¡¯t you think that is a bit morbid?¡± Otis said as he put his hand on Kavdiir¡¯s shoulder. Sonashi was lined up behind him and Caeanos was the last in the chain. The shadow shot up from under his foot as he pushed it over all of them. ¡°Try to avoid any direct sunlight.¡± There were people and vehicles on the streets unlike the few nights before. Kavdiir hugged the walls and kept out of people¡¯s line of sight. It was easy to do since everyone including Rose Team were heading in the same direction. At the center of Lower District 5 there was a wall that stretched to the ceiling and behind it was the Patrol post. According to Kavdiir at least ninety percent of the people in this district worked there and they all had the same dark red aura Otis had grown accustomed to seeing in the Legion. Kavdiir turned and led them a series of small alleys. They ran past the poor and homeless but none bothered them or even noticed the breeze that hit them as the shadowed Rose Team passed. Otis would have thought them dead if it was not for their pulsing auras. ¡°Elixir addicts.¡± Caeanos sneered from the back of the group. Kavdiir came to a stop at the end of an alley just before a large street. There was a military convoy passing but that was not what Kavdiir was interested in. ¡°You see that group of six coming towards us dressed as soldiers.¡± Kavdiir whispered. ¡°That¡¯s them.¡± ¡°How can you tell?¡± Sonashi asked. ¡°They are fully clothed in Farg military gear including the helmets.¡± ¡°Yeah shouldn¡¯t their horns stop them from wearing it?¡± ¡°Most of us file our horns down.¡± Otis could not see Kavdiir but he could feel him shift uncomfortably at the question. ¡°And only royalty will grow long horns. Watch as they walked you can see their tails shift in the suit. These one¡¯s tails are flexible enough to hide but that does not mean it is comfortable.¡± ¡°Are you really sure?¡± Otis had noticed something about Sejin¡¯s group that he had almost overlooked. ¡°Yes. Why?¡± ¡°They are working for the Farg.¡± ¡°That is just a disguise to get into the patrol post. ¡°No, not the costume. It¡¯s their aura¡¯s they are the same as everyone in the Legion. Those six have touched the Bloodrage.¡± ¡°That does not mean they are working for the Farg.¡± Caeanos added. ¡°Sure but the only other way to get that corrupted is by torture and if that was the case why are they here and not in a cell.¡± Kavdiir swore in Linnish but Otis could not pick it up. ¡°These ones can still use them to get in but it changes our plans. These ones have to figure out what they are up to and stop them.¡±
Haha that post did not work at all. I will try to fix it after lunch. Please fill free to read it at https://yougots.wordpress.com/
Great now the submit button won''t work when I try to edit the chapter. Chapter 32: a Mess, a Checkpoint, and a Warehouse Welp, here we go again. Sorry it has been a little while I had to do a bit of traveling. I would like to thank diddley_squat and iamafallen for their reviews. I added their names to this chapter as a thanks. I had to get a bit creative for iamafallen. Let¡¯s see if anyone can find it. Also please feel free to check out my website https://yougots.wordpress.com/ for other stuff. Enjoy.
They stood on a rooftop that overlooked a large gated entrance watching supply convoys leave and enter the military compound. The group of Linnare they had followed were currently speaking with what looked to be a Farg official. Whatever they had said satisfied the official and were led through the large bay door that doubled as a gate for the compound. The bay door may have looked metal but it shimmered and vanished when someone or something was allowed to enter. According to Kavdiir it was some kind of energy barrier and any who attempted to force their way through it never lasted long. Kavdiir¡¯s description of what happened to them sounded a lot like a bug zapper to Otis; a pop, a fizzle and some ash. ¡°Well that answers that question. They are definitely working for the Farg,¡± Sonashi stated. Her scowl was clear as day, she already thought this mission was a lost cause. Caeanos cursed and threw his hands in the air breaking himself from Otis¡¯s shadow. ¡°What are these one¡¯s going to do now that we cannot follow them in? This one was expecting their wanton destruction to cover our tracks. Walking through chaos and explosions would have been so cool.¡± Sonashi and Kavdiir broke from the shadow as well. Kavdiir¡¯s face was firm and betrayed no emotion but Otis could tell there was a roiling rage burning beneath. ¡°Any other time this one would scrap this mission but we cannot afford to let Sejin accomplish his mission.¡± Kavdiir said flatly while his aura played a harsh furious beat that only Otis could hear. ¡°So what do we do?¡± Otis asked cautiously as his shadow receded to hide under his foot. ¡°Gross. Can you stop that?¡± Sonashi interrupted Otis question as she backhanded his shoulder. Her backhands where no laughing matter nowadays. ¡°What? This body armor itches and its loose going to all the wrong places.¡± Otis said continuing his dance of scratching and pulling at his armor but now he also included rubbing his shoulder. ¡°I am smaller than you so imagine how I feel. What is this armor made of anyway? It feels weird.¡± To make her point she unrolled her sleeves to show that they went at least a foot past her arms. ¡°These ones do not know. We stole the material and sewed it together ourselves.¡± Kavdiir gave a curt answer attempting to end their antics. ¡°Already fighting like an old married couple.¡± Caeanos said to encourage them but immediately looked away to avoid Sonashi¡¯s burning glare. He rushed to change the subject. ¡°T-this one believes Otis goes in alone and secures our passage. His shadows are better when he travels alone. He may be able to evade the sensors and the guard¡¯s optic implants. Kavdiir¡¯s gaze at the entrance hardened before he answered. ¡°Agreed. These ones will change into the guard uniforms and approach the gate. Otis, you sneak in and make sure the gate opens for us. Do it quietly, these ones do not want to draw attention too early. That means no magic it¡¯s too dangerous here.