《Second Chance》


 Chapter 001: Gods Laughter

    ¡°Lucius¡­!¡± a voice sounded from the rising steam within a crater. Hazerd struggled to come out the rubble of volcanic rock. His body spasmed from the excruciating pain enveloping his punctured lungs and blood flew from his mouth like a waterfall onto the black beard beneath it. He grit his teeth as veins popped from his face like a savage wolf, wanting to tear the enemy in front of him into pieces.


    ¡°HAZERD!¡± A piercing shout resonated within the desolate valley, enough to make everything within its vicinity tremble, and Hazerd lay before him. Lucius¡¯s face was not one whit inferior to Hazerd¡¯s, suppressing his urge to decimate him into nothingness.


    Lucius¡¯s divine gauntlet, Cerberus, lashed and whipped the ground around him, scarring it with deep incisions. His divine blade, Mephistos, hummed and crackled the air with Lucius¡¯s rumbling qi ignited within. He slowly approached Hazerd with deep breaths causing his chest and shoulders to rise and fall incessantly.


    He leaped and crashed into the crater. The loose dust and pebbles revolved around him from the materialization and circulation of his qi.


    Hazerd cracked a grin at Lucius enraged appearance. ¡°Are you furious, Lucius?¡± Hazerd screamed maniacally before cackling menacingly. ¡°Let me see more of your pathetic appearance before my death!¡±


    Lucius ignited his qi and a tornado of flames surrounded him that seemed to have grasped the heavens and reached the horizon. Hazerd wore divine armor, the highest rank given to a warrior¡¯s equipment. He was at the peak of the 5th stage, Integration, himself and even with his ignited qi circulating around him, his armor slowly crackled away, leaving him stark naked. The valley and mountains surrounding them were stained black , causing the sun to shine even more so with a blinding light upon them.


    ¡°Y-You¡¯ve reached the 6th stage, Deification!?¡± Hazerd stumbled, his voice trembling. It was impossible for a human to control this much fire essence. Their spiritual veins would have to be the size of bamboo to control that much qi and ignite it into fire essence.


    Along with his enormous amount of qi ignited, the fire essence of the world wrapped around him like a mother giving a blanket to her newborn child. Lucius¡¯s originally brown eyes became a striking red. His hair became like fire serpents and slithered in the air.


    ¡°You dare laugh in my face?¡± Lucius shouted, his eyes wide open with a dangerous glint. ¡°Hazerd!¡± Cracks emerged beneath his feet, stretching across the whole range. Lava shot out to the sky turning the blackness around them into a hell with an absent sun. The air thinned and Hazerd could barely breath, but still managed to speak. ¡°Show me your rage! Show it to me!¡±


    Lucius lunged his foot into his stomach, throwing his body into a wall of lava. ¡°Why did you do it?¡± He shouted. Hazerd¡¯s blood curdling scream resounded as his body lay suspended in the wall of lava, as if a hand caught him.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.¡°Because he¡¯s your brother.¡± Hazerd said seething, losing his wild demeanor from before. ¡°And because you killed mine!¡±


    Lucius killed so many people in his life. How could he possibly remember this expert¡¯s brother? As Lucius¡¯s tears began to flow before turning into steam in this intense heat, he grabbed the man by his head, deciding to end him, when suddenly a needle flew out of Hazerd¡¯s mouth with all his remaining qi imbued within.


    Lucius had just reached the Deification stage and did not have complete control of the world¡¯s fire essence. Before he could strengthen his guard, the needle punctured his neck. He crushed the man¡¯s skull and dropped his limp body on the scorched ground.


    He stood there within the sea of flames recounting the wars he and his brother fought in together, the day their parents died, the day he became a general, the day he wed, the day he had his first child, the day his wife died, and the day his child died. Life had been extremely cruel to the both of them, only blessing them with strength close to gods.


    Lucius did not start a family like his brother and only focused on training no matter how much his brother tried to convince him. Seeing himself progress made him happy, but as he neared the end of the road, he slowly stopped himself, scared of reaching the end. What if there was nothing beyond the mythical Deification Stage? The thought paralyzed him. He began to spend more and more time with his brother and they both enjoyed it immensely, even moreso than before. Lucius could only conclude he was lonely, as well as himself. And his brother died just like that.


    As Lucius thought this, his body became numb. ¡°S-Sky God¡¯s P-Poison¡­?¡± Lucius was shocked. This was the only poison capable of contaminating an expert at the 5th Stage, let alone someone at the mythical 6th Stage. Every expert knew about it, but no one believed it to exist because the most critical ingredient was blood from a dragon over three million years old! Who would believe such a thing considering dragons are beasts of legend?


    ¡°I-Impossible¡­ that¡­ bastard¡­ Ugh¡± Lucius fell to his knees and the walls of lava simmered and his appearance reverted back to its original form. Black rain fell onto his body as the skies darkened with thunderous cries the sun hiding behind the clouds.


    With no strength left in his body, he slowly collapsed on the ground, steam permeating from the contact with his body. The Sky God¡¯s Poison didn¡¯t instantly kill him to his surprise. It steadily sucked his strength away and Lucius gradually got more and more sleepy. Thinking of the happiness his brother gained from familial warmth, he felt that this wasn¡¯t the right path and let out a bitter laugh. In his final moments, he could only mutter with his deathly pale lips, ¡°Shit¡­ If I get another chance¡­ I¡¯ll try it your way¡­¡± As he closed his eyes, he felt his body enveloped in a warming white light from the inside out and an old man¡¯s laughter.

 Chapter 002: Alfred and Alexia

    "I heard the Ash Death is here¡­"


    "That''s just a rumor."


    "My cousin has been feeling sick lately¡­ I hope I''m not infected¡­"


    "Look, its Alfred."


    "Hmph, that woman is wasted on him."


    "Shh. He might hear you and tell Alexia. Keke"


    "Alfred! Why don''t you go die in a ditch somewhere!?"


    The rain pelted Alfred''s sluggish body on the slippery slope to his nearly demolished cottage. As he neared it with stumbling footsteps, he sneered and leaned on the front entrance slightly, but it immediately collapsed under his weight.


    "Ah!" The hinges on the door snapped and his drunken self slammed onto the dark, and dusty floor. As he picked himself up, he inhaled some of the dust bunnies into his mouth. He spit it out onto the already dirty planks of wood and looked towards the figure coming around the corner from the kitchen with heavy steps and weary eyes.


    "Alexia, you bitch! How many times have I told you to clean this place up!?" Alfred seethed with rage and veins protruded from his forehead.


    "I''m sorr-" Alexia started, but Alfred groaned at the sound of her voice, stopping her from talking. He violently looked through the nearby drawer and stomped to their room.


    "Where the hell is my money!?" Alfred strut towards her and grabbed Alexia''s wrist, squeezing with a force a husband should never handle his wife with.


    "Y-You said you wouldn''t gamble any-" Alexia started, pulling back with a slight wince.


    Before she could finish her explanation, Alfred slapped her across the face causing her to fall to her knees. Her crashing body caused a chair to tumble. She tried to get up, but her tears overwhelmed her as her eyes moistened. But that wouldn''t stop Alfred from getting what he wants.


    He took her by the collar, ready to unleash another slap upon her face.


    Alexia shuddered and gave in seeing the murderous look in Alfred''s eyes.


    "It''s under the furnace-"


    "Bitch, are you crazy?" The wild expression in Alfred''s face calmed down, but the cold aura he exuded was terrifying. She had never seen him this disheveled.


