《The One Who Stands at the Top》


 Prologue ( why does this need to be atleast 10 characters long)

    Hi, guys. Please share thoughts, suggestions, corrections, and predictions.


    I will try to make this journey a fun one.


    --


    Prologue


    Four trillions of years, many creatures came into existence. Wanting to survive, the creatures fought and devoured each other.


    After surviving many fights, many of the creatures came to a realization. There are two types of creatures in their world. The strong, and the weak.


    The strong devour the weak.


    With their knew found knowledge, they became wary. Wary of the beings that are able to defeat them. As a result, they also realized, there is someone stronger than them.


    They were fustrated, that they would someday meet someone stronger then them. To die, a pointless death.


    Countless years passed, with creatures struggling to survive. Many began to ponder, to find another way to survive. Is their only one way of survival in this world?


    Afraid, many creatures gave up, and searched for another path. A path even the weak could take, in order to survive.


    As weak creatures, they were inferior in combat with a stronger being. Of course, the one that wins, dont emerge victorious unscatched. The winner and loser both have their own level of strength, the one with the higher level of strength wins.


    Knowing this, the weak creatures began to look for away that would increase their fighting power. In the process, many of the weak creatures watched other creatures fight.


    If a creature won, the creature is killed by another. They realized, even if they are strong, they have their limits. They cannot continuously fight others.


    A few more years passed, and one of the creatures had an idea.


    What if the weak grouped up, to defeat the creatures stronger than them? The stronger creature would not be able to fight off all the attackers. Grouped, their strength combines, and mulitplies.


    Immediately, after the idea, many weak creatures began forming groups to fight others. Countless weak creatures stood together, and formed the very first community.


    With their new found knowledge, the power struggle became easier for many. Thousands of years passed, and the creatures gathered an immense amount of knowledge.


    Using the gathered knowledge, they improved their way of living. Homes were constructed. Weapons were being developed. A heirarchy was established.


    In the following years, the creatures lived in peace. They were able to drive out their fear of dying. The weak grew in number.


    During a certain time in history, other beings came into existence. Races were created.


    The races did not coexist, and fought each other.  With constant warfare, the numbers of the races dwindled. Not wanting to die out, they proposed a deal. They made treaties, to stop warfare and live in peace.


    With the new found peace, the creatures advanced. New ways of aquiring means of survival came into existence.


    Currency was developed, and jobs were given.


    Even though the races found peace, it wasn''t permanent. Violence was always around. Your home might be peaceful, but somewhere in the world, a family might be longing for peace.


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


    Since the beginning of their existence, all the races were always wary. Wary of the beings that truly stood at the top. Beings that they couldn''t overcome with numbers.


    The ones that truly stood at the top, were few in number. They eventually increased, as time passed. Each one of them, lived their own lives. Be it, a life of violence, or a life of peace.


    The world might not be as chaotic as it was, but chaos still roamed the world, with a smile as bright as ever.


    Chaos never truly left the world.


    Past events of creatures struggling for supremecy, were taught to the young ones. The past became a memory, and memories became legends.


    The struggle for power never truly ended. If you look hard enough, or think hard enough, you will realize the constant struggle of power that are taking place in the world.


    Royals, and nobles struggled for power. Neighboring countries, struggled for power. Individual people,and groups, struggled for power.


    With power, many opportunities arise.


    Many predicaments came into place, and ignited the passion, and longing, for power, inside others.


    Poverty. Glory. Thrill.


    As the struggle for power continued, many systems were created. For people that wished to test themselves, and improve, guilds were created.


    A guild was a department that managed ''adventurers''. Adventurers are individuals renown for their courage. They fought threats, saving countries, and people. They challenged themselves, constantly. Dreaming, that one day, they too, will reach the top.


    The military was also created, for those that wished to protect their loved ones with their strength.


    One might ask, what is the point of being strong? Can''t we all just live in peace? What is at the top? Fame, glory, or even self satisfication? What do you gain from being at the top?


    Everyone has their reasons. Every goal, is fueled by something.


    I want to protect my loved ones.


    I want to feel the thrill of fighting strong people.


    I don''t want to kneel before anyone.


    I''m bored.


    I want to change the world


    I want to unite the people.


    I want to stand up for the weak, and protect them.


    I want to live the dream.


    Glory, awaits.


    I want to carry out my revenge.


