《Avaritia》


 Prologue : For my king

    Prologue : For my king


    Daybreak approaches and a thunderous roar can be heard on the horizon. The sound of drums getting louder and louder, *BOOM !! DU-DUMM!! BOOM!!* The rhythm was heart pounding. *BOOOM!! DUM!!!*  Figures started to form. Banners rising. Hundreds turned to thousands as they march east towards the last free city of Lumen. It was located at the center of the eastern continent of Norin. The great walled city some calls it, for surrounding the city where walls as thick as 3 grand cathedrals placed side by side and built so high that the tallest giants would not be able to jump over in a single leap.


    The monstrous army. Six hundred thousand strong composed of the foulest demi-human races, orcs, black nagas, and dune goblins are among the few examples of the numerous races who answered the Dark lord''s summons.


    In front of the marching army. Riding on giant horse like creatures with blue flames on their hooves. Two figures can be seen talking.


    "Ahh.. Such a magnificent sight to behold indeed. Certainly a testament to human engineering ,  they say that in last five hundred years since the founding of Lumen no army was able to break through its impregnable  defence." Said the large Azuma Man as he admired the great walled city of Lumen. Azuma''s are a race of demi-humans who resembled reptiles. Known for their green scaled skins, snake like eyes and are said to be ruthlessly cunning.


    "Lucious, Lucious, Lucious my dear slimy friend." A malicious smile came out of the mouth of a voluptuous silver haired woman. "Since when did our master ever failed in such endeavours?" Her black eyes focused on the prize before them. "Impregnable huh? we shall see to that." She smiled seductively. Teasing Lucious.


    Lucious did not comment on the woman''s teasing.


    "By the way Nessera. Where is Cain?" Asked Lucious.


    "He must be with master discussing last minute preparations for the siege." She answered while looking up towards a large beast with what it seems to be a small fortress on its back.


    Nessera was definitely a sight to behold for her beauty surpasses other succubi her age and among the army of thousands in the battlefield you can easily distinguish Nessera for her flowing silver hair, two ivory horns and brilliant obsidian black wings.


    The beast she was staring at earlier was called Mastodon. Gigantic  demonic beasts with 3 large horns  protruding  on its forehead and large shell on its back, where it was possible to build structures or in this case a fortress.


    And sitting on the throne placed at the balcony. located on the highest level of the fortress was the Dark lord. Garren Zeke Ligier was his birth name,  With blue oceanic eyes, His silver hair just long enough to barely cover his eyes. At the age of 18 he''s now marching  an army towards the last free city of man.


    Silently observing the progress of the march from his balcony view. The noise of war drums as they are endlessly beaten grow ever louder. Thousands of demi-humans banging swords, spears, axe and maces against their shields. Getting pumped up. Bloodlust on their eyes. War machines like catapults being placed in position. Battering rams pulled by one eyed armoured giants called cyclops. Looking up towards the skies he spotted his wyvern riders in formation ready to assault just waiting for his word.


    "The last one." He muttered.


    A man approached the throne. Knelt and then spoke.


    "Master, everything is set. Should we start?" Informed the man.


    "Very well Cain, sound the trumpets." He answered without looking at the man called Cain. Just raising his left hand to signify that he heard him.


    Cain is a human necromancer with brown hair and a distinguishable scar on his left jaw.


    The Dark lord''s army does not only compose of demi-humans, there were also a few human clans as well. Those who chose to side with him. That''s why it''s really not that surprising that one of his great generals was  human.


    Only the strongest, wisest and most skilled of his subordinates were given the opportunity  to become generals and currently he has three. Lucious the Azuma, Nessera the succubus and Cain the human necromancer.


    As Cain stood up after kneeling he signaled his acolyte.


    "Sound the horns." He said.


    The acolyte nodded and proceeded to the edge of the balcony and waved a red flag.


    *BUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA*


    *BUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA*


    War trumpets started to blow signalling the start of the siege.


    ***


    Earlier in the throne room of the city of Lumen


    "My king, the Dark army had already started to advance from the west!!" A  young  knight rushed inside the throne room.


    "So he''s finally here." Muttered the old king.


    The current ruler of the kingdom of Lumen is a man named Alderman Fons Talcred. Long locks of hair grey with age. Lines on his face more visible due to stress. He was crowned king on the age of 22 and was currently serving the kingdom as its king for 40 years.


    Inside the throne room the faint sounds of the war drums can be heard. Getting louder and louder each minute that pass by.


    The king was surrounded by his trusted generals and advisers drawing battle plans for the upcoming battle.


    "Sire, our force is five hundred thousand strong. 10 legions in total. Each legion consist of 50,000 strong men all prep up and ready." Said one of his generals.


    "The first, second and third legion are already position on the ramparts. The remaining legions except the 10th legion would intercept the ground troops of the enemy as you have wished." another general added.


    Just imagine how wide the walls are. To fit 3 legion''s on the ramparts. It''s not called the great walled city for nothing.


    Initially the kingdom of Lumen can only muster two hundred thousand men, but due to the fact that Lumen was the last Kingdom to suffer the onslaught of the Demon Lord. The surviving forces from other kingdoms and Empires sought refuge in Lumen and now are the combined forces of all the free men amounting to 500,000 soldiers.


    "Let''s not forget our elf brethren''s who offered 200,000 of their finest rangers and with 150,000 of the mountain dwarves that swore to aid. We have an army 850,000 strong." Another man added.


    "What of our griffon riders?" The king asked an elderly male who''s face was covered by a cloak. He seems to be the court magician. The griffon riders are the 10th legion.


    "The mage guild have already started chanting protection buffs on them sire and during the battle the mages will scatter across the battlefield to provide whatever support they can offer." The magician answered.


    Unlike the other legions the 10th legion consists of the most powerful knights of the kingdom, thus they are prioritized with what protection buffs the mage''s can provide.


    "How about the preparations made by the church?" The king directed his question to man wearing a white robe.


    "Each legion has a company of healers assigned to them sire. Majority of the healers would be on top of the ramparts to provide a vantage point to heal the one''s fighting bellow" Answered the man in robes.


    "Very well. I guess everything seems to be in order." Said the king.


    *BUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA*


    *BUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA*


    *BUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA*


    The sounds of war trumpets rang


    "The moment has come!!" Shouted the king. "Ring the bells!!" He added.


    "let''s hope they keep their end of the deal." He muttered to himself while biting his lip.


    ***


    The Dark lord Garren looked down upon the battlefield


    Battle cries roared. Huge boulders were sent flying towards the walls. Smashing into bits as they collided but the wall seemed undeterred, still the barrage did not stop it kept coming and coming. A boulder would sometimes hit a good chunk of soldiers located the top of the wall and would send them flying, but Lumen''s war machine''s located inside the walls would also counter attack sending their own barrage of boulders towards the Dark lord''s army squishing those unlucky enough to be hit.


    The Dark army continued to rush forward. Shrieks, roars, yells came out of the frenzied demi-humans.


    The battlefield was a like blur. Everywhere you look you can see the Dark lord''s warriors clashing their weapons with enemy soldiers.


    It was chaotic. Arrows fired. Bolts of magic shot in every direction. Screams of pain and the silence of death.


    He saw Nessera flying over the battlefield using her iron whips to smite the enemy defenders. Screaming to her troops to push forward.


    Because Nessera was able to fly. She reached the top of the ramparts with a couple of her succubi brethren.


    Where are Lucious and Cain? He thought.


    The battlefield was huge. They must be somewhere engaging with their own battles. He concluded.


    The giant Cyclops troops started pushing a massive battering ram towards the huge iron gates between the wall. A rain of arrows from human and elven archers on top of the ramparts were shot to try and stop or at least slow down the Cyclops troops. 2 cyclops did go down after receiving fatal blows from the knights fighting on the ground, but still the battering ram inch by inch crawled forward.


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


    Up above. Knights riding on griffons battled his wyvern riders. Flames and flashes of light erupted on the skies.


    "Well I guess It''s time for me to join as well." Garren said with an evil grin.


    Garren pulled his great sword to his side and jumped down from the ledge of his balcony and landed at the feet of the gigantic demon beast he was riding,


    The moment he entered the battlefield he projected his aura. His troops looked back to his direction and suddenly felt an incredible urge to go berserk. Roars erupted as his troops surge forward.


    The enemy troops could also feel the huge killing intent projected, but what drives them to continue fighting was knowing that if they fail. There would be no future.


    Garren dashed forward slicing the air. A wave formed and ripped an entire row of soldiers to pieces.


    He swayed his great sword in a different direction and once again another batch of soldiers were torn to pieces by the shock wave.


    Suddenly a green flash of light shined across the battlefield. Garren was caught off guard.


    A barren field..


    His ground forces are nowhere in sight. Not just his men. The soldiers from Lumen were gone as well.


    And on the ground a gigantic ritual circle with different runes and symbols etched.


    "what the hell is this!?" He roared. Then he noticed that he can''t move his body.


    Nessera who was fighting on the ramparts shocked to the sight that an entire army gone in an instant immediately rushed to her master. Flying as fast as she can.


    Then what she saw was more shocking than losing the entire army.


    Behind Garren two figures stood.


    "We had to sacrifice about a million living souls just to bind you master. Your strength surely is out of this world."


    He knows that voice.


    "Cain... why!??" Garren spoke grinning his teeth in anger.


    "Why?.. Well you see master since you got rid of all the rest of the empires and kingdoms. The new world is up for grabs and certainly we could not pass up on such an opportunity to become our own rulers." Cain answered coldly.


    "We!?.." Because Garren was frozen in his place he can''t look back and was not aware that there was someone else with Cain.


    "Yes, we.." Lucious spoke. "It''s our time now master. We''ve made a deal with the king of Lumen. We know just using our forces would not be enough for the binding so with the additional sacrifices provided by the king''s forces it would certainly possible to bind you. We waited until you stepped on the battlefied to activate the seal."


    "Traitors!! Cowards!! I will make sure you suffer for this!!" Garren yelled.


    But the two did not mind Garren''s taunts.


    "Right, so with regards to that said deal" Cain spoke. "Lucious, shall we?" He added.


    Two Jagged blades burst from Garren''s chest. Blood dripping on the ground where he stood.


    In an instant iron whips stretched towards Garren''s assailants, but could hit nothing since they stepped back immediately.


    "What have you done!!!?" Nessera screamed. "Lucious!!  Cain!!! What have you done to master!!?" Her eyes full of anger towards her master''s aggressors.


    She landed infront of Garren. Her master staring at her with a blank expressions. The light in his cold blue eyes are gone.


    "It''s too late Nessera. He''s dead." Cain spoke calmly.


    "Impossible!! h-h-how could master die? h-he''s master!" She rebutted.


    "The binding that was performed on master was a very ancient spell that bind''s the target''s magic flow or the ability to use magic, but in exchange it requires living souls that amounts to the targets mana" Cain explained. "So master''s godlike defence and ability to auto regenerate were nullified due to his inability to access his mana pool. In order to reverse the binding you need to provide souls once again and th-" Cain was interrupted by Lucious.


    "There''s no need to explain everything to her Cain. It''s not like she can do anything about it now. He''s dead."


    Nessera unable to accept what has just transpired. Her master. The man she offered her undying loyalty and love. Stood frozen. Dead.


    Tears began flowing down her cheeks. Kneeling in front of Garren. Looking at them with bloodshot eyes. She slowly stood up.


    "Someday..you will pay for this treachery with your blood." Her words full of hate.


    And with that she grabbed Garren''s lifeless body and immediately flew as fast as her wings could carry her.


    Lucious tried casting a couple of spells to bring her down but she evaded them easily. She did not become one of the Dark lord''s general''s for nothing.


    "It''s ok, what could she possibly hope to achieve? let her mourn that''s the only thing she could do. The Dark army''s gone. The remaining few that were able to avoid getting sacrificed surrendered as soon as they sensed master''s life force end." Cain spoke.


    Cain was referring to the troops fighting in the skies.


    "You''re right,  I''m just a little bit worried." Lucious muttered.


