《Mana》


 Prologue

    Eons ago, the people of the lands greatly prospered and thrived. But everything drastically changed when the deities suddenly began feuds with one another. The simply quarrels between the gods and goddesses later escalated which then turned into series of violent and destructive events.


    No one knows why the ancient gods had decided to turn against their own kind, but all could only helplessly bear witness and be victims of the chaos and destruction that the gods brought forth.


    The destructive abilities that the gods unleashed during their battles, wiped out almost all of the structures that the people of the land worked so hard to construct. Most of the immense grand cities, each whose beauty, wealth and strength that were very well-known throughout the lands, vanished in the blink of an eye.


    Centuries later, a Hero by the name of Kai united all the different races through the lands. On the process of uniting everyone to his cause he found a way to extract the abilities from the gods and goddesses themselves into marbles called Manas. After years of preparation and planning, Kai led the people of the land to an epic battle against the irresponsible gods that warped the lands and the lives of everyone.


    At the end of the most brutal and bloodiest battle recorded in history, the Hero Kai had sacrificed himself to rid of most of the gods that reigned chaos and destruction throughout the lands. The very small group of gods that survived, went into hiding due to the grave injuries that they had received from Kai''s last retribution.


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    But before he died, Kai unfurl throughout the lands the hundreds of Manas that he had extracted from the gods. Legend has it that whom ever consumes one of these Manas, that person will gain the ability that''s locked inside and use it as it was their own.


    But even though most of the gods had been eradicated, the chaos through out the lands did not end. The monsters that the gods had unleashed during their reign had multiplied as hundreds of years passed by and everyone lived in fear from the creatures that rampaged everywhere.


    Another century had passed and many of the people of the lands had begun hunting these monstrous creatures. The people of the lands began calling them Holoholonas, Holos for short. These brave beings who would risk their life to slay Holos called them selves adventurers.


    The world ushered in the great trade for harvesting the terrifying Holos that roamed the lands. The trade of the parts from these monstrous creatures brought great wealth and power to many people.


    Their meat became a highly valued consumed food for rich nobles, their pelts or scales are turned into the must durable armors, luxurious clothes and many others due to their special properties.


    Some of these dangerous creatures would have horns or claws stronger than any metal that could be mined. These parts of the Holos would be used and turned into great weapons that would aid adventurers in their hunts.


    **

 Chapter 1: The Bandits

    **


    In the snowy town called Pea, north of the mountainous boarder of the kingdom of Akau, an unknown fragile looking boy is inside a cozy warm environment of the adventurer academy''s library reading an crusty old book.


    Makani is a thin youth with long scarlet hair. When he was just an infant. Makani was found in front of the adventurer academy''s door at the night of the great blizzard. One of the the instructors of the adventurer academy volunteered to raise him as his own. Fourteen year later, Makani is known for being a knowledgeable person but is also known for being physically weak.


    With his figure, long scarlet hair and handsome face, at times Makani would be easily mistaken for a girl. But Makani didn''t care about his outer appearance at all. All he really care for is finding ways to aid his ambitions so that he could be successful in his endeavors in life. So far Makani has found a way to do that by reading books.


    Out of anything in this world Makani loves to read. In his mind even if a person is stronger than any holos, what good is it if their heads have nothing inside. To simply put it knowledge is more powerful than raw strength to Makani.


    As he enjoys reading the book in front of him, he ties his long scarlet hair into a bun due it being on the way while he read his favorite book.


    Whenever the boy is immersed in reading, he would tie his hair up as how a woman would do so that his hair would stop falling down in front of his face. Currently the boy is reading about the epic battle between the mortal men and the gods. As he sat there playing the battle out in his head a voice calls his name.


    "Makani!"


    Makani''s brow furrowed as he instantly felt irritated. Out of everything else there is in the world, one of Makani''s pet peeve is being disturbed while he''s nose first in a book. Specially when he''s reading his favorite of all!


    Makani slowly closed the crusty ancient book and frowned. As he left off from his favorite part of the book, he felt a sense of discontent. The part of the book where he left off was where the ancient great hero Kai turned into a gigantic sphere of energy then abruptly exploding. In the result of the the violent and destructive explosion, most of the gods that were in caught in in perished. Those that survived suffered unimaginable critical injuries.


    Before the explosion, the Hero Kai desperately hurled hundreds of marbles called Manas through out the lands. These marbles called Manas piqued Makani''s interest the most ever. Ever since he first read the ancient book in the library, he''s thought about all the various abilities he could obtain.


    To Makani obtaining one of these Manas would make one of his dreams come true. Though the chances of acquiring one would be close to zero, the thought of obtaining one kept him motivated in search of them. Even though he has other ambitions in life, having one of those Manas in his hands would exhilarating.


    Makani stretched his arms outwards, he yawned and rubbed his eyes. As stood and walked over to the library''s desk counter, he placed his favorite book on the desk counter. He knew why he was being called upon and that was the reason why he hid himself in the library.


    Once he stood in front of the counter desk, an old woman wearing a pair of pointy glasses looked at him in with a serious face.


    "You should be outside mingling with the others!"


    Makani frowned and looked irritated at the same time.


    "I''d rather be reading."


    The old woman gave a big sigh and grabbed his favorite book.


    "I want you to go outside and mingle with your class mates. This is your last year together! I''ll be holding on to this until tomorrow. So for now go outside!"


    Makani felt irritated that he''s being forced to associate with the people that he despises the most; his classmates. As he heads towards the door of the library, the sound of people cheering loudly outside caught his attention.


    The noise coming from outside began to accumulate and increase in volume. It made him curious what was happening outside so he decided to walk towards the window. From the window he looked around outside the snow covered streets and saw that a big crowd had gathered outside of the academy''s library.


    Makani saw from above that in the crowd, many from his class seemed ecstatic to see the seasoned adventurers that are returning from their dangerous hunt. As the groups of adventurers marched their way inside the town, they''re greeted by the cheering crowd.


    Behind the groups are the enormous bodies of Holos that the seasoned adventurers had slain. These slain holos are being dragged by their steed.


    One of the youth in the crowd began to wag his tail and pointed at one of the known adventurers.


    "Look! Its my dad! One day I''ll be like him!"


    The youth pointed at Ray Kekona one of the well known adventurers in town. Ray currently belongs to one of the high ranking clans in Akau Kingdom. At the moment the clan Ray belongs to are having funding issues and are using means that he doesn''t agree with. One of those means of raising funds are related to hunting the Dire-bears.


    The Dire-Bears in the area had been roaming ransacking and eating children at the nearby farms. Being a father himself, Ray is also relieved that the creatures that were going around eating children had been eliminated. He pitied the parents that had lost their children because of the huge Holos and in his mind, he had regretted not acting sooner to rid of the monstrous creatures. But since he wasn''t the leader of the clan that he currently belonged to, he was in no position to tell them what to do. It angered him that their leader had waited until the bounty on the mission was sufficient enough for them to accept it.


    Though his remorse weighted him down, he understood why their leader had done it. It was because the clan was in need of funds and their leader will do anything necessary to keep the clan going. The youth in the crowd pushed his way through the crowd yelled as he ran to his father who was beside one of the horse that''s pulling several huge bodies of Holos. After defeating several of the Holos, Ray had been seriously injured, though he''s in serious pain he didn''t give a hint on his face and pretended that he''s doing okay by acting happy to see his son.


    "Dad!"


    The middle aged sturdy looking man who is covered in wounds put his hand on his son''s head and scuffled it.


    "Tristan! Have you been behaving?"


    The youth continued to smile as he looks up with admiration to his father.


    "Of course dad! What happened?! Tell me, what''s this Holos called?" Tristan eagerly asked questions as he continued to show a big bright smile to his dad.


    The middle aged man forced himself to laugh. Though doing so made his ribs ache, he kept on smiling making sure that his son didn''t notice that he was seriously injured and is in serious pain. Ray grinned as he began telling the story of how he and his party slayed the dangerous beasts. Moments later after telling what had happened, Ray gave his son a present. After handing his gift to his son, his entire party went straight to the Adventurer''s Guild to claim their rewards.


    **


    As Tristan''s father headed towards the Adventurer''s Guild, Tristan went off to go with the other children. Near the watering well, where the youth of the town would usually gather and play, Tristan rallied his peers to him.


    "Hey guys look at this!"


    Tristan took out an object wrapped in cloth. He then slowly revealed the tooth that his father had given him as a gift. The boy then raised the large fang up in the air for all the youth to see.


    "This is one of the tooth of the Holos that my father killed! The great Holo is called the Dire-Bear!"


    The children exclaimed in admiration as Tristan showed off the large fang. Everyone knew in town how dangerous Dire-Bears are and that it would take exceptionally strong and seasoned adventurers to take one down. The fang that Tristan held continued to boast and exaggerate how his father had single-handedly slayed the monstrous creature.


    "My father killed this one all by himself with his big sword!"


    The youth continued to bunch up to try to get a closer look at the Dire-Bear''s long sharp fang.


    Far from the bunched up youth, a frail looking boy listened and watched from afar.


    **


    Makani left the comfortable warm room of the library out of curiosity. He wanted to see up close how these terrifying creatures looked but as he walked his way to where the adventurers were taking the bodies of the holos, he noticed that many of his classmates from the academy were gathered mesmerized in something.


    Tristan who''s currently entertaining his classmates noticed Makani from afar. As the blonde haired youth shows off the Dire-Bear''s fang, he began to smirk as he stared at the frail looking boy. Seeing that he had done enough to spread the exaggerated story of his father, Tristan began to tease Makani.


    "Oh look everyone its Makani! Hey Makani come over here and tell everyone how one day you''ll be the best adventurer known through out the lands! Maybe one day you''ll be able to single handedly defeat a Dire Bear by yourself!"


    Makani turned around and began to run away from the group of children. He felt embarrassed because of Tristan''s teasing. Whenever Tristan would see Makani, he would always remind Makani of the first day of the academy.


    *Three years ago*


    On the first day of class in the adventurer''s academy when everyone was made to yell to top of their lungs their names and their goals in life, Makani announced his goal which would be to travel the lands and become a well-known adventurer. Every student in class instantly burst out laughing.


    Makani''s classmates all thought that he had said that he would become the best adventurer throughout the lands. All the children thought it was too hilarious that someone who has a frail frame and is the shortest in class would attempt such feats. Makani felt so uncomfortably self-conscious that ever since that event of the first day in class, he kept to himself and only talked to a few who he could trust.


    **


    Makani continued to run in the snow covered street until he exited out of the town''s walls. He then stopped once he arrived at the outskirt of the snowy forest. As he stood trying to catch his breathe, the snow flakes would melt and moisten his handsome face. Makani vigorously whispered to himself.


    "I will be a well known adventurer!"


    Then suddenly he heard a sound coming from his stomach.


    *Grrrbgrbrgdd*


    Makani held his belly as it made grumbling sounds. Since he had been reading all day in the library, he forgotten to eat anything at all. On the day to day basis, one of the academy instructors would food provide for him. Since that instructor haven''t returned from his travels, Makani decided to search the place where he would go to for food when ever he was hungry.


    **


    The snowy forested mountains near Pea town is called the Horns of the Devil due it being infested with various high tier monstrous creatures. Throughout the lands, the Holos that live in the Horns of the Devil are known for the highly valued resources yielded from the bodies of the Holos.


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    Everyday in the Horns of the Devil desperate new adventurers try their chances to take down a Holo there because one high tier Holo can bring enough gold to change their livelihood. But most who would attempt their luck ends up in the belly of the holos that they attempt to slay.


    Makani slowly trekked his way up through the snowy thick forested mountain. For years now, Makani had been exploring the mountains to search for food so that he could eat them and sometimes share them with his very few friends. It was also the only way he knew of to some how be less of a burden to the academy instructor that took care of him.


    Buying food in town is cheap but Makani had no way to make money. Since Makani was fortunate enough to have been adopted by the academy, he didn''t have the need to do such things. But from time to time Makani would feel guilty because the instructor in the academy has his own family to take care.


    As Makani aged his guilt felt stronger. The guilt he had began one day when the most senior instructor named Aslak had noticed that Makani''s clothes had become worn out and holes had started to appear. Since clothes in Pea town is vital to a person because of the cold temperature Aslak, decided to do something about it.


    Out of the salary that Aslak had earned working at the academy, the elder instructor bought Makani a new pair to wear made out of pelts from holos called Ruby eyed hares. Hides of the Ruby eyed hares just like many of the holos parts have magical attributes in them. Their hides are very gentle to the touch and at the same time gives off a constant aura of a relatively comfortable degree of warmth making any harsh frigid weather bearable for anyone who wears them. The hides from Ruby eyed hares are the best for the frigid environment of Akau Kingdom.


    Makani felt a great depth of gratitude and promised to one day be able to return the old man''s kindness by doing his best to fulfill his ambitions.


    Through out the land, a normal being would have some type of income by becoming an adventurer. Mostly every being throughout the lands are adventurers. To become an adventurer one has either to go through the academy where they learn the basics of survival or take series of tests. Once a person finishes all the basic classes or take the series of tests, he or she is then appraised by the Adventurer''s Guild to be categorized into a class and are given a license to be able to be labeled and be known as that class of adventurer.


    There are three types of adventurer class;


    The first and strongest class would be the fighters. Fighter class would usually be the adventurers who would use their raw strength and talent to hunt down the numerous terrifying monstrous Holos that exist through out the lands. Fighter class would usually have a shorter life span than any of the adventurer class due to their trait of being brave and daring. Fighter classes often enter tournaments to test themselves. Some fighter class would train under the best schools throughout the lands so that they may might earn great rewards if they some how manage to become the champion in the arena.


    Though other classes may join the the tournaments if they please but almost all the time, the champions of the arenas are usually of fighter class.


    The second class would be the Support adventurers. Support class adventurers would be adventurers that would use various remarkable skills to their advantage. Most support class adventurers would be adventurers who would fight from a far. Most support classes are rangers, trackers/trappers, tamers or summoners.


    Support adventurers would often partner up with Fighters class adventurers to cover their weakness of being more vulnerable than fighter class. Support classes don''t usually travel alone due to their weak defenses.


    The third class and the lowest of all are the Merchant class. Merchant class Adventurers are usually alchemist who create various types of potions, store keepers, butchers of monstrous creatures killed by other classes, blacksmiths or tailors who would create armors and weapons and when all else fails they become teachers.


    Merchant classes are the weakest in all physical aspects of all adventurers. Instead of fighting they would use their wits and knowledge that they have to survive in the world.


    Makani slowly continued his way up to where he knows fruit bearing trees would be flourishing. Even though the area would be often be covered in snow, there would be surprisingly abundant of trees that would bear fruits.


    When he was younger, Makani always had problem with his stamina. After years of forcing himself to hike up to the snowy forested mountain, Makani''s stamina greatly improved. As he continued on the trail that he would take towards the fruit bearing trees, Makani suddenly began to hear people talking. Upon hearing the voices, he immediately stopped and hastily but silently hid behind a tree.


    Makani cautiously peeked out of the trunk of the tree and saw two shady looking beings whispering to one another. One is hairy, thick in stature and wide. The other has the head of a dog. Makani made an educated guess that the hairy one is a Dwarf and the other is a Beastman.


    Dwarfs are uncommon in the surface of the earth. Most would live very deep underground in giant magnificent cities. Most dwarves on the surface are those who''s been banished from the great underground kingdoms. Beastmen are much like humans but are mostly animal like in features. But in physical aspects they are stronger and faster.


    Makani had never seen the other races before in person. But in the academy''s library he has seen drawings and heard about them from the instructors at the academy. Makani stayed quiet and continued to eavesdrop on the suspicious looking beings.


    "GWrr. .Let''s kill her Dume! so we can take all of her abilities!" Growled the beast-man who looks much like a hyena.


    The dwarf named Dume grabbed the beastman named Wek by his collar and pulled him closer to his face. Dume became annoyed with Wek''s suggestion and yelled at him in a low volume.


    "You fool! You can''t take other people''s abilities! Once a being ingest a Mana the ability forever belongs to that being."


    "Gwrr..How do you know of this?!" The beastman snarled at the dwarf


    "I''ve tried it before! I attempted to steal someone''s ability not too long ago. I killed the person who had the ability to heal people using her hands alone. But after gutting the person up with my axes, I could not find the marble that the person supposedly ingested."


    "Gwwrr then what do we do with this adventurer?!"


    "Since she has the ability to some how detect Manas we''ll just have to wait and we''ll steal the marble that she acquires from this creature she''s hunting down."


    Upon hearing their conversation about the mythical Manas, Makani was confused. In his heart he felt that some how the ancient tales that he had read for the old book from the academy library were all real. After asking about the Manas from the old instructors, Makani had began to doubt and was close to giving up on trying to one day obtain a Mana. But now upon encountering these beings, his hopes of acquiring one is been replenished. Now Makani will do what he can to get one of the marbles.


    Makani slowly followed and stalked the two shady beings. Though he was very tired from the long trek all the way up to the forested mountains, his energy returned to him after just being informed that Manas are real. After a moment had passed, Makani continued to cautiously follow the two beings.


    Makani remembers a story about people who preyed on the innocent. These people in the story that he read in a book these people are called bandits. These bandits looked just like how the book had described them. Makani continued to stalk the two bandits while making sure that he was not detected. Then suddenly from beyond the trees a loud monstrous shriek could be heard.


    "Kkkrrrreaaaaaaaa!!!"


    Dume the dwarf took the two small axes strapped on his back and held one in each hand. The beast-man took out his crossbow and pulled out a bolt from one of his many quivers. The dwarf stopped and hid behind a boulder. After quickly peaking at their target, he gave the hyena instructions.


    "Once she slays the Holo let''s kill the her and steal the Mana she acquires from it."


    The beast-man grinned in agreement showing his nasty looking sharp crooked teeth.


    Makani was also somewhat prepared. He was confident that he could out run and out maneuver the bandits going down hill in the snowy forested mountain that he was very familiar with. While he discussed to himself of the different actions that he could do in the situations that he might encounter, Makani heard various sounds that ends with the beastman''s distinct laughing.


    Makani peaked to see what had happened with the bandits. From where he hid, he saw the bandits had overwhelmed a hooded womanin the open area. The hooded woman had just fought a monstrous holo and immediately after bandits attacked the woman.


    The two bandits had viciously ambushed the hooded woman inflicting serious damage. The result of the sneak attack caused the hooded woman to bleed out dyeing the snow in the area in red. As the two looked down on the bloodied hooded person they pry open her still shut hand.


    "Nyahahaha! Gwrr..She didn''t stand a chance with our ambush!"


    "Hello sweetie now hand over the marbles."


    The two bandits snatched the marbles out of woman''s hand that she acquired from the terrifying creature. The beast-man began to laugh celebrating in their success.


    As Makani stayed hidden, he could hear the bandits celebrating from where he hid. He cautiously peaked at the bandits and saw the two bandits gawking over two shiny small spherical stones.


    ''Are these the Mana that the ancient books had mentioned?'' Makani thought to himself as he observes what was in the bandit''s hand.


    Makani began to argue with himself. He started telling himself to wait until there was a perfect chance to take the marbles at the same time he told him self that it was now or never. Instantly Makani started to feel anxious and as he was about to prepare to lunge in to snatch the Manas from the two bandits, the critically wounded hooded woman stood and stabbed both bandits on the nape of their necks.


    Instantly the two bandits fell on the red dyed snow lifeless. The two shiny small stones fell and became embedded inside the red dyed snow as the hooded adventurer fell along with the two dead bandits.


    Seeing the opportunity, like a hungry wild animal, Makani jumped towards where the two shiny marbles fell and frantically searched for them them. Adrenaline kicked in and Makani''s heart throbbed really fast then suddenly he found them. A manic smile appeared in Makani''s face, he stopped for a moment to make sure that he had them in his hands.


    As he stares at the magical marbles, he licks his lips and without any hesitations, Makani swallows both marbles at the same time.


    **

 Chapter 2: The Gifts

    **


    *GULP*


    Makani swallowed both of the Manas and instantly felt a strange indescribable sensation all over his body then instantly after he began to hear a gentle mystical voice in his head.


    [Enhanced Crafting ability obtained]


    [Summon Onion Golem ability obtained]


    The voice began telling him what abilities he had gained and the details of the abilities.


    [Enhanced Crafting ability] this ability allows Makani to be able to craft many different kinds of items with sheer perfection. He is able to forge the sharpest of swords, the strongest of armors, the greatest of statues, the most powerful of items, and much more .


    His second ability, [Summon Onion Golem ability] allows Makani to summon an Onion Golem from an unknown origin. The Onion Golem will obey every actions that the summoner commands.


    Frightened, Makani jumped back and looked around to search for where the voice is coming from. After looking around, he saw no one other than the three bodies on the red dyed snow. For a moment Makani felt scared but at the same time a great surge of energy came over him. A big happy smile appeared on his face as he began jumping wildly around screaming. Makani had never felt so happy in his entire life.


    "It''s true! It''s real!" Makani laughed cheerfully.


    After years of reading the crusty old book at the academy, wondering and hoping that one day he''ll be able to obtain a Mana. Now it has come some how come true. Makani not only found one mythical marbles, but two.


    Jumping around with glee he suddenly stopped. While Makani was hopping around celebrating, he hears groaning from behind him. Makani quickly turned around to see where the sound was coming from.


    At the corner of his eye as he twisted his body, he could see a figure. Finally as his whole body had turned around, he saw that the one making the sound is the hooded adventurer that killed the two bandits. Without hesitation, Makani hastily dashed to the nearest tree and quickly hid behind it.


    *nggg*


    A low faint groan came from the bloodied adventurer as she started crawling towards the tree where Makani hid. She stretched her hand and said something in a weakened low tone.


    "Makani. . ."


    Makani''s eyes widened, when he heard his own name being spoken by the hooded adventurer, who to him is a complete stranger. Makani became perplex and thought he was hearing things, but there was no mistake that the adventurer said had just his name. He slowly peeked out from behind the tree to get a view of the bloodied adventurer. A bit scared but at the same time curious, he shouted at the dying adventurer.


    "H-how do you know my name!?"


    The severely injured adventurer looked up smiling. Though she looked terrifying covered in blood, the smile she gave felt kind and caring. Tears rolled down from the hooded adventurer''s eyes as she continued to stare intently at Makani. With the little energy she had left, she removed her hood and revealed her face and her blood-red hair. Makani''s eyes widened as he saw the same blood-red hair he had. The adventurer smiled at Makani and with a low sweet angelic voice she whispered.


    "My little boy."


    Faintly hearing what the hooded said caused Makani to be confused. He slowly shuffled out from the tree that he was hiding from. Out in the open, Makani stood shaking from fear of the adventurer. Though she''s close to death, she was still able to kill the two bandits without a problem. There out in the open facing the adventurer without the protection of the tree to hide from, he stood then yelled again.


    "W-who are you!?"