    I won''t forgive those that wrong us.


    If you become strong, there is a higher chance of being able to achieve your goals. A few make it. Many, do not.


    Would you risk your life to become strong? If so, why do you want to become strong?


    A certain woman replied, "The thrill of fighting with your life on the line. The joy of meeting new people, making friends."


    A wide smile appeared on her face. "They know, all them know."


    She averted her gaze and stared at the table, with a nostalgic gaze. "The memories we make, the emotions we feel, and the experience we gain."


    She raised her head, and stared at the being that asked her the question, with resolute eyes.


    "It''s fun."

 Chapter 1

    Time to eat. So hungry.


    Chapter 1


    Chirping birds, sprung from the branches of the lush, green trees of the Forest of Beasts. Fluttering their wings, as they glided across the sky.


    Beneath the lush trees, near the entrance of the forest, a female swordsman could be seen.


    She spent her time, casually walking among the plants and animals of the forest. A sword, sheathed in a black scabbard, layed on her waist. Her black eyes, were constantly darting around, looking for signs of danger.


    Judging that there were no threats, she leaned against one of the trees. With her pristine white hands, she pulled out a leather bag full of water. Rosy pink lips, kissed the tip of the leather bag, sipping the water contained inside.


    Satisfied, she let out a sigh.


    The sudden smell of cooking meat, abruptly invaded her nose. Following the scent, she found a young adventerur cooking Great Tortoise meat.


    Noticing her presence, the adventurer stood up, and reached for his weapon. The female swordsman gazed back and forth, from the cooking meat, to the battle ready adventurer.


    Not wanting to alarm him, she stepped out from behind a tree, with her hands up. A bit of drool escaped her lips.


    Noticing the transparent liquid rolling down her chin, he lowered his guard and sat down.


    ---


    "So, you were just hungry? I thought you were a bandit." The adventurer spoke, while examining the cooking food.


    Not sure of what to say, I just nodded.


    My long, black hair, bounced as I did.


    I sat down, my legs crossed, next to the adventurer. My eyes never left the meat of the black tortoise, that was impaled by a long- wooden stick.


    "Hey, I call the left side. The left side is always the tastiest." The adventurer spoke, with a watery mouth.


    Again, I nodded, in response.


    The adventurer seemed to be examining me. After a short while, he gave a nod of approval.


    "You''re a warrior? It is rare to find female warriors. Since they tend to become mages or archers."


    That was true, females didn''t want to become warriors. They preferred mage or archers, not confident in their physical strength.


    "I''m a swordsman, not a warrior." I replied.


    "Huh, aren''t they the same?"


    "..., no. A warrior, focuses on their endurance, and strength. A swordsman, focuses on many things." I said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.


    Hearing my explanation, his eyes widen.


    "Really? I always thought they were the same thing. By the way, I''m Aaron, an adventurer. I''m ranked S." He proudly stated.


    The achievement, and performance, of an adventurer is used to measure the ability of an adventurer. Adventurer ranks are, from lowest to highest, E, D, C, B, A, S, and X.


    "I''m Adira, one of the something. I forgot."


    In the past, I held a rank in a certain ranking system. I don''t really remeber what it was.


    "Oh? Both our names start with an A. Isn''t that cool" He spoke.


    The aroma of fully cooked black tortoise meat filled the area. The meat atop the fire, was fully cooked, and ready to eat. The oil from the meat simmered, as it glided down, and dropped onto the fire.


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    We grabbed a chunk of the juicy black tortoise meat and started to eat.


    Even while eating, Aaron seemed to talk, alot.


    "So, what were you doing, out here. It''s dangerous."


    The Forest of Beasts, was a dangerous forest. It''s danger level was B. The forest is filled, with monsters ranging from ranks C to A. If unprepared, or if you lacked the ability, your life would be forfeit.


    But, in my case, it wouldn''t matter. Afterall, the monsters in the forest are not strong enough to threaten me.


    "Meh, the monsters are not that bad."


    My nonchalant reply, caused Aaron to raise a brow.


    "Hey," I spoke. "Where''s the Gressant tournament going to be held?"


    "It should be at the capital city, Onion. Are you going to apply?"


    "Maybe."


    He seemed to curious, as he kept on staring at me, as we ate. He looked at me with suspicious eyes. I wonder what''s wrong?