    "What''s there to be worried about? Hey, were going to be kings of the new age!" Cain said in an arrogant tone while grabbing Lucious''s shoulders. The two of them then started walking towards the walled city.


    ***


    Nessera had been flying non-stop for two days now. Deciding not to take any chances.


    But even with her monstrous will power her wings are getting tired. She decided to take a breather the next time she would come across a spot suitable for hiding.


    From her flight pattern she should be at the north eastern part of the continent by now.


    After a couple more hours of flying she came across a stone tower. Once she was sure the area was clear she laid Garren on a stone table located in one of the rooms on the third floor of the tower.


    Garren''s body lifeless body had not yet started to decompose because Nessera casted a spell on it to slow down the process of decomposition, but she needed to act fast for she knows this was only temporary.


    "Master, I''m sorry. If I had only known  what those two were plotting against you. I could have prevented this." Laying her head on his chest as she spoke. Her tears keep flowing.


    Recalling the first time she met Garren. She was wandering around the demon city of  Qur''gos. Without a home she used to sleep on the side of the streets, then the Dark army came and took control of the city and there he was at the head of the marching army. He stopped at the middle of the city square and announced that anyone who wishes to fight for him will be well provided. I joined his army initially because I wanted to survive, but as time passed by I began to admire master more and more. His strength, his determination to unite all kingdoms in a single banner. I decided that I will do everything that I can so that he would notice me. So I worked hard, harder than any of my companions. Each promotion I had received brought me closer to him. When I was given the honour to become one of his general''s. Master provided me with a gift. Two iron whips imbued with magic. An artifact he had obtained in one of his conquest''s. With each kill by the whips I would be able to acquire the victims life force immediately, there was no need for me to manually obtain it.


    Then suddenly she remembered something.


    "Cain said that the only way to reverse the binding was to provide souls. The number of souls required to release master is an absurd amount, but is it possible? It might be.." Nessera is in deep thought.


    After a couple of minutes she finally decided.


    "There is only one way to find out." She said to herself. Confident in her decision she walked towards Garren''s lifeless body and positioned herself so that her face would be opposite of Garren''s. Then she kissed him.


    Succubi are a race of demons who collected the souls of their victims, but only known to some they are also able to give back the life force they have taken if they wished. So in theory due to her multiple battlefield experience with her master she must have quite a number of souls inside her.


    So while kissing Garren. Nessera continued to feed her master the soul''s she had accumulated.


    After a good two hours of soul transfer by kissing. Nessera stopped. A glow in her eyes. She could feel it. However faint it was. She could feel her master''s mana leaking out of the seal. Though the miniscule leak was not able to trigger Garren''s auto regen ability she knows there is indeed hope.


    But looking at her appearance right now you would never believe she was the voluptuous succubus earlier. Her skin had shrunken clinging to her bones. Her eyes sunken. Bones are visible on her once perky cheeks. The more soul''s she transferred the weaker she becomes.


    Nessera already made her decision. There''s no turning back now. All for master''s sake. Even if she needs to sacrifice her own life. She would.


    She grabbed her treasured twin whips and placed them before her master''s feet, then she casted [PETRIFY] to turn Garren''s body to stone. She thought that if master''s power would return one day he could easily break out of her spell. Nessera also chanted a spell to block the room''s entrance with stones. Anyone who would pass by would not suspect that behind stone wall there would be a hidden room.


    After she made sure that Garren was completely turned to stone. She kissed his stone lips to transfer her remaining souls and before she lost consciousness. She felt it. Master''s auto regen had been triggered. Although it was not the full power of master''s innate ability. She could feel Garren''s body repairing itself one cell at a time. No matter how long it takes, she knows that one day. Her beloved king would once again rise. The thought of her master conquering kingdoms and empires brought a smile to her face. Her lips finally parted with his before she turned into dust and was scattered through the wind.

 Chapter 1: Where are they?

    Chapter 1: Where are they?


    The glade was a marvellous sight to behold.


    "Sifon glade." She thought to herself, then looking at the basket she was holding. Her cheeks suddenly started to blush.


    she quickened her footsteps and arrived at the clearing.


    Colorful flowers were scattered across the green meadow. The sun rays shined across the plane, projecting an enchanting vibe.


    At the distance she can see the old abandoned stone watch tower used by the men of old. Covered in moss and vines. like a guardian it stood watching over the glade.


    Beside the watch tower was a large vesper tree rooted next to a small pond, the tree was lush with green leaves projecting a huge shadow while being hit by the light of the sun. The pond was her destination.


    She skipped happily towards her goal and upon reaching it, she tilted her head left and right like she was searching for something.


    "umm.." She muttered.


    And then a cold voice was heard.


    "what kind of a slave are you? You''re late."


    She looked towards the direction where the voice came from.


    A boy with silver hair, sitting on a branch of the large vesper tree.  Chewing on a twig. Staring at her before jumping down.


    ***


    Two days ago


    "Mom! I''m going! be back soon. kay?" Yelled the cheerful auburn haired girl as she rushed out the front door of their wooden house carrying a basket and in it were couple of coven bread and a small slice of cheese.


    "Yuna you take care ok! come back before dinner!" Her mother responded from the kitchen while currently washing the plate''s used during breakfast earlier.


    "She''s going there again huh. It''s not that I object, but a mother can''t help but worry that her 17 y/o daughter is alone going through Midgard forest to collect herb''s at Sifon glade. I know she means well by trying to help by picking herbs to sell to the traders. She just makes me worry sometimes." Her mother said while rinsing a ceramic plate.


    "She''s already at marrying age. It''s easy for her to get a husband, for my daughter is certainly the most beautiful girl her age in town." Her mother chuckled. "And of course she should thank her mother for that! ho ho ho." She added while laughing boastfully.


    Yeah, yeah, I know a parent would always say that their son or daughter has exceptional looks but I''m not lying. Anyone in town could certainly see that Yuna was beautiful. With her auburn hair and brown eyes, plus she was also fairly gifted in the chest area complementing her figure.


    "But with the way she keeps behaving. It''s hard for suitors to approach her." Her mother muttered.


    They lived in the small farming town called Hansel. It was located at the edge of Midgard forest. The houses were built around the town square where the trading post, market, small church and other small establishments were located. To serve as protection a thin wooden wall was built to surround the town and just east of the town exit were fields allocated for planting crops. A small lake can also be located south of the town.


    Yuna walked across the town square. Heading to the northern exit. A couple of passerby greeted her and she respectfully replied back. Everyone in town knows who she was for she is the only daughter of the town blacksmith.


    She passed her father''s workshop. Observing the black smoke coming out of the chimney she understood immediately that her father had already started working. He''s a busy man, being the only blacksmith in town.


    So she opted not to come in and distract him. "I saw him earlier at breakfast and we''ll see each other again this evening at dinner so it''s fine." She muttered with a cheerful expression.


    When she reached the northern exit. After passing the gate the watchman greeted her and so did she to the watchman.


    At the distance she could see the path towards Midgard forest. She continued her journey. Upon entering the forest she can hear birds chirping happily. The sounds of insects. The forest was full of life.


    She would occasionally pick flowers along the way, placing them inside her basket.


    The forest was fairly safe. It was very rare to encounter monsters along this path and she had traversed this road multiple times before without encountering any danger so she was definitely confident even though she''s travelling alone.


    It was a good one and a half hour hike towards her destination.


    Sifon glade it was called. Known for the stone watch tower and bountiful herbs growing there that could be used to craft potions.


    Herbs could also be found in the areas nearer to the town but at this particular spot they seem to be abundant and in high quality. They say that a lot of special herbs would grow on locations where large quantity of magical energy was found.


    So rumors spread that Sifon glade was haunted, but due to the fact that Yuna not once encountered any unusual occurrence in her days spent gathering herbs at Sifon, she just brushed the issue as baseless rumors spread by the locals.


    Upon reaching the clearing without any problems along the hike. She reached inside the basket and pulled out her water container and drank a good amount of liquid, then sighed as a sign of refreshment.


    She placed her basket on the base of a large vesper tree. This type of tree was known for its lush leaves that could even reach the ground once it matured. It was a very good spot to rest for it also provided abundant shade and beside the tree was a pond where she could easily refill her water container.


    The old watch tower was a few steps away from the vesper tree. Yuna never did try to enter the said watch tower before. Indeed she admired the old stone watch tower but it has never crossed her mind to go in and explore it.


    She had heard of adventurer''s before who tried exploring the insides of the tower and found nothing but old books and rusted plates of armor.


    I know it took guts to venture out on my own, but entering such a place is out the question. She thought.


    She started gathering herbs around the glade. Carefully pulling the leave''s and important sections of the plants to avoid damaging it and allow it to continue to grow.


    It would not be beneficial to over exhaust her source of income. She thought.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.So she carefully selected herbs that were already matured. She learned to properly harvest herbs through her experience and also with the guidance of the town''s herbalist/potion maker in which majority of her harvest were sold to.


    At noon she decided to take a break. She drank from her water container. Pulled out a piece of coven bread and applied a thin layer of cheese to provide flavor.


    She admired the serenity of the glade while enjoying her humble meal. Once she was done, she leaned towards the pond. Refilled her container and decided to continue scavenging herbs, for nightfall will soon come and she promised that she would be back before dinner.


    So she continue to diligently collect herbs


    Time passed by when a flutter of wings was heard at the eastern boarder of the glade. Bird''s flew out of their nests and can be heard chirping wildly.


    She immediately looked at the source of the ruckus and with the shaking tree branches what came out brought chills to her spine.


    A horrific figure. Holding a giant club full of spiky metal pieces embedded on it. A towering figure around 8ft in height. Bulging mass of muscles.  Dark green skin. Wearing only a piece of cloth to cover it''s privates and two sharp teeth sprung upward from the corners of the creatures mouth. As it breaths, mist formed around its mouth. With no doubt it was a mountain troll.


    "Did it see me??" She was shaking from head to foot. she trying her best to stay still to avoid attracting its attention.


    "BWWRAAAAAAHHHH!!!" And with a thunderous roar she confirmed it. It has.


    The Sifon glade and the old watch tower was located near the foot of the Beyruit mountains. The watch tower was said to be have constructed here long ago in ancient times to provide as a first line of defence against the barbarian tribes who used to live on the Beyruit mountains, but those said tribes are long gone and the beings who claimed the Beyruit mountains as their home were the green skinned monster''s. One must have strayed too far from their boundaries in search of food.


    A feeling of dread seeped through her. "I-I''m gonna die" She said in a tone of someone in the brink of crying.


    Trolls are usually common monsters and are easily killed by surrounding it and quickly hitting the vital organs, for its movements were slow and easily avoided. A mountain troll is different. Bigger than its counterparts and more ferocious by nature.


    The troll started to move. The ground shook with each step. Clutching its club, foam dripping from its disgusting mouth.


    Yuna was trying to compose herself. "What am gonna do?" She looked at her surroundings. "run back  towards town? No. I can''t." knowing that the mountain troll could easily overpower the town''s militia and wreak havoc. She would never allow such a thing to happen and as if she could outrun such a beast she would be dead before reaching town.


    "Do nothing and be eaten?"


    "N-no.. I want to live." Her voice trembling.


    And with her resolve she stood up and ran as fast as she could towards the watch tower.


    This was her only option. She thought. Maybe I could lose it inside the tower and manage to escape.


    Seeing her run towards the tower the troll quickened. Still howling, flailing the huge club.


    She was almost at the entrance. The troll hot in pursuit.


    Upon entering the tower she saw a flight of stairs to the right. She immediately scaled the stairs.


    almost at the second floor. She heard something burst.


    The troll entered the tower destroying the entrance.


    The creature with its exceptional sense of smell could instantly determine where Yuna was. Jumping towards the stairs it started to ascend quickly.


    Yuna upon reaching the second level continued to climb towards the third, but horror filled her eyes. As soon as she reached the third floor, she discovered that the stairs leading up to the forth level had already collapsed.