¡± Otis made it down to the street level by the way of a fire escape. Covered in shadow he jumped on the back of a sleek driverless convoy truck and hung on the back of it like a fireman. It stopped momentarily at the gate before being let through. An intangible pressure washed over him as he moved into the gate entrance. He felt heavy and almost lost his grip on the back of the truck. He sent a tiny bit of mana to his hands to reaffirm his grip. The pressure from his fingers dented in the metal giving him better hand holds. [-1MP] The entryway was at least ten feet thick and the pressure ran its entirety. Once it cleared entrance the convoy truck wove its way around a few stone road barriers before coming to a stop in front of a guard house. Otis jumped off the truck before it continued down the street. Otis could see the aura of five guards in the building. ¡°Easy enough. Now let¡¯s see about keeping that gate open.¡± Otis slid into the open door as one of the soldiers exited to check the goods on the next convoy truck. Two soldiers manned the desk watching the monitors and flashing lights on their control panels. Their hands moved skillfully over their instruments to run scans on every vehicle and other entrants while issuing other commands through the microphones attached to their helmets. Two more soldiers stood along the back wall heavily armed and ready to inflict pain. All of their levels were upper thirties. [Inspection Officer Lam¡¯Raz - Level 36 Farg Soldier] [Inspection Officer - Throdar Level 37 Farg Soldier] [Enforcement Officer Hagru - Level 39 Farg Soldier] [Enforcement Officer - Orl Level 39 Farg Soldier] ¡°Hey look at these lizards. What do they think they are doing?¡± Officer Lam¡¯Raz shook his head and asked the officer next to him. The eagerness in his voice betrayed the professionalism he was trying to portray. ¡±Dirty lower races need to learn their place.¡± Officer Lam¡¯Raz directed their attention to monitor 4. It showed Kavdiir¡¯s group in Farg uniforms approaching the gate. It was painfully obvious that two of them were Linnare by how they walked in attempt to hide their tails, while Sonashi was way too short to be considered an Ogrite. The out of date weapons they carried in their hands also did not help keep their cover. ¡°Their little lizard brains probably cannot even process what they are doing but in any case call in support. They are going to put up a fight, they always do.¡± Enforcement Officer Hagru said with a despondent sigh. Damn this is going to be over before it can even start, Otis thought to himself. He summoned an [Elixir of Intellect] to his hand and drank it down. [+15 Intellect] Otis backed himself to the wall to place a fire trap. He could not push too much mana into it, he was too close and he still needed to open the gate. ¡°Red Entrance requests¡­¡± The soldier paused his order as something caught his eye on one of their monitors. It was the monitors that showed the interior of the guard house. ¡°Shit.¡± Otis saw his blue shaped outline on the screen. The Ogrite spun around in his chair sidearm in hand to the shock of his comrades. ¡°Intruders at Red Gate!¡± He shouted into his head set. The soldier fired hot plasma blast melting the wall where Otis had stood destroying his fire trap in the process. [-2MP] [-136HP] Otis dove out of the way of the plasma round but the broken trap exploded and blew him into the heavily armed soldiers. His shadow dropped as he crashed into them and his rifle tumbled across the ground. Otis scrambled to his feet still disoriented from the blast. A kick caught him in the chest. It felt like a truck slammed into his chest and there was a distinct feeling of bones breaking. [-436HP] The kick knocked him to the floor again but this time he skidded away from the other soldiers. He heard their weapons spinning to life before he could see it. He did not know when he had unholstered the [Tactical 12G] but it was in his hand firing. A few shots struck the Farg in the shoulders and chest but it did not elicit the response he had expected. The soldiers grunted as the bullets pinged their armor but none of them dropped. He had only managed to disturb their aim. Hot plasma melted and ruined the floors and walls of the guard house. Otis frantically moved out of their line of fire before ducking low and dashing at them. Otis continued to fire his Tactical to disrupt their aim. The rate of fire of the Linnare firearm was higher than the plasma weapons but the Farg soldiers did not fear it. They shrugged off Otis¡¯s rounds like they were nothing. Otis targeted the soldier who had originally called in for backup. The Ogrite smirked through the clear faceplate on his helmet. ¡°Coming back for m¡­¡± Otis reinforced his arms with mana and drew [the Cruel Mistress] in a smooth motion slashing into the gap between the soldier''s helmet and body armor. The sword struck the armor that covered Officer Lam¡¯Raz¡¯s neck both of them bent and flexed but neither gave turning Otis¡¯s sword into nothing but a blunt instrument. Otis grunted as he swung through, the power from the blow threw the soldier to the side. The loud pop from the Ogrite¡¯s neck told Otis that he was not getting back up. [-5MP] Otis spun firing two rounds into the next Ogrite¡¯s shoulder ruining the soldier¡¯s aim before he stabbed his sword forward into its face plate. The faceplate cracked throwing the Ogrite¡¯s head back, Otis followed it with an enhanced kick to the stomach. The soldier bounced off the wall moments later. The remaining heavily soldiers unloaded plasma from their carbines now that two of their own were down. Their weapons were normally too powerful to be used in doors at this range but Otis was someone they could not let run free. Otis retreated back to the control panel, balls of hot plasma flew over his shoulders as he ducked down. He continued to fire well placed rounds from his [Tactical 12G] hitting them in their arms and shoulders to disrupt their aim. He hit the switch to lower the barrier shield, praying that the half melted machine could still function. The barrier flickered out of existence. ¡°I can¡¯t just leave this here.