    He gambled away most of the money he stole from his family when he ran away with this servant back to her hometown. He thought he would be able to handle the peasant lifestyle, but being raised by one of the most influential families on this side of the continent, his hands were as soft as butter, never experiencing the toils of hard work.


    He was the grandchild of a butler who rescued his master''s father and aided him during his rise to power. After the butler''s death, Alfred was adopted by the master of the Renbach house, hoping he could fulfill the same role as his grandfather for his son and to repay the butler''s service to his family, a decision he regretted. He never thought the grandson of Entay the Slaughterer would be a useless and ungrateful piece of trash.


    Alexia was the only one making money in their residence, and because Alfred did not have any skills, many villagers looked down on him. Under normal circumstances, a commoner would never speak so disrespectfully to a noble or a member of a sect, but once word spread that he was disowned by the Renbach house, the commoners lost the little respect they had left for him as a man of a house. Alexia began to see an Alfred she couldn''t recognize , and never let him touch her, but she could not bear to part with their old memories together, so she never stopped supporting him and often stood up for him when the villagers mocked him. He had been refused on their wedding night, protected by his woman, and could not get a job. Unable to bear the shame, he drowned himself in brothels and gambling in town, taking out all his anger on Alexia.


    As Alfred grabbed Alexia, he saw her usually youthful skin was beginning to gray and crack near her neck.


    "You¡­ You diseased insect!" He threw her to the side of the table and the force caused her to choke on her saliva and cough incessantly. "You dare allow me to lay hands on you knowing you are infected with the Ash Death? Have you no shame!? Worthless piece of trash." He took the money from under the furnace and wiped his hands on the old curtains before leaving.


    As Alexia saw Alfred''s back, she only furrowed her eyebrows. She was naive for holding on to a foolish hope... that the old Alfred would come back. He was the only one that gave her hope. No matter how slim the chance, she wanted to be his hope this time around.


    "I¡­ I¡­ won''t give up... " Only God could only hear her teardrops in the pouring rain.


    Under the darkness of night, Alfred immediately informed the mayor and the town council. They locked her residence down that night and gave Alfred a large sum of money for his sacrifice. They also locked the borders of the town preventing any possibly diseased person from fleeing.


    The villagers were not happy with Alfred''s betrayal and set up a plan that very night, before the evacuation of the town, and a certain town councillor interrupted  them. He heard of the rumors surrounding Alfred, but never guessed them to be true. He communicated his plan to the villagers abd sent a message to an old acquaintance.


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    *****


    A WEEK LATER


    The imperial knights arrived at the town of Renlo and all the residents were orderly lined up. An imperial mage held a crystal orb and the residents placed their hands on it, one by one. If the crystal orb glowed, the person was infected. The imperial knights and the mage did not care for the Ash Death as it only affected those who did not cultivate qi or magic. Everyone here either volunteered or was forced to aid by the country. They lazily continued the examination. As Alfred''s turn neared he slapped the bag of gold coins. The jingles caused him to shudder in excitement.


    ''I''ll leave this dump of a town and that dumb.bitch and start anew. If I make a name for myself, I might even get acknowledged by the Renbach house once more. God is finally on my side for once. Hehe."


    A mother and son were previously impaled on sight, but that didn''t bother Alfred. He had barely  cultivated to the first stage, Materialzation. He didn''t know the exact requirements for avoiding the disease, but after expunging the impurities in his body with no symptoms afterwards, he knew he was safe.


    After the mother and son were impaled and the cruelty of the imperial guards was known to everyone, Alfred arrogantly stepped up to place his hands on the orb. Since there was a delay before the orb''s result could be determined, he triumphantly walked towards the imperial guards and flippantly shooed them away as he sneered. The guards were enraged, but guessed that he was a cultivator from his confidence. They reluctantly pulled their spears apart. Just as Alfred was about to pass, the orb glowed a bright red, indicating that he was infected.


    Before he could refute, the guards he disrespected simultaneously impaled him with vengeful smiles and life left his eyes. The guards took his money bag and spit near his corpse.


    "This man has a wife. May we transport his corpse to her?" A certain villager spoke up.


    "Do with him what you will." The mage said with a flip of his hand.


    "I''ll reward you handsomely." whispered a councillor from the sidelines. The mayor and council were supervising the examinations, but what power can a small town exert over the imperial army?


    "No need. But maybe a beer and a few women, Councillor Hamon? Haha." The mage said with a gentle and joking smile. He heard of this man''s injustice towards his wife and believed he had done a reputable deed.


    The councillor sighed and said, "I''m telling your wife."


    "I was only joking dad." The mage pouted like a child.


    "Haha. Behave yourself, Lobo." The councillor patted his shoulder and Lobo returned to his duties and his cold expression.


    "Next!"


    *****


    "What are you doing to him!?" Alexia screamed as a couple of men carried his corpse to her doorstep.


    "Alfred!? Alfred, wake up!" Alexia shook his lifeless body and cried desperately.


    "Treating a man of this caliber so preciously¡­ we did this for you!"


    "I never asked for you to help like this! I only wanted you guys to respect him as my husband, but you guys kept ridiculing him!"


    "Lets leave, I don''t to be near this stupid woman anymore. Ash Death might not be the only thing I get infected with if I stay here any longer."


    "You''re right. You might get her stupidity as well. Haha!"


    "Let''s leave these two. One''s trash. The other''s ungrateful. They deserve to die in each other''s arms."


    One man snorted and spit on their property, while the other coldly left without turning back, leaving the two by themselves.


    Alexia was feverish from the disease and barely had any strength, but she pulled his body into the shack and laid him on the bed.


    "I don''t believe you''ll leave me with these bitter memories. Even if you don''t respect me as your wife, I respect you as my husba-" Alexia suddenly felt a heavy wave of dizziness and fell to her knees, her body and hair strewn across the bed and Alfred''s cold body.


    A tear fell from Alfred''s lifeless eyes. Before consciousness in his soul completely faded, he heard an old man''s voice.


    "I''m planning to give your body to another soul, do you have any last words?"


    "Please treat my wife well... Please¡­"


    "That''s perfect. Haha! I planned to give "him" this body because of your wife. Are you jealous? He might steal your wife from you."


    "If she is happy with him, I will have no regrets¡­"


    "Not bad. Not bad. I won''t treat you too badly in your next reincarnation."


    "Haha¡­ Thank you..."


    God palmed the ball of light and absorbed it into his circle of life. He swayed his hand back and forth with closed eyes, before finally pulling out a ball of light that illuminated the whole town in the divine dimension. He smiled warmly and pressed the ball onto Alfred''s cold body.

 Chapter 003: I Dont Need Your Lives

    "Ughh" Lucius slowly pushed his body up. Disoriented, he scanned the decrepit room.


    "Where am I?" He took a look at his hands and he didn''t have the calluses he forged over his decades of handling Mephistos. His eyes fell upon a beautiful figure unconscious on the bed he was laying on. Before he could reach his hands out to wake and question her, he felt a lightning strike surge through his brain.


    "Kugh.. Uga" Alfred pressed his hands against his temples trying to bear the pain. But what he saw astounded him. It was a flashback of Alfred''s life. From the moment he was born to his parents cruel death as vengeance against his almighty grandfather. From his adoption to the moment he saved a peasant girl in his young teens. From his escape with said girl to his deserved death.