    The adventurer slowly stretched her hand towards Makani as if she was struggling to try to reach him. In a calm weak voice she revealed to him who she is.


    "I''m your mother."


    After revealing who she is, instantly Makani had flash back. Not knowing how but he began to remember being cradled in his mother''s arms. During the times when he cried as an infant because of being cold or something had irritated him, she sung him to sleep. The precious moment that played inside his head made Makani began to weep.


    Makani became confused because all these time he had thought that his had mother died. The instructors from the academy had told Makani that his mother had died giving birth to him. He called out to his mother stuttering.


    "M-m-mom!"


    Makani dashed towards his mother who is severely injured and bloodied all over. He has so many questions but at the moment he was frantic due to the fact that she was so heavily injured.


    "Mom!"


    Makani hysterically cried out to his mother then knelled down next to her.


    "Mom please don''t die. I just only met you till now."


    Makani''s mother reach out to gently touch and caress his cheeks as he continued to bawl.


    "My little boy, you have to be strong!"


    Makani grabbed on to his mother''s bloodied hand and held it tight.


    "I will be strong mom!"


    Using her index finger, Makani''s mother pressed her son''s forehead. Instantly flashes of memories transferred into Makani''s mind. Inside his mind Makani saw the things that his mother had done in her life time and the reasons why she left Makani.


    In the memories that surged inside his mind, Teresa, Makani''s mother was there the first time he decided to wander into forest. Makani now understood the reason he never ran into terrifying creatures when he explored the forested mountain. His mother was always there protecting him and never knew about it.


    Tears continued to flow down Makani''s cheeks as his mother''s memories continued to flow in his head. Moments after touching Makani''s forehead, Teresa became pale and cold.


    Makani intensely stared at Teresa. He noticed that she had become pale and stopped moving. He began to gently shake his mother''s body while calling out for her.


    "Mom?"


    Makani began to shake frantically as he continued to call her.


    "Mom? . . . Mom!!?"


    He didn''t know what to do. Right there in front of him the woman that had given birth to him had just faded from existence.


    *Wahhhhhh*


    Makani began to loudly wail uncontrollably as he held his mother''s lifeless body. He knew that life in general is very unfair and now he learned first hand how unfair it was. It was the first time he had met his mother since he was born and it was also the last.


    **


    It was starting to get dark and Makani had just finished digging a grave for his dear departed mother. He found a peaceful spot near the top of the mountain to bury her. He thought that his mother would have loved to gaze at the stars as she slept for eternity.


    After burying her, Makani laid down multiple colorful bouquets of flowers that he had picked up around the area. Makani stood there thinking about the memories that he had just witness. He saw how hard his mother''s life was and why she made the hardest decision of her life to leave him in front of the academy''s door.


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    Makani fiddled with the ring in his finger which he had taken from his mother. The ring, called dimensional storage ring or DS ring had the limit of carrying up to fifty tons of items, which made it a very useful tool. Makani learned the functions of the DS ring from the memory transfer ability of his mother. He not only learned how to use the ring but he also learned how to use various skills such as fighting and wielding various weapons. Before parting, his mother had given him other gifts of various knowledge. But the one gift that was given to him which he now cherished the most is his life.


    **


    It was early in the morning and Makani had just woken up in his small room in the academy. Makani woke up feeling drowsy. Slowly he brushed off his blanket and got up with a weird expression then sluggishly walked into the restroom. As he stood there looking in the mirror he realizes how he looked so much like his mother. The tragic event that had happened a week ago felt like it was yesterday.


    Losing his mother made Makani feel devastated but after the unforgettable day, he promised himself to not dwell on that grievous day so that he''ll be able to focus on his goals. Even though its easier said than done, he''ll do everything in his will  to make his goal into reality and at the same time to make his mother proud of him.


    Makani vividly remembers all of Teresa''s memory that was transferred into him and why she had hid Makani at Pea town. Through out the other Kingdoms humans are captured as a very valued commodity. The human race in the Kingdoms of Hema, Komohana, and Hikina are used as slaves. Luckily for Makani he lives in a town located at the boarder of the Kingdom of Akau where the slavery system didn''t exist. But that didn''t stop some of the citizena of Akau from capturing humans and selling them to other the Kingdoms for profit.


    There are four Kingdoms through out the lands. Akau the kingdom of the north known for its harsh winter environment. Many come to Akau for the monsters and the materials that can be harvested from them that can only be found there. The kingdom of Akau doesn''t consist of much people living in it due to the harsh environment and the humongous creatures that would usually cause disorder.


    Komohana, the kingdom of the west, known for the rare minerals that could be found in the rocky mountainous surroundings of the kingdom.  Many come to Komohana  to search for rare ores to create great armors and gems to be used as accessories to enhance the wearer''s aptitude.


    Hikina,  the kingdom of the east, known for its crystal clear bodies of water.  Many come to Hikina  to relax and enjoy the all year tropical weather. Great tournaments for adventurers are held in Hikina and those who becomes the champions will earn some amazing rewards.


    Hema, the kingdom of the south, known for its dense lush tropical rain forest. The kingdom of Hema is the largest and heavily populated of all the kingdoms. Many of the people throughout the lands live in this kingdom due to it being much more convenient than the other three kingdom. The reason for the Kingdom of Hema as being the most heavily populated kingdom is because of their dungeons. The dungeons in Hema are where most adventurers go to hone their skills and at the same time gain some prestige.


    Knowing the truth of the outside world, Makani realized why it was important for him to always wear his scarf. It was the safest way he would be able to hide his true identity as a human.


    *Knock Knock*


    "Makani are you in here?"


    Makani was surprised to hear the familiar voice. He quickly put his shirt on and slowly opened the door. It was the old instructor who had been taking care of him since he was found on the steps of the academy.


    "Old man your back!"


    Makani jumped towards the old man and hugged him.


    "You seem lively today. Did anything happen while I was away?"


    Makani shook his head and grinned.


    Aslak the old instructor that discovered Makani in that one cold winter night, raised and educated Makani as if he was his own child. The old Beastman brushed his whiskers as he observed Makani. Aslak stood on his toes to look behind Makani. His long silver tail slowly wagged back and forth when he noticed something.


    "Something is different."


    Aslak grabbed Makani and turned him around.


    "AHH! Where''s your scarf?! I spent so much time and effort making your scarf."


    Makani scratched his head and laughed pathetically.


    "I think I lost it some where while playing"


    "TSK! always so careless! Do you know what today is?"


    Makani started scratching his head trying to remember why today was so important. Then he realized it and screamed.


    "Ahhh! I''m going to be late!"


    "Here take this! I made an extra just in case you had lost it again."


    Aslak handed Makani the extra scarf as he rushed out of the academy. As he ran to the door to go outside he quickly wrapped the scarf around his neck.


    Today is the day Makani and his classmates are evaluated by the council of the Adventurer''s guild. Since they all had finished their classes it was time for them to graduate the academy and be finally evaluated to see which class of adventurer they will become.


    **


    Makani arrived outside of the Adventurer''s Guild panting. His breath melted the snow fakes that lightly fell from the sky, he looked around the entrance from where he stood to see if he could find someone that he recognized from his class. But unfortunately he didn''t see anyone that anyone. After scanning the place, he decided to go inside the building.


    Inside the Adventurer''s guild, there were a handful of tough looking adventurers loitering around the lounge. The instant Makani walked inside, he was instantly stared down by these veteran of adventurers that noticed him. Makani walked towards the desk and rang the bell to get some assistance. after a few seconds an old lady wearing a burlesque dress arrived with a big smile on her face.


    "Hello dear! How may I help you today?"


    Makani smiled back and politely asked about where the Academy Evaluation would be.


    "Hello ma''am, I''m a student from the academy and I''m here to be evaluated today."


    "Oh I''m sorry. The ceremony finished an hour ago. May I know your name so that I can bring up your record so that we can process your Adventurer''s Guild Card?"


    "My name is Makani."


    The old woman went to the back of the room to search for information about Makani. Makani fiddled with the DS ring and realized that he wasn''t disappointed that he missed the evaluation ceremony. It would have been a pain to wait and have his name and class be announced throughout the town. In fact he was grateful that he missed it. As he continued to think about the situation that he''s in, the old woman in the burlesque dress came out of the back room holding a piece of paper.


    " I found it it seems you''ve already been classed."


    Makani gulped as he looked at the piece of paper. He felt anxious to find out what class the Adventurer''s Guild had placed him in. He knew that he did his best in all of the classes and passed all of it. But there was one area where he severely struggle. But all he really cared about now was that the days of the academy was over and he didn''t need to see all the people that mocked him ever again.


    The old lady smiled and handed Makani the paper. Makani looked at the paper that was handed to him. His eyes widened.


    **

 Chapter 3: The Adventurers Guild

    **


    Makani''s brow furrowed when he saw what was written on the paper.


    "Merchant Class"


    Makani whispered what was written on the paper and slightly frowned. The old lady wearing the burlesque dress noticed his face.


    "Oh hon'' don''t worry! Being in the merchant class doesn''t mean a thing. The advantage of bein'' in this class would mean that you''ll live longer!"


    The old lady laughed out loud and slapped Makani on the back. She then introduced herself to Makani.


    "My name is Melanie and I am the Manager of the Adventurer''s Guild here in Pea town. Now tell me little one; Are you ready to be an Adventurer?"


    Makani''s eyes gave a sense of ambitiousness when Melanie asked him the question. Makani replied in a strong stern tone.


    "I am!"


    Melanie laughed and slapped Makani once again on the back.


    "Let''s first start with your adventurer''s guild card shall we? Place your hand here."


    Melanie asked Makani to place his hand on a weird looking contraption. Once Makani placed his hand on the mysterious object, it began to glow and started to make strange weird noises. Moments later a metallic card appeared out of the slot under where Makani had place his hand.


    Melanie picked up the card and observed it then handed it to Makani.


    "It seems to be fine. This is your Adventurer''s Card. Its very important that you don''t lose this."


    Makani held on to his Adventurer''s card. Right after receiving it from Melanie, she began to explain to Makani everything about the card.


    The adventurer''s guild card is used as more than just identifying if a person is an adventurer or not. The card states the owner''s name, Grade, Level, Class, Clan and Money.


    Since Makani is a new adventurer, he''s graded as a G grade adventurer. The color of the adventurer''s card also indicates the grade of the adventurer. The color green identifies Makani as a newbie or as adventurers would call the new adventurer a greenhorn. The grade level starts from the Bottom of G all the way to the top to SS.


    Each Grade also has a level from 1 to 100. If ever Makani reaches level 100 on Grade G he''ll be automatically upgraded to Grade F. The process goes on until an adventurer reaches Grade D level 100 during that moment to become a Grade C adventurer the adventurer has to go through an exam and pass to reach the next grade level.


    The class determines what class the adventurer is in. There are three classes; Fighter class, Support class and Merchant class.


    Each class has their own advantages. Since Makani is in the Merchant class he''ll be able to enjoy getting discounts and selling his goods at a high cost.


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Clans can be created at the Adventurer''s Guild. To create a clan one has to have all the requirements to become a clan leader.


    The adventurer''s card has a magical feature that only adventurers can use. Adventurers can use their cards like credit cards. In the bottom right of the card shows how much money they have. 100 copper coins is equal to 1 silver. 100 silver coins is equal to 1 gold coin. In the card it will show how much the adventurer owns in copper coins.


    "I think that''s the basic of the adventurer''s card. If you have any question feel free to ask. Welcome once again."


    Makani stared at his adventurer card. He couldn''t believe it but this is it, he''s now on his first step to able to pursue his dream but now he doesn''t know where to begin. Makani then decided to go back to the academy to go ask Aslak for guidance.


    **


    Makani knocked on Aslak''s office door and opened it. Inside Aslak sitting drinking a hot cup of tea and instantly greeted Makani once he saw that it was him at the door.


    "My boy! Your back! How was the ceremony?"


    Makani gave a small frown then smiled.


    "I missed it. But now I have this!"


    Makani took out his adventurer card and showed to Aslak.


    "Oh my! Now that you have graduated from the academy and have become an adventurer, we need to discuss the matter at hand."


    Makani was surprised, he wasn''t sure what Aslak wanted to talk about. It made him suddenly anxious and hoped it wasn''t something bad.


    "First please sit down."


    Aslak patted on the chair across of him.


    Makani sat down on a chair across from Aslak.


    After sitting down, Aslak told Makani that on the night he was found the other instructors wanted to get rid of him right away. Hearing the other instructor''s decision infuriated Aslak because they were going to throw away a new born child and never let it have a chance on life. Being the most senior instructor,  Aslak used his influence and asked all the other instructor if they could settle into an agreement so that the Makani''s life could be saved.


    At the end of the arguments, all the instructors agreed to let Makani stay in the academy but it had to be Aslak that has to care for him. Now that Makani has become an adventurer and will finally able to be able to provide for himself, its now time for him to leave the academy.


    Makani''s brow furrowed and started to think what to do next. In Makani''s mind, everything was happening so fast and he didn''t know what to do. Aslak saw that Makani became anxious and placed his hand on Makani''s


    "Everything''s going to be alright my boy, I prepared something just for when this day will arrive."


    Makani''s eyes began to water as he looked up to Aslak in silence. Aslak gently smiled and began to explain.


    It seems that when Aslak found out that Makani would become a merchant class adventurer, he talked to a blacksmith friend. The blacksmith named Rudolf agreed in accepting Makani as his apprentice.


    **

 Chapter 4: The Market

    *Ting Ting! Ting!*


    The sounds of hammers striking on metal echoed the surrounding as Makani shoved coal into the furnace.


    *Ting Ting! Ting!*


    The sweat from his brow has been constantly falling from the intense heat of the forge. Makani had sprouted and his once scrawny arms had become thick and well toned.


    It has been eleven months since he became one of the apprentice of Rudolf the blacksmith. Ever since he became an adventurer his life has turned from a easy relaxed life to a life full of hard labor.


    The day Makani arrived at Rudolf the blacksmith''s shop, he was awed by the  dazzling weapons and armors that are displayed in the shop. Makani was excited and anxious to meet his master so that he could learn how to create the weapons that bewitched him. But sadly instead he became the mule of the shop.


    Makani sleeps on the hay that the horses in the stable ate. He slept along with the other junior apprentices named Theo and Karl. The two who arrived a few months after Makani, were also used for hard labor. Everyday their daily routine would be to wake up and made sure that the forge wouldn''t run out of firewood or die out.


    From time to time when the stock of firewood in the shed are about to run out, Rudolf the blacksmith would task all of the junior apprentices and Makani to go to the forest to retrieve more wood. Doing this exhausting task was Makani''s favorite because he would take the route to the forest that would take him through the market place.


    The market place in town is a bliss for Makani because he''s able to see all sorts of interesting things that are brought by adventurers who came from far away places. One day while passing by, Makani realized that any merchant class adventurer can lay down a mat with various objects on it to sell their merchandise away.


    That realization gave Makani an idea, since he himself is a merchant class adventurer he''ll be able to sell things at the market place. But there was one problem, Makani has nothing of value to sell in the market.


    If only his master had taught him how to forge anything. In Makani''s mind since his master would refuse to teach him how to craft weapons or armors, he decided to take things in his own hand.


    For several weeks, Makani saved up scraps of metals that were usually thrown away by his master. Since it would usually be thrown away, Makani decided to hoard the scraps so that he''ll be able to use them as materials.


    Late at night in secret when Rudolf the blacksmith fell deeply to sleep after getting drunk with the senior apprentices, Makani decided to try his luck with forging.


    Makani brought out the scraps of metal pieces from his Dimensional Storage ring and placed them on the ground.


    Since the forge has been maintained by him before everyone went to sleep its temperature was still at its hottest. Makani placed all the metal scraps inside a thick crucible to melt all the metal down so that it can be combined into large pieces of metal.


    After all the pieces of metal had melted into a hot orange like goo, Makani poured the molten metal into a mold. Then after the molted metal had cooled down, it turned into a thick piece of rectangular metal.


    Makani repeated the steps until he ran out of metal scraps. After the rectangular metals had cooled down Makani began hammering away to try to create something out of it.


    Many hours later, the results of his attempts was a success.  Out of the scraps that he hoarded for several weeks, Makani was able to create five daggers.


    ''This must be because of [Enhanced Crafting ability]'' Makani thought to himself. After finishing, Makani made sure he hid all traces of evidence of his attempt to forge. Makani stored all the five daggers he made inside his DS ring and went to sleep.


    **


    It was early morning and the smell of manure and the unwashed mare lingered in the air.


    Makani woke up with a smile on his face even though he had little sleep. He put on his scarf and his hat which made him look like he has a pair of fox ears. The thick hat was much convenient because it would keep him warm from the cold wind that would usually blow through the town.  Ever since he arrived at Rudolf''s place he was more relaxed on the fact of being human.


    When ever he worked on the forge to keep it at a high temperature he would remove most his clothes. Hiding the fact that he''s human didn''t matter anymore because everyone in the shop knew.


    Makani checked the stable and yelled at the two.


    "Theo! Karl! Get ready we''ll be leaving for the forest to gather more wood for the forge."


    Even though he knew he had to go to the forest to retrieve more firewood for the forge, it was exactly how he planned it to go.


    "Let''s go or else master will become angry!"


    Makani shouted at the two again who were more junior than him with a commanding voice. Having someone to boss around made Makani feel powerful.


    In the beginning of his apprenticeship with Rudolf the blacksmith, he had hated his life because he was the only junior apprentice and the senior apprentices would belittle him. Now that he was a bit more senior to the two apprentices, he has someone he could demean if he wanted to.


    In Makani''s mind, doing what the senior apprentices did to him would mean going down to their level of manner. Since he experienced such treatments Makani didn''t want to treat the two as such.


    Makani grabbed the ax and placed the head over his shoulder.


    "We''re coming!"


    Both Theo and Karl shouted as the bumped into each other trying to run to where Makani stood.


    Makani began to walk while pulling on the reign of the horse that pulled the cart while Theo and Karl followed from behind.


    "Big brother Makani, are we going to go through the market again this time?!"


    Asked Theo eagerly as he gave a big grin.


    Theo Dab a half Orc half Demi-human likes seeing all the food in the market. His dream is to  one day go travel all through out the lands and try all the different food. But since he was born in a poor family, he decided to become a blacksmith because crafting weapons and armors was a stable job as an adventurer.


    "Yeah! I want to see all the pretty ladies in the market specially the apple lady! Her breasts are so . ."


    Karl gave a weird dazed look to the distance and began day dreaming about the apple lady''s large bosom as he continued to follow Makani.


    Karl Dil is a simple dwarf who has a strange fascination with women that has a certain bust. He became Rudolf the blacksmith''s apprentice because his family belongs to a long line of blacksmiths.


    As they passed the market place to head towards the forest where it was safe to collect firewood Makani stopped and turned towards the two.


    "I forgot that Master told me to do something! You two go on ahead and I''ll come to you when I''m done. Don''t forget to fill the cart!"


    Makani handed the reign of the horse to Theo who is much more responsible that the Karl. As Theo and Karl went their way towards the forest, Makani went back to the market place.


    Makani decided to change what he was wearing and put on a hood. He also wrapped his lower face to prevent being identified by people who knew his master. As he arrived at the market he picked a spot and placed a mat on the ground.


    Immediately he secretly took out the daggers he made and placed it on the mat.


    ''Now all I need to do is wait'' Makani thought to himself.


    An hour had passed and none stopped to look at his weapons. As he waited he decided to shine the daggers one by one. After another hour an old fragile looking demi-human wearing a fancy coat stopped by. The old man has a long thick silvery tail and would wag from side to side as he observed the daggers that Makani had on the mat.


    The old demi-human gazed at the daggers with admiration. Makani observed the old fellow and noticed that there was a person behind him. The person behind him stood in idle as if waiting for something.


    Makani wondered whether or not he should say something. But before he could speak the old fellow began saying something.


    "Such magnificent craftsmanship! What kind of Holo parts did you use to create this?!"


    The old man began making comments and asking questions. Little did he know that Makani had only used scraps of metal that he had collected.


    Behind the wrapping around Makani''s mouth a grin appeared. The old fellow continued to speak and turned to the person standing behind him to whisper something.


    After saying a few words to the person behind the old fellow, the idle man instantly handed the old fellow five large bag of coins. The old fellow presented the bag of coins


    "I would like to buy all for my collection! How would 5000 gold each sound?!"


    Makani was astonished at the old man''s offer. He was so shocked that words couldn''t come out of his mouth. Not even his master''s finest weapons and armors would exceed the cost of 10 gold coins. To think that the weapons that he made from scraps would be bought in such a high price.


    The silence that Makani made gave the old man the expression that his offer was too low so he made an additional offer.


    "I guess you didn''t like my offer but I must have these fine daggers to my collection! I will offer 25000 gold coins each!"


    Hearing the second offer almost made Makani''s eyes almost popped out from the overpowering surprise. Makani instantly replied to the offer before the old man had a chance to change his mind.


    "Deal!"


    Makani extended his hands and shook the old fellow''s hand.


    "Thank you for accepting my offer lad. Since I did not bring enough gold coins with me, shall we go to the adventurer''s guild to complete out transaction?"


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


    Makani nodded his head and wrapped up his daggers to carry to the adventurer''s guild. After the transaction, Makani had a big grin on his face.


    If he didn''t see it on his adventurer''s card, he would not believe the amount of coins he had. 125000 gold coins was something he couldn''t imagine to have in such a short amount of time.


    While he was walking with a grin on his face as left the adventurer''s guild, Makani realizes he now has the coins to buy the book that would teach him about summoning.


    Makani withdrew 200 gold coins. Enough to buy a few books and maybe some extra things for himself.


    Ever since he gained the abilities from the Manas that he had swallowed, he had gained the [Summon Onion Golem ability]. But without the knowledge of summoning he didn''t know how to use the ability.


    Makani ran to the [Magik and Kaft Bookstore] that sold few books about summoning, mostly alchemist books and as well as other books.


    Since the end of the war with King Kai and the gods, the knowledge of magik had been reduced to a tiny degree. Summoning through out the lands has been the only magik that are known. The cost of knowledge through out the lands are very expensive. The prices of books that contained magik or any alchemic information would often double sometimes triple the prices of high tier items.


    *Ding ding*


    The sound of a bell chimed as Makani entered the store. As he entered the Young lady who worked at the counter welcomed him.


    "Ahh it''s you again!"


    "Hello. ."


    Makani greeted meekly.


    The young dog eared lady at the counter has become familiar with Makani. For months he has continuously been coming in and out of this particular store.


    Makani''s love for books caused him to visit stores that sold books frequently when he would have some time for himself. Makani missed the academy''s library because of all the free books that he could read.


    Since he hadn''t any coins to buy any books, he would visit the stores from time to time to browse in and out of books which caused him from time to time to kicked out.


    The managers of the store would some time kick out Makani instantly because they knew he would not be able to buy any of their merchandise.