¡± Otis said through clenched teeth as something had struck his leg but he kept firing his weapon using the [Aura Sense] to guide his aim. He pressed his free hand down on the console to steady himself and planted a fire trap. [-123HP] [-5MP] A plasma round struck Otis¡¯s side as he turned to run aggravating his broken ribs and burning away his skin. [-898HP] I have been through worse, he told himself as he pushed through the searing pain. He dashed away from the console half dragging his leg behind him and dove through the hole in the wall made by the first plasma round. The fire trap ignited behind him erupting in a pillar of fire blowing apart the console then the building. The blast threw Otis further from the destroyed building. [-126HP] Otis rolled over and coughed up blood. That plasma round had done more damage than he had originally thought. In a daze he put his hand to his side, it was wet and he had a distinct feeling that there should be more there. Otis noticed something else, he was not healing the way he should it was too slow and he felt weaker by the second. Otis circulated his mana sacrificing what little he had for healing. His head cleared almost immediately and he pulled his hand away from his ribs to let the magic happen. [-788MP] [+1100HP] Otis gasped as it finished spitting the leftover liquid from his lungs. He had been dangerously close to figuring out what happens when he is completely out of health points. He would need to keep a closer eye on them now that he only had 1147 HP and for some reason it was not regenerating. Why now of all times, he wondered. After a few more breaths he noticed that he finally recovered a tiny sliver of a bit of health. It was nowhere near his normal speed but he would take it. He needed to get back to Sonashi and the others. The situation has changed and they needed to move no more being careful. He shook the last bit of fog from his mind and covered himself in shadow. He looked up to see a team of heavily armed guards coming his direction. Sonashi, Kavdiir and Caeanos were still struggling to make it through the gate¡¯s unseen pressure. No one had warned them that there was such a defense and it almost flattened them when they first stepped in. Sonashi was the first to make it through. Otis soon arrived next to her dropping his shadows when he did. Sonashi yelped at his sudden appearance. She growled and was about to berate but the anger drained from her face when she saw his armor and clothing. The right side of his clothing was tattered and burned away. All that was left pink newly formed skin and his remaining clothing was covered in blood. He was pale and winced with every step he took but the fact that he was regaining his color relieved some of her worry. ¡°Hold them off.¡± Otis pointed back to the incoming Ogrite¡¯s. ¡°Always having to clean up your mess.¡± Sonashi stepped towards the enemy with a smirk that she used to hide her concern. She opened fire and ducked behind a road barrier to dodge the incoming plasma bolts. She had the same problems as Otis, her [TX-190] only slowed the soldiers down instead of stopping them completely. Otis grunted as he jumped back into the pressure zone. The pressure was too much for Otis to fire his weapon and the Linnare could barely stand. He quickly made his way to Caeanos who the furthest away and dragged him over to Kavdiir. Otis pulled the two panting Linnare free of the pressure field. ¡°Aim for the faceplate,¡± Kavdiir shouted over the gunfire. It was the least he could do as he tried to regain his strength. His muscles burned and ached from the intangible pressure before. The Linnare had no choice but to let Otis drag them to the barrier that Sonashi had used as cover. Kavdiir quickly drank an [Elixir of Fortitude] when he noticed Caeanos doing the same. The fact that it was called an elixir like those drugs worried him but he did not have much of a choice and he trusted Otis when he told them they were not the same thing. Energy quickly returned to the Linnare¡¯s body and at that point Kavdiir knew he would have to have a steady diet of these ¡®elixirs¡¯ if they wanted to make it through this mission. Sonashi corrected her aim and three rounds later a face plate shattered leaving the high impact round to cave in the soldier¡¯s face. The soldiers continued to fire slowly melting down their cover. ¡°These ones cannot get pinned down here. Have to keep moving more guards will come.¡± Kavdiir after he caught his breath and opened fire from behind cover. Caeanos was not far behind as he took aim and killed one of the soldiers. ¡°What the hell do we do then? More are coming right now.¡± ¡°Of course there are more coming you lit the place on fire. What the hell were you thinking?¡± Sonashi complained. Otis emptied the rest of the rounds from his [Tactical 12G] into the soldiers managing only annoy them as his shots struck chest and arms. ¡°I was thinking that your costume sucks and they were calling for back up anyway.¡± Otis loaded another clip into his firearm. ¡°You guys line up behind me. I may be able to still shoot while we are shadowed. Caeanos give me that.¡± Otis snatched the rifle from Caeanos¡¯s hands after the Linnare finished reloading it. ¡°Don¡¯t touch another man¡¯s gun!¡± The Linnare hissed. ¡°You¡¯re going to be spotter anyway. Tell me when you think one of those bastards can see us. Kavdiir, do you know where we should go?¡± Kavdiir pulled himself down behind the eroding barrier. ¡°No, plan on the run!¡± Otis nodded in agreement and covered himself in shadow then pushed it over everyone else. He placed an earth trap on the ground and waited for the right moment. [-5MP] The Farg stopped firing when they noticed there was no response, a few dozen more soldiers had joined up to suppress the trespassers. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Otis whispered as he slowly left the barrier being careful to make as little sound as possible. ¡°Third one on the left, kill him quickly.¡± Caeanos whispered as he leaned closer to Otis. ¡°Too close! You¡¯re breathing on my neck.¡± Otis turned to fire almost pulling himself out of Caeanos¡¯s grasp. The soldier grunted brushing off the rounds that hit his chest. ¡°The face. The Face!¡± ¡°Your breath is hot, smells like fish. What did you eat for breakfast?¡± He shot at the Farg again and growled as he only clipped its shoulders. The Farg commanded the others to shoot in their direction. ¡°Your mother and do you even have eyes? Why did you even take this ones rifle?¡± Otis ignored the taunt and focused. Ranged weapons were never his strong suit and the bastard would not go down. ¡°Shut up, I am trying to concentrate. Even my training with Michelle I could not hit anything with an arrow, I always had to rely on [Enhanced Arrow] to take anything down.¡± Otis complained as he pulled the others behind another barrier. It would not last long the soldiers were already fanning out around them. The commander shrugged off a few more rounds from Otis. ¡°What is an [Enhanced Arrow]?¡± ¡°What?¡± Otis said while distracted by gunfire. ¡°The [Enhanced Arrow] is a skill. I have one just like it for guns¡­damn it.