    The memories continued to surge forth like an endless wave until the pain finally passed. His body spasmed the whole time, but the girl had yet to awaken. In cold sweat, he took a deep breath and evaluated his situation. He didn''t know how, but it seemed God did him a favor. He furrowed his eyebrows in deep thought before finally accepting his situation. He looked at the woman''s graceful features. She wasn''t a exceptional beauty, but the kind of warmth she exuded was a warmth not inferior to a mother''s embrace.


    Lucius was not in love with this girl yet, but her loyalty towards her degenerate husband left a deep impression on him. He caressed the place Alfred slapped her and sadness and regret crumbled his cold exterior. He was angry at Alfred for treating such a woman so unjustly, but he had no where to vent his fury. The only thing he could do was make up for Alfred wrongdoings towards this woman. He grit his teeth, but seeing the woman''s face caused his fury to cease as he looked at her with gentle eyes and delicately brushed her golden bangs that hid her light freckles.


    "¡­my¡­wife¡­"


    If his brother was here, he would know that Lucius had already completely fallen for this woman at this partocular moment.


    He picked Alexia up, and carefully placed her atop his bed. He sat down beside her and entered a meditative trance.


    In his past life, his control of qi was unmatched, but he had average spiritual veins and could only hold so much qi. He could use low and mid tier ignition techniques, but high tier ignition techniques would cost him his lifeforce because his spiritual veins did not allow him to hold much qi. Not to mention the fact that without reaching the Integration Stage, the ignited qi could harm the user without precise control.


    "Early Materialization Stage¡­ Wind affinity" As Alfred examined his body, he was disappointed to find that he had only unlocked the most elementary of stages. As he looked at his spritual veins, he heaved a deep sigh.


    "His spiritual veins are below average. He''d be lucky to even use an early ignition technique and not perish from his lost of lifeforce..."


    But who was Lucius? He was the number one expert in his past life!


    "I''ll just have to directly nurture my body with qi and reach the Deification Stage as soon as possible." Alfred murmured. This was the secret to reaching the Deification Stage! But with Alfred''s talent it would take decades to reach that stage. Other cultivators had their suspicions, but directly nurturing the body with qi was ludicrous. Qi could only be held by spiritual veins. Anything else would explode from the violent energy! To control it to this degree, one with such skill would only appear every million years!


    Nurturing his body with qi would increase his senses, strengthen his body, and permanently gain the physical attributes of his affinity. In his past life, he gained fire''s explosive strength which allowed him to wield Mephisto. Once reaching the Deification Stage, he would be able to ignore the restrictions of his spiritual veins and return to his former strength by directly manipulating the wind essence of the world!


    Alfred slowly opened his eyes and looked to Alexia. She was breathing heavily and her chest rose up and down in varied breaths. Alfred ran outside of their home with hurried steps for some water. He was surprised to see villagers within the town.


    ''It seems like those who knew they were infected didn''t bother to try and get examined...'' Alfred thought. The villagers were crying for help from inside their homes. They didn''t want to die like this, but within a week the imperial guards would come again to burn down the town if there were any survivors.


    "If only I cultivated¡­" Alfred heard a homeless man murmur.


    Then Alfred had a flash of insight. He could forcefully open their spritual veins! As long as the villagers could absorb a small amount of qi and push it out, the impurities in their bodies would be pushed out along with it.


    In his previous world, all peak experts needed this ability to awaken ancient divine ranked equipment, but was rarely, if ever, used on humans! If you didn''t have the talent to open your own spiritual veins, why waste your time cultivating? Not to mention the fact that a disease like the Ash Death did not exist in Lucius''s past world!


    Alfred walked up to the old man, and he looked as if he saw a ghost. He had clearly seen Alfred''s lifeless body.


    As Alfred''s hand reached for his forehead, the man slapped it away. Even he knew Alfred''s reputation within the town.


    "Let me heal you."


    "What can a piece of trash like you do?"


    "Please, I only wish to help¡­" Alfred truly wished to help the man for giving him that flash of insight, and lowered his head.


    Seeing the serious and sincere expression on Alfred''s face, with a gentleness no one has ever shown him, he relented.


    "Hmph." the prideful old man bent forward and allowed Alfred to place his palm on his forehead.


    The old man suddenly felt a surge of power within his veins like he turned twenty years younger.


    "What did you do to me?" He asked excitedly, experiencing strange fluctuations he never felt before within his body.


    "I need you to calm your mind and take deep breaths." Alfred reprimanded. "I want you to imagine your most treasured person placing their arms around you, gently enveloping you in their warmth¡­"


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


    "Ahh" The old man didn''t have anyone, but unexpectedly he pictured a younger version of himself, when his possibilities were endless and the misfortunes of life didn''t befall him.


    "Reciprocate their affection, as much as you can." Alfred said, seeing the minuscule amount of qi he absorbed. ''Now all he needs to do is push the qi out of his body.'' Alfred thought.


    The old man cried tears looking at his younger self return his gaze with proud eyes. He returned an embrace of even greater strength.


    The old man''s body jolted and he saw black sweat and steam permeating from his pores. His fever was gone and he looked up to Alfred''s figure, outlined by the shining sun behind him, like he was a god descending to aid the town of Renlo.


    "May I have a bucket of water from the well?" Alfred pointed to the well, trying to free himself from the man''s gawking expression.


    "O-Of c-course, young master." The man readily complied and drew some water from the well into the nearest basin he could find.


    Alfred paid no heed to the way the man addressed him as he could not wait to see Alexia''s lively face once she awoke.


    "Thank you." Alfred bowed to the man in gratitude.


    "No, Findor does not deserve your words of thanks..."


    As Alfred left, the old man looked at Alfred''s straight back and clear gaze.


    ''This¡­ This is a noble...'' Remembering the indecent stories he had heard about nobles, he corrected himself.


    ''This¡­ is true nobility.'' And the old man bowed towards Alfred''s retreating figure.


    *****


    Alfred tore a piece of fabric from the clean clothes Alexia washed earlier, drenched it in water, wrung it, and placed it on her forehead delicately. She showed no signs of waking up, which worried Alfred greatly.


    The Ash Death slowly spread from her neck. At this rate, she would die within the week if he doesn''t prolong her life.


    He worriedly sat by her side the whole afternoon. At dusk, he noticed a knocking on the house.


    As he turned, he saw the bright smile of the old man as well as a crowd of about thirty men behind him with feverish, skeptical faces.


    "What is the meaning of this, Findor?" Alfred asked, his brows slightly furrowed. ''To come as a crowd in the night, could they have evil intentions?''


    "No, not at all. After experiencing your grace, I gathered other men who could use your aid. They are willing to pledge their life to you."


    "I see¡­" Alfred scanned the crowd of men. He was not a stranger to power, and would readily accept it. But he was wiser now. More power meant more attention, more problems, and most importantly, more enemies.


    Most had an air of desperation. Before he could speak again, one man could not hold it in any longer.


    "Please, help me! My only child is on the verge of death! Findor was infected and would die before us all, but he stands here healthier than I''ve ever seen him. Please, I don''t know what you did, but please save my son! I beg of you!" The man pounded his head on the dusty floor. The impact was strong enough to make the cottage shake. Following his example, the thirty men bowed and Findor gave a helpless smile towards Alfred.


    "¡­ very well. Gather all the sick in front of my home. Do not disturb me until everyone is here." Alfred informed them, then quickly added, "I do not want your lives..."


    They all did not have the option to doubt Alfred''s words and quickly bought their family in front of the run down cottage. Alfred''s gaze stayed fixed on Alexia''s expression, looking for any sign she might awaken.