    "I''m t-trapped!" Her mouth shaking.


    she stood frozen at the hall. The huge figure of the troll emerged as it ascended from the second floor. Still holding its giant club. Looking at her while licking the corner of its mouth.


    The troll lunged at her swinging his club vertically.


    Barely missing Yuna. She was able to evade it somehow as she stumbled back the moment the troll swung his club. On the floor a large crack can be seen.


    Without a moment to relax the club was raised and was swung horizontally. Luckily Yuna was able to duck and roll. It just missed her.


    She lifted her head and saw that the wall that was stricken by the mighty blow had collapsed. Yuna then crawled towards it.


    She noticed a stone table was at the center of the room and on top of it a stone figure lay. Normally her curiosity would get the better of her, but now was not the time.


    As she managed to regain her balance and run forward the troll once again released an ear shattering roar.


    "BWRAAAAAAAAAAAA!!" It rushed towards her.


    Swinging its club  aimed at Yuna. She jumped over the stone table. The troll''s club barely missed her again and in turn hit the statue on the table.


    Due to the force of the swing the stone statue cracked like the stone wall that was easily destroyed by the troll earlier. What would you expect a statue would become after being hit by such force.


    "This is it." She thought. I''m gonna die.. "Mom, Dad. I''m sorry for being such a foolish daughter."


    Grabbing the small knife tucked in her waist used to collect the herbs. She decided this will be her last stand. If she was going to die. She will not go out without a fight.


    As she stood up ready for her last battle. Her jaw dropped. Her knife fell to the floor.


    The wall was plastered with dark red blood.


    Pieces of meat was on the floor.


    And on the center the room. A boy standing in silence. The same dark blood dripping from his clenched right fist. He was gritting his teeth like a ferocious animal. His blue eyes glaring towards her direction. More terrifying than the troll''s.


    Only one line was spoken.


    "Where are they?"

 Chapter 2: A new place

    Chapter 2: A new place


    "What kind of a slave are you? You''re late." Said Garren as he jumped down from the tree. Landing in front of her.


    Since his awakening. Yuna has been coming back to the Grove to bring him food. I guess it''s her way of saying thanks for being saved from the troll awhile back.


    "So-sorry, I had to run a couple of chores for mother and I''m not your slave!" Yuna replied immediately. Pouting her cheeks.


    The boy grabbed the basket from her and sat underneath the tree. Opening the closed basket.


    "Bread again huh" He muttered.


    "Hey! just be thankful for the meal!" Yuna replied.


    Garren sighed deeply, then proceeded to take a bite and chew quietly.


    Yuna observed as the silver haired boy silently ate underneath the large tree. She continued to stare until.


    "Ehem, could you stop staring at me while I''m eating" Garren spoke after noticing Yuna has been staring at him this whole time.


    "Ahh, Umm, sorry!"


    ***


    Two days ago


    At first she was shocked to see this young man in front of her. Covered in trolls blood asking where are they? I mean who are they? she thought. He did mention a couple of name''s wasn''t it Cain and Lucious?


    But as far as she can tell, no one in Hansel goes by that name. Adventurers perhaps? Those who would sometimes travel to Hansel to go monster hunting up north.


    She did try her best to explain the events prior the troll attack. Coming from Hansel to collect herbs. Who she was and such. Reaching the third floor then entering the room where a stone statue lay. She also mentioned that after he showed up the statue was gone. Maybe the troll just destroyed the statue with its club so she really did not pay much attention to it.


    Garren just accepted the fact that indeed this girl knows nothing, so he did not press on the matter further. But he was quite interested on what she mentioned though, a stone statue used to lay on the table but was now gone. He was laying on that table when the troll attacked, so am I the statue the girl has been talking about?


    In his memory. After feeling a heavy object land on his chest and upon looking up seeing this huge troll foaming in the mouth. His instincts automatically kicked in. Like a flash he was on his feet and his right fist collided with the troll''s chest.


    Then as he felt a presence behind him. Turning around he saw this auburn haired girl holding a puny carving knife, which she instantly dropped.


    All he could say at that moment was "where are they". Pertaining to the traitors who betrayed him.


    He remembered standing in an empty battlefield sold out by his trusted general''s, bound by something he could not see and then two blades burst from his chest. He was dying. Before losing consciousness he did remember a woman''s familiar voice screaming, was it Nessera? He thought.


    He tried his best to get answers from the girl, but all he got was a confused expression from her and a bunch of answer''s he could not understand. Hansel? Sifon Grove? What happened exactly he thought. Feeling his chest. The wounds he received were gone, but there''s something wrong, he can feel it, about his powers, like some was locked away. The feeling of being incomplete.


    On the stone table something caught his eye. Two Iron whips. "Nessera" He muttered.


    Garren recognized the weapons he had given to Nessera during her appointment as one of his general''s.


    Why are they here? What did you do Nessera. In the corner of his mind he did have an idea of what might have happened. Maybe Nessera saved him? He did hear her voice before blacking out, but he was not quite sure of what really happened that day.


    Grabbing Nessera''s whips he attached them to his waist and together with the girl he exited the tower.


    He saw the glade for the first time, a green meadow lush with plants. Colorful flora scattered across the clearing. East of tower was a pond next to a large tree.


    Sifon glade huh. This was the first time he had heard of the place.


    Disgusted by his appearance. The troll''s blood had splattered his face and clothes after all. He approached the pond and began stripping his black upper garments. It was made of a smooth thin fabric but was also very durable.


    "Ummm..ehh.." He heard the girl''s voice.


    "What?.." He said in a cold tone. Looking at her, he observed her cheeks had turned red while she was trying to look away. The girl took out a piece of cloth from her pocket which surprised him.


    "Umm, h-here" The girl muttered, while handing the piece of cloth to him. Still trying to look away. She did manage to take a peek earlier. The boy had multiple scars across his back and chest. How could someone so young attain such scars?


    "Thanks.." He said in a more softer tone. Receiving the cloth, he proceeded to wash himself. Wetting the cloth then applying it to his face, wiping away the blood. Then continued the same process to his arms and chest. This will do for now he thought.


    Garren put his garments back on. Stood up and sighed. What exactly happened here? He said to himself.


    "Here, girl.." Handing out the bloodstained wet cloth to the girl who was currently leaning her back against the big tree, staring at the ground.


    The girl was not aware that he was done cleaning himself because she trying her best to look away.


    "Ah,.. Umm, you keep it, and umm. My name is Yuna. I already told you that! Don''t just call me girl!" Yuna surprised by her sudden defiant tone, looked away again. I mean who would want their handkerchief back if it was used to clean troll''s blood? She said to herself.


    It was almost dark. The sun will begin to set soon.


    "Umm, I have to go, do you want to come back to the village with me?" Yuna said. "There''s a small inn in town if you have no place to stay" she added.


    "No.. I''ll stay here" Garren answered without hesitation. On his mind he still needed to figure out his next move. Whatever is going on here, whatever Nessera did. His best move was to avoid revealing himself yet. There might still be enemies after him, sent by those damn traitors to make sure he''s dead and something about his power''s doesn''t feel right. I don''t even know how long I was there inside the tower. He thought. If I was indeed that statue, why did I become one and how long had I been turned to one?


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    "Is that so.." Said Yuna in a disappointed tone. Lowering her head. "Then I''ll come visit you tomorrow! I''ll bring you food" She said cheerfully while suddenly raising her head.


    What''s with this girl? Garren thought. Why is she being nice?


    "Do what you like" Garren answered. Waving his left hand. Motioning as if to shoo someone away.


    Yuna just smiled. She grabbed her basket that was placed earlier under the tree. She left the remaining bread wrapped in a thin piece of cloth to Garren, then turned back and started to walk towards town. Waving goodbye as she was about to exit the grove.


    "I''ll come back tomorrow. Ok!" She shouted and in a couple of moments her figure disappeared into the woods.


    As it started to turn dark. Garren gathered fallen branches and twigs from nearby trees and placed them on the spot near the pond  and ignited them using [Dark flame].


    Resting his back against the tree. He sat there looking at the stars with a stern face like they have the answer all his questions.


    On his side he took the bread which were left for him.


    The flames burned through the whole night as he slept by the fire.


    The next day. He was testing out some of his skills confirming his suspicion that they were not at their maximum potential. Whatever that was done to him seemed to have locked their full strength.


    The truth is that Garren''s body was still on the process of mending itself. The seal has not been fully removed yet and the attack the troll had done to him just triggered a premature awakening.


    He spent his morning testing his skills and catching fishes from the pond to cook on his fire pit.


    Catching a couple of medium sized one''s. He used small sharpened branches to skewer the fishes, then pitched them near the fire to roast them. Once they were cooked he began to eat.


    It was almost noon when her voice.


    "Garren! good morning!"


    It was Yuna. Still with a cheerful smile on her face. Waving energetically towards him. Honestly he never expected she would come back, but she''s here. What''s really wrong with this girl? He thought.


    When she finally reached the spot where he was seated, she greeted him once again.


    "Good morning, have you slept well?" With a teasing tone. Knowing that he does not have proper bed to lay on she hoped Garren regretted his decision not to come back to town with her.


    Garen did not respond to her teasing and continued eating the roasted fish.


    "I thought you were hungry, so I brought you these." She said cheerfully as she displayed the basket she was holding, then pulled out 3 pieces of bread, 2 small slices of pork and a small jar. To what it seems to be jam.


    Garren did not refuse her offer and accepted them without a word. He then he pulled the last piece of fish that was roasting on the pit and handed it to Yuna. which she accepted.


    While they ate under the shade. Garren asked about the world to gather information. The names of the continents were still the same, the northern continent was still called Lentis, the southern continent Griris, the western continent Koryn and they were at the eastern continent called Norin.


    It seems that Yuna was not aware about any recent wars when he asked her and made him doubt more. How long was I really there? He thought once again. I need to gather more information and this girl can''t provide the answers that I seek.


    He placed his right hand on his head and started to shake his hair in an annoyed manner.


    Yuna just looked at him in confusion.


    After they ate Yuna left him and started to gather herbs. He just sat there observing what she was doing.


    "Hey!" he shouted. "Are you gonna pay for that?" He added in a cold tone.


    Yuna caught by surprised. "W-what? Why should I!?" She shouted back.


    "This is now my property!  I live here now! So what you''re doing is stealing!" He responded.


    "Since when did this place become yours!" Yuna said in a defiant tone. Pouting her cheeks.


    "Just now! I announce that I " Garren Zeke Ligier " conquered Sifon glade and hereby the Lord that governs it!" He said with an evil grin.


    "Whatever weirdo!" She replied and turned around to continue gathering herbs.


    "Oi! hey! Don''t ignore me! Just because you gave me food automatically gives you the right to pick weeds on my property!" Garren said. "If you can''t pay for those then you will become my slave!" He added.


    "Huuummm huummmm" Yuna hummed cheerfully. Ignoring Garren.


    As the day ended. Yuna once again said goodbye, and walked towards town with a bag full of herbs from the so called "lord''s" property.


    ***


    Going back to present


    "I didn''t mean to stare" She muttered then turned around and walked towards the meadow to once again collect her precious herbs when she heard Garren say with his usual cold voice.


    "Yuna, once you''re done stealing my stuff I want to go back to town with you today."


    She turned around with a confused expression and replied with a smile on her face "Okay!"

 Chapter 3: Hansel

    Chapter 3: Hansel


    "Just how long is this girl going to take plucking her weeds." He muttered. Observing Yuna harvest herbs.


    Garren decided to visit her town which she was very proud of in order to gather information which he clearly can''t obtain by talking to her. He needed someone from town to show him around in order not to attract attention and this girl would certainly fit the job.


    It was mid afternoon. He dozed off and was awoken by her.


    "All done!" She said with a smile.


    Yawning before he responded. "Took you long enough. Let''s go, you''ve already wasted enough of my time making me wait" He stood up and stretched his limbs.


    ***


    The two set off. Yuna in front humming in a tune, while Garren followed her. Happy little twerp aren''t you. He thought.