¡± Otis cursed himself for forgetting the skill he gained from the library in Flower Hill Village. [Enhanced Round] [-25MP] It was stronger than he expected. The round took the Ogrite in the chest launching him off his feet. Otis did not have time to revel in the skill as the soldiers continued to approach their plasma carbines spinning to life melting down their cover. Otis pulled his team away firing several more [Enhanced Rounds] clearing the way for their escape. [Enhanced Round] [-25MP] [Enhanced Round] [-25MP] [Enhanced Round] [-25MP] [Enhanced Round] [-25MP] Otis pushed forward through the crowd. He was careful not to touch them, luckily none of the remaining soldiers could see their shadowed forms. They broke past the Farg into the area after the wall. It was much like the area before it, streets and white stone buildings. The sirens blared and the Farg soldiers were still flooding into the streets rushing to the gate. To Otis it looked like the Farg were prepared for a small scale invasion. At least it was until Otis¡¯s trap seal activated. The localized earthquake seemed to shake the entire level as the ground rent open and swallowed all the soldiers in it range. Otis had no clue how many the trap took down but the soldiers on the streets promptly doubled after it. Caeanos wasted no time pointing out who he suspected could see them. Otis could not afford to use much more mana so if he had a clear shot he choose to place three rounds into their unsuspecting face. A majority of the soldier¡¯s did not wear full armor that the others had at the gate. Even with rationing Otis had almost used the entirety of his mana and the 30 minute time limit of the elixir was running out. Otis ducked into an ordinary looking white building but did not drop the shadow. ¡°Catch your breath but we cannot stay for long. There is three groups of ten coming this way now.¡± He summoned another [Elixir of Intellect] and drank it as the time limit on the previous one expired. The others in his group did the same drinking the elixir of their choice. ¡°How? How do they keep finding us?¡± Sonashi panted as she leaned against the wall. The Lower Patrol military complex was the size of a small city and they had been confronted by several groups hunting them down each group. ¡°They had a sensor in the guard house that could see me despite being shadowed. I have seen cameras all over the place so must be the same.¡± ¡°This one believes so too. They find us but their aim is terrible so they cannot always see these ones. Otis can you tell from here where the captive beast and insects are?¡± Otis closed his eyes and pushed his senses as far out as he could until he could see the white aura of the soulless. Scattered in the sea of white he found a few yellows but most of them were tinged with red corruption. Another group grabbed his attention but they were several floors above the soulless. Otis could hear himself groan. ¡°What is it?¡± Caeanos asked, his eyes sharply looked through the window for any who were coming for them. ¡°The warehouse is underground and the building above it is full of neuromancers. Sejin is also there but on the upper floors.¡± ¡°How do these ones get there? Where is it?¡± ¡°Kavdiir don¡¯t worry. I came into this building for a reason. It is one of the entrances to the underground.¡± Otis could not help but sigh. ¡°Why does everything have to be underground? Don¡¯t people like the sun at all?¡± Otis scratched as his itchy body armor as he complained. ¡°Even if they did everything above ground it would not matter or did you forget there is a ceiling over our heads on this level?¡± Sonashi¡¯s eyebrow raised as she asked the question. Otis pushed the [TX-130] back into Caeanos¡¯s hands. ¡°Forgot about that. Yea so they¡¯re blocking the way into the tunnels but they don¡¯t seem to know we are here yet so we have that going for us at least that. It looks like the underground is mainly used as a barracks but we¡¯re lucky they are all above ground looking for us.¡± ¡°This one thinks your kind of luck will kill us one day.¡± Caeanos smirked showing a bit of his razor sharp teeth. ¡°How many?¡± ¡°Let me show you,¡± Otis formed an image in his mind composed of what he could see through his [Aura Sense]. He pushed the image into Kavdiir¡¯s mind. It was merely outlines of guards in at the checkpoint, nothing too detailed but it was the best Otis could with his current amount of intellect coupled with the fact that Kavdiir did not any telepathic ability. Kavdiir gasped as the image formed in his mind. He quickly overcame his surprise this was no time to ask Otis questions. ¡°There is at least thirty of them. These ones will rush it in your shadows. Brother Caeanos you will still point out those who can see us. Otis be prepared to take them out. Everyone keep your weapons ready if these ones need to split up do so without hesitation and open fire if you have to. Once we make it underground form up in line again. Otis if the line breaks stay shadowed and clear the way for us.¡± Sonashi gave a hollow laugh. ¡°Thirty, a walk in the park.¡± ¡°Better than on the streets crawling with Farg.¡± Caeanos checked his gun over as he spoke. The look in his eyes showed as if he was just reacquainted with a long lost love. ¡°Well we will just hit hard and try not to let them hit back.¡± ¡°A bit of shock and awe. You should probably leave it to someone else then.¡± The smirk could be heard in Sonashi¡¯s voice. ¡°These ones need to move,¡± Kavdiir stated with a little amusement to his voice before Otis could respond. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Second soldier on the right can see these ones,¡± Caeanos whispered as they entered the checkpoint. The blue streaks on the Ogrite¡¯s armor designated him as being someone important possibly the one in charge of the checkpoint. Otis moved without hesitation to Caeanos¡¯s command. He raised the [Tactical 12G] and fired. [Enhanced Round] [-25MP] The round exploded as it hit his face plate blowing the soldier back into the crowd. ¡°Directly in front. He is blocking our way.¡± Caeanos is called out. Otis fired another [Enhanced Round] hitting the soldier in the chest. The man tumbled to the floor taking several soldiers with him. The other soldiers finally took notice now that two of their own dropped without warning. The smart soldiers rushed to block the exit while other opened fire into the enemy they could not see. ¡°Tsk, weapons free!