    Within a couple of hours, everyone was gathered and Findor knocked on the wood of the house. As Alfred looked upon the group, his eyes landed on a prostitute he had frequently visited. She returned his gaze with a bitter smile, but his gaze shifted away from her as fast as it landed on her. As he continued to look at the group, he was glad there wasn''t anyone too young as they might not understand the early Materialization Stage. He could prolong their life by feeding qi into their bodies, but that would be the extent of his abilities.


    "Everyone line up!" Alfred said with a stern face. "I''ll awaken your spiritual veins and Findor will teach you how to absorb and push the qi out your body. Once you''ve accomplished this, the Ash Death will be expunged from your bodies as you guys reach the early Materialization Stage! Any questions?"


    Most commoners did not even understand the value of forcefully awakening spiritual veins in this particular world! Ironically, the prostitute understood the scale of what he was saying.


    "H-How is that possible?" The prostitute asked with a shaking voice.


    "Don''t worry about it." Alfred said coldly, expressing his desire to no longer associate himself with this woman. "If there aren''t anymore questions, line up!" Alfred said with a light smile.


    Everyone lined up and received Alfred''s "blessing," but they remained skeptical of his methods after hearing the prostitutes question and his vague response. However,  their doubts were dispelled within the hour.


    "D-Dad, I think I did it!" A young boy exclaimed. The black sweat drenched his clothes and he smelled himself. "Eww, gross!"


    "Congratulations." Findor replied stroking his beard.


    "M-my son... " The man cried tears of joy and looked towards Alfred. As he noticed this, he only replied back with a nod and slight smile as he usually did.


    ''Is this really the same Alfred?'' Everyone''s thoughts were in disarray, but the certainty of surviving granted to them by Alfred, made them see him in a new light and elevated his position within the remaining group of people in Renlo.


    As the night ended and everyone expressed their gratitude incessantly towards Alfred, everyone in Renlo was cured of their Ash Death, except one.

 Chapter 004: I Promise

    Alfred stayed in a meditative trance until he fell asleep from exhaustion. Forcefully awakening so many spiritual veins would usually not tire him, but this body was frail. His lean muscle mass was only for show and had no other purpose other than attracting women. His auburn hair and amber eyes gave off an exotic feel that would pique the interest of anyone. He was in his early twenties and exuded a passive aura.


    "Nn" Alexia slowly awoke from her deep slumber, her high fever gone. Her Ash Death was spreading quite fast and went from the size of a fingernail to an apple. Seeing the size at a glance she gave herself a bitter smile at her own misfortune.


    Hearing the shuffling of blankets, Alfred woke up in the chair beside the bed, startling her. He was expecting her to hate him, but she greeted him with a warm smile. The sunlight gave the edges of hair an angelic glow and her rosy cheeks came back to life.


    "I''m glad you''re okay." She spoke simply, but those words shook the depths of Alfred''s heart. He couldn''t help but cry, his cold expression crumbling as he furrowed his eyebrows and clenched his jaw. He really didn''t deserve such a woman by his side. The previous Alfred was a low life and Lucius himself wasn''t short of a slaughtering demon. He tightened his fists so hard his soft hands bled profusely on his lap. Alfred''s arms reached around her, but she closed her eyes and instinctively retreated. To her surprise, she felt Alfred''s arms circle around her back, grasping her in powerful embrace.


    "I''m sorry." Alfred''s voice shook. He didn''t know what else to say.


    "Alfred?" Alexia was surprised. She couldn''t believe it... ''Did God hear my prayers?'' She thought.


    "I''m sorry."


    "W-What are you saying-" Her eyes moistened and her body shook. ''Is it really true¡­?''


    "Don''t ever leave my side¡­ I''ll treat you well from now on¡­ so¡­"


    "¡­" Her hands clutched the cloth around Alfred''s shoulder blades as she buried her head into his chest, not wanting him to see her pitiful face.


    "¡­ I won''t ever leave you¡­" Her voice could barely come out under her muffled cries, but to Alfred those words were as loud as war drums.


    "¡­ thank you¡­" He tightened his embrace, but Alexia coughed as a result.


    "Are you okay!?" Alfred quickly let go of her, hoping not to harm the treasure God granted him. Unexpectedly, Alexia wrapped her arms around him again, unwilling to let him go.


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    "I''m okay." Alexia was still crying. God finally granted her wish. She wouldn''t let it slip from her fingers so easily. In the back of her mind, she was wondering how long this moment would last, until he would get drunk and angry at her.


    She began shuddering from those thoughts as she constantly shook her head. Alfred knew what she was worried about.


    "I''m done with drinking and gambling."


    "¡­ women too?"


    "Hmm¡­ I''ll think about it."


    Alexia played along pinching him strongly on the arm.


    "Gah!" He tried to put on a strong face, but this body was so weak, he immediately yelled in pain.


    She was so happy she chuckled softly. She couldn''t remember the last time she laughed because of Alfred. She began to think that this was all a dream and she was still unconscious.


    "You only have me." Alexia muttered.


    "I know." Alfred patted her head.


    "I''ll really leave you next time okay?"


    "There won''t be a next time. I promise."


    With those last words, she was moved to tears again. She heard him say those exact words all the time, but this time, she could tell he really meant it from the depths of his soul.


    As she lifted her head to gaze into Alfred''s eyes, she was shocked. His eyes were so clear and he had a gentle aura that was slightly stern. She could see his passion for her burning in his eyes. The Alfred she first met didn''t have this type of aura at all. It almost seemed like Alfred was a completely different¡­


    "¡­ Alexia?"


    "¡­ beautiful¡­"


    "Huh?"


    "You''re eyes."


    "Ah. Nn." Alfred did not know how to deal with this situation and his cheeks flushed with a


    bright red, but his face was still as expressionless as before with exception of his slightly furrowed eyebrows.


    Seeing the usually vain Alfred act this way, caused Alexia to blush as well.


    After a moment of awkwardness, Alfred lightly coughed to break the silence and pulled Alexia''s arms away from him.


    "Lets get you cured."


    "Huh?"

 Chapter 005: Goddess Celtia

    Alfred placed his hand on Alexia''s forehead and immediately opened her spiritual veins up without her permission.


    "What''s going-"


    "We have to hurry." Alfred was not one to waste time. He swept her from the bed and had her in his arms. ''This body should at least be able to do this much.'' He already surpassed the late Circulation Stage into a level of his own because his control of qi was impeccable. In regards to the Materialization Stage, even if he trained this body to the late stage it wouldn''t amount to much because of his puny spiritual veins. Just using an ignition technique could kill him, so he didn''t bother to unlock that stage.


    "I-I can walk by myself. You don''t have to-"


    "No. You''re weak." Alfred gave her a stern look and her face flushed a deep red. "I''ll carry you."


    "¡­Okay." She didn''t argue with him and nestled her face into his chest until it regained its original color.


    As Alfred walked into town, Alexia heard very strange things.


    "It''s Alfred!" The boy said excitedly.


    "Oi, Alfred! How goes your morning?"


    "People do change, I guess."


    "Doing something so daring in public¡­ quite the man for his age."


    "When was the last time you carried me like that, honey?"


    Alexia was utterly speechless. The people in the town greeted Alfred with genuine smiles. How could such a change happen overnight? He saw an old man come up to her and extend his hand toward her.


    "No! I''m¡­ infected. Sorry." Alexia bluntly stated, turning her head away from the man, only to see Alfred''s clear gaze.