    "How long are we going to keep walking? Are you seriously walking this far every time you go to that place? I''m quite surprised you''re not in some beasts belly by now."


    "Were almost there, I can see the road marking up ahead. If we keep this pace we should arrive before dark and this path is fairly safe. Monster''s rarely pass through here."


    Aren''t you almost eaten by a troll and yet you''re full of confidence.


    After awhile He can already see smoke rising from the distance. The sun had just started setting, the smoke must be from the townsfolk preparing their meals.


    They eventually reached the guard post located at the northern entrance.


    hmmp, such flimsy defences. I would not be surprised if they''ll be overrun by monster''s one day. Garren thought as he observed the thin walls surrounding Hansel.


    "Yuna! welcome back. It''s good to see you safe and who''s the boy? I haven''t seen him before." Ask the old guard.


    "Good evening Henrick." She greeted. "This is Garren, he''s an adventurer. I met him while I was gathering herbs."


    "Hmmm, an adventurer you say? Very well. It seems that you trust this fellow. He can come in. Just make sure not to cause trouble in town ok boy?"


    "Sure, whatever old man"


    "Err.. Excuse him Henrick." She bowed.


    "hmpf. You''re lucky this girl is vouching for you boy."


    You''re lucky I don''t blow up this town with you in it. Were the words on his mind.


    They passed through the entrance. The streets lamps were already lit and the aroma of food was on the air. They continued walking and arrived at what it seems to be the town''s square. Yuna stopped at a small stone building with a sign that has red bottles drawn to it.


    "Umm, this is the town''s medicine shop. Wait here for a bit. I have to drop this off.  I''ll show you where the inn is afterwards." Yuna said while raising the bag of herbs in her hand.


    "Just don''t take too long."


    "I won''t." she smiled.


    He leaned on the stone building. Observing the town and It''s citizens.


    After a short while Yuna exited the shop holding a small pouch. Her face full of glee.


    "Let''s go. The inn''s this way, by the way a night at the inn would cost you 5 silver coins.


    A meal would be a silver coin and I doubt you even have a single copper coin, so here. That''s 15 silver coins. I was able to get 45 silver coins for the herbs earlier. If you want to keep staying at the inn you should really find work. Perhaps you can go visit the guild office tomorrow for current job request''s."


    She handed the coins to him.


    "That''s for saving me, now were even."


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    "I''ll consider this as payment for the weeds you stole." He placed the coins in his pocket.


    Acting like she didn''t hear anything she continued to guide Garren to the local inn.


    "Ahh were here. I guess I also have to go. I need to get home for dinner. If you want I can properly show you around town tomorrow."


    "Please do." in a cold tone. He was not used to rely on others.


    "Then I''ll pick you up after breakfast!" she smiled, then waved goodbye.


    He entered the inn. On the first floor was the receiving area and a tavern which patron''s are currently happily drinking and chatting. The smell of alcohol is on the air. The second floor must where the rooms be.


    Garren approached the counter. Pulling out 5 silver coins.


    "Ahh.. Room for 1 night my good lad? Will you be paying for meals as well?" Said the jolly middle aged man with a round belly.


    "Yes. Just the night and two meals. Tonight''s dinner and tomorrow''s breakfast." He answered while providing 2 more silver coins to pay for his meals.


    "Very well. Your room will be just up the stairs, second room to the right. Here''s your room key and if you would like to take a bath before dinner the bathhouse is through that door. You just need to pay the man at the entrance 10 copper coins."


    He could not remember when was the last time he had taken a proper bath so he decided to proceed to the bathhouse. Garren paid the man watching the entrance and took his long awaited bath.


    ***


    Garren was now back at the tavern, feeling refreshed. Waiting for the meal he paid for to be served. He can hear a couple of patrons talking.


    "Did you hear ? a couple of orc''s were spotted due west" Patron 1


    "Really!?..  I haven''t heard of orc''s so close to town for some time now." Patron 2


    "Yeah, they say that the orc''s might have set up a base in one of the caves at Pylai ruins. The guild posted a subjugation request just this morning." Patron 3


    "Hmmm, I hope they do deal with them soon. It would be troublesome if they continue to show up near town. I mean It''s almost harvest season, what if they start pillaging our fields." Patron 2


    "That''s true." patron 1


    "Here you go sir!" Said the young waitress while winking, as she laid the food platter and one iron mug with ale in it on the table.


    The meal consisted of one piece of bread, a serving of mush potato with green peas and 3 grilled pieces of lamb.


    Once he had eaten. He took one gulp of the ale and commented on how stale the taste was.


    He stood up and walked towards the inn keeper and asked the same questions he had for the girl before. The inn keeper provided him with the same answers. To his knowledge there were no wars that had occurred recently and after Garren asked about a Dark lord, the inn keeper just told him that he was not aware of such tyrants.


    Observing the tavern. Seeing that there was no point asking the drunk patrons about his inquiries. Garren decided to take a stroll outside. Making sure no one was looking he slipped through the dark alley at the back of the inn. Then jumped towards the roof, landing by the chimney.


    He sat by the edge of the railings.


    "So this is Hansel, what''s so great about it?". He said. His cold blue eyes stared at the distance.


    He recalled he used to live in a small town just like this one when he was a child, but that was ancient history. There''s no use dwelling on the past. What''s important now is getting information.


    Once he got bored. He jumped down and decided to turn down for the night then proceeded to his room.


    "Tomorrow, I''ll make sure to get answers." He muttered.

 Chapter 4: Walk back home

    Chapter 4: Walk back home


    Garren washed his face using the basin of water provided in his room and went downstairs for breakfast. He slept comfortably last night and was in a good mood. As he went down the stairs he observed that a couple of customers were already eating.


    Picking a table away from the other patron''s, he sat down and motioned his hand to call for the young waitress who served his meal last night. The waitress understood what he was calling for and went inside the door that leads to the kitchen.


    Sitting there alone, he thought of his goals for the day. This town must have someone that serves as the leader, that''s a good way to start.


    After a couple of minutes the waitress came out carrying his meal. Once his breakfast has been served he then ate silently.


    Eating his fill and drinking a cup of water, he stood up and walked towards the counter where the inn keeper was currently wiping an iron mug with a piece of cloth.


    Upon handing over the key to the room he had used, a familiar voice rung in his ears.


    "Garren!"


    He looked towards the entrance. There she was, walking towards him. Cheerful as always.


    "Yuna.." he muttered.


    "Oho.. So you''re a friend of Yuna?" ask the fat man.


    "She''s my slave."


    "Ss-slave!?" The inn keeper almost dropped the mug he was cleaning.


    "Don''t mind him George, he''s new in town. I''m gonna show him around today" she rebutted and smiled at the inn keeper.


    "New huh? I guess that explains all the ridiculous questions last night.  Well since you''re new I''m George Granger the owner of this fine establishment and If once again you need a place to stay, you know where to go." He said with a grin while winking at Garren.


    Garren just nodded at the inn keeper as they left the building.


    "So? where you wanna go first?"


    "Do you have a leader or chief, whatever you call it. Someone important." Garren answered.


    "Hmmm" Yuna pondered. "You mean the town''s elder? he''s pretty important."


    "That''s a start, let''s go"


    They passed through the town square. Yuna pointed at various buildings while explaining what they were. "That''s the trading post, that''s the adventurers guild I mentioned last night, that''s the church, that one was the medicine shop we stopped by last night and that''s my father''s workshop he''s the town''s blacksmith."


    Daughter of the blacksmith huh, that explains why everyone seems to know her.


    They finally stopped at a stone house located just east of the town square.


    "Well this is where the town elder lives, are we going in?"


    "Obviously. What? you think I came here to admire his house?" he answered in a cold tone.


    "hmmph" Yuna pouted her cheeks "You don''t have to be so mean" she muttered while looking away.


    *Knock* *Knock*


    He knocked on the wooden door. When there was no response he knocked once again even louder.


    *KNOCK* *KNOCK*


    "C-coming! Where''s that goddamn brat, he''s suppose to a-answer the door" a voice can be heard inside.


    The town elder lives with his grandson but it looks like he was home alone today.


    The door creaked open. "W-who is it, what do you want?" Out came an old man with a long grey beard, who was about 70 y/o. Using his wooden crane to walk.


    "Good morning elder!" Yuna with her usual cheerful tone. "Sorry to bother you so early. You see this is Garren, a friend of mine, he''s kinda new in town, I was showing him around and he said that he would like to meet you."


    "Ohh.. Is that you Yuna?.. My my. How you''ve grown, it''s been t-too long since your last visit. Hmmm, is that s-so?" The elder replied while caressing his beard. "Why would you like to see me b-boy?"


    "I just have a couple of questions, perhaps you could help me seeing that you''re the town''s elder you must be very knowledgeable." Garren replied, while trying to sound respectful.


    Yuna stared at Garren. "What''s with this sudden respectful tone? Trying to act all nice and friendly!" she thought to herself.


    "Hmmm, very well young man. C-come in, let''s talk inside." said the old man as he led the two in.


    With a grin on his face Garren followed the old man inside.


    Yuna still staring at him. "This guy''s a fraud!" she said to herself.


    They were led to the living room. Garren observed that there were a lot of shelves filled with books and tomes. I guess I came to the right place, he thought. Surely I can finally get some answers out of this senile old man.


    "Sit, sit. Make yourselves comfortable, let me j-just boil some water for tea"


    He observed the old man as he entered the kitchen. Once the elder was out of sight, Garren stood up from where he was seated and started to brows through the books.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.[The tales of King Lance] not this one. [100 ways to cook wyvern egg], [The rise of the Naga''s],


    [Maps and Illustration''s of the Photon islands], [Duke Van Draco: an autobiography] hmm not these either.


    "Are y-you into reading young man?" the old man said. Garren was not aware the elder had already came out of the kitchen.


    "Yes I am and I was just fascinated with your collection, sorry if I helped myself" He lied.


    "D-dont be, it is always good to know that there are still youngster''s interested in l-learning,


    unlike my grandson. Always talking a-about fighting monsters and going on adventures." A smile on the elder''s face.


    *PPfffffffffeeeet* The kettle whistled indicating the hot water was ready.


    "Let me get that for you elder!" Yuna volunteered. "Where did you place your tea leaves?"


    "T-thank you my dear. The tea leaves are on the upper right cupboard"


    "So, you m-mentioned earlier about some q-questions?" The elder directed his question to Garren.


    "Right. Elder, do you happen to know about a large scale war that might have happened sometime in the past that involves the city of lumen? Or perhaps you can recall about a Dark lord conquering empires and kingdoms?"


    "Hmmmm". The elder pondered on Garren''s questions. "not sure.. Hmmm, L-lumen huh? I might recall reading s-something about Lumen''s last stand." He was deep in thought. "Aha! wait here young man." The elder walked across the room to a wooden chest and opened it. After a few minutes of rummaging he pulled out an book with a griffon on the book cover. "This book was s-said to have recorded events that had happened some 400 years a-ago, I recall reading something similar to your questions in one of its entries." The elder spoke while giving the book to Garren.


    At the same time Yuna came out of the kitchen carrying a tray with 3 cups of tea and started distributing it.


    "Thank you elder." said Garren.


    [A history of the men of old: The Beginning of a New Age]


    He started skimming through the pages silently. Then he saw the passage he was looking for.


    He read the book without speaking.


    "The last stand against the evil army that had consumed all nations except one, The Great City of Lumen, blah blah blah" He skipped the entries about the names and deeds of valiant knight''s and heroes during the war. Then his eyes caught their name''s. "Cain Zervas and Lucious Vivrim Dredan. Two great general''s of the evil army sided with the people of Lumen to reclaim their honour for they can no longer tolerate the crimes the evil lord had committed and helped turn the tide of the war. Even though lumen lost almost all of its forces during the war, their heroics will not be in vain for the evil army had been vanquished. The two great generals were pardoned by Alderman Fons Talcred the king of Lumen. Both were given the rights to rule over the land''s once conquered by the evil lord and founded their own nations. Cain Zervas founded the kingdom of Juvric at the northern continent, while Lucious vivrim Dredan founded the Beastmen empire of Sundra on the western continent. During the defeat of the evil lord, his remaining general who was a flying demon, left the battlefield in a hurry and was never seen again." The stories continued about other key figures and such.