    "Are you here to browse again? If so I''m going to ask you to leave."


    The young dog eared lady named Joy warned Makani.


    Makani walked directly to the counter and placed a large bag of gold coins.


    "I would like to but the [Basic Summoning] book please."


    Seeing the large bag of gold coins in front of her, Joy wipe her eyes in disbelief.


    "How. . Never mind I don''t even want to know. This would be 60 gold please, but since you''re a merchant class adventurer it will be 30 gold coins. Is there anything else that you would like?"


    Hearing Joy''s question made Makani realize that he could buy many things that he was not able to buy before he became an adventurer. It was also convenient because of the merchant class advantages. Makani looked around the store and a book caught his attention.


    Basic alchemy potion making. Potions through out the land are very expensive. Majority of high tier Fighter and Support adventurers wouldn''t be able to afford the usage of potions often because alchemist through out the lands rare.


    To be an alchemist, one would need lots of resources. Ingredients, supplies and many other things. Most alchemist would literally die of hunger because they would run out of supplies to fund their creations. Even if an alchemist have the required items to create potions, the success of actually making a potion is very low. Since the true books of alchemy had been lost over the centuries, these books are just notes that newer generations of alchemist have written which weren''t as effective as the ones a long long time ago.


    Potions through out the lands are considered to be only bought by the few very rich adventurers that would be able to afford them. If Makani can some how become a successful alchemist he''ll be richer than he already was.


    "I want the [Basic Alchemy: Potion making] book please."


    "The original price is 100 gold but with your merchant class discount it would be 50 gold coins please. Thank you."


    Makani was in shock that he had just used 80 gold coins in under an hour. It would have been more if he wasn''t a merchant class. 80 gold coins is considered to some master craftsman as months worth of work.


    Makani grabbed his books and stored it inside his DS ring. While walking out of the store, he realized that he totally forgot about Theo and Karl. Instantly he hurried to the forest to see how they were doing.


    But before he headed to the forest he spent the some of his gold on ingredients, supplies equipment for making potions and other things.


    **


    In the outskirt of Pea town where it is said to be the safest forested area, Theo and Karl had been taking turns chopping wood while the other loaded them into the cart. It had been hours since they started their work and their big brother Makani hadn''t arrived yet.


    "I wonder what big brother Makani is doing."


    Asked Karl who was loading the wood into the cart.


    "Don''t worry about it. Our big brother is doing master''s task. It must be something hard.


    Theo replied as he swings the ax into the tree''s trunk. As the ax hit the trunk the tree began making a cracking sound which was a sign that it was about to fall over. Theo and Karl moved out of the way as the tree steadily fell to the ground and made a large thudding sound as the entire tree landed.


    *THUD!*


    The loud thud could be heard through out the entire forest. As it fell on the ground, Karl and Theo began hearing loud snorting sounds from afar. The ground beneath them had began trembling.


    "What as that?"


    Theo asked Karl as he continues to hear the snorting sounds.


    Karl looked around to look from where the noise was coming from and as he scanned the area he saw a cloud of steam coming towards them.


    "Icicle Boars!"


    Karl screamed in a panicked tone.


    "Icicle Boars? Are they tasty?"


    Theo asked curiously as he looked at Karl who looked very scared at the moment.


    "They''re very dangerous Holos that roamed near Pea village. My uncle was savagely stabbed by them to death with their sharp diamond like tusks."


    Karl began climbing the nearest tree as he told the short story about his uncle.


    As the group of Icicle boars came closer to them, Theo saw how fearsome these Holos looked. There were three of them and all were as big as the cart that they brought from the stable.


    "W-what do we do?!"


    Theo asked as his voice began to tremble.


    "Climb!"


    Karl screamed from above who was almost at the top of the tree that he was climbing.


    Theo began climbing as fast as he could. When the boars arrived it began skewing the mare that was pulling the cart that they had. After the group of Icicle boars had killed the mare they began eating it then turned their attention on the cart.


    Two of the Holos began trashing the cart while the biggest out of the tree started ramming on the tree where Karl and Theo had climbed up to.


    The two could do nothing but hold on tight on the tree for their life and hope that these monstrous Holos would give up and go away.


    **


    Makani merrily walked to the forest as he read the  [Basic Summoning] book that he had just bought from the [Magik and Kaft Bookstore]. As he continued to read the last chapter, he understood why he couldn''t summon at all. To summon a creature, a summoner must have catalyst. Almost all summoners used large gem stones to summon creatures that would aid them in battle.


    Also the better the quality of the gem stone the stronger the creature that''s summoned. Luckily as he passed through the market place on the way to the forest where Theo and Karl is suppose to be, Makani saw and bought a high tier gem stone.


    The gem stone that Makani had bought came all the way from the Kingdom of  Komohana. The gemstone gave a shiny red hue and is as big as his fist.


    Makani stored his book back in his DS ring and brought out the big red gemstone that had just bought. He began saying the words that he read from the book.


    "I call upon thee creature from another world to serve and protect. Follow and obey until my time on this world has ended. Onion Golem!"


    Suddenly a large shadowy figure about 8 feet tall appeared being encircled by bright straight lights. As the light began to swirl faster and faster it gave off a vibrating sound.


    Then suddenly a flash of blinding light engulfed the area where Makani stood.


    **

 Chapter 5: Pohaku

    **


    Theo and Karl held on as tight as they could on the tree that they were both up on. Below them were three huge Icicle Boars snorting and grunting while attempting to shake them off from the tree and at the same time trying to fell the tree that they''re both on.


    Karl looked down and began to weep


    "Guhhhh!!! Are we going to die here Theo? I haven''t even grown a proper beard!"


    "Shut up Karl! We''re not going to die. Just hold on!"


    Then suddenly out of no where, a bright flash of light engulfed the forest blinding Karl and Theo as well as the three Icicle Boars. Theo and Karl instantly shut their eyes and continued to hold on to the tree tightly.


    As the mysteriously bright light disappeared, Theo looked below and saw that the three Icicle boars were stunned and dazed cause of the bright light. He saw this as an opportunity and jumped off the tree landing on the soft gel-like backs of the of the large boars.


    "Karl jump!"


    Karl looked below and saw that Theo jumped down on the humps of the large boars. He thought that Theo went insane. Karl was scared out his wits and continued to hug the tree that he was on.


    Being in the situation that he was in made him think about his life and what he had accomplished.


    Karl didn''t want to die without anything fulfilled and he definitely didn''t want to die like his uncle who was mangled to death by the same Holos. He promised himself that if he ever survives this situation he''ll try to be a better version of himself.


    Seeing that he was being ignored by Karl who was clinging tight on the tree, Theo began running before the Icicle Boars could regain their senses.


    Theo headed towards the town''s direction so that he could call for help. But as he ran further away the Icicle boars regained their senses. The huge boars noticed that someone had escaped them and caught on to Theo''s scent.


    The biggest boar out of all of them gave off a grunt as if it was ordering the other two. Moments after a few grunts and snorts as if they were deciding all three Holos began chasing after Theo.


    From up top Karl could still see Theo from his sight and screamed out a warning.


    "Theo run! They''re chasing you!"


    **


    The flash of light the engulfed the forest slowly faded. The blinding light caused Makani''s eyes to see everything as a blur. While he stood still waiting to regain his sight, he felt a tug on his jacket.


    Makani looked around with his sight still blurry, he could see a humanoid figure beside him tugging on his jacket.


    Moments later when Makani had his sight back he could see a humanoid creature with a predominantly dark purple body and its dark red hands resembles a pair of gloves that reaches to its elbow. The creature is about the same height as Makani and has several thin white rings that encircles its entire smooth body making it look like an onion.


    Makani observed and saw that the humanoid creature''s head has a pair of yellow eyes that gleamed and horns that sticks out like that of a beetle''s. He also noticed that the humanoid creature is engulfed in flames but even though Makani is being touched by the flames he isn''t being scorched at all even though he could feel the heat coming off of the creature''s body.


    Makani stretched out his hand towards the creature.


    "You must be my Onion Golem"


    The creature nodded agreeing that he is the Onion Golem that Makani had summoned. The Onion Golem shook Makani''s hand and stood straight up then saluted as if it was waiting for orders.


    Seeing the Onion Golem''s action made Makani laugh. While he stared at the Onion Golem he realized that saying "Onion Golem" all the time will be a mouthful. So he decided to name the creature.


    "I''ll name you Pohaku, Po for short!"


    The Onion Golem''s yellow eyes looked as if it was smiling. Makani grabbed the big red gemstone in his hand and made a hole near the edge so that he could put a string through it to be able to turn it into a necklace.


    "Do you like it Po?"


    Makani showed Po what he''s done with the big red gemstone that he used to summon him.


    Po nodded in agreement. Then suddenly Makani remembered he had to go see Theo and Karl. By this time they should have finished chopping up fire wood.


    Makani ran and Po followed behind him.


    As Makani ran to the direction where Theo and Karl should be, he saw a familiar looking orc running the opposite direction as he was.


    "Theo?!"


    Makani asked in a loud confused tone.


    "Big brother Makani! Run!"


    Makani saw that Theo was being pursued by three huge Icicle Boars.


    As the huge blue boars rushed towards Makani, Po charged in out of nowhere towards the biggest of all the large blue boars and tackled it down to the ground.


    Snow that accumulated on top of the trees fell down from the force that came from taking down the huge Holos. While Po continued to wrestle with the boars, Makani stopped and began asking Theo questions.


    "What are those Theo? Where''s Karl?"


    Theo stopped besides Makani out of breathe.


    "Ice-Icicle Boars! K-karl stuck up in tree."


    The words coming from Theo didn''t make much sense but Makani realizes that these were dangerous Holos.


    Makani observed the Holos and they looked very much like a Holo he had seen in a book; The Icicle Boars.


    Icicle Boars are large blue boars with impressive humps on its back that are filled with its fat preserves used for making potions and luxurious food. Most have two metallic tusks that are sharper than diamonds and lighter than any metal, which can be very lethal. These horns are very sought after by adventurers because can be refined and used to create weapons.


    Icicle Boars spend their time often sleeping and are very grumpy when woken up. Since they have very sensitive hearing they must have been woken up by the tree falling in the forest.


    Makani instantly took out a crossbow that he had inside the DS ring along with some bolts.


    "What are you doing big brother? Let''s run from here!"


    Theo tugged on Makani''s jacket.


    "It''s okay, go back and find Karl!"


    Makani loaded his crossbow as he gives Theo an order.


    "What are you going to do Big Brother?! You can''t fight these Holos by yourself!?"


    "I''m not by my self. I have Po with me."


    Makani grinned at Theo.


    "Now go!"


    Theo didn''t understand what Makani was talking about ''him not being alone'' but he trust Makani and when ever he''s in trouble his big brother Makani was someone he could always count on. Theo ran around the Icicle boars to avoid being noticed then went straight to where he left Karl.


    When Theo was no longer in sight, Makani aimed for one of the smaller boar''s chest and fired a shot.


    *SQUEEEEEE!*


    The boar squealed from the pain of being struck by a crossbow bolt. Makani reloaded and shot the same boar again. Then after the fifth time the boar began to breathe shallow and fell to its side.


    One of the boars realized that they were being shot at and began charging towards Makani. Po who was still busy with the largest boar noticed this and pushed the boar that it had been wrestling aside so that it could rush in front of the one charging towards Makani. The boar that Po threw slammed into a tree so hard, that the tree broke into two.


    Po rushed in front of the boar charging towards Makani and stopped it right before it could get near his master.


    Makani who''s entire body froze when he was being charged at by the boar shook off the fear that he had felt when being charged at. His heart began to pump hard and the adrenaline rush quickly made him continue loading his crossbow so that he could launch another bolt.


    Makani continued the process. While Po, his Onion Golem wrestled with the boar in front of him, Makani shot off bolts after another until the one that Po was wrestling with fell.


    The largest of the three that Po had thrown began to stand up. It looked around for its companions and gave off a terrifying shriek.


    *SQUEEEEEEEEEEE!!*


    After giving off the horrifying sound the large blue boar fell lifeless on the ground.


    At the end of the fight, Makani couldn''t believe how strong and durable Po can be. But then again, Po the Onion Golem is an ability that he gained from ingesting a Mana that is suppose to be extracted from the gods.


    Po went up to Makani and stood at attention then saluted as if it was saying that its returned from its mission.


    Makani patted Po on its head and walked to where the bodies of the Icicle boars were. He couldn''t believe that he was able to slay these huge Holos in front of him.


    Makani realizes that with Po besides him, he could go on an adventure and some how be safe throughout his travels. He grinned thinking about the idea of traveling all over the kingdom.


    Moments later Makani stored the three bodies of the Icicle Boars inside his DS ring and decided to go see if Theo had found Karl.


    **


    Makani arrived where Theo was and saw that Karl was still holding on the tree shaking from the cold temperature of the wind that blew onto him. On the ground nearby is the cart and mare that they had brought from the stable where they slept. The mare that was pulling the cart were mangled to death and the cart had been turned into scraps.


    "Master is going to be very mad. . ." said Makani as he observed at the destruction that the Icicle Boars had made.


    Theo looked back with a glad face.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Big brother! What happened?!"


    Makani didn''t know how to explain what had happened. If he told the truth Makani didn''t know how Theo would react. Besides they have other problems. Karl is still up in the tree terrified and the mare and cart that belongs to their master has been ravaged.


    "I''ll explain later. Lets get Karl down first."


    Makani gave an excuse to change the topic and decided on focusing on Karl who is still traumatized.


    "Karl! Get down from there!"


    Makani yelled up to the dwarf shaking up in the tree.


    Karl opened his eyes and looked down.


    "Big brother?! Theo?! Am I dreaming?!"


    "No, you hairy oaf! We''re real! Now get down from there!" Theo yelled at Karl.


    "W-w-what happened to the Icicle Boars?!" Karl asked with fear still instilled in him.


    "They''re gone hurry before master gets angry!"


    Makani yelled back. Out of everything else, Karl is more afraid of their master than anything. Hearing that their master might get angry at him, Karl instantly began climbing down.


    Once Karl landed on the ground, a big loud thud shook the ground.


    *THUD!*


    "Wow for a small guy you sure are heavy."


    Makani laughed as he felt the heavy thud on the ground after Karl landed.


    *THUD!*


    The shaking of the ground continued as a loud thud could be heard.


    *THUD!*


    Theo who staring up at something, wasn''t laughing and had his mouth wide open.


    *THUD!*


    The ground''s shaking was becoming stronger with each thud that could be heard.


    *THUD!*


    Karl looked at what Theo was staring at and began shaking but this time it wasn''t from the cold.


    *THUD!*


    "By the gods . . " Whimpered Karl as he continued to shake in fear.


    *Crunch*


    The crisp sounds of wood breaking from behind him made Makani turn around to see what it was that stunned the two into such fear that they both had such reactions.


    *THUD!*


    A thick fog covered up the trees and above them Makani could only see a pair for large shiny crystal like objects protruding from the fog and an enormous snout.


    *THUD!*


    The snout that looked like it was hovering up in the air as high as the trees would release a puff of thick dense fog the closer it was to the three who stood there staring at what was slowly moving towards them.


    *THUD!*


    Makani''s carefree happy face changed into a worried look. Po who was right besides Makani looked as if it was ready to fight. Its yellow eyes looked angry and its as if it was staring at what was moving towards them.


    *THUD!*


    *SQUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!*


    A loud sharp shriek came from the direction of where the enormous pair of large shiny crystal like objects protruding and the enormous snout is located.


    Makani looked back to Theo and Karl.


    *THUD!*


    "Theo! take Karl and run to the town!"


    Theo was still gawking at what''s in front of him.


    "Theo!"


    *THUD!*


    Makani yelled out again trying to get Theo''s attention.


    "Big Brother! What about you!?"


    Tears began to come out of the half orc''s eyes. It was rare for any linage of orcs to cry. Theo has always looked up to Makani and now he fears that he''ll lose his beloved friend that he calls his elder brother.


    "GO!"


    Makani screamed and at the same time a loud sharp shriek sounded again from the same direction


    *SQUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!*


    This time it was louder.


    Theo complied to Makani''s orders. He grabbed Karl who was still shaking and immobilized from fear then fled the scene. While Theo ran off with Karl, Makani turned around and faced the colossal Holos that''s in front of him.


    *THUD!*


    "Po, are you ready?"


    Po gave a quick nod down. Makani loaded his crossbow and took out another bag of quiver full of crossbow bolts just in case he runs out of ammunition.


    *THUD!*


    The thud made Makani hop off the ground a little. Then suddenly the pair of large sharp shiny crystal like objects and snout began to move side to side.


    The movement began to pick up speed and gusts of wind started to clear up the fog. What appeared behind the fog is an immense seventeen foot tall boar. It was more than twice the size of the Icicle boars.


    Makani began to sweat and gulped once the Holos showed its true self. He couldn''t believe what he was seeing in front of him. In front of him was one of the terrifying monstrous Holos that he had read from the old ancient crusty book he loved reading in the library from the academy.


    It was the boar called Pilau who was summoned by the god of volcanoes named Pele. There were not much information about Pilau other than it destroying and laying waste to many of the ancient grand cities before the epic battle between the gods and the mortals. Pilau stood there looking at Makani and Po as if it was observing.


    Makani became nervous and was hesitant to fight the legendary Holos. But without warning, Po jump towards the colossal boar and slammed against its face. The boar didn''t move at all or flinched. Makani fired off a shot of his crossbow''s bolt and it just bounced off.


    Seeing the effects of their attacks frightened Makani. It was all ineffective. But as he continued to stare at the colossus boar he noticed something in its eye. As Makani squinted he noticed that there was a shiny spherical object that looked familiar.


    Pilau stood there and continued to observe Makani. Then as he sighted its enemy it began stomping and charged towards Makani attempting to trample him with its huge toes.


    Po quickly moved and carried Makani away from harm. Makani was shocked how quickly Pilau propelled to try to smash him under its toes. But as Po carried him off Makani got a better look at what was inside Pilau''s eyes.


    "Its a Mana!"


    Makani cried out.


    "Po! We can''t defeat Pilau now but there''s something I want from it! Aim for its right eye and bring it to me!"


    Po nodded and safely dropped Makani to a safe place nearby then zoomed out straight to Pilau. Suddenly, a terrifying screech made my the colossus boar could be heard.


    *SQUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!*


    *Plob*


    The  squishy sound of Pilau''s right eye landing in front of Makani made him cringe and from afar the colossus boar began to wildly rage causing the ground to crack and quake.


    Makani used the sharp end of one of its bolt cut through the thick layer of Pilau''s golden jade colored eyes to reach the Mana that''s lodged inside. While Po continued to distract Pilau from afar, Makani stuck his arm inside the giant eye and reached for the Mana inside.


    Instantly when he has the Mana at his grasp, Makani pulled it out. Makani laughed like a child when he obtained the Marble.


    "Hahaha a Mana!"


    *SQUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!*


    Pilau continued to rage from afar while it fought Po. Makani who was too distracted and overjoyed by obtaining another Mana wasn''t paying attention to the fact that Po was being severely trampled.


    As the ground around him shook and broke into large jagged pieces, Po was flung in front of Makani battered and cracked.


    "Po?!"


    Makani observed Po and saw cracks all over its body. He held his Oinion Golem in his arms and as the linings of the cracks began to glow, pieces of the crack parts started to fall out its body.


    Po turned and looked at Makani with its gleaming yellow eyes then saluted.  As Po saluted he began to glow and slowly cracked into pieces.


    The big red gemstone that''s hanging around Makani''s neck disintegrated at the same time as Po''s body disappeared.


    "NO!!"


    Makani screamed as he witnessed his Onion Golem break into tiny little pieces. He tried to get as much pieces as possible of Po in his DS ring. But as Pilau continued to rage and go wild, Makani realizes that he needed to flee to safety.


    **

 Chapter 6: The Announcements

    **


    Snow lightly but slowly continuously fell above Pea town. The harsh cold wind from the north also blew through the town making staying outside a bit unbearable. Just recently a lot of activities have been going on inside the town.


    Many of the adventurers from all over the kingdom have gathered in front of the Adventurer''s Guild to hear the important message that was said would be announced today.


    The adventurers present waited patiently outside of the Adventurer''s Guild as the snow accumulated and layers of the snow stacked causing the people in the area to have difficulty in moving from one place to another. All patiently waited for the announcement that the representative of the Adventurer''s Guild is about to make.


    Earlier today adventurers who arrived from the north reported about the continuous earthquakes around the area north of the town, many of the adventurers that reported also mentioned seeing a gigantic boar flailing around causing havoc at the base of the Horn of the Devil, the mountains near the town that''s well known for the high tier monstrous Holos.


    Many who were standing by idly made guesses and assumption about what''s about to be announced.


    "They might have a big great bounty of the mysterious Holos that''s causing all of the earthquakes north of here." One adventurer made a guess.


    "I heard that it''s not about the Holos but about the kingdom''s diplomacy with the nearby kingdoms." Said the adventurer from behind the one that made the guess.


    Many of them had their ideas of what might be announced, but none knew the truth and will only be revealed until the announcement had been heard.


    Makani who arrived from the north gate noticed the large crowd that''s in his way into the Adventurer''s Guild building. But without hesitation, he disregarded the big crowd and pushed straight through into the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Once inside, Makani rushed straight to the counter to withdraw more gold so that he could buy himself a high quality gemstone.


    Still emotional about losing Pohaku, his Onion Golem, Makani had one thing in his mind and that was to buy another gem so that he could revive Pohaku.


    Makani withdrew 1000 gold coins so that he could buy the best quality gemstone he could get his hands on. After storing the large amount of gold coins that he had recently withdrew into his DS ring, Makani stormed out of the Adventurer''s Guild but as he exited the building he''s stopped by the large crowd that had gathered outside.


    Makani cursed the situation that he was in and looked around. He observed that not only did the layer of snow outside had become higher, the number of people waiting for the announcement grew three times in size.


    Snow crunched under Makani''s feet while he attempted to push through the crowd to get to the market place. But as he persisted to move through them he was pushed back into the steps of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Seeing that there was no way that he''ll be able to go to the market place, Makani decided to go back inside to keep away from the cold and the large crowd of people waiting in front of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    "How am I going to get out of here?" Makani asked himself annoyed with his current situation.


    As he waited inside a small group of people hastily exited out of the building. The small group consisted of a blonde woman in the middle who wore a voluptuous dress that complimented the shape of her body. The woman has long white silky rabbit''s ears and a thick fluffy scarf around her neck. Unfortunately the  woman''s face is hidden by a black mask which made Makani curious.


    Surrounding the woman in the mask are five strong looking warriors armed what looks like high tier armors and weapons. The five warriors made sure that no one would touch the lady in the mask as they exited the building.


    ''She looks important'' thought Makani as he observed the blonde woman wearing a mask.