    "This is the man that will help you. His name is Findor." When Alfred opened everyone''s spiritual veins, he was sure a few might perish from their inability to understand. But Findor, explained the feeling differently to everyone, in a way they would all understand. If he could cultivate, he could be a world class instructor! ''He should be able to explain the Materialization Stage to Alexia, if he can''t¡­'' Alfred shuddered at the thought.


    "Hello, Miss Lyasis. Follow me." Findor also didn''t waste any time. During their small interactions, he had a full grasp of Alfred''s "new" personality.


    As Alfred and Findor walked the streets, they could hear the small conversations between busy men, as they begun packing.


    "Wanna go for a round of early drinks before we leave? Its on me! Haha!"


    "Don''t be ridiculous! There are still imperial guards surrounding the town to keep us all in, but the mage is still there unless someone was left out during the examination." One man said in relief, but his wife also wanted to discipline the alcohol-loving man.


    "We have to move quick if we don''t want to get burned down along the town to kill the remnants of the virus. There are still corpses along other things that still carry the virus and we can''t bury them or the soil might get infected, losing all opportunity to return here one day."


    "Alright Alright. Sheesh. What a couple of buzzkills. You deserve each other! Hmph!"


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    The couple laughed awkwardly and continued packing with haste.


    Alfred also decided to leave, but not without curing Alexia first.


    As they walked on the deserted road, they stumbled upon a house of worship for the goddess of the kingdom, Celtia.


    "This is perfect!" Findor said. He didn''t want Alexia to feel stifled and wanted her to fully concentrate on the Materialization Stage in peace. He observed her and figured her to be that type of woman. Alfred trusted his skills, so he trusted his own intuition.


    Outside of the church stood a large marble figure that carried a large blade and was rather scantily clad in armor. Her hair looked alive and was beautifully sculpted by its creator with great care. The model seemed to be in her thirties, yet carried the aura of an ambitious youth.


    "What a beautiful work of art."


    "You never used to appreciate art, Alfred!" Alexia said excitedly.


    "I-Is that a problem?"


    "No. I''m really happy! You always used to say art was a waste of time and didn''t bring any money!" Alexia chuckled.


    "I''m glad."


    ''He''s looking at me like that again'' Alexia thought, her face burning. This really seemed like a different man altogether!


    They quickly entered the church and marveled at the sight. Renlo was by no means a rich town, but the church itself seemed to stick out like a sore thumb. The mosaics were made up of a myriad of colorful glass and changed the hue of the sunlight as it shove in. Each artwork displayed a battle of the goddess Celtia before she established the Hozart Kingdom.


    "Amazing¡­" Alfred mumbled, causing Alexia to chuckle once more in happiness. Her heart was really in heaven right now and she couldn''t ask for more. She was an orphan and Alfred was the only man she ever loved after he saved her from those bandits at a young age.


    "Let''s begin." Findor interrupted. "Please sit." He politely pointed to a nearby chair that was rather close to the pulpit. If any devout follower were here, they would surely rebuke them and not let them off easily, but the town wasn''t short of abandoned at this point.


    Alfred gently lowered her into a seat as if he was planning a rare seed.


    "Are you comfortable?"


    "Yeah. Haha." Alexia was overjoyed with his change in attitude towards art and herself. This was a dream come true. As her eyes gleamed over the countless pieces of art around the church, her eye landed on a smaller figurine of the goddess Celtia. It had an aura demure which was a stark contrast from her savage-like battle appearance. She took a moment to thank her for her grace and bowed her head towards the figure.


    "Alfred, you might distract her, so please wait outside."


    "I''ll be right outside the door. Take your time, okay?"


    "Nn."


    Findor gave a slight smile while stroking his beard.


    "Shall we begin?"

 Chapter 006: Under the Moonlight

    "What''s taking so long?" Alfred paced back and forth in front of the dazzling building. It stood three times higher than the surrounding homes, and even the mayor''s. He could see the time pass as the shadows circulated around him.


    "It''s almost dark out¡­" He looked towards the setting sun, drowning in his thoughts. He entered a meditative trance to calm his mind, but once the sun set, he couldn''t hold his angst in much longer.


    Just as he was about to open the door, Alexia and Findor stepped through the overarching entrance.


    Alfred saw his somber face, but Alexia looked as bright as usual. As Findor began to open his mouth, Alexia took a deep breath.


    "Haha. I can''t do it. Sorry, Alfred."


    "What?"


    "I''m sorry, master Alfred. We''ve been trying the whole time. I fear she will¡­"


    "I guess I don''t have any talent." She smiled bitterly while shrugging her shoulders.


    Talent? This was clearly a disability! Even commoners could reach the early Materialization Stage once their spiritual veins were forcefully awakened!


    "This isn''t fair..." He mumbled, turning his head towards the ground as he retreated backward, leaning his body onto the statue. "THIS ISN''T FAIR!" He shot his fist towards the sculpture of Celtia and it crumbled slowly as cracks sprawled across it, falling to his knees.


    "Alfred!?"


    "Master Alfred!"


    "¡­this isn''t fair at all¡­" To give him something so precious and take it away. ''God, why are you being so cruel to me?''


    "Is my life a game to you!?" The little qi he had in his spritual veins burst forth. It was sharp and full of murderous intent, scarring the ground beneath him.


    "Alfred, I''m alright. I''ve been feeling better since this morning. See?" She twirled around and her blue dress fluttered beautifully.


    Of course she would feel that way. Alfred started feeding her body his qi since she awoke! At most she would live for six more months!


    Lucius cursed Alfred! All these years he spent mistreating her, and he only gets half a year to be her husband? ''This damn ingrate!''


    He banged his head against the base of the statue, and blood flowed from his head and hands.


    "Alfred, stop!" Alexia cried. "You''re hurting yourself."


    Seeing her words unheard and the puddle of blood accumulating on the floor, her heart cried.


    "Please!" Alexia screamed.


    Alfred''s eyes widened at her voice.


    "Alexia¡­"


    "Please stop hurting yourself." She could barely hold her tears in and covered her mouth to muffle her voice.


    "Master Alfred, I must get going." He felt regretful towards this matter. He felt this was the only way to repay Alfred and he failed his task. He hung his head low, waiting for Alfred''s anger to flare at him.


    "You may leave." Alfred didn''t bother to turn his body to send out Findor. His heart was in disarray.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Momentarily stunned by Alfred''s response, he quickly regained his composure.


    "I hope we meet again, master Alfred." Findor quietly walked away with a heavy heart. There wasn''t much time left until the town is burned to the ground. He could only regretfully leave as there was nothing else he could do to help Alexia.


    Akexia looked to Findor''s direction until he could no longer be seen under the darkness.


    "Let''s go home." Alexia said with a beaming smile that seemed to illuminate the night.


    Alfred looked around Renlo. It seemed to be a ghost town at this point. Not a single soul could be seen or heard in the distance.


    There was only the two of them and Alfred had long calmed down. He grunted and plastered his body across the rugged ground. Alexia politely sat next to him, dirtying her beautiful blue dress.


    He looked up at the stars, the small lights that decorated the sky. Before long, Alexia also looked at the stars and closed her eyes.


    "What are you doing?"


    "I''m thanking Celtia for giving you to me."


    "Hmph."


    "Haha. Don''t be like that. We would have never met if she didn''t wish it."


    "She''s taking you away from me."


    "Maybe she''s making the time we spend more precious?"


    "¡­I don''t want to talk about God." Alfred slowly raised himself from the ground and dusted his clothes.


    "¡­Let''s go home."


    "After I finish praying." She clasped her hands and Alfred patiently waited by her side. She sniffled and sneezed after a breeze blew past her.