    "Thats not what happened.. They covered up the part about the binding, the sacrifices.. Pardoned by the king huh, founding your own nations huh, isn''t that just nice. Nessera saved me that''s the only reason I''m here right now. 400 years.. 400 years... I''m asleep for 400 years.." Garren was mumbling to himself, his hands shaking.


    Then he finally snapped inside.


    "FUCKING TRAITORS!!!! BASTARDS!!! SCUM!! THEY WERE NOTHING WITHOUT ME!!! THAT''S NOT WHAT HAPPENED!!!!" he muttered to himself, grinding his teeth. "They will pay, those precious nation''s of theirs that they had betrayed me for. I will not rest until they burn to the ground. Nessera i will make sure the sacrifice that you have done will not be in vain."


    He slammed the book. Deep anger can be seen in his eyes.


    Which surprised Yuna and the elder.


    "Ummm.. Garren?" Yuna spoke in a worried tone.


    "M-my boy? is everything alright?" The elder added.


    "Huh? I''m ok.." trying his best to remain composed while his hands are still shaking.


    "Elder I must take my leave, I remembered I have important matters to attend to. Thank you for your time" Garren said in his usual cold tone, then immediately left the elder''s home not waiting for them to respond to his sudden strange behavior.


    Yuna chased after Garren.


    "G-garren...what''s going on?"


    Garren stopped and without looking at her said in a chilling voice. "Thank you Yuna, you''ve done well, but I am no longer in need of your assistance. Go home."


    Then he started walking forward. Yuna could not understand what had happened, what was on that book.


    She just stood there frozen, as the silver haired boy she had come to know this past few days walked farther and farther away.


    Without another word Garren left town through the northern exit, towards the only place he can call home.

 Chapter 5: The Darkpaths

    Chapter 5: The Darkpath''s


    Upon exiting the northern gate of the town, he felt the heavy gaze of the old guard he had met yesterday.


    "Not now old man, I''m not in the mood. Do you want to die?" He muttered to himself.


    Luckily the old town guard did not dare bother him. He was also able to sense that the young man was in a foul mood, but that did not stop him from staring at Garren as he pass by.


    Garren started walking in the path that leads to Sifon glade. His blood still boiling from what he had just learned. "Damn bastards." From time to time he would curse Cain and Lucious.


    The forest was beaming with life. Sometimes a rabbit would cross his path. He thought of catching one to eat, but he was too busy contemplating that it would eventually run away before he decided to take action. Leaves from the overgrowth would occasionally fall on the path before him like confetti. It would seem like he was a returning hero being welcomed by the forest.


    Walking halfway towards Sifon. Garren was still pondering on what would be his next move.


    It would be unwise to start rampaging without a plan. Taking on and bringing down an entire empire was easier said than done. He''s smart enough to understand this. Even if he can''t use his full strength at the moment  Garren was still insanely strong. But underestimating the capabilities of his enemies would be a fatal mistake. The last time he got blindsided, he ended up having two blades in his chest. He promised he would never again show such weakness.


    Garren was almost at Sifon. Still deep in thought. After much consideration, words finally came out of his mouth.


    "I need to rebuild my army." He needed meat shields , was what he really meant.


    But where can I get soldiers. Once again in deep thought. Hiring a mercenary army is not an option. Those lot will side to the highest bidder and It''s not like I even have the wealth to spend yet. Then he remembered. I vile grin on his face.


    "They mentioned about an orc base." He was referring to the locals in the tavern.


    Before, among the first races to submit to his cause were the orc''s. Demi-humans who looked much like humans but a lot bigger, with dark brown skin and huge canine teeth''s. They have average intelligence but they do serve as fine grunts because they have absolute loyalty towards the one they call chief. In order to become an orc chieftane you need to be the strongest in the tribe. If the chief was challenged by one of his subordinates and was defeated the challenger would become the new chief. That was their law. For orc''s, only the strongest was fit to lead.


    If he would start to build an army, orc''s would be pretty useful in securing his base and could provide as foot soldiers. It''s a start. He thought.


    Garren tried to recall the locals conversations.


    "Due west. Caves in Pylai ruins." He muttered.


    Sifon was located north from town. I just need to cut through the forest and eventually I''ll arrive at Pylai ruins. Garren thought.


    Without second thoughts Garren left the path and entered the forest. He jumped from tree to tree with amazing speed. He would spot low level monsters on the forest floor but decided not to waste his time with them at the moment. Garren has bigger fish to catch.


    After some time Garren eventually saw the light from the distance. He was almost out of the forest and based from his travel direction he should be west by now.


    Exiting the forest. He arrived at a grassy plane. But no orc''s or ruins in sight. It must be further west. He concluded.


    Garren continued his journey, running swiftly across the hill''s. After a considerable amount of distance, he heard noises from beyond the next hill.


    "Uggh, me hungry." Voice 1


    "Stop complaining or chief bash head again kishi kishi!" Voice 2


    "We no got food here, why we stay?" Voice 1


    Garren crept forward to investigate the voices. Finally he was able to put faces on them. Two orc''s standing at the base of the hill. They seem to be lookouts. They were both wearing horned helmets, but one was holding a spear while the other an axe.


    "Ask chief! no ask me! kishi kishi." spear orc


    "Ugggg.. No mind, me not like head bash." axe orc


    Garren unlatched Nessera''s whips from his belt and jumped down while extending the right whip to latch on the spear orc''s neck and with a powerful pull detached the head from its neck.


    The spear orc collapsed with a thud, dark blood spurted from its neck tainting the ground.


    Axe orc had no time to react. Garren using the left whip targeted the orc''s axe that he was holding and manage to disarm the orc. Dazed by the sudden attacks made by the intruder, the orc just stood there mouth wide open.


    "Take me to your chief." Garren said coldly, emitting his bloodlust.


    "C-cc-chief?" The orc was stammering.


    Garren kicked the orc''s stomach. Making it kneel in agony. "Yes! chief! Don''t make me repeat myself!"  while looking down on the orc.


    "Uggh.. n-no hurt more! I take chief." The orc said while holding his stomach, caressing it.


    Axe orc slowly stood up, its legs wobbling. "Dis way, I take chief." The orc walked forward its hands still caressing its stomach.


    Garren followed the orc as they walked across the hills and planes. The orc would from time to time look back at him with resentful eyes, but did not act aggressively . Perhaps knowing it was no match to its human captor and attacking him will result in sure death. They continue to walk this way for the past hour.


    The scenery changed. On some of the hills he observed that there were cave entrances and large stone boulders of collapsed structures were scattered across the once grassy plane. Just ahead Garren can also spot the orc encampment. Wooden barricades with human skulls affix to it were placed beside some of the collapsed buildings. Huts made of wood encircled the large fire pit in the middle.


    "I guess this is Pylai ruins." He muttered.


    As they drew closer to the orc camp. The other orc''s in the area began to be aware of his presence but did not immediately attack, maybe they too are wondering what the hell is going on. Why is a human casually walking into their camp being led by one of their clan. Doesn''t he fear death?


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    A group of orc warriors began to flock around him. towering beings about 7 ft in height. Some wearing bone accessories that was clearly part of a live man once. Veins showing in their muscles while holding war axes and spears ready to strike at any given moment.


    "Blech. Human stink!"


    "Puny white headed man!"


    "Ugluk  u bagrok!"


    "Good to eat"


    Garren can hear their grunts and insults, some in orc tongue but he remained composed.


    The axe orc who was leading him sudden dashed forward screaming. "C-chiief!" Then disappeared after entering one of the caves.


    A loud roar can be heard echoing through the cave. Then something came out. Wearing the skull of a small wyvern as a helmet, heavy leather chest armor, arms covered in metal gauntlets and holding a huge war hammer with a black gem imbued on it. The orc chief was as tall as the troll he had killed. Huge canine teeth''s with golden rings attached to them.


    The chief spoke in a loud brutish tone.


    "Hugh Hugh Hugh! Puny white hair man, wish to die? Tiny man must have problem in head coming to orc base alone! I am Ogmar Hammer Fall! Chief of Doomseeker clan! Ogmar will pick teeth with bone of tiny man after eating tiny man!" The chief spoke.


    "What tiny man go do with strings against Ogmar''s mighty hammer!" Mocked the chief, seeing that Garren only brought iron whips as his weapon.


    The orc''s around Garren jeered and laughed with their chief''s statement.


    "This tiny man will shove Ogmar''s skull down his throat for being too noisy." Garren spoke while mimicking the orc''s tone.


    "Hugh Hugh Hugh! let tiny human try!" Ogmar then launched himself forward, holding the war hammer with two hands.


    Garren evaded the hammer easily, skipping backwards.


    The orc''s surrounding Garren earlier backed off and made a huge circle around him and their chief. They did not try to interfere either because it would bring dishonor towards their chief for this was a one on one match.


    "Human stop running!" Ogmar bellowed. Swinging the massive hammer again.


    Garren jump upwards. Uncoiled the whips towards the orc, targeting the war hammer. It was able to latch on it preventing Ogmar to keep swinging.


    Ogmar tried pulling his weapon away with all his strength to break free from the bond, but to no avail. "Why tiny man so strong!!? Tiny man cheat!" Ogmar thought to himself.


    Garren getting tired with this petty duel, pulled the whips towards him along with Ogmar who was not willing to part with his hammer. The Chief was sent flying towards him due to the force of the pull. To recieve the flying Ogmar. Garren streched his hand forward and grasped the chief''s head and shoved it down his throat in a swift motion.


    Ogmar''s body knelt before him. The Head tightly tucked inside the body.


    Garren using his left hand, tapped the huge orc''s body to let it drop to the ground.


    The look of disbelief are painted on the faces of the remaining orc''s. They could not comprehend how quickly the fight ended. Ogmar was their strongest warrior, the reason he became chief of their clan.


    The tiny human in front of them in a matter of seconds turned their mightiest warrior into a bloody lump of meat.


    Fear and Admiration was on their eyes. The orcs were a race who thrilled for combat. To witness such brutality and power. Garren was able to gain their respect as a worthy adversary.


    Garren turned towards them. "Listen all of you! From now on, I am your chief!" His voice resonating in orc''s ears.


    "Those who choose not to follow will be next one to die!" He continued while staring at them coldly.


    Garren was choosing his words carefully so that they could understand.


    "Now bow down if you accept your new chief!!" He roared.


    There was silence


    (........)


    Then one by one the orc''s started getting down on their knees to bow down.


    When he saw that all the orc''s were already on their knees.


    "Good, now stand up all of you!" In a dominant tone.


    All the orc''s immediately stood up.


    "Let me ask you all!" He then continued.


    "Do you want more food!?" He asked the orc''s.


    Some responded.


    "Food!"


    "Yes!! Food!"


    "Do you want to fight and kill!!?" He asked once again


    This time more orc''s responded.


    "Kill!!"


    "RAa!!"


    "Bashh!"


    "Do you want war!!?" He said in a more powerful voice, letting out his blood lust.


    All the orc''s responded.


    "WAR!!!!!"


    "Good! Very good!! The Doomseeker clan is no more! From this day forward you will be called the Darkpath clan!! and I, Garren Zeke Ligier. Is your warchief!! And together we shall bathe in the blood of our enemies!!!"


    Roars and cheers errupted.


    "Warchief!! Warchief!! Warchief!!" Raising their axe and spears to the air.


    While a visible grin can be seen on the face of the new warchief.

 Chapter 6: Nessera

    Chapter 6: Nessera


    Garren spent the night in the orc encampment, and on the next day he ordered the camp to pack up and move out. The orc''s were hesitant at first to leave, but had no choice but to follow their chief''s orders.


    "Were going to move to a new location, there we shall build our fort! Gather all your weapons and anything useful!" He commanded.