¡± Kavdiir shouted before he disengaged from Otis¡¯s shadow. The others followed suit separating from the shadow but not before a large Ogrite slammed into Caeanos sending him and Sonashi sprawling to the floor. Otis ran forward cloaked in shadow firing [Enhanced Round] from his tactical. Now that they were revealed he needed to clear the way quickly. [Enhanced Round] used relatively little mana but he only had so much and it was draining fast. Otis crossed the checkpoint, the enemies had not focused on him and let him get close. A flashed of shadowed steal that they enemy could not see took one of them by surprise. Upon contact the shadow dropped from Otis. The soldiers scrambled to fire but Otis was too fast. He dropped from their sights as soon as they could see him. Otis fired his [Enhanced Round] while his blade found its home between another soldier''s helmet and breastplate. In moments the eight soldiers blocking the checkpoint and entrance were down. Kavdiir¡¯s group was pinned down they had dropped several guards but the one that tackled Caeanos was still putting up a fight. Otis recognized him, he was the second soldier Caeanos pointed out, the one Otis shot in the chest. [Checkpoint Captain Bungor - Level 39 Farg Soldier] The soldier was charging Caeanos again, the Linnare had seen better days. He could barely stand as that tackle had done a lot of damage. Kavdiir and Sonashi were stuck the bolts of plasma made them hide behind checkpoint barriers for cover. Otis reloaded his tactical and fired, the [Enhanced Round] sent Bungor to the ground again. Otis summoned the shadow to him and after a slight delay he was covered by it. The soldier still fired at him but now that he was not visible it easy to dodge them. The soldiers were sandwiched between him and Kavdiir, the skirmish turned in Rose Team''s favor as the soldiers were caught in the middle of their crossfire. Bungor was up again and charging at Otis, [Aura Sense] screamed in his mind. They were running out of time, reinforcements had entered the building. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Otis slashed upwards to take the tall Ogrite¡¯s head, its speed was incredible to normal eyes it would only look like a flicker of light. Despite that [the Cruel Mistress] did not find its home as it was stopped dead by Gungor¡¯s forearm. ¡°How do you like our new power armor shadow boy?¡± The Ogrite said through his smug grin as he strained from the weight of Otis¡¯s sword. Gungor received an unexpected answer as Otis¡¯s kick slammed into his gut. The kick threw Gungor into the wall, the Ogrite sagged slightly but did not drop. [-30MP] ¡°It¡¯s alright I guess,¡± Otis fired five consecutive [Enhanced Rounds] into the collapsed Gungor. ¡°We gotta move more are coming,¡± he shouted. [-25MP] [-25MP] [-25MP] [-25MP] [-25MP] Kavdiir and the others dashed past Otis, Caeanos now only sporting a minor limp. Otis could only guess his friend had used a health potion to recover. Otis opened fire on the soldiers entering, his [Enhanced Rounds] downing four of them before the rest dove for cover. [-25MP] [-25MP] [-25MP] [-25MP] [Gunnery Runes Unlocked] [Gunnery Elemental Runes Learned] [Gunnery Enhancement Runes Learned] The knowledge entered into Otis¡¯s mind the same as it always did when he learned a new skill. It had been a long time since he learned one from experience instead of a book. It was instantaneous, granted to him from the system that ruled Vilenna. The [Elemental Runes] were the same as the ones from the [Trap Seals] fire, water, earth and wind but instinctively he knew that the results from their use would be different and weaker. Basic high impact rounds could only contain ten mana points in it while better constructed ammunition could handle more. The [Enhancement Runes] runes only consisted of [Enhanced Round] and [Multi-Round] but there was a promise that he could learn others the more he used it. Otis switched to [Fire Rounds] it did not have any penetrating power as the first [Fire Round] struck a soldier in the shoulder. [-10MP] The bullet shattered on the armor but fire immediately covered the left side of the soldier¡¯s body. The fire spread to other soldiers, their armor kept them safe but it did not stop the chaos as some Ogrite¡¯s dropped to the floor to douse the flames and others screamed at the sudden flames. No matter how strong the armor is it cannot protect against the fear of fire. Several more [Fire Rounds] shattered against the soldiers entering the checkpoint. [-10MP] x 10 The fire spread out amongst them then into the room itself catching the equipment and feeding it into a frenzy. Smoke bellowed out following Otis and his team out of the checkpoint into the tunnels. There were more soldiers pouring into the underground complex now that Rose Team had made themselves known. ¡°Why did you not set them on fire earlier?¡± Kavdiir hissed as he fired at two incoming soldiers. ¡°I just learned it and don¡¯t ask me how that is possible because I don¡¯t know. Just chalk it up to stupid magic. And you told me not to use magic anyway!¡± ¡°That was when this one thought we could get in quiet!¡± ¡°Besides we have been in a tight space I didn¡¯t want you guys to get hit by it accidentally.¡± ¡°Brother Kavdiir he is right,¡± Caeanos cut it. ¡°It is not like these ones really know how to account for magic. You remember what he was like during our escape he would probably destroy this entire level.¡± ¡°Thanks for the vote of confidence.¡± As if to punctuate Caeanos¡¯s point there was a rumble behind them. The walls and ceiling shook and cracked. They could feel the temperature around them rise from the raging inferno they left behind. ¡°This one sees your point.¡± Kavdiir responded as he took out another soldier. His aim was still the best out of all of them whether it was with a bow or a gun. ¡°Yeah he is not that bright. We cannot trust him with that kind of power,¡± Sonashi added with a smirk. ¡°Sorry to hold you all back with my stupidity. I am going to try out the new stuff just for all of you.¡± The [Wind Round] struck the soldier in the face it was followed by a gale of wind that picked up the three incoming soldier and threw them back down the hall they came from. [-10MP] ¡°What do you have to say now?¡± ¡°I have seen better,¡± Sonashi quickly responded masking her astonishment. ¡°Yes, this one agrees. Otis is this hallway clear?¡± Otis sighed completely deflated from his previous excitement. ¡°Yes but hundreds are coming in through different checkpoints. We are almost to the warehouse.¡± ¡°These ones go shadow again. Use your new magic to clear the way.