    "Its getting cold. This isn''t good for your health." Alfred reprimanded.


    "It''s okay. I''m done."


    "What did you pray about?"


    "I thought you didn''t want to talk about God?"


    "This is about you."


    "I asked him to let me live the rest of my days without worry with you by my side."


    "¡­"


    "Haha. You said you wanted to hear-"


    "I''ll protect you, forever."


    "¡­" Alexia could feel his arms reaching around her, pulling her close.


    "And I''ll never leave you..."


    Under the glistening moonlight, Alfred''s clear gaze was mesmerizing. His blunt reply and fixed gaze really made her speechless. His domineering posture wasn''t inferior to Celtia''s sculpture and the moonlight outlined his lean figure and manly traits.


    His embrace was comforting. But she wanted more. More of Alfred¡­ All of him.


    She mustered up her courage and moved Alfred''s hand to her bottom and pressed her chest against his.


    "Is it okay?" Alfred wasn''t an idiot. He knew what Alexia wanted. But Alexia wasnt someone he wanted to coerce into having sex with him.


    "¡­ I trust you."


    And two bodies shared their warmth under the moonlight.

 Chapter 007: Art Room

    Alfred caressed the ring on his finger. He felt very troubled, but tried not to show his worries to Alexia. She was definitely holding in her emotions. No one could possibly be calm towards a painful, inevitable death.


    The Ash Death begins by toning the skin a sandy gray, miniature cracks forming until the body becomes completely solidified like a statue, ending their life. With time, the body becomes brittle and turns into dust with the slightest force, their ashes flowing to the wind.


    Chills ran through Alfred''s spine. "I have to do something about this!"


    "I''m back!" Alexia went through the door Alfred fixed in the morning carrying a large load of laundry in a basket. Alfred quickly met her and took the basket from her hands.


    "Don''t strain yourself."


    "What are you saying? I''ve never felt better!"


    "¡­"


    "C''mon, don''t look at me like that. Haha. Would I keep anything from you?"


    A pang of guilt filled Alfred''s heart.


    "Let''s go to the mayor''s art room."


    "You want to paint?"


    "I want you to paint! You never told me you were so good!"


    Over the past few days, they traveled all across the town. There wasn''t a place within Renlo left that she wanted to go, except the mayor''s art room. If he tried to bring her out of Renlo, she would vehemently refuse, not wanting to infect others with the Ash Death.


    Most of the priceless pieces were taken with the mayor to his other residence a few towns over, within the Vermillion City, which also housed the Renbach house. But the room was still decorated with the mayor''s less important pieces.


    They left the house hand in hand. The town was deathly quiet, but they enjoyed having the whole town to themselves. As long as they had each other, they wouldn''t feel lonely.


    Alfred clenched Alexia''s hand. ''They''ll come anyday now.'' Alfred thought, giving the empty road and horizon a sideways glance.


    Alexia pulled at Alfred''s hand, hurrying him to come over.


    The mayor''s house was truly extravagant, but could not compare to the church''s gaudy  exterior.


    As they entered, the scent of dry paint and clay filled the air. Unfinished pieces of work were strewn across the room and a small window at the top illuminated a special sitting area for lighting around this time of the day. Another large window near the rear of the room allowed a lot more sunlight to enter the room and the dust twinkled. Alexia took a deep breath and finally mustered up the courage to ask what''s been in her heart since yesterday.


    "I want you to paint me."


    "Hm?"


    "I have always wanted to be the model in an art piece, even though my looks are a bit lacking. Haha."


    Alfred knew this was probably something Alexia wanted to do before she died. How could he refuse her?


    "Sit down." Alfred said stoically, but in his heart was he wanted to express his undying love for her. Six months wasn''t enough time.


    Alexia slowly sat down with grace, politely folding her hands over each other and placing them on her lap. She wore her usual blue dress, except her hair was braided. She seemed to be specially prepared for this. Alexia even practiced a cold expression like most models.


    Seeing her acting like this, Alfred slowly sat down on a chair and prepared a paintbrush. As he looked past the canvas, Alexia''s cold expression turned to her usual slight smile when they''re eyes met and she deeply bowed towards him before reverting back. Alfred thought of how he saw Alexia in his mind and his hand started to move on its own. He recounted all the traits he held highly in her. ''Loyalty, compassion, kindness...''


    Before he realized it, it was already dusk. And Alexia already fell asleep. Alfred felt like he was in a meditative trance while painting, he didn''t even realize he finished. He turned his gaze from Alexia to the painting and his eyes widened.


    "This is¡­"


    He painted her just as she sat, but everything else was completely different! She was dressed in a knights uniform similar to Celtia''s battle armor and had a small shield placed between her hand and lap. Her legs tilted to the side with her usual gentle smile. The dreary art room became a meadow-like scape that was endless and the sunlight seemed too gather around her. Alexia wasn''t an astounding beauty, but this painting gave her an aura that wouldn''t be inferior to many depictions of the goddess Celtia by grandmasters in the arts!


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    What was most surprising to Alfred is that he drew himself in the picture! Not Alfred''s appearance, but Lucius''s!


    Alexia who only had eyes for Alfred, and Lucius who only had eyes for Alexia.


    "Hmph!" Alfred coldly draped the painting and promptly found a new canvas. ''What nonsense.''


    Alfred hastily recalled Alexia''s original pose and drew it perfectly onto the canvas.


    As the sun rose, Alexia had awoken. She didn''t see Alfred and quickly grew restless. As she saw him in a corner sleeping, her heart finally uneased.


    Alfred was in a meditative trance and as Alexia approached him he opened his eyes and returned her beaming smile.


    "Morning"


    "Good morning."


    "Did you finish?" Alexia asked excitedly.


    "Nn." Alfred sat up and walked towards the painting she wanted. He unveiled it, and her eyes widened.


    "This is perfect!"


    "I''m glad you like it."


    Alexia marveled at the painting for a long time, her eyes glistening. She clutched the painting to her chest, holding back her tears.


    "I feel so self-centered for wanting this. Haha."


    "Not at all."


    "I''m sorry for bothering you over this, Alfred."


    "It''s not a bother at all!" Alfred said with a stern voice. "You think I wouldn''t even do this much for you?" He was furious! Alexia has rarely ever asked anything of him, always doing everything on her own!


    "¡­okay." Alexia flushed red, hiding her face behind the painting. ''He''s like a completely different person¡­'' Alexia thought.


    "Let''s go." Alfred grabbed her wrist forcefully.


    "W-Wait!" Alexia tripped on the long drapes of a painting that wrapped around her feet as she turned around to look towards Alfred.


    As Alexia looked towards the uncovered painting, her heart almost stopped, not because of her appearance, but because of the man staring endearingly at her!


    "¡­ Who is that?"


    "Just some guy I drew from my imagination."


    But the current Alfred would never draw another man in a painting with her, at least that was impression he gave off. More importantly, both the wedding rings were colored gold and the eyes of both figures were the highlight in the painting! As the man''s eyes looked strikingly familiar to how Alfred usually gazed at her. The man''s cold, yet passionate exterior and appearance was very similar to the current Alfred''s countenance!


    "But he has your wedding ring on." Alexia said. The painting was extremely detailed and she could make out the engraving on the ring.


    "Its nothing, really." Alfred turned away trying to pull her away from the painting. ''I should have burned it! Why did I cover it up? Did I want her to see it in the depths of my heart?''


    "Alfred, what''s going on? You''re acting strange." Alexia asked worryingly.