    The orc clan had manage to tame four legged beasts called umbra''s. Large pig like creatures that can be used as mounts or pack mule''s. As the orc''s began to salvage whatever they can from their camp, Garren sat on the largest umbra previously owned by the now dead Ogmar.


    After awhile. One of the orc''s named Surgug approached him. "Chief we ready!" The orc reported.


    Surgug was Ogmar''s second in command. So Garren just retained his position for convinience.


    A huge iron war axe was attached to Surgug''s back and wore a bone chest armor on top of his leather garments.


    "Good, now follow me! We march east through the forest, our destination is Sifon glade!"


    His clan consists of 70 strong male orc warriors, 40 females, 10 elders and 8 younglings. So as you can see they were quite many, it would be best not to pass near Hansel in order to avoid unwanted attention. He thought.


    This was the orc''s first time to hear of the place, they were just hunting around the Pylai ruins since they had established their camp, so they were not able to explore much outside their territory.


    The Darkpath clan began marching, with Garren in front riding on the umbra. Not long after passing through the hills and planes they reached the western edges of the forest.


    As they entered Midgard. The clan would occasionally come across low levelled monsters like Dedra''s, large two headed vipers, and Urs''s bearlike creatures with silver fur. Garren would allow the orc''s to engage them, for it would provide them with food, and at the same time the orc''s would obtain battle experience. It''s like hitting two birds with one stone.


    Eventually the clan reached the path that leads to sifon, and proceeded to march forward to their new home. Upon entering the glade, some of the orc women commented on how pretty the flowers are, while some of the male''s admired the tower.


    "So they can appreciate beauty as well huh, I thought they were just a bunch of war crazed freaks." Garren said to himself.


    The clan halted near the entrance of the tower. Dropped down their equipments on the ground and started to unpack their belongings mounted on the umbra''s.


    It was already dark, and they have not eaten yet since their departure from Pylai. Garren instructed the clan to start making fire pits and cook the meat they have obtained from the monster''s so they could eat.


    "Eat your fill. You guys will need all your strength, the fun starts tomorrow." He muttered with a grin.


    After the clan had properly eaten, the orc''s started pitching their tents around the watch tower. The numerous bonfires illuminated the once dark glade. Garren instructed a couple of orc''s to build him a bed at the third floor of the tower, in the room where he had awaken.


    There was a big fire pit built in the middle of the glade, where Garren ordered the clan to gather around.


    Garren then started to speak. His tone cold but commanding.


    "This will be your new home! This place will be the birth of a new empire! An empire that will swallow all of the others! It will be called NESSERA! A name they will soon know to fear! And know that the Darkpath clan had the honor to be the first to become part of this empire! For blood!!"


    Once again the orc''s cheered and roared.


    "For blood!!!"


    "Blood!!!"


    "Warchief!!! Warchief!!! Warchief!!!"


    "They do love speeches huh."  Garren said to himself, then proceeded to walk towards his tower. Roars can still be heard as he entered the tower.


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    The night was peaceful, the clan chatting down below, as Garren observed them from one of the windows on the third level of the tower. Then he looked towards the horizon, his blue eyes showed a hint of loneliness as the bright moon shone on them.


    ***


    Morning came. Garren went down from his tower and was greeted by a couple of orc''s.


    "Chief! Here we catch!" The orc in front said, while presenting his right hand holding a couple of rabbits by the ears.


    In orchish tradition, it was customary that with every hunt a portion would be given to the chief. Garren told the orc''s to cook them first, with a bit of annoyance. "Do you expect me to eat them raw? If you''re going to offer me something, make it right." He mumbled to himself.


    Once breakfast was done, he assembled the clan.


    "Today we shall start building up the base! We shall build defences and fortify this place to defend ourselves from our enemies, who will soon be after us!" Garren said in a loud voice to make sure everyone hears.


    The orc''s were then ordered to start cutting down the trees around Nessera to provide lumber in making sturdier housing and walls. He also would like to expand the area of his territory so cutting the tree''s around the glade was really necessary. Garren did not allow the large vesper tree near the pond to be cut though.


    While the orc''s started cutting down trees, he ordered five orc warriors to scout and perhaps they can locate another source of water. The pond will not be enough to provide them all, and it would also be crucial if he wishes to increase his forces in the future.


    A group of women orc''s hunted in the forest for food. Orc women are also capable warriors and can be counted on.


    Their day consisted of those tasks. A good amount of wood have already been gathered and slowly the area around the recently proclaimed Nessera began to expand.


    ***


    The next day, the orc''s were still doing each of their assigned tasks cutting trees, hunting, and such. From the wood that were already gathered, some orc''s started to build housings as instructed by Garren. He made sure that the design was sturdy. Wood is good enough for now as we don''t have a good supply of other building materials yet. It was decided to build lodgings first because the expansion of area around Nessera had not yet been completed, once Garren was satisfied on how big the territory was, he would then start the construction of walls.


    Mid afternoon. The orc''s Garren assigned to scout had come back, they reported that they found a river located east, not far from Nessera. They decided not to come right back for they wish to scout further. It seems that they have also located a path that leads up to the mountains.


    Garren commended the orc''s and ordered them to continue their duties after resting and resupplying, which they are happy to comply.


    The day ended without problems, and a significant amount of work had been accomplished. Sturdy houses started to be built, a new water source found, and the expansion is on track. Although he thought he really needs more workers. "I''ll figure something out." Garren said.


    He slept comfortably in his room that night


    ***


    Garren was awaken by someone yelling.


    "Chief! Chief!" Surgug yelled as the orc entered his quarters.


    "What is it!? I was still sleeping!" In an annoyed tone.


    "S-sorry chief, but we caught human! What we do?" Surgug replied.


    Garren had a bad feeling from what orc just said, because something tells him he knows who the "Human" Surgug was talking about.

 Chapter 7: Friends?

    Chapter 7: Friends?


    There was a large commotion that can be heard below as Garren descended from his tower.


    A group of orc''s were huddled together, grunting and taunting, holding their weapons towards the intruder who was currently squatting on the ground crying.


    " huuh.. huhuhu.."


    Surgug was leading him towards the cluster of orc''s.


    "Here chief! We caught human girl hiding behind tree." Surgug proudly announced.


    "Waaa.. huhu.." The girl continued to cry while being surrounded by orc''s.


    When Garren reached the group of orc''s, one orc  gave way so that he can pass through and see their captive.


    *Sigh* "Why am I not surprised?..  Yuna could you stop crying."


    Yuna who was covering her face with her hands while crying, surprised by the familiar cold voice looked up.


    "G-gaaaren!!? Gaareen! huhu saave me!huhu!"


    Yuna still in shock did not stop crying even though she already saw Garren.


    Already irritated by her cries Garren said. "Tsk.. Yuna stop crying already! Or do you want me to let them eat you?"


    Yuna eventually stopped crying, but she was still rubbing her eyes and sniffling.


    He complimented the orc''s for their great job capturing the girl, then ordered them to disperse and go back to work.


    The orc''s obeyed and went on their way. Two were casually talking while walking back to chop trees.


    "kishi kishi what you think chief do to girl?" Gossip orc 1


    "Maybe want for mate ha! ha! ha!" Gossip orc 2


    Garren ignored the orc''s, then knelt down to talk to Yuna who was still on the ground squatting.


    "Yuna are you here to steal weeds from me again?" He said with his usual cold tone.


    "G-garren why are there o-orc''s here? I was afraid to come here for  the p-past few days because of how you acted back at the elder''s h-house, I thought maybe you need some t-time alone. Today I finally d-decided to come here to see if y-your still around and pick some herbs, but a-after I neared Sifon I heard noises so I crept s-silently to see what''s going on, t-then I saw them. The orc''s w-were cutting down trees, so I  tried to hide and run away, but out of nowhere an  orc c-came out and g-grabbed me." Yuna said while stammering, her eyes red from tears.


    *Sigh* Garren stood up after hearing Yuna''s story.


    "First it''s no longer called Sifon glade, this is now Nessera. Stand up. Let''s go inside."


    Yuna stood up, rubbing her eyes, so confused about the current situation and wondering why the heck did he change the name of the place. She knows upon meeting Garren, he would occasionally spurt out nonsense like declaring that he own''s the place, and being rude to people, but this tops it all. Why are the orc''s following him?


    She did not fail to notice that the once peaceful glade had drastically changed. A lot of trees around it had been cut. Huge piles of lumber scattered across the meadow. Wooden houses being constructed left and right. A large fire pit in the middle. The glade was starting to look like a town, an orc town? She thought.


    One spot did not change though, the huge vesper tree was still there by the pond. The place where she and Garren used to share meals a few days ago.


    Come to think of it since they''ve met she really didn''t get to know Garren, he wouldn''t tell her about himself. She just believed that he was a good person because he did save her, and she was very thankful for that. She also assumed he was an adventurer.


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    She was afraid, her head full of questions and doubts, but nonetheless she followed Garren inside the tower.


    Entering the tower she saw torches on the walls. The once dark tower was now illuminated by torches. They ascended the flight of stairs and reached the third floor, she followed Garren to the room where she first saw him, and Inside she saw a large bed with a pile of silver fur to serve as a mattress. Wooden furniture were also placed on the center of the room near the stone table which now has a large hammer placed on it.


    Garren seated himself on one of the wooden chairs and motioned Yuna to seat to the one opposite him.


    Once they were both seated, he spoke.


    "You really have a death wish don''t you? First a troll, now captured by a bunch of orc''s." He said coldly.


    "hmpf! I-i do not!" She denied. "I didn''t know they were here!"


    The room grew silent...


    "Garren.. What''s going on? Please tell me." Her eye''s pleading .


    "Please tell me.  The elder''s house?  Now this? Please." She added.


    Garren thought that there was nothing wrong from her learning the truth, she was just the daughter of a blacksmith in a small town, she''s no threat, and deep inside he thought that she does deserve some kind of an explanation. It''s not like he cared for this girl, yes she has been nice to him. From the moment he woke up, she was there, she showed him nothing but kindness. She even tried her best to help by guiding him through town, a boy she barely knew. Yes he treated her coldly, but yet every time, every time she showed him that smile. He was afraid, afraid of that smile. He always asked himself what''s wrong with this girl, why is she being so nice, why is she not afraid of him, she''s not aware that if he wished to do so he could end her life in an instant. He needed to stay away from her, or he might forget his true self, for he yearned for blood, blood of those who have wronged him.


    Thus telling her the truth would keep her away, she would resent him, she would be afraid, and she would be safe.


    Garren decided to tell her the truth.


    He told her about his past life, how he conquered kingdoms and empires to unite them in a single banner, his banner . Killing thousands, millions even.  He told her how his trusted subordinates betrayed him. He even told her how Nessera could have saved him, waking up in an empty tower, then meeting her.


    In his cold voice he continued to define his  existence. "In the fairy tales you have heard as a child, I am the evil Queen. I am the troll under the bridge. I am-"


    "You''re not as cold hearted or as bad as you say you are " She interrupted him.


    "If you really didn''t care about anything else but yourself you would have forgotten about her, yet you named this place for her." Yuna looking at him. Tears flowing from her brown eyes, full of acceptance no trace of bias or hate can be seen .


    "It must be painful for you, all those time. The most powerful being, unable to mingle casually with those under you. Yet I know deep inside, you do care for them, you do treasure them, or else you would not feel betrayed. You would not feel hate towards them, and to think that the only person that really cared about you ceased to exist, even I would crumble and succumb to hatred."


    Garren had lost his voice upon hearing those words.


    She continued.


    "I really don''t care what you have done in the past, or what you''re about to do. If you''re going to pursue your path of vengeance, it''s your choice Garren.. I''m just here to witness it. From the moment you saved me from that troll, I was happy. Though with all your rude remarks and gestures towards me, I was happy, I''m happy that you''re the one who saved me. A foolish blacksmith''s daughter. So please don''t push me away."


    Then with her usual smile, the smile the boy feared. She said.


    "Aren''t we friends?."