¡± They met the first group of soldiers soon after they covered themselves in shadow. Otis hit the leader of the group with a [Water Round]. It had by far the most penetrating power, ice sprouted out of the leader leaving the Ogrite as an icy pin cushion. The [Water Round] was powerful but had no group potential. Otis used a wind round to sweep the others away. The soldiers still lived but their group had no time to spare. The [Earth Round] left Otis confused. It was almost completely silent and there was no visible damage. Otis followed it with a [Wind Round] as the leader began to give orders to fire at them. The gale threw them against the wall like it had to the groups of soldiers before. Just as Rose Team ran past the injured Ogrite soldiers the leader began to scream and clutch at his chest. A thorny vine shot out of the Ogrite¡¯s chest and wrapped around it host¡¯s body. Its thorns were almost like sharp teeth, it constricted grinding the body. More vines sprouted out wrapping the body grinding him into pulp, the vines pulsed consuming the blood and bone. Otis had seen this thing before on the battlefield against the insect mages. The [Plant Golem] stood after it finished consuming the body it stomped on the nearest soldier pinning him to the floor. The Ogrite screamed as vines stabbed into him ripping him apart. The [Plant Golem] lifted the body up grinding it down while it went on to rampage amongst the remaining soldiers. [Leaf Lain Ma - Plant Golem Level 36] Otis looked over to his team¡¯s horrified face. ¡°Don¡¯t worry it''s friendly.¡± ¡°This one would not call that thing friendly.¡± Caeanos stated as he attempted to keep his breakfast in his stomach. ¡°I meant it¡¯s friendly to us.¡± ¡°A bit cruel.¡± ¡°Kavdiir what do you think the Farg will do to us if we are caught.¡± Sonashi looked the least affected by the [Plant Golem] feast. ¡°This one see¡¯s your point. It will make for a good distraction.¡± Three more [Plant Golems] and a lot of dead Farg later they reached the warehouse. The warehouse was quiet, the Farg had known they were coming and were lying in wait. Otis pushed his senses out to detect the placement of Farg troops and at Kavdiir¡¯s command Otis fed Kavdiir images of the building. The floor beneath them contained a horde of neuromancers. They were placed throughout all of the floors of the warehouse to guard the prisoners. Otis assumed their purpose was to suppress them through mental manipulation and then to enslave the prisoner¡¯s minds to the Farg. Otis just hoped that at least one of the prisoners was not broken. ¡°These ones need to split up. The Linnare cannot leave Sejin alive. Who knows how many of the Linnare secrets he had given to the Farg.¡± ¡°This one will go with you Brother Kavdiir.¡± ¡°No, you will go with Otis. Sonashi is coming with this one. You two need to create a distraction that will lead the Farg from us. After these ones have finished we will meet you in the warehouse.¡± Otis nodded. ¡°I will send you a message when the neuromancers are down until then hang tight. Caeanos let¡¯s go.¡± Otis could not afford to slow down and be careful despite the Farg ambush they knew was coming. Their backs were against the wall as more soldiers entered the underground. Luckily the [Plant Golems] could buy them a little bit of time. Otis feared that if he left too many traps it could collapse the whole underground on top of them even if they were weak. ¡°Hold up,¡± Otis whispered as they reached an intersection in the corridor. ¡°Prepare yourself the Neuromancers are in the room ahead it¡¯s some kind control room. We will be in their range once we cross the hall. There are also eight guards stationed outside and another ten down the other hallway. Let me take care of them first.¡± Otis stuck his tactical around the corner while remaining in cover and fired two [Earth Rounds]. He hit someone in both groups. The two shots soldiers did not even register to the soldiers as the bullet buried its seed in their body. ¡°I will take out the Neuromancers but it will disable me for a bit so cover me.¡± Otis summoned the [Recall Stone] to his hand and gave it to Caeanos. ¡°Keep this safe. Neuromancers are taxing and we may need to use the stone at a moment''s notice.¡± Screams emerged from the two shot soldiers. ¡°That¡¯s my cue.¡± Otis left Caeanos behind and rounded the corner. After a few steps he entered the Neuromancers range. He felt them probe his mind but they of course did not know that was a bad idea. He relaxed his mental defenses and the Neuromancers gladly took the invitation to attack. Otis severed them and consumed their mental energies. Whatever he could not consume recoiled back to them leaving them weak and disabled. Otis fell to his knees as the world spun around him. Their mental energy left its poison in his stomach pushing its contents out. [+1 Intellect] x 22 Otis did not know when Caeanos pulled him back around the corner. The terrifying roar of the [Plant Golem] helped clear his head and the hum of the plasma carbines slinging plasma bolts at the golem did not hurt either. ¡°I-I am okay now,¡± Otis said as he stood up using Caeanos as support. ¡°The plant is not going to hold them for much longer.¡± After a couple of [Wind Rounds] the guards were cleared. Otis sent [+5MP] to his arms and pried the door from its hinges. Twenty two neuromancers laid on the floor some twitching and some dead. The time limit on his [Elixir of Intellect] expired but after that feast of mental energy he did not bother drinking another. ¡°I was right this is some kind of monitoring station. Can you do something with it?¡± The control room was large with three rows of consoles and massive monitors on the ceiling showing different camera feeds from all over the city. The Farg did not expect some intruder would ever make it here especially not through Neuromancers. ¡°This one can try.¡± Caeanos stated with a strange smile as he sat at the console. Otis was unsettled by Caeanos¡¯s giggles as he moved far away from the Linnare to check the bodies over. The neuromancers had nothing important on them but it gave him some time to recover from the necromancer''s attack. After a few minutes Caeanos stood up. ¡°Done! With this Brother Kavdiir should have no problem reaching Sejin.¡± ¡°What did you do?¡± ¡°This one disabled the camera systems and left last known sightings all over the city. There is also now thousands of us attacking.¡± ¡°Oh, is that all?¡± Otis said without hiding his astonishment. ¡°No, this facility is now on lockdown and is only keyed to Kavdiir and myself. This one told you my education growing up is quite extensive.