    Makani decided to follow the small group but at the same time, he kept his distance to prevent being shoved away by the fearsome looking guards that surrounded the masked woman. In his mind if he followed this small group he''ll be able to use them to get through the large crowd of people blocking his way to the market place.


    The blonde woman in the mask continued her way through the crowd and all the adventurers made way for her so that she could pass. As she passed by Makani overheard the crowd chattering and making comments.


    "It''s her!"


    "I can''t believe she''s here!"


    Many other gasped in surprised when they saw the masked woman who''s easily threading through the crowd. Once the small group reached the high flat form that the crowd had surrounded, all became silent and the only sound that could heard is the cold harsh wind blowing.


    Makani who was following the small group was suddenly surrounded by large burly adventurers and became stuck between them.


    "Gah!"


    Makani screamed in annoyance but the adventurer''s surrounding him muffled the sound. The woman in the mask scanned the crowd who''s full attention is towards her.


    "People of the Kingdom of Akau! The Adventurer''s Guild are thankful for responding to our call. All of you here are wondering why we have called out here today. But first I would like to thank all of you for coming here today."


    The blonde masked woman bowed in front of all the adventurers and all cheered and at the same time giving their comments.


    "It was all worth it to see the number 13th Fighter class Adventurer through out the lands!"


    "We love you Mei!"


    The crowd''s cheering and comments slowly died down when Mei stretched out both of her arms with her hands down to signal a request of silence.


    "First I would like to explain why we choose this location instead of our grand city Hau, the capital of our Kingdom. The Adventurer''s Guild decided to use this harsh and dangerous location because only the bravest and more dedicated adventurers would come to travel here just to hear this special announcement. I am here today to announce to you all three things as one of the Adventurer''s Guild representatives. "


    Mei stretched out her hands with three fingers sticking out. All became silent and gave their full attention.


    "The first announcement is that the Adventurer''s Guild have found seven dungeons located here in our very own Kingdom of Akau. All five dungeons have been scouted and we have confirmed that these dungeons are deeper than the dungeons of our neighboring kingdom Hema."


    The people in the crowd began chattering. Everyone knows that the reason why Hema is a much preferred place for adventurers. Hema is very populated because of its temperate environment and the several dungeons that''s located in the kingdom. The kingdom of Hema has ten times more population than Akau because of the dungeons.


    If news of the dungeons in Akau spread, many of the merchant class adventurers will travel to Akau for the better opportunity of becoming rich. With the merchant class adventurers migrating, the kingdom of Akau might start to rival the kingdom of Hema in power.


    Once again Mei signaled the request for silence.


    "The second announcement is that the ownership of three of these dungeons are for sale to the highest bidder. The bidding of the ownership will start a year from now. The release of the dungeon''s location to the public will be given out after the bidding."


    Many of the adventurers gasped at the second announcement. The chance of owning a dungeon is a once in a life time event. In the Kingdom of Hema those who owns the dungeons are the nobles.


    Many years ago nobles would fight each other for the ownership of dungeons. Since It was hard to keep and manage dungeons by themselves, over time nobles sought out clans to become their subordinates. In exchange of being the subordinates of a noble family, the clans are given gold and land for them to build the clan''s base.


    With this event, adventurers now have a chance of becoming a noble them selves. Since no adventurer will have the large amount of money alone, clans will try to gather up all their wealth just to purchase the dungeon.


    If a clan in Akau owns the dungeon, the royalty of Akau, will make a contract of becoming the clan''s sponsor with the clan leader''s slight guarantee of becoming a noble.


    Chattering among the adventurers followed after the gasps of shock. Many were excited to see what will happen and who will arise to become the owners of the dungeons being sold.


    Makani who was listening was not very interested in the announcement. His mind was still set on going to the market place so that he could buy a gemstone to revive Pohaku.


    "Tsk! The market place is about to close!"


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    yelled Makani in an irritated tone as he began stomping the ground.


    Mei continued talking without requesting the adventurers in the crowd to be quiet as she knows that everyone had become excited from the second announcement.


    "The third announcement is that it is confirmed that who ever owns the dungeons will be granted nobility from the king himself!"


    Many of the adventurer''s jaw dropped and their eyes almost popped out from the shocking news. With this news, new adventurers will try to join the strongest guild for the guarantee of a better life. The competitions between clans will increase and there are chances of new clans forming to try to become subordinates of the new nobles.


    The crowd cheered and made loud noises. As the crowd of adventurers went wild from releasing their excitement, Mei exited the scene with her guards. Many of the adventurers dispersed while some stayed to chatter with others about the announcements.


    Makani who had been having a rough day was glad that the event was over. As the crowd began to thin he pushed his way to the market place. As he passes through the adventurers Makani could hear their comments and conversations about the announcements.


    "This is so exciting! More nobles mean that there will be more towns."


    "Yeah! It will be great since the Kingdom of Akau only has three towns and one city which is the capital. It will be interesting to see a new town."


    Makani over heard the conversation between two adventurers. It made him laugh because Pea town itself have had a hard time surviving from the large amounts of monstrous Holos that roamed around the Kingdom of Akau. Pea town had been almost destroyed numerous times by the packs of terrifying Holos that would attack the town. Its a miracle that Pea town has survived all this time.


    Makani knows from books that he had read, that there were more towns decades ago. The number of towns a decade ago was ten but that changed when a specie of Holos somehow created a pack which turned into a huge horde. The horde went around destroying towns, many adventurers and citizens of Akau died in the quest of stopping the horde of Holos. When the seventh town was destroyed, It was the top five ranked Fighter class adventurers through out the lands that came to the the kingdom''s aid and ended the the horde''s rampage.


    After the great horde of Holos was stopped the Kingdom attempted to rebuild the towns that were destroyed by the great horde. But the attempts were unsuccessful due to sufficient funding and various conditions.


    The Kingdom of Akau is the poorest out of the four known kingdom. Its wealth withered away due to the bounty prize that they put out to get rid of the great horde that was causing chaos in the kingdom. Akau is also the most dangerous and harshest inhabitable place out the four kingdoms. Since almost the entirety of Akau is a barren tundra, its difficult for a new town to survive due to the lack of resources.


    To create a new town successfully the town has to be continuously be resupplied with resources until it can support itself on its own. But since The Kingdom of Akau has limited resources, the percentage of starting a town is very slim and if you add the situation of the town being constantly attacked by huge terrifying Holos through out the lands, its almost impossible for a new town to survive.


    Makani smirked at the fantasies that the adventurers had in their head.


    Moments later, Makani arrived at the market place and stalls everywhere were packing up and closing for the day. Makani became irritated and felt cursed due to all the unfortunate situations he had been in.


    Makani walked around to see if any of the remaining stalls that were open were selling any gemstones. As he browsed around he came upon a stall that was still up selling gemstones. Behind the stall is an old woman covered in a thick layer of brown fur. Makani went up to the stall and began scanning for the biggest gemstone he could find.


    After scanning the stall''s goods, Makani frowned.


    "What''s the matter lad? Don''t see anything that yer looking for?"


    The elder who owns the store spoke as she noticed the change in Makani''s face after looking at her merchandise.


    "Is it for a girl?"


    The old woman asked.


    *Sigh*


    Makani sighed.


    "No ma''am its for something else." Makani replied in a depressed tone.


    "Oh! then you must be a summoner, I see. Well lets me teach you something youngin'' my wares are not the best but I know where you can find some of the best for a price!"


    Makani furrowed his eye brows. The offer of the old lady seems too good to be true. But out of curiosity, Makani asked the price of the information.


    "How much for the information ma''am?"


    "That would be 50 copper coins."


    Makani began to think since the price of the information seems to be cheap, Makani felt that he wasn''t being swindled. Since he didn''t have change for the gold coins that he had he decided to give the old woman one whole gold coin. Which is a lot of money to a normal person.


    "Here you are ma''am! No need for you to give me the change."


    Makani smiled and took out one gold coin. The old lady''s eyes widened as she saw the gold coin that Makani placed on the palm of her hand. The old lady stared at the coin for a few seconds and looked at Makani. She then grabbed the coin and bit down on it with the few remaining teeth in her mouth to see if it was fake.


    Makani was amused at the old lady''s actions and smiled


    The old lady noticed Makani staring at her as she attempted to bend the coin by gnawing on it to see if it was real or not. She then looked up and smiled.


    "No need to call me ma''am, you can call me grandma." The elderly lady laughed.


    The old lady took out a rolled up piece of paper and gave it to Makani.


    "This map will tell you where you can mine for gemstones. Though I haven''t been there since I was younger, now all I sell are the ones my son have mined."


    The elder woman''s face changed when she mentioned her son. She looked at Makani intently and her eyes began to water.


    "You remind me of my son. So polite and generous."


    A drop of tear fell down from the old elderly''s face. As she talked about her son. She then took out another item from behind the stall.


    "I want you to have this. Its the gemstone that my son held on to when he was attacked by a Holo. I won''t be needing it anymore since I''ll soon see my son in person."


    The old lady smiled and handed Makani a large yellow gemstone with an object embedded inside it. Makani didn''t know what to say to the old lady. He felt sympathetic to the old lady but didn''t know what to say. To Makani, the idea of an afterlife where one could meet their loved ones seem comforting. Then suddenly he remembered his mother.


    Makani wondered; ''If by chance everyone went to the same after life, would the old lady be able to meet his mother?'' He was skeptical but just encase, Makani wanted to send a message to his mother.


    "If you do meet your son, can you send a message to my mother? Her name is Teresa Pinao. Can you tell her that I''m doing well and that I''ll train to become strong enough so that one day i''ll be able to protect the ones that are precious to me."


    The old lady smiled and promised that if she does meet Makani''s mother that she''ll relay the message.


    Makani remembered very well the day when he felt helpless in the forested mountain. That was the reason why he felt so much emotion when Pohaku disintegrated in front of him. The feeling of being weak and being overwhelmed made Makani strive to become stronger and better. After the market place, Makani decided not to return to Rudolf the blacksmith''s place.


    In his mind, It would be better to start all over. Since he could now provide for himself, moving to a another town to start a new life sounded like a nice idea. But at the moment, In his mind, It would be better to start all over. Since he could now provide himself with the gold coins that he had earned, Makani could now start what he had always wanted to do; travel through out the lands and to fulfill one of his main goal in life which is to become a well known adventurer.


    **

 Chapter 7: The Ahi Clan

    **


    In the comfortable room of the Inn, Makani slept in comfortable bed. He had not slept on a bed ever since he became an apprentice to the Rudolf the blacksmith. Makani found it very pleasant that the place that he slept in didn''t have maggots crawling everywhere, flies hovering all over him and it specially  didn''t smell like manure.


    Makani slept all day and woke up in the afternoon feeling refreshed. After waking up he took a warm bath which he hadn''t had in such a long time. When he was Rudolf''s apprentice, Makani and the other junior adventurers showered in the nearby lake with freezing ice cold water.  Eventually over time he had gotten used to the cold water but Its satisfying taking a bath with hot water.


    After his hot bath, Makani ate the meal that he had ordered from the Inn. It was the most delicious meal he''d had in such a long time. The texture and flavor of the meat was delightful.


    Pampering himself after the months that he was treated like a slave felt so great. But he now has other agendas to think about. The first thing that Makani had in mind was the Mana that he had obtained from the eye of the legendary boar named Pilau who he barely escaped from.


    Makani took out the Mana and observed the spherical marble. The Mana''s golden brown surface glisten as he held it up for him to observed. Makani opened his mouth and ingested the Mana.


    [Earth Manipulation ability obtained]


    The voice began telling him what ability he had gained from the golden brown marble and the details of the ability.


    [Earth Manipulation ability]  this allows Makani to create, shape and manipulate earth and "Earthen" elements including most solid objects, specifically all and mineral compositions regardless of their state.


    Makani''s eyes widened as the gentle mystical voice in his head informed him about the new ability that he had gained. Out of curiosity Makani grabbed the large plant in the room and dumped its contents on the floor of his room. A decent amount of soft brown dirt spilled from the plant pot.


    Makani placed his hand over the soft brown dirt on the floor and focused. The soft brown dirt began to move around as he imagined inside his head.


    ''Its like magik but without the incantations being used'' Makani thought to himself.


    Through out the land, the knowledge of magik had dwindled down to one type of magik which is summoning. Centuries ago before the epic battle between the mortal being of the lands and the gods, the knowledge of magik among the beings through out the land were vast.


    Beings through out the lads would be able to use the powers of the elements using incantations. But now its as if the knowledge of magik had been erased and the incantations to control the elements have cease to exist.


    A grin appeared on his face as he continued to play around with the dirt using his  [Earth Manipulation ability].


    **


    Tristan Kekona the son of the well known adventurer named Ray Kekona knelt down besides three others in front the clan leader of Ahi. The clan leader in front of the four looked around and began to speak.


    "Bothers and sisters we are here today to welcome the new members of our family."


    The clan leader Iwi looked down on the four and continued to speak.


    "The four of you may rise after repeating the clan''s creed. Please repeat after all of us."


    All of the clan members of Ahi including the four who are kneeling down began reciting their clan''s creed.


    "Ignited from the spark of hope. We rise and grow to spread our light. Let those who attempt to challenge us be incinerated by our fire for we are Ahi. Our hearts be filled with the flames of courage!"


    The crowd behind the four who was kneeling down cheered and clapped as the four risen. Tristan turned around and as he turned he''s embraced by his father.


    "Haha! My own son a part of my clan!" Ray laughed


    "I''ve been waiting for this time ever since I''ve become an adventurer." Tristan smiled.


    "If you mother could see you now she''d be so proud."


    Tristan''s face changed when Ray mentioned his wife. Tristan placed his hand on his father''s shoulder.


    "I''ll get stronger so that one day i''ll be the one to protect you."


    As the father and son chattered the clan leader gave an announcement.


    "Will the clan''s council members come to the council chamber to discuss the plan for the the announcements made by the Adventurer''s Guild."


    "Well this is something that I have to do son. Go mingle with the other members, their your family now."


    Ray patted his son in the back and walked away to the council chamber. Tristan who had been training with his father for eleven months have gained some prestige from some of his hunt for Holos. After some time, Tristan decided to join the clan who his father have been a member of ever since before he was born.


    The Ahi clan is one of the oldest adventurer clans through out the lands. Recently the clan had gained sponsorship from the mayor of Pea town. Since the clan had some of the strongest adventurers in the kingdom of Akau, the mayor of Pea town and Ahi''s clan leader created a contract for both sides to benefit from.


    The contract states that Ahi clan will do what ever they can in their power to protect the town from any Holos that will attempt to attack it. In exchange the Mayor agrees to establish a Clan head quarter for Ahi clan in town.


    Inside the council chamber, the leader and its councils began to discuss the actions that they will take concerning the announcements made by the Adventurer''s Guild. Each of the council began to give ideas of what actions should be done.


    "I suggest that we stay out of it. We''ve already gained a sponsor who will sustain out pockets with enough gold for all of us to live comfortably." Ray gave his idea.


    Some of the other council members who had nothing to suggest agreed to Ray''s idea and the ones who didn''t remained silent. Everyone looked around the big rectangular table that they all sat in front of to see who else had any suggestions. Since no one from the clan''s councils had any other idea the clan leader began to speak.


    "Since no one else has any suggestion, I would like to suggest that in the duration of the year before the auction for the dungeons, we should try to earn as much gold as we can. We''ll use the gold that we''ve earned to buy a dungeon. With the dungeon in our pocket, our families will never have to worry about ever going hungry and with the money that we obtain from the dungeon we''ll be able to stop risking our lives fighting the terrifying Holos that we face on the daily basis."


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    The council members began to chatter with one another about the ideas that were given. Most were leaning towards the idea that the clan leader had given. It was a solid plan and if they fail to win any of the bid they''ll end up with a large amount of gold that can fund the clan.


    But if they win a bid they''ll all become wealthy from the income coming from the dungeon''s entrance fee. If that happens they all will be able to retire as wealthy men.


    An hour later the council decided to take a vote on the actions they should take concerning the Adventurer''s Guild''s auction with the dungeons.


    Iwi the clan leader began to speak.


    "Let us now vote on the suggestions made earlier. All who votes in doing Ray Kekona''s suggestions please raise your hand."


    None among the council raised their hand to vote for Ray''s suggestion. Even Ray himself didn''t vote. The clan leader went on with the voting.


    "All who votes for my decision, please raise your hand."


    Every person in the council chamber raised their hand. It was a landslide vote for the clan to attempt to obtain one of the dungeons being auctions by the Adventurer''s Guild. A grin appeared in the face of Iwi the clan leader. Ray saw this and it gave him chills.


    **


    In the room of the Inn that Makani was in, Makani sat while he played around with the soft brown soil on the floor using his  [Earth Manipulation ability]. After hours of playing around with the soil on the floor of his room, Makani is able to control the dirt by just simply thinking about it.


    From the past hours Makani had done many things with the soft brown dirt on the floor. He''s turned the soil into rocks and back into soil. He''s also turned it into rocks of any shapes and density. Makani also learned how to lift the soil into the air and move it around while it floated.


    Since he was so amused with the ability that he had just obtained, Makani had forgotten about the other agendas that needed his attention. Makani looked outside the window and saw that it had become too dark outside. That means he spent the rest of his day playing with the soil on the floor.


    Since there was nothing else he could do. Makani decided to just go back to bed after extending a day''s rent for his room.


    The next day Makani went to the market place to search and buy the things that he needed. As he looked through the stalls he realizes that the old lady who sold gemstones wasn''t in her spot anymore. Instead there was an empty gap where all who are browsing around went through to move around the market place.


    Makani was a little worried and hoped nothing bad had happened to the old lady. He then continued to search for a stall that sold gemstones. After a few moments of searching he bought several large high quality gemstones. Makani bought five red ones, three blue ones and a yellow one. He then stored all gemstones into his DS ring.


    As he continued to  browse around, he decided to go to stalls that sold books. Instantly he saw books that interested him but Makani knew that he just wanted them so that he could read them. Ignoring his interest, Makani continued to browse around and then he saw a book about weapon making.


    Ever since he became the apprentice of Rudolf the blacksmith he had always wanted to learn how to create various weapons but the months that he had stayed in his master''s shop he learned nothing but to keep the fire in the forge hot.


    When he saw the book about crafting weapons, Makani instantly wanted to buy it so that he could teach himself how to create weapons properly. After buying the book about crafting weapons, Makani continued to look around. An hour later he had browsed through all the stalls and realized that there were not much varieties of merchandise sold in the market place.


    If he wanted to find the things he needed Makani has to travel south to the grand city Hau the capital of Akau. In the capital, there are for sure various things sold there that would be able to help him in his journey.


    But now the problem is getting to the destination. There are two ways Makani can travel to the capital; The first is to use the carriage service that would take him there safely but the time that would take to get there will take ten days. The second is to travel there on foot which would be faster but more dangerous due to the Holos that roams in between the capital and Pea town.


    Makani walked to the Adventurer''s Guild to inquire about the carriage service. He decided to ask about the service because he was curious how much coins it would take to take a carriage from Pea Town to the capital.


    Makani entered the Adventurer''s Guild and walked to the counter. He then ringed the bell to ask for assistance. Moments after ringing the bell on the counter, Melanie the manager of the Adventurer''s Guild appeared.


    Melanie looked at Makani and instantly she recognized him.


    "Makani? Is that you Hon''?"


    "Hello Melanie." Makani smiled.


    The old lady laughed out loud and slapped Makani on the back.


    "Its good to see you again Hon''! It been almost a year since I''ve seen you!"


    "Yes, its been awhile." Makani grinned in pain from Melanie''s slap on his back.


    "What can I help you with today?"


    "Well I''m here today to ask the price of going to the capital using the carriage service." Makani scratch his head as he asked.


    "Oh hon'', I''m sorry to tell you this but the service carriages have been halted due to the increase of Holos activities between the capital and Pea town. We''ve been basically cut off for months now."


    Makani frowned when he heard the news. It was inconvenient to hear about it but If Makani really wanted to go to the capital, he would be able to get there by himself. But before he leaves for the capital, he has to prepare for the travel.


    Makani thanked Melanie for the information and walked away from the counter. As he turned around he saw someone he recognized. The person Makani recognizes, is Tristan the boy who bullied him during the academy days. Tristan was standing behind him and didn''t recognize Makani at all. Makani continued to walk pass Tristan.


    It was interesting how their paths crossed like that. But Makani has a feeling that he''ll be meeting Tristan again very soon in the future. As he was near to the exit, Makani turned around. Makani observed the armors and weapon that Tristan had. As he observed his equipment, Makani realized what he''s missing.


    ''I need a better weapon and a set of armor.'' Makani thought to himself.


    **

 Chapter 8: Journey To The Grand City of Hau pt 1

    **


    -Adventurer''s Guild-


    Tristan walked up to the counter and instantly, Melanie greeted him.


    "Tristan darling! Its been a while."


    Melanie grabbed and hugged Tristan from across the counter. Tristan who was caught in surprise tried to pull him self away from the old woman''s grip but she was simply too strong.


    "I was here a week ago Melanie." Tristan responded as he struggled to escape from Melanie''s embrace.


    "You are so much more handsome than your father when he was younger." Melanie released Tristan from her embrace, and looked at him up and down.


    Something''s different and that''s when Melanie noticed the patch on his shoulder. The burning heart emblem of the Ahi clan.


    "You''re finally in?!"


    Tristan smiled and stood proudly as he turned his shoulder towards Melanie to show the patch on it that indicated which clan he''s from.


    "Yep! All my hard work finally paid off."


    Each and every adventurer clan has an insignia. These insignia are embroiled in the member''s clothes to indicate if an adventurer is on a clan. Clan leaders wear their clan''s insignia on their back, council members on their chest and regular members wear theirs on their shoulders.  Adventurers that belongs to clans have benefits that are given by the Adventurer''s Guild. Depending on the clan''s rank in the kingdom, the adventurer''s clan will receive an allowance.


    "Congratulations!"


    Melanie started clapping then she took out something from behind the counter.


    "I want to show you this! Since you''re in a clan I want you to enter to represent your clan."


    Melanie place the paper that she had pulled out from behind the counter and laid it  flat on the counter. Once Tristan saw the paper he grinned and grabbed Melanie and kissed her on the cheeks.


    "This is a chance for me to gain prestige among my clan mates and show my skills!"


    The paper on the counter that gave Tristan such as excitement is an advertisement for a tournament that will be held a month from now in the kingdom''s capital. The tournament is a combat competition between adventurers who belong to any clans. All adventurers are welcome to participate and the prize for the champion is 500,000 gold coins. In addition the clan of the champion will gain high prestige through out the land which will raise the clan''s status and rank at the same time.


    Melanie''s brow furrowed and she sighed.


    "Its too bad that its very difficult for anyone to travel to the capital due to the large number of Holos that roamed between Pea town and Hau the grand city." Melanie frowned when she informed Tristan about the news of Holos movement.


    "Only weak adventurer wouldn''t be able to pass through those Holos and perish. But I am the son of Ray Kekona!"