    "I¡­"


    Alexia reluctantly revealed an understanding expression. As far as she was concerned, she wouldn''t live past the week, and really did not want to strain their relationship. Alfred was the only person she had. If she lost him¡­"If you don''t want to talk about it, I under-"


    "NO!"


    "Alfred¡­" Even though she asked, she was very reluctant to hear it. For Alfred to struggle to tell her this much¡­ even she began to fear the what Alfred would say.


    "¡­ I¡­I''m not¡­ A-Alfred."


    "¡­what?"


    "BOOM!"


    Large shockwaves blew the windows in, causing a typhoon of shards to fly about destroying most of the art pieces around them.


    "ALEXIA, GET DOWN!"


    "Eh?"


    Alfred covered her body, the shards swiftly approaching.

 Chapter 008: No Living Witnesses

    Alfred was already in a realm of his own in the Circulation stage. He pushed a small amount of qi out of his body and made it revolve around him rapidly.


    Most cultivators qi looked like solid, cold air. But Alfred''s qi spun around him like threads. He didn''t have qi to waste, so he used every bit as efficiently as possible. Each thread accurately hit a shard of glass, either deflecting or breaking it, but not a single one went untouched. If he had more qi to fed into his body, he would have been able to break each shard, but he had given most if his qi to Alexia''s body, leaving less for him to absorb.


    As the dust from the thrashed room settled, Alexia slowly held her head up.


    "The paintings¡­"


    "Alexia, I have to protect this place."


    "?"


    "If you don''t want to leave in fear of infecting others, where are we going to sleep?"


    "We can-"


    "I won''t allow you to sleep in the forest."


    "¡­"


    Alfred was deep in thought! If he tried to convince the imperial guards to not burn their home, they might attack and he won''t be able to keep Alexia safe. But if he were to go alone, who would protect Alexia?


    Since their home is at the outer edge of town itself, there was no possibility of enemies approaching from behind. As long as he could get Alexia to the cottage safely, he was confident in his ability to protect the front, but Alexia would witness him slaughtering countless people! This situation was giving him a headache!


    Alfred heard two figures approaching nonchalantly through the front entrance. His senses were heightened considerably.


    "Alexia, don''t make a sound."


    "What are you going to do?"


    "¡­"


    "You can''t possibly be thinking of-"


    "I have no choice but to-"


    "You can''t! I won''t allow it! What if you get hurt?" In Alexia''s mind, Alfred was still a weak person!


    "I''ll be fine, butI need you to stay in the mayor''s basement. You''ll be safe there." Against her futile struggle, Alfred roughly pushed her in and locked the basement door. Her moistened eyes almost made him lose his willpower to do! But he slowly pulled the door.


    "I''m sorry." Alfred cold glare before he completely shut the door sent chills down her spine and made her uneasy.


    ****


    "You really think the mayor wouldn''t take all his art pieces with him?" Marv said with a sneer. He had black hair and looked to be a child, but his eyes held a hint of maturity that could only be gained by experiencing the world..


    "Trust me, brother. Have I ever been wrong?" Joseph said with a confident smile.


    "Plenty of times."


    "Ugh¡­" Joseph''s  blonde hair and blue eyes were a common combination. He looked to be a little older than Marv, but his facial features were still childish. His eyes were clear like an ocean, but held a deep excitement!


    "Hurry up. Your friend told us the captain of the squad might come here to get his father''s possessions. Remember?"


    "That''s the spirit! Us brothers have to stick together!" Joseph strongly hit Marv''s back with a conniving smile, continuing forward.


    "What a pain." Marv said, exhaling a deep breath.


    As they marched ahead, through the halls of the mayor''s halls, they felt an ominous presence.


    "Doesn''t it feel like we''re being¡­ watched?" Marv said cautiously, looking for any sudden movements. ''But it''s still light out, there aren''t any shadows to blend in...'' He thought.


    "You''re thinking too much. Big bro will buy you a candied apple before we go back to the Renbach House." He whispered. Even he felt off, but if he didn''t want his little brother to panic.


    "What are you kids doing here?" Alfred said, taking a quick glance at Marv. ''This kid is not ordinary. To vaguely sense my presence at a such a young age¡­the other one as well... Early Materialization Stage maybe?''


    "Honorable expert, we just want a few paintings to sell for money." Joseph hurriedly said, bowing deeply. He motioned towards Marv to bow as well, but he ended up crossing his arms!


    Alfred was amused by these youngsters and advised them. They didn''t seem to know what they we''re getting into and they resembled him and his brother when they were children. ''Ugh. We''re we this much trouble when we were children as well?'' Alfred took a deep breath and warned them extensively.


    "These artworks belong to mayor Hamon. If you plan to sell them on the black market unnoticed, you''ll regret it. Leave and don''t come back." Alfred tossed them a bag of gold coins, giving them a death glare before the bag covered their field of vision.


    By the time the young boys had returned their gaze from the coins to Alfred, he was already gone.


    "Big bro, that guy is strong¡­ I heard the guy that got disowned by the Renbach house years ago had red hair and that he lived in this town."


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    "Shh. We''re not supposed to speak his name. Remember?" Joseph whispered. He recently became a servant of the Renbach house along with his sworn brother, and quickly became informed of the family''s situation, especially Alfred as he was the topic of most gossip between the female servants.


    With the Ash Death outbreak in Renlo, his death by an imperial guard was known by the heads of the Renbach house! But how could this information escape Joseph? He and his sworn brother had infiltrated the Renbach house to gather information! But they wouldn''t waste an opportunity to make extra money, especially Joseph, which led them to Renlo.


    ''Not many people have red hair... But wasn''t he killed by a guard because he was infected? More importantly, wasn''t he a spineless weakling?'' Joseph thought. Thinking of the stare Alfred had given him, he broke into a cold sweat.


    "Let''s go. That guy''s dangerous." Marv said with a cold glint in his eyes.


    "Nn."


    Joseph and Marv ran out the building and saw the guards coming towards the mayor''s home.


    "Quick, hide!" Joseph instructed Marv, following closely behind.


    *****


    "What do we do about those little rats, Lobo?"


    "Let them go. However, if any of my father''s pieces are missing, make sure to cut off each of their hands."


    "Yes, sir!" Uro said, licking his lips. ''Its been a long time since I''ve heard a child''s curdling scream¡­ Keke. I''ll steal one of the pieces myself!'' Uro thought.


    They didn''t bother to lower their voices, and the boys clearly heard what they said!


    Lobo and over fifty imperial guards approached the front entrance, but unexpectedly a lean figure came out the extravagant door.


    Alfred was shocked to see the devastation of the town. The flames were fanned to the east and bellowed violently, causing the fire to spread even further. His eyebrows furrowed as he could see smoke coming from the direction of his desolate home.


    "Who the fuck do you think you are to enter-" A guard began, raising his voice at the mysterious man.


    "Silence." Lobo raised his hand and the guard immediately shut his mouth in fear. "How did you survive? I clearly saw your lifeless body."


    "My wife and I will be living here from now on. Leave." Alfred said ignoring his question and putting his hand over the hilt of a sword he pillaged from the mayor''s private collection. Alfred decided that with the destruction of their cottage, he would make the mayor''s home their permanent residence.


    "Hoh. It seems escaping death has given you baseless courage. Uro, take care of him." Lobo said, snapping his fingers.


    "I''ll take care of your wife. Keke." Uro swung his spear around and stamped it onto the ground in a show of force, but Alfred was unaffected. "This time, I''ll make sure you drop dead." He cursed.


    Alfred recognized this guards as one of the two that impaled him, but he wouldn''t put them in his eyes.