¡± ¡°And here I thought you knew diddly squat. ¡®Bout time you carried your own weight,¡± Otis snickered. ¡°I will send a signal to Kavdiir.¡± ¡°No this one can do that too,¡± Caeanos picked up the microphone from the desk after messing with the console he was at. ¡°Brother, go kill that fucker.¡± He spoke in Linnish. Otis pushed out his senses so he could see Kavdiir and Sonashi move out. There was also widespread confusion amongst the Ogrite¡¯s as many of them began to move away from them, no doubt targeting the other sightings Caeanos setup. ¡°Good job but I am still going to blow this thing up because why the hell not.¡± Otis placed a fire trap on the console. [-1MP] Caeanos pressed a button and the door on the other side of the room opened up. ¡°This way to the prison cells. The bug people are halfway down.¡± ¡°Yea yea I know,¡± Otis complained killing Caeanos¡¯s moment. ¡°There are neuromancers down there too so I will be relying on you again.¡± The smile dropped from the Linnare¡¯s face. ¡°Fine but remind me not to do you any favors from now on.¡± Otis disabled ten more neuromancers as they traveled three floors down stopping their corruption from entering their prisoners. Otis could not consume all of them since they were in a rush and could not stop every time to get sick. He had gotten better at controlling his shadows and was able to expel a neuromancers mental energy before it could be devoured. He also got tired of looking at Caeanos¡¯s annoyed face when he needed the Linnare to help him. The warehouse was not a complicated facility. There was just a single staircase that went down six floors and each floor only had two rows of twenty cells. The first few Rantide they reached were still alive but there was nothing but a hollow space behind their eyes. Otis shuddered as he looked at them and spoke to them in Rantide because there was no recognition there. They were completely broken left as puppets for the Farg. He and Caeanos advanced further down the row of cells. They came up to a fallen neuromancer with its mask lying next to it. It was still alive but its eyes were devoid of life and drool ran down the side of its cracked and gray lips. The cell behind the neuromancer contained another Rantide. This time it was child and he was not broken at least not yet. The crying Rantide child hid in the corner looking as if he had just woken from a terrible dream. The child had not noticed Otis and Caeanos¡¯s presence. ¡°Child,¡± Otis called out in heavy accented Rantide. ¡°We come to free.¡± The boy looked up for the first time. His eyes went wide in fear. He pressed his back firmly to the wall in attempt to stay as far from Otis as he could. ¡°No! You are here to kill me! Do not think you can fool me. My people know of you. I was there when you attacked our home.¡± ¡°Child, I am not here to kill you. Do you think I would have disabled that thing if I was?¡± Otis pointed to the neuromancer. ¡°They had me under the same compulsion they were trying to do to you.¡± ¡°Stay away from me! I do not believe you.¡± ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t expect you to trust me or my friend but in the end you do not have a choice.¡± Otis circulated mana to his arms and pulled the cell bar apart. [-5MP] ¡°This one could have just opened the door. This one told you all doors are keyed to me.¡± ¡°I forgot. You have the pleasure of grabbing the kid and keep the stone ready.¡± Caeanos grunted unhappily in response as he entered the cell and grabbed the struggling Rantide boy. ¡°Child, we will be taking you home soon. I need you to think of home, your mother, father, dog or whatever just keep it in your mind. We leave when our friends return.¡± ¡°We must save the others too! I am not leaving them behind.¡± The boy cried as he struggled. ¡°Sorry there is no saving them once the neuromancers got to them. Look, just keep your mind on home and you will see your family soon enough.¡± ¡°No, I have to save my brother!¡± The boy shouted and bit Caeanos¡¯s arm and jumped free as Caeanos pulled his arm away. Caeanos cursed in pain as the boy ran down the hall. ¡°I thought I told you to hold him. I always knew you were weak but a child Caeanos. For shame.¡± Otis laughed. ¡°This one did not want crush the child and besides he cannot run that fast.¡± ¡°Excuses, excuses.¡± Caeanos growled as he spoke. ¡°It is a reason not an excuse.¡± They found the boy in front of one of the cells they passed earlier. Otis had sensed where the boy was but stayed back not knowing how to handle the child. ¡°Why doesn¡¯t my brother say anything? He doesn¡¯t even look at me?¡± The boy lamented through the tears. ¡°Brother...Brother it''s me, Rilic. Brother they have come to help us.¡± The boy¡¯s pleas went unanswered as the other Rantide sat in his cell unfazed. [Rilic - Level 12 Rantide] ¡°Sorry Rilic there is nothing I can do for your brother. This is what the neuromancers do. You just need to keep your mind on home and we''ll get you there.¡± Otis looked away from the boy to fight back his anger at the Farg and motioned to Caeanos. ¡°Grab him. We are going back to the control room to meet Kavdiir. I sense he and Sonashi are on their way down.¡± The boy did not put up the struggle he once had as they went back up to the control room. He just whimpered in Caeanos¡¯s arms, neither of them had a reason to stop or silence the child. The previous events had soured their mood but they still had to finish what they had started. The control did offer them a little joy as the console in the center of the room was blown to bits with several more Farg soldiers lying on the ground next to where the console used to be. ¡°I need help!¡± Sonashi called as she entered the room. ¡°It was a trap. They were waiting for us.¡± Kavdiir was in her arms, a grievous wound on his side, his blood ran down her legs to the floor. She had left a trail of it behind her. ¡°Lay him down on the floor.¡± ¡°What happened?¡± Caeanos interrupted. ¡°Shit, my magic can¡¯t¡­¡± Otis trailed off as he ran up to her as she gently laid Kavdiir down. He summoned a [Greater Healing Potion] to his hands and poured it into his mouth. ¡°Help him swallow it!¡± He commanded anyone who was listening. Caeanos was yelling behind him but he was drowned out in Otis¡¯s panic. He summoned another [Greater Healing Potion] from his bag and dumped its contents on the gaping wound. ¡°Shit, it¡¯s not enough.