    Tristan turned around quickly and rushed to the exit. The news of the tournament was what he needed to prove to everyone in his clan and through out the land that he''s strong. Tristan went to the market place to buy what he needed to travel to the capital. He would need rations of food for the long travel  and his weapon and armors must be given a proper maintenance so that everything else is ready for fights that he''ll soon encounter on the way to the capital.


    **


    -Pea Town-


    In the cobbled stone street of the village, Theo and Karl are walking back to Rudolf''s shop carrying stacks of firewood on their back. Since the cart was recently destroyed and the mare that pulled the cart was devoured by the icicle boars, they were forced to gather wood and have them be brought back to the shop by carrying the large amounts of wood on their backs.


    As they both slowly walked, both of their heads drooped down and faced the stones embedded on the street. Theo and Karl have been depressed for the pass two days because their big brother never came back home from the forest.


    Since he never came back both had the idea of Makani being killed by the colossal boar that came from nowhere. The image of Makani being dead on their mind saddened them. To them, It''s painful to know that Makani had sacrificed his life  so that they both could live.


    *sniff*


    Karl Dil the dwarf began to sob quietly as they continued to walk. Karl felt more of the guilt because to him the way that he had acted during that day in the forest was cowardly. He blamed himself for Makani''s death.


    Theo stopped and turned his head to Karl. Karl who wasn''t paying attention to where he was going bumped into the Theo.


    "Are you crying again?"


    Long gooey snot hanging from Karl''s nose looked as if its had been there for a while.


    Karl''s face looked depressed as ever.


    "No, i''m not!" Karl responded with his eyes watery .


    Theo intently stared at Karl''s eyes.


    "Big brother Makani wouldn''t like that. I think he would want us both to do our best to become strong and fulfill our life''s dream."


    Then suddenly from out of nowhere Makani patted Karl on the head and looked at Theo.


    "Hey guys, How are everything?"


    Theo and Karl was surprised. Their faces had changed as if they had seen a ghost.


    "B-b-big brother?"


    Karl stuttered and the same time began to shake. Seeing Makani in front of him made him so happy that he wanted to cry some more. Theo who was also in disbelief had his jaws open and was slowly walking towards Makani.


    Makani smiled at the the two and pinched both of their cheeks. Once both of them have felt the stinging sensation, their eyes began to water and charged Makani so that both could hung him.


    "Whoa! Whats going on? You guys were never like this."


    Theo released Makani from his grip and began to explain while Karl was still grabbing onto him. Apparently after their escape from the colossal boar, they both waited for two days and at the end of the second day they both thought that Makani had sacraficed himself in order for the both of them to escape.


    "Hahaha! Is that why of you acted so strange?"


    Makani laughed.


    "Let''s go back to the shop brother!"


    Makani furrowed his brow and began thinking. While he deep in thoughts about whether going back or not, Theo interrupted him.


    "Don''t worry big brother! Master and the seniors apprentices aren''t home, they left to the capital to do a job."


    After hearing what Theo has said Makani had a feeling of reconsidering about his plan. But it felt kind of sketchy that only the two of them are caring for the shop so he decided to inquire some thing before deciding to go back to the shop even if it''s temporary.


    "Who else is with you to take care of the shop?" Asked Makani.


    "Only us. Master didn''t leave us to take care of the shop, he only left us the forge and the stable. Before he left master locked up the shop and instructed us to keep the forge ablaze."


    Makani''s face began to look concerned after hearing Theo''s answer.


    "Who has been feeding both of you all these times?"


    Theo and Karl looked down on the ground and began weeping. Theo looked up trying not to cry while Karl couldn''t lift his head up to Makani.


    "Big brother, we haven''t eaten anything at all for days. Master said that we have to pay back the cost of the cart and mare with our life."


    Theo began bawling in front of Makani. Makani hugged his little brothers to comfort them. He knows all too well the life of living harshly. Even though they are not of blood, Makani considers Theo and Karl his family.


    "Let''s go eat."


    Theo and Karl stopped crying for a moment when they heard what Makani had said. But they both knew that Makani was in the same situation.


    "But we don''t have any coins big brother, how are we going to eat?"


    "Don''t worry about that just make sure you can eat as much as possible." Makani grinned at them.


    **


    -Behind Rudolf''s shop-


    Makani, Theo and Karl arrived at the location of Rudolf''s forge which is behind his shop.


    "You two get some knives."


    Makani instructed the two. Instantly Theo and Karl went to search for what their big brother has requested for.


    Makani took out one of the Icicle boar''s body that he stored in his DS ring right after defeating them. When Theo and Karl returned with the knives that Makani requested, they became frightened when they saw the Icicle boar''s lifeless body in front of them.


    Karl who had been traumatized by the sight of the Icicle boar began shaking and hid behind Theo.


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    "Haha. Don''t worry it''s already dead. Now quick give me one of the knives so that we can eat."


    Theo handed one of the sharp knives to Makani. Once Makani received the knife, he began cutting by starting on the Icicle boar''s soft belly. As careful as he could Makani tried his best to preserve the entirety of the Icicle boar''s thick blue hide.


    The upper part of the Icicle boar''s body is very durable when used as a material for creating clothes or armors. Some merchant class adventurers would pay lots of gold coins for the baby blue colored hide due to it being a popular color among noble women.


    Makani chops off two of the Icicle boar''s large skinned hind legs and hanged it above the forge to cook.


    While Makani waits for the meat to be cooked, he began harvesting the various parts of the Holos.


    As the meat slowly cooked, Theo watched as he began salivating. Karl watched Makani in amazement. Seeing someone harvest parts of a Holos made him want to try it. Karl became curious and asked Makani where he learned all these skills.


    "Big brother, where did you learn all these skills?" Karl asked out of curiousity.


    "I learned it from the Adventurer''s academy." Makani continued his work while he answered Karl.


    "I''ve always wanted to go to the adventurer''s academy but my family is too poor to enroll and fund me." Karl frowned and continued.


    "That''s the reason why I try my best to endure everything here because once I become a blacksmith I would be able to help my parents and my six brothers and sisters."


    Karl sat down on the ground and stayed quiet. Theo who was listening to their conversation joined in.


    "I also wanted to go the adventurer''s academy, but just like Karl, my parents couldn''t afford it. My parents decided to send me to become master Rudolf''s apprentice to become a blacksmith. But i think they just wanted to rid of me because I eat too much."


    *GRBRGDFGBBDD!*


    A loud sound could be heard coming from Theo''s belly.


    "I''m sorry." Theo held his stomach as he rubbed his stomach.


    Makani walked over to the meat that are hanging above the forge and used his knife to cut a piece of the meat to check if the meat has already cooked. He then turned to the two and grinned.


    "Let''s eat!"


    Makani put on the leather glove that his master uses for forging and grabbed the cooked hind leg of the Icicle boars one at a time and placed it on a large metal plate that Theo and Karl cleaned.


    The delicious smell of the roasted meat filled the air making their mouth water. Once Makani has placed it on the large metal place, they began devouring the roasted meat.


    "Its so delicious! I''ve never eaten anything like this!"


    Theo commented with a mouthful of the roasted meat in his mouth. Karl who''s right beside Theo didn''t say anything and continued to stuff himself with the boar''s delicious meat.


    Makani paused and began thinking. He felt pity towards the both of them. He never knew how lucky he was to have been enrolled in the academy. All he knew that time was that he lived there and was taken care of until he was qualified as an adventurer.


    Currently Makani is fifteen years of age, Theo and Karl are both ten years old. The normal age for a person to attend the adventurer''s academy would be around their age but since their family lacked the resources for them to attend the academy, both Theo and Karl were sent to Rudolf''s the blacksmith to become his apprentice.


    After eating Makani continued to harvest parts of the Icicle boar. Theo and Karl was still eating the remaining meat that''s on the metal plate.


    Makani pulled out the horns that protruded out of the Icicle boar''s mouth. The horns of the Icicle boar surprised Makani due to it being made from a metal called adamantite.


    Adamantite is very valuable due to it being one of the hardest to find on the ground and very few Holos would grow them out of their bodies. The properties of adamantite is that its very light, hard and durable. Its a very good material but the problem is that this metal is so durable that forging it is really difficult.


    Makani remembered reading something about it from a he had bought earlier. He read from [Crafting Weapon book] that most master blacksmith would take a year to forge something out of adamantite since it so hard to mold. After remembering what he had read, Makani became discouraged and decided to store the horns inside his DS ring.


    Moments after harvesting all the other parts that are of value Makani stored the rest of the Icicle boar''s meat and at the same time Theo and Karl had finished eating all the meat on the metal plate.


    *BURRRRP!*


    The sound of Theo belching echoed the area.


    "Are you two alright?"


    Both Theo and Karl nodded in agreement. While they were both eating, Makani was thinking of sending the two to the academy to study since both were willing. But he needed to ask them if they wanted to first before making such decisions.


    "Do you two want to attend the Adventurer''s academy?"


    Theo and Karl looked at each other. The gave their attention back to Makani.


    "But big brother how will we be able to afford it?"


    "Don''t worry about that. If you willing I can send both of you to study there. Then when you have finished you can help me." Makani grinned at them.


    Theo and Karl accepted Makani''s proposal and right after making the decision, they packed up all their belongings then left the horrible place where they suffered. The three of them walked to the Adventurer''s academy and met with Aslak. Makani spoke with Aslak concerning about enrolling Theo and Karl into the academy. He also gave Aslak the 400 gold coins, which is more than enough for Aslak to retire and live a relaxing life.


    Aslak agreed to take care of Theo and Karl while they both attended the academy. Makani said his temporary farewells to his two little brothers and before he left, Makani handed Theo a bag of 200 gold coins. The coins is for them to live on and since it will be a while until they both graduate. The amount gold would be enough for the four years that they will be attending the academy.


    **


    -South Gate of Pea Town-


    Makani walked out of the south gate. After buying the necessary things he needed for his journey to the capital, he was ready to travel. The location of the grand city is located directly south of Pea town. Between the grand city of Hau and Pea town are dangerous Holos and the harsh environment of the kingdom of Akau so traveling prepared will give Makani a high chance of not dying on his journey.


    Makani began walking and behind him is Pohaku following nearby. The humanoid creature called Onion Golem has been summoned again by Makani. This time Pohaku was summoned using the large yellow gemstone that the old lady had given him.


    During his first summon, Pohaku body was engulfed in flames. But this time it looked much different. Instead of its body being engulfed in flame, its body gave off sparks of electricity. Its hands which was red before are now yellow and its eyes which was yellow are now red. Everything else of its features remained the same.


    Makani continued to walk and as he walked, he noticed a small group has been following him ever since he left the town. At first Makani thought that this small group is also traveling and trying to reach the grand city of Hau but as he walked to different directions, the small group was still on his trail. As Makani reaches an area far far away from the town and in front of him is a wall made out of solid rock, the small group began to surround him.


    "Kekeke! We''ve got you now." One of the people from the small group chuckled.


    Makani grinned and took out his brand new crossbow and two quivers of bolts  from his DS ring.


    "Po don''t attack them yet. Let me take of this." Makani ordered Pohaku and the Onion Golem saluted and stood at attention.


    The harsh freezing cold wind blew all over them. As Makani stood there counting the people that surrounded him.


    "Hand everything you have over!" Demanded a female elf.


    "All I have are my weapon, quiver and my companion here." Makani smiled.


    "Don''t lie to us! We''ve been observing you around the market and you''ve been buying many things everywhere! Now throw all of your things on the ground or we''ll have to take it all from you."


    Pohaku''s eyes changed when it heard its master being threatened. It began to look like its about to charge the female elf. Makani noticed this and immediately commanded Pohaku.


    "Po stay!"


    Po instantly saluted and stood at attention.


    "Come and get them. But don''t blame me if you get hurt." Makani smiled at the  female elf.


    "Ha! Don''t spout such nonsense there are seven of us and only one of you and your summoned being!"


    Makani stayed silent and just smiled as he loaded his cross bow.


    "Fine! If you insist then we''ll take everything from you when you corpse had froze over! Attack!" The female elf ordered he companions to charge in to attack Makani.


    The female elf stood still while the rest of her companions lunged towards Makani.


    **

 Chapter 9: Journey To The Grand City of Hau pt 2

    **


    -8 kilometers South of Pea Town-


    Six bandits armed with various weapons lunged towards Makani after being ordered by the female elf. Makani raised his loaded crossbow and aimed it steadily at one of the bandits rushing towards him. As all six continued to come in closer to him, Makani pressed the trigger and released the bolt from his crossbow.


    *Pak!*


    One of the bandits that was charging towards Makani fell to the ground lifeless as he''s hit by a crossbow bolt to the forehead. Seeing one of their comrades fall on the barren frozen ground, all five remaining bandit that we''re charging paused.


    "Kenny!"


    The female elf screamed out the name of the man who Makani shot on the head with his crossbow. After staring at their comrade''s lifeless body, they turned their attention again to Makani who was reloading his crossbow again.


    "You killed Kenny! You bastard!" One of the armed bandits screamed out as he continued to get near Makani.


    "Tirk! No!" The female elf screamed out to warn the bandit not to go head on blindly, but before she could stop him it was too late.


    *Pak*


    Tirk the bandit was shot mid center on his body. The force of the crossbow bolt going inside him pushed his body back, Tirk who was shot by the crossbow bolt, grabbed the bolt that''s embedded on his chest and attempted to pull it out. But as he tried to pull it out, blood began to pour out of his mouth.


    *GAAAAAAH!!*


    Tirk screamed from the pain that he felt. Then seconds later, the life from his eyes dissipated as he stood there holding on to the bolt lodged on his chest. As the frozen barren ground is slowly covered by Tirk''s blood the confident face of the female elf leading the group of bandits changed.


    What use to be a calm and smug look is now an enraged one. The remaining four bandits turned to look at their leader, they couldn''t believe that the boy who they thought was an easy target turned out to be a fearsome one.


    Makani reloaded his crossbow and attempted to warn the group of bandits.


    "Remember that all of you attacked me, I''m just merely defending myself." Makani smiled and readied his crossbow as he aimed for one of the bandits. Makani tried to play it cool but in reality he''s scared of what going on. He''s thankful to his mother for the memories of years practicing various weapons. It also helped with the fact that he practiced using the crossbow everyday when ever he had time.


    "Everyone! retreat!" The female elf commanded. As they heard her command, all four grabbed the bodies of their fallen comrades and ran to the direction of Pea town.


    The female elf fiercely stared at Makani.


    "This is not the end, I will avenge my brothers."


    "Like I said earlier, I was just defending my self." Maknai smiled at the female elf nd felt relieved that he had gotten out of that situation.


    The female elf turned around then began running to catch up with her comrades. Makani took a big breath and sighed.


    *Sigh*


    "That was scary, who would have thought I would be attacked right away after I left town."


    Makani looked at Pohaku and patted him on his head. Pohaku''s angry eyes changed and looked as if its smiling after Makani placed his hand on top of the Onion Golem''s hard smooth head.


    "It''s okay now Po, the bad people are gone."


    Makani looked around the area that he''s currently located, all he could see all around him are the barren frozen lands. As he turned around he looked behind him and there in front of him is a enormous wall made of solid stone that stretched out really far from his left and right.


    The stone wall in front of him is around four thousand feet high making it almost impossible for anyone to climb over it without the high risk of falling to their death.


    Makani looked around to see if anyone else was in sight so that no one would be able to see what he''ll do next. Using his [Earth Manipulation ability], Makani made stairways for him to walk all the way up to the top. But before he moved further each time, Makani retracted the stairs so that no one behind him could follow.


    **


    -7.9 kilometers South of Pea Town-


    Tristan and his clan mate Harry had been following a small group of adventurers who he thought was on their way to the Grand City of Hau, but suddenly an unexpected turn had happened. The small group in front of them began to corner and surround the lone adventurer that they had been following.


    "This doesn''t look good Harry, lets hide behind those boulders." Tristan suggested. Both


    Fearing that he himself will be robbed of all his possession, Tristan hid behind a boulder next to his partner Harry. The two hid and watched as the lone adventurer is surrounded by the small group that he had been following. Since there are seven of them in the group and only two of them, Tristan didn''t have confident to help the adventurer who was being robbed.


    From a far, Tristan watched as he stayed hidden behind the boulder with Harry.


    "Hand everything you have over!" Demanded a female elf in a loud voice.


    Harry got his sword ready and made a suggestion to Tristan.


    "We should help that person."


    Tristan who was still not so confident about fighting when outnumbered made excuses.


    "We can''t fight now lets think about ourselves, lets save our strength for the Holos that we''ll encounter."


    Harry put his sword back into his sheath and nodded in agreement with what Tristan had suggested. After their small conversation Tristan and Harry went back to watching the scene between the lone adventurers and the bandits. Then suddenly as they both continued to watch the female elf ordered the six to attack the lone adventurer.


    "Attack!"


    The six who are surrounding the lone adventurer that''s cornered against the wall of solid stone, rushed towards their prey. Tristan cringed when he thought that the lone adventurer was about to get slaughter.


    *PAK!*


    The mysterious sound made Tristan curious so he went to see what had happened. As Tristan continued to watch, one of the bandits who was surrounding the lone adventurer was on the ground laying face up. From where he was standing Tristan could see something protruding from the bandit''s head.


    "What happened?" Tristan asked Harry.


    "Weren''t you watching? The lone adventurer used his crossbow and shot one of the bandits on the head."


    Harry didn''t take his eyes off of what was happening as he told Tristan what had happened when he was cowering in fear.


    "That''s impossible! That adventurer looks like he''s the same age as me and he''s able to take down a fearsome looking bandit?"


    Tristan was in doubt that the lone adventurer was able to do that. But all he could see are the lone adventurer and the bandits who surrounded him. There were no one else besides them.


    Harry stared at Tristan with annoyance.


    "Then why don''t you keep watching instead of cringing like a little child?"


    Tristan became annoyed with what Harry had said to him, though they were both the same age Harry called him a child because of his actions earlier. In truth Tristan was scared of seeing someone die in front of him but when its against Holos, he had no problems. Even though he wanted to help, the factors of the numbers of bandits versus them still didn''t change.


    Tristan stared intently so that he would not miss what would happen next. Suddenly one of the bandits rushed in and instantly the bandit closing nearer to the lone adventurer was shot by a crossbow bolt. Tristan was in shock of how accurate and precise the lone adventurer''s shots were. After a moment, the bandits surrounding the lone adventurer ran off with the bodies of their dead comrades.


    "Hahaha! That was intense!" Harry laughing from what had happened. Tristan''s jaw was slacked open, he couldn''t believe what had happened.


    ''There were seven of the bandits versus a lone adventurer, how could it have ended in the lone adventurer''s favor?'' Tristan asked himself.


    Then suddenly while they were both trying comprehend what was happening, the ground began to shake and Tristan who was still staring at the lone adventurer was in a state of shock. Harry who was frightened at the shaking of the ground jumped away from the boulder.


    "He''s a wizard Harry!"


    Tristan saw that stairs made from stone suddenly appeared in front of the lone adventurer. The lone adventurer began climbing them and at the same time the stairs behind the lone adventurer disappeared like a mirage. Harry who was still frightened of the shaking of the ground didn''t see what was going on and Tristan just kept repeating the same thing over and over like a broken record.


    "Harry! He''s a wizard!"


    When Tristan was a little his mother had told her stories of people who can use real magik. These people who could control the elemental in the stories are called wizards. But everyone knows through out the lands that the ancient magik from centuries ago are long gone and forgotten. No one knows how to control the elements anymore until now that Tristan has seen someone in front of him do it.


    "Harry! He''s wizard! He''s a wizard Harry!"


    **


    -Somewhere on top of the stone wall.-


    Atop the wall of stone where Makani climbed using his [Earth Manipulation ability], he looked around and what he saw amazed him. Various fruit bearing trees stood everywhere and Holos of various sizes and species that Makani has never heard or read before roamed everywhere. It was odd that up above the stone wall was much warmer in climate. Grass and various plants grew everywhere. Its as if its paradise.


    Makani continued to walk and for some odd reason the Holos didn''t attack him. Its as if they didn''t care that he was there. All Holos through out the lands would usually attack any beings in sight but the once he has encountered just continued to graze while some slept and played with each other.


    Makani went up to one of the fruit bearing trees that he had seen and grabbed one that looked almost reddish and pink at the same time. He took a bite of the fruit and the sweet taste of the fruit just burst all over inside his mouth.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    After trying the fruit he decided to harvest as much as he can and then stored it inside his DS ring. Makani tasted and harvested the other fruits that he had tasted. Some of them were tangy, sweet, sour and some just had a pleasant refreshing taste when you take a bite of it. After harvesting so much fruit, Makani decided to start camp due to it starting to get dark.


    The next morning Makani continued to move forward. He didn''t want to leave this amazing place that he discovered, but at the same time he want to go to the capital so that he could buy his very own wagon.


    Makani''s plan is to become a traveling merchant. Since he is after all a merchant class adventurer, It would be of benefit for him to have some type of wagon to use. Even though he has the DS ring to carry most of his belongings, he''ll be using the wagon as his home. Traveling all over the lands is one of his dreams but he''s also set at becoming a well known adventurer.


    After two days of walking Makani reached the other side of the mesa, from afar he could see a towering structure.


    ''That must be the grand city, Its so big that you can see it from afar.'' Makani thought to himself.


    Pohaku squinted its eyes and began pointing at a settlement or at least what looks like a settlement south of them. Makani looked at where Pohaku is pointing at and sees a small group of huts huddles together. The tiny settlement didn''t interest Makani, he''s more determined to reach his destination so that he could but himself a wagon.


    **


    -Outside the Tiny Settlement-


    North from the capital there is a settlement located on the foot of the mesa. The settlement called Wapine are full of farmers. The settlers in Wapine are barely surviving because of bandits and the large Holos that would often bring terror and suffering to their lives. Every year bandits would come back to take what ever harvest they have and at times they would also steal the women from the settlement.


    Near the foot of the mesa, Moa a young man from the settlement of Wapine was gathering herbs from the surrounding area when suddenly the ground beneath him began to shake. Struck with fear, Moa instantly jump into a large bush to hide from who ever or what ever caused the ground beneath him to tremble.


    A group of rough looking men stopped at a spot over looking the settlement. Each men in the group were riding huge frightful looking rams whose body are made from stones with long thick curved horns. These rams are tamed Holos called Ram-Rocks.


    "Let''s take everything in this settlement!" exclaimed one of the bandits.


    "Yeah! Take it!" the rest of the bandits cried out.


    "Wait! Wait! We raided this settlement not so long ago. If we raid them now we''ll come out empty handed!" said the old bearded bandit in the group.


    "Very well! We''ll come back again in nine months time! By that time this village will be riped for the picking!" said the bandit with an eye patch over his right eyes.


    After their short conversation, the group of bandits decided to leave the settlement unharmed and started riding off on their Ram-Rocks.