    -


    Aaron was deep in thought, ''Did she say the monsters of The Forest of Beasts were meh? She also treated the tournament as if it wasn''t much of a deal. Wonder if that''s just how she is.''


    His thoughts, were interrupted, by an ear curdling scream. A giant 10 meter tall monster, with gleaming red eyes, and black fur, approached.


    The monster was called, Black Tyrant. It was a level A ranked monster. It''s thick fur, acts as armor, and was as tough as steel.


    "Shi-" Before I could even speak, the bear was cut in half, and a soft clink sound came from Adira''s waste.


    When I turned to look at her, Adira, was munching on the right leg of the Black Tortoise.


    I sat in disbelief, how did she kill the black tyrant so fast? More importantly, how did she cut through the tyrants fur, so easily?


    Many questions popped up in my head, but I couldn''t muster enough strength to speak. I just silently nibbled on my food.


    With a low yawn, Adira stretched her arms, and back, before laying down near a few feat from the campfire. She used her right arm, as a pillow, and closed her eyes.


    Aaron couldn''t help but stare at her, and be captivated my her beauty.


    ''Truly, a beautiful female warrior is the best. A nice fit body, and a beautiful face to match. Nice! Oops, i I meant swordsman. But..., who is she really. She''s so... powerful. Even I, who is ranked S, couldn''t react to the speed of her strike.'' Aaron had a serious expression, as he was lost in his thoughts.


    With a smile, Aaron thought, "Oh well, I''ll just ask her later. Hehe, for now, I''m going to finish eating the Tortoise meat."


    When Aaron turned, to grab another piece of tortoise meet, nothing was there. His face full of despair. Only a wooden stick remained, atop the camp fire. Not even a speck of meet remained on the wooden stick.


    "What the-, my food!" Aaron stared at the sleeping Adira, as he came to a sudden realization. "I''ll have to protect my food, from this girl, in the future

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    The pleasant sound of chirping birds, rung as the dimly lit sky steadily illuminated, basking in the early morning light of the sun. I rolled myself directly on top of a patch of grass, the dew was still plainly visible. The cool sensation of moist grass tingled the area my leather armor didn''t cover.


    I turned my head, and faced a certain blond haired youth. His eye were slightly open, staring at the charred wooden stick above the campfire. For an instance, an expression of grief could be seen on his face, as he remembered how he wasn''t able to enjoy his Black Tortoise meat.


    Afer the sound of the birds died out, readied ourselves for travel. We checked our belongings, to see if our weapons were in good shape, or if our clothes were damaged. Knowing the state of your equipment allows us to draw a rough analysis on our current battle potential. Logically, if your armor was tattered, its defense, most likely, would not compare to that of it''s former state.


    "Ah~~." A loud yawn escaped Aarons mouth, as he streched his limbs out toward the skies, and arching his spine slightly backwards.


    "You''re heading to the capital, right?" Aaron asked.


    "Yes, I want to see who''s entering the Gressant tournament." My lips curled up, slightly, forming a small smile. "I believe, an aquaintance of mine will be entering the tournament."


    The Gressant Tournament was, in name, a tournament. In reality, it was a way for fighters, and mages, to test out their abilities in combat. The tournament is held every year. For the common populace, the regular citizens, it was a way of relieving stress, and having fun. Although many people enter, they are mostly beginner or intermediate leveled fighters. Beginner level would be around Adventurer ranks E-C. Intermediate would be ranks B-A. Advanced would be ranks S-X.


    "Well, since I plan on entering the tournament, I''ll accompany you on the way."


    "Huh, you? You''ll probably lose on your first match." I mocked.


    "No way! I''m pretty confident in my strength. In fact, with my power, I should be able to protect all the women in the world." A huge grin appeared on his face.


    Aaron''s pace seemed to have increased, after the exchange, as he was ahead of me, proudly laughing. I shook my head, in response. Protect all the women? I doubt it. A light snort escaped my nose. Aaron''s current walking posture was quite commical to behold. His chest held high, and his head held slightly backwards, as he laughed contently.


    After a while, the stench of nature decreased, and a gentle breeze could be felt ahead. As we got closer, the sight of magnicifent, grey walls could be seen. It stood 30 feet high, with flags hoisted every horizontal distance of 30 meters.


    The flags were extravagantly designed. The edges were trimmed, to create a rectangular shape of blue. On the center, the mighty figure of a lion roaring could be seen. The lion was yellow in color, but its mane had brilliant red hue that gave him a majestic appearance.