    <hr />


    Kudos to @Sleiphnir, i used your comment in one of the lines bro. Hope it''s ok. It really fits the current atmosphere between the two. :)

 I once had a friend part 1

    I once had a friend part 1 ( Not really part of the chapters but a bit of a back story. Enjoy! )


    I remember. I had a friend once. What was his name? dieter? Peter? No, it was Pietro. We were both street urchins, both abandoned by our parent''s. Shunned by the public. lowest of the scum. bottom of the food chain.


    I used to live in a town called Halberta. Orphaned, well I have no idea if they died or something, all I can say is that I was found on the porch of the temple, where unwanted children are left. I was abandoned, unloved.


    I stayed there until I reached my 10th birthday. Then I ran off,  I could not handle the strict policy they enforced on us. Reciting 10 verses of the holy scripture every night before going to bed, spending 6 hours of your day praying, when I could have been playing, and not to mention all those times I was beaten for speaking up to the head priest.


    So, I left. decided to take my chances on the streets.


    I first met Pietro when I was begging for scraps in the market. The old baker was chasing a boy holding pieces of bread in his arms and another piece with his mouth. It was quite amusing how he ran for his life or you could say as he ran for his dinner.


    As the boy passed by me I kicked the wooden crates by my side, tumbling down as the baker passed through, thus making him loose his footing and fall face first on the muddy ground. I saw the boy looking back saluting me with his right hand.


    That day I was not able to get any alms, my stomach growling in hunger. I was sitting on one of the porches near the center of the commercial district of town. Then a piece of bread dropped and landed on my lap, as I look up, there he was with a grin on his face, the boy from earlier. A couple of his front teeth were missing, his face full of freckles and his black hair was all messy. I can barely see his eyes. He was a year older than me, I learned that when he told me a few days after we met.


    The boy then jump down from the roof he was standing on. "Thanks a lot mate for earlier, old man Zakiel would have beaten the crap out of me again." The boy said.


    "I''m Pietro!" The boy handing out his right hand towards me.


    I shook his greasy palm. "I''m Garren." I said in a low voice.


    "Nice to meet you ren! You can call me Pie! hehehe! Eat up! That one has a bit of meat in it." Pietro smirked.


    I devoured the bread Pietro had given me in an instant.


    I guess he noticed how hungry I am.


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    "Sorry mate, that''s all I can give you for now. Had to give some to my younger sisters" He said that with a smiling face, but somehow I can sense the sadness he felt.


    "How about it? You and me? Together no one can stop us! The dynamic duo!" Raising his fist to the sky.


    I almost laughed at his gesture, but I saw how serious he was.


    "So we good? You and me? Were friends now, right ren?" Pietro smiling at me. How could I resist, all I could say was.


    "Sure.. Friends."


    Later he did introduce me to his younger siblings. Twins, Anya and Kiara both were 8 years of age. They lived in a small broken down hovel in the slum district. I was graciously welcomed to live with them though reluctant and shy at first, I came to love those two as my own.


    We spent our days in the commercial district, haggling, swindling, and sometimes if worse comes to worse, stealing from travellers who were new to town.


    Pietro was right. We were the dynamic duo. We spent our youth  on the streets, surviving. Trying our best to get by.


    Two years after teaming  up with Pietro, the authorities could no longer tolerate us and decided to act.


    A guard disguised himself as a wealthy merchant from a distant place, acting naive and stupid was an easy prey for us, as we soon started to con the merchant, a squad of guard''s encircled us. Pointing sharpened swords on our necks.


    The dungeon was not a foreign place for us. We had been in here for more than I can count. We''ll be out of here in no time. That''s what we thought, while me and Pietro were discussing what the guards will be feeding us for dinner.


    We were not given dinner that night. It was almost midnight as i recalled.


    Then the door leading down the dungeons opened. We thought we were finally gonna be fed.


    But we were wrong, it wasn''t a guard bringing us food.


    It was a hooded man. Wearing gray robes. Only his mouth can be seen. I remembered his yellow teeth glistening as he smirked and pointed at the two of us.


    Then the guards entered. shackled our hands and feet.


    Pietro and me could do nothing but scream as we were dragged out of our cell in the dead of night.

 I once had a friend part 2

    I once had a friend part 2


    "What the hell are you doing!"


    Yelled Pietro as he screamed his lungs out, trying his best to resist. A guard punched him in the stomach to silence him, though it did not just silenced him, it knocked him out. Come on we were just boy''s, what do you expect? A full swing like that would even knock me out cold.


    All I can do Is keep my mouth shut as Pietro''s limp body was getting dragged before my eyes.


    Two guards were escorting me as well, one guard on each of my arms. I did not offer much resistance though, I wouldn''t want a punch in the stomach as well.


    The cold wind brushed against my face as we left the building. It was almost winter, so the cold air was expected. I remembered how we use to snuggle together in our small hovel. Me, Pietro, Anya and Kiara. Trying to keep warm during those cold nights.


    I saw a black carriage parked outside, with two horses in front. The guards placed a thick cloth in Pietro''s mouth to gag him, to prevent him from screaming as soon as he regains consciousness, and with a loud thud he was tossed inside.


    I was next, although I did not scream or shout when they applied the gag on me, my eyes showed deep anger towards the guards, and like Pietro I was tossed inside the carriage.


    Before the hooded man took his seat in front, I saw him hand a large pouch to one of the guards. I guess it was payment, we were worth that much huh.


    Then we drove off, unknown of our current destination, I just stared at the stars as I look through the bars inside the carriage. Anya and Kiara, they must be worried sick, we should have been back hours ago, but knowing Pietro he always had a plan. We''ll get out of this mess I''m sure, I assured myself.


    Pietro was still passed out, I admired how his face looked so calm. Not long after I myself dozed off.


    Someone slapped my face, it was painful. As I was forced to wake up from my slumber, I saw a couple of hooded figures pointing daggers at me, all their faces were covered. Pietro had already woken up and like me can''t say a damn word. Our mouths were still gagged.


    We were ushered out the carriage and inside a huge mansion. Where the hell are we? I can''t see any nearby houses, all I could see were a bunch of dead trees. It was still dark, a flicker of hope shined within me. If we managed to escape we might not be too far from town.


    Upon entering the mansion I observed how lavish it was, paintings and sculptures everywhere, but it had a grim ambiance. Sweat was starting to form on my forehead. The group who was escorting Pietro entered a door that seems to lead downstairs, and most likely that''s where I was headed too.


    Great another dungeon, I said to myself. What do they want from us? A couple of orphans? I begin to wonder what horrors were awaiting us. I remembered hearing tales about young boys being used for sexual pleasure. Yeah, I''m young but I grew up on the streets, I acquired a bit of knowledge about those things. I swallowed my saliva as I thought of that.


    Indeed the door leads to the basement. As we descended to the lower level, I observed that there were a lot of dark paths that lead to somewhere, but we went through the one on the left. At the end of the tunnel were a bunch of cages with iron chains connected to the floor. The room was lit up by a bunch of candle holders latched on the walls.


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    Then horror filled my eyes, I saw Pietro became agitated as well. Some of the cage''s contained children just like us. They were bound by the chains. Some already too thin you would mistake them as skeletons.


    Pietro what have we gotten ourselves into. I was shaking, sure I felt fear so many times before. The fear of being caught by the butcher as I run off with some of his wares, the fear of going home bringing nothing seeing their eyes and starving, but this kind of fear, it was different, it was surreal. I''m about to piss my trousers.


    The hooded figures unbounded us, we were free for only a second because right away we were restrained again by the iron chains. Pietro was placed on the cell opposite of mine. Rage was on his eyes, I''ve known Pietro for two years now, but that was the only time I have seen him so angry.


    One by one they left, I was talking about those hooded bastards.


    "Pietro, what''s going on? How do we get out?" I said in a hushed voice.


    "I don''t know, but don''t worry. we''ll figure something out" Pietro replied.


    Then a voice entered our conversation.


    "You won''t escape, no one will. Not until your next.. we''re all going to die.. are you next?"


    I looked at the cage beside me, it was a boy just about our age, blond hair with bloodshot eyes.


    "Just pray that you''re next so it will all end.. all end. I wish I were next.. Then It will end.. Am I next? Oh please let me be next.. to end.. I''m next.."


    The boy had gone mad. He keeps muttering jibberish.


    About an hour later. Pietro was trying to loosen his chains or picking it by using a small bone he found when a group of hooded men once again entered the room. The mad boy beside me began muttering once again, saying that he should be next. But he wasn''t.


    The cell farthest from me they took out boy, he had brown hair. He did not resist at all as he was taken out, and the boy never did return, that was the last we have seen of him.


    A day had seem to pass by. Me and Pietro still haven''t given up hope, although we were both tired, hungry and dehydrated, we still yearned to escape this hell hole. We need to get back to our sisters.


    The sound of footsteps once again echoed through the tunnel. They''re back, this time they did not take some boy that I hardly knew, this time they took Pietro.


    I screamed and shouted as they dragged him out his cell, Pietro resisting with all his might, but he was too weak, what could he do? We were just boys. Tired and hungry boys.


    As I catch my final glimpse of Pietro as they continue to drag him out of the room, He saluted me with his right hand, looking at me with the same look as the first day I met him, gesturing me not to lose hope, to keep on fighting, but how could I, Pietro was in more ways better than me, If he can''t fight them off. How could I?

 I once had a friend [End]

    I once had a friend [End]


    It had already been a couple of hours since they dragged Pietro out of the room where we were kept. I keep glancing at the entrance full of expectations, that he would emerge out of it.


    "Pietro.. Be strong, we''ve gotten out of pretty bad situations before, we can also make it out of this one." I keep repeating that to myself.


    But he never did come back, like the boy who was taken before him.


    The sound of footsteps were once again heard, I prayed that I would be the one taken. Hoping to be reunited with my companion.


    Hooded men once again entered the room. If there was such thing as a god it had finally answered one of my many prayers. They were approaching my cage, then unshackled me from the chains that binded me and dragged me out.


    I''m going to where Pietro is. I thought.


    I was towed through the dark tunnels, I really don''t have any strength to resist at all. I focused my eyes on the floor, observing the pebbles and cracks that I would pass by.


    Then we finally stopped, in front of me was a large wooden door.


    The door creaked open and the light escaped out of the room, illuminating the dark tunnel.


    The room was basically empty except for the podium by the center, on the floor was a drawn circle with multiple  strange symbols, at the center of the circle there was a wet red patch on ground and a couple of chains attached to the floor.


    As I was being dragged in, I looked at the right corner of the room, it was not visible earlier as the door was opened. Then I saw him, I saw Pietro. My eyes were wide open, like they were gonna pop out of their sockets. I could not describe the feeling. How could they? I never hated someone like this in my whole life. I started to convulse. With whatever strength I have left I yelled and screamed, my saliva dripped from my mouth.


    I was gnarling towards my captors like a beast. For Pietro was, Pietro was dead. He was at the corner of the room, on a mound of dead bodies. His eyes are all white, his chest was wide open, like something burst out of it. His limbs were all in the wrong places. My tears began flowing.


    What have they done to you Pietro! I keep screaming those words inside my head.


    Futile. You can call my last effort to resist futile. They bounded me to the chains in the center of the circle.


    Both of my hands and feet had a chain attached to it. As I stand in the middle of the room, I tried to break free. I applied all my might in all of my limbs, hoping the chains would break and I could bash the faces of the hooded men who stood in front of me, brandishing their wicked smiles.


    One of the hooded figures signaled the others then proceeded to stand on the podium, He opened a thick book and began reciting chants.


    The circle then started to glow red. The man continued to chant, while his companions watched. The more he spoke the brighter the circle had become.


    Pain, pain unlike I have ever felt before surged through my body. What is this? Why does it hurt so much? The clasps of the chains that were attached to each one of my limbs rattled as I trembled violently. I writhed in pain, crying in agony. The hooded men did not even flinch, showing not even a hint of emotion.


    How could they allow such a thing? How could they do this to a fellow human being? Is man really capable of such evil? The words rung through my head as I continued to be tormented by the intense pain.