    Moa who was hiding in the bushes over heard the whole conversation among the bandits. After picking up all his belongings he decided to hurry back to the settlement to inform the settlers of what he heard.


    **


    -Wapine-


    The settlers gathered and sat down in a circle in the middle of the settlement. They were used to cold so the frozen barren ground didn''t matter to them. At first after hearing Moa''s report about what he heard, the settlers became silent. Then suddenly the women began to weep.


    "Are there no gods who will save us?!" cried out one of the women.


    "Frostbite, diseases, murderous Holos and now these bandits!"


    The woman continued to cry and the rest of the women and children joined her.


    "Up to now the gods have forsaken us!" cried one of them women.


    The men in the settlement were silent and had their head down.


    "That''s right were better off dead!" burst out one of the men crying.


    "Crying won''t make a difference!" replied one of the men named Iole.


    As the women continued to cry and the other men kept their silence. Moa clutched his fist and became angry. Suddenly one of the women stood up.


    "Let''s just give everything that we have to the bandits and then right after hand ourselves! What''s the use if they take all our harvest we''ll be dead when a great blizzard hits!"


    The settlement of Wapine have been farming small domesticated Holos called Ruby eyed hares for their meat and fur. These Holos are very docile and can survive the harshest cold.


    The meat that they harvest from the Holos are smoked and stored for the settlement''s daily consumption. The fur of the Holos are used by the settlers for insulation to keep their homes warm. They also use the fur for their clothes. Whenever they have an excess of harvests, they usually sell what they can spare in the capital so that they can buy the things they need to improve their life.


    Moa stood up with a raged look in his eyes.


    "Let''s fight! Let''s kill all those bandits!"


    "That''s crazy talk! We''re farmers. What do we know about fighting?" said Iole


    Moa stared at Iole with the intent of harming him.


    "So we can kill injured adventurers but not bandits!?"


    Moa grabbed Iole by his collar and pushed him down. One of the men jumped up to break up the two.


    "Stop it! This is no time to fight amongst ourselves!"


    Moa continued to try to assault Iole. When the settlers noticed that Moa would not stop they all got up to restrain the young man. Iola was relieved that Moa was stopped by the others sat down.


    "We don''t have a chance against bandits. And if we lose? They''ll slaughter us down to the last unborn child." said Iole sitting down as he looked at snow on the ground.


    Moa became enraged and tried to free himself from being restrained by the other men so that he can go after Iole.


    "I''ve had enough! Better to risk all than to be treat like this! Kill or be killed!" screamed Moa.


    "Us farmer''s only choice is to endure. We can''t defy the powerful. That''s all we can ever do." said Iole.


    Tears began to roll down Moa''s face and the harsh snowy wind that passed by slowly hardened it until it froze. The words coming out Iole''s mouth pierced him like a knife. Its true that farmers have been the lowest in the hierarchy of the lands. In the past all the farmers could ever do is endure and hope for the best. But for quite some time, the people in the Wapine are being drained of their will to continue with their lives. The men unrestrained Moa as he continued to cry.


    "When the bandits arrive we''ll greet them meekly and quietly hand them all we have. We''ll plead them to leave us just enough for us to survive. We''ll beg on our hands and knees!" cried out Iole.


    The entire settlement began to cry in their hopelessness. Moa became enraged and instantly got up and tried to assault Iola but before he could get near him the men of the settlement held him back.


    "What bandit will agree to that?!" He screamed.


    "Have you forgotten how we had to stoop so low that we were eating the insulation of our huts throughout the blizzards?!"


    The entire settlement stopped crying when Moa reminded everyone about the situation that they had during a long blizzard. Many of the settlements almost didn''t survive due to the lack of nutrition consumed.


    One of the older men among the villagers stood up.


    "We should see the old man! Let him decide what to do."


    The settlemets looked at each other and began to whisper.


    "The old man will have answers for us." said one settler.


    All of the settlers got up and started walking at the out skirt of the settlement. There in the edge of the settlement, lives an old man. The old man is the oldest amongst the settlers and the wisest. He has survived everything that has ever happened in Wapine.


    **


    Everyone from the settlement arrived at the old man''s hut in the edge of the settlement. The adults of the settlement including Mao sat down to ask what they should do with the situation that they are about to face. The old man sat in middle of the circle of the adults listening to their reasons and arguments about what actions they should take. Then everyone stopped talking the old man began to speak.


    "We fight."


    A smile appeared in Moa''s face.


    "Old man, that''s madness. We''re farmers. What do we know of battle?" argued Iole.


    "We''ll hire adventurers" said the old man.


    "Who ever heard of farmers hiring adventurers?" said Iole.


    "I saw it with my own eyes, when the settlement I came from was demolished to the ground by Holos. I saw when I came into a settlement a long time ago. They had adventurers there and that settlement was the only settlement that wasn''t burned to ashes." said the old man.


    "But old man, there are different kinds of settlements and settlers. We are but a villagers of farmers. How will we feed and pay these adventurers that we''ll hire when we''re on the verge of starvation our selves?"


    "We''ll give them all the food that we have! We can make it through by eating other things!" yelled Moa


    "Show me an adventurer who''ll fight for farmers in return for food! They are all greedy and will only do anything for copper, silver and gold!" yelled Iola


    "Look. Find hungry adventurers. Even Dire Bears come down from the mountains when they''re hungry." said the old man.


    **

 Chapter 10: Journey To The Grand City of Hau pt 3

    **


    -South of the gate of the capital-


    Makani could see the gate of Hau from a far. The huge frozen gate covered in frost with icicles hanging in various areas stood twelve feet high. Besides each side of the gate, two towers stood with soldiers inside standing a vigilant watch.


    As the soldiers scanned the nearby area from inside the tower for suspecting activities, suddenly a harsh cold wind began to blow fiercely and the ground began to tremble causing the large icicles stuck from the gate to break.


    *KRARKKK!*


    The large icicles landed on the frozen hard ground and shattered everywhere. Like a shrapnel the broken pieces of the icicle flung everywhere injuring many. The soldiers that stood watch inside the tower began yelling to alert the city.


    "Holos pack! Close the gates!"


    *AWWWWOOOOOOOOO!*


    The howling of the pack of holos echoed through out the surroundings of the capital. The city gate began to slowly close down and the people who are trying to enter the city began to panic as they attempt to push them selves inside the city.


    The ones injured from being hit by projectiles that came from the large icicles that dropped, were ignored. Instead of helping the injured, some of the people fled inside the city fearing for their own lives. Few tried to help, but those few ended up being trapped outside with the injured ones.


    Makani who was still meters away from the gate could hear the guards yelling along with the howling of the holos behind him right after. The screams of panicked people could be heard as it echoed from where Makani stood.


    Makani couldn''t see anything at all due to the unrelenting gust of snow that surrounded him. Then as fast as the gust of snow appeared, loud snarling sounds could be heard near where Makani was standing.


    Sensing that he was in danger, Makani did what he can only do in his situation. With quick thinking, he used his [Earth Manipulation ability] and burrowed deep into the ground to hide. But before Makani could go underground, he felt something sharp cutting his flesh which caused him to feel an excruciating pain.


    *GAAAAAAAHHH!*


    Makani fell on his knees as he screamed in anguishing pain. The ground beneath Makani lowered and swallowed him and Pohaku.


    Moments later Makani fainted and everything went black.


    The moment Makani passed out, the ground above and around him began to crumble. Pohaku instantly stood and protected its master from being crushed by the surrounding earth. Once the ground stopped moving, Pohaku grabbed Makani''s body and carried him out of the ground.


    Once they were both out of the ground, the onion golen laid its master on the ground then as frantically scanned its master, its eyes began to look worried. Blood was flowing out of Makani and Pohaku didn''t know what to do.


    All Pohaku could do is remember that Makani desired to go inside the city and they both traveled very far just to do that. Seeing that they were near their destination, Pohaku lifted its master then began walking towards the city.


    But then after moving a few meters towards the capital, loud howling and the sound of creatures running around them could be heard as the ground vibrated.


    *AWWWOOOOOOOO!*


    Pohaku gently laid his master''s body down on the frozen ground and position itself as if its getting ready to fight.


    In Pohaku''s mind, its highest priority is to protect Makani no matter what. The Holos surrounding Pohaku and Makani revealed them selves from the violent gust of snow. Their canine like snout emerged as well as their sharp long fangs. Pohaku''s eyes changed and sparks of electricity began to surge around its body as it tightened its fighting position.


    *AWWWOOOOOOOO!*


    The large wolf like Holos howled in unison and charged Pohaku.


    **


    -Settlement of Wapine-


    Moa instantly stood up when the old man suggested that they need to hire adventurers.


    "Old man I volunteer to search for these adventurers!"


    Iola stood up right after Moa declared that he''ll volunteer to look for these adventurers.


    "Hhmm! I don''t trust your decision making. Such decision will determine the survival of our home!"


    The old man grabbed his wooden cane and pointed at Iola.


    "And that''s why you''re going with him!"


    "But old man who will help take care of the harvest?!" Iola complained.


    The old man''s brow furrowed and gave Iola an intense look.


    "We''ve enough hands here to take care of the harvest. Kalo will also go with you to make sure you two will make a wise choice of picking the right adventurers!"


    A middle aged man stood up next to the old man. Kola who''s been quiet the whole time the arguments has been going have just been observing and listening. Though he himself have been struggling with everyone else, he keeps his opinion to himself to prevent the argument from escalating. But now that the old man has given some authority to him, he''ll have no choice but to interfere and make sure the right decision are made.


    "As you wish elder, I will make sure that the right decisions are made for the prosperity of the settlement."


    The old man nodded.


    "Make sure these two don''t do anything foolish. I know they mean well but as you have observed, they let their emotions control their actions."


    Kola bowed at the old man.


    "I will do my best."


    The next day the three began their journey to the capital in order to search and hire several adventurers to save their settlement from the bandits that will soon endanger their lives.


    **


    -Outside The Gate of The City of Hau-


    After five days later, Tristan and Harry arrived at the gate of the capital and both noticed that the frozen ground are dyed with a distinct red. The air around the red dyed ground smelled a lot like rusted iron.


    Tristan noticed the large paw prints around.


    ''What kind of Holos could have made these tracks.'' Tristan thought to himself as he continued to enter the city of Hau.


    Harry noticed that Tristan was in deep in thoughts about what they just saw near the entrance of the city and looked at him.


    "Don''t worry about it, this is the capital and the royal soldiers are here to protect everyone."


    Harry reminded Tristan about the royal soldiers which are warriors that work for the kingdom. These warriors have trained all their lives to become part of the well known title as ''The Royal Soldier''. At times retired adventurers of either fighting class or support class join their ranks so that they can help defend the kingdom.


    Being a Royal Soldier doesn''t pay much but its a steady income and a much safer occupation than being an adventurer. The usual work of a Royal Soldier is to keep watch and making sure that the capital is safe. They never go after Holos because to them that would be like stealing the job from adventurers.


    Tristan who snapped out of his brief trance after being reminded by Harry grinned.


    "You''re right lets go to the Adventurer''s Guild so we can register for that tournament."


    Inside the Adventurer''s Guild many were trying to register for the tournament.


    New fresh and upcoming adventurers of either Fighter class or Support were in line excited to register for the tournament. Among the new adventurers are seasoned adventurers, veterans who have been in the business for years casually registered. Many of them were chattering out loud.


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    "Oh boy! 500,000 gold coins! Imagine what I can do with that!"


    "That''s if you pass the registration process first!" commented another new adventurer.


    After hours of waiting in line,Tristan and Harry stepped up in front of the counter so that they could register. As they stepped up a beautiful elf greeted them.


    "Hello adventurers! My name is Misty and I am here to explain the process of the tournament registration. First may I see your adventurer''s cards please?"


    Tristan and Harry took out their adventurer''s card and the red headed elf''s face changed and looked disappointed.


    "I''m sorry but to join the tournament you must be at least a Grade F adventurer to participate."


    Grade F is the next upgrade to Grade G which is the grade of all adventurers when they begin.


    Tristan and Harry''s eyes widened in shock. Tristan became annoyed and started to complain.


    "What?! After all the distance that we''ve gone through just to register now we find out that we can''t?!" Tristan exclaimed at the blue eyed red headed elf.


    "I''m sorry but its the rules. You still have three weeks to register and it seems you''re both about to upgrade. Maybe you can use the remaining time to do some quest so that you can upgrade and join the tournament. Other than that I really can''t help you."


    "But. . .!"


    Before Tristan could continue Harry stopped him.


    "Thank you for the information ma''am, can you show us the board where we can find the bounties?"


    "Sure its in the third floor of the building, the stairs are far left from here."


    "Thank you."


    Harry bowed down and grabbed Tristan who was starting to become annoyed. Once they were in the corner, Harry pushed Tristan to the side.


    "Are you using your brain? Don''t forget that your actions reflects that of the clan. If you had continued your stupid little outburst there many of the rivaling clans who has it against us will enjoy that."


    Tristan didn''t say a thing back to Harry because he knew that what he said was right. He should have controlled himself. After taking a long deep breath Tristan looked at Harry.


    "You''re right I''m sorry. I should have controlled my self. Now lets go to the third floor and do some bounties so that we can upgrade."


    The difficulty of upgrading depends on the class of adventurers. Fighter classes tend to upgrade slower due to them being the strongest of all class. Support class is in the middle while the Merchant class adventurers has a special way of upgrading.


    Since the merchant class are known for having the least ability to fight, their way of upgrading is through the money that they earn.


    For a merchant class Grade G to upgrade to Grade F they have to have gained 1,000 gold coins. To upgrade from Grade F to Grade E they have to earn 10,000 gold coins. To upgrade from Grade E to Grade D they have to earn 50,000 gold coins. To upgrade from Grade D to Grade C they have to earn 100,000 gold coins. To upgrade from Grade C to Grade B they have to earn 500,000 gold coins. To upgrade from Grade B to Grade A they have to earn 1,000,000 gold coins.


    To become a SS grade for merchant class adventurers certain requirements must be met but no merchant class adventurer has ever reached that grade in history. The highest grade that''s been seen in history is that of Grade A but the adventurer that reached that grade only became that certain grade in a brief moment due the adventurer''s age.


    Nicolas the merchant class adventurer became a Grade A adventurer on his death bed after many years of establishing Pea town. Every adventurer has heard of the legendary merchant adventurer who used all his resources to build the town north of the boarder of the Kingdom of Akau.


    **


    -Somewhere In a Cave-


    Inside a cave covered in moss Makani laid on the moss covered ground and besides him is Pohaku with a worried look. The cave is illuminated by various different moss that hung all over the cave walls. Makani''s eyes opened and the first thing he saw is Pohaku''s worried looking expression. He then attempted to get up but as he got up Makani felt a stinging sensation on his back. Pohaku instantly came to Makani''s aid and helped Makani to get his upper body up from the moss covered ground. As Makani looked up to Pohaku, he was shocked at what he saw.


    "What happened?!"


    Pohaku''s left arm was missing and both his horns broke from the battle against the wolf like holos while Makani was knocked out. Since Pohaku has no way of communicating Makani will never know what has happened. Then suddenly an old woman dressed in long dark green ragged dress wearing a blind fold came walking in the moss covered cave.


    "Ahh! You''re awake! Kekeke."


    The old woman woman laughed when she noticed that Makani had woken up.


    "Your summon is barely holding on. You should thank it for bringing you all the way up in my cave. Kekeke."


    Makani was shocked that the blind old woman knew that Pohaku was his summoned creature. Curious about it, he asked the old lady.


    "Old woman how did you know that Pohaku is my summoned?"


    The old woman turned her head and laughed.


    "Kekekeke! I can smell the magik off of it!"


    Makani''s brows furrowed from confusion.


    ''How can a blind old lady smell magik'' Makani thought to himself. The old lady continued to laugh after sniffing the area.


    "Kekekeke! You should say goodbye to you summoned he''s about to go back to his world!"


    Then suddenly after the old lady mentioned about Pohaku, the onion golem stood at attention in front of Makani and saluted. After saluting, Pohaku began to glow then its body turned to dust. The large yellow gemstone that hung around Makani''s neck cracked and also turned into dust. But as it turned into dust a small purple spherical stone dropped out of it.


    *SNIFF SNIFF*


    The old woman''s nose switch and began sniffing. Makani grabbed the purple spherical stone and observed it.


    ''A Mana!'' Makani thought to himself.


    Makani quickly ingested the purple marble when he noticed that the old day is sniffing closer to him and a voice began telling him about the ability he had just gained and its details.


    [Psychic Communication ability obtained]


    [Psychic Communication ability] This ability allows Makani to form a psionic communication line with another being, essentially rendering them capable of having comprehensible conversations with others using their minds. The user is able to open up channels of communications with others who may be incapable of physical speech or communicate if unable to physically speak.


    "The strong magik that was there! It disappeared!"


    The old woman began to frantically point at Makani.


    "The magik!"


    Makani was starting to feel uneasy around to old woman so he decided to stand up and endured the pain he was in. As he stood he took out some fruits that he stored from his DS ring and offered it to to old lady.


    "Old lady would you like something to eat?"


    The old lady crossed her arms and turned her head.


    "Hmm! The goddess of moss doesn''t eat food of the mortals!"


    Makani was chewing the piece that he bit off from the fruit that had take out of his DS ring but when the old lady claimed that she''s a goddess, he almost choked on the piece of fruit that''s in his mouth.


    **

 Chapter 11:The Cave of Moss

    **


    -Inside the Cave of Moss-


    Inside the cave of moss, Makani almost choked on the piece of fruit that he was chewing on when the old lady proclaimed that she''s a goddess.


    *Cough! Cough!*


    Makani coughed and took out his leather bota bag out of his DS ring to get a drink of water. As he drank the water, the corner of the old lady''s mouth curled as she eyed Makani. Makani who''s recovering from what the old lady had said began asking questions.


    "Goddess of moss? I thought gods are suppose to be ageless and eternal?"


    The old lady''s mouth began to frown even though her eyes are covered with a blindfold she looked saddened when Makani asked her those questions.


    "It''s true that we gods are ageless and eternal. But everything changed when my foolish brothers and sisters decided to have their worthless squabble. When we began fighting, we caused chaos and destruction throughout the lands and our reckless actions had provoked your ancestors like an angry bee hive."


    Makani remembered the story well, the mortals throughout the lands grew restless and rebelled against the gods. As everyone united under the banner of the Hero Kai, the mortals went on to battle against the gods. The result of this epic battle was very grim because both sides didn''t have a pleasant ending. The old lady continued talking while Makani listened attentively as he sat comfortably on the soft ground covered in moss.


    "I began to rapidly age when I was struck by the explosion that the hero Kai had created. The blinding violent explosion caused me to lose my sight as well. Unlike the other gods and goddesses who were much closer to the blast, I considered my self lucky because most of my brothers and sisters died in the explosion. Those who escaped, fled with critical injuries causing them to be crippled and deformed."


    Sitting there on the soft moss covered ground, Makani is in disbelief that he was hearing the story from views of the deity''s. He remained silent and continued to listen as the old lady continued.


    "I stayed here in this cave to hide from the others."


    Makani''s eyes widened. ''Others?'' he thought to himself. Instantly Makani was curious about what the old woman had said about the others.


    "Others? What do you mean?"


    "The there are a few of us left and a very small percent of that few wishes us to gather while the rest just want to live a peaceful life. I myself have been living a peaceful life in this cave."


    The things Makani was hearing is very alarming. He didn''t know whether he should inform someone or not. But since he could do nothing at the moment, he continued to question the goddess so that he would be able learn more.


    "What does that very small percent want?"


    The old lady began to stroke and brush the soft wall covered in moss.


    "I have no clue what they want. But all I know is that I enjoy just being here in this cave. If I fade from existence anytime soon, I''ll leave this world happy."


    It annoyed Makani that he didn''t find out what the small percent of the gods and goddesses wanted to accomplish by having them gather. Makani hoped it was nothing but knowing this information bothered him. Then suddenly the old lady said something.


    "All I know is that one or three of us out there are making more of our minions and releasing them to cause havoc."


    "Minions?" Makani asked.


    "You mortals refer to them as Holos. "


    As she finished her sentence the old woman suddenly grabbed her chest and began to moan in pain. She then grabbed onto the wall of moss with one of her hands and slowly fell on the soft moss covered ground.


    Ignoring the pain the he felt in his entire body, Makani rushed to the old woman''s aid to see what had happened.


    "Goddess what happened?"


    "To think that I would fade away this way. But before I leave, I have a present for you young mortal. There behind that red rock is a small leather bag full of a special white moss called Ki. A small piece of this can cure any illness but will take five years of your life, a pinch of it can heal you entirely but will take twenty years of your life."


    The old woman began to fade away as the moments passed she became more transparent. After a few more second the old lady''s entire body completely disappeared. Makani felt saddened that old woman had faded away without him ever knowing her name.


    **


    -City of Hau-


    Tristan and Harry is currently on a quest/job. Since there were no quest to be found that included fighting Holos, they were both stuck doing menial quests. The quest that they took from the Adventurer''s Guild board was titled: "Help Wanted: Missing Dish Washer Boys with the description of; Help Dish Washer Boys needed.


    Tristan insisted in taking the quest because he thought that it would lead to fighting monsters. Harry didn''t mind doing the quest but he definitely thought that the title and the description of the quest was misleading.


    Now in a restaurant kitchen both Tristan and Harry are stuck washing dishes for three days.


    "This is embarrassing! I am a Fighter class!" Tristan screamed as he washed the dishes inside the sink.


    "Shut it! or else we''ll tell the Adventurer''s Guild that you forfeit this quest!" Screamed the manager.


    Forfeiting a quest is worst than failing the quest. Forfeiting a quest will make the Adventurer''s Guild deduct experience points from the adventurer. Most deduction are large enough that the adventurer will be force to be downgraded to their previous grade.


    "I told you there was something sketchy about the quest. But you insisted." Harry whispered as he wiped the dishes dry with a rag.


    "Okay! Next time i''ll listen!" Tristan whisper shouted to Harry while he continued to wash dishes.


    Even though the job that they''re both in is a menial job, doing the quest would eventually help them upgrade to the next class. Two and half weeks are still remaining until they could register into the tournament. Hopefully by then the two will be upgraded.


    **


    -City of Hau


    The snowy streets of the capital is lively and many of its citizens are traveling to their various destinations. Its been several days since they arrived and Moa, Iola and Kola stood in the busy street of the capital. As the three stood there, they''re at awe at the seemingly strong adventurers that would pass them by. Moa who''s more excited than the other two couldn''t help but stare at the warriors that sped their way through the streets.


    "So many strong adventurers!"


    Iola wearing a grumpy face, is doubtful that they''ll find an adventurer that will help them rid of the bandits just for some food. Kola stood there just merely observing and doing his duty that the elder of the settlement has given him.


    Moments later Moa sees a large demi-human with bear like features carrying an enormous spear.