    Relieved that our navigation was correct, we increased our pace towards the forest exit. Before we could step out, onto the beautiful grassy field of green, a ferocious roar raged behind us.


    "Owwwwwww, my ears!" Aaron screamed.


    A reptilian monster of green, that resembled an dragon with no wings, stood a few meters behind us. Fiery yellow eyes stood back at us, as we looked to see where the roar came from.


    "What the hell is that!?" I asked, amazed.


    Aaron reached for his sword hilt, as he responed. "It''s an Earth Dragon! In this forest, it''s the dominating species!" His eyes focused onto the brown scales, that resembled cleanly cut medium- sized boulders.


    "Looks tasty..."


    Upon hearing my words, the blond haired youth''s eyes look at me in disbelief.


    Roar! With another powerful roar, the Earth Dragon''s 15 meter long body rushed towards us, springed by it''s bulging rear legs.


    Aaron quickly rolled to the side, blocking the attack from the side, using the momentum of the strike to create distance. The main focus of energy of a tackle, usually resides in the front. If one were to get hit by the Dragon''s side, the force wouldn''t be as great.


    Instead, of performing the same actions as Aaron, I quickly stepped to the side. As I was standing on the right of Aaron, I moved to the right side. My legs widened, three times my shoulder width. My right foots position was a safe distance away from where the giant dragons body would potentially strike. In a fluid motion, my left foot traveled toward my right foot, and flew over it, gently landing to the side of it. The Dragon''s Giant body, missed, by a small margin. In a low, crouching poistion, I drew my sword from its sheathe, and countered with a horizontal slash that seemed to endlessly arch towards the direction of the slash. The blade that seperated from the body, after creating a 1 meter long wound, seemed to travel endlessy. From where the blade of the sword left its target, the slash wound kept on stretching until it reached the end of the Dragon''s body.


    In only a split second, a clean cut, that stretched from the dragons head to tail, was engraved into the Dragon''s seemingly impenetrable body. The cut was so precise, the meat did not separate. After the the lifeless dragon''s body hit the floor, the impact spread throughout the body, causing the wound to open. Like a fountain, the thick, red liquid sprayed all over the opening. Countless drops of blood landed on the rich, black soil of the forest, filling it with nourishment for the plants.


    Aaron who saw the counter, while checking to see if Adira was able to dodge the attack, shortly after he succesfully escaped the Dragon''s onslaught, was baffled.


    "Impossible, such mastery with the sword..." He thought.


    Motions as fluid as water, and a sword slash as graceful as the crescent moon that lit the night sky.


    "The slash..., even though the blade left the target, the slash continued to travel onward. How is this possible!" Another thought, invaded Aaron''s mind. He was having trouble trying to get a hold of the current situation.


    Ignoring Aaron''s frozen figure, I slowly approached the carcass of the Earth Dragon. My heart rate increased, and my heart firmly pounded against my chest. A string of saliva escaped the corner my lips, drool.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there."Dragon meat!" A gluttonous smile arched below my nose.


    Dragon meat was an extreme delicacy. Not only was it really hard to obtain, the taste of the meat was divine. As a result, its price in the market was sky high.


    "Aaron quick! Set up a fire!" I demanded.


    Hearing those words, Aaron seemed to have escaped from his daze.


    "H-huh? W-what?" I replied, still confused.


    I cut out a chunk of dark red meat, fresh blood oozed out of it. "Quick set up a fire! I want to eat now!"


    "What are you saying, in this situation!?" Aaron yelled.


    "Hmph, j-just do it" I pouted, my lips tightened and my cheeks puffed outward. I continued to stare at Aaron.


    He gave up, and set up a fire as quickly as possible.


    "Hehe, well, it is Dragon Meat." Aaron thought, as his mouth watered.


    After the fire was set, they placed chunks of dragon meat over the fire, using wooden sticks as leverage. The appetizing aroma of the cooking meat, filled our noses. Blood sizzling, as it dropped off the shrinking meat, was a sight to behold.


    We both cutt off the cooked outer layer of the meat, and began to dig in.


    "D-delicous!" We both mumbled, with bits of the juicy oil of the meat on the edge of our mouths.


    Remembering something, I began to speak. THis time, with a serious tone. "Aaron."