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    An unfamiliar voice began speaking in my head.


    "Submit your body boy, offer it to me, and you shall have power."  With a ghastly tone.


    "You want the pain to stop right? You desire power? All the other''s gave in, why should you resist?"


    "Unfortunately they were unworthy to become my disciple, are you capable boy? could you handle it?"


    "Submit boy!"


    I was in a trance, the pain was gone and I noticed that I am no longer in the room I was in, It was like I was on a different plane of existence, and in front of me was a massive dark figure, it had no body. The only thing to note was its large red eyes glaring at me.


    "I desire revenge. I want to kill them all, that''s all I want." I replied.


    "Hahaha! Such dedication! Very well, we shall see if you are worthy to be called a disciple of the Dark God Hevris!"


    Then I was pushed back to reality. The intense pain came surging back. I bit my lip, blood leaked through the corners of my mouth. I grinded my teeth, I endured it all. My body was on the brink of breaking but still I kept my eyes straight, focused on all of them. A bright light engulfed the room.


    I lost my humanity that day. When the light dispersed, there I was seated on the center of the room. Silent, motionless.


    I can hear them rejoicing, to finally succeed after so many errors.


    So that''s what Pietro and the other''s were. Just errors.


    One of the hooded men approached me, smirking.


    Without hesitation I grabbed his throat, and with no effort I crushed his larynx.


    I can hear them shouting. I can see them panicking.


    "What''s going on!? He should be bound to us!"


    "Maybe the summoning was wrong!?" Screamed the other.


    "That can''t be! We followed everything on the book!" Said another.


    *Clink*


    The sounds of my chains breaking.


    In an Instant two of the hooded men''s heads collided with the wall, blood dripped down the stone wall. The remaining men were in awe. The last thing they were able to see before getting crushed, was my palm in between their eyes as I drove their heads through the wall.


    As I observed the room, about to leave. I once again saw Pietro''s mutilated body along with the pile of bodies .


    But I no longer feel anything. It was like my emotions were locked away. In my heart I want to grieve, I want to shout on top off my lungs. I wanted to cry for Pietro, but not a single drop of tear was shed. Not a single word was given.


    I climb the stairs towards the main hall of the mansion, as I passed by a huge mirror, I saw myself. A face I could not almost recognize, my once brown hair had turned to silver, and now instead of hazel, my eyes were blue, cold blue eyes.


    As I left the mansion. Not once did I looked back. In my mind there was nothing else that I desired than to rule over all.

 Chapter 8: Nostalgic

    Chapter 8: Nostalgic


    "To have a friend." I haven''t heard of those words in a long, long time. Garren was once again in deep thought.


    What''s this damn girl saying all of a sudden?  Didn''t I just tell her that I killed millions in the past? and I''m planning to do so once again for revenge.


    Why is she looking at me this way? To even suggest that we are friends? Seriously there''s something wrong with this girl.


    I was able to witness countless smiling faces from my subordinates before, but I know those smiles are given in order to please me, due to the fact that they fear me, trying their best to get on my good side for I am their ruler. The smile Yuna gave me reminded me of the way Nessera used to smile. Full of warmth, no trace of fear. A smile whole heartedly given.


    That''s why when she asked if are we friends. All I can muster are those words.


    "Fine, whatever. Just don''t bother me." The words from my mouth came out of nowhere.


    I regretted my answer the moment I gave it. I should have told her to leave and never come back.


    She looked so glad hearing my answer, part of me undeniably feared her character, yet some part of me also yearned to see her happy.


    Garren decided that he will leave it as it is, the girl can do what she want. If she wants to say that they''re friends, then let her, Just as long as she does not hinder his plans. Whatever makes her happy and contented.


    As for Yuna, Her face brightened the moment she heard Garren''s answer. She was allowed to become his friend. Anyone in their right mind would advise her to stay away from this boy, but it was her decision to make and she will stand by it.


    Now that the matter has been settled. Yuna wiped the tears off her face, then drank a cup of water given by Garren.


    "By the way, I know the your main reason to come here was to once again steal some weeds. Don''t worry, I had them relocated west of Nessera, I figured those weeds might come in handy one day. If you do plan to keep stealing them you should go see Vorjis, and help him cultivate those precious weeds of yours. You can''t just keep stealing them and expect nothing in exchange do you?" Garren said.


    Vorjis was one of the orc elders in the clan. What''s special about Vorjis was that he''s a very good orc shaman known for his healing skills, and vast amount of knowledge with regards to making potent potions using herbs found in the wilderness. Garren tasked him to supervise the youngsters in relocating and cultivating the herbs found on the glade to a spot of land just west of the base. The land could also provide as a space for planting their own crops to aid in adding to their food supply.


    "So Yuna, I have another job for you aside from helping Vorjis. When you get back to town I would like you to purchase seeds sold in the market for us to use in planting crops." After stating his request, Garren then pulled out the remaining coins Yuna gave him, to be used as payment for the seeds.


    "Sure! I''ll buy them tomorrow before coming here!"  Yuna replied without hesitation. It made her happy to be needed, and to be able to help Garren.


    "Garren." Yuna muttered.


    "What is it?"


    "Umm.. I know what you aim to do, but could you assure me that Hansel would be safe?"


    "Sure." In his usual cold tone.


    His answer just brought a smile on Yuna''s face, no additional words were spoken about the topic.


    After a few seconds of silence Garren spoke.


    "Follow me, I''ll show you where Vorjin is. I''m sure you can learn a lot from him."


    They both descended the tower and started to walk towards where the shaman and the younglings were tending the herbs. Upon passing some of the orc''s, Garren could hear snickers and muffled laughter from them, seeing that beside him was the previously captured girl and was following him with a flushed expression.


    Upon reaching the site, Garren called for Vorjin and introduced Yuna, then proceeded to instruct him to take Yuna as his apprentice, to teach her all the skills that he could pass, and informed that Yuna would be allowed to harvest her share of weeds that she was able to cultivate, which the old orc complied without resistance.


    Garren then left Yuna in the care of the old orc and went his way to survey the area that had already been cleared of trees, trying to determine whether the area was already good enough and if should he order the halt of cutting trees and start building walls.


    "Hmmm. Just a little bit more." Garren thought as he stood at the center of his base while observing the current borders.


    When it was about to get dark. Yuna approached him and bid farewell, but before Yuna could go, Garren called for two orc warriors who were now currently resting from cutting trees and ordered them to accompany her, and make sure to leave just before getting to town. It would certainly be a huge commotion if they would be spotted by the people of Hansel.


    Nothing special happened that night. The two orc''s who he tasked of guarding Yuna returned and no incidents were reported.


    As Garren was about to sleep, He still wondered if He had made the right choice to accept her friendship.


    ***


    The next day construction of the houses still went as planned. Majority of the orc''s no longer lived in their shanty tent''s but in sturdy wooden houses, which pleased them very much.


    His scouts once again headed out into the wilderness to explore and map the area as instructed by their warchief.


    Just before lunch Yuna came back, bringing with her the seeds Garren asked her to purchase. Vorjin was very pleased of this and started instructing younglings to prepare the soil the seeds would be planted on. Whenever Vorjin was free he would educate Yuna with regards to proper appraisal and management of specific herbs. Though Yuna was already educated by the town''s herbalist, she would often be surprised by the new knowledge the old orc shaman imparted on her.


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    Surgug also reported regular update''s regarding to Nessera current growth.


    Garren was almost satisfied by the area cleared around Nessera, but concerning his previous statement, he needed more workers, more efficient workers to be exact. Not to complain, the orc''s followed each of his commands as he had hoped, but it took them quite a while. They do have their limits. He needed a bigger work force.


    On the past Garren had acquired assistance from stone golems summoned by demon warlocks  to perform manual labor, like carrying huge chunks of rocks or trees. He could always try looking for cyclops, but remembering he slept for 400 years he''s not even sure if the giant race were still around and where to find them. Sure the orc''s could also carry big rocks, stones, and trees but it would take a lot of them to perform the task and would also take more time to do so.


    Garren just let the issue slide for now. I''ll worry about it when the time comes. He said to himself once again.


    When it got dark, Yuna was once again escorted by the two orc''s who led her home the previous day. She had learned that their names were Ormus and Gregar. She enjoyed chatting with them yesterday so she pleaded Garren to assign the same orc''s to bring her home. Garren saw no wrong in it, accepted.


    ***


    It was after two days, Garren finally decided that the increase in territory around Nassera was enough. He halted the cutting of trees and began the building of walls. The clan was already getting used to their life in Nessera and performed their tasks efficiently.


    Each morning a group of female orc''s would go to the river and fill buckets of water to store in huge wooden containers in the base to use for necessities like cooking and such.


    A group of hunter''s would check traps left in the forest for any captured prey, sometimes the hunters would encounter monster''s and slay them in order it to provide more food for clan. Garren advised a work rotation, If the orc was on hunting duty that day or gathering duty, then he would be on construction duty tomorrow, so they would all gain experience and to not feel dull with the same repetitive roles.


    Garren would casually walk around the base, his clan would greet him every time they had the chance to do so. Looking at the progress made on the fields, he was pleased. The land seemed fertile. The seeds planted previously began to sprout. Yuna was doing her best to learn from the orc shaman, and Vorjin  had also informed him that he had started teaching Yuna minor shaman healing magic.


    Garren chucked, who would have thought. A human girl learning orc magic.


    It was after lunch when the usual peaceful environment was once again filled with commotion.


    The orc scouts retured, but insted of five only two came back. One was bloodied while being carried by the other.


    Garren immediately called for Vorjin to tend to their wounds while Yuna assisted. It would provide her with good experience. He thought.


    While the unconscious orc was being carried off. Garren questioned the orc survivor.


    "Got surrounded chief.  We follow mountain path, not long we see small troll. We decide to follow troll up mountain. After following troll, troll run fast to some trees, then suddenly lot of trolls around us. Tried our best to fight, but too many and too quick. Only us two make it out." The orc summarized his experience.


    Garren dismissed the orc and ordered him to get his wounds tended.


    "It seems the troll that attacked Yuna previously was not a fluke that just happened to wander in this place randomly, they will be a problem in the future, and upon hearing the scout''s story, a bunch of troll''s setting an ambush like that. It would suggest that they have a base hidden somewhere in the Beyruit mountains, He learned the name of the place after Yuna told him previously. Most likely they would once again find their way down here to hunt."


    Troll''s unlike orc''s are more mischievous like goblins, although the mountain troll Yuna came across earlier was very strong and much more aggressive, it was just a foot soldier. Trolls are more cunning and smarter than orc''s. The big troll''s are considered as grunts while the smaller more agile one''s were the ones in command. It would seem that the larger the troll, the dumber it gets.


    Garren once again thought of a clever plan. "That''s it, the answer to my problems.  If I could get some of the big mountain troll''s, building the wall''s would be much easier. I don''t care if the smaller one''s would join my cause or not, all I need are the big ones. If their leaders would object I''ll just eliminate them and take control of the big ones."  Garren thought, displaying a wry smile.


    Unlike orc''s. He had no sure way of obtaining a troll''s loyalty and obedience. It was the cursed Lucious who he had instructed to subjugated the troll tribe''s before, to which he had done successfully. The thought made him bite his lip.


    Well whatever happens I''m not going home empty handed. Either the troll''s get eliminated or join his cause, those were the only possible options he has for their species.


    That night. Garren once again gathered the darkpath''s, and informed them about the troll situation. They were eager to avenge their fallen comrades, bloodlust in their eyes. Garren had informed them about his plan to subjugate them, although he cleared that there will be some trolls who would certainly oppose him and granted the orc''s to kill without restraint to those who were not willing to submit, Which brought cheers and smiles upon the orc''s.


    ***


    Dusk came. The sound Garren has not heard in 400 years rung in his ear once again. The nostalgic sound of war drums.

 Hiatus

Sorry was not able to update the series lately, with the holidays and such. Expect more of the chapters in the days to come. happy holidays. more power