    "There! I''ll ask that adventurer. He seems fearsome and is willing to help the weak."


    Moa followed and rushed over to the demi-human. The boy stepped in front of the adventurer and bowed down with his knees on the ground.


    "Mr. adventurer please help us!"


    The demi-human looked down at Moa who''s on his knees bowing towards him on the cold frozen ground. The large adventurer grunted.


    "What''s all this?"


    "Please Mr. Adventurer If you could spare a moment to hear our story. We have food to fill your belly while you listen." Moa opened a pack full of delicious looking meat.


    The fierce looking adventurer looked at the meat inside the pack and considered the offer.


    "Very well. Let us go to the Adventurer''s Guild."


    Moments later in the Adventurer''s Guild, the three settlers and the adventurer sat on a table. While Moa told their story and situation, the large demi-human adventurer snacked on the delicious meat that they offered. At the end of telling their situation, the adventurer sat there and stared at the three.


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    "Bandits eh? Hmmmm."


    Moa intently stared at the adventurer while he sat there trying to make a decision.


    "I''m sorry. But I don''t intend to risk my life for food."


    After hearing the adventurer decline their request, Moa got on his knees and began begging.


    "Please Mr. Adventurer! All of our lives are at stake!"


    The large adventurer stood up and started to walk away.


    "Again, I wish to be no part of this. Thank you for the delicious meat."


    Moa grabbed on to the large adventurer''s leg and continued to beg. His begging caught the attention of the adventurers nearby.


    "Please Mr. Adventurer! This is our lives!"


    The large adventurer shoved Moa away and shouted his decision again.


    "I said no! Find someone else who''ll fight your battle for food."


    Moa again grabbed on to the large adventurer and continued to beg.


    "Please Mr. Adventurer! If you have any conscience!"


    "I SAID NO! I AM A FIGHTER CLASS! I STILL HAVE MY PRIDE! FOOL!"


    Annoyed the large adventurer grabbed Moa and threw him across the room.


    *CRASH!*


    Iola and Kola rushed to Moa''s side to see if he''s okay. Tears began to fall from Moa''s eyes. Iola looked down to Moa who''s crying.


    "What''d I tell you?"


    Kola grabbed Moa and began helping the boy up on his foot. Iola just stood there with a grumpy face staring at Moa.


    "What a waste. That adventurer ate half of our meat provisions."


    Kola turned around to Iola and gave him an intense look.


    "Commenting such things won''t our situation."


    The three grabbed their things and started walking to door. Then suddenly a beautiful black haired elf stood in front of them.


    "Hello, I''m Erica. I''m one of the assistants of the Adventurer''s Guild. I couldn''t help but listen to your story. I may not be able to help you with your problems but I can assist you in getting those adventurers that you need to fight your battle."


    Moa''s saddened face changed. Instantly he grabbed Erica''s hands.


    "Anything would help miss!"


    Erica blushed as Moa firmly held on to her hands. Moa stared at Erica''s eyes waiting for Erica to tell him how they''ll be able to hire the adventurers they need.


    "First please let my hand go."


    Moa turned red and laughed pathetically as he let go of her hand.


    "I apologize. Now please, tell us how would we be able to hire the adventurers that we need?"


    **


    - Inside the Cave of Moss-


    The injuries that Makani received from the Holos began to ache again. The long cut on his back reached from his right shoulder to his waist. As he continued to feel the almost unbearable pain, he stared at the small pouch in his hand and began thinking whether he should take the white moss called Ki. If he ingest a pinch of the Ki he''ll be fully healed of his injuries but in return he''ll lose 10 years of his life.


    Makani stored the small leather bag inside his DS ring and continued to bare with the pain.


    ''I''d rather endure the pain than lose 10 years of my life. I''ll save these for a real emergency.'' he thought to himself.


    Makani took out a large red gemstone and summoned Pohaku. Pohaku''s body materialized in front of Makani and its appearance was the same as when Makani used a large red gemstone the first time.


    Instantly Pohaku saluted as he stood in front of Makani.


    ''So that''s how it is! Depending on the color of gemstone, the appearance of Pohaku is of different element. Red gemstone for fire and yellow gemstone for lightning.'' Makani thought to himself.


    Pohaku just stood there saluting as if waiting for Makani to give it an order.


    Makani looked at Pohaku and remembered the new ability that he had just gotten. He grinned then began talking to Pohaku using his ability [Psychic Communication ability].


    ''Pohaku sit!''


    ''Yes master! At once!''


    Makani''s mind widened when he heard Pohaku''s voice in his head. He began to laugh from the excitement of being able to talk to Pohaku. Then suddenly he remembered wondering how he got in the cave of moss. Makani asked his Onion Golem out of curiosity.


    ''Pohaku what happened before you took me to this cave?''


    Pohaku stood at attention and began to tell Makani what had happened.


    ''After you buried us underground to hide from the Holos that attacked you, you fainted causing the ground around us to crumble. Briefly after I dug us out of the ground, we were attacked by group of canine like Holos that are about three meters tall. Seeing that I couldn''t fight the group of Holos without the risk of endangering your life, I decided to flee. Luckily you summoned me in my lightning form allowing me to move faster than normal.''


    Makani furrowed his brow and became curious when Pohaku mentioned being in lightning form.


    ''Lightning form?''


    ''Master has noticed it already that when I am summoned using a certain color, I take on that color''s element. Now I am the element of fire which endows me enhance and strengthen body.''


    Makani rubs his chin while listening to Pohaku.


    ''I see, Now continue with the story.''


    ''Yes Master! I grabbed your body and ran west. I had difficulties out running the holos on the way here. They were able to tear off one of my arms and they also managed snap off my horns.''


    Makani suddenly felt tired and weak. He began holding his head as he continued to communicate with Pohaku telepathically.


    ''I see. I guess we''ll try to avoid these holos as much as possible on the way to the capital. For now I need to rest. I suddenly feel drained.''


    Everything in Makani''s sight started to become blurry and suddenly he collapsed. After many hours, Makani woke up with a big head ache as if he''s been drinking too much wine last night. The pain on his back began to lessen a bit. Makani opened his eyes and saw Pohaku standing at a resting position in the same location as he was before he collapsed.


    Using his [Psychic Communication ability] again he communicated with Pohaku.


    ''Pohaku I have a mission for you.''


    Instantly Pohaku stood at attention.


    ''Yes master?''


    Makani took out his leather bota bag and handed it to Pohaku.


    ''I want you to refill that bag with fresh water if you can. If you can''t find water after an hour, report back to me and tell me about the surroundings.''


    ''Yes master!''


    "Go!" Makani yelled.


    Pohaku bolted out of the the cave and started his mission in search of fresh water for his master.


    **


    -Outside of the Cave of Moss-


    ''Must find master fresh water''


    Pohaku continued to tell itself as it stepped outside of the cave of moss. The chilly wind from the east blew towards its body cause the flames that engulfed it to flutter around.


    Pohaku looked around and observed the surroundings to see if there were signs of running water. To the east, Pohaku could see the snowy area where they ran from the holos. To the west are tall mountainous areas, the entire surrounding are nothing but hard jagged rocks with no signs of water.


    Pohaku continued to search and after an hour of searching, it could not find any water at all. Since Makani had only given it an hour to search, Pohaku swiftly returned back to the cave of moss to report back to his master.


    **

 Chapter 12: The Slave Auction

    **


    -Cave of Moss-


    Pohaku had just left the cave to search for water. While the Onion Golem left the cave of moss, Makani stayed in the cave to think about what to do with his injuries. Even if he tried to leave the cave he wouldn''t get far due to the pain. But the thought of outside made him curious, so he decided to stand up to try to get a view outside of the cave.


    Makani struggled to stand as he endured the pain from the deep wound that he had received from the canine like holos, he began to slowly walk towards the entrance of the moss covered cave with pained expression on his face. He noticed that the pain from his back became more intense as the days passed and the thought of considering taking a pinch of the white moss called ''Ki'' became very tempting.


    But the consequences of taking ''Ki'' was something he definitely didn''t want. If he took the white moss called ''Ki'' his injuries would definitely disappear. But at the cost of 10 years of his life which was something Makani will not sacrifice.


    If only there was something that he could do heal himself. Then suddenly he remembered buying a particular book. Makani looked at his finger and realizes that his Dimension Storage ring is missing.


    "Where is it?!"


    Makani instantly got down on his knees and frantically began to look for his DS ring among the over grown moss on the ground. He couldn''t believe that he lost something that''s so precious and valuable to him.


    The ring is very significant to Makani because it belonged to his mother, but other than that practically everything he had in his possession is inside the ring. Even his adventurer''s card is stored in the dimension storage ring.


    While he desperately searched for his ring the sounds of footsteps could be heard from the entrance of the cave. Makani instantly thought it was Pohaku that was walking into the cave but when turned around.


    *CRACK!*


    A blunt hard object hit Makani in the back of the head and caused him to be knocked out unconscious. The large lizard like demi-human looked down on Makani.


    "This human will fetch me a nice large pouch of coins."


    The demi-human laughed then grinned as it showed its tiny sharp teeth. Behind the large demi-human is a small tiny feathered demi-human.


    "I told ya Gin! I told ya I saw a human here!"


    The feathered demi-human squawked enthusiastically.


    "Shut it Tom!" Gin the large scaly demi-human hissed.


    Tom began grinning and rubbing his hand together.


    "Now that we caught him. We''re going to split the profit right?"


    Gin stared at Makani''s body while Tom continued to chatter, he noticed the large deep cut on his back.


    "I''ll give you ten percent as a finder''s fee. I don''t think we''ll be able to get much by selling this human because he''s injured."


    The large scaly demi-human grabbed Makani''s body and placed him over his shoulder.


    "Lets leave this cave before it gets dark. If we can heal him before we sell him, then we might get a very nice price for him."


    **


    -Cave of Moss-


    Puhaku returned to the cave of moss after an hour and failed to retrieve water for its master. It stepped into the cave and noticed that there are footprints that its never seen before. As it continued to walk inside, he noticed more of the strange looking footprints and Makani was nowhere to be found.


    Pohaku searched the cave for its master and as he looked to see if his master was in another area of the cave, it noticed a patch of moss was covered in blood. The onion golem went down on on his knee to observe the blood. Moments later while it was observing the area, in another area not so far from the blood covered moss, Pohaku could see something shining that attracted its attention.


    Pohaku stood up to go look and see what it was. As it got closer to the object, it became more visible. The object that attracted Pohaku was Makani''s ring. Pohaku felt confused, this ring is its master''s most precious possession. Finding the ring on ground as well as the patch of blood made Pohaku worry that something might have happened to his master.


    Pohaku grabbed his master''s DS ring on the ground and left the cave of moss to search for Makani.


    **


    -Jagged town-


    In a massive stone citadel town built into the steep mountains. Gin the giant lizard like demi-human is carrying Makani over his shoulder. Jagged town is one of the many demi-human towns that are in the kingdom of Komohana. Adventurers, traders, and slavers of various race other than humans come here to sell or buy many accommodations.


    The always lively town would always have merchant class demi-human adventurers trying to bargain many things so that they could sell it to another town or city for a big profit. Makani woke up after hearing the loud chattering from the surroundings. As he awoken he realized that his hands and legs were bounded.


    Makani remembered being hit by a blunt object then passing out. As he struggled he can feel the pain in his back felt even more intense.


    "Stop moving human or else." Warned the giant lizard.


    "Or else what? Let me go!" Makani angrily replied.


    Gin began to laugh after hearing Makani''s order. "You''re feisty one human. You''ll make me lots of coins after I sell you."


    "Sell me? From what I remember slavery is illegal in the kingdom of Akau!"


    The giant lizard demi-human began to laugh harder.


    "So that''s where you''re from. I''ll make even more coins since you''re from that kingdom."


    Gin continued to laugh as he walked into the part of town where the auctioning of humans was occurring.


    There in that area, a large stage stood and demi-humans of all sorts of races were eating, laughing, drinking and enjoying their time as they bid for the humans that are being featured on stage. Makani looked at the stage where every demi-human had their attention to and saw humans without clothes being treated like cattles on the stage.


    The host of the stage is a goblin wearing a suit and a top hat. In his hand is a chain that led to a neck of a human. The human at the end of the chain is a large muscular male that seems to have no life in his eyes.


    "This here human was bred just for hard labor! He''s strong and will do anything you command him to do!"


    From the side of the stage an old man with chains around his neck came out.


    "The vendor who''s selling this human is willing to demonstrate how strong this human is!"


    The goblin with the top hat began to whisper orders to the human on the stage. Then suddenly the human in chains grabbed the old man''s head began to crush his skull until the old man''s skull concaved. The old man''s eyes popped out as his skull is crushed. Blood and other fluids from the old man''s skull splattered everywhere on the stage and into the cheering crowd. The goblin wearing the top hat then turned to the crown with a smug look on his face.


    "Now lets start the bid with 100 gold coins!"


    "200 gold coins!" screamed a demi-human in the crowd. Then a surge of offers began for the human in the stage. All who witnessed the demonstration wanted to buy him.


    "3000 gold coins!" a mysterious voice shouted from the back.


    The crowd in the auction gasped at the offer. 3,000 gold coins was the highest in history of the slave market for a human to be bought. The host of the auction was in shock and was a bit choked up that he paused. Seconds later he came into his senses and began the count down.


    "3,000 gold coins! Going once! Twice! Three times for those willing?!"


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    No one in the crowd attempted to out bid the large amount of gold that has been offered. The amount of gold could buy more than several slaves of good quality.


    "Sold!"


    The crowd to whisper to one another as they try to figure out who had bought the slave. While the human slave who had been sold exited the stage, the host of the stage smile at crowd.


    "Now ladies and gentlemen while we process this transaction we have a special show for you!"


    Several naked humans came out of the side of the stage. Each of them had weapons in their hand and their faces looked terrified. Each of the human had been covered in different colors of paint for some particular reason. The host began to explain the show.


    "These humans will battle one another to the death! The victor will receive their freedom!" The host smiled sinisterly


    The several naked looked at each other after hearing that their freedom will be the reward if one of them survives. In an instant the humans on the stage violently began to attack each other.


    The crowd wildly cheered as the brutal fight for their freedom occurred. Moments later a winner had emerged from the fight. A woman doused in green fell on her knees and began to weep as she won the fight against the other several slaves.


    Makani who''s been watching the whole thing was speechless at what he had just witnessed. Then from behind the woman the host of the stage is carrying a huge mallet over his shoulder as if he''s about to swing.


    The crowd began to laugh and shout.


    "Do it!"


    "Do it!"


    "Do it!"


    Then in an instant the giant mallet slammed on the woman smashing her entire body. The crowd wildly cheered and laughed. Makani became enranged and began to shout.


    "You monsters! You''re all worst than holos!"


    Makani''s words were silenced by the laughter and clapping of the crowds. Hatred filled Makani as tears fell from his eyes. The harsh reality outside of the kingdom of Akau is horrible. To think that the human race outside of Akau is treated like play things.


    Makani''s body temperature began to rise to a dangerous level. Moments later as he struggled and attempted to escape from the large lizard demi-human, he fainted due to over excreting his already weakened body.


    **


    Hours later in a clear moonlit night, Makani woke up inside a small cage naked. He looked around and saw many other humans like him but they were old and looked as if they''ve given up on life. Across from his cage is a pretty faced girl around Makani''s age is weeping. As she cried a goblin walking by began kicking her cage.


    "Shut it!! If you continue to cry I''ll give you something worst to cry about."


    Makani stared down the goblin and the goblin noticed that Makani was intently staring at him.


    "You! You got a problem? That owner of yours said you''d be a problem. To think that he decided to sell you to us injured. Good thing our boss had extra potions or else you wouldn''t be worth that much injured."


    Makani used his hand to feel the large wound on his back. What was a deep long wound on his back is now a scar. The goblin stared at Makani and laughed.


    "You have a large scar on your back. I''ll call you Scar from now on!"


    After making fun of Makani, the goblin walked away feeling amused. The girl across from Makani looked at him. Her deep blue eyes and pretty face caused Makani to gawk at her.


    "Did it hurt?" asked the girl across from her.


    "Did what hurt?" asked Makani.


    The girl blew strands of her purple hair away from her face and gestured on her  back.


    "The wound on your back."


    Makani''s mouth tightly moved to the side.


    "It did hurt. It was very painful but now I''m okay. Can I ask you a question?"


    "Sure." The girl across from Makani nodded.


    "What''s your name?"


    The purple haired girl looked down on the ground beneath her cage.


    "My name is Lele."


    Makani was curious about the girl and why she was crying. Out of curiosity he asked.


    "Why were you crying Lele?"


    "My mom, she never came back from the stage. She told me if she was bought she''ll come back here  to see me again. But she never returned!"


    Tears fell Lele''s eys into he porcelain skin. Seeing her sad made Makani depressed and at the same time infuriated him. Makani decided to try something so that he could escape from the cramped up cage that he''s in. Using his  [Earth Manipulation ability] Makani began controlling the ground beneath him.


    A small portion of the ground began to rise up slowly. Then after it rose high enough that it surrounded the cage. Makani he controlled the ground around him so that the cage would open.


    *CLANK!!*


    The cage broke opened and Makani moved out of the small cage. Lele who''s across from her covered her mouth from surprise.


    "Are you a magician?!"


    Makani gave Lele a weird look and began using his  [Earth Manipulation ability] to open her cage. Later after opening Lele''s cage, Makani noticed that using his  [Earth Manipulation ability] made him tired. Its as if he''s been sapped of his energy.


    Makani helped Lele out of the cage that''s shes in.


    "Its time to leave."


    Then all of a sudden the goblin who was roving around earlier surprised them and snatched Lele by the neck.


    "No one is leaving!"


    Lele tried to escape the goblin''s clutch but the goblin was too strong for her. The goblin began to laugh as he put his arm around Lele''s neck.


    "So you know magik!? The boss will be able to sell you at a higher price!"


    Makani''s eyes looked at the laughing goblin with eternal hatred. Since it seems like the goblin has a very tough physique, Makani didn''t want to attempt fighting him with hand to hand combat. With out a weapon of some sort there was no way he would be able to defeat the goblin.


    Then an idea came to mind. Using his  [Earth Manipulation ability], Makani made the ground swallow the goblin''s foot. He then turned the ground into stone. The goblin was surprised that both his foot is stuck.


    "Whats this?!"


    After Makani turned the ground into stone. Another idea came to mind, using his ability he slowly raised the ground beneath the goblin and it formed into a spike. As it continue to rise the goblin released Lele form his hold so that he could try to break his legs free with his hands.


    Preoccupied with trying to break both his foot free from the ground, the goblin didn''t notice the spike that was slowly rising up from the ground. Makani grabbed Lele''s hand and started to run. As they both ran, the goblin began to scream as the spike began to pierce through him. Moments later, the screaming stopped and the goblins that owned that slave auction rallied to search for Makani and Lele.


    **


    -Outskirt of Jagged town-


    After over several hours of searching, Pohaku found a fortified town made entirely of stone. Pohaku stood from high above the mountain and observed the town. The onion golem hopes that the town will have some clues about his master.


    Since there were no other places nearby the rocky mountainous areas. This town would be Pohaku''s best bet on finding Makani. As Pohaku observed the town, it noticed that there''s a huge group with torches moving around as if they''re looking for someone.


    Pohaku jumped off the cliff from where it stood and ran to the town in hopes of finally finding Makani.


    **

 World Map of Mana & The battle of the ancient Hero Kai versus the Gods.

    [World Map of Mana]


    Enlarged version</a>


    [The battle of the ancient Hero Kai versus the Gods.]


    As the conditions of life became terribly wearisome, many of the beings turned against each other due to the conditions of life. The human race, one of the beings who suffered greatly because of the gods, has had enough. Finally, after enduring so much, a cunning human by the name of Kai secretly attempted to unite all the beings in one banner to end the gods of their war. Through his influential actions, Humans, Demi-humans, Elves, Orcs, Beastmen, Lizardmen, Dwarves, Demons and Fairies united under him. Succeeding in his conquest of uniting all, the people of lands acknowledged the cunning human as someone who would lead them from despair.


    At the start of his rule, Kai executed his plans that helped assure that the lives of all the people of the lands are some what bearable. With so much contribution in such little time all the lords from all the different races praised and favored him.


    These powerful lords who were highly impressed decided to grant Kai the title of ''Hero''. With his new title, the Hero Kai gathered all the lords from all the races and created the secret council.


    With the help of the council and Kai''s management, none went hungry, many of the dying and the injured were healed and many towns and cities was renovated and raised. As time passed and the gods still continued their dispute, Kai secretly recruited great magicians and mechanics throughout the lands.


    Using the vast knowledge that the Hero Kai collected from his travels, he aims to use the most skilled magic users and inventors of the lands to aid him to secretly attempt to build a machine that would rid the gods of all their powers..


    Years had passed and after many painful trials and errors, with the help of the geniuses that the Hero Kai had enlisted to create the contraption, he succeeded. Unfortunately the machines not only rid the gods of all their powers but also had a high chance of killing them in the process.


    Everything was going smoothly for Kai, until one uneventful evening that would unravel his discreet actions occurred.


    It was a clear moonlit night, and a scruffy looking dwarf named Daric who helped build the king''s machine as a mechanic, thought it would be a wonderful evening to celebrate their success. Since the dwarven race rarely spent their time up in the surface, Daric decided to sample all the different liquor in the surface he could get his hands on.


    It was very late at night and the dwarf enjoyed himself so much that he ended up being kicked out of several taverns due to being too rowdy. Having been forced to end his celebration, Daric attempted to travel back to the inn by himself. The stubborn drunk dwarf wandered the city for hours trying to get back to the room he rented in the inn, until he decided to take a rest by laying down on the street.


    Moments later a priest who was returning to the church after soliciting strangers for alms, happened to just pass by the alley. Nom the lizard priest noticed someone sprawled out sleeping on the street floor. Being a kindly person that he is, Nom decided to offer the homeless being his aid.


    The lizard priest assisted the drunken mechanic to the nearest inn and on the way to the establishment, he listened to the dwarf babble on with the story about the machine that he helped make.


    Nom found what Daric was saying humorous and began replying by teasing him..


    "Hsssilly dwarf the power of the gods cannot be rid of that easily! Did the Hero use a mysterious power to manage this?"


    Nom giggled and smirked. Daric''s flushed happy face changed immediately. Hearing the priest tease him, the drunk dwarf instantly became irritated.


    "If you don''t trust me, I''ll show you myself!"


    After the drunken mechanic became very irritated, he quickly grabbed Nom with his strong stout arms then hung him on his broad shoulder. Suddenly the lizard priest regretted teasing the drunken dwarf. Nom had forgotten that dwarves are known to have short tempers.


    "Hssss! release me at once dwarf!"


    Nom screamed and tried to shake himself loose as the dwarf huffed and snorted. The drunken mechanic raced across the city towards the mountains carrying the priest on his shoulder.