    "Hmph. She''s not interested in murderers." Alfred said pulling the sword from its sheath.


    "Then why do you draw your sword? Are you gonna kill me? Won''t your wife be unhappy when she hears of this? Haha!" The remaining guards also joined in on the laughter, mocking the man with red hair.


    "There won''t be any living witnesses to tell the tale."


    "Huh?" A flash of light entered his field of vision and Uro stared at the sky, feeling great weight lifted off his shoulders.


    His head fell to the ground and rolled towards Lobo as his body kneeled before Alfred.


    One swing!


    Dark lines filled Lobo''s face. He turned to Alfred, his anger past its boiling point, but Alfred didn''t even return his gaze. He was inspecting the quality of the blade!


    Uro was the vice captain of his squad! For him to be killed by the useless trash of the Renbach house, his squad would lose face and become a laughing stock!


    "Kill him!"


    The previously shaken guards regained their confidence. If they couldn''t overwhelm him with individual strength, they would overwhelm him with numbers.


    Alfred swiftly ran away from the mayor''s house before giving them the chance to surround him.


    His first priority was Alexia''s safety and he didn''t want dead bodies to litter the ground of their new home.


    *****


    "Brother, what should we do?" Marv asked worryingly.


    "I''m¡­ I''m going to help him!" Joseph passed the bag of coins to Marv and rushed in their direction.


    "Brother, don''t!"


    "A man always repays his favors! Don''t worry about me, just stay here until I come back."


    "¡­" As Marv saw Joseph''s back disappear into the distance, he clutched the bag and grit his teeth, secretly following his brother with silent steps.


    ''What type of man leaves his brother behind!?''

 Chapter 009: Monster

    Alfred ran through the village, past his burning home into the dense foliage of the surrounding forest.


    "Damn, how the hell is he so fast!?" The leading soldier yelled.


    "Tch." Even Lobo was growing impatient as rain drizzled and darkness began to engulf the forest.


    Alfred absorbed the wind essence of the world, increasing his natural speed by leaps and bounds.


    It didn''t take long for Alfred''s steps to be drowned out by the sound of heavy rain and rustling leaves.


    "Fuck!" Lobo was unable to keep his composure! If he left this man alive after killing his vice captain in front of him, he would forever lose face!


    "A rat seems to be following us, captain Lobo." A guard said, interrupting Lobo''s thoughts.


    ''Keke. It could only be one of them. God is on my side it seems!'' Lobo thought, a relaxing smile stretching across his face. "It was a rather good decision I didn''t kill them, don''t you think?"


    "Of course, captain." The guard replied.


    "Capture him!" Lobo ordered after stretching and letting out a deep sigh, afterall he was still a mage, stamina was not one of his strengths. One of the guards flashed towards the bushes and grabbed a boy by the collar.


    "Let me go!" Joseph screamed as he struggled to escape the guards grasp.


    "You''re pretty strong to keep up with us, kid!"


    Joseph spat into the guards face and sneered. "I don''t need your compliments!"


    "Shitty brat!" The guard smashed his small body into a nearby tree and the boy coughed a spurt of blood.


    "Hand him over." Lobo commanded.


    "Of course, captain. Here."


    "Now," Lobo glanced into the surrounding darkness, "Show yourself, traitor. I will execute you on charges of treason against the kingdom for disrupting the king''s army. Otherwise," Lobo slowly pulled a knife from his robe and placed the edge an inch from Joseph''s eye. "I''ll blind this boy."


    "Let go of my big brother!" Marv shouted, holding a sharpened stick and charging towards Lobo.


    "What are you doing here, idiot!? Run! NOW!"


    "Hoh, things just keep getting better! Grab him!" His eyes sparkled at his good fortune. ''Lets see how heartless you are!''


    "Yes, sir!" Another guard quickly smacked Marv and crushed the sharpened stick beneath his steel boots, before grabbing him by the collar as well. His face began to swell and a line of blood flowed from his mouth.


    "Brother, I''m sorry. I only caused more trouble." Marv said with a bitter smile.


    "Don''t touch him!" Joseph cried.


    "Still not going to come out?" Lobo touted the area, giving a sidelong glance in every direction.


    "What should we do, captain Lobo? He doesn''t seem to be here."


    "Hmph. Mutilate the older one." Lobo tossed the child to the soldier. He didn''t want to dirty his hands.


    "Yes, sir!"


    "NOOOOO!" Joseph struggled with all his might, before the soldier knocked him out cold with a chop to his neck.


    "Too noisy." The soldier grumbled.


    "LEAVE HIM ALO-"


    "This one too. Keke." Another guard added, quickly silencing the other child.


    "GAAAHH!" The guards holding the children simultaneous screamed, feeling the stump of what''s left of their hands.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it."Surround him, quickly!" Lobo shouted at the top of his lungs. ''I''ll make you beg for your life!'' The rest of the guards immediately reacted and encircled him.


    "You won''t escape this time, piece of trash." Lobo sneered.


    "I don''t plan to." Alfred had long abandoned the lone sword. He held one long spear in each hand from the guards he maimed. He proceeded to draw a small circle on the ground, encircling him and the boys inside.


    "I will not move from here."


    "Keke. Its too late to beg for your life now!


    "You seem to misunderstand. I do not need to move from this spot to kill all of you."


    How much shame would Lobo bear today? He grit his teeth to the point of breaking and pumping veins protruded from his temple. The other guards were angered by Alfred''s words, readying their weapons without the captain''s orders.


    "Get him!"


    One guard approached from his back, and cut down diagonally, but Alfred parried his blow and thrust the spear into his neck. His body went limp and Alfred casually swung it out, ripping half the man''s neck off.


    Terrifying¡­


    The guards thought unanimously. ''He didn''t break eye contact with the captain in front of him and expertly handled a two-handed spear with one hand!'' This man was simply too monstrous.


    Many of the guards that were eager to approach quickly began to rethink their movement and retreated from the small circle.


    "What can one man do against the 57th squad of the imperial army?! Get him!"


    A surge of confidence rippled through the crowd of guards.


    "Oooooo!" The guards rushed the small encirclement, their weapons and voices raised high.


    "Fools." Alfred coldly stated.


    The dark spears danced in a whirlwind of blood within the storm and the ground became a grimy red with the blood of the soldiers. His qi always cut through his opponents despite the small amount he used, leaving them to die with a look of puzzlement as they met their deaths.


    No openings!


    Every strike that entered his encirclement was parried, the attacker dealt a blow before their lifeless body crumbled to the muddy surface beneath them. He would sometimes sweep the guards to prevent their bodies from piling up at any particular point to not deter them from their mindless charge.


    Lobo''s face gradually turned darker and darker as his men diminished at an increasing rate.


    ''T-Too strong!'' Lobo thought. ''I didn''t expect his strength to be this overwhelming! I need to think of a new plan! Fast! Before-''


    "What are you waiting for?"


    "Huh?" Lobo didn''t understand what was happening. His mine went blank. Where did subordinates go? ''Why is it so quiet?''


    "You are the only one remaining."


    Lobo looked around and his heart stopped, afraid to breath in front of the monster he had offended. A sea of blood and corpses lay before him, the perpetrator looking at him like prey, his amber eyes glistening in the darkness.


    "Do you know what you''ve done!?" Lobo laughed hysterically, sure his end coming. He began to materialize his qi, ready to use an ignition technique.


    "Too slow."


    Lobo witnessed a flash of light as his consciousness faded.


    "And I don''t care."