¡± Otis put his hand over the wound. He cast his healing magic over the wound. [Holy Healing] [-110MP] But it was the lowest level of healing skill. It was never meant to be able to cure serious injuries. Sure it could reknit flesh or mend bones but Kavdiir was missing a chunk out of his body and had lost so much blood. The health the Linnare had gained from the heal was steadily being lost as blood poured from the wound. There was hope Otis thought as noticed that the heal had stifled a little bit of the blood loss and it was fixing the wound. He cast another heal, now was not the time to be concerned about the amount of mana he had. [Holy Healing] [-110MP] And another. [Holy Healing] [-110MP] He continued on casting it four more times. The gaping hole in the side Kavdiir recovered a bit with every heal he cast. And then there it was, a flicker of life. Otis upended the contents of another [Greater Healing Potion] on the wound. Kavdiir¡¯s eyes half opened and met Otis¡¯s. A wave of relief washed over him as he felt a squeeze from Kavdiir¡¯s hand. He had unconsciously grabbed it at some point. There was an indecipherable message in Kavdiir¡¯s eyes. The Linnare tried to speak but the words were blocked by the blood that pooled in his lungs. ¡°Don¡¯t speak I will heal you.¡± Otis said not bothering to contain the hope that entered his voice. Otis held Kavdiir¡¯s gaze and then something unraveled deep behind Kavdiir¡¯s eyes until there was nothing left. The harsh breath coming from the Linnare stopped. ¡°No, no, no, shit! Don¡¯t do this.¡± [Holy Healing] [Not Applicable if target is deceased] ¡°Kavdiir come back buddy.¡± [Holy Healing] [Not Applicable if target is deceased] ¡°Fuck you. Work!¡± [Holy Healing] [Not Applicable if target is deceased] ¡°Otis.¡± The shout sounded like a whisper to Otis¡¯s ears. [Holy Healing] [Not Applicable if target is deceased] ¡°Otis! We have to go. They are coming.¡± Otis felt Sonashi pulled him away from the body. He turned to her enraged and about to yell but was stopped by her tears. She was just as crushed as he was but she was still thinking clearly and she was right an army of Farg were coming. They ran out of time. If they stayed any longer they all would die. ¡°We cannot leave yet. They need to know,¡± Caeanos spoke. His voice broke and it sounded as if it was coming from far away. ¡°Who?¡± Sonashi asked in half confusion, half panic. ¡°I just want to go home. Home to mother.¡± The boy sobbed next to Caeanos. ¡°Mother, sister all of them. They have to know.¡± Caeanos answered. ¡°I-I got it.¡± Otis kept his response short in fear his voice would not come out. ¡°Caeanos make sure to grab me.¡± ¡°What are you doing?¡± Sonashi¡¯s panic was rising near taking her over completely. ¡°I need some juice.¡± Otis grabbed the two nearest living but comatose neuromancers and placed his bloody hands on their foreheads. He forced his shadows into their minds ripping the remaining mental energy from them. Otis gritted his teeth through the pain and backlash but still found himself sprawled out on the floor. [+32 Intellect] [+25 Intellect] If I can plunge myself through a river of Bloodrage this is nothing, Otis thought as he forced himself to stay conscious. He pushed his [Aura Sense] outwards. The increased intellect boosted its effective range considerably but there was also a trick to stretch it further. One he learned from watching Violam in the caves. After the boost his range ended just outside the walls of the military compound. At his limit he directed his attention to the Farg walking the streets. He focused on one then hopped to the next person and then the next. He continued moving his senses through the red Farg auras towards the vacant house that they left Ilesha in. The streets were in chaos as news of their attacks must have traveled beyond the wall. Otis traveled through hundreds if not thousands of Farg in a matter of seconds. His breath was turning ragged just because he ignored the pain did not mean it was not there. The recoil from his attack on the two neuromancers was destroying him from the inside out. Never again, he swore to himself. He caught sight of Ilesha¡¯s beautiful and pure yellow aura. She stuck out like an angel amongst demons. He pushed his [Aura Sense] to reach her and covered that distance almost instantly. There was a reaction in her aura like she noticed his presence. He ignored it and focused on the creature that Ilesha used for telepathy. There was two channels connected to it which Otis recognized as the auras of Queen Aludi and First Captain Atesha. Otis focused his mind and pushed his message to the three of them. ¡°Kavdiir is dead. Sejin has betrayed us. Prepare yourselves,¡± He spoke mentally in Linnish. ¡°Done.¡± Otis croaked aloud to whoever was listening. Otis felt a tug from behind his navel. One last thing, Otis thought as a fire trap illuminated under his bloody hand and they vanished. ¡­ Violam stood beneath the pale pick scar in the sky. It showed signs of healing but it was not quite there. He had wanted power to overthrow Otis and take control once again. He wanted power to kill his enemies and stand on their graves. This is where the Halls had brought him. Violam knew what the scar contained, he felt the rage and hate pulsating off of it. There was power lying just beneath it. Violam did what he always did when he needed the Bloodrage. He condensed his own rage down and splintered off a small stream of it. He took that stream and he fed it to the Bloodrage. The scar darkened turning to blood red. The once healed skin steamed and boiled dripping globs of it down to the ground in front of him. ¡°Bloodrage, my contracted demon, I have need of you.¡± A roar of corruption tore through the scar to answer the summons. ¡°Contractor, what you want? No, do not answer it is obvious. But why should I give it to you? Your lesser half did not leave a good impression with me.¡± Streaks of fire attempted to grasp the sky like they once had only to fizzle and die away. ¡°I will kill him and obtain revenge for you.¡± Violam spoke as he drop to a knee. The pressure from the Bloodrage was enormous and it was slowly crushing him. ¡°Not Enough!¡± The shout crumbled the ground around leaving him to kneel on one lonely spire. ¡°You do that for yourself, not me. Give me what I want,¡± The high demon growled. ¡°Yes. You will have my but I will retain my mind.¡± ¡°Do not bargain with me human!¡± The flames from within the scar dropped away to finally show the demon¡¯s form. It leaned forward almost crossing the barrier to pass through the scar. ¡°Fine, but I only allow one contractor. I will lend you my power to kill the other.¡±