    "Hssss Let me down! I refuse to be treated like this! Hssss!" The priest cried and complained. Moments later the dwarf and the priest arrived at the base of the mountains outside of the city.


    "Hssss! Put me down!"


    Nom demanded as he continued to struggle to escape the dwarve''s strong grip.


    "Gwahaha as you wish!"


    The drunk dwarf tossed the priest on the ground and began walking towards a secret entrance that led inside the mountain.


    "Follow me priest or be lost."


    The dwarf continued to walk into a dark tunnel after giving the lizard priest a choice. Nom was hesitant and was eager to go back to his quiet abode. But a feeling inside him made him curious and wanted to follow the drunken dwarf.


    Moments later after arriving within the mountain''s secret cavern, Nom saw with his eyes huge contraptions that he could not comprehend. Against the far walls of the cave are beings trapped inside cages. Dismayed at what he saw the priest began to weep.


    "Hsss! This is blasphemous!"


    The lizard priest swiftly dashed to a cage where a being was being held against his own free will.


    "Hsss God of the birds Thoth! Why are you in here?! Hsss."


    Nom grabbed the god''s hand and began shaking it. The God of the birds looked up at the lizard priest with spite.


    "Get your disgusting hands off me mortal!"


    Thoth weakly shouted with so much hatred in a gruff tone. The deity slouched away in a sluggish pace away from the priest. Thoth struggled to move away as if life is being drained from him. Saddened and at the same time angered that such things were occurring, the priest turned around to question the dwarf. Nom screamed in an angered tone.


    "Hsss! What going . . "


    Before he could finish his sentence, Nom saw that the dwarf was on the ground passed out. The lizard priest continued to weep due to the gods are being treated as such. Then suddenly he heard a faint soft mystical voice from behind him.


    "Do not weep my child. We the gods deserved this."


    Nom turned to see who''s word they were. It was the goddess of the swamp Uhlanga.


    "Hsss! My lady surely you do not mean those words!"


    The lizard priest was shocked by the words that came from one of the gods that the lizard people had devotedly worshiped long ago. Slumped down inside a cage just like Thoth the god of the birds, the goddess looked frail and lifeless.


    "Hsss! Goddess please tell me how to stop this!"


    The lizard priest wept and begged the goddess of the swamp. Uhlanga turned her head towards Nom and smiled.


    "In the end, we who were created the world have failed due to our immature rivalries."


    The goddess started to slowly become transparent. But before she disappeared, the goddess told all that she knew about the human king''s machine to Nom. She informed the lizard priest that as the machine got rid of all the powers of the deities it also harnessed their many abilities into marbles called Mana. The Manas stored different abilities which when eaten by a mortal being will gain the ability within the stone.


    Heartbroken and enraged the lizard priest decided to tell all the people of the land. He protested almost everywhere about the acts that the human King in various towns and cities. Everywhere Nom went he''s ignored because everyone had no love nor care for the cruel gods that caused them suffering.


    Right when the lizard priest was about to acknowledge defeat, one of the few remaining gods appeared in front of him. The priest whose whole aim in life was to serve the gods was ecstatic. Immediately upon seeing the beautiful goddess his knees bent and dropped to the ground to hail the goddess of the wind.


    "Hisss! Oh goddess of wind! I am not worthy of your presence!"


    Once the devoted priest was on all four the goddess commanded him to stand up.


    "Rise devoted one and tell me about this Human King that you rant so much about."


    The priest told the goddess of the wind Freeda everything. Seconds after hearing all the details about the blasphemous actions that the Hero Kai had done, Freeda''s blood began to boil from her rage that she immediately flew to the skies to call out all the remaining gods to inform them about the doings of the Hero.


    Piqued by the information that they all had received, the few remaining gods decided to temporarily cast aside their war with each other and banded together to deal with those who dares to offend the gods. The gods swiftly began destroying cities and towns that were managed and inhabited by humans.


    Kai was instantly informed of the havoc that the gods were causing to his people. He predicted that it was inevitable that the gods would somehow discover his actions. Fortunately he had prepared long ago for when his secret acts had finally been exposed. Secretly right after the magicians and mechanics were successful in creating the machine and after gathering hundreds of Manas, the Hero then formed an army that consisted of all who wanted vengeance against the gods. Kai gave abilities to these multitudes of men and women who are all from different races through out the lands.


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    Right after being informed of the situation that had broken out, the Hero Kai launched a campaign to finally retaliate against the gods.


    On the day of reckoning, the army of the Hero and the few remaining gods faced each other in the battlefield. Kai led the hundreds of thousands of seasoned enhanced heroes from all the different races. They marched towards the open field near the black spiral mountain where the furious deities awaited them. All were well armed and carried with them the hatred for the gods that had burrowed inside each of them like a root.


    "People of the lands hear me! We have suffered and endured too much from the gods. This is our moment to take our stand, to make them pay for what they''ve done! This is is for all that we''ve lost! This is for our future!"


    The Hero Kai raised his spear after his short speech. The blade from his glaive shined as he raised it towards the sky. Instantly the morale of his army spiked, all screamed and roared their battle cries to prepare themselves.


    "GWRAAAAAAWRRR!!!


    The sound of the army screaming and stomping could be heard many miles away. The goddess Freeda felt a slight chill on her spine. It annoyed her to think that mortal beings had given her the sensation. The goddess of the wind hovered down to the enormous crowd that gathered on the foot of the black spiral mountain. Behind her followed the few remaining gods who were anxious to pulverize all the mortals in front of them. After hearing Kai''s speech she shouted at the people of the land.


    "Foolish mortals! We who created everything around you, will put you back to the earth from whence you came!"


    *swhoosh*


    Then from out of nowhere an arrow from one of the people in Kai''s army swiftly darted towards one of the gods. The projectile penetrated the God of Insects'' skull. Instantly the body of the deity began to rapidly drop from high above. Witnessing one of their own be killed by a mortal, the gods instantly retaliated. In a flash an all out epic war erupted.


    The army of the Hero Kai consisted of the people of lands against the gods and goddesses had begun. At the start of the battle many of the deities were overwhelmed and killed left and right, but as the fight continued on, many of the warriros of the lands began to tire. The gods saw this and realized that even though the mortals had similar abilities as their own they were still just mere mortals that couldn''t compete with a real gods.


    Slowly but surely the deities made their come back. Though they were now down to only two digit numbers, they started slaughtering the tired mortals. On the grounds of the battlefield mortal blood soaked the ground while the bodies of the gods simply just faded from existence.


    Over the course of the battle, the gods were almost at their limit also. Freeda, the goddess of wind realized something and the realization made her begin to sweat. As she observed the battle, she now understood that when a god or goddess is slain, it isn''t death. The death of a deity isn''t like how mortals die. Their death is equal to just simply fading from existence. The thought of not existing gave her the sense of fear. Freeda watched as her fellow gods are killed by mere mortals. Their shriek made her think quick and without any hesitation she flew high above the battlefield and began shouting.


    "Mortals! Lay down your arms and we will be merciful! If you dare continue we will erase each and everyone of you!"


    The fight came to a pause, both sides stopped fighting after hearing the goddess spoke. All looked up at the goddess of the wind. Confusion spread throughout the battlefield when the mortals heard the goddess'' voice. Their moral and drive instantly dropped after hearing the proposal of the goddess. It made them all realize that it was foolish to go against the gods. One by one the heroes of different races dropped their weapons.


    *CLANG!*


    *CLANG!*


    The Hero Kai looked around. Just when victory was so near and vengeance was close at hand, his allies started to feel extremely overwhelmed. Demi-humans, Elves, Orcs, Beastmen, Lizardmen, Dwarves, Demons and Faries, the warriors from all these race began to falter one by one. Though Kai himself is at the point of exhaustion, he refuses to forgive the gods. The many years of enduring, planning and work, slowly disappeared in front of the Hero.


    Kai became so furious how weak spirited the other races were. He watched as the heroes from the other race began to flee. King Kai turned his head shouting as he pointed his sword at the goddess of wind.


    "NO!!"


    Kai furiously charged at the goddess. All the human warriors joined their leader and continued to fight the deities while the rest of the other warriors of other race fled as far as possible fearing the gods. The Hero Kai had nearly reached his limit, he scanned the surrounding as his comrades were slowly slaughtered one at a time by the remaining gods and goddesses. but before King Kai was overwhelmed and captured by the remaining gods, Kai used an ability that he had to scatter the thousands of Mana he gathered throughout the land. Though the number of gods dwindled down to ten, The Heo Kai and his warriors were no match for the remaining gods. Without the help from the other races, King Kai and his fellow humans are defeated.


    The most bloodiest battle in the history of the people of the land had come near its end. The remaining gods began to butcher almost all the warriors from the other races that aided Kai in the battle. After they searched high in low and could not find the remaining warriors that participated, they turned their eyes to the human race. The few remaining gods began to eliminate any human that they could find. After they could find no more they decide that the Kai and his beloved wife should receive their punishment. The gods decided to show the people of the land what happens to people who goes against the gods.


    **


    Using her powers the goddess of wind lifted Hero Kai above where many of the people of the land could witness his punishment.


    "People of the land! Witness your Hero!"


    Freeda shouted as she coldly stared down to the many beings looking up.


    One by one the deities pummeled Kai. After taking so much strikes from the gods, Kai''s entire body were severely bruised, his bones were broken into pieces but the Hero showed no sign of pain. The god of the ocean became irritated and decided to slowly tear away his fingers and toes. The gods of the mountains joined in and decided to pull out the Kai''s teeth.


    Blood from the Hero Kai poured down to the ground. The horrific scene made the people of the land cringe. Some fainted from the sight while others decided to turn their heads and close their eyes because they couldn''t stand to watch anymore. Not a drop of tear came out of the Kai''s eyes nor the expression of pain showed as he went through the extremely tormenting pain that the gods have brought upon him. Not satisfied with what they''ve done, the gods had the idea to ravage Kai''s wife in front of defeated Hero.


    Upon hearing the gods talk about their plan to harm his wife, The Hero Kai mustered up all the strength that he had left. Right before the enraged deities could move to retrieve the Kai''s wife, the Hero decided to use an ability that he had attained from a Mana he ingested. Using the last of his energy and will power, King Kai screamed out to his wife.


    "My love I''m sorry that I''ve failed you!"


    Then in a flash he turned into a gigantic ball of energy, exploding instantly after the huge sphere appeared.


    The explosion destroyed the entire surrounding, wiping the Kai, his wife and most of the gods that remained out of existence. The destructive sound waves from the explosion completely erased the glorious city of the human King and severely damaging many of the other cities and towns near by. The view of the surrounding was something from a nightmare.


    Few gods survived the explosion but all fled into hiding due to the critical injuries that they received from the human king''s final retribution. But before the gods went into hiding they ordered their thousands of gigantic monsters to go on a rampage.


    Centuries passed and the people of the land slowly began to rebuild. Much of the knowledge of the passed were lost and it was impossible to return to the prosperous days. After centuries passed the human race were treated as the worthless race. Most of the race throughout the lands enslaves humans. In the end the race that ended all the suffering caused by the gods and goddesses have become slaves.


    **

 Chapter 13: The Pursuit

    **


    -Jagged Town-


    Makani had just escaped from his cage that he was being kept in while in the slavery auction market. Right beside him is a girl named Lele whom he had broken free from the slavery auction market. At the very moment Makani and Lele are running for their lives as well as for their freedom. As they both run their way to freedom, Makani had been thinking about how cruel the world really is. Hours ago he experienced first hand how humans are treated outside of Akau Kingdom.


    Seeing the cruelty that occurred in the slavery auction house made him want to do something about all of it. But at the moment he needs to focus on the task at hand; escaping his pursuers. Since Makani lost his DS ring he has nothing that can help him defend himself from the mob of goblins chasing them. Even his faithful Onion Golem, Pohaku is nowhere to be found.


    Makani could fight goblins in pursuit of them, but the problem was there are way too many of them and he might not be able to defend his new companion Lele.


    While the two continued their way away from the slavery auction market, the screams of the mob of goblins echoed through out Jagged town.


    "Run away slaves!"


    "Get them!"


    "The human with the scar on his back is valuable! So don''t injure him!"


    At moment everything was going as Makani planned. While he was in the cage trying to figure out how to break free, he was also figuring out how to escape. The first thing he wanted to do was find out exactly where he was so that he can some how return to the cave of moss. Since Makani was brought to Jagged town by a overgrown lizard named Gin while unconscious, the location he''s currently at was unknown to him.


    Makani decided that they''ll both try to head to higher ground so he could have some idea where their current location is. As they ran out of the town and into the rocky hills, Makani began to feel weak and nauseous. He''s had the sickly feeling after using [Earth Manipulation ability] multiple times.


    Makani felt strange feeling so sickly after using the ability multiple times because he remembered when he was in Pea town in the Inn. He was practically using the ability for hours. It annoyed him and at the same time made him curious why such things happened.


    But at the mean time while the they continued to run from the goblins, Makani felt like vomiting. Makani could taste he sour taste of his stomach acid as he made a face. Lele, the girl who Makani released from one of the cages, looked at Makani with a worried face.


    "Are you okay?"


    Even though he felt pretty much like dung, Makani smiled at Lele.


    "I''ll manage. Let''s go, we don''t want to get caught."


    As the two continued their way to higher ground. The mob of goblins sighted them from a far.


    "It''s them!"


    "You won''t get away!"


    Makani and Lele could see the goblin with the top hat from a far screaming.


    "GET THEM!"


    As they head their way to higher grounds, they found themselves at an area where there was nowhere to go and there was nothing in their path but a wall of stone. The timing of such unfortunate situation couldn''t have been worst. Makani couldn''t help but curse as he tries to think of a way to get out of their situation.


    Makani looked up to see how high the wall is in front of them. Judging from the height there''s no way that they''ll be able to climb up the smooth surface of the wall. Even if they both try to boost each other up over the wall it still wouldn''t be enough for them.


    While looking around a desperate idea came to Makani''s mind. But it was something he didn''t want to do it since he realized that it was causing him to be sick when ever he used his  [Earth Manipulation ability]. But since he had no choice, he going to have to go beyond his limit to save Lele and at the same time escape from the slavers.


    Makani looked at Lele who''s sweating bullets.


    "Lele I''m going to do something to save us. Do you trust me?"


    Lele looked at Makani straight in his eyes. She didn''t know what Makani was talking about but she left like she could trust Makani with anything. Lele gave a nod to Makani.


    Makani closed his eyes and began to focus what was left of his energy. He tried to calm himself by breathing deeply which slowed down his heart rate. As Makani focused on calming himself down, the ground beneath them began to tremble. Seconds later they both could hear the angry mob of goblins that has been chasing them.


    Lele began to feel nervous and started holding on to Makani. Minutes later the shaking of the ground intensified causing the ground around them to crumble and break. Large pieces of the ground in a two meter radius began to fall into the ground as if its being pulled in by some mysterious force.


    The angry mob of goblins chasing Makani and Lele began to panic. Seeing that the ground collapse made them fear for their own lives and they were forced to run back in town.  Using his  [Earth Manipulation ability], Makani slowly raised the ground beneath them so that they could go over the path that''s in front of them and at the same time escape the mob of goblins. Little did Makani know that raising the ground beneath them caused a violent earthquake forcing the mob of goblins who were chasing them to flee back into the town.


    **


    -City of Hau: Adventurer''s Guild-


    Tristan had been sitting in the Adventurer''s Guild lobby for hours. He was anxious about the guests that are about to arrive to help him with a certain something. The day after finishing becoming a bus boy in a restaurant, Tristan sent an express letter to the Ahi Clan headquarter. The letter contained asking the clan for assistance of doing a certain quest.


    One of the benefit of being in a clan is that when a member needs help finishing a quest, the clan will happily send members to help finish the particular quest. So that the member who is unable to finish the quest won''t let the quest be unfinished or fail the quest.


    Failing a quest mean getting a bad reputation which will also reduce the clan''s prestige. When a clan loses prestige, their clan''s rank will go down. Ranking with the clans are important because the higher the rank the better the people from all over the lands will look at the clan.


    Ranks of clans also mean that when a special event is planned to happen the top clans will be able to know about before the public. Information about events before it happens in very advantageous because it gives the clans time to prepare for the certain events.


    Such events could be like tournaments, high bounties and other things that will keep the clan at the top. Tristan sat there in the lobby and began to jerk his foot from side to side. He felt nervous because of what he''s about to do. The mail he sent wasn''t a lie about needing help with quests but the problem was that the quest hasn''t been picked yet.


    Tristan''s plan is once the help arrives is that he''ll use them to help him do quests until he upgrades. He thought of this plan out of desperation so that he''ll be able to join the tournament in time.  As he sat there he became even more nervous and began biting his nails. Then suddenly a familiar voice called out his name.


    "Tristan!"


    Tristan''s eyes widened after hearing the voice. He turned around to see if his ears were playing games with him.


    "Dad?"


    Ray went up to Tristan and bear hugged his son. Tristan suddenly felt even more nervous since his own father is here. In his mind he thought that his father would be here for a different reason. So decided to ask him out of curiosity.


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    "What are you doing here dad?"


    Ray laughed and rubbed Tristan''s head.


    "I''m here to help my son with the quest he couldn''t do!"


    Tristan suddenly felt sick to his stomach. He never thought that his own father would the one that the clan would send to help him. Since Ray is part of the council, Tristan thought that they would send newer members to help him with his quest quests. Ray sat down across Tristan and looked him straight in the eyes.


    "So the quest is too hard for my own son? Don''t you worry about it your father is now here to help!"


    Tristan laughed nervously and at the same time Ray laughed wholeheartedly.


    "Well since you just got here lets get you to the inn first."


    Tristan called Harry who''s in the bar right across the room to help him with his father''s luggage.


    "Harry! Help me with something will ya."


    Harry who has been drinking while they both waited for the help to arrive, walked over to Tristan and Ray.


    "Mr. Kekona!" Harry greeted Ray drunkly.


    "Harry have you been drinking?"


    The corner of Harry''s lips curled and his red cheeks rose.


    "Maybe."


    Tristan gave Harry a look then requested him to help.


    "Can you bring dad back to the Inn while I go get the information for the quest?"


    "Sure!" Harry smiled and grabbed Ray''s leather rucksack.


    "If you''ll follow me Mr. Kekona."


    Harry started to walk away and Ray followed him after.


    Tristan sighed with relief. In truth he hasn''t picked out a quest yet from the board. He merely used Harry to give himself time to pick one out. After Harry and Ray left the Adventurer''s Guild to go to the Inn, Tristan hurried to the quest board on the second floor of the Adventurer''s guild. Once he faced the large board full of quests he scanned it to look for a quest that looks too hard for him.


    After looking around he found a quest.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>[Bandits Headquarter]


    Description: Help needed to clear out a cave that a group of bandits inhabits that call themselves ''The Arctic Wolves''


    Reward: 10,000 gold coins


    Grade C Quest</td></tr></tbody></table>


    ''This is perfect! With this i''ll level up in no time.'' Tristan thought to himself.


    Tristan grabbed the quest and registered in it. After registering he quickly rushed to the Inn so that he could show his father the quest that he needed help with.


    **


    -City of Hau-


    Moa, Iola and Kola had been working for two days and they''ve been collecting their earning so that they could put up a quest in the Adventurer''s Guild. According to Erica the assistant in the Adventurer''s Guild, to put up a quest in the quest board, they would need a lot of coins.


    The break down of the fee of putting up the quest so that they can hire adventurers was explained to them by Erica. The fee for putting up a quest cost 6 gold coins and the fee for a slot on the quest cost 2 gold each per adventurer. The three of them decided that six capable adventurers would be more than enough to defend the settlement from bandits.


    Their goal is to work enough to gather the fees then put up the quest. Once the quest is up they''ll return to the settlement and wait for the adventurers who has taken up the quest.


    Moa worked in the coliseum as a janitor while Kola joined the a part time guard in the market. Iola refused to work and decided to return to the settlement to gather any fur or meat that the settlement could spare so that he can sell the them in the city.


    **


    -City of Hau: Colosseum-


    Moa had been brushing off stains of blood on the floor of the stadium inside the coliseum. Its here in the stadium where adventurers shows their talents and fighting skills in front of thousands of people. As he continued to scrub the slates on the stadium, he wondered how it would feel like to be an adventurer.


    Hours later after almost finishing the area he was assigned to clean, a group of young men the same age as him entered the coliseum. With them is the manager that hired him and gave him his job. The noticed that Moa was looking his way and waved at Moa gesturing to him to go to him.


    Moa got up and picked up his cleaning materials then walked over to the manager. The manager who''s friendly but at the same time strict greeted Moa.


    "Hey Moa! I see that you''re doing a good job."


    "I try my best." Moa smiled


    "Well seeing that you did really well removing all those stains on the stadium, I think you can go now for today. These young men from the adventurer''s academy are going to use the place to practice."


    "I see then I''ll take my leave." Moa bowed to the manger.


    "Here''s your pay for today. Since you did so well with the stain, the owner of the coliseum was feeling generous and wanted to give you these." The manager handed Moa a bag that contained 50 silver coins.


    Moa''s eyes widened. 50 silver coins is a huge amount of coins. Usually he would only get 2 coins per day. Without hesitation Moa accepted the coins and bowed at the manager. The manager laughed when Moa bowed.


    "You don''t have to be so formal. Also if you want to stay feel free to watch these boys practice. These guys are future Fighter class adventurers. You might learn a thing or two."


    The manager and the group of young men walked in the middle of the stadium carrying various practice weapons. As Moa walked towards the exit of the coliseum something in him made him want to stay and watch them practice. But he knows if he doesn''t go back to their shack that they rented he''ll miss dinner.


    But then again Moa realized that he had just earned 50 silver coins with today''s work.  With that much coins he''ll be able to buy himself some food and put the rest of the coins to the side to put in the fee for the quest.


    Moa sat in the seats closest to the stadium to watch the practice. He couldn''t believe that he would be sitting in the seats that would usually cost 5 gold each to sit on to watch the tournaments. As he sat down and watch he remembered when he was younger that he had wanted to become an adventurer but unfortunately he was born without a choice in the world.


    All his life Moa only took care of tamed Holos called Ruby Eyed Hares. He also learned to skin them for their fur and butcher them for their meats. A couple of times he helped in fending off holos that would wander inside the settlement.


    Moa sat there wondering how it would be like to be strong. How it would be like to have the power to defend the ones he care about. He wished that he had been born as someone with a choice in life rather being a mere farmer.


    As Moa sat there hoping and wishing, he noticed one of the young men in the group was shouting at his direction.


    "Hey you! Do you wanna practice with us?!"


    Moa''s bows furrowed. He was confused and thought that they were shouting at someone else. Moa turned around and looked left then right. No one was there other than him. Moa shouted back.


    "I don''t know how to fight!"


    The young man laughed and smiled


    "Then we''ll teach you!"


    **