    "Hmm?" Aaron seemed to have forgotten about the previous events, as he was too busy enjoying the delicous meal.


    "Do you know?"


    "Know what?"


    "About the beings. The beings that stand at the top." The words left my mouth with a chilling tone.


    "Uh..., yea. Everybody knows. The beings that stand at the top, are individuals that are so powerful, they can destroy countries. Alone, at that." He replied. " In the end, it''s just a legend." He chuckled.


    My gaze focused onto Aaron''s face, trying to determine if he was joking. I refocused my gaze onto the brilliant yellow hue of the camp fire, and narrowed my eyes. "Legends?" My lips couldn''t help but curve upwards. "Events become stories, and stories become legends." Hearing those words, Aaron''s expression turned solemn.


    "Anyway, what was that?" I began. "Didn''t you say, with your power, you will protect all the women in the world? You don''t seem all that strong." I teased.


    "W-what!? Of course, I can!" His face lightened up, and his features eased, but it was only for a moment. His expression turned serious, once again.


    "Honestly, your abilities aren''t that good. Not quite sure, yet." I reached for another piece of cooked meat. "You probably know the basics, but that is it."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Like I said, you only know the basics. Fighting skills are abundant in number." I mocking smile appeared on my face.


    "..."


    "Want to learn some?" I teased, with playful eyes.


    "..." Aaron fidgeted in his eat, and stayed silent.


    "Heh." I snorted, playfully. "The basics of fighting, are weapon wiellding, stance, movement, and sight. As they basics they are, that is what everyone starts out with. After that, the more advanced techniques come into play."


    I chewed onto the soft meat, before continuing. "Broaden your view on the basics."


    "What do you mean, by that. I don''t understand." Aaron began to ponder.


    "Weapon wieilding basics, you learn how to use your weapon. But, you only learn the basic techniques and movements of the weapon. For example, a horizontal slash, vertical slash, uppercut. Now think, how will you improve your from the basic." I reached for another piece of meat. Aaron seemed to have forgotten about the food, guess it''s all mine. "A vertical slash, how will you improve it? Once you master the basic vertical slash, do you think that''s the end? If you know the basic form and movement of the slash, then move on. Now, how can you improve it? You can combine other techniques and strengthen the vertical slash. You can use stance, grip the earth to strengthen your blow. Use the movement of your body, to add weight into your blows. Add mana, to bring out a vertical slash that can travel endlessly, or a slash that can cut anything."


    Aaron''s eyes widen. He had never thought of such a thing. He thought once he mastered the techniques he was set.


    I continued, "You can improve, your basics by combing basics or other techniques you have learned." I grabbed another piece of meat, and dug in. Aaron just continued to think about what I have been teaching him. "Of course, you won''t be using the basic techniques, only. There are other techniques, more advanced ones, like feints. If both you and your opponent are in a stale mate, where neither of you can land a hit, use feints. Use fake movements, confuse you enemy. Trick them into thinking you are going to attack a certain way. If they fall for it, they will leave an opening. This is one way, of creating openings."


    After he absorbed the words into his mind, Aaron asked a question. " What if they know it''s a feint."


    I laughed, as I responded. "Then make it believable. You can muster up killing intent. Releasing killing intent, means you are serious. They will increase their guard, and take every one of your blows seriously."


    "..." Aaron was speechless.


    After a while, he calmed down, letting out a long sigh.


    "Hah~," He suddenly remembered about the about the dragon meat. He hurriedly reached for one, but was there. Slightly charred wooden sticks, covered in oil, with no dragon meat on it, were protruding from the ground.


    "..." His brows scrunched up, and his mouth shriveled. "I can''t believe it! I let her eat all the food, again! This glutton, just where does she fit all that food." He thought. "Ah, whatever. Atleast, I got to learn something new."


    "Hey, hurry and get up. What if we miss the tournament." Adira spoke.


    "Ugh..." With a groan, Aaron dragged his body up, and threw dirt into the campfire. When he saw that the fire was put out, he quickly followed after Adira''s figure.

 Chapter 3

    Cooler than coolio. Lol.


    Chapter 3


    Inside the capital, Aaron and I, went  to register for the tournament. Hundreds of people crowded the streets. Merchants, nobles, adventurers, and commoners.


    They all gathered from around the Gressant continent, to watch the tournament. The gathered people loved to watch strong individuals fight. A few of the people, came to support there family or friends, who entered the tournament.


    As I went up to register, I noticed a huge magic stone. It looked like a regular, huge stone tablet. But, it had names written with mana, along the surface. Next to the name, was a number.


    As I was reading the names on the tablet, someone''s voice interrupted me.


    "Hell, young miss. Would you like to sign up for the tournament?" A middle aged man, with the attire of a soldier, asked.


    "Yes."


    "Please, place your hand on the stone tablet over there." He spoke.


    As I placed my hand on the stone tablet, the names on the surface began to swiftly move downward, and dissapeared. Everytime a set of numbers dissapeared at the bottom, new numbers appeared on the top.


    Every time a new number appeared, it''s numerical value was less than the previous.


    After a few seconds, the names vegan to slow down, and finally stopped.


    Only 10 names were shown.


    1. Adira


    2. Mordred


    3. Medea


    4. Merlin


    5. Faust


    6. Amon


    7. Ignis


    8. Armades


    9. Caius


    10. Pandora


    "Hm, these names are familiar." I thought.


    The soldier''s eyes grew wide, and his mouth opened, as he stared at the stone tablet.


    "Unbelievable, t-this..." The soldier at the registration desk yelled.


    Confused, I asked the baffled man. "Is something wrong?"


    My question woke the man from his daze. He looked at me, even more confused.


    "This is an ancient stone tablet, it has the ability to show the ranks, and names, of every existing being in this world." With those words, the man took a deep breathe. "For the strongest to be here..."


    "Strongest? I am not. To be honest, if I were to fight any of those individuals, I am not sure if I can win. The ten of us, we''re probably ranked based on who reached a certain level of mastery first."


    The soldier stood, confused. He probably couldn''t handle the pressure of having someone of such power to be in his presence. After all, not many had the chance to meet a person ranked in the top 100.


    "Anyway, I would like to register for this tournament." I told the soldier.


    He hurriedly registered my name. I told him not to show any more then my name, as it was troublesome.


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    It was fortunate, that the registration took place separately from others. Otherwise, the sight of my rank could have caused an uproar.


    Just as I left the registration area, I sudden thought rose. "I wonder how he''s doing. Mordred, how much have you improved."


    To be honest, the only reason I registered for the tournament, was because of Mordred. I heard, he was heading off to the Gressant continent to measure the strength of the current generation.


    I too, was curious. Will the new generation surpass me. Maybe, not. It would be good to have some new challenges. It has been quite boring these days.


    I looked around, trying to find Aaron, amongst the crowd. Merchants were everywhere, next to their stalls. Adventerurs could also be seen everywhere.


    Next to a certain food stall, I spotted Aaron gobbling up food. I hurried over, to see what he was eating.


    Fluffy, red tenticles were  submerged in the soup, of the bowl Aaron had, in his hand . Circular suction cups, hung on every tenticle. The soup was transparent, red in color. And, released a mouth watering aroma.


    My mouth began to water. Just as Aaron picked up a red tenticle, with his spoon, and was about to eat it. I quickly caught it between my teeth, stealing it.


    Mmmm, the soft, chewy texture of the tenticle was amazing. With every bite, juice erupted from inside the soft meat. An extremely delicate, yet powerful taste.


    Aaron looked at his empty spoon, and turned to look at me. His face, wrinkled. "Of course, it''s you! Again, you''re eating all of my food! How dare you!"


    What? Food exists, only to be eaten by me. How dare you! Getting mad at me, for eating what is rightfully meant for me.


    "Hmph." I lightly snorted, and walked away.


    Be happy, that the food tastes so good now. In the past, all we had to eat, was the nasty meat of other creatures and plants.


    Back then, during the early years of this world. Food wasn''t as tasty, as it was now. Around the fourth millenium, the meat of creatures, and the plants began to have a ''taste'', that was different from the bitter and dry feeling of tasting sand.


    Tasty food is the answer to life. It is the great reason I exist. To eat all of the great food in the world. That is my reason for existence.


    Just kidding... . Well atleast, in my heart. Food is everything. Without food..., there is no hope. Just thinking about the period of time, when food tasted like sand, my heart shuddered.


    I pressed off the ground, and appeared before the red octopus soup stand.


    "I can''t let this go to waste."


    I bought everything remaining, and walked away.

 Chapter 4

    Arms hurt :/ Enjoy \(¡ð¡õ¡ð)/


    Chapter 4


    The Gressant tournament, finally started. Mordred, Aaron, and I, won without much a problem.


    Most of the contestants, were pretty weak. Some lacked, combat experience. Others, just couldn''t use their head.


    The tournaments mc spoke, "The tournament, shall continue! Match 16, Aaron, against Gwen!"


    The crowd roared, as both contestants walk onto the stage.


    People from the crowd, shouted to encourage the fighters.


    "My angel, Gwen! Beat that rascal!"


    "Kyah! Aaron-sama!"


    ---


    As I walked, onto the stage. People from the crowd began to cheer, women and men, alike.


    It was hard, to contain my excitement. With a smile, I looked up, to see who my opponent was.


    Beautiful sapphire (sapphires are blue rite?) Eyes looked back at me. Her pale white hair, fluttered, behind her shoulders.


    Mesmerized, by her beauty. I did not notice, the signal to begin. The white haired beauty, sprung from her initial spot, and thrust her sword towards me.


    "Sh-shit!" I panicked.


    I placed my sword forward, to block the strike. Gwen''s sword, was about to come in contact with mine. Abruptly, her sword swiftly changed direction. It curved downwards. Then again, it changed directions.


    The moment her sword, was beneath mine, it curved upwards. I immediately, countered by taking a step back, and launching a vertical sword strike.


    As if she predicted, my strike, she jumped to side. With a quick flick of her wrist, she thrusted her sword.


    I stepped back, once more. Using my back foot, I rolled forward. I stopped my roll, and stomped forward. My foot crash in front of her.


    Before Gwen was able to move away, I swung my sword horizontally. Using her sword, Gwen managed to block my strike, once it reached its end. Using the momentum, she jumped backwards, to make distance.


    I looked over at Adira, with a sneer. "Heh, how so you like that."


    She answered, with a mocking smile of her own. I could barely read, the words she spoke, from her lips. "You''re wide open."


    Before I could completely change my focus, to Gwen, she was already sprinting towards me.


    I dodged her strike, and summersaulted backwards. In mid air, I swung my sword several times.


    As I landed, I felt a painful strike, on my left side. I was blown away, by Gwen''s kick.


    I landed, a few meters away, from my initial location. I could taste blood, in my mouth.


    She was strong. Probably, stronger than I.


    "Damn, I can''t lose." I groaned.


    I gripped my sword hilt, even tighter. With a mighty roar, I leapt towards Gwen.


    She dodged my strike, as if it was nothing.


    I need to be faster. I strained my body, to increase my speed. Everytime, I moved forward, I stepped off the ground harder. Everytime I swung my sword, I swung harder. Hoping, it will become faster.


    How wrong, I was. Certainly, it was a little faster. But, it tired me out.


    I began panting. The other contestant, Gwen, wasn''t even sweating.


    I glanced towards, Adira. She had a dissapointed look, on her face. My chest clenched, tight. My breathing became a little faster, and my face got hotter.


    What is this feeling? Ugh...


    Why am I so weak. Even though, I trained so hard. If only I was strong..., maybe, I could have saved them, my family.


    Maybe, I could have saved my friends. Maybe, I could have protected my companions. I''m always so weak.


    I wish, I could have protected them. The grip on my sword, lightened. My gaze lowered.


    "Heh, have you given up." Gwen mocked.


    She walked forward, slowly. Mocking me, with every step.


    I gave up, inwardly. I didn''t even bother to say, that I gave up. I''m so pitiful. I can''t even do anything. Damn, damn, damn!


    I''ve lost so many things. I don''t want to lose anymore.


    Strangely, those words echoed in my mind.


    A female voice, suddenly played in my head. Who''s voice, I didn''t know. It held a strangely, soothing tone. A deep, female voice. Yet, it was so soothing.


    "We aren''t born with, all the power in the world. We are only born, with the potential." The voice spoke.


    The voice comforted my mind, clearing it of fatigue. My eyes closed, by itself.


    "Why do you want strength. For fame? Glory? To protect, or to destroy?"


    The strange voice, began to ask me questions. I couldn''t answer the quesions. No, it''s not that I couldn''t answer. I didn''t know the answer.


    It felt like years, had passed. I was deep in thought. Why, do I want strength.


    Images of my life, flew around, in my mind. The lives of my friends, and family, that I could have protected. Now, all gone. I gripped my sword''s hilt, tight, once again.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    I knew the answer, but I couldn''t say it. Was I unsure? Or, was I scared. Scared, that I won''t ever become strong.


    I felt so conflicted, but I reached a conclusion. What was there to be so scared of. I''ll make it work, somehow. I''m tired of it, being weak. I want to do much more. This can''t be all, that I am worth.


    "I want to become strong. To have the strength, to do much more. To be able to do things, I could not do, before!"


    Perhaps, I''ll be able to become strong. Hopefully, I do. I want to protect the friends, that I''ll make in the future.


    A huge load on my chest, relieved. It doesn''t matter if I lose this fight. I always have another chance.


    A sensation tugged, my chest. Telling me not to give up, and to fight, with all my might.


    I like it, this feeling.


    "Your answer, never forget." The voice replied.


    After those last words, the voice siezed. Shortly after, words, thoughts, and pictures flew I to my mind. All these things, had one thing in common. These were the memories, of a certain girl.


    A girl, that looked fimiliar to someone I know. The girl in the memory, was practicing different forms, attacks, and movement. Everything that I saw, was recorded into my brain. Like, it was always there.


    My eyes shot open, and I stood up.


    Gwen, who was a few meters ahead of me, stopped in her tracks. She let out a smile, and spoke.


    "Hmm, so you want to continue?"


    I replied, with an attack. I gripped my sword, and flew, by kicking off the earth. My speed was hundreds of times faster, than before. A technique, I learned from the memories.


    My sword heavily struck against Gwen''s. She flew backwards, from the momentum, and crashed into a wall. Suprisingly, she was still concious.


    "Ugh..., y-you." Suddenly, she became angry.


    Her face grew grim. With a yell, she charged forward. I parried, all her attacks. I didn''t even need to take a single step.


    How easy, to think I had so much trouble, before. I began, to notice the mistakes Gwen was making. Everything felt so slow.


    The fight, has dragged on, for far too long. With that thought, I went on the offensive.


    I drew my sword in, under my shoulders. With a strong step forward, I thrust my sword out.


    With much difficulty, Gwen blocked it.


    I took another step, and my sword swung, yet again. A strike to the left, to the right, to her legs, and her chest.


    My sword strikes, like that of the girl''s, in the sudden memories. Swift, and graceful. Every step, I took, was the same step she took. Every swing, was the same.


    At the end of this sword dance, she finished with a strike, that carried the force of the world itself.


    Gwen, who was having trouble blocking my strikes, had cuts all over her body. She tried to block one of my strikes, and lost her balance.


    I smiled, a smile that I hadn''t had, in a very long time. A victorious smile.


    Taking a deep breath, my left foot flew like a meteor, towards the ground. The power of my step, is important. The force accumulated, will be added to my sword strike. A floor split, from the force of my step. My body leaned forward, with great force, and my sword flew upwards.


    My sword touched, Gwen''s, and her sword flew out of her hand, towards the sky. Right after, a huge explosion resounded, right under her.


    Following the movement of my sword, condensed mana, in the shape of a pheonix, flew out from the tip of my sword.


    Gwen screamed, "I-I give up!!"


    The flames of the phoenix, scorched the platform, and was burning away Gwen''s body. Before, the Phoenix fully decended, it split, and dissapeared.


    After hearing Gwen, concede. Adira flew from her spot, and split apart the phoenix, with one strike. And, grasped the burning body, of Gwen, healing her injuries.


    The crowd was flabbergasted.


    During the whole outcome, the king was so suprised, he stood up, from his seat.


    "What the fuck!" The king yelled. "How is this possible!"


    The king, and the others, couldn''t handle what had happened. Sword movement, that had never been seen before. And, a technique that summons a phoenix!


    The MC, struck out of his daze. "The victor, Aaron!"


    The sudden announcement, awoke the other. The people watching the fight, and even the knights, all began to cheer.


    "Wohhhhhhh!"


    "Yeahhhhhh!"


    "Amazing!"


    I clenched my fist. Finally, I have the strength!


    "Don''t be so happy. That level of ability, is nothing. The name of the skill is, great descent of heavenly phoenix." Adira spoke, caching my attention.


    When my eyes landed on her, I remembered the girl in the memories. She looked